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 Food insecurity persists in U.S. California despite return of food assistance Xinhua) 10:55, November 27, 2025 SACRAMENTO, the United States, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Food banks and pantries across California state remained overwhelmed even as federal food assistance benefits returned to U.S. households, local media reported Tuesday. CalFresh, California's version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that provides food assistance to low-income families, resumed distribution earlier this month following the historic 43-day government shutdown, ABC News said. Santa Clara County has disbursed roughly 25.5 million U.S. dollars in CalFresh benefits each month to about 133,000 residents. County supervisors also approved 4.5 million in emergency funding in early November, though officials acknowledged this covers only a fraction of the shortfall. Despite CalFresh resuming distribution, food pantries in Sacramento County reported continued high demand with backlogs of clients and dwindling supplies, the report said. The Redwood Empire Food Bank, which serves several counties in the San Francisco Bay Area, reported over 2,100 households seeking food support in a single day in early November, a 33 percent increase from the daily average of approximately 1,600 households. Over 500 new individuals signed up for assistance in just one week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Similar trends were reported elsewhere: the Alameda County Community Food Bank saw a nearly 200 percent rise in calls to its Emergency Food Helpline, and the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank experienced a 205 percent spike in online traffic in 30 days. In late October, California Governor Gavin Newsom allocated 80 million dollars in state funding to food banks statewide and activated the National Guard to assist with food distribution. However, the financial hardship caused by the shutdown and prolonged uncertainty has left lasting damage, according to media reports. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Graham Summers, 7, was killed in an accident on Interstate 84 near Nampa on Tuesday. | GoFundMe NAMPA (Idaho Statesman) A young boy killed in a Tuesday afternoon accident on Interstate 84 was identified Wednesday, as loved ones launched fundraisers to support his family. A pickup truck driven by a 31-year-old Meridian man was headed west on the interstate when it rear-ended a box truck driven by a 21-year-old Nampa man just after 3 p.m. Tuesday near Nampa, the Idaho Statesman previously reported. Idaho State Police said a child in the pickup died at the scene, and three others were taken to the hospital. The Canyon County Coroners Office on Wednesday told the Idaho Statesman that the fatality was 7-year-old Graham Summers. Grahams cause of death was blunt force injuries, according to a coroners office release. Grahams father, Austin Summers, was driving the pickup, and the other passengers were Grahams two younger brothers, according to one online fundraiser. A pair of GoFundMes were set up to raise money for the Summers family. As a 2nd grader and an amazing big brother, Grahams silly spirit and infectious smile brought joy to everyone around him, wrote Katlyn Miles, the creator of one fundraiser. He had a special way of making people laugh and always put a smile on everyones faces, no matter the situation. His loss has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him. Miles said the donated money will go toward helping Grahams mother, Ashley Summers, cover funeral expenses, provide counseling for the family, and address other financial needs. Ashley Summers embraces Graham Summers, one of her sons. | GoFundMe The GoFundMe described Ashley Summers as a single mom working three jobs and finishing nursing school to support her children. She and her two younger children are facing unimaginable grief and uncertainty, Miles said. Ashley is doing everything she can to support her children through this heartbreak, but she cannot do it alone. Angela Ferguson launched a separate GoFundMe to support Austin Summers, who owns a Meridian roofing company. He is having surgery today while grieving the loss of his son, Ferguson wrote. With great love and sadness we ask for donations for medical bills and funeral costs. The post Coroner confirms identity of 7-year-old Idaho boy killed in I-84 crash appeared first on East Idaho News. Displaced Sudanese who fled El-Fasher after the city fell to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), walk in the Um Yanqur camp, located on the southwestern edge of Tawila, in war-torn Sudan's western Darfur region on November 3, 2025. Credit - AFP via Getty Images Since the brutal takeover of the Sudanese city of El Fasher by militia forces in late October, aid workers in the closest safe town have reported a disturbing sight: the arrival of hundreds of unaccompanied children, many of them emaciated and hungry. We spoke to a small girl of 13 years old who was carrying a five-month-old baby, and she had no clue where her mother, her four brothers, her older sister were, because they had been separated, Arjan Hehenkamp, Darfur crisis lead for International Rescue Committee (IRC), tells TIME. Thats a horrible anecdote, but that's representative of the stories of all those [...] people who came only with part of their families, and very often with a severe under-representation of adult men, he adds. Estimates of the number of children who have arrived in Tawila without their parents in the last few weeks range from 450, according to Save the Children, to 800, according to MedGlobal. Hehenkamp says around 5,000 people came to Tawila with only part of their family. Read More: Sudan Aid Worker Details Harrowing Scenes as Thousands Missing Those numbers tell the story of what happened when El Fasher fell. The city, which was seen as the last holdout in Darfur of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), fell to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late October. The RSF, a paramilitary group descended from notorious Janjaweed militias that led the 20032005 Darfur campaign in which some 300,000 people were killed, has been fighting the SAF for the past three years in a brutal civil war in which both sides have been accused of war crimes. Witnesses and local reports described sexual violence, massacres and executions of civilians by the militia as tens of thousands fled the takeover of El Fasher. Videos from the immediate aftermath of the city's fall showed RSF soldiers rounding up large groups of men and executing them. Many of the children in Tawila arrived on their own after their parents had been killed in the takeover of the city. Some were sent away by their family, who paid for their passage but were unable to afford their own. Some children left El Fasher with their parents but were separated on the dangerous road along the way, where kidnappings, killings and extortion are rife. Umran, a 52-year-old Save the Children staffer, was one of the few to see firsthand how children were separated from their parents when El Fasher was overrun by the RSF. People realized they had to flee it was chaotic and horrific. Artillery fire, gunshots, and shelling were extremely intense, leaving people terrified, he said, according to an account provided by Save the Children. I also saw children running alone, most likely separated from families. In this situation, no one was able to offer support because everyone was running away from the artillery coming from all directions, along with drones attacking from above, he said. A dangerous journey Aman Alawad, the country director for MedGlobal, an aid group providing on-the-ground support to Sudanese migrants, says the journey out of El Fasher is riddled with danger for children. Even before they left, the children would likely have been suffering from hunger. El Fasher was officially declared to be in famine conditions on November 3, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). In conflict zones, famine declarations are often delayed because they require specific data on mortality, malnutrition rates, and food shortages, which are difficult and dangerous to collect amid blocked humanitarian access and security threats. The city would have likely been in famine for months. Most people are very weak, Alawad says, especially children, who have turned up in hundreds to places like Tawila and Al Dabbah camp, 480 miles northwest of El Fasher, without their parents, having been fed and cared for by others along the way. Everyone who came to Tawila from El Fasher would have been at risk of confrontations with armed individuals who intercept migrants and often extort them for money or cause harm. Most have resorted to traveling at night. Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director of Programming with Save the Children Sudan, says women have been arriving in Tawila with stories of how they picked up children along the way. Some were found lost on the streets in El Fasher in the chaos of the takeover, some wandering in the no-mans land between El Fasher and Tawila. The women told Lanino, now they are part of my family. Lanino suggests the number of unaccompanied children may be even higher than the number they currently have because younger children are taken in by other families along the way and not always registered as unaccompanied. Part of Save the Childrens work is family tracing, which means trying to find out whether a relative is already in the camp or has arrived from a different route to a nearby area. 'Will they take revenge?' Tawila, once a small village with a few thousand peoplea satellite village as Lanino calls itnow swells with hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and aid groups say they have only been able to ensure 50% of basic needs for those arriving, including water and shelter. Tawila now faces severe logistical and security challenges. The United Nations migration agency has warned that humanitarian efforts in North Darfur may come to a complete halt unless immediate funding and safe delivery of relief supplies are ensured. There is no economy as such, with no job opportunities. There [is no] functioning school system. There is no functioning health system, Lanino says. We have to somehow scale up life-saving activities, or like humanitarian activities, from an existing population of around 30,000 people to almost half a million people. Many of these children are arriving with extreme trauma, having lost relatives, suffered abuse or violence on the way to Tawila. As a result, they need access to more than just short-term aid. They need access to drugs, to education. They need access to mosquito nets or any other hygiene kits, Lanino says. He explains that cholera and malaria have spread rapidly in Tawila, killing children and vulnerable people on a daily basis. There had been 120,000 suspected cases of cholera in the country by the end of October, according to the U.N., resulting in more than 3,000 deaths, and UNICEF reported back in August that children in Tawila were at high risk. Lanino says the fear of further violence is something that haunts survivors. What will be of my children one day? a woman who reached Tawila asked his team. Will they try to take revenge for their relatives that were killed? What will be their future? Contact us at letters@time.com. Andrea Weiskirchers decision to file complaints inspired scores of women to step forward with their own allegations of abuse by Idaho prison staff. | Kyle Green, InvestigateWest Editors note: Guarded by Predators is an investigative series exposing rape and abuse by Idahos prison guards and the system that shields them. Find the entire series at investigatewest.org/guarded-by-predators. BOISE (InvestigateWest) For nearly a year and a half, Andrea Weiskircher has been pleading with prison officials, state leaders and law enforcement to look at the evidence. In the summer of 2024, Weiskircher accused five Idaho prison workers of sexually abusing her while she was incarcerated. She had sexually explicit texts, Facebook messages and emails from correction officers and a prison delivery man, Weiskircher told investigators. Any sexual contact between an inmate and prison staff even voyeurism and harassment is prohibited by federal standards designed to protect people in custody who are vulnerable to sexual extortion by workers. But no one in a position to help believed her. Until now. Previous Guarded by Predators stories InvestigateWest In Idaho womens prisons, guards get away with sexual abuse, and victims are blamed The Idaho prison guard who preyed on women and the system that hid his predatory conduct Staff sexual abuse in Idaho womens prisons goes largely unchecked Case closed: Inside Idaho State Polices handling of prison sexual abuse complaints Idaho law challenges prosecutors seeking to penalize prison guards for sexual abuse From one voice to many: Women speak out on Idaho prison abuse Idaho leaders urged to address systemic failures following prison abuse reports How Idaho could reform its prison system to address widespread staff sexual abuse In a Nov. 21 email, Department of Correction Director Bree Derrick told Weiskircher that after reviewing only a handful of those messages, prison system investigators were able to substantiate Weiskirchers allegations against one of those men, Joseph Mena. The decision to reopen the case comes after a series of reports from InvestigateWest exposing shoddy investigations into complaints like Weiskirchers. Weiskircher accused Mena, who packaged and delivered commissary items to Idaho prisons, of kissing her while she was incarcerated at South Boise Womens Correctional Center, bringing her tobacco and other contraband, and propositioning her after she was released. Mena, who no longer works for the prison system, did not respond to calls and messages from InvestigateWest for this story. When reached by phone in September, Mena denied the allegations. A screenshot of Facebook messages from Joseph Mena, a former Idaho Department of Corrections commissary contractor, to Andrea Weiskircher after she was released from the South Boise Womens Correctional Center. The department recently reopened its investigation into Weiskirchers claim that Mena kissed her in violation of a federal law that protects inmates from abuse by staff. | Whitney Bryen, InvestigateWest Department of Correction investigators cant conduct criminal investigations, only administrative ones, which means Mena likely wont face any consequences unless law enforcement also reopens a case against him. But for Weiskircher, the new finding means someone believed her, and that was worth the fight. I feel like we won, Weiskircher told InvestigateWest. Its because we all did it together and we didnt give up. They had to fix it. They had no choice. Derrick told Weiskircher that the finding was just made this week, and I hope demonstrates our commitment to thoroughly investigating your claims, including all relevant evidence. Idaho Department of Correction Director Bree Derrick, who was appointed by Gov. Brad Little in March 2025. | Idaho Department of Correction There is still a long way to go to create a more just and humane system for people in state custody, Weiskircher said. Weiskirchers decision to report the abuse unwittingly inspired seven other women to report their abuse to the Department of Correction last summer. Those allegations were among dozens uncovered in a series from InvestigateWest that revealed a decade of unchecked sexual abuse by staff at Idaho womens prisons. As part of the yearlong probe, more than two dozen women told reporters how they were raped, assaulted, coerced and harassed by Idaho prison workers while they were incarcerated. Some refused to file a report, fearing retaliation. And those who did said they were the ones punished placed in segregated housing and ostracized by other inmates and staff. Since 2020, there have been at least 59 documented allegations of staff sexually abusing imprisoned women, InvestigateWest found. Many of those complaints, like Weiskirchers, were marked as unfounded following little investigation by the Department of Correction. A prison system spokesperson would not share whether any other investigations have been reopened since the news reports were published. Charee Nelson at Christmas with her familys cat in 2016. Nelson is one of seven women who filed complaints of sexual abuse against Idaho prison workers in the summer of 2024. InvestigateWest found that none of their complaints were properly investigated. | Courtesy Nelsons family In Weiskirchers case, the Department of Correction and Idaho State Police originally marked the allegations as unfounded or determined not to have occurred, according to a form sent to Weiskircher from the prison system explaining her case was closed. She sent letters and emails objecting to the decision and offering the evidence she had on her phone. But her appeals were dismissed until the InvestigateWest reports were published in October, including one article highlighting Weiskirchers fight for justice. In response to the reporting, Gov. Brad Little ordered the Board of Correction to review sexual abuse cases and the prison systems public records request process. Advocacy groups have condemned the states failure to protect women in its custody, calling it shameful and horrifying, and demanded immediate action. And at least one state lawmaker is looking for ways to improve prison policies and state law to protect inmates. Since she was released to drug court in June, Weiskircher has become an even more vocal advocate for women like her. She has written to lawmakers and the governor imploring them to implement solutions that have increased safety for inmates in other states, including: Expanding Idahos prisoner rape law to align with federal standards. Adding a mandatory fine for those convicted of inmate sexual abuse to support victims and prevention efforts. Establishing a corrections ombudsman to provide independent oversight of state prisons. Extending the statute of limitations on these crimes to allow victims time to come forward when theyre no longer under the control of their abuser. For victims of rape in Idaho, there is no time limit for when the accused can be criminally charged unless the victim is an inmate. Sexual contact with a prisoner, the felony charge meant to protect people behind bars from abuse by prison staff, must be filed within five years of the assault. But in some cases, victims are still in custody when that clock runs out, leaving them two options: Report their abuse while they remain under the authority of the person they accused, or forfeit the chance to see their abuser punished. Like most of the women who reported their abuse last summer, Weiskircher waited until she was no longer in the custody of the Department of Correction, limiting her opportunities for justice. Of the five men she accused of sexual abuse, the statute of limitations has expired on allegations against at least three of them. Weiskirchers allegations against Mena, the former prison delivery man, remain within the legal time constraints. Even though kissing is prohibited by federal standards and by Idaho prison policy, Mena cant be charged for allegedly kissing Weiskircher under the current state law designed to protect inmates from staff abuse because it only criminalizes sexual contact involving someones genitals. The current legal and institutional framework in Idaho does not impose sufficient punitive consequences on staff who abuse incarcerated people, Weiskircher wrote in a Nov. 25 email to lawmakers and Gov. Little. Without mandatory fines or similarly strong accountability, some abusive guards may view the risk as little more than a career setback not a serious deterrent. Despite the legal limitations, Weiskircher is pushing the prison system and state police to re-examine all five men she accused. Federal law mandates that the Department of Correction perform an administrative investigation anytime staff sexual abuse is reported. If prison investigators find policy violations, the department can fire, suspend, demote or otherwise discipline staff. And it can use the results to improve policies and procedures increasing the safety of inmates. But the prison system lacks the authority to investigate criminal allegations. That falls to Idaho State Police. The state police only took on Weiskirchers case following pressure from an Ada County judge. But her claims were not thoroughly investigated, according to case files that the agency provided to InvestigateWest. Detectives merged Weiskirchers allegations with two other women, even though they accused different men at different prisons. None of the men Weiskircher accused were contacted by police. Weiskircher emailed some of the messages that the Department of Correction used to substantiate one of her claims to a detective, but there was no mention of them in the case files. Her case was closed as determined not to have occurred after a detective misrepresented the facts in her case file, claiming that she told him she never had any sexual contact with prison guards despite an audio recording of his interview proving otherwise. State police launched an internal affairs investigation into at least one of the detectives who worked on Weiskirchers case, she and her attorney told InvestigateWest after they met with a lieutenant. Police spokesman Aaron Snell did not respond to questions about the investigation into one of the detectives or whether Weiskirchers case was being reopened. Weiskircher met with a Department of Correction investigator Monday who told her he would review all of her evidence and determine if any of her other claims need to be reopened, she told InvestigateWest. In an emailed statement, the Department of Correction said it is carefully reviewing evidence shared by Weiskircher and will reopen investigations into her other claims if warranted. None of the men she accused still work for the Department of Correction. However, if her claims are substantiated, the accused could have their officer certifications revoked, a red flag on their record that could prevent them from being hired for another position where they oversee vulnerable people. One of the men she accused is working as a correction officer in Oregon. For Weiskircher, its not only about holding these men accountable. Its also about holding the system accountable. Making them acknowledge they did something wrong is the only way to make them fix it, Weiskircher said. I told the truth about all of it. Not some of it. Not part of it. All of it. And Im not going to stop until they make it right. InvestigateWest is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Reporter Whitney Bryen covers injustice and vulnerable populations, including mental health care, homelessness and incarceration. Reach her at (208) 918-2458 918-2458), whitney@invw.org and on X @WhitneyBryen. The post Idaho prison system reopens sexual abuse case, reverses finding after investigative reporting appeared first on East Idaho News. MERIDIAN (KIVI) While many Idahoans are thinking ahead to turkey and pumpkin pie this Thanksgiving, one lucky Meridian woman will spend the holiday traveling to Washington, D.C., to help decorate the White House for Christmas. I have been obsessed with Christmas my entire life, said Angie Olszewski. Thats no exaggeration. Olszewski said she loves the holidays so much that her home features six different decorated Christmas trees. It reminds me of some of my most favorite things, she said, explaining the ornaments on her favorite tree. Every year, Olszewski goes all out with her own homes decorations, but she always dreamed of taking her festive skills to the next level by decorating the White House. This is something that I wanted for a long time. I heard about it probably when I was in high school. I had a friend who had a family member who did it, Olszewski said. To apply, she submitted a 10-page questionnaire detailing her Christmas decorating experience and skills. After a decade of trying, she finally received the letter shed been hoping for. This is the real deal. I am part of the White House Christmas decorating team, she said. Olszewski is among 300 volunteers from across the country selected to transform the iconic building into a holiday wonderland. Each team commits to 10-hour days doing everything from tree decorating to room decorating. Theres gonna be a lot of tying of ribbons, a lot of bubbles, a lot of glitter, she said. We will decorate everything from the Oval Office into the grand corridor, so its gonna be really fun, really exciting. Olszewski says shes likely the only Idahoan on the team this year, making the experience all the more special. Decorating a tree, or multiple trees in this case, is going to be probably the ultimate bucket list item, Olszewski said. Olszewski will be in Washington from Thanksgiving until the White House Christmas party on Dec. 1. She plans to bring her holiday spirit home to Idaho and share her experience once she returns. The post Idaho woman heads to the White House to help deck the halls for Christmas appeared first on East Idaho News. Collage of a man in a floral shirt and crime scene photos with police officers and evidence markers. A Big Apple livery cab driver was stabbed repeatedly during an apparent road rage spat and left for dead behind the wheel of his vehicle in the Bronx early Wednesday morning, police and law enforcement sources said. Ghana immigrant Osei Ozzy Kusi, 39, was critically injured after being knifed in the back and lower abdomen around 2:30 a.m. when he came face-to-face with an enraged motorist near Randall Avenue and White Plains Road, according to cops and a taxi advocacy group. This is attempted murder, said New York State Federation of Taxi Drivers (NYSFTD) spokesperson and founder Fernando Mateo during a press conference Wednesday afternoon. He left him there to die. The victim was identified as Osei Kusi by a taxi advocacy group. Obtained by the NYPost Authorities found the blood-drenched driver unconscious and unresponsive inside his Toyota SUV with TLC plates after the victim initially called a friend for help, sources and the NYSFTD said. Kusi, who was only blocks from home, was taken to Jacobi Medical Center in critical condition, but has since been upgraded to stable, the NYPD said. No arrest has been made in what sources and the NYSFTD said was an ugly instance of road rage, in which the suspect and victim both got out of their cars. It was a real shouting match, and the fact that Ozzy was stabbed numerous times, we believe at least seven times, is something that is unacceptable, Mateo said. The stabbing took place early Wednesday morning. Kyle Mazza/Shutterstock No one should get out of their vehicle and stab another individual seven times because of a road rage situation. Kusi came to the United States from Ghana and has been working for Lyft or Uber since 2019, supporting his wife back in the African country, Mateo said. He has a sister and a few pals that he knows stateside with him. Hes a family guy. Hes 39 years old. Hes from Ghana, Mateo said. These people, their culture, doesnt allow them to be violent. Theyre calm, collective, nice people. Thats what their country is about. Its about being nice. The NYSFTD is offering a $5,000 reward to information leading to the capture of an attacker. Police have yet to release a description of the suspect. Mateo said he hopes a camera inside the vehicle will help police identify a possible perp. And in this particular case, when this guy gets caught, the [Bronx] District Attorney must not allow for this guy to be released on bail, he said. The taxi group leader also urged drivers to focus on deescalate situations that could spark violence. So dont take the risk of arguing with people that dont care about anything, Mateo said. 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 Metropolitan Job* On the day of Pope Leo XIV's arrival in Turkey, AsiaNews publishes a reflection by Metropolitan Job. The theological dialogue between Orthodox and Catholics does not seek compromise. On the contrary, it produces fruits and agreements on the path towards visible Christian unity. The common condemnation of Uniatism as a method and the interdependence of primacy and synodality. Istanbul (AsiaNews) - Below we publish a reflection by the Metropolitan of Pisidia and co-president of the dialogue between Catholics and Orthodox Christians, on the day Pope Leo XIV begins his first apostolic journey abroad, visiting Turkey and Lebanon from 27 November to 2 December. From interreligious dialogue to ecumenism, from the wars in the Middle East to the 1700 years since the Council of Nicaea, there are many topics he will touch on in his eight official speeches. Translation of the text for AsiaNews by Nikos Tsoitis, analyst and scholar of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople: After the revocation of the mutual excommunications of 1054 at the end of the Second Vatican Council, on 7 December 1965, during a ceremony held simultaneously in Rome and Constantinople, the two Churches of Rome and Constantinople found themselves in a situation similar to that in which they had been at the beginning of the 11th century: in a state of troubled communion, of excommunication. To remedy this problem, Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras had previously initiated a dialogue of love during their historic and prophetic meeting in Jerusalem in January 1964. This dialogue of love aimed to lead to a dialogue of truth through the creation, in 1979, of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, on an equal footing, following the mutual agreement between Pope John Paul II and Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrius. The purpose of this commission, from the outset, was very clear: the restoration of full communion between these two Churches, based on the unity of faith according to the common experience and tradition of the early Church, the common tradition of the first millennium, as can be read in the commission's plan drawn up in Rhodes in 1980. What is the situation forty-five years later? Of course, there are still many sceptics who constantly repeat: What is the point of dialogue with the Latins, whom our fathers in the faith - such as St Mark of Ephesus or St Cosmas the Aetolian - condemned..., without realising that the situation in which the Roman Catholic Church finds itself after the Second Vatican Council is not the same as when these saints lived. Indeed, during this Council, the Roman Catholic Church underwent a veritable Copernican revolution, a revolution stimulated by the rediscovery of the tradition of the early Church Fathers and by an opening towards the Christian East. Of course, there will always be those who doubt the sincerity of the dialogue and suspect that it is simply a ploy orchestrated by the astute Latins to draw the Orthodox Church into the arms of Rome. Indeed, the resurgence of the so-called Uniates after the fall of the communist regime in the late 1980s led to a cooling of dialogue, caused by fears of a return to Uniatism. Nevertheless, the Joint International Commission has clearly stated on two occasions, in Freising in 1990 and in Balamand in 1993, that the method called Uniatism is rejected as a method for seeking unity because it is contrary to the common tradition of our Churches. The theological dialogue that the Orthodox Church conducts with the Roman Catholic Church, as well as with the rest of the Christian world, in no way seeks to reach a compromise or to betray Orthodoxy. Nevertheless, for over forty-five years, the Joint International Commission has worked tirelessly, without allowing itself to be influenced or distracted. And today we are able to reap some fruits. After beginning by examining what the two Churches have in common namely, a common understanding of the mysteries of the Church and a common understanding of the sacramental nature of the Church the Commission was then able to examine the question of synodality and primacy. The genius of the 2007 Ravenna document lies precisely in having emphasised that the thorny question of Roman primacy could not be separated from the question of synodality, because primacy and synodality are interdependent. In fact, no one can be first without the others, and there can be no assembly or council without a presidency. And the Ravenna document clarified that this applies at three levels of ecclesial experience: at the local level of the province, at the regional level of the episcopal synod, and at the global level, in the communion of patriarchal and autocephalous Churches. Subsequently, the 2016 Chieti document explored the issue further by examining more closely the common tradition of the first millennium, considered canonical for both Churches. More recently, the 2023 Alexandria document studied the transitions of ecclesiastical administration in the East and West during the second millennium, concluding that: The Church is not properly understood as a pyramid, with a primate ruling from above, but neither is it properly understood as a federation of self-sufficient Churches. Certainly, there will always be those who doubt the sincerity of dialogue and suspect that it is simply a ploy orchestrated by the cunning Latins to draw the Orthodox Church into the arms of Rome. Personally, I am convinced that the work of the Joint International Commission has inspired a renewal of synodality within the Roman Catholic Church in recent years, during the pontificate of Pope Francis: a renewal that inspires a certain decentralisation of the Roman Catholic Church, thus challenging the so-called universal jurisdiction of the Pope, and which, in this sense, appears promising to attentive Orthodox Christians. At this point, Pope Leo XIV seems to want to continue along this path. Having made progress in the dialogue on truth, the commission seems ready, at this point in history, to address and discuss, in a climate of academic objectivity and mutual trust, the issues that have long divided the Churches. The issues of papal infallibility and the Filioque clause are now on the agenda. Regarding the latter issue, it is worth recalling that the 2003 document of the North American Orthodox-Catholic Theological Consultation entitled: "The Filioque: A Question Dividing the Church? An Agreed Statement recommended that the Roman Catholic Church use only the original Greek text to make translations of the Creed (of Nicaea) for catechetical and liturgical use," i.e., without the Filioque. In this regard, a very recent event gives us particular joy: during the ecumenical feast of the memory of the martyrs of the faith of the 21st century, presided over by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome on 14 September 2025, the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed was recited in Latin without the Filioque! This is an important detail that shows that things are moving forward and that dialogue is bearing fruit. The theological dialogue that the Orthodox Church is conducting with the Roman Catholic Church, as well as with the rest of the Christian world, in no way seeks to reach a compromise or betray Orthodoxy, but, on the contrary, has already produced many important agreements and has borne significant fruit in recent decades, and is leading us on the path towards the visible unity of Christians. * Metropolitan of Pisidia and Co-Chair of the Catholic-Orthodox Dialogue The senator opens a new chapter in the family feud, which threatens to affect the whole country. After accusing her brother of being a drug addict, she claims that a leadership vacuum exists in the country; for this reason, she is calling for the vice president to take over. Political differences and a mounting corruption scandal are behind the clash. But some observers question the leadership skills of Sara Duterte, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. Manila (AsiaNews) There is a vacuum at the helm of the country, said Senator Imee Marcos, President Ferdinand Marcos Jrs estranged sister, a clear jab at her brother and his entourage. In her view, Vice President Sara Duterte would be better at the job. The senators remarks open a new fault line at the highest levels of government, at a time when several senior politicians are implicated in a shocking and ever-growing corruption scandal, which threatens to further undermine the country's credibility. There is a vacuum at the top," Imee Marcos said in an interview today. This is a problem because all sorts of sinister and malignant forces have jumped to fill that void." For this reason, she has thrown her support behind the vice president as a possible replacement. Tensions between the two siblings escalated this month after Imee, 70, spoke at an anti-corruption rally, claiming that her brother was addicted to cocaine, allegations the president's office has categorically denied. For his part, President Marcos attacked his sister and former ally this week. Expressing concern for her, he stated that "the lady you see talking on TV is not my sister." When asked how she knew about her brother's alleged drug problem, Imee replied that she still receives reports from his friends, doctors, presidential security, and longtime family staff. For some reason, I guess because I'm the eldest, they keep reporting to me," she explained, fuelling a family and political feud that threatens to cast a dark shadow over the country. A representative from the president's office dismissed the senator's remarks, saying that the president had already addressed this drug-related concern with a medical certificate that indicated a negative drug-use test result. The public spat between the Marcos comes at a critical time for the Southeast Asian nation, caught up in a multibillion-dollar corruption scandal involving funds earmarked for flood infrastructure. In this crisis, Imee Marcos sides with Vice President Sara Duterte, a former ally of the president who has now become his biggest rival after their close relationship collapsed due to political differences. With the Marcos administration facing one of its greatest challenges, as the corruption scandal implicates members of the government, including the president himself, there have been calls for the 68-year-old to resign. Furthermore, most anti-corruption protesters have called for the criminal prosecution of those implicated in the scandal, including lawmakers, officials, and contractors. The senator stated that if the situation worsens, constitutional succession would be the ideal option. If its going to be the vice president, Im sure that shell step into the void and fill in. Imee Marcoss statements in support of Sara Duterte come on the eve of the International Criminal Court's appeal ruling on the bail petition filed by Rodrigo Duterte, Sara's father and former Philippine president, in The Hague. The court could grant bail, meaning Duterte would be released from prison pending further proceedings, or it could reject the appeal, keeping him in pretrial detention. During the midterm elections in May, Imee left her brother's ticket to join Sara Duterte in the campaign, ultimately securing her re-election. Sara Duterte, also the subject of allegations of misuse of public funds, which she denies, is considered a strong candidate in the runup to the 2028 presidential elections. Marcos cannot run beyond his single six-year term. Associate Professor Gary Ador Dionisio, dean of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance, said that Imee Marcos's latest statements will not help the country emerge from the corruption crisis. What we need is more of clarity, more evidence than controversy, he said. As a potential president, Prof Dionisio added, Sara Duterte has questionable and problematic leadership and governance performance. The replacement is like choosing between the devil and the deep blue sea. by Nirmala Carvalho For the local elections on 9 and 11 December, the party led by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has presented an unprecedented number of Christian candidates. The Syro-Malabar Church, after a meeting with the prime minister, has invited the faithful to collaborate in the electoral review, signalling a possible rapprochement. Kochi (AsiaNews) - Local elections will be held in Kerala on 9 and 11 December, in a political climate marked by the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) growing courtship of the Christian community, historically distant from the Hindu nationalist party. For the first time, in fact, the BJP is fielding a significant number of Christian candidates, claiming to have more than any other political party in the state, where Christians represent about 18% of the population and have traditionally supported regional parties or the Congress, the main opposition party led by Rahul Gandhi. According to local leaders, the party has conducted preliminary surveys to identify constituencies where members of the Christian community can be nominated as candidates and has given precise instructions to district units. In Kottayam, for example, a district with a strong Christian presence, there are more than 100 Christian candidates on the BJP list, while in Thiruvananthapuram there are six. Among them is Anju Jackson, a candidate in Poonthura: the daughter of a former member of the Kerala Congress (M), she converted to Christianity after her marriage. I am a big fan of Modi, she said. At first, my father did not support my choice, but now the whole family is rooting for me. Young people want development, and the BJP can guarantee it. In addition to its identity strategy, the BJP is targeting an issue that is particularly sensitive in the hilly areas of Kerala: the presence of wild animals that destroy crops, which has increased in 273 panchayats (rural administrative units). Some local Christian groups, especially in areas with high agricultural density, have openly expressed their support for the party, which is considered more assertive in calling for measures against animals. Overall, between 25% and 30% of our candidates in various local bodies are Christians, explained Shaun George, vice-president of the BJP in Kerala. Catholics here are not influenced by the anti-BJP narrative that is spread in northern India. The BJP's new openness towards the Christian electorate comes at a delicate moment in relations between the Church and the central government. In November, a delegation of bishops from the Syro-Malabar Church, led by Major Archbishop Raphael Thattil and including Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi. According to Church sources, Modi pledged full support for the concerns of the Church and the Christian community. The day after the meeting, the Syro-Malabar Church issued a circular encouraging the faithful to actively collaborate with the special revision process of the electoral rolls in the state, sparking speculation about a possible institutional rapprochement with the BJP. The circular called on the faithful to assist election officials during door-to-door visits under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) programme, ensuring that all forms were filled out correctly. Modi commented on the meeting on social media, saying he had a wonderful interaction with the leaders of the Syro-Malabar Church. Kerala is one of the last bastions where the BJP has never managed to gain real institutional representation due to the large Christian presence, which is traditionally wary of Hindu nationalism. However, the party's current strategy seems to want to break this pattern for the first time. by Vladimir Rozanskij Around one million people moved there after the 2014 annexation from the northern regions, as well as Moscow and St Petersburg. Over time, difficulties in adapting have emerged, and many have decided to return. The cost of property and the lack of infrastructure, combined with the Crimean mentality, weigh heavily. Of the 10 Russians who have arrived in recent years, only two on average stay. Moscow (AsiaNews) - About one million Russians moved to Crimea after the 2014 annexation, mainly from the northern regions, but also from Moscow and St Petersburg, seeing this as an opportunity to live by the sea and earn money from federal subsidies allocated by Moscow to new residents. However, many have struggled to adapt and have returned to Russia, and even today it is not easy for Russians to truly integrate into the local reality, as documented by a report by Krym.Realii. One difficulty for many is the very high price of real estate, in addition to the lack of infrastructure, low salaries and a climate that is not always welcoming, beyond the summer season. For many Russians, however, what made their stay difficult was the Crimean mentality, which has rather specific characteristics, in addition, of course, to the military factor linked to the war and Ukraine's continuous attacks on Russian targets in Crimea, which has become one of the key bastions for the defence of the occupied territories. In reality, as real estate and tourism agencies in the area report, the return to Russia began well before the invasion of Donbass. According to real estate consultant Ksenia Svarts, out of ten Russians who arrived in recent years, only two on average stay. She herself comes from the northern city of Perm, but believes she has managed to find a suitable way to coexist with the local population. Many rushed to sell everything and come to Crimea with their families, thinking they were expected, Ksenia writes on her blog, and that everything would be fine, but in reality, difficulties arose immediately, starting with the search for a job in Sevastopol or elsewhere. State propaganda points to the peninsula's capital as having the highest population growth rate of any region in Russia. In reality, the city of Sevastopol has no real urban development plan, and many end up feeling lost, as recounted by a family from Samara, who soon moved to Novorossiysk. The impression is that the world stopped in the 1990s, there is no real development. The capital, like many other cities on the peninsula, remains a holiday resort, where it is not easy to build a life, especially as many local residents remain convinced that they are part of Ukraine and that sooner or later it will be possible to reunite with Kiev. Yuri and Oksana's family left, and as soon as they left Sevastopol, we felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from our shoulders, the weight of the whole world bearing down on Crimea, it's an unbearable tension. A Moscow entrepreneur, Aleksandr Sergeev, confirms that it is not easy to adapt to the local mentality; we are considered outsiders, even though we have been living here for some time. The enthusiasm of going to live in an interesting place, with the sea and a beautiful climate is not enough, and only those who have capital set aside or who can work remotely are able to enjoy the beauty of the area. The average salary in Crimea remains around 35-40 thousand roubles per month (less than 400 euros), ranking last in terms of average income among all regions of the Russian Federation, only slightly higher in the capital Sevastopol, while 11.4% of the local population remains below the poverty line, without having managed to improve much in 11 years of annexation to Russia. Russians are also viewed with hostility because of the forced transfer of the local population to other regions, starting with the Crimean Tatars and those who appear to be more pro-Ukrainian. According to various statistics, between 30 and 40% of Crimeans have had to leave their land, and many new inhabitants have arrived from the rest of Russia on the initiative of the state, which can be described as a form of genocide, similar to the deportations from these and other territories decided by Stalin in the last century, which certainly does not favour the reception of Russians in Crimea. Today's headlines: South Korea has recorded its highest birth rate in 18 years. Pakistan has criticised a ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya attended by Indian Prime Minister Modi. A gas field in Iraqi Kurdistan has been hit. In the Chinese city of Kunming, a train hit a group of railway workers. Russia's industrial development is lower than before the pandemic. MYANMAR The Burmese military junta has quashed the convictions of more than 3,000 political prisoners, who were released yesterday from Insein prison on the outskirts of Yangon. These are people who had been imprisoned for opposing the army's coup in 2021, which sparked a civil war. The generals said the convictions were withdrawn to ensure that all those eligible do not lose their right to vote in the upcoming democratic multi-party general elections. The elections, scheduled for December and January, are considered a sham by several international organisations. SOUTH KOREA South Korea has recorded another positive birth rate: between January and September this year, 190,140 babies were born, 12,488 more than in the same period in 2024 and the largest annual increase in the last 18 years. Analysis of the data shows that there has been a shift in the age of mothers: the fertility rate of women aged 25 to 29 has decreased by 0.1%, while it has increased by 2.4% for women aged 30 to 34 and by 5.3% for those aged 35 to 39. CHINA In addition to the dramatic fire that broke out yesterday in a residential complex in Hong Kong, a tragedy also occurred in the city of Kunming in south-western China: a train hit a group of railway workers who were testing anti-seismic equipment. At the moment, there are 11 dead and two injured, while the local police have opened an investigation into the causes of the accident. INDIA PAKISTAN In recent days, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a ceremony during which he hoisted a saffron-coloured flag, symbol of Hinduism, on the Ram temple in Ayodhya, built on the remains of the Babri mosque destroyed in 1992 and already inaugurated by the Prime Minister himself in January 2024. Pakistan commented on the incident, describing the ceremony as part of deliberate attempts to erode Muslim cultural and religious heritage under the influence of the majority Hindutva ideology. The Indian Foreign Ministry rejected the claims with the contempt they deserve. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal added: Instead of preaching hypocritically, Pakistan would do better to look within and focus on its own appalling human rights record. IRAQ A drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field, between the cities of Kirkuk and Suleimaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan, forced the plant (operated by Dana Gas, a United Arab Emirates company) to suspend operations by cutting off the power supply. According to the Joint Operations Command, Iraq's central military command, the objective appeared to be to undermine the security and economic stability of the region. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far. RUSSIA In November, the industrial development index of Russian companies fell below the level of the Covid-19 lockdown period, according to the Institute for Forecasting the Popular Economy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which reports that market demand is below normal for 66% of respondents, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade in Moscow is warning of a possible systemic crisis, calling for the use of digital roubles. ARMENIA As explained by the adviser to the Russian president, Yuri Ushakov, Armenian representatives will not be present at the summit of the Eurasian military alliance CSTO in Bishkek, as their membership remains frozen, but Yerevan has indicated that it is ready to consider approving the entire block of documents that will be approved, which concerns not only military cooperation but also the fight against drug trafficking. by Joseph Masilamany For the authorities, Zulfikar Shariff, currently in Australia, used TikTok and Meta to stoke racial tensions, undermine secular governance, and influence local politics. Among his calls were the introduction of Sharia law in the city-state. Three citizens were radicalised to fight in Gaza and other conflict zones in the Middle East. Singapore (AsiaNews) Singapore has moved to block TikTok and Meta accounts linked to former citizen Zulfikar bin Mohamad Shariff, an Australian-based man whom authorities accuse of fuelling radicalisation among local Muslims and attempting to meddle in domestic politics. In a statement issued yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said Zulfikar had called on Muslims to reject the constitutional, secular, democratic state in favour of an Islamic state governed by Syariah law, adding that he believed that violence should be used to achieve this goal if necessary. Zulfikar, formerly a Singaporean national, was detained in 2016 under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for promoting extremist ideology and praising the Islamic State online. The ISA allows detention without trial or the imposition of restriction orders that can curb travel, Internet access, and other activities. Despite earlier enforcement action, authorities said Zulfikar repeatedly continued to stir up discontent within the local Malay/Muslim community against the Chinese community in Singapore, citing a TikTok video posted in June in which he claimed that Malays and Muslims had been pressured to abandon Islam and assimilate into the Chinese majority. Zulfikar renounced his Singaporean citizenship in 2020, but officials say his influence has persisted online. The MHA additionally accused him of attempting to interfere with Singapores election this year through his social media activity. Singapore, a nation that has long prided itself on carefully managed multiracial harmony, comprises a resident population that is 74 per cent Chinese, 13.6 per cent Malay, 9 per cent Indian, and 3.3 per cent from other communities. The city-state is home to a diverse mix of religions as well. The Singapore government takes a very serious view of threats to our racial and religious harmony, including from foreigners, and will not hesitate to act against them, the ministry said. The authorities invoked powers under the Online Criminal Harms Act legislation that came into force in February 2024 to compel TikTok and Meta to restrict access to Zulfikars accounts within Singapore. Both companies have yet to respond to requests for comment. Earlier in January this year, Singapore disclosed that three self-radicalised citizens had been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA), following months of online radicalisation linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The three men 21-year-old Muhammad Indra Aqmal bin Effendy, 41-year-old Mohamad Latiff bin Rahim, and 44-year-old Nurisham bin Yusoff were detained in November 2024 after security agencies uncovered their plans to travel overseas to take up arms. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, each man had been radicalised separately via online content, but all were drawn deeper into extremism as the war in Gaza intensified. Investigations found that Indra and Nurisham had intended to fight for Hamas and its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, in Gaza. Latiff, meanwhile, planned to join Irans military or Iran-backed militant groups such as Hezbollah in the Middle East to fight against Israel. The authorities stressed that while the three cases were not connected, they underscored the speed and severity with which online propaganda surrounding the conflict had influenced vulnerable individuals. 27 November 2025 17:24 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more In the era of rapid technological advancement, digitalization is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity. The integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) into economic and administrative systems transforms traditional processes, enhances transparency, and accelerates decision-making. In a globalized economy, countries that fail to adopt digital solutions risk lagging in efficiency, competitiveness, and citizen satisfaction. The rise of the digital economy reflects a profound shift in economic dynamics: information and communication technologies (ICT) are no longer mere enablers but foundational drivers of growth, innovation, and sustainable development. Digitalization allows governments and enterprises to not only streamline operations but also extract data-driven insights, optimize resource allocation, and anticipate challenges before they escalate. One of the most tangible benefits of digitalization is its ability to minimize bureaucratic inefficiencies. Paper-based processes, multiple approval chains, and fragmented data systems often hinder timely decision-making. By implementing digital solutions, organizations can automate repetitive tasks, standardize procedures, and accelerate inter-agency communication. Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), part of AZCON Holding, is a strong example of how digitalization is transforming key sectors. Under the leadership of Chairman Rovshan Rustamov, ADY has worked closely with Russian Railways to modernize freight transportation. The two sides have focused on accelerating information exchange, optimizing logistics, and enhancing the safety and efficiency of rail routes. This collaboration culminated in a bilateral agreement enabling electronic exchange of information, allowing ADY to fully digitize documentation and streamline operationsa move that reduces administrative delays while improving service quality. Similarly, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is harnessing digital technologies to enhance environmental sustainability. Samir Gurbanov, Head of SOCARs Department for Environmental Analytics, highlighted that the company is implementing a fully digital system to monitor waste across all its operations. By collaborating with ENABLON, SOCAR has introduced a monitoring, reporting, and verification system that ensures precise tracking of environmental indicators. These measures are complemented by CO capture and utilization initiatives, energy efficiency programs, renewable energy adoption, and advanced leak detection systems, all of which underscore the companys commitment to sustainability. Digitalization not only allows SOCAR to monitor its environmental impact more effectively but also enables proactive management of resources and risk. Digitalization directly improves citizens access to services and enhances the overall quality of life. Systems like SIMA Imza, developed by AzInTelecom LLC under AZCON Holding, demonstrate how cloud-based digital solutions empower individuals. With SIMA, citizens can securely access over 100 electronic tax services, submit applications, and digitally sign official documents using facial recognition technologyall from their homes. Moreover, government initiatives such as DOST Agency and ASAN Service integrate digital platforms to simplify public services, reducing waiting times, increasing transparency, and promoting equitable access. Citizens benefit from not only convenience but also increased trust in the efficiency and reliability of public administration. It should be noted that, according to this years data, 25 countries are currently studying and implementing the ASAN Service model, introducing it as an intellectual brand of Azerbaijan. While similar systems exist in 34 countries worldwide, the ASAN Application distinguishes itself through its advanced functionality. A testament to the systems success is that more than 100 countries have recognized Azerbaijans ASAN Application with special awards. In 2024 alone, over 25,000 citizens registered with the system, and this number is expected to grow in the coming years as the platform continues to expand its reach and services. The banking sector, too, is harnessing digitalization to expand financial inclusion. The Central Banks Financial Sector Development Strategy for 2024-2026 aims to raise the average annual number of non-cash transactions per capita to 200 by 2028, nearly doubling the 2023 figure of 93. Regulatory updates, modernization of payment systems, and enhanced market access are enabling citizens to engage in safer, faster, and more convenient financial transactions. Azerbaijans experience demonstrates that digitalization is not simply a technical upgradeit is a strategic driver of economic growth, social development, and innovation. From transportation and energy to finance and public administration, digital tools and AI improve efficiency, enhance transparency, expand access to services, and foster sustainable development. By integrating digital technologies across key sectors, Azerbaijan is improving efficiency and accessibility in its economy, while exploring the potential of the digital economy for development. 27 November 2025 14:02 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Irans political hardliners have entered a familiar cycle once again: whenever diplomacy between Baku and Tehran gains momentum, anti-Azerbaijan narratives suddenly intensify in Irans media and political circles, which is a definite thing that occurs every now and then. The louder the anti-Azerbaijan rhetoric becomes, the clearer it is that some forces in Tehran are struggling to accept the new geopolitical landscape. Instead of adapting to reality, these circles have chosen to revive old narratives and invent new crises at a time when regional cooperation is actually moving forward. The visit of Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahid Jalalzadeh to Baku has once again highlighted the contrasting paths of official diplomacy and the increasingly hostile rhetoric adopted by certain political circles inside Iran. While Jalalzadehs meetings with Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov focused on cooperation in political, economic, trade, transportation and energy security spheres, anti-Azerbaijani voices in Iran intensified their propaganda on the eve of the visit. This duality reflects a pattern that has become familiar in recent years, particularly after Azerbaijans victory in the Patriotic War. According to the information released after the meeting, both sides reiterated the importance of Azerbaijani-Iranian cooperation and discussed a number of transport and communication projects that play a significant role in regional connectivity. The development of corridors passing through the South Caucasus remains an important factor for both countries, and the discussions in Baku were aimed at strengthening these shared interests. Yet even as the diplomats were focusing on regional stability, anti-Azerbaijan circles in Iran were attempting to undermine the atmosphere of cooperation. One of the most active figures among these groups, Ahmad Kazemi, published another provocative article on his personal blog, alleging that Baku, Ankara and Yerevan had reached secret agreements directed against Iran. He also claimed that Azerbaijan intends to draw Tehran into geopolitical manipulation by reshaping negotiations with Armenia. According to Kazemi, even the population decline in the Zangazur region is supposedly linked to Azerbaijans long-term plans. These accusations are not supported by any evidence and are clearly aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear within Iran. Similar narratives were echoed by Alireza Nesari from the Iranian parliaments Construction Commission. In his interview with Khabarfori, Nesari described the recent ArmeniaUnited States agreement as a political threat to Iran. He also referred to the incomplete 107-kilometre section of the Zangazur route in Iranian territory, insisting that Iran should speed up construction to force regional transport flow through its borders. His statements reveal the insecurity felt by a segment of Irans political establishment regarding regional transport projects that do not align solely with Tehrans interests. The information pressure campaign did not end there. Irans media space has been seized with hysteria following the military parade held in Baku on the anniversary of Victory Day on November 8. Several Iranian outlets claimed that the military equipment showcased during the parade posed a direct threat to Iran. Mashregh News even described all the weapons as Israeli-made, although many of them were produced in China and Russia. This attempt to link Azerbaijans defence capabilities exclusively with Israel is a recurring theme in Tehrans information strategy. At the heart of this rhetoric lie three fundamental anxieties in Tehran: First, Irans political circles struggle with Azerbaijans assertive and independent foreign policy. Baku maintains balanced relations with major global centres of power, cooperates deeply with Turkiye, and engages constructively with Western institutions. For some in Irans establishment, this represents a threat to Tehrans narrative of regional hierarchy and ideological influence. Second, segments of Irans political sphere continue using ethnic and historical myths to justify interference in Azerbaijans internal affairs. By amplifying unfounded claims about demographic trends, cultural identity or population manipulation, these circles attempt to shape perceptions among Iranian Azerbaijanis, particularly in regions where cultural affinity with Azerbaijan is historically strong. Third, Iran remains uncomfortable with the new balance of power in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijans restoration of territorial integrity altered decades-old dynamics, and its emergence as a central actor in regional security and connectivity challenges Irans long-standing assumption that it was the uncontested gateway between East and West. In reality, new routes like the Zangazur corridor would benefit Iran economically as well, providing an additional land link at a time when sanctions have severely limited its access to global markets. Yet Iranian hardliners selectively ignore these practical advantages. Instead, they frame Azerbaijans partnerships as existential threats, while overlooking the fact that improved connectivity would reduce transportation costs for Iranian exporters and diversify access to Europe and Asia. This contradiction highlights a broader problem: certain Iranian actors prefer a confrontational narrative not because of genuine threats, but because it preserves outdated geopolitical assumptions. Accepting the new realities of the South Caucasus would require admitting that regional influence is no longer unipolar, and that Azerbaijan is now shaping events rather than reacting to them. Despite these realities, anti-Azerbaijan groups in Iran attempt to portray the corridor as a geopolitical threat. Their narrative ignores the economic benefits and focuses instead on preserving old geopolitical habits. Instead of adapting to a new environment that could bring prosperity to the region, these circles cling to outdated fears and promote misinformation. The renewed wave of accusations in Irans political and media space must therefore be viewed as part of a broader attempt by anti-Azerbaijan groups to resist the new geopolitical realities of the South Caucasus. Their rhetoric does not reflect official Iranian diplomacy, nor does it align with the long-term interests of the Iranian people, who would benefit from improved transport routes and stronger economic ties. Azerbaijan remains committed to regional cooperation, connectivity and stability. What is being presented as concern for regional security is, in truth, nothing more than an attempt to disrupt the new balance emerging after Azerbaijans victories. But propaganda has its limits. The facts on the ground, the diplomatic processes underway and the economic logic of regional cooperation all point in one direction. The louder anti-Azerbaijan circles in Iran shout, the more they reveal their discomfort with a reality they can no longer shape. Anti-Azerbaijan rhetoric may buy headlines in Tehran, but it cannot stop the realities that are already transforming the South Caucasus. 27 November 2025 13:00 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The declining water level of the Caspian Sea is making it necessary to reconsider current approaches to hydrocarbon transportation and transition toward more environmentally friendly solutions. Azernews reports, this was stated by Dillon Morgan, Vice President for Eurasia at Chevron International Production Company, during the SPE Caspian Technical Conference 2025 held in Baku. Pipelines remain the safest method for transporting oil and gas, and when we speak about sustainable and responsible energy delivery, they should be the preferred choice, Morgan said. The Chevron vice president highlighted the importance of developing compatible and interconnected infrastructure among Caspian littoral states. According to him, such coordinated development would significantly reduce the number of vessels needed and minimize the requirement for extensive dredging operations to keep ports functional. For such initiatives to move forward, it is essential to clearly explain why this approach benefits all countries in the region and aligns with the long-term interests of the Caspian Sea. The SPE can serve as a key platform for promoting these ideas, as the organization is not tied to the interests of individual companies but is focused on professional and responsible industry development, he added. 27 November 2025 16:38 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan and Jordan are exploring new opportunities to establish a joint pharmaceutical venture, signalling a strong step toward deeper economic cooperation. Azernews reports that this was highlighted by Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Al-Guda at the fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation between the two countries held in Baku. "Jordan ranks first among Arab countries in terms of the development of the pharmaceutical sector. On the other hand, Azerbaijan is also trying to develop its pharmaceutical industry. We see great potential for partnership in this direction. As we discussed during bilateral negotiations, cooperation can begin with the supply of incomplete pharmaceutical products and the establishment of a joint venture with the Azerbaijani side. The final stage of production will be carried out in Azerbaijan, after which it will be possible to export products not only to the local market, but also to regional markets," the minister emphasised. Y. Al-Guda expressed confidence that this cooperation model could deliver tangible outcomes within a short period, adding that it could also open new avenues for collaboration in other areas. Azerbaijani Minister of Finance Sahil Babayev reaffirmed Azerbaijans strong interest in advancing the countrys pharmaceutical capabilities. "Today's meeting will be very useful for all of us, and I suggest that both sides continue discussions today and tomorrow to assess the possibility of creating mutually beneficial cooperation mechanisms. I believe that such opportunities exist, and we need to identify them. Jordan is very strong in the pharmaceutical sector. The total value of pharmaceutical products exported by the country exceeds $1 billion. We are interested in establishing a pharmaceutical industry in Azerbaijan," the minister said. S. Babayev noted that Azerbaijan is already cooperating with several countries in this sector, and highlighted that the countrys industrial parks offer highly attractive incentives and a favourable environment for pharmaceutical investment. "Another direction is agriculture. The import indicators of some products from certain countries to Jordan and Azerbaijan are significantly higher than the export volumes of these products from Jordan and Azerbaijan to these countries. That is, it is possible to create a platform where our exporters can establish cooperation and realize the existing potential," the Azerbaijani co-chair of the intergovernmental commission added. 27 November 2025 18:21 (UTC+04:00) On November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and within the framework of the UNs Orange Day initiative, the Spanish-language edition of the Womens Support Line guide was officially launched in Baku. The initiative was jointly organized by Azercell Telecom LLC, the Embassy of Mexico in Azerbaijan, and the Hopeful Future Social Initiatives Public Union, reflecting a shared commitment to improving womens welfare and strengthening gender equality. The event brought together representatives of government institutions, including the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, members of the diplomatic corps, international organizations, and civil society groups. Speaking at the presentation, Shirin Aliyeva, Azercells Chief Legal and Data Strategy Officer, emphasized the companys dedication to empowering women through its corporate social responsibility strategy: The Support Line is a vital social project aimed at enhancing womens welfare and providing immediate assistance to those in difficult situations. Our goal is to ensure urgent and professional support for women who need help at this very moment. Publishing the guide in Spanish expands accessibility, reaching a wider audience and significantly extending the projects impact. Aliyeva also invited guests to watch Azercells social video Offline Women, dedicated to the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Maria Victoria Romero Caballero, Ambassador of Mexico to Azerbaijan, highlighted her countrys numerous initiatives promoting gender equality, stressing the importance of collaboration at both national and international levels: This guide was prepared through cooperation between government institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Our aim is to empower women, protect their rights, and promote gender equality. Kamala Ashumova, head of the Hopeful Future Social Initiatives Public Union, provided detailed information about the activities of the Womens Support Line. Since its establishment in 2022, the Support Line has assisted more than 11,300 women. Operated by the Hopeful Future Social Initiatives Public Union with Azercells partnership, the service provides urgent and comprehensive psychosocial support, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. To achieve these goals, the Support Line works closely with community-based legal clinics, government agencies, and NGOs. 27 November 2025 16:03 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday emphasised that the ongoing dialogue with Azerbaijan is essential for the normalisation process between the two countries, Azernews reports via Armenian media. Asked to comment on what he described as the unchanging narrative from Azerbaijan, despite reciprocal visits by civil society representatives and other normalisation efforts, Pashinyan said: Partly due to the lack of dialogue, Armenians see that nothing changes in the statements of Azerbaijanis, and Azerbaijanis, in their view, see that nothing changes in the statements of Armenians. A 37-year conflict cannot be resolved after two meetings of five experts; there must be a process for change to occur. He underlined that sustainable progress requires structured engagement and consistent communication between both sides. On August 8, 2025, leaders from Baku and Yerevan, joined by the US, met in Washington, D.C. and signed a Joint Declaration signalling the cessation of active hostilities and launching a new framework for normalisation. In October, a historic roundtable was held in Yerevan on October 2122, 2025, where representatives of Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society met for the first time on each others soil rather than in a neutral third country. The meeting addressed humanitarian cooperation, trustbuilding measures, and potential reopening of regional links under the spirit of the August Washington declaration. Representatives of Armenian civil society visited Baku on November 2122, 2025, under the Peace Bridge initiative, marking the reciprocal leg of the dialogue process. During the discussions, both delegations committed to ongoing cooperation in media, expert exchanges, and joint projects, formalising their intent to maintain and expand contacts between societies. 27 November 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00) Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Lorenzo Fontana, Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Italian Republic, as part of his official visit to Italy. Azernews reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement on this. It was noted that during the meeting, issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy, as well as the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period, were discussed. The parties noted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy, along with high-level contacts, visits and dialogue, in the development of the existing multidimensional strategic partnership relations. The importance of parliamentary diplomacy and mutual visits between parliamentary chairmen and representatives was noted as one of the main pillars of the strategic partnership. It was noted that the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy in the political, economic, energy, trade, transport, communication and humanitarian spheres is commendable. The long-term cooperation in the energy sector, especially the important role played by Azerbaijan in the energy security of Europe, was particularly noted. In addition, it was emphasised that the establishment of the Azerbaijan-Italy University, which is of great importance in bilateral relations, has given additional impetus to the strategic partnership. During the meeting, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed the other side in detail about the past Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, the results of the historic Washington meeting, and the large-scale restoration and construction work being carried out in the liberated territories. Besides, views were also exchanged on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest. 27 November 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more In line with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to the territories liberated from occupation continues. Azernews reports that the former IDP families relocating to the village of Horovlu in the Jabrayil district had previously been temporarily settled in various parts of the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. At this stage, 38 families (139 people) have been resettled in the village of Horovlu. The returning residents expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state support provided to them. They also conveyed their appreciation to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, whose heroic soldiers and officers liberated the homeland, and paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in this cause. 27 November 2025 10:21 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more Baku hosts the 12th meeting of the Working Group on Media and Information of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports. The meeting will begin with opening remarks by Rasim Baghirov, Director of the International Relations and Documentation Department of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Deputy Secretary-General of the OTS, Omer Kocaman, is also expected to deliver a speech. Within the framework of the meeting, participants will discuss the implementation status of the OTS Action Plan for 2025 in the relevant field, along with holding several panel sessions. 26 November 2025 22:14 (UTC+04:00) Qabil Ashirov Read more The First Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), Shamil Rzayev, and Deputy Chairman Samir Poladov held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Poland to Azerbaijan, Pawel Radomski, Azernews reports. During the meeting, the ambassador was briefed on the scale of the mine problem facing Azerbaijan and the ongoing efforts to clear landmines in the liberated territories. The sides exchanged views on potential avenues for Polands support in humanitarian demining operations in Azerbaijan, prospects for possible cooperation, and other matters of mutual interest. 27 November 2025 11:03 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) remains one of Azerbaijans closest partners, with the Turkic world regarded as a family platform by the country. Within this framework, cooperation has consistently advanced along priority directions. As reported by Azernews, these remarks were made by Rasim Baghirov, Director of the Department for International Relations and Documentation at the Media Development Agency of Azerbaijan, during the 12th meeting of the OTS Working Group on Media and Information. Baghirov noted that the Media Development Agency has continued its activities in line with the action plan adopted at last years meeting of the OTS Media and Information Working Group held in Tashkent. He added that a roundtable was organized jointly with the OTS during the Global Media Forum in Shusha, where highly productive discussions were held with media representatives. In addition, we took part in the Media Forum held in Kazakhstan this April. Various projects have been implemented with brotherly Turkiye, and several major initiatives have been carried out with Uzbekistan. Joint media forums were organized with Uzbekistan in 2024 and again in September of this year. Reciprocal visits of media representatives have been arranged among OTS member states. Kyrgyzstan also participated in the Shusha Global Media Forum. All these activities demonstrate Azerbaijans strong commitment to active cooperation with OTS member countries across various fields, including the media sector, Baghirov emphasized. 27 November 2025 14:56 (UTC+04:00) Akbar Novruz Read more Azerbaijan and Jordan have signed a series of important documents aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors, Azernews reports. The documents were signed following the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan held in Baku. The Protocol summarizing the results of the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, along with the Executive Cooperation Program for 20252027 covering science and education, culture and art, youth and sports, archaeology, healthcare and media, was signed by the Commission Co-Chairs Sahil Babayev and Yarub Al-Guda. Several other key documents were also formalized. These include the Agreement on Cooperation and Mutual Assistance in the Field of Customs between the two governments, the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Tourism between the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Tourism and Historical Monuments of Jordan, the Implementation Program on Tourism Cooperation, and a Memorandum of Understanding between SMEDA and JEDCO to enhance partnership in the SME sector. Each document was signed by the authorized representatives of the relevant institutions. After the signing ceremony, the co-chairs addressed questions from media representatives. Highlighting the Intergovernmental Commission as the main platform for economic cooperation, they emphasized that the fourth meeting allowed the sides to agree on concrete directions in trade, investment, industry, energy, transport, education, culture and other fields. They underlined that the progress achieved so far reflects the strategic nature of bilateral relations and reinforces the need to expand cooperation further 27 November 2025 19:41 (UTC+04:00) As a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, an open court hearing on November 27 continued in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others who are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including preparing and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, seizure of power by force, its forcible retention, and numerous other crimes. Azernews reports that at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samedova), each of the accused was provided with an interpreter in a language they understand, as well as defense lawyers. The accused persons, their lawyers, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state prosecution, participated in the hearing. The court began hearing the speeches of the defense lawyers of the accused. At the beginning of her speech, Zumrud Samedova, the lawyer of the accused Gurgen Stepanyan, recalled that the prosecutor representing the state prosecution had requested the court to sentence G. Stepanyan to 16 years of imprisonment. The defense lawyer said that the accused does not consider himself guilty of the charges brought against him. According to her, as G. Stepanyan stated during the judicial investigation, he served as a conscripted soldier in Hadrut settlement in 20052007, and in 2023 he was taken to a combat post. The lawyer said that on September 19, 2023, he left his position, fled to the city of Khankendi, and on the way encountered servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and surrendered to them. As the defense, I consider that according to Article 42.1.4 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a person should be acquitted if his guilt has not been proven. Therefore, I request that the court acquit the accused on that basis, the lawyer added. G. Stepanyans other lawyer, Rafiq Karimov, also asked the court to acquit the person whose rights he defends. In his speech, Azizaga Qafarov, the lawyer of the accused Vasili Beqlaryan, stated that the person whose rights he defends is not guilty of committing the alleged criminal acts. The lawyer said that V. Beqlaryan served in 20122013 in the Agdara area as a conscript soldier. According to him, in 2022, V. Beqlaryan signed a three-year contract as an extended-term serviceman, a soldier, in a military unit stationed in the city of Khankendi, and was several times sent to a combat position in the direction of Chrkdar village, where he performed armed guard duty. The lawyer said that the fact that V. Beqlaryan served in a military unit in Khankendi under a three-year contract as an extended-term serviceman cannot be considered fair or lawful as grounds for attributing guilt to him. Although his service at that time was voluntary, he did so because he could not find a job and needed to earn wages under contract. The lawyer added that this point is also confirmed by the accuseds testimony. He stated that from the moment of his arrest that is, since September 26, 2023 V. Beqlaryan has not considered himself guilty of the charges brought against him. The lawyer asked the court to issue an acquittal for V. Beqlaryan. In her speech, Parvana Gasimova, the lawyer of the accused Arkadi Ghukasyan, stated that the person whose rights she defends was not a member of a criminal organization. She said they do not accept the evidence presented by the prosecution and asked the court to acquit A. Ghukasyan. A. Ghukasyans other lawyer, Naile Taghiyeva, also asked the court to issue an acquittal for the person she defends. The lawyer of the accused David Manukyan, Valeh Qurbanov, said that the person whose rights he defends does not consider himself guilty, nor does he consider himself a member of any criminal organization. The lawyer continued: David Manukyan was neither a creator nor a member of any illegal armed group. He was a serviceman and acted based on military instructions. The defense lawyer stated that the primary culpability for what happened lies with Armenias political-military leadership. He said he supports D. Manukyans position and requested that the court issue an acquittal. The lawyer of the accused David Babayan, Chingiz Mansurov, stated that the person whose rights he defends voluntarily surrendered to Azerbaijani servicemen in September 2023. The lawyer said that D. Babayan does not consider himself guilty of the charges brought against him. He requested that the court issue an acquittal. In her speech, Leyla Namazzada, the lawyer of the accused Madat Babayan, stated that M. Babayan should be acquitted in relation to the episode concerning the assassination attempt on state officials of our country resulting from the downing of an Azerbaijani helicopter near the village of Garakend in Khojavend district on November 20, 1991. She said that M. Babayan served at posts in the Agdara and Tartar directions at that time and had never fired live ammunition at human targets, firing only into the air. The lawyer continued: Madat Babayan, whose rights I defend, gave sincere testimony during the investigation and confirmed that testimony twice during the court investigation. Thanks to his sincere testimony and sharp memory, the remains of persons killed during the Khojaly genocide were found in the areas he directly pointed out in the Khojaly region, and after their identities were established, they were handed over to their families. The murdered compatriots were buried according to our customs and traditions after 30 years. Although the person whose rights I defend participated in the Khojaly events, he did not kill anyone, did not shoot civilians, and served as an ordinary soldier. As he only witnessed the acts of torture committed during the ethnic cleansing against the Azerbaijani people, including the Khojaly events, in 19911994, Madat Babayan sincerely regrets this. For this, he apologizes to the people of Azerbaijan and to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The lawyer asked the court to issue an acquittal in relation to the episodes with which the accused is charged. M. Babayans other lawyer, Elnur Valiyev, also stated that he agrees with the points made in the speech of the previous defense lawyer. The court hearing will continue on December 4. It should be noted that on the basis of the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, its state institutions and officials, its armed forces and illegal armed groups, the orders, instructions, and directives given orally and in writing, the support provided in the form of material, technical and personnel resources, its centralized management, as well as its strict control, in violation of domestic and international legal norms on the territory of Azerbaijan, and for the purpose of committing military aggression against Azerbaijan, and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, Vazgen Manukyan, Vazgen Sargsyan, Samvel Babayan, Vitali Balasanyan, Zori Balayan, Seyran Ohanyan, Arshavir Karamyan, Monte Melkonyan, and others, 15 accused persons are charged in a criminal case regarding numerous crimes committed during the course of the aggressive war carried out by the Armenian state, including the aforementioned criminal organization. These persons Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, David Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beqlaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan are charged under Articles 100 (planning, preparing, launching and waging an aggressive war), 102 (attacks on persons or organizations enjoying international protection), 103 (genocide), 105 (extermination), 106 (slavery), 107 (deportation or forcible transfer of population), 109 (persecution), 110 (enforced disappearance), 112 (unlawful deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenary activity), 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 118 (military looting), 120 (premeditated murder), 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218 (creation of a criminal organization), 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation or carrying of weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices), 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security), 277 (attempt on the life of a state or public figure), 278 (seizure of power by force and its forcible retention, forcible change of the constitutional order of the state), 279 (creation of armed groups not stipulated by law), and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. 27 November 2025 19:50 (UTC+04:00) Advances, innovations, discoveries and breakthroughs in the field of medicine, no matter which nation, state or institution they originate from, are the shared heritage, collective gain and common joy of humanity. President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan said, speaking at the 11th Turkish Medical World Congress and TUSEB Aziz Sancar Science, Service and Incentive Awards Ceremony held at the Bestepe National Congress and Culture Centre in Ankara. Erdogan noted that this age-old principle has increasingly lost ground in todays profit-oriented global order, adding: A world where every sick person cannot access treatment, where medical developments that become final products are not offered equally to all, cannot be considered fair, equal or livable. Just as human life cannot be exploited and human dignity cannot be commercialised, neither health nor illness can be exploited or treated as a market commodity. A human beings body and soul, health and illness, cannot be used purely for commercial purposes nor as tools of domination. We must openly discuss this, take risks, lead this transformation, and struggle for it. A world that remained silent on Gazas hospitals cannot easily transform into a just one, the Turkish President added, also, criticising the international communitys silence on Israels attacks on Gaza: For two full years, the world watched hospitals in Gaza being bombed and patients, healthcare workers, children and even innocent babies in incubators being killed. Transitioning from such a world to a just and humane one will not be easy. But the day humanity collectively rejoices in saving a single life, the day we see every newborn babys health as our own joy, believe me, the world will become a paradise. That is what we are working for; you, too, are striving for the same goal. Highlighting the country's resilience during the pandemic, Erdogan said: The strength, capabilities and shock resistance of the Turkish health system were clearly demonstrated during COVID-19. Yet we are not satisfied with what we have. Over the last 23 years, every step we took in healthcare was made in consultation with our scientists. With Gods will, we will achieve much more together. He added that despite major achievements, Turkiyes targets have not yet been fully reached: Being in the top league in terms of medical infrastructure is not enough. Being one of the most admired countries in equal access to healthcare is not enough. Providing free state-funded healthcare is not enough. Training physicians above global standards is not enough. We must also become one of the worlds leading countries in scientific researchespecially in medicine and pharmaceuticals. We must advance further in R&D and take new steps in the production of medical devices. Erdogan emphasised the need for a comprehensive national strategy in the field of health technologies: Despite all my personal efforts, I know we are still far from our targets. As in the defence industry, we face internal and external obstacles. But just as Turkiye overcame challenges in the defence sector, it will, God willing, overcome them in domestic drug and medical device production as well. By working, producing and persevering in the face of difficulties, we will elevate Turkiye to an entirely new level. Stating that Turkiyes people-centred approach has transformed its healthcare system, Erdogan noted: Over the past 23 years, we have built a widespread, high-quality and accessible healthcare system. Today, with more than 1.47 million healthcare workers, we provide first-class healthcare services to our 86 million citizens. Since 2002, we have increased the number of personnel by 288 per cent. Erdogan added that 80% of public hospitals have been renewed or rebuilt, and that 25 city hospitals are currently in service, with 13 more under construction. Thanks to our strong healthcare infrastructure, Turkiye now offers high-level medical services globally, not only to neighbouring countries, but to Europe and beyond. We have implemented countless projects, investments and reforms that would take hours, even days, to list. President Erdogan received the World Health Organisation (WHO) Europe Award, presented by WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Kluge, in recognition of Turkiyes extraordinary humanitarian efforts for the Palestinian people and its leadership in medical evacuations from Gaza. Nobel laureate Turkish scientist Prof. Dr Aziz Sancar also attended the ceremony. 27 November 2025 20:55 (UTC+04:00) Pope Leo XIV, the Head of the Vatican State and spiritual leader of the Catholic world, arrived in Turkiye on 27 November 2025. Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran announced on his social media account that the Pope will pay an official visit to Turkiye between 2730 November at the invitation of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Duran stated that the talks will address TurkiyeVatican relations as well as major regional and global developments, particularly the situation in Palestine. The visit gains additional importance as it coincides with the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaeaa milestone in Christian unityand as the Popes programme includes several unprecedented events. Pope Leo XIVs visit officially begins today at 12:30 with a welcoming ceremony at Ankara Esenboga Airport. At 13:30, he will visit Antkabir, followed by a meeting with President Erdogan at the Presidential Complex in Bestepe. In his address to state officials, diplomatic representatives and civil society organizations, the Pope is expected to focus on Middle East peace, migration, and humanitarian crises. Istanbul programme: meetings with clergy, interfaith messages On 28 November, Pope Leo XIV will meet clergy members at Saint Esprit Church in Istanbul. He will then visit the Bomonti French Hospital Nursing Home. At 15:30, the Pope will attend a prayer ceremony near the Iznik Underwater Basilica, considered one of the most symbolic moments of the visit due to the 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea. Interfaith dialogue at Sultanahmet Mosque On Saturday, 29 November, the Pope will visit the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque. Accompanied by the Istanbul Mufti, he will offer prayers near the mihrab, delivering a message of interfaith tolerance. Throughout the day, he will also hold private meetings with representatives of the Syriac Orthodox Church, the Mor Ephrem Community, and other Catholic leaders. Later, at the St. George Patriarchate, he will meet Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. In the evening, Pope Leo XIV will address members of the Catholic community in Turkiye at Volkswagen Arena. Departure for Beirut On Sunday, 30 November, the Pope will visit several churches in Istanbul before attending a lunch with Patriarch Bartholomew. He will then depart for Beirut. 27 November 2025 22:47 (UTC+04:00) Presidency Communications Director Burhanettin Duran highlighted Turkiyes active role during the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, stating, Throughout the G20 program, Turkiye demonstrated a strong commitment to both regional peace and global economic stability. The summit engagements produced extremely valuable outcomes in terms of deepening cooperation and strengthening international solidarity. Duran shared his remarks on social media regarding President Recep Tayyip Erdogans participation at the summit, noting that the meetings were highly productive under Erdogans leadership. He emphasised that the President clearly conveyed Turkiyes perspectives and proposals during the summit sessions and the post-summit press conferences. The Communications Director also underlined the significance of Erdogans numerous bilateral meetings with state and government leaders, which focused on cooperation opportunities in critical sectors such as defence, trade, energy, technology, and aviation. Turkiyes expanding diplomatic network on a global scale was once again evident during these discussions, Duran said, adding that Erdogan drew attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising Turkiyes stance and calling for more effective international action. Regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Duran noted that Turkiyes constructive approach to promoting peace and regional and global security once again stood out. He continued: Our President stressed the need for a more inclusive global economic order to counter growing inequalities, highlighting that G20 nations must take greater responsibility and that sustainable, balanced economic structures can only be achieved through joint efforts. Throughout the G20 program, Turkiye demonstrated a strong commitment to regional peace and global economic stability. The summit engagements yielded highly valuable results in terms of deepening partnerships and reinforcing international solidarity. Duran also recalled Erdogans announcement that Turkiye will host and preside over the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November next year. He described the intensive diplomatic traffic, numerous negotiations, and climate-focused engagements over the past months as a clear demonstration of Turkiyes growing international influence, noting, This process stands as a tangible success in Turkiyes determined climate diplomacy. Highlighting Turkiyes proactive role in climate action, Duran emphasised, President Erdogans 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target demonstrates that Turkiye embraces a development model that considers both today and the future. The green transformation, prioritized across sectors from energy and transportation to urban planning and production, lays a strong foundation for leadership in the COP31 process. Under First Lady Emine Erdogans patronage, the Zero Waste Movement has grown into a global environmental initiative, representing one of the most inspiring success stories for a more sustainable world. Reducing waste, using resources efficiently, and promoting a nature-respecting lifestyle are goals that align perfectly with the spirit of COP31. We believe that this historic gathering in Turkiye will place the heart of climate diplomacy in Anatolia, with global solutions resonating from our country. We extend our gratitude to all contributors and wish the event every success. 27 November 2025 23:00 (UTC+04:00) Namibian politician Adolf Hitler Uunona has retained his seat in his small northern constituency yet again despite his controversial name, Azernews reports via Euronews. A local politician in Namibia who shares his name with Nazi Germany's notorious leader has retained his seat for the fifth time in a row, after reportedly winning the Wednesday local elections in his constituency. Adolf Hitler Uunona has represented Ompundja in the Oshana region since 2004 as a member of the South West Africa People's Organisation, or SWAPO. While Namibia's Electoral Commission has yet to release the official vote count, Uunona won by a large margin, according to multiple reports. The 59-year-old has been a popular figure in the small northern constituency of less than 5,000 residents despite his namesakes legacy, winning the election with 85% of the vote in 2020. As regional councilor, he has been lauded for his grassroots work and anti-apartheid efforts, domestic media reported. In an interview with German newspaper Bild in 2020 when he won his fourth mandate Uunona said he had nothing to do with Nazi ideology. He also rejected any notion of world domination. "It wasn't until I was growing up that I realised: This man wanted to subjugate the whole world," Uunona said. I have nothing to do with any of these things." He explained that his father named him after the notorious Nazi leader responsible for the Holocaust. However, Uunona pointed out that he probably did not understand what it meant. "As a child I saw it as a totally normal name," Uunona insisted. It does not mean I have Adolf Hitler's character or resemble that of Adolf Hitler of Germany, he told Namibian press in a separate interview. He goes by the name Adolf Uunona in his daily life, but he maintains he has no plans to change it, as it is too late for that. The centre-left SWAPO party originated in the Namibian liberation movement. It campaigns on anti-colonial politics, including the rejection of white-minority governance. In recent years, the party has shifted towards the centre and market-oriented policies. Namibia was once a German colony and part of German South West Africa, and Germanic names like Adolf remain common. After World War I, it was under South African control until its independence in 1990. Christine Godley On January 27, 2025 Washington Police Department officers and Washington Fire/Rescue personnel responded to the area of Bonner Street and E. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in reference to a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival responding personnel found 20 year old Shamari Parker suffering from gunshot wounds. Parker was pronounced deceased at the scene. The subsequent investigation lead to the arrest of Zaydrian Starkie within 24 hours and Quamir Razor after an extensive manhunt spanning several states.Since the incident Detectives with the Washington Police Department have been gather evidence which has led to additional arrest:On Monday, November 24, detectives arrested a 17 year old juvenile female resident of Washington for her role in aiding Razor. The female is charged as an adult with Accessory after the Fact to Murder and is being held on $150,000.00 bond at the juvenile detention facility in Pitt County. Other arrests are forthcoming as this I still an on-going investigation.Also on November 25, detectives arrested Christine Godley, 22 years of age, Washington NC was arrested by members of the Washington Police Department. Godley has also been charged with Accessory after the Fact to Murder for her role in aiding Razor. She is being held on a $150,000 secured bond. As stated in the last release, additional arrests are forthcoming.Other arrests are forthcoming as this is still an on-going investigation. The terrorist gunman who ambushed and seriously wounded two West Virginia National Guardsmen in Washington, DC today has been identified as an illegal alien from Afghanistan who came to America under Biden's "Allies Welcome" program in 2021. He overstayed his "permission to stay" without seeking to change the status and thus became an illegal alien. The Biden regime let a lot of Afghans in with almost no vetting after his debacle in Kabul. It did not seem to matter which side of the Afghan war people were on, they were let in. He used a pistol to shoot the two guardsmen after driving cross country from his home in Washington state to commit the terrorist act. The illegal alien attacker shouted the radical Muslim slogan "Allahu Akbar" during the ambush attack. He first shot a 20 year old female National Guard member in the chest with his revolver, took her gun, shot her in the head, and then used her gun to attack others. The female victim's wound is described by her father as "mortal". Another male National Guardsman is in critical condition. https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2025/11/26/dc-national-guard-shooter-shouted-allahu-akbar/ https://thefederalist.com/2025/11/26/national-guard-shooting-suspect-came-from-afghanistan-through-biden-program/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15332763/Devastated-dad-National-Guard-soldier-shot-DC.html https://www.zerohedge.com/political/ex-cia-linked-afghan-who-shot-dc-troops-entered-us-biden-era-asylee https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/27/fbi-searched-dc-shooting-suspects-home-in-washington-state-location-in-california/ Meanwhile, the US Citizenship and Immigration Service has stopped processing all applications from Afghanistan after this terrorist incident. The Trump administration has announced that all Afghans let in during the Biden years will now be reviewed. https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/new-us-citizenship-immigration-services-halts-processing-all/ This was clearly a Muslim terrorist attack by an Afghan illegal alien. Below is a picture of his female victim. BT has announced a Belfast technology project creating 60 jobs and tipped to generate 45m of investment over the next five years. The future technology research and innovation (FTRI) programme is backed by Ulster University and around 6m from Invest NI. The project at the BT Ireland innovation centre (BTIIC) will develop industrial research workstreams and engineering projects across AI and the autonomous Internet of Things (IoT). Launched by BT Group chief executive Allison Kirkby, it will create 60 new jobs, many open to recent graduates and post-graduates. BT Northern Ireland director Paul Murnaghan said: Over the past eight years, the BT Ireland innovation centre has shown the power of collaboration between industry, academia and government. "This renewed partnership builds on the strong foundations weve already established in Northern Ireland, accelerating that progress further by expanding research in AI, security and IoT. It will create new jobs and provide opportunities for both graduates and those looking to continue their studies. Northern Irelands talent and connected ecosystem make it the ideal place to shape the next generation of technology, and were proud to continue this journey with Ulster University and support from Invest NI. From left, Professor Cathy Gormley-Heenan, university provost, Ulster University, Paul Murnaghan, BT Northern Ireland director, Allison Kirkby, chief executive, BT Group and Kieran Donoghue, chief executive, Invest NI News Catch Up - Thursday 27 November The programme will be centred on advancing innovation in AI, data science and data analytics, cybersecurity, IoT and next generation networks. Economic development agency Invest NI offered BT financial assistance of 5.9m through its grant for research & development programme. Kieran Donoghue, chief executive of Invest NI said: In 2017 we supported the creation of the BTIIC the first of its kind across the UK and Ireland. "That collaboration between industry, academia and government created a unique environment in which research and creativity flourished. "Over time BTIIC has grown in scale, scope and reputation, and has become an integral part of BTs innovation ecosystem. This latest investment is an affirmation of confidence in Northern Ireland and is designed to drive forward the next generation of BT technology development in IoT systems, healthcare and cyber security. "Ultimately this investment is strongly aligned to our business strategy which is focused on increasing innovation and Northern Irelands global visibility as a prime location for high-quality tech investments. BT will also develop the BTIIC Academy to provide a range of opportunities for recruitment and up-skilling. It will support an MSc in AI, alongside project-based learning including accredited modules in AI, IoT and computer science. Professor Paul Bartholemew, vice-chancellor at Ulster University, said: Ulster University remains committed to partnerships that drive innovation and regional prosperity, and we look forward to continuing our work with BT and Invest NI to develop the technologies that underpin Northern Irelands future growth. Invest NIs R&D support for the project is part funded by the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF). Peter Kay confirms Belfast show as part of charity tour next year The comedian will come to the city next summer Peter Kay Liam Tunney Wed 26 Nov 2025 at 22:52 Comedian Peter Kay has confirmed he will perform in Belfast as part of a UK and Ireland tour next year. Normal People author Sally Rooneys books may have to be withdrawn from sale and none of her new works published in the UK due to uncertainty caused by the ban on Palestine Action, the High Court has been told. A former chef was jailed for six months today after he burgled and ransacked a student house in south Belfast. Christopher John Barr (33), whose address was given on court papers as c/o of Social Security Agency, Royal Avenue, Belfast, had previously pleaded guilty to a single count of burglary. A Stormont MLA has opened up about how failing his 11-plus exam had left him feeling like a failure and how it was only through luck rather than the support of the education system that he progressed in life. Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker was speaking as Stormonts Education Committee heard evidence from Emma Shaw, founder of the Phoenix Education Centre, which helps to support underachieving young people across east Belfast. Many of the young people involved with the centre have dropped out of school or have extra learning needs, and the centre, which was set up during the Covid pandemic, provides mentoring and support, along with education and training opportunities. I grew up in Twinbrook, had free school meals, Mr Baker told the committee. In 1992 I failed my 11-plus and that failure stuck with me for a very, very long time. It was only probably through a wee bit of luck that I got some of my GCSEs and that I ran into a summer when I picked up a book and loved it. For some reason that gave me confidence and I wanted to do A Levels. I get to sit here today and its a very privileged job he continued. Too many people will write you off. I look back to 1992 and there were boys and girls there, starting secondary school, who had additional needs that were just never diagnosed. They were written off in class, told they were never going to go to university. I dont think too much has changed. Mr Baker said the Educations Ministers recent proposal to remove AS Levels and revert to A Level exams at the end of a two year course, and to change the amount of coursework for pupils, is concerning. Its closing even more doors, he added. Where were at right now, we havent moved too far in my opinion. Ms Shaw agreed that the system had not progressed. I dont think weve moved very far, she said. We still have the same issues we had in the 80s and 90s. Were still teaching the same curriculum. Obviously the curriculum is under review. Kids only spend 13-15% of their time in school. A large part of it is the responsibility of the community setting and others through youth work to make sure a young person has access to opportunities. "We should be funding these sectors appropriately. The youth sector has been decimated over the last number of years, especially in terms of full time provision, and especially in areas of high deprivation and need. Youth centres punch way above their weight. They give young people breakfast, after school activities and homework help. We need schools to be not as focused on exams. We need to look at teacher training. We need to teacher trainers to teach teachers how to teach not only in our grammar schools, but also in other provider services, places where theyre going to see people who maybe didnt have the same upbringing in education as them. Sinn Fein MLA Danny Baker News Catch Up - Monday 24 November Mr Baker added that he believes one exam at 11-years-old warps our whole system. You think of even the uniform we have in schools. The tie, the blazer and all that. Its almost like if you dress properly youll somehow become more successful. A lot of that stems exactly from that one exam. Ms Shaw said she believes change needs to happen. Talking from my generation, some passed their 11-plus, some didnt, she told the committee. Some said they went to a school where the teachers didnt really care. There is change that needs to happen still. We have to ask: what does the education system set out to do? And then ask: does it have the resources to do that? There is a place for uniform in some shape or form, she added. But society has changed and evolved. Schools need to do the same. All young people, regardless of their abilities, should be able to access the same opportunities. I dont believe in segregating our young people in schools whether by academic ability, religion or neurodiversity. "Its about making sure the classroom is a comfortable environment. If youre not sitting on a comfortable seat for six, seven hours a day, if youre not eating before you go to school, if your house is covered in mould and damp and you havent slept, or youre having trauma at home, those needs of a young person need to be met before they arrive at school. UUP MLA Jon Burrows raised the issue of the increase of 20% in the cost of school meals which, he said, is deplorable. It would have been better to bring it in gradually if youre going to do it at all, he added. Ms Shaw said: I would go one step further and say you should have free school meals for everybody. That may be controversial, given not all are in a position where they struggle to afford it, but everybody needs to be fed. How the boundary sign at Magheralin will look after Daniels Wiffen's tribute is added A plaque is to be erected in honour of Olympic champion Daniel Wiffen at Craigavons South Lake Leisure Centre, where the Magheralin athlete trains when he is at home. The 800m freestyle champs name will also be added to Magheralins village sign. A motion calling for the gold medallist to be formally honoured was unanimously backed at Mondays (November 24) meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. It was worded as follows: This Council formally recognises the outstanding sporting achievements of Daniel Wiffen, from Magheralin, who won a gold medal in the mens 800-metre freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an individual Olympic gold medal since 1972. This Council approves the installation of a recognition plaque at South Lake Leisure Centre, where Daniel trains when at home, to honour his historic accomplishment, and to inspire future generations of local athletes. This Council agrees to update the Council boundary signage for Magheralin to include the words Home of Olympic Gold Medallist Daniel Wiffen, in recognition of his contribution to local, national, and international sports. How the boundary sign at Magheralin will look after Daniels Wiffen's tribute is added The motion was proposed by DUP councillor Peter Haire and seconded by his party colleague and Lord Mayor Stephen Moutray. Presenting his motion, Mr Haire stated: The Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon area continuously punches above its weight in sport, producing champions across many disciplines. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, several of our athletes shone, but one achievement stands above the rest. Daniel Wiffen, from Magheralin, made history by winning in the Mens 800 metres freestyle, becoming the first athlete from Northern Ireland to win an individual Olympic gold since 1972. He joins the ranks of icons like Lady Mary Peters. At just 23 years old, Daniels achievements are already remarkable. With a population of just over 2,000, Magheralin is proud of Daniel. Other Councils, such as Ards & North Down for Rory McIlroy, have taken similar steps to honour world-class athletes. I am pleased to confirm that Daniel and his parents fully support these proposals. Unfortunately, Rachel and Jonathan Wiffen could not be with us this evening, as Rachel is currently in hospital. We send our very best wishes and hope for speedy recovery, and I know theyre listening online. Colleagues, I urge you to support this motion, and give Daniel the recognition he richly deserves for his exceptional talent, the pride he brings to Magheralin, and inspiration he provides across our borough and beyond. The Lord Mayor expressed similar support for the motion, stating: I am delighted to second this. Daniel has done himself proud, his family proud, the village of Magheralin where he emanates from proud, and indeed this borough. I think it would be very fitting that a plaque was erected in South Lake Leisure Centre in relation to his achievements, and it would help to motivate other young people, hopefully across the world. Sinn Fein councillor Keith Haughian had many reasons to be proud of the young athlete, and not least of all the fact that they are both former students of St Patricks College in Armagh. Our party group are more than happy to support this. Hes also an ex-student at St Patricks in Armagh, which I went to myself, he said. Alliances Peter Lavery said he had fond recollections of seeing Daniel win one of his Olympic medals. He said On behalf of the Alliance Party, well be supporting this motion. Daniel has done the village proud, the borough proud, and most of all his family proud, given all his hard work and dedication. I had the privilege to be down in Byrnes Bar [in Magheralin] when Daniel was going for the second medal. He ended up winning the bronze and the craic was mighty Im surprised that they didnt hear us in Paris. There were that many people cheering on. So, I think the motion is very much appropriate, and particularly the sign at South Lake Leisure Centre. Its almost a tribute as well to Council, because no matter whether youre learning to swim or whether youre going for gold, South Lake Leisure Centre can certainly help you along the way, along with all our very good staff there. Congratulations to Daniel and his family, and I look forward to seeing this in Magheralin and South Lake Leisure Centre. SDLP councillor Thomas OHanlon praised the young athletes generosity, which he felt said so much about him as a person. First of all, I want to agree with the sentiments of the motion, and Im happy to support, he said. But what I would also note is the measure of the young fellow. The prize money that came with it, he donated it to his college in St Patricks in Armagh. Daniel Wiffen won gold at the Paris Olympics News Catch Up - Thursday 27 November That was invested in gym equipment in the school, and to me that tells me more about that young lad than any gold medals or anything that he has around his neck. So, more than happy to support and congratulate him, and I thank him for his contribution to sport across this island. UUP councillor Kyle Savage, who lives close to Magheralin, recalled how the entire community came together to welcome the gold medallist back home. Our party will be supporting this. Its great to see [such] a fantastic achievement for Daniel and for the village of Magheralin, he said. Im just about a mile and a half up the road from it. I was part of the welcoming home party for Daniel that night in Magheralin, and its great to see the community from all backgrounds coming out and supporting Daniel and his family. The home of a Sudanese family in the Fountain estate was daubed with graffiti saying local only alongside crosshairs in Derry this week Council members have condemned recent sectarian and racist graffiti incidents across Derry City and Strabane District. At Novembers council meeting the DUPs Keith Kerrigan made members aware of recent sectarian graffiti at a bus shelter, close to the Church of the Good Shepherd in Sion Mills. Mr Kerrigan said the incident was disappointing, as Sion Mills has always been a very settled, mixed community. There hasnt been that tension, he said. "I would just call that we condemn this graffiti and that we work together as elected representatives, along with the community, clergy, PSNI, and other stakeholders to try and resolve these issues, he added. Sinn Fein councillor Antaine O Fearghail said sectarian graffiti belongs nowhere, while UUP councillor Derek Hussey said the graffiti was disgusting and does not reflect on the exemplary, cross-community nature of life in Sion Mills. People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin also condemned the graffiti and noted another incident in the Fountain on early Wednesday morning, November 26, in which racist graffiti was daubed on a Sudanese familys house. He added: It said local only and Ive spoken to long-term residents there; theyre very frustrated and angry about this [and] they dont feel it represents how people in the Fountain feel. Were in a context where people are being scapegoated by political representatives, very often in the Assembly. We hear migrants blamed for the housing crisis [and] the hospital waiting list crisis, and then we have people taking actions into their own hands and targeting people who are completely innocent. People shouldnt be getting treated like this, this type of racism has no place in our city. SDLP councillor Catherine McDaid said sectarian graffiti is wrong no matter where it is and also condemned the racist graffiti in the Fountain. As Shaun has said theres so many excuses being given [and] in Westminster we had the new legislation for the asylum seekers, she noted. Basically theyre blaming the asylum seekers for everything. This is where this Labour government is at the minute. She continued: Its absolutely terrifying and it has given people a chance to come out of the shadows and show their racism. I think from this chamber we need to be really, really clear that anyone is welcome here in this city. This is the city of civil rights. We welcome the diversity. We welcome all other cultures. Independent councillor Gary Donnelly said graffiti has always been used to get the message out, but sectarian graffiti is wrong. He added: Regarding the graffiti in the Fountain, I dont believe for a minute that that is representative of the people in the Fountain. Ive been in the Fountain and its very, very diverse. Racism, sectarianism, its wrong, and Im not sure if its just a matter of ritual condemnation; I think that there needs to be education. The home of a Sudanese family in the Fountain estate was daubed with graffiti saying local only alongside crosshairs in Derry this week News Catch Up - Thursday 27 November SDLP councillor Lilian Barr said she spent Wednesday morning with residents and community leaders in the Fountain, who were very upset and angry at what has happened. I know the family very well because they volunteer at the Northwest Migrants Forum, [they] are very good people [and] they are fully integrated in the Fountain. What happened does not represent the residents of the Fountain and the message from the Fountain area is that that family is welcome. I just want to appeal to the community, if they know anybody who have done what they did last night, to report it to the police or the community groups ,or even come to us, because it is unacceptable, she concluded. Its like a horror film: Belfast familys home is gutted after tumble dryer sparks inferno Mother-of-five says that faulty machine was supposedly fixed in May by manufacturer after she reported it had been overheating Amanda Hunter in the destroyed kitchen of her north Belfast home Abdullah Sabri Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 07:00 A distraught mother-of-five has said she returned home to something out of a horror film after her tumble dryer caught fire and left her with nothing. Northern Ireland businesses have been left very disappointed at a lack of significant, game-changing investments to boost the economy. NI Chamber president Kailash Chada also urged the Stormont Executive to agree its first multi-year budget in recent years to invest in the future. The Government has said Chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget this week will see Stormont receive an extra 370 million to spend. However the devolved Finance Minister John ODowd said the Budget did not go far enough in terms of investing in public services and boosting growth. Addressing more than 900 business leaders at the NI Chambers annual Presidents Banquet in Belfast on Thursday evening, Mr Chada said Stormont must take difficult decisions. We now need our Executive to agree its multi-year annual budget, make the difficult decisions and negotiate a long-term fiscal framework that enables us to properly invest in the deficits we have in skills and infrastructure, he said. There was some much-needed extra cash for public services here. But as well as looking at the funding we receive, we must look at how we spend that money. To that end, I believe that we are long overdue a transformative approach to public services and public spending. Mr Chada emphasised the need for a long-term economic plan. Northern Ireland has talent, ideas, and ambition, he said. What we need now is a shared vision and the courage to act. If we dont, well stumble into the next election cycle with no plan and no progress. That simply cannot happen. We need to have a clear view of what we need from the next administration. What we need is a long-term economic plan. A plan that is a blueprint for the kind of economy we want to have in Northern Ireland thinking 10, perhaps 15 years ahead and then set out the essential building blocks necessary to make that plan a reality. Road projects earmarked for investment critically important, minister says Several new road projects have been hit with delays Limerick, Galway and Donegal will get the largest state investment in roads infrastructure to the end of the decade as part of multi-billion euro funding plan announced by the Irish Government. The Queen has been Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles since July 2020 (Kin Cheung/PA) The Queen has spoken of her hopes that the devastating and brutal war in Ukraine can be resolved by standing up to tyranny. Camilla was speaking ahead of an awards dinner to celebrate the achievements of The Rifles, one of the Armys key infantry regiments, at the Guildhall in the City of London on Thursday. In her speech, Camilla, who is Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, paid tribute to the precursors of The Rifles who served in the Crimean War in the 1850s. Wearing a Fiona Clare red velvet evening dress, she said: Only recently we marked the 80th anniversaries of both victory in Europe and victory over Japan. The Queen makes a speech during the biennial Rifles awards dinner in the City of London (Kin Cheung/PA) During these moments of commemoration, I was fortunate to speak privately with so many of our surviving veterans who voiced a clear and unanimous plea, the path to peace must be pursued with the same vigour and determination that our Forces prepare for combat. It is only fitting, then, to rewind the clock 170 years, when The Rifles antecedents stood alongside our European allies in modern-day Ukraine. Let us hope, as our antecedents did then, that our resolve to stand up to tyranny in this same region can again find a resolution to anther devastating and brutal war. The Queen also thanked her equerry, Major Ollie Plunket, who was in attendance. The Queen attended the event with the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duchess of Edinburgh (Kin Cheung/PA) The Rifleman has served as Camillas first equerry for three years and will soon be succeeded by Major Rob Treasure of the same regiment. She said: I would like to say a huge thank you to Major Ollie Plunket, who has been my staunch equerry for the past three years. He has excelled in everything he has done for me. Camilla attended the biennial awards dinner alongside the units Royal Colonels, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duchess of Edinburgh. Major Ollie Plunket, The Rifles, Equerry to Queen Camilla lays a wreath on her behalf during the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in London (Yui Mok/PA) The Queen succeeded Prince Philip, the late Duke of Edinburgh, as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles regiment in July 2020 and is also linked to The Rifles through her late father, Major Bruce Shand, who died in 2006 aged 89. Two Battalions of The Rifles form part of the celebrated 7th Infantry Brigade, otherwise known as the Desert Rats, with whom Major Shand served. Hezbollah fighters shout slogans during the funeral procession of Hezbollahs chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai (Hussein Malla/AP) Lebanons prime minister has criticised Hezbollah for failing to disarm, saying that its refusal to do so is hurting the Lebanese people at a time when the country is trying to recover from the groups war with Israel last year. In new violence, Israel carried out another round of airstrikes on suspected Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon. Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire a year ago, ending months of heavy fighting. But Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, and has stepped up airstrikes while accusing Hezbollah of trying to rebuild its arsenal. Hezbollah fighters carry the coffin of Hezbollahs chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai who was killed with other Hezbollah fighters in Sundays Israeli airstrike on Beirut (Hussein Malla/AP) At the same time, Israel has pushed forward on a number of other fronts, including a new offensive in the West Bank and continued firefights in Gaza. Ongoing conflicts in the region have fuelled concerns that unrest could spill over and undermine the fragile truce in Gaza. Israels air force carried out another series of strikes in parts of southern Lebanon on Thursday. The military said it struck and dismantled Hezbollah infrastructure, including launch sites storing Hezbollah weapons. Its strikes escalated earlier this week with a rare strike in Lebanons capital of Beirut, killing Hezbollahs chief of staff. On Thursday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Hezbollahs arms have failed to deter Israeli airstrikes, protect the Lebanese people or even safeguard the lives of its own leaders. Hezbollah says its weapons are deterring an aggression. Deterrence means preventing the enemy from carrying out an aggression, but it (Israel) is attacking and the weapons are not deterring it, Mr Salam said in comments run by state-run National News Agency. Mr Salams rare criticism of the group comes as the United States and Israel have increasingly pressured Lebanons government to disarm the militant group. The Israeli strikes come days before Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to visit the country, where he will meet the crisis-hit nations political and religious leaders. Civil defence workers inspect the damage after an apartment building was hit during an Israeli airstrike on Dahiyeh in Beirut on Sunday (Bilal Hussein/AP) Although the pope will visit Beirut and other parts of the country, he will not go to south Lebanon, which suffered wide destruction during the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war. In the northeastern West Bank region of Tubas, Israels military has detained at least 119 people in an offensive that began on Tuesday, according to a Palestinian advocacy group. The United Nations on Tuesday said Israel had killed at least 127 civilians, including children, in its strikes on Lebanon since the ceasefire came into effect last year. Abdullah al-Zaghari, spokesman for the Palestinian Prisoners Club, told The Associated Press that the authorities released 27 of those detained, and accused the military of severely beating a number of people. The military did not immediately comment on reports of mass arrests or beatings, but has said the operation was a response to attempts to establish terrorist strongholds and construction of terror infrastructures in the area. Tubas governor Ahmad Al-Asaad said Israel had carried out airstrikes with military helicopters, and that the region was essentially cut off by Israeli troops. Israel launched a broad offensive in the West Bank following Hamass October 7 2023 attack that triggered the war in Gaza. It says it is cracking down on militants, though Palestinian health officials and human rights groups say dozens of uninvolved civilians have been harmed. On November 19, Palestinian attackers stabbed an Israeli to death and wounded three more before being shot by troops. The latest operation comes amid a rising tide of Israeli settler violence in the West Bank. Israeli leaders have played down the settler attacks as the work of a small minority. But Palestinians say the attacks are frequent, often in close proximity to Israeli troops, and the settlers are rarely punished. BENNINGTON The Bennington Police Department could be bringing on three new officers in 2026, Chief Paul Doucette informed the Select Board Monday as part of his periodic update on department activities. As you all know, we were down eight employees, Doucette said. We recently put out offers of hire to three individuals. He said two of the potential hires are recent college graduates from nearby New York state, and they will be going to the Vermont Police Academy in February for training. Doucette said they could graduate in May, and by August could be ready for patrol duty in Bennington. The other person is a law enforcement officer that comes to us from not too far away in Massachusetts, and has decided to continue her career here in Bennington, the chief said. She is a certified law enforcement officer in Massachusetts, he said, and now will begin the process of becoming a certified Level III officer in Vermont. Beards, tattoos Referring to a department effort related to recruiting and retaining police officers, Doucette said the BPD has a new policy for officers who want to have beards or tattoos that will not be covered by clothing. Back in the day, it just wasnt permissible in the law enforcement field, he said of body art. You just had to cover it. But now it seems to be more acceptable; there is a lot more of it. That is something to think about, and we did think about it and had lots of conversations. He added, Right now, [the new policy] seems pretty well accepted. You know, I think we have to be up with the times if we are going to hire and retain people. Thats a big part of it. Concerning tattoos, Doucette said the new policy includes having a small group, consisting of him and three patrol officers, review requests for new tattoos, with the officer providing a photo of what it would look like. Officers previously had to submit a photo of any tattoo they had when they were being hired and explain the meaning, he said. Under the updated policy, if a tattoo is to be added, You have to submit a photo of what it will look like, and you have to tell us what the meaning is. The chief and three patrol officers would review the tattoo, and the four of us will make the decision on whether or not that is permittable, he said. Beards, under a revised policy, are allowed but will have to be short and well-trimmed, he said. K-9 training Doucette said that Officer Rob Murawski and K-9 Grizzly recently completed 29 weeks of training at the Vermont Police Academy and have been on patrol and responding to call-outs. Ive learned a lot about the K-9 program, as we have two K-9 teams, Doucette said, adding, I was asked to represent the [Vermont] Police Chiefs Association on the statewide K-9 committee. If you see Officer Murawski, we just ask that you congratulate him. Do not try to shake Grizzlys hand, Doucette joked. That might not work. But they are a great team, and we are looking forward to years of success with them. Traffic calming Doucette said the department is working with town staff on some traffic calming projects for Bennington and Old Bennington. One involves acquiring electronic signs to inform drivers when they are speeding. Those are currently on order. They will do all kinds of things, Doucette said. They will measure speed; they are portable; we can move them around. The units will be mounted on a post and can be used during the winter, he said, unlike the departments current speedcart signs, mounted on a small trailer. He said those units will be stored during the coming season because of concern they might interfere with snowplows. Doucette added that, this summer, for whatever reason weve never had this before we have experienced some vandalism, where people have been spray-painting the speed carts so that the speed cone doesnt work ... and most recently flattened the tires on our other speedcart. All of this costs money, when there is vandalism, so we would love to know who is responsible, he said. Budget season Doucette, who also is the towns public safety director, said the police department and fire department budget requests for the next fiscal year been submitted to Town Manager Dan Monks and Finance Director Melissa Currier for review. He said he and Bennington Fire Chief Nathan Berres feel that we turned in some pretty good budgets this year, that are reasonable. The town manager and department heads will present a proposed fiscal 2027 town budget to the Select Board for review, with final approval by the board of the entire budget expected following budget work sessions in January. The resulting spending plans for the general fund, the highway fund and the fire fund budgets, along with separate requests from local service groups, will go before town voters during the annual town meeting in March. One often-discussed issue concerning the BPD budget is whether funds will be added to increase police officer salaries to bring them more in line with those of other departments in the region. Emergency management Doucette also announced that Jeff Vickers, a former fire chief and still a member of the department, will replace Monks as the towns emergency management coordinator during an update of Benningtons emergency management plan. The former assistant town manager and planning director, Monks, was named town manager in October to replace Stuart Hurd, the longtime manager who died in August. Doucette said he and Vickers attended a meeting last week on regional emergency management planning. He added that there will be a presentation during the next Select Board listening session in December on cold weather emergency planning efforts, including temporary cold weather shelters in Bennington. 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. Emversity partners with Cambridge University to strengthen global employability of Indias healthcare workforce November 27, 2025 | Thursday | News India faces a significant nursing shortage, with only 17.2 nurses per 10,000 people image credit- shutterstock Bengaluru-based startup Emversity, an industry-skilling network, has partnered with Cambridge University Press & Assessment to deliver specialised English language training for nursing learners through the Cambridge English for Healthcare Professionals programme. Effective immediately, the programme will be delivered across Emversity's skill-development centres and through its network of university partnerships. It will complement existing academic curricula, ensuring that learners gain structured, internationally benchmarked communication skills. The collaboration addresses a critical employability barrier in India's healthcare sector, equipping nursing professionals with essential communication skills required for healthcare settings both in India and internationally. India faces a significant nursing shortage, with only 17.2 nurses per 10,000 people, contributing to an estimated 5.8 million-person gap in the healthcare workforce. While capacity is a challenge, employers often highlight communication skills as a major barrier to employability. The Cambridge English for Healthcare Professionals program addresses this gap by strengthening workplace English language competencies specifically required in clinical settings. The training, benchmarked to international CEFR standards (A1B1, covering beginner to intermediate proficiency), equips learners with the practical communication skills needed for patient interaction, case documentation, teamwork communication, and clarity in emergencies. It also supports learners preparing for pathways like the Occupational English Test (OET). Vivek Sinha, Founder & CEO, Emversity, comments "The world faces a critical shortage of skilled healthcare talent, and India is uniquely positioned to fill this gap. Communication skills are a significant part of this talent deficit. By 2030, we aim to equip over one lakh nursing professionals with essential workplace communication competencies. Our collaboration with Cambridge University Press & Assessment is critical to building the structured pathway India's healthcare workforce needs." Getinge Medical India and Amrita Hospital lead national neonatal critical care training rollout November 27, 2025 | Thursday | News For training 1,500 nurses in life-saving skills to improve newborn survival A major initiative to advance neonatal nursing capabilities in India has been launched with the introduction of the Neonatal Critical Care Nursing Training Initiative, designed to train 1,500 nurses through a rigorous blended onlineoffline model. The programme has been formally inaugurated at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. It represents a landmark collaboration between KEDMAN SkillEd India Foundation, along with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Hospital, Getinge Medical India under its CSR mandate and Business Sweden, supporting IndoSwedish cooperation in healthcare. Indias Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) currently stands at 19 per 1,000 live births (according to Sample Registration System, 2021), short of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 12 per 1,000 by 2030. Progress remains uneven across states, with Kerala and Tamil Nadu achieving single-digit outcomes, while Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh continue to report significantly higher mortality. Developed end-to-end by KEDMAN SkillEd India with clinical expertise from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, the programme delivers structured neonatal critical-care training supported by advanced digital content, LMS delivery, simulation-based skill development, and specialist-led case sessions. The programme includes 12 comprehensive and medically validated neonatal critical care modules developed by Indias leading neonatologists at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad. AI-enabled proctored assessments, competency certification and residential advanced immersion for top performers ensure measurable and consistent outcomes aligned with national care standards. 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. A highly vulnerable child subject to a High Court order compelling Tusla to place them in secure care was recently arrested for allegedly driving a stolen car under the influence of intoxicants, the court has heard. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, has not complied with the order to detain the child in secure care, as there are no beds available at any of the States three secure care units. Highly troubled and vulnerable children aged 11 to 17 can be detained in a secure care unit, known as special care, on foot of a High Court order sought by Tusla. Mr Justice John Jordan, who manages the High Courts weekly special care list, on Thursday noted that the risk to the child was escalating, and said the special care order should be complied with. Advertisement Barrister Sarah McKechnie, appearing for Tulsa, told the judge that the child was this week arrested in relation to driving a stolen car. She said that an oral swab taken by gardai tested positive for cocaine, and that the child refused to do a blood test. The child reportedly became heightened during his interactions with gardai, she said. Barrister Maeve Cox, appearing for the childs court-appointed advocate, told the judge that the position of both her client and the childs parents is that efforts need to continue to place the child in special care. Ms McKechnie also told the court that plenary proceedings have been issued in relation to the childs case. The proceedings, taken on behalf of the child by his mother, seek a court declaration that Tusla is in contempt of court. In the case of another child, Paul Gunning, appearing for Tusla, told the judge that similarly, plenary proceedings have been issued over Tuslas noncompliance with a special care order. Mr Justice Jordan acknowledged that both sets of plenary proceedings were live before another judge of the High Court. Ireland Tusla chief apologises for statement issued after alleged sexual assault of girl Read more The cases of both children were adjourned to a date in December. In another case before the court, Mr Justice Jordan granted an extension to a secure care order in respect of a child with significant trauma in their past. The child is currently receiving care at a secure unit. The judge said the child has in the past been involved in criminality, assaults, consumption of drugs and alcohol, and suspected sexual grooming. The judge said he was satisfied to extend the order for three months. A Stormont committee has heard a claim that the son of Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin was allegedly involved in damaging a portrait of a former DUP lord mayor. Ms Ni Chuilin told the committee she had nothing to declare after TUV MLA Timothy Gaston said it had been reported on social media that her son Naoise was involved in the incident. A political row erupted this week after the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) said there would be no prosecution over the incident last October when the portrait of Lord Wallace Browne was damaged. The damage was discovered after an event hosted by an external Irish language organisation in Belfast City Hall. The portrait of Lord Wallace Browne was removed from public display to be repaired (Liam McBurney/PA) First Minister Michelle ONeill later told 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. Advertisement However, the PPS said on Monday there is no reasonable prospect of conviction for any criminal offence on the evidence available. The PPS 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 the Sinn Fein employees resignation contained no admission and a man interviewed by police exercised his right not to answer questions. Since then, DUP MLA Phillip Brett told the Northern Ireland Assembly that the person who allegedly damaged the portrait is the son of a Sinn Fein MLA. TUV MLA Timothy Gaston told the committee he had concerns about the integrity of procedures (Liam McBurney/PA) Wednesdays committee meeting had been due to hear evidence from junior ministers Aisling Reilly and Joanne Bunting on institutional abuse, when Mr Gaston raised the issue of the portrait under declarations of interest, saying it related to procedural integrity. He said: In light of the damage to the portrait of the former DUP lord mayor, what I want to ascertain is if Ms McChuilin wants to make a declaration of interest at this stage due to the interest around this issue, regarding her son has been named on social media as being involved in the damage to that portrait? The second thing I would like to raise is junior minister Reilly will be in attendance today in light of Naoises employment with the junior minister at the time as a translator, I understand. I would seek clarity, does the junior minister also need to declare an interest in dealing with this issue? Advertisement Mr Gaston also raised issues about the damage to the portrait being discussed at an Executive Office committee meeting last year when Ms Ni Chuilin was present. He said: We had a discussion where it was raised by (DUP MLA) Harry Harvey and indeed Caral interjected in that discussion, so there needs to be clear parameters going forward, that if there is family members involved that the member declares an interest and takes herself out of the room to make sure the integrity of this committee is maintained going forward. I have serious, serious concerns at that meeting, if what we read is true, then there should have been a declaration of interest declared on the 23rd October and that didnt happen and that was a failing that was allowed to happen and that meeting passed by. I have no interest to declare at all on behalf of myself or anyone else Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin Mr Gaston added: If there is anybody wants to declare anything, now is the time to do it. Ms Ni Chuilin said she had absolutely nothing to declare. She added: I am here to scrutinise, in front of us today, draft legislation affecting victims and survivors and that is what I am here to do today. I have no interest to declare at all on behalf of myself or anyone else. I think this committees business is on the agenda and others have chosen to add this issue on which has got absolutely nothing to do with victims and survivors of institutional abuse through the mother and baby scandal. Advertisement Later, Ms Reilly told the committee that she had attended the event in Belfast City Hall last year as a west Belfast MLA and not in her role as junior minister. In a statement on Wednesday evening on behalf of Naoise O Cuilin, solicitor Niall Murphy of KRW Law said the allegation he was involved in the damage of the portrait is entirely false, baseless and malicious. For absolute clarity, and on our clients behalf, I state unequivocally that our client did not cause any damage whatsoever to the portrait of Lord Wallace Browne. Any suggestion to the contrary is wholly unfounded, he said. Our client responded positively to a request by police to attend voluntarily for police interview and was prepared to give an account. However, the paucity of evidence against our client was such that I advised him that there was nothing requiring an account, and that he should therefore exercise his lawful right to silence. This statutory protection exists for all citizens. Our client is a university graduate, has been in continuous employment since graduation, has no criminal record, and has never previously been accused of any criminal offence. The attempts to malign our clients character in the absence of any evidence are wholly unjustified. It is wholly inappropriate for any individual, organisation, commentator or public figure to identify someone as a suspect in circumstances where the Public Prosecution Service has determined that there is insufficient evidence to bring any criminal charge. Lawyers for a woman who killed her three children while suffering from a mental disorder will bring a High Court action next month seeking to challenge a coroner's decision to limit medical evidence in the inquests into their deaths. Deirdre Morley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the killings, is seeking a judicial review of the decision of Dublin District Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane on October 7th. Dr Cullinane decided not to allow medical professionals who treated Ms Morley before the killings to give evidence about her mental state at the time. Ms Morley, a paediatric nurse, killed Conor (9), Darragh (7) and Carla McGinley (3), at their home in Newcastle, Co Dublin, in 2020. She was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2021 following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. Advertisement A post-mortem found the three children died by suffocation. Ms Morley's lawyers have argued the inquest would be "insufficient and inadequate" if it did not assess the state of her mental health at the time of the killings through evidence from those who treated her in the six months before the tragedies. Dr Cullinane intends instead to rely on expert witness testimony from consultant psychiatrists Dr Brenda Wright and Dr Mary Davoren, who gave evidence at Ms Morley's trial. At the High Court, Fiona Gallagher BL, for Ms Morley, told Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty that her client had been committed to the Central Mental Hospital after the verdict. She said it was in "everyone's interest" that the inquest could conclude promptly. Ms Gallagher applied to have the High Court ex parte application - where only one side is represented - heard earlier than the date fixed, January 19, 2026. Counsel said it was coming up to six years since the January 2020 deaths and that there were other parties involved that had to be taken into account, including the children's father, Andrew McGinley and medical professionals. Ms Justice Gearty granted Ms Gallagher's application for an earlier date and adjourned the matter to December 8th. After a three-day trial, the jury accepted the evidence given by Dr Davoren and Dr Wright that the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killings and fulfilled the criteria for the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster found the children had died by asphyxia from compressions of the chest area and airways. Ms Morley told gardai that at the time she was overwhelmed and her thoughts had been getting darker. The court heard Ms Morley wanted to save her children from the pain and suffering she felt lay before them because of her parental shortcomings. She believed she had to take their lives as they were more damaged by her parenting skills, and they had to go together. A Limerick man is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge which alleges that he attempted to facilitate by speedboat the transportation of 66 people from Greece to Italy. Before the High Court on Thursday morning was Jeremiah OBrien (55), of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick. Detective Garda Tony Keane gave evidence that on November 26th, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant. Det Gda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9th 2017, and November 16th, 2017, by renting a car, and between November 11th, 2017, and November 23rd, 2017, by renting a 12m long speedboat. Advertisement It is further alleged that in the early morning of November 22nd, the respondent facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece towards Italy. That evening, it was discovered that the boat had stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece. Det Gda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran). Det Gda Keane said that these 66 human beings paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each. The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece. Det Gda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that. The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and had rented a car. Counsel for the State, Brian Gageby BL said there was no consent to bail and asked that Mr O'Brien be remanded in custody. Ms Justice Karen OConnor said she was satisfied that the respondent was the person named on the arrest warrant, based on Det Gda Keanes evidence. She remanded Mr OBrien in custody to appear before the court on December 9th. Normal People author Sally Rooneys books may have to be withdrawn from sale and none of her new works published in the UK due to uncertainty caused by the ban on Palestine Action, the UK high court has been told. Palestine Actions co-founder Huda Ammori is taking legal action against the UK home office over then-home secretary Yvette Coopers decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws. The Home Office is defending the claim. Sally Rooney has been vocal in her support of the book (Alamy/PA) The ban, which began on July 5, made membership of, or support for, the direct-action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. A total of 143 people were arrested after demonstrations took place during the first day of the challenge at the UK high court in London on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said. Advertisement On Thursday, Ms Ammoris barrister Raza Husain KC said that the Ms Rooney believes that publishers and producers could be committing a criminal offence by paying her due to her vocal support for the banned group. In August, Downing Street warned that she risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations of novels Normal People and Conversations With Friends to support the banned group, in a piece for the Irish Times. If Palestine Action is still proscribed by the time my next book is due for publication, then that book will be available to readers all over the world and in dozens of languages, but will be unavailable to readers in the United Kingdom simply because no-one will be permitted to publish it, unless I am content to give it away for free Sally Rooney And in witness statements for the legal challenge made public on Thursday, Ms Rooney stated the producer of those programmes said they had been advised that they could not send money to her agent if it could be used to fund Palestine Action as that would be a crime under anti-terror laws. The author said it was unclear whether any UK company can make payments to her and that if she was prevented from profiting from her work, her income would be enormously restricted. She added: If I were to write another screenplay, television show or similar creative work, I would not be able to have it produced or distributed by a company based in England and Wales without, expressly or tacitly, accepting that I would not be paid. The 34-year-old writer said that the uncertainty about how the ban affects her contracts also means she and her publisher cannot predict how it could impact upon her novels. She described how the publication of her books is based on royalties on sales, and that non-payment of the royalties would mean she could terminate the contract. Advertisement If, therefore, Faber and Faber Limited are legally prohibited from paying me the royalties I am owed, my existing works may have to be withdrawn from sale and would therefore no longer be available to readers in the UK, Ms Rooney added, saying this would be a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression. Ms Rooney then said it is almost certain that she cannot publish or produce new work in the UK while the ban remains in force. She continued: If Palestine Action is still proscribed by the time my next book is due for publication, then that book will be available to readers all over the world and in dozens of languages, but will be unavailable to readers in the United Kingdom simply because no-one will be permitted to publish it, unless I am content to give it away for free. Ms Rooney concluded: I am of the view that the passionate opposition to this proscription is due not only to the broad base of support for direct action against genocide, but also to the unprecedented misuse of anti-terrorism legislation to curtail civil liberties. Multiple demonstrations have taken place against the ban (Aaron Chown/PA) Sir James Eadie KC, for the Home Office, said that a debate about how a terrorist organisation is defined was for Parliament to decide. The barrister told the court: Palestine Action is within the definition of a terrorist organisation applying the test that Parliament has determined that and provided for, we say compatibly, in the primary legislation. He continued: In our democratic society, these issues are matters for Parliament to judge and Parliaments judgment is expressed in the current legislation. Advertisement In written submissions, Sir James said that proscriptions aim is stifling organisations concerned in terrorism and for members of the public to face criminal liability for joining or supporting such organisations. He continued: That serves to ensure proscribed organisations are deprived of the oxygen of publicity as well as both vocal and financial support. Sir James also said the ban strikes a fair balance between interference with the rights of the individuals affected and the interests of the community. The barrister also emphasised that the ban has not prevented people from protesting against Israels actions in Gaza or in support of Palestinians. He later said: Whilst it has at all times been open to supporters of Palestine Action to protest against its proscription without breaking the law, certain individuals have instead repeatedly sought to flout Palestine Actions proscription. The hearing before Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude on December 2, with a decision expected in writing at a later date. Supermacs Managing Director, Pat McDonagh, is being prosecuted for an alleged unauthorised Supermacs company sign in need of a refresh that has been in situ for more than seven years, a court has heard. At Gort District Court, after looking at Galway County Council photos of the sign, Judge Alec Gabbett commented that this sign is very old and is in need of a refresh. In response, solicitor for Mr McDonagh and Supermac's Ireland Ltd, John Nash, told Judge Gabbett that the sign in question in the townland of Castletown, Co Galway, has been in place for more than seven years. He said: That is one of the points I will be making when the case is heard and there is more in my armoury than that. Mr McDonagh and Supermac's Ireland Ltd are contesting the Council prosecution and Mr Nash said that at this stage I dont want to be showing my cards to the opposition. Advertisement Judge Gabbett told Mr Nash: Your client operates licensed premises and runs very popular establishments around the country - what is the problem here that he cant abide with planning? In response, Mr Nash said: He believes that he does abide with planning. Mr Nash requested an adjournment as an essential witness in the case, Michael Rabbitte, is unable to attend the court as he is out of the country. Earlier this year, Mr Nash issued a witness summons for Mr Rabbitte to attend court and told the court previously: I understand that he is aggrieved by the sign - that is my understanding. Galway County Council was ready to proceed on Thursday with the case, but Judge Gabbett acceded to Mr Nashs application for an adjournment. Judge Gabbett adjourned the case to February 26th. He said: It is on, all duck or no dinner, it is on. Business Supermacs enjoys record year as profits jump to 43.6m on back of 294.37m revenue Read more Judge Gabbett said that in the meantime, the two sides could work it out - it is not that big a problem. The court summons issued to Mr McDonagh of Supermacs, Ballybrit Park, Galway says that a complaint has been made that on November 26th 2024 in the townland of Castletown he did commit an offence by failing to comply with an Enforcement Notice dated 24th October 2024. The summons states that the enforcement notice required Mr McDonagh to carry out the following: cease the development being a development for which no permission has been granted, and cease the use of the framed structure for advertising within seven days. The Enforcement Notice also required Mr McDonagh to remove the advertising signage and dispose of it in accordance with the current Waste Management Act. Taxi drivers will stage a "go slow" protest in Dublin on Thursday evening, against fixed fares by Uber. Some 1,500 taxi drivers are set to engage in a slow drive at three strategic points Dublin Airport, Clontarf, and Phoenix Park from 4.30pm on Thursday, before converging on Government Buildings. As the Irish Examiner reports, they claim the measure by the app is destabilising the industry and undermining existing fare structures. A protest took place in the city on Saturday, and drivers say Thursday's is an escalation of that. That option means that Uber users agree on a fare in advance of taking their trip. Should the meter read less than the agreed fare, the customer pays the lower price. If the meter is higher, due to adverse traffic or other factors, the passenger pays only the pre-agreed fixed fare. Advertisement Uber said the approach has been shown to increase rider confidence and trip demand. About a third of Irelands more than 17,000 taxi drivers make use of Uber to source fares. Ireland Strike action threatened in one of Ireland's largest GP out-of-hours service Read more The drivers, who are not represented by any formal union body, are calling for the Government to intervene and update the existing regulations to outlaw what Uber has done. We said if we didnt hear back wed increase the severity of our protest. We havent heard back so were going to escalate, David Mitchell, a Dublin-based driver and one of the protests co-ordinators, said of the planned two-hour protest. He used the analogy of a publican cutting the price of a pint and his barmans salary, before raising the price again but leaving the barmans wage at the lower level. Find me one person who would accept that, he said. A sting operation involving UK police led to a Midlands-based man being caught with 10,000 images and 50 videos of child sexual abuse. Electronic engineer Mark Barlow, 61, of Clonlost, Kilucan, Co Westmeath, was arrested following a series of disturbing online chats with an undercover police officer in Yorkshire about fantasies involving young girls and toddlers. He pleaded guilty to two offences under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act, 1998. Divisional Protective Service Unit Detective Garda Elizabeth Glennon told Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court that the accused was identified as a suspect after an initial investigation by Yorkshire and Humberside Police. Judge Kenneth Connolly heard that Barlow had been a user called Dave, but using a screen name Wow, thats tight on an internet platform with indecent images of children. From May 2nd to June 6th 2023, he engaged with the undercover officer using the name Andrew, purporting to be an adult male who was sexually abusing his children. Advertisement Detective Garda Glennon agreed with prosecutor Cathal O Braonain that Andrew noticed the accuseds screenname and that he had left sexualised comments on other users images of children. Andrew told Barlow, not many of us Brits on this site, and invited the accused to email him because he thought they had similar interests. Barlow replied with a sexual comment. The undercover officer referred to a girl named M. The accused replied that they had similar tastes, and was glad Andrew could enjoy M, as only a father can. The undercover operative, Andrew, asked the accused what ages he was into, adding, For me, it's zero to 10. Barlow replied, You have my age preference spot on. The accused later commented to Andrew, a toddler on my tongue, and the undercover policeman asked if he had any experience with what he called little cunts. Barlow emailed back, saying he had tasted a few and describing how that happened. On May 18th, the accused emailed Andrew asking about abusing his baby and asked, I wonder if it is sweeter when it's your own?. He mentioned an incident involving two girls aged two and four, where abuse was about to happen, and asked Andrew about his experiences. He wrote to the undercover officer later, who asked if he had seen many girls out in the sun. The accused replied that it was a rich hunting ground for little girls He wrote that he was waiting for an invite to a friends house for a barbecue where there would be Advertisement Yummy mummies showing off their darlings. They then discussed girls' clothing. The officer engaged with him more and discussed a particular image, asking him what he would do with her if he had the chance. The accused answered, "A lot of kissing and licking. They discussed images that were sent to the undercover officer, who replied with further sexualised comments about girls. Barlow later emailed the officer saying, I just love little girls, they get me so hard; I really want to eat pussy from about two up, and stated that he liked to see them with cocks in their mouths. He sent a picture of a six-year-old girl, sexually exposed. Barlow continued the conversation and asked the undercover officer about the abuse of his daughter and discussed engaging in other sexual acts with a young girl. They discussed what they were watching on the internet, and that concluded the chat, which itself was classed as a child pornography offence under the Act and one of the charges on the indictment. The Internet Protocol (IP) number was traced to the accuseds home, where gardai attended on September 29th 2023. They seized the married mans laptop, tablet computers, and phones, which had an estimated 10,000 images and 50 videos of child abuse. They were on the child explicit and child exposure scale, of girls aged from six to mid-teens, and some were engaged in sexual activity with males. Detective Garda Glennon agreed that the accused was cooperative on arrest. During his interview, he apologised and said this activity started in early 2023 when he was away a lot for work and was bored. Advertisement He suggested that he got into the habit of looking at child sexual abuse material. Questioned about the explicit conversations, he maintained they were purely fantasy on his part. The court heard he had no prior convictions and had been in the same job for the past 25 years. Defence counsel Stephen Byrne said his client told gardai he knew he should have stopped and that he did not instigate the conversations and deleted them because he was appalled at his actions. The detective agreed that the accused told gardai that over the previous year, it had happened more often, and he did not know if he was addicted or not. Barlow, who has no prior criminal convictions and is on bail, also told the investigating officers that he had been bored and away a lot. The court heard that he told gardai that he knew he should have stopped, it happened out of fascination, not sexual gratification, and he was ashamed and disgusted. The defence submitted that much of the salacious conversation originated with the undercover officer, but the detective disagreed. Judge Connolly commented that he had been shocked by it, but added that it was perhaps necessary to draw out the exact nature of the offending. There was no evidence that the accused had paid for any of the material recovered from his devices. Barlow has been attending psychotherapy, and a probation report described him as being at low risk of re-offending. Sentencing was adjourned until a date in December. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help A variety of stories feature on Irish front pages on Thursday morning, including a woman who was set on fire at her home in Dublin, leaving her in critical condition. The Irish Times lead with new accommodation charges for asylum seekers not being imposed on thousands living in direct provision, a review into "falsified" garda background checks supplied by a company running emergency housing for vulnerable children in State care, and the woman who was set on fire at her Dublin home, leaving her in critical condition, recently being the subject of what gardai believe was drugs-related intimidation. The Irish Examiner lead with patients waiting as a nursing home is delayed, Children's Health Ireland warning of a significant rise in child flu cases in the last week, the chance of extreme floods in Ireland rising, and a taxi driver protest in Dublin. Advertisement The Irish Independent lead with Bank of Ireland piloting a new loan product allowing people to trade down to a smaller home. The Echo lead with a Cork City Council tenant living in a rat-infested house, knowing that it will force her family apart for Christmas. The Irish Daily Mail lead with a Failte Ireland climate action official being among the objectors to the Metrolink, despite the tourism body saying the project is "vital." The Herald and the Irish Daily Mirror both lead with an arson attack in Dublin that left a woman in critical condition. The Irish Daily Star lead with traders on Dublin's Henry Street selling Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch wrapping paper, mugs, and Santa hats after it emerged that he intends to run in the Dublin Central Dail byelection. The Belfast Telegraph lead with the family of a man who was fatally injured by a car, saying they do not blame the driver. An Afghan national has been accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members close to the White House. Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, said at a Thursday news briefing that the guard members shot were specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and staff sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24. Ms Pirro said the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, drove across the country to launch an ambush-style attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. The suspect currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Ms Pirro said that its too soon to say what the suspects motives were. Nation Guard move through the area following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House (Mark Schiefelbein/AP) The charges could be upgraded, Ms Pirro said, adding: We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge. Law enforcement officials told the Associated Press that the suspect in custody was an Afghan national who entered the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration programme which evacuated and resettled Afghans after the US withdrawal from the country. Advertisement FBI director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Agents have served a series of search warrants, with Mr Patel calling it a coast-to-coast investigation. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser interpreted the shooting as a direct assault on America itself, rather than specifically on President Donald Trumps policies. Somebody drove across the country and came to Washington DC to attack America, Ms Bower said. That person will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. National Guard patrol on the National Mall near the US Capitol in Washington (Rahmat Gul/AP) Lakanwal was shot and has wounds that are not believed to be life-threatening. Lakanwal arrived in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles (127 kilometres) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman. Prior to his 2021 arrival in the United States, the suspect worked with the US government, including the CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, John Ratcliffe, the spy agencys director, said in a statement. Advertisement He did not specify what work Lakanwal did, but said the relationship ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation of US servicemembers from Afghanistan. Kandahar in southern Afghanistan is in the Taliban heartland of the country. It saw fierce fighting between the Taliban and Nato forces after the US-led invasion in 2001 following the al Qaida attacks on September 11. The CIA relied on Afghan staff for translation, administrative and frontline fighting with their own paramilitary officers in the war. The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginia National Guard and their families We will make America totally safe again, and we will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice. President Trump pic.twitter.com/zOkJGZyGmk The White House (@WhiteHouse) November 27, 2025 Mr Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration. In a video message released on social media on Wednesday night, Mr Trump said: If they cant love our country, we dont want them. He called the shooting a heinous assault and a crime against our entire nation and said it proves that lax migration policies are the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival, he said. Mr Trump described Afghanistan as a hellhole on earth and he said his administration would review everyone who entered from the country under President Joe Biden a measure his administration had already been planning before the incident. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would indefinitely stop processing all immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending a review of security and vetting protocols. During his remarks, Mr Trump also swung his focus to Minnesota, where he complained about hundreds of thousands of Somalians who are ripping apart that once-great state. Advertisement The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth said Mr Trump asked him to send the troops. Nearly 2,200 troops are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the governments latest update. The Operation Allies Welcome initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the US, many of whom had worked alongside US troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Mr Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. A Washington Metropolitan Police officer directs pedestrians after two National Guard soldiers were shot (Evan Vucci/AP) Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant Washington police chief, said investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant came around the corner and immediately started firing at the troops roughly two blocks northwest of the White House, citing video reviewed by investigators. Hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, he said. It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, Mr Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect. At this point we have no other suspects. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but he later walked that statement back to say his office was receiving conflicting reports about their condition. General Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, scrapped plans to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with troops at Guantanamo Bay in order to travel to Washington and be with guard members there instead. Pope Leo XIV is in Turkey on his first foreign trip. The journey fulfils the late Pope Franciss plans to mark an important Orthodox anniversary and bring a message of peace to the region at a crucial time in efforts to end the war in Ukraine and ease Middle East tensions. Leos charter plane landed at Ankaras international airport ahead of a meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a speech to the countrys diplomatic corps. The Pope spoke to reporters aboard a flight on his way to Ankara (AP) He will then move on to Istanbul for three days of ecumenical and interfaith meetings that will be followed by the Lebanese leg of his trip. The Pope was welcomed on the tarmac of Ankaras Esenboga Airport by a military guard of honour. Advertisement Strolling along a turquoise carpet, he shook hands with tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, other officials and senior church figures from Turkey. Speaking to reporters on board his plane, Leo acknowledged the historic nature of his first foreign trip as pontiff and said he has been looking forward to it because of what it means for Christians and for peace in the world. Leo was meeting the Turkish president (AP) Leo said he knows the visit to commemorate a key ecumenical anniversary was important for Christians. But he said he hoped his broader message of peace would resonate worldwide. He added: We hope to also announce, transmit and proclaim how important peace is throughout the world. And to invite all people to come together to search for greater unity, greater harmony, and to look for the ways that all men and women can truly be brothers and sisters in spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs. Leos Mercedes limousine received a horse-mounted escort to the presidential palace, where he was greeted by Mr Erdogan. As is traditional for official guests to the palace, Leo paused in front of a guard of honour and addressed them with the words Merhaba asker or Greetings soldiers. He was then welcomed by officials and senior church members. The American pope emphasised a message of peace in a speech alongside Mr Erdogan. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shakes hands with Pope Leo XIV during their meeting at the presidential palace in Ankara (Turkish Presidency via AP) Speaking to Mr Erdogan and the countrys diplomatic corps at a library in the palace complex, Leo praised Turkeys historic role as a bridge between east and west and the crossroads of religions and cultures. May Turkey be a source of stability and rapprochement between peoples, in services of a just and lasting peace, he said, speaking in front of a giant globe. Advertisement Today, more than ever, we need people who will promote dialogue and practice it with firm will and patient resolve. In his address in the Turkish capital, Leo recalled that four popes had visited Turkey: Paul VI in 1967, John Paul II in 1979, Benedict XVI in 2006, and Francis in 2014. The visits by four popes show that the Holy See not only maintains good relations with (Turkey) but also desires to co-operate in building a better world with the contribution of this country, he said. Leo also pointed to the historical significance of Turkey as the site of the early ecumenical councils, including the Council of Nicaea. The Pope and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan review an honour guard at the presidential palace in Ankara (Yavuz Ozden/Dia Photo via AP) Mr Erdogan said the Palestinian issue is central to achieving peace in the region and praised the Vaticans stance on it. At the heart of a lasting peace in our region lies the Palestinian issue, Mr Erdogan said in his address. I want it to be known that we have always appreciated the steadfast stance of our distinguished guest and his predecessors, especially regarding the Palestinian issue, he said. Advertisement The Turkish leader again criticised the killings of civilians in Gaza, and noted that one of the places of worship struck by Israel was a Catholic church. He reiterated his call for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue and said immediate steps must be taken to strengthen the Gaza ceasefire, protect civilians and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid. Leos visit comes as Turkey, a country of more than 85 million predominantly Sunni Muslims, has cast itself as a key intermediary in peace negotiations for the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Pope Leo delivers his speech in the presidential palaces national library in Ankara (Domenico Stinellis/AP) Ankara has hosted rounds of low-level talks between Russia and Ukraine and has offered to take part in the stabilisation force in Gaza to help uphold the fragile ceasefire, engagements Leo may applaud in his arrival speech. Turkeys growing military weight, as Natos largest army after the US, has been drawing Western leaders closer to Erdogan even as critics warn of his crackdown on the countrys main opposition party. Though support for Palestinians and an end to the war in Ukraine is widespread in Turkey, for Turks who face an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, owing to market turmoil induced by shake-ups in domestic politics, international politics is a secondary concern. That could explain why Leos visit has largely escaped the attention of many in Turkey, at least outside the countrys small Christian community. Leo places a wreath at the Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara (Domenico Stinellis/AP) Ankara residents expressed their appreciation of Leos decision to pay his respects at the mausoleum of modern Turkeys founder, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Nilgun Altinsoy described it as significant, saying some leaders opposed to Ataturks secular reforms introduced following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire refrain from paying their respects. Advertisement I congratulate the pope for this reason, she said. Bayram Alibastanbel said the popes visit resonates with Ataturks message of peace, which he said was relevant in the current climate of conflict. Ataturk is a world-renowned leader who said Peace at home, peace in the world, Mr Alibastanbel said. We are already going through a difficult time globally, a period with wars. Since this is a time when the world needs peace, I think this is a meaningful visit. Leos plane left for Istanbul after the completion of official engagements in Ankara. Turkeys culture and tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy bade him farewell on the tarmac. On Friday, Leo will join Istanbul-based Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which took place in todays Iznik, some 90 kilometres (54 miles) southeast of Istanbul. Advertisement BusinessSmall businessCommercial real estate One of Balmains favourite pubs gets a new owner Carolyn Cummins November 28, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Capital Gain Balmain favourite, the East Village pub, will get a facelift after the hotel was taken over by local restaurateur Matt Turner. The vendor of 82 Darling Street was ex-Macquarie bank partner John White. He acquired the pubs keys in 2017 from another local Balmain hotelier Tim Condon. No price for the deal was disclosed but nearby the Town Hall pub sold in July for $9.5 million after receivers appointed to oversee Jon Adgemiss embattled Public Hospitality group put it on the market. The East Village pub in Darling Street, Balmain. Advertisement The East Village sale was a leasehold and the business generated annual revenues of more than $2.6 million. Related Article Commercial real estate Labubu bounces into Pitt Street, still one of the worlds most expensive shopping strips Turner is well-known in the district having previously owned and operated the popular Rosebud Restaurant in Rozelle. He intends to give the East Village Hotel a more compelling and contemporary food and beverage offering, which he hopes will resonate with the younger Balmain demographic. Giving old Balmain pubs a facelift is a popular pastime. Justin Hemmes rolled out his Tottis concept in the Three Weeds Hotel in Rozelle, while ex-Felix chef Ben Sitton successfully reinvigorated the Dry Dock Hotel. Rumours are swirling that the new owners of the Town Hall Hotel have secured a high-profile Melbourne chef to resurrect and reposition the dormant business. Advertisement HTL Propertys Andrew Jolliffe said Balmain has come a long way since its origin in 1800 when it formed part of a 550 acre government grant to namesake, William Balmain. Jolliffe, Sam Handy and Blake Edwards advised on the East Village sale. Pubs are still in demand with investors. Just last week, Momento Hospitality sold the large format Silverwater hotel for $75 million to the Marlow Hotel Group in one of the biggest pub transactions of the year. HTLs Daniel Dragicevich and Andrew Jolliffe, and JLLs Ben McDonald and John Musca handled that sale. Transport focus Realterm, an independent global investment manager focused on the transportation industry, has expanded its Sydney portfolio with the purchase of two major industrial assets in Revesby and Ingleburn. Advertisement The acquisitions add $89 million to its Australian portfolio with the assets going to Realterms second Australian fund, which it launched in May this year. Related Article Commercial real estate Rich lister familys $100m shopping complex brings luxury brands to Sydneys west These acquisitions increase Realterms Sydney portfolio to five assets. Realterm currently manages a $US12 billion ($18.3 billion) global property portfolio on behalf of its partners. The firms Australian operations are being led by Charlotte Brabant, who once worked at Blackstone-owned 151 Property where she managed real estate investments. Bastian van Halder is the managing director of Asia Pacific. Realterm entered the Australian market in January last year with the $62 million purchase of 77 Governor Macquarie Drive, Chipping Norton. Advertisement In the latest deal, Realterm acquired 59 Lancaster Street in Ingleburn, a 23,900 square metre truck terminal with a 10,900 sq m warehouse. Elijah Shakir of ReVest Property Group advised on the sale. The group also purchased 2A Mavis Street, Revesby for $50 million. That 27,447 sq m industrial outdoor storage complex is leased to ASX-listed business Acrow who have occupied the site for more than 15 years. Trent Gallagher and Hamish Miles from Colliers advised on the sale. Unitas sells Advertisement Singaporean-based investor Unitas Premier has sold a strategic purpose-built student accommodation in Sydneys south-east for $18 million. Student accommodation close to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is in high demand. A private Asian family office fund snapped up the three-storey complex at 66-68 Barker Street, Kingsford which has 39 self-contained studios, a managers residence and 17 basement spaces for cars and motorbikes. The deal was hatched on a 5.44 per cent net yield and equal to $450,000 per room. Student accommodation close to the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is in high demand from both local and offshore investors, particularly parties from Vietnam, Singapore and Hong Kong. Advertisement The UNSW precinct, home to over 60,000 students from more than 130 countries, remains a key driver of consistent rental growth and investment activity. The sale was led by Colliers Harry Bui and Andrew Bui. City retail A private Asian family company, Dang and Nguyen Pty Ltd, sold shop 120 at 289295 Sussex Street for $5.5 million. The corner site at Sussex and Bathurst Streets has a 138 sq m convenience store with three secure car parks. The purchaser was a high-net-worth offshore investor from Thailand chasing Sydney property on a sharp 4.29 per cent net yield, a rate of $39,855 per sq m on internal strata area. Colliers Harry Bui, Joseph Lin and Hugh Gittoes managed the sale. Advertisement Contact carolynannecummins@gmail.com The Market Recap newsletter is a wrap of the days trading. Get it each weekday afternoon. Advertisement CultureMoviesReview Emma Thompson a credible, touching heroine in snowbound thriller Sandra Hall November 27, 2025 10:15am 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 Dead of Winter (MA) 97 minutes A grey-faced Emma Thompson is menaced by a couple of deranged characters with a hunting rifle in this aptly named thriller, but its highly likely that hypothermia will claim her before they can. Emma Thompson in Dead of Winter. The Minnesota setting a snowbound purgatory in the middle of nowhere is the star of the show, although it does have formidable competition from Thompson, whose Minnesota accent matches Frances McDormands efforts in Fargo. But its hard to kick the notion that youre watching a small group of people trapped in a vast refrigerator, an impression reinforced by the news that the shoot took place in Finland, where the temperature dropped to minus 29 degrees. Thompsons Barb has been in the area for most of her life, running a fishing shack with her beloved husband, Carl. Now Carl is dead after a long, debilitating illness and hes left behind one request that his ashes be scattered on Lake Hilda, a favourite spot of his and Barbs when they were young and falling in love. Advertisement Barb sets out, predictably running into a blizzard on the way, and she gets lost. When the outlines of a cabin materialise from the enveloping whiteness, she asks its suspicious-looking resident (Marc Menchaca) for directions and just as predictably, he turns out to be one of the villains. Hes not nearly as dangerous, however, as his wife (Judy Greer), who has talked him into kidnapping a young woman (Laurel Marsden). The reason for this crime is not remotely plausible, but it matters less than the logistics of the plot and the role played by the weather in ensuring that Barb is the only one who can save the girls life. She cant call the police because her mobile phone has no signal, and she cant drive to the nearest town because her truck has become bogged in the snow. Everything depends on her guts and her ingenuity, which means that suspense lies in the detail as events are played out step by step in a manner of thrillers gone by. Can she find a way into the cabins basement, where the girl is chained to a post, before the kidnappers return? And can she keep herself alive when they realise what shes up to? Advertisement Its here that Thompson and her Minnesota accent come into their own. Barb has no flair for heroics. Her motivators are decency and sympathy for someone desperately in need of help. Shes improvising all the time with occasionally bizarre results. And shes distracted by memories of happier days on the lake with Carl memories dramatised in flashback with Thompsons daughter, Gaia Wise, as the young Barb. Emma Thompson in Dead of Winter. The conclusion, which also takes place on the lake, is pure pulp fiction with Greer working herself up into such a screaming frenzy that the whole film sinks into absurdity. Nonetheless, Thompson emerges from the surrounding mayhem with a performance both credible and touching. It has no unnecessary flourishes and she and the landscape collaborate to compelling effect. Reviewed by Sandra Hall. In cinemas Thursday, November 27. All you need to know about Melbournes new Metro Tunnel. See all stories . He tells The Age that considerable sums were spent on a recharge system a series of wells around the station that continuously pumped water back into the water table, stopping any settlement. But Tattersall, who was chief executive of the Metro Tunnel project for nearly eight years, and his team had a plan one that worked, as evidenced by the fact all these institutions are still standing unharmed today. This meant there was a risk, if not handled correctly, that buildings such as St Pauls, Young & Jackson Hotel and Flinders Street Station could move or crack as workers dug out the cavernous new station that now serves as an underground mirror to the cathedral above. It was not an irrational concern. When giant holes are created in places like Melbourne they suck moisture out of the ground, and if the water table drops, the earth can settle or shift. As a man of God, Archbishop Philip Freier was haunted by the biblical image of one of Melbournes most iconic religious buildings collapsing because of the new underground rail tunnel being built under its foundations. When the Metro Tunnel was still just a twinkle in Evan Tattersalls eye, he sat down with the then Anglican archbishop of Melbourne to assure him that St Pauls Cathedral was not going to be swallowed by the earth. The now-retired archbishop stresses that he was very impressed with the efforts by senior staff to address their concerns and have constructive conversations to look after the cathedral. Contacted by The Age, Freier says he doesnt remember the specific conversation, but remembers the fear of the unknown and the difficult soil conditions in Melbourne. [My media adviser said] Dont be too technical. Dont get angry with him He got it in the end. But thats the thing. You just have to sit with them and be honest. He was showing me drawings of the foundations that arent that deep. [Freier] was convinced the cathedral was going to end up in this big hole in the ground, Tattersall says. Its a technique used around the world, but before it could be used, Tattersall had to convince the archbishop and many other people along the underground route that they were in good hands and that the project would transform the city for the better. And the challenge of electromagnetic interference disrupting sensitive medical equipment in the Parkville precinct was more complex than originally thought. Engineers and tunnelling experts worked around the clock to manage difficult soil conditions, including digging under the Yarra River and through quicksand-like Coode Island silt. About 1.8 million cubic metres of rock and soil had to be slowly brought from metres underground and trucked out hundreds of times a day. The task of propping up the earth around some of Melbournes oldest and most famous buildings was just one of the many technical challenges faced during his tenure. Ahead of the tunnels opening on Sunday, Tattersall and other senior figures spoke to The Age to detail how they achieved an engineering task he believes is one of the worlds most complex projects of its kind. Tattersall was chief executive of Rail Projects Victoria and its previous incarnation, the Melbourne Metro Rail Authority, from 2015 to 2022 and oversaw the bulk of the $15 billion Metro Tunnels excavation and construction work. I was pushing at one point to call it Cathedral Station, but that didnt get up, he says. Hours were spent with media, businesses, residents and community groups allaying fears about the impact of construction and explaining to them how the tunnel would change the city for the better. I used to just sit with people and be as honest as I could. Theres no point trying to bullshit people, because theyre not idiots. Everyone knew we were building this big, massive monster under the heart of Swanston Street and down St Kilda Road. But they didnt really know why. One of the biggest challenges on the job was the fear of the unknown, he said. But Tattersall says the hardest task of all was convincing people the short-term pain and disruption would be worth it when the tunnel opened. Digging under thousands of homes and businesses meant dealing with a different challenge at every site. Once we really got into the construction side [of the project], people became a lot more comfortable. It was like everyone was against us, until they werent, until they started to see the reality of it. Early days, it was really, really hard, Tattersall says. This will not only enable more frequent services on these lines, but it will take them out of the City Loop, freeing up space for more services for most other railway lines. It will also connect Domain, Parkville and the Arden precincts to heavy rail for the first time. The nine-kilometre underground tunnel will be used by all Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham trains when a full timetable is rolled out on February 1, 2026. Parkville was one of the most complex precincts to stage a construction site, with major universities, hospitals and research centres operating at all times. The University of Melbourne had serious concerns, Tattersall says, until he showed that his team was serious about minimising the impact to students. An open-air hole needed for station construction effectively cut the campus in half. The project team managed this by meeting regularly and developing walkways to make it easier for staff and students to move around the campus. Special techniques and equipment were used to produce less noise for people who were in hospital beds after operations, and MRI machines have been relocated or protected with extra reinforcement to minimise the impact of the trains on sensitive equipment. Electromagnetic interference (EMI), in which power running through the train line creates a magnetic field that disrupts sensitive medical equipment, was always going to be a big issue but ended up even more complex than they expected, Tattersall says. All three major Parkville-based hospitals say they have accepted the solutions put in place to reduce EMI, which this masthead revealed was troubling the precinct as recently as 2024. In North Melbourne, residents would ask the chief executive if they would feel the vibrations of tunnel-boring machines underneath their feet, knocking pictures off their walls or bringing their houses down. And at the Westin Hotel, difficult conversations were had about moving residents car parks under the City Square site that now serves as an entrance to Town Hall station. When we went down and created the access way you see there now, we had to completely reconfigure under the Westin Hotel. We had to structurally prop the thing up so it didnt collapse, he says. The residents who live on top of the Westin, some of whom are fairly highfalutin, you imagine what they thought when we had a meeting. The task of digging under the CBD requires centimetre-perfect calculations to avoid utilities, car parks and even other rail tunnels. The Metro Tunnel goes under the City Loop but the new State Library station also connects directly to Melbourne Central, meaning the two underground spaces are very close together. The depth of the tunnel and its stations was a key issue for the project in its early stages. Tattersall says convincing people the tunnel should go deep was a whole project in itself. The original concept was a shallow tunnel down Swanston Street, which meant you had to have two big station boxes just a big hole in the ground, he says. This cut and fill approach would have meant ripping up hundreds of metres of Swanston Street for years, moving all trams on the corridor to Elizabeth Street and then moving many of the major communication, gas and power lines from Elizabeth Street to Russell Street. The Swanston Street proposal on its own was so disruptive that then-premier Denis Napthine in 2014 said it would be worse than the Berlin Wall. You would have had Russell, Swanston and Elizabeth streets completely stuffed for years and years, Tattersall says. We ended up doing a whole lot of engineering work on going deep. Thats the reason we now go under the City Loop. Tunnel-boring machine Alice at work on the Anzac station site in 2020. Justin McManus At its lowest point at the northern end of Swanston Street, the Metro Tunnel is up to 40 metres underground. At this depth, the two new CBD stations, Town Hall and State Library, could be built starting with narrow access shafts that go as far 11 storeys underground. Machines and workers were transported underground using these shafts, where they could then chisel out massive caverns from below rather than through the Big Build equivalent of an open-cut mine. Once these shafts were built in places like ABeckett Street, Federation Square and City Square, the only thing the public saw were the large acoustic sheds that went above them and the coming and going of trucks and workers. This solution was more technically challenging, Tattersall says, but significantly less disruptive. Swanston Street trams were able to run to their normal timetable across the life of the project. The ground conditions under Melbourne are not where you want to build holes in the ground. Theyre not that good compared to a lot of places around the world, he says. There are a lot of faults in the mudstone and siltstone and the risk of settlement because of de-watering the ground, big issues that had to be managed [and were] very hard for the contractors. One person tasked to handle these problems head-on was Linda Cantan, a former project director who started on the Metro Tunnel in 2016 and has worked on public-private partnerships for three decades. She agrees that one of the success stories of the Metro Tunnel was the access shafts and acoustic sheds that spared the CBD much disruption. The Metro Tunnel acoustic shed at Federation Square in August 2024. Joe Armao Generally, the public was blissfully unaware of everything that was going on down there, which you can now envisage when you see the size of the stations that have been excavated, she says. We would use smaller bits of kit to create less vibration, less disruption, and a huge amount of time [was] spent on how you get trucks in and out of the city and reduce the impact on the CBD, she says. Cantan says the removal of soil was a massive logistical challenge. The soil dug up by tunnel-boring machines was ferried back out of the tunnel and transported to sites at Arden and Domain. But thousands of tonnes excavated at the CBD stations had to be loaded onto buckets and hauled up these shafts. It was like using the claw from a skill-tester machine, with machines that painstakingly picked up a fraction of the dirt at a time running around the clock. At the peak of construction, the project warned in 2019, this meant 400 trucks a day exiting the CBD with Metro Tunnel spoil dirt, rocks and other detritus. The projects 1.8 million cubic metres of excavated rock and soil could fill the MCG 1.2 times. This became less of an issue during COVID lockdowns, Cantan says, when a much quieter CBD gave the team more time and space to organise their truck movements. Many major projects have heart-in-mouth moments that are more nerve-racking than others. Every safety check has been performed, every number crunched, but there are still risks that keep everyone on edge. Cantan says this moment, for her, was when tunnel boring machines were under the Yarra River. In NSW, bubbles have appeared at times on the surface of Sydney Harbour above the location of tunnel boring machines digging underground and underwater, attributed to pockets of gas or air. But in 2021, as Victorias machines made their way under the Yarra River, Cantan was less worried about bubbles and more worried the ground conditions would create unforeseen headaches. These fears were never realised, which she puts down to planning. The contractors on the project selected the right type of tunnel-boring machine built for Melbournes unique slurry-like conditions, and the team was prepared. If youve done your work, youve selected the right TBM [tunnel-boring] machines, youve understood the ground conditions That aspect went very, very smoothly, Cantan says. Loading Melbournes volcanic past means the citys geology is full of challenging conditions for those wanting to dig underground. Basalt rock, one of the hardest rocks in the world, has to be avoided or drilled through, while Coode Island silt found at Arden is the opposite, sucking up anything it comes into contact with, much like quicksand. Tattersall says when working on the foundations for Crown casino, piles needed for the structure would sink through the silt and down to rock 30 metres below. [I thought] How are hell are we going to put a tunnel through this stuff? he says. The solution was what is known as an earth pressure-balancing system. Tunnel-boring machines digging through these conditions create a pressurised chamber or face towards their front. This pressurised section holds up the ground as the machine carves through difficult liquid-like conditions. Workers in the front cabin of the machine, like scuba divers, often had to decompress before they could safely return to the surface and did this in special built-in chambers. When asked for a sweaty-palm moment, Tattersalls mind turns to the construction of the trinocular cavern at Town Hall station. Beneath St Pauls, the station platform is made up of three overlapping cylindrical chambers that create 10-metre-high arched ceilings and a cathedral-like appearance that almost confirms the archbishops fears that his place of worship would be pulled beneath the ground. It not only adds a sense of grandeur to the space but allows a platform that is almost 250 metres long and 18 metres wide, among the widest of its kind in the world. But to construct this, the builders had to use a temporary wall to hold up each chamber. These walls were eventually taken away leading to a nervous moment as the weight of 25 metres of rock and soil was transferred on to new rock columns. That was pretty hairy stuff, Tattersall says. It was all done to perfection with very solid engineering. But were all sitting there thinking this will be an interesting little bit of work. Cantan says the trinocular shape was a highly complex structural design that was reviewed by international experts and delivered a beautiful architectural result. She says it also allowed for railway stations that could cater for future growth, handling 100,000 passengers at peak and with enough space for the eventual use of 10-carriage, high-capacity metro trains. These trains currently run with seven carriages. As an engineer, Tattersall is not one for massive displays of emotion. But as The Age accompanied him on a tour of State Library station, his first visit since it was a big a hole in the ground when he retired in 2022, he couldnt hide his pleasure. At times, he seemed to be inspecting every nut and bolt as if it were his own DIY project at home. All that hard work and planning and years of working through stuff to see it all now in the flesh, so to speak, its just unreal, he says. This is as good a project as has been done anywhere in the world, he says. Its going to change Melbourne completely. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalVictoriaSchools Eight-year-old stabbed by student wielding a kitchen knife and toy gun Jackson Graham, Noel Towell and Isabel McMillan Updated November 27, 2025 5:27pm ,first published November 27, 2025 11:38am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A child alleged to have stabbed an eight-year-old boy at school on Thursday invaded a year 1 classroom holding a kitchen knife and a toy gun while making threats. Emergency services were called to Brentwood Park Primary School in Berwick about 9am where they treated a boy for non-life-threatening injuries. A female school staff member also received medical attention for minor injuries. Loading Police say an 11-year-old boy was found nearby and questioned. He was later taken to Monash Medical Centre for assessment. School parents say the eight-year-old victim and his accused attacker are fellow students at Brentwood Park. Advertisement Another child at the school told their parent that the alleged attacker had been acting weird and not his usual self before the chaotic events unfolded. The year 5 teacher treated by paramedics was not seriously hurt, according to school community sources who asked not to be named, and was back at work later in the day. Brentwood Park Primary School on Thursday. Nine News Both Brentwood Park Primary School and nearby Kambrya College were briefly locked down in the aftermath of the incident for the safety of staff and students. In an email on Thursday afternoon, Brentwood Park principal James Bell told parents of year 1 students that an older student entered your childs classroom and behaved in a dangerous manner. Advertisement The student was holding a toy gun and an edged weapon and made verbal threats, Bell wrote. At the same time, our school went into a short lockdown to ensure the safety of all students and staff while we waited for emergency services to arrive. It is unclear if the year 1 classroom incident took place before or after the alleged stabbing. Two sources with knowledge of the incident, who asked not to be identified because of the age of the children involved, confirmed the weapon was a standard kitchen knife. Bell said students had responded well to the incident, and the school regularly practised student safety procedures. Advertisement Classroom teachers and our wellbeing team have checked in with students and will continue to monitor them on Friday, he said. We will continue to offer psychological support to any students who might need it. A parent with a year 1 child at the school, who also did not wish to be identified, described the scary experience. I drove past the school not long after receiving the email and there were parents at the gate, ambulance and police, the parent told The Age. The first email sent was so vague. I wouldve liked to have known more about the situation. The parent said his daughter was shaken by the incident and the minimal information about the incident was disconcerting. Advertisement I dont think she fully understands the severity of what happened, the parent said. To know it was a student involved in the attack is even more alarming. Sending my daughter back makes me feel anxious and weary. It definitely was terrifying not knowing whether or not my child couldve been involved, may have witnessed or even just been in close proximity to it all, because no information was given at the time of the first email. Brentwood Park was able to resume normal operations shortly after the incident and is working with authorities. Advertisement We are currently working with Brentwood Park Primary School regarding an incident this morning involving a young student who behaved in a dangerous manner, a Department of Education spokesperson said on Thursday. The school enacted its safety procedures, and police and paramedics attended the school. We are supporting both the staff member and the student and are providing additional wellbeing supports to those who need it. Police say their investigation is ongoing. They have urged anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Be the first to know when major news happens. Sign up for breaking news alerts on email or turn on notifications in the app. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Save this article for later Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. A bushfire is burning dangerously close to homes in Perths southern suburbs. The fire was first reported in Aubin Grove just after 2.30pm on Thursday and continues to burn near a number of homes south of Armadale Road. The incident area. DFES Authorities have warned those east of Tapper Road, west of Liddlelow Road, and north of Coffey Road in parts of Aubin Grove and Banjup to leave now in a westerly direction. The alert level was upgraded as fire behaviour increased. Firefighters have closed Gibbs Road as they try and stop the flames from encroaching on nearby properties. Advertisement Analysis PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Always the exception, never the rule, Joyce writes his own eulogy and plans his next comeback Rob Harris November 27, 2025 2:57pm 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 57 View all comments In the end, Barnaby Joyce didnt so much leave the Nationals as quietly concede theyd already left him. He stood up from the opposition backbenches in the House of Representatives as though hed wandered into his own political wake the guest of honour, the eulogist and, in a way, the body. Barnaby Joyce has left the Nationals after 20 years representing the party in both houses in Canberra. Marija Ercegovac Walking away in part from the party in Canberra is easy. Walking away from the membership is very, very, very hard, Joyce would later say outside the chamber. Its just quite obvious, when they talk about generational change, thats code for get out of here. Advertisement His farewell left more questions than it answered. But one thing was clear: the most influential and charismatic Nationals MP since John Black Jack McEwen was severing all ties with the party after a colourful and scandal-plagued 20 years in parliament. Related Article Updated Political leadership This is the ejector seat: Joyce lashes out as he resigns from Nationals, clears way for One Nation move It was a resignation that landed with the soft thud of something long expected, delivered in a speech that sounded less like a breakaway and more like the final acknowledgement of a conversation that never came. Since announcing his intention not to contest his New England seat again weeks ago, amid speculation of an imminent defection to Pauline Hansons One Nation, thered been no communication between Joyce and Nationals leader David Littleproud, save a perfunctory phone call. Thats disappointing, he said. And it was hard not to notice that he did not need to raise his voice for that to be the sharpest sentence of the speech. Fellow Nat MP Colin Boyce, one of his last loyalists left in the party room, flanked him. Advertisement Michael McCormack, a man whose deputy prime ministership was undermined and eventually brought down by Joyce, sat a few seats away. McCormack hung his head when the resignation came. Despite their history hed begged Joyce to stay. There was genuine emotion when Joyce apologised for all the hurt the decision might cause others. His voice softened, and for a moment, it felt like a private admission inadvertently miked for the record. Loading There was no bluster nor none of the trademark rolling crescendos. Just a flat, almost weary delivery as he laid out his case: 30 years as a Nationals party member ending not with a bang but a 90-second speech. But then the pivot abrupt and Joyceian in its gear-grinding back to what he wanted to talk about most: cost-of-living pressures; regional struggles; and what he colourfully described as the building of intermittent power precincts and swindle factories destroying communities such as his own. Advertisement What is really important is the Chinese communist government are breathing down our necks and each day become more provocative, he added. What is really important is that we have regional hospitals without doctors in them. Joyce said if he decided to continue in politics, hed need to get himself into a better position than the ejection chair of the backbench of the Coalition in opposition. Related Article National News Live Australia news as it happened: Barnaby Joyce quits the Nationals; Hong Kong apartment fire death toll climbs The sentence trailed off, half-constructed, like a silo abandoned mid-build when the funding ran out. Whatever the political machinations behind him, Joyce wanted it known he was leaving the Nationals with the same grievances he arrived with the regions doing it tough, the city not listening, decisions being made in rooms where he wasnt invited. Joyce was a renegade before his backside hit the Senates red leather in 2005, swinging haymakers at John Howards mandate with the sort of cheerful destructiveness most MPs reserve for private text messages. Advertisement He vowed to fight the Telstra sale. He vowed to fight workplace reform. He vowed to fight whichever Liberal prime minister had the misfortune of sharing a coalition agreement with him at any given moment. And usually, he did. Many Nationals kept forgiving him through floor-crossings, clandestine leadership manoeuvres, a dual-citizenship fiasco, the late-night escapades and the spectacularly public collapse of his private life. Joyce was always the exception, never the rule. Joyce leaves the House of Representatives after his statement. Alex Ellinghausen He told reporters afterwards he was weighing up all opportunities, even though he is strongly considering running for the Senate on a One Nation ticket, revealing he thought politics of the future was not likely to be dominated by the major parties. The world is changing and I think Australia is actually last to it, its just that with compulsory voting its a little more sticky here, Joyce says. Advertisement And its changing because how people get their information is changing. If there was a final image, it was Joyce standing there beneath the bright chamber lights, equal parts defiant and wounded a political veteran whose long innings ended not with the roar of the crowd, but with the quietest sound in Canberra. Silence from his own side. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership Opinion Gas, gambling and negative gearing: Husic challenges Albanese over policy ambition James Massola Chief political commentator November 28, 2025 4:00am November 28, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 487 View all comments This week, as Labor wrapped up the parliamentary year cock-a-hoop with its commanding majority, its new environmental laws passed and an extended honeymoon summer ahead after a historic election win, a new book appeared from one of this mastheads favourite columnists. Niki Savvas Earthquake: The Election that Shook Australia analyses, in forensic detail, what went wrong for Peter Dutton and the Coalition in the 2025 election campaign. For that reason alone, its worth reading. But Savva also reveals excruciating new details about Labors factional manoeuvrings led by the Victorian Rights Richard Marles and Sam Rae that led to the axing of cabinet ministers Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic straight after the election. Illustration by Simon Letch As Husic said at the time, Marles, as deputy prime minister, should have been more statesman and less factional assassin. But Marles had the numbers and he used them ruthlessly to promote his lieutenants. The consequence of that, as Savva reports, is that the deputy prime ministers relationship with the NSW Right the self-styled king-making faction will never be restored, severely damaging any chance Marles has of becoming prime minister one day. Advertisement Dreyfus and Husic have mostly kept their counsel since the election, though Dreyfus last week called for Labor to pursue a referendum on fixed four-year terms. Husic has carefully confined his commentary to certain issues since his initial spray at the deputy prime minister. Until now. Long seen by some in caucus as a lone wolf, the western Sydney MP has decided to speak up from the backbench because he is concerned the government lacks ambition and that too many in the caucus are afraid to speak. The party has overcorrected for the dissent, chaos and ill-discipline of the Rudd-Gillard years. Asked if he was punished for speaking out on issues such as Gaza last term, and if that contributed to his demotion, Husic has a one-word answer: Yes. Strong leadership can handle strong views, Husic tells me. I mean, especially on things like Gaza, where I thought we needed to take I think we needed to act a lot faster and a lot stronger on that Ill always be haunted by just how many kids were killed in that part of the world. Advertisement With an eye on 2026 and the governments reform agenda, Husic the former cabinet minister, experienced MP and senior figure in the NSW Right wants the Albanese government to be bolder. He has specific ideas in mind. Related Article Opinion Political leadership Even Albaneses friends are impatient with his lack of ambition James Massola Chief political commentator Ive been thinking a lot about [it] in this 50th year since the dismissal of Whitlam, he says. Too many people will tell you, readily enough, that the lesson of Whitlam was trying to do too much in too short a space of time. But I dont think the answer to that is to do too little over a longer piece of time. While Anthony Albanese speaks regularly about wanting to make Labor the natural party of government again, about the unity of purpose in the caucus and about taking voters with them, Husic says Labor should be the champions of change. The thing about Labor is we have never been about status quo; we have been about changing things for the better. I really detect a sense in our supporters that they want us to be a government that does big things for the betterment of the nation. Advertisement I think the biggest danger for the government is that we slouch into groupthink, believing that different views are dangerous. Our caucus has had a tradition of debate. Weve had fiery debates in caucus and still gone on to win government, and if we continue the way that we are going I am genuinely concerned that things that are going [to happen], that have the potential to go off the rails, [that they wont] get called out early. So what are some of the policy issues that are festering away that could cause the government trouble down the track? While the heat may have gone out of Gaza, Husic nominates east coast gas supplies (and their impact on the cost of living), gambling advertising and negative gearing as problems to be tackled. Do we really need to own five to 10 homes? Ed Husic Gambling risks being a running sore for the government, Husic says, adding that fellow NSW Right MP Mike Freelander was correct and courageous to say if a conscience vote was allowed, the parliament (including Labor MPs) would be able to pass some of the gambling advertising reforms advocated for by the late Labor MP Peta Murphy. Husic doesnt want to see Australias allies such as Japan or South Korea miss out on gas supply for their markets. But, referring to an Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis report released in May, the former industry minister does have a problem with Japan onselling Australian gas, purchased through long-term contracts, to third countries at a profit. Especially when the amount onsold is up to 1.6 times the entire annual gas consumption of east coast Australia. Advertisement What we should do is for every year that they [Japan] resell gas, that amount gets taken off the next years supply, Husic says. Related Article Exclusive Negative gearing Negative gearing in Labors sights as Albanese readies for election battle Like many, he is concerned Australia has too many eggs in the mining and agriculture basket and wants the economy to be more complex, and to make more. And while he has cooled on his call last term to pursue corporate tax cuts (which caused a headache for Treasurer Jim Chalmers) and would now prefer the government to focus on greater incentives for businesses investment, he does have an eye on one of Australias most-discussed tax breaks: negative gearing, and its flow-on impact on both housing supply and the governments credibility on housing policy. Husic says he is a big supporter of the governments $32 billion worth of housing policies but, I have got to say, parliamentarians owning so many homes. I just dont know if thats a good look when were trying to consider housing reform. I dont. Advertisement He wants the ministerial code of conduct, which has strict rules forbidding ministers from owning shares because of potential conflicts of interest, to cover owning multiple properties too. I think the same sort of view should be taken about how many homes we own because people wont take us seriously, frankly, on that [housing] reform Do we really need to own five to 10 homes? He is not naive and expects his call to be shut down, as it was last year when this masthead revealed Labor was modelling negative gearing changes, but Husic believes Labor in government can sell a winding-back of the tax break to voters, as long as current investments are not affected and negative gearing is still allowed for new homes being built. Since the election, the resignations and bloodletting have almost all been on the Coalition side. Savvas book is a reminder that even stable governments have problems bubbling away just below the surface. Is Husic still ambitious to return to the ministry? I went into politics to do stuff. Id very much welcome the chance to be a minister, but I want to be a minister who gets stuff done. His intervention is a challenge to colleagues that Labor is at its best when it debates policy, rather than just fall in behind the leader. Advertisement James Massola is chief political commentator. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalHousing affordability ONeil reads riot act to agency as Labor seeks to keep housing probe secret Paul Sakkal November 27, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Housing Minister Clare ONeil read the riot act to bureaucrats failing to deliver Labors agenda with speed, according to fresh documents that shed new light on the bumpy rollout of big-spending policies designed to alleviate the nations housing shortage. Coalition housing spokesman Andrew Bragg has labelled Housing Australia, the embattled agency overseeing the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, a dysfunctional hellhole as the Senate rejected a bid by Labor on Wednesday to keep secret a probe into allegations of incompetence and bullying in the agency. Housing Minister Clare ONeil this week. Dominic Lorrimer The HAFF, designed to reverse decades of government underinvestment in housing, did not meet the governments ambitions during Labors first term as construction costs soared. ONeil met the board of Housing Australia in October last year and sent a strong signal about her dissatisfaction. Advertisement We need to move much more quickly, she told the agencys top brass, including former chair Carol Austin, according to a confidential meeting brief document obtained by this masthead. Related Article Exclusive Housing crisis Labors housing agenda in crisis amid complaints, resignations I will do my bit to get faster decisions through government and to support your team having the resources you need. I also need Housing Australia to carefully consider your processes and models to find efficiencies. The HAFF is a core part of the governments $43 billion suite of measures to address the issues of home ownership and social housing, a top-order concern at the last election when the Coalition offered cheaper mortgages and the Greens pledged rent controls. This masthead reported last month that several executives had quit Housing Australia in protest over alleged bullying and dysfunction inside the agency, which whistleblowers claimed was leading to poor delivery of the HAFF and other programs. Advertisement The whistleblowers complaints led to a secret investigation that found chair Carol Austin did not breach the code of conduct but oversaw an organisation with concerning challenges. The probe led to the hiring of a new chief executive with years of experience in housing. The secret report into bullying allegations and incompetence at the top of Housing Australia has not been released. Bragg won the support of the Senate to have it made public, but ONeil rejected the Senates request. Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg. Alex Ellinghausen The disclosure of the review would damage the privacy and reputation of individuals referred to in the review, ONeil said in a letter on November 12. Bragg argued ONeils reluctance to match the Senates demands was not good enough. Advertisement Taxpayers funded a $24,000 report into Labors housing hellhole. The Senate has voted for its production. It is buried deep underneath Jim Chalmers Treasury building. The most secretive government in 30 years must exhume it, he said. Labors $10 billion housing boondoggle has failed to build and seems only able to buy homes so far. It is a shambles. In some cases, Canberra will fund investors to profit for 25 years from HAFF homes. This inflates the taxpayer burden to up to $1.3 million per dwelling. Former Housing Australia chair Carol Austin. Dominic Lorrimer The government says the cost of each home is well under $1 million. Since ONeils strong remarks to the Austin-run board, the government claims to have turned the corner on the HAFF. In the first round of funding for new homes, applications took nine months, compared with just over two months in round two. Advertisement The HAFF has now completed 889 homes but the opposition has criticised Housing Australia for purchasing 333 of these from private developers. It is also buying about a third of a planned 18,650 homes. More than 204,000 Australians have bought their first home under the five per cent deposit scheme, which Labor expanded recently and may slightly hike prices, according to government modelling. Housing Australia has a five-year plan to create a total of 40,000 social homes following decades of state and federal underfunding. It is designed to help meet Labors ambitious target of 1.2 million new houses being built by the end of the decade, but it is already at least 60,000 homes behind schedule. The HAFF is being forensically audited by the Australian National Audit Office, which probes many government programs. Voters viewed the Coalition as the party better able to manage the housing crisis earlier this year, according to this mastheads Resolve Political Monitor. However, as Labor campaigned on its election pledges, it overtook the opposition and now has a slight edge. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsNSWLiberal Party Opinion The Sloane effect: Why we cant stop watching the Liberals Alexandra Smith State Political Editor November 27, 2025 4:00am November 27, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 113 View all comments The Liberals are the political version of the car crash you cannot take your eyes off. It is this perverse fascination with a party imploding before our eyes that explains the lopsided focus on the Liberals. In the past week, the intrigue has been even more acute, with party leaders achieving what most in opposition cannot. Undivided attention. Federal Liberal leader Sussan Ley is facing the ultimate political train wreck, leading a party that is tearing itself apart. As hard as it is to watch, she is slowly losing her grip on the job and the worse it gets, the more we stayed tuned. NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane, new in the job, on her street walk on Tuesday in Eastwood, in NSWs most marginal (Liberal-held) seat of Ryde. Peter Rae In Victoria, Jess Wilson has just risen to the top of her state party, which has been the laughing stock of the Liberals for years. Unlike Ley, however, Wilson has a shot at turning her partys fortunes around. That makes for more comfortable viewing. And now in NSW there is Kellie Sloane, who was waiting in the wings as her colleagues clumsily deposed her predecessor, Mark Speakman. The new Liberal leader will have to perform miracles to hang on to 10 marginal seats, let alone beat a first-term government. But for now, her appeal is she is not Speakman. Advertisement Three women leading Liberals. None is a premier or prime minister, but all are commanding as much or more attention as the premiers and the prime minister who are their direct rivals. Related Article Kellie Sloane The rise of Kellie Sloane: Can she make a dent in Minns armour? An example of Sloanes early pulling power was on display in two clashing media events on her second day on the job. On Tuesday, Premier Chris Minns and his Health Minister Ryan Park were at an inner-city GP practice for an announcement on ADHD. At the same time, Sloane was doing a street walk in Eastwood, in the ultra-marginal Liberal seat of Ryde. On a typical day, the press gallery would prioritise the premier. Not on Tuesday. Reporters and cameras turned up to Minns, but just as many were at the newly minted Liberal leaders meet-and-greet. You would have thought she was on the hustings. And that is how Sloane described her day. It felt like an election campaign today, she told reporters. For me, the election campaign has well and truly started. Ive hit the ground running. Advertisement Sloane, a former journalist with two decades of media experience under her belt, had already done the rounds of commercial TV and radio, as well as the ABC and news mastheads. Labor operatives, who did little to hide their annoyance that Sloane was in such demand, snidely suggested she was pulling in favours from old media mates. Her Liberal colleagues, meanwhile, were convinced the interest was because Sloane represented the renewal the NSW parliamentary party needed. Former opposition leader Mark Speakman with Alister Henskens, a potential leadership rival whose moment did not come. James Brickwood One of Speakmans biggest hurdles was that he was invisible to voters. He did the obligatory press conferences, attended events and networked but, as is the curse of most state opposition leaders, he was unknown to voters. Sloane is determined to change that. She is off to a good start. But a heightened profile will only carry her so far and, when the early interest wanes, the Vaucluse MP will have a tough task ahead of her. She will need to be decisive and have a laser-sharp approach to policy. Advertisement Her first test will be appointing a new shadow cabinet. Sloane gushed in her first press conference as leader that she was spoilt for choice. In reality, she will have to make brave calls. Sloane is off to a good start, but a heightened profile will only carry her so far. Steven Siewert Does she bring in her young colleagues, the under-40s who would truly represent renewal in the party? To do so would likely come at the cost of older, experienced hands, such as shadow attorney-general Alister Henskens, who desperately wanted the leadership. There are others, too, including upper house MP Aileen MacDonald and Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston. Related Article Exclusive Political leadership The strategy gathering dust that Kellie Sloane wants to bring back Sloane also has the shadow of net zero hanging over her. She has tried to brush away the issue by suggesting those very words, net zero, are creating more trouble than they are worth. This will not fly in the Sydney seats that overlap those engulfed by a teal wave at two federal elections. She will also need to take a coherent energy policy to the March 2027 election, a difficult ask when the Liberals and Nationals, in NSW as well as federally now, do not agree on emissions targets. Advertisement The Liberal heavyweights who backed Sloane for the top job have made the calculation that tough policy decisions can wait. Sloane can begin to define her leadership and stamp her authority on the party over the summer break. But the real work will coincide with the return to schools and offices, when voters are back, paying serious attention. Then, there will be little more than a year to convince them she is leading something that resembles an alternative government. If not, will voters even keep watching for the looming car crash? Alexandra Smith is state political editor. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsWAEnvironmental protection Environment reforms could have been worse as WA gets first shot at faster approvals Carla Hildebrandt and Michael Philipps November 27, 2025 1:48pm 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 2 View all comments West Australian Premier Roger Cook says the Albanese governments last-minute agreement with the Greens to overhaul national environment laws could have been a lot worse after securing a fast-tracked approvals deal with Canberra. It could have been better, from an industry point of view but it could have been a lot worse, he said. WA Premier Roger Cook and Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA chief economist Aaron Morey at a business breakfast in Perth on Thursday. P.S. Smile Productions Cook told a Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA breakfast on Thursday that industry wanted to secure stronger concessions in the federal Environment Protection and Conservation Act reforms, but the final package had improved from previous drafts. The reforms, which were agreed to in a deal between the Greens and Labor on Thursday morning, increase the federal governments powers over state governments on matters of environmental protection, and include the creation of a federal Environmental Protection Agency. Advertisement Cook infamously worked in the background to help scupper a previous deal late last year, with the states miners concerned about the effect of more green tape on major projects up north. Related Article Updated Environmental protection Albanese strikes deal with the Greens to pass environment protection bill He said the Greens changes around native forests and farmland clearing would not affect WA, as those protections were already in place in the state. WA had pushed for clearer wording around unacceptable risk to the environment and secured some improvements. However, Cook confirmed the state had failed in its push to give oil and gas proposals access to a shorter approvals pathway, but said WA would continue to treat major projects the same. Advertisement In Western Australia, we continue to make sure that gas has an important role to play, he said. We understand its important for the cost of living. We understand its important for the local industry. Its important for the national economy. Resources continue to be the backbone of our economy. Speaking to the press after the event, Cook said Environment Minister Murray Watt called him late Wednesday night to discuss the deal ahead of the governments announcement Thursday morning. Murray has confirmed to me that Western Australia will be the first state that hell do a bilateral [agreement] with, he said. It should be [negotiated within] a matter of months. Advertisement A bilateral agreement would allow WA to run a single environmental assessment that the Commonwealth accepted, removing the need for a duplicate federal process. Related Article Exclusive Environmental protection Lawyers slam ad hoc bill that would give WAs premier major powers Cook said WA industry would have secured stronger protections if the federal Coalition had backed a bipartisan deal. Quite frankly, theyve let the WA community down, he said. Theres been a missed opportunity and that missed opportunity was to do an agreement with the Liberal Party which could have perhaps further reflected the concerns of the industry. Advertisement CCIWA chief economist Aaron Morey said the federal government should waste no time in beginning negotiations with the WA government on a bilateral agreement. There have been some changes made [in the reforms] that provide a bit more certainty, but with 37 definitions within the act, we are still digesting the full list of those definitions, he said. Meanwhile, both WAs peak mining body and the states leading conservation and environment organisation have raised concerns over the proposed reforms. Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA policy and advocacy director Anita Logiudice said the real impact of the reformed hinged on national standards and regulations that were yet to be written, as well as bilateral accreditation eliminating duplication and delivering federal and state assessments simultaneously. The state and federal governments must now put their shoulders to the wheel to fast-track negotiations so WA can be accredited to deliver project assessments without delay, she said. Advertisement Conservation Council of WA executive director Matt Roberts welcomed any negotiations to make the laws better, but said the reality of what the revised act meant for nature remained to be seen. Related Article Mining Public outcry sees Alcoa walk back Perth Hills exploration plans What we do know, is that we still have an EPBC Act which remains highly skewed towards industry. Weve had scientific evidence leading the discussion from the nature side, and mining, oil and gas groups lobbying for even less scrutiny at the other end, he said. This bill has been rushed through in the last sitting week of parliament, despite there being a senate environment and communications legislation committee inquiry taking place right now, with findings not expected until 24 March. CCWA holds many concerns about the proposed amendments. Not the least of which is the potential devolution of approvals to state and territory bodies. Advertisement We have a state government that famously took credit for sinking the last round of attempted reforms. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement InspirationTokyo The lively, bohemian Tokyo neighbourhood thats off the beaten track Penny Watson November 28, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share The first ramen restaurant in the world to be awarded a Michelin star no longer has one, but it matters not. I can smell the porky, umami, springy onion goodness even before I enter, and my taste buds are already giving it the thumbs up. It is 11am, Tokyos Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta has no queue either, just a machine outside the door where guests order before entering. The signature truffle ramen is sold out already, but an enthusiastic Japanese guy pointing over my shoulder seems to be strongly recommending salt soba ramen. Done. Ramen in Tokyo a bowl full of goodness. iStock I head downstairs into a nondescript white room to a chorus of irasshaimase, the traditional Japanese welcome. At a bench along the counter, I have a front-row view of the stainless-steel kitchen where busy chefs wielding shiny knives are engulfed in steam bubbling from boiling stock pots. Next to my chopsticks and hand towel sachet sits a little pamphlet a wise word guide to savouring the flavour and essence of the culinary art of ramen. As instructed, when my shio or salt soba ramen arrives, I blend the sauce and shredded onion evenly through the soupy deliciousness before slurping it all in. Star or no star, its a taste sensation. Advertisement Fuglen cafe and bar, Tomigaya. Alamy Off-the-beaten-track Kamiyama Street in the Tomigaya area. Alamy This is just one of the many finds in Tokyos Tomigaya neighbourhood, a low-rise mostly residential area huddled around the main street of Tomigaya and extending into neighbouring Kamiyamacho, with Yoyogi-Hachiman station in between. It might be walking distance from high-rise, high-octane Shibuya, but this is a boho hub where entrepreneurial spirit thrives. I have all morning for an easygoing neighbourhood meander. From the ramen joint, I zig-zag under red-and-pink-striped lanterns down Chobe Street to stop at shops such as Los Papelotes, a print store turned second-hand bookshop with boxes of books on the pavement and shelves jammed with manga comics, cool Japanese mags and translated classics. Hip and hidden Tomigaya off the beaten track in Tokyo. TRUNK(HOTEL) Advertisement Further along, I come across Yellow Fish, a tiny lifestyle store in the lobby of an apartment block. It sells an enchanting curation of cast-iron pots, artful pottery pieces, leather slippers and hand-carved chopped sticks. In the backstreets, little vignettes of daily life (pigeons, gossiping older generations, washing lines) sit alongside urban cool pop-ups. One nameless vintage clothes shop is all grandma-core with racks of chunky hand-knitted jumpers, mirrors dripping with beads and wooden dressing tables adorned with leather bags and handmade belts. I walk from Kamiyamacho to Tomigaya proper via the Yoyogi Hachiman station underpass, an urban space where concrete walls have been turned into enchanting paintings, and noisy boom gates hold pedestrians back from speedy, clacking suburban trains. A backstreet boutique. Penny Watson On the other side, occasional black taxis and bicycles whizz by, and vans stop to wrench open their tail-end doors for deliveries, but mostly its walking terrain with room aplenty to linger outside shop windows. Advertisement Shokuhin sampuru, the Japanese tradition of replicating restaurant dishes in plastic, wax or resin, tempts passersby with coloured sashimi platters, lifelike bowls of noodles and frothy glasses of beer. More enticing still are the distinctly local culinary aromas the whiff of bonito from an okonomiyaki shop, the waft of garlicky, grilled mushrooms and deliciously fatty beef emanating from a yakitori bar. Having had a belly full of ramen, Im more about dessert. At Cacao Store and Pudding Cafe, 448 mini glass pudding jars are lined up behind a deli counter, with little signs touting custard, matcha and pumpkin varieties. Along another wall, visitors can sample shards of chocolate including a moreish sourdough and salt flavour a first for me. Portuguese tarts at Nata de Cristiano, Tokyo. Nata de Cristiano Around the corner, Nata de Cristiano, a dinky little shop with room for one group only, has punters queuing for its Portuguese custard tarts. Theyre smaller than those from the mother country snack-sized and handed over like mixed lollies in a paper bag. I make teeth marks in the sweet, eggy custard centre, perfectly paired with the biscuity, buttery pastry. No Michelin star here either, and no matter. THE DETAILS Advertisement Tour Japanese Soba Noodles Tsuta opens from 11am-3pm and 5.30pm-10pm Monday to Saturday. See tsuta79.tokyo For a quick Tomigaya neighbourhood orientation, add the walking route from Los Papelotes to Nata de Christiano to your map app as a base for exploring the surrounding streets. Related Article Tokyo Tokyo Bay district the next big thing as luxury hotel opens Stay Trunk (Hotel) Yoyogi Park has 25 rooms and suites from 85,350 ($844) a night. See yoyogipark.trunk-hotel.com Fly ANA (All Nippon Airways ana.co.jp) flies direct from Sydney to Tokyo Haneda; Qantas (qantas.com.au) flies direct from Melbourne to Tokyo Narita. The writer was a guest of Trunk (Hotel) Yoyogi Park and JNTO (jnto.go.jp). Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Traveller Guides Advertisement Reviews & adviceSydney The new Sydney summer must-dos (that arent Bondi or the Bridge) Kate Rose November 28, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Everyone knows the obvious highlights of Sydney the world-famous bridge, the Opera House, Bondi but the city has secrets that even locals may not know about. Whether youre heading there from overseas, interstate, or just moving from one Sydney suburb to explore the next, these are some of the summer destinations providing welcome new stops on the well-trodden tourist trails. You dont have to be out of sight of land to explore the treasures of the deep. EcoTreasures/Destination NSW Meet a blue groper Snorkelling usually brings to mind tropical islands or a boat to the Great Barrier Reef, but Shelly Beach in Manly is home to an aquatic reserve only a few short swimming strokes from the sand. There, the sea floor drops to a thriving kelp forest, full of giant Australian cuttlefish, vibrant longfin pikes, luminous blue gropers and other intriguing locals. EcoTreasures runs group or private snorkelling sessions with a tour guide, all equipment including wetsuits and pool noodles for anyone nervous about ocean swimming. The 2.5 hour tours start at $99 per person. Advertisement A multimillion-dollar renovation at the Manly Pacific Hotel went for fresh, breezy, beach vibes. Manly Pacific Hotel/Destination NSW After finishing at Shelly Beach, Manly Pacific Hotel has undergone a $30 million renovation and offers a nearby spot to stay, embracing its locale with beach vibes and water views. See the bridge in a different light Forget fireworks and watch one of natures most spectacular light shows illuminate the Sydney Harbour Bridge instead. Sydney by Kayak runs sunrise tours from Lavender Bay that start in the murky mauve of the pre-dawn before the sun rises from behind some of the worlds most famous landmarks. The alarm will go off early, but its worth it to see the day start in peace and quiet. Sydney by Kayak Advertisement Even better, pre-ordered coffees are included, so paddlers can have a civilised sip as they watch the day start. The tours are suitable for beginners and take about two hours, all equipment included. Knowledgeable guides even reckon youll learn a new fact about Sydney before youre done. Prices start at $175 for the sunrise tour, but other kayaking experiences are available. Or at a different temperature Finland regularly ranks among the worlds happiest countries and credit is often given to their sauna culture. Studies are finding evidence of what the Finns have known for centuries: saunas can improve lung function and cardiovascular fitness, while a following cold plunge helps release endorphins. All the benefits of a sauna followed by a cold plunge, with the added bonus of a famous view. Wellness Afloat Advertisement Wellness Afloat is a new bespoke floating sauna and secured ocean plunge area with views over the Harbour Bridge. The Ark was purpose-built, is ocean-safe without any toxic paints or materials, and beehives and plants onboard provide a wildlife corridor. Use the sauna, set to a little over 80 degrees, and plunge pool for the whole two hours, or use the deck for sunbaking while enjoying light snacks, fresh juices and herbal teas whatever gives the body and mind a break from the relentless churn of modern life. Sessions start at $195 per person, but private group sessions can be arranged by contacting info@wellnessafloat.com. Where were going, we dont need roads Roger Bart as Doc Brown and Axel Duffy as Marty McFly bring just the right amount of nostalgia to the stage in Back to the Future to keep kids of the 80s happy, while also appealing to a whole new audience. Daniel Boud Sydneys Lyric Theatre is home to Back to the Future, a stage musical take on the 1985 film thats electric enough to power its own DeLorean through time. The set and lighting sorcery will thrill even the most jaded theatre-goers, while Axel Duffys nod to 80s star Michael J. Fox in the role of Marty McFly will delight those who grew up with the original, as will Roger Barts take on Doc Brown, portrayed by wild-haired Christopher Lloyd in the movie. Advertisement Leaving this show without a spring in your step breaks the laws of physics its just not possible. Tickets start at $65 (plus transaction fee), and are available until January 25 next year. Where were going, we dont need roads, part II Lunchtime luxury is the order of the day at Berts Bar and Brasserie. Steven Woodburn Sydneys traffic is notorious, but flying can cut a 40-kilometre trip down to 15 minutes. Sydney Seaplanes runs a range of tours, including a four-hour package to luxury dining venue Berts Bar and Brasserie in Newport, with a four-course sharing menu. Advertisement Flights depart from Rose Bay, Wednesday to Sunday, and hug the coast before landing at Pittwater for a boat transfer to the restaurant and its dazzling views. Remember, while meandering through the lunchtime wine list, that the return journey will also have a boat-to-plane transfer. (Consider skipping the stilettos for the same reason.) Not only will flying to lunch get you past Sydneys traffic, theres a far better chance of spotting a whale than from a car. Sydney Seaplanes The flights include a scenic tour over the harbour, and if youre lucky whales frolicking in the ocean. The package to Berts is $760 per person, including lunch (drinks excluded). Other destinations and flights are available, details on the website. Advertisement Summer is thirsty work Nothing says summer like a gin and tonic, and Sydneys inner west, once the gritty, grungy poor cousin to the shimmering bayside suburbs, is playing host to an explosion of boutique distillers. In a few short years, Ester Spirits has collected awards from around the world for its dry gin, and just took out gold and best in show honours at the 2025 Australian Gin Awards with its Old Tom Gin. When the Marrickville distiller run by a husband and wife team turned to rum, the awards followed them too. With award-winning ingredients, Esters cocktails are also proving popular, and 100ml pre-mixed serves are available to take away. Creating medal-winning spirits is thirsty work. Ester Distillery/Destination NSW For those drinking in, the red-hued Ester distillery is part gallery, part lab, and part event space offering tastings, jazz nights, and $95 negroni masterclasses. Advertisement Its also one of the stops on the nine-venue, self-guided Inner West Distillery Trail. Needless to say, leave the car at home for this one. Three restaurants, three hats Continental Deli has been a Newtown staple for a decade, keeping the locals fed with a European-style menu delivered by friendly and knowledgeable staff. This year, Continentals new neighbours and fellow Paisano and Daughters restaurants Mister Grotto (with a seafood focus) and Osteria Mucca (for meat-forward feeds) joined their sibling with single Good Food Guide hats. The cocktails at the Continental Deli are outstanding. Luckily, the Australia Street Suites can be booked for accommodation just up the stairs. Hugh O'Brien All three restaurants are beautifully designed, warm and welcoming, and serve dishes worthy of praise. Advertisement For patrons from a long way outside the neighbourhood, theres boutique accommodation available above the restaurants in the Australia Street Suites, each decorated to complement its downstairs neighbour. For menus and accommodation availability, see paisanoanddaughters.com.au. And three other places to eat Warm weather, cold beer and fresh seafood. Felons Manly offers the summer trifecta. Felons Manly Food and views Open daily, Felons Manly is next to the ferry terminal and boasts a large outdoor area looking over the water. Serving everything from pizzas and burgers to sophisticated seafood, theres something for everyone when the suns out and the summer calls. Art and food The Art Gallery of NSW is home to Crafted by Matt Moran, a light-filled restaurant serving up fresh, locally sourced seasonal produce from Tuesday to Sunday. Entry to the gallery is free. Advertisement Hidden gem Nestled in the heart of Paddys Market on the edge of Chinatown, the Hay St Market at Paddys is a buzzing collection of 48 food stalls offering all manner of cuisines from Wednesday to Sunday. The writer travelled as a guest of Destination NSW. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. The interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, circled in the center, as seen by the LLORRI panchromatic, or black-and-white, imager on NASAs Lucy spacecraft. This image was made by stacking a series of images taken on Sept. 16, 2025, as the comet was zooming toward Mars. Lucy was 240 million miles away from 3I/ATLAS at the time making its way to explore eight asteroids that share an orbit with Jupiter. The LLORRI imager captured the comets coma, the fuzzy halo of gas and dust surrounding 3I/ATLAS above, and its tail, a smudge of gas flowing to the right of the comet. This image spans about 11 arcminutes of sky, or roughly one-third the width of the full Moon. Solar system north is up. (Photo: NASA/Goddard/SwRI/JHU-APL) International scrutiny intensified this week as NASA faced criticism over its blurry images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS, just as the United Nations activated a global planetary-defense drill tracking the visitor's approach to Earth. The object, discovered July 1 by the NASA-funded ATLAS telescope in Chile, will reach its closest distance on December 19, passing roughly 170 million miles from Earth. The UN's International Asteroid Warning Network, or IAWN, has launched a two-month exercise to test detection and response systems in what officials describe as a major practice scenario. The global campaign began November 27 and will continue through January, allowing national space agencies and ground-based observatories to refine tracking techniques. In its public statement, the IAWN said, "Comet 3I/ATLAS presents a great opportunity for the IAWN community to perform an observing exercise due to its prolonged observability from Earth and high interest to the scientific community." The UN and NASA maintain that the object is a comet and poses no threat. But the rollout of NASA's first close-range imagery triggered an unexpected backlash. The agency released a black-and-white picture captured by the HiRISE camera aboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, viewed from about 19 million miles away. The image, lacking visible structure or definition, was overshadowed almost immediately by sharper photographs posted online by amateur astronomers. Harvard astrophysicist Avi Loeb shared several of those amateur-captured photos taken between November 22 and 24 with small backyard telescopes in Japan, Spain and Chile. The images showed a bright coma and a narrow tail extending more than 600,000 miles - and, in a striking divergence from typical comets, that tail appeared to point toward the sun rather than away from it. Some observers claimed the shape of the body resembled a cone shrouded in haze. Social-media users seized on the contrast. One critic posted on X, "It's amazing how amateur astronomers are producing clearer images than the Never A Straight Answer [NASA] agency," fueling accusations that NASA was withholding higher-quality data. The agency has said publicly only that the object is a distant comet from another star system. Loeb, who heads the Galileo Project and has argued that 3I/ATLAS could be artificial in origin, has pointed to a series of anomalies he believes push beyond conventional explanations. He has cited "at least 12" unexplained features since July, including unusual color changes near the sun, tail direction inconsistent with solar-wind physics, and trajectory shifts that do not match gravitational models. NASA and the UN have rejected interpretations suggesting extraterrestrial technology, saying the ongoing tracking campaign is part of standard preparedness efforts. Still, the synchronized focus of major observatories has prompted skepticism online. One user wrote, "When every telescope from Mauna Kea to Chile is being synced on one object, that's not a drill." Ireland is investing over 170 million in European Space Agency (ESA) programmes between now and 2030. This funding will help Irish companies grow in the fast-expanding global space industry. Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, announced the investment while attending a major ESA meeting in Bremen, Germany. The meeting brings together ministers from 23 countries to plan the future of space activities in Europe. Ireland will support ESA projects in areas such as Earth observation (monitoring the planet), secure communications, navigation systems, space transportation, and human and robotic exploration. "Space impacts so much of our daily life, often without us realising," said Minister Dillon. "This investment will help Irish businesses grow, create jobs, and tackle big challenges like climate change and cybersecurity." The global space economy is expected to triple in size, reaching $1.8 trillion by 2035. The number of firms working with ESA has grown from 70 in 2019 to 120 in 2025. Last year, 21 Irish companies won their first ESA contracts, creating new jobs and opportunities. This investment is part of Irelands National Space Strategy for Enterprise, which aims to build a sustainable space industry and position Irish companies to compete globally. For a long time, Dublin has held its place as one of Europes most compelling business getaways. These days, Dublins pull has become even stronger because it has become a point of entry for companies that are looking for a stable base, a skilled workforce, and quick access to European markets. In addition to these, new arrivals in Dublin can easily set up almost anywhere in the city all thanks to flexible workspace solutions. Serviced offices Dublin have given firms the opportunity to expand in a practical way. This means they are able to operate while still testing the waters. Even though this is just the first step to success for modern companies, it helps guarantee long-term commitment to the city. Talent that Keeps the Engine Running One of the best appeals that Dublin boasts of is the fact that Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe. This means that there will always be a constant stream of graduates from renowned institutions like Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and Dublin City University. Companies that decide to relocate to Dublin will always have access to a wide range of professionals. Companies not only score professionals, but specialists as well. Businesses that are still striving to expand will surely appreciate how uncertainty is removed by having easy access to superb talent and how superb talent accelerates growth even from day one. A Business Ecosystem That Feeds Itself Since Dublins economic environment is widely interconnected, it has become the ideal place for new companies to build momentum. After all, its not an uncommon sight for global tech giants to operate beside ambitious Irish start-ups in the city. This proves that Dublin is teeming with plenty of opportunities for growth and success. Infrastructure Designed for Modern Growth Apart from the abovementioned, Dublin also boasts of physical evolution. With advancements in transport links, broadband connectivity, and commercial development, there is no doubt that the city is capable of meeting the needs of its business community. Modernization is clear in the city as well. Dublin now offers everything from corporate headquarters to flexible hubs that are designed for hybrid teams. Companies that are just entering the market will surely appreciate this flexibility. After all, there are companies that just need immediate desks and there are also others that just need room to scale. Since Dublin offers both, there is definitely promise of growth and success for all who use the city as their starting point. A Foundation for Long-Term Success The balance between energy and stability is what keeps Dublin at the forefront of European expansion. Even though the city is fast-moving, it is well grounded and innovative at the same time. Companies have the freedom to experiment, grow, and adapt with the assurance that they are anchored in a market that is committed to enterprise. Because of this balance, a lot of companies are choosing Dublin as a long-term home for their businesses. 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. 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(Xinhua/Guo Xulei) A student paints at a primary school in Shizhong District of Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, authorities in Shizhong District of Jinan City have been encouraging local schools to enhance aesthetic education by exposing their students to diverse arts-related extracurricular programs. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) Chorus members rehearse at a primary school in Shizhong District of Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 26, 2025. In recent years, authorities in Shizhong District of Jinan City have been encouraging local schools to enhance aesthetic education by exposing their students to diverse arts-related extracurricular programs. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) Students practice wushu at a primary school in Shizhong District of Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, authorities in Shizhong District of Jinan City have been encouraging local schools to enhance aesthetic education by exposing their students to diverse arts-related extracurricular programs. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) A teacher guides students in practicing violin at a primary school in Shizhong District of Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 26, 2025. In recent years, authorities in Shizhong District of Jinan City have been encouraging local schools to enhance aesthetic education by exposing their students to diverse arts-related extracurricular programs. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) A teacher guides a student with her painting at a primary school in Shizhong District of Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 26, 2025. In recent years, authorities in Shizhong District of Jinan City have been encouraging local schools to enhance aesthetic education by exposing their students to diverse arts-related extracurricular programs. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) A teacher guides students in practicing calligraphy at a primary school in Shizhong District of Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 26, 2025. In recent years, authorities in Shizhong District of Jinan City have been encouraging local schools to enhance aesthetic education by exposing their students to diverse arts-related extracurricular programs. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) A teacher guides students to make lacquer fans at a primary school in Shizhong District of Jinan City, east China's Shandong Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, authorities in Shizhong District of Jinan City have been encouraging local schools to enhance aesthetic education by exposing their students to diverse arts-related extracurricular programs. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) MINISTER for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has launched a public consultation process inviting views to inform development of a new animal welfare Strategy for his department in the period 2026 to 2030. Speaking at the launch in the Mount Venus, Rathfarnham facility of the newly formed National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), the minister said: Animal Welfare is a topic of huge importance, to society as a whole and to all those responsible for animals, including the farming sector and pet owners. As a modern European society, we are bound by evolving norms with respect to how society values and treats all animals. The bar in this respect continues to rise, and as a country we are on a positive upward trajectory, but I want to hear from all interested parties as to how our next Animal Welfare Strategy can put us on a best in class footing with comparator countries whilst maintaining the progress made under the current strategy. The launch initiates a six-week process, to 2 January 2026, whereby the public and all interested stakeholders, including farming interests and animal welfare groups, can provide feedback, comment and recommendation to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with respect to the direction, themes and thrust of the new Animal Health and Welfare Strategy to be launched next year. Minister Heydon continued: Be they farmed animals, companion animals and other pets, animals engaged in sporting or leisure activities, it is of vital importance that we implement and enforce appropriate legislation, resource initiatives that enhance animal welfare, and generally continue to raise that bar, in this important area. The challenge of maintaining and enhancing animal welfare is wide-ranging and multi-dimensional in nature. Minister Heydon indicated that funding to qualifying animal welfare charities for 2025 would be confirmed in the near future. It is anticipated that funding will be maintained broadly at its 2025 level of 6 million in 2026. Minister Heydon was also pleased to confirm that in the area of dog control, local authorities will continue to be resourced into next year with respect to the retention or acquisition of additional dog wardens, with a continued allocation of approximately 2 million overall in 2026. Minister Heydon concluded: I am personally invested in making a difference in this area. I look forward, along with my Department, to engaging proactively both with respect to this Public Consultation campaign as well further campaigns across relevant platforms, including my Departments website, for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, on issues ranging from responsible dog ownership, including sheep worrying, to the broader ownership and treatment of all animals. Those wishing to contribute in response to this public consultation should send feedback or submissions to animalwelfareconsultation@agriculture.gov.ie or in hard copy to Public Consultation Feedback, Animal Welfare Division, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Kildare St, Dublin 2. Olivia Kelleher A man who put his hand in the downstairs window of a house in Cork, picked up a jumper and cap and threw them at a young tenant as he was angry about noisy student house parties in his area has been sentenced to 180 hours of community service. Roy Sexton, with an address at Bandon Road, The Lough, Cork, was listed to go on trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court last June. However, the 37-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of trespassing. Sentencing was adjourned until Thursday. Det Garda Martina Felle previously told the court that shortly after 11.30pm on January 23rd, 2022, Mr Sexton went to a student house in Bandon Road and banged loudly on the door. (Then) Roy Sexton reached in through the window and said: Keep it down now lads, Im telling you. He reached into the bedside locker where there was a cap and a jumper. He threw the cap and jumper at the student. Judge Helen Boyle heard that Mr Sexton was not known to the student. However, the student was able to tell gardai that the man who came to their house had a very distinctive tattoo on his right hand. Gardai also detected a fingerprint at the scene. When gardai approached Mr Sexton, he told them that he had previously complained to them about student house parties and the volume of noise made by young tenants who attend UCC. He also said that on one occasion his partner had been knocked down by a student who was out running in the area. Defence barrister, Paula McCarthy BL, told Judge Boyle that whilst her client had previous convictions, none were serious enough for the circuit court. She said that Mr Sexton had issues with house parties. On this occasion he put his hand in the window that was the extent of the trespass. He threw the jumper and he left. And he has not come to adverse Garda attention since 2022. Mr Sexton has handed over 500 in compensation to the student. Judge Boyle had previously told him that on payment of the compensation he could have the case finalised by way of a community service order. On Thursday at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Boyle said that whilst Mr Sexton deeply regretted his actions it was a frightening event for the person therein. She stressed that the defendant didnt have any entitlement to enter the property of someone else. Mr Sexton has 24 previous convictions. However, Judge Boyle noted that prior to the offence in 2022 he had last come to gardai attention in 2016. She took the guilty plea into consideration and his acknowledgment that what had occurred was an over reaction on his part. Judge Boyle also factored in a personal matter he was going through at the time and directed that he complete 180 hours of community service. Judge Boyle praised gardai for their good detective work in tracking down Mr Sexton. By Jess Glass, PA Law Editor Normal People author Sally Rooneys books may have to be withdrawn from sale and none of her new works published in the UK due to uncertainty caused by the ban on Palestine Action, the UK high court has been told. Palestine Actions co-founder Huda Ammori is taking legal action against the UK home office over then-home secretary Yvette Coopers decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws. The Home Office is defending the claim. Sally Rooney has been vocal in her support of the book (Alamy/PA) The ban, which began on July 5, made membership of, or support for, the direct-action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. A total of 143 people were arrested after demonstrations took place during the first day of the challenge at the UK high court in London on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said. On Thursday, Ms Ammoris barrister Raza Husain KC said that the Ms Rooney believes that publishers and producers could be committing a criminal offence by paying her due to her vocal support for the banned group. In August, Downing Street warned that she risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations of novels Normal People and Conversations With Friends to support the banned group, in a piece for the Irish Times. If Palestine Action is still proscribed by the time my next book is due for publication, then that book will be available to readers all over the world and in dozens of languages, but will be unavailable to readers in the United Kingdom simply because no-one will be permitted to publish it, unless I am content to give it away for free Sally Rooney And in witness statements for the legal challenge made public on Thursday, Ms Rooney stated the producer of those programmes said they had been advised that they could not send money to her agent if it could be used to fund Palestine Action as that would be a crime under anti-terror laws. The author said it was unclear whether any UK company can make payments to her and that if she was prevented from profiting from her work, her income would be enormously restricted. She added: If I were to write another screenplay, television show or similar creative work, I would not be able to have it produced or distributed by a company based in England and Wales without, expressly or tacitly, accepting that I would not be paid. The 34-year-old writer said that the uncertainty about how the ban affects her contracts also means she and her publisher cannot predict how it could impact upon her novels. She described how the publication of her books is based on royalties on sales, and that non-payment of the royalties would mean she could terminate the contract. If, therefore, Faber and Faber Limited are legally prohibited from paying me the royalties I am owed, my existing works may have to be withdrawn from sale and would therefore no longer be available to readers in the UK, Ms Rooney added, saying this would be a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression. Ms Rooney then said it is almost certain that she cannot publish or produce new work in the UK while the ban remains in force. She continued: If Palestine Action is still proscribed by the time my next book is due for publication, then that book will be available to readers all over the world and in dozens of languages, but will be unavailable to readers in the United Kingdom simply because no-one will be permitted to publish it, unless I am content to give it away for free. Ms Rooney concluded: I am of the view that the passionate opposition to this proscription is due not only to the broad base of support for direct action against genocide, but also to the unprecedented misuse of anti-terrorism legislation to curtail civil liberties. Multiple demonstrations have taken place against the ban (Aaron Chown/PA) Sir James Eadie KC, for the Home Office, said that a debate about how a terrorist organisation is defined was for Parliament to decide. The barrister told the court: Palestine Action is within the definition of a terrorist organisation applying the test that Parliament has determined that and provided for, we say compatibly, in the primary legislation. He continued: In our democratic society, these issues are matters for Parliament to judge and Parliaments judgment is expressed in the current legislation. In written submissions, Sir James said that proscriptions aim is stifling organisations concerned in terrorism and for members of the public to face criminal liability for joining or supporting such organisations. He continued: That serves to ensure proscribed organisations are deprived of the oxygen of publicity as well as both vocal and financial support. Sir James also said the ban strikes a fair balance between interference with the rights of the individuals affected and the interests of the community. The barrister also emphasised that the ban has not prevented people from protesting against Israels actions in Gaza or in support of Palestinians. He later said: Whilst it has at all times been open to supporters of Palestine Action to protest against its proscription without breaking the law, certain individuals have instead repeatedly sought to flout Palestine Actions proscription. The hearing before Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude on December 2, with a decision expected in writing at a later date. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Indias Green Gold Animation has announced a major new international collaboration with U.K.-based Red Kite Animation on The Assassin, an animated feature unveiled at the Goa Film Festival and Waves Film Bazaar Co-Production Market, which has proved particularly vibrant for animation this year. The announcement arrives at a moment when Indias original animation output is expanding rapidly, with high-profile, nonkids projects such as Baahubali: The Eternal War and Mahavatar Narsimha signaling a growing appetite for ambitious, culturally rooted, and globally marketable animated storytelling. Set in a stark, near-future metropolis, The Assassin follows a young man whose life collapses after a catastrophic industrial accident. As corporate powers tighten their grip on the city, his pursuit of justice propels him into a volatile transformation, blurring the lines between rebellion, survival, and vengeance. With its graphic-novel aesthetic and contemporary themes, the film is positioned squarely within Indias new wave of adult-leaning animated titles. The project is being produced under the IndiaU.K. Audio-Visual Co-Production Treaty, with both studios sharing equally in financing, creative development, production, and global distribution. A hybrid production pipeline mixing guerrilla live-action, rotoscoping, and high-end 2D/3D animation will be utilized by teams in Hyderabad and the U.K., targeting a 1518-month production cycle and an international festival run. In a release, Rajiv Chilaka, founder and CEO of Green Gold Animation, said: Green Gold has always believed that Indian animation has the depth, ambition and artistry to stand shoulder to shoulder with the worlds best. The Assassin is a strong step in that direction. It is a bold, original film led by a singular creative vision. Working with Ken and the team at Red Kite allows us to bring two creative cultures together in a way that feels meaningful and future-focused. We are building a film with genuine global potential. Ken Anderson, founder and CEO of Red Kite Animation, added: The Assassin represents exactly the kind of bold, internationally resonant filmmaking that India and the U.K. can deliver together. Green Gold bring extraordinary talent and vision to the project, and our collaboration reflects a genuine commitment to deepening creative and industrial ties between our two countries. This is not just a co-production. It is a shared artistic endeavour shaped by the strengths of both nations storytellers and creative communities Launching the project at Waves underscores the studios commitment to deepening international collaboration while reinforcing Indias growing influence in global animation. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Chilean-American filmmaker Niles Atallah has given Cartoon Brew exclusive access to the trailer for his short film Merrimundi, a surreal, stop-motion sci-fi musical that world premiered at the Venice Film Festival and screens this week at Zinebi. The film, produced by Diluvio and Pista B and distributed by Miyu, continues Atallahs long-established exploration of uncanny imagery, hybrid techniques, and the malleable boundaries between the human and the artificial. Set in what the director calls a twisted utopia, Merrimundi conjures a hallucinatory realm where cherubic figures sing, melt, and reform in cycles of decay and rebirth. The trailer teases the shorts mixed-media aesthetic and interventions from CG artist and programmer Felipe Elgueta. Composer Paco Pasquettes unsettling score backs the imagery with a destabilizing musical energy. Atallah describes the film as a cosmic Dada sing-along, an ecstatic transmission from a sentient machine of the future trying to speak to us in our own crumbling tongue. He positions Merrimundi as an exercise in artistic resistance: In a world increasingly anesthetized by algorithmic uniformity, Merrimundi throws itself into mystic mayhem and chaos as a form of resistance. The director frames the short as part of a broader defense of creative autonomy. Even when a work resists clear narrative or conventional meaning, it expresses a political stance: one that celebrates multiplicity over conformity, poetry over programming, he says. Merrimundi is not a roadmap; it is a flare shot into the void, an invitation to reimagine. Based in Santiago, Chile, Atallahs previous films include Animalia Paradoxa (2024), Rey (2017), and Lucia (2010), as well as shorts Vitanuova (2023), Subterranean Light (2021), and Lucia y Luis (200708), the latter co-directed with local stop-motion legends Joaquin Cocina and Cristobal Leon, with whom he co-founded production company Diluvio. Advertisement A Paris court has examined how Lafarge and its Syrian subsidiary negotiated with armed groups, including ISIS, while keeping its Jalabiya cement plant operational during the Syrian civil war in 2013-14. Lafarge and eight former executives are on trial, charged as a legal entity with financing terrorism. Former Lafarge CEO Bruno Lafont told the court he would have halted operations earlier had he known about the arrangements. Until Aug. 27, 2014, I never suspected that payments had been made to terrorist organizations, he said. Bruno Pescheux, CEO of Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS) between 2008 and 2014, said his priority had been keeping trucks moving. These payments were intended to allow our employees to move around freely, he told the court, adding that intermediary Firas Tlass had met ISIS representatives multiple times. I had no means to verify whether the groups listed actually received the amounts indicated, he said. Former security manager Ahmad Al Jaloudi said Tlasss representative handled all my problems, including with Daesh, and confirmed meeting an ISIS member in 2013 to resolve the blocking of nine trucks. Christian Herrault, Lafarges former deputy director general of operations, testified that payments to armed groups began in October 2012 and stated, I told [Lafont] that the negotiations had taken place. The case also revisits earlier reports claiming Lafarge briefed French intelligence on its contacts with ISIS. The judicial investigation, launched in 2017, led to charges against several executives. In 2024, judges ruled the company and four former executives must stand trial for financing a terrorist organisation and violating EU embargo rules. Lafarge, which merged with Swiss rival Holcim in 2015, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, claiming its Syrian subsidiary acted independently. The trial continues. Advertisement Udayapur Cement Industry, Nepals largest state-owned cement producer, has resumed operations after being fully closed for eight months. The plant, located in Triyuga Municipality6, Jaljale, had faced prolonged uncertainty after the Council of Ministers decided in May to privatise the company, prompting a complete halt in production. General Manager Kovid Kafle said the restart follows essential repairs and cooperation between workers, management and the current government. The cooperation of workers, employees, and the current government played a crucial role in reopening the factory, he said. During the shutdown, the plant was unable to pay salaries and benefits. Only 193 permanent employees remain from the original 533 staff positions, and a further 60 outsourced security personnel have also gone unpaid for months. Despite this, employees continued reporting for duty in the hope of reopening, Kafle noted. To stabilise operations, Udayapur Cement has requested a NPR240m (US$1.68m) loan from the government, proposing to repay it within three years, including interest. The company currently carries liabilities in the tens of millions of rupees. The plant, which sits atop one of South Asias largest high-grade limestone deposits, has an installed clinker capacity of 0.24Mta. However, ageing machinery and frequent shutdowns have prevented operation at full capacity, with Kafle reporting daily financial losses during the closure. The relaunch comes amid public pressure, including from local Gen Z groups, who demand the industry remain under government ownership and not be privatised. Lee Universitys Introduction to Criminal Justice class welcomed Cleveland Police Departments Community Relations Officer Jennifer Samples, who provided hands-on safety training and shared practical self-defense tools and strategies. Introduction to Criminal Justice, taught by Dr. Angela Waltrip, overviews the criminal justice systems functions and interrelatedness, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and correctional organizations. Waltrip frequently invites individuals from the community to facilitate practical application for her students. Guests who are currently working in the field truly enrich the classroom experience, said Dr. Waltrip. It is also helpful for criminal justice students to begin learning to network. Introducing students to professionals outside of the classroom prepares them for entry into the workforce and gives them an appreciation of the wide network of criminal justice personnel. The CPDs Community Relations office is vital in establishing trust and building rapport in the community, according to Officer Samples. Much of their work is educating the public about their office and community concerns. Cleveland is an incredible town, and though it is a safe town, it is always important for people to be aware of potential dangers around them and reduce risks where possible, said Officer Samples. My program's success is only possible because of the support of the Cleveland Police Department and local organizations, such as Lee University, that see the benefit in educating and equipping their students. Officer Samples believes that safety awareness and confidence are built through education and practical skills, and this is why she enjoys connecting with students. "I am always impressed with Lee University students and the questions that they present to our guests, said Dr. Waltrip. This demonstrates their strong desire to fulfill their criminal justice degree and begin reaching out to the community in their helping professions. For more information on Lee's criminal justice program, contact Dr. Arlie Tagayuna at atagayuna@leeuniversity.edu or (423) 614-8014. For more information about CPD's Community Relations Office, visit https://clevelandtn.gov/141/Cleveland-Police-Department or call (423) 476-1121. The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is gearing up for Thanksgiving Day by putting final touches on over 400 meals. These meals are being delivered Thanksgiving morning to senior citizens in Chattanooga who are considered shut ins.Officials said, "This will be done by kind volunteers who are willing to give up their Thanksgiving morning to help spread holiday cheer to those who are less fortunate."Every year on Thanksgiving, most people are preparing large meals to share with family and friends, but there are those in our community who cannot do that.The Salvation Army of Chattanooga is helping out by offering several options to people in need of assistance. While Thanksgiving boxes have already been handed out to those who were able to come to the physical location, there are many people who are unable to do that. Mostly, they are living in towers for senior citizens and unable to leave, which is why they are considered 'shut ins'.It is very important to us that we make sure we are serving everyone in the community who needs help. A lot of times, our senior citizens are overlooked, even though they are a vulnerable population, said Major Douglas McClure."While the meals are prepped and packed at The Salvation Army, none of this would be possible without the help of our volunteers who are willing to take the time out of their own Thanksgiving Days to serve those in need," officials said.The volunteers will gather at The Salvation Army, located at 800 McCallie, at 9 a.m. to load their cars up with meals and desserts. They will then deliver these meals to the senior living towers who have signed up. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has affirmed a federal district courts ruling in favor of Chattanooga Police Officer Joel Gunn, concluding that he is entitled to qualified immunity and cannot be held liable under federal civil-rights law for a 2021 incident at Erlanger Hospital. The decision effectively exonerates the officer, bringing an end to the federal portion of a lawsuit filed by patient Miles Guptill, attorney Lee Davis said. In a published opinion issued today, the appellate panel upheld U.S. District Judge Curtis L. Colliers earlier judgment, which granted summary judgment to both Officer Gunn and the city of Chattanooga. The ruling confirms that - even assuming factual disputes about the degree of force used - no clearly established law prohibited Gunns conduct at the time of the incident, entitling him to immunity, attorney Davis said. Attorney Logan Davis of Davis & Hoss, P.C., argued the case on behalf of Officer Gunn before the Sixth Circuit, and appeared as counsel of record for the officer. The case arose from a January 2021 encounter in which Mr. Guptill, seeking mental health treatment, resisted efforts by medical staff to administer medication. Officer Gunn, then working off-duty as hospital security while in CPD uniform, intervened after observing staff attempt to restrain the patient. When the patient pulled away, Officer Gunn used a single strike, causing Mr. Guptills head to hit a cinderblock wall. Internal reviews within the Chattanooga Police Department produced mixed conclusions, and Mr. Guptill later filed suit claiming excessive force under 42 U.S.C. 1983 against both the officer and the city. Judge Collier granted summary judgment to the defendants, finding that the officers actions - even if arguably more forceful than necessary - did not violate any clearly established constitutional right. Attorney Lee Davis said, "The Sixth Circuit agreed. The court noted that while a jury could find the punch excessive in hindsight, qualified immunity requires more: it requires that every reasonable officer would know the conduct was unconstitutional. "The panel found no binding precedent holding that an officer responding to a perceived medical emergency could not use a single strike to regain control of a patient who was resisting treatment, even if the patients resistance was limited. As the court explained: 'No binding caselawhas determined that an officer responding to a perceived medical emergency and a partially restrained patient who is passively resisting medication cannot use a single punch to enforce compliance' "Because existing law did not place the constitutional question 'beyond debate,' qualified immunity barred the claim. "The court also affirmed dismissal of the claims against the city of Chattanooga. Mr. Guptill's attorney argued that the city ratified Officer Gunns conduct when the police department later classified the internal complaint as not sustained. The Sixth Circuit rejected that theory, holding that after-the-fact administrative outcomes cannot form the basis for municipal liability under Monell. "With the appellate courts ruling, all federal claims against Officer Gunn and the City are now resolved in their favor. The only remaining claim - a state law battery count - had already been dismissed without prejudice when the district court declined to exercise supplemental jurisdiction. "The Sixth Circuits published decision firmly upholds Judge Colliers judgment and brings a definitive legal conclusion: Officer Joel Gunn is exonerated of all federal allegations of excessive force stemming from the 2021 hospital incident." CHARLESTON, Tenn. After winning the Vandergriff Invitational over the weekend, Walker Valley only had to send 11 to the mat to claim a pair of mat victories over short-handed squads Tuesday evening, at "The Stable." The Mustangs shutout Silverdale Baptist Academy 80-0, plus stampeded past Chattanooga Christian 75-4. The Lady Mustangs only had one match with senior Isabella Martinez earning a pin in 2:44 of her 136-pound battle with a Lady Purple Pounder. MUSTANGS 75, PURPLE POUNDERS 4: After nine "walk-overs" to open the match Tuesday, Walker Valley's only pin of the evening came from senior Gideon Hernandez, needing just 64 seconds to "stick" his 165-pound opponent. The Mustangs also got an 8-0 major decision from sophomore Kaydence Burton at 190, plus a 1-0 decision from senior Caden Lassen in the heavyweight matchup. Central's lone victory came on a Mustang forfeit. MUSTANGS 80, SEAHAWKS 0: With the first five and the final match being SBA forfeits, Walker Valley claimed the eight in between, getting the referee to slap the mat in seven of them. Between junior Christian Huddleston taking a 6-3 decision at 138 and classmate Adam Dyszkiewicz needing just two periods for a 17-1 technical fall at 215, the Herd notched six straight pins. Junior Chase Ackerman took just 91 ticks at 144, while sophomore Wesley Fincher only needed 71 second to put his 150-pound opponent's shoulder to the mat. Junior Kristian Brackett got an opening-period pin at 157, while Hernandez got his second "mat slap" in 82 ticks at 165, with senior Brody Wright needed 3:42 at 175. Burton went 3:30 at 195 for his second win of the evening to cap the streak. Previous Next More than 5,000 volunteers have helped the river cleanup nonprofit, Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, to reach a milestone of 1 million lbs. of trash removed from the Tennessee River watershed since the organization put its first boat in the water in 2019. The million-pound milestone was officially reached at an Oct. 19 cleanup on Nickajack Lake of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, Tenn. during the eighth annual Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month (KTnRWB Month) presented by TVA. The cleanup series portion of the months campaign resulted in 30,627 pounds of trash removed by 75 volunteers from cleanups held in all seven states of the Tennessee River watershed. By the end of November, Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTnRB) has worked with 5,293 volunteers to remove 1,017,672 pounds of trash to date. Though our mission is to educate and inspire others to take action, its our volunteers who actually inspire us everyday, so we see this milestone more as something that was achieved by 5,000 individuals working together for their collective river community, said Kathleen Gibi, KTnRB executive director. This is a big win for all of the communities within the watershed and it just goes to show what a difference community volunteers and partners can make! OCTOBER RIVER CLEANUPS Traditionally, the celebration month includes a river cleanup series tour with KTnRBs two 26-foot work boats that take volunteers to clean the shorelines. At two events, the national nonprofit Living Lands & Waters amplified the cleanup efforts by bringing two of their 30-foot boats. This year, the October awareness campaign included a total of eight scheduled river cleanups that touched the shorelines of all seven states in the Tennessee River watershed. Oct.1 Knoxville/Louisville, TN Fort Loudoun Lake 15,496 lbs. 28 volunteers Oct. 7 Harrison, TN Chickamauga Lake 1,921 lbs. 11 volunteers Oct. 11 Iuka, MS/Counce, TN/Waterloo, AL Pickwick Lake 2,091 lbs. 10 volunteers Oct. 12 Golden Pond, KY Kentucky Lake 4,112 lbs. 10 volunteers Oct. 18 Chattanooga, TN Nickajack Lake 4,330 lbs. 12 volunteers Oct. 19 Guntersville, AL Guntersville Lake Cancelled due to weather Oct. 24 Hayesville, NC/Young Harris, GA Chatuge Lake 1,158 lbs. 1 volunteer Oct. 28 Abingdon, VA South Holston Lake 1,159 lbs. 3 volunteers TOTAL 30,627 lbs. 75 volunteers PROCLAMATIONS Another tradition for KTnRWB Month is to obtain proclamations from elected officials declaring the month for the river. Ms. Gibi said that October presents the perfect opportunity to push KTnRBs ultimate goal of empowering the community to make a difference, pointing to their slogan: Your river. Your impact. This touches on the fact that, whether aware of it or not, whether positively or negatively, no matter the level of effort, youre impacting your watershed every single day, Ms. Gibi said at a waterfront press conference in Knoxville, on Oct. 1, that kicked off KTnRWB Month. We are grateful to all of the elected officials who declared October to be Keep the Tennessee River Watershed Beautiful Month, demonstrating leadership that looks out for their part of the river and beyond. This year, 11 elected officials from four states, four counties, and three cities made the proclamation, including: Gov. Bill Lee State of Tennessee Gov. Kay Ivey State of Alabama Gov. Tate Reeves State of Mississippi Gov. Andy Beshear State of Kentucky Mayor Indya Kincannon City of Knoxville, TN Mayor Glen Jacobs Knox County, TN Mayor Tim Kelly City of Chattanooga, TN Mayor Weston Wamp Hamilton County, TN Mayor David Byrd Grainger County, TN Mayor Robby Hatcher Polk County, TN Mayor Jason Jolly City of Rockwood, TN CONTINUING TO MAKE HISTORY Gibi said the timing of the million-pound milestone was apropos since 2025 also marked the ten-year anniversary of the 2015 Tennessee River Tour, which ultimately led to the creation of Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, the 1st Keep America Beautiful affiliate in the nation to focus solely on a river. The Tennessee River Tour was implemented by the national nonprofit, Living Lands & Waters, who traveled with their barge, hosting river cleanups in the four states touched by the main stem of the Tennessee River from Knoxville, Tenn. to Paducah, Ky. The idea for the Tennessee River Tour was sparked and championed at the City of Knoxville who invited Living Lands & Waters to come with their barge. It was Ijams Nature Center who kicked off the cleanup tour with their annual powerhouse, multi-county cleanup known as the Ijams River Rescue, an event that many river officials refer to as the first organized river cleanup effort known on the Tennessee River. Ultimately, the campaign was funded by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Keep Tennessee Beautiful (through Tennessee Dept. of Transportation funds). At the end of the tour, Chad Pregracke, founder of Living Lands & Waters and 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, sat down with TVA and Keep Tennessee Beautiful leaders, declaring that this was the most beautiful river he had ever been on and the project could not stop with a one-time campaign. From that conversation, Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful was formed as the 1st Keep America Beautiful Affiliate in the nation to focus solely on a river. HISTORY OF CELEBRATING KTNRWB MONTH Gibi said that it was the TVA, that originally challenged KTnRB to celebrate an awareness month for the Tennessee River. The awareness month was launched in the state of Tennessee in 2018, was announced by then Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, and has now expanded into a seven-state awareness campaign. Dozens of proclamations from governors and mayors within the Tennessee River watershed have been proclaimed over the years. As KTnRWB Month is celebrated in different states, local Keep America Beautiful affiliates as well as the state affiliates of Keep Tennessee Beautiful, Keep Alabama Beautiful, and Keep Mississippi Beautiful also participate and support the campaign. WHATS NEXT KTnRB is currently pursuing its 2025 Goal to Remove 200,000 Pounds of Trash presented by Clayton Home Building Group. With the month of December remaining in the year, the organization has 16,206 lbs. of trash left to collect at river cleanups. The next public cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, on Watts Bar Lake. To register for upcoming cleanups or to learn more about Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful, please visit www.KeepTNRiverBeautiful.org. persistent organic pollutants such as DDT or lindane continue to pollute the environment and humans decades after their use. ETH researchers have developed a new electrochemical process that completely dehalogenates these persistent toxins and converts them into valuable industrial chemicals. The process uses low-cost equipment, prevents side reactions and can be applied to contaminated landfills, soils or sludge. Mobile plants could be used on site in the future - an important step towards remediation of contaminated sites and a sustainable circular economy. They were once considered miracle cures - insecticides such as lindane or DDT, which were produced and used by the millions in the 20th century. But what was celebrated as progress led to a global environmental catastrophe: persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are so chemically stable that they remain in soil, water and living organisms for decades. They accumulate in the fatty tissue of animals and thus enter the human food chain. Many of these substances have long since been banned, but their traces can still be found today - even in human blood. The remediation of such contaminated sites in soil, water and landfills is one of the major unanswered questions in environmental protection. How can highly stable toxins be rendered harmless without creating new problems? Researchers at ETH Zurich, led by Bill Morandi, Professor of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, have now found a promising approach. Using a novel electrochemical method, they have succeeded not only in breaking down persistent pollutants, but also in converting them into valuable raw materials for the chemical industry. Pollutants become raw materials A major difference to previous work is that the carbon skeleton of the pollutants is recycled and made reusable. The halide components are bound as harmless inorganic salt. "The previous methods were also inefficient from an energy point of view," says Patrick Domke, a doctoral student in Morandi's group, and explains: "The processes were expensive and still led to environmentally harmful results." Together with electrochemistry specialist Alberto Garrido-Castro, a former postdoc in this group, Domke developed a process that renders the pollutants in question completely harmless. The two researchers were able to draw on the many years of experience of ETH Professor Morandi, who has been working on the conversion of such compounds for years. "The decisive breakthrough came with the use of alternating current in electrolysis. It splits the halogen atoms into harmless salts such as NaCl (common salt) and at the same time produces valuable hydrocarbons," explains Morandi. Decomposing toxins with electricity Electrolysis enables the almost complete dehalogenation of pollutants under mild, environmentally friendly and cost-effective conditions. It splits the stable carbon-halogen bonds. All that remains are harmless salts such as common salt and useful hydrocarbons such as benzene, diphenylethane or cyclododecatriene. These in turn are sought-after intermediate products in the chemical industry, for example for plastics, paints, coatings or pharmaceutical applications. The technology therefore not only contributes to the remediation of contaminated sites, but also to a sustainable circular economy. "What makes our process so technically special is that we have managed to use alternating current, i.e. normal household electricity. There is actually no cheaper resource in the chemical industry," explains Garrido-Castro. "In addition, alternating current protects the electrodes from wear and tear, which is why we can reuse them for many subsequent electrolysis cycles. In addition, the alternating current suppresses unwanted side reactions or the formation of toxic chlorine gas, so that the pollutants can be completely converted into inorganic salts." The reactor used by the researchers consists of an undivided electrolysis cell using dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) as a solvent, which itself is a by-product of the pulping process in paper production. A parent whose child was among the 303 students abducted from St. Marys School in Papiri, Niger, stands in a classroom. | Screenshot: YouTube/ BBC News Fifty Nigerian schoolchildren who were kidnapped last week during an attack on a Catholic school in Niger state have managed to flee captivity and return home, according to school officials. Another 253 children and 12 teachers are still unaccounted for in what authorities describe as one of the largest mass abductions in the countrys recent history. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state and proprietor of the school, said the escapeesaged 10 to 18returned one by one between Friday and Saturday. He shared the update in a statement to the media on Sunday. The students were taken during a violent raid at St. Marys School in the rural community of Papiri, where gunmen armed with heavy weapons overran the grounds and abducted both students and staff. We were able to ascertain this when we decided to contact and visit some parents, Yohanna said, according to CBS News. 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. Authorities have yet to identify where the remaining hostages are being held, and no militant group has claimed responsibility for the mass kidnapping. Pope Leo XIV addressed the crisis during his Sunday mass in St. Peters Square, mourning the violence and urging the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted students and teachers. The Niger state attack occurred just four days after a similar abduction in Maga, a town in neighboring Kebbi state, where 25 students were seized approximately 106 miles away. These incidents are part of a growing wave of school kidnappings across northern Nigeria, where criminal and extremist groups increasingly use ransom-taking as a profitable tactic in regions where government control is limited. Open Doors, a U.S.-based watchdog monitoring persecution globally, reports that more than 20,000 people were abducted in Nigeria between 2019 and 2023. The organization warns that [k]idnapping is big business, funding Islamist expansion and tied to active terrorist groups. According to an October report, Many of these bandits have been known to target anyone who will pay a price but they have learned that Christians, and specifically religious leaders, can fetch a higher ransom, making them specifically vulnerable targets. Open Doors has long documented that more Christians are killed in Nigeria annually than in the rest of the world combined. Photo credit: Unsplash/ Ben White Most Americans express little discomfort with doctrines such as hell or Jesus future judgment, yet many assume these teachings apply only selective. The latest installment of The State of Theologya biennial national survey conducted by Lifeway Research and sponsored by Ligonier Ministriespolled more than 3,000 U.S. adults to assess current attitudes about God, Scripture, sin, and the Christian faith. According to the findings, 2 in 3 Americans (65 percent) say the biblical accounts of Jesus bodily resurrection are completely accurate, agreeing that the event truly happened. Roughly a quarter (24 percent) remain unconvinced. Researchers noted that public acceptance of Christs resurrection has held steady since 2016, showing little movement despite cultural and political upheaval. The study also reports that more than 3 in 5 Americans (62 percent) believe there will be a time when Jesus Christ returns to judge all the people who have lived. Meanwhile, nearly 57 percent say hell is a literal place of eternal punishment for some peoplebut less than a quarter (23 percent) accept that even the smallest sin deserves eternal damnation, signaling tension between doctrinal belief and personal intuition. When assessing human nature, two-thirds (66 percent) of Americans agree that everyone sins a little but most people are good by nature, and an even larger share74 percentmaintain that everyone is born innocent in the eyes of God. Opinion remains sharply divided over the nature of Scripture: 49 percent call the Bible 100 percent accurate in all that it teaches, while an almost identical 48 percent view it as containing helpful accounts of ancient myths rather than literal truth. Skepticism toward Scriptures compatibility with science has slightly declined. Today, 36 percent say modern science disproves the Bible, down from 40 percent in the previous survey. Beliefs about biblical authority also split respondents: half (50 percent) say the Bible has the authority to tell us what we must do, while 44 percent reject that claim. Notably, 16 percent believe the Holy Spirit can tell them to do something forbidden in the Bible. Trinitarian belief appears strong71 percent affirm one true God in three Personsbut confusion remains. A majority (57 percent) describe the Holy Spirit as merely a force, not a personal being, and nearly half (49 percent) view Jesus as a great teacher but not God. Pluralistic attitudes also appear widespread: 65 percent say God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Almost half (46 percent) believe that religious belief is not about objective truth. Shifts in worship habits continue following the pandemic. Sixty-three percent now say personal or family worship can replace church attendancedown slightly from the 2022 peak but still far above pre-pandemic norms. The survey further shows that most Americans do not see church membership as essential. Only a third (33 percent) believe Christians have a duty to join a local congregation. Hearts on Fire Student Conference (HOF) at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, on Nov. 2122, 2025. | Photo credit: Facebook/ Hearts On Fire Ministries More than 13,000 students and leaders converged for this years Hearts on Fire Student Conference (HOF), where hundreds of young attendees made life-changing decisions to follow Jesus Christ. The two-day gathering, which drew participants from 20 states, took place Nov. 2122 at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. HOF founder Scott Carter told The Christian Post that the weekend produced a significant spiritual response: 290 students professed faith in Christ for the first time, 260 recommitted their lives to Him, and 52 expressed a desire to be baptized. Carter said his greatest encouragement comes from witnessing students respond to the Gospel personally. There were many highlights, but my favorite is when I see students reaching out to Christ for a personal relationship, he shared. That is the reason HOF exists; our goal is to evangelize the lost. He described one poignant moment from the final evening, when he prayed with two high school boys who had been interceding for months for a friend who did not know Christ. These two guys worked together and had been praying for months for their friend to be saved. They invited their friend to HOF, and God moved in his life, and he gave his heart to Christ, Carter recalled. An offering taken during the conference raised more than $19,000 to support a Tennessee-based food bank. Carter believes the long history of Hearts on Fire contributes to the strong turnout, noting that the conference has been held annually since the 1980s and continues to grow in influence. According to the ministrys website, Hearts on Fire began in 1987 with approximately 150 students. Since then, it has hosted well-known speakers including Louie Giglio, Tim Tebow, Kirk Cameron and Will Graham. We have many youth workers bringing their youth to the conference who attended when they were teenagers years ago, Carter explained. I think having great communicators of the Gospel is a draw as well as dynamic praise and worship music. He emphasized that the central message of the event never changes. The message of HOF never changes: Christ crucified, risen and coming again. We always share the love of Christ by sharing the Gospel. In comparison to previous conferences, [this] remains the common theme. For those who made the decision to follow Christ at last weekend's event, Carter told CP that his ministry has a process to help disciple new believers as they continue their walk of faith. Each decision-maker fills out a duplicate formone copy stays with the ministry, and the other goes to the students pastor for follow-upand participants receive Billy Grahams Steps to Peace with God tract along with the North American Mission Boards Welcome to the Family booklet. Home News 24 abducted schoolgirls freed in Nigeria week after wave of mass abductions Twenty-four schoolgirls abducted in northwest Nigeria were released Sunday following a security operation. Their kidnapping was one of several mass abductions across the country over the previous week that left hundreds still missing. The students were taken on Nov. 17 from Government Girls Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi state, when armed men entered the compound around 4 a.m. local time, the U.K.-based group Christian Solidarity Worldwide said in a statement sent to The Christian Post. The attackers killed the assistant principal on-site and left a security guard severely injured. He later died in the hospital. The abduction occurred shortly after a military detachment had withdrawn from the school premises. Two of the girls escaped in the hours after the attack. The remaining 24 were freed on Nov. 25 after the deployment of police tactical teams, army units and local vigilante groups. The release in Kebbi followed a larger kidnapping incident on Friday in Niger state, where gunmen stormed St. Marys Catholic School in Papiri and abducted 303 children and 12 staff members. That attack, which took place just four days after the Maga raid, prompted the Niger state government to shut down all schools beginning Saturday. No group has claimed responsibility. Fifty children escaped captivity by Saturday and made their way back to their homes, said the Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Niger state, who's also proprietor of the school. Yohanna said the school learned about the escapes only after contacting the childrens families. 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, he said, CBS News reported. The incident in Niger state drew an international response. Pope Leo XIV addressed the matter during Sunday mass at St. Peters Square and called for the release of all hostages. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said his administration would ensure the safe return of all kidnapped persons. 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, he said in a statement. Other abductions took place across northern Nigeria within the same week. On Sunday, fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province abducted 13 girls between the ages of 15 and 20 while they were harvesting crops in Mussa district of Askira-Uba, Borno state, CSW reported. One girl managed to escape, and most residents have since left the area. On Monday, armed assailants kidnapped six women and two men from Biresawa village in Kano state during a night raid between 11 p.m. and midnight. On Tuesday, authorities confirmed the death of the Rev. James Audu of the Evangelical Church Winning All, who had been abducted on Aug. 28 in Ekati village, Kwara state. The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of 100 million naira (about $69,000), which was negotiated down to 5 million (about $3,460). Upon receiving payment, they demanded an additional 45 million (about $31,170) and reportedly killed Audu before any further talks took place, CSW said. CSW CEO Scot Bower welcomed the release of the Kebbi schoolgirls but questioned the lack of transparency around operations. The reported deployment of additional police tactical units and military personnel demonstrates that the Nigerian authorities are capable of responding to terrorist threats in the region. However, the paucity of information surrounding rescues in which perpetrators appear to have faced no consequences is not only perplexing; it further undermines both public confidence and the rule of law, he said. The Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria also released a statement, urging the government to act decisively to restore national security. The bishops cited the killing of more than 70 people, the destruction of 300 homes, and the displacement of over 3,000 families from communities in Taraba state as examples of a deteriorating crisis. They called for an investigation into delayed or withheld security responses and demanded justice for Christian victims of violence. The statement also raised concerns about the destruction of churches and the denial of land for church construction in northern Nigeria, including on federal property. It warned about the increasing powers of Sharia courts in some states and the conduct of Hisbah, a religious enforcement group accused of promoting extremist interpretations of Islamic law that threaten the countrys secular character. The bishops reiterated their call for justice in the case of Deborah Emmanuel, a Christian student lynched at her college in Sokoto state following an unproven blasphemy accusation. Northern Nigeria is predominantly Muslim, with many states enforcing Sharia law alongside federal law, and religious police like the Hisbah regulating public morality. The South is largely Christian, with no religious law and a strong presence of churches and Evangelical movements. This divide influences politics, education, and social life, while the central Middle Belt region remains religiously mixed and often experiences violent clashes rooted in both faith and ethnicity. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States began enforcement of a ruling requiring the repeal or review of Kano states blasphemy laws. The court issued a writ of execution targeting Section 210 of the Kano Penal Code and Section 382(b) of the Kano Sharia Penal Code Law of 2000 to bring the state in line with Nigerias obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Home News Christian group launches 'Street Preacher's Charter' for UK Parliament following arrests for preaching Document advises evangelists to check local regulations, build good relations with the local council, police and shop owners A new "Street Preacher's Charter" has been launched in the U.K. Parliament after a succession of fines and arrests involving pastors, some of which have led to hefty compensation payouts from police. The charter, drawn up by The Christian Institute, aims to protect street preaching and free speech while also calling Christians to preach "responsibly" and avoid "behavior which might give street preaching a bad name." The Christian Institute hopes that street preachers, the police and local authorities will adopt the charter. "The Charter sets out the rights and responsibilities of individuals who engage in public preaching or share their beliefs in the streets of England and Wales," The Christian Institute said. "It is intended to support those who preach on the streets, and to guide police and local authorities in upholding long-standing free speech protections." The document contains an overview of good practice and relevant laws to guide both street preachers and police. With regards to the conduct of street preachers, it advises them to stay accountable by connecting with a local church, checking local regulations, and seeking to build good relations with the local council, police and shop owners. If they choose to discuss "contentious issues such as gender, sexual orientation and sexual ethics," they should "do so with care and in the appropriate context." "Commend the exclusive claims of Jesus rather than focusing on preaching against other faiths," the charter states. "Remember that the freedom to say or do something does not mean that we always should." Street preachers should also be mindful of the volume at which they preach and avoid sounding "angry" or using "a confrontational or argumentative style." They must "never single someone out of the crowd to preach at." "Be friendly and cooperative," it says. "Respect rightful authority. The Apostle Paul showed respect to those with whom he disagreed." The document has been endorsed by the street preaching organizations, Open Air Campaigners GB and Open-Air Mission. The foreword to the charter was written by former Director of Public Prosecutions, Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC, who noted that free speech in the U.K. was hard won. The emergence of free speech in our society was partly forged amid the legal persecution of Christian open-air preachers. Today, both our common law and modern human rights instruments uphold those hard-fought freedoms, and they are routinely used and enjoyed by those of all faiths and none," he said. "If conducted responsibly, street preaching can enhance the vibrancy of our public squares and serve to remind us that we are a society where free speech is valued and different opinions and beliefs are tolerated. Sam Webster, solicitor and head of legal at The Christian Institute, was the primary author of the charter. He said ahead of the launch: Our Charter seeks to remind police and local councils of the freedoms that street preachers have enjoyed in this country for hundreds of years, whilst at the same time capturing a sense of the often-difficult but important job performed by police and local officials in keeping order on the streets. Our hope is that over time, we will see more and more street preachers who make the Charter their own. And in due course, we would love to see police forces and councils who might be prepared to formally endorse the charter. The charter was inspired by a "wrongful arrest" case involving Scottish street preacher Angus Cameron, 52. The father of two was arrested for "breach of the peace" while preaching in Glasgow city center in 2022. The arrest was made after police received one unsubstantiated complaint. He was handcuffed by police and publicly searched in the presence of passers-by before being held in a police van for just over an hour. Police later informed him that although he would not be prosecuted, a "non-crime hate incident report" would still be recorded against his name. The Christian Institute, acting on his behalf, obtained disclosure of internal police documentation, which showed the police had no basis to suspect the preacher had committed any offense, which is necessary for a lawful arrest. With help from The Christian Institute, he took successful legal action against Police Scotland for wrongful arrest, discrimination and breach of human rights. This led to him receiving a payout from Police Scotland of 5,500 ($7,200) along with 9,400 ($12,400) in legal costs, which he donated to The Christian Institute. This article was originally published at Christian Today Home News Jordan raising $100M for construction of first century village ahead of 2,000th anniversary of Jesus baptism Bethany Beyond the Jordan 2030 As Christians worldwide look toward a series of major 2,000-year milestones culminating in 2033, marking the death and Resurrection of Jesus, Jordan is accelerating preparations for the first of them: the 2030 anniversary of Jesus baptism at Bethany Beyond the Jordan, the UNESCO-recognized site where John baptized Christ and His public ministry began. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan named after the Jordan River and ruled by pro-Western King Abdullah II is organizing a major global celebration marking the 2,000th anniversary of Christs baptism. Emad Hijazin, Jordans minister of tourism and antiquities, told Christian Daily International that the Baptism Site Commission, the Ministry of Tourism and the Royal Court will soon announce a comprehensive program for the millennial commemoration. Hijazin, who comes from a Christian family in the southern city of Karak, said he looks forward to coordinating with global Christian leaders, including the Rev. Botrus Mansour of Nazareth, the new secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance, to encourage Christian pilgrims to visit Jordan. Mansour said he is eager to meet with Jordanian officials. We in the World Evangelical Alliance are excited to see how we can work closely with the Jordanian authorities on this and other issues, he told Christian Daily International. Senator Michael Nazzal, chair of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the Jordanian Senate, emphasized the kingdoms commitment to presenting the baptismal millennium as a moment of global Christian unity. Under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, we are enhancing infrastructure, expanding pilgrimage services, and working closely with church leaders worldwide to welcome visitors from all denominations, he said. The Baptism Site is a cornerstone of Christian heritage, and Jordan is honored to safeguard it. This celebration is a reaffirmation of Jordans role as a trusted home for sacred Christian history. Local tourism leaders also see the millennium as a chance to revive an industry battered by global and regional crises. Hanna Sawalha, owner of Nebo Tours, said the sector has endured years of hardship. We were crippled by the COVID-19 pandemic, and just as things began to improve, the Gaza conflict kept most tourists and pilgrims away, he said. Now that the ceasefire is holding, we can finally start making medium- and long-term plans that will hopefully culminate in the millennial anniversary of Christs baptism. Tourism is a main pillar of Jordans economy, contributing about 11.4% of GDP. Tourism receipts reached 3.29 billion Jordanian dinars (about $4.6 billion) in 2017, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. While the sector has long relied on cultural and natural attractions, officials hope the millennial celebrations will give new momentum to religious tourism. To accommodate the expected surge in pilgrims, Jordan is raising $100 million for the construction of an authentic first-century Palestinian-style village near the Baptism Site. The development is intended to enrich the historical and spiritual experience for visiting believers. Jordans attractions include Petra, named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007; Wadi Rum, a protected wilderness area and UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic desert landscape; and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Officials hope the Baptism Site will join these destinations in driving sustained annual tourism growth of 2% to 5%. Jordans finance minister forecasts a 2.9% growth rate in 2026. Biblical archaeologists note that more than 100 sites in Jordan are referenced in both the Old and New Testaments. The Baptism Site, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, has long drawn pilgrims from across Christian traditions. Its identification aligns with the Gospel reference in John 1:28 to the place beyond the Jordan on the east bank of the river where John was baptizing. As Jordan positions itself as a central destination for Christian pilgrimage during this historic moment, officials say the goal is not only to welcome millions of visitors but also to reaffirm the countrys longstanding commitment to religious coexistence and the guardianship of sacred Christian heritage sites. This article was originally published at Christian Daily International Home News National Guard attack update: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died from injuries after DC shooting; Trump calls up 500 more Guard troops Updated at 7:35 p.m. ET on Nov. 27, 2025: National Guardswoman Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died from injuries she suffered after being shot in an ambush-style attack near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon. President Donald Trump made the announcement Thursday evening before he made calls to the U.S. military on Thanksgiving and broadcast on C-SPAN. The other National Guardsman is in critical condition and "fighting for his life," the president added. Original report: Two West Virginia National Guard members who were deployed in Washington, D.C., remained in critical condition Thursday after they were shot just blocks from the White House. The shooting, which took place Wednesday afternoon as family and friends prepared to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, was described by Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser as a targeted attack. Authorities have arrested a suspect identified as an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in 2021 following the Biden administration's withdrawal from Afghanistan, FBI Director Kash Patel announced during a media briefing Thursday morning. Heres the latest on the shooting. The chief executive of the Charity Commission has cautioned foundations against forgetting their historical charitable objects when planning to modernise. Speaking at the annual Association of Charitable Foundations conference in London yesterday, David Holdsworth said that foundations should not treat their charitable objects as a historical curiosity when looking to modernise. He said foundations should instead view their objects as their roots and a legal and moral axis upon which to navigate. Theres a growing conversation frankly what feels like a pressure around modernising foundations, often described as democratising them, Holdsworth said. Around ceding power to beneficiaries and communities, flattening hierarchies, and fundamentally restructuring how foundations are governed. This is, I know, grounded in a well-intentioned desire to continue to adapt to improve the very ecosystem around you to enable it to thrive. But I want to say something that might be unfashionable. Be very thoughtful before you give away all of your foundations power. Be very thoughtful in ensuring you grow new branches rather than damaging the very roots that enable you to weather the storms. And be there for not just todays beneficiaries but tomorrows and that would enable future generations to sit in the shade and enjoy the better future your canopy provided. Im not suggesting foundations should be disconnected or indifferent. Quite the opposite. The best foundations are those that are engaged with their beneficiaries and deeply embedded in their communities. They consult widely, they listen carefully, and they design their work shaped by lived experience and genuine engagement with those they seek to help. Clarifying his comments, Holdsworth said the commission would not stand in the way of considered changes and that the regulator would only intervene where there are legal or regulatory concerns, where charitable purposes have been forgotten or overlooked. He said: This isnt about looking back. Its about looking inward. Recognising what your foundation represents. In some cases, change is necessary to remain relevant. Done right, you can honour intent even when adapting to necessary change. However, if change is a response to pressure, then stop and ask yourself: Will it stay true to your charitable purpose? Will your choice stand years from now? sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, A Bangladesh court on Thursday, November 27, sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years of imprisonment in three corruption cases, local media reported.The three cases were lodged over alleged irregularities in allocating plots in the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachol, state-run BSS news agency said.The judge pronounced the judgment in absence of the convict as she is yet to be arrested and was tried in absentia.Hasina was sentenced to seven years in each case, totalling 21 years in prison.The plot was allotted to Sheikh Hasina without any application and in a manner that exceeded the legally authorised jurisdiction, the court observed in its judgment. There is a single line reading in all of television history that is permanently seared into my brain. Even if youve never seen Veep, its possible youve seen the clip of Julia Louise-Dreyfus delivering this dialogue: That's like trying to use croissant as a fucking dildo. Ino no no, let me be more clear. It doesn't do the job and it makes a goddamn mess. Don't Miss In three short sentences, a picture is painted. Its a vivid, nasty picture. But the dialogue alone isnt what makes the scene from Season 1, Episode 5 of Veep so unforgettable. Rather it is the way Dreyfus lets out the words. She berates her staff for one of their numerous screw ups but doesnt get loud at first. Instead, Dreyfus drops a few decibels in volume first, making the explosive land on mess, hit even harder. Its a study in perfect comedic timing and delivery; the way Dreyfus pronounces croissant as the correct French pronunciation that sounds like cwoissan; the way her teeth grind together, contorting the lines of her face into something vicious. At that moment, Dreyfus was the funniest person on the planet. Somehow, this wasnt even the episode HBO entered into consideration for Veeps first Emmy season. Dreyfus was submitted for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Season 1, Episode 8, Tears. It was the first of several Emmys Dreyfus won for the show. But Episode 5, Nickames, packs in everything that makes Veep legendary comedic television. The plot of the episode centers on Vice President Selina Meyers (Dreyfus) increasingly obsessed with nicknames given to her by bloggers as she stews over repeated snubs from her boss, the president. The names the press bestowed on her include Viagra Prohibitor, "Mammary Meyer," "Grizzly Madam," "Betty Poop," "The Wicked Witch of the West Wing," "Veep Throat," and Vaselina. In the 26 minutes, Episode 5 also gives us some of the most foundational strengths of each main character. White House aide Jonah Ryan (Timothy Simons) makes everything already going wrong remarkably worse. VP Press Secretary Mike McClintock (Matt Walsh) writes absolutely terrible jokes for Meyer to read at an important event. VP Chief of Staff Amy Brookheimer (Anna Chlumsky) tries and fails to put out fires started by Meyer. Advertisement Advertisement As the episode reaches its crescendo, and the bill that Meyer wants to pass gets dropped by the president in favor of his own agenda, Meyer wonders why she ever got into politics. Her doubt reaches peak when shes put on a taskforce to fight obesity. A totally defeated Meyer exclaims: I've got to say, I'm the Vice President of the United States, put the cupcake down!' That's now my job? If you only ever watched one episode of Veep, it should be this one. At the end of the new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, Eddie Murphy receives a package hes visibly excited to open. Oh, I know what this is. Those are ventriloquist dummies, he says, before gingerly pulling out an old-school puppet of Bill Cosby, followed by one of Richard Pryor. Then come Paul Mooney and Val Young, and Murphy immediately starts improvising with all of them. The scene lasts less than three minutes, but its both hilarious and strangely touching Murphy cracking himself up, proudly showing off the puppets like a kid doing show-and-tell. Its no surprise the moment went viral. Don't Miss So I reached out to the man behind the Pryor and Cosby puppets: Steve Axtell, founder of Axtell Expressions, who was more than happy to share how he came to make them for Murphy. To get started, tell me about Axtell Expressions. Advertisement When I was a kid, I was really into puppets. I made copies of the Jim Henson Muppets when I was 14 in a local newspaper. My mom sent the article to Jim Henson, hoping he would offer me a job. I got a letter back from their legal department saying, "Hey, don't copy us, but you have a lot of talent and you should meet other puppeteers and find your own look." That kind of got me going. I went into my teens and my young adulthood performing on weekends, doing puppet and magic shows. Then I got into psychology and my wife and I started our own business in 1992 making puppets for therapy, including for autism. Over the years we've grown into a worldwide puppet empire across 80 countries with star puppets on stage and TV. I worked with Dreamworks to make the Madagascar puppets. We worked with Shaq, who ordered a custom puppet of himself. Now we're working with animatronics and they speak with artificial intelligence. We've got some real cutting edge stuff going. Plus, a few years ago, I got this call from Sesame Street and they said, Steve, we want you to know how much you inspire us. I thought that was an amazing full circle. To skip ahead, can you tell me how those puppets for Eddie Murphy came about? Advertisement During the production of that documentary, I got a call from a producer named Terry Leonard. He was working on a documentary with a certain star but wouldn't tell me who. They wanted puppets that were reminiscent of the old Danny O'Day ventriloquist dummies. That's a unique style and it's an old style. Normally, I don't build hard dummies, but they wanted them and they wanted them to be of Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby. They wouldn't tell me who this was for, but I was thinking, Who does those two voices? Eddie Murphy. I even said to them, Thats got to be Eddie Murphy, but they wouldnt tell me. It was a very quick turnaround two weeks so the sculpting was done digitally and then I 3D-printed them. It was so fun getting their little hands and all the clothes right. I loved the simplicity of it. They wanted just those static heads with a moving mouth, so I put a head stick inside of them so you could reach into the body and control them. Advertisement After I shipped them, I never heard anything else until it came out on Netflix. That's when I get a text from the producer, Terry Leonard, and he says, Steve, I just want to let you know that the documentary Being Eddie comes out tonight on Netflix. And you were right, it was Eddie Murphy all along. Advertisement Did you also make the puppets of Paul Mooney and Val Young that he had? No, I didn't and I didn't make the one that Jimmy Kimmel gave to Eddie on his show the one of Eddie Murphy himself. From what I understand, at the beginning when they were shooting the documentary, Eddie got the Paul Mooney puppet and showed it to the producers and said, I've got a Paul Mooney puppet. I started with ventriloquism. Man, if I had Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby, that would be fantastic. They made a mental note of it and contacted me early on to make them and then they surprised Eddie with them for the documentary. Whats all this attention on the puppets been like for you? My social media has exploded. I'm getting thousands of new followers and friend requests. Im also building another Richard Pryor for the Richard Pryor estate. I'm kind of hoping Eddie Murphy orders Redd Foxx and a whole bunch of other ones because most people online are saying, If Eddie would ever come out from retirement with those puppets, what a show that would be! You just know that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth sees himself as a Maverick-type figure, but South Park just took him to the danger zone and discovered that hes a cowardly, attention-starved fing douche. For the last couple of months, Kenny Loggins has been fighting to stop President Donald Saddam Hussein Trump from using his smash-hit song Danger Zone in presidential propaganda posts. Last month, Trump used the song to score his infamous A.I. video that showed him dropping giant piles of feces from a fighter jet onto protesters at the No Kings marches across the country, prompting Loggins to put out a public statement condemning the use of his song from the Top Gun soundtrack for such divisive, undignified slop. Don't Miss Unfortunately, Loggins had little legal recourse to stop Trump from putting the song in his social media posts, as the video likely falls under fair use as did Trey Parker and Matt Stones cover of Danger Zone, which they unveiled in tonight's new South Park episode Turkey Trot in a flying fuck you to Hegseth and his pathetic antics. In Turkey Trot, Hegseth flies into South Park on the orders of President Trump to try and free imprisoned billionaire antichrist expert Peter Theil, whom the South Park Police Department believe to be the head of a cartoon pedophile ring. Naturally, the hard-nosed South Park cops aren't intimidated by Hegseth's performative, self-absorbed social media bullshit, and they kick his ass out of the station twice. Hegseth spends most of the episode crying on Instagram Live about how South Park has been taken over by woke liberal Antifa terrorists before targeting the town's Saudi-Arabia-sponsored Thanksgiving 5K for some extrajudicial skull-smashing. At the end of the episode, Hegseth single-handedly assaults half the racers to the tune of Danger Zone, only the lyrics of the chorus in this version of the song are Pete Hegseth's a f---ing douche instead of the usual highway to the danger zone. At the end of the montage, SPPD catches up to Hegseth and they throw him in jail alongside Theil. Advertisement South Park Studios Downright aspirational Presumably, Loggins will like Parker and Stone's take on Danger Zone a lot more than what Trump did with the song. Even before Trump pissed off Loggins by slapping Danger Zone on an A.I. propaganda video, Loggins wrote an original song for the 2016 parody film Donald Trump's The Art of the Deal: The Movie, fittingly titled The Art of the Deal. Despite how hyper-nationalist reactionaries love to co-opt his work for their bullshit causes, Loggins has always seen through douches like Trump and Hegseth who think that playing a badass patriot on Instagram makes them a big strong boy in real life. Nevertheless, this probably won't be the last time someone puts the tune of Danger Zone to footage of the military under Hegseth committing some extrajudicial acts of violence. Loggins has a long road ahead of him but hopefully Parker and Stone were able to meet him halfway. A newly highlighted flaw in Microsofts cross-tenant collaboration model shows that once a user accepts a guest invitation in Teams, their Defender for Office 365 protections are dropped entirely, leaving them exposed inside an external tenant even while logged in with their home account. According to Ontinue threat researcher Rhys Downing, one of Microsofts recently enabled features, MC1182004, that allows Teams users to initiate chats with any email address, opens an attack vector for threat actors who know cross-tenant security limitations. Many organizations assume their controls follow the user wherever they go, said Julian Brownlow Davies, senior vice president, offensive security strategy & operations at Bugcrowd. In reality, attackers can spin up a poorly secured tenant, invite your users in with what looks like a perfectly legitimate Microsoft Teams email, and deliver links and files that never touch your own Defender stack at all. 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 Black Friday is once again upon us, which means our experts are already hard at work searching through the best Black Friday deals on everything from air fryers and coffee machines to Amazon devices and the latest iPhone cases. Below, weve spoken to our deals experts - writers, editors, reviewers - who also happen to have decades of experience across home, fashion, beauty and tech. Here you can read a bit more about why you can trust them, as well as what theyll be keeping an eye out for during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales Why trust us? The Daily Mail reviews team has been covering sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and all of Amazons Prime events for a long time - some of us longer than wed like to admit. This means weve got a keen eye for the good deals, as well as the duds - pair that with our years of product knowledge and its a recipe for deal success. Were also keen to showcase the best deals on products weve actually tested and well always flag a top deal on our recommended products. Read on to find out more about our deals experts, as well as their top Black Friday and Cyber Monday product picks. Black Friday is packed with amazing deals - if something youve had your eye on goes on sale. Every year, I use it as an opportunity to get ahead on my Christmas shopping. Its always a good idea to ask family and friends what theyd like early, so I can have my list ready to go as soon as the discounts drop. This year, Im mainly hunting for perfume, tech (including smart home gadgets such as Echo Dots and Echo Shows), clothing, and stocking stuffers for gifting. For myself, Im planning to spruce up my home ahead of the new year, so Ill be keeping an eye out for new bedding, a mattress and maybe even a new sofa. Emily Scrivener - Deputy Commerce Editor Black Friday is a great time to invest in tech and Ill be keeping an eye out for the Samsung Frame 2025 QLED Art Mode Smart AI TV. Im currently doing a renovation and this is the perfect addition for my small living room as it doubles as a stunning piece of wall art when not in use, keeping the space stylish and clutter-free. Louise Oliphant - Commercial SEO Manager For the last few years, I've planned exactly what purchases I'll be making on Black Friday. It's the best time to splurge on something I've wanted for a while, or invest in an item I need. This year, I'm doing both. Firstly, I've been wanting a very on-trend suede jacket. I've bookmarked picks from M&S, Massimo Dutti and Reiss to make sure I'm ready for when their Black Friday sales start, as I'm sure these pieces will sell out fast. Then, I'm planning on buying a new sofa. I'm due to move into my new apartment in the coming months, which means I can time a sofa delivery perfectly in line with a Black Friday bargain. I've got my eye on Dusk's Bondi 3-seater sofa or the Manhattan sofa in stone. Danielle Amato - Lifestyle and Consumer Reviews Writer I've been working Black Friday sales for years now and in my opinion, it's the best time to buy a coffee machine or choose your perfect air fryer. In terms of what I'm looking for myself though, this year is all about upgrading and organising my kitchen. I'll be keeping an eye out for deals on OXO storage products - they're really good quality but can be on the pricey side, so here's hoping for a Black Friday discount. Shivali Best - UK Science & Technology Editor This Black Friday Ill be keeping an eye out for deals on the iPhone 16e, Apples budget iPhone, which is impressively similar to the iPhone 16 but at a fraction of the cost. Im also going to finally bite the bullet and splash out on the Dyson Airwrap, which might be the thing to finally tame my unruly curls! Wiliam Hunter - Senior Science & Technology Reporter This Black Friday, I'll be buying a Petcube pet water fountain. Dehydration is a big issue for indoor pets, and my fussy house cat never seems to drink enough water. The Petcube fountain has a great filtration system, app control and a big enough battery to work for 20 days - making it the perfect choice for a small flat without many plug sockets. Hayley Minn - Deputy Travel Editor I've been searching for the perfect travel pillow for long-haul journeys for a while - and I've finally found it in the TRAVELREST. It can be packed up flat in your bag so it doesn't take up space, and then once it's inflated on the plane, its unique long shape is so much more comfortable than the ones that go around your neck. My husband and I are off to Malaysia next week, so I'm buying another one in the Black Friday sale, so we both get a good night's sleep on the 13-hour flight! Rebekah Absalom - Senior Features Writer (Royals) Ill be keeping an eye out for timeless investment pieces - think heritage-inspired coats, polished handbags and sleek boots worthy of a royal wardrobe. More specifically I'd like a long checked wool coat, black suede knee-high boots and a crossbody bag with top handle. Theres no better time to shop for affordable jewellery (think: Missoma, Mejuri and Monica Vinader) than during Black Friday and Cyber Week. Ive picked up some of my favourite pieces in previous sales. And Ill be looking to add another pair of earrings into my rotation this year. Layla Turner - Commer Writer & Content Creator I'm a beauty writer, so it's my job to hunt down the best Black Friday beauty deals and this year, there's plenty worth buying. At the top of my list though, is my favourite moisturiser ever (especially for the winter months) - Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream. Thick, luxurious and put to the test on my acne-prone skin, it makes for a great base for makeup, and keeps my combination complexion hydrated through the cold weather. There's plenty of stockists that will be running Black Friday deals, but you can currently snap it up for 20% off at John Lewis. Lydia Wheatley - Senior Commerce Writer Daily Mail & Metro For this years Black Friday, Im after things to help me both upgrade my travel game for some trips Im going on next year. For long days on the go, a really good portable charger is something Ive been meaning to snap up for ages, and the OHOVIV 26800mAh Fast Charging Power Bank looks like a great bet. Super speedy and full of juice, it claims to charge your iPhone from 0 to 50 per cent in just 30 minutes, which would be ideal for emergency top-ups on the go. Phoebe Davenport - Commerce Writer This Black Friday, I'm hoping to secure the RAZER Kraken Kitty BT V2 Wireless Gaming Headset, since I love the pink girly vibe with the cat ears. Last year, I got an amazing deal on a gaming laptop and mouse, and I've had this headset on my wishlist all year, so what better time to snap one up than Black Friday Arrest in most countries is a bit like dying. Your former life ends, as stone-faced men conduct you down a series of staircases to a room like a tomb. You are powerless beyond belief. Stupid people can insult you (and quite possibly beat you up) without any fear of consequences. You are as cut off from help as if you were in Antarctica. And dont put too much hope in having your day in court. Your only hope of getting out is to co-operate with the people who are trying to crush you. This has been the case all down the ages, in most places. People in this country have almost no idea how lucky they are to be safe from it. For, with the mighty defence of trial by jury, the innocent have less to fear from the state here than in any other part of the world. But the British state, like some huge, blind, indestructible worm lying beneath the foundations of Whitehall, has an instinct for unlimited power, and has never given up trying to weaken and get rid of jury trial. Last Sunday, many of us watched the BBC drama Prisoner 951, in which the innocent Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe (played by Narges Rashidi) is seized at Tehran airport by sneering agents of Irans Revolutionary Guard, a fanatical state within a state. If you are like me, you watched the whole process with your heart in your mouth, especially her eventual arrival in a slum prison in a remote corner of Persia, totally cut off from all help. In juryless states such as the Islamic Republic of Iran this is what happens. Your trial will be a committee of people debating just how guilty you are. In 2020, David Lammy wrote on X: 'Criminal trials without juries are a bad idea' Yet Iran itself is, on the surface, a modern country with all the appearance of civilisation. Its injustices may seem far away in space and time, but I would not be too sure. What struck me about the TV portrayal of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffes ordeal is that some aspects of it could already happen here. And it wont take much before a lot more of them will do so. You may not much like the former MP George Galloway, and I have many disagreements with him. But a few months ago, he and his wife were stopped and held on arrival at Gatwick airport. It is still not clear why. Police acted under schedule 3 to the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, one of a battery of new laws using terrorism as the pretext for demolishing former freedoms. It allows an officer to stop, question, search and detain a person entering the UK, to find out if they have engaged in hostile activity, whatever that is. Crucially, nothing has to be proved against them, nor any charge made. But they can be held, and police can invade their privacy. Those detained can be required to provide passwords to electronic devices (I was struck by the way the Iranian heavies made the same demand of Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe). Mr Galloway said he had been held for nine hours of interrogation, and was eventually released without further action. He complained: Not a single effort was made to show cause for having detained me... with armed officers in public in an English airport. If I were you, I wouldnt let this pass just because you dont like George Galloway. Sooner or later it will happen to somebody you like and then what? After all we are all too familiar with police descending on individuals who have said something they dont like on the internet. All this would be far worse if we did not still have the remnants of jury trial here but alas they are remnants, and soon they will be sparser still if the Starmer Government has its way. Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who was detained in Iran from 2016 until 2022 Personally, I agree with Justice Secretary David Lammy who, in an earlier incarnation, tweeted on June 2020: Jury trials are a fundamental part of our democratic settlement. Criminal trials without juries are a bad idea. The Government need to pull their finger out and acquire empty public buildings across the country to make sure these can happen in a way that is safe. But now he says in an internal Whitehall document that only rape, murder, manslaughter and public interest cases should continue to be heard by juries. Some guess that as many as 75 per cent of trials would then be heard by a judge instead of a jury. And most defence lawyers will tell you that judges tend to be prosecution-minded. The excuse for this is that our system cannot keep up with all the trials it needs to hold, and the whole thing has become too expensive. Well, justice is expensive. It is also worth it. A society without justice is a perilous slum, where the government is too powerful and the citizen is a serf. My guess is that, if the excuse of saving money is accepted and acted on, jury trials will be gone altogether within 20 years. Its not just money, of course. In recent times it has been Leftists such as Mr Lammy who have done the most damage to justice. They think they are so nice that the rest of us just have to trust them to be good. Former MP George Galloway and his wife Putri Gayatri Pertiwi. Mr Galloway said they were detained for nine hours at Gatwick airport without explanation The gravest assault on our crime and justice system was made by the 1960s Labour Home Secretary Roy Jenkins, the liberals liberal. Jenkins, like most of todays elite, believed in the phantom of rehabilitation instead of punishment. He was seduced by a belief that crime was a disease that would be cured by better living conditions. So, under him, deterrent beat policing, and stern orderly prisons quietly vanished a disaster that his successors, Labour and Tory, would complete by abandoning any effort to deter illegal drugtaking. Jenkins rejected the sound, old idea that crime was a voluntary act, which should be deterred by visible police and punished by the courts in stern, tightly-run, austere prisons. In 1960, before he got going, the peace was kept in cities and in the countryside by just 73,000 police officers (there are now 148,000, who obviously dont keep order). They were mostly in small forces that did what their local taxpayers wanted. They believed their job was to prevent crime, not chase about after it had happened. It is almost incredible to note that at the time we had a prison population in England and Wales of 27,000 (now it is 87,500). But we were locking up the right people, before they had become habitual offenders, which is how you make prison work. Similarly, there were in those days only 807,000 recorded crimes a year, when crime was so rare that it was actually reported properly, as it long ago ceased to be. And like many self-admiring liberals, Jenkins could not see the point of juries. Perhaps he thought with people as civilised as him in charge, there would never be any danger of the state growing too powerful. He got rid of the requirement for unanimous verdicts, a grave blow. But this is worse. If we are sensible, we will all work together to kill Mr Lammys plan, or a surprising number of us will live to regret it. At last we know for sure. This Labour Government hates wealth creators. It loathes not simply the truly rich but also the better-off those who work hard and save and try to do the best for their families. In her rambling and intellectually incoherent Budget speech, Rachel Reeves said she wanted to attract entrepreneurs to come to the UK with tax breaks. Any foreign entrepreneurs foolish enough to set foot in Labours Britain should be led away by the men in white coats to join the Chancellor in the padded cell where she richly deserves to be. Even before the Budget, a poll found that one in eight business leaders is thinking of leaving Britain. I expect that, after hearing the various anti-wealth measures shamelessly unveiled by Reeves, the proportion of prospective emigrants will have risen. It is easy enough for billionaires and the mega-rich to up sticks, as many already have. Earlier this week, it was reported that Indian-born steel tycoon Lakshmi Mittal has quit Britain and will spend more time in Dubai. Those who are far less rich but nonetheless firmly in Rachel Reeves sights may find it more difficult to cut their ties to this country. The young can doubtless more easily flee our shores. The older may have to stick it out in Labours dystopia. The Chancellors speech was full of falsehoods and overflowing with self-delusion. Apparently, it is the Tories, not Labour, who are the authors of all our tribulations. How odd, given that this shower have already been in office for nearly 18 months. Reeves also targeted landlords, hitting them with an extra two per cent on property income from April 2027 Your browser does not support iframes. But she did speak the truth on one occasion when making it clear that she will ensure that the wealthiest [would] contribute most. The burden will fall disproportionately on those who own valuable houses, have private pensions, let property, or are top-rate taxpayers. The so-called mansion tax starkly reveals how Reeves is less motivated by the need to raise cash than by old-fashioned class envy. This malign force thrives on the Labour backbenches, and the Chancellor wanted to give them an early Christmas present. From 2028, owners of houses worth more than 2million will have to pay an annual surcharge of 2,500, rising to 7,500 for those whose properties are worth 5million or more. No doubt the super-rich will barely bat an eyelid. But many of the less well-off, who perhaps bought their houses 40 or 50 years ago when they were comparatively cheap, will struggle to find sums of this magnitude. Some experts predict that the mansion tax will atrophy the upper reaches of the property market. By the way, its highly convenient for several Labour nabobs that they wont be caught by the 2million threshold. Originally, it had been set at 1.5million until someone presumably realised that the likes of Sir Keir Starmer (his house is estimated to be worth 1.8million) and David Lammy (a similar amount) would be clobbered. The vital point about the mansion tax is that, according to Reeves own figures, it will only raise 400million from 2029, which is less than one third of one per cent of total public spending. But this isnt principally about stuffing Labours coffers. Its about envy. In any case, I predict that many householders will challenge official valuations, which wont be complete before 2028. What happens if the Government says your house is worth just over 2million and is therefore liable to a surcharge while you insist its worth less than that amount? There will be endless disputes. Yet even if the Government doesnt get all the money on which it has set its covetous eyes, it will have given Labour backbenchers a fillip and made many better-off people feel more uneasy in their own country. Soak the rich and the not-so-rich: that is Rachel Reeves mantra, writes Stephen Glover Before outlining her plans to tax houses, Reeves fondly recalled how she had levied VAT on private school fees in her Budget last year (which caused the closure of some private schools and put more pressure on the state sector), as well as increasing inheritance tax for farmers and business owners. Again, those measures raised relatively little tax. But they fuelled the politics of envy and stoked the class war. Of course, the mansion tax is only part of the story. Top-rate taxpayers will inevitably shoulder the heaviest burden as a result of freezing income tax thresholds for a further three years from 2028. Meanwhile, those on middle incomes will increasingly be drawn into higher tax bands. Soak the rich and the not-so-rich: that is Rachel Reeves mantra. Does she realise that the better-off in the UK pay a greater share of tax than their counterparts in almost all other Western countries? Probably not, but she wouldnt care if she did. She would be delighted. Over the past 15 years which means very largely under Tory rule the amount of tax paid by high earners in the UK has increased significantly. According to a recent authoritative article in the Financial Times, Britains top ten per cent of taxpayers are the only segment of society paying more in taxes than in 2010. Reeves also targeted landlords. They will be hit with an extra two per cent on property income from April 2027. For those landlords on basic, higher and additional rates of income tax, rates will rise to 22 per cent, 42 per cent and 47 per cent respectively. Does the Chancellor really imagine that this will encourage landlords into the market? Perhaps the most egregious measure penalising prudent and hard-working people concerned private pensions and the so-called salary sacrifice. Employees can divert part of their pay into pension schemes before tax and National Insurance are deducted. The Chancellor is slashing the annual limit from 60,000 to just 2,000. Could there be better proof that those who save and plan ahead are now being punished by Reeves? Public sector workers can already expect to retire with a pension at least three times as large as those in the private sector. That gap will surely widen further. Nowhere in the speech, of course, were there any plans to rein in ballooning welfare payments. Far from it. Welfare spending is expected to increase by 16billion before the end of the decade. Kemi Badenoch was right to say in her uplifting Commons tour de force after Reeves dirge that this was a Budget for Benefits Street. And a Budget, too, that breathes fire into what some of us had hoped were the dying embers of the class war. A Budget that bears down on those who save and strive. Its both unbelievable and depressing. Yet there is a fragment of hope. Its noteworthy that many of the Chancellors oppressive measures wont kick in for two or three or even four years. Reeves and Starmer will be long gone by that time. But not only that. Just as Labours class war is reaching its crescendo, the party will have to submit itself to the judgment of the electorate. Assuming that there is still a country called Great Britain in 2029, I believe that it will resoundingly reject Labours politics of envy and division, and its atavistic war on enterprise and wealth creation. Bad as things are, I live in hope that one day in the not-too-distant future they will get better, and this nightmare will finally be over. The scene: Friday night on a work trip, a Los Angeles hotel bar, a martini and an iPhone, belonging to yours truly, that begins blowing up. The gist of these texts, from friends and colleagues: 'OMG!!!!' What followed was part of a Substack by disgraced journalist Olivia Nuzzi's ex, Ryan Lizza, explaining how he discovered his then-fiancee was having an alleged 'emotional' affair with then-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 'I can't say there weren't any signs,' Lizza wrote. 'I did find it odd that Olivia was simultaneously reading Robert Greene's The Art of Seduction and Maureen Callahan's Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed.' I find that odd, too, for a couple of reasons. For one, this is the opposite of what I'd heard on good authority: Not only had Nuzzi not read my book during her involvement with RFK Jr. in the summer of 2024, but after the scandal blew up and she lost her job at New York magazine that October, she still hadn't read the book. Secondly, Ask Not isn't a 'how-to-snag-an-alpha-Kennedy-male' manual. Far from it! Ask Not is a damning portrayal of the systemic, generational abuses that Kennedy men have visited upon women they seduced, used, abused, left for dead and, in one case, lobotomized. Darker still: an entire chapter is devoted to RFK Jr.'s second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy and how RFK Jr. repeatedly cheated on her; Mary's discovery of his 'sex diaries'; how Bobby very publicly took up with actress Cheryl Hines and moved a stone's throw from the house Mary renovated for them and their four children while Cheryl tweeted about hanging out with Mary's kids; Kennedy cutting off Mary's court-ordered, $20,000-a-month credit card, leaving her to beg other mothers for $20 at the school run; and Mary's utter decompensation, leading to her suicide. The scene: Friday night on a work trip, a Los Angeles hotel bar, a martini and an iPhone , belonging to yours truly, that begins blowing up. (Pictured: Olivia Nuzzi.) A Substack by disgraced journalist Olivia Nuzzi's ex, Ryan Lizza, explains how he discovered his then-fiancee was having an alleged 'emotional' affair with then-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (Pictured: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr in 1999.) 'I can't say there weren't any signs,' Lizza wrote. 'I did find it odd that Olivia was simultaneously reading Robert Greene's The Art of Seduction and Maureen Callahan's Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed.' (Picured: RFK Jr.) If you can believe it, things got even worse from there, with RFK Jr. secretly exhuming Mary from the Kennedy family plot and having her reburied, far away and alone. So that's the kind of guy Olivia was allegedly reading about and pursuing. Now, before we get into the very specific sexual act Lizza writes about the one he claims to have discovered in a text from Kennedy to Nuzzi I must disclose, like so many in the media these days, that I have had conversations with Nuzzi. These were over the phone or via text and off-the-record, per her request. But these talks always felt strange. It was as if she were trying to build goodwill, so that if and when anything else broke and more clearly was going to, because she was writing a memoir while pretending to have no idea what to do with herself she would have loyalists in the media. And, to my mind, she was trying to cultivate me as one of them. My last real conversation with Nuzzi was in March. From time to time she would text, asking for the phone number of some colleague of mine so she could complain about coverage of her or demand a line be reworded. She's very controlling about her portrayal in the media. Nuzzi will call to dispute the use of a word, or to insist that any given source has made a fallacious statement against her, all while refusing to go on the record. I stopped engaging. It felt too bloodless, too transactional. Then, a few weeks ago, in mid-November, Olivia called me with no warning no text or email beforehand to see if I might be free. This, too, felt a little aggressive. We're not friends. I let the call go to voicemail. Olivia quickly followed up with a text saying 'Hi', another asking me to call if I had a minute and, after no response to either, she dangled as she always does an 'off-the-record' potential conversation about her book, which as a journalist is of zero value to me. With no response to that, I learned that she approached another colleague to see if she could mail an advance copy of her book to me. I was told it would arrive at the hotel I'd been staying at in LA last weekend. Spoiler alert: It never showed up. Nuzzi (right) has remade herself, in my opinion, to strikingly resemble the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy (left), killed by her husband in a wholly avoidable plane crash. Nuzzi's hair is newly white blonde; her eyebrows, like Carolyn's, are plucked to oblivion; and her sunglasses and new body frame as small as Carolyn's own. (Nuzzi is pictured in 2023. Carolyn is seen, left, in 1997.) Meanwhile, former MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, who dated and lived with Nuzzi for years back when she was 21 and he was 55, took to his podcast last week to accuse Nuzzi of manipulation. He claimed that as they were breaking up, she begged him to keep texting and calling to remind her to visit their dogs and to pick up the clothes she left in their shared apartment then, Olbermann said, she used those very texts and calls to claim he was stalking her. Lizza, in the Substack he's building off this ever-expanding scandal, claims that he helped extricate Nuzzi from that relationship, only to find her cheating with one of her profile subjects Mark Sanford, another politician who was running for president of the United States. Nuzzi's alleged relationship with Sanford predated hers with Kennedy. If the Sanford claims are true and Nuzzi has yet to deny them that would make two presidential candidates Nuzzi was both covering and having an intimate relationship with. Could there be more? Bosses at Vanity Fair, where she was recently hired, are reported to now be reconsidering her employment there. Staffers are already grousing, allegedly, that she's barely done any work. In the meantime, Vanity Fair plans to run an abstract nude portrait of Nuzzi next week which I'm guessing pleases her ego. After all, the now 32-year-old Nuzzi in a feather-light profile in the New York Times has remade herself, in my opinion, to strikingly resemble the late Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, killed by her husband in a wholly avoidable plane crash. Nuzzi's hair is newly white blonde (I'm sure I'll get a text about the word 'newly'); her eyebrows, like Carolyn's, are plucked to oblivion; and her sunglasses and new body frame as small as Carolyn's own. What exactly is she trying to convey? Is it her most fervent wish to evoke, if not become, a Kennedy wife? Lizza hints as much. In a story where every person involved seems terrible, Lizza shares, in his Substack, a poem he claims he found written from RFK Jr. to Nuzzi during his presidential run. 'Yr mouth open awaiting my harvest,' Kennedy allegedly wrote. 'I am a river. You are my canyon. I mean to flow through you. I mean to subdue and tame you. My Love'. Wonder if Olivia has a fact-checking note to give about that? President Donald Trump's new executive order targeting branches of the Muslim Brotherhood marks the first serious attempt by any Western leader in decades to confront the Islamist networks that have embedded themselves across the free world. While Britain, Europe, Canada and Australia look the other way or worse, appease them the United States has finally taken a step toward identifying and sanctioning the organizations that fuel radicalization from the Middle East to Western capitals. And that is precisely why this moment matters. Because the pattern now unfolding across the West is unmistakable and the executive order exposes it. For years, the radical left in the West insisted that the highest virtue was 'multi-CULT-uralism,' the belief that all cultures must be treated as morally equivalent, even those that openly reject democracy, pluralism and individual rights. Under this doctrine, Western governments welcomed Islamists into their societies without asking a single hard question. No vetting. No scrutiny. No regard for the long-term consequences. The result is now painfully clear. Across the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia, Islamist organizations have entrenched themselves in schools, universities, unions, charities, and political parties. They have become powerful voting blocs. They have reshaped the civic and cultural life of entire cities. And they have made those cities hostile openly hostile to Jews. Across London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Toronto and Sydney, Jews are told to hide their identities, avoid certain neighborhoods, or simply leave entirely. Synagogues require fortress-level protection. Jewish students are hounded off campuses. Families who believed they were fully at home in the West now live with a fear they never imagined would return. President Donald Trump's new executive order targeting branches of the Muslim Brotherhood marks the first serious attempt by any Western leader in decades to confront the Islamist networks that have embedded themselves across the free world Pictured: Demonstration organized by Muslim Brotherhood in Jordan And instead of reversing course, Western governments have bent further. Rather than confront the Islamist networks they empowered, they appease them adopting harsher anti-Israel rhetoric, tolerating antisemitic agitation, and pretending it is all 'legitimate political expression.' But Jews, as history never tires of teaching, are merely the first in line. Christians and non-Islamist Muslims particularly those who fled Islamist regimes are now facing the same pressure. Women who refuse to veil, Muslims who reject extremism, Christians who speak openly about their faith: all increasingly find themselves targeted in cities transformed by the very intolerance Western elites insisted was compatible with liberal democracy. This isn't integration. It's capitulation. And now the United States stands on the brink of the same self-inflicted disaster. Here at home, the threat comes from two extremes simultaneously: the Zohran MamdaniBernie Sanders Leninist left, which insists Islamists including Hamas are simply 'oppressed' actors who must never be criticized and the Tucker Carlson 'Reich' right, which has drifted into isolationism, conspiracism, antisemitism, Holocaust and WWII revisionism as well as the demonization of Israel. Both sides sanitize the forces that threaten the West. These two camps, though they claim to despise each other, are creating precisely the conditions that have already poisoned Europe and threaten Canada and Australia. This is why Trump's executive order matters. It is a recognition of reality: that the Muslim Brotherhood is not merely a political movement but the ideological backbone of the Islamist project worldwide one with tentacles reaching into the West. By designating specific branches, the US can finally begin identifying operatives, cutting off financing, and countering the influence networks that Europe, Canada and Australia allowed to metastasize. No other Western leader has had the courage to take this step. If America fails to learn from the collapse into Islamist appeasement, the consequences will be the same: Jews pushed out, Christians intimidated, non-Islamist Muslims abandoned, and the very fabric of Western society slowly unraveling. The question now is whether the United States will seize this moment or follow our Western allies into the abyss. God help America because the warning signs are already flashing red. Mark Dubowitz is the chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies The ancient Chinese martial art Tai Chi could tackle insomnia more effectively than NHS-backed talking therapies, research has suggested. In England, current health service guidance advises that GPs treat patients with more severe insomnia with cognitive behavioural talking therapy (CBT). Courses of sleeping pills may be prescribed, but these are short term, and often have minimal benefit. Now, however, scientists in Hong Kong have found tai chi matched and even outperformed CBT in reducing insomnia severity in the long term. Scientists, who assessed 200 adults with the condition, discovered CBT was the more effective of the two treatments after three months. Yet, at 15 months tai chi was as beneficial for insomnia, and it also boosted patient's quality of life, mental health and physical activity levels. Writing in the journal, the BMJ, researchers at the University of Hong Kong, said their study 'supports the use of tai chi as an alternative approach for the long-term management of chronic insomnia in middle-aged and older adults'. In the study, participants who were aged 50 or over and had chronic insomnia, were split into two groups. Scientists in Hong Kong have found tai chi matched and even outperformed CBT in reducing insomnia severity in the long term (stock image) They either undertook tai chi or CBT for one-hour sessions twice a week, for a total of 24 sessions approximately three months. All patients were free of other chronic conditions that may affect sleep, were not taking part in regular aerobic or mind-body exercise, had not received previous CBT treatment and were not working shift patterns. People then scored their symptoms such as difficulty falling and staying asleep, waking up too early and being unable to go back to sleep, and impact on daily life. After three months, the tai chi group showed a drop of 6.67 points on the insomnia severity index, while the CBT group logged a reduction of 11.19 points. After tracking patients for 15 months, however, reductions among the tai chi and CBT groups stood at 9.51 and 10.18, respectively. Tai chi was also found to have comparable benefits in areas such as quality of life, mental health and physical activity level, the researchers said. The authors acknowledged some people in the study may have continued tai chi after the three-month period, which may have skewed the results. But they added: 'Our findings suggest that tai chi can lead to substantial improvements in insomnia severity after a three-month intervention while the long-term efficacy of tai chi is non-inferior to that of CBT, the gold standard treatment for chronic insomnia.' Your browser does not support iframes. While further research was still vital, their findings could help doctors, who frequently see patients with insomnia, be able to inform patients on which treatments will best help them manage their symptoms, they said. People often take around 10 to 20 minutes normally to nod off after turning off the lights, the Sleep Foundation say. Last year, a study found that around one in six Brits suffer insomnia, yet 65 per cent never seek help for their sleep problem. The poll of 2,000 people, by The Sleep Charity, found nine in ten experience some sort of sleep problem, while one in two engage in high-risk or dangerous behaviours when unable to sleep. Poor sleep has been linked to a number of health problems, including cancer, stroke and infertility. Experts have long advised that waking up during the night does not necessarily mean you have insomnia, which figures suggest affects up to 14million Brits. Still, sleep deprivation takes its own toll, from irritability and reduced focus in the short term, to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. According to the American Sleep Association, nearly 70 million Americans also have a sleep disorder. Three infants in Kentucky have died from a Victorian-era disease that is continuing to rip across the US. The three unnamed children were victims of whooping cough, also known as pertussis, marking the state's first pertussis-related deaths since 2018. They were all unvaccinated. Kentucky is experiencing its highest case numbers of whooping cough in more than a decade, with 566 infections recorded so far, the most since 2012. Kristina Bryant, professor of pediatrics at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky, told The BMJ last week: 'We're definitely seeing more cases. Earlier this year, two babies under one year old died in Kentucky, and today a third baby died. None of the infants or the mothers had been vaccinated.' The Kentucky deaths are among several reported nationwide this year, including in Louisiana, Idaho, South Dakota and Washington state, underscoring the dangers the illness poses to babies and young children, which are heightened in the unvaccinated. And the reports come as whooping cough continues to surge across the US, with some states recording especially sharp spikes. In Texas, whooping cough cases have quadrupled compared to last year, while in Florida, officials warned that, as of September 27, the latest data available, the state had recorded 1,295 cases, an 81 percent surge from the previous year. Federal data shows more than 25,000 cases have been recorded so far this year, the second consecutive year of unusually high activity. Over recent years, the annual average has been around 20,000. Experts say the recent surge in whooping cough cases in the US is being driven in part by declining vaccination rates, alongside waning immunity from earlier childhood vaccines. Three infants in Kentucky have died from an Victorian-era disease which is continuing to rip its way across the US (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. Public health officials warn that unless vaccination coverage improves, especially for the DTaP series in children and the Tdap booster for adolescents, adults, and pregnant women, pertussis infections are likely to continue rising, putting infants and other vulnerable groups at increased risk. Dr Marcos Mestre, chief clinical operations officer at Nicklaus Children's Health System in Miami, told CBS last year: 'We have been seeing some increase in pertussis cases that are coming through our emergency departments. 'Not necessarily requiring admission, but coming in for evaluation and treatment. 'They're coughing to the point that they can't catch their breath. And those are the children we really worry about, when infants are getting infected and that could cause more severe illness.' At this time last year, about 33,000 cases had been reported. Both years far exceed pre-pandemic levels, roughly 18,600 cases were counted in 2019, and approach totals last seen in 2014, when more than 32,900 cases were recorded. In Texas, it is the second consecutive year the state is experiencing high year-over-year increases in reported pertussis cases and the second consecutive year the state health department has issued a health alert. Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis that spreads easily through tiny droplets in the air. It often begins with cold-like symptoms and a mild cough, followed a week or two later by severe coughing that can last for several weeks. In severe cases, patients may suffer from prolonged coughing fits so fierce that they suffer broken ribs, and may also suffer from pneumonia, seizures and brain damage. It is particularly dangerous for infants, with one in 50 unvaccinated children under six months old who are diagnosed with the disease not surviving the infection. Your browser does not support iframes. Whooping cough, or pertussis, is particularly dangerous for young children, experts say (stock image) The disease can be prevented with the DTaP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) vaccine, which is 98 percent effective at protecting against the illness. It is given in a five-dose series beginning at two months and six years old. Boosters are given as the Tdap vaccine to adolescents and adults. But uptake of the vaccine has fallen nationwide amid surging vaccine skepticism. The share of kindergartners vaccinated with the DTaP shot has slipped to 92.1 percent in the 20242025 school year, down from roughly 95 percent before the pandemic, according to the CDC. The decline reflects a broader national trend. CDC figures show that at least 77 percent of US counties and jurisdictions have reported drops in childhood vaccination rates since 2019. Experts say that herd immunity, or when enough people have protection against a disease so that it no longer spreads, is only achieved when at least 95 percent of people are vaccinated against a disease such as whooping cough. Your browser does not support iframes. Health officials warned that the infection is initially difficult to tell apart from a cold, as the first signs are a runny nose and sore throat. But around a week later, sufferers may develop coughing bouts that last minutes, struggle to breathe after coughing and make a 'whoop' sound between coughs DTaP vaccination levels in Texas, for instance, have not been at 95 percent since at least 2012. Meanwhile, in Florida, DTaP vaccination rates were down to 90.6 percent in 2024, the lowest in a decade. Prior to the introduction of the whooping cough vaccine in 1948, the US saw as many as 250,000 cases of the disease and 7,300 to 9,000 deaths per year. Cases steadily dropped by more than 90 percent each year compared to the pre-vaccine era, the CDC states. The CDC has also noted that the bacteria that cause whooping cough, Bordetella pertussis is prone to mutations, which could make it able to evade vaccines. A woman who used steroid cream for 10 years has told how she was left in 'unbearable, never-ending agony' after suffering suspected extreme withdrawal. Lily Holden, from Bristol, was first prescribed a topical steroid cream in 2014 after returning from an outdoor adventure retreat with a small rash on her neck. The now 30-year-old said 'random rashes' then periodically appeared over her neck and she was offered steroid creams on and off for a decade. It was only when her face 'erupted' in circular patches of rashes, earlier this year in January, that she began to 'really panic' and was prescribed an immunosuppressant topical cream instead. But when Ms Holden's rashes re-emerged stronger and more painful after she stopped using the cream, she believed she was suffering topical steroid withdrawal. The condition, thought to affect hundreds of thousands of people every year, occurs when patients reduce or stop steroids. Skin can react violently, becoming red, burning, painfully dry and intensely itchy, trapping patients in a cycle whereby starting steroid creams is the only relief from symptoms. After deciding to 'ride it out', Ms Holden stopped using any medicated creams on her face between July and October, which saw her battle 'red hot and painful' inflammation and 'open, raw wounds' on her face. Lily Holden, from Bristol, was first prescribed a topical steroid cream in 2014 after returning from an outdoor adventure retreat with a small rash on her neck The now 30-year-old said 'random rashes' then periodically appeared over her neck and she was offered steroid creams on and off for a decade Forced to be housebound because her skin 'couldn't tolerate the air or any kind of sun', the senior brand marketing manager for HexClad, a cookware company, also invested in additional treatments including supplements. Now, nine months later, Ms Holden said he skin is 'completely fine' and she has urged medical professionals to acknowledge how debilitating topical steroid withdrawal can be. She said: 'When I lost my appearance, I had to negotiate an identity without it and I had to accept quite quickly that my skin doesn't define me. 'It almost sounds quite big-headed, but before 2014 I've never suffered from eczema or acne and I got off really lightly on the spot-front. 'But for different intervals throughout a 10-year period, I'd go back to the doctor to say I had another rash and I'd be given another steroid cream.' After being diagnosed with perioral dermatitis a common skin condition that can cause a red, bumpy rash around the mouth in January when her face 'erupted' she claimed her doctor said that applying steroid cream near her face may have triggered it. But to treat the condition, she was prescribed another steroid cream to treat it and new areas of her skin became affected with rashes. Around the same time, she discovered posts on social media of others discussing their experience of topical steroid withdrawal. It was only when her face 'erupted' in circular patches of rashes, earlier this year in January, that she began to 'really panic' and was prescribed an immunosuppressant topical cream instead But when Ms Holden's rashes re-emerged stronger and more painful after she stopped using the cream, she believed she was suffering topical steroid withdrawal 'People were saying you can tell you're suffering from topical steroid withdrawal if your rashes are coming back worse, or places you've never applied a steroid cream are becoming affected,' she said. She said she asked her doctor about the condition but claimed 'they didn't acknowledge the condition'. Then prescribed an immunosuppressant topical cream, her symptoms 'came back worse' after she stopped using it for the duration it was prescribed. In June, she stopped using any steroid creams and her skin went through a 'withdrawal' process, she said. She first noticed 'finger-like marks' around her mouth, eyebrows and nose where she had applied the immunosuppressant topical cream before she 'lost the skin' and was left with 'open, raw wounds'. She also experienced staph infections on her face, caused by a bacteria called staphylococcus that most often affects the skin, according to the NHS. 'Because I had no skin barrier, it got repeatedly infected and I had orange weeping,' she said. 'My whole face blew up and sat in a different shape I didn't even recognise myself. Her skin started to recover in October this year after she invested in a combination of therapies, including taking supplements and seeking advice from a homeopath 'It was just so incredibly painful, the itching was just an unbearable, never-ending agony.' She added: 'I couldn't go outside because my skin couldn't tolerate the air or any kind of sun, I'd go days without sleeping, without leaving my flat. 'I couldn't eat at times because my mouth didn't open, I couldn't wash because the water felt like acid on my skin. 'I was looking in the mirror and feeling quite repulsed.' Her skin started to recover in October this year after she invested in a combination of therapies, including taking supplements and seeking advice from a homeopath. Her complexion is now 'completely fine' but she added there is 'not a one size fits all' with topical steroid withdrawal. 'One of the worst parts is not feeling seen or listened to, and feeling so alone when it comes to your health,' she said. 'I think with skin problems, it's a case of saying 'here's a cream, you'll be fine', but people need to be so careful.' To other sufferers, Lily said: 'You're not alone, you'll get through this and you are, and always will be, more important than your skin. Topical steroid withdrawal was recognised by the National Eczema Association in 2013. Also known as red skin syndrome, the disorder does not have clear statistics to show just how common it is. But one 2003 study from Japan, found that 12 per cent of adults who were taking steroids to treat dermatitis developed red skin syndrome. In 2018, the medical journal Dermatitis published the results of a three-year study of Australian patients presenting with TSW and acknowledged that it is often dismissed as being a result of over-use of steroids, or even steroid phobia. The British Association of Dermatologists accept that doctors still do not recognise this condition. Steroids including creams, lotions or gels often do not cause side effects if they are taken for a short time, but if a high dose is taken for a longer time, there is a higher chance of getting more serious side effects. Most people will not have side effects when they stop taking steroid medication, the NHS says, but it is important to follow advice from doctors as patients may need to reduce their dose gradually. Health experts are sounding the alarm as infant hospitalizations across the US continue to rise, with their illnesses linked to contaminated baby formula. ByHeart, based in Reading, Pennsylvania, has issued a nationwide recall of all of its infant formula products following notification from the FDA regarding a broader investigation into a recent outbreak of infant botulism, which is a rare illness where bacteria in a babys gut make a toxin that causes muscle weakness. The California Department of Public Health tested a can of ByHeart powdered formula WHEN? that was fed to an infant who later contracted botulism, and preliminary results suggested the presence of the bacteria in the formula that produce botulinum toxin, which causes botulism. The FDA informed ByHeart on November 7 of reported cases of infant botulism nationwide that first appeared in August. Since the last update on November 20, six new cases have been added to the investigation, bringing the total number of infants BELIEVED TO BE sickened by ByHeart formula to 37. And experts fear the numbers could keep growing. Attorneys with Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, along with regional co-counsel, represent many of the affected families. Lead attorney Bill Marler told the Daily Mail he has now been retained 'by over a dozen families whose kids are part of this outbreak,' adding that he expects more cases to surface. Botulism is especially dangerous for infants because the toxin can paralyze the muscles needed for breathing, leading to respiratory failure. To date, 15 infants have been hospitalized after reportedly consuming ByHeart formula (stock image) ByHeart, based in Reading, Pennsylvania, has issued a voluntary recall of two batches of its Whole Nutrition Infant Formula Your browser does not support iframes. Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing but for 36 cases with information available, the illnesses started on dates ranging from August 9 through November 19. To date, there have been no deaths reported. The cases have been reported in 17 states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. The company has highlighted that the recall is being conducted out of an abundance of caution, as the FDA has not established any direct link between infant formula and the reported cases of botulism. But in the meantime, the agency has issued a 'do not use' warning for all ByHeart infant formula products. The voluntary recall applies to all lot numbers and all sizes of cans and single serve packets of ByHeart infant formula. The CDC advises anyone in possession of the recalled formula to record the lot number and 'best by' date if possible. Consumers who still have leftover powdered formula that their infant was fed should store it safely for at least one month, rather than discarding it immediately. According to the agency, this precaution allows time for health officials to collect samples if an infant develops symptoms consistent with infant botulism, such as poor feeding, constipation, or muscle weakness. If no symptoms occur after a month, the leftover formula should be discarded. Parents are also urged to clean and disinfect any items or surfaces that came into contact with the recalled formula using hot, soapy water or a dishwasher to reduce the risk of contamination. The CDC emphasized that these measures are part of a broader effort to support the FDA's ongoing investigation and protect infant health while the source of the outbreak is being examined. Infant botulism is a rare but potentially fatal condition that affects babies, usually under 12 months old. In the US, there are typically around 200 to 300 cases of botulism reported each year. The majority of these, roughly two-thirds, are infant botulism, which usually affects babies under one year old. It happens when spores of the bacterium Clostridium botulinum enter an infant's intestines, where they can grow and produce botulinum toxin - one of the most potent natural toxins known. Symptoms can include constipation, poor feeding, drooping eyelids, weak cry, low muscle tone, and in severe cases, respiratory difficulty or arrest. In botulism, the food doesn't contain toxin; it contains spores that have the potential to produce toxin inside the baby's body. ByHeart, a manufacturer of organic baby formula that is being recalled, is displayed outside a building that houses a plant for the company This map shows where the 37 infants in this infant botulism outbreak lived The best-known food linked to infant botulism is honey, and health authorities advise never giving honey to babies under 12 months because this is when they are most vulnerable. Occasionally, spores can also be found in dusty home environments, unwashed produce, or powdered foods, though these are much rarer routes of exposure. The main treatment for infant botulism specifially is an antitoxin called Botulism Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human), or BIG-IV, administered via a single intravenous infusion. Supportive care is also essential, which may include hospitalization, breathing support with a ventilator if needed, and IV fluids or tube feedings to maintain nutrition if the infant has difficulty swallowing. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in botulism not because the toxin spreads to or damages organs directly, but because the toxin blocks the nerves required for essential body functions, especially breathing, and causes progressive paralysis. While death is rare at less than one percent, recovery can be a lengthy process, requiring months or even years. This is because the toxin permanently disables affected nerve endings. Once a nerve terminal is blocked, it cannot be repaired and this means the body must grow entirely new nerve terminals, which is a slow biological process. For 35 infants with age and sex information available in the current infant botulism outbreak, they range in age from 16 to eight months and 20 days, and 15 (43 percent) are female. Consumers who purchased products from the affected batches have been advised to immediately discontinue use and dispose of the formula. ByHeart will replace any recalled cans at no cost There is no historical precedent of infant formula causing infant botulism. 'No ByHeart product has tested positive for any contaminants,' said Mia Funt, Co-Founder and President of ByHeart. 'The safety and well-being of every infant who uses our formula is our absolute highest priority. 'While there has been no confirmation of contamination, this voluntary recall reflects our deep commitment to transparency and safety for babies and their parents.' Funt added that ByHeart follows the highest global and US safety standards and testing protocols for its products. Laboratory confirmation for some cases is ongoing. Consumers who purchased products from the affected batches have been advised to immediately discontinue use and dispose of the formula. ByHeart will replace any recalled cans at no cost. Parents should contact their healthcare provider if their infant shows symptoms consistent with botulism. Meanwhile, businesses have been instructed to stop selling the recalled ByHeart Whole Nutrition infant formula and to sanitize any surfaces that may have touched the product. Chinese culture night in Kuwait showcases food, music, Mandarin language Xinhua) 13:11, November 27, 2025 KUWAIT CITY, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese culture night featuring food, music and Mandarin activities was held on Wednesday at the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait. The event brought together cultural displays, culinary stations, and language-themed performances, offering local audiences an immersive experience of both traditional and contemporary Chinese culture. A series of stage performances formed the highlight of the evening, showcasing the accomplishments of Chinese-language learners in Kuwait. A children's choir opened the performance with Let's Paddle Together, followed by a piano rendition of The Butterfly Lovers. The students also recited classic Chinese poetry and delivered speeches on their personal experiences in China. Additional performances included a duet of Iron, Blood and Loyal Heart, a XiangSheng (crosstalk) piece, a recital titled The Chinese Language and a Hanfu show. The program concluded with traditional instrumental works by musicians from the China Conservatory of Music. Alongside the performances, cultural workshops allowed visitors to experience Chinese craftsmanship. Participants tried lacquer fan making, lantern crafting, Song-brocade wind chime assembly and Miao-silver ornament magnet design. A calligraphy station offered guests personalised name cards written by teachers, while a tea-art booth introduced traditional tea preparation methods. Food also drew significant crowds, with five culinary stations presenting classic Chinese dishes and snacks to highlight the regional diversity of Chinese cuisine. Liu Xiang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Kuwait, said at the event that the program aims to use food as a bridge and culture as a link to deepen mutual understanding between the peoples of the two countries. He noted that China stands ready to work with Kuwait to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations, carry forward traditional friendship, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for mankind. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Any Australian traveller who's visited 7-Eleven in Japan knows just how hyped convenience store snacks are. For years, Aussies have been begging 7-Eleven Australia to bring popular Japanese snacks to shelves Down Under, with the convenience store introducing cult favourites such as onigiri, egg rolls and KitKat Matcha. Now, another beloved Japanese snack has made its way onto Australian shores, sending foodies wild over the unexpected launch. Coolish, a drinkable ice cream with a smooth, slushy-like consistency, has landed in the ice cream freezer at 7-Eleven Australia. The $3.50 frozen dessert pouch, best served semi-defrosted just like a slushy, comes in three favours: vanilla, lemonade and chocolate. It may sound strange to those who've never seen the resealable pouch - but Coolish is popular among tourists and locals in Japan, especially during summertime. Aussie customer Zara shared the announcement on social media, speculating: 'Is this a sign that we will be getting more Japanese products from now on in 7-Eleven?! 'If you have been missing having one of these since going to Japan, now is your chance to get it... They are only $3.50,' she said in her video. Coolish, a drinkable ice cream with a smooth, slushy-like consistency, has landed in the ice cream freezer at 7-Eleven Australia. Zara (pictured) shared the exciting news on social media Zara noticed the Coolish pouches were more frozen in Australia than in Japan, where they typically maintain a slushy texture in the ice cream freezer. 'I think our freezer temperature in the ice cream freezer at 7-Eleven is a bit too cold for this. It's frozen solid,' she said as she tasted the classic vanilla flavour. 'But it tastes exactly how it does in Japan.' Zara was amazed at how perfectly slushy and refreshing the lemonade flavour was. 'Oh my god. This tastes exactly like the new Frozen Fanta Lemon at Macca's - if you know you know. I think lemonade is my favourite so far.' Finally, she tried chocolate, which she said tasted just as good as the lemonade. 'Oh my god... This tastes so good. The chocolate is definitely a winner as well,' she said. The $3.50 frozen dessert pouch, best served semi-defrosted just like a slushy, comes in three favours: vanilla, lemonade and chocolate Foodie Russ Eats shared his glowing review, rating the lemonade a near-perfect nine out of 10, adding that it tasted like the iconic Calippo. Many were excited by the launch, with one sharing: 'Massive in Japan, I had one every single day. So excited they're finally in Australia.' 'This is life changing information,' another said. 'I smashed through these daily in South Korea. Happy to see them here,' one shared. 'Yes! I particularly miss this from Japan, so this is the best news,' another revealed. 'These are so good. While they are frozen solid, you are meant to smoosh (yes that's a word in my world) it around until it becomes a soft serve consistency. They are my go-to in Japan,' one added. Gemma Carter* hasnt been able to bring herself to watch the recording of the tearful speech she made on her wedding day ten years ago. The tears were not, as you might imagine, happy ones. In fact, they were the result of her mother having just stormed out of the reception, after insulting her new in-laws and telling her she was making a terrible mistake. A decade later, despite living just streets away from one another in the same Yorkshire village, mother and daughter remain estranged, with Gemma, 39, unable to forgive Sue who has never apologised for wrecking her big day. Mum has always been a difficult woman. Its her way or the highway, she tells me. But I still feel like crying every time I think about how she ruined what should have been the happiest day of my life. Most brides can rely on their mothers to put them first on their wedding day, to ease their stress and help make guests feel comfortable, but mine made herself the centre of attention in the most dreadful way imaginable. She left everyone shaking with shock. The drama surrounding the upcoming nuptials of Gordon Ramsays daughter Holly to Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty has caused memories of Gemmas own intense pain and shame to come flooding back. Adams mother, Caroline, 59, has reportedly been banned from their wedding, at Bath Abbey, and told the Daily Mail that, sadly, although she loves Adam and would welcome him home any time, I know its the end. Adam Peaty's mother Caroline has reportedly been banned from his wedding to Gordon Ramsay's daughter Holly What makes this especially sad is the impact it may have on Carolines close relationship with grandson George, five, the boy Adam had with his previous partner, artist Eirianedd Munro. Since her wedding, Gemma has gone on to have three children that her mother has never even met. Indeed, given how things imploded on her big day, she believes it would have been better for all concerned had she disinvited her mother altogether, much as Adam is believed to have done to his mother. Sues outburst, after all, was not completely out of the blue. As with the Ramsay-Peaty coupling, issues arose well in advance of the day itself. However, while Adams mum is said to have been upset at not being invited to Hollys hen do at fashionable Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, Gemmas mother wanted no part in hers. Id been married before, very unhappily, and despite having no religious convictions, Mum was furious when we separated. She told me marriage is for life and I needed to make it work. We had two children together and she believed that, despite the fact it was a miserable relationship, it was better for them if we stayed together. Gemma listened respectfully to her mothers advice but did not follow it. Then she met and fell in love with Robert, 41, a computer programmer and colleague of her cousin. She says: Rather than feeling glad that at last Id found a man who made me happy, and was great with the kids, Mum told me it wouldnt last. The die was clearly cast for poor Robert. After he proposed a year later, she couldnt have been more dismissive, rolling her eyes and saying, All Im going to hear now is wedding, wedding, wedding! What a waste of time. As the words catch in Gemmas throat and she blinks back tears, its evident that time has not healed this very deep maternal wound. Given how things imploded on her big day, Gemma believes it would have been better for all concerned had she disinvited her mother altogether What makes her story more poignant is the fact that she bent over backwards for her mum during the wedding preparations. Her choice of hen party venue a restaurant in a nearby village was made on the basis that her mother would prefer that to trailing around noisy pubs. Yet her mother threw it back in her face, telling her the whole thing was silly nonsense and ultimately refusing to attend. Indeed, once thwarted, her mother could not be persuaded that Robert was anything but a bad prospect not even when he clearly proved himself a devoted stepdad to Gemmas children Tom and Imogen, who were five and seven when they met. It wasnt only her attitude that upset Gemma, however. Her mother actively tried to sabotage the nuptials, claiming that Gemmas father Paul, an accountant, didnt want to walk his daughter down the aisle for a second time. She also told Gemma her brother Matt had decided not to come. None of it was true. When Gemma asked her father why he was boycotting her day, he insisted he was doing no such thing. Likewise, Matt, three years her junior, said he wouldnt miss it for the world. Given her mothers meddling, Gemma was surprised when she agreed to go dress shopping with her. Perhaps this was a thawing of relations, a sign that her mother was coming round to the idea of the wedding? At last, Gemma thought, she could look forward to sharing the excitement with her mother, enjoying a glass of champagne as they perused a rack of silk gowns. Yet even now her mother managed to spoil the atmosphere. Worse, she was critical of every dress I tried, recalls Gemma. Thats not nice. That doesnt suit you. That washes you out. That will make you look fat. When, feeling utterly demoralised, Id just about given up, I spotted another bride-to-be in a lovely ivory silk gown that was 750 about 200 beyond what Id budgeted for. Mum insisted I try it on. We both liked it and she offered to pay the difference in price as a wedding gift, even putting down a deposit. I was touched, thinking this was a bonding moment, a turning point for us. However, when the final bill came in, she point blank refused to pay the rest, telling me she didnt know what I was thinking wanting a big white church wedding when Id been married before. Peaty's mum is said to have been upset at not being invited to Hollys hen do at fashionable Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire I explained that Robert hadnt [been married], and I didnt want to deprive him of a proper wedding. But I knew better than to make a fuss about it, so I cut back on grocery bills for a few weeks to cover the difference. Her mother meanwhile said neither she nor Gemmas father would be contributing a single penny to the rest of the event, despite having paid for a wedding for 70 people at a hotel when Gemma first married. Then came the day itself and her mother began causing offence even before Gemma arrived at the church. Nothing was too trivial to make a fuss about, says Gemma. As the bridesmaids got out of the car including her ten-year-old granddaughter Imogen, who was a flower girl instead of showering them with compliments, her mother gasped: Oh my God, what are you wearing? Those dresses are just hideous. Her complaint, Gemma believes, was that Imogen wasnt wearing the ivory-coloured dress Sue had bought for her weeks earlier without asking Gemma. This dress hadnt matched the bridesmaids blue and white scheme, so Gemma hadnt put her daughter in it. Mums response at the time, typical of her, was, Well change the colour scheme, which I wasnt prepared to do, says Gemma. She clearly bore a grudge about this, but it was so unfair to take it out on my lovely bridesmaids. I could see Imogen was upset as we walked back down the aisle, after the service, and, when I asked her why, she said, Nanny told me I look ugly. I was fuming, but I told Imogen to ignore her grandma and did my best to smooth things over. Nothing, however, could have prepared Gemma for what happened at the wedding breakfast in a private upstairs room in a nearby restaurant. After the meal, her mother went to get some fresh air. On her way to the door, she overheard Gemmas new father-in-law, Malcolm, whom she clearly disliked, telling his own daughter: I cant believe the next wedding Ill be at will be yours. Barely breaking stride, Sue remarked: Youre having a joke. Whod want that?! She couldnt even blame alcohol for her unpleasantness, having only had a small bucks fizz. Malcolm was understandably appalled and followed Sue outside. Can you please not be so horrid to my family? Its supposed to be a happy day, he said to her. But instead of taking Malcolms pleas on board, and thinking about the impact on her own daughter, his comment seemed to enrage Sue, who, when she returned to the top table, was in an agitated state. Gemma recalls: She started shouting at him saying, I dont even know why shes marrying into this family. Youre lazy, your wifes stupid and your daughters ugly. As for your son, shes making a terrible mistake. She then grabbed her bag and stormed out. I turned to my dad and said, Are you going after her? And he said, No, Im staying here with you. Then I burst into tears, and told Robert I needed to leave. I was so distressed and embarrassed, all I could say was, Shes ruined my day, I just want to go home and get this dress off. Luckily, Robert is easy-going, she says, and convinced her to stay. But the fall-out from her mothers wretched behaviour didnt end after the big day. During the week between the wedding and the newlyweds honeymoon in Venice, word reached Gemma via a family friend that her mother had packed up the toys her children kept at their grandmothers house, ready for her to collect. Having not been in touch with Gemma since the wedding, Sue had told people that her daughter would no longer let her see her grandchildren. I messaged Mum asking, Why are you telling people that you cant see the children? Of course you can, says Gemma. They had always been close to her, so keeping them apart didnt seem fair. She replied saying, I thought youd be the type of person who would cut me off from my grandchildren too. It has been ten years since the wedding and, while Gemma and her mother are estranged from one another, the children Imogen and Tom still see their grandmother. In the early days they would do the short walk alone to Sues house and, for several years now, since theyve had mobile phones, Sue has made arrangements with them directly. However, Sue has never even met the three children, now aged eight, six and four, Gemma has since had with Robert, even though their grandfather, Paul, visits every Sunday. He brings the little three a chocolate bar and a big bag of fresh fruit for us all, says Gemma. Then he does little jobs around the house, painting the bathroom, fixing doors, whatever we need. He and I dont talk about Mum, though I know they barely even speak to one another these days. I have wondered if her reaction to my second marriage might be rooted in jealousy, because shes stayed with a man she doesnt seem to love. Gemma does know that her mother thinks of the children she has never met: on their birthdays and at Christmas, her father brings gifts which she can tell have been bought by her mum, even though they are only labelled from grandad. There is an element of sadness and even guilt that they wouldnt recognise their own grandmother if they passed her on the street. Its a real shame that they dont have the close relationship with their grandma that my older ones have always had. However, I dont want them to think the way she treats people is acceptable. At least Imogen and Tom are old enough to know better. Gemma is aware she is likely to outlive her mother, so how, I wonder, might she feel were Sue to die before the rift is healed? Mum has actually told my older kids she wouldnt want me at her funeral, she says, resignedly. So I wouldnt go. People might judge me for that, but I hope theyll also remember how she ruined what should have been the happiest day of my life. Some rifts, as Adam Peaty and Holly Ramsay may just be discovering, are indeed very difficult to heal. * Names and identifying details have been changed. America's very glamorous ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, could hardly move in a skintight dress as she attended a Thanksgiving dinner in Athens on Tuesday. The former Fox news anchor, 56, had to be helped up to the podium to address guests in a sheer, lacy black gown that left little to the imagination. Donald Trump Jr's ex-fiancee divided social media with her sultry look, with many feeling it was 'something a Kardashian would wear', rather than a politician. 'In my humble opinion that outfit is inappropriate for a woman in the position she holds,' one Instagram comment read. 'Im surprised she would dress like that.' 'An ambassador wearing a see-through dress?' another remarked in shock - while a third offered: 'The dress is as amazing as her body... but in a different space.' A poster also questioned: 'Is she at a night club?' The event, which was held by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce and the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Piraeus, saw a number of high-ranking officials in attendance at the luxurious, five-star Hotel Grande Bretagne. It comes after Kimblery admitted that shes husband hunting after the breakdown of her engagement to Don Jr, which followed two failed marriages to Californias governor Gavin Newsom and businessman Eric Villency. America's very glamorous ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, could hardly move in a skintight dress as she attended a Thanksgiving dinner in Athens last night The former television-star-turned-diplomat, 56, had to be helped up to the stage as she took to the podium to address guests in a sheer, lacy black gown that left little to the imagination Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception before tucking into a festive, four-course meal, which was then followed by remarks from VIPs, including Kimberly herself. It's not the first time that she has made waves with her sexy diplomatic looks, kicking off the new role earlier this month with yet another bold outfit. Stepping out alongside her son Ronan, Kimberly greeted photographers with a wave and a smile, posing in a plush fur jacket before heading inside. Once seated at her front-row table, the ambassador was personally welcomed by pop sensation Konstantinos Argyros, who serenaded the crowd with his biggest hits. Sharing her table was billionaire Eric Vassilatos, whose private jet had whisked her to Greece earlier in the week, along with a few more people among her inner circle. At one point, a fellow guest invited Kimberly onto the dance floor - she obliged briefly before returning to her seat, later joining in enthusiastically on the traditional Greek Syrtaki and Kalamatiano dances, linking arms with guests in a circle to dance. The glitzy evening followed a much larger event at the Grand Hyatt, which drew more than 300 guests. A former Fox News anchor, who is also Trump Jr's ex, Kimberly divided social media with her sultry look, with many feeling it was 'something a Kardashian would wear', rather than a politician By contrast, an earlier celebration at the Athens Center was an intimate affair of around 150, attended by several leading figures from Greece's business and political circles, including Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Taking to the stage, Kimberly kept her message simple: 'I will not disappoint you.' Elsewhere this month, the ambassador shared candid details about her personal life in her first interview on Greek television, but failed to mention her relationship with Donald Trump Jr. She had praised her ex-husbands California Governor Gavin Newsom and Eric Villency during the sit down with ANT1. Kimberly remarked that she has a 'very good relationship' with both exes, adding: 'What people need to understand about me is that I don't give up. I will stay with you, I will be loyal. I will always be here - you can count on me. And I am proud of that.' The praise came just days after she joked about having a 'fabulous honeymoon' in Greece with Gavin during a meeting with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoula. But she seemingly avoided talking about her ex-fiance Don Jr, whom she dated for six years. She did, however, talk about her ex's father and her new boss, President Donald Trump, and their plans to grow US-Greek relations. Kimberly also shared how that the best advice she has ever received actually came from her father following the death of her mother. Kimberly appointment was confirmed by the Senate in September and she is now living in Greece. Pictured with Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis 'When I lost my mother at the age of 10, my father told me: "Kimberly, you must be strong. You have talent, abilities, and nothing worse can happen to you in life than losing your mother. Be strong, endure",' she recalled. 'He always said: "Whatever boys can do, you can do better." I believed him. He was my father.' She urged all women to follow that same advice, encouraging them to 'fight for what they believe in', 'blaze new trails' and 'dont be afraid to take risks.' Kimberly appointment was confirmed by the Senate in September and she is now living in Greece. She also told ANT1 that the two nations have already 'achieved so much in just a few days' and claimed the US looks forward to furthering that relationship. She said President Trump chose her to be the Greek Ambassador because they both want Greece to become an 'energy hub.' 'We want to demonstrate that Greece can become the energy hub that will help us counter Russian and Chinese interests,' she said. 'What we are seeking is energy independence, which will strengthen national defense and national security.' When Melbourne facialist April Brodie decided she was done watching her face age faster than she felt, she didn't book a consultation down the road, she boarded a plane to South Korea. In a radical bid to transform her appearance and reverse years of hormonal ageing, the 59-year-old flew 8,000 kilometres to the country renowned for its elite cosmetic surgeons, innovative techniques and post-care Australians can only dream of. Her reasons will resonate with countless women who look in the mirror post-menopause and no longer recognise the face staring back at them. 'I didn't see the person that I felt I was on the inside,' April told Daily Mail, when the thought of facial reconstructive surgery first crossed her mind a year prior. What followed was a seven-hour, full-scale surgical overhaul and deep-plane facelift that would leave her looking decades younger. The now viral procedure has surged in popularity largely thanks to Hollywood royalty Kris Jenner, who openly revealed she underwent a deep plane facelift herself in early 2025. The now-70-year-old matriarch stunned fans with her dramatically refreshed appearance, sparking a global wave of interest as women rushed to Google exactly what she'd had done. Her smooth jawline, lifted mid-face and naturally rejuvenated look have become synonymous with the surgery, and set off a new beauty benchmark for women over 50. When Melbourne facialist April Brodie, 59, decided she was done watching her face age faster than she felt, she didn't book a consultation down the road, she boarded a plane to South Korea. Ten weeks post-surgery (pictured), April said she finally feels aligned again Her reasons will resonate with countless women who look in the mirror post-menopause and no longer recognise the face staring back at them (before) April's surgery was on September 12 2025 and lasted for a gruelling seven-hours. She received a deep plane facelift, a brow and chin lift, as well as fat transfers in her face. Pictured: Her side profile comparison photos A deep plane facelift differs from a traditional facelift because it lifts beneath the SMAS (the strong fibrous layer that supports the face), releasing the deeper ligaments that cause sagging and repositioning the mid- and lower-face from the inside out. Instead of simply pulling the skin tighter, surgeons work under the muscle layer, creating a longer-lasting, more natural and less 'done' appearance. It's widely regarded as the gold-standard facelift technique, and the reason so many women are craving to have it done. And while the swelling, exhaustion, cost and the risk of overseas travel would terrify most, April insists the journey not only slashed her appearance by years, but finally restored the woman she felt she was on the inside. She was the first to admit that even with four decades of professional experience in skincare and aesthetics, even she wasn't prepared for how menopause would accelerate her own ageing. 'It was about five or six years ago that I really noticed the exponential loss of skin laxity and ageing in my face had increased,' she recalled. Despite being an early adopter of muscle relaxing injections like Botox, skin needling, biostimulating injections, and laser treatments, she eventually found they no longer made much difference. Kris Jenner's, 70, has confirmed that she sought the expertise of US-based surgeon Dr. Steven M. Levine - known as the 'facelift maestro' - to help her achieve her fresh-faced look. Pictured in 2025 (left) and May 2024 (right) In a radical bid to transform her appearance and reverse years of hormonal ageing, the 59-year-old flew 8,000km to the country renowned for its elite cosmetic surgeons, innovative techniques and world-class post-care Australians can only dream of for a deep plane facelift Pictured: After her facelift surgery in September 2025 Why she ditched Australian surgeons for Korea In April's experience, many Australians still treat cosmetic surgery with secrecy, judgement and whispered shame, but upon extensive research she noticed destinations like South Korea treat it like routine maintenance. 'Its a country of 52 million people, they're highly educated, and when it comes to plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures, they truly lead the world,' she said. 'If I was going to do it, I wanted to be in the best hands, and their innovation and techniques are incredible. 'However, I do understand that going to another country and having surgery is fairly radical. 'You're far away from home and your support network. Things could go very, very wrong.' Prior to her surgery, April had noticed significant laxity in her face after menopause (pictured), and Botox injections, lasers and biostimulating injections weren't helping anymore Cost comparison SOUTH KOREA: Surgery - $45,000 AUD (with approx $4000 tax rebate upon returning to Aus) Aftercare: Included in costs Flights - $5500 Hotel - Free* (using points) TOTAL: $45,500 AUSTRALIA: Surgery: $90,000+ Advertisement However, once she'd made her mind up, April spent months researching and interviewing cosmetic consultancy firms to find the best surgeon and outcome for her. 'I probably interviewed five or six before I settled on one,' she added, noticing their overall approach was very different to what she'd encountered in Australia. 'There's no wooing, no romancing, you inquire about a facelift and they go, "When can I book you in?"' Through a consultancy company, she confidently selected one of Korea's most reputable specialists - the CEO surgeon of a major cosmetic hospital in Seoul. When it came to cost, the difference, she says, was unmatched with her entire trip almost half of the cost of the same procedure here in Australia. April paid a 10 per cent deposit for her surgery before she arrived, and says her total bill came to about $45,000 AUD, though she received a tax rebate of several thousand dollars upon departing South Korea, bringing it to approximately $41,000. Her return flights to Seoul were $5,500, and she paid nothing for accommodation due to work-related hotel points. When it came to cost, the difference in Korea, she says, was unmatched with her entire trip almost half of the cost of the same procedure here in Australia, which she was quoted over $90,000 The trip of a lifetime From the moment she touched down in Seoul, April realised this was not going to be an ordinary cosmetic trip. After being collected from the airport by minibus and settling into her hotel, she was whisked straight into her first face-to-face consultation with the surgeon leading her transformation. 'The first thing I noticed was that the hospital was incredibly luxe,' she recalled. 'It was eight or nine storeys high, with each level dedicated to something different - dermatology, breasts, face, whatever the specialty was. Then on the top floors were all the private suites.' After working with a Korean consultancy firm, April secured one of the countrys top specialists - the CEO surgeon of a major cosmetic hospital and was quoted $45,000 AUD for multiple procedures as well as a deep plane facelift. Pictured: Post procedure in Seoul, South Korea April's 7-hour surgery - Deep Plane Facelift (targeting the mid-face and lower face by repositioning the SMAS layer) - Neck Lift (tightening of platysma bands and removal/repositioning of excess skin beneath the jawline) - Lateral Brow Lift (a subtle outer-brow elevation to restore structure around the temples) - Autologous Fat Transfer (fat harvested from the body and injected into areas of volume loss in the face) Advertisement According to April, surgeons in South Korea won't officially lock in a surgical plan until they've examined the patient in person. But once she met with hers and underwent a full assessment, they finalised the procedures they'd been debating during her online consultations - a bespoke combination designed to reposition, refresh and restore her face in the most natural way possible. At the heart of her transformation was a deep plane facelift to reposition her mid- and lower face from its foundation rather than simply pulling the skin tighter. To complement this, they planned a neck lift, tightening the platysma bands and removing the excess skin beneath her jawline for a sharper profile. Her surgeon also recommended a lateral brow lift, giving a subtle outer-brow elevation to restore structure around the temples, and finally, an autologous fat transfer, where fat would be harvested from her own body and injected into areas of facial volume loss to create softness and balance. It was a full-scale, meticulously planned surgical makeover tailored specifically to April's anatomy, ageing pattern and desired outcome. Despite the intensity of the operation, April says she woke up in complete disbelief. 'I had zero pain. No nerve pain. Nothing,' she insisted. 'People cant understand it. I just felt really tight because I was so swollen, but there was no unpleasantness at all' The part she can't believe herself On Friday, September 12, April finally underwent the transformation she had spent six months preparing for - a gruelling seven-hour operation under advanced twilight sedation - a standard protocol in Korea designed to minimise trauma and speed up recovery. But despite the intensity of the procedure, she says she woke up in disbelief: 'I had zero pain. No nerve pain. Nothing.' Her post-care began immediately with vitamin drips, daily LED sessions, hyperbaric treatments and constant monitoring - and despite severe exhaustion, she was stunned by how comfortable she felt and even managed to hold business meetings over Zoom. Pictured: Post surgery 'People can't understand it. I just felt really tight because I was so swollen, but there was no unpleasantness at all.' Her post-care started the moment she came out of surgery, with a vitamin drip placed in her arm as she was wheeled from recovery. By the next morning, she was out of bed, walking around the facility and preparing to head back to her hotel - still swollen, but stunned by how comfortable she felt. From there, she had daily LED treatments, hyperbaric chamber sessions, lymphatic support, hair washes and constant monitoring of sutures and swelling. 'I wanted to be in the best hands, and Korea's innovation and techniques are incredible,' she told Daily Mail. Pictured: April's new side profile post-surgery in November 2025 'I had severe exhaustion because my body was going into complete healing mode, but I did still manage to hold business meetings over Zoom!' she revealed in disbelief. Her brother, a former medic, flew in from Dubai to support her for the first three days, but her husband, she laughed, 'can't even cope with a cut finger,' so he stayed home. Ten weeks post-surgery, April said she finally feels aligned again and 'more like the person she feels on the inside when she looks in the mirror.' 'People are shocked, pleasantly shocked. However, I did this for me, and I had the best outcome.' The White House social media team called The New Yorker's Jane Mayer a 'sick, disgusting ghoul' after she said the National Guard 'should never have been deployed' to Washington, DC, following Wednesday's shooting. Mayer, reacting to an early report from CNN's Kaitlan Collins, had wrote on X: 'This is so tragic, so unnecessary, these poor guardsmen should never have been deployed.' She went on to ask 'at what cost' the Trump administration's deployment was taking place, calling it a 'political show'. 'I live in DC and watched as they had virtually nothing to do but pick up trash,' she said. The comments quickly earned the wrath of The White House's 'Rapid Response 47' team, which wrote in reply: 'You sick, disgusting ghoul. Two of these heroes were just SHOT IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. 'The Guard has saved countless lives - backed up by evidence (which you're clearly too stupid to notice). 'They are American Patriots.' Others, such as outspoken White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, also seized on the post, after the targeted attack left two soldiers in critical condition. Longtime New Yorker staff writer Jane Mayer - seen here at the New York Historical Society in 2021 - questioned why members of the National Guard were in Washington, DC, on Wednesday after the shooting near the White House In a post to X, she asked 'at what cost' this deployment was taking place, earning the above response from the White House's social media team The FBI confirmed Wednesday that two soldiers are being treated at a local hospital after being critically wounded 'Jane, respectfully, shut the f**k up for trying to politicize this tragedy,' Cheung wrote to the longtime New Yorker staff writer. 'They were protecting DC and trying to make the nation's capital safer. 'People like you who engage in ghoulish behavior lose all credibility. Not like you had any to begin with,' he continued. Local investment firm communications advisor Jim McCarthy also chimed in, saying: 'I'm a DC native, since even before home rule. Longtime homeowner in the city. Went to DC public schools and taught there too. Seen it all, first-hand my whole life. 'Jane Mayer is completely and utterly full of crap,' he concluded. Steven Law, former chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, further fumed: 'Only Jane Mayer would blame the deployment instead of the crazed killer who pulled the trigger.' Several others expressed similar sentiments in the wake of the ambush-style attack just 800 yards from the White House. The FBI confirmed Wednesday that two soldiers are being treated at a local hospital after being critically wounded. Others, including White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, also tore into the New Yorker staff writer A motive in the shooting remains unclear. The Guard members were both from West Virginia, officials said. Their investigation continues They were identified Thursday as Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Backstrom, 20, in a press conference. Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was also identified as the alleged gunman. He was taken into custody Wednesday following a shootout with officials. Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under a Biden-era immigration program for Afghans who left their country after the government fell to the Taliban. A motive remains unclear. The Guard members were from West Virginia and were attacked around 2:15pm ET, officials said. They remain in critical condition. A shock hike in the tax on dividends is a kick in the teeth for entrepreneurs, a wealth manager has claimed. From April, the rate rises from 8.75 per cent to 10.75 per cent for basic rate taxpayers and from 33.75 per cent to 35.75 per cent for higher-rate earners. The surprise move came as Rachel Reeves confirmed a three-year stamp duty holiday on shares bought in stock market floats in London. That tax is 0.5 per cent. But the dividend tax raid flies in the face of the Government desire to encourage investors to hold UK equities, said Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown. It risks persuading investors to take their money elsewhere, or putting them off investments entirely. The dividend tax attack, which will raise 1.2billion a year, will also hit millions of small business owners who typically pay themselves out of firms profits. The last thing the UK really needs right now is more tax on investment and entrepreneurship, said Jason Hollands of wealth manager Evelyn Partners. It will be felt by entrepreneurs as a kick in the teeth. The Budget attack on salary sacrifice schemes threatens private sector pensions while the public sector emerges unscathed, experts warn. They claim the move could dent savers retirement pots and lead companies to cut back on contributions. The blow came as salary sacrifice contributions where workers forego wages in return for the money being paid directly into their retirement fund were capped at 2,000 a year, down from 60,000. The scheme enables workers to save on tax and National Insurance and boost the amount invested in their pension pots, while employers save on their NI contributions. Public sector pension schemes with guaranteed retirement income based on a workers final salary, or career average earnings, operate under a different system. The raid will not happen until April 2029 and is predicted to claw back 4.7billion for the Government that year and 2.6billion in the following year. Stealth tax: Salary sacrifice contributions where workers forego wages for money paid directly into their retirement fund were capped at 2,000 a year, down from 60,000 Gary Smith, senior partner at wealth manager Evelyn Partners, said: The tax take is greater than expected and means the impact of this policy on pensions, pay or businesses or all three could be severe. But one thing this salary sacrifice crackdown wont do is earn the Chancellor a backlash from the public sector, as a raid on tax-free cash would have done. It is politically convenient that public sector schemes do not generally operate on a salary sacrifice basis. With civil service and Government-backed schemes unaffected, Mr Smith said it would save this Government another run-in with the unions and vested public sector interests. Retirement experts criticised the salary sacrifice cap arriving while Labour is encouraging people to save more for retirement, including setting up a Pensions Commission last summer to tackle under-saving for old age. Mike Ambery, retirement savings director at Standard Life, says: This change will disproportionately affect private sector workers, as public sector schemes dont usually use salary sacrifice. 'At a time when simplicity and engagement are critical to improving savings levels, adding complexity and reducing incentives risks undermining confidence in the system. Salary sacrifice is a cornerstone of workplace pensions strategies, helping millions to boost contributions and restricting it will inevitably lead to cutbacks, says Quilters head of retirement Jon Greer. Employers feeling the pain face a double whammy after last years increase in employer NI contributions. Mr Greer said: Thats significant sums stripped from pay packets and business budgets, funds that could otherwise be invested in long-term financial security. Two lodges mysteriously burnt to the ground within an hour of each other after their owners complained about the traveller-run holiday park site on BBC Panorama. Mike Chesworth and Alison Porter-Garroch bravely spoke out on the documentary in March 2024 where they discussed life at Wyre Country Park in Lancashire. The pair claimed on the programme to have been 'misled' into buying the homes after being told they could live there all year round. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the former lodgers also recalled a number of 'health and safety issues' on sight, such as sewage leaking from nearby manholes - only for a 'local farmer' to then pump it into the river. Following several court cases involving the site's owner, David Welch, the park issued Mr Chesworth with an eviction notice in July this year which stated he had 28 days to leave. On day 28, the 61-year-old's lodge tragically caught fire and burnt to the ground. An hour later, another lodger in a separate location in the park, Ms Porter-Garroch, 53, who appeared alongside Mr Chesworth in the Panorama documentary, noticed her property had also caught fire. Fortunately, neither were inside at the time but they lost all their possessions as the lodges were reduced to ashes. Mike Chesworth bravely spoke out on a documentary about life at Wyre Country Park in Lancashire. Then his lodge, pictured, was then burned to the ground Mr Chesworth had been living in the lodge with his wife. Pictured are some of the couple's clothes that were completely ruined in the fire The lodge belonging to Mr Chesworth is pictured. He had purchased it in 2020 for 180,000 Shocking photos show how the buildings have been destroyed with bits of debris everywhere and scorched clothes. Police have been unable to determine the cause of the fire due to its severity leaving little forensic evidence. A man wearing a hoodie was allegedly spotted wandering around the site on the day of the tragedy. Meanwhile, Mr Welch was in Scotland. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Chesworth, whose lodge had been his and his wife's primary residence, said: 'My son lives in St. Helen's and we were going down there on the motorway. 'One of the residents said, "Mike, are you actually in? Your lodge is on fire". 'At first I thought he was joking and told him if he was it wasn't funny - but then he said, "No, I'm telling you there's smoke everywhere and your lodge is on fire". 'I was in a state of shock. We turned round and headed straight back. I got back and my lodge was ablaze; there were fire engines everywhere. The BBC Panorama documentary had focused on lodgers' claims they were falsely told by Wyre Country Park management that they had permission to live on site all year round. Pictured: Mike Chesworth Ms Porter-Garroch also explained her situation on the programme and was critical of the park's management In a statement at the time Mr Welch (pictured) denied misleading buyers and rejected 'any allegations of intimidation or threats to "evict" holiday makers', claiming he had received no formal complaints 'I was like "what the hell is going on". 'There were also no working fire hydrants so they had to connect to hoses off the park. 'It was devastating. Then all of a sudden a woman shouted "bloody hell, there's another one on fire."' Mr Chesworth had bought his lodge in 2020 for 180,000. The other lodge, belonging to Ms Porter-Garroch, a single occupant, was said to have gone up in flames within an hour of Mr Chesworth's. Ms Porter-Garroch, who purchased her lodge in 2018 for 98,000, told the Daily Mail: 'On the day of the fire I was filling my fridge up. My small dog got attacked last year so I always look out of the door to see if there are any other dogs around. 'I looked out and saw black smoke come in from by the river so I ran down - I realised it was Mike's lodge. 'I dialled 999 and let Mike know and was down there for about 40 minutes. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Chesworth said: 'I got back and my lodge was ablaze, there were fire engines everywhere' Mr Chesworth added: 'It was devastating. Then all of a sudden a woman shouted "bloody hell, there's another one on fire"' Fortunately, the pair were not inside at the time but they lost all their possessions 'Then I realised I hadn't walked my dogs and stopped to talk to a neighbour. The neighbour told me, "there's smoke coming out the back of your lodge". 'I let the leads go on my dogs and ran over to my lodge. 'It was just black. I went to go and get my dad and mum's ashes, which were in the living room, while the bathroom was just on fire. 'All I could see was black smoke. It was unbelievable. I've lost a lot of precious items.' Ms Porter-Garroch said she would never return to the park - 'not after what they've put my life through'. Several issues are said to have arisen at the park from March 2023 onwards after Mr Welch was ordered to pay legal costs over a dispute with a lodger. Following the court case, the site owner told residents he was no longer managing the park and they would need to transfer their money for bills to a new company called Exclusive Resorts. But it soon emerged the director of the new company was Mr Welch himself. Mr Chesworth has insisted he experienced a general atmosphere of 'intimidation' at the park Over the next two years, the businessman was in and out of court battling his customers as they were reluctant to give money to a company that 'lacked legitimacy' and unsure of the terms of the new contract they were being presented with. It culminated in Mr Welch issuing Mr Chesworth with the eviction notice in July this year. The BBC Panorama documentary had focused on lodgers' claims they were falsely told by Wyre Country Park management that they had permission to live on site all year round. In a statement at the time Mr Welch denied misleading buyers and rejected 'any allegations of intimidation or threats to "evict" holiday makers', claiming he had received no formal complaints. This is despite Mr Chesworth insisting he had experienced a general atmosphere of 'intimidation' at the park. He recalled one incident which allegedly involved all of Mr Welch's 'mates' coming down and parking caravans in front of his house - 'they brought their dogs along and told me "they'll s*** all over your property and have kids"', he said. The former lodger further claimed that, amidst the legal threats from Exclusive Resorts, Mr Welch had failed to spend 30,000 Mr Chesworth had transferred to him for the purpose of decking his property. Residents at the park also said there had been ongoing issues stretching back years including 'health and safety being terrible'. A 'local farmer' at the site appeared to pump overflowing sewage into the river next to Mr Chesworth's lodge Mr Chesworth recalled one incident involving a manhole 'in front of' his door. He said: 'It wasn't covered so there was just a wooden palette on top' Mr Chesworth recalled one incident involving a manhole 'in front of' his door. He said: 'It wasn't covered so there was just a wooden palette on top. 'And we were probably about 100 feet from a septic tank. When the tank broke down, everything broke out of that cover. 'There was literally raw sewage seeping out all in front of my lodge. 'And then, the person who was sent down to deal with it - I think it was a local farmer - he just pumped the sewage out into the river.' Mr Chesworth was able to film the spectacle as well as the 'open sewer' itself. In one video he says: 'This is a sewer - an open sewer - that is covered by a piece of wood. 'This is literally about 12ft from my front door, and as you can see it is rising to the top because the sewage system on this site is not working properly again. Greg Wilson, CEO of European Consumer Claims (ECC), which helps claimants taking legal action against alleged holiday park malfeasance, told the Daily Mail: 'The origins of these two fires which destroyed Alison and Mike's lodges may never be known, and we are not suggesting any foul play' 'It's risen about two feet overnight and is set to spill, and all the sewage will start to spill while everybody's lodges and everything else is backing up. 'Within the next couple of days this is going to spill all over the grass in front of my home where I will have yet again spillages of raw sewage because the land owner is not dealing with things correctly.' In another video, a 'local farmer' called upon to deal with the sewage spillage can be seen pumping it out into the river. A spokesman for Mr Welch told the Daily Mail he tries 'very hard to run a beautiful park'. The spokesman said: 'There have been a number of protracted legal cases which have involved these two former lodge owners of the park, who have themselves caused problems on the park and refused to pay fees that were due. 'The court cases were settled by agreement and it is disappointing that an attempt now seems to be made to try and go behind those agreements and seek to use the media as a way of doing that. 'Wyre Park is run by Exclusive Resorts Limited, of which Mr Welch is not a director. It is a holiday park that is not intended to be used as a residential site and this is made clear in the paperwork and signage for the site. 'We try very hard to run a beautiful park and believe that the majority of lodge owners are happy with what we provide.' Mr Welch, born February 1983, is currently listed as a director of Exclusive Resorts Ltd on Companies House. He was appointed on February 22, last year. Ms Porter-Garroch claimed of Mr Welch: 'He's a born-again Christian. He goes to Church and he's religious on God but he lies. 'One Christmas we went without gas for eight days - it was absolutely freezing. 'He said there was something wrong with the main gas but we found out it just hadn't been filled - we'd gone without heating for eight days. 'I did say to him at one point, "David, you've got to stop lying."' Greg Wilson, CEO of European Consumer Claims (ECC), which helps claimants taking legal action against alleged holiday park malfeasance, told the Daily Mail: 'The origins of these two fires which destroyed Alison and Mike's lodges may never be known, and we are not suggesting any foul play. 'This is even more bad fortune for two people who have suffered a great deal already. 'Mike and Alison were brave enough to speak out publicly about their experiences with this park and their personnel. 'As more people come forward to reveal what has happened to them, bad actors in this business will have less opportunity to ruin lives of other people looking to buy park homes. 'Anyone who has had a negative experience with the purchase of a lodge or static caravan should certainly seek expert advice. These are life-changing amounts of money, and often something can be done to recoup the losses.' The BBC has been contacted for comment. It's a milestone Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin will never reach. On Friday, Bryan Kohberger marked his 31st birthday inside Idaho's maximum security prison in Kuna - his home since being convicted of the November 13, 2022, murders of the four University of Idaho students. But, if he is thankful for another year around the sun, it certainly doesn't seem to show. The mass killer has found several things to complain about behind bars in the four short months since his sentencing this July, filing multiple formal complaints to guards and requesting a transfer to a different part of the prison. And now, according to a source inside the penitentiary, he has found a new, bizarre thing to add to his growing list of grievances. Chris McDonough, a retired homicide detective who now works for the Cold Case Foundation, told the Daily Mail he has learned the mass killer is moaning to guards about the food. In particular, he is disgruntled with one specific fruit on his meal tray: bananas. 'He's complaining about the type of bananas he's being served,' McDonough said. 'They're not the kind that he likes. I'm not sure if that means they may have bruises on them and he doesn't like that or if there is a particular type of banana that he likes. But he's complaining about the food he's getting.' New photos show Bryan Kohberger after his 2022 murders. He posed for selfies, in some he was shirtless and flexing. Pictured: Idaho's maximum security institution in Kuna where Kohberger continues to complain about his living situation McDonough added: 'You can't make this stuff up, right? The guy is a quadruple killer and he's complaining about his bananas not being the type that he likes.' McDonough said prison staff, unsurprisingly, aren't taking this grievance too seriously: 'The prison is saying well, deal with it.' It is part of a larger pattern that has taken shape since Kohberger landed at the prison, with the former criminology PhD student making complaints about several aspects of life behind bars. The Daily Mail exclusively revealed back in August that he started complaining about his fellow inmates almost immediately. Kohberger - known as inmate number 163214 - was being relentlessly tormented by his new jail-mates when he arrived. They were reportedly shouting through the vents into his cell at all hours and disrupting his sleep. McDonough told the Daily Mail at the time that they were 'driving [Kohberger] crazy' - so much so that the criminal filed a formal handwritten complaint one day after he arrived on the J block restrictive housing unit following the intake process. In the complaint, he requested a transfer to another part of the prison citing 'minute-by-minute verbal threats/harassment' from other inmates. 'Unit 2 of J Block is an environment that I wish to transfer from,' he wrote. Days later, he filed another complaint - alleging he was the victim of sexual threats. In that note on August 4, the mass killer claimed one inmate told him 'I'll b*** f*** you' while another said, 'The only a** we'll be eating is Kohberger's.' Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen (left) and Ethan Chapin and Xana Kernodle (right) were murdered on November 13, 2022 A prison guard confirmed he had overheard 'vulgar language' being directed toward Kohberger, according to an incident notification report. The report concluded Kohberger felt safe to remain on J block. A housing placement hearing was held in the prison on August 12 after Kohberger requested being placed in protective custody over the incidents with fellow inmates, the Idaho Statesman reported. Both Kohberger and the committee agreed he should remain segregated from other inmates for now. But, the mass killer revealed his desire to eventually be able to join other inmates for recreation and work inside the prison 'just like another high-profile resident on J2 does.' In total, Kohberger filed at least five formal complaints within the first month of his incarceration. They range from issues with items being missing from his meal tray to being unable to access the online commissary system. Idaho Department of Corrections said in a statement at the time that Kohberger is 'housed alone in a cell, and IDOC security staff maintain a safe and orderly environment for all individuals in our custody.' After releasing the formal complaints in August, IDOC said future public records requests of the same nature would likely be denied. Since then, IDOC has not released those records when requests have been made by the Daily Mail. Though, the complaints - at least verbally - haven't stopped. Pictured: The home at 1122 King Road in Moscow, Idaho, where the four University of Idaho students were murdered Pictured: A selfie found on Bryan Kohberger's cell phone taken hours after the murders McDonough revealed Kohberger is also complaining about 'the type of cell that he's in, the size of the cell and where it's located.' The sense is that Kohberger believes he should be getting special treatment because of the infamy of his crimes, McDonough said. He added, 'It's about power and control He was a nobody until he murdered four people he was irrelevant to the world. 'And now he's Bryan Kohberger who has slaughtered four people. And, because he didn't have to stand up in court and tell the world how brutal these crimes were, he holds the cards. And he's trying to leverage that.' As a former veteran homicide detective and an expert in predator behavior, McDonough said he believes Kohberger is 'going to keep pushing the envelope and pushing the boundaries as far as he can get them.' In recent weeks, Kohberger has also tried - unsuccessfully - to avoid paying additional money to the Mogen and Goncalves families to cover the cost of urns for their daughters who he murdered. On the third anniversary of the November 13, 2022, killings, Judge Steven Hippler ordered him to pay around $3,000 in additional restitution. That was on top of the $251,227.50 in criminal fines and fees to the state, $20,000 civil judgment for each of the families and $28,956.88 restitution to Kernodle and Chapin's families and the state's crime victim's compensation fund Kohberger was previously ordered to pay. In handing down the decision, the judge also revealed that Kohberger had received a staggering $28,360.96 in donations from his family and other unidentified individuals while held in the Latah County and Ada County jails awaiting trial. Kohberger broke into an off-campus student home on King Road in Moscow, Idaho, in the early hours of November 13, 2022, and stabbed the four students to death. He was arrested around six weeks later at his parents' home in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania after his DNA was found on a knife sheath left at the scene. At the time of the murders, Kohberger was a PhD student in criminal justice at Washington State University (WSU), living just over the state border in Pullman, Washington. The Goncalves family announced last week that they plan to sue WSU - where staff and students had complained of Kohberger's creepy, sexist behavior around the time of the quadruple homicide. In a statement, the family said the suit is about gaining accountability and transparency. Kohberger struck a plea deal in July, avoiding trial and sparing him from the death penalty. He was sentenced to life in prison. His motive remains unclear and no connection has ever been found between the killer and his victims. A man who forged an unbreakable bond with a grandmother after a mistaken Thanksgiving text is resuming their holiday tradition for the tenth year. Wanda Dench, 68, and Jamal Hinton, 26, from Arizona, became unlikely friends in 2016 when Dench accidentally texted the then-teenager, thinking he was her grandson - a mix-up that changed both of their lives. After missing last year's celebration in person while Dench underwent breast cancer treatment, the pair will reunite this Thanksgiving at Hinton's family home. Their annual tradition remains a viral sensation, and this year they've partnered with Green Giant to mark the milestone - celebrating both the brand's 100th anniversary and their decade-long friendship. The company has provided the duo classic holiday dishes like turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, rolls, and pumpkin pie, while Jamal's family adds prime rib, brisket, and mac and cheese for their own twist. Hinton shared photos of them preparing the meal to his Instagram and wrote: 'Thanksgiving prep is in full swing.' Dench, now cancer-free, says she's thrilled to be continuing the tradition that began with one viral tweet. Their story started when Dench texted what she thought was her grandson to ask if he was coming to Thanksgiving dinner. The message reached Hinton instead, who jokingly replied: 'Still get a plate tho?' Dench answered without hesitation: 'Of course you can. That's what grandmas do - feed everyone.' Wanda Dench, 68, and Jamal Hinton, 26, became unlikely friends in 2016 after a mistaken Thanksgiving text. They are pictured together ahead of Thanksgiving 2025 The pair will reunite this year at Hintons family home after missing last year's celebration as Dench was undergoing breast cancer treatment In 2024, the pair had to meet online instead of in person after Dench was diagnosed with cancer Hinton showed up for dinner that year, and the pair hugged immediately. From then on, they spent every Thanksgiving together - except for 2024, when Dench's cancer treatment left her immunocompromised. That year, they connected via Instagram Live as Hinton passed his phone around to family members wishing her a happy holiday. 'I just recently finished up with chemotherapy, so I'm not 100 percent yet,' Dench said during the livestream as she answered viewers questions. 'And I live about two hours away from where Jamal lives. And so we decided that this year would be best for my health if I stayed at home. 'I was looking so forward to meeting his family and having turkey with everybody, but we have to accept things the way they are, and I'm sure next year is going to be so much better.' Hinton explained how she discovered her cancer following a routine checkup. 'I had a CT scan to check out my lungs. That's when a mass in my breast was detected,' she said. 'I am [and] have been currently going through chemotherapy. My family and friends quickly came to my aid and have supported me through everything.' Dench also added that cancer does not run in her family and that all of her previous mammograms had come back as negative. They became unlikely friends after she texted him and invited him to Thanksgiving in 2016 Hinton ended up going to Dench's celebration, and he had continued to do so Dench, who in a previous interview claimed she wasn't a fan of Thanksgiving, previously admitted that she had actually wanted to cancel their holiday dinner in 2016, but the universe had other plans Hinton's girlfriend, Mikaela, also spends Thanksgiving with them, and they both became close to Dench's husband, Lonnie, who died of COVID in April 2020 For Dench's first Thanksgiving without her husband in 2020, she hosted an early dinner attended by Hinton and Mikaela, as well as her daughter and her grandson She said when she turned 65 in 2022 she assumed she would not have to get them anymore, adding: 'But I was wrong'. Dench added that she has learned 'a lot of life's lessons through it all', stressing that 'just because you may be older, you still have a life to live.' Speaking to Today in 2021, Hinton shared that he was surprised when Dench said he could join her family's celebrations, but he decided to roll with it. 'Yes, there was a huge amount of hesitation because it was all just a joke,' he recalled. 'I was in math class. I was taking a test. And I was just like, 'Hey, why not?' 'I'm just an outgoing person. I like to meet new people and then she said, 'Yes,' and I was just starstruck, basically.' Ironically, Dench isn't a fan of Thanksgiving, and she admitted on the morning show she had actually wanted to cancel their holiday plans that year. 'I was tired of putting on the feast every year, so I asked my husband if we could just skip Thanksgiving that year and go off and have a mini-vacation or something,' she said. 'But little did I know that's not what the universe had planned for me.' Dench and Hinton plan regular visits year-round, and during the pandemic, he and his girlfriend, Mikaela, would leave her food outside her door. Hinton was just 17 when Dench accidentally sent him a text message thinking he was her grandson in 2016 Hinton explained that she had texted the wrong person, but he then asked if he could 'still get a plate tho?' They spent Thanksgiving together for the first time that year In December 2021, just a week after they spent their sixth holiday together, it was announced that a movie inspired by their story was in development at Netflix 'I told her the cameras and the fame, everything could stop tomorrow, and nothing's changing between us,' Hinton previously told the Today show. 'He's in my heart for life,' Dench agreed In 2023 the duo teamed up with Airbnb to invite two strangers to their annual Thanksgiving celebration It was a difficult time for the widow, who lost her beloved husband, Lonnie, to COVID-19 on April 5, 2020, just days after he contracted the virus. For her first Thanksgiving without her husband, she hosted an early dinner attended by Hinton and Mikaela, as well as her daughter and her grandson. A framed photo of Lonnie was placed on the dinner table as they paid tribute to him during the gathering. During an appearance on the Today show, Dench shared how Hinton taught her how to be 'open to friendships [even] when you think you have nothing in common when somebody.' 'He's literally changed my life,' she said. It should have been a joyous Thanksgiving dinner and celebration of Jim and Muriel Sitton's wedding anniversary at their Jupiter home in Florida. But an unexpected guest with a deadly plan arrived and unleashed a horrific shooting rampage, changing their lives forever. Paul Merhige, 35, a cousin of the Sittons, had waited until after dinner, when people were packing up leftovers, to open fire, killing four relatives. The Sittons' six-year-old daughter, Makayla, was shot dead in her bed, and Merhige's 33-year-old twin sisters, Carla Merhige and Lisa Knight, who was pregnant, were killed along with his aunt, Raymonde Joseph, 76, who was Muriel's mother. On the 16th anniversary of the massacre, Jim opened up to the Daily Mail about what happened that day and the impact it has had on his family. Jim recalled that after hearing bullets being fired, he told everyone to 'run'. He immediately fled to Makayla's bedroom to get her, but heartbreakingly, it was too late. Merhige was already inside, ready to shoot the innocent child, whom he had never met. The heartbroken father told Daily Mail: 'We had put her to bed 30 minutes before that. She was not sleeping. She was in bed, but awake.' Makayla Sitton was shot dead in her bed by a relative she had never met on Thanksgiving 2009 Jim and Muriel Sitton are pictured in Makayla's room. Jim spoke to Daily Mail about how he heard his daughter being killed 'I know that because at the time he was shooting her, I had worked my way to her bedroom window, and I was going to try to break through the window and pull her out. 'When he shot her. I heard her gasp.' Merhige, apparently doubting that he had fatally wounded the little girl, returned to the room and shot her a second time. Before fleeing the home, Jim said the only thing Merhige uttered was: 'I've been waiting for 20 years to do this.' After the murders police said Merhige 'had ongoing resentment' for some of his relatives. Jim said Makayla's mother, Muriel, was a cousin of Merhige on her father's side but his wife had not had much of a relationship with him. He described Merhige as a 'recluse' whom he had only met a couple of times, and said the gunman never usually attended family events. 'We didn't know that he was coming. His mom, dad, and sisters knew he was, but they didnt tell us,' he said. Merhige also killed his sister Carla Merhige, 33, (pictured) and her twin Lisa Lisa Merhige Knight, 33, was pregnant when her brother opened fire Makayla sitting on her grandmother Raymonde Joseph's lap. Joseph was also killed Jim said he was in the backyard preparing for the guests when he saw Merhige standing on the patio. People then began discussing why he was at the meal. 'Her (Muriel's) mom said he shouldnt be here. His (Merhige's) mom and her daughters, and my wife were discussing it,' he recalled. 'My wife and her mom werent happy he was there, but at this point, he was already inside. I wasnt going to cause a scene and throw him out.' He knew that Merhige had suffered some mental health issues and that there had been some concerns about him before, but he did not know the extent. It was later revealed in the police report that Merhige's mother had emailed a friend telling her they were going up to Jupiter for Thanksgiving. She said that Merhige was coming too and that she hoped 'he doesn't come up to Jupiter and kill everyone.' Jim said Merhige's sister, Lisa, who was carrying the family's first grandchild, shared her concerns about her brother's presence and had asked her mom before they sat down to eat: 'He's not gonna come up here and kill everybody, is he?' But their daughter was quickly dismissed. Her mother told her that 'if your father heard you talking like that, hed get mad,' Jim recalled. Jim believes that Merhige planned to show up at his home with one goal: to kill. Killer Paul Merhige, 35, was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences without parole Jim and Muriel Sitton are pictured in court in this September 2011 file photo 'He planned this whole thing out. He bought guns beforehand. He got his car fixed. He bought supplies. He wasn't crazy enough not to know what he was doing. He knew exactly what he was doing,' he said. 'He had a list, he had a plan, and he executed it. He knew enough to run and hide. He wasn't insane. He may have had OCD or something like that, but he wasn't insane.' Jim later learned that Merhige had told a psychiatrist that 'he had ideations of killing his entire family.' After Merhige fled the home, police went on a manhunt for nearly 40 days until his capture at a Florida Keys hotel. The hotel owner called America's Most Wanted after seeing the show and thinking Merhige's photo resembled a guest. Merhige later pleaded guilty to the four murders to avoid the death penalty after reaching a plea deal with prosecutors. He was sentenced to seven life terms and waived his right to appeal. When asked if he had forgiven Merhige, Jim took a deep breath and said: 'I have forgiven him a thousand times, but if he had the death penalty, I would pull the lever on the electric chair. 'I don't want him to go to hell or anything, but I don't think we got justice for our daughter.' Jim with his wife Muriel and their two daughters Natalia and Ray. He also has an adult son Makayla Sitton, 6, was the youngest victim of the Thanksgiving massacre in 2009 Jim at a news conference holding up a photo of his daughter during the manhunt for Paul Merhige in December 2009 He said he doesn't feel anger as much, but just a profound 'loss.' 'He stole Makayla from us. When you have a kid, you have dreams of seeing her grow up and get married and have kids, and he stole all of that.' Jim and Muriel still live in their home, where the massacre took place, and have since had two more daughters. He said he did not want to leave the house because it would have felt like leaving Makayla behind. For years, he kept her room the same until their daughters were born. The girls, now aged 11 and 13, share the room. Jim also has a 46-year-old son from a relationship he had when he was 20. 'I didn't want to leave all the good memories behind of Makayla. That's where she lived,' he said. This week, the couple celebrated their 25th anniversary after marrying at The Breakers in Palm Beach on November 25, 2000. He said they had not been able to celebrate their anniversary for nearly 10 years, but after having their two daughters, they have started to embrace celebrations again. 'Now with my daughters getting older, we need to fully engage in life again, for their sake, if not our own,' he said. The home where the deadly massacre took place is seen sealed off. The family still live there and now have two young daughters Makayla's grief-stricken parents at her funeral. They are now attempting to 'fully engage in life again' Jim said he never received an apology from the Merhiges' parents and filed a negligence lawsuit in 2011, claiming that they could have prevented the murders. 'They knowingly brought a rattlesnake into my house, and it killed a bunch of people. 'They didn't give us any warning, and they kind of just sprung this dangerous creature upon us at the last second, and so that was what our lawsuit was about.' However, the District Court of Appeal ruled that Merhige's parents could not be held liable for the massacre. 'The judge threw it out on appeal. They didn't want to set the precedent that parents would be responsible for adult children. But that's not what our lawsuit was about at all. 'They were responsible for knowing his tendencies and bringing him to my house without telling us and not giving us the option to say yes or no.' Jim said he believes Merhige's goal was to do as much damage as he could. 'He had the opportunity to shoot his parents, and he didn't. And I think he wanted them to live to suffer,' he said. When the Daily Mail called Paul's parents, Michael and Carole Merhige, at their Florida home this week, Michael Merhige declined to comment. The parents of a little boy who drowned in a lagoon in Melbourne's southeast are suing the local council and state water authority over the tragedy. Four-year-old Ali Aminzadah was found unresponsive in the lagoon in Officer on Mothers Day in 2024 after wandering into the wetlands outside his uncle's house. His heartbroken parents, Ruqia Sultan and Nasir Aminzadah, claim Ali died due to the 'inadequate' fencing in the area which allowed him to slip through. In court documents tended to the Supreme Court of Victoria, the couple said the fence around parts of the lagoon were 'ineffective' due to the 'looseness' of the wires and overall poor condition. Lawyers for the couple named Cardinia Shire Council and Melbourne Water as defendants in the lawsuit, with both parties responsible for the lagoon's maintenance. 'The fence consisted of a series of slim vertical posts with a number of thin wires strung horizontally between the vertical posts,' the documents state. Ms Sultan and Mr Aminzadah, from Swan Hill, also claimed they have suffered from post traumatic stress disorder since their son's death. They are suing for unspecified damages relating to past and future medical expenses and loss of earning capacity since the tragedy. Ali's body was found in the lagoon, which is located just 50metres away from his uncle's house where the family was visiting in Office, southeast Melbourne His parents claim the fence around the lagoon had slim vertical posts and thin wires (pictured) A spokesperson for Melbourne Water told the ABC it was aware of the legal proceedings but wouldn't say whether it was defending the lawsuit. 'First and foremost, Melbourne Water extends its deepest sympathies to Ali's family, in particular his parents Ruqia Sultan and Nasir Aminzadah, as well as to the broader community who have been impacted by this incident,' they said. 'Melbourne Water was recently made aware of the proceeding that has been filed and are currently undertaking the necessary investigations.' Cardinia Shire Council confirmed to the Daily Mail that it had received the writ. 'We take this matter seriously and are currently working through the legal processes. Given this is a legal matter, we will not be providing any further comment at this time,' they said. Mr Aminzadah previously described Ali as 'a good boy' who 'loved life.' 'I just want to highlight, why couldn't they have fixed this bloody fence before this happened?' he asked. It's understood Ali was non-verbal and had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder just weeks before the tragedy. And locals agreed, describing the lagoon as 'an accident waiting to happen'. 'You quite often see kids around the lake,' neighbour Tammy Gauld told 7News. Ali was a non-verbal child who was reportedly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder 'I really think council needs to look at fencing to see what they can do, put something better up than what is there. 'Lots of young families live around here, you often see them walking past every day with their young children, so it's very concerning if a child manages to get away from their parents, there's a big body of water there that attracts them.' A pregnant 22-year-old woman was found dead by her own father on Tuesday, 21 days after she got into an unknown vehicle on November 3. Rebecca Park, a Michigan woman who was 39 weeks pregnant, was found by her dad while she was out searching for her near her mother's home in Boon Township, a small town in the north of the state. The Wexford County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a body was found in the Manistee National Forest but did not say who it was, 9and10News reported. During a press conference, Sheriff Trent Taylor said the identity of the deceased won't be disclosed until an autopsy is completed, though he did acknowledge it resembled Park. No information has been released on the status of Park's unborn child. Police arrested Park's sister, Kimberly, and her sister's fiance, Richard Lee Falor, hours after the body was found. Kimberly was arraigned on three charges, including tampering with evidence in a criminal case, lying to a police officer during an investigation of a violent crime and filing a false report of a felony, WPBN reported. The court determined that Kimberly was a threat to the community and a flight risk. Her bond was set at $750,000 cash surety, meaning she almost certainly won't have to cover the full amount. Falor, a convicted sex offender, was charged with two counts of delivering methamphetamine and is facing a potential life sentence. Rebecca Park, a Michigan woman who was 39 weeks pregnant, was found dead in the woods by her own father. She had been missing for 21 days after getting into an unknown vehicle outside a relative's home Police arrested Park's sister, Kimberly, hours after the body was discovered. She was arraigned on three charges Richard Lee Falor, a convicted sex offender and Kimberly's fiance, was also arrested hours after the body was found. He was charged with two counts of delivering methamphetamine Pictured: A portion of the Manistee National Forest, where Park's body was found It isn't yet clear if Kimberly and Falor have anything to do with Park's disappearance or death. Neither one of them has been charged with murder. Park was last seen getting into a dark-colored vehicle at around 11:30pm on November 3 outside a relative's home. Courtney Bartholomew, Park's mother, was the last person to see her alive, according to police. Police said she had arranged to be picked up but did not tell anyone who was going to be her ride for that night. Friends said Park had no intention of leaving permanently, even though investigators discovered she had recently received $2,000 from a family inheritance. A $12,000 reward was being offered for any information that led to a location for Park. The estranged mother of Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old cheerleader who died under mysterious circumstances on a Carnival cruise ship, said she is 'not okay'. Heather Wright told Fox News that she split up with Anna's father, Christopher Kepner, when the girl was just four years old. Despite Wright moving to Oklahoma while her daughter remained in Titusville, Florida, with her father, she said she tried to keep in touch with Anna over the years. 'I am not OK... is exactly how I feel,' Wright said. 'She was my daughter, and I loved her with all of my heart and soul.' This month, Anna was on a cruise with her father, her stepmother, her three step siblings and her grandparents. On November 7, she was discovered dead on the ship when it was in international waters between Mexico and Florida. Her body was found in her cabin underneath her bed. She was wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests. The Daily Mail was the first to report that her 16-year-old stepbrother was under investigation and was being considered a suspect in the death of the teen. It was revealed earlier Friday that asphyxiation via a bar hold - an arm across the neck - was her official cause of death. The estranged mother of Anna Kepner, the 18-year-old cheerleader who died under mysterious circumstances on a Carnival cruise ship, said she is 'not okay' Heather Wright told Fox News that her ex-husband, Christopher Kepner, tried to keep her away from Anna's funeral. She showed up anyway, she said Wright told Fox that she was kept out of her daughter's life after she moved away. After she died, she was left off the online obituary but was later added in. She also said she was told not to attend her Anna's memorial service last week, something she did not abide by. 'They said I never went, but I did,' she said. 'I didn't want to be seen, so I made sure no one seen me plus they can't stop me from going anyway, even though Chris said he would have me arrested for back child support.' Anna was expected to graduate high school in May and join the US Navy, according to her grandparents. Another twist in the case came last week when court filings came to light showing that Shauntel Hudson, Anna's 36-year-old stepmother, and her ex-husband Thomas Hudson are currently engaged in a custody battle over their children. In one motion filed with Brevard County Court in Florida, Thomas demands clarity on Shauntel, who was on the cruise, on what is going with his son that is being investigated by the FBI. He claimed he was in the care of a 'third party'. Thomas is also seeking immediate custody of the other minor child from his marriage to 36-year-old Shauntel, a nine-year-old girl living in Titusville with her and Annas father. 'The respondent took the remaining minor children on a cruise with a stepchild of her paramour,' his filing says. 'The sixteen-year-old child is now a suspect in the death of the stepchild during the cruise. While released from custody, the sixteen-year-old child is residing with a third party.' Anna is pictured with her 16-year-old stepbrother who has been named as a suspect in her death, which was ruled a homicide A family photo of Anna (pictured lower right), with her stepmother, father, stepbrother (pictured left), stepsister and half-sister The filing adds: 'The sixteen-year-old's future has been put in jeopardy because of the choices made by the respondent the youngest child is at immediate risk of abuse, abandonment, or neglect in the care of the respondent. Shauntel hit back in a court filing denying allegations that she 'abused, neglected or abandoned' her children. She added: 'It is true that there is an open investigation regarding the death of the biological daughter of the stepfather and [boy's initials] is a suspect regarding this death which occurred recently on a cruise ship.' Shauntel's filing said the boy was staying with one of her relatives and she is providing counseling for all of her children. Shauntel also criticizes her ex Thomas in the motion, saying he may have impeded the active criminal investigation with confidential comments she understands he has made. The motion calls for a Non-Dissemination Order, preventing both parties from discussing or giving out information and to seal the case where the court documents are not available to the public. Specifically, she demands the shutdown of information about the FBI probe, her custody battle, any law enforcement activity and the passing on of documents, photographs or texts relating to her suspect son. She also wants sensitive information redacted from public court records. Anna's death was ruled a homicide after her cause of death was reported. Investigators are still going through the ship's surveillance cameras to build a timeline of a possible crime. New York City's Fire Department Commissioner has broken his silence on his decision to resign after Zohran Mamdani's election win. Robert Tucker, who is Jewish, will step down from his position with the city's fire department on December 19. His resignation came hours after Democratic Socialist Mamdani, who is anti-Israel, defeated Republican Curtis Sliwa and former state governor Andrew Cuomo. In his first interview since stepping down, Tucker explained that his resignation was an emotional decision. 'Look, it's a complicated, emotional decision to leave. But ideologically, there's no doubt that the mayor and I disagree on some very fundamental things to me,' Tucker told CBS Mornings. 'I think it's a factor [in my decision to resign], no doubt,' he said. 'And I don't want to tell you that it's the only factor. But I believe that the things that I have heard the mayor say would make it difficult for me to continue on in such a senior executive role in the administration.' Tucker said that Mamdani, who once called to defund the New York Police Department, has a lot of work to do to win the trust of first responders. 'More importantly than hearing it, we want to see it,' he said, adding that he felt Mamdani should have condemned a protest at an Upper East Side synagogue last week faster. New York City's Fire Department Commissioner Robert Tucker broke his science on his decision to resign Tucker's resignation came hours after Democratic Socialist Mamdani won the race for New York City mayor 'You know, I don't know that the public has heard appropriately from him,' he said. While the city's current police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, has agreed to remain in the post, Tucker said the mayor-elect has not reached out to the FDNY. 'I haven't had any personal conversations with the mayor-elect. I haven't heard from anyone in his incoming administration, nor has the department,' he said. 'And so I only hope that is not an indicator of their feelings about the FDNY. I'd like to think they think everything is going so well here that they don't need to transition so fast.' After the mayor-elect met with Donald Trump last week, the president decided to pause sending the National Guard to the Big Apple. When asked if he still wanted to go forward with his plan by MS NOW reporter Akalya Gardner, Trump said he would do so only if needed, but right now, his home city isn't at the top of his list. 'If they need it. Right now, other places need it more, but if they need it,' he replied before gushing about his meeting with Mamdani. In his first interview since stepping down, Tucker explained that his resignation was an emotional decision After Mamdani met with Donald Trump last week, the president said he would hold off on sending the National Guard to New York City 'We had a very good meeting yesterday. We talked about that, but if they need it, I would do it.' This is a drastic difference from just months back when Trump insisted on sending troops into New York City following his promise to clean up Chicago, Illinois with the same strategy. The commander-in-chief's comments come just a day after the pair put on a display of admiration when the self-described Democratic socialist visited the White House. During the meeting, the two political rivals seemingly put their differences aside in an extraordinary concession. A telling moment during their interaction was when a reporter asked Mamdani about his previous comments calling the president a 'fascist.' In response, Trump said: 'You can call me it,' indicating perhaps the extent to which the young politician impressed him during their discussion. Two-thirds of Daily Mail readers back Nigel Farage's Reform Party and would want Donald Trump as leader, according to exclusive polling in the wake of Rachel Reeves' bombshell Budget. The poll, carried out by the Daily Mail on Budget Day and registering the view of 28,000 readers, shows that two-thirds of respondents would back the Reform leader as prime minister and 58% would support being led by the US President. More Daily Mail readers would back Zack Polanski's Green Party (3.2%) over Labour (3%) in the next election, our polling shows, while 23% would back Kemi Badenoch's Conservatives. Such is the frustration with the current government, a shocking 94% of those who took part in the poll said democracy in Britain isn't currently working. An overwhelming 95% felt the country is heading in the wrong direction and 54% were convinced they will be much worse off this time next year as a result of the Budget. Overall, 93% feel that the Prime Minister and Chancellor do not understand the challenges facing the country. The findings come after an extraordinary day in Whitehall, which saw the budget leaked ahead of time by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) minutes before Rachel Reeves was due to address the Commons. When she did rise, the Chancellor was torn to pieces over what Ms Badenoch branded a 'Budget for Benefits Street', which unleashed another immense tax assault on Britain. It amounts to an extra 30billion a year in taxes by 2030-31 - including an eye-watering 12.7billion from extending the tax threshold freeze for another three years. This means that around a quarter of the working population will be paying higher or top rate tax by then, up from just 15 per cent when it was imposed in 2021. The total tax burden is due to reach a new 300-year record high as a proportion of GDP. The two-child benefit cap is set to be axed in a bid to placate mutinous Labour MPs, leaving around 18,000 large families in line to pocket an extra 14,000. The OBR said 560,000 families will receive extra cash, costing around 3billion a year. But three-quarters of Daily Mail readers surveyed felt the benefit cap should have been kept to two children, with 10% opting for three and four and 12% choosing one or none. As many as of 65% of those who took part in the poll feel that in light of the budget, an annual salary of over 150,000 is required to meet the bar of feeling 'rich'. Other measures announced in the Budget include: So-called 'salary sacrifice' tax reliefs - such as for pension contributions - will be limited to 2,000 a year to raise 4.7billion. Increasing the tax rates on dividends, property and savings income by 2 percentage points, raising 2.1 billion; A new mileage-based charge for EVs and hybrids will be introduced from April 2028, raising 1.4billion; A tax on gambling will bring in 1.1 billion a year - although horse racing is exempted; A 'mansion tax' of up to 7,500 a year on properties worth over 2million, to raise 400million The U-turns on benefits curbs and scrapping winter fuel allowance have cost 7billion The annual limit on cash ISAs is being cut from 20,000 to 12,000, but will stay the same for those aged over 65; Labour's plan for compulsory ID cards is expected to cost 1.8billion over the next three years. In terms of what Daily Mail readers think the tax raids should be spent on, just over a third prioritise the NHS, while 37% opt for defence - by far the two most popular choices in our poll, which also included the options of schools and the state pension. But in fact the only new resources allocated to the NHS in the Budget were 300million to improve patient services and a commitment to 250 new neighbourhood health centres. Meanwhile, the Government has recommitted to raising defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2035. However OBR analysis shows that the wider ambition to reach 3.5% would require around 32billion in todays money but there is no plan in place to fund it. Dr Alan Mendoza, executive director of the Henry Jackson Society thinktank, said without a funding plan, 'that isnt a strategy, its a slogan'. He added: 'Worse still, while defence is protected, the rest of the national security system is being cut in real terms. 'The Home Office, counter-terror policing, border security and parts of our intelligence architecture all face reductions of more than 3 per cent a year. You cant defend Britain while hollowing out the agencies that keep extremists and organised criminals off our streets.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. A Navy sailor drowned in Hawaii after rescuing his two children from the rough waters at the beach they would visit weekly. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz from Florida helped his boys back to shore before he died at Waiapuaa Bay on November 22, according to a press release from the Kauai Police Department. First responders were dispatched to the beach around 3pm following reports of a swimmer in distress. The 47-year-old was recovered from the water by personnel from the Ocean Safety Bureau and the Barking Sands Fire and Emergency Services Department, who began lifesaving efforts. The hero was transported to the Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the release. Keyonna Fairley, Diaz's partner and mother of their children, told Hawaii News Now that Diaz told his older son to head back to shore, then went and swam out to his younger son, who was pulled out by a big wave. 'From what my son said, he was in the middle of the ocean, and his dad was swimming with one arm trying to get him to safety,' Fairley told the outlet in tears. 'Then he got on his dads back and swam for a little bit, and then my son said that Jeff told him, "Ok bub, youre going to have to get off my back. Im going to drown,"' she added. Master-at-Arms 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz, 47, drowned rescuing his children from the ocean Diaz used his last words to encourage his son to survive: 'I want you to go. I want you to swim. Dont stop. You got this. Dont give up. I love you Diaz used his last words to encourage his son to survive: 'I want you to go. I want you to swim. Dont stop. You got this. Dont give up. I love you. He drowned moments after, according to his partner. His son told his mother that he wanted to turn around to help his Dad, but he was too far and was afraid he would drown as well. Fairley told the outlet she plans to 'sit in a circle and talk about our memories of him, so we never forget him.' She added that Diaz just wanted to be with his family, retire, walk his kids to school, and grill. The sailor was often stationed away from his family and looked forward to marrying Fairley after finishing his service. Diaz enlisted in the Navy in 1997, according to service records, and was promoted to master-at-arms 1st class in 2022 according to the Military Times. Diaz looked forward to marrying Keyonna Fairley, his partner and the mother of his children, after finishing his service Diaz enlisted in the Navy in 1997 and was promoted to master-at-arms 1st class in 2022 'We are heartbroken by the passing of our shipmate and friend, MA1 1st Class Jeffrey Diaz and extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends and shipmates who are grieving,' said Navy Capt. Robert Prince, commanding officer of PMRF, in a statement. 'We are grateful to the emergency responders, sailors, and their family members who provided immediate assistance, and we remain committed to supporting his family and those affected as we navigate this difficult time together.' Many shared their condolences on Fairley's Facebook page: 'Thank you for sharing this. His last words were a testament to the man he was. So supportive, encouraging, and loving. The world lost a beautiful soul.' Another wrote: 'Prayers, love, and hope for comfort in this unfortunate season. His memories will live on in you all. So sorry, cousin. Love you!' A third said: 'My condolences to you and the entire family, Kiki. He gave the ultimate sacrifice - A true Hero. May God support you during this time of mourning & give you Peace knowing he did all he could.' Diaz died just one day before his birthday. Around 95 per cent of jury trials could be axed under plans by Labour which threaten to 'destroy justice as we know it', new legal analysis shows. The eyewatering scale of the proposed cuts can today be revealed after a leaked memo showed the Deputy Prime Minister, who is also the Justice Secretary, plans to scrap jury trials for most offences, apart from murder, rape or manslaughter cases. In the biggest shake-up of the criminal justice system for 800 years, it is estimated that around 77,000 criminal cases would be heard by a judge alone under David Lammy's proposals for a lower-tier court to tackle a record backlog of cases. Mr Lammy faced a growing backlash from lawyers and MPs yesterday who accused him of betraying the Magna Carta after a briefing document was circulated suggesting all cases with a possible sentence of up to five years be decided by a judge, with the exception of murder, rape, manslaughter or cases deemed to be in the 'public interest'. Analysis by the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), which represents barristers in England and Wales, suggests this could impact 95 per cent of cases. Last night Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and 54 other MPs sent a joint letter demanding the Government increase court sitting days instead of taking a 'constitutional axe' to 800 years of jury trials. The latest Ministry of Justice figures show there were 81,489 cases sent to Crown Court in the 12 months to June. Of those prosecutions, 2,978 rape, 182 manslaughter and 388 murder cases are being tried by a jury. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy previously backed jury trials This suggests that around 95 per cent 77, 941 cases could be eligible for trial by judge under Mr Lammy's plans. The scale of the proposed reforms has horrified lawyers who say it is a 'symptom of national crisis'. Labour has also been accused of rank hypocrisy as both Mr Lammy and the Prime Minister have previously backed jury trials, with the latter calling for them to be extended to all criminal cases when he was a younger lawyer. CBA Chair Riel Karmy-Jones, KC, said the reforms will 'destroy justice as we know it'. She said: 'If the latest Government proposals are legislated for by Parliament it seems that about 95 per cent of trials would be heard by judge alone. 'There must be serious concerns about miscarriages of justice under these proposals, as they will affect tens of thousands of people, young and old, from all ethnic backgrounds, whose fate will fall to be decided by a single judge, without the check and balance that a jury of 12 provides. 'Victims of serious crime, including serious violent and sexual crime, and those accused of such offences may be deprived of any sense of justice if juries are in effect all but eviscerated from the justice system.' David Hardstaff, partner at BCL Solicitors, said: 'Curtailment of jury trials has generally been reserved for exceptional circumstances, such as war or force of terrorism. The idea of jury trials being pared back in peacetime suggests a failure of governance. It is a symptom of national crisis.' Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick said in response to the plans: 'Trial by jury is one of Britain's greatest gifts to the world' The Conservatives urged Mr Lammy to re-think last night as it emerged courtrooms have lain empty for more than 20,000 sitting days so far this year. Between 4,800 and 10,000 cases could have been cleared from the Crown court backlog if court space had been fully used, a Conservative analysis of official data showed. The joint letter by MPs warns: 'To take a constitutional axe to jury trial because of an administrative failure to provide enough court sitting days is to attack the symptom and leave the disease untouched. 'Shifting almost all Crown Court trials to judges sitting alone is a step too far.' It adds: 'Since Magna Carta the promise has been constant: that no free person will lose his liberty except by the 'lawful judgment of his equals'.' Mr Jenrick's analysis showed 21,236 sitting days have been missed so far this year because individual courtrooms were not open for business. Each Crown court jury trial sits for about five hours a day. It means the unused courts could have heard about 9,700 less complex cases, known as 'either way' trials which take on average 11 sitting hours to complete, or 4,800 longer 'indictable only' trials, which take 22 hours on average. Mr Jenrick said: 'If Calamity Lammy did his job and had the courts sitting round the clock, the court backlog would be between 5,000 and 10,000 cases lower each year. 'But instead of doing the hard yards, Lammy has decided to upend our constitutional settlement. 'Eight hundred years of history, and the confidence of millions of our constituents, should not be bartered away for a misleading promise of quick administrative gains. 'Trial by jury is one of Britain's greatest gifts to the world.' The Crown Court backlog in England and Wales has hit a record high of 78,329, up more than 7,400 since Labour came to power, latest figures show. A government spokesperson said: 'Jury trials are fundamental to our justice system and will always be in place for the most serious offences. No final decisions have been made, but the government is determined to get on top of the record backlog - with 78,000 cases and rising - and get victims the justice they need.' An elderly woman's oxygen tank ignited into flames when she tried to use a hair removal device while using it, leaving her horrifically burned. The older woman was using a heated hair-removal device at her home in Andover around 10pm when it caught fire to the tubing of her supplemental oxygen. First responders first brought the victim to Rumford Hospital before being airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland for more intensive care. Maine State Police Lt. Aaron Turcotte said that the elderly woman suffered burns to her face and head, according to Bangor Daily News. Officials have not released an update on the woman's condition at this time. Andover is approximately 84 miles from Portland, Maine. Several warnings from the American Lung Association suggest keeping any heat or flame at least five feet away from the oxygen tanks. It also notes not to use any 'electrical appliances such as hair dryers, curling irons, heating pads, and electric razors while wearing oxygen'. An older woman in Andover, Maine, was severely burned after she used a heated hair removal device near her oxygen tank She was brought to Rumford Hospital before being airlifted to Maine Medical Center in Portland for more intensive care [Stock Image] The association even recommends switching to 100 percent cotton bedding, which is less likely to cause static electricity. From 2017 to 2021, oxygen administration equipment was involved in an estimated average of 228 home fires reported to local fire departments per year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Those four years averaged 96 deaths and 106 injuries per year. A person suffering from lung disease, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or possibly heart disease may be administered supplemental oxygen. The sensitivity of the tanks makes them prone to accidents, like back in 2019, when a woman was killed after her oxygen tank exploded while she smoking a cigarette nearby. Andover is approximately 84 miles from Portland, Maine Several warnings from the American Lung Association suggest keeping any heat or flame at least five feet away from the oxygen tank Belinda Coble, 61, died in the explosion at her home in North Carolina. Her husband Jim had been asleep in another room when he heard the explosion and smelled the fire. He is said to have called 911 and put out the flames. Officials said people shouldnt smoke while using oxygen tanks, because it increases the risk of fire. Nine in ten people want a prostate cancer screening programme a major poll has revealed on the eve of a crunch decision. The UK National Screening Committee will meet tomorrow to consider the latest evidence on the costs and benefits before issuing a highly anticipated recommendation. It comes as a new survey of 3,000 UK adults shows 90 per cent want members to back the life-saving initiative, describing it as 'important'. This includes 62 per cent who say rolling out routine checks to help catch the disease early when it is easier to treat is 'very important'. Women with sons and grandsons were among the strongest supporters. 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 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. Health secretary Wes Streeting has vowed to launch a screening programme 'quickly' if the panel of expert advisors back the move. The Daily Mail is campaigning to end needless prostate deaths He told MPs on Tuesday he will study the conclusions 'carefully' and thrash out the arguments to 'reach the right way forward'. Although ministers typically follow the panel's recommendations, they are not compelled to do so, meaning he could proceed to a launch even if they oppose it. The OnePoll survey, commissioned by Prostate Cancer Research, found support is strongest among older people, rising to 95 per cent among those aged 65 and over. Only 37 per cent of respondents knew there is currently no screening programme, 40 per cent said the Government is performing 'badly' on improving early diagnosis of cancer and 63 per cent say it is 'not doing enough' to reduce health inequalities. The public is in favour of a screening programme that initially targets men at highest risk, in line with the Daily Mail's campaign. Four in five (80 per cent) support this approach and only 4 per cent oppose the idea. Prostate cancer screening was supported by people across the political spectrum, the poll found, underlining the 'political risk' of ignoring public sentiment on the issue, Prostate Cancer Research said. David James, director of patient projects and influencing at the charity, added: 'The public could not be clearer. David James, director of patient projects and influencing at Prostate Cancer Research Rishi Sunak delivers letter to Wes Streeting at the Department of Health and Social Care 'People want action on prostate cancer, and they want it now. 'When nine in ten adults say screening is important, decision-makers must listen. 'The opinion of the public is not the only factor in shaping health policy, but it is a vital one - and it cannot be ignored. 'Far too many families have watched a father, partner or son be diagnosed too late. 'Introducing screening - starting with the men at highest risk - would save lives and stop this tragedy being repeated. 'The country is ready for this. It's time for the UK to act.' More than 120 MPs signed a letter that former prime minister Rishi Sunak delivered to Mr Streeting on Monday, saying a prostate cancer screening programme would be a 'legacy-defining advance for men's health' 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. Former prime minister David Cameron revealed on Sunday that he has been treated for prostate as he gave his public backing to a national screening programme. The mother of missing nine-year-old Melodee Buzzard has been accused of leaving her daughter with strangers she met at a zoo. Tyler Brewer, an acquaintance of Ashlee Buzzard, told NewsNation on Monday night that Melodee was left in Utah with a couple her mother had met while visiting there. Brewer then claims the 40-year-old mother held him hostage inside her home with a boxcutter after she shared information in connection with the missing little girl. Ashlee Buzzard was arrested on November 6 on the felony charge of false imprisonment, which was dropped two weeks later during a court hearing. She lived at the home with Melodee, who was first reported missing by school officials on October 14 after repeated absences. The mother has refused to cooperate with investigators and has not explained her daughter's whereabouts. Brewer visited Buzzard several times at her home in Lompoc, where he questioned her about Melodee. He wasn't able to confirm if the information Buzzard gave him was true because he said she began to fake cry when he asked if her daughter was trafficked or killed. Melodee Buzzard, 9, was barely seen since she stopped going to school a year ago, and is now a missing person Her mother Ashlee refused to cooperate or even tell investigators anything about her daughter's disappearance, so they have no idea where she is or if she is safe 'I don't want to believe that she could have hurt Melodee at all, because I think that she does love Melodee in her own way, but the fact that she won't give me a clear yes or no answer makes me extremely uncomfortable,' Brewer said to the outlet. He went on to say that Buzzard was instructed by individuals she didn't really know, but who had a daughter of a similar age to Melodee. 'In efforts to drop Melodee off with them, apparently at some location in Utah. She had said it was a couple she met at the zoo,' he told the outlet. Brewer said the mother told her she wanted her daughter to play with the unknown couple's child. He continued to reinforce the fact that Buzzard didn't know these people's names, their address, phone numbers, or location. Brewer added that Buzzard was scheduled for a minor surgery, but she felt that it was something that Melodee needed to be away from for at least a month or two. Buzzard allegedly told Brewer she believed her house was bugged and would limit what information she could share. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office detectives said Melodee was with her mother as recently as October 7 and may have been driven all the way to Nebraska Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office detectives said Melodee was with her mother as recently as October 7 and may have been driven all the way to Nebraska However, he claimed the long trip was due to the drop-off location changing with the unidentified couple. 'They kept changing it because this couple or individual was paranoid of the government and being followed and spied on,' he said. 'They wanted to make sure that if Ashlee were being tracked, it would be harder for them to be tracked, changing all these different locations.' He mentioned that he was only relying on what Buzzard said to him and noted that it sounded 'crazy'. Lilly Denes, Buzzard's grandmother, was in the process of adopting the Melodee when Buzzard 'took her away from us' after being released from the mental hospital in 2021, she told Fox News Digital. 'That lady is mentally ill bad,' she told the outlet. Denes said she had been 'so happy' when social services had called her to take in Melodee, as she had gotten a weird feeling about Buzzard from the first time they met. 'When I met her, my son brought her to the house. She looked so quiet and she was following me with her eyes back and forth,' she told the outlet. Police earlier searched their home (pictured) on Mars Avenue in Lompoc, about 60 miles north of Santa Barbara, but didn't find Melodee 'I told my son: "Son, is this girl okay? She doesn't look like she's normal. Something's wrong with this lady."' Since Buzzard took her daughter back, Denes said she had not seen the girl and that she believed it was a deliberate move by Buzzard as she wanted to 'cut off' the girl 'from the entire world.' 'I know that maybe somebody out there in the world knows where my baby is. Somebody has to know,' Denes begged. The only confirmed sighting of Melodee since her last school was in August, but police on Monday said they discovered the unexplained road trip. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office detectives said Melodee was with her mother as recently as October 7 and may have been driven all the way to Nebraska. They were spotted making several stops in a rented white Chevrolet Malibu along the way, before Buzzard returned to Santa Barbara and gave the car back. 'Ashlee Buzzard remains uncooperative and has not provided detectives with any information about Melodees current location or condition,' police said. 'The primary goal of this investigation is to verify the location and welfare of Melodee Buzzard and ensure that she is safe.' The Daily Mail uncovered an eerie Google Maps image last week of Melodee staring into the street while standing on her doorstep in May 2023 Sheriff's investigators released information on the possible route the mother and daughter took from their Lompoc home and traveled more than 1,500 miles away to Nebraska in a rented white Chevy Malibu. Detectives believe the pair then started their trip back the next day, but the Malibu was spotted with a New York license plate, which authorities said did not belong to the rental or to Buzzard. Investigators now believe the Malibu traveled through various small towns on October 9, including Green River, Utah; Panguitch, Utah; northwest Arizona; Primm, Nevada and Rancho Cucamonga, California. Lizabeth Meza, Melodee's aunt, previously told the Daily Mail that Buzzard had lost custody of Melodee in the past because of mental health woes and allegedly admitted psychological issues run in her family. Buzzard at one point in time declared bankruptcy after amassing debts totaling $23,000. 'There were so many hurdles, just so much going on within the family,' Meza said in tears. 'And it just saddens me that there was so much going on at that time that we weren't able to keep in contact with Melodee, and nobody had a relationship with her. 'The system failed her by giving her back to a mother time and time again when she was unstable. There is just so many emotions that go through my mind when I think of that little girl.' Officials describe Melodee as four feet to four feet, six inches tall, 60 to 100 pounds, with brown curly hair and brown eyes. Nearly one thousand Australians a week are tipping off the ATO about businesses suspected of dodging tax - prompting a fresh warning to firms offering 'cash only' discounts and those who pay with cash. In the 202425 financial year, the office said almost 50,000 red flags were raised by Australians who spotted something suspicious. It is a substantial portion of the more than 300,000 tip-offs about tax avoidance and other dishonest behaviours made to the ATO since July 1, 2019. Most tip-offs related to 'shadow economy' activity, such as firms demanding cash payment for work or incorrectly claiming business expenses. 'Although many argue that avoiding tax is a victimless crime, it affects all of us in two ways,' financial advisor James Gerrard wrote in The Australian. 'The first is that it provides the government with less funds to provide public services such as health, education and transport. 'And, secondly, there is more pressure on people who do the right thing, who pay higher taxes to compensate for the people who do not pay their fair share.' Mr Gerrard said examples could include people selling illegally imported cigarettes to avoid excise taxes, being paid in cash to avoid income tax or paying staff in cash to avoid super. The ATO has said it receives almost 1,000 tip-offs every week from people who know or strongly suspect that there has been tax avoidance Most tip-offs were related to 'shadow economy' activity, such as firms demanding cash payment for work or incorrectly claiming business expenses In the last financial year, around 85 per cent of tip-offs analysed were found to be suitable for further investigation. 'Paying tax is not optional,' ATO Assistant Commissioner Tony Goding said. 'When someone cheats the system, they're not just breaking the law, they're freeloading on honest businesses and the rest of the community. 'Sooner or later, and probably sooner, if you're operating in the shadow economy, the ATO will discover this.' Building and construction, cafes and restaurants, and hairdressing and beauty services were the top three industries seeing a surge in tip-offs, the tax office said. New South Wales residents made 15,907 tip-offs to the ATO in the 202425 financial year, followed by Victorians with 11,890 and Queenslanders with 10,630. The tax office also revealed Sydney and Melbourne topped the charts for tip-offs, while Queensland dominated four of the five regional areas with the most red flags. Newcastle in NSW, as well as Robina, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Townsville, and Toowoomba in Queensland, made up the top five list. There has been a surge of tip-offs to the ATO from the building and construction industry 'The ATO is taking action,' Mr Gerrard, who is the founder and director of the Sydney-based firm FinancialAdvisor.com.au, wrote. 'In August the ATO visited more than 30 fast-food outlets, restaurants and cafes in Darwin which were suspected of taking advantage of workers and avoiding tax and super obligations. 'The visits followed tip-offs from both workers and the broader community.' The federal government can prosecute tax evaders for committing offences, with up to 10 years' imprisonment for severe cases involving systematic deception. An ATO example described construction company owner 'Charlie' who 'fabricated payslips and receipts', and reported business income five times lower than his actual earnings, which he deposited directly into his personal account. 'After ATO officers spoke with Charlie, it was clear he understood his obligations as a business owner he just chose to ignore them,' the ATO said. 'Charlie was hit with over $2million in estimated income tax and penalties, and his case was referred to the Australian Federal Police for criminal investigation.' Mr Gerrard issued a warning to Australians to be vigilant when paying workers. 'The next time you hear a tradesperson say 'I can give you 10 per cent discount if you pay in cash', firstly realise they are ripping you off as they are not just avoiding the 10 per cent GST but they are also avoiding income tax of up to 47 per cent tax,' he said. 'But also realise they are ripping off the broader community and making life just that little bit harder for the majority of people who do the right thing.' A meth-fuelled tradie who ran down a workmate, severing his leg, and violently attacked him with a demolition hammer will spend at least 12 years behind bars. Despite the carnage, Matthew William Lawson later said he was devastated to learn his victim had survived, and vowed to go back and finish the job. The 26-year-old had used methamphetamine, drank a bottle of whiskey and not slept for a week when he attacked Trae Black at a Perth worksite in July 2024. Lawson swung a hammer at Mr Black's head, which missed his intended target, Western Australia's Supreme Court was told during his sentencing. When Mr Black fled into nearby bushland, Lawson, who was in the grip of an acute psychotic episode, pursued him on foot and then in his car before mowing him down. Mr Black lost his right leg and suffered fractures to his pelvis, skull, jaw, cheek and eye socket and a bleed on the brain, spending 11 days in a coma. He was unable to walk for eight months and now has a prosthetic leg, but he is unable to work and suffers recurring nightmares and flashbacks. When police arrested Lawson on suspicion of assault, he responded to officers, saying: 'Nah. Murder'. Matthew William Lawson is captured on CCTV before he ran over his colleague Trae Black Lawson drove off the highway and into bushland before mowing down his colleague Lawson told officers he would return to kill Mr Black if he wasn't already dead, a court was told 'If he's not dead, I'm going to go back and kill him,' the court heard he also told officers. Lawson, who was spending $250 a day on drugs, later said he assaulted Mr Black because he believed the methamphetamine he used had been 'chopped' and was going to kill him. 'You had to drive your car off the highway and into bushland over a steep bank to deliberately hit Mr Black,' Justice Natalie Whitby said. 'After striking Mr Black with your car and fracturing his pelvis and severing his leg, you got out of your car and repeatedly struck Mr Black to the head with a demolition hammer, a very dangerous weapon - fracturing his skull.' Justice Whitby said Lawson's attack on Mr Black was premeditated and sustained, and that he did not try to help him after the attack. 'Mr Black was very vulnerable at the time you hit him in the head with the hammer - he was laying on the ground with a severed leg and broken pelvis,' she said. 'Your offending was very violent against a defenceless victim.' Lawson was sentenced on Monday to 14 years' imprisonment, eligible for parole after 12 years, for attempting to murder Mr Black. People in Australia and New Zealand are being urged to check their Covid booster shots are up to date as the festive season kicks off. While the risk of catching the Omicron strain over Christmas and New Year's Eve may be lower than previous years, experts say booster jabs are still essential. Hospitalisation data from Te Whatu Ora in New Zealand shows traces of the Covid virus are still being detected at all monitored wastewater sites. University of Otago public health professor Michael Baker and Professor Nikki Turner, from University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau, warned that protection against Covid wanes over time, particularly for those at higher risk. 'Even with activity at its lowest point in years, Omicron has not disappeared,' they wrote in The Conversation on Thursday. 'Small waves still appear and clinicians continue to see serious infections. 'Older New Zealanders, those who are pregnant, have important underlying medical conditions or weakened immune systems are at markedly higher risk of serious consequences. 'That means staying up to date with vaccination is still important especially when we consider that protection from vaccination declines over time.' People in New Zealand and Australia are being urged to make sure their vaccinations against Covid-19 are up to date (pictured, people in Perth in January 2021) People in New Zealand have been urged to take care during the summer regarding other respiratory infections by Professors Michael Baker and Nikki Turner (stock image) By receiving a booster vaccine, people can restore protection and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. 'It may also provide some defence against long Covid, although that protection appears to depend on prior history of vaccination and infection,' they said. The vaccine is free for all eligible Australians and New Zealanders. Anyone aged 30 or over can receive an additional dose once six months have passed since their last vaccine or infection. They said a booster before the festive season is a 'wise idea' and a practical way to lower the risk for people in New Zealand. Australian government advice, last updated in September, says regular vaccinations are the 'best way' to protect against severe illness, hospitalisation and death. 'They are especially important for anyone aged 65 or older and people at higher risk of severe Covid-19,' it read. Professors Turner and Baker have also issued warnings about the risk of measles as Te Whatu Ora recorded 18 known cases of the virus as of November 9. By receiving a booster vaccine, people can restore protection and reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death, experts said (pictured, swimmers in Perth in February 2021) Measles can be very serious, particularly for those who are unvaccinated, pregnant or have weakened immune systems. NSW Health last week revealed a person in Sydney had caught the virus even though they had not been overseas or visited any known exposure sites. Earlier this month, the department warned someone with measles had been at Oasis' sold-out concert in Sydney, as well as a Jelly Roll gig in Brisbane in October. The experts encouraged people to ensure they have received the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) immunisation, which is free in both Australia and New Zealand. Influenza cases are low at this time of year, so Covid remains one of the more likely causes of respiratory illness. 'The chances of catching an unwelcome bout of Covid for Christmas might be lower than ever but strengthening immunity now helps safeguard families and the health system during one of the busiest times on the calendar,' the experts wrote. The New York Times has hit back at President Donald Trump after he brutally slammed the journalist who wrote a 'hit piece' on his allegedly diminishing health. Journalist Katie Rogers co-wrote an article about the 79-year-old president's dwindling public appearances compared to his first term, sparking fury from the president. In the piece, Rogers claimed that the commander in chief was struggling to keep up appearances of his 'round-the-clock energy, virility and physical stamina' as he ages. Trump then slammed Rogers as an 'ugly, third-rate reporter' and the Times in a scathing post on TruthSocialm dubbing the outlet's journalists as 'creeps' and 'radical left lunatics.' Now, the renowned media outlet has hit back at the president's remarks with a statement condemning what they described as 'intimidation tactics' utilized by the Trump administration. 'The Times's reporting is accurate and built on first hand reporting of the facts,' the outlet said in a statement. 'Name-calling and personal insults don't change that, nor will our journalists hesitate to cover this administration in the face of intimidation tactics like this.' 'Expert and thorough reporters like Katie Rogers exemplify how an independent and free press helps the American people better understand their government and its leaders,' the publication added. Journalist Katie Rogers co-wrote an article about the 79-year-old president's dwindling public appearances compared to his first term, sparking fury from the president In response, Trump slammed Rogers as an 'ugly, third rate reporter' and the Times in a TruthSocial post that dubbed the outlet's journalists as 'creeps' and 'radical left lunatics' The New York Times piece written by Rogers and Dylan Freedman claimed that Trump on average would start scheduled events at 10.31am during his first tenure, in 2017. However, this year, the president started attending events later in the afternoon, on average at 12.08pm. The overall number of Trump's official appearances at White House events has declined by 39 percent compared to his first term, according to the Times's analysis. Throughout Biden's stint in the White House, Trump and his Republican allies slammed the Democratic leader over his old age, lack of public appearances, and cognitive ability. Earlier this year, pictures emerged from the Oval Office showing Trump with bruising on his hand, which was sometimes covered up by makeup. The White House claimed the bruising originates from the president shaking too many hands. After photos showed him with swollen legs and ankles, the White House revealed in July that he had been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency - a condition where leg veins can't send blood back to the heart efficiently. Trump was also accused of closing his eyes during an Oval Office event about cutting the price of weight-loss drugs earlier this month. In response to the article from the Times, Trump's post slammed the outlet and refuted their claims. The renowned media outlet has hit back at the president's remarks with a statement condemning what they dubbed 'intimidation tactics' utilized by the Trump administration The president has sparked controversy over his dealings with the press, including an incident last week where he told a female reporter 'Quiet, Piggy' 'The Creeps at the Failing New York Times are at it again,' Trump told his followers on Wednesday morning. 'Radical Left Lunatics in the soon to fold New York Times did a hit piece on me that I am perhaps losing my Energy, despite facts that show the exact opposite.' 'They know this is wrong, as is almost every thing that they write about me, including election results, ALL PURPOSELY NEGATIVE. This cheap RAG is truly an ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.' 'The writer of the story, Katie Rogers, who is assigned to write only bad things about me, is a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out,' he added. While the president conceded that one day he will be 'low on energy' from old age, he insisted this has not been the case so far. 'There will be a day when I run low on Energy, it happens to everyone, but with a PERFECT PHYSICAL EXAM AND A COMPREHENSIVE COGNITIVE TEST (That was aced) JUST RECENTLY TAKEN, it certainly is not now! GOD BLESS AMERICA & MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!!' The president has sparked controversy over his dealings with the press, including an incident last week where he told a female reporter 'Quiet, Piggy!' Reporter Catherine Lucey appeared to ask Trump a question relating to Epstein before the President began waving a finger in her face. Quiet, quiet piggy! Trump snapped at the journalist while she stood off camera. Trump's hands are seen as he met South Korean president Lee Jae Myung in August The insult sparked backlash from Democratic political operatives and media pundits. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: 'He calls out fake news when he sees it and gets frustrated with reporters who spread false information.' Trump's attacks on the media, including the legal battles or threats against outlets such as CNN, The Wall Street Journal, PBS and the Times itself, have raised questions over his silencing of the press. On September 15, Trump announced a $15 billion defamation and libel lawsuit against the Times. The lawsuit filed in Florida cites a series of articles that the suit claim were part of an 'intentional and malicious defamation against President Trump,' according to the filing. It further named Penguin and four New York Times reporters as defendants. In response, the outlet accused the administration of using 'intimidation tactics' by suing the outlet. A statement claimed that the suit 'lacks any legitimate legal claims and instead is an attempt to stifle and discourage independent reporting.' White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in defense of the president that 'he calls out fake news when he sees it and gets frustrated with reporters who spread false information' 'We will continue to pursue the facts without fear or favor and stand up for journalists First Amendment right to ask questions on behalf of the American people,' the statement said. In February, the White House also announced that the press pool would be under their control instead of the White House Correspondents' Association. The announcement followed a disagreement with the Associated Press over the administration's controversial renaming of the 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America.' Barnaby Joyce is expected to quit the Nationals and join Pauline Hanson's One Nation party today. The New England MP and former deputy prime minister first announced his intention to leave the Nationals last month, citing a rift with leadership and frustrations over the party's net-zero policy, which it has since dumped. Joyce said he would not contest his seat in the next election, but intended to remain in parliament. Being moved to the backbench after the May election was a factor in his decision. 'I don't like being sort of stuck down the back in a corner. I'm a front row forward ... and that's where I like to play.' The expected move comes after Joyce had a casual steak dinner date with Hanson on Tuesday, fulfilling an earlier promise she made to cook for him if he considered defecting to her party. Hanson seared the steak on a sandwich press in her office and served it with salad, potato bake and berry pie. Joyce said the meal was 'actually brilliant'. Barnaby Joyce is expected to quit the Nationals and join Pauline Hanson's One Nation today. One Nation has seen a recent wave of polling success, with voters increasingly turning to the populist party over the coalition. The dinner came after Hanson attracted controversy for wearing a burqa, similar to her stunt in 2017, after the chamber refused to allow her to debate a bill on banning the face-covering. '[We wouldn't be] having this conversation if those senators in the chamber allowed Pauline Hanson to put forward her private members bill,' Joyce said. One Nation has seen a recent wave of polling success, with voters increasingly turning to the populist party over the coalition. Nationals senator Matt Canavan said One Nation has 'no records' of winning elections when asked about Joyce's high-stakes meeting. 'I mean, come on, Barnaby, do you really want to go and join the circus, or do you want to stay in a real team that's really focused on delivering change?' he told Sky News. The anti-net zero campaigner called Joyce's prospective jump to One Nation a 'longer saga than Days of Our Lives' and that 'people are all sick and tired of it'. The Albanese government has awarded a university more than $500,000 to weave Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge into Australian space policy. The Australian Research Council (ARC) has revealed the latest recipients of its $103million Discovery funding for early-career researchers. Among the projects now flush with government cash is one run by University of Newcastle's research fellow Dr Lara Daley, who was awarded $528,491. Her study aims to 'broaden Australia's understanding of space by recognising long-held Indigenous knowledge systems and their relevance to sustainable human activity beyond Earth', the university said on Wednesday. 'Guided by Yolngu and Gumbaynggirr Custodians, Dr Lara Daley's project will help shape culturally respectful and environmentally responsible space exploration,' it said. 'Learning from songlines, creation stories and deep cultural connections between people and sky Country, the research will develop intercultural guidelines to help inform space policy, public education and industry practice.' But the study has been questioned by some Aussies online, with critics calling the funding 'unbelievable' and questioning its real-world value for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 'How does this improve the lives of Indigenous communities?' one person asked. A University of Newcastle project to introduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge into Australian space policy has been awarded $528,491 in government funds (stock image) The study, run by Dr Lara Daley, aims to 'broaden Australia's understanding of space by recognising long-held Indigenous knowledge systems' (stock image) 'I'm sure the Indigenous community could have put this to a better project or use if they were aware of it,' another person wrote. A spokesperson from ARC told the Daily Mail that it funds the 'highest-quality research across all disciplines (except medical)'. 'All ARC project funding applications are subject to a rigorous and competitive process, informed by peer review with recommendations made by experts,' they said. 'Peer review is the accepted world standard for achieving quality in research grant outcomes. 'This process ensures that public investment supports high-quality research for Australias economic, social, environmental, and cultural benefit.' According to the National Museum of Australia, the dark spaces between stars are as important for Indigenous people as the stars themselves. 'It shows when seasons and tides change and when certain foods are available. Although there have been many advances in technology and our knowledge of the solar system has expanded, people still look up at the stars for answers,' it said. 'They remain important in understanding our place in the universe.' Pictured is a University of Newcastle building Among the 200 government-funded projects, some take an unexpected approach. A University of Melbourne study received $530,079 for an investigation into whether AI and robots can perform believable comedy. Dr Robert Walton aims to address a significant gap in Australia's understanding of machine capabilities and human-robot interaction by producing the first major study on robot comedy performance. Monash University's Dr Emily van der Nage was awarded $525,650 to explore social, ethical and regulatory challenges in Australia's emerging social media pornography industry. 'It will generate new insights into social media porn work, using qualitative methods that centre the experiences of porn creators and audiences,' the project description said. Another Monash University project, run by Dr Blair Williams, will explore the role of Australian women's magazines in shaping political discourse, backed by $528,288 in funding. Some projects hope to look at improving Australian infrastructure, including the Australian National University's $507,308 project to understand how plants sense drought using specialised protein sensors. 'This offers a promising route for engineering climate-smart crops with enhanced drought resilience, leading to better water use, increased yields and strengthened food security,' it said. RMIT University researcher Mohammad Saberian Boroujeni will use $514,678 to investigate how using food waste can create next-generation roads. Former Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull used the unveiling of his official portrait at Parliament House to deliver a sharp critique of the Liberals' plan to dump net zero. 'Seven years since I stopped being PM, there's still reality denial; physics denial is still alive,' Turnbull said during his speech, delivered in front of an audience that included Liberal Leader Sussan Ley. 'Energy policy should be made by engineering and economics, not ideology and idiocy,' he said. Turnbull was blunt about the Liberal Party's direction. 'I think there's a major problem on what used to be called the right of politics. I mean, I think they have lost their way. 'This was always an issue in my time, but it's just got worse and worse and worse.' Turnbull said a growing faction within the party is increasingly focused on pleasing a narrow segment of supporters. 'There are a group of people there now, I think essentially a majority, who think the object of politics is to win the approval of a relatively narrow part of what you might call the right-wing media - Sky After Dark, fellow travellers on social media and radio.' Malcolm Turnbull (left) and artist Jude Rae (right) unveil his portrait in Canberra He accused the Liberals of prioritising culture wars over substantive policy. 'They're running on culture war issues, on reality denial. It's really sad.' Turnbull also claimed the party had alienated its traditional business base. 'I can tell you, what few supporters they have left in the business community? They would just be horrified.' He went so far as to question the party's future. 'There are now questions about whether the Liberal Party will survive.' Turnbull praised independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender, saying she contributes more to policy debate than the Coalition. Malcolm Turnbull (pictured) slammed his former party, saying the Liberals had 'lost their way' 'She has more to say, as one crossbencher, about tax policy, economic policy, productivity, than the Coalition does.' The Coalition continues to struggle in opinion polling, even after abandoning net-zero emissions as a policy, instead opting for a 'technology neutral approach' aimed at reducing emissions while containing costs. A number of Turnbull's former cabinet colleagues were in attendance, including Defence Minister Christopher Pyne, Attorney-General George Brandis and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. The painting, created by acclaimed Sydney artist Jude Rae over five sessions in her Redfern studio, depicts Turnbull mid-sentence, his hands outstretched- a pose that left some attendees puzzled. 'It's strange he has his hands out like that it looks like he is trying to be a sales rep at Bing Lee rather than a former PM,' one attendee told the Daily Mail. Another agreed, describing the pose as 'odd' and questioning why he appeared to be speaking mid-sentence. Former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop was effusive in her praise, calling the portrait 'an extraordinary reflection of Malcolm Turnbull. It captures the essence of the man. His enthusiasm, his energy, his charisma'. The artwork left attendees divided, with some unsure about Turnbull's movement in the piece Bishop described the backdrop as a 'sunrise' and noted Turnbull's tie was 'vermillion.' Independent MP Sophie Scamps was equally impressed. 'I think it's new and extraordinary and I think it'll really draw attention. And I do think it shows the energy of the former PM.' Former NSW Treasurer and Climate Change Authority Chair Matt Kean agreed. 'It's very prime ministerial, as Malcolm is.' Baby was born in the last 24 hours A newborn baby has been discovered outside a fire station south of Canberra. Police said the infant was found at the South Tuggeranong ACT Fire and Rescue Station in Conder, about 20km south of the city, at about 6.30am on Thursday. The baby is understood to have been born in the last 24 hours. It showed no obvious signs of injury and was taken to hospital by paramedics. It remains unknown how long the baby was outside the station before it was found. ACT Police said their main concern was for the health of the baby's mother. 'If you think a friend or family member may be the mother please encourage them to seek medical help as soon as possible,' the statement said. 'She should attend a hospital, ring an ambulance or contact police.' Anyone who witnessed or has dashcam footage of people or vehicles at or near the fire station overnight or early this morning should come forward. On the final sitting day of parliament for 2025, Labor wanted the headlines to be about its environmental deal with the Greens. Instead, Barnaby Joyce has made sure a big slice of the political oxygen is his, confirming what has been obvious for weeks: he's leaving the Nationals, very likely to join Pauline Hanson 's One Nation. It is easy to dismiss this as yet another episode in the long-running Barnaby drama. That would be a mistake, however. Joyce's defection has the potential to turn One Nation from a protest vehicle into a more durable third force on the right of Australian politics, particularly in regional Australia, where both his brand and the party's vote are strongest. It will help One Nation grow beyond the personal brand of Hanson herself. At the same time, we've seen this show before. And it often ends badly. Is this a Latham redux or is Barnaby different? The closest precedent to Joyce's defection is Mark Latham's late career jump to One Nation. More than a decade after leading Labor to defeat in 2004, Latham resurfaced as Pauline Hanson's NSW frontman, winning a seat in the state upper house in 2019 before the whole partnership descended into the familiar mix of acrimony and headlines. Here he comes... Barnaby Joyce's defection to One Nation brings a lot of benefits to the minor party and give it a shot at becoming the third force in Australian politics Joyce and Hanson's very public coming together has been in the works for a long time. Above, Hanson serves Joyce a meal in her office on Monday He's now out of One Nation altogether, back on the crossbench and once again immersed in scandals. Latham's story underlines One Nation's chronic instability. By 2018, more than two-thirds of all One Nation MPs elected since the party's formation had left before the end of their first terms. Variously pushed out, storming off or falling out with Hanson. This is not a party with a strong record of managing big personalities or building a coherent parliamentary team. Barnaby is certainly controversial, but he isn't as volatile as Latham has been. For all the chaos around him, Joyce has done long stretches inside cabinet and the Coalition leadership group, and he has stayed (mostly) on message when it counts. That alone gives this defection a greater chance of working for One Nation than the Latham experiment ever had. Why this one really matters There are three big differences this time around. First, Joyce is crossing straight from the federal Nationals, in real time, not as an ex-leader years after the fact. Until very recently he is still the member for New England, one of the safer conservative seats in the country. Joyce - above with wife VIkki Campion on their wedding day - brings bush cred to One Nation This isn't a political comeback from the sidelines, it's a live transfer from the Coalition's core brand in the bush. Second, Barnaby is a former deputy prime minister. No other ex-DPM has ever walked away from a major party to join One Nation. Joyce led the Nationals twice and served three separate stints as deputy PM under Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison. The Nationals vote held strong under his leadership each time the Liberals lost seats. That gives Hanson something she has never had before: a national level figure with genuine cabinet experience who speaks fluent Coalition and boasts a successful electoral track record. Third, the broader context is different this time. The Coalition's primary vote is sitting at historic lows, just 24 per cent in one recent Redbridge poll, while One Nation has risen to a record high 18 per cent support nationally. Hanson already grew her Senate numbers at the 2025 election, largely courtesy of Coalition preferences. Despite the stupidity of Hanson's recent burqa stunt in the Senate, hers is no longer a fringe protest party scraping out one Senate spot in Queensland. It is an entrenched presence on the right of Australian politics, with a real prospect of being a permanent part of any future conservative majority. In this environment, Joyce's move gives One Nation something it has always lacked: a bridge into the Nationals' traditional base in inland NSW and regional Queensland, rather than just a loud voice sniping from the edge. Barnaby's strengths and his baggage None of this means the risks disappear. Joyce brings serious assets and serious liabilities to the One Nation table. Tony Abbott once described him as the best retail politician of his generation. In his prime, he was. Joyce could work a country pub, a saleyard or a street stall like no one else in Canberra. For One Nation, whose appeal relies on being able to translate grievance into votes in those exact places, that instinctive retail skill is gold, if he can still replicate it. He also fits the One Nation profile almost perfectly. Born in Tamworth, first elected as a Queensland senator, then back to represent New England, Joyce is a product of the regional conservative world that has supplied Hanson's vote since the late 1990s. On climate and net zero, he has been drifting steadily toward One Nation's position, and in recent months has been a central figure in the Nationals' revolt against any serious emissions target, undoubtedly also contributing to the Liberals' backflip on net zero. But the 'best retail politician' tag predates the scandals that have eroded his standing with many voters. The affair with staffer Vikki Campion, the 'bonk ban' that followed, the High Court citizenship saga and, more recently, the footage exclusively revealed by the Daily Mail of Joyce drunk and swearing on a Canberra footpath... each episode has chipped away at the image of the knockabout champion of the bush. Inside the Nationals he has been a spent force for some time now, twice deposed as leader and unlikely to ever return to the frontbench. In this sense, he has little to lose by taking the leap to the crossbench. For One Nation, however, there is more at stake. The party is gambling that voters in regional Australia will forgive, or at least discount, Joyce's personal baggage in return for having a high-profile, experienced figure prosecuting their grievances in Canberra. Barnaby has come back from low places before... such as this episode on the pavement in Canberra The Nationals' nightmare scenario The real danger for the Nationals isn't losing Barnaby Joyce himself, they were already losing him as he's increasingly gone off-message. He has announced he won't recontest New England, and the seat will revert to a new National or an independent without him. That is, unless his clout can prise the seat from the Nationals for a fresh One Nation candidate supported by Joyce. The real Nationals nightmare is broader. Can Joyce help One Nation become what the Nationals have long tried to be? A dominant regional voice on the right that Liberals must deal with to form government. More in the bold style of Nationals back in the 1970s and 80s. On paper, the ingredients are there. One Nation's vote is concentrated in exactly the kinds of seats that once elected Nationals in big numbers: working-class regions in Queensland and NSW where the old Labor-Nationals divide has given way to a more volatile, anti-politics mood. Hanson already knows how to turn that sentiment into Senate quotas. Add Joyce, and you suddenly have a plausible figurehead for lower house campaigns alongside a push for the balance of power in the senate. But what exists now are mere building blocks. If Joyce runs for the Senate for NSW at the next election, which is the most obvious path now that he's vacating New England, he and Hanson would be operating as a federal tandem in the upper house. If he stays and fights for and wins New England as a One Nation candidate, they have high profile figureheads in both chambers. It's not hard to imagine them using that platform to chip away at Nationals incumbents seat by seat, especially in three cornered contests where the Liberal brand is already struggling. For the Liberals, that would pose a strategic dilemma. Do they treat One Nation as a partner to be appeased, risking further alienation of moderate and teal leaning voters? Or do they hold the line in the cities and suburbs and watch their traditional country cousins slowly replaced on the right by Hanson and Joyce, perhaps losing regional seats if their own too? Hanson leaving prison during her famous stint in 2003 She knows how to run a fish and chip shop, cook a steak dinner and dominate the political landscape -- but can Barnaby and Pauline get along? But can Barnaby and Pauline actually work together? There is, of course, another question: can Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson actually share a party without blowing it up? They are from different generations, he is in his late 50s, she is in her early 70s, but politically they are closer in instinct than Hanson ever was to Latham. Both are regionally rooted, instinctively populist and deeply sceptical about climate policy, mass migration and most of the other issues that feed One Nation's base. They have also worked together closely before. During the Voice referendum, Joyce and Hanson shared platforms at No events in regional Australia, tapping into the same pool of disillusioned voters they hope to attract going forward. They know each other's rhythms, and they understand a media cycle that rewards constant provocation. Yet history suggests the relationship will be tested. One Nation is Hanson's creation, and she has never been shy about reminding colleagues who is in charge. Latham discovered that the hard way. Joyce, for his part, has never been a shrinking violet inside party rooms. If he does elevate the One Nation brand, internal tensions about succession and control are almost guaranteed, unless those issues have already been nutted out behind closed doors. A high-risk, high-reward act of political self-interest For Joyce personally, this is not a particularly risky move. He is at the stage of his career where the potential upside outweighs the downsides. If it all goes wrong, he exits politics in roughly the circumstances he was already facing: off the Nationals frontbench, out of his seat, no pathway back to leadership. If it works, he gets something much more attractive: a fresh political identity, a Senate platform for another decade, assuming that's the chamber he contests, and a legacy as the man who helped turned One Nation from a serial protest outfit into a permanent third force on the right. For Hanson and One Nation, the calculation is more complicated. The upside is enormous, a chance to displace the Nationals as the main conservative partner behind the Liberals. The downside, however, is that they inherit all of Joyce's controversies and, potentially, all of his internal party baggage as well. Quashing the momentum of the moment. Australian politics is littered with the wreckage of high profile defections that promised a realignment and delivered a sideshow. Mark Latham is only the most obvious example. There are also plenty of failed shifts from the senate to the lower house by ambitious major party politicians. That said, one of the successful ones was Joyce jumping from the senate to the House in a bid to become deputy PM one day. Whether this latest shift goes well or badly is more fraught with risks. For now, one thing is clear. On the last full day of parliament for 2025, Barnaby Joyce has reminded everyone that while his time in the Nationals is over, he has no intention of fading quietly into the New England night. And he may just have given One Nation the shot of credibility it needs to stop being a sideshow, and start competing to be part of the main act on the right. Barnaby Joyce is jumping ship from the Nationals but hasn't confirmed whether he will join right-wing minor party One Nation after rampant speculation over his future. The twice-deputy prime minister and leader of the rural party announced the move in parliament on Thursday after previously saying he wouldn't recontest his seat of New England, citing an irreparable breakdown in his relationship with leader David Littleproud. 'After 30 years with the National Party, I'm resigning from the party and that really leaves me with a heavy heart,' he told the lower house in a 90-second statement. 'I apologise for all of the hurt that that will cause. I really do. Joyce said he had to find a more effective way to stand up for regional Australians after three decades in the National Party. But he later told reporters he hadn't made up his mind on whether to join One Nation. Joyce hasn't sat in the Nationals' party room since announcing in October that he wouldn't recontest the seat at the 2028 election. 'What is really important is that we understand what is dealing with the cost-of-living crisis,' he said. Barnaby Joyce (pictured) announced his resignation from The Nationals on Thursday Barnaby Joyce (left) dined with Pauline Hanson (right) on Monday night in Canberra He also raised concerns about rural healthcare and concerns over the rising presence of the Chinese Communist Party in the Pacific. 'And what I have to do, if I'm going to continue that fight, is get myself into a better position than the ejection chair in the backbench ofw the coalition in opposition.' But there is speculation he could run for the Senate on a One Nation ticket and remain in parliament with the minor party soaring in the polls in recent months. He has said his views align with One Nation's policy priorities, including rallying against a commitment to a net-zero emissions target that has since been dumped by the coalition. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson stirred controversy by wearing a burqa in the Senate as she tried to push a private member's bill to ban the religious garment. Her stunt and comments about the burqa were widely condemned, and she was subsequently censured and barred from the chamber for seven sitting days. Hours later, Senator Hanson hosted Joyce for dinner in her office, with photos then circulated of the firebrand senator cooking steaks on a sandwich press. Joyce's Nationals' colleagues had worked for weeks to convince their former leader to stay in the party. Nationals senator Matt Canavan said One Nation has 'no records' of winning elections when asked about Joyce's high-stakes meeting. 'I mean, come on, Barnaby, do you really want to go and join the circus, or do you want to stay in a real team that's really focused on delivering change?' he told Sky News. The anti-net zero campaigner called Joyce's prospective jump to One Nation a 'longer saga than Days of Our Lives' and that 'people are all sick and tired of it'. Independent Teal MPs Sophie Scamps and Monique Ryan were cheekily tapping their crossbench chairs in his direction before his speech, where Joyce will now sit. The family of a woman with ties to Karoline Leavitt has come out swinging against Donald Trump's spokesperson after the woman was taken in by ICE. Bruna Ferreira - who came to the country in 1998 from Brazil under the DACA program - was apprehended in Revere, Massachusetts earlier this month. Ferreira's 11-year-old son is Michael Leavitt Jr, named after his father Michael Leavitt Sr, the brother of the White House Press Secretary. Ferreira's sister Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues told The Boston Globe that Leavitt has not even reached out to help, despite being the child's godmother. 'If she were to help in any way, if she were willing to do anything to help us, she would have reached out by now. She has my phone number,' Rodrigues said. The boy lives with his father and his wife full-time, but maintains a relationship with his mother and Rodrigues believes their relationship should count for something. 'Weve been family for the last 13 years. I understand the policies and how it looks. But I also think when it comes to family, you put certain things aside. I dont care who you work for.' Rodrigues - who launched the Gofundme to support her sister - has FaceTimed with her nephew and offered emotional support. 'He needs his mom home. Hes always asking, Whens my mom coming home? Will she be home for Thanksgiving? Will she be home for Christmas? I dont know what to tell him.' The family of Bruna Ferreira (pictured left) has come out swinging against Donald Trump's spokesperson - the niece of her 11-year-old son - after Ferreira was taken in by ICE Ferreira's 11-year-old son is Michael Leavitt Jr, named after his father, the brother of the White House Press Secretary Ferreira is currently being held at an ICE facility in southern Louisiana. She arrived in the United States as a child with her family, who had traveled from Brazil. Her lawyer said she had arrived in 1998 under the federally protected DACA program and was in the process of getting her residency. Michael said in a statement that the 11-year-old lives with him and his wife full-time, but has always maintained a relationship with his biological mother. He told WBUR his 'only concern has always been the safety, well-being, and privacy of [his] son.' Michael said the little boy has not had an opportunity to speak with his mom since she was first detained by ICE 'several weeks ago.' A source familiar with the family dynamic told the Daily Mail that Karoline has not spoken with her nephew's mother in many years. 'The child has lived full-time in New Hampshire with his father since he was born. He has never resided with his mother.' Michael Leavitt is seen with Bruna Ferreira and their son in a throwback image Ferreira was taken into custody in Revere, Massachusetts, and is currently being held at an ICE facility in southern Louisiana The Department of Homeland Security told the Daily Mail that Ferreira is a 'criminal illegal alien' who 'has a previous arrest for battery. 'She entered the US on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the US by June 6, 1999,' the spokesman said. 'Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.' Todd Pomerleau, an attorney representing Ferreira, said she was totally blindsided by her arrest and railed against DHS's allegations about her supposed criminal charge. 'Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever,' Pomerleau said. 'I don't know where that is coming from. Show us the proof. There's no charges out there. She's not a criminal illegal alien. 'She's in the process of actually getting her residency and she was abruptly arrested and taken from her young child right before Thanksgiving.' Rodrigues shared details of her sister's ordeal in a GoFundMe seeking donations to cover her legal expenses. Michael Leavitt Jr has lived full-time with his father, Michael (pictured) and his wife, Kara (pictured) Michael said the 11-year-old boy lives with he and his wife full-time, but has always maintained a relationship with his biological mother. He also has a brother (pictured together with President Trump) She wrote: 'My family is going through one of the most difficult moments of our lives, and we're reaching out with a humble plea for help. 'My sister, Bruna, was recently detained by immigration and is now fighting to stay in the country she has called home for nearly her entire life.' The family argued that Ferreira was brought to the United States in 1998 on a visa, and has since done 'everything in her power to build a stable, honest life here. 'She has maintained her legal status through DACA, followed every requirement, and has always strived to do the right thing,' Rodrigues added. 'Anyone who knows Bruna knows the kind of person she is. She is hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether it's supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself. 'Bruna's absence has been especially painful for her 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Junior, who needs his mother and hopes every single day that she'll be home in time for the holidays.' She and Michael separated about ten years ago, insiders say. During their relationship, Michael reportedly won $1 million in a DraftKings competition. At the time, he was engaged to Ferreira and their son was eight months old. Speaking to The North Andover Eagle-Tribune, the couple said they were 'speechless' but' don't really need much.' Ferreira's devastated family have shared details of her ordeal in a GoFundMe seeking donations to cover her legal expenses Ferreira arrived in the United States when she was a child along with her family, who had traveled from Brazil 'We have our health. We have a nice condo. We really are blessed,' Fereirra said. 'I need the lights fixed on the back of my car, and we need a lamp for my son's room.' The startling revelation about Karoline's family connection comes hours after a new poll from Daily Mail/JL Partners revealed Americans have an increasingly negative view of ICE's hawkish operations. The agency has only a 34 percent approval rating a four-point drop from October. Some 45 percent of the 1,246 registered voters surveyed online disapprove of the agency. The results come after podcaster Joe Rogan, who gave an 11th-hour endorsement of Trump in the 2024 election, reupped his criticism of the ICE raids this month. 'You got ICE raids, where they're taking people that are American citizens and they're scaring the s*** out of everybody,' Rogan said in his November 18 episode with fellow podcaster Theo Von both who attended Trump's second inauguration. The head of the CIA has sensationally revealed the suspected shooter of two National Guard troops in Washington, DC previously worked with the agency in Afghanistan. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was identified as the alleged gunman taken into custody after the shoot-out yards from the White House on Wednesday, leaving two soldiers in critical condition. Late on Wednesday night, the CIA director revealed Lakanwal had direct links to the agency from his work alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan before the disastrous military withdrawal. He told Fox News that his involvement was 'as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation.' Like President Trump, Ratcliffe slammed the former administration's 'disastrous' actions during the withdrawal, which allowed unvetted foreigners to enter the US on temporary visas. 'The Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the US government, including the CIA,' Ratcliffe said. 'The individual - and so many others - should have never been allowed to come here,' he added. 'Our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration's catastrophic failures.' Donald Trump said the American people are filled with 'righteous anger and enormous resolve' as he slammed Biden for allowing the suspect to reside in the United States Footage emerged from the scene on Wednesday showing first responders performing CPR on a troop shot in the head Late on Wednesday night, CIA Director John Ratcliffe sensationally revealed Rahmanullah Lakanwal had direct links to the CIA from his work alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan Trump had earlier slammed former president Joe Biden for facilitating his arrival to the US under Operation Allies Welcome, arguing the American people are deservedly filled with 'righteous anger and enormous resolve' after the revelation. Biden's operation sought to resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who assisted the US during the war. It was believed Lakanwal was settled in the Washington state town of Bellingham. A close relative was blindsided by Wednesday's allegations, telling NBC Lakanwal worked alongside US Special Forces while serving in the Afghan Army for ten years. The relative said Lakanwal has a wife and five sons, and that he was even injured while supporting US soldiers. 'We were the ones that were targeted by the Taliban in Afghanistan,' the relative said. 'I cannot believe that he might do this.' Biden long defended the catastrophic withdrawal, which cost 13 Americans their lives and weakened the US-backed Afghan government against the Taliban, ultimately allowing the terror group to seize control again. According to CNN, Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the United States on a temporary visa. But he allegedly applied for asylum status in 2024, and that request was granted in April this year by the Trump administration. A stricken soldier in the back of an ambulance after being shot near the White House But furious Trump took aim solely at Biden and the previous administration on Wednesday night, insisting 'no country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival.' The President said in a press conference: 'The suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth. 'He was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021, on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about. Nobody knew who was coming in. 'His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden, a disastrous president, the worst in our history.' Trump went on to warn that authorities 'must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country. 'This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity... This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation.' Shortly after his speech, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services indefinitely stopped 'processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals, effective immediately... pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The horror shoot-out occurred just yards from the White House in Washington, DC and has left two soldiers in a critical condition 'The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission,' the department said in a statement. Trump vowed that 'the animal' who shot the troops 'will pay a very steep price' as he praised 'every member of the United States military who is deployed tonight, at home and abroad.' He urged all families to 'say a prayer for the two great heroes who were horribly shot.' The suspect was shot and is being treated in hospital, authorities said. Police have since recovered a handgun from the scene which they believe was used in the attack, according to CNN. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that two soldiers are being treated at a local hospital after West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey earlier sparked confusion by announcing the soldiers were dead before walking back his statement. Graphic images from the scene showed a soldier lying injured on the pavement with blood pouring from his head as a Secret Service agent gave him medical attention. An unidentified trooper was seen on a stretcher inside an ambulance receiving medical attention at the scene of the shooting. The FBI, ATF and Secret Service swarmed on the scene as a helicopter landed on the National Mall to evacuate one of the wounded National Guardsmen. Trump has deployed 2,300 National Guard troops into DC since August as part of his promise to crack down on rampant crime in the nation's capital. A law enforcement vehicle is parked outside of George Washington University Hospital as two service members receive treatment A U.S. Capitol Park Police helicopter is seen on the National Mall evacuating a National Guard shooting victim Law enforcement, including US Marshals, respond to the shooting near the White House The President ordered an additional 500 troops to deploy following the shooting on Wednesday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said, calling it a 'cowardly, dastardly act, targeting the best of America.' After the shooting, the president wrote on Truth Social: 'God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. 'These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!' Law enforcement sources told CNN that the suspected shooter is not cooperating with cops. The suspect appeared to target the soldiers, firing first at one of the guardsmen who was mere feet away, according to the sources. Lakanwal then allegedly fired at the other guardsman who tried to get behind a bus stop shelter. The President was not at the White House at the time of the shooting because he flew to Mar-a-Lago yesterday for the Thanksgiving holiday. Patel called the shooting a 'heinous act' as he spoke to reporters at the scene. A member of law enforcement with a rifle at the scene near the White House Members of law enforcement, including the US Marshals Law enforcement officials stand close to the scene where two West Virginia National Guard members were shot 'Since this is an assault on a federal law enforcement officer, this will be treated at the federal level as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer,' Patel said. 'The FBI will lead out on that mission with our interagency partners to include the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, ATF, DEA, and we're thankful for the mayor's assistance in this matter.' He was joined by DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said that she had briefed Attorney General Pam Bondi, who was speaking to Trump when she called, as well as US attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro. 'I'm the mayor of Washington, DC, and I too, want to send my thoughts and prayers to the families of the Guardsmen and to the Guardsmen who are in critical condition in a local hospital,' the Democrat said. 'We join with the FBI director in ensuring that MPD investigates [and] the U.S. attorney prosecutes this case to the fullest extent of the law.' A police helicopter circles above the secured area after a shooting in downtown Washington, DC National Guard troops on the scene as US Marshals arrive A Secret Service member stands guard at the crime scene A National Guard soldier helps secure a perimeter in downtown DC near the White House Other pictures have emerged showing National Guard troops securing a perimeter in downtown DC, where the soldiers were shot. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer led tributes for the National Guard soldiers. 'My heart breaks for the victims of this horrific shooting in Washington, DC near the White House,' he wrote. 'I am closely monitoring the situation and am praying for the wounded National Guardsmen and their families. I thank all the first responders for their quick action to capture the suspect.' Former president Barack Obama wrote: 'Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances.' An Australian businessman believes he locked eyes with fugitive Dezi Freeman in South Africa, just one week after he gunned down two police officers in Victoria's High Country and went on the run. Stuart, who has ties to the AFL industry and requested only his first name be used, told former A Current Affair reporter Seb Costello he was positive he saw Freeman at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, a tourist district of Cape Town, on September 2. Freeman ran into the bush and vanished after he allegedly shot dead officers Vadim de Waart-Hottart and Neal Thompson at his Porepunkah property on August 26. 'I am 99 per cent certain that it was Dezi,' Stuart said of his encounter in South Africa, The Herald Sun reported. Stuart was able to produce correspondence with a representative from Summit Taskforce - the group of officers tasked with hunting down Freeman - who had asked the businessman to 'pinpoint the exact location'. Victoria Police confirmed they had followed up the lead, but that it did not result in anything concrete. 'Taskforce Summit investigates every piece of information provided to police. Every lead is pursued. This avenue of enquiry has been investigated, is no longer viable and has been discounted,' a spokesperson said. But Stuart said he has since 'challenged the police to explain how they have discounted his information' and questioned whether CCTV from the area on that day was looked at by investigators. Fugitive cop killer Dezi Freeman remains on the run after he shot two police officers in Victoria A Melbourne businessman has claimed he saw Freeman at the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (pictured), a popular tourist district of Cape Town, on September 2 Hundreds of Victoria Police officers and specialist cops from across Australia and New Zealand have been searching for Freeman since August 26 (pictured is the search in Victoria) The businessman claimed he saw a man he believed was Freeman near the corner Dock Rd and S. Arm Rd, near the Hotel Sky, in the Cape Town tourist district just after lunch on September 2. He said their eyes locked as Freeman was about seven metres away, before his gaze broke away and he ran into the crowd, which Stuart believes is because he realised he had been recognised. 'I'm happy to be proven wrong but I'm not sure they've done their homework,' Stuart said of the police investigation. 'Have they gone over there and checked the CCTV in Cape Town? I'm still convinced it was Dezi. I just want justice like everyone does.' After arriving back in Melbourne, he contacted Crime Stoppers on September 4 and received a call from police later that night. He texted police that he was 'fully aware' making a false statement to them could constitute a crime. Last Wednesday he then followed up when he personally wrote a letter about the sighting to Chief Commissioner Mike Bush. Freeman has a wife and children who have been left to fend for themselves following his disappearance The fugitive would have had to fly out of the country to make it to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in South Africa (pictured) by September 2 as boat would have taken too long Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson was shot dead by Freeman Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart wasalso gunned down by Freeman Stuart said the more images of Freeman he sees on the news, the more certain he is that he saw him on that day. Following his letter, a Summit Taskforce investigator contacted him and requested he 'provide the exact location of the alleged sighting, providing satellite images'. Those details were provided last Thursday night, the publication reported, with the officer thanking Stuart the following day, November 21. 'I'm pretty well known around Melbourne for my ability to recognise faces. I know what I saw,' Stuart said. Stuart said he was walking through the Cape Town Waterfront when he noticed a group of half a dozen males that didn't quite fit in with the rest of the crowd. The person he believes he recognised as Freeman was in the centre of the group and the other males were around him 'like bodyguards'. He said the man's eyes struck him the most as matching those of the fugitive and they stared at each other for 'two seconds' before the man 'ran off'. There is a $1million bounty to capture Freeman, but Stuart said this was announced the day after he had first alerted police and he was not aware of it when he reached out to Crime Stoppers. Heavily-armed police and combat dogs tracked Freeman following his disappearance Freeman's actions sparked a massive police hunt that saw officers scour bushland in and around his off-the-grid wilderness retreat, located in the shadow of Mount Buffalo. Hundreds of Victoria Police officers and specialist cops from across Australia and New Zealand have been searching for Freeman in Porepunkah and the surrounding areas since August 26. This has included extensive searches of Mount Buffalo National Park by heavily armed specialist cops, supported by combat dogs and the police Air Wing. The bounty remains in place as police turn over every stone while they hunt Freeman. Anyone with any information on Freeman's location, or anything the community notices at the Mount Buffalo National Park should be reported to Crime Stoppers. An Australian firefighter has unintentionally become the internet's latest heartthrob after a routine rescue of a trapped cat sent social media into a frenzy. Teddy the cat managed to wedge himself behind a hot water system on the Gold Coast on Tuesday. Firefighters were called in, and with some gentle coaxing, the cat was able to be rescued. 'According to his owner, Teddy has a habit of making what you might call interesting life choices,' the Queensland Fire Department said. 'While well and truly stuck, and not overly impressed about being rescued, a bit of gentle coaxing combined with some clever teamwork and a lot of patience resulted in the crew safely handing him back to his very relieved owner.' After images of the rescue were shared online, the firefighter rescuing the cat quickly became the centre of attention. One said: 'If I was that cat I'd do it again lol.' A second added: 'BRB asking my cat to go to the Gold Coast to be rescued.' An Australian firefighter has unintentionally become the internet's latest heartthrob after a routine rescue of a trapped cat sent social media into a frenzy The cat became stuck behind a hot water cylinder The hero firefighter managed to pull him unstuck 'Anyone have a cat I can borrow,' another said. Others took it further, offering themselves up as hypothetical rescue missions. 'Help me sir, I'm in danger,' and 'I might go & hide behind the hot water system to be rescued too' Others said the photo was ready for the 2026 Firefighters Calendar. 'This man is ready for his close-up.' Follows multiple other school lockdowns across Melbourne Two schools were put into lockdown after alleged stabbing An 11-year-old boy has been questioned by police over the stabbing of an eight-year-old at a school in Melbourne's south-east. The attack happened at Brentwood Park Primary School in Berwick on Thursday morning, just as the bell rang for school to begin. Brentwood and Kambrya College, both located on Bemersyde Drive, were placed into lockdown about 9am. The child victim and a female staff member, who also sustained minor injuries, were treated by paramedics on school grounds and did not require hospital treatment, Victoria Police said. Unconfirmed reports suggest the alleged child attacker, believed to be in Grade 5, assaulted a teacher before running off and attacking a Grade 1 and Grade 2 pupil. A search of the child's bag allegedly uncovered two other kitchen knives. The 11-year-old boy, alleged to be the stabber, was located and spoken to by police before he was later taken to hospital for assessment. An education department spokesperson said it was working with Brentwood Park Primary regarding an incident involving a young student who behaved in a 'dangerous manner.' Brentwood Park Primary School was placed into lockdown after a stabbing 'The school enacted its safety procedures, and police and paramedics attended the school,' the spokesperson said. 'We are supporting both the staff member and the student and are providing additional wellbeing supports to those who need it.' It is understood the little boy sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the incident. A police spokesperson said the boy was treated by paramedics at the scene. The teacher was also treated at the scene and did not need to go to hospital. The 11-year-old boy was spoken to by police at the scene and later taken to hospital for assessment. A steady stream of parents continued to come into the school to collect their children throughout the morning and into the afternoon, the Herald Sun reported. One parent who came to pick up his children told the publication he had heard what happened from his wife. A warning went out to parents on Thursday Nearby Kambrya College was also placed into lockdown 'She is American so it hits a bit differently, so we thought it was best we come pick them up,' he said. The incident comes just weeks after several other alarming school lockdowns over alleged knife crime. On November 19, police were called to reports of two males possibly armed with machetes in the upmarket Bayside suburb of Brighton, 11km south-east of Melbourne's CBD. Elsternwick Primary was reportedly put into lockdown over the safety concerns, along with the nearby North Brighton Children's Centre. Police attended and found two youths just down the road from the shool on the corner of Martin and Cochrane Streets. A police spokesperson told Daily Mail that while one of the boys was arrested for possessing a baton and a drug of dependence, no machetes were found. That incident came a week after Daily Mail reported a school for children with special needs was put into lockdown after machete-wielding teens terrorised leafy suburb of Hampton. Hampton East School - a junior to year 12 institution for students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities - was put into lockdown on November 11 after reports of machete-wielding thugs outside. It is understood two men armed with machetes got out of a vehicle on Dane Road, just south-east of Melbourne's CBD, and were seen chasing two people down the street. One witness told Daily Mail the victims appeared to be walking past the school when they were attacked by the armed men. The victims were seen fleeing into a nearby park, pursued by the machete-wielding thugs. Anyone who witnessed the latest incident, has dashcam/CCTV footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au A woman with family connections to Karoline Leavitt was 'terrified' and 'frantic' as she was swarmed by ICE agents and arrested while trying to pick up her son at school, her sister revealed. Bruna Ferreira - who came to the country in 1998 from Brazil under the DACA program - was apprehended by ICE agents in Revere, Massachusetts earlier this month. Ferreira's sister Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, 27, told The Boston Globe that the mom was apprehended while trying to pick up her 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Jr. 'They were not the most gentle with her,' she said of the agents, who swarmed her car after Ferreira drove from Massachusetts to New Hampshire to pick up Michael. 'I'm sure my sister was terrified, frantic. She's been here since she was six years old. She's more American than she is anything else,' she added. She even told agents that her son's aunt worked in the White House - to no avail. 'I'm sure she tried to just use whatever she could come up with in the moment. However, it didn't really help very much.' Leavitt Jr named after his father Michael Leavitt Sr, the brother of the White House Press Secretary. Rodrigues - who launched the Gofundme to support her sister - claims that both Michael Sr and his father, Bob Leavitt, have offered less than useful advice to Ferreira. Bruna Ferreira - who came to the country in 1998 from Brazil under the DACA program - was apprehended by ICE agents in Revere, Massachusetts earlier this month. Pictured: Ferreira with her son, Michael Leavitt Jr and his father, Michael Leavitt Sr Leavitt Jr named after his father Michael Leavitt Sr, the brother of the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (pictured), who is Michael Jr's godmother 'They just kept saying, 'Tell her to self-deport.' Self-deport to where? Brazil is not her home.' Ferreira is currently being held at an ICE facility in southern Louisiana. John J. Loscocco, an attorney representing Ferreira, says he hasn't had any contact with his client and won't be able to until her court hearing sometime next week and doesn't know why she was detained. Ferreira arrived in the United States as a child with her family, who had traveled from Brazil. Her lawyer said she had arrived in 1998 under the federally protected DACA program and was in the process of getting her residency. Michael Sr said in a statement that the 11-year-old lives with him and his wife full-time, but has always maintained a relationship with his biological mother. He told WBUR his 'only concern has always been the safety, well-being, and privacy of [his] son.' Michael Sr said the little boy has not had an opportunity to speak with his mom since she was first detained by ICE 'several weeks ago.' Rodrigues claims that both Michael Sr (pictured left with his wife, Kara) and his father, Bob Leavitt, have offered less than useful advice to Ferreira Ferreira is currently being held at an ICE facility in southern Louisiana A source familiar with the family dynamic told the Daily Mail that Karoline has not spoken with her nephew's mother in many years. 'The child has lived full-time in New Hampshire with his father since he was born. He has never resided with his mother.' Rodrigues also said Wednesday that Leavitt has not even reached out to help. 'If she were to help in any way, if she were willing to do anything to help us, she would have reached out by now. She has my phone number,' Rodrigues said. The boy lives with his father and his wife full-time, but maintains a relationship with his mother and Rodrigues believes their relationship should count for something. 'We've been family for the last 13 years. I understand the policies and how it looks. But I also think when it comes to family, you put certain things aside. I don't care who you work for.' Rodrigues has FaceTimed with her nephew and offered emotional support. 'He needs his mom home. He's always asking, 'When's my mom coming home? Will she be home for Thanksgiving? Will she be home for Christmas?' I don't know what to tell him.' Michael said the 11-year-old boy lives with he and his wife full-time, but has always maintained a relationship with his biological mother. He also has a brother (pictured together with President Trump) The boy lives with his father and his wife full-time, but maintains a relationship with his mother (pictured left) The Department of Homeland Security told the Daily Mail that Ferreira is a 'criminal illegal alien' who 'has a previous arrest for battery. 'She entered the US on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the US by June 6, 1999,' the spokesman said. 'Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation.' Todd Pomerleau, another attorney representing Ferreira, said she was totally blindsided by her arrest and railed against DHS's allegations about her supposed criminal charge. 'Bruna has no criminal record whatsoever,' Pomerleau said. 'I don't know where that is coming from. Show us the proof. There's no charges out there. She's not a criminal illegal alien. 'She's in the process of actually getting her residency and she was abruptly arrested and taken from her young child right before Thanksgiving.' Rodrigues shared details of her sister's ordeal in a GoFundMe seeking donations to cover her legal expenses. The Department of Homeland Security told the Daily Mail that Ferreira is a 'criminal illegal alien' who 'has a previous arrest for battery' An attorney representing Ferreira said she was totally blindsided by her arrest and railed against DHS's allegations about her supposed criminal charge She wrote: 'My family is going through one of the most difficult moments of our lives, and we're reaching out with a humble plea for help. 'My sister, Bruna, was recently detained by immigration and is now fighting to stay in the country she has called home for nearly her entire life.' The family argued that Ferreira was brought to the United States in 1998 on a visa, and has since done 'everything in her power to build a stable, honest life here. 'She has maintained her legal status through DACA, followed every requirement, and has always strived to do the right thing,' Rodrigues added. 'Anyone who knows Bruna knows the kind of person she is. She is hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether it's supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself. 'Bruna's absence has been especially painful for her 11-year-old son, Michael Leavitt Junior, who needs his mother and hopes every single day that she'll be home in time for the holidays.' She and Michael separated about ten years ago, insiders say. During their relationship, Michael reportedly won $1 million in a DraftKings competition. At the time, he was engaged to Ferreira and their son was eight months old. Speaking to The North Andover Eagle-Tribune, the couple said they were 'speechless' but' don't really need much.' 'We have our health. We have a nice condo. We really are blessed,' Fereirra said. 'I need the lights fixed on the back of my car, and we need a lamp for my son's room.' The startling revelation about Karoline's family connection comes hours after a new poll from Daily Mail/JL Partners revealed Americans have an increasingly negative view of ICE's hawkish operations. The agency has only a 34 percent approval rating a four-point drop from October. Some 45 percent of the 1,246 registered voters surveyed online disapprove of the agency. The results come after podcaster Joe Rogan, who gave an 11th-hour endorsement of Trump in the 2024 election, reupped his criticism of the ICE raids this month. 'You got ICE raids, where they're taking people that are American citizens and they're scaring the s*** out of everybody,' Rogan said in his November 18 episode with fellow podcaster Theo Von both who attended Trump's second inauguration. The Nationals have blasted former leader Barnaby Joyce after he quit the party ahead of an expected move to join One Nation, repeatedly labelling his defection as 'disappointing'. Joyce announced the move in parliament on Thursday after previously signalling he would not recontest his seat of New England due to a complete relationship breakdown with Nationals leader David Littleproud. Littleproud released a statement shortly after the announcement, pointing to unyielding support Joyce had received from the party 'during his darkest moments'. 'Barnaby Joyces decision to leave The Nationals is disappointing,' Littleproud's statement read. 'The Nationals supported Barnaby through the tough times, including during his darkest moments. 'It is disappointing for the people of New England and disappointing for the loyal National Party members who tirelessly volunteered over the past two decades to support his political ambitions.' Littleproud did not expand on Joyce's darkest moments, but he may have meant Joyce's affair with his then-staffer Vikki Campion, the 'bonk ban' that followed, preventing ministers from having sexual relationships with their staff, or the Daily Mail's exclusive of Joyce drunk and swearing on a Canberra footpath. Nationals leader David Littleproud (centre) has blasted the party's former leader Barnaby Joyce Barnaby Joyce (left) dined with Pauline Hanson (right) on Monday night in Canberra The statement continued: 'It breaks the contract he made with the people of New England at the 2025 Federal Election.' 'Barnaby has chosen to walk away from The Nationals team a strong team that fights for regional Australia and delivers genuine solutions for regional Australians in Government.' Littleproud said he tried to encourage Joyce to stay with the Nationals and make valuable contributions to the party room, but Joyce refused. 'Barnaby made it clear to me he wanted time and space to consider his future and asked me to respect that,' he said. Littleproud pledged to continue fighting for regional Australia. In Joyce's own speech in the lower house earlier on Thursday, he said his resignation from the Nationals left him with a 'heavy heart'. 'After 30 years with the National Party, I'm resigning from the party and that really leaves me with a heavy heart,' he told the lower house in a 90-second statement. 'I apologise for all of the hurt that that will cause. I really do.' Barnaby Joyce is pictured announcing his resignation from The Nationals Party on Thursday Barnaby Joyce is pictured leaving the Senate after his resignation on Thursday Joyce said he had to find a more effective way to stand up for regional Australians after three decades in the National Party. He previously said his views align with One Nation's policy priorities, including rallying against a commitment to a net-zero emissions target that has since been dumped by the coalition. One Nation leader Pauline Hanson stirred controversy by wearing a burqa in the Senate as she tried to push a private member's bill to ban the religious garment. Her stunt and comments about the burqa were widely condemned, and she was subsequently censured and barred from the chamber for seven sitting days. Hours later, Senator Hanson hosted Joyce for dinner in her office, with photos then circulated of the firebrand senator cooking steaks on a sandwich press. Nationals senator Matt Canavan said One Nation has 'no records' of winning elections when asked about Joyce's high-stakes meeting. 'I mean, come on, Barnaby, do you really want to go and join the circus, or do you want to stay in a real team that's really focused on delivering change?' he told Sky News. The anti-net-zero campaigner called Joyce's prospective jump to One Nation a 'longer saga than Days of Our Lives' and said that 'people are all sick and tired of it'. A trainee police officer has been banned for life for passing information to her drug dealer boyfriend. Ex-West Yorkshire Police officer Maryam Ilyas, 20, accessed the force's computers to find confidential data and inform her criminal boyfriend about an operation into him. It was found that Ms Ilyas had used police computer systems to search for details about the man on three occasions between March and May 2025. Ms Ilyas resigned ahead of her disciplinary hearing yesterday, but the panel ruled that she would have otherwise been fired. Her links to the man were identified when he was arrested in June, with officers finding messages between the pair, including pictures of money and chats about drugs. The hearing was told that Ms Ilyas failed to notify the force of her relationship with the man when she was recruited in June 2024, and in January, she told investigators she was 'unaware of his criminal history'. Catherine Hankinson, the force's former deputy chief constable, ruled that messages indicated an 'existing relationship' up to July 2025. She said the officer's conduct had been 'repeated', 'sustained' and 'intentional'. Ex-West Yorkshire Police officer Maryam Ilyas, 20, accessed the force's computers to find confidential data to inform her criminal boyfriend about an operation into him 'The public rightly expect police officers to act with honesty and integrity,' Ms Hankinson said. 'The vast majority of officers in West Yorkshire Police do uphold those high standards. 'The conduct of the former officer does a disservice to the public and to her colleagues.' Ms Ilyas admitted the allegations, including failing to declare the relationship on her vetting form and was found to have committed gross misconduct. Before the hearing, she had tried to deny wrongdoing, telling The Sun: 'I was a student officer. 'I was really new to all this and I feel like I was expected to know everything straight away.' A social worker has been charged after allegedly assaulting three people onboard an Easyjet plane in Egypt. Nadine Nugent, 35, from Belfast, is accused of attacking two women and a man while the plane was sitting on the tarmac on May 21 this year. The EasyJet flight EZY3077 had taken off from Belfast International Airport and was stationary in Hurghada airport when incident allegedly took place. She faces three charges of common assault, and single charges of making a threat to kill, failing to comply with the lawful command of the pilot, behaving in a threatening, abusive or insulting manner and being drunk on an aircraft. A hearing at Antrim Magistrates Court, which Nugent did not attend, heard most of the offences allegedly took place in Hurghada airport, while the plane was on the tarmac so 'territorial issues arise'. Nugent 'failed to obey a lawful command which the pilot in command of an aircraft gave for the purpose of securing the safety of the aircraft and of persons or property carried in the aircraft, or the safety, efficiency or regularity of air navigation,' the court was told. Defence counsel Chris Sherrard also highlighted there will be issues relating to the Tokyo convention - an international treaty that gives powers to aircraft commander and crew to take necessary actions against unruly passengers. He added that Ms Nugent was suspended from her job as a social worker from 2023 due to other issues, not related to the charges. A social worker has been charged after allegedly assaulting three people onboard an Easyjet plane in Egypt (file image) Mr Sherrard also confirmed there would be no witness agreement ahead of any contest. District Judge Nigel Broderick adjourned the case to 9 December to fix a date for the 'five plus one' contested trial. Hundreds of people are feared to be dead after a huge blaze ripped through a Hong Kong tower block in the worst fire the financial hub has suffered in decades. Three men from a construction company were arrested in connection with the inferno after flammable materials left during maintenance work caused the blaze to spread rapidly beyond control. Police searched premises in a separate neighbourhood on Thursday morning, taking away documents in binders in relation to the three people arrested, who officers suspect 'acted with gross negligence' by leaving foam packaging at the site of the fire. The death toll from the fire has risen to 75, but 300 are still listed as missing after being trapped inside the housing estate when it went up in flames. Most died at the scene in Tai Po, a northern district and some died in hospital. Fires in four of the eight apartment blocks in the Wang Fuk Court estate have been extinguished and three fires are under control. One building was not affected. The inferno took hold on Wednesday afternoon in an eight-building housing estate with 2,000 apartments and sent shockwaves through the city, which has some of the world's most densely populated and tallest residential blocks. Flames were still spotted in some of the windows while multiple fire hoses sprayed the scorched exteriors around noon on Thursday. Firefighters were scouring the still-burning apartment complex for hundreds of missing residents, a day after the blaze tore through the high-rises. Hong Kong authorities will immediately inspect all housing estates undergoing major works following the disaster, the city's leader John Lee said Residential buildings continue to burn at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district on November 27, 2025 in Hong Kong, China Crowds gathered in nearby streets and public areas to organise aid for displaced residents and firefighters, part of a spontaneous effort that drew people from across the city Watch LIVE as Firefighters continue to extinguish the fire that engulfed residential high-rise buildings in Hong Kong, where at least 75 people have died Your browser does not support iframes. Police arrested two directors and an engineering consultant of Prestige Construction, a firm contracted to perform maintenance on the buildings. Officers said those arrested were under suspicion of manslaughter for using unsafe materials. 'We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties,' police superintendent Eileen Chung said. Prestige did not answer repeated calls for comment. Police seized bidding documents, a list of employees, 14 computers and three mobile phones in a raid of the company's office, the government added. A distraught woman carrying her daughter's graduation photograph searched for her child outside a shelter, one of eight that authorities said are housing 900 residents. 'She and her father are still not out yet,' said the 52-year-old, who gave only her surname, Ng, as she sobbed. 'They didnt have water to save our building.' Crowds gathered in nearby streets and public areas to organise aid for displaced residents and firefighters, part of a spontaneous effort that drew people from across the city. 'It's truly touching. The spirit of Hong Kong people is that when one is in trouble, everyone lends support... It shows that Hong Kong people are full of love,' Stone Ngai, 38, one of the organisers of an impromptu aid station, told AFP. Hong Kong authorities will immediately inspect all housing estates undergoing major works following the disaster, the city's leader John Lee said. Multiple residents of Wang Fuk Court said that they did not hear any fire alarm and had to go door-to-door to alert neighbours to the danger. 'The fire spread so quickly. I saw one hose trying to save several buildings, and I felt it was far too slow,' said a man surnamed Suen, recalling his plight the day before. 'Ringing doorbells, knocking on doors, alerting the neighbours, telling them to leave - that's what the situation was like.' Another displaced resident, Wong Sik-kam, recalled how his son was one of the firefighters dispatched to the scene. 'My son called me and told me about the fire... I thought it was just a normal fire, like a kitchen accident that would be put out. Who knew it would get so bad?' Wong said. People affected by the apartment fire in the Tai Po district rest at an emergency shelter, Hong Kong, China, 27 November 2025 A woman is seen crying near residential buildings that continue to burn at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district on November 27, 2025 in Hong Kong, Chin A man reacts, as smoke rises while flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, November 26, 2025 Thick smoke and flames rise as a major fire engulfs several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 26, 2025 People look at flames engulfing a building after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, is one of the last places where bamboo is still widely used for scaffolding in construction Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter, who was found with burns on his face half an hour after losing contact with colleagues. He had been with the service for nine years. Some 61 people are being treated in hospital. Fifteen are in a critical condition, 27 in a serious condition and 19 are stable. Two of the deceased were Indonesians working as migrant domestic workers. Rescuers had been battling intense heat and thick smoke for more than a day as they fought to reach residents still feared trapped on the upper floors. Video showed firefighters with flashlights searching through the charred remains of the towers on Thursday night. Currently, some 300 residents are still unaccounted for. As firefighters battled floor by floor in the flaming housing complex overnight to find survivors and reunite them with fearful relatives, another band of volunteers swung into action to rescue the estate's pets. Dozens of workers from Hong Kong's animal welfare agencies turned out with oxygenated pet carriers and animal ambulances to search for pets in the blazing complex, as social media posts depicted elderly people weeping for animals they left behind in the rush to save human lives. Some animal welfare workers carrying cages negotiated with police to allow them through cordons keeping out the public, as the fire raged in the complex on Thursday. 'Pet owners contacted our alliance and we compiled a list of more than 100 cases,' said Anson Cheng, of the animal welfare group Hong Kong Guardians. 'We shared the cases with firefighters so that they can help check the flats and pick up the pets if they see them.' Cheng said as of Thursday morning, at least 10 cats, seven dogs and several turtles had been rescued. Hong Kong's system of micro-chipping dogs and cats meant it was possible that some survivors could be reunited with pets that managed to escape the blaze, said Cheng. Huddling under a blanket in a nearby park, a woman surnamed Law said she had been waiting for her cat overnight and had been searching online platforms for news. She had left 10-year-old Fa when she fled her apartment, expecting to return. 'It was a very small fire when I went down,' she said. 'Half an hour later, the fire already went all the way to the top. Nearby areas were also burning, there's no way to get back in. I feel bad.' Despite Hong Kong's often cramped apartment lifestyles, pet ownership is increasingly popular - from dogs and cats to rabbits and hamsters - animal welfare agencies say. A man carries bedding near residential buildings that continue to burn at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district on November 27, 2025 in Hong Kong, China Volunteers give out food and drinks after a major fire swept through several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 27, 2025 Residential buildings continue to burn at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district on November 27, 2025 in Hong Kong, China More than 900 people sought refuge at temporary shelters overnight Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter, who was found with burns on his face half an hour after losing contact with colleagues The fire department said it received reports at 2.51pm (0651 GMT) Wednesday that a fire had broken out in Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims, including 'the firefighter who died in the line of duty' The blaze was reported mid-afternoon Wednesday and was upgraded to level 5 - the highest level of severity Firefighters work as efforts are underway to extinguish flames engulfing bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, November 26, 2025 On Wednesday night, sections of charred scaffolding fell from the burning blocks and flames could be seen inside apartments, sometimes belching out through windows into the night sky, casting an eerie orange glow on surrounding buildings. 'The temperature at the scene is very high and there are some floors where we have been unable to reach people who requested help, but we will keep trying,' said Derek Armstrong Chan, the deputy director of fire service operations. He said the wind and drifting debris likely spread the fire from one building to another, although he added that authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. Chinese President Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the victims, including 'the firefighter who died in the line of duty'. Lee said he was 'deeply saddened' and that all government departments were assisting residents affected by the fire. Harry Cheung, 66, who has lived at Block Two in one of the complexes for more than 40 years, said he heard 'a very loud noise at around 2.45pm' (6.45am GMT) Wednesday and saw a fire erupt in a nearby block. 'I immediately went back to pack up my things,' he told Reuters. 'I don't even know how I feel right now. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight because I probably won't be able to go back home.' A resident surnamed Wong, 71, broke down in tears, saying his wife was trapped inside one of the buildings. On Thursday afternoon, some of the residents in adjacent blocks who had been evacuated as a precaution were allowed back into their homes. A pet dog with its owner rest at a temporary shelter near the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, November 27, 2025 Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, November 27, 2025 People gathered on a nearby overhead walkway, watching in dismay as smoke billowed from the buildings while scores of fire engines and ambulances lined the road below the complex Deadly fires were once a regular scourge in densely populated Hong Kong, especially in poorer neighbourhoods Smoke rises as flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, November 26, 2025 People eat a meal at a temporary shelter, after a fire started across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, November 26, 2025 A woman reacts at a temporary shelter, after a fire started across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, November 26, 2025 Volunteers distributed clothes and lunch boxes at the open-air podium of a nearby mall, while a few people gave out flyers with information about missing people. Deadly fires were once a regular scourge in densely populated Hong Kong, especially in poorer neighbourhoods. However, safety measures have been ramped up in recent decades and such fires have become much less commonplace. Firefighters battled orange flames into the night as thick black smoke billowed from the apartment blocks, which were sheathed in bamboo scaffolding and green construction mesh. Firefighters received reports at 2.51pm (06.51am GMT) Wednesday that a fire had broken out in Wang Fuk Court. The fire was upgraded to a No. 4 alarm at 3.34pm before reaching No. 5 - the highest level of severity - at 6.22pm. Strong winds fanned the flames, causing the blaze to spread to seven of the complex's eight blocks. Tai Po, which has a population of about 300,000, is a suburban area in Hong Kong in the New Territories, near the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated areas in the world, is one of the last places where bamboo is still widely used for scaffolding in construction. Volunteers give out food to residents after a major fire swept through several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 27, 2025 Health workers evacuate a woman from a fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, November 27, 2025 Firemen get ready after a major fire swept through several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 27, 2025 Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong at building construction and renovation projects, though the government said earlier in the year that it would start phasing it out for public projects because of safety concerns. In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in the heart of Kowloon. That fire was later found to be caused by welding during internal renovations. A public inquiry yielded sweeping updates to building standards and fire safety regulations in the city's high-rise offices, shops and homes. The government moved to start phasing out the citys use of its bamboo scaffolding in March, citing safety concerns. It announced that 50 per cent of public construction works would be required to use metal frames instead. Wang Fuk Court has been undergoing renovations for a year at a cost of HK$330 million (32million), with each unit paying between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000. Owning a home is a distant dream for many in Hong Kong, one of the world's most expensive housing markets and where residential rents are hovering around record highs. Russia is pioneering remote controlled spy pigeons fitted with brain implants. A state-linked Moscow neurotechnology firm boasts its operators can steer flocks of the flying pests across the sky at will. Researchers have launched field tests of so-called 'bird-biodrones' known as PJN-1, ordinary pigeons surgically implanted with neural chips that allow technicians to direct their flight routes. The birds can be steered remotely in real time, with operators able to upload flight commands by stimulating targeted regions of the brain. The pigeon then 'believes it wants to fly' in the instructed direction, claim sources at Neiry, which has deep ties to the Kremlin's hi-tech innovation machine. Surgery is carried out in which electrodes are inserted into the brain with millimetre precision. The birds wear tiny solar-powered backpacks containing onboard electronics, GPS tracking, and the receiver that transmits signals into the neural implant. Chillingly, Neiry insists that 'no training is required', declaring that any animal becomes 'remotely controllable after the operation' - with pigeons capable of covering 310 miles a day, or more than 1,850 miles in a week. The birds can be steered remotely in real time, with operators able to upload flight commands by stimulating targeted regions of the brain Neiry insists that 'no training is required', declaring that any animal becomes 'remotely controllable after the operation' 'Right now, the solution works on pigeons, but any bird can be used as the carrier,' said Alexander Panov, company founder. 'For transporting heavier payloads we plan to use ravens, for coastal monitoring seagulls, and for large marine territories albatrosses.' While the company claims it is 'striving for a 100 per cent survival rate,' it has not revealed how many birds have died during or after the invasive procedure. The flock-steering technology which the company says can be used for 'monitoring and guarding sensitive facilities' may be transferred into military or intelligence applications. Pigeons are already a mainstay of Russian urban life, and their ability to blend into civilian environments could make them ideal for discreet surveillance, but the fitted spy cameras could also be used in - for example - war zones, such as in Ukraine. 'The pigeon-biodrone PJN-1 differs from an ordinary bird only by the neuro-interface wire protruding from its head and the small backpack containing electronics,' stated the company. 'Its main purpose is to provide almost any type of monitoring for example environmental or industrial to carry out search-and-rescue operations, and to serve as an additional security layer.' The 'biodrones' are Neiry's 'new product', says the company. A state-linked Moscow neurotechnology firm boasts its operators can steer flocks of the flying pests across the sky at will Researchers have launched field tests of so-called 'bird-biodrones' known as PJN-1 'Instead of a flying machine, scientists and engineers have begun using living birds with a chip in their brain. 'Thanks to the neurochip, the biodrone's operator can control the bird by uploading a flight assignment to it, just like with an ordinary UAV. 'An important difference between a biodrone and a trained animal is that no training is required. 'Any animal becomes remotely controllable after surgery. 'Thanks to neuro-stimulation of specific areas of the brain, the bird itself 'wants' to move in the desired direction.' The attached electronics are powered by solar panels located on the pigeon's back. 'The risk of a biodrone falling or crashing is low and equals the natural probability of a bird falling from the sky. Therefore, biodrones can be safely used in cities.' The pigeon's brain contains electrodes connected to a stimulator and located in the backpack on the bird's back. 'The stimulator sends impulses influencing the bird's motivation to turn left or right, for example. System positioning is performed using GPS and other methods.' The company has already faced criticism for tampering with cow brains in a bid to boost milk yields. Neiry has received funding from National Technology Initiative (NTI) programmes and investment structures connected to RDIF, the Kremlin's sovereign wealth arm, headed by close Putin crony Kirill Dmitriev, currently deployed as a negotiator with the US on peace moves in Ukraine. It is also a resident of Skolkovo, the government-sponsored tech cluster long viewed as Moscow's Silicon Valley. The bird spies' ploy resembles the Russian training of combat dolphins. Pictures show the dolphins trained to patrol seas and destroy underwater saboteurs or plant limpet mines or for reconnaissance. The mammals were taught to alert their human controllers - or deliver lethal strikes from underwater guns, a warfare programme that began in Soviet times. France is planning to restore national military service in the face of the growing threat posed by Russia and the risk of a new conflict breaking out in Europe. President Emmanuel Macron will announce today that the country is bringing back the scheme on a voluntary basis, nearly three decades after scrapping conscription. He is set to lay out the change in a speech this morning during a visit to an infantry brigade stationed in the Alps, according to a presidential official. The announcement will come more than three and a half years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Macron and other French officials warning that Moscow risks not stopping at Ukraine's borders. France's top general, armed forces chief of staff Fabien Mandon, sparked uproar at home last week by warning that France must be ready 'to lose its children', adding that Russia is 'preparing for a confrontation by 2030 with our countries'. Macron told the RTL broadcaster he would be announcing a 'transformation of national service into a new form' on Thursday, but did not provide further details. A source with knowledge of the matter, who asked not to be named, told AFP that the plan is for 2,000 to 3,000 people to be trained up in the first year, aiming to increase those signing up over time to 50,000 per year. 'It will start slowly,' said the source. This 'new form of national service' will be 'on a voluntary basis', said a presidential official. It has been said that this will most likely be in the form of a 10-month stint for both men and women. French soldiers serving at the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroup. Nearly three decades after scrapping conscription, France is reintroducing national military service President Emmanuel Macron during a press conference in Paris earlier this month. He is set to lay out plans today during a visit to a military base in the Alps An adviser to Macron, also requesting anonymity, emphasised it would be launched at a time of tight budget constraints. Its implementation will therefore be 'phased in over time,' said the adviser, promising a 'realistic' project that 'takes into account our current resources'. While around a dozen states have some form of conscription, the use of military service is uneven across Europe. As Russia continues to provoke European countries with airspace incursions and alleged drone sightings at airports and military bases, many countries have been looking at options to bolster their armies. Germany's governing parliamentary group has agreed to revise the country's rules for joining the military. It is now floating around the idea that all 18-year-old males must undergo mandatory fitness tests. Although Italy does not have compulsory military service since it was abolished in 2005, a new bill has been proposed to bring back a six-month period of either military or civilian service for people aged between 18 and 26. France would now join European countries like Baltic states Latvia and Lithuania, which have brought it back mandatory military service in recent years, while others, such as Denmark, have toughened their terms. There is so far no suggestion that the military service in France would be compulsory, as it was before then-president Jacques Chirac abolished conscription in 1997 as part of the reform of the army. Military service is seen as a way of bolstering armies with recruits, but also of providing a large pool of potential reservists, who could be called up in the case of a future war. France is now joining other European countries in bringing back the scheme after recent provocations by Russian president, Vladimir Putin The French armed forces have approximately 200,000 active military personnel and 47,000 reservists, numbers expected to increase to 210,000 and 80,000, respectively, by 2030. The idea of conscription has often come up in French politics after it was scrapped by former leader Jacques Chirac in 1997. It has mostly been championed by right-leaning politicians. A presidential official told reporters on Wednesday that the new scheme 'reflects young people's desire to serve but, even more, the operational need for the armed forces to respond to the acceleration of perils'. Meanwhile, accused of warmongering by the left, General Mandon has expressed no regret over his comments last week, saying the aim was to 'alert and prepare' amid a 'rapidly deteriorating' context. Mandon argued on Saturday that the reactions to his comments 'show that this is something that was perhaps not sufficiently perceived in our population'. But ahead of Thursday's announcement, Macron and other officials have been at pains to douse the outcry caused by the general's forthright comments and fears that French youth were heading for the front lines. The president on Tuesday said he needed to dispel any notion 'we are going to send our young people to Ukraine'. Rachel Reeves allegedly kicked Sir Sadiq Khan out of her office in an extraordinary argument while he tried to negotiate more funding for London ahead of the Budget. The Chancellor is said to have called an early end to the meeting with the London Mayor after they had a major disagreement, shouting at him: 'Get out of my office!' Several sources claimed to the New Statesmen and Standard that Ms Reeves cut short the scheduled meeting earlier this year before the second half could begin. The disagreement came as Sir Sadiq was trying to lobby his Labour colleague for more money to fund transport projects and other investments in the capital. Ms Reeves was asked about the reports of a bust-up by LBC radio presenter Nick Ferrari on his show this morning, and told him: 'I don't recognise that. 'Yesterday in the Budget, we've put in money for the Lower Thames Crossing, which eases congestion within London, and the DLR extension out to Thamesmead and in London, kids are going to be lifted out of poverty from this Budget.' But Mr Ferrari pressed her, saying he 'wasn't referring to yesterday' but instead to the claim that she had told Sir Sadiq to 'get out of her office'. The Chancellor responded: 'I don't recognise that characterisation. I have got a great relationship with Sadiq, and I saw him just a couple of weeks ago at Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph. 'And I was pleased yesterday to be able to set extra support to get that DLR extension, to boost growth and get more houses built in that part of London.' Sir Sadiq Khan and Rachel Reeves at the Francis Crick Institute in London in April 2024 Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivers her Budget in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon The Mayor and Chancellor have been at odds in the past, including over the expansion of Heathrow Airport with Sir Sadiq against the Government's plans for a third runway. The Mayor also found senior Labour figures were unwilling to support the expansion of his Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) policy ahead of last year's General Election. And in June, Sir Sadiq said Ms Reeves had made 'a colossal mistake in pitting London against the rest of the country' after she did not back new transport links in the city. Neil Garratt, City Hall Conservatives's Budget spokesman, told the Daily Mail today: 'Sadiq promised a Labour government would be the 'wind in his sails' and 'usher in a decade of renewal for London. 'He's failed to deliver for London with a Labour government. Londoners deserve a Mayor the Government takes seriously, or we will keep losing out.' Ms Reeves confirmed in her full Budget document yesterday but not her speech - that the Docklands Light Railway can be extended to Thamesmead. A new line will be built for the DLR in South East London from Gallions Reach to a new station at Beckton Riverside and then across the River Thames to Thamesmead. However, the Budget did not include funding for the Bakerloo line extension or the West London Orbital, a new Overground line from Hounslow to Hendon. Your browser does not support iframes. Sir Sadiq did welcome the news that visitors to English cities including London could face paying a new tourist tax to fund local projects. Mayors will be given the power to impose a 'modest' charge on visitors staying in hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses and holiday lets. The measure has been called for by Sir Sadiq and Greater Manchester's Andy Burnham, but was condemned as 'damaging' by the hospitality industry. Sir Sadiq said yesterday: 'Giving mayors the powers to raise a tourist levy is great news for London. The extra funding will directly support London's economy, and help cement our reputation as a global tourism and business destination.' The plans will be subject to a consultation running until February 18, which will consider issues including whether there should be a cap on the size of the levy. It comes as Ms Reeves will face further questions today after delivering her Budget that raised tax by 26billion but was overshadowed by an unprecedented leak. The Chancellor's decisions put Britain on course for a record tax burden as she hiked levies after weaker economic forecasts left holes in her previous spending plans. The increases are also needed to pay for increased welfare spending, with Ms Reeves announcing the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty. Rachel Reeves has confirmed the Docklands Light Railway can be extended to Thamesmead The Budget did not include funding for the West London Orbital which is a new Overground line Having abandoned plans for a manifesto-busting income tax rise, the Chancellor opted for a range of smaller tax increases to pay for Government spending and build a larger buffer against her borrowing rules. These include a new pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles, increased taxes on online betting and a 'mansion tax' on homes worth more than 2million. But she continued to face accusations of breaching Labour's election promise not to raise taxes on 'working people' after deciding to keep tax thresholds frozen until 2030/31 and levying national insurance on some pension contributions. The Budget announcement was overshadowed by an unprecedented blunder that saw the Office for Budget Responsibility publish its assessment of the economy and the Chancellor's plans before Ms Reeves had even begun her speech. The Daily Mail has contacted the Mayor's office and the Treasury for comment. A powerful storm has struck Majorca, with locals bracing for massive 40ft waves while parts of the island turned white after a freak hailstorm lashed the holiday island. Spain's weather agency AEMET issued an orange storm alert on Thursday for Majorca and warned that huge waves were expected to hit the eastern coast of the island. 'Be vigilant and check the current weather forecast regularly', the weather agency warned. 'Damage to people and property is possible, especially to vulnerable individuals or those in exposed locations', the agency said, advising people to take caution while visiting beaches. Ferocious winds of up to 90km/h have swept through the Spanish island and are predicted to continue until later in the day. It comes after Majorca was covered in a blanket of white yesterday following a freak hailstorm that left shocked locals saying that the hailstones were the size of walnuts. Astonishing images showed streets in the usually-sunny island covered in sheets of icy pebbles. The tourist resort of Cala Rajada in the northeast of the island was the worst hit by the hail dump, with videos showing how rocks of ice violently lashed down against the roads and vehicles. Majorca was struck by a freak hailstorm on Wednesday Parts of the island were covered in a blanket of ice as a result of the hail storm The hailstorm was likely the result of a sudden drop in temperature The hailstorm was likely the result of a sudden drop in temperature as parts of Southern Europe have been funnelled by a winter storm. Neighbouring island Menorca has also been issued a moderate weather warning due to strong winds blowing between 50 and 5km/h and waves reaching 20ft. The rest of Spain is also bracing for severe drops in temperature due to an Arctic blast, with significant snowfall expected in the Pyrenees in the coming hours. Strong gusts of northerly winds have also been tearing through the northeastern Ebro and Emporda regions, while the regions of Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia are expecting heavy rainfall and some snowfall. This is the latest mega storm to strike Spain after the country had its roads turn to rivers after the country was pounded by storm Melissa. Dramatic videos show cars battling through torrents of flood water in Barcelona where a warning to stay indoors has been issued. Ferocious winds and torrential heavy rain also caused chaos on the holiday island of Majorca where flights were grounded and roads were blocked. Locals said the hailstones were the size of walnuts Spain 's weather agency AEMET issued an orange storm alert on Thursday The hailstorm was likely the result of a sudden drop in temperature as parts of Southern Europe have been funnelled by a winter storm Weather warnings have also been issued across the border in Portugal, with the country's Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere placing its Azores islands under a yellow alert due to expected heavy rainfall. Meanwhile Greece is expecting heavy rain, thunderstorms and hail on Thursday. The powerful storms are expected to strike its Ionian Islands, the Peloponnese and the western mainland. A significant influx of dust from Africa is also headed for Greece, which will result in muddy rain across several regions, reducing visibility and air quality. Due to a high alert from the Hellenic National Meteorological Service, all schools in central and southern Corfu will be closed on Thursday, as well as the local university. Meteorologists have also warned of a high probability of localised flooding, while strong southerly winds are expected across the islands. The freak winter storm tearing through southern Europe comes after freezing Arctic air swept across the UK last week, with temperatures dropping to -7C in the Highlands. Britain could face severe gas shortages amid a dangerous reliance on imports due to falling North Sea production, the country's grid operator has revealed. The National Energy System Operator (Neso) said gas will remain critical for energy security into the next decade and warned of potential shortfalls on the coldest days. Overall gas demand will decline as production declines due to Labour's ongoing Net Zero push - but peak-day demand will fall more slowly, according to Neso. This could exacerbate supply risks if progress on cutting emissions stalls or major infrastructure fails, as the UK grid becomes more reliant on foreign suppliers. Ministers have now been urged to make plans to avert a threat to future gas supplies amid what Neso described as an 'emerging risk to GB gas supply security'. Neso's gas supply security assessment analysed the impact of Labour banning new licences for oil and gas extraction and 78 per cent tax rates for North Sea producers. Its research projected gas availability will have fallen by 78 per cent by 2035 compared with today, equivalent to a long-term decline of up to 13 per cent per year. The total availability of gas volumes this year has been forecast at 24.5billion cubic metres (bcm), but this is set to slip to 10.4bcm by 2031 and 5.4bcm by 2035. The Buzzard oil field in the North Sea, which is located 50 miles from Aberdeen's coastline A gas supply map of Britain shows the observed maximum deliverable capabilities for 2024/25 That will make the UK far more reliant on imports and 'import dependency' during peak demand periods in the 2030s could 'rise above 90 per cent', the report said. The report looks ahead to winters in 2030/31 and 2035/36 and said that as domestic production keeps shrinking, Britain will continue to draw on a diverse mix of sources. These include Norwegian imports, liquefied natural gas, pipeline imports from Europe, gas storage and biomethane. Neso added: 'The assessment shows that gas supply is expected to be sufficient to meet demand under seasonal normal weather conditions. 'When testing against a range of one-in-20-year peak demand scenarios for 2030/31 to 2035/36, the analysis identifies an emerging risk to GB gas supply security. 'In scenarios where all gas supply and network infrastructure are operational (intact), this risk is evident only where decarbonisation is slowest where peak gas demand is expected to remain close to, or even exceed, current expectations.' The report also said that in the 'unlikely event of the loss of the single largest piece of gas infrastructure', gas supply would 'fall short of demand expectations for all pathways in 2030/31'. The UK Continental Shelf historic capability and deliverability with Neso's supply projections It added: 'In 2035/36, this shortfall is apparent only in pathways where gas demand remains high due to slower progress towards decarbonisation.' Dr Deborah Petterson, Neso's director of resilience and emergency management, said: 'Our analysis shows that Great Britain will continue to benefit from a diverse range of gas supply sources in the 2030s, and that gas supply is expected to be sufficient to meet demand under normal weather conditions. 'We have, however, identified an emerging risk to gas supply security where decarbonisation is slowest or in the unlikely event of the loss of the single largest piece of gas infrastructure on the system. 'By conducting this analysis, we are able to identify emerging risks early and, crucially, in time for mitigations to be put in place.' Neso explained that such mitigating measures could include reducing peak-day demand, maximising existing infrastructure and developing new supply options. Glenn Bryn-Jacobsen, director of energy systems and resilience at National Gas, added: 'Gas remains a critical component of Britain's energy security - keeping homes warm, powering industry and supporting electricity generation during periods of peak demand and low renewable output. 'In considering potential solutions, it is essential to look at both the gas supply landscape and the investment required in network infrastructure.' Britain's total annual natural gas production and net imports compared with consumption Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho told the Telegraph: 'This report should be a wake-up call. 'It shows that the UK is in the midst of a gas supply crisis made in Whitehall by Ed Miliband and Rachel Reeves, who have created an unprecedented, policy-driven decline of North Sea gas production.' Richard Tice, Reform UK's energy spokesman, added: 'We need to increase UK oil and gas exploration by reducing the energy profits levy and motivating investment with smarter regulation removing lots of unnecessary rules.' Neso is an independent public body which manages and planning Britain's energy system, including gas and electricity networks. A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Gas will continue to play a key role in our energy system as we transition to clean, more secure, homegrown energy. 'This report sets out clearly that decarbonisation is the best route to energy security helping us reduce demand for gas while getting us off the rollercoaster of volatile fossil fuel markets. 'We are working with industry to ensure the gas system is fit for the future, including maintaining security of supply which is paramount.' The number of asylum seekers living in hotels at the taxpayers' expense has jumped to more than 36,000, the highest level for nearly two years. New data from the Home Office showed 36,273 migrants were in hotel accommodation at the end of September, up 4,232 from 32,041 at the end of June. In all there were 111,651 people receiving taxpayer-funded asylum support, an increase of nearly 5,600 in three months but below the peak of just under 124,000 hit in September 2023. The Home Office said a record 110,051 people claimed asylum in the UK in the year ending to September. It was up 13 per cent on the previous year and 7 per cent more than the previous peak of 103,081 in 2002. This made it a new record high after a previous figure of 111,000 for the year to June was revised down slightly. Separate data from the Office for National Statistics showed a significant fall in net migration - the total number of migrants arriving to live long-term in the Uk minus those emigrating. In the year to June net migration was 204,000, two-thirds lower than a year earlier when it stood at 649,000. Migrants cross the Channel from northern France aboard an overloaded dinghy earlier this year The figure included a fall in long-term immigration levels to 898,000 in the year - the first time it has dipped below a million since 2021. Total emigration - including Britons - was 693,000. The Home Office data showed it made a record 133,500 initial decisions on asylum claims in the year to September. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Of those, 58,148 were granted refugee status or another type of leave to remain in Britain - a record high. There were also more than 75,300 asylum claims rejected by the Home Office in the year, the highest number since the previous asylum crisis in 2001. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'Net migration is at its lowest level in half a decade and has fallen by more than two-thirds under this government. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, pictured on Wednesday, announced a series of proposed changes to the asylum system and legal migration last week 'But we are going further because the pace and scale of migration has placed immense pressure on local communities. 'Last week, I announced reforms to our migration system to ensure that those who come here must contribute and put in more than they take out.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Dr Peter Walsh, senior researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said: 'While the government has managed to reduce the main asylum backlog significantly, todays data show just how hard it is to relieve pressure on the asylum system when applications remain high, and the appeals backlog continues to grow. 'Last week, the government proposed a series of changes to the asylum system, including plans to restrict asylum support to certain asylum seekers and reorganise the appeals system in the hope of receiving faster final decisions. 'The impacts of these measures are very hard to predict, and in any case it will take some time for them to work their way through the system.' The BBC's Amol Rajan was forced to issue a grovelling on-air apology today after being accused of branding benefit claimants 'scroungers'. The Radio 4 presenter scrambled to clarify his comments after using the term during an interview on the corporation's flagship Today programme. He rushed to insist he would 'never' describe welfare recipients as 'scroungers' following complaints on social media about his 'degrading language'. Rajan was interviewing former Labour minister Lord David Blunkett when the episode happened. During a discussion about yesterday's Budget, Rajan said: 'According to the child poverty action group there are over four million kids in this country in poverty, more than 70 per cent of those are actually in families where people work. 'It's not a question of scroungers on welfare, it's actually working families.' He had been asking Lord Blunkett about the decision by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves to scrap the two-child benefit cap. Addressing a few minutes later, Rajan - who has been a mainstay on the show since 2021 - said: 'I just want to clarify something, a few moments ago in my interview with Lord Blunkett I used the word scroungers. 'To be clear I absolutely wasn't describing people on welfare as scroungers myself, I was making the point that in families where kids are in poverty, you can't really characterise such families as scroungers, were people to do so, because as I was saying over 70 per cent of the children in poverty are in families where people do work. 'Sorry if that was unclear, I'd certainly never myself describe people who take social security or benefits or welfare or whatever you want to call it as scroungers, that's not the kind of language I would use.' Rajan, who has been a presenter on the Today programme since 2021, told listeners he wanted to 'clarify' a comment in which he appeared to refer to some people on benefits as 'scroungers' The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said that Ms Reeves' decision to ease the limit on how many children parents are given money for would cost 3billion a year by 2029-30 The apology came after listeners took to social media in outrage over his initial comment. One said: 'BBC Radio 4 Today can you explain to me why your script editor or Amol Rajan himself decided to use the phrase 'scroungers on welfare'? 'Is this the impartial BBC we've heard so much about?' A second added: 'Regretful that in his clarification of what he meant by using degrading language about families in poverty on BBC Radio 4 Today that Amol Rajan restated the original characterisation of people on social welfare by saying that 70 per cent work, so then the rest are scroungers?? Not good.' Rachel Reeves announced that she would scrap the cap in yesterday's Budget, enabling families to claim additional child benefits for their children. She said the move, which the fiscal watchdog predicted would cost taxpayers 3billion a year by 2030, would lift 450,000 children out of poverty. Some 560,000 families' benefits will rise by an average of 5,310 by 2029-30 due to the change, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has said. Ms Reeves said the Tories introduced the cap in 2017 to deter poorer families from having more children, telling the Commons: 'They said they were punishing parents' choices, but it is the kids who have paid the price.' Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said it was part of a 'Budget for Benefits Street', with workers paying for handouts. Your browser does not support iframes. 'This Budget increases benefits for 560,000 families by an average of 5,000. They are hiking taxes on workers, pensioners and savers to pay for handouts to keep their backbenchers quiet,' she said. Mrs Badenoch was heckled by Labour backbencher Jonathan Brash (Hartlepool), who shouted the Government was 'taking children out of poverty'. The Chancellor described the two-child cap as a 'policy that pushes kids into poverty more than any other', adding that 'it has failed' on the terms it was brought in on, and also announced an end to the so-called 'rape clause'. This was an exemption to the two-child cap that forced women who had been raped to prove their child was born as a result of 'non-consensual conception'. 'I understand that many families are finding times hard, and that many have had to make difficult choices when it comes to having kids,' Ms Reeves told MPs. 'And there are many reasons why people choose to have children and then find themselves in difficult times the death of a partner, separation, ill health, a lost job. I don't believe children should bear the brunt of that. 'And neither can I in good conscience leave in place the vile policy known as the 'rape clause', requiring women to prove if their children have been conceived non-consensually to receive support. 'I'm proud to be Britain's first female Chancellor of the Exchequer. I take the responsibilities that come with that seriously. I will not tolerate the grotesque indignity to women of the 'rape clause' any longer. 'It is dehumanising. It is cruel, and I will remove it from the statute book.' The scrapping of the cap was leaked alongside most of the measures in the Budget after the OBR published its analysis of the Chancellor's policies early in error. Richard Hughes, chairman of the Office for Budget Responsibility, has since apologised. Speaking to Rajan on the Today programme this morning, he said: 'I've written to the Chancellor and the chair of the Treasury Select Committee to apologise for inadvertently allowing the early accessing to our economic and fiscal outlet yesterday for which I take full responsibility on behalf of the OBR. 'I regret the deep disruption that it caused to the Chancellor's statement and Parliamentary proceedings. 'We've initiated an investigation into what happened. It will be overseen by the chair of our oversight board and include expert input from Professor Ciaran Martin, former head of the National Cyber Security Centre. 'It will report to the Treasury and the Treasury Committee of Parliament and identify the actions we need to take to ensure it never happens again. 'I feel personally mortified by what happened. 'The OBR prides itself on our professionalism. We let people down yesterday and we'll make sure it doesn't happen again.' Rachel Reeves has been blasted for failing to immediately scrap a tax loophole that benefits Chinese 'fast fashion' firms. In her Budget on Wednesday, the Chancellor said she would 'support a level playing field in retail' by removing customs duty relief for low value imports. Overseas retailers can currently send small parcels worth less than 135 to the UK without paying import duties. British high street retailers, including Next, Superdry and Primark, have criticised the 'de minimis' rule and urged the Government to overhaul the policy. They have argued it allows international retailers, such as China's Shein and Temu, to undercut them on price. Although Ms Reeves used her Budget to reveal she is scrapping the customs duty relief, she was criticised after the Treasury revealed this might not happen until 2029. In her Budget speech to MPs, the Chancellor said: 'To support a level playing field in retail, I will stop online firms from undercutting our high street businesses by ensuring customs duty applies on parcels of any value.' But the Budget document published by the Treasury suggested the move might not happen for some years following a consultation on the 'technical detail'. Rachel Reeves has been blasted for failing to immediately scrap a tax loophole that benefits Chinese 'fast fashion' firms British high street retailers have criticised the 'de minimis' rule and argued it allows international rivals, such as China's Shein, to undercut them on price The document said: 'From March 2029 at the latest, low value imports will be charged customs duty just as goods imported in bulk already are and new import arrangements will be put in place. 'The Government will consult on the technical detail of these new arrangements.' Are you worried about your finances? Hi! I'm Simon Lambert, Publisher of This Is Money - and I'm here to answer your questions and explain how you can protect your finances after Rachel Reeves' Budget. If you're concerned about your retirement plans, your pension, your savings - then I can help. Join my live Q&A at 4pm and ask me anything. Advertisement The Treasury also noted how the UK was 'not alone' in overhauling rules on low value imports, with the US and EU also taking steps to control 'booming low value trade'. The value of small packages rose by 53 per cent to 5.9billion last year, compared with 3.9billion the year previously, the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has estimated. It said: 'While we welcome the decision by the Chancellor to close the de minimis loophole, the proposed timeframe is simply too long. 'There are 1.6million parcels arriving in the UK every day, double what they were last year, and businesses cannot afford any delay on scrapping the existing rules. 'The US has already removed its threshold, with the EU following suit next year; the Chancellor must take decisive action and remove the exemption as fast as possible. 'This will help protect British consumers from the risks of imported goods that don't meet the UK's stringent environmental and ethical standards, while promoting fairer competition.' Silvia Rindone, UK and Ireland retail lead at EY, said: 'Closing the import duty loophole for small parcels is a positive step towards fairer competition, but it could also push up online prices, prompting consumers to reassess buying habits. 'For premium retailers, concerns will centre on whether higher taxes erode the spending power of their core customer base.' The teenager who threw a six-year-old boy from the 10th floor of the Tate Modern art gallery has been found guilty of assaulting two women at Broadmoor Hospital. Jonty Bravery, who is now 23, refused to appear via video link at court today, where he was accused of hitting out at Linda McKinlay and Kate Mastalerz at the maximum security hospital in Berkshire on September 30 last year. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring found him guilty in his absence after agreeing to proceed with the hour-long trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court, concluding Bravery 'deliberately absented himself' from the case. He will be sentenced in January, though he is already serving a life term with a minimum of 15 years before he can be considered for release over the Tate Modern incident. Outlining the case today, prosecutor Tom Heslop said Bravery was in his room at Broadmoor which contains only a mattress on the floor and an adjoining bathroom. He is also required to be supervised by three members of staff at all times of the day and night, due to his mental health needs. Mr Heslop said Bravery asked to use the toilet and, upon returning to his bedroom, attempted to climb out of the window before being restrained by Ms McKinlay and Ms Mastalerz. He said: 'He finally calmed down. Ms Mastalerz took his other arm in the restraint. Jonty Bravery, pictured in 2019, was convicted of assaulting two women at Broadmoor 'At this point Mr Bravery kicked out towards Ms Mastalerz in the groin area, and then turned his attention to Ms McKinlay to her leg and clawed across her face with his fingernails.' The nurses described how Bravery - who was only wearing boxer shorts at the time - repeatedly struck out at them after saying he wanted to harm himself. Ms McKinlay told the court: 'He was just kicking, he managed to get his legs up, he attacked my face by clawing at my face. 'My face and my eye was all scratched and bleeding. 'At the time it was just a case of dealing with the situation but afterwards I was very shaky and couldn't believe it happened. 'In all my years of being in Broadmoor I had never been attacked before so it was a real shock. '(I was) very, very shook up, upset, could not believe it.' The experienced nurse was taken to hospital and discharged the following morning. She said she was now 'very, very cautious' at work as a result. '(I'm) just nervous sometimes when I'm approaching an incident,' she said. 'My main thing is my family and grandkids seeing me like that.' Her colleague Ms Mastalerz described how she could see 'droplets of blood' on Ms McKinlay's face before Bravery then attacked her, she said. 'He started kicking us from both sides and he made contact with me,' she told the court. She said the incident had more of an impact on her mentally rather than physically. She said: 'It was a very stressful situation for myself and for my colleague and for Jonty, and it was not very pleasant.' The judge said the staff members had used reasonable force to restrain Bravery who 'went too far' and was 'under no physical threat at the time'. He will be sentenced on January 8. Bravery was in Broadmoor after admitting attempted murder when he threw the French tourist 100ft (30m) from the viewing platform of the London attraction in front of horrified onlookers in August 2019. The boy suffered life-changing injuries, including a bleed to the brain, fractures to his spine and broken arms and legs, and endured years of therapy, although his family said he has recently learned to run, swim and jump again. Bravery, who has autism and a personality disorder, was 17 at the time and has been detained ever since. In January 2020, Bravery punched a female nursing assistant in the head and face then bit a rehabilitation therapist assistant on his finger when he tried to help his colleague, and was jailed for another 14 weeks in custody after admitting two assaults. A British grandfather has been killed in Africa after being mugged by two men trying to steal his phone. Jeff Cantwell, 79, had been living in Brusubi, located near the western coast of The Gambia, for over a decade when he was brutally murdered. He had left his compound to meet some friends at a restaurant on Sunday evening when two men jumped him, his family say. Friends thought something was wrong when Jeff, from Oldham, Greater Manchester, hadn't arrived and wasn't picking up his phone. They then went to his house where they found him seriously injured. He was rushed to hospital, where he died shortly after. Mr Cantwell had been working with different African charities on different projects, including finding sponsorship for school uniforms and arranging medical supplies for hospitals in remote areas. He had only just returned to The Gambia at the beginning of October from a six-month trip to the UK to see his family, who are based in Hollinwood, Oldham. Jeff's devastated daughter Janine Cantwell, 52, said: 'Yesterday we got a message from one of my dads friends in Gambia that my dad had passed away. British grandfather Jeff Cantwell was killed in The Gambia on Sunday after thieves tried to steal his phone Mr Cantwell leaves behind three children, three grandchildren and 11-great grandchildren 'This was quite a shock as he only went back to Gambia on the October 1st after being with me for six months but what is more shocking and upsetting is that he had been attacked. 'We don't know the full story yet. I have been in contact contact with the foreign office but they don't know any more at the moment', she said. Ms Cantwell added: 'Our dad has been murdered and we have no answers apart from shock. 'They assaulted and mugged a 79 year old man [and] ended up killing him'. She said she is planning to travel to Gambia next week to make funeral arrangements for her father. 'I know it will be a struggle as right now we are full of hurt, anger and a feeling of being in limbo and lost but we will get through it,' she said. Danielle Egerton, 32, has set up a GoFundMe campaign for her mother-in-law, Janine Cantwell, to raise money to bring his body back to the UK. Ms Egerton has told how it could cost them up to 10,000 to bring him home, adding that they have to pay a fee each day Jeff's body is kept in the morgue. Jeff had two other sons, Mark and Andy, as well as three grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Ms Egerton said that the family are also facing mounting costs while his body remains in the morgue. Speaking on behalf of the family, Ms Egerton said that everyone is 'absolutely heartbroken' by Jeff's death. She said that the family has very little information about what happened to Jeff and are finding out 'a bit more every day'. She said: 'They just can't believe that it's happened. He always loved it there, it's where he was his happiest. 'I have looked online and it says it can cost between 3,000 and 10,000 to bring him home.' The family says that they have contacted the Gambian police, who have launched an investigation. An FCDO Spokesperson said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who died in The Gambia and are in contact with the local authorities.' A police officer has been cleared of misconduct after he allegedly kept an innocent businessman in a cell despite knowing he had been wrongfully arrested. PC James Martin was accused of wrongfully keeping private security boss Benjamin Churchill in custody, after he knew he was innocent. Mr Churchill was arrested in front of his seven-year-old son after a colleague of PC Martin made a prank call pretending to be him and called Martin a 'p***k'. It was alleged PC Martin committed misconduct in a public office because he did not speak up, so Mr Churchill spent longer in custody. Prosecutor Stephanie Painter said that the Hampshire Constabulary officer had issues with Mr Churchill and suspected him of being involved in the drugs trade. PC Martin, a specialist dog handler in Newport on the Isle of Wight, also believed that Mr Churchill would use excessive force on nightclub clients, it was heard. Following a 'professional disagreement' on December 10, Mr Churchill reported PC Martin for intimidating behaviour. Subsequently, PC Martin sent an email to numerous colleagues saying that he was suspicious of the bouncer. PC James Martin (pictured) was accused of wrongfully keeping private security boss Benjamin Churchill in custody, after he knew he was innocent Mr Churchill was arrested in front of his seven-year-old son after a colleague of PC Martin made a prank call pretending to be him and called Martin a 'p***k' He told them of his suspicions of Mr Churchill's involvement with drugs, and said that they should follow up on any reports of him using excessive force. Late on December 30, friend and colleague PC Benjamin Magee, who had received the email, decided to prank call the officer by pretending to be Mr Churchill. He told PC Martin that he'd 'heard he'd been chatting about him' and called him a 'p***k'. PC Martin was apparently unaware that this was a joke and immediately reported the call to senior officers as a threat. He also changed his phone number the next day because he believed that Mr Churchill had his contact details. The next day, Mr Churchill was arrested in front of his seven-year-old son while they were playing draughts, with Mr Churchill saying it was very scary for his son. He was arrested for malicious communication and kept in custody for an hour and 40 minutes, which he said felt like forever. Mr Churchill was only released after PC Magee went to the station to confess that this was the result of a prank that went horribly wrong. PC Magee was ordered to issue a full and public apology to Mr Churchill after his own misconduct hearing last year. After a four-day trial at Salisbury Crown Court, Wilts, serving officer PC Martin was found not guilty by a jury of misconduct in a public office. Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said PC Martin would remain on directed duties whilst any potential misconduct matters are considered. It added that he would be given support to enable him to move forward. Consumed by fantasies of Olympic glory and meetings with billionaires, a martial arts instructor slaughtered a family and left their loved ones in despair. Kwang Kyung Yoo, 51, killed a student at his taekwondo studio, the boy's mother Min Kyung 'Sue' Cho, 41, and his father Hyun Soo 'Steven' Cho, 39 on February 19, 2024. Yoo had lied about meeting wealthy business tycoons, qualifying for the 2000 Olympics, owning a Lamborghini and living in Sydney's wealthy eastern suburbs, Justice Ian Harrison heard on Thursday. To impress his own wife, he would send emails to himself, pretending to be important people. 'These are a form of fantasy, essentially a grandiose or self-important fantasy that he's richer, has more social status, has more success in life in different domains than he actually does,' forensic psychiatrist Andrew Ellis told the NSW Supreme Court. 'They're psychiatrically unusual because they're quite easily refuted. 'But it's an immature way of managing your own self-image.' Yoo was really in substantial debt and behind on rent. The seven-year-old boy, his mother Min Kyung 'Sue' Cho, aged 41, and his father Hyun Soo 'Steven' Cho, aged 39 (pictured together) The court heard Yoo (pictured) was a serial liar who was obsessed with status He owed $3000 on a credit card and another $8000 for his North Parramatta martial arts studio, the agreed facts state. He and his wife had $10,000 across their bank accounts and cards. According to prosecutors, Yoo began thinking of murder after slowly seeing the father of a taekwondo student become successful and wealthy. His mind turned to how he could kill the father, his wife and the seven-year-old student to get their money, the court was told. By February 2024, he acted - strangling the mum and son in his studio before driving the woman's BMW to the family home in Baulkham Hills and fatally stabbing the father. After his arrest, Yoo bizarrely could not explain how he was going to get the family's money and later detailed his remorse. 'I was ... good ... two months ago, then I'm a murderer,' he said. 'I feel shame, guilt and sorrow.' Yoo taught the boy at Lion's Taekwondo Martial Arts Academy (pictured) in North Parramatta Police claim Yoo repeatedly inflated his personal wealth, education and income (pictured, officers at the academy) Though there was no evidence Yoo harboured any hatred for his victims and a specific motive has not been identified, his lawyer Richard Wilson SC acknowledged the murderer 'had some envy'. Yoo on Thursday was confronted by the slain family's loved ones, who wore crocheted flowers on their lapels as they filled the public gallery of the courtroom and laid bare their grief. Taking frequent glances at the killer, a supporter read an impact statement from the woman's parents in Korean - Yoo's head bowing lower and lower as the words washed over him. 'Our lives have been utterly destroyed,' an English translation of the statement said. 'Ordinary days, small happinesses, laughter and conversation - all of them have disappeared.' Sobs and sniffs reverberated through the courtroom. Yoo did not raise his head as the parents recounted how their daughter, son-in-law and grandchild were killed. 'Even now we can still hear the screams and tears ... Every moment we breathe is painful.' Mr Cho attempted to fight off Yoo and inflicted several stab wounds on the taekwondo instructor in self defence, which resulted in Yoo going to hospital (pictured, the Cho home) The mother's brother made a lament to the heavens, asking what his family had done to deserve a tragedy like this. 'Why were our ancestors so cruel to us?' his victim impact statement said. 'What wrong did we commit that they had to take her and upset mum?' Yoo's interpreter began wiping away tears as the brother described everything he wished he had told his younger sister, aged 41. 'Mum's vanity table is piled high with tissues soaked in tears as she thinks of you,' his statement said. 'Whenever I was struggling, I knew I could reach out to you - my only little sister. 'Now I am left alone, what do I do?' Shortly before the murders, Yoo had lied to his wife, telling her a school where he worked would soon provide him with a BMW. He would arrive at Westmead Hospital in a BMW belonging to the deceased, an hour after the 39-year-old father stabbed him in self-defence. Yoo will be sentenced on December 16. Two Romanian lorry drivers who attempted to smuggle 49 people out of the UK and into France have been jailed. Marius Bajenaru, 44, and Sorin-Costinel Ivan, 46, made it all the way to dover with the migrants hidden away before they were arrested by officers from the National Crime Agency on September 18, 2025. Bajenaru was found with 17 migrants hidden in the back of his Romanian-registered panel van and almost 4,000 in cash in a black plastic bag. Ivan had 32 people, mostly Bangladeshi, in the trailer of his lorry, as well as three bundles of cash worth 9,950 in the cab. In an interview with NCA, Bajenaru confessed that he had collected the migrants from a layby on the A20 and was going to be paid around 200 for each person he smuggled. Ivan also admitted visiting a layby on the same road, but initially denied any knowledge of the 32 people in his trailer. However, he later admitted a charge of facilitating illegal immigration. Both men were sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court on Tuesday. Ivan was jailed for three years and four months, while Bajenaru was given a jail sentence of two years and eight months. A total of 17 migrants were discovered in the back of a van which was raided by the National Crime Agency at the Port of Dover Another van that was being driven by a people smuggler, in which 32 people, mostly Bangladeshi, were found to be hiding Marius Bajenaru, 44, and Sorin-Costinel Ivan, 46, have both been jailed for attempting to smuggle the 49 migrants out of the UK National Crime Agency senior investigating officer John Turner said: 'People smuggling gangs will pitch this as a low-risk way of making extra money to drivers, but as this case shows it is anything but. 'Those caught face potentially life-changing prison sentences. 'The criminal networks involved in this type of offending show no regard for the safety of those they transport, treating people as commodities. 'Working with partners we are doing all we can to disrupt and dismantle their operations.' Earlier this month, the NCA revealed that organised crime groups are targeting HGV drivers to smuggle illegal migrants in and out of the country. Investigators said drivers are being tempted with thousands of pounds to transport migrants hidden in lorries - some knowingly loading people illegally into the back, while others are left instructions on where and when to leave vehicles open for migrants to climb in. The NCA says that these smuggling operations are sophisticated, using legitimate freight loads as cover and exploiting drivers who might see it as a 'low-risk' way to make quick money. They said gangs often offer lorry drivers lucrative payoffs or use threats to coerce them into cooperating. Almost 4,000 in cash was discovered in a black plastic bag in Bajenaru's panel van In one of the most significant cases, seven members of a London-based smuggling network were jailed in July for organising journeys from the UK to France. The gang, led by Algerian national Azize Benaniba, 41, used a network of HGV drivers to transport hundreds of migrants, including children as young as five, packed into airtight trailers. Although everyone was found alive, many needed medical attention due to the conditions they had been left in. Benaniba was sentenced to nearly 13 years in prison, while his accomplices - all North African nationals - received sentences ranging from seven to 13 years. Rachel Reeves has been berated for betraying her vows to working people as she insisted her monster 30billion Budget tax rise was the 'absolute minimum' possible. The Chancellor was challenged by Susanna Reid on ITV on how anyone could 'believe anything you say' as she toured broadcast studios defending her raid. Ms Reeves insisted she 'had' to impose more pain on the country in yesterday's announcement even though the Treasury's own watchdog only told her there was a 6billion hole in the public finances - and huge sums are being splurged on benefits. She blamed Brexit and Trump's tariffs as she wriggled on whether it broke Labour's manifesto, claiming that document only committed to not changing tax 'rates'. When Ms Reid confronted her on Good Morning Britain, Ms Reeves replied: 'I am Chancellor in the world as it is and not in the world as I might like it to be.' Now, take the Daily Mail's latest poll to have your say on whether the Chancellor should apologise for raising taxes in the Budget despite the pledge. Yesterday's post-Budget poll of Daily Mail readers showed two thirds back Nigel Farage's Reform Party and would want Donald Trump as leader Two farmers have been arrested and a tractor has been seized amid protests against Rachel Reeves' budget. Farmers from across the UK descended on central London yesterday to demonstrate against the Chancellor's plans on controversial UK inheritance tax reforms. But, at the 11th hour, they were banned from bringing their tractors as the Met Police placed conditions on the protests. Farmers were no longer allowed to protest outside Downing Street as the force said it could 'result in serious disruption to the life of the community'. Despite this, dozens of tractors were parked outside Parliament in defiance of police restrictions prohibiting agricultural machinery from the area. They repeatedly sounded the tractor horns while police stood watching, with rush-hour traffic brought to a standstill. The force has since confirmed two individuals were taken into custody for breaching the conditions while protesting against the ending of inheritance relief. Meanwhile, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has declared he will pay for the defence of farmers, who have been arrested. 'The farmers' planned protest on Whitehall has been cancelled by the police at the last moment,' he said yesterday. A man was detained by police officers yesterday as farmers protest against inheritance tax in London ahead of Rachel Reeves' Budget Police said they made several arrests at the demo. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said he would pay any arrested farmer's legal bills Farmers take part in a protest with their tractors in Whitehall, London, ahead of Rachel Reeves delivering the Budget Another sign from defiant agriculturists reads, 'No farms, no food, no future' as they protest against the inheritance tax raid 'They have come to London and are now being arrested. This is outrageous. 'Reform UK will provide full legal support to every farmer protesting peacefully.' One man being led away by police told Farmers Guide: 'He just said "Right, that's it, you've been warned three times, I'm arresting you". It's a joke!'. A Met Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail today: 'Officers attended a protest organised by farmers on Wednesday, 26 November, in Westminster. 'Conditions were put in place to prevent protestors bringing vehicles, including tractors and other vehicles, to the protest. 'This decision was taken due to the serious disruption they may cause to the local area, including businesses, emergency services and Londoners going about their day. 'The vast majority of protestors complied with these conditions, however there were two arrests for breach of conditions and one tractor was seized for causing an obstruction.' Yesterday, one green tractor was spotted with a dragon on the back, as well as the words: 'I save my labour. RIP farming.' The restrictions on the demonstration, organised by Berkshire Farmers, were met with fury and accusations of 'two-tier policing'. British farmers protesting in Whitehall hold a sign which reads: 'Working people need aspiration not taxation' The gathering was intended by organisers to have been 'one of the most striking rural demonstrations in years', with hundreds of tractors taking part British farmers rally at Trafalgar Square, calling on British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to scrap inheritance tax on family farms Despite the ban, tractors have been seen making their way to central London on Wednesday morning Speaking to Sky News, organiser Dan Willis from Berkshire Farmers, said he was 'absolutely devastated' by the restrictions on their demonstration Speaking to Sky News, organiser Dan Willis from Berkshire Farmers said he was 'absolutely devastated' by the restrictions on their demonstration. 'We had already got the word out to everybody, it was impossible. They were coming anyway,' he said. 'The Met, unfortunately, have scored an own goal here and created carnage. We know it's come from the government. 'We know they don't want to listen to us in the house or on the street, but we need to exercise our right to protest, and at the end of the day, that is what's happening. 'This is such an emotive issue, you are talking about death and losing family assets, which is how we earn our living and by the way, produce our food. 'Taxing the working people of this country, it is impossible to go on.' The farmers then shoved red boxes with the words, 'Who needs food', 'Taxed to death', 'Budget 2024', into farm machinery, which spat out shredded remnants. A woman told the broadcaster: 'Look at these young people around you now, all these young people want to go farming, and you are going to stop them doing their jobs One tractor sign read yesterday, 'Fools vote Labour', as farmers take a stand against inheritance tax Farmer and former Big Brother contestant, Cameron Kinch, said of the inheritance tax: 'It's going to potentially destroy British agriculture as we know it in this country' 'We need them to be able to carry on these businesses and bring the food to this country, and the food the people want in this country. 'The British people want British food, and that's more important. This inheritance tax is just stopping all these young people from their jobs.' Meanwhile, others driving around the streets of the capital city were seen with signs that read: 'No farms, no food, no future,' as well as 'fools vote for Labour'. Farmer and former Big Brother contestant, Cameron Kinch, said: 'It's going to potentially destroy British agriculture as we know it in this country. Clive Bailye, of The Farming Forum, who organised the first tractor protest against the inheritance tax raid last November, said: 'It does feel like two-tier policing. The feedback from the Met about our protest was that we were a pleasure to work with. 'Passing on your farm to your kids is why we farm, quite frankly.' He added: 'Like many farming families across the country, I have elderly grandparents and the best tax advice up until this point in the broad terms has been to keep your farm in the oldest generation. 'But with the changes coming in, it will mean you have seven years if you want to avoid this catastrophe that will come if your parents die. It is a tax that we can't afford to pay. A tractor parked in central London on Wednesday with a sign that reads: 'Save UK food security' More tractors parked around Trafalgar Square despite restrictions, with signs that read, 'Back British farming,' and, 'Fair pricing for farmers and consumers' 'When you have returns on investments on the farms at 0.5 per cent, and the government expects us to pay 20 per cent value on the farm, you can do the maths. You are going to have to sell up the farm. It's really that simple.' Of Britain, he said: 'It is not the greatest place to be a farmer at the minute, I can't lie.' Gareth Wyn Jones, a farmer from North Wales, echoed a similar sentiment, describing the current climate within the farming industry as 'pretty scary'. 'We've already had people taking their own lives, mental health is at an all-time low,' he told the Daily Mail. 'Personally, I don't think anybody should be paying inheritance tax. We're already taxed on that money. 'We've been taxed when we buy it, and we're taxed on everything we do. It's frustrating when you work so hard. 'My father, he's 89, he's never had a holiday, never had a passport, never bought a new car. He's worked all his life, and he wants to hand that down, and before the previous Budget, he could have done that with no tax implications. Farmers taking part in yesterday's protests hold up flyers which read: 'Axe the family farm tax' Farmers took to the streets of London yesterday's bringing rush-hour traffic to a standstill as they protested ahead of Rachel Reeves' Budget A protester on Wednesday props up a sign which says: 'Every meal begins with a farmer' Farmers and supporters stage a Budget Day protest in Trafalgar Square on November 26, 2025 'It could now cost us a fortune,' he added. 'There are a lot of farmers who are not in a position to pay it, so we need a change 'If we had a war or another pandemic, this country would go hungry very, very quickly. 'And the more farmers that go out of business and the more farmers we lose, the less chance we can be food secure in the United Kingdom. 'They haven't done their mathematics very well, Rachel from accounts is not very good at making the sums, and that's the truth.' Of the Met's protest ban on tractors, he added: 'Well, it looks like they're going to have to let them go to Whitehall. 'The whole of London is now at a standstill, and it's all because the Met Police pulled the plug on this at the last minute, which is absolutely shambolic.' Farmer Mark Watler from Grantham, Lincolnshire, was among campaigners from the National Farmers' Union gathered in Trafalgar Square. The 50-year-old said: 'The inheritance tax is just the tip of the iceberg. We're not doing it for the money, it's a passion. We just want a fair deal.' A tractor parked outside Parliament holds up an English flag as well as a sign which reads: 'Fools vote Labour' Pictured: Furious farmers defying yesterday's tractor ban as they drive to Westminster in protest over Rachel Reeves ' Budget Another tractor making its way through the streets of London after farmers had been banned from bringing their tractors to a planned protests on Monday ahead of the Budget 'I've grown up working on farms from the age of 12. It's disheartening to see how we're being treated.' Tractors are also parked up around the equestrian statue of Charles I in Westminster, despite police restrictions. David Gunn, an arable farmer and agricultural contractor from near Sevenoaks in Kent, said he was protesting for several reasons. 'Inheritance tax is one reason, it's going to cripple the farmers, the small family farmers,' he said. 'There's all the other taxes they've been putting on us, and the prices we get for our produce and what it costs in the shop, we don't make any money. 'Then there's food security, farmers are going out of business,' he added a message to the government, which was: 'Sort the pledge out.' Another farmer attended the event dressed as Father Christmas, with his tractor carrying a large spruce tree and bearing a sign that read: 'Farmer Christmas - the naughty list: Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, Diane Abbott, Angela Rayner & the BBC'. In their Tuesday statement, the Met said the decision to ban agricultural machinery from Whitehall had been taken because of 'serious disruption' the vehicles may cause to the local area, including businesses, emergency services and the public. A tractor flies a Union Jack Flag near the near the Elizabeth Tower, commonly referred to as Big Ben Any individual taking part in the farmers' protest must remain in a specified area in Richmond Terrace, Whitehall, the force added. One farmer said: 'The event had permission and all previous events have been peaceful, tidy and with no arrests'. He asked: 'Is this two-tier policing to avoid embarrassment to (Rachel) Reeves on budget day?' Yorkshire farmer Jonathan Charlesworth, whose father John took his own life so he could pass on the farm before Ms Reeves' hated new policy comes in next April, said: 'All previous farmer protests have been peaceful and well organised; it is an awareness event to raise legitimate concerns farmers in the UK have about the dismal outlook for farming businesses in the UK. 'I don't believe any of the reasons given to cancel the tractor convoy have a basis, considering much more divisive marches have taken place including pro-Palestinian marches and the Tommy Robinson march combined with the Stand up to Racism March on the same day. 'It screams two-tier policing, to protect the government from further adverse publicity on another budget day that is likely to bring more hardship to working families from all walks of life not just farmers.' Mr Charlesworth Sr, 78, was found dead the day before budget day last October 29 having read rumours about the planned tax raid. Wednesday's protest comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing pressure from farmers to axe plans to introduce inheritance tax on farming land and businesses. The Chancellor's plans to introduce a 20 per cent rate on agricultural land and businesses worth more than 1 million have become a political flashpoint for a sector struggling with rising costs, tough market conditions and worsening climate impacts. Last December, thousands of protesters gathered along Whitehall and angry farmers drove their tractors outside Parliament, demonstrating against the decision which farmers said put their businesses, futures and food security at risk. Tory MP Sir John Hayes, chairman of the backbench Common Sense group, said: 'It shouldn't be beyond the wit of the Metropolitan Police to allow activities of this kind. 'It seems bizarre that they allow so many demonstrations to go ahead by the most bizarre, extreme groups yet we can't allow the farmers who feed the nation.' Clive Bailye, of The Farming Forum, who organised the first tractor protest against the inheritance tax raid last November, said: 'It does feel like two-tier policing. The feedback from the Met about our protest was that we were a pleasure to work with. 'The organisers of this protest were assured it could go ahead, then were told at 2.30pm yesterday that it couldn't.' Victoria Atkins MP, Shadow Environment Secretary, said: 'Farmers deserve answers. The police have changed their minds with less than 24 hours to go, having worked with farmers over the last 12 days to ensure a safe and effective protest over the vindictive Family Farm and Business Taxes. 'What has changed? It doesn't smell right, particularly when we think of the regular and frequent protests that are allowed in SW1, which inconvenience motorists, residents and businesses without consideration. Is this to save the Chancellor embarrassment ahead of her Budget of Broken Promises?' Rachel Reeves' hopes of boosting growth in beleaguered Britain could be battered by her decision to raid workers' pensions, experts warned today. Employers may reduce hiring and reduce salaries after the Chancellor yesterday revealed salary sacrifice contributions, where workers forego wages in return for the money being paid directly into their retirement fund, will be capped at a fraction of their current rate. A new cap of 2,000 a year, down from 60,000, will come into effect in 2029, with forecasts suggesting it will claw back 4.7billion for the Government that year and 2.6billion in the following year. The scheme enables workers to save on tax and National Insurance and boost the amount invested in their pension pots, while employers save on their NI contributions (NICS). Isaac Delestre, a tax expert at the Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank, today warned that the change was 'ultimately an increase in NICS', adding: 'We would expect to see a reduction in total work done, both because people are now being taxed more heavily on their work and because people are more expensive to employ.' He also warned the raid could see workers simply cutting their pension contributions, putting away less money for their future. Take-home pay could also be hit, he said, with employers 'offering slightly lower salaries but higher pension contributions'. Questions have also been raised over the fairness of the raid. Public sector pension schemes with guaranteed retirement income based on a worker's final salary, or career average earnings, operate under a different system and will not be affected. Gary Smith, senior partner and retirement specialist at wealth management firm Evelyn Partners, said: 'A cap on employee salary sacrifice for pension contributions should therefore have little impact on the public sector, including all of the civil service and government-backed schemes, which will save this Government another run-in with the unions and vested public sector interests.' Employers may reduce hiring and reduce salaries after the Chancellor yesterday revealed salary sacrifice contributions where workers forego wages in return for the money being paid directly into their retirement fund, will be capped at a fraction of their current rate. The Resolution Foundation chief executive Ruth Curtice said most of Budget's impact would be felt in three years. 'That's when most of the pain from this Budget will be felt,' she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'This Parliament is set to be second only to the last parliament for (living) standards This decade continues to look really, really tough.' Helen Morrissey, head of retirement analysis at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'It's important to say that contributions will still be exempt from income tax, so it remains a really tax efficient way to save for retirement. 'It's also worth saying that the change will not be made until 2029, so there is plenty of time to make the most of the system as it currently stands. 'If you have some spare cash and you contribute to a salary sacrifice arrangement it could make sense to boost your contributions and make the most of the income tax and National Insurance savings to boost your long-term resilience.' Asylum seekers - including small boat migrants - now make up 44 per cent of net migration to Britain, new figures show. Net migration - the difference between those arriving to live long-term in Britain minus those emigrating - plummeted to 204,000 in the year to June, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said today. But the number of asylum seekers coming to Britain has surged to a record high. As other types of migrant - such as foreign workers - leave the UK in greater numbers, asylum seekers are accounting for a greater share of the net total. A spokesman for Oxford University's Migration Observatory, recognised as one of the most authoritative commentators on immigration issues, said: 'The only major migration category where net migration did not decrease was asylum. 'Long-term immigration of asylum seekers was 96,000 in the year ending June 2025, making up 11 per cent of all immigrationdouble the 5 per cent share in 2019. 'Relatively few asylum migrants emigrate, so net migration of people seeking asylum was 90,000 in the same period, equivalent 44 per cent of total net migration. 'This share was also around double the pre-Brexit figure of 22 per cent in 2019.' Migrants sprint into the sea at Gravelines beach in northern France in August this year to board a people smugglers' dinghy bound for Britain Dr Ben Brindle, researcher at the Migration Observatory, questioned the economic impact of the changing composition of migration. 'It does seem that the composition of migration has become less favourable from an economic perspective, with fewer people getting skilled worker visas and a higher share of refugees, who often need a lot of support,' he said. 'The economic impacts of changes in migration depend on who is migrating, not just how many.' Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The figures are likely to be even more stark than depicted in the Migration Observatory's analysis. It was based on today's ONS data and older Home Office figures up to June. But the Home Office has today published separate figures covering a more up to date period showing an even higher level of asylum claims. In the year to September there were 110,051 asylum claims lodged in Britain, a record high, and far above the 96,000 used to calculate the 44 per cent figure. Because net migration has seen such a rapid fall - down two thirds from 649,000 a year earlier - it is likely to have continued falling in the most recent three months. This would make the proportion of net migration made up by asylum seekers even more pronounced. The picture is likely to become clearer when the ONS publishes its next figures on net migration in six months' time. The carve up of Virginia Giuffre's sizable wealth could begin as early as Friday, with lawyers set to meet in a Perth courtroom to battle over the royal millions. Christian Giuffre one of Virginia's adult sons - is involved in the court battle but told the Daily Mail he was unlikely to show up for the early stages of legal action. He along with his brother are challenging claims from his late mother's carer and barrister. Answering the door at his family's beachfront mansion in Perth, the 19-year-old politely declined to comment about the looming case, and added that his father Robert was not at home. 'Probably not,' he said when asked whether he would show up in person at the Supreme Court of Western Australia hearing, 'I don't really like lawyers'. At stake is Giuffre's estimated $25million estate, comprising a 2022 payout of up to $24.5million from the former Prince Andrew, whose title recently changed to simply Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. There was also $770,000 paid by paedophile Jeffrey Epstein in 2009 and an undisclosed sum paid by his cohort Ghislaine Maxwell in 2017 after Giuffre sued her for defamation. Virginia Giuffre's fear of losing this money amid turmoil over her failed marriage had reportedly been weighing heavily on the 41-year-old when she sadly took her own life seven months ago, on April 25. Despite the payout, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor strongly denies he was sexually involved with Ms Giuffre when she was 17. The people in Virginia Giuffre's life are set to duke it out in court over her substantial fortune following her death Andrew (pictured at the end of September driving out of his home at Royal Lodge at Windsor) has lost his royal title The money he paid to her, which did not include any admissions of liability, was allegedly partly his mother's, from the late Queen Elizabeth II's Duchy of Lancaster private funds. She provided funds so that the public would not have to pay. Now, the people in Giuffre's life are allegedly preparing to duke it out in court cases stretching across the world for a slice of the millions. These include her sons, her estranged husband, housekeeper and carer, her Perth barrister, as well as her US-based brother and half-brother and a woman she alleged was an Epstein cohort. The first hearing of several looming court actions will be held in the Supreme Court of Western Australia in central Perth near the magnificent Kings Park, which is named after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's great grandfather, King Edward VII. The case management hearing is listed for civil proceedings between Virginia's two sons, Christian Alexander Giuffre and his 18-year-old brother Noah Shane Giuffre, and their mother's former lawyer, Perth barrister Karrie Louden, and her carer and housekeeper at the time of her death, Cheryl Myers. Virginia's two boys with Robert they also have a 15-year-old daughter applied in June to become administrators of her estate. It had been estimated that Robert Giuffre, who had instigated separation proceedings but not finalised a divorce against Virginia, could inherit one-third of her estate. Their children would likely get the remaining two-thirds. At the time of her death, Virginia was subject to a restraining order taken out by Robert in the Perth courts, which she said prevented her from seeing her children. The former Duke of York, Virginia Giuffre, and Ghislaine Maxwell in an undated picture She owned four properties, including the $2.5million Perth house overlooking the Indian Ocean where Robert lived with their children, and the $1.3million farmhouse about 80km north of Perth where she lived. Ms Louden and Ms Myers have mounted a legal challenge to prevent Virginia's sons from being granted authority over the estate. Christian and Noah Giuffre are listed as first plaintiffs in the action and defendants by counterclaim, with Ms Louden and Ms Myers as defendants, and then the plaintiffs in the counterclaim. Meanwhile, one man will be representing, as it were, the ghost of Virginia, who died without a valid will. The court is paying guardian and family trust expert Ian Torrington Blatchford $400 an hour after it was forced to appoint an interim administrator to oversee Giuffre's estate during the legal dispute. According to WA Supreme Court documents seen by the Daily Mail, Mr Blatchford is appointed as 'the legal personal representative of the deceased in any legal proceedings or arbitration in which the deceased was a party prior to her death'. These included proceedings by Robert Giuffre in WA, an action in the US Second Circuit Court of Appeal against Ghislaine Maxwell, the US District Court where Giuffre was the defendant in an action by Rina Oh Amen, and arbitration in which US attorney Alan Dershowitz was the defendant. The documents stated that 'the administrator is authorised as the deceased's legal personal representative to do all things necessary in respect of the deceased's memoir, 'Nobody's Girl'. This included but was not limited to sourcing copies of all agreements or contracts with publishers Knopf Doubleday and Penguin Random House and with co-author, Amy Wallace. It has also been reported that, from the US, Virginia's brother Sky Roberts and her half-brother Danny Wilson had hired a Perth lawyer to challenge any claim by Robert Giuffre on his wife's estate. The man who allegedly stabbed a Ukrainian refugee to death on a commuter train previously told police that his body was being controlled by 'man-made material,' it has emerged. DeCarlos Brown Jr suffered an apparent mental health crisis eight months before he allegedly killed 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska on a packed train in North Carolina. Newly released body camera footage shows Brown, 35, pacing along a sidewalk on January 19 this year as he begged police to help him after he allegedly lost control of his own body. 'Someone has exposed me to man-made material; there are voices in my head controlling me,' he told officers. Police advised that Brown should seek medical attention at a hospital, but he became visibly upset by their response to his complaint. 'If I get an MRI and they see what it is, what they gonna say? We gotta get surgery and get that out so we can investigate what the f*** that is,' Brown pushed back. Brown, growing more upset throughout the interaction, was warned he would be arrested if he called 911 again with the same complaint. He called dispatch a second time while in the presence of the responding officers and was taken into custody. Newly released body camera footage shows DeCarlos Brown Jr pacing along a sidewalk on January 19 this year as he begged police to help him after he allegedly lost control of his own body 'Someone has exposed me to man-made material; there are voices in my head controlling me,' he told officers. Police advised that Brown should seek medical attention at a hospital, but he became visibly upset by their response to his complaint 'Put your hands behind your back. You're being arrested for misuse of 911,' an officer told him. 'What I misused it for?' Brown asked. 'Because I told you if you didn't have a police emergency and if you would call back over some nonsense, then I would have to arrest you for misuse of 911,' the officer replied. He was charged with misuse of the 911 system and released without bail, court records showed. His mother previously told WSOC that Brown had been arrested more than a dozen times and was suffering from mental health issues. She claimed he served five years in prison on an armed robbery charge and 'started saying weird things' after his release in 2020. She had him evaluated by a psychiatrist and, after a two-weekslong evaluation, was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Brown lived with his mother after his release from psychiatric hold, but she said she had to kick him out after he became very aggressive. He was then homeless. Authorities have said Brown repeatedly stabbed Iryna Zarutska (pictured) with a pocket knife from behind while aboard a Lynx Blue Line train in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 22 Authorities have said Brown repeatedly stabbed Zarutska with a pocket knife from behind while aboard a Lynx Blue Line train in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 22. Shocking surveillance footage from the scene showed the suspect watching Zarutska for some time after she sat in the row in front of him, before taking what appeared to be a blade from his pocked. Brown then stood up and loomed over the Ukrainian refugee, swinging the knife at her as she sat on her phone. As he exited the train, Brown left behind a trail of blood - though other passengers did not seem to realize the murder that occurred in front of them. Video then showed Zarutska curled up with her knees against her chest and her hands over her mouth while she looks up at her attacker. About 15 seconds later, she fell to the floor. At that point, passengers started making frantic phone calls to police. Bystanders were seen trying to stop the bleeding by putting pressure on her wounds. Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death last month. The indictment notes that he could be eligible for the death penalty, based off his prior conviction in 2015 for robbery with a dangerous weapon. Decarlos Brown Jr.,34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of violence against a railroad carrier and mass transportation system resulting in death on Wednesday Shocking video surveillance showed Brown appear to stab Iryna Zarutska, 23, aboard a Lynx Blue Line train in Charlotte, North Carolina on August 22 The senseless nature of Zarutska's murder, plus the fact that Brown had been released after a misdemeanor charge months before the crime, has made it a political flashpoint for Republicans and the Trump administration. 'For far too long, Americans have been forced to put up with Democrat-run cities that set loose savage, bloodthirsty criminals to prey on innocent people,' President Donald Trump said on September 9 in an Oval Office address. 'In Charlotte, North Carolina, we saw the results of these policies when a 23-year-old woman who came here from Ukraine met her bloody end on a public train,' he added. 'A beautiful young girl that never had problems in life, with a magnificent future in this country and now she's dead.' Brown has spent most of his life in and out of prison, spending five years behind bars for the armed robbery. He was released in September 2020 and went right back to his old ways. The career criminal's most recent arrest before Zarutska's killing came on January 19, when he was taken into custody for 'misuse of the 911 system'. Brown now remains behind bars as he awaits trial. In addition to the federal charges, Brown is facing first-degree murder charges at the state level. Zarutska came to the United States in 2022 to flee the violence in Ukraine after Russia 's invasion President Donald Trump condemned the murder in a message from the Oval Office Both crimes can now be punished with life in prison or the death penalty, after North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed a bill into law earlier this month reinstating the use of the death penalty in the state. There had previously been a moratorium on the death penalty in North Carolina since the early 2000s. The new law, entitled 'Iryna's Law,' also aimed to end cashless bail and expedite death penalty cases in the Tarheel State. It was signed into law by Stein on October 3, though he took issue with a provision that would give prisoners the option of choosing death by firing squad, which he called 'barbaric.' He said there would be no death by firing squad while he is in office. A Democratic lawmaker was tragically killed in a horror highway car crash in Colorado, leaving behind her two young children. Faith Winter, a Colorado state senator, died in a five-vehicle crash Wednesday evening in Centennial, according to The Colorado Sun. Winter's untimely death was confirmed by the Colorado State Senate Democratic Caucus shortly after midnight Thursday. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office told the Daily Mail the crash happened around 6:30pm in the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 near East Dry Creek Road. Three others were injured, according to police. Winter, 45, was a mother to two young children, Tobin and Sienna. She was engaged to former Colorado state representative Matt Gray. 'Faith was [sic] tremendous leader of our state, a committed friend, a dedicated partner and a loving mother,' her family said in a statement, per Denver7. 'Faith led with empathy and love before all else. The family appreciates the outpouring of love for Faith and asks for privacy at this time.' Colorado state senator Faith Winter died in a five-vehicle crash Wednesday evening in Centennial The Democratic lawmaker had been a state senator since 2019 and was a mother to two young children, Tobin and Sienna Winter had been a state senator since 2019, first for Colorado's 24th district and then for its 25th district. She was also the chair of the Colorado State Senate's transportation and energy committee. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said the state was 'shaken' by Winter's death and shared he had known the Democrat lawmaker for almost twenty years. 'I have had the honor of working with her on many issues to improve the lives of every person and family in our great state, and tackling climate change,' he wrote on X. 'I am deeply saddened for her family, her friends and colleagues, and her community. Faith's work and advocacy made Colorado a better state.' The Colorado Senate Democratic Caucus Leadership, which Winter was a part of, added that they were 'devastated' at Winter's passing. A statement from State Senate president James Coleman and State Senate majority leader Robert Rodriguez said: 'Senator Winter was a colleague whose presence brought warmth and an invaluable perspective to the Capitol. The crash that killed Winter happened at about 6:30pm in the northbound lanes of I-25 near East Dry Creek Road Your browser does not support iframes. 'We will miss her leadership, her partnership, and her deep commitment to a brighter Colorado.' The Colorado Senate Republicans lauded Winter's ability to work 'tirelessly with colleagues across the aisle' in a statement on X. After the fatal pile-up, the South Metro Fire Rescue said in a statement that extended delays were to be expected as a result of a 'multi-vehicle crash' on I-25 northbound near Dry Creek Road. About half an hour later, the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office announced the highway was closed at that exit. That lane of the highway was reopened by 1:40am Thursday. The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office told the Daily Mail the crash remained under investigation and would be 'for some time.' Law enforcement did not confirm that Winter was the person killed, saying the individual's identity would be released following an autopsy by the county coroner. Police also told the Daily Mail it could not confirm how many people were involved in the five-vehicle crash. The Daily Mail has reached out to Matt Gray for comment. An American Airlines flight was suddenly diverted after passengers smelled fumes on board, leaving five people hospitalized. The plane, bound for Phoenix, was only an hour into its journey when it rerouted to Houston after a foul odor filled the cabin. Four crew members and one passenger were met by first responders and taken to the hospital when the flight landed at George Bush International Airport just after 7pm on Sunday, CBS News reported. After the Airbus A321 had departed Orlando around 6pm on Sunday, the cabin crew said they smelled something odd in the cockpit and across the flight deck and later identified the odor as fumes. A pilot on board was heard on communications requesting medical assistance 'out of an abundance of caution,' American Airlines said in a statement to CBS. The current condition of those hospitalized remains unclear. An American Airlines flight bound for Phoenix was diverted to Houston following crew reports of a foul odor onboard the aircraft Sunday (file image) The fumes smelled onboard filled the flight deck and the cockpit Four crew members and one passenger were rushed to the hospital 'out of an abundance of caution,' seen above is George Bush International Airport, Houston 'We thank our team members for their professionalism and apologize to our customers for their experience,' the airline added. Flight 2118 then left on a replacement aircraft shortly after, according to the airline. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident. The Daily Mail has reached out to American Airlines and the FAA. Two children were left seriously injured by a terrifying coyote attack near a San Diego mall. A three-year-old girl was one of the innocent victims who had to be rushed to the hospital after the wild animal injured her arm and hip, NBC San Diego reports. The unidentified toddler was treated at Rady Children's Hospital after she was bitten around 9pm on November 25. Fortunately, she was discharged from care shortly after. The other victim's condition and injuries remain unknown. The vicious attack took place near a Crate & Barrel store at UTC Westfield Mall, to where first responders were called. Unfortunately, the coyote had long disappeared by the time paramedics arrived. The California Department of Fish & Wildlife is continuing to investigate the incident. Officials took DNA samples and sent them to a forensics lab. CDFW hopes to find and capture the culprit with the help of U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Service, according to NBC. Two children were attacked by a coyote at Westfield UTC Mall in San Diego While it's rare for coyotes to approach humans, the mall was near canyons and green belts that may have attracted it The incident left mall-goers shocked that something so terrifying could happen so close to home. 'I mean, it's the mall,' one resident said to the outlet. 'You don't think about if I'm going to come here at night, I have to be aware of animals.' Fortunately, the Humane Society for Animals has reported that it is 'very rare' for humans to be ambushed by coyotes. 'Coyote attacks are preventable by modifying human behavior and educating people about ways to prevent habituation,' they explained. 'In many human attack incidents, it turns out that the offending coyote was being fed by people.' It is unclear what the children were doing when the animal approached them, but Wildlife Rehabilitation Supervisor Angela Hernandez-Cusick told ABC 10 about her theories. 'We can speculate that it could have been some sort of prey motivation that maybe was enacted if the child moved a certain way, or maybe the child approached an area that the coyote wasn't expecting,' she told the outlet. The little girl was treated at Rady Children's hospital for injuries to her arm and hip Hernandez-Cusick explained that most coyotes are naturally afraid of humans and tend to avoid them. The mall is near canyons and green belts, which may have attracted young coyotes wandering away from their families for the first time. 'It's not completely unheard of that they could still venture into those areas. Certainly, where there are a lot of people, there's going to be a lot of garbage,' Hernandez-Cusick explained to 10 News. Experts recommended 'hazing' the animals if they get too close for comfort. Hazing tools include yelling, waving arms, noise makers, and throwing things to ensure that the animal doesn't get too comfortable. The Daily Mail has reached out to the SDPD and the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for comment. Columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens have torn apart David Lammy's leaked plans to scrap juries to clear court backlogs on the latest episode of the Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast. A memo written by the Justice Secretary was leaked to The Times this week, in which Lammy argued there should be 'no right' to a jury trial in the UK. Lammy said juries should be reserved only for the most serious cases such as murder, manslaughter and rape. The move comes as the justice system grapples with a record backlog of nearly 80,000 cases, with some trials now being scheduled as far ahead as 2029. While acknowledging the backlog must be tackled, Vine told the Daily Mail podcast that scrapping juries would leave people vulnerable to 'politicised' judges. 'Look at the Southport riots', Vine said. A memo written by the Justice Secretary was leaked to The Times this week, in which Lammy argued there should be 'no right' to a jury trial in the UK While acknowledging the case backlog must be tackled, Vine told the Daily Mail podcast that scrapping juries would leave people vulnerable to 'politicised' judges Alas Vine & Hitchens: What's the big idea? Get the Mail's new politics podcast, hosted by columnists Sarah Vine and Peter Hitchens, wherever you listen to podcasts now. 'Compared to subsequent demonstrations that turned nasty, there was a definite bias towards giving those involved in the Southport riots longer sentences. 'It was probably the case that judges favoured the government while making their decisions. 'My worry is that if we take away the jury service, then you've got no buffer between politicised judges and the people.' Under the plans, up to 75% of Crown Court defendants would lose their right to a jury trial, with only those facing sentences over five years keeping the protection. Hitchens was equally damning of Lammy's proposals, arguing successive governments' failure to fund the criminal justice system had caused the backlog crisis. He said Lammy shouldn't punish the country because the government had behaved like a 'buffoon'. 'Why should our constitution suffer because governments have made a mess of the criminal justice system?' Hitchens asked. 'If there's a huge backlog, that's the government's fault for pursuing stupid crime policies. 'This Labour government seems full of people who have an awful lot of bad ideas. Those bad ideas are emerging bit-by-bit as time goes by. They didn't put any of them in the manifesto people voted for. Hitchens was equally damning of Lammy's proposals, arguing successive governments' failure to fund the criminal justice system had caused the backlog crisis The leaked memo has been described by senior legal figures as 'the biggest assault on our system of liberty in 800 years' 'I worry that far too few people will care about this. People think criminal justice concerns only those who deserve to be in court. It never crosses their minds they themselves might fetch up there.' The leaked memo has been described by senior legal figures as 'the biggest assault on our system of liberty in 800 years'. Criminal Bar Association chair Riel Karmy-Jones KC said the plans 'smell like a co-ordinated campaign against public justice', while the Law Society described them as 'an extreme measure' that goes 'too far'. Hitchens accused Lammy of having been 'got at' by the Treasury, with the move driven by cost-cutting rather than justice. 'We have to reconstruct a criminal justice system which has been appallingly underfunded for ages', the author declared. 'Justice is expensive, but it's vital. A society without justice is a society not worth living in.' To hear the full debate, plus listen to the columnists' rage against the NHS's decision to restart giving teenagers puberty blockers, search for Alas Vine & Hitchens now, wherever you get your podcasts. A British mother who was detained by ICE at as she held her baby during her green card appointment has been released. Katie Paul, 33, was apprehended as at an immigration office in San Diego on November 19 with her husband and six-month-old son. She was at a routine green card appointment at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services office, expecting to finalize paperwork needed for permanent residency. But instead she was handcuffed and dragged away by three ICE agents seconds after handing their son to her husband Stephen Paul, also 33. Immigration and Customs Enforcement claimed she overstayed her visa after moving to the US to be with him last September. The couple were married a month after Paul arrived. She planned to go back to the UK while her permanent residency was being approved, but was told her pregnancy was too high risk to travel. Paul claimed she was previously told by immigration officials that her visa status wouldn't be a problem and the meeting was meant to get her paperwork in order and have her green card approved then and there, or just days later. The new mother endured six days in immigration detention until she was released and given a green card after her husband filed a lawsuit. Katie Paul, 33, left, was detained by ICE in front of her husband and six-month-old baby boy Stephen Paul, 33, stopped working while his wife is detained in order to look after baby Alan The complaint filed in federal court in San Diego demanded her released an her deportation be blocked. The government issued the green card in response. Paul is just one of many immigrants around the US who have been detained at green card meetings in a new tactic quietly begun by ICE in recent months. 'Individuals unlawfully present in the US, including those out of status at federal sites such as USCIS offices, may face arrest, detention, and removal in accordance with US immigration law,' a statement from ICE said. Federal laws passed in 1986 allow spouses of US citizens who entered the country legally to be eligible for permanent residency even if their visa expires. However, that doesn't prevent ICE from detaining them and starting deportation procedures in the interim. 'We see the ICE agents come around, and they say that they're arresting Katie,' Stephen told NBC of his wife's sudden detention. 'She was just stunned. She kept asking what was wrong, what did we do? We'd done everything right. 'We kept asking them if there was something we could do, if there was any way we could keep her from being separated from the family,' he said. But officers would only say: 'I'm sorry. We've tried to not have to do it, but we've got direct orders.' Paul's pregnancy was deemed high-risk so she stayed in the US with medical approval while the couple began the green-card process Despite overstaying her visa, Katie was told it would very likely not be a problem during her green card application process Katie's mother, Jules Peters, 55, said her daughter had been face-timing from the detention center, appearing exhausted and overwhelmed The couple's six-month-old son, Alan, was without his mother during her weeklong detention. 'I had to take my baby, our baby, from his crying mother's arms,' Stephen previously said. 'It took almost three hours to get a hold of her because we had to fight just to find out where to go, to ask to see her. 'My baby doesn't have his mom to hold him. I can't work right now because I need to take care of him. 'I can't ask family to take care of him because I'm afraid if I don't have him to take care of, I'm going to just fall apart worrying about Katie.' Stephen eventually reached her by phone. 'She said that she was scared. She was anxious, missed her baby. She just wants to come home,' he said. According to the family, even ICE personnel at the holding facility questioned the operation. Katie recounted that agents in the detention center told her she was 'not the sort of person we're supposed to be arresting'. The new mom originally traveled from Surrey, England, to California in September 2024 to visit Stephen, then her long-distance partner. Weeks later, the two married after discovering Katie was pregnant. Because the pregnancy was high-risk, she remained in the US with medical approval while the couple began the green card process. Daily Mail has contacted the Department of Homeland Security for comment. A twist of 'fate' amidst terrible tragedy meant Sir Richard Branson was able to be with his wife Lady Joan Branson in the final hours before her unexpected death, the Daily Mail can reveal. The British founder of Virgin, 75, flew the 4,000 miles from India to London for medical treatment after coming off his bike during a charity event, the Strive Challenge. Sir Richard had been at the Taj Mahal but a fall on to his shoulder meant he ended up in a separate room on the same floor of the same British hospital as Lady Branson. Subsequently, it also allowed him to be 'right by her side' just before she died 'quickly and painlessly' on Monday. Sir Richard said yesterday it was 'fate', allowing them to enjoy a laughter-filled lunch together. He said they were like 'love-struck teenagers delighted to find each other again'. But only around 24 hours later, she passed away aged 80. The Branson family announced her death the following day. The Daily Mail understands that her death was not expected. Sir Richard Branson and Lady Joan Branson at her 80th birthday in July. She died on Monday The couple married in 1989 Sir Richard kisses his wife Lady Branson in a photo he shared to pay tribute to her Sir Richard had suffered a shoulder injury in India in the days before she passed away. The billionaire had jetted back the ten hours to the UK for treatment. He was admitted to hospital on the same floor as his wife, who was recovering from a back injury. The couple had three children, Sam, Holly and Clare Sarah, who sadly died at just four days old. Sharing a series of sweet photographs of the couple over the years, Sir Richard revealed on yesterday how his wife had died - and that he was with her. Describing what happened in a piece called Remembering Joan, he said: 'Fate has a strange way of working. As many already know, Id come off my bike in India and hurt my shoulder. Joan was recovering from her own back injury in hospital in England. 'In the way life sometimes surprises you, I found myself moved to a room just down the corridor from her. 'We laughed together about how typical it was of us to end up on the same floor, like love-struck teenagers delighted to find each other again. 'We had a lovely lunch that day. She was in positive spirits and getting stronger. She smiled at me, that radiant smile that lit up her whole face, the same smile I fell in love with the very first moment I saw her, half a century ago. Then suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly. And thankfully, I was right by her side. It brings us all great comfort to know we were together.' The tycoon suffered a shoulder injury after coming off his bike in 2016. But it appears he was injured in a fall over the past week, in India. On Friday he posted a video of himself at the Taj Mahal and shared pictures of himself at the landmark on Sunday. It is still not known when he was hurt. The couple are pictured with their two adult children, Holly and Sam Sir Richard, who said he is now with the couple's two adult children Holly, 44, and Sam, 40, added: 'What an incredible final year we all had together. Her beautiful 80th birthday celebration at Kasbah Tamadot in Morocco, surrounded by her closest friends; Sam's 40th celebrations onboard Virgin Voyages; countless moments where she was beaming with happiness. 'She lived so fully and joyfully, always thinking of others, always lifting everyone else up. To see her so happy in those last months is something we will treasure forever.' Signing off the tribute, Sir Richard called his late wife his 'shining star', adding: 'We are devastated she is gone. But I am far more grateful for the extraordinary gift of the life we shared - with our remarkable kids, Sam and Holly, and our wonderful grandkids, who adored her (and her sweets!) just as deeply as I did. 'Joan was my everything, the shining star around which our family's universe has always orbited. That light is not gone; it's just taken on a new shape. It will guide us forward. And we will carry her with us, always.' It comes as an emotional video of the pair getting married on Sir Richard's private island, Necker Island, in 1989 has come to light, showing the business magnate putting a ring on Lady Branson's finger. The couple met in 1976 at The Manor, a live-in recording studio for Virgin Records, where Sir Richard said he 'fell in love' at first sight. Footage shows the couple sharing a long kiss on their wedding day as Lady Branson places her veil over her husband's head, encompassing both of them. Tributes to Joan poured in on Wednesday, with the couple's son Sam Branson describing her as the 'kindest, most loving, warm, witty and abundantly generous woman to walk this Earth'. Sharing a touching photograph of himself and Lady Branson with one of her grandchildren, he said of his mother: 'You instantly made everyone in your presence feel like all was well with the world.' Lady Joan Branson and Sir Richard Branson pictured with their children, Holly and Sam Richard and Joan got married on Necker Island in the Caribbean Sea in 1989 Sam Branson shared a touching photograph of his mother Lady Branson with one of her young grandchildren as he paid tribute to her on Wednesday Sam Branson said he is 'so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum' He added: 'Thank you for all that you were to me, to our family and to everyone who was blessed by your graceful, loving presence. 'I am so deeply grateful to have had the privilege of being your son and being able to call you mum. 'Words cannot express how much I will miss you and how I wish you were still here to console me about the loss of you. But somehow you still are and that is the magic of you. I love you to the moon and back. Forever and Ever.' Family friend and former model Heather Mills added: 'There are very few words you can say to somebody in pain after loving someone they adore so much, so I thought I would say it with this song. 'Those who knew Joan will know what this means.to my dear Richard Branson and his family at this difficult time.' Announcing the tragedy hours earlier, the business magnate uploaded a close-up of his wife, accompanied by a moving tribute which read: 'Heartbroken to share that Joan, my wife and partner for 50 years, has passed away. 'She was the most wonderful mum and grandmum our kids and grandkids could have ever wished for. 'She was my best friend, my rock, my guiding light, my world. Love you forever, Joan x.' In another post on November 15, the Virgin tycoon posted a photo showing him kissing his wife's head alongside the words: 'Everyone needs a Joan in their life.' And on November 12, he wrote a paragraph including words for his wife alongside an old picture of them. 'I credit a good deal of my success - not to mention my marriage - to being a good listener,' he wrote. Lady Branson was thought to be in good health when she celebrated her 80th birthday this summer, with Sir Richard paying tribute to her on his social media. Sir Richard shared this photo of Lady Joan Branson on his social media accounts to announce his wife's death just over a day later In a post earlier this month, the Virgin tycoon posted a photograph, showing him kissing his wife's head. He captioned it: 'Everyone needs a Joan in their life' Sir Richard and Lady Branson share a kiss on their wedding day in Necker Island in 1989 Sir Richard announced the death of Joan, his beloved wife of 50 years The couple pictured with their daughter Holly. The pair were wed in 1989 when their two children, Holly and Sam, were eight and four Sir Richard pictured with his wife and their daughter Holly in 2003 'Thank you for being by my side through it all the highs, the lows, and all those quiet, content and peaceful moments in between. These are the moments I cherish most with you, I love you more and more each year,' he wrote on Facebook in July. The couple had been looking forward to celebrating their 50th anniversary in just a few months on February 7. Lady Branson, who is survived by her two adult children with Sir Richard and five grandchildren, has long been credited as the billionaire's 'rock' and 'source of wisdom'. The business magnate has previously revealed how he was taken in by the 'beautiful, witty, down-to-earth' woman when she visited the studio in west London. After finding out that she worked nearby, he recalls how he set about wooing her. In a 2015 blog celebrating her 70th birthday, Sir Richard said: 'I fell in love with her from the first moment I saw her, while she worked in a bric-a-brac shop in Westbourne Grove, in London. 'A blonde-haired, down to earth, Scottish beauty who didn't suffer fools, Joan was unlike any other women I had ever met. 'To win her heart, I had to persistently hang around the shop and buy countless objects before we started courting...' Sir Richard was so keen to win her heart that he even admitted to buying his private island in the Caribbean, Necker Island, entirely as a strategy to woo her. He signed off the blog: 'As the saying goes, behind every man there's a great woman. 'Joan you are the greatest woman of all. Happy birthday and thank you for choosing to come on this adventure with me.' An Indiana father who admitted to beating his son to death in his playroom was sentenced to at least 65 years in prison for the sickening crime. Franklin Elmore Jr., 29, pleaded guilty last month to attacking his six-year-old son Justin in their home in Goshen, Indiana on August 3. The father and his wife, 27-year-old Cheyenne Elmore, who was Justin's stepmother, called 911 to report they found the boy was 'unresponsive' in his playroom, and raced him to hospital. Justin was found to have suffered a traumatic brain bleed and a punctured lung, and his father initially told cops that his son often hit himself in the head due to behavior issues. But medical staff told investigators that the boy's injuries were too severe for him to have inflicted on himself, and he succumbed to his injuries after several days in the hospital. Both parents were quickly arrested and charged with Justin's murder, and neighbors came forward to say they had witnessed the Elmores viciously bullying and abusing their son. This included forcing him to lift weights, skip rope and run, and on the morning that he was fatally beaten they had made their son run for over 90 minutes. Justin's biological mother Miranda McBride said she was 'satisfied' to see Elmore face justice, and fought back tears after his sentencing as she said: 'I wish hed have more, death row would be great. But most likely by the time he gets out, hell probably be dead anyways.' The father of six-year-old son Justin Elmore (pictured) was sentenced to 65 years in prison after admitting to beating the boy to death in his playroom Franklin Elmore Jr., 29, tried to tell investigators his son's injuries were self-inflicted because of 'behavior issues', but he later admitted to beating him to death McBride says she had tried to alert Indiana authorities to her son's abuse numerous times, but was repeatedly told there was no evidence of it. Despite being told cops could 'do nothing because they didn't find any bruises', a search of the Elmore's phones after their arrest uncovered photos of his injuries, reports Law and Crime. His abuse also included being 'whooped' with a belt and being forced to leave a bar of soap in his mouth. In a GoFundMe, Justin's aunt wrote that McBride had been 'fighting for him and reporting the carelessness of the home he was in.' 'No one would listen to her and left him in a home that lead to his passing. She needs all the help she can get,' the fundraiser added. Justin's biological mother Miranda McBride had repeatedly tried to tell authorities of her son's abuse, and after Elmore's sentencing of 65 years she said: 'I wish hed have more, death row would be great. But most likely by the time he gets out, hell probably be dead anyways' Elmore's wife, 27-year-old Cheyenne Elmore, who was Justin's stepmother, initially pleaded not guilty to murder, but changed her plea to guilty on Nov. 6. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13, 2026 Prosecutors condemned Elmore's abuse of his son in court, telling the judge at his sentencing: 'The question is not how he (Justin) died, but its about how he survived through the abuses for several months.' At his sentencing, Elmore pleaded for leniency to the judge, telling the court: 'I want to come out as a better man. Different man. That's all I can do.' Local Indiana outlet WNDU reported that judge was not pleased with his remarks, and told Elmore, 'You literally beat your son to death.' His wife Cheyenne, who initially pleaded not guilty to murder, changed her plea to guilty on Nov. 6. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13, 2026. A Michigan mother sat on her adopted daughter until she lost consciousness and died as part of a punishment ritual, prosecutors allege. Mialah Leak, 11, was found unconscious at her family's trailer park home in Fruitport Township, northwest of Grand Rapids, last Sunday. Paramedics tried to resuscitate Mialah, but despite their best efforts were unable to save her, police said in a press released obtained by the Daily Mail. Officers arrested the fifth grader's adoptive mother Sherry Leak, 55, at the scene. She was later charged with manslaughter, court records revealed. Prosecutors said Leak admitted during her arraignment that she sat on Mialah 'for an extended period of time' in an effort to stop her from acting poorly, WWMT reported. Mialah's autopsy report is still pending, but investigators expect her cause of death to be suffocation. She and her twin sister Callie, who is nonverbal and has significant medical needs, had been living with Leak since 2018 after their biological mother lost custody. Callie has now been placed in foster care. She received treatment at a local hospital and authorities are investigating signs of medical neglect. Mialah Leak, 11, (left) died at her adoptive family's trailer park home in Fruitport Township, Michigan last Sunday. Her twin sister Callie (right) has been placed in foster care Prosecutors said Sherry Leak, 55, (pictured) admitted during her arraignment that she sat on Mialah 'for an extended period of time' in an attempt to punish her for misbehaving Police were dispatched to the family's residence on November 23 after Mialah fell unconscious and stopped breathing. Initial reports suggested a physical altercation had broken out between Leak and her daughter. Leak, who called 911 as she performed CPR on the child, told authorities that Maliah was 'knocked over during a fight,' dispatch audio obtained by WZZM. Prosecutors charged Leak with manslaughter at her arraignment in Muskegon County District Court on Tuesday. The charge requires there must have been an intent to kill. 'This is obviously, as the Court is aware of, a very serious matter and does involve the death of the young child in this case. Certainly, this does not appear to be a case where there's any question about who is responsible,' Muskegon County Prosecutor's Chief Trial Attorney Matt Roberts told the court. Roberts said evidence has resulted in the conclusion that Leak, 'by her own admission, did sit on the child, and that appears to have been the cause of death.' He explained that the prosecution thinks manslaughter is the 'right charge' and that Leak's 'grossly negligent act' resulted in Mialah's death. Leak, who has no prior criminal history, could face additional charges - including child abuse - as the investigation continues, Roberts added. She is currently being held at the Muskegon County Jail on a $300,000 bond. She is due back in court of December 9 for a probably cause hearing and then again on December 16 for a preliminary examination. Mialah's autopsy report is still pending, but investigators expect her cause of death to be suffocation. Pictured is Mialah in a photo shared on Facebook by a mourning loved one Leak's next door neighbor Christine Hager-Galloway claimed that had suspected abuse in the home for many months, alleging she saw and heard terrifying things Mialah's biological family is outraged by her death and feel betrayed by Leak, whom they allege had become distant over the last few years. 'I've worked with CPS cases. If she was overwhelmed, which you can get, she had help. And she didn't reach out for help,' the girl's biological great aunt Josephine Smith told WZZM at the courthouse Tuesday. The family said they were 'suspicious' of abuse in the home based on reports from other community members and Leak's behavior during visitations. 'I would say that something is wrong, but I couldn't put my finger on it,' Mialah's grandfather David Jones echoed. 'I do believe that my baby was trying to reach out to us and that she's been silenced.' Leak's next door neighbor Christine Hager-Galloway told the news outlet that she had suspected abuse in the home for many months, alleging she saw and heard terrifying things. Hager-Galloway claimed Leak even forbid her from ever speaking to Mialah again when she tried to give her a birthday present - something she did annually. 'You live in a trailer park, you see, you hear everything in it,' she said, adding that multiple community members contacted Child Protective Services over the years to report the alleged abuse. The Daily Mail was not able to independently verify Hager-Galloway's claims and has not found any prior CPS reports involving the Leak family's address. Loved ones have paid tribute to Mialah in wake of her tragic death One mourner urged others to allow Mialah's case to fuel their anger and take action to fix the failures in the foster care system Loved ones, however, have paid tribute to Mialah in wake of her tragic death. 'My heart is extremely heavy with the passing of Mialah. There are so many emotions and unanswered questions wrapped in this loss, and I'm still trying to process it,' Joyful Parker wrote on Facebook. 'We live in a broken world where children are far too often the ones who suffer the consequences of adult failures.' Parker urged others to allow Mialah's case to fuel their anger and take action to fix the failures in the foster care system. 'Kids in foster care don't just need opinions. They need people. Foster care is hard. Parenting is hard. Trauma is messy. And sometimes the system fails. Sometimes people fail. And sometimes tragedy happens even when hearts were trying their best.' She added: 'Let's fight for the safety of the next child before it's too late.' Mialah's biological family (pictured with the twins) is outraged by her death and feel betrayed by Leak, whom they allege had become distant over the last few years Maria Fessenden, whose son Jonathan appears to have been close friends with Mialah, said she will be remembered for the 'big and bright smile that you had in your beautiful face.' 'Our hearts are really heavy, but Jonathan is right we need to let you go. He thinks you wouldn't like no one to be sad because now you're in better hands, where there's no pain or bad, now you're a little angel watching us,' she wrote. The superintendent of Mialah's school, in a letter sent to families on Monday, praised the 11-year-old's 'warm smile, kindness toward classmates and friends, and the positive energy that she brought to school every day.' The White House has been rocked by a security scandal after it emerged the Trump administration approved the asylum application for the Afghan suspect in the shooting of two National Guardsmen. Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly shot two West Virginian National Guard soldiers just 800 yards from the White House on Wednesday. Fingerprints matched to Lakanwal who fled to the US following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Lakanwal, 29, applied for asylum in 2024 and was approved by Trump's Department of Homeland Security in April of this year, according to CNN. The Biden administration initially allowed Lakanwal into the US in September 2021 as a refugee under Operation Allies Welcome. A White House official told the Daily Mail that Lakanwal would not have been removed from the country because of his parole status. 'This Afghan national was paroled into the U.S. by the Biden Admin,' the White House official said. 'After that, Joe Biden signed into law that parole program, and entered into the 2023 Ahmed Court Settlement, which bound USCIS to adjudicate his asylum claim on an expedited bases. Regardless of asylum status, this monster would not have been removed due to his parole status, granted by Joe Biden.' The Trump administration regularly defy court orders and prior Congressional statutes. The suspect drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington state, where he lived with his wife and five children near the Canadian border. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, remain in critical condition after undergoing surgery. The soldiers were shot by a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver. Donald Trump last night in an address to the nation blamed Joe Biden and called for a review of 'every single alien from Afghanistan who has entered our country'. CIA director John Ratcliffe revealed that Lakanwal had direct links to the intelligence agency from his work alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan, where he served as an elite commander. The Trump administration approved the asylum in April 2025 for the suspected National Guard shooter Two National Guard soldiers remain in critical condition after Lakanwal allegedly shot them down the street from the White House on Wednesday Trump shifted the blamed to former President Joe Biden for allowing the suspected Afghan shooter into the country in September 2021 Lakanwal's ID card identifies him as a commander in Unit 01, an elite force within the former Afghan governments National Directorate of Security, according to The Telegraph. The Daily Mail has reached out to DHS for comment. The Homeland Security office responsible for reviewing asylum applications is the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Hours after the shooting, the USCIS announced it was indefinitely suspending immigration requests relating to all Afghan nationals 'pending further review of security and vetting protocols.' Days before the shooting a bombshell memo, signed by the director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said the Trump administration plans to initiate a comprehensive review and re-interview of all refugees admitted under Biden. 'He was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021, on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about,' Trump said during his nationwide address. Intelligence officials have said Lakanwal worked with various entities in the US government, including the CIA, due to his prior experience as a member of a partner force in Kandahar. 'Nobody knew who was coming in. Nobody knew anything about it. His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden, a disastrous President, the worst in the history of our country,' Trump said. 'If they can't love our country, we don't want them. America will never bend and never yield in the face of terror. And at the same time, we will not be deterred from the mission the service members were so nobly fulfilling.' Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem oversees the department that approved the asylum for the suspected National Guard shooter The suspected shooter lived in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and five children near the US-Canada border Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, who oversaw the office responsible for granting Lakanwal asylum into the country earlier this year, joined Trump in blaming Biden. 'The suspect who shot our brave National Guardsmen is an Afghan national who was one of the many unvetted, mass paroled into the United States...under the Biden Administration,' Noem wrote on X. A motive for the shooting has not been released by law enforcement, but the FBI led by Kash Patel is investigating whether the attack could have links to international terror. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro's notes during a Thursday briefing mentioned the suspected shooter yelled 'allahu akbar' before the attack. The wife of a prominent California farming mogul was found dead with a gunshot wound inside their Arizona home. Kerri Ann Abatti, 59, was discovered inside the family's $1.6 million resident in Pinetop last Thursday shortly after 9pm. On Wednesday night, the Navajo County Sheriff's office confirmed she died from a gunshot wound and said they are continuing to investigate the death as a homicide. Police stressed there is no threat to the wider public but have so far remained tight-lipped about any possible suspect. Kerri was the wife of Michael Abatti, 63, a land baron who has considerable influence over a large portion of southern California. Both Kerri and her husband donated over $50,000 to San Diego State University, which now offers a scholarship in their name at its Imperial Valley campus. Kerri previously sat on the El Centro Board of Commerce in Arizona. According to a Desert Sun profile in 2018, Abatti's ancestors settled in the Imperial Valley area of California over a century ago. Kerri Ann Abatti was the wife of Michael Abatti, pictured here, a land baron who has considerable influence over a large portion of southern California As such, he is one of the area's most successful farmers with 20,000 acres under cultivation, with crops bringing in over $10 million a year. Besides farming he worked in the energy industry, winning publicly funded energy contracts through the area's irrigation board. In legal filings seen by the outlet, Mike himself said he personally owns farms stretching to some 7,000 acres. In a statement, the Navajo County Sheriff's Office said: 'This is still an active and ongoing investigation. 'The area is safe and open to the public, and there is no current threat to the community. 'Deputies responded at approximately 9:20 PM on November 20, 2025, and confirmed the victim as 59-year-old Kerri Ann Abatti of Pinetop, Arizona, who died from a gunshot wound. 'At this time, no suspect information is available, and no additional updates are available for release.' Abatti is one of the area's most successful farmers with 20,000 acres under cultivation Abatti was found inside the family's $1.6 million home in Pinetop last Thursday shortly after 9pm, an aerial shot of the property is seen here 'The Sheriffs Office continues to gather information. If anyone in the area heard or saw anything around the time of the incident, please contact the Navajo County Sheriffs Office at 928-524-4050. 'Detectives will continue speaking with neighbors and following up on all leads.' The couple lived on a sprawling 5,115 square foot home nestled on nine acres of land. Daily Mail has contacted the Navajo County Sheriffs Office for more information. Vladimir Putin has said that Russia will fight 'until the last Ukrainian dies' if it needs to and warned peace will not happen until Kyiv withdraws its troops. Diplomatic efforts to defuse Europe's deadliest war since World War II have been stepped up in recent weeks, with various peace plans emerging from different sides, including the US and Europe. Putin declared on Thursday that if Ukraine fails to pull out of the territory Moscow claims as its own, Russia will have to achieve its objectives by military force. 'Some people demand to deep on fighting until the last Ukrainian dies, Russia is ready for that', he warned. 'Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the territories they hold, and then the fighting will cease. 'If they don't leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means. That's it,' Putin said as he noted that Russian forces were advancing in Ukraine at a faster pace. He added that Russia does not plan to attack Europe, deeming the suggestion 'ridiculous'. The Russian army has been slowly but steadily grinding through eastern Ukraine in costly battles against outnumbered and outgunned Ukrainian forces. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends the summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) at the Administrative complex Yntymak-Manas Ordo, in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025 The Russian leader's remarks come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday he was ready to advance a US-backed framework for ending the war with Russia Washington has meanwhile renewed its push to end the nearly four-year war, putting forward a surprise plan that it hopes to finalise through upcoming talks with Moscow and Kyiv. 'If Ukrainian forces leave the territories they hold, then we will stop combat operations,' Putin said at a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. 'If they don't, then we will achieve it by military means.' Russia controls around one-fifth of Ukraine's territory. The issue of occupied land, which Kyiv has said it will never cede, has become the key stumbling block in the peace process. Putin's stark warning comes after he acknowledged that the outlines of a draft peace plan discussed by the US and Ukraine could become the basis of future agreements to end the conflict in Ukraine. 'In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements,' Putin said, adding that the variant of the plan discussed by the the US and Ukraine in Geneva had been passed to Russia. He added that the US was taking into account Russia's position but that some things still need to be discussed. The Russian president also said that if Europe wanted a pledge not to attack it, then Moscow was willing to give such a pledge. The peace deal would put an end to the worst armed conflict in Europe since World War II. This photograph taken on November 26, 2025, shows Ukrainian flags and portraits of soldiers at a memorial for the fallen Ukrainian and foreign fighters on the Independence Square in Kyiv, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine A man walks next to a damaged building, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, November 26, 2025 Putin added that he considered the Ukrainian leadership to be illegitimate and so it was legally impossible to sign a deal with Ukraine, so it was important to ensure any agreement was recognised by the international community - and that the international community recognised Russian gains in Ukraine. Putin also repeated the claim that Russia had encircled the Ukrainian army in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region - the most fiercely embattled area and a key target for Moscow's forces. 'Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov are completely surrounded,' he said, using the Russian names for the cities. Moscow was also advancing in Vovchansk and Siversk, as well as approaching the important logistic hub of Guliaipole, he added. The Russian offensive 'is practically impossible to hold back, so there is little that can be done about it', Putin said. Ukraine has denied Pokrovsk and Myrnograd are encircled, insisting its forces continue to hold the enemy along the front line. Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the worst armed conflict in Europe since World War II. It has killed hundreds of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes. The Russian leader's remarks come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday he was ready to advance a US-backed framework for ending the war with Russia and discuss disputed points with US President Donald Trump in talks he said should include European allies. US and Ukrainian officials have been trying to narrow their gaps over Trump's plan to end Europe's deadliest and most devastating war since World War Two, with Ukraine wary of being strong-armed into accepting a deal largely on Russian terms, including territorial concessions. A lucky gambler turned a measly bet into a life-altering eightfigure windfall on the Las Vegas Strip this week. A guest staying at Resorts World in Sin City placed a wager of $5 and walked away with an eye-popping $11.1 million jackpot, the hotel announced on social media. The winner's identity has not been disclosed. 'Congratulations to one lucky guest who hit an $11.1 MILLION jackpot on IGT's Megabucks Mega Vault at Resorts World Las Vegas with just a $5 wager!' the casino wrote on X Wednesday night. The guest hit the eightfigure jackpot around 6am Wednesday, 8NewsNow reported. They had been playing for about 15 minutes, per the outlet, and were in town visiting family when the payout struck. When the lifechanging moment happened, the winner was accompanied by their spouse. The major surprise win was the first ever Megabucks jackpot hit at the ritzy Sin City hotel. A lucky guest at Resorts World on the Las Vegas strip turned a $5 wager into a $11.1 million sum, the hotel announced The jackpot was hit at the Sin City hotel a little before 6am on Wednesday, according to 8NewsNow The Resorts World hotel said their guest had hit the jackpot on an IGT Megabucks Mega Vault slot machine. A photo released by the hotel, as well as information on IGT's website, confirmed the full haul was $11,143,660.87. Users online were stunned by this week's massive cash payout. 'The dream come true scenario,' one X user said. 'Meant to be.' Another user noted: 'Happy Thanksgiving for someone.' Others were more worried about how much money the winner would actually take home from that eightfigure score. 'Very nice!' one posted. 'But those huge jackpots pay like an annuity, unfortunately.' Their eightfigure haul was the first ever Megabucks jackpot at the Resorts World hotel in Las Vegas A Facebook user asked: 'Do they know that machine pays over 25 years? You gotta read the bottom of the machine where the screen is.' The jackpot had last been hit on February 16, when that winner took home more than $12.3 million. Then, a guest at the Virgin River Casino & Lodge in Mesquite, Nevada, also placed a $5 wager and left as a millionaire. Before that, nearly 500 days had passed since anyone struck gold. The odds of winning the jackpot are around one in 50 million per spin, according to gaming experts cited by the Las Vegas ReviewJournal. After a win, the Megabucks jackpot is reset to $10 million across the state. Once that happens, the jackpot is progressive, meaning that every new bet contributes towards building the winnings back up. The odds of winning the jackpot in a Megabucks slot machine are about one in 50 million, per gaming experts cited in Las Vegas ReviewJournal Most slot machines give winners the option to get their money through a lump sum upfront less than the full amount won or or through an annual payout, which is taxed. In the case of Megabucks, their payouts would be distributed over 25 years, according to the Las Vegas Sun. A progressive slot machine was also used when a fortunate Nevada gamer turned $3 into more than $1 million last month at a casino in Henderson, about 13 miles southeast of Vegas. The Sunset Station Hotel and Casino announced a local guest had won a $1,048,675.87 jackpot as they played IGT's Wheel of Fortune. A Wheel of Fortune player which is different to the Megabucks slot machine wins a jackpot of $100,000 or more every 72 hours. The Daily Mail reached out to Resorts World Las Vegas for further comment. An American woman has mysteriously disappeared from a cruise ship in the Caribbean. Ann Evans, 55, went missing during an organized island tour in Sint Maarten, east of Puerto Rico, on November 20, a missing persons alert said. She was seen departing the Holland America Line Rotterdam ship around 10am to go on the tour and getting off the bus in Marigot, French Saint Martin, but she failed to return. The missing persons alert was issued on Wednesday, and the investigation is ongoing, according to authorities. It is unclear why this came nearly a week after her disappearance. 'Law enforcement authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island have been alerted,' authorities said. Anyone with information about her whereabouts has been urged to come forward. In a Thursday update, Sint Maarten Police said a woman matching Evan's description 'checked into a hotel on the French side of the island using her passport.' 'She has also reportedly been seen in the surrounding area of that establishment,' police said. Ann Evans, 55, was only at the second stop of her cruise when she failed to return to the ship on November 20 She was traveling on a Holland America Line cruise (pictured: stock image) Dutch authorities are working to confirm whether the person is Evans, but, because this development is on the French side, Sint Maarten Police must work in tandem with their counterparts. Evans's trip to the Netherlands-owned island was only the second stop on the cruise. It is unclear if Evans was traveling solo or with someone. The Daily Mail has reached out to Holland America Line and Sint Maarten Police for comment. The ship took off from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on November 16, stopping at Carnival's private island, Half Moon Cay, before hitting the Dutch-French island. The boat traveled to St Lucia Island, Tobago, Barbados and more afterward. A 31-year-old man has been arrested at Manchester Airport on terror charges connected to the Heaton Park synagogue attack last month. Police said the suspect was detained on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism after landing on an inbound flight. It brings the total number of people arrested in connection with the atrocity on October 2 to seven. Jihad Al Shamie, 35, deliberately crashed his car outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue and began knifing worshippers at around 9.30am. Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were tragically killed in the attack, which happened on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts said: 'At around midday today, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the appalling terrorist attack that took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. 'The man was arrested at Manchester Airport after arriving on an inbound flight and has been taking into custody for questioning. 'The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz have been updated on this development, as have those who were seriously injured in the attack. 'Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again appeal for anyone with information that they think could assist our inquiries to please come forward.' A 30-year-old man arrested on October 9 on suspicion of failing to disclose information contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000 remains on bail. Police said the suspect was detained on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism after landing at Manchester Airport. Pictured: The scene of the attack The profile picture which synagogue attacker Jihad Al-Shamie used as his profile on dating app Muzmatch Al-Shamie (pictured outside the synagogue) travelled to Britain with his family as a young child and was granted UK citizenship in 2006, when he would have been around 16 Al Shamie - who was wearing a fake suicide belt - rang 999 during his atrocity and said: 'I have killed two Jews in the name of Islamic State .' An inquest previously heard how armed police 'discharged several rounds' at the ISIS supporter, who died at the scene. Mr Daulby, 53, died from a single gunshot wound to the chest after being struck by a stray bullet fired by one of the armed officers. Along with hero Rabbi David Walker he was bravely barricading the synagogue doors from inside as Al-Shamie tried to force entry. The inquest at Manchester Coroner's Court also heard how another another worshipper Mr Cravitz, 66, died from knife wounds inflicted by Al-Shamie . Police immediately declared the attack a suspected terrorist incident when Al-Shamie began attacking worshippers at about 9.30am and armed police were scrambled to the scene. Still armed with a knife, Al-Shamie - a Syrian-born UK citizen - charged at the officers who unleashed a series of rounds, killing the terrorist. Melvin Cravitz, 66, from Crumpsall, died in the deadly attack Adrian Daulby, 53, also died after being accidentally shot by police Despite being shot multiple times, he was not pronounced dead until 4.38pm due to concerns over his suspected explosive belt - which turned out to be fake. Al-Shamie - who was on bail for rape at the time - was identified by matching his fingerprints to those on the police database, the senior detective said, in addition to being matched up to his car and mobile phone. Three other people were injured in the attack. Security guard Bernard Agyemang was driven into by Al-Shamie, worshipper Andrew Franks - who was on security duty - was stabbed, while Yoni Finlay was struck by a police bullet inside the synagogue. All have since been discharged from hospital, Det Chf Supt Hughes said. Full inquests on both victims plus Al-Shamie will be held at dates to be fixed. The two National Guardsmen who were shot in Wednesday's horror terror attack in Washington DC have been named. Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Beckstrom, 20, were identified in a press conference on Thursday. Officials said both guardsmen underwent surgery and remain in critical condition. DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro revealed that both soldiers had only been sworn into the West Virginia National Guard days before the attack. The soldiers were ambushed on Wednesday while on patrol as part of President Donald Trump's ongoing effort to clean up the streets of D.C. Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was named as the alleged gunman in custody over the horror shoot-out. Lakanwal was brought to the United States in 2021 as part of former president Joe Biden's Operation Allies Welcome when he withdrew from Afghanistan, which facilitated temporary visas for Afghans who assisted US Special Forces. Images from the press conference show Pirro held notes on blaming the Biden administration for allowing Lakanwal into the country, including the words 'Operation Allies Welcome' and 'Biden Legislation' underlined. Officials said at the Thursday press conference that Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to DC before he fired at the troops on Wednesday afternoon with a .357 revolver. He was shot during the chaotic aftermath of the terror attack and he also remains in hospital, Pirro said, and will be charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Andrew Wolfe was publicly identified in a tribute by his former high school on Wednesday night, hours after the tragedy unfolded just yards from the White House Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was also shot in the attack, and both she and Wolfe were said to be in critical condition after undergoing surgery Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was named as the alleged gunman in custody over the horror shoot-out Pirro cautioned that the charges could be upgraded in the coming days, dependent on the condition of the two National Guardsmen. 'We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree,' she said, adding, 'We will hold this perpetrator accountable under the full weight of the law.' Attorney General Pam Bondi previously Fox News that the White House could pursue terrorism charges and the death penalty in the case. FBI Director Kash Patel said his agency was carrying out a 'coast-to-coast' investigation, which has included raiding two properties in Washington associated with the suspect. Late on Wednesday night, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News Lakanwal had direct links to the CIA from his work alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan. 'The Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the U.S. government, including CIA,' Ratcliffe admitted. He said his involvement with the CIA was 'as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation.' Officials said at the Thursday press conference that Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to DC before he fired at the troops on Wednesday afternoon with a .357 revolver DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro (left) holds a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday Images from the press conference show Pirro held notes on blaming the Biden administration for allowing Lakanwal into the country, including the words 'Operation Allies Welcome' and 'Biden Legislation' underlined Footage emerged from the scene on Wednesday showing first responders performing CPR on a troop shot in the head Like President Trump, Ratcliffe slammed the former administration's 'disastrous' actions during the withdrawal of Afghanistan, which allowed unvetted foreigners to enter the US on temporary visas. 'The individual - and so many others - should have never been allowed to come here,' Ratcliffe said. 'Our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration's catastrophic failures.' In response to the shooting, President Trump took aim solely at his predecessor Joe Biden and the previous administration on Wednesday night, insisting 'no country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival. 'The suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth. 'He was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021, on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about. Nobody knew who was coming in. 'His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden, a disastrous president, the worst in our history.' Trump went on to warn authorities 'must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country. 'This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity... This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation.' A member of law enforcement with a rifle at the scene near the White House Shortly after his speech, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services indefinitely stopped 'processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals, effective immediately... pending further review of security and vetting protocols. 'The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission,' the department said in a statement. Trump vowed that 'the animal' who shot the troops 'will pay a very steep price' as he praised 'every member of the United States military who is deployed tonight, at home and abroad.' He urged all families to 'say a prayer for the two great heroes who were horribly shot.' Thirty asylum seekers held in a UK detention centre have launched a hunger strike in protest at their imminent removal to France under Labour's controversial 'one in, one out' policy. The group, who began refusing food on Monday, are among those scheduled for forced removal on Thursday as part of the Home Office scheme, which swaps people seeking asylum in Britain with a smaller number brought to the UK through official channels. More than 100 have already been removed to France, though one is known to have since returned on small boats. One of the men taking part in the strike told the Guardian: 'I am exhausted by this situation and find it deeply unfair and unjust. I arrived on a boat with 83 other people, and only 12 of us were moved to a detention centre. 'The rest are being processed through the asylum system normally and are now in hotels. Meanwhile, we are being held here alongside people who may have criminal convictions.' He claimed he felt so hopeless because of a lack of support from the Home Office that he felt forced to join the hunger strike to show the public they did not deserve this treatment. Migrants crossing from northern France by dinghy last month Your browser does not support iframes. Another detainee said: 'Life has completely stopped for me since I was detained. It feels like living in limbo, with the constant fear of being sent back to places that are unsafe for me, such as France or my home country.' The scheme has faced mounting criticism after cases emerged of migrants being deported to France only to make fresh crossings back to Britain. They include an Iranian man who has already been removed twice, and an Eritrean man currently detained again ahead of another attempted removal on Thursday. A Home Office spokesperson said: 'We are ramping up returns activity and removing those with no right to be here, with nearly 50,000 people with no right to be here already removed this year. 'We are committed to ensuring that detention and removal are carried out with dignity and respect.' The protest comes amid record pressures on the UK asylum system. Britain logged more than 108,000 asylum applications in 2024 the highest since records began in 1979, according to the OECD. The figure marks a 28 per cent rise on the previous year and far outstrips numbers in comparable European countries, including Germany and France, where applications fell. More than 10,000 asylum seekers originated from Pakistan, with Afghanistan and Iran contributing over 8,000 each. One migrant was brought ashore on a stretcher at the Port of Dover, receiving medical care Your browser does not support iframes. The OECD also found that 44,000 people attempted to enter Britain illegally last year, mostly via small boats up from 37,000 the previous year. The statistics add to growing pressure on Keir Starmer, whose decision to scrap the previous government's Rwanda scheme was one of his first moves in office. His replacement policy the reciprocal returns deal with Macron was billed as the centrepiece of Labour's efforts to curb Channel crossings, yet officials have struggled to explain how it prevents deported migrants from attempting immediate re-entry. Since July 2024, more than 60,000 small boat arrivals have been recorded, further raising questions over the effectiveness of the government's approach as the hunger strike highlights growing unrest inside the detention estate. Britain's largest teaching union is threatening strike action after Rachel Reeves provided no extra funding for schools in her Budget on Wednesday. The National Education Union (NEU) said it will not accept 'the continued underfunding of our schools' or 'another pay cut'. The Chancellor's latest tax and spend package did not mention funding for schools other than 5million for libraries in secondary schools and 18million for playgrounds. But schools voiced alarm at the prospect a 4.9 per cent drop in funding after the Government agreed to pick up the tab for local councils' spiralling SEND costs. The Budget revealed that from 2028-29 councils will no longer have to run deficits to pay for children with special educational needs and disabilities. Instead 'future funding implications' will be managed by central Government, with plans promised later to deal with the huge debts already run up. The move followed warnings that dozens of local authorities are on the verge of going bust following an explosion in autism and ADHD diagnosis. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) warned that no savings had been found to offset the estimated 6billion it will cost the Government to take on SEND costs. Members of the National Education Union (NEU) are pictured holding a rally outside the Department for Education (DfE) in London during strike action in November 2024 The OBR warned that if the DfE - run by Bridget Phillipson - were made to absorb SEND costs it will eat into the other money schools get The watchdog warned schools would see a 4.9 per cent fall in per pupil spending if the Government funded these costs from the core schools budget. This would be rather than the 0.5 per cent increase that had been planned. A 4.9 per cent reduction would be roughly equivalent to 400 per pupil a year. The Department for Education said this claim is incorrect, and any deficits will be absorbed within the overall Government budget. In response to the Budget, NEU general secretary Daniel Kebede said: 'The National Education Union will not accept the continued underfunding of our schools. 'We will not accept another pay cut. Our national executive will meet this Saturday to decide next steps. 'We must convince this Government to change course - even if that means balloting for strike action. We must - and we will - save our schools.' Pepe Di'Iasio, general secretary of the headteachers' union ASCL, said: 'Several local authorities are seemingly at risk of financial collapse as a result of deficits relating to SEND spending. 'Were this risk to be transferred onto schools, in the form of budget cuts to cover the cost of SEND provision being absorbed into departmental spending, it would be catastrophic.' Laura Trott, the Tory shadow education secretary, said it would 'push already struggling schools further into the red'. The move comes in response to many councils facing financial collapse due to overspend on SEND. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. The number of pupils entitled to council-funded care has soared by 80 per cent since 2019, driven by a rise in diagnoses of autism and ADHD. The OBR said this crisis is likely to come to a head in 2028-29, when councils will be obliged to acknowledge their deficits in their budgets. Previously, they have been able to disregard the deficits due to 'statutory override'. The Budget document said the Government would set out plans at a later date to 'support local authorities with historic and accruing deficits'. However, the OBR noted: 'The statutory override is due to end in 2028-29 by when these deficits could have reached a total of 14billion, and a large number of local authorities would as a result not meet their balanced budget requirement. 'The Government has not set out how this would be addressed and so it represents a significant fiscal risk.' Liberal Democrat MP Munira Wilson, the party's education spokesperson, said: 'The 6billion gap in special educational needs funding by 2028-29 is a damning indictment of this Government's failure to get a grip on the system. 'The Government must not solve this crisis by raiding the budgets of mainstream schools. They must stop the scandalous profiteering in this sector that is costing the taxpayer millions and harming children's education.' Earlier this month, the County Councils Network revealed 59 local authorities face 'total collapse' when their deficits are formally added to their books. The Government plans to reform the SEND system, with proposals due to be released in the New Year. It is understood ministers want to provide more school-level support so that only high-needs cases get EHCPs. A Local Government Association spokesman said: 'While it is positive the Government has committed to absorbing the costs of SEND spending from 2028/29 and we look forward to clarity on how this will be funded this does not address existing deficits, which are pushing many councils to the financial brink.' They urged the Government to 'write off these deficits' as part of an upcoming Local Government Finance Settlement. A DfE spokesman said of the claim about school budgets being squeezed: 'This claim is incorrect we are clear that any deficit will be absorbed within the overall Government budget. These projections also do not account for the much-needed SEND reforms this Government will bring forward.' Other Budget announcements included an extra 5million in 2026-27 to buy new books for secondary schools, and 18million over two years to upgrade 200 playgrounds across England. Two National Guard members gunned down on the streets of Washington DC were sworn in the day before they were shot. Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Backstrom, 20, were identified as the victims in Wednesday's attack in a press conference on Thursday. DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said that she believed the two 'were sworn in less than 24 hours before they were shot on the street'. According to authorities, the two guardsmen have undergone surgery and remain in a critical condition following the 'ambush'. Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was named as the alleged gunman and is in custody in connection with the shootout. Pirro said that the lone gunman was armed with a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver when he allegedly opened fire on the two 'without provocation, ambush style'. She said: 'One guardsmen is struck, goes down, and then the shooter leans over and strikes the guardsmen again. Another guardsmen is struck several times. 'Fellow guardsmen who were there responded immediately, engaging the suspect, neutralizing the threat and subduing him at the scene.' Wolfe, 24, and Backstrom, 20, were said to have been sworn in just 24 hours before they were shot on Wednesday Pirro speaks during a press conference about the Wednesday afternoon shooting of two National Guard members Pirro said the suspect remains under heavy guard inside a hospital following the shooting. He currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro said during the press conference that 'it's too soon to say' what the suspect's motives were. She added: 'We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. 'But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge.' According to Pirro, Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington, some 79 miles north of Seattle, to DC before he fired at the troops. He was brought to the United States in 2021 as part of former President Joe Biden's Operation Allies Welcome when he withdrew from Afghanistan. Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was named as the alleged gunman in custody over the horror shoot-out Footage emerged from the scene on Wednesday showing first responders performing CPR on a troop shot in the head The two were on the ground inside the city as part of Donald Trump's ongoing effort to clean up the streets of D.C The program evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal. Prior to his arrival, the suspect worked with the US, including the CIA, 'as a member of a partner force in Kandahar,' John Ratcliffe, the spy agency's director said. He did not specify what work Lakamal did, but said the relationship 'ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation' of U.S. servicemembers from Afghanistan. The two victims were on the ground inside the city as part of Donald Trump's ongoing effort to clean up the streets of D.C. Following the shooting, the president's administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to the city. In response to the shooting, Trump took aim at his predecessor, insisting 'no country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival'. 'The suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth. 'He was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021, on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about. Nobody knew who was coming in. 'His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden, a disastrous president, the worst in our history.' It was the stern no-nonsense approach wrapped up in her stylish attire that saw Madam deputy speaker Nus Ghani steal the show and make several Commons-watchers of a certain age hot under the collar on Budget Day. Now, in the afterglow of her highly-praised performance, the 53-year-old Tory MP is revelling in the love and attention from her new gang of adoring fans. One particularly awestruck gentleman wrote: 'I wonder if this deputy speaker does private work. I would pay good money for her to shout at me and tell me off. If she had a pair of spectacles she could look over, I would pay double.' Much to his excitement, Ms Ghani reposted the flirtatious remark and added two emojis - a pair of spectacles and a shushing face. 'As if I wasn't impressed enough, you come up with this reply. Excellent,' came his response. Another enchanted chap chimed in, jokingly writing: '"Talk Tory to me..."' Relishing in the banter, Ms Ghani replied: 'Ok - if you can handle it, send me coordinates.' Hilariously, even her husband David Wheeldon joined in, with a reply to the tongue-in-cheek exchange that simply read: 'Ahem...' Nusrat Ghani (pictured), Conservative MP for Sussex Weald, was overseeing the main debate as under-fire Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Budget to Parliament Her willingness to engage in light-hearted fun with her fresh band of followers was received well, with praise coming in from those who enjoyed the respite from the often serious and formal nature of British politics. One wrote: 'An MP with a sense of humour! Crack on.' 'We have a class of politicians increasingly good at banter,' another added. Elsewhere, people continued to compliment the mother-of-one's performance chairing the Budget and her dapper outfit choice. An X user wrote: 'Watching you scold MPs yesterday took me right back 20 years to Bush House and facing a similar tongue lashing! I hope they're made of sterner stuff than me... I've still got the trembles!' At one point during the debate, whilst Ms Ghani was condemning the Government over Budget detail leaks, someone in the Commons foolishly attempted to interrupt her flow. But the deputy speaker swiftly put them in their place, raising a hand and flashing a pitying smile as she quipped back: 'I don't need any help.' Political editor Khadija Khan posted: 'You may agree or disagree with Nus Ghani's political views, but she is an impressive-looking British politician.' In a sweet display of gratitude, the deputy speaker replied: 'Thank you. Was the tie (red, white & blue) that set vibe.' She also thanked another woman who said: 'Beyond everything else going on with the Budget, the Chairman of Ways and Means looks fabulous.' Ms Ghani is the senior of Deputy Speakers, with roles including presiding over Budget discussions instead of the Speaker as part of Westminster tradition. Kashmir-born, Birmingham-raised Ms Ghani has chaired Parliament's Ways and Means committee since last year - having been elected Deputy Speaker in July 2024, not long after Sir Keir's Labour government came to power Previously, she served in various ministerial roles during the former Conservative government, such as Europe minister and Lord Commissioner of the Treasury. Ms Ghani was not only stepping in in place of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, but made her mark by rebuking the Government over premature leaks of Budget details. She made clear how unimpressed she was after the OBR spending watchdog shared online details of the Budget ahead of Ms Reeves' Commons statement at 12.30pm. And Ms Ghani went further, condemning Treasury ministers for pre-Budget briefings which she said seemed to 'have reached an unprecedented high'. She told the Commons: 'For a number of weeks, and yet again yesterday, there have been extensive briefings to the media on the Government's fiscal policy and public finances. 'This disappointing trend in relation to Budget briefings has been growing for a number of years under successive governments, but appears to have reached an unprecedented high. 'Weeks ago, we saw the Chancellor delivering a speech in Downing Street, setting a scene for the Budget, as well as specific policy announcements being briefed out to the media in advance of today's financial statements. 'And just a moment ago, it seems the OBR analysis has also appeared online. This all falls short of standards that the House expects. 'The premature disclosure of the contents of the Budget has always been regarded as a supreme discourtesy to this House and to all the democratically elected members, not to mention to Mr Speaker and to myself, the Chairman of Ways and Means.' Ms Ghani later said: 'I want honourable members on all sides of the House to have adequate opportunity to hold the Chancellor to account, rather than to hear and read about new policies on a daily basis in the media. And like many, I also expected better.' Kashmir-born, Birmingham-raised Ms Ghani has chaired Parliament's Ways and Means committee since last year - having been elected Deputy Speaker in July 2024, not long after Sir Keir's Labour government came to power. She has been an MP since 2015, winning in the West Sussex constituency of Wealden before boundary changes last year saw her seat redrawn as Sussex Weald. A terrifying map showed gray wolves are moving closer to Denver as the animals have turned toward urban areas after the state started reintroducing the predator. Collared gray wolves were spotted in the Denver metropolitan area between late October and November, the map released by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) showed. CPW tracks the movement of 20 gray wolves with GPS collars, and data showed at least one wolf was spotted edging towards Denver while others were seen as far as the Wyoming border. The wolves were also seen traveling to watersheds as far as Boulder. A lot of movement was seen near the Continental Divide and by ski-favorite Aspen. The creatures were also seen near Colorado's tribal lands, officials said. The map was created to help livestock producers and the public keep track of their movements to protect their animals and pets. Gray wolves are typically not vicious toward humans, but can pose a serious threat to livestock and pets. Collared gray wolves were spotted in the Denver metropolitan area between late October and November, the map showed CPW tracks the movement of 20 gray wolves with GPS collars, and data showed at least one wolf was spotted edging near Denver and were seen as far as the Wyoming border CPW is working with livestock producers to prevent conflict between the wolves and other animals and to warn humans about the potential risks of wolves moving into their areas. Over Memorial Day Weekend in May, many ranchers called in many wolf attacks in Pitkin County, according to The Colorado Sun. Wolves killed a calf on the Lost Marbles Ranch and severely injured another. Other animals were also killed on nearby farms. Colorado began reintroducing wolves into its population in 2023, and as part of that, CPW is supposed to alert ranchers when wolves are in the area. But rancher Tom Harrington, who had one of his calves killed, said he never got an alert from the government agency, but rather a friend in the area. The day after the attack, he received a call from the agency to alert him of the wolf, he told The Sun. Harrington said his calf had been 'gutted like a fish.' Colorado began reintroducing wolves into the population in 2023 Pictured: The first map released after introducing the wolves, showing a much smaller area than the current one 'He was clean. There was nothing left inside. And he was a big, healthy calf, around 180 to 200 pounds,' he told The Sun. When wolves were reintroduced in 2023, the state first allowed 10 in. In January, 15 wolves were relocated from British Columbia, Canada, to Colorado as the second wave of reintroduction. They were released into Eagle and Pitkins Counties. The pack contained seven males and three female wolves. The state will do at least one more round of reintroduction, but could be up to a total of five rounds, with the anticipation of having 30 to 50 wolves, CPW said. South Park spoofed the Trump Administration's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for the first time in its Thanksgiving episode on Wednesday. The former Fox News host was mocked mercilessly by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, who painted Hegseth as a social media-obsessed bully. One scene pit him against South Park's version of Kristi Noem, with the two bickering over views and subscriptions. The show's version of Donald Trump, meanwhile, deployed Hegseth to the fictional town of South Park for a mission shortly before. 'Don't just make a bunch of content. Like, actually go and do something,' Trump told the cabinet member, who went on to mistake a Thanksgiving-themed run as an Antifa uprising. The assessment led to some unwanted help from Homeland Security's Noem, who reappears in the epsidoe after being relentlessly panned in previous ones as an over-Botoxed, image-obsessed ICE agent. Noem - who has earned the nickname ICE Barbie in real life - tells Hegseth in the episode, 'At ease, solider,' before framing the town's 'Turkey Trot' as a 'civilian uprising.' 'Yeah. We don't need Homeland Security's help. We got it,' Hegseth shoots back, accompanied by hundreds of members of the military. The former Fox News host was mocked mercilessly as a social media-obsessed bully in his South Park debut Wednesday night. The frame of mind pit him against the show's version of Kristi Noem at a point, with the two bickering over followers Hegseth mistook a Thanksgiving-themed run as an Antifa uprising in the episode 'We're just here to assist in any way that we can. That's what Homeland Security does,' Noem responds. 'Be sure to like and subscribe, guys.' Hegseth interrupts, 'No, no, no, no, no - this is not your content! Be sure to like and subscribe to the Department of War!' A montage of the secretary invading the town to a parody version of 'Danger Zone' followed. 'Hegseth is a f***ing d***he,' the chorus went. The song also lambasted Hegseth during the Top Gun tune's refrain, with lines like, 'Acting like a tough guy, posting it around the world... Making lots of content, like a little teenage girl.' At another point, South Park's Trump, frustrated with his cabinet member's ineffectiveness, slams him as 'a d***hebag.' The unforgiving nature of the episode quickly caused a stir on social media. 'Man South Park is out for blood with pete hegseth,' someone wrote on X. Creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker also depicted Hegseth as an ineffective, unqualified leader, seemingly in over his head By the episode's end, Hegseth winds up in a jail cell with Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel, who appeared as an antagonist in the previous episode Hegseth is only the latest Republican to receive the South Park treatment, with the show already panning JD Vance, the president, and Noem (seen here together in August) Others found amusement at a Hegseth malapropism - 'I'm here to kick bubblegum and chew a**, and I'm all out of bubblegum'. 'That Pete Hegseth song on South Park is stuck in my head now,' someone else said, showing their delight through a series of laughing emojis. By the end of the episode, Hegseth ends up in a jail cell - with Silicon Valley billionaire Peter Thiel his cellmate. Thiel - another victim of South Park's satire - was cuffed in the previous episode. 'You son of a b***h! The president will come for us. South Park's gonna pay for this. They're all gonna pay!' Hegseth says before the credits roll. He's the latest public figure to receive the South Park treatment, with Stone and Parker also tearing into JD Vance and Charlie Kirk recently Paramount secured the rights to the long-airing Comedy Central series for $1.25 billion in July. The company merged with David Ellison-run Skydance just days before. On Wednesday, Hegseth announced that 500 more National Guard troops will be deployed to Washington, DC, in coming weeks, after two National Guard members were shot blocks from the White House. A Louisiana man who spent 30 years on death row for allegedly raping and murdering his girlfriend's daughter in 1998 has been freed on bail after his conviction was overturned. Jimmie Duncan was charged with first-degree murder after he was accused of the rape and drowning of 23-month-old Haley Oliveaux, his then-girlfriend's daughter. But his conviction was overturned in April by Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Alvin Sharp after testimony revealed the forensic evidence that condemned Duncan was 'not scientifically defensible,' CBS News reported. The infant's death, according to Sharp, appeared to have been an 'accidental drowning.' Duncan was released on a $15,000 bail while his case is reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Allison Layton Statham, the child's mother, called for Duncan's release at a hearing in July and told Mississippi Today: 'This innocent man is on death row. Justice needs to be done.' Statham had left her daughter in the care of the then 25-year-old Duncan, her boyfriend who she had been living with for several months. Duncan said he made the child oatmeal before giving her a bath, with the water coming to less than three and a half inches. Jimmie Duncan, seen on the day of his release, was accused of murdering 23-month-old Haley Oliveaux in 1998 before his conviction was overturned in April Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Alvin Sharp said that testimony of forensic evidence that condemned Duncan, seen with his half-sister, was 'not scientifically defensible' Allison Layton Statham, the child's mother, had left her daughter, seen above, in the care of the then 25-year-old Duncan, her boyfriend who she had been living with for several months While doing the dishes, he had heard a noise and found the child face-down in the water. He rushed with the toddler next door, before the child was unable to be revived. Statham said Duncan was distraught and profusely apologizing, and Duncan was charged with negligent homicide. Duncan's lawyers praised Sharp's ruling earlier this year and said it was 'clear and convincing evidence showing that Mr. Duncan is factually innocent.' While prosecutors argued that Duncan was too much of a risk to be freed, Statham demanded all evidence be released including a sealed video of a bite-mark expert examining her child's body. 'Authorities are still wanting to bury the truth. What they did was railroad him,' she said. A video recording of the analysis showed Mississippi-based forensic dentist Michael West 'forcibly pushing a mold of Mr. Duncan's teeth into the child's body creating the bite marks,' the outlet reported. A court-filing from Duncan's lawyers obtained by CBS said that this evidence was then used to wrongfully convict Duncan. Similar faulty bite mark forensic analysis has contributed to numerous wrongful convictions and charges, CBS reported. Duncan, seen with family and friends in 2017, was released on a $15,000 bail while his case is reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court Statham believed that her daughter, who suffered a history of seizures, had drowned in the bathtub accidentally. Court records obtained by the outlet show Statham arguing that her daughter 'wasn't killed.' 'Haley died because she was sick,' she said. Statham said in court that the families of Duncan and herself had been 'destroyed by the lie' that was concocted to convict him. Prosecutors relied on bite mark analysis and an autopsy conducted by two experts who were later linked to at least 10 wrongful convictions, according to Duncan's legal defense. After conducting such analysis across nine states, in 2011 West admitted that he 'no longer believe[s] in bite-mark analysis,' according to the Innocence Project. 'I dont think it should be used in court. I think you should use DNA. Throw bite marks out.' West estimated that he had used bite mark analysis as evidence 81 times out of his 16,000 cases, resulting in 31 convictions. Forensic dentist Michael West who examined the child's body was seen in video evidence 'forcibly pushing a mold of Mr. Duncan's teeth into the child's body creating the bite marks' His lawyers said Duncan had been a 'model prisoner' who had helped other death row inmates obtain their GEDs who earned a 'strong community support for his release' An Associated Press review from 2013 found at least two dozen wrongful convictions or charges based on bite mark evidence since 2000. 'Bite mark evidence is junk science, and there is no more prejudicial type of junk science that exists than bite mark evidence,' M Chris Fabricant, an Innocence Project lawyer representing Duncan, told the court during the bail hearing. 'The horror story that they put out and desecrated my baby's memory makes me infuriated,' Statham said. 'I was not informed of anything that would have exonerated Mr Duncan at all,' she went on. 'Had I been then, things would have turned out a lot different for Mr. Duncan and all of our families.' The infant's paternal aunt, Jennifer Berry, said their family 'never mourned like we mourned when that child died.' But since recently exploring the case, she said she had 'been in turmoil since realizing this.' The infant's paternal aunt, Jennifer Berry, said the child was mourned like no other but after investigation she believed Duncan deserved to be freed 'Hes a young man who was falsely accused of a crime he didnt commit,' she added. Duncan was one of 55 people on death row in Louisiana, held at the Angola State Prison. His lawyers said Duncan had been a 'model prisoner' who had helped other death row inmates obtain their GEDs who earned a 'strong community support for his release.' A Massachusetts coffee shop publicly apologized after a black journalist was denied service in a case of mistaken identity. Caffe Nero in Cambridge issued an apology to retired investigative reporter Philip Martin after a barista told him she had been instructed not to serve him, reported Boston.com. Martin told the outlet that the barista claimed the cafe had him on tape exhibiting unsavory behavior toward their employees. 'I was aghast,' he said, describing the confrontation on November 20 as 'humiliating.' Martin tried to argue his innocence to the employee, but the dispute resulted in both parties calling the police. The 71-year-old was an award-winning reporter for GBH for twenty years. During his time there, he frequently reported on the disproportionate effects of misidentification on black men. Police officers who responded to the scene determined that it was all a misunderstanding and allowed Martin to stay in the store after speaking with him and the barista separately. Retired investigative journalist Phillip Martin was at Caffe Nero in Cambridge when he was denied service A spokesman for the Cambridge Police Department told the Boston Globe that officers had responded to 'what was initially reported to be an Unwanted Person.' Determined not to let the jarring misunderstanding ruin his day, Martin returned to the cafe to meet with fellow journalist Naomi Kooker. A Caffe Nero representative further explained the interaction in a statement to the Globe, calling it 'a genuine case of mistaken identity.' The statement said that Martin's height, facial hair, glasses, and build were similar to 'a customer who had been responsible for significant anti-social behavior previously.' Martin's apparent doppelganger had been previously thrown from the store for being 'abusive' to staff and peeing indoors. Caffe Nero will conduct anti-discrimination and harassment training for the Cambridge store to prevent racially charged incidents in the future. An employee of Caffe Nero in Cambridge mistook Martin for a customer who had previously disrupted the store 'Everyone at Caffe Nero is deeply sorry for the behavior towards Mr. Martin, which should not have happened,' the coffee chain said. 'Even though it was a genuine error driven by a recent prior experience.' The company told the Daily Mail, 'It was a misunderstanding which was resolved with the customer.' Even the COO of Caffe Nero Americas, Paul Morgan, personally apologized to Martin. 'This was not acceptable, and we are taking this very seriously. Our goal is to ensure that this cannot happen again,' he told Martin in a statement obtained by GBH News. Martin returned to the cafe a few days later to meet with other corporate representatives for a personal apology, which he accepted. 'I told them I had no interest whatsoever in anyone being fired over this,' he explained. Ceffe Nero Americas COO Paul Morgan explained that anti-discrimination training is conducted for all team members every year Martin was given the chance to review images of his rumored lookalike but struggled to find any similarities. He hopes this incident will be a lesson on internalized racism for Caffe Nero and other organizations, and added that he wants his experience to open up conversations about the dangers of misidentification. The former journalist flagged the issue to the Cambridge Human Rights Commission and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination in hopes of continuing to combat the problem. To Martin's point, black people are often misidentified in much more serious cases. According to the Innocence Project, a 2022 report found that innocent black people were seven times more likely to be wrongly convicted of murder than innocent white people. The Daily Mail contacted Martin and Cambridge Police for comment. A gifted ballerina was killed by her 17-year-old ex-boyfriend in his family home before he turned the gun on himself, police have said. Emily Finn, 18, was found dead by the alleged gunman's parents at their home in Nesconset, Long Island, on Wednesday just after 11am. Investigators believe the teenager, whose identity has been withheld by police due to his age, murdered Finn before shooting himself in the face. His parents called 911 and Finn was pronounced dead at the scene, Suffolk County Police Department said in a press release. The suspected killer was transported to a nearby hospital in critical but stable condition. He will be charged with second-degree murder and arraigned at a later date. Finn, who graduated from Sayville High School in June, and her alleged killer had recently broken up, police told the Greater Long Island newspaper. She had reportedly stopped by his house to return his belongings. Emily Finn, 18, was shot dead at her ex-boyfriend's home in Long Island on Wednesday morning after she went to return his belongings following their recent break up Finn was a freshman at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Oneonta and was pursuing a degree in childhood and elementary education and a minor in dance. She also previously studied at the American Ballet Studio Finn was found dead by the alleged gunman's parents at their home in Nesconset just after 11am on Wednesday. Investigators believe the teenager, whose identity has been withheld by police due to his age, killed Finn before shooting himself in the face Finn was a freshman at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Oneonta, according to her social media. She had been pursuing a degree in childhood and elementary education and a minor in dance. The ballerina, who appears to have loved dance since early childhood, also previously studied at the American Ballet Studio. It is unclear what ensued before the 17-year-old allegedly opened fire on Finn. Police have said there was no record of 'domestic history' between the pair or any 911 calls involving Finn and her alleged killer. An investigation into the deadly shooting remains ongoing. The Daily Mail has approached SCPD for further details. Finn appeared to be loved by many, with her Instagram posts often flooded with endearing comments. Her followers praised her many talents, calling her a 'beautiful dancer' and hailing her academic successes. A GoFundMe account established to help support her grieving loved ones said that Finn's 'devastating and senseless' killing leaves a hole for everyone in her life. Finn graduated from Sayville High School in June. She is pictured with her mother on her graduation day Police have said there was no record of 'domestic history' between Finn (pictured at her prom) and her alleged killer or any 911 calls involving the pair 'To know Emily is to love her, as she became part of the fabric of the lives she touched in her generous and kind way,' the crowd funder read. 'Through her many years as a dancer, the children she taught as she prepared for a future as a teacher, and simply as a friend to so many, she will be sorely missed by all who knew her.' The fundraiser has amassed more than $9,800 in donations since its creation early Thursday. Finn's friends have also shared tributes and messages of support on her Instagram posts. 'Rest in peace gorgeous girl,' one user wrote Thursday. 'A beautiful soul, rest in peace sweet girl,' said another. A British father was killed in a jetski crash as his partner watched on helplessly with their baby in her arms, an inquest has heard. Ali Watson, 28, girlfriend Charlotte and their newborn daughter Soulie had moved from the UK to Dubai for a 'better life' in September 2020. The couple were starting to settle in when Ali, a marketing manager, organised to go on a boat trip on December 6, 2020. Charlotte's said to the love of her life, 'Be careful, I love you,' as he made his way into the water. Ali was on a jetski when another one being ridden at speed by an instructor carrying a female passenger collided with him. The passenger on the other jetski jumped off moments before the crash because she was frightened by the high speed they were travelling at, Exeter Coroner's Court heard yesterday. Ali, from Coventry, was thrown into the air and landed face down in the water. He died at the scene from blunt force chest wounds. In another tragic twist, Charlotte later learned their life insurance policy was not active, and she was unable to get the belongings they had shipped to Dubai because it was all in her partner's name. Ali Watson died in a jetski crash in Dubai in 2020. His partner Charlotte Lescott, pictured with their daughter Soulie, watched on as the tragedy unfolded The couple had moved from Britain to the United Arab Emirates weeks earlier Charlotte's heartbreaking final words to her husband were 'be safe, I love you'. The assistant Devon coroner Luisa Nicholson said Ali died as a result of an accident. It was heard that he had previous experience of riding jetskis and the ones used that day had been hired by the boat trip organisers. The inquest heard that suspended jail sentences and fines were handed out to those responsible for the crash. The family had moved to Dubai in September 2020 to have a 'better quality of life'. Charlotte, a content creator from Birmingham, said: 'We went on a boat with a bunch of friends. 'He was out in the water on a jetski and the instructor collided with him. 'I was holding the baby on the boat and witnessed it. 'The last thing I said was 'be safe, I love you'. 'My world stopped spinning the moment Ali died. I couldn't function. The world around you is still carrying on.' The family had moved to Dubai to have a 'better quality of life' and Ali had set up his own business The couple were on a boat trip with friends on December 6, 2020, when Ali was involved in a crash Charlotte said she struggled to keep going for Soulie when she found out their life insurance policy wasn't active Charlotte and Ali met on Depop in 2018 when he messaged her after she bought some trainers off him. The pair hit it off and moved in together three months later. It was December 2019 when they found out they were expecting a baby together. The couple were over the moon - and then Soulie arrived on July 29, 2020. Due to the restrictions in place in the UK the family decided to try out Dubai in September. Charlotte said: 'He really wasn't happy in the UK. There was no quality of life. We ended up building a life there. 'It was just nice. We had a better quality of life. We could take Soulie swimming. I felt life was complete.' But Charlotte's world came crashing down just weeks later. She said: 'Even when I saw the crash I didn't think the worst. 'I thought he'd have a broken leg. Death doesn't go through your mind. 'When my friend said Char you need to sit down - I knew what she was going to say. I just felt my whole world had collapsed. 'I just remember screaming at the top of my lungs.' She said she struggled to keep going for Soulie when she found out their life insurance policy wasn't active. The couple were over the moon when they found out they were pregnant Now she raises awareness to make sure others are financially aware and to keep Ali's memory alive. She said: 'It had been cancelled. We had a lot of stuff in a shipment. A lot of Soulie's clothes, the cot. 'I couldn't get it released to me because it was in Ali's name. 'Me and my baby had literally nothing. When you lose someone unexpectedly, life stops. You still have to pay rent or mortgage and bills. 'They don't stop but you have stopped.' Now Charlotte is in a better place and has an open conversation with Soulie about her dad. She said: 'If I didn't have her I would be lost. I had to carry on because she was a new born. Soulie is very aware of her dad. She's dreams of him. She's got his eyes. She's very fragile, sensitive and very kind. 'She's such a ray of sunshine. I just want to protect her at all costs.' Charlotte did have family and friends to support her when she was back in the UK but felt embarrassed to ask for help sometimes. She said: 'I was embarrassed to ask family. I didn't want to say 'can you help me financially?' You don't want to think about paying the bills. 'I didn't take ownership of my finances.' Charlotte now wants to make sure others are not relying on their partners financially and have life insurance - like Mumsurance - in place. She said: 'Be aware of it for yourself. Don't just rely on him.' An adjunct lecturer at George Mason University was fired for drinking alcohol with undergraduate students during class. The unidentified political science professor reportedly allowed students to bring alcohol to class on November 20 while they presented their end-of-semester projects. NBC4 reported that the professor was instructed in a 400-level class, which would likely be for mostly older students. GMU responded after multiple sources reported the professor's behavior. However, the university did not report to the outlet whether or not everyone in the class was of legal drinking age. One student allegedly drank so much in class that they passed out. EMS had to be called to assist the incapacitated student. It is unclear whether the student passed out in the classroom or in a nearby hallway or bathroom. Fairfax County Fire & Rescue reportedly responded to the call around 6pm that evening. An adjunct professor at George Mason University was fired after reportedly drinking with students in a 400-level class The student has recovered, and their parents were notified. GMU is conducting an ongoing investigation to determine whether or not the professor was drinking with other classes as well, according to the Washington Times. Police have also reportedly gotten involved, although the capacity of their investigation remains unknown. In a statement obtained by NBC4, GMU said that the professor's actions 'egregiously violated' the school's policies. 'The university is also conducting ongoing outreach to all students whom the instructor taught this semester to address their well-being,' they said. The university's code of conduct states that professors who violate professional conduct will be 'brought to the attention of the Provost, President, employee relations specialists in the Human Resources and Payroll office, or the appropriate University or local academic unit grievance committee. 'In all cases, all parties have a right to procedural due process,' it read. The political science professor allowed students to bring in alcohol during their final presentations Outlets have not been able to confirm whether any charges against the former professor have been filed. This isn't the first time this year that the Virginia-based school made headlines. The US Department of Justice opened an investigation into GMU's faculty policies to determine if there has been discrimination in hiring and promotion decisions, according to Higher Ed Dive. Investigations were prompted in July over claims that school administration had failed to properly respond to antisemitism. The Daily Mail contacted George Mason University, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue, and Fairfax County Police for comment. The Labour councillor who parked his 208,000 Lamborghini in a disabled bay without a blue badge twice has apologised - but avoided any fine. Farhaan Rehman, the Labour councillor for Hounslow Heath in West London, owns a light blue Lamborghini Urus SE SUV which was pictured on two occasions parked in a disabled parking spot at Hounslow House civic centre. The usual fine issued to a member of the public caught parking in a disabled bay without a badge is a fixed penalty notice of 160 - but Mr Rehman was not fined as the car park is privately owned by Hounslow Council. Councillor Rehman has said that, instead, he will donate 160 to charity, as other councillors have called for his resignation. He also stepped down from his role as chairman of the council's Licensing and General Purposes Committee, meaning he will lose the 9,424 top up to his annual councillor allowance but keep the basic payment of 12,730. Mr Rehman does, however, remain a Labour representative for Hounslow Heath and will still be a candidate for Hounslow Labour at the 2026 elections - something that has angered Conservative councillors who have called Mr Rehman's disregard for the rules an 'appalling double standard'. Jack Emsley, the Conservative councillor for Chiswick Homefields, said: 'He's been caught twice now parking in a disabled bay in a Lamborghini no less - it beggars belief. 'At the moment, it's one rule for them and another rule for everybody else. But I think more fundamentally, they're standing on a manifesto that claims that they're cracking down on these kinds of finable offences.' Farhaan Rehman (pictured) is the Labour Councillor for Hounslow Heath, West London Mr Rehman's blue Lamborghini Urus SE SUV (pictured) has twice been caught parked in a disabled bay, without a blue badge 'He should absolutely be deselected, and he should really have the whip removed from the Labour group,' he added. The Labour Group said it has accepted Mr Rehman's apology and resignation. They added that they have given the councillor formal advice on his future conduct and reminded him of the 'high standards expected of a Labour councillor'. A Labour Party spokesman told the Telegraph: 'The Hounslow Labour Group considers the actions taken by Councillor Farhaan Rehman to be unacceptable. 'Councillor Rehman has acknowledged this without qualification and has taken a series of steps to address his conduct. 'The Hounslow Labour Group expects the highest standards from all elected members. 'Councillor Rehman has accepted full responsibility and acted promptly in response to this incident.' Mr Rehman's father is also the General Secretary of a Hounslow mosque which is one of the largest in the UK and which is currently under investigation by the Charity Commission. Earlier this month, a single mother was fined 1,000 for 'fly-tipping' an envelope next to some boxes when her council bins were full. The car is worth 208,000. If a general member of the public was caught parking in a disabled bay without a badge, they could face a fixed penalty notice of 160 Loretta Alvarez, 26, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that if Councillor Rehman had indeed parked in the bays himself without a blue badge, it would make her feel as though elected officials conduct themselves differently to how ordinary members of the public are expected to act. 'It [would make] you think, there clearly is a hierarchy, he thinks he can get away with it, and probably can because he's a councillor. 'But me, a normal person, getting on, paying my bills, I'd have to pay that,' Ms Alvarez said. Loretta Alvarez had placed the cardboard envelope on top of some boxes by the communal bins outside her flat in Feltham, west London, which are shared by 25 other households. The mother-of-two assumed council workers would take the rubbish when they came to collect the waste, but was shocked to receive a penalty notice from Hounslow Council and was threatened with legal action if she did not pay. Labour councillor Rehman's father, Shafiq Reham, is the General Secretary of Hounslow Jamia Masijd and Islamic Centre Mosque, one of the largest in the UK. The mosque is also being investigated by the Charity Commission over concerns about its governance and regulatory compliance. Worshippers and former staff at the mosque put their allegations to the government watchdog, the Sun reported last month, with concerns including 'unaccounted for' charitable funds and contracts allegedly being awarded to associates of the leadership team. Probes were also launched by Hounslow Council and the Labour Party into individuals alleged to have a 'stranglehold' over the community. The father of Anna Kepner, the 18yearold cheerleader who died under mysterious circumstances on a Carnival cruise ship, revealed how his broken family would spend Thanksgiving. Christopher Kepner, 41, said that this holiday season would look 'different.' 'We're not really doing "Thanksgiving" Thanksgiving,' he told PEOPLE. 'We're still going to celebrate and Anna is here with us.' Christopher said his blended family had always done Thanksgiving their own way. If his kids liked 'a certain thing, we cooked it,' he told the outlet such as Anna's choice of cornbread casserole. But after her tragic death, Christopher's family planned to 'spend this time close and together.' Anna was declared dead at 11.17am on November 7 while on a cruise ship getaway with her blended family. The ship was in international waters between Mexico and Florida when her body was found in her cabin underneath her bed. She was wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests. Anna Kepner was found dead at 11.17am on November 7 while she was on a Carnival cruise ship with her family Christopher Kepner said Thanksgiving would be 'different' this year after the death of his 18yearold daughter The Daily Mail was the first to report that her 16yearold stepbrother was considered a 'suspect' in Anna's death and was under investigation. Her father told PEOPLE he wanted him 'to face the consequences' and that he would be 'fighting to make sure that does happen,' although he did not confirm that his stepson had been involved. The teen girl's cause of death was determined to be asphyxiation via a bar hold, which is an arm placed across the neck, ABC News reported. Anna and her stepbrother, who cannot be named for legal reasons, shared a cabin on the Carnival Horizon during the family's tropical trip. Her 14yearold brother was also in the cabin. On the night of her death, Anna's younger brother heard yelling and chairs being thrown in the cabin, where she was alone with her stepbrother, according to what the teen's exboyfriend Josh Tew told reporters at a memorial service last week. Josh claimed Anna's younger brother told him their stepbrother prevented him from entering their room and that he'd 'heard her yelling at her in a harmful way, like 'shut the hell up' and stuff like that.' Anna's cause of death was ruled to have been caused by asphyxiation via a bar hold an arm placed across the neck Anna's father told PEOPLE he wanted her stepbrother 'to face the consequences' and that he would be 'fighting to make sure that does happen' 'That's when he knew something was going on,' Josh added. However, Josh claimed Anna's relative had stopped talking to him. 'He said the FBI told them that if they talk they'll get arrested because it's tampering with an investigation or something,' he said. Anna's exboyfriend said he had called the FBI over his concerns and claimed investigators told him they were 'glad I gave them the information.' Josh also alleged he had 'caught' Anna's 16yearold stepbrother trying to get on top of her nine months ago. Anna's father Christopher told the Daily Mail in a previous interview that investigators had shared barely any details with him. He said: 'We were there as a family. Everybody was questioned. Everybody came off that ship. I don't know who they are looking at or what their investigation is.' A family photo of Anna (pictured lower right), with her stepmother Shauntel Hudson, father, stepbrother (pictured left), stepsister and halfsister Anna's obituary said she planned to join the US Navy after graduating from high school and later become a K9 police officer Christopher told the Daily Mail he knew 'as little as everybody else.' 'I have no idea what is going on right now,' he added. 'We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers.' On Monday, Anna's grandmother Barbara told Good Morning America that her family was stunned that the teen girl's stepbrother had been accused. She said: 'They were like brother and sister.' Barbara added that the boy 'had demons in his past and was trying to deal with those', and revealed that he had broken down when being interviewed by investigators. She said: 'I heard him say in his own words that he does not remember what happened. 'During [his police interview] he was an emotional mess. He couldn't speak, he couldn't believe what happened.' Anna's grandmother Barbara told Good Morning America that the teen and her stepbrother's relationship was 'like brother and sister' Anna's grandmother added that he 'was in the room with her and 'was the only one seen coming and going.' She added: 'I can't accuse him because I don't know what happened in that room, but the summation would be that he did something.' Court filings obtained exclusively by the Daily Mail earlier this month confirmed that Anna's stepbrother faced possible criminal charges. He was currently in the care of an unnamed 'third party,' per a motion filed by the boy's father Thomas Hudson. Hudson also sought immediate custody of their other minor child, a nineyearold girl currently living in Titusville, Florida, with Shauntel Hudson and Anna's father. The filing said: 'The respondent took the remaining minor children on a cruise with a stepchild of her paramour.' It added: 'The sixteenyearold child is now a suspect in the death of the stepchild during the cruise.' Anna's exboyfriend Josh Tew told reporters at a memorial service last week that the teen's younger brother heard yelling and chairs being thrown in the cabin, where she was alone with her stepbrother Shauntel filed a response denying the allegations that she had 'abused, neglected or abandoned' her children. She said it was 'true that there is an open investigation regarding the death of the biological daughter of the stepfather' and that the boy, identified by his initials, was 'a suspect regarding this death which occurred recently on a cruise ship.' Anna grew up with her father Christopher and his exwife Tabitha Kepner, 33. They split in 2023 but he found love again with Shauntel, who divorced Thomas Hudson last year and moved to Titusville with their two youngest kids. Anna was expected to graduate high school in May and had plans to join the US Navy and then become a K9 police officer, according to her obituary. A Colorado college student was accused of violently striking an elderly man celebrating the approval of a new Turning Point USA chapter. Fort Lewis College student Megan Elizabeth Hope Mollet, who police said uses they/them pronouns and goes by Nova, was allegedly caught hitting hitting local resident Dave Peters, 66, on the college campus on November 7. Footage from the incident showed Mollet with her hands up as she was confronted by a police officer after the alleged strike. The alleged attack unfolded after the Associated Students of Fort Lewis College (ASFLC), the body responsible for approving groups on campus, voted to approve the TPUSA chapter in an emergency meeting. The decision came after the group previously rejected a proposal put forward by senior Jonah Flynn, drawing scrutiny on campus. According to a police report first obtained by Fox News, Mollet was not formally arrested and was let off with a warning, and her case was filed as 'harassment.' According to the police report, around 70 people attended the meeting to approve the Turning Point group, many of which 'shared opposing political beliefs.' During the discussion, Peters, the former chair of the La Plata County GOP and a retired executive at Chevron Corporation, was said to have approached a student who was 'booing and yelling.' Fort Lewis College student Megan Elizabeth Hope Mollet was accused of violently striking an elderly man celebrating the approval of a new Turning Point USA chapter Mollet was allegedly caught hitting hitting local resident Dave Peters, 66, on the college campus on November 7 in an argument over the college's TPUSA chapter being approved Police said the incident escalated when Peters 'pulled out his phone and began recording the student with his phone approximately a foot away from the student's face.' The report noted: 'The male was identified as Dave Peters and the student who appears female was later identified as Megan Mollett who goes by Nova and identifies as they/them.' According to the report, Mollett began to strike Peters with her phone and hand, while also holding 'an empty Taco Bell cup, after he approached with his phone in his hand.' Peters told Fox News after the incident that he did not want to press charges against Mollet, but hoped the university would discipline her. 'After they adjourned the meeting and the people started walking out, about 20 of us started clapping and then there was a fair amount of students that were booing,' he said. Then, right after that, there was this 55-year-old or 60-year-old guy that later we found out he was a former professor at Fort Lewis College, and he started to come up to me, and he said, you're a Nazi, you are a fascist and kept on repeating that.' 'I believed in what Charlie Kirk was doing, and I believe that his approach on dealing with people with different views was not overly combative, it was just engaging in the right way to go, and I believe in free speech,' he added. Peters, the former chair of the La Plata County GOP and a retired executive at Chevron Corporation, was said to have approached a student who was 'booing and yelling' The outlet reported that the man he was referring to was David Kozak, a retired Fort Lewis professor who was upset over the TPUSA chapter being approved. He was seen in footage raising his middle finger to someone filming him after the chapter was approved, and referring to its supporters as 'Nazis.' The officer who filed the report on Mollet wrote that he believed the incident was overblown and the attendees needed to calm down. 'I told Mollett I understood tensions were high due to a politically motivated meeting that was happening, but they needed to take a breath and calm down,' the report said. 'I informed Mollett they could be charged with harassment or assault due to striking Peters. After talking with Mollett, I informed her she could go back over to her group of friends, but she needed to remain calm and take a breath.' The TPUSA chapter's approval came after the group previously rejected a proposal put forward by senior Jonah Flynn, drawing scrutiny on campus A Fort Lewis College spokesperon said in a statement: 'All Fort Lewis College students are expected to uphold the standards outlined in our Student Code of Conduct. The college affirms the importance of free speech while maintaining expectations for civility and safety.' The university did not comment on whether Mollet would face disciplinary action. 'We dont comment on student conduct, as that information is protected under federal privacy law (FERPA). However, I can say that the college takes all allegations of misconduct seriously and follows established disciplinary procedures.' The Daily Mail has contacted Turning Point USA for comment. Angela Rayner's workers' rights revolution started to unravel today as ministers ditched plans to give people the right to claim unfair dismissal from day one. Industry sources told the Mail that the government has performed a dramatic U-turn over the issue which has dogged relations with business for months. Ministers have thrashed out a compromise behind the scenes that will see the TUC and Labour-supporting unions back the move. However, it is likely to provoke a backlash from some Labour MPs and is a blow to former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner who had championed the plan. The U-turn comes just days after Downing Street said it would resist all attempts to water down the plan. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith said: 'This humiliating U-turn on a Labour flagship bill is a Conservative victory and will give some relief to business. But this is just one element of this rushed 330-page, job-killing legislation. It doesn't change the fact the Bill is still not fit-for-purpose, nor does it change the fact it will give Unions the 'Right to Roam', ban banter in pubs, or end flexible working. 'Keir Starmer must grow a backbone, stand up to his union paymasters and ditch every single job-destroying anti-growth measure in the employment rights bill now.' Ditching day one rights is a blow to Angela Rayner who had championed a revolution in workers' rights CBI chief Rain Newton-Smith had urged ministers to climb down on the 'damaging' Employment Rights Bill The move will be seen as a sign that Ms Rayner's workers' rights revolution is starting to unravel following her departure from government in September. Ms Rayner had claimed the 'basic rights' would be 'truly transformative' for many workers. A Whitehall sources said ministers recognised employer concerns about the impact on jobs. The source said workers would not now get the right to claim unfair dismissal until they have been in the workplace for at least six months. The period is shorter than the current two years but is designed to ease fears among employers that they could become the target for vexatious claims from staff who have only just started. Ministers have also agreed that the new six-month entitlement can only be reduced in future by primary legislation. They are also desperate to end a standoff with the Lords over the measure which threatens to derail Labour's flagship Employment Rights Bill. A spokesman for the Department for Business and Trade said ministers had brokered talks between employers and unions in recent days to reach the compromise. The spokesman said day one rights to sick pay and paternity leave would still be introduced in April next year. But the right to claim unfair dismissal from the first day of employment has been dropped. The spokesman said: 'Reforms to benefit millions of working people, including some of the lowest paid workers, would otherwise be significantly delayed if the Bill does not reach Royal Assent in line with our delivery timetable. Businesses too need time to prepare for what are a series of significant changes.' Business leaders have savaged the Employment Rights Bill, which the government's own assessment shows will cost firms 5billion a year in extra red tape. But the right to claim unfair dismissal has been the biggest single bone of contention. CBI chief Rain Newton-Smith described the legislation this week as 'disappointing and damaging' and accused ministers of ignoring employers' concerns. 'Business is not just a resource to be taxed when the going gets tough. They are the ones creating jobs, building opportunities, lifting living standards and driving real change in communities,' she said. Business secretary Peter Kyle came under fire over the issue at this week's CBI conference and hinted at a potential climb down. But No 10 ruled out any concessions, saying the Prime Minister would resist all attempts to water down the Employment Rights Bill in the House of Lords. The PM's spokesman said: 'The Employment Rights Bill is good for workers, good for businesses, and good for the economy. 'We will overturn all attempts to scupper our plans, including watering down day one protection from unfair dismissal and limiting the ban on exploitative zero hours contracts. 'The best British companies already have these protections, and we want to raise the standard that creates the right conditions for long term sustainable growth. 'As we've said throughout, we're committed to getting the detail right on these reforms. That's why we're asking businesses and workers to share their views as part of our consultation.' Tory peer Lord Leigh, who helped lead opposition in the Lords, told the Daily Mail: 'I am pleased that the government has finally listened to the points made in the House of Lords explaining that this bill would have caused enormous damage to British business. There was not one business representative body or even one business who was in favour of these proposals. 'However there are still some very unsatisfactory changes in particular giving enormous powers to the unions and these also need to be challenged.' The devastated dad of one of the National Guard members gunned down in a suspected terror attack has revealed that she will not survive her injuries. Sarah Beckstrom's father, Gary, provided the update on Thursday, just one day after his daughter was shot in Washington, DC. 'She has a mortal wound, it's not going to be a recovery,' he told the New York Times, speaking from her bedside. 'I'm holding her hand right now.' Beckstrom was 'ambushed' alongside fellow West Virginia National Guard member Andrew Wolfe. Wolfe's father, asked for prayers today as the 24-year-old remains in critical condition. 'Please pray for my son,' Jason Wolfe told CNN, adding that his son is 'a great person' and 'a fighter' Jason Wolfe did not provide an update on his son's condition. Afghan suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was injured during the shooting and is currently in custody in hospital with non-life-threatening wounds. Sarah Beckstrom's father, Gary Beckstrom, said his daughter will not survive injuries she sustained from being shot while on duty in Washington, DC Sarah is seen here alongside her father Gary in an image shared to social media Lakanwal allegedly shot the National Guard soldiers just 800 yards from the White House on Wednesday. The suspect drove across the country from his home in Bellingham, Washington state, where he lived with his wife and five children near the Canadian border, authorities said. The soldiers were shot by a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver. Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was named as the alleged gunman in custody over the horror shoot-out Fingerprints matched to Lakanwal, who fled to the US following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. Donald Trump last night blamed Joe Biden and called for a review of 'every single alien from Afghanistan who has entered our country'. He said in an address to the nation: 'The suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth. 'He was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021, on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about. Nobody knew who was coming in. 'His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden, a disastrous president, the worst in our history.' CIA director John Ratcliffe revealed that Lakanwal had direct links to the intelligence agency from his work alongside US Special Forces in Afghanistan, where he served as an elite commander. Beckstrom was 'ambushed' with fellow West Virginia National Guard member Andrew Wolfe The two National Guard soldiers were shot yards from the White House on Wednesday Wolfe was shot alongside Beckstrom in Washington, DC on Wednesday Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and was approved by Trump's Department of Homeland Security in April of this year, according to CNN. Lakanwal's ID card identifies him as a commander in Unit 01, an elite force within the former Afghan government's National Directorate of Security, according to the Daily Telegraph. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for comment. A motive for the shooting has not been released by law enforcement, but the FBI led by Director Kash Patel is investigating whether the attack could have links to international terror. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro's notes during a Thursday briefing mentioned the suspected shooter yelled 'allahu akbar' before the attack. Beckstrom and Wolfe were in the nation's capital as part of the President's crime-fighting mission that involved taking over the local police department. Nearly 2,200 Guard members were deployed to DC as part of the drive. Following the shooting, the President's administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to the city. Lakanwal currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said on Thursday that 'it's too soon to say' what the suspect's motives were. She added: 'We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. 'But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge.' A Texas man admitted to the cops that he was 'going crazy' when he shot and killed his terminally ill wife and then turned the gun on himself. Ernest Leal Sr., 88, told police his wife said she was sick and 'no longer wished to live' after he was taken in for questioning by the Galveston Police Department. Police believe Leal shot his wife, Anita 'Annie' Leal, in the head as the 89-year-old lay in her bed November 17 just before 5 am, reported Houston station KPRC. She was found on the floor of their two-story home. Leal claimed he meant to take his own life, too, but the gun didn't go off. Cops were called to the home on the Texas gulf coast after a medical alert device reported a potential emergency, police revealed. The personal emergency device allows a user to call for help by pressing a wearable button. Authorities have not disclosed what illness Annie suffered from; however, her husband claims she did not want to suffer any more. Ernest Leal Sr., 88, has been charged in the shooting death of his wife, who was terminally ill Anita 'Annie' Leal was shot dead on Nov. 17. The personal medical alert device she was wearing alerted police about an emergency, which turned out to be the shooting Cops were called to the home on the Texas gulf coast after a medical alert device reported a potential emergency, the Galveston Police Department said After confessing to shooting his wife of 65 years, Leal told investigators he was 'going crazy' at the time. The couple share three grown children, several grandchildren and great grandchildren who called the deceased 'Mimi' or 'Mimi Annie', her obituary reads. She's also described as a 'super' mom and devoted member of St Patrick Catholic Church, where she served as a chairperson of the sweets booth at the annual church bazaar. The online tribute also mentions she and her husband sponsored and played in the Galveston YMCA Volleyball League and often enjoyed visits to their favorite restaurants after mass. Ever the fashionista, Annie always had her hair done and loved to show off her dance moves at home and at mariachi night at a local Mexican eatery. A visitation for her is scheduled for December 1 at Malloy & Son Funeral Home at 4 p.m., with a celebration of life starting at 5.30 pm. Meanwhile, Leal has already made his first court appearance on the murder charge where he was wheeled in on a wheelchair. During the court hearing, his bond was lowered from $250,000 to $80,000. The boyfriend of murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska has blasted a Chicago judge for freeing a lunatic career criminal who allegedly set a woman on fire aboard a train. Stanislav Nikulytsia drew a direct parallel with the horrific murder of his girlfriend and the sickening attack on Bethany MaGee in Illinois last week. Magee, 26, was doused in gasoline and set alight on the city's Blue Line last Monday, but managed to flee the train and survive. Her suspected attacker Lawrence Reed is a serial criminal with 72 prior arrests who was freed months earlier by a judge after he allegedly attacked a social worker. In a post to his Instagram Nikulytsia shared a local story of the attack on MaGee, saying: '72 prior arrests sounds like a joke. 'I guess 72 times was not enough to understand who he is. Why they always wait for them to do something like that to start doing something to prevent it.' In August, Zarutska was fatally stabbed in an apparent random attack aboard a commuter train in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her alleged attacker Decarlos Brown Jr. is also a career criminal who was allowed to walk from court in January despite a litany of arrests for armed robbery and assault. Bethany MaGee's family and friends have asked for prayers as she recovers from her horrific injuries Stanislav Nikulytsia, left, drew a direct parallel with the murder of his girlfriend Iryna, right, and the horrifying attack on MaGee A magistrate judge allowed Brown who was homeless to walk free on a 'written promise' that he would return for his next court appearance. Brown's lengthy history of runins with the law also included assaulting his sister in 2021, leaving her with minor injuries, as well as armed robbery in 2014. The disturbing video of his attack on Zarutska caused widespread sadness, anger and questions about public safety in the US earlier this year. MaGee meanwhile is now in a critical condition in hospital with her family by her side after suffering burns to 60 percent of her body. She sustained the most serious burns on her left arm and hand, according to an update from her church community. She had surgery earlier this week and is expected to be in hospital for at least three months for treatment and rehabilitation. MaGee's suspected attacker Reed was released on an ankle monitor after the alleged assault on a social worker in August. Surveillance footage showed MaGee sitting in the train car before Reed, a complete stranger, allegedly poured gasoline over her head and body. Magee, 26, was doused in gasoline and set alight on the city's Blue Line last Monday, but managed to flee the train and survive Lawrence Reed is the suspect accused of setting MaGee alight. He has a slew of previous arrests 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. Horrified locals now believe MaGee's ordeal could have been avoided, had a female Illinois not judge ignored a prosecutor's warnings about Reed. Despite the prosecutor warning Cook County Judge Teresa Molina-Gonzalez that Reed had a lengthy rap sheet and his next crime would 'likely be violent', she allowed him to walk free. MaGee was seen running to the front of the train car to escape before her attacker allegedly ignited the bottle in his hand, according to the affidavit. Reed then allegedly ran to the front of the train car and watched his victim as her body was 'engulfed in flames'. MaGee attempted to extinguish the flames by dropping to the ground and fled the train car when it stopped at Clark and Lake. The victim collapsed when she arrived at the station where multiple witnesses attended to her while she waited for emergency responders. Her family put out a statement saying, 'We would like to thank everyone for their prayers and well-wishes as our daughter receives care for injuries sustained earlier this week.' 'We are also grateful for the excellent care and support of the burn team at Stroger Hospital.' Reed was hit with a federal terrorism charge. The Budget watchdog has vowed to deliver answers within days as it drafts in a leading cybersecurity expert for a rapid inquiry into its humiliating budget leak. It comes as it emerged a simple publishing error was believed to have triggered the debacle with all signs pointing to a 'cock up rather than conspiracy', sources told the Mail. The revelation will pile further pressure on the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) which has set itself a looming deadline of Monday to explain how the blunder occurred. Due to its market-sensitive nature, details of the Budget are supposed to be kept secret until the Chancellor announces them in the House of Commons. But it appears a PDF version of the OBR's key forecast was accessible early by simply replacing the word 'March' with 'November' in the web address of a previous edition. It meant the report, which was due to published after Rachel Reeves' speech, was available to download on an unprotected link in the hour before her official statement. OBR Chairman Richard Hughes, who has not ruled out resigning over the embarrassing error, admitted he was 'personally mortified by what happened'. He said a swift investigation has been launched with the input of Ciaran Martin, the former head of the National Cyber Security Council. Leading expert Ciaran Martin, the former head of the National Cyber Security Council, has been drafted in for a rapid investigation into the budget leak OBR Chairman Richard Hughes, who has not ruled out resigning over the embarrassing error, admitted he was 'personally mortified by what happened' Rachel Reeves said she retains confidence in Mr Hughes despite the leak, which she said 'must never happen again' 'A link to our EFO document was inadvertently made accessible to the public prior to the conclusion of the chancellor's statement when it is usually published. 'It wasn't published on our website but there was a link that somebody managed to find and that made it accessible and it was then disseminated. 'As soon as it was discovered we took action to take it down.' Whitehall sources told the Mail the decision to bring in the former cybersecurity chief was an indication of how rattled OBR bosses were as there has been no evidence of a cyber hack. It is thought that the leading expert was hurriedly drafted in to highlight that the OBR recognises the gravity of the issue. But insiders predicted the move may backfire when Mr Martin discovers that it was a simple security loophole on their own systems. There has also been bemusement at the decision not to enlist the help of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the independent authority on critical cyber incidents affecting the UK. Mr Martin, who founded the NCSC before leaving in 2020, now carries out cybersecurity advisory work for the private and public sector. He charges as much $10,000 (7,500) for virtual engagements and as much as $20,000 (15,000) for in-person events the US, according to a New York based key-note speakers agency website. Of the investigation, Mr Hughes said: 'We will look into how this happened, we will identify actions required to ensure it doesn't happen again, we'll implement those recommendations in full. 'I'm personally mortified by what happened, we take budget security incredibly seriously, which is why an investigation is already under way and will report very swiftly by early next week.' He said he had written to the chancellor, and the chair of the treasury select committee 'to apologise and take full responsibility' for the mistake. 'Personally, I serve day to day subject to the confidence of the chancellor and the treasury committee. 'If they both conclude in light of that investigation, they no longer have confidence in me then of course I will resign.' The unprecedented error meant key details from the budget - on taxes, economic growth and individual policy changes - were all reported an hour before the budget was delivered to parliament. It sparked anger across Westminster, frenzy on trading room floors and caused turmoil on the financial markets. It is understood that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is set to review the findings of the OBR's investigation due to the spell of volatility caused. Ms Reeves said she retains confidence in Mr Hughes despite the leak, which she said 'must never happen again'. But acknowledged her anger was at the 'higher end' of the scale when she found out about it while in the Commons Chamber ahead of the Budget. The Chancellor told Sky News: 'Richard Hughes wrote to me yesterday evening, apologising for their error. It was a serious error, a serious breach. 'They have announced an investigation which will report to me very quickly. 'But I do have confidence in Richard and the OBR. They do important work. But what happened yesterday, it did let me down, and it shouldn't have happened, and it must never happen again.' A spokesperson for the OBR confirmed there was no reason to believe the leak was the result of a hack. 'The OBR inadvertently made it possible to access the November 2025 Economic and fiscal outlook (EFO) too early on Budget day. 'It has launched an investigation into what happened which will report publicly no later than Monday 1 December,' they added. Survivors of the Liverpool parade say they have been left with 'unanswered questions' after ex-Royal Marine Paul Doyle admitted his guilt - as friends insist he is 'sorry' for the carnage he inflicted. The 54-year-old father-of-three - who falsely told police he was fleeing a knifeman trying to stab him - is facing a lengthy prison sentence after dramatically changing his plea on Wednesday and admitting 31 counts. But despite being spared going through a trial, lawyers for some of the people most badly hurt when the IT consultant 'intentionally' mowed down crowds of fans said the 'severity' of their injuries meant they were having to relive his rampage 'every single day'. Meanwhile a close friend of Doyle who has regularly visited him in prison has told the Daily Mail that the self-styled 'ethical hacker' is 'sorry for what has happened'. He said the university graduate had been 'open' about what he had done, but had originally pleaded not guilty based on legal advice. Police have said it was 'only by sheer luck that nobody was killed' when Doyle lost his temper and went on the rampage in his Ford Galaxy on May 26. Such was the terror that swept through the thousands-strong crowd celebrating Liverpool's League title that many assumed they were the targets of a terror attack. After leaving 134 people injured by mowing them down in his two-tonne people carrier, Doyle falsely told police he had panicked because one of the crowd had tried to stab him. Pictured: Paul Doyle was seen driving the car during his terrifying rampage in Liverpool on May 26, 2025 Doyle was on Wednesday told he faces jail after driving his car into crowds at the Liverpool victory parade Emergency services at the scene of the incident on Water Street. More than 130 people were injured, police later said In reality, the attack was only ended when a supporter bravely got inside Doyle's car - which had an automatic gearbox - by opening a back door. Seconds later the hero reached over to put it into 'park', finally bringing the vehicle to a halt. Doyle's attack was in fact a grotesque and inexplicable piece of road rage, prosecutors would have argued had the trial gone ahead. Instead on the second day of his trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Doyle admitted dangerous driving, affray, 17 charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent, nine counts of causing GBH with intent, and three counts of wounding with intent. The offences relate to 29 victims aged between six months and 77. Today Chantal Rabbetts, director of serious injury at Bond Turner, who represents some of Doyle's victims, said: 'The high-profile nature of this case and the severity of their injuries means that our clients are having to re-live the events of May 2025 every single day. 'We are pleased that the guilty pleas mean they do not have to face weeks of intense public scrutiny that comes with a criminal trial, but they are left with more questions as to why the defendant chose to act in this way causing harm to so many. 'Thankfully despite the ongoing criminal and civil proceedings we have been able to put rehabilitation support in place for our clients so we can continue to help them on their road to recovery.' An artist's sketch of Paul Doyle sobbing as he appeared in court at the start of his trial Harrowing mobile phone footage showed fans bouncing off the bonnet of Doyle's Ford Galaxy as he swerved through the crowds Meanwhile a close friend of Doyle who has known him since 2007 said he had been 'advised' to change his plea. 'At no point was he ever going to say that he hadn't done it,' the friend told the Mail. He claimed Doyle had wanted to admit causing grievous bodily harm - but not the more serious offence of causing GBH with intent, with which he was charged. 'He has done it but there is a big difference saying that he had done it with intent,' said the friend, who has visited Doyle while he has been in prison on remand. 'The word 'intent' implies that he went out deliberately to do this and that is why he was not going to plead guilty. 'He is quite open about what he has done and is sorry for what has happened. 'Under no circumstances was he going to say that he hasn't done this. 'But there is a massive difference between saying I did this and it happened because I panicked, to I set off from my house to intentionally do that.' The friend continued to insist Doyle was 'a good guy, a gent' despite his guilty pleas and said he was 'doing all right, considering' behind bars. Had the trial gone ahead, prosecutors would have argued that Doyle's account that he 'panicked' was a lie, it is understood. Jack Trotter (pictured) was struck by the driver on Water Street, shortly after 6pm. He had been out celebrating his team's league title win during the club's victory parade They were expected to tell jurors that in reality he lost his temper and drove into the crowd in a rage. Damning evidence of his guilt came in the form of his in-car dashcam. It recorded both video and audio of his journey on the six-mile route to Liverpool city centre from his 300,000 four-bed detached home on a smart new build estate in the suburb of Croxteth. Clips revealed how his driving had already become aggressive even before he encountered fans in the road. Doyle undertook other cars and ran a red light as he drove the 25-minute journey from his home to Liverpool city centre. Even when surrounded by crowds of families he repeatedly swore at people as they desperately leapt out of his way, with harrowing mobile phone footage showing fans bouncing off his car's bonnet as it swerved at speed. More detail of his offending will be spelt out when he returns to court to be sentenced next month. A lawyer representing a nurse at the centre of trans row tribunal has claimed JK Rowling was too big to bully as she defended the author for speaking out for womens rights. Naomi Cunningham, who has represented 51-year-old A&E nurse Sandie Peggie in her fight against NHS Fife and trans medic Dr Beth Upton, said the Harry Potter writer was simply standing up for women who had been atrociously bullied. The top barrister, who has become one of the most prominent lawyers in the fight to preserve womens-only spaces, also hit out at the Scottish Government for being in denial over the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Mrs Cunnigham told the BBCs Scotcast that while she knew Mrs Peggies case was important, with it being likely the first case decided in which a woman took the fight to the other side by saying you have harassed me by letting a man use my changing room, she had no idea what a big story it was going to be. During proceedings, Dr Uptons birthname had been taken out of legal documents, but figures such as Ms Rowling had taken to social media to share the name. Ms Cunningham rejected the claim it was an act of bullying, and added: All of these men who invade womens spaces, there is a real tendency to try keep their names and their faces out of the stories and just to bully women by invading their spaces and then run away and hide. People should take responsibility for their actions. And the employment lawyer rejected the suggestion that Ms Rowling should take part in an interview to defend herself. Naomi Cunningham said JK Rowling had stood up for women who had been atrociously bullied Mrs Cunningham has represented nurse Sandie Peggie, pictured, in her fight against NHS Fife and trans medic Dr Beth Upton, The lawyer said that Harry Potter author JK Rowling (above) was 'too big to bully' Ms Cunningham said: All she is doing is naming reality and standing up, in a very real and practical way, for women who have been atrociously bullied for speaking the truth. And, happily, we have JKR who is too big to bully. Mrs Peggie sued her employer and Dr Upton, 30, after being forced to share a female changing room with the trans medic. The verdict to the long running employment tribunal is expected imminently. Ms Cunningham also hit out at the Scottish Government for being in denial over the landmark Supreme Court ruling as to the definition of women under law. The employment lawyer, who said the verdict was really clear and written in plane, easy to understand terms said: The law is the law, and we know what the law is now. Institutions, and employers, and government all need to simply respect the rule of law. This ideology has sunk its claws so deeply into our institutions that its really hard to shake free of it. MSP Tess White, the Scottish Tories equalities spokesman, said Ms Cunninghams comments were a damning intervention that should shame John Swinney and the SNP Government into finally doing the right thing. She said: They have had over six months to do so, yet that are still putting the safety of women and girls at risk by refusing to do so. The SNPs gender ideology has become so embedded in Scotlands public bodies that reckless decisions are being taken, instead of women being guaranteed access to single-sex spaces. John Swinney should stop pandering to gender extremists in his party and rule out squandering any more taxpayers money in rejecting the verdict from the Supreme Court. The Scottish Government has been approached for comment. John Swinney has refused to use a 150million budget windfall to cut income tax. The SNP had set the money aside for a Scotland-only end to the two-child benefit cap. But on Wednesday, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the cap would be abolished UK-wide, leaving the Scottish Government with a choice. At First Ministers Questions, Scottish Tory leader Russell Findlay urged Mr Swinney to use the money to ease the burden on hard-working families. Scotland is the highest taxed part of the UK, with everyone earning over 30,300 this year paying more income tax than their equivalents south of the Border. Mr Findlay said: The SNP is forcing Scottish taxpayers to constantly pay more and more and more. Before the budget, it had already set aside around 150 million to end the cap on universal credit for families with more than two children. However, given Labours decision to scrap the two-child cap, the SNP can now spend that money on something else - not on more benefits. John Swinney has refused to use a 150m Budget windfall to cut income tax in Scotland Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay used First Minister's Questions to ask the First Minister to help taxpayers keep more of their money There is another way - a commonsense way - that would reward hard work and help the economy. We believe that Scottish taxpayers deserve to keep more of their hard-earned money. They deserve fairness and a break from higher bills, so will John Swinney instead use that 150 million to cut income tax? Mr Swinney rejected the plea. He told MSPs the mission and purpose of my Government is to eradicate child poverty and he would use the money to reduce child poverty even further. The SNP is already set to spend 489 million next year on its Scottish Child Payment, worth 26.70 per child per week to low income families on top of other benefits. Mr Swinney added: I welcome the fact that the United Kingdom Government has taken the decision, from 1 April, to abolish the two-child cap, which was put in place by the previous Conservative Government. I am glad that my Government has shamed the Labour Party into acting on it. Mr Swinney defended Scotland's tax regime, saying he was prepared to ask higher wage earners to pay more to 'eradicate child poverty' Defending Scotlands record taxes, he went on: Mr Findlay attacks me for asking people on higher earnings to pay more in tax. I am prepared to do that so that I can work to eradicate child poverty, which is the best thing to do for the future of our country. Introduced in April 2017, the two-child cap limited universal credit and child tax credits to the first two children in a family unless the mother said another child was conceived by rape or in a coercive relationship. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar reacted furiously to Mr Swinneys claim that the SNPs plan to mitigate the cap on the eve of the Holyrood election forced Labour to follow suit. He pointed out SNP ministers had refused to act for years, arguing it would be wrong to mitigate a Tory policy at the expense of the Scottish budget. Mr Sarwar said: The First Minister is delusional. For eight years, the SNP had the power to end the two-child cap but did nothing - UK Labour scrapped it after 18 months. The sad truth is that the SNP preferred the grievance. For two years, John Swinney has argued for income tax to rise in England and Wales. That would have led to a cut in Scotlands budget, based on the fiscal framework that he himself negotiated. That proves that he has not got a clue. Given 5.2 billion was received last year and was completely wasted by this incompetent and tired SNP Government, does that not prove that we need a change of Government? The FM said the 127 million annual uplift for Holyrood in the budget would be more than eaten up by the 400million bill for extra employer national insurance imposed by Labour. He added: We will concentrate our public expenditure on the priorities of the people of Scotland. Tory MSP Craig Hoy challenged the First Minister over the soaring bill for Scotlands generous devolved benefits, which is set to hit almost 10 billion by the end of the decade - 2billion more than the Treasury funding to pay for it. He said: Rachel Reeves yesterday made the same mistake as John Swinney, with a Benefits Street budget that increased tax on workers, pensioners and savers. The Scottish benefits bill is set to soar to close to 10 billion by the end of this decade. How does John Swinney intend to pay for that? The First Minister ducked the question. The Scottish Government will set out its budget in January, which will, of course, following the pattern of all the budgets that we have set out, be a balanced budget, he said. Staff at a health board which destroyed dozens of key documents, despite being ordered not to by an injury judge, could now face criminal charges. NHS Tayside officials binned around 40 theatre logbooks which may have provided vital clues as to the practice of rogue surgeon Sam Eljamel. It had been handed a formal do not destroy order by the Eljamel Inquiry last year but, in a remarkable admission, the health board confessed the documents had been destroyed. Jamie Dawson KC, the inquirys senior counsel, yesterday said it was troubling that NHS Tayside has admitted to potentially important theatre logbooks relating to Mr Eljamels practice having been destroyed. He also warned of potentially serious consequences under the Inquires Act. Under the act, a person who intentionally suppresses or conceals a document that is, and that he knows or believes to be, a relevant document, or...intentionally alters or destroys any such document can face criminal sanction. NHS Tayside said it deeply regrets this error and staff were unaware of a connection between the logbooks and Eljamel. But they were told that this explanation would not suffice and more detail was needed. If not, staff at the health board face being grilled over the fiasco. Eljamel was head of neurosurgery at Dundee Ninewells Hospital from 1995 until his suspension in 2013. He harmed dozens of patients and left some with life-changing injuries. The probe was told yesterday that despite do not destroy notices being submitted in October 2024, the logbooks were disposed of in July this year. Eljamel was head of neurosurgery at Dundee Ninewells Hospital from 1995 until his suspension in 2013 Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where rogue Surgeon Sam Eljamel worked Mr Dawson told the Edinburgh-based hearing: The board has a responsibility to ensure the obligations placed on it by the inquiry are adhered to. The tribunal heard that NHS Tayside hoped the information in the logs may be found in other places, such as medical records. But Mr Dawson said those records were found to have been inaccurate and incomplete, which is why the probe was tasked to investigate the boards document management systems. The Kings Counsel said: No doubt patients who harbour these concerns about their records, will approach NHS Taysides claim that the evidence will be found in them with a degree of scepticism. It is noted by the inquiry in that context that this is an admitted failure of document management. The legal position is that this occurrence can have potentially serious consequences in terms of both sanction under Section 35 of the Act and evidentially. The inquiry will resume at a later date. Meanwhile, the investigations to track down Eljamel have stepped up. The disgraced doctor fled Scotland for his homeland Libya, where he is still working as a surgeon despite harming scores of patients in botched operations. Eljamel, who was once a revered professor at Dundees Ninewells Hospital before his malpractice came to light, has so far ignored multiple requests to contact him by the inquiry investigating his actions. Now the probe has stepped up its efforts to find him, but warned that it only had powers in Scotland. Jamie Dawson KC, senior counsel to the inquiry, said yesterday: Notice has been served on a body in Scotland seeking information, which it is believed to hold about aspects of Mr Eljamels financial arrangements in this country. Further investigations are being undertaken relating to another aspect of Mr Eljamels business affairs in this country. I provide that information by way of reasonable update, but go no further in case doing so publicly might frustrate those lines of inquiry. A Byron Bay restaurateur has tragically died after a battle with mental health. Kim Stephen, the creative director and co-founder of the restaurant Light Years, died unexpectedly this month after just turning 40. 'Today we pay tribute to the man whose spirit and creativity defined so much of who we are,' Light Years restaurant posted on social media. 'Kim was the magic, the imagination, the intuition and the spark behind everything we built. His ideas shaped our venues, our people and the experiences we share with our guests. 'Kim's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to our local community for the love, kindness and support shown during this time. 'We are heartbroken to lose him, but forever grateful for the legacy he leaves and the unmistakable magic he brought to this world. ' Mr Stephen is survived by his fiancee Peta Van De Velde and their 18-month-old son Sebastian. 'Our son will grow up knowing the depth of his father's vision and the remarkable man behind it. And, to any man fighting battles the world can't see, I implore you to find the courage to ask for help,' Ms Van De Velde said in a tribute shared alongside a photograph of their young family. Byron Bay restaurateur Kim Stephen (pictured), whose venues across Australia have won design and hospitality awards, died unexpectedly just after turning 40 years old In a tribute to her husband-to-be, Mr Stephen's fiancee Peta Van De Velde (pictured together above with their son) urged any man 'fighting battles the world can't see... to find the courage to ask for help' 'Kim was my partner in life and in business. We will carry on building the empire Kim started, honouring his legacy and his creative genius that shaped it,' she said. 'Kim poured heart and brilliance into everything he touched. I was and always will be in awe of his beautiful mind and the way he saw the world.' The restaurateur's trajectory into the hospitality industry is understood to have been inspired by his brother, Ry, who is the talented pastry chef behind Supermoon Bakehouse in New York and Mr Holmes Bakehouse in San Francisco. 'Kim carried an insatiable curiosity for global cuisines, matched only by his obsession with showcasing each dish in a space worthy of its story and his vision,' Ry said. Dozens of tributes have been paid to Mr Stephen, including from the Hemsworth family. Leonie Hemsworth, mother of actors Chris, Liam and Luke, remembered him as a restaurateur but also a man whose 'life's passion' was music. 'Kim, known by most of us simply as China, was a beloved member of our Byron Bay community; kind, compassionate, generous, modest, all coupled with the sharpest and quickest wit,' she said. 'He was also a fantastic cook, a skilled cocktail maker and an incredibly innovative and successful restaurateur. Despite all of this, music remained his life's passion. Mr Stephen was best known for his restaurant Light Years, a staple in beachside towns along the east coast Mr Stephen's brother and a pastry chef, Ry (left), has paid tribute to Kim's (right) insatiable curiosity for global cuisines 'He was a brilliant DJ and many of our family's celebrations and those of our Byron friends are memorable thanks to the music he provided. 'It was a joy to see him in his element, doing what he did best. Our dear friend China will always be remembered with love and, thanks to him, the perfect soundtrack.' Light Years, a staple in beachside towns along the east coast, has been honoured in design awards. The restaurant was shortlisted for the 2023 Australian Interior Design Awards in the Hospitality Design category. The modern Asian diner first opened in Byron Bay in 2017, which won the Artedomus x The Local Project Emerging Designer Award, in collaboration with Studio Plenty. Mr Stephen, with co-owners James Sutherland and Robbie Oijvall, expanded to Noosa, Newcastle and the Gold Coast before opening their fifth venue in Perth earlier this year. Lifeline: 13 11 44 Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 Spend long enough observing First Ministers Questions and it gets a bit like that classic film Gaslight. We are Ingrid Bergman, aware that Charles Boyers character is a wrongun, and the SNP is Boyer, trying to trick us into disbelieving the evidence of our eyes and ears. The Scottish Government cant be as bad as we make it out to be. Why, that nice Mr Swinney said so himself. So when the Nationalists spent yesterday in Holyrood posing as defenders of Scotland from policies they either supported or left in place, I did get the uncanny feeling that something was causing all the gas lights to dim. First Minister John Swinney himself is a prime example. He welcomed Rachel Reevess announcement that the two-child benefit cap would come to an end. Labour MPs have been trooping through the lobbies of the House of Commons to vote to keep the two-child limit since they came to office 18 months ago, he growled, It has been an absolute disgrace. That's strange. I could have sworn this was the same Swinney whose mob had consistently promised to mitigate the effects of the cap. And if they had kept that promise, why would the Chancellor dropping it in England have made any difference? The SNP banged on ceaselessly about the two-child cap, so much so that it seemed as though they had resolved the issue. In fact, it was all so much cant. Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman in the classic 1944 film Gaslight First Minister John Swinney's SNP spent yesterday in Holyrood posing as defenders of Scotland from policies they either supported or left in place They say God loves a trier. If so, Kenny Gibson must be high on the list for sainthood. The Nationalist backbencher posed as the tribune of the entrepreneurs, echoing the Scottish Chambers of Commerces assessment that Reevess fiscal prescriptions would further dial up pressure on businesses, risking our reputation as a magnet for global investment. There is no surer way to pile pressure on business and dissuade global investment than by turning Scotland into the high-tax capital of the UK. But thats precisely what the SNP has done. Oddly enough, Gibson has been very quiet on this point. Then there was Kevin Stewart. If there was an Oscar for Best Performance in a Toadying Question, his mantelpiece would be blinging with gold statuettes. There is no indignity to which he will not submit himself in an effort to please the boss. He intoned gravely that people across Aberdeen and the North-East are worried about their jobs and warned that investment in the North Sea was at a record low. He lamented the Chancellors decision not to scrap the energy profits levy and was fearful that Labours choices would cost jobs and drive a more rapid decline in the North Sea. Labours choices? When Rishi Sunak introduced the levy in 2022, the SNP not only welcomed it, they said it should have gone much wider. Youll never guess who was an SNP government minister in 2022. And it wasnt just the Nats. The Vegan-Nats were at it, too. Ross Greer scolded Swinney on the lack of a just transition plan for workers at Mossmorron, whove just been transitioned out of a job. The Scottish Government promised a plan but didnt deliver one. You might consider that wanton dereliction of duty, but under the SNP its more commonly known as Thursday. Yet amid Greers puffed-up indignation, he forgot it was his party that pushed Net Zero more aggressively than any other. Industry warned it would mean redundancies, but these lentil-brained Marie Antoinettes let them eat soya pressed ahead all the same, not because they didnt believe the warnings but because they didnt care. Rab the roughneck would just have to find another way to feed his family. Greers poisonous, anti-prosperity politics came first. He is, every bit as much as Swinney, the reason Mossmorron workers will be getting a P45 in their stocking this Christmas. Alas, there will be no Hollywood ending for those of us who must bear the brunt of the SNPs hypocrisy, whether on the two-child cap, the cost of living, or energy costs. Were being gaslit... and paying through the nose for the gas. 30 Jordanian students receive Chinese ambassador scholarships Xinhua) 13:14, November 27, 2025 Scholarship recipients pose for photos with Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei (C) during the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship awarding ceremony at the Chinese Embassy in Jordan, in Amman, Jordan, Nov. 26, 2025. Thirty Jordanian students from 11 local universities were awarded the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship at a ceremony on Wednesday at the Chinese Embassy in Jordan. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua) AMMAN, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Thirty Jordanian students from 11 local universities were awarded the Chinese Ambassador Scholarship at a ceremony on Wednesday at the Chinese Embassy in Jordan. Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei said China and Jordan share aligned educational philosophies and objectives, noting that the scholarship program has grown rapidly over the past three years into a landmark of education cooperation between China and Jordan. "This year's program has expanded ... reflecting both countries' shared commitment to nurturing young talent," Guo said. The Jordanian students expressed gratitude to China for setting up the scholarship. Islam Suleiman, who was awarded a first-class scholarship this year, said the scholarship reflects the deep friendship between the two countries, and he is looking forward to serving as a bridge to step up bilateral cooperation between Jordan and China. Hazem Al-Samadi, who was awarded the scholarship in 2023, described the grant as a turning point in his academic and personal journey. "It gave me a wider space to develop myself and deepen my studies," he said. The Chinese Embassy in Jordan established the Chinese Ambassador's Scholarship program in 2023 to encourage and support outstanding Jordanian students in completing their studies. Six students received the scholarship in 2023, and eight students in 2024. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) A former soldier has admitted endangering a constables life as he tried to blow up a police station with petrol bombs. Jamie Taylor, 34, launched three Molotov cocktails at Police Scotland vans parked outside the forces Livingston office on May 30, 2025. Yesterday a judge at the High Court in Edinburgh saw CCTV footage of Taylor throwing the improvised weapons and of them bouncing off the windscreens of the vehicles. The bombs then exploded on the ground, starting fires near the buildings entrance. Before carrying out the attack, Taylor had phoned his mother to say he had a bag full of vodka bottles filled with petrol. He then took his carrier bag of petrol bombs in a taxi, which drove him to the police station. Lady Ross saw footage of PC Kirsty Forsyth rushing out of the station with a fire extinguisher as she tried to put the fires out with another colleague. The judge also saw the moment when Taylor threw his third petrol bomb, which exploded at PC Forsyths feet and shot up flames. The officer was then seen running from the scene. Jamie Taylor claimed he was going to "blow up" the police station Taylor, 34, pleaded guilty at the High Court in Edinburgh on Thursday Describing the moment Taylor was arrested, after being found lying on the ground next to a bush, prosecutor Wojciech Jajdelski told Lady Ross: He was smelling strongly of fuel. He stated: If it makes any difference, I know it wont, but it wasnt a directed attack. Mr Jajdelski said a petrol can and a nozzle and a vodka bottle were seized from outside the accuseds address. Taylor, of BoNess, West Lothian, pleaded guilty to two charges of breaching the 1883 Explosives Act by throwing three petrol bombs at the police station and vehicles parked outside it. He admitted another charge of culpably and recklessly throwing a petrol bomb towards PC Forsyth, whereby it collided with the ground and exploded to the danger of her life. Defence solicitor advocate Iain McSporran, KC, told the court that his client had serious mental health issues which were partly associated with his former Army career. Lady Ross told Taylor, a remand prisoner who observed proceedings via video link, that she needed a report into his background before she could sentence him. Taylor will be sentenced at the High Court in Stirling on January 13 next year. A young Swiss couple who were mauled by a shark during an early morning swim may have filmed the very attack that killed one of them and injured the other. The tragedy occurred in the unpatrolled waters off Kylies Beach at Crowdy Bay, south of Port Macquarie, on Thursday. Emergency services were called to the beach, known to be a shark hotspot, at about 6.30am following reports that a man and a woman had been attacked. Despite the heroic efforts of bystanders, the woman, believed to be 25, succumbed to her injuries before paramedics arrived. Her boyfriend, 26, who is believed to have been attacked while trying to save her, was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and is in a serious but stable condition. It has since been revealed that the Swiss tourists were filming dolphins in the water when the attack occurred. Police are now reviewing their GoPro footage, which is understood to have captured dolphins in the moments before the attack. Ambulance Superintendent Joshua Smyth praised a bystander who applied a makeshift tourniquet to the man's leg, saying they 'potentially saved his life'. A man in his 20s (pictured) was injured trying to save a woman from a fatal shark attack A woman believed to be 25 died after she was attacked by a shark during an early-morning swim at Crowdy Bay on the NSW Mid North Coast on Thursday morning The couple is believed to have been attacked by a three-metre bull shark. A police spokesperson confirmed that drum lines may be deployed in a bid to catch the shark responsible. Surrounding beaches were closed while Surf Life Saving NSW deployed drones to locate the shark and monitor for ongoing risks. It is understood the couple were staying at the Kylies Beach campground in Crowdy Bay National Park and had arrived only the night before the attack. NSW operates a shark-monitoring program that sends alerts when tagged sharks come within 500 metres of receivers near 37 beaches along the coastline. Kylies Beach does not have a receiver, with the nearest located about 30km south at Old Bar. NSW Surf Rescue's James Turner said the incident served as a reminder of the risks people face when swimming at non-patrolled beaches. 'This is in a nice, secluded area where people go to swim, we want them to be aware of the risk in non-patrolled locations,' he said. After former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce flirted with joining Pauline Hanson's One Nation over steak a la sandwich press, the pair appear poised to tie the knot. Joyce finally announced his resignation from the rural party to sit as an independent on Thursday, following weeks of speculation. Amid a relationship breakdown with current Nationals leader David Littleproud, the New England MP confirmed he was 'strongly considering' making a return to the Senate with One Nation. But given Senator Hanson's poor retention rate of elected representatives and Joyce's record of run-ins with party leaders, questions are being raised about the potential political marriage's longevity before it has even been consummated. Fellow former Nationals leader Michael McCormack, who Joyce unsuccessfully challenged in 2020 before eventually bringing down a year later, had some doubts. 'That'll be an interesting sort of clash of heads between two very much out there people in Pauline Hanson and Barnaby Joyce. Is there enough room in One Nation for those two?' he told reporters. 'That remains to be seen.' Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson (pictured) shared a meal in Canberra on Monday night The dinner came just hours after Hanson was suspended from the Senate over her burqa stunt Earlier this week, Senator Hanson wooed Mr Joyce in her parliamentary office over a dinner of steak - seared on a sandwich press - pasta, salad and berry pie. While the pair appeared to be hitting it off, Senator Hanson has more often than not fallen out with other One Nation representatives. In the federal parliament, Malcolm Roberts remains the only long-term One Nation senator not to have defected from the party Senator Hanson started and that up until recently bore her name. Former Liberal adviser David Gazard, now director of DPG Advisory Solutions, said Mr Joyce joining One Nation would be 'the greatest train wreck of all time'. 'They are two figures that both want to lead and they won't back down,' he told ABC News. 'Barnaby is about Barnaby and Pauline is about Pauline and ne'er the twain shall meet - and it has proven the case with other high-profile people who were somewhat colourful who were in One Nation then out of One Nation. 'So that is a train wreck waiting to happen.' Nationals senator Bridget McKenzie told ABC News she hoped Mr Joyce did not join One Nation, saying it was a party of protest and he would be unable to deliver political change there. Prince William has revealed that his three children 'love' the 1970s hit sitcom Fawlty Towers. William told comic star Cleese, 86, who was joined by his wife Jennifer Wade at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London: 'My children have just discovered Fawlty Towers, they literally love it, we've been having a lot of family laughs.' In a speech delivered at the awards on Wednesday, which honour workers safeguarding Africa's habitat and animals, the Prince of Wales said Louis, George and Charlotte had loved watching the show together. The future King is royal patron of the Tusk Trust wildlife charity, which stages the annual awards to honour leading conservationists and rangers working in Africa. Before the awards ceremony he chatted to trust ambassadors Rolling Stone guitarist Ronnie Wood as well as Monty Python star Cleese. William said he had been 'reminiscing' and 'reliving' the popular 1970s sitcom 'all over again with the children watching - it's brilliant'. The prince turned to Cleese's wife and said 'it's so good you're part of the Tusk family' and said to Wood he was one of the longest-serving ambassadors. In his speech, William commended the achievements of those 'working on the frontline of conservation'. Prince William (pictured far right) chatted to Cleese (second from left) and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood (second from right) before the awards ceremony The Prince of Wales delivered a speech at the Tusk Conservation Awards in London on Wednesday, recognising conservation leaders and wildlife rangers across Africa John Cleese (left) played Basil Fawlty in the classic British sitcom Fawlty Towers. Pictured here alongside actress Connie Booth and Andrew Sachs Cleese starred as the main character - the cynical and snobbish proprietor of the Fawlty Towers Hotel Comic actor and Monty Python star Cleese (left) and rock and roll star Wood pictured at the ceremony He also reminded his audience of the serious environmental threats to the planet that the world continues to face, saying: 'We must continue our efforts to protect nature and highlight the critical role that biodiversity plays in supporting all life on earth. 'My visit to Brazil earlier this month for The Earthshot Prize and for COP30 reinforced my sense of urgency. It reminded me that when we unite behind a shared purpose, we can accelerate solutions that make both people and planet healthier. 'Africa has the worlds second largest rainforest and like the Amazon, the Congo Basin rainforest is under increasing threat from human exploitation. 'It is so often the indigenous communities and local conservation leaders who provide the practical solutions to how we can best sustain our precious natural landscapes and vital biodiversity.' Royals Zara Phillips and her husband ex-rugby player Mike Tindall were also in attendance, as were Lady Amelia and Eliza Spencer and Dragon's Den star Deborah Meaden. On Wednesday evening, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry took their children Lilibet and Archie to bake cookies for the needy on the eve of Thanksgiving. The Sussexes volunteered at Our Big Kitchen Los Angeles and grinned for a photo on Instagram as they took part in the baking session. Meghan captioned the post 'Show up. Do Good' - the motto of the Sussexes' Archewell Foundation. Prince Harry married Meghan Markle in the medieval splendour of St George's Chapel, Windsor, in front of hundreds of guests ranging from Queen Elizabeth to chat show queen Oprah Winfrey, as well as a global television audience of millions. His exgirlfriend preferred something more intimate. Chelsy Davy, 40, whose onoff relationship with Harry lasted for seven years until 2011, has revealed she exchanged vows with Norfolk hotelier Sam CutmoreScott, 40, on a beach in Mauritius. And while the Sussexes moved to Meghan's native California, she and Sam plan to emigrate from Chiswick, west London, to 'paradise' on the Indian Ocean archipelago. 'We got locked down on the island while visiting my parents during Covid and, while we were here, we got a bit further under the skin of the place from a nonholidaying perspective,' the Zimbabweborn jewellery designer explains. 'We're now in the process of moving out here [semi] full time.' She adds of Mauritius: 'Many people think of it as just a holiday destination, but it's so much more than that. My parents are based there full time now and, since spending more time visiting them with my kids recently, I've discovered there's a much deeper world which sets it apart from other tropical destinations like the Maldives or the Seychelles.' I disclosed in 2022 that the couple had married in secret, but the venue was never known. She and Sam, who was in the year above Harry at Eton College, have a son, Leo, and a daughter, Chloe. While former actress Meghan's Givenchy bridal gown cost an estimated 200,000, Chelsy says: 'I bought my wedding dress from a hotel boutique the day before my wedding and was very pleased with it.' Chelsy Davy, 40, has revealed she exchanged vows with Norfolk hotelier Sam CutmoreScott, 40, on a beach in Mauritius Ms Davy and Sam plan to emigrate from Chiswick, west London , to 'paradise' on the Indian Ocean archipelago Cameron's mother leaves 1m David Cameron's mother, Mary, who died in February aged 90, has left a fortune of almost 1million. Newly published probate documents show that Mrs Cameron, who served as a magistrate for 30 years, bequeathed a total of 957,000, which has been put in trust for her family. She made headlines in 2016 by signing a petition against planned children's centre closures in Toryrun Oxfordshire after budgets were slashed by the government of which her son was prime minister. Will the fur fly over Freddy's party outfit? Freddy Brazier is said to have dumped his pregnant girlfriend in a row over his beloved dog, Pablo. But he seems to be less protective when it comes to another fourlegged creature. The model, 21, who competed alongside his father Jeff on the BBC's hit show Race Across The World, wore what appeared to be a vintage mink stole, pictured right, as he arrived at Claridge's in Mayfair for the unveiling of the Burberrysponsored Christmas tree. Freddy Brazier is said to have dumped his pregnant girlfriend in a row over his beloved dog, Pablo Fergie's cash goes vVoosh Stripped of her Duchess of York title by King Charles, Sarah Ferguson has suffered a new blow. I hear she's been left 50,000 out of pocket from the collapse of vVoosh, the London tech startup founded by soldier turned film producer and entrepreneur Manuel Fernandez. The pair were pictured in the south of France, Spain and at the chalet she coowned with Andrew in Verbier, Switzerland, in 2015. She even took him along to Bob Geldof's wedding. Fergie, 66, declared Fernandez, 57, a 'wonderful person', a 'friend' and a 'business partner', and introduced him to investors with deep pockets. Her company, La Luna Investments, is listed as a loan creditor in a newly published statement of affairs for vVoosh, which offered a 'revolutionary' service connecting people with shared interests. It's one of five such creditors owed a total of 270,000. Why Ruth won't get tweakments Ruth Wilson is resisting getting cosmetic treatments because they fail to leave women looking younger, she says. Ruth Wilson is resisting getting cosmetic treatments because they don't leave women looking younger 'It's really hard because the pressure is on,' admits the Luther star, pictured. 'Everyone does something to their face. I don't think it makes you look younger, it just makes you look like you've had stuff done.' Ruth, 43, adds: 'You look at people who are 60 or 70, and someone has had work and someone hasn't, they don't really look different ages.' Meghan Markle said she's had a 'full circle' moment by collaborating with Soho House, where she and Harry had their first date. The Duchess of Sussex, 44, said she was 'so excited' to see her products in Soho Home, Soho House's interior design store, on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. The former royal posted a video on her Instagram to Diana Ross's song 'The Boss' and showed herself stepping into the store, which was dressed up with products from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. Her collection of jams, honeys, flower sprinkles, mulling kits, candles and various other products was placed on a table, followed by her $89 (67) bottles of Napa Valley Brut. Dressed in a simple black vest top and suit, trousers paired with a belt and a brown jacket, Meghan beamed and applauded herself as she strolled around the store. The mother-of-two urged people to visit the As Ever pop-up, adding that the full collection was available and 'open to everyone' - despite Soho House's exclusive reputation. But the Duchess's connection to the chain is far more extensive, as the private members' club is where she and her husband, Prince Harry, who she lovingly calls 'H', had their first date. On her Instagram, she referenced the special connection and wrote: 'Talk about a full circle moment! In my old stomping ground of West Hollywood, with a brand, family and friends that have been part of my life for so longand also a part of my love story with H (since our very first date was at a SH restaurant).' Meghan Markle posed with her As Ever range in the Soho Home store in West Hollywood on her Instagram Harry and Meghan are pictured together on their second date, as shown in their 2022 Netflix docuseries In his memoir, Spare, the Duke of Sussex said that after exchanging texts, she suggested meeting for drinks at a Soho House, 'her headquarters whenever she came to London', and booked a table for them on July 3, 2016. But it was a Soho House in Toronto where the couple's love truly blossomed. In his book, Harry shared that he and Meghan went to a Halloween party hosted at that club with his cousin, Princess Eugenie and her partner Jack Brooksbank. Also at their intimate gathering was Meghan's friend Markus Anderson, a consultant for Soho House and often referred to as the 'second most important man' in her life. He was instrumental in helping Harry and Meghan's relationship flourish and was even by her side during her first public appearance with Harry at the Invictus Games in 2017 in Toronto. He was her 'bouncer' as the global media thronged outside a New York hotel when she hosted her 350,000 baby shower; and in a website post to him, she once wrote: 'What would I do without you, my loving, supportive, and endlessly fun friend I love you SO much.' Debonair, charming and with impeccable contacts, Markus is so close to Meghan that she refers to him as uncle to her beloved dogs and the pair were even photographed on holiday together in Madrid. He worked as a waiter at the A-list members' club in London when he caught the eye of well-connected Soho House founder Nick Jones and eventually rose through the ranks, developing his own network of celebrity friends. Meghan's collection of jams, honeys, flower sprinkles, mulling kits, candles and various other products was placed on a table, followed by her $89 (67) bottles of Napa Valley Brut Markus and Meghan have been close friends for years, pictured in an old Instagram post Nick soon sent him back to Canada to set up Soho House in Toronto, and in 2011, Markus met Meghan when she arrived there from Los Angeles to film the first series of TV legal drama Suits. A Soho House source previously told the Daily Mail: 'Long before Prince Harry came on the scene, Markus was introducing Meghan to all sorts of rich and powerful people.' Often dubbed 'Mr Soho House', Markus introduced Meghan to George and Amal Clooney and also to Jessica Mulroney, the daughter-in-law of ex-Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Jessica became her closest female friend, although the pair are believed to have drifted apart. Back then, Meghan was still with her first husband, film producer Trevor Engelson, and while Engelson remained in LA, Markus squired her around Toronto, introducing her to local celebrities, including the man who is now Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. Markus was a shoulder to cry on as Meghan's marriage fell apart in 2013. He would set her up on dates with eligible men drawn from his vast network of contacts. But it was after she met Prince Harry in 2016 that Anderson became an even more vital part of Meghan's life. He would arrange for the couple to meet secretly in private rooms at the club. The Soho House mogul did the same in London and even arranged a romantic weekend away at Babington House, a picturesque hotel in Somerset run by the club. The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a sweet message for Dancing with the Stars winner Robert Irwin. William and Kate used their official Instagram page to praise the Australian conservationist, who took home the trophy alongside dancer Witney Carson. Rob, who is an ambassador for William's Earthshot Prize, shared a video snippet of the grand finale on his Instagram page. 'Congratulations Robert and Witney!' a comment from the couple's account read, followed by a disco ball emoji. The 21-year-old, who is the son of late TV personality and 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin, battled it out with celebrities Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Elaine Hendrix and Dylan Efron to take home the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Earlier this month, William surprised Robert when he personally called him up for a video chat to wish him luck. Robert Irwin and Witney Carson have been crowned the 2025 winners of Dancing with the Stars The Prince and Princess of Wales used their official Instagram page to publicly praise Robert, 21, for his huge win 'Oh my goodness!' Robert said as his jaw dropped open, before he composed himself to ask, 'How was Rio?' William, who appeared in a simple white shirt and patterned tie, said the prize ceremony went 'really well,' and he was confident that 'We're going to save the world.' 'We're missing you,' he told Robert, before joking, 'Whilst your twinkle toes are going off elsewhere, I need you down here.' The Prince of Wales ribbed Robert by urging Witney to 'get him in as much glitter' as possible. 'Listen, I'm trying,' she responded. It appears the Prince and Robert - the son of late zookeeper Steve Irwin - have grown close over the years. They spent time together in South Africa last year (pictured) and earlier this month William gave Robert the shock of his life when he called him up for a video chat to wish him luck on Dancing with the Stars William wished the two 'the best of luck' on the show after predicting that they had a 'seriously good chance of winning it.' Robert put his hand over his heart as he said William's kind words meant 'the absolute world' to him. After Prince William signed off, Robert gasped and fell back on the sofa, while Witney said she was shocked that William even said her name. 'We are doing this dance for Bindi, and we're doing this dance for Prince William,' Robert declared. 'So, let's not mess this up.' Winning Dancing with the Stars has seemingly become a family tradition, as his sister Bindi Irwin, 27, who watched from the audience with their mom Terri, won season 21. Hours before the finale it was revealed that Robert suffered an injury to his ribs, with his dance partner Witney Carson sharing that they have been 'killing him.' The Princess of Wales has spoken of the need for fathers' voices to be heard 'from the get-go' in the conversation around improving children's mental health. Catherine visited children's mental health charity, Anna Freud, of which she is patron near King's Cross this morning in a trip focusing on the 'vital role of relationships and connection in shaping babies, children and young people's future life outcomes'. It comes as the princess's Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood launches a new project with the charity to enhance the skills of health visitors to support early social and emotional development. The future queen has been patron of the organisation which carries out evidence-based research and training on children, young people and families' mental health since 2016. The 43-year-old began her visit to the institution's offices by meeting families who are working with Anna Freud and the Institute of Health Visitors to shape the new scheme. Speaking to father-of-three, Andrew Apraku, 41 from Croydon, as his eight-month-old son Judah held on to Catherine's finger, the princess said: 'Thank you for being here, because it's so important we hear from fathers right from the get-go.' Turning to Judah who began sucking on her finger and smiling, she said: 'You're very smiley.' Mr Apraku replied: 'There's a lot out there for women in this space - for fathers, we're silent. The work you're doing is amazing so our issues can be heard.' The Princess of Wales arrives to visit the children's mental health charity Anna Freud today Catherine meets young children during a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London this morning The Princess of Wales learns about a project to enhance the skills of health visitors today The Princess of Wales receives flowers after a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London today The Princess of Wales learns about a project to enhance the skills of health visitors today The Princess of Wales arrives to visit the children's mental health charity Anna Freud today Catherine meets young children during a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London this morning The princess appeared in good spirits as she waved and smiled in a black and white Emilia Wickstead dress with grey pumps, a brown clutch and dainty earrings. She previously wore the same outfit to Harvard University during a trip to the US in 2022, while it was similar to another dress she wore to an Anna Freud visit in 2015. Today she also met with the organisation's chief executive Professor Eamon McCrory at the Anna Freud Centre near King's Cross to discuss its work with mental health. During the visit Catherine met groups of parents who had taken part in a 'scribing presentation' - writing ideas from their discussion on a whiteboard under the banner of 'putting your priorities into practice'. Speaking to Dr Alice Haynes, the charity's head of implementation, Catherine said: 'It's being able to translate the science, isn't it, in a way that feels accessible?' The princess met with parents and carers helping to shape a new project from the Centre for Early Childhood to support knowledge and skills amongst health visitors and people who work alongside them. During a chat with one group, which included grandmother Dr Stella Mascarenhas-Keyes, Catherine told her: 'It's so nice to have the inter-generational involvement.' The group spoke to the princess about how health visitors often don't have enough time during visits to families, and one parent told her 'we want to help take away some of the admin [for health visitors] so they have time just to sit [with children] and be curious.' The Princess of Wales learns about a project to enhance the skills of health visitors today The Princess of Wales arrives to visit the children's mental health charity Anna Freud today Catherine meets young children during a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London this morning The Princess of Wales learns about a project to enhance the skills of health visitors today The Princess of Wales arrives to visit the children's mental health charity Anna Freud today The Princess of Wales receives flowers after a visit to the Anna Freud Centre in London today The Princess of Wales learns about a project to enhance the skills of health visitors today The Princess of Wales arrives to visit the children's mental health charity Anna Freud today Catherine also spoke of the need to boost support for families after a child is two. She said: 'Once you get into full-time education, there's this big gap between two to five and check-ins to see that children are meeting those social and physical development points. Would it be useful to have more regular check-ins with health visitors after two?' After meeting another group of parents, Catherine said: 'Thank you for being here. It's so important to have parents' voices as part of this programme.' Next, the princess joined roundtable discussions with experts from the charity, teachers, academics, child psychologists and donors to the charity to talk about how children's mental health can be better supported. Sitting at one table with Professor Peter Fonagy, the president of Anna Freud and an advisor to the Centre for Early Childhood, the princess discussed the role of schools. She said: 'It's about creating a whole culture and environment in a school, and the idea of flexibility, understanding that each family's needs are different. Do teachers have the time to build and invest in relationships with children?' Research collated by the charity indicates that people who are more socially connected whether with friends, family or their wider community have fewer mental health problems than those who are less well connected and are physically healthier too. Catherine wore the same outfit to Harvard University during a trip to the US in December 2022 The outfit was a nod to a previous dress she wore to the Anna Freud Centre in 2015 (above) However, young people in Britain are more likely to report feelings of loneliness than any other age group, with 70 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds reporting they feel lonely at least some of the time. With one in five children and young people in England estimated to have a mental health condition, campaigners feel there is an urgent need for more opportunities for connection. After leaving the Anna Freud Centre, the princess was driven to Kensington Palace for meetings with her team. Last week, Catherine used her first major public speech in two years to call on business leaders to prioritise 'time and tenderness just as much as productivity and success'. She told a gathering of senior executives in the City of London that 'profitability' and making a 'positive impact' are not 'incompatible', at the summit hosted by her Royal Foundation to drive action and investment in the early years development of children. Delivering the summit's opening speech, the princess told guests her passion for promoting early years, described in the past as her 'life's work', stemmed from the 'essential truth' that 'the love we feel in our earliest years fundamentally shapes who we become and how we thrive as adults'. She went on to say: 'A loving home ultimately teaches us how to love and how to care, but every environment has the potential to shape our hearts. 'Every one of you interacts with your own environment; a home, a family, a business, a workforce, a community. These are the ecosystems that you yourselves help to weave.' 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 If you're searching for a standout dress to elevate your autumn/winter wardrobe, take style notes from the Princess of Wales. All eyes were on Kate during her visit to the children's mental health charity Anna Freud, where she launched a new initiative - and we couldn't help but admire her dress. Royal watchers will recognise the bespoke Emilia Wickstead creation, first worn during her official trip to Boston in December 2022. Crafted from lightweight georgette, the piece features a tailored silhouette and striking blue-grey houndstooth print that exudes quiet sophistication. Kate finished the ensemble with a new chocolate brown suede bag by DeMellier - now available for pre-order - and her trusty Boss court shoes. Although the Princess' exact dress is no longer available, a similar design from the latest collection is ready to shop below. Or, recreate her look with a chic alternative from our high street edit. Recreate the look on the high street Manhattan's famously troubled luxury tower has fallen even further from grace. The 102-floor building at 432 Park Avenue, filled with 125 apartments, recently made headlines for being covered in cracks and cavities beneath its white concrete facade. Now, the property, which was once home to Jennifer Lopez and her ex-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez, is in the news again this time, for a different concerning reason. The majority of units currently advertised for sale within the luxury tower have seen years of delistings and price slashes. Although price swings and long listing periods are typical in the luxury sector, these overlooked units reflect how sharply 432 Park's prestige has faded in recent years. The latest unit to hit the market is the 81st-floor condo owned by Turkish dress designer Naciye Kocak, listed for $17.25 million, according to Crain's. StreetEasy records show that Kocak has been attempting to sell the high-end residence since 2017. The property's current price is a stark discount of 18 percent from the $21.15 million Kocak dropped on the home in 2016. Pictured: the 102-floor building at 432 Park Avenue, which is filled with 125 apartments Building safety experts say there is good reason to be unsettled by 432 Park Avenue, a super-tall but ultra-skinny condo constructed for the one percent Jennifer Lopez and ex-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez (pictured together) paid $15.3 million for their apartment in 432 Park in 2018, giving the skyscraper instant Hollywood cachet Kocak was sued in 2022 in Manhattan Supreme Court by JPMorgan Chase, which claimed she defaulted on her $11.4 million mortgage, The New York Post reported. Her lawyer, Steven Biolsi, argued the bank's case had many issues, but the court still issued a $12.2 million judgment against her, and her home is scheduled for a foreclosure auction in December likely prompting the latest price cut on the property. Kocak is appealing the ruling, and Biolsi said they hope to reach a settlement. Most of the 10 units currently for sale at 432 Park are listed at or below their original purchase prices, according to StreetEasy and city property records. A unit on the 94th floor that sold for $31.5 million in 2019 is now listed for $29.75 million. The first-ever sold unit at 432 Park a 35th-floor condo got a 19 percent price cut this month after being on the market since 2022, dropping from $18.11 million to $15 million. Another recent reduction involves a 52nd-floor unit bought for $9.84 million in 2016. After multiple cuts and de-listings since 2020, it was relisted in early November for $9.99 million. On the 86th floor, a unit purchased for $32.71 million in 2017 is now asking $32 million. A 'catastrophic flood' allegedly caused major damage to units on the 83rd, 84th, 85th, and 86th floors in 2016 Residents reportedly complained of a number of issues after moving in, including rumors that high-altitude apartments would sway and creak over the city below The suit says the developers ignored repair ideas 'due to potential schedule, cost and aesthetic impacts' they feared would discourage wealthy buyers Two combined units, 71A and 71B, bought together in 2018 for $60 million, have been listed since 2022 and both saw November cuts to $32 million each. The building's developers, including Macklowe Properties, WSP, and CIM Group, have been slammed with criticism since the tower's debut in 2015. At the time, the 1,400-feet-tall tower was the tallest residential skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere. Building safety experts say there is good reason to be unsettled by 432 Park Avenue, which is super-tall but ultra-skinny on Manhattan's 'Billionaires' Row.' The skyscraper which only opened in 2015 is plagued by dangerous imperfections, after developers insisted on an aesthetically pleasing white concrete facade which experts claim has serious flaws. Engineering experts said the cracks and gouges on the facade of 432 Park suggest it is being 'overtaxed by wind and rain.' Those same engineers said that unless developers spend a nine-figure sum to fix the tower then residents may need to evacuate and the towering structure could even pose a danger to pedestrians on the street below. Anthony Ingraffea, a concrete fractures expert who is also an engineering professor emeritus at Cornell University, said that left as is, 432 Park Avenue could eventually rain 'concrete hand grenades' onto the sidewalks. An ugly-looking repair marks the pristine concrete exterior of 432 Park Avenue in a photograph shot by New York City's Department of Buildings in early 2023 The grubby, cracked exterior of 432 Park Avenue is seen in a Daily Mail photograph Cracks are seen on the concrete facade of the 40th floor of 432 Park Avenue in January 2023 'I would not sign off as a licensed engineer in the State of New York that this building will last forever,' Ingraffea told The Times. 'I would sign a document that says the Empire State Building will last. This building, I doubt it.' Jennifer Lopez and ex-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez paid $15.3 million for their apartment in 2018, giving the high-rise instant Hollywood cachet. They sold it a year later for $17.5 million after deeming it too small to raise their blended family, although a photo of A-Rod using the toilet snapped from a neighboring building also sparked privacy concerns. The A-list stars will now likely be counting their blessings, after a New York Times report said the building faces a $160 million repair bill just to fix its facade, with one expert even predicting that the skyscraper could be abandoned. Meanwhile, for those living inside the behemoth, there are already issues aplenty. Residents have found themselves plagued by faulty elevators, poor plumbing and shaky floors. Ching Wong, a Hong Kong real estate investor spent $15 million on a three-bed condo in the tower in 2019 but now finds himself faced with a horrific slew of snags. Resident Jacqueline Finkelstein-LeBow was left distraught after a $135,000 rug inside her condo suffered water damage. It is still unclear whether a building defect or faulty underfloor heating installed by Finkelstein-LeBow caused the damage, according to the Times Wong says his bathroom door will not close properly, the air conditioning is broken in one of the apartment's bedrooms, and the building's 75-foot-long pool for residents is often closed. He is even more upset by the tripling of the building's monthly fees in the six years since he has moved in than structural issues. Meanwhile, Wong's neighbor, Jacqueline Finkelstein-LeBow, was left distraught after a $135,000 rug inside her condo suffered water damage. Finkelstein-LeBow, who is also on the developer board, told the Daily Mail, however, that The Times article was 'crazy' and had blown the building's defects out of proportion. 'Fixes need to be made for sure, but the building is safe,' she said, adding that she could not elaborate while litigation was ongoing. 'I live on the 64th floor. If it wasn't safe, I wouldn't be living here.' Building residents are also said to be annoyed by a demand for them to stump up the $5.3 million cost of renovating the tower's private restaurants. Campbell's admission to illegally discharging wastewater into a major US river has resurfaced amid a scandal involving its iconic soup ingredients. The New Jersey-based company admitted in September that its Napoleon, Ohio , canning plant illegally dumped wastewater more than 5,400 times from April 2018 to December 2024, breaking federal water pollution laws. Environmental groups sued Campbell's in March 2024, alleging repeated releases of pollutants that exceeded legal limits into the Maumee River, which feeds into Lake Erie. The company did not admit that the discharges caused damage to the river or downstream waters, stating only that the wastewater exceeded permitted levels and violated both federal and state regulations. A trial to determine penalties and cleanup requirements is scheduled for 2026. In a separate controversy, former employee Robert Garza claimed this week that he secretly recorded an executive saying Campbell's soup contains 'bioengineered meat.' 'I don't wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3D printer,' the person identified by the former employee as Martin Bally, vice-president and chief information security officer, can be heard in the recording provided to Detroit's Local News 4. A company spokesman told the Daily Mail that the chicken used in Campbell's soups comes from USDA-approved US suppliers and meets all company quality standards, including 'No Antibiotics Ever' protocols. On Wednesday, Bally was sacked following the release of the alleged audio, the firm announced. Garza, of Michigan , filed a lawsuit on November 20, alleging that he went to his supervisor to raise concerns about the remarks and was fired a few weeks later. Campbell's admitted that its Napoleon, Ohio, canning plant discharged wastewater more than 5,400 times into the Maumee River between April 2018 and December 2024, according to court filings earlier this year The plant sits near the Maumee River, which feeds into Lake Erie. Environmental groups sued Campbell's in March 2024, citing reported discharges and alleging a connection to a toxic algal bloom The 2024 lawsuit was filed under the Clean Water Act, a federal law that prohibits discharging pollutants into rivers, lakes, or streams without a permit. Campbells NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit sets strict limits on levels of substances. According to the lawsuit, the company repeatedly exceeded these legal limits, which, by law, constitutes a violation of the Clean Water Act, even if the discharges did not directly prove harm to the river. A Campbell's spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'We have taken a number of steps to improve our operations and comply with environmental regulations. 'We have been part of the Napoleon community since 1938, and our goal is to reach a settlement that serves the interests of the environment and the community where our employees live and work.' The company admitted that wastewater discharged from the facility exceeded legal limits for several substances, including phosphorus and nitrogen, ammonia, E. coli, oil and grease, total suspended solids (TSS), dissolved oxygen (DO), carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD), total residual chlorine, and pH. In a separate matter, former employee Robert Garza claimed this week that he secretly recorded Vice President Martin Bally (pictured) saying Campbell's soup contains 'bioengineered meat 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 and was later fired Campbell's maintains that the facility has had 'minimal, if any, adverse effects' on the Maumee River or Lake Erie. Environmental groups, however, alleged in the 2024 lawsuit that Campbell's discharges contributed to harmful algae blooms. Pictured is the Maumee River While Campbell's acknowledges these exceedances, the company maintains that the facility has had 'minimal, if any, adverse effects' on the Maumee River or Lake Erie. Environmental groups, however, alleged in the 2024 lawsuit that Campbell's discharges contributed to harmful algae blooms for a total of 428 days between 2018 and 2022. Campbell's admission of violating the law came just two months before Garza provided the damaging recording he claimed was Bally to Detroit's Local 4 News , which broadcast portions of it. In the audio, a speaker identified as the executive 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.' A Campbell's spokesman 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. A concentrated sample of algae and bacteria near the intake crib on Lake Erie in 2019 'After a review, we believe the voice on the recording is in fact Martin Bally.' The speaker also referenced 'bioengineered meat,' and while such products are allowed for sale in the US, companies are required to label them. Also called cultured, cell-based, or lab-grown meat, it 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. Campbell's has disclosed that its canola, corn, soybean and sugar beet are grown from genetically modified seeds. It has repeatedly denied that its products contain any bioengineered meat. The United Nations (UN) has confirmed that Earth's planetary defenses will be observing the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it races through our solar system. Starting on November 27, a global team of scientists with the International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) will kick off a twomonth campaign to track the comet as it nears our planet. 'While it poses no threat, comet 3I/ATLAS presents a great opportunity for the IAWN community to perform an observing exercise due to its prolonged observability from Earth and high interest to the scientific community,' the UN explains on its website. 'This 3I/ATLAS campaign is the 8th IAWN observing exercise since 2017 IAWN holds these exercises roughly once a year.' While 3I/ATLAS was only discovered in July 2025, the UN explained that this 'comet campaign' has long been planned. 'IAWN had been planning to do a Fall 2025 comet campaign since 2024 to exercise capabilities for measuring the position of comets, which pose additional astrometric challenges as they appear as fuzzy extended objects compared to pointlike asteroids in a telescope's field of view,' it added. The news comes shortly after NASA put claims that the object could be an alien spacecraft to bed once and for all. 'We want very much to find signs of life in the universe... but 3I/ATLAS is a comet,' said Amit Kshatriya, a senior NASA official, at a press conference. Stargazers recently captured brand new clear images of the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS using lower quality telescopes compared to those used by NASA NASA's sophisticated HiRISE camera was supposed to provide a detailed image of the interstellar object near Mars, but the photo shown on Wednesday was blurry and vague Since it was first spotted in July, the object dubbed 3I/ATLAS has captivated scientists and internet users alike, even prompting Kim Kardashian to ask NASA for answers. Many scientists maintained it was merely a comet visiting us from a different solar system. However, others including a member of US Congress and a Harvard researcher were convinced that the object was an alien spacecraft. Last week, NASA released photos snapped by three of its Mars spacecraft as they passed just 18 million miles away from the object. These pictures finally put any speculation to rest, as they confirmed the object's identity. And unfortunately for alien hunters, the US space agency says that 3I/ATLAS is a comet. The one man holding on to hope that the object could be extraterrestrial is Harvard professor Avi Loeb, who has shared new amateur telescope images of the interstellar object, captured between November 22 and November 24. The photos reveal a glowing, fuzzy 'head' called a coma, along with a narrow tail stretching over 600,000 miles and pointing toward the sun instead of away from it like a typical comet. Recent telescope images have produced clearer views of the object than the photos shared by NASA on November 19 NASA maintained that 3I/ATLAS was a comet with no signs of extraterrestrial life One appears to reveal the shape of 3I/ATLAS, showing a conelike object covered in a bright haze. The images came from everyday skywatchers using small backyard telescopes around the world, including in Japan, Spain, and Chile. Professor Loeb noted that a clear shot of the object on November 22, which showed its bright green body and long 'antitail,' was taken by Mitsunori Tsumura using a common 20inch backyard telescope used by stargazers worldwide. Another caught a sharp image of the interstellar visitor over Spain that same night using a 12.4inch telescope - a very popular size used by hobbyists in their backyards. Perhaps the sharpest picture Professor Loeb highlighted came from Paul Craggs of Canada, who was able to capture a clear image of the comet's current shape while traveling over North America on November 21. Couples who booze together, stay together, according to a new study. Researchers have discovered that the compatibility of a couple's drinking habits is a key predictor of how stable their marriage is. It means that if you regularly enjoy a few glasses of wine with your dinner while your partner sticks to sparkling water, it could spell trouble. And it's especially bad news if the couple consists of a heavydrinking wife and a lightdrinking husband, they warned. The team, from the University of Buffalo, reviewed dozens of previous research papers which had focused on the effects of alcohol on relationships. Couple who share similar drinking patterns whether they abstain completely or are both regular drinkers tend to report happier unions, they discovered. They were significantly more satisfied in their relationships compared to couples where only one person reported frequent intoxication. 'Marital partners who have similar patterns of alcohol consumption fare better than those with discrepant patterns of consumption,' they said. One study showed that both husbands and wives reported lower marriage satisfaction if their partner's drinking levels did not match their own One of the main studies they referenced was published in 2012 and examined alcohol consumption patterns among couples in New Zealand. Analysis revealed those who reported drinking similar quantities of alcohol and at similar frequencies had the happiest marriages. Another study, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 2001, involved analysis of 642 married couples. It found that both husbands and wives in couples in which only one partner drank heavily reported significantly lower marital quality than other spouses. The same researchers carried out a later study, which confirmed that discrepancies in husbands' and wives' heavy drinking led to decreased marital satisfaction over time. Another paper included in the review was published in 2005 by a separate team from the University of Buffalo. It found that husbands and wives who drank the same amount together were happier than those who still drank the same amount, but separately. 'The findings suggest that alcohol use may be a part of the couple's socialising and may increase interaction, thereby increasing marital satisfaction,' the paper concluded. Graphs of husbands' and wives' marital satisfaction over time shows that even if they drink the same amount of alcohol they are more satisfied in their relationship if they drink together rather than apart The research team also found that a mismatch in drinking habits can increase the risk of divorce, with discordant drinking a strong predictor of separation. What is the recommended drinking limit? The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units per week, spread over three or four days. This is the equivalent of: 1.5 bottles of 13% wine 7 double whiskies 6 pints of average strength beer 9 125ml glasses of champagne Advertisement Couples with one heavy drinker are more likely to divorce than couples who both drink heavily or both abstain, they discovered. Some studies included in their review indicate that couples consisting of a heavydrinking wife and a lightdrinking husband face the highest statistical risk of divorce. Their paper, published in the journal Substance Use and Rehabilitation, went on to find that perceptions of a partner's drinking can also have an effect on marriage satisfaction. Simply believing your partner is a heavy drinker regardless of their actual alcohol use or consequences is linked to lower levels of happiness within the relationship. This was especially true for men who perceived their wife to be a heavy drinker, but less true for women who believed their husband drank heavily. To conclude, the researchers said: 'With respect to marital satisfaction and divorce, the key predictor seems to be whether the members of the couple can establish patterns of consumption that foster closer relationships. 'Alcohol consumption which is not excessive, and which occurs primarily when the couple is together, can serve a positive function. It is important to note that this does not necessarily mean that concordant patterns of heavier drinking are healthy or functional for the entire family.' Researchers have discovered that the compatibility of a couple's drinking habits is a key predictor of how stable their marriage is (file image) Your browser does not support iframes. Separate research, published last year, found that couples who drink together tend to live longer. Scientists examined data on more than 4,500 married or cohabiting couples, who were interviewed every two years over the space of two decades. And they discovered that couples tend to live longer if they both drink alcohol. Dr Kira Birditt, a research professor at the University of Michigan, said a theory called the 'drinking partnership' where couples who have similar patterns of alcohol use tend to have better marriages was the inspiration behind the study. When two individuals have similar drinking behaviours it may be a reflection of compatibility among partners in their lifestyles, intimacy and relationship satisfaction, the researchers explained. 'We've also found in other studies that couple who drink together tend to have better relationship quality, and it might be because it increases intimacy,' Dr Birditt said. Melting the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could save the Gulf Stream, a remarkable new study reveals. The vast icy mass in the southern hemisphere contains around 750,000 cubic miles of ice enough to fill Wembley Stadium nearly three billion times. As it melts, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet sends salty water towards the North Atlantic, which helps the water stay dense enough to keep the crucial ocean current moving, the study authors reveal. However, the scientists stress that in other ways the melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet would be a total disaster. If the ice sheet melted, it would raise sea levels by up to 14 feet (4.3 metres) causing flooding, fatalities, infrastructure damage and more. The findings suggest we may have to choose between saving the Gulf Stream (which would stop Europe from entering a deep freeze) and saving the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (which would prevent global flooding). According to study author Dr Sacha Sinet, climate scientist at Utrecht University, which terrifying scenario is worse is 'hard to tell'. Ultimately, reducing greenhouse gas emissions might be the only way to save both the Gulf Stream and the ice sheet and avoid both eventualities. There are two ice sheets on Earth: the Greenland Ice Sheet in the Northern Hemisphere and the Antarctic Ice Sheet in the Southern Hemisphere (divided into east and west). According to the study's findings, melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet could keep the AMOC from collapsing Your browser does not support iframes. The Gulf Stream is only a small part of a much wider system of currents, officially called the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation or AMOC. A 'conveyor belt of the ocean', AMOC moves warm water near the ocean's surface northwards from the tropics to the northern hemisphere. When the warm water reaches the North Atlantic (Europe and the UK, and the US east coast), it releases the heat and then freezes. As this ice forms, salt is left behind in the ocean water. Due to the large amount of salt in the water, it becomes denser, sinks, and is carried southwards back towards the tropics in the ocean depths below. Eventually, the water gets pulled back up towards the surface and warms up ('upwelling'), completing the cycle. Experts think AMOC brings enough warmth to the northern hemisphere to keep temperatures there relatively mild, so if the AMOC were to slow down or collapse, large parts of Europe and the US could enter a deep freeze. But according to the Utrecht University researchers, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is potentially the AMOC's unlikely saviour. The researchers used a complex computer model, CLIMBER-X to examine how the AMOC would respond to different speeds and timing of ice sheet collapse Scientists think AMOC brings enough warmth to the northern hemisphere that without it, large parts of Europe could enter a deep freeze. This remarkable satellite picture showing the extent of snow across Britain on January 7, 2010 gives an idea of what this could be like The world's ice sheets Ice sheets are masses of glacial ice extending more than 19,000 square miles (50,000 square kilometers). There are two ice sheets on Earth - the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Antarctic Ice Sheet - and together they contain about 99 per cent of the freshwater on Earth. As the name suggests, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is the western segment of the latter and is more strongly affected by climate change. Unlike its eastern counterpart, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet largely rests on the sea bed. In other words, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is sitting in water and today this water is getting warmer and warmer due to global warming. Advertisement The team used a computer model called CLIMBER-X to predict what would happen if both Greenland and Antarctica started melting rapidly in the future due to continuing global warming. CLIMBER-X simulates the response of the Earth to changes in different climate-related factors, such as changes in greenhouse gas concentrations. Amazingly, the model revealed that the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's melting water didn't always increase the risk of an AMOC collapse. Under some conditions, such as when its melting was rapid and began to slow down as Greenland's melt peaked, it could prevent a total collapse. The effect happens because Antarctic meltwater changes how layers of water behave in the Southern Ocean, which eventually sends slightly saltier water toward the North Atlantic. Over time, this helps the water stay dense enough to keep the AMOC moving, at least according to the computer model. Previous studies have already shown that melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet destabilises the AMOC. When its meltwater pours into the North Atlantic, it can slow down or stop the sinking of dense water that helps drive it. Amazingly, the study, published in Science Advances, seems to suggest the opposite for West Antarctic Ice Sheet. An ice sheet is a mass of glacial land ice extending more than 50,000 square kilometers (20,000 square miles). The West Antarctic Ice Sheet is the western segment of the Antarctic Ice Sheet - and is more strongly affected by climate change 'Greenland melt generally destabilises the AMOC, whereas, as we have shown, West Antarctic Ice Sheet's melt may, under certain conditions, stabilise it,' Dr Sinet told the Daily Mail. However, if the timing is wrong, such as if the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's melt peaks too late or is too slow, its stabilising effect vanishes. In fact, the West Antarctic Ice Sheet's meltwater could even accelerate the AMOC's tipping point. Dr Sinet stressed that greenhouse gas emissions need to be curtailed to avoid both collapse of the AMOC and melting of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. But the new findings may be helpful to understand the nuances of a warming world. 'If emissions remain too high to preserve the stability of key tipping elements, then understanding whether the AMOC collapses or not becomes essential for anticipating the climate impacts that societies will need to prepare for,' he told the Daily Mail. 'The important distinction is that the Greenland effect is well established and broadly accepted, whereas the influence of West Antarctic melt remains poorly understood and lacks consensus, and will likely continue to be debated for some time.' From former spouses to reunited brothers, BBC's Race Across the World has had a wide range of pairings over the years. But what makes the perfect partner to travel the world with? Scientists from Edith Cowan University have uncovered the personality traits that can make or break a trip. While mother and son Caroline and Tom won this year's series, their results suggest your perfect travel partner probably isn't your mum. Instead, the experts say that the ideal companion has four key attributes emotional intelligence, travel experience, congruence, and conscientiousness. If you're someone who is quite emotional, your ideal travel partner will be someone of the same sex with high emotional intelligence, according to the researchers. But if you're more practical, an oppositesex partner with excellent problemsolving skills is probably better suited. 'The best travel partner may depend on what each traveller values most,' explained Professor Sam Huang, who led the study. While mother and son Caroline and Tom won this year's series of Race Across the World, the results suggest your perfect travel partner probably isn't your mum Since it first hit our screens back in 2019, Race Across the World has quickly become one of the BBC's most popular programmes. In each series, pairs of competitors race across an area of the world using any means of transportation other than air travel equipped only with the cost of a oneway plane ticket. Series 1 was won by married couple Tony & Elaine Teasdale, Series 2 by Emon Choudhury and his nephew Jamiul Choudhury, and Series 3 by best friends Cathie Rowe & Tricia Sail. Meanwhile, last year's Series 4 was won by best friends Alfie Watts & Owen Wood, and the most recent series, Series 5, by mother and son Caroline Bridge & Tom Bridge. So, what made these pairs stand out against the competition? In their new study, the team set out to understand what really makes for the perfect travel companion. 'Travel partner seeking has become a new and increasingly popular social phenomenon, especially among young travelers,' they explained in their study, published in the International Journal of Tourism Research. 'However, little is known about what partner attributes are preferred by this market and how such attributes impact memorable tourism experience.' Since it first hit our screens back in 2019, Race Across the World has quickly become one of the BBC's most popular programmes. Pictured: the cast of the lastest series of Celebrity Race Across the World Race Across the World: The winners Series 1: Married couple Tony and Elaine Teasdale Series 2: Emon Choudhury and his nephew Jamiul Choudhury Series 3: Best friends Cathie Rowe & Tricia Sail Series 4: Best friends Alfie Watts & Owen Wood Series 5: Mother and son Caroline Bridge & Tom Bridge Advertisement To get to the bottom of it, the team analysed 1,086 user posts on the Chinese social networking service Douban. Their analysis revealed four key attributes of good travel partners. These were: emotional intelligence, travel experience, congruence (agreement or harmony), and conscientiousness. However, the balance of these qualities will depend on what you personally value the most. 'Those who place greater importance on emotional support and companionship are generally better matched with samesex travel partners who possess high emotional intelligence and conscientiousness, traits that promote harmonious interactions and understanding,' Professor Huang explained. However, if you prioritise practical benefits things like skills and problemsolving abilities an oppositesex partner will be better for you. In such cases, conscientiousness combined with extensive travel experience becomes key to successful cooperation and efficient resource sharing, according to the researchers. Before you take this as a sign to cancel that upcoming trip with your wife, the team reassures that there are things you can do to make holidays more enjoyable for everyone. 'The advice is that if you are travelling with family, be sure to set some goals and expectations before packing your bags,' Professor Huang added. Scientists have been baffled by a mysterious halo of red light that has appeared over a small Italian town for the second time in three years. An incredible image captures the bizarre UFOlike ring floating above Possagno, a tiny town in the foothills of the Italian Alps. The photograph was taken by photographer Valter Binotto, who watched as the glowing structure flashed in the sky at 10:45 local time on November 17. Strangely, this ring bears a striking resemblance to another red halo that was spotted by Mr Binotto in the same location in March 2023. This year's halo was estimated to be 150 miles (200 kilometres) across and hovered at an altitude of around 60 miles (100 kilometres). However, Mr Binotto does not believe that there are any extraterrestrial forces to blame. Instead, these rings are likely to be a rare lightingrelated phenomenon called an 'emission of light and very lowfrequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources', or ELVEs for short. These glowing rings are so rare that they were only discovered by NASA in the 1990s, making spotting two over the same tiny town extremely unlikely. A photographer has captured a baffling image of a red UFOlike halo floating over the small Italian town of Possagno (pictured) Scientists believe that ELVEs are triggered when enormously powerful lightning bolts send an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) shooting through the upper atmosphere. These pulses collide with a part of Earth's atmosphere called the ionosphere, which stretches between 50 and 400 miles (80644 kilometres) above the ground. Here, the electromagnetic radiation excites charged particles of nitrogen, causing them to give off a red glow. This is a similar process to how electromagnetic radiation from the sun causes the glow of the Northern Lights. However, ELVEs are enormously difficult to photograph because they only last for one thousandth of a second. That is 100 times less time than it takes for you to blink. For this reason, Mr Binotto says he has to use a specialised camera setup to record extremely highframerate video and start recording as soon as the right conditions arise. When the lightning has passed, he is then able to select the few frames when the ELVE is visible. This is the second time that a red ring has appeared over the town, with a similar structure appearing in March 2023 Your browser does not support iframes. But, even with all this preparation and years of attempts, Mr Binotto has only ever captured an ELVE on three occasions. Mr Binotto told Daily Mail: 'It is a very rare phenomenon. Only a few lightning strikes are capable of generating it, and sometimes they occur when conditions are not suitable for photographing them because it is daytime, the sky is covered with clouds, or simply because I am asleep. 'With the first one, I couldn't believe my eyes. I had seen others in photos, but never so powerful and welldefined. Even with the others, the emotion was immense.' Given that these events are so rare and difficult to spot, it might seem unusual that two have been seen above Possagno in just two years. However, this strange coincidence likely has less to do with any special characteristics of Possagno and more with Mr Binotto's skills as a photographer. ELVEs are extremely large and appear at very high altitudes, meaning they can be seen from hundreds of miles away. For example, Mr Binotto's 2023 ELVE was actually caused by a lightning strike near Vernazza, around 185 miles (300 kilometres) to the south. Likewise, this latest halo was the product of a storm above Ancona, which is roughly 174 miles (280 kilometres) to the southeast. This ring is likely a structure known as an 'emission of light and very lowfrequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources', or ELVEs for short. These are rings of red or green light created by electromagnetic pulses produced by powerful lightning strikes ELVEs are just one part of a class of strange phenomena known by scientists as transient luminous events (TLEs), which include socalled 'red sprites' that sometimes appear above storms. Pictured: Red Sprites seen from the International Space Station Since these halos only need a powerful lightning strike to occur, there is nothing preventing them from being seen over any town in the world. ELVEs are just one part of a class of strange phenomena known by scientists as transient luminous events (TLEs). These events are rarely seen, poorly understood, and extraordinarily tricky to study. Some of the strangest TLEs include 'sprites', which appear like gigantic red jellyfish reaching their tendrils above the clouds. The largest sprites can extend up to 60 miles (96 kilometres) above the cloud tops of large storms, but are so faint they can only be seen at night or from space. Most Americans think of turkeys in November, but for wild turkeys, the real drama unfolds in spring, when breeding season transforms forests and fields into complex social arenas filled with high-stakes courtship. During this time, male turkeys, or toms, display a striking combination of physical traits and behaviors to attract females, including gobbling calls, fanned tails, sharp spurs, hair-like beards on their chests, and the elongated snood draping over their beak, which research shows is a key factor in female choice. Hens choose mates carefully, responding to the combination of plumage, snood length, vocalizations, and dominance cues, often remaining aloof until hormonal and daylight signals trigger receptivity. Unlike most birds, turkey hens raise their young independently, incubating eggs alone and leading self-sufficient poults from the nest within a day of hatching, while males focus exclusively on mating. Dominance hierarchies determine which males breed, with top-ranking toms monopolizing hens while subordinates either seek other mates or assist relatives as wingmen, protecting harems and passing on shared genes indirectly. Cooperative male teams, usually composed of brothers, are a rare example of kin selection among birds, allowing dominant toms to secure more mates while helpers forego direct reproduction. Courtship unfolds over weeks, beginning with distant gobbles and progressing to elaborate visual displays, fanned tails, wing dragging, and prolonged mounting rituals. Every stage is shaped by physical prowess, social intelligence, and strategic positioning within the flock, making turkey mating one of the most intricate avian social systems. Biologist Alan Krakauer described the turkey mating system as a unique blend of several breeding strategies. Experts have revealed insights into the secretive courtship of turkeys, showing how males sometimes work together in teams to impress hens and increase their chances with the most desirable mates Your browser does not support iframes. 'Like sage-grouse, prairie chickens, or other lek-breeding birds, spring groups of turkeys can contain multiple males and multiple females all interacting with each other,' he shared in a blog post. 'And yet, similar to true harem birds like Ring-necked Pheasants, fertile females walk around in groups and males try to guard these groups and keep other males away.' Research by Dr Richard Buchholz of the University of Mississippi found that among the many visual and vocal traits, the snood is the primary signal influencing female choice, with longer snoods correlating with better health and fewer parasites. 'Females may be choosing males for their genes: pick a good male and your kids will have a better chance to fight off diseases down the road. said Krakauer. Alpha male toms gain nearly unrestricted access to females, while lower-ranking males either wait in the wings, seek alternate opportunities, or cooperate with dominant relatives. In these rare cooperative alliances, subordinates act as wingmen to protect harems, allowing dominant brothers to mate with more hens. DNA analysis has confirmed that wingmen are typically brothers or close kin, spreading shared genes even if they never mate themselves. 'The insight from kin selection is that when one relative helps another reproduce more than they otherwise would, then they are indirectly passing on some of their own genes,' Krakauer said. 'This was an important expansion of how natural selection can work, and helps to explain (some cases of) cooperation in the animal kingdom that didnt fit with the original survival of the fittest, every bird for themselves framing of Darwin and Wallaces big idea.' male turkeys, or toms, display a striking combination of physical traits and behaviors to attract females, including gobbling calls, fanned tails, sharp spurs, hair-like beards on their chests, and the elongated snood draping over their beak, which research shows is a key factor in female choice. Alpha male toms gain nearly unrestricted access to females, while lower-ranking males either wait in the wings, seek alternate opportunities, or cooperate with dominant relatives The biologist went on to explain how turkey courtship is complex and highly dynamic. Large winter flocks fragment in early spring, females disperse to nest, and the availability of receptive hens fluctuates, forcing males to adapt constantly. Some female groups attract multiple competing toms, while others leave males roaming for opportunities, and in rare cases, males form cooperative teams to increase reproductive success. Courtship behaviors range from long-distance gobbles to intricate strutting, wing drags, and ritualized mounting known as treading, culminating in the cloacal kiss, where sperm is transferred to the hens oviduct for fertilization. Broods typically contain eight to twelve eggs, often composed of full siblings, half-siblings, and occasionally unrelated chicks due to brood parasitism. O ver time, juvenile males gravitate toward adult males, forming fraternal bands that can last for years. Power within these male teams is maintained through ritualized contests of strength, including shoving, kicking, and wing strikes, with dominance hierarchies reassessed each season. Far from simple or clumsy, wild turkeys reveal a sophisticated social and reproductive world in which visual displays, vocalizations, cooperative brotherhoods, and competition converge. Their mating strategies, marked by high stakes and intricate behaviors, continue to fascinate researchers and offer insight into one of the most complex avian social systems in North America. A major earthquake hit Alaska on Thursday, with thousands of people feeling shaking near one of the state's largest cities. The 6.0 magnitude quake was detected around 8:11am local time (12:11pm ET), with Susitna as the epicenter, about 30 miles from Anchorage, which is home to 300,000 Americans. More than 6,000 people have issued reports of shaking to the US Geological Service (USGS), and the number of reports continues to climb. There were no immediate reports of major damage or injuries. Authorities are currently assessing the impact. No tsunami is expected, the National Tsunami Center said. One local posted on X saying: 'That was a solid shake.' While others in the area said it 'felt like a couple of dozen jolts' at once. A 3.3 magnitude earthquake hit in the same area shortly after the major seismic event. The USGS has warned that there is a 77 percent chance of a magnitude 4 or higher tremor hitting in the next week, with a small six percent chance of another magnitude 6 in the same time frame. The 6.0 magnitude quake was detected around 8:11am local time (12:11pm ET), with Susitna as the epicenter, about 30 miles from Anchorage, which is home to 300,000 Americans Anchorage reported moderate shaking from the earthquake. Light shaking was reported hundreds of miles south of the epicenter of the quake in southern Alaska, according to USGS shake reports. The last time an earthquake of this magnitude struck south-central Alaska was a magnitude 6.1 that hit 100 miles northeast of Anchorage on May 31, 2021, according to the USGS. The Alaska Earthquake Center said on X: 'We have reviewed a magnitude 6.0 event that occurred at 08:11 AM AK time, northwest of Anchorage and at 43 miles depth. 'This event was felt widely throughout south-central Alaska, and as far as Fairbanks.' The Susitna region of Alaska sits within one of the most active seismic zones in the world, positioned near the boundary where the Pacific Plate dives beneath the North American Plate, a subduction process that builds immense underground pressure until it releases in powerful seismic events. The area is also influenced by the Denali Fault system, a major strike-slip fault capable of producing large earthquakes that can transmit strong shaking across Southcentral Alaska. Ongoing tectonic compression creates additional, smaller faults throughout the region, any of which can generate damaging shallow quakes. The earthquake was detected outside of Anchorage, which is home to around 300,000 people Because these forces operate continuously and the region has a long history of significant seismic activity, experts say large earthquakes in and around Susitna are not just possible but inevitable over longer geological timescales. As people prepare to carve into their Thanksgiving Day turkeys, some may wonder why the birds' eggs never make it onto the holiday menu. Turkey eggs are almost never found on grocery shelves or holiday plates. The reasons lie in biology, economics and practicality, experts said. Unlike chickens, which reliably lay about one egg every 24 hours, turkeys produce only one or two per week. Kimmon Williams, of the National Turkey Federation, told ModernFarmer: 'Turkeys have a longer life cycle, so they need to get to about seven months before they are able to produce laying eggs.' Chickens, on the other hand, only have to reach about five months before they lay eggs. Raising turkeys is also more expensive, as they require significantly more feed and larger housing, both of which drive up production costs. As a result, farmers would need to charge at least $3 per turkey egg, meaning a dozen would cost around $36. Farmers would have to sell each turkey egg for at least $3, making a full dozen $36 Some cooking professionals have said that turkey eggs are better for sauces because their yolks are creamier and richer, Slate reported. But the recommendations are not enough to get them on menus. Turkeys are indigenous to North America, making them a staple among Native American tribes, and chickens did not arrive in the US until the 1500s. Native Americans introduced turkeys to early European settlers in the 1600s. The large, wild birds were exotic animals to Europeans who became instant fans. Early Spanish explorers to the New World even returned home with turkeys, but rumors quickly spread that the eggs were linked to outbreaks of leprosy. The suspicions were largely among the French, who were wary about the birds' foreign origins. In medieval Europe, diseases like leprosy were often seen as divine punishment or the result of moral failings. Today, turkey eggs are a rarity, sought mainly by food enthusiasts or farmers looking to meet the demand for Thanksgiving And new foods from a land deemed dangerous did not align with the established norms of the time. But back in the US, the new settlers viewed the eggs as a luxury. By the 18th century, their popularity in the US had grown so much that the domestication of turkeys became widespread. New York's iconic Delmonico's restaurant, for instance, served turkey eggs scrambled or poached, as well as in frittatas and omelets. However, the rise of industrial poultry farming during the 20th century changed the landscape of American food. Technological advancements allowed farmers to specialize in chickens for egg production or meat, making chicken eggs more cost-efficient and readily available. As a result, turkey eggs began to lose favor, and even Delmonico's eventually removed them from their menu. Today, turkey eggs are a rarity, sought mainly by food enthusiasts or farmers looking to meet America's demand for Thanksgiving. In October, the American Farm Bureau Federation, a leading agricultural trade group, warned of a possible turkey shortage after more than 600,000 birds were infected with Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). According to the Farm Bureau, HPAI has severely impacted the US turkey industry, affecting roughly 18.7 million turkeys since 2022. So far in 2025 alone, about 2.2 million turkeys have been infected, representing a significant portion of the nations poultry losses. The US Department of Agriculture estimated the average wholesale price for a frozen whole turkey at about $1.32 per pound. This marks an increase of four cents per pound from last month and a rise of 38 cents compared with the same period in 2024, reflecting a roughly 40 percent jump in wholesale turkey prices over the past year. 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 Travelling expenses can quickly add up when you're jetting off around the world and exploring amazing destinations. From the cost of the hotel, flights and various activities it can feel impossible to save money. Good quality luggage is essential for a successful trip but is often expensive. Fortunately, as Black Friday kicks off tomorrow (November 28), the Daily Mail's travel desk has found the best suitcase deals for your globetrotting adventures. From an entire three-piece suitcase set by it Luggage for less than 100, to a luxurious large check-in case from Carl Friedrik with 30 per cent off - there are a range of deals on offer. Holidaymakers can even find the same case used by Big Brother housemates reduced to 73.50. We've tried and tested these brands before in our best cabin suitcase guide, so you know they're good bags you can rely on. For those looking for a lightweight, softshell option, Flight Knight has a case priced at just 52.50. Read on below as we share some of the best Black Friday luggage offers. Early to the Black Friday game, it Luggage has offered 40 per cent savings on selected baggage since November 1. The three-piece luggage sets include large, medium, and cabin suitcases and will be on offer until midnight on December 2. From hard shell cases to even the lightest in the world, it Luggage has a range of options in the Black Friday sale. Popstar World's Lightest - 3pc Set (Cameo Blush) The Popstar range, which typically costs 165 for the three-piece set, has been reduced to just 99. The lightweight set boasts a large, medium and cabin sized case. With a 90L capacity, the large case is perfect for longer trips, meanwhile the medium can hold 65L and the cabin 37L. Shop Legion set The Legion set, reduced from 175 to 105, comes with a ten-year warranty. The cases boast an expander system that allows you to increase the space inside by 25 per cent. Shop Bewitching collection This set features large, medium and cabin suitcases for a bargain price. The Bewitching set boasts a stylish chevron quilted front panel. Shop Luxuriant set Made from ABS, the Luxuriant set should be strong and reliable for your travels. The rose gold detailing adds a fashionable touch. Shop The luxury brand is knocking down the prices of all the products on its site by a whopping 30 per cent. From November 26 to December 1, holidaymakers can bag themselves a durable and timeless piece from Carl Friedrik. The Large Check-in Carl Friedrik's Large Check-in case is available in four colours. It has a 120L capacity and weighs 7kg, making it a strong option for long-haul trips. The hardwearing shell is sure to protect your belongings and inside, while the integrated straps and compression pad helps to keep your clothes nicely packed. Shop Trunk Described as ideal for trips that are up to three weeks long, the Trunk is a great option. It even comes with three complimentary packing cubes. Shop Long-standing luggage brand Antler has 30 per cent off all products across its site. 4. Rock Luggage: save 20 at John Lewis Rock Luggage, the same brand that Big Brother housemates used to pack up their belongings to enter the iconic ITV house, is holding it's 'biggest ever' Black Friday sale. Customers can bag up to 50 per cent off cases, cabin bags and more. Tulum Large Suitcase in Lilac Used by Big Brother 2025 housemates, Rock's Tulum Suitcase comes in several playful colours. The hard-shell design makes it sturdy and long-lasting. What's more, it's relatively lightweight for its size too, at only 5kg. Shop Vintage Medium Suitcase in Cream and Sage This limited edition case is in a trunk design but has all the features of a modern case. With eight wheels for a smooth journey and tough, reinforced corners the case appears to be good quality and strong. Shop The Italian luggage brand has a range of different products in its Black Friday sale. Starting from November 24 to 30, holidaymakers can bag 15 per cent off selected Roncato luggage. From cabin bags to full sized suitcases, as well as travel accessories, there's something for everyone in the sale. LIGHT Large Luggage Trolley Suitcase Roncato's Light Large Trolley Suitcase is a good choice for a long-haul holiday. Available in several different bright colours, four are currently on offer for 170. The case weighs 4.8kg and measures 53cm by 75cm by 30cm. Shop AIRGLAM Expandable Large Trolley A great option for longer holidays and checked baggage, the case has a tough shell. It weighs 4.6kg and has several handy sections inside to help with packing. Shop B-Flying Hardside Vanity Case The B-Flying Hardside Vanity Case is now 55.25, a nearly 10 reduction from its usual price of 65. It's perfect for all your beauty and toiletry essentials. Shop Flight Knight kicked off its Black Friday sales early on November 21 and has 25 per cent off the entire site with the code BF25. The sale will be on until December 2 and customers can enjoy free shipping on all UK orders. As for luxury luggage brand Briggs & Riley, its Black Friday sale will begin on November 25 until December 1. Selected items will have up to 30 per cent off their original price. Domestic 56cm Carry-on Expandable Spinner With a study hard shell the case is set to protect your belongings during your travels. It boasts expansion and compression features meaning you can fit plenty of items in without having to bring a larger piece of luggage. An optional monogram can be added to the case for a personalised touch, and it is available in black and matte navy. Shop Multi Pocket Cabin Bag This carry-on bag has plenty of pockets to help you tuck away any essentials during your travels. It's spacious inside, with enough room to fit a 38cm laptop. To add a touch of luxury there are leather accents on the bag, too. Shop The cost of travelling adds up, so it's always good to grab a deal when you can - whether that be a complimentary upgrade or even a free hotel stay. One TikTok user Dominica, who goes by @dreanvacations4all, shared a hack in a recent video and revealed how she managed to get three free nights in Marriott hotels. It involves linking a Starbucks Rewards account to Marriott account and collecting points as you spend on coffee and drinks. Dominica explained: 'If you love Starbucks like I do and you are a Marriott member like I am, have y'all linked those accounts? 'I have gotten so many extra Marriott points by having those two accounts linked. I've gotten like three free night stays already just from getting those point bonuses.' She revealed how one week, Starbucks had a drink offer that would bag 300 extra points. However, like with most good things, there is a catch. One TikTok user Dominica, who goes by @dreanvacations4all, shared a hack in a recent video and revealed how she managed to get three free nights in Marriott hotels (stock) It seems that the deal is only available in America, according to the Marriott Bonvoy website The helpful hack works if members join their Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy US accounts. There are 'Marriott Bonvoy weeks' that allow members to bag 100 Bonvoy Points with every three Starbucks transactions. But the transactions have to be made at a participating store and cost at least $2. The purchases must also be made through a mobile order on the app or via the Starbucks website with a payment method linked to a Starbucks Reward aaccount. Certain exclusions do apply. The next 'Marriott Bonvoy week' is between December 15 and 21. Marriott Bonvoy points can be used towards hotel stays and other experiences. Dominica's video attracted hundreds of comments from people either keen to make the most out of the hack, or sharing their own. One person penned: 'Wait, can you do a video of how to link them? I linked my Starbucks account to Delta years ago, but havent been able to figure out how to link my Starbucks in Marriott account.' The helpful hack works if members join their Starbucks Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy US accounts Someone else shared: 'You can also transfer your Marriott points to Starbucks Stars as well for some free coffees too!' One user questioned the hack and commented: 'While theyre linked, theres no way this is true. Theres fine print. 'You get 100 Marriott points after THREE drink purchases during a Marriott Bonvoy Week. And do yall know how many points you need for one free Marriott night? Lol.' An avid traveller has shared how she explored three European cities in just one day for less than 100. Charli, from Scotland, uploaded a video to her TikTok page @charliburnss this month, revealing the payoff of taking spontaneous detours to neighbouring countries during a trip with her boyfriend to the Czech Republic. In the clip, she shared that the pair had initially planned to stay in Prague for five days, but, once there, Charli decided to 'change things up' as she had already visited the capital before. It was at that point the couple decided to embark on a cross-border adventure, which began with a day trip to Vienna, Austria - approximately a 4-hour train journey away. Charli and her boyfriend each paid only 12.45 to travel into the country by train - though she warned the tickets were notably cheap due to their 4.40am departure time. After spending the day exploring the city, the couple discovered that securing an affordable hotel on the same day was 'close to impossible.' Instead, they hopped on an evening bus and headed once more across the border to Slovakia. The journey, which cost them just 7.98 each, took about an hour from Vienna to Bratislava. Charli, from Scotland, shared on TikTok how she explored three neighbouring European cities in little over 24 hours for less than 100 Charli and her boyfriend began their trip in Prague (pictured) before taking a day trip to Vienna via rail journey - which took them around four hours Charli and her boyfriend soon found and settled in for the night at a hotel for the price of 63.99, which, between them, cost 31.99 each. What's more, their accommodation offered unspoilt views as it was situated in the heart of Bratislava's Old Town - right below one of the city's most prominent landmarks: Michael's Gate. After spending the following morning exploring the area, the pair hopped on a 12.84 rail journey back to Prague before heading to the airport to catch their flight home. In total, Charli and her boyfriend each spent a total of 65.26 to travel between three countries - and sneak a hotel stay in for good measure. The video, has since been viewed over 27K times, has drawn positive feedback from viewers, who called Charli's hack 'genius.' One person wrote, 'This is such a good way to do it!,' while another said, 'Such a good idea!' Meanwhile, a new study has revealed the easiest places in Europe to get around quickly. Created by LateRooms, the Easy Breaks Index has compared 50 popular European cities by flight time from UK airports, airport transfer cost and duration, average hotel prices and the rating of each citys top attraction. The couple's accommodation in Bratislava offered unmatched views of Michael's Gate (pictured), one of the most prominent landmarks in the city Charli and her boyfriend each spent a total of 65.26 to travel via bus and train into and between Prague, Bratislava and Vienna in just one day Matt Fox, CEO of From LateRooms said: 'People are realising you dont need a full week away to feel like youve had a proper break. A short trip can be just as refreshing when the journey is simple and the city is easy to move around. 'The key is choosing destinations where the airport transfer is quick, the centre is walkable and your hotel is close to the places you want to see.' He added: 'Pack light, stay central and give yourself time to slow down with a coffee or a drink. 'When you remove the stress from the travel part, even a one or two night break can feel like a real holiday.' A woman has issued a warning to other travellers after her hotel booking was cancelled weeks after receiving confirmation. Citing a technical glitch, she was asked by the booking platform to pay four times the amount she initially paid if she wanted to rebook. Erika Mann booked for her family to stay at Montreal's Holland Hotel through Booking.com to watch the Formula One Grand Prix next year. On May 25, she booked a four-room unit for $4,300 CAD (around 2,300) for May 22-24, 2026. But weeks after her reservation was confirmed, both the hotel and Booking.com told Erika that the price was a mistake, and if she still wanted the rooms for the two-night stay, she would need to pay more than $17,000 CAD (9,200). On June 27, the hotel called her saying the price was wrong and she needed to cancel or pay the new rate. She contacted Booking.com, which told her she would either need to cancel the reservation herself or pay that new rate for the same unit on the same dates. When she refused these options and demanded to keep her original booking, the website cancelled it. A woman has issued a warning to other travellers after her hotel booking was cancelled weeks after receiving confirmation (stock image) A traveller booked rooms for her family to stay at Montreal's Holland Hotel through Booking.com to watch the Formula One Grand Prix next year Erika had already booked her flights and she claimed hotel prices in the area were rising quickly. The Holland Hotel, where Erika had booked, told Go Public a 'synchronisation error' with Booking.com caused the issue, allowing non-event pricing to briefly appear for two units at the property. When they did, the hotel said Erika booked one of them. It said an automated software updates prices through Booking.com's system, which means the hotel can't manually override the rates shown on the platform. The hotel said that when Formula One organisers confirmed in 2024 that the 2026 Montreal Grand Prix would take place on the third or fourth weekend of May, the system should have automatically adjusted those dates to 'event pricing.' Booking.com said the hotel asked them to review the case. The site sided with the property after it reported the posted rate was an error. Erika said Booking.com did offer alternative accommodations for roughly what she paid but none were 'remotely equivalent' for the space they needed. 'Our procedures do allow for cancellations in limited circumstances where a genuine rate mistake has occurred,' Booking.com wrote to Go Public. 'That being said, we recognise that communication to the customer fell short of our usual standards.' The company said the cancellation was approved under its standard policy permitting properties to void bookings in 'rare cases where a property identifies a clear rate error'. The Holland Hotel, where Erika had booked, said a 'synchronisation error' with Booking.com caused the issue. The hotel is pictured Booking.com eventually told Erika it would honour her original booking and cover the price difference, allowing her to keep the same four-bedroom unit at no additional cost. It follows the Advertising Standards Authority's (ASA) recent ruling that Booking.com used 'from' price claims for hotel rooms that exaggerated how many were available at the advertised rate. Booking.com had an advert on May 6 stating 'Places to stay in Sheffield - Best Price Guarantee,' while further text read 'easyHotel Sheffield City Centre From 28.' Booking.com said the dates and prices shown were 'dynamically chosen' by Google from data it provided, meaning they could vary for each user and search. The online travel company believed the information displayed in the advert was accurate and not misleading. However, the ASA said the data Booking.com provided showed seven bookings were made at the easyHotel Sheffield City Centre for the advertised price in May. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that Booking.com used 'from' price claims for hotel rooms that exaggerated how many were available at the advertised rate The watchdog said it did not receive any other information from Booking.com, such as the number of dates on which rooms were available for 28, to help make an adequate assessment of the proportion of rooms at the hotel available at 28 Therefore it considered that the information provided was insufficient to substantiate the claim 'From 28.' Booking.com said: 'Our aim is to consistently provide travellers with transparent information when planning and booking trips on our platform. This includes accurately showing rates and availability at the time of advertising. 'Which was the case in this instance, with successful bookings being made at the advertised rate, evidence of which was shared with the ASA. We continue to work collaboratively with the ASA to address any outstanding questions they might have.' As Ryanair continues to axe multiple routes to popular holiday destinations across Europe, travel specialists are recommending alternative destinations that offer the same atmosphere - but with fewer crowds and better value. Experts at MoneySuperMarket warn that holidaymakers may face disruptions after the low-cost airline this year announced significant reductions to its flight network. Two million seats have already been scrapped across Spain, including Tenerife North, Santiago and Jerez, while all flights to French airports, like Brive, Bergerac and Strasbourg, have been cancelled for winter. German travellers will also be affected, with Memmingen Airport set to lose 27 flights per week this winter and Berlin facing 76 flight reductions in January alone, while Cologne is expected to see 44 fewer departures. And in the latest announcement, the Irish airline revealed it will stop running flights to and from the Azores, Portugal's mid-Atlantic archipelago, from March 29th next year, due to Air Traffic Control charges, a new 2 travel tax and high airport fees. Alicia Hempsted, travel insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket, said: 'If news of Ryanair withdrawing some routes has left your holiday plans up in the air, it's worth exploring alternative destinations that offer similar cultural experiences. 'There are a range of destinations across Europe that are easily accessible by budget airlines, offering unique cultural attractions that can make for an amazing trip despite the change in plans.' With further cuts expected in 2026, making some locations less viable for budget carriers, here are three alternative European spots to visit instead. Experts at MoneySuperMarket have recommended alternative destinations, such as Carcassonne (pictured), that offer the same atmosphere as popular spots caught up in Ryanair's European route cancellations In Carcassonne, France, visitors can explore its historic fortress and indulge in its impressive local wine and food scene Swap: Bergerac, France, for Carcassonne, France Carcassonne makes an ideal replacement for Bergerac for those still planning to fly with Ryanair. The fortified medieval city shares a similar charm to Bergerac with its historic fortress, cobbled streets and impressive local wine scene. And if you're keen on somewhere even closer in look and feel, the picturesque village of Alet-les-Bains is just an hour's drive away, with half-timbered houses and the ruins of a 9th-century abbey-cathedral transporting visitors back in time. Swap: Strasbourg, France, for Monschau, Germany For travellers missing Strasbourg, Monschau offers a strikingly similar ambience with strong medieval roots. The historic old town can be reached by flying into Cologne and travelling into the Eifel region by train. In Monschau, its timber-framed buildings, narrow lanes and riverside setting replicate Strasbourg's aesthetic - and in winter, the Christmas markets give it the same magical festive feel. Monschau (pictured) offers a strikingly similar ambience to Strasbourg with strong medieval roots Visitors can explore the town's timber-framed buildings, narrow lanes and riverside setting Krakow (pictured) makes for a great alternative for Brive with its preserved medieval centre and lively market squares Pictured: Old townhouses in Kazimierz, former Jewish quarter of Krakow Swap: Brive, France, for Krakow, Poland Brive might be popular for its markets, museums and artisanal food culture, but Krakow makes for a great alternative. Visitors can enjoy a beautifully preserved medieval centre, lively market squares, rich museum collections, along with dozens of contemporary food spots, and bars and pubs on every corner. Krakow's craft vodka scene almost mirrors the artisanal distillery visitors flock to in Brive, and the city is an easy city to reach from many UK airports. The martini is a firm favourite for many - it's versatile, has a crisp, refreshing taste and looks sophisticated. Some say the cocktail originates from San Francisco and was first crafted by the Occidental Hotel, now known as the Galleria Park Hotel, according to Forbes. The bartender, Jerry Thomas, is said to have made the drink in the late 1850s or early 1860s. It was originally called the Martinez after a town in California. The first martini was apparently made for a gold miner who was heading to the area. Now, in honour of the rumoured origins, a cocktail tour has been launched - the San Francisco Martini Trail. It will take martini lovers on an experience of 23 different venues and it's reportedly the first of its kind. The trail was created by renowned travel, food and drink writer Omar Mamoon. Tourists have been able to delve into the world of martinis in San Francisco since October and the tour is spread across the city. Establishments range from long-standing, well known bars to more creative, newer spots, to hotels and luxurious lounges. The martini is a firm favourite for many - it's versatile, has a crisp, refreshing taste and looks sophisticated Each one will offer its own unique take of the classic cocktail. The venues include Absinthe, Balboa Cafe, Bar Iris, Bar Maritime, BIX, Brazen Head, Californios, Club Waziema, Hi Dive Bar, Holbrook House, House of Prime Rib, Lillie Coit's and Martuni's. As well as Osso Steakhouse, Pearl 6101, The Progress, Sam's Grill & Seafood Restaurant, Starlite, Stookey's Club Moderne, Tadich Grill, True Laurel, Wildhawk and Zam Zam. Omar told Forbes: 'The list shines a light on just a fraction of the many bars and restaurants in San Francisco making excellent martinis. 'The Martini Trail is just a starting pointuse it as a fun way to explore the city and make your own trail, too.' The website for the trail reads: 'San Francisco's love affair with the martini runs deep. 'From elegant lounges to classic hotel bars, the city offers endless ways to enjoy this timeless cocktail: dirty, dry, or with a twist. 'After all, legend has it the martini was born here.' It was originally called the Martinez after a town in California . The first martini was apparently made for a gold miner who was heading to the area Justin Lorenz, Wine & Beverage Director of Lotte New York Palace previously revealed how to make the perfect martini. He recommends using 'any high quality spirit'. A popular variation to the traditional recipe is the Vodka Martini that uses vodka instead of gin for the cocktail's base. He advises to pour all ingredients into a mixing glass with ice cubes and stir (not shake!) well, then strain in a chilled Martini cocktail glass. 'Shaking a Martini waters it down and over-chills the spirit,' said Justin. 'However, mainstream culture has taught us to shake rather than stir, which, in actuality, mutes its flavour and aromatic profile.' While a lemon twist or an olive skewer have traditionally been the Martini's garnish, it doesn't have to be. 'As the quality of these spirits has increased over time through innovation and smaller batch production, the need to cut or otherwise balance them has been diminished,' explained Justin. Now, in honour of the rumoured origins, a cocktail tour has been launched - the San Francisco Martini Trail Back in 2021, a reworked world map revealed the most popular cocktails around the globe. And the Pornstar Martini was the runaway winner. On the map - generated using Google search data country names have been supplemented by their residents' most-searched-for cocktail. There were over 18.4million searches worldwide for Pornstar Martini, with the Pina Colada - top in America ranking second with 10.5million searches and the Aperol Spritz in third with more than 8.2million registered searches. A beach in the Caribbean is home to one of the world's most terrifying landing strips - yet its tropical setting continues to lure visitors from across the globe. Maho Beach, located on the island of Saint Martin, is a dream come true for aviation enthusiasts and thrill seekers - though it might prove to be nightmare for anyone hoping for a peaceful day by the sea. Just a narrow stretch of road separates the beach from the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, which sees as many as 70 aircraft fly over the heads of swimmers and sunworshippers each day during peak season. Because the runway at SXM is situated only a few feet from the water, planes land unusually close to beach level, creating one of the most dramatic plane-spotting locations on Earth. Despite being one of the world's shortest runways, it still handles a range of large aircraft - from Air France's Airbus A340-300 to Boeing 737s, according to Plane watching has become so much a part of the local culture that beachfront restaurants and bars post updated flight schedules to help tourists time their visits. The beach once featured on the History Channel's 'Most Extreme Airports,' which ranked Princess Juliana as the fourth most dangerous airport in the world. A viral video recently shared to X captures the take-off of one plane, which begins with sand swirling in the air as the jet accelerates and gradually ascends from the runway. Maho Beach, situated on the island of Saint Martin, has become a popular destination for aviation fans and thrill-seekers due to its proximity to the airport runway A single road separates the beach from the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, which sees up to 70 planes fly over beachgoers' heads each day during the summer Several beachgoers can be seen shielding their eyes as the wind picks up and blows perfectly laid towels into the sea, while others are knocked off their feet entirely. By the time the plane lifts off, most visitors have been forced to retreat - with a few even ending up in the water. Speaking to CNN, airport worker Franklin Wilson, said: 'Its scary. It feels like its coming straight at you.' For pilots, though, the experience provides a view like no other, with Wilson's colleague Irving Maduro adding: 'They love seeing the people on the beach below them.' Despite the odd chance of getting sand blown in ones eye, or having a deep reading session interrupted, the beach, located on the Dutch side of the island, draws plenty of tourists thanks to its lively coral reef, turquoise sea and powdery white sand. Visitors are regularly told to follow warning signs that caution against standing too close to the fence or holding onto it. Local authorities previously warned the jet blast from the beach is not safe, with instances in the past bordering on dangerous for particular tourists, such as in January when tourists were blown into the sea while attempting to capture footage. Another runway that was once considered the most terrifying place to land a plane was Kai Tak, Hong Kong's former airport until its closure in 1998. The beach once made an appearance on the History Channel's 'Most Extreme Airports,' with Princess Juliana ranked the world's fourth most dangerous airport Plane watching has become so popular on the beach that establishments, including restaurants and bars, now display up-to-date flight timetables to draw more customers It was famous for its challenging runway surrounded by skyscrapers, mountains, and Victoria Harbour - forcing pilots to execute a sharp, low-altitude turn to land. This technically demanding approach, which had to be flown manually, was regarded as one of the most difficult in aviation history - so much so that pilots had to undergo specific training to ensure they could land without any errors. Planes would be required to descend to a low altitude before making a right-hand turn at about 47 degrees around a large red-and-white checkerboard on a hill. The aircraft would complete the final leg by lining up with a runway that jutted into Victoria Harbour. Beyond the well-trodden paths of the Lake District and the bustling streets of London, there are plenty of hidden spots to explore. Indeed, the country is known for its many small, quaint villages. From the towns located in the Cotswolds to hamlets and regions across the UK, there are lots of little-known places that could offer a crowd-free, pleasant staycation - or even just a day trip. A tiny village in Wales, surrounded by four waterfalls, is one such gem. Ystradfellte in Powys, south Wales, is unlikely to be a name that rings any bells. In fact, the village has less than 600 inhabitants - although tourists do visit from time to time. The big selling point of Ystradfellte is its location in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Hikers and tourists often visit the area to partake in the Four Waterfalls Walk nearby. The big selling point of Ystradfellte is its location in the Brecon Beacons National Park Hikers and tourists often visit the area to partake in the Four Waterfalls Walk nearby The waterfalls, named Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira, are part of a 9km loop hike. Situated in an area called Waterfall Country, the walk is especially beautiful during the spring and autumn. Each of the waterfalls has its own distinct character - some of impressive and loud, while others are quieter and more serene. Tourists who've done the hike have sung its praises, sharing their thoughts online on TripAdvisor. One fan wrote: 'Great day out! Four waterfalls, one of which you can walk directly behind (you will get wet).' A second added: 'A day to remember... the four waterfalls can be a challenge to walk as there are many steps, sometimes slippery, but it's all worth it!' A third chimed in: 'Spectacular waterfalls with wild swim spots.' The nearby village of Ystradfellte nearby is a great base, if you're looking to try the walk for yourself. The waterfalls, named Sgwd Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd Isaf Clun-Gwyn, Sgwd y Pannwr and Sgwd yr Eira, are part of a 9km loop hike It has an interesting history, too. The village only got electricity in 1960, one of the last communities in the country. Plus, there are other features to explore, including local pubs, parks and even nearby caves. Porth yr Ogof, a cave located near Ystradfellte, is an impressive 2.25km long. It also has the largest entrance of any cave in Wales, and is one of the popular tourist attractions in the area. We all know someone who exudes grace and sophistication. You often see them calmly breezing through security or flicking through a magazine at the gate. They seem to have it all together and would never be caught out by misplacing their boarding pass or forgetting to charge their headphones. While chicness seems to come naturally for these people, packing well doesn't hurt. It comes as an expert has revealed the items in your carry-on that could indicate you're a more sophisticated traveller than you realise. Speaking to VegOut, Jordan Cooper said: 'Real travel sophistication isn't about designer luggage or first-class tickets. 'It's in the small decisions that separate people who travel from people who know how to travel.' Firstly, he claims that a collapsible water bottle is an item that sets some passengers apart from the rest. An expert has revealed the items sophisticated travellers have in their carry-on 'I picked up my first one in Tokyo after watching a businesswoman fold hers flat and slip it into her jacket pocket after going through security. It changed everything,' he said. The best news is that these folding water bottles don't take up a lot of space, meaning they're easy to carry around. They can be refilled at water stations after security and before boarding, meaning you don't need to spend money on bottled water. The next essential is a portable battery pack with multiple ports. While portable chargers are undoubtedly very useful, it's important to check whether your airline has any restrictions on them. Jordan claims that the people who carry these devices are the ones other passengers gravitate toward during delays. 'It's about understanding that travel often puts you in situations where being helpful costs you nothing but creates connection,' he said. Jordan recommends bringing items that are multi-purpose and can help others Jordan also claims that a sarong or large scarf is a versatile item to carry that 'separates people who've travelled extensively from people who've just taken trips'. It can be used as a blanket, privacy screen, cover-up... the possibilities are endless. Elsewhere on his list, Jordan recommends bringing noise-cancelling headphones, a small first aid kit, a book and a packable tote bag. He concluded: 'The gap between tourists and travellers isn't about destinations. It's about preparation.' It was billed as an 'unforgettable' seasonal day out, with a funfair, Nativity-themed petting zoo, drive-in cinema showing classic festive film Elf, live music and 40 Christmas market stalls. However, many of those who attended a pay-to-visit Christmas market in Castle Combe in the heart of the Cotswolds this weekend have said their day was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons - and are now calling for organisers to give them their money back. Castle Combe Race Circuit in Chippenham announced it was hosting the family-friendly day out earlier this month, advertising it using a series of Christmas images apparently sourced online, including photos showing bedecked wooden market stalls and an ornate carousel. However, when paying guests arrived at the Wiltshire race track, which has hosted automobile events since 1950, many said it felt more like a car boot sale in 'a windy paddock' than a magical day out. There was, it seems, no sign of the twinkling carousel or the Alpine-style chalets used to promote the event, which left many who attended suggesting the company behind it had used 'false advertising' to attract crowds. One visitor even compared the Christmas market, the first the Circuit has ever held, to the infamous Willy Wonka experience that took place in Glasgow in 2024, which was branded 'shambolic' at the time and made headlines around the world thanks to its lacklustre Oompaloompas and 35 entry fee. In the Cotswolds, actually getting into the site proved the first hurdle, with many recounting on social media that they endured bumper-to-bumper queues for nearly an hour to reach the market, with both cars and walkers negotiating sodden, muddy fields. Castle Combe Circuit advertised its festive market, drive-in cinema and funfair with this image ahead of the event on Sunday 23rd November at the Wiltshire attraction - many who attended have said there was no such carousel Festive fiasco: One visitor suggested 'even the donkey looked depressed' in the attraction's Nativity petting zoo The 'terrible' market, held from 9am until the early evening, cost 5 per person to enter, with tickets to the drive-in cinema showing 2003 film Elf costing 25 per car. Once inside, those who had made the journey painted a dismal picture, saying stalls were sparse, there was just one ride and a set of trampolines and the Nativity petting zoo featured a 'not very Christmassy' alligator in it. When one person asked on Facebook 'Was it as bad as the Charlie and the Chocolate factory?' referencing the doomed Glasgow Willy Wonka experience, someone who'd visited the attraction answered in the affirmative. They replied: 'I think it was lol. Even the few animals looked p****d off, especially the donkey that kept being kicked by the Shetland pony'. One visitor posted: 'It was truly awful. I have never been to such a dire Christmas market. The guy singing gave it his all, bless him. But even the snow machine was shocking!' Another added: 'This really was rubbish. No Christmas theme or vibe at all! No decorations, no music, no mulled wine - 20 stalls and five cars doing a car boot. The fun fair was one ride. It took and hour to get in due to no planning or organisation and wed seen it all in 15 minutes.' A local wrote immediately after a brief visit: 'Four car boot sellers, three rows of market vendors, one fairground ride and trampolines. It'll honestly take you longer to walk from your car than it will to look round the market.' Others called the photos that were used to promote the attraction as 'misleading'. Reality: What the funfair actually looked like at the pay-to-visit market; many frustrated visitors said they were in and out within less than an hour and spent more time parking than browsing Scottish Oompa Loompa Kirsty Paterson went viral after the disastrous Willy Wonka experience in Glasgow last year One disappointed visitor wrote: 'It really was a shocker. Full refunds would be appropriate as this was nothing like advertisement.' One image showed a wooden chalet dressed up in festive firs and selling sweets and lollies - but with what appeared to be Russian writing on the walls. There were some fans of the day out defending the market though. 'We enjoyed it! The man singing on stage fully interacted with our two boys who are autistic. He was great, really understanding. Not a bad voice either! 'We bought cakes and our boys went on the coaster. Hot dog was nice and wasnt too busy,' wrote one happy customer. The Daily Mail has contacted Castle Combe Circuit for comment. The race track issued a statement on its Facebook page. It read: 'We understand that some people were disappointed with our first Christmas Market event, and we truly appreciate all the feedback and comments weve received. 'Were taking time to review everything carefully, and well share a further update with a full statement soon.' Some, who had contacted Castle Combe Circuit directly, said they had now been issued a refund. A couple of holidaymakers were branded 'stupid' for jetting off to a 'rogue' region on the government's 'do not travel' list - but said they felt safer than in the UK. Nicole Docherty and Jordan Sinnamon travelled to the separatist area of Transnistria in September, which is a breakaway and unrecognised state between Moldova and Ukraine. Instead, it is economically, politically and militarily supported by Russia, which has stationed soldiers there. Because it's not internationally recognised as an independent state, it is sometimes dubbed 'the country that doesn't exist'. The UK government advises against all travel to Transnistria partly due to the fact it borders Ukraine, but also because the area is outside the control of the Moldovan government. According to the government website, the FCDO's ability to offer support to anyone who gets into trouble is extremely limited, and there's no UK embassy there. Nicole admitted that there was political tension, but claims that walking the streets felt safer than in the UK. But despite the warnings, the adventurous couple flew from Istanbul to Chisinau, Moldova, and took a 2.50 bus to Transnistria. Holidaymakers Jordan Sinnamon and Nicole Docherty are pictured with the coat of arms for Transnistria, a breakaway and unrecognised state between Moldova and Ukraine Nicole is pictured outside the House of Soviets in Tiraspol, the capital of the breakaway state of Transnistria Jordan is pictured standing by The Tank Monument, a powerful Soviet-era tank, in Tiraspol. The monument honours those who fought in WWII and the Transnistrian conflict After sharing the trip online, the 34-year-old admits people said they were 'stupid' for going and even accused them of 'supporting Russia' due to Putin's meddling in the region. However, Nicole said entering the area is not as hard as the media portrays it, with them only having to show their passport at the border. The banker said Transnistria was calm, friendly, and unlike any other place in Europe. Nicole, from Scotland, said: 'We flew from Istanbul because we were in Qatar before that, we flew into Chisinau. 'To get to Transnistria, we took a minibus from Chisinau for about 2.50 each. A lot of people think you need a tour guide (around 90 per person), but honestly, we did it ourselves and it was fine. 'The advice is "don't go because of political instability". There's no UK embassy there, so if something goes wrong, you're on your own. But in terms of street crime, it felt safer than the UK. This is the case in most places. 'We got off the bus, showed our passports, said how long we'd stay, and that was it. No scary stuff like people say online. 'They don't stamp your passport because they're not officially recognised, you just get a little slip of paper. Nicole said entering the area is not as hard as the media portrays it, with them only having to show their passport at the border The minibus from Chisinau cost around 2.50 each, according to the couple Pictured: A postcard about Transnistria, the 'country that doesn't exist' 'There's definitely political tension. There is also the war in Ukraine and with it being on the border, there is a danger of military activity spreading into the region and that's why the official advice says 'don't go.' 'If something goes wrong, there's no embassy to help you, so the risk is real in that sense. But day-to-day safety? Honestly, we felt safer than in the UK. 'In our experience, the western media makes it sound far more dangerous than it actually is. For us, it was calm, friendly, and nothing like the scary headlines. 'While the Soviet vibe is definitely real, it's not all grey or dominated by huge brutalist buildings. 'Instead, you'll spot Lenin statues, old buses, and plenty of Soviet emblems, murals, and mosaics everywhere. It honestly feels like stepping back in time, which is pretty surreal.' Nicole and Jordan tried local food, including Placinte, a pastry pie with cheese and potato. The couple said they wanted to visit the country to tick it off their bucket list and urged other brave travellers to make the trip. Nicole posted the trip online and said some commenters thought they were 'stupid' for going to Transnistria, while others were curious about the place. A large statue of Vladimir Leninin Tiraspol is pictured. He was the first head of government of Soviet Russia from 1917 until his death in 1924 'While the Soviet vibe is definitely real, it's not all grey or dominated by huge brutalist buildings,' said the couple Nicole said: 'For Jordan, it was a bucket list moment after years of reading about it. For me, it was just so unique, like visiting a time capsule. 'Some people called us stupid for going against travel advice. Others said we were supporting Russia because Russia helps the region a lot. 'But loads of people were curious and excited, some even added it to their bucket list after seeing our posts. 'It's not for everyone, but if you love unique places, go while you can because Transnistria might not be around forever. 'If Moldova takes back control or Russia steps away, the region could look very different. Visiting now feels like seeing a piece of history before it disappears. 'We tried Moldovan, Ukrainian, and Russian dishes. Placinte (pastry pies with cheese or potato) were my favourite! 'We also had Solyanka (a tangy meat soup) and Borscht (beetroot soup with sour cream). 'It felt frozen in time with Soviet symbols and quiet streets, but also modern in some ways clean streets, nice cars, and decent buildings. Overall, a great experience. Various Soviet Union-themed collectables, including banners and mugs featuring communist symbols and leaders, can be seen Pictured: A GAZ-21 Volga, a classic Soviet-era sedan produced from 1956 to 1970 'I've done 58 countries, Jordan's at 60, and we want to tick off the few European spots we haven't seen yet. 'Jordan loves history, and Transnistria is fascinating. It's a breakaway region that still runs with its own government, currency, and strong Soviet-era identity, making it feel completely different from anywhere else in Europe.' Nicole's online video has gathered more than 280,000 views with the caption: 'The UK government told me not to go because of 'instability and propaganda.' Anyways, turns out the only propaganda here is that you shouldn't visit.' One commenter said: 'What a terrible place to vacation.' A second said: 'Incredible place. Went in 2012.' A third said: 'It's considerably safer than a lot of the UK. That's not sarcasm either. I've been there a couple of times and it's really sound place to visit.' But one said: 'Good Lord, I hate this. Then if God forbid something happens to you it's on your country to try and help with public pleas. Just stop.' Another said: 'That advice is there because the UK has no diplomatic presence or Embassy to assist you if you need help.' A sign celebrating 35 years of 'Pridnestrovie' (Transnistria) is pictured It comes as a mother who has taken her kids to countries with high terrorism alerts has shared why she feels they are actually safer than the UK. Karen Edwards and her husband, Shaun, are self-proclaimed globe-trotting nomads. The family have most recently visited the Middle East despite concerns from people about the children's safety. This includes visits to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, despite their bordering on Taliban-run Afghanistan. 'People ask if the countries we visited in the Middle East are safe, but honestly, they are some of the safest countries in the world,' said Karen. 'I've never had any concerns. There are also some very modern cities throughout the region that people are often not aware of.' Mirabel International Airport, in Montreal, Canada, was set to be the largest travel hub in the world before it was left to rot. The government planned for it to be a huge airport with six runways and six terminals. Back in 1969, miles of farmland were cleared to make room for the hub, and 10,000 locals were displaced in doing so. In 1975 it officially opened to the public and millions were expected to fly from it each year. The project cost a whopping C$500m (225million) at the time, The Guardian reports, but didn't prove to be a success after a series of set backs. A high-speed train that was supposed to link the hub to the city was never built. The airport is over 30 miles away from Montreal and its location meant a lot of passengers chose to fly from closer hubs that had easier transport links. The airport was so quiet that it was even used in The Terminal, starring Tom Hanks. Mirabel International Airport (pictured), in Montreal, Canada, was set to be the largest travel hub in the world before it was left to rot In 1975, it officially opened to the public and millions were expected to fly from it each year Back in 2003, the publication described how weeds were growing in the tarmac and the multi-storey carpark only had a few vehicles parked up inside. At the time it was known that the Mirabel International Airport was due to close to passengers and become a cargo terminal and maintenance base. On October 31, 2004, commercial operations at the airport dried up and the final passenger flight left. An Air Transat plane flew to Paris, marking the end of the hub's commercial years. After years standing empty, the passenger terminal was destroyed in 2016 but the rest of the airport continues to function as a freight hub. It's also used as an aircraft assembly site and an aerospace testing facility. According to The Guardian, Noit Labonte, the president of Montreal's chamber of commerce, said back in 2003: 'It was a catastrophe for Montreal. 'There was no point in any passenger coming into Canada to make a transfer at Montreal.' On October 31, 2004, commercial operations at the airport dried up and the final passenger flight left After years standing empty, the passenger terminal was destroyed in 2016 but the rest of the airport continues to function as a freight hub Chateau de l'Aeroport-Mirabel was a 344-room hotel located next to the passenger terminal and was built in the 1970s at the same time as the hub. However, it shut down in 2002 due to the dwindling numbers of holidaymakers using the airport. Another 'ghost-like' location can be found in Forest City which was built in 2016. A whopping 80billion was spent on constructing the community, with aims to construct an eco-friendly and modern landscape. Despite the big plans, only around 9,000 people have moved to Forest City since the work began several years ago. Holidaymakers have been warned to pay careful attention to their visas after a simple spelling mistake left an Australian tourist almost 400 out of pocket. Lynne Johnston, from Geelong West, Victoria, had recently set off on a whirlwind trip to Vietnam, a country that requires Australians to secure a visa ahead of their arrival. Many Australian visitors typically apply online for e-visas, though the document can be obtained through the Vietnamese embassy or on arrival with varying fees and processing times. Having heard plenty of horror stories of tourists falling victim to 'dodgy' online providers charging $500 for emergency visas, she placed her confidence in the official Vietnamese government website and paid the standard $25 e-Visa fee. After 'meticulously' entering her personal details, she sent off for the document and awaited its arrival, which came just a week later. In a contribution post to The Sydney Herald, Lynne said she thought nothing appeared out of the ordinary on her visa - that is, until she was stopped at the airport. Officials, who noticed her surname had been misspelled as 'Johnstonton' rather than 'Johnston', informed her she would be unable to fly unless the name on the document matches that of her passport. In a last-ditch attempt to make her flight on time, Lynne revealed she was forced to fork out the equivalent of 378 for an emergency visa. Lynne Johnson, from Geelong West, Victoria, shared her near-disastrous start to a trip to Vietnam (pictured) after her e-Visa had arrived with spelling errors The Australian traveller said she was stopped at the airport by officials who'd spotted her surname, Johnston, had instead been spelled as 'Johnstonton' She wrote: 'We still had time to nick over to Flight Centre at the airport and to take $500 to pay for it. We were not her first casualty that day. Lynne explained that a fellow traveller at the Flight Centre was also left '$500 poorer' after discovering too late that her middle name had been omitted from her visa. In a final word of caution to holidaymakers and visa holders, she stressed: 'Dont just glance at your visa and throw it in with your passport. Go over it carefully. 'You may be up-to-date with scams, but dont think you are so clever that something else wont trip you up.' ITV has finally confirmed when the second series of their hit thriller Red Eye will return for a second series - as Line of Duty's Martin Compston joins the cast. The series, which first hit screens last year, starred Richard Armitage as a doctor accused of a horrifying crime overseas, and Jing Lusi as the police officer tasked with returning him to the UK. The tense six-part series, which took place almost entirely on a plane, saw the duo uncovering a quickly escalating conspiracy and growing number of murders. Red Eye reached an impressive 29 million streams on ITVX after eight million fans tuned in to watch its debut, and was one of the broadcaster's top dramas of 2024. So it came as little surprise when ITV confirmed it was back for more, this time taking a new direction as DS Hana Li this time investigates a new case. Martin, 41, will appear as the Head of Embassy Security, Clay Brody, a former colleague of DS Hana's who once 'screwed her over'. ITV has finally confirmed when the second series of their hit thriller Red Eye will return for a second series - as Line of Duty 's Martin Compston (right) joins the cast DS Hana Li (right), played by Jing Lusi, this time investigates a new case The synopsis teases: 'Inside the US Embassy, the celebrations for a newly-appointed US Ambassador to London are shattered when a call, threatening to blow a British plane out of the sky if anyone leaves, triggers an immediate embassy lockdown, trapping guests and staff inside. 'Thats when the murders begin, landing Hana Li, as a British cop, in a political and jurisdictional nightmare. 'Compelled to join forces with the Head of Embassy Security, Clay Brody, played by Martin Compston, a former colleague who once screwed her over, Hana has to see her way past her distrust of him and focus on the investigation. 'Because this time its personal. The plane that will be blown up is a government jet and Director General Madeline Delaney is onboard. 'With a killer wreaking havoc inside the Embassy and evading them at every turn, Hana and Brody must discover who is behind the treacherous plot before time runs out for the hostages within the Embassy and the passengers on board Delaneys plane.' Martin and Jing, 40, will be joined by Lesley Sharp, back in her role as Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney, and Jemma Moore as journalist Jess Li. The new series will feature six new episodes, written by Flightplan's Peter A Dowling and directed by Fortitude's Kieron Hawkes and The Suspect's Strm Henriksen. Last year, ITV confirmed that Red Eye would be making a return, this time without leading star Richard, 54, to follow a new plot line. Martin, 41, will appear as the Head of Embassy Security, Clay Brody, a former colleague of DS Hana's who once 'screwed her over' Jemma Moore (left) will return to her role as journalist Jess Li The plot of the first season followed Dr Matthew Nolan (Richard) - a British surgeon who's arrested at Heathrow Airport after returning from a medical conference in China, where he almost died in a car crash in Beijing before boarding his flight. Soon, it becomes apparent that the people on board are not as they seem and the duo starts to work together to solve the mystery. But eagle-eyed viewers were quick to point out inconsistencies in the show and even called it 'ridiculous'. Some noted that while the airport chase scene in the first episode is meant to take place in London Heathrow, it was actually filmed in Stansted instead. While the six-part drama was dubbed as one of the channel's top ten dramas with nearly 30 million streams, its score on Rotten Tomatoes is a mere 45 percent. Viewers dubbed the show 'utter nonsense, totally predictable, and yet weirdly watchable.' On Rotten Tomatoes, reviews read: 'Utter nonsense, totally predictable, and yet weirdly watchable. The script is pure drivel, the premise is awful, the execution is bumbling at best...' Others took issue with the legal storylines in the show, pointing out 'loopholes': 'Enjoying #RedEye, but completely unreal. Extradition - in every case - requires a judge (at least) to pass it, there is an appeals process - and it can take a long, long time'. Lesley Sharp (pictured) back in her role as Head of MI5 Madeline Delaney A third inconsistency seemed to be how long the characters actually spent on the plane, because the majority of the six-episode show takes place in the air. Others spotted that a 'red-eye' flight is supposed to be a short-haul flight that takes off in the evening and arrives in the morning, leaving passengers tired and red-eyed from a lack of sleep. Nonetheless, ITV's Head of Drama, Polly Hill said: 'I am so delighted to see the success of Red Eye. It's incredible to get an audience of over 8 million and a huge thank you to everyone involved for making such a brilliant and addictive thriller. 'I can't wait for audiences to see where Pete takes series 2. It's another exciting ride!' Red Eye's first series is available to stream on ITVX now. 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 Cat Deeley's 26 M&S mini dress is perfect for party season - but you better grab one quick because it's selling out fast. The 49-year-old rocked the stunning slip dress on Tuesday's episode of This Morning alongside co-star Ben Shephard, 50. Cat looked incredible as she interviewed the likes of money-saving expert Martin Lewis, actress Jamie Lee Curtis and also took part in an arts and crafts session with Sara Davies. The star's ensemble is an absolute bargain priced at just 26. At the moment, sizes six, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 24 are still available to buy online - so you better get your skates on! It is also available in regular, petite and tall. If you like the look of it, then there are plenty of others that look very similar and are even cheaper. And it's the perfect time to grab a dress for this festive season because of all the current Black Friday deals that are about. EXACT MATCH: M&S have some incredible bits online and in store at the moment - so it's no wonder that Cat rocked one of their dresses on the show. If you love the look of her ensemble, but wanted something a little darker, the red option is a great dress to go for. And it's clearly popular, because only sizes 10 to 22 are left. Many supermarket clothing brands are smashing it with their own collections at the moment. Sainsbury's Tu has a Gold Sparkle Side-Tie Midi Dress which looks very similar to Cat's, but the only difference is that it has short sleeves. Sizes 6 to 22 are still available to buy on their website. And the best thing about it is that it is JUST 14.40, down after originally costing 18. Another great supermarket brand is George at Asda - and their Burgundy Glitter Long Sleeve Mini Dress is a stunning option. The colour is different to Cat's choice, but still oozes sophistication and has sparkle just like the presenter's. Sizes 8 to 24 can be bought online. And the best bit about the dress is how much it costs - 9.60! John Lewis' Darleen Sequin Dress, Mole Metallic has been reduced from 144.95 to 54, making it the perfect steal this festive season. New Look's Blue Vanilla Black Sequin Mini Dress is also on sale, with an asking price of 27. Sizes 6 to 24 are also available. H&M's Twist-detail dress in dark brown is another fabulous look with a very appealing price of 13.99. Sizes XXS to XXL are available to buy off their website. Another number from the popular high street brand is their Sequined A-line dress, which was originally 37.99, and is now 24. But you better be quick because only 3XL and 4XL are available to buy. Wallis' Petite Square Sequin Cowl Shift Dress on the Debenham's website is 35.40. Sizes eight to 20 are still available to buy. Aitch and Shona McGarty put on a very cosy display on I'm A Celebrity on Wednesday evening as they continued to flirt and play fight. The rapper, 25, and actress, 34, both failed to complete the latest trial as they went head-to-head with their campmates to compete for a place in the luxury camp. Instead the duo, along with Martin, Kelly, Eddie and Tom were sent to the basic camp Doomsville where they were stuck with no beds or showers. As the stars chatted away, Aitch, who previously confessed he has a 'soft spot' for Shona, couldn't help but flirt with her as he stared into her eyes and said, 'Your eyes have yellow in them'. Giggling away, she replied: 'Yeah my dad has yellow in his eyes as well'. Minutes later, Aitch and Shona tried to boost the spirits of their campmates by declaring a pillow fight and were seen play fighting on the floor. Aitch and Shona McGarty 'got rather cosy' on I'm A Celebrity on Wednesday evening as they continue to flirt and play fight during the latest episode The rapper, 25, and actress, 34, both failed to complete the latest trial as they went head-to-head with their campmates for a place in the luxury camp, instead they ended up in Doomsville She said: 'Why are you thighs so strong?' as Aitch held her between his legs while playing around. Elsewhere, following the challenge Shona stripped down to her pink bra and matching underwear as she showered off in the basic shower with Tom's help. Aitch couldn't take his eyes of Shona and gushed: 'Lovely being in Doomsville everyone thinks its so dark and gloomy but I'm seeing the beauty in it.' Even hosts Ant and Dec noticed the spark between Aitch and Shona, with Dec telling viewers: 'It's getting rather cosy in Doomsville isn't it'. Meanwhile fans quickly took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to point out the flirty vibe between Aitch and Shona with many adding it is no longer the 'editing'. Aitch and Shona are getting cosy...; Anyone else notice the vibe between Shona and Aitch?; Its starting to look like Shona and Aitch are more than just manipulative editing; 'Everyone sees it grey and gloomy but i see other than that ofc you do aitch, you see shona in her pink underwear so youre seeing rainbows; 'Aitch and Shona are my new Roman Empire; Why are you thighs so strong? Shona McGarty..? hello; There's definitely something with shona & aitch'. Elsewhere, following the challenge Shona stripped down to her pink bra and matching underwear as she showered off in the basic shower with Tom's help Aitch couldn't take his eyes of Shona and gushed: 'Lovely being in Doomsville everyone thinks its so dark and gloomy but I'm seeing the beauty in it' It comes after Aitch revealed his biggest turn-ons and turn-offs in a video shared to Jamie Laing's Great Company Podcast Instagram account on Tuesday. The rapper joined Jamie, 37, ahead of his I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! Jungle stint for an interview. And during his chat with the former Made In Chelsea star, he revealed that he likes it when a woman isn't aware of how 'sexy' she is. When asked what turns him on, he said: 'I like it when girls genuinely don't know how sexy they are. I like that. I don't like it when a girl walks in looking like she knows everyone would f**k her in here.' He added: 'That will make me definitely not f**k you. By the way, I'm making it all sexual, I'm so sorry.' Jamie burst into a fit of giggles as Aitch continued: 'But yeah, I don't like if someone walks in here now, and I could tell she felt like she was the it girl, I wouldn't even look at her.' Discussing his biggest turn-offs, he revealed: 'When you wake up with someone, and they wake up earlier than you and the whole f*****g world has to wake up.' 'Do you know what I mean? The hairdryers on, all this f*****g TikToks next to my head.' It comes days after the Daily Mail reported that Aitch reportedly split from his girlfriend, Lois Cottam, just weeks before heading into the Australian jungle. And earlier in the week, when the rapper confessed his soft spot for Shona, viewers were left baffled as many believed he was still dating the psychology student. However, it has now been claimed that the pair called time on their romance earlier this month, before Aitch - real name Harrison Armstrong - entered the jungle. Aitch and Shona tried to boost the spirits of their campmates by declaring a pillow fight and were seen play fighting on the floor Even hosts Ant and Dec noticed the spark between Aitch and Shona, with Dec telling viewers: 'It's getting rather cosy in Doomsville isn't it' Meanwhile fans quickly took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to point out the flirty vibe between Aitch and Shona with many adding it is no longer the 'editing' According to reports, the couple felt that after more than a year together, the relationship had run its course, so they decided to end things on good terms. A source told The Sun: 'Aitch and Lois still have a lot of love for each other, but they decided they are better off as friends. 'They enjoyed the time they spent together. Things ended amicably between them. Theres no bad blood, and she hopes he does well in the jungle.' Aitch and Lois kept their romance largely private, despite enjoying trips to New York and Santorini over the summer. He rarely posted about their time together, and the couple preferred to stay out of the spotlight. It's unclear where the pair met, but on his single Luv? with Anne-Marie, he rapped about chatting up a girl. The Daily Mail has contacted Aitch's representatives for comment. With 20 Top 10 hits, a BRIT Award for Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act (2023), and over six million followers across social media, Aitch - who went viral in 2022 after he grew very close to YouTube creator and journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg - is one of the UKs biggest rap stars. The chart-topping star then dated influencer Lola Thompson for 10 months between 2022 and 2023, before calling it quits. It comes days after the Daily Mail reported that Aitch reportedly split from his girlfriend, Lois Cottam, just weeks before heading into the Australian jungle (Shona and Aitch pictured) However, on Friday, Aitch hinted to fans that a new romance could be on the cards for him when he revealed he had 'a soft spot for Shona'. Mid-shower with his fellow campmate, AngryGinge, he opened up about his brewing feelings for the EastEnders star. 'I've got a bit of a soft spot for Shona, me,' Aitch said, before he was later seen sitting down beside the actress for a chat. 'Y'alright,' he said to Shona, who said she was good, before he added: 'What do you reckon we're eating today? I'm going to be honest, I reckon it's some sort of funky animal.' Shona replied: 'Tadpoles a***holes? Something like that,' sparking a giggle from Aitch. Poison Water (BBC2) Rating: Michael Gove was ridiculed during the Brexit campaign when he said that people 'have had enough of experts'. After watching Poison Water, you might well think that he was right. One day in July 1988, a relief tanker driver delivered aluminium sulphate to a water treatment centre near Camelford in Cornwall. The chemical is routinely used to purify water. It was his first visit and, finding the centre unmanned, he tipped his load into the manhole cover that his key fitted. It was the wrong cover. Instead of a storage tank, he had poured the chemical into the main which supplied 20,000 people. Within hours, complaints were flooding in to the switchboard at the South West Water Authority. 'Our daughter's hair has turned green and it's sticking like glue,' said one caller. Others reported black or blue water, bleeding gums, blisters, skin rashes, and stomach upsets. A pet shop owner was in tears because all his animals had died. Carol Wyatt (pictured) one of the residents of Camelford in Cornwall Doug Cross (pictured), a local toxicologist. He first realised something was wrong when his wife, Carol, who was having a bath, noticed that the soap had turned blue (acid in the water was stripping copper from the pipes) As one Camelford resident with a scientific background recalled: 'There was almost undiluted sulphuric acid coming out of the taps.' And what was the response of the South West Water Authority? What did the experts advise? CAREER MOVE OF THE WEEK: When Paul McCartney was still at school, his dad gave him a trumpet for his birthday. In The Beatles Anthology (Disney+), he explained: I suddenly figured out that I wouldnt be able to sing with this thing stuck in my mouth. So he went back to the shop and swapped it for a guitar. Wasnt that a good move. Advertisement Liberal Democrat peer Paul Tyler, formerly the area's MP, recalled that the official attitude was this: 'Don't worry about it. If the children don't like the taste, put some orange squash in and it will be OK.' This seems to have been a deliberate cover-up. The water industry was about to be privatised, and there were fears that a scandal would deter investors. A brief investigation by a team of scientists didn't help. They concluded that there was no risk to health, that fears of Alzheimer's were unfounded, and that the symptoms were probably caused by anxiety. It was heartbreaking to hear from so many people whose lives had been ruined by the poisoning and its aftermath. For me, the hero of the hour was Doug Cross, a local toxicologist. He first realised something was wrong when his wife, Carol, who was having a bath, noticed that the soap had turned blue (acid in the water was stripping copper from the pipes). He formed a makeshift committee of local scientists who tried to establish what had happened. Doug's wife Carol (pictured) developed Alzheimer's symptoms and died in 2004. Post-mortem tests revealed significant amounts of aluminium in her brain Michael Howard (pictured) was minister for the environment at the time of the water pollution incident. Here, he tells people not to worry about investing in SWWA But that bath cost Carol her life. In her 50s, she developed Alzheimer's symptoms. Post-mortem tests revealed significant amounts of aluminium in her brain. There has been no public inquiry into this scandal, and there probably never will be. And the water companies? The privatisation was deemed a huge success, and the head of South West Water doubled his pay. It's difficult to disagree with one victim's bitter conclusion: 'The authorities just aren't on your side at all.' Christopher Stevens is away. I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! viewers were left fuming at Shona McGarty after Kelly Brook was left to do a camp chore alone - with Ruby Wax also chiming in. Kelly, 46, and Shona, 34, had been assigned to share the task of maintaining the camp's water supply. It's a tough job, involving significant heavy lifting and intended for two people to share the load. On ITV2 spin-off show Unpacked, an 'unseen clip' from camp revealed Shona had been letting Kelly do the lion's share of the work. One viewer wrote on X: 'Very interesting on Unpacked that Shona isnt pulling her weight on chores & Ruby/Lisa noticing!! How hasnt Kelly kicked off!? #imaceleb.' Another penned: '#ImACeleb #Unpacked just aired a FULL unseen clip of Kelly filling and carrying water SEVERAL times, Shona in the hut saying 'yeah Kellys doing a great job, every time I see her shes got more water' and then Ruby asking Shona if shes on the water, with Lisa agreeing that she hasnt seen her doing it at all - and Shona then LYING saying yeah yeah heavy stuff up the stairs. I'm A Celebrity viewers called out Shona McGarty for 'lying' about camp chores The ex-EastEnders star seemingly left Kelly Brook to do the tricky water task alone Fellow campmate Ruby Wax questioned whether Shona had been doing her assigned job 'Then it showed Kelly carrying up more water at night while Shona was ASLEEP!! She hasnt lifted a FINGER.' A third said: 'Oh dear Shona rumbled'. 'Shona sleeping when shes meant to be doing the water', commented a fourth. Initially, it showed Kelly struggling to keep the water topped up, as she told Eddie Kadi: 'I can't keep on top of this, it's just always empty.' She added in the Bush Telegraph: 'I definitely think being across water is one of the harder jobs. 'There's a lot of carrying and heavy lifting.' Then, Kelly is shown speaking to Shona by the campfire and giving an update on where they currently stand with the water. After their chat, the model picked up a bucket of water and walks off alone, saying: 'I've got a sweat on.' Shona said in the Bush Telegraph: 'I think Kelly's getting on really well. 'Every time I turn around, there's new water on the boil. So, yeah, she's smashing it. 'But I just... it's all that heavy lifting', as it then cuts to Shona watching Kelly and yawning. Meanwhile, fellow campmate Ruby Wax appeared to have caught on to what was happening as she said to Shona at the campfire: 'Shona, were you on water duty?' Shona affirmed that she is, prompting Ruby to reply: 'I didn't know that. I didn't think you were on water duty. You weren't seen.' To this, the former EastEnders star said she was 'doing the weights' and mimed an action of this. Ruby said out loud: 'I've never seen Shona do the water.' Fellow campmate and Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley soon chimed in to agree with Ruby. The scene then shifted to Kelly carrying another bucket of water in pitch black before cutting to a fast asleep Shona. Unpacked host Kemi Rodgers said: 'If I was Kelly I would have kicked off. I would have said, 'come on, can you help me please?', in a nice way before getting annoyed. 'I'm really surprised that Kelly is very stoically just getting on with it because she has more patience than I would've had.' Elsewhere, rapper and fellow campmate Aitch previously told pal AngryGinge that he has a 'soft spot' for Shona. It came days after the Daily Mail reported that Aitch reportedly split from his girlfriend, Lois Cottam, just weeks before heading into the Australian jungle. And earlier in the week, when the rapper confessed his soft spot for Shona, viewers were left baffled as many believed he was still dating the psychology student. However, it has now been claimed that the pair called time on their romance earlier this month, before Aitch - real name Harrison Armstrong - entered the jungle. Kelly was shown completing various parts of the water job by herself Towards the end of the clip, a shot appeared to show Shona fast asleep while Kelly carried yet another bucket of water in the dark According to reports, the couple felt that after more than a year together, the relationship had run its course, so they decided to end things on good terms. A source told The Sun: 'Aitch and Lois still have a lot of love for each other, but they decided they are better off as friends. 'They enjoyed the time they spent together. Things ended amicably between them. Theres no bad blood, and she hopes he does well in the jungle.' Romance speculations were further fuelled when Shona was seemingly spotted licking her lips at a topless Aitch. While some viewers have already gotten behind the potential pairing - even begging the pair to get together. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues Thursday on ITV1 and ITVX. Lisa Riley's rarely seen fiance, Al Benkovic, who she has been with since 2014, insisted that he is not threatened by the Emmerdale star's crush on Ant McPartlin. Lisa, 49, caused a stir as she told viewers last week, 'I'm a red blooded 49-year-old woman and yes I do think Ant McPartlin is very juicy.' When asked about her comments as he touched down in Brisbane Airport yesterday, the musician said: 'Let's put it this way, I have no fears of her letting go of me.' Up until yesterday, the musician's last name was not even known to the public as Lisa is very private about their relationship, which started in 2014. She refers to him as 'Al' and he has flown out to Australia to greet her on the I'm A Celebrity bridge when she is eventually voted out. Lisa said that she was 'very happily settled' as she spoke about her beloved fiance Al during her stint in the I'm A Celebrity jungle this week - but claimed that they will never marry. Al Benkovic, who she has been with since 2014 said that he is not threatened by the Emmerdale star's crush on Ant McPartlin Al arrived Down Under yesterday to support his fiance as she is in the I'm A Celebrity jungle The pair are incredibly private about their relationship, with the Emmerdale star choosing to keep him away from the spotlight until they were spotted together for the first time in 2019 The pair are incredibly private about their relationship, with the Emmerdale star choosing to keep him away from the spotlight for many years - until they were spotted together for the first time in public in 2019. Lisa has been with her partner Al since 2014, with the couple becoming engaged in 2018, and although she might be engaged to her 'soulmate' she couldn't help but reveal her secret crush on 'juicy' show host Ant McPartlin this week. Lisa met the 'very talented and very, very lovely' musician Al through friends in 2014. It is believed that he popped the question in May 2018, with the actress declaring him 'the love of her life' as she revealed the happy news on Twitter the following Monday. She flashed the new silver engagement ring in a selfie and wrote: 'Yes I can now confirm the rumours are true...' The Emmerdale actress insisted that while his co-presenter Declan Donnelly would 'look after you', she saucily claimed Ant would 'give you a nice night' but she was 'happily settled' It is believed that he popped the question in May 2018, with the actress declaring him 'the love of her life' as she revealed the happy news on Twitter the following Monday morning 'I have got engaged... my soul mate and best mate and love of my life. 'Al is the best thing to have ever happened to me.... we have absolutely NO date set for ANY wedding day, just happy together... zero fuss, just firmed our togetherness.' Despite initially keeping things private, she has since revealed the devastating reason why she will never marry Al after being engaged for over a decade. The actress explained that she already feels married and couldn't cope with such a huge event without the couple's parents. I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! continues tonight on ITV1 at 9pm and is available to stream on ITVX. I was grateful to have any man look at me after hair loss wrecked my self-esteem - but it has taken abandoning my wig to become more than 'the bald lady' Calvin Klein, 83, and his much younger model boyfriend Kevin Baker, 36, raised eyebrows after stepping out last week. The couple, who have a 46-year age gap and have been together for almost a decade, hit New York's East Village to celebrate the launch of Vogue photographer Steven Klein's new book. Unfortunately, the fashion designer ran into some trouble while entering The Brant Foundation art gallery, where the star-studded event was being held. The octogenarian became confused by camera flashes at the entrance, which caused him to stumble and become disoriented. Klein muttered that he 'wasn't expecting that' as he attempted to make his way up the steps to the front door. Fashion designer Calvin Klein, 83, suffered an awkward stumble while stepping out in New York with his much younger boyfriend Kevin Baker last week Seemingly unconcerned by the entire situation, his stone-faced partner, Kevin, simply moved away and didn't appear to give Klein a second glance before heading inside. Meanwhile, a security guard was left to guide Klein up two steps as the designer stumbled a second time. The Daily Mail has contacted Klein for comment. The clip drew a strong reaction online, with many social media users claiming that Kevin didn't show enough interest in helping Klein. 'Damn, he aint even help pops up the stairs,' wrote one, while another commented, 'He's so rude for not helping him.' 'I would imagine Calvin would hate it if his sexy young thang treated him like an invalid geriatric,' wrote another. 'Kevin is doing his job of being good-looking arm candy.' The couple have been dating since at least 2016, when they made their first official public appearance together at the American Ballet Theatre 2016 Fall Gala. Prior to that, they had been spotted together in March 2016 at the Mint Luxury Conference in Mumbai, India. The octogenarian became confused by camera flashes at the entrance, which caused him to stumble and become disoriented Klein was previously married to Jayne Centre Klein (1964-1974) and Kelly Rector (1986-2006). In February, Klein made a rare appearance with his latter ex-wife almost 20 years after they divorced. The designer and Rector were seen walking into his show in New York City. 'Calvin was in a great mood and though he looked frail in the photos, he was quite spry at the event, he had a ton of energy, he is in good shape, and made sure he said hello to a lot of old friends,' a source told the Daily Mail at the time. 'He is still close to Kelly, they have a lovely friendship and she is happy to be by his side for his big events, it thrills her.' The couple, who have a 46-year age gap, are pictured dining out in West Hollywood in 2021 From 1964 until 1974, Klein was married to textile designer Centre, with whom he shares a daughter, TV producer Marci Klein. In his heyday, he frequented the famed Studio 54 nightclub and was photographed with some of the biggest stars of the era. These days, he rarely makes public appearances and seems to be content puttering around Los Angeles with his model beau Kevin. Popular AFL WAG Dee Salmin has revealed she was involved in a near-fatal car accident when she was a teenager. Speaking on the Tomorrow Woman podcast, the girlfriend of Collingwood star Darcy Moore said she suffered multiple injuries and was hospitalised for several months. 'When I was 18, I had a really bad car accident and broke both my legs and my face and my jaw,' the 31-year-old revealed. 'I was out of action for a couple of years and in hospital for three months and had to learn how to walk again. Dee, who felt like she had the world at her feet after finishing high school, was told she may not be able to walk again and that she should re-evaluate what her life will look like. She found a silver lining in her recovery, connecting with people from all walks of life during the most traumatic experience of her life. Dee Salmin (pictured) has revealed that she was involved in a near-fatal car accident On Wednesday, the girlfriend of AFL star Darcy Moore took to the Tomorrow Woman Instagram, founded by Paige Campbell, to make the candid confession (Pictured: Dee Salmin and Darcy Moore) She dubbed it a 'huge, pivotal moment'. The Triple J star said: 'I just learnt to slow the f*** down and also just realise that life is short.' 'It completely changed my outlook,' she confessed. Darcy and Dee have been together for two years and recently sparked engagement rumours following a lavish tropical getaway to Bangkok, Thailand. The Collingwood captain, 29, and his radio personality girlfriend shared a series of breathtaking holiday snaps on social media, offering fans a glimpse of their romantic escape. The stunning images captured the couple living it up in the vibrant city, from glamorous nights out to sampling Bangkok's famous local cuisine. Meanwhile, another picture captured the lovebirds posing up a storm at a photo booth, with one photo capturing Darcy kissing Dee on the side of her face. 'Bangkok rocked my socks,' Darcy wrote next to the photos. Last month, Darcy and Dee set tongues wagging with engagement rumours following a lavish tropical getaway to Bangkok, Thailand The pair looked to be having the time of their lives on the lavish - and very romantic - getaway, which soon sparked speculation among fans that the couple were planning to progress their relationship. 'No proposal?' one person wrote, and a second posted an engagement ring emoji alongside a question mark. Although the pair have remained tight-lipped about their relationship status, with Bangkok's mix of glittering skyline, luxury dining and exotic charm, it's easy to see why the pair's fans are whispering about a potential proposal. TikToker Latisha Clark's cold act has been caught on camera after Ilai Matangi won the Creator of the Year category at the 2025 TikTok Awards on Wednesday night. The Aussie teenager was up for the award against IIai, Tammy Hembrow, Jiny Maeng, and Ben Stubbs. However, Latisha didn't stand and applaud fellow creator IIai, best known as Havea676, when he was announced as the winner. Many viewers flocked to Reddit to call out the influencer's behaviour. 'When the winner was announced, everyone stood up and she stayed sitting. She 1000% thought she had it in the bag,' one person said. 'She would have 10000% thought she was going to win for sure which makes it even better. That whole family needs some serious humbling,' another commented. TikToker Latisha Clark's (pictured) cold act has been caught on camera after Ilai Matangi won the Creator of the Year category at the 2025 TikTok Awards on Wednesday night Latisha (far left) didn't stand and applaud fellow creator IIai, best known as Havea676, when he was announced as the winner 'Latisha is mad she didn't win, couldn't even stand up and applaud, you can just see the bitterness in her face and her fake smile,' a third wrote. 'You can see Latisha really thought is was gonna be her,' another added. Others also took to social media to praise IIai's acceptance speech. The TikTok star dedicated his award to his wife's best friend, Tay, who passed away last week. 'So I want to dedicate this award to my sister Tay, may you Rest In Peace. She's a hard-up 685,' he said, referring to the country code for Samoa. 'If you guys watched last year, you know I'm a proud Pacifica person, and I celebrate the best way I can,' he added before asking fans to cheer. Viewers praised his win, with one writing: 'I never vote for these kinds of things but I voted for him and his family. So glad to see a well deserved win.' Others also took to social media to praise IIai's (pictured) acceptance speech after winning the Creator of the Year category 'I love that he won.. he has remained humble,' another said. 'I'm SO glad he won. Everyone saying Latisha should've won, it's old every year the Clark family getting some type of award. Let someone else win,' one commented. Another agreed: 'He deserved it more than anyone!!!!' 'Havea honestly had the best speech ever. it was emotional and genuine. absolutely love him,' one person added. Australia's sexiest baker is dealing with an unexpected side effect of fame. Anthony Randello-Jahn, better known as 'The Donut Daddy', says his DMs are overflowing with fetish requests, wild propositions and fans begging him to join OnlyFans. But the Melbourne-based TikTok sensation refuses to take his content into adult territory, despite the constant pressure from followers. 'I've had fans reach out to me that wanted me to do OnlyFans,' he told Daily Mail. 'But with the way things are going with brand deals and my content with the high quality, it's not something I'm considering right now.' He stressed that his decision has nothing to do with judgment. Anthony Randello-Jahn, better known as The Donut Daddy, has lifted the lid on the wild fan behaviour lurking behind his viral fame Speaking to Daily Mail, The Melbourne-based TikTok sensation has finally explained why he refuses to take his content into adult territory, despite the constant pressure from followers 'Not that I think there's anything wrong with OnlyFans. I think it's amazing that people do it. But for me personally, I'm not considering it anytime soon.' His inbox is filled with bizarre messages from fans, many of which are centred on the same unexpected obsession. 'You always get the request for your socks and whatnot,' he laughed. 'It's definitely a thing. But yeah, not my main source of income.' The intense fan attention is a direct result of the moody, suggestive cooking videos that have turned him into one of Australia's most recognisable social media figures. Often shirtless and filmed under mood lighting, Randello-Jahn kneads, peels, slaps and fills dough with a level of sensuality that has pushed him into global viral status. He admitted the vibe in his videos is very intentional. 'Once you turn the lights off and you get the moody lighting on, and then we start the process, the mood begins,' he said. 'Yeah, I do like to get in the mood.' The recipe works: slow pours, lingering close-ups, flour-dusted muscles and a cheeky sense of humour that makes his content walk the line between cooking tutorial and flirtatious performance. 'I've had fans reach out to me that wanted me to do OnlyFans,' he told Daily Mail. 'But with the way things are going with brand deals and my content with the high quality, it's not something I'm considering right now' His inbox has become notorious for the bizarre messages fans send him, many of which are centred on the same unexpected obsession @thedonutdaddy Nothing beats a good pair of sticky buns #cherry set your alarms to Vote everyday for me to win High Quality Content Creator of the year for TikTok Awards Help me bring this thing home I See Red - Everybody Loves An Outlaw His rise to fame, however, did not happen overnight. Before he became a food porn icon, Randello-Jahn was a hardworking pastry chef running Levain Doughnuts and Jamm'd Dessert Bar, building both businesses from scratch. He reinvested every dollar, operated with a tiny team and often worked through the night just to keep up with demand. It was only when he leaned into his now-signature sensual aesthetic that his social media numbers exploded. 'Life is good after winning the award,' he explained. 'However, it's always good, but stressful. You've got to work hard, play hard.' He admitted he was convinced he had no chance of winning the top gong during Wednesday night's TikTok Awards in Sydney. 'I didn't prepare a speech or anything. Then I won and I was like, now I have to prepare the speech as I walk up the stairs.' That said, he is not above playing along with the cheeky comments his followers leave on TikTok. 'In the comment section I try to keep it going,' he said Despite the fame, he insisted he is trying to stay grounded. 'I'm focused on the craft. Focused on the art,' he said. 'Having fans is amazing. People wanting a photo or interview is really nice. I'm very grateful.' That said, he is not above playing along with the cheeky comments his followers leave on TikTok. 'In the comment section I try to keep it going,' he said. 'Go with the flow and keep that tongue in cheek going.' As for what fans can expect next year, Randello-Jahn promises things are only going to get hotter. 'Plans next year? Spicy content, baby. Extra dough slapping,' he teased. But he is also turning his viral fame into something more traditional. 'I've got a cookbook coming out. The cookbook will be released in February, which will be a lot of fun as well.' Tammy Hembrow and her ex-husband Matt Zukowski have found themselves at the centre of explosive reunion rumours after wild whispers suggested that the estranged couple might be secretly cast together in a major new reality TV series. The former couple, who famously divorced and have had zero contact since their separation, became the unexpected topic of conversation at the star-studded TikTok Awards in Sydney on Wednesday, which neither attended. Tammy, 31, was a no-show despite being nominated for the coveted 'Creator of the Year' Award, and failed to do much campaigning ahead of the stellar night. Multiple attendees claimed that ITV Australia had signed both Tammy and Matt, 30, for the reality show I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! 'One influencer swore black and blue they were both heading into the same series,' one attendee told Daily Mail Australia. 'People were losing it. No one could believe it. Everyone thought they were about to be reunited on screen.' Tammy Hembrow and her ex-husband Matt Zukowski (both pictured) have found themselves at the centre of explosive reunion rumours after wild whispers suggested that the estranged couple might be secretly cast together in a major new reality TV series The rumour turned to frenzy when fans noticed they had both disappeared overseas at the same time, sending the internet into detective mode and fuelling speculation. Meanwhile, Annelyse Oatway, the new fiancee of Tammy's ex-fiance Matt Poole, recently revealed the fitness influencer was going away for 'a month', meaning she and Poole would be looking after Tammy and Poole's daughter, Posy, three. But now the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal what's actually going on. Spoiler alert: there's no TV reunion, neither of them has been eaten by a shark (well... perhaps not), and absolutely no 'jungle' showdown between Tammy and Matt. According to well-placed production insiders, Tammy has quietly slipped out of Australia to film Channel Nine's brand-new high-stakes adventure series Shark!, which kicked off production in the Bahamas late last week. 'She hasn't reunited with anyone, except maybe the ocean,' a friend laughed. 'The whole "Tammy vanished" thing got blown way out of proportion. She's literally just working.' The fitness mogul has been shooting snorkelling sequences, water-based stunts and beach challenges for the show. The former couple became the unexpected topic of conversation at the TikTok Awards in Sydney, which neither attended. Tammy, 31, was a no-show despite being nominated for the coveted 'Creator of the Year' Award Multiple attendees claimed that ITV Australia had signed both Tammy and Matt, 30, for the reality show I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! But now the Daily Mail can exclusively reveal what's actually going on All of which required stretches of total offline time, which is why her social media is filled with pre-recorded content. 'She's shark bait, but hasn't gone missing because a shark ate her,' an insider joked. 'She actually thinks all the rumours are hilarious.' Sources say Tammy is calling the gig her 'end-of-year reset' after a massive 12 months juggling motherhood, business pressures, social media scrutiny and her whirlwind romance with AFL star Bailey Smith. And here's where the rumours accidentally collided: Matt Zukowski IS overseas filming another reality TV project, which has no connection to Tammy. It is just a coincidence. Industry sources confirm Matt quietly signed onto a separate production and is currently shooting offshore. 'The project is unconfirmed,' added the TV insider. 'He is single, so maybe it's a Love Island-related.' Matt and Tammy got engaged in December 2023 after just three months of dating. They tied the knot almost a year later, in November 2024, but rumours of a split began to circulate earlier this year The coincidence of both exes travelling for work at the same time is what fuelled the TikTok Awards whispers, with one attendee calling it 'the perfect storm for a completely wrong rumour'. Insiders say Shark! is being positioned as one of Nine's biggest swings for 2026, with Tammy's casting generating major buzz behind the scenes. 'What a way to wrap the year,' a friend said. 'Tammy feels like this job is exactly what she needed, big sunshine, big energy and a proper reset.' Tammy is expected to remain in the Bahamas until filming wraps. And while fans won't see her reunite with Matt on-screen any time soon, they will see Tammy in one of her most surprising TV reinventions yet when Shark! finally bites onto screens. Matt and Tammy got engaged in December 2023 after just three months of dating. They tied the knot almost a year later, in November 2024, but rumours of a split began to circulate earlier this year. Tammy was most recently linked to AFL star Bailey Smith after they were spotted on several dates together. Isobel Celeste left little to the imagination on Wednesday night. The Aussie model, who boasts 26,000 followers on Instagram, attended the TikTok Awards in Sydney wearing a bejewelled frock that gave the illusion of being naked. The 25-year-old put on a busty display in the dramatic frock, which wrapped around her neck and accentuated her curves with its elegant silhouette. Jewels cascaded from her waist, while her nude-coloured G-string was clearly visible in the barely-there ensemble. She finished off the outfit with see-through sandal heels and a white bejewelled bag. Isobel threw her wavy locks into an up-do while opting for a dramatic makeup look, which included a sexy cat eye, lined lips and a strong contoured cheek line. Isobel Celeste (pictured) left little to the imagination on Wednesday night The Aussie model attended the TikTok Awards in Sydney wearing a bejewelled frock that gave the illusion of her being naked Also in attendance at the glitzy do were Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo. The pair stole the spotlight at the awards ceremony with their playful red carpet antics, proving age is just a number. Karl, 51, looked casually cool on the night in a navy suit and classic black T-shirt, paired with white sneakers with black laces. Meanwhile, his Today show co-star Sarah, 40, looked equally chic in a pair of high-waisted trousers and a simple tee, completing her look with stacked bracelets and a simple clutch. Karl and Sarah's playful chemistry was undeniable as they giggled and joked around on social media's night of nights, surrounded by the next generation of much younger stars. And they weren't the only 'boomers' in attendance. Aussie stars over 40 were out in full force at the International Convention Centre Sydney, proving they can enjoy a night out just as much as adults half their age. Sophie Monk, 45, looked stunning in a striking black designer gown which featured a thigh-high split. Also in attendance at the glitzy do were Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo (both pictured) Sophie Monk, 45, looked stunning in a striking black designer gown which featured a thigh-high split The Love Island Australia host added to her look with gold bangles and her million-dollar smile. Elsewhere, Jessica Rowe, 55, and her model daughter Giselle Overton, 16, looked in their element, turning heads as they struck a pose. Jessica showcased her bold fashion sense in a vibrant rainbow-themed gown, while Giselle opted for classic elegance in a chic strapless black dress. Married At First Sight star Jules Robinson, 43, brought a touch of disco to the event in a sparkling gold sequin gown. The reality TV veteran pulled her fire-engine red locks back for the evening, clipping on a hairpiece for an added touch of glam. Adam Hyde, 35, Carina Mirabile, 31, and Indy Clinton, 28, also attended the event, alongside a host of savvy social media entrepreneurs. Fifteen awards were handed out on the night, celebrating the country's top creators across comedy, fashion, sport, business and music. I'm A Celebrity star Aitch reportedly sent flirty messages with Married At First Sight's Ella Morgan before entering the jungle. Ella, 31, who was MAFS and Celebs Go Dating's first ever trans participant, was said to have boasted about Aitch messaging her at London's Beauty Awards this week. Last week, it was reported the rapper, 25, split from his girlfriend Lois Cottam just weeks before heading into the Australian jungle. Meanwhile Ella announced her split from her boyfriend Alex James Ali in January, after they met on Celebs Go Dating. A source told The Sun: 'She [Ella] said Aitch told her he thinks shes stunning and she is clearly quite into him, too. 'Ella admitted they were talking about meeting up when he comes out of the jungle so watch this space.' I'm A Celebrity star Aitch, 25, reportedly sent flirty messages with Married At First Sight's Ella Morgan, 31, before entering the jungle Ella, who was MAFS and Celebs Go Dating 's first ever trans participant, was said to have boasted about Aitch messaging her at London's Beauty Awards this week Daily Mail has contacted Aitch and Ella's representatives for comment. With 20 Top 10 hits, a BRIT Award for Best Hip Hop/Grime/Rap Act (2023), and over six million followers across social media, Aitch - who went viral in 2022 after he grew very close to YouTube creator and journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg - is one of the UKs biggest rap stars. The chart-topping star then dated influencer Lola Thompson for 10 months between 2022 and 2023, before calling it quits. However since his stint on the jungle, Aitch hinted to fans that a new romance could be on the cards for him, when he revealed he had 'a soft spot for Shona McGarty'. Mid-shower with his fellow campmate AngryGinge, he opened up about his brewing feelings for the EastEnders star, 34. 'I've got a bit of a soft spot for Shona, me,' Aitch said, before he was later seen sitting down beside the actress for a chat. 'Y'alright,' he said to Shona, who said she was good, before he added: ' What do your reckon we're eating today? I'm going to be honest I reckon it's some sort of funky animal.' Shona replied: ' A source said: 'She [Ella] said Aitch told her he thinks shes stunning and she is quite into him, too. Ella admitted they were talking about meeting up when he comes out of the jungle' Mid-shower with his fellow campmate AngryGinge, Aitch opened up about his brewing feelings for EastEnders star Shona McGarty, 34, this week Aitch previously went viral after he grew very close to YouTube Chicken Shop Date creator and journalist Amelia Dimoldenberg Following his split from Amelia, Aitch started dating influencer Lola Thompson. The former couple dated for 10 months between 2022 and 2023 before calling it quits Tadpoles a***holes? Something like that,' sparking a giggle from Aitch. Aitch and Shona put on a very cosy display on I'm A Celebrity on Wednesday evening as they continued to flirt and play fight. The rapper and actress, 34, both failed to complete the latest trial as they went head-to-head with their campmates to compete for a place in the luxury camp. Instead the duo, along with Martin, Kelly, Eddie and Tom were sent to the basic camp Doomsville where they were stuck with no beds or showers. As the stars chatted away, Aitch, who previously confessed he has a 'soft spot' for Shona, couldn't help but flirt with her as he stared into her eyes and said, 'You're eyes have yellow in them'. Giggling away, she replied: 'Yeah my dad has yellow in his eyes as well'. Minutes later, Aitch and Shona tried to boost the spirits of their campmates by declaring a pillow fight and were seen play fighting on the floor. She said: 'Why are you thighs so strong?' as Aitch held her between his legs while playing around. Aitch and Shona McGarty 'got rather cosy' on I'm A Celebrity on Wednesday evening as they continue to flirt and play fight during the latest episode The rapper, 25, and actress, 34, both failed to complete the latest trial as they went head-to-head with their campmates for a place in the luxury camp, instead they ended up in Doomsville Elsewhere, following the challenge Shona stripped down to her pink bra and matching underwear as she showered off in the basic shower with Tom's help. Aitch couldn't take his eyes of Shona and gushed: 'Lovely being in Doomsville everyone thinks its so dark and gloomy but I'm seeing the beauty in it.' Even hosts Ant and Dec noticed the spark between Aitch and Shona, with Dec telling viewers: 'It's getting rather cosy in Doomsville isn't it'. Meanwhile fans quickly took to X - formerly known as Twitter - to point out the flirty vibe between Aitch and Shona with many adding it is no longer the 'editing'. Aitch and Shona are getting cosy...; Anyone else notice the vibe between Shona and Aitch?; Its starting to look like Shona and Aitch are more than just manipulative editing; 'Everyone sees it grey and gloomy but i see other than that ofc you do aitch, you see shona in her pink underwear so youre seeing rainbows; 'Aitch and Shona are my new Roman Empire; Why are you thighs so strong? Shona McGarty..? hello; There's definitely something with shona & aitch'. Prince William had Ronnie Wood and his wife Sally in fits of the giggles on Wednesday night, as he chatted to the couple during the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards at The Savoy Hotel in London. The future King is royal patron of the Tusk Trust wildlife charity, which stages the annual awards to honour leading conservationists and rangers working to safeguard Africas habitat and animals. Rolling Stone star Ronnie, 78, is a trust ambassador and took the opportunity to catch up with the Prince of Wales ahead of the ceremony. The guitarist turned heads in his very festive ensemble, sporting a red velvet jacket over a button-up shirt and a pair of skinny black trousers covered in glitter. He was joined by his theatre producer wife, 47, who oozed sophistication in a green sequinned gown that hugged her incredible figure. Shaking hands with Prince William, the trio shared a warm laugh together, as the royal told Ronnie he was one of the longest-serving ambassadors of the trust. Prince William had Ronnie Wood and his wife Sally in fits of the giggles on Wednesday night, as he chatted to the couple during the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards at The Savoy Hotel in London Rolling Stone star Ronnie, 78, is a trust ambassador and took the opportunity to catch up with the Prince of Wales ahead of the ceremony The future King is royal patron of the Tusk Trust wildlife charity, which stages the annual awards to honour leading conservationists and rangers working to safeguard Africas habitat and animals Sally revealed that she and Ronnie had started a tradition, around five years ago, of sending William and his family chocolates every Easter. They were soon joined by fellow trust ambassador John Cleese and his wife Jennifer Wade, with Prince William informing the actor that his children have just discovered his hit sitcom, Fawlty Towers, and had become big fans. The Duke of Cambridge added the family had been watching the 1970s comedy together, allowing him to 'reminisce' and 'relive' the beloved show 'all over again with the children watching its brilliant'. Speaking before the presentations to John, 86 - who co-wrote and starred in the BBC series as hotelier Basil Fawlty - William said: 'My children have just discovered Fawlty Towers, they literally love it, weve been having a lot of family laughs.' After talking to the prince, Cleese said of Fawlty Towers: 'I always explain its about "whos scared of who" and kids pick that up immediately. And mine, all those years ago, grew up watching it.' Joining Prince William at the awards ceremony were his cousins Zara Tindall - along with her husband Mike - and Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer. In a speech to guests the prince warned this generation must not stand by while 'wildlife and biodiversity disappears'. While he stressed that the need to fight against climate was more urgent than ever before, insisting action to help had to be 'accelerated'. The guitarist turned heads in his very festive ensemble, sporting a red velvet jacket over a button-up shirt and a pair of skinny black trousers covered in glitter (seen with John Cleese) He was joined by his theatre producer wife, 47, who oozed sophistication in a green sequinned gown that hugged her incredible figure Shaking hands with Prince William, the trio shared a warm laugh together, as the royal told Ronnie he was one of the longest-serving ambassadors of the trust They were soon joined by fellow trust ambassador John Cleese and his wife Jennifer Wade (pictured), with Prince William informing the actor that his children have just discovered his hit sitcom, Fawlty Towers, and had become big fans The Duke of Cambridge added the family had been watching the 1970s comedy together, allowing him to 'relive' the beloved show all over again with the children watching Joining Prince William at the awards ceremony were his cousin Zara Tindall and her former rugby player husband Mike Tindall He said: My visit to Brazil earlier this month for the Earthshot Prize and for Cop30 reinforced my sense of urgency. 'It reminded me that when we unite behind a shared purpose, we can accelerate solutions that make both people and planet healthier. 'Africa has the worlds second-largest rainforest and like the Amazon, the Congo Basin rainforest is under increasing threat from human exploitation.' William went on: 'Humanity thrives when nature is given the space to provide us with the clean air, water and food that we all require. 'That is why the insight and expertise of the Tusk award winners should inspire us to drive change. We must continue to amplify their voices and support their vital work. 'If we all want to continue to enjoy and benefit from the wonders of the natural world we must not be the generation that stands by as wildlife and biodiversity disappears. 'What we choose to do will have an impact on future generations and tonight we must choose to do more.' William's cousins and the nieces of his later mother Princess Diana, Lady Amelia and Lady Eliza Spencer also attended the event Dragon's Den star and entrepreneur Deborah Meaden caught the eye in a burgundy dress with a fur stole Ceawlin Thynn, 8th Marquess of Bath and his wife Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, beamed as they arrived at The Savoy In a speech to guests the prince warned this generation must not stand by while 'wildlife and biodiversity disappears' The winners honoured at the event included Laban Mwangi, a head ranger working in Kenya who was named Tusk Wildlife Ranger 2025 (seen) The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa went to Rahima Njaidi, who has established a Tanzanian community-led forest conservation network (seen) While Kumara Wakjira (second left) received the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa for work in Ethiopia While he hailed the work of the Tusk award winners, for showing 'a personal sacrifice and a life-long dedication to protecting Africas natural world, often carried out in the face of what must feel like insurmountable challenges'. The winners honoured at the event included Laban Mwangi, a head ranger working in Kenya who was named Tusk Wildlife Ranger 2025. The Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa went to Rahima Njaidi, who has established a Tanzanian community-led forest conservation network. While Kumara Wakjira received the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa for work in Ethiopia. Sharon Osbourne made her first public appearance since the death of her beloved husband Ozzy, on Wednesday. The TV star, 73, made a dazzling return to the spotlight as she was joined by her daughter Kelly, 41, at a glitzy London event, hosted by Rebecca Vallance. Black Sabbath legend Ozzy died of heart failure at his Buckinghamshire home on July 22, just two weeks after performing a farewell concert with his bandmates at Birmingham's Villa Park. As Sharon's son Jack continues to live off beans and rice in the I'm A Celeb jungle, she and Kelly got glammed up for a special cocktail bash at Aki London. Sharon clutched tightly onto Kelly's hand as they posed for pictures in their glamorous ball gowns. The widow looked stunning in a glitzy red dress, while Kelly slipped into a pale pink number. Sharon Osbourne, 73, made her first public appearance since the death of her beloved husband Ozzy, alongside her daughter Kelly, 41, on Wednesday The TV star made a dazzling return to the spotlight as she was joined by her daughter Kelly at a glitzy London event, hosted by Rebecca Vallance (pictured) Sharon and Kelly were joined by star-studded guests including Holly Valance, Amber Le Bon and Zara Tindall. Last month, Sharon cut a heartbreaking figure as she was pictured for the first time since Ozzy's funeral. Ozzy had been battling a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including a fall in 2019 at the family's home, which saw his condition further deteriorate. Following the news of his passing, Sharon opened up on social media to thank fans for the 'overwhelming love and support' shown towards her. Sharon admitted she had been 'carried through' by those around her, adding she was 'still finding her footing' after losing the husband she often said she lived for. And her son Jack said on Good Morning America on Tuesday: 'She's okay, but she's not okay. I know she feels the love.' New BBC One documentary Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home charted the self-styled Prince Of Darkness's return to the United Kingdom after more than three decades in the United States with his wife and children. It featured Jack and sibling Kelly speaking about their mum Sharon's pain over Ozzy's final years, nursing him though painful operations and trying to help him. As Sharon's son Jack continues to live off beans and rice in the jungle, she and Kelly got glammed up for a special cocktail bash at Aki London Kelly looked incredible as she slipped into a pale pink gown, with a halterneck detailing While it marked Sharon's first public outing, it wasn't the first time Kelly has publicly stepped out since the death of her father Sharon and Kelly were joined by star-studded guests including Holly Valance, Amber Le Bon and Zara Tindall (pictured with Rebecca Vallance) Amber, who is the daughter of Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon, wowed in a burgundy bodycon dress Holly Valace looked effortlessly chic in a white ruffled mini dress Love Island star Grace Jackson was a vision in a shimmering silver gown, featuring a thigh-high split leg Amber Le Bon, Juliet Angus, Juliet Mayhew and Holly Valance (L-R) posed for a photo together Ozzy had been battling a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including a fall in 2019 at the family's home, which saw his condition further deteriorate It will also showed behind-the-scenes footage from his final farewell concert at Villa Park, following his long battle with Parkinson's. It follows new Paramount+ documentary Ozzy: No Escape From Now, which features Jack and Kelly's older sister Aimee speaking about her father's final few years. Reflecting on the concert, Jack said: 'Before he went on stage, I ran back into the dressing room, and I just gave him a big hug. 'I just kissed him. I just said, I was like, "Crush it. You're going to do so good." And I was crying. I was in the crowd with... there was this area in the crowd and I was with my brother and we both were just crying. 'It wasn't because of feeling sorry for him. It wasn't because we were sad for him. 'I think it was because we knew it was the last time. In hindsight, it kind of was a living wake if you think about it. He got to say goodbye to everyone.' It comes after Kelly shared her heartache over watching mum Sharon care for sick Ozzy through to his final moments in the new documentary, filmed during the final three years of his life. In one scene, Kelly said: 'I think what's happening to my mum is the most heartbreaking part of this whole thing. 'And I think that watching the man that she loves most in this world wither is really, really hard.' Sophie Monk is unrecognisable in her latest social media post. The media personality, who recently hosted the TikTok Awards in Sydney on Wednesday, took to Instagram on Thursday to show off a fresh new look. The blonde bombshell revealed that she had gone dark, showing off cascading brunette locks that reached her waist. 'Not going to lie. I do feel smarter being brunette @kokomayneluxehaircollection thank you sooo much,' she captioned the post as she flaunted her natural-looking wig. In the video, the 45-year-old struck dramatic poses in front of a wind machine, wearing a sheer brown corseted dress and a sparkly low-cut frock. The Love Island host opted for a dramatic eye and lined lips as she showed off her new hair to her fans. Sophie Monk, pictured at the TikTok Awards on Wednesday night, is unrecognisable in her latest social media post Sophie made a show-stopping entrance at the TikTok Awards on Wednesday night and left many fans doing a double take. She and Aussie drag queen Courtney Act appeared to be twinning, both choosing striking black ensembles that featured thigh-high splits, with their blonde locks styled to perfection. Sophie stunned in a sleek designer gown that hugged her figure, her straight hair framing her radiant smile as she posed for photographers. Meanwhile, Courtney mirrored the look with a chic bandeau top and flowing skirt. Her long blonde hair was parted in the middle, giving the impression that the duo could have been mistaken for sisters. The similarities didn't stop at their outfits. Both stars carried themselves with equal glamour and confidence. The twinning look was the talk of the night and had fans debating over who wore it better. The blonde bombshell revealed that she had gone dark, showing off cascading brunette locks that reached her waist Adam Hyde, MAFS star Jules Robinson and social media sensation Indy Clinton also rocked head-turning looks on the red carpet. They were joined by Today's Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Abo, and media veteran Jessica Rowe. Fifteen awards were handed out on the night. The event celebrates the country's top creators across comedy, fashion, sport, business and music. Jonathan Bailey has been taking in all that Sydney has to offer this week, from attending the TikTok Awards on Wednesday to spending time at Bronte Beach. Now, the Hollywood heartthrob has been seen hanging out with friends at beloved Surry Hills pub, The Beresford. The 37-year-old was photographed leaving the Eastern Suburbs local on Wednesday night after taking part in drag queen bingo night Bingay, which was Wicked-themed. Bailey, who stars as Fiyero in the musical-turned-movie, blended in by wearing a pair of jeans and a black T-shirt. The A-lister could be seen outside the establishment having a chat and hugging his pals goodbye after taking to the stage at the weekly-held bingo night. People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive certainly made the night for patrons at The Beresford as he was heard shouting out 'Bingo!' before running onto the stage. Jonathan Bailey (pictured) surprised locals at beloved Sydney pub The Beresford on Wednesday night when he took part in Wicked-themed bingo The A-lister could be seen outside the establishment having a chat and hugging his pals goodbye after taking to the stage at the weekly-held bingo night The crowd went wild as the host, dressed as Glinda, said: 'Everybody, it's my best friend Jonathan Bailey!' Bailey was all smiles as he waved to his fans, happy to take part in the night's festivities. The Hollywood actor also sent fans into meltdown on Sunday night after making a surprise appearance at a Wicked: For Good screening in Sydney. The British star 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'. The Hollywood heartthrob has been pictured hanging out with friends at the beloved Surry Hills pub, The Beresford People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive certainly made the night for patrons at The Beresford as he was heard shouting out 'Bingo!' before running onto the stage '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.' Robert Irwin has been spotted having a private meeting with his rumoured girlfriend Xochitl Gomez just moments before his win on Dancing With the Stars. The wildlife warrior, 21, was seen spending time with the American actress, 19, backstage ahead of his final performance on the show. Xochitl couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she gifted Robert a huge bouquet before giving him an affectionate hug. The pair chatted and laughed moments before Robert's sister, Bindi Irwin, joined them. Xochitl looked stylish in a sleek black halter-neck dress, while Robert looked dapper in a shimmering dance top and sparkly trousers. They first sparked romance rumours earlier this month when Robert performed an intimate dance with Xochitl for the 20th anniversary of Dancing With the Stars US. Robert Irwin has been spotted having a private meeting with his rumoured girlfriend Xochitl Gomez just moments before his win on Dancing With the Stars The wildlife warrior, 21, was seen spending time with the American actress backstage before his final performance on the show Xochitl couldn't wipe the smile off her face as she gifted Robert a huge bouquet of flowers before giving him an affectionate hug Viewers could not help but notice their on-screen 'chemistry' as they delivered an impressive Jive. The Baby-Sitters Club star, who won Season 32 of the show in 2023, was a special guest on the episode, standing in for Robert's usual dance partner, Witney Carson. In November last year, Robert revealed he is still looking for love after his split with long-time sweetheart Rorie Buckey in February 2024. He appeared on Nine's Today show and confessed there was 'no one special' in his life at that time. After being dubbed one of Australia's 'most eligible bachelors' during the segment, a bashful Robert said that dating for him was not easy. 'That's an interesting world to navigate as well with [being in] the public eye and that sort of thing,' he said. Admitting that he was not seeing anyone at present, Robert was asked about what he was 'looking for' in a partner. 'I'm one of those people who is kind of gonna let it happen, I'm gonna let that unfold as it will. The pair chatted and laughed as they spent time together Moments later, Robert's sister Bindi Irwin was seen joining them Xochitl looked stylish in a long black halter neck dress while Robert looked dapper in his shiny dance top and sparkly pants They first sparked romance rumours earlier this month when Robert performed an intimate dance with Xochitl for the 20th anniversary of Dancing With the Stars US Viewers could not help but notice their 'chemistry' on screen as they delivered an impressive Jive The Baby-Sitters Club star was a special guest on the episode, standing in for Robert's usual dance partner, Witney Carson Xochitl won Season 32 of the show in 2023 In November last year, Robert revealed he is still looking for love after his split with long-time sweetheart Rorie Buckey in February 2024 'I look at my parents as inspiration and I look at my sister [Bindi Irwin, who found a husband], Chandler.' He then added: 'I know there's someone out there, but they are going to have to be a goer, they are going to be in this lifestyle, it's here, it's there, it's everywhere, but I would definitely want to share this wonderful life with someone special.' Robert and his ex Rorie, 20, were believed to have been dating since November 2022, but went Instagram official almost a year later in August 2023. Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved 'wildlife warrior boot camp' before she and Robert became an official couple. In December 2023, Woman's Day claimed Rorie had to win over the family by having a willingness to get out into nature. The couple went on a crocodile research trip together where they uncovered 'critical data' for the Wildlife Warriors' Worldwide foundation. Robert's mother Terri, who shares her kids with her late husband Steve, and sister Bindi had been impressed by Rorie's dedication to Australian wildlife. The pair were in a long-distance relationship, as Robert is based at Australia Zoo in Queensland while Rorie lives in Perth. A YouTube influencer has denied Tara Reid's claims he spiked her drink over the weekend. Sean P was named in a police report Reid filed after her unattended drink at a hotel bar was allegedly tampered with - resulting in her becoming unconscious and being sent to the hospital. Now, according to TMZ, Sean P claims Reid accused him of slipping a drug into her drink that evening - an allegation he denies. A representative for Reid, 50, has told The Daily Mail when asked about Sean's denial: 'We are just trying to get to the bottom of what happened.' The Daily Mail has also reached out to Sean P via social media but did not immediately hear back. Speaking with the outlet, Sean P says he met the American Pie star at the bar of the DoubleTree in Rosemont, Illinois late Saturday night. A YouTube influencer has denied Tara Reid's claims he spiked her drink over the weekend Sean P claims they started chatting, exchanged contact information, and went outside to smoke a cigarette at Reid's suggestion. He claimed Reid was initially not particularly interested in chatting, and even jabbed at him for his background in YouTube. However she warmed up to him once he reminded her that she had been recorded by TMZ getting denied from a Hollywood club 19 years ago. Sean claimed Reid seemed 'tipsy' and acknowledged he was as well. However, they were well enough to chat with one another. Sean alleged that when they returned to the bar and he attempted to pay his tab, Reid handed her purse to him and asked he grab her room key. He claimed he saw pills inside the purse. In that moment, Sean claimed Reid screamed for security. Security stepped in and asked if there was an issue, prompting them to both say, 'No.' Sean then says he asked they go outside for another cigarette, and as they headed towards the smoking area, Reid completely changed and abruptly ended up on the floor. Sean P was named in a police report Reid filed after her unattended drink at a hotel bar was allegedly tampered with - resulting in her becoming unconscious and being sent to the hospital; pictured October 2024 While Reid believes someone tampered with her wine, Sean P claimed he never notice her with a beverage (however acknowledged he wasn't exactly paying very much attention). Reid claimed in her police report that Sean P sent her videos of her the following day, a move she interpreted as an extortion attempt. However Sean alleges he was only trying to make her aware that his friend had a video of her being pushed out of the hotel in a stretcher. After he sent her the video, Sean claims Reid accused him of slipping a roofie into her beverage - an accusation he denies. Reid's representative told TMZ that the actress never claimed Sean P was the one who allegedly spiked her drink, and called his retelling 'inaccurate.' Sean P hasn't spoken with any police but has talked with a lawyer. In her incident report obtained by The Daily Mail, Reid says: 'A man came up to me and introduced himself as Sean P a very successful influencer and YouTuber who was with all the other YouTubers in the lobby and sat next to me at the bar. Then I said I wanted to go out for a cigarette and he said he would come with me. We went out for a smoke exchanged numbers and came back and there was a napkin over my drink. 'Then the last thing I remember was drinking that drink and seeing a couple sitting next to us. The next thing I remember was waking up in the hospital around 8 hours or more later not knowing where I was or anything that happened. I completely blacked out with no recollection of anything. I don't remember leaving the hotel I don't remember being in the ambulance or anything. Reid claimed she was drugged and left unconscious in a terrifying incident in the early hours of Sunday morning 'My agent Chris somehow found out what hospital I was at and picked me up from the hospital and they just said I was free to go and didn't give any release forms or discharge papers or anything. He said to them are you sure she's okay and free to go and they said yes. 'He took me back to the hotel to get my bag and check out then we went to the venue where I had to wait for my ride to the airport. I have been trying to file a police report since I got back to LA and they said I could not file one over the phone and had to be there in person and I finally got a call back from Lieutenant Joe and he showed me how to file the report here. 'The guy Sean P I had the cigarette with texted me the videos of me the next day I thought he was trying to extort saying he could stop the videos going out and he also told me I called security on him and he also confirmed that I only had one drink. I am willing to prosecute.' The report indicated the incident started on November 22 at 10:00PM and ended on November 23 at midnight. A test was done to determine what drugs were allegedly in Reid's system while she was at the hospital but the results are not yet known, according to TMZ. The Rosemont Public Safety Department announced Tuesday that the actress officially filed the report, with Reid making it clear shes willing to prosecute anyone allegedly involved. A test was done to determine what drugs were allegedly in Reid's system while she was at the hospital but the results are not yet known, according to TMZ; pictured November 12 Reid, pictured second R, is memorably known for her role in the high school film American Pie 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. '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.' In a statement, the Rosemont Public Safety Department told the Daily Mail: 'Shortly after 2:15pm on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Rosemont Public Safety Department spoke with Ms. Reid who was looking to file a police report. Due to the extent of the allegations being made, an online report was submitted to fully document the incident and properly detail what is known at this time. At 4:26pm an online report was received by the Rosemont Detective Division. 'The Rosemont Public Safety Department understands the severity of the allegations being reported and are committed to investigating this incident fully. At this point, we are in communication with the hotel to gather as much video surveillance as possible. As this incident has just been reported and is still open, no further information is available at this time.' Full House alum Lori Loughlin appeared somber as she got groceries in LA on Wednesday to prepare for her first Thanksgiving since separating from her second husband Mossimo Giannulli after 28 years of marriage last month. The 61-year-old college admissions scandal ex-con certainly had her hands full arriving to her apartment while casually clad in a plaid shirt over a light-blue top and matching wide-leg slacks. Loughlin will most likely enjoy turkey day festivities with her 27-year-old daughter - B**** Knits designer Bella Giannulli - but it's unclear if the 62-year-old G/Fore founder will join. The ex-couple's youngest daughter - influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli - now lives in New York City, and the Daytime Emmy nominee was a 'special guest' in the YouTube vlog she uploaded Monday. In it, Loughlin affected a Russian-sounding accent and announced: 'My mamacita is coming to dinner with me and she will be paying the bill, so treat her very nice.' 'What is his accent?' the 26-year-old nepo baby asked. Full House alum Lori Loughlin appeared somber as she got groceries in LA on Wednesday to prepare for her first Thanksgiving since separating from her second husband Mossimo Giannulli after 28 years of marriage last month The 61-year-old college admissions scandal ex-con certainly had her hands full arriving to her apartment while casually clad in a plaid shirt over a light-blue top and matching wide-leg slacks 'Yeah, I do accents,' the Blue Bloods guest star responded. 'Faux fur - it's the move.' On November 8, Giannulli was pictured for the second time with 32-year-old stylist Hannah Harrison a month after she claimed to Us Weekly: 'We are not dating. We are good friends.' People reported that Loughlin 'feels betrayed' while Page Six alleged she found 'incriminating text messages' on the Mossimo founder's phone and once 'sat down and chatted with the strippers' at the Robertson boulevard club Skin he frequented. Last month, the Queens-born brunette and Giannulli reportedly sold their six-bedroom $9.5 million Hidden Hills mansion, located inside the gated Ashley Ridge neighborhood, for $14.95 million. The former pair's marriage clearly couldn't survive the fallout of the Varsity Blues scandal in 2020 where they pled guilty to paying a $500K bribe to ensure their daughters would be accepted into USC. The Giannulli sisters even pretended to be rowing recruits by posing for fake crew photographs as part of their applications, which proved they were culpable in their disgraced parents' conspiracy to commit mail fraud/money laundering. Loughlin served nearly two months at the FCI Dublin in California in 2020, and she paid a $150K fine and performed 150 hours of community service. Giannulli served five months at FCI Lompoc in California in 2020-2021, and he paid a $250K fine and performed 250 hours of community service. Loughlin will most likely enjoy turkey day festivities with her 27-year-old daughter - B**** Knits designer Bella Giannulli (R, pictured in 2018) - but it's unclear if the 62-year-old G/Fore founder (2-R) will join The ex-couple's youngest daughter - influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli - now lives in New York City, and the Daytime Emmy nominee was a 'special guest' in the YouTube vlog she uploaded Monday In it, Loughlin affected a Russian-sounding accent and announced she 'will be paying the bill' at dinner and said her 26-year-old nepo baby's faux fur coat 'is the move' On November 8, Giannulli was pictured for the second time with 32-year-old stylist Hannah Harrison (pictured Sunday) a month after she claimed to Us Weekly: 'We are not dating. We are good friends' People reported that Loughlin 'feels betrayed' while Page Six alleged she found 'incriminating text messages' on the Mossimo founder's phone and once 'sat down and chatted with the strippers' at the Robertson boulevard club Skin he frequented (pictured in 2019) The former pair's marriage clearly couldn't survive the fallout of the Varsity Blues scandal in 2020 where they pled guilty to paying a $500K bribe to ensure their daughters would be accepted into USC The Giannulli sisters even pretended to be rowing recruits by posing for fake crew photographs as part of their applications, which proved they were culpable in their disgraced parents' conspiracy to commit mail fraud/money laundering Loughlin made her acting comeback as Lieutenant Bishop in Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf's eight-episode police procedural On Call, which Prime Video canceled on May 9, but it's being shopped to different networks He is also father to 35-year-old son - The Smart Co. founder Gianni Giannulli - from his prior marriage to ex-wife Chris Giannulli. The Curb Your Enthusiasm guest star was previously married to Lionsgate vice chairman Michael R. Burns for seven years until their 1996 divorce. Loughlin made her acting comeback as Lieutenant Bishop in Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf's eight-episode police procedural On Call, which Prime Video canceled on May 9, but it's being shopped to different networks. Loughlin previously co-starred with Bella in the Hallmark Channel movies Every Christmas Has a Story (2016) and Homegrown Christmas (2018). Her breakout role was 'Aunt Becky' Donaldson in Jeff Franklin's San Francisco-set sitcom Full House, which aired for eight seasons on ABC spanning 1987-1995. Loughlin then reprised her role in the Netflix continuation Fuller House, which aired for four seasons spanning 2016-2020. The Australian film industry is in mourning following the death of screenwriter Gerard Lee at age 74, who died on Tuesday after a long battle with liver cancer. Lee was born in Melbourne in 1951 and became one of the country's most renowned storytellers, acclaimed for his collaborations with New Zealand filmmaker Jane Campion and Nicole Kidman. His death was confirmed in a social media statement by fellow Australian writer Craig Munro. 'My friend, the novelist and screenwriter Gerard Lee, died last night while undergoing treatment for liver cancer,' Munro began. 'We first met as teenage cadet journalists in Brisbane, and I later published five of his books at UQP, including the screenplay for Jane Campion's first feature film Sweetie. 'Lee was my author for many years, he was also one of my oldest and most steadfast friends, whose irrepressible humour and larrikin spirit made him great company.' The Australian film industry is in mourning following the death of screenwriter Gerard Lee Lee studied at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in 1981 alongside future filmmaker Jane Campion, where the pair began their professional relationship, which would last for decades. The celebrated screenwriter's career spanned close to four decades, during which he worked on many acclaimed productions. In 1989, he co-wrote the Australian black comedy Sweetie with Jane Campion, which starred Neighbours actress Genevieve Lemon. Lee was also a filmmaker, and in 1995 he wrote and directed the acclaimed Aussie comedy All Men Are Liars, starring Toni Pearen and John Jarratt. With Campion, in 2013 he co-created and wrote for the critically acclaimed New Zealand TV thriller series Top of the Lake, which starred Nicole Kidman, Elisabeth Moss and David Wenham. His work on the series saw him nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special at the 2013 Emmy Awards. Lee's final work was adapting Tim Winton's play Breath to the screen in 2017, in a film of the same name which starred Simon Baker. Heartbroken friends and fans took to social media to pay tribute to Lee. Lee was born in Melbourne in 1951 and became one of the country's most renowned storytellers. Pictured with Nicole Kidman and Jane Campion in 2017 'He was a divine man. So talented and so witty. What a loss,' wrote Australian media academic Catharine Lumby. 'My buddy and best friend. So sad, but he was in pain,' added fellow Australian screenwriter Marc Rosenberg. 'He's a legend. Sad to hear this,' arts journalist Phil Brown offered. 'Very sorry to hear this. I have fond memories of his opening night premiere at the SFF. A fine writer,' film critic Paul Byrnes chimed in. Lee also wrote several popular fiction and non-fiction books, including the acclaimed 1990 novel Troppo Man. Richard Gere and his stunning wife Alejandra Silva couldn't take their eyes off each other as they cosied up on the red carpet in Madrid on Wednesday. The Hollywood actor, 76, who has sons Alexander, six, and James, five, with the Spanish activist, 42, cut a suave figure in a navy suit. Slicking back his silver locks, Richard, who is also a parent to son Homer, 25, with ex-wife Carey Lowell, layered his tailored blazer over a crisp white shirt. Alejandra looked very glamorous as she slipped into a black floor-length gown for the event. She accessorised with a gorgeous of diamond earrings and a bracelet to match. The pair looked besotted as Richard held his arm around Alejandra in several photographs taken at the ELLE Eco Awards hosted at the Italian Consulate. Richard Gere and his stunning wife Alejandra Silva looked besotted as they cosied up on the red carpet in Madrid at the Italian Consulate on Wednesday The pair looked loved-up as Richard wrapped his arm around Alejandra while attending the ELLE Eco Awards The couple wed in 2018 before relocating to Spain earlier this year Richard and Alejandra couldn't get enough of each other as they joked while the activist pouting close up into her husband's phone. The loved-up couple were at the premiere of their short documentary film What Nobody Wants To See in Madrid on Monday evening. The new movie produced by the couple, who wed in 2018 before relocating to Spain earlier this year, aims to raise empathy for the issue of homelessness. Richard looked handsome as usual at the event in another navy suit, while his wife looked effortlessly chic as she slipped into a black tuxedo with satin lapels for the event. She added extra height to her frame with strappy heels and accessorised with a pair of pendant diamond earrings. Earlier this year Richard gave a rare glimpse of his youngest sons as he posed for a sweet snap along with wife. The Pretty Woman star could be seen posing outside with his family while also promoting the non-profit organisation Open Arms. Richard donned matching grey hoodies with Silva and their two sons - who had their backs turned towards the camera to show off the back of the sweatshirts. Richard and Alejandra couldn't get enough of each other as they joked together and the activist was seen pouting into her husband's phone Alejandra looked very glamorous as she slipped into a black floor-length gown for the event In the caption of the post, Richard penned: 'This whole family is a proud supporter of @openarms_fund and their mission to save lives. @alejandragere.' Richard has been involved with the charity for years and back in 2019 was seen on an Open Arms rescue vessel on the Mediterranean Sea. He helped bring supplies to the 121 migrants on board, who at the time had fled war-torn Libya. During a past interview with The Guardian, Richard reflected on his decision to go onto the boat and offer his assistance. Earlier this year Richard gave a rare glimpse of his youngest sons as he posed for a sweet photo along with wife 'I'm inspired by Open Arms. I'm deeply committed to their point of view of the universe,' he told the outlet. 'They're dealing up close with these people, and that's where you want to get your information. [] They said it was deeply serious, not only to them, but to other rescue boats as well.' The star continued: 'And that's when I made a very quick decision. I said: "Look, I gotta see this for myself." I jumped in a car and arrived at the Rome airport in literally five minutes.' While talking to Elle Espana earlier this year in January, Richard and Alejandra opened up about the big move from the US to Spain. 'The truth is that you are seeing us in our momentum. We are happier than ever,' the Hollywood star expressed. She also gushed: 'We are like soulmates. We have the same values, we see the world in the same way and from the first moment we felt like we have known each other for a long time. And this only happens once, if it happens at all.' Macaulay Culkin has revealed that his young children have 'no idea' that he plays Kevin in Home Alone. It's been 35 years since the actor, 45, first portrayed the eight-year-old boy fending off robbers in 20th Century Fox's 1990 comedy Home Alone. To celebrate the iconic Christmas film's milestone anniversary, the child star made an appearance at a screening held at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, in California, on Saturday. Speaking at the event, Macaulay said that he and his sons, Dakota, four, and Carson, three - who he shares with fiancee Brenda Song, 37 - watch the film 'often'. However according to PEOPLE, he said: 'They have no idea that I'm Kevin.' 'They're only three and four years old,' Macaulay added, saying that he is keen 'to keep up that illusion as long as possible'. Macaulay Culkin has revealed that his young children have 'no idea' that he plays Kevin in Home Alone (Seen in 2023) It's been 35 years since the actor, 45, first portrayed the eight-year-old boy fending off robbers in 20th Century Fox's 1990 comedy Home Alone (Pictured) However one night four-year-old Carson quizzed his dad on his family and Macaulay showed him a photo of himself with his seven brothers and sisters. Carson was quick to pick out his dad in the photo and said: 'That kid looks like Kevin.' Alex D. Linz starred in Raja Gosnell's Home Alone 3 alongside Scarlett Johansson, but the following three flicks from the family-friendly franchise streamed directly on ABC and Disney+. Macaulay has even developed a concept for a potential continuation of the treasured holiday classic. 'I'm either a widower or a divorce. I'm raising a kid and all that stuff. I'm working really hard and I'm not really paying enough attention and the kid is kind of getting miffed at me and then I get locked out,' Macaulay explained. '[He] won't let me in. He's the one setting traps for me...The house is some sort of metaphor for our relationship "get let back into his heart" kind of deal. 'That's the closest elevator pitch that I have. I'm not completely allergic to it, the right thing.' In real life, the Golden Globe nominee has two sons - Dakota and Carson - with fiancee Brenda. Speaking at the event, Macaulay said that he and his sons, Dakota, four, and Carson, three - who he shares with fiancee Brenda Song , 37 - watch the film 'often' (Macaulay, Brenda and son Dakota seen in 2023) To celebrate the iconic Christmas film's milestone anniversary, the child star made an appearance at a screening held at the Long Beach Terrace Theater, in California, on Saturday (Seen as Kevin in Home Alone) On November 1, Macaulay did reprise his role as Kevin. He was depicted now concerned for his ailing mother Kate, in the Home But Not Alone holiday commercial campaign for in-home senior care company Home Instead. However, original Home Alone director Chris Columbus is far more sceptical about the possibility of yet another sequel. 'I think Home Alone really exists as, not at this timepiece, but it was this very special moment, and you can't really recapture that,' the 67-year-old filmmaker told ET in August. 'I think it's a mistake to try to go back and recapture something we did 35 years ago. I think it should be left alone.' Thanks to roles in Home Alone, Uncle Buck and My Girl, Macaulay had made enough money (estimated $15-17million fortune) by the time he was 12 to never have to work again. Macaulay is next scheduled to bring his 14-date nostalgic tour to the Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas, this Saturday. His next job sees Macaulay and Brenda voice lynx siblings Cattrick and Kitty Lynxley in Jared Bush and Byron Howard's long-delayed animated sequel Zootopia 2 - which is released on Friday. The ensemble voiceover cast also includes Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira and Idris Elba. Also featuring are Alan Tudyk, Bonnie Hunt, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, Andy Samberg, David Strathairn, Patrick Warburton, Quinta Brunson and Danny Trejo. An Australian reality TV personality has shocked his fans after revealing the aftermath of a painful worksite injury. Aussie Shore star Lachlan Di Sebastiano, 26, shared a clip to Instagram on Thursday in which he revealed the mishap occurred while he was working on a roof. 'Trust me to be doing a roof and knife falls down the old roof sheeting and I sit on the knife,' Lachlan began. 'Any experts reckon I need stitches? Just accidentally stabbed myself.' The Melbourne-based star then showed fans the injury, in which his bottom and shorts were smeared in blood. Lachlan's grim expression left little doubt about how much pain he was in. Aussie Shore star Lachlan Di Sebastiano, 26, took to Instagram on Thursday to share the aftermath of a painful worksite injury Aussie Shore has been described as 'the most X-rated reality series on Australian television', and the second season is even wilder. It recently returned with even more chaos, drama and jaw-dropping antics thanks to a new crop of party-loving bombshells ready to stir the pot. Among the fresh faces joining the infamous party house is Lachlan, a selfproclaimed good-time guy who is no stranger to a wild night out. Friends describe the cheeky larrikin as 'fun, loyal, and always up for an adventure', with one source revealing he's 'all about living that YOLO life'. But it's Harrison Quinero who looks set to bring the most controversy. A stripper and professional wrestler, Harrison has been branded the bad boy you can't help but love, and with a fresh heartbreak after his girlfriend allegedly cheated on him, he's ready to let loose in a big way. 'Harrison is pure, unscripted chaos,' an insider told Daily Mail. 'He doesn't hold back... he's bound to make waves in the house.' 'Trust me to be doing a roof and knife falls down the old roof sheeting and I sit on the knife,' Lachlan told fans The Melbourne-based star then showed fans the injury, in which his bottom and shorts were smeared in blood Also making his way into the mix is Dante Surace, a Melbourne-based influencer whose social media is already littered with party snaps alongside MAFS stars Bronte Schofield and Lyndall Grace. The first season of Aussie Shore delivered all the booze-fuelled antics fans could have hoped for. The series, featuring Love Island and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here! star Callum Hole, made headlines for its endless string of wild moments. Hosted by Charlotte Crosby, it is the Aussie version of the Geordie and Jersey Shore franchises that dominated the US and UK in the mid-2010s. The show was given the wild description: 'We're hot, we're h**ny, and we're ready to f**ing party'. Coronation Street star Lynne Verrall has died at the age of 76, after a 50-year career spanning TV and theatre. She was best known for playing Geraldine Spellman, the mother of Drew Spellman (Tom Godwin), on the ITV soap in 2017 and also had stage roles at London's Royal Court. The actress died in Paris on November 8 after battling motor neurone disease. She was diagnosed with MND shortly after filming her 2023 comedy-drama Greek Salad. 'Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full,' her agent Samantha Boyd told The Stage. A French fundraising page has been set up in her memory, to help fight motor neurone disease. It reads: 'Our dear friend Lynne faced MND with her trademark wit and courage and even in the toughest moments, she never lost her spark (or her sense of humour). Coronation Street star Lynne Verrall has died at the age of 76, after a 50-year career spanning TV and theatre (pictured in 2012) She was best known for playing Geraldine Spellman on the ITV soap in 2017 (pictured with Sue Cleaver in the soap) 'In true Lynne fashion, she even left a gift in her will to ARSLA, the MND association here in Paris, to help others facing this awful illness. 'If you'd like to honour her memory and give this disease the middle finger (ARSLA's brilliant campaign slogan!) you might consider a small donation to support their work. 'I can just imagine Lynne laughing at that and saying, "that's the spirit don't make a fuss, but thank you, darling".' Alongside Coronation Street, Lynne also appeared in Doctors, Father Brown and ITV drama Innocent. Away from the screen Lynne had a successful stage career. After graduating from the Birmingham School of Acting, the Shropshire-raised star started her theatre career, touring with the New Shakespeare Company as as understudy for Celia in As You Like It. She joined Sue Dunderdale's touring company Pentabus in 1974 and went onto perform in three tours across the UK. Lynne also starred in Joe Penhall's Pale Horse at London's Royal Court before working with the Clean Break theatre company from 2005. Lynne played the homophobic mother of Drew Spellman (Tom Godwin) on Coronation Street from 2017-2018 After appearing in Carrie Cracknell's 2012 revival of A Doll's House at London's Young Vic, the actress moved to Paris and took on roles in a number of short films there. In 2023, Lynne landed the role of Kelly Reilly's mother in the comedydrama Greek Salad, from French director Cedric Klapisch. Her longtime friend and theatre collaborator Sue Dunderdale paid tribute to Lynne's courage in the face of her MND diagnosis in 2023. 'She faced it with incredible courage. She was extraordinary. She remained in Paris because she'd been happy there. She created this wonderful persona of an eccentric, charming Englishwoman.' Sue added: 'She was a fantastic actor but never got the recognition she deserved.' Simon Cowell is preparing for the launch of his new Netflix talent show. And despite anticipation surrounding the launch, the star enjoyed a relaxing boat trip with his fiancee Lauren Silverman, their son and his stepson on Wednesday. The stunning socialite, 48, looked radiant in the snap as she posed in a skimpy white bikini while sitting alongside her clan on the back of the boat. Simon, 66, and Lauren share son Eric, 11, while Lauren is mother to son Adam, 19, with her businessman ex-husband Andrew Silverman. She shared a caption reading: 'Grateful for this. Wishing everyone a happy thanksgiving. Whether you celebrate it or not...' Lauren Silverman marked Thanksgiving with a sweet snap, as she posed on a boat with her fiance Simon Cowell, their son Eric, 11, and her son Adam, 19 Before sharing her latest snap with her family, Lauren revealed how she achieves her toned physique as she posed in skimpy gym gear. She took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to offer an insight into her exercise regime Her fiancee Simon is preparing for the launch of his new Netflix talent show. Before sharing her latest snap, Lauren revealed how she achieves her toned physique as she posed in skimpy gym gear. She took to her Instagram Story on Wednesday to offer an insight into her exercise regime. She shared a snap and video as she took on a Tracy Anderson class called MYMODE which is described as a 'never-before-seen innovation in eco movement equipment + programming to take your results to the next level'. As she took on the class she wore a skimpy red and white crop top and leggings while snapping a selfie in the mirror. In another social media post she shared that she had also enjoyed a padel session with her girl friends as she exclaimed: 'That was fun!' in the caption. She flaunted a glimpse of her toned midriff in a white crop top and navy jogging bottoms in the accompanying image. It comes after Lauren broke her silence on filming a Netflix show with her partner Simon, describing it as 'terrifying'. The star has been with music mogul Simon since 2013 and recently changed her Instagram handle to use name Cowell in a hint the pair have married. The couple first met in Barbados in 2004 but didn't start dating until around 2012. They welcomed their son Eric in 2014 and got engaged in 2021. She shared a snap and video as she took on a Tracy Anderson class called MYMODE which is described as a 'never-before-seen innovation in eco movement equipment + programming to take your results to the next level' The recent trailer showed an array of scenes featuring Lauren, where she expressed concern over her husband's health and even at one point walks out of filming after a tense exchange Now Lauren has spoken about her nerves surrounding the release of Simon's upcoming Netflix show - in which notoriously private Lauren makes regular features. The recent trailer showed an array of scenes featuring Lauren, where she expressed concern over Simon's health and even at one point walks out of filming after a tense exchange. Sharing the trailer on social media on Tuesday, Lauren said: 'My first Instagram post! Everyone who knows me, knows how private I am, so the past two years on this project has been such a new experience. 'This is something we have been working on as a family every day, and I am SO proud of Simon and the whole team.' She added: 'It's terrifying but so exciting at the same time, and I really hope you all love the series when it drops on @netflix December 10! Lauren X.' Jeff Brazier has been spotted for the first time since he confirmed his split from wife of seven years Kate. The TV presenter has been keeping busy with work in the wake of the split, filming in Iceland for ITV this week. On Thursday morning Jeff was spotted at Heathrow airport, looking pensive as he wheeled his luggage through arrivals. He was notably without his wedding ring, after previously appearing on TV without the band this week. In a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, Jeff revealed his marriage to Kate broke down over summer after they discovered they couldn't make each other happy. Just one day later, Jeff was back on screen and live on GMB, broadcasting from Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon. Jeff Brazier has been spotted for the first time since he confirmed his split from wife of seven years Kate The TV presenter has been keeping busy with work in the wake of the split, filming in Iceland for ITV this week and was spotted at London Heathrow on Thursday as he returns to the UK Jeff made reference to the difficult year he and Kate faced due to fractured relations with his son Freddy, 21 in his lengthy statement. Uploading alongside a throwback photo from a family holiday, he told fans: 'Im so full of love and gratitude for Kate. For all we achieved, for how much we grew, for everything we endured.' Jeff added: 'We separated in the summer and kept it private for as long as we could to give us some time to adjust. 'For 12 years we have been each others safe space, each others biggest supporters at a time when our lives have been busy, painful & complex. 'I'm so proud of how hard we worked, how we kept showing up, we gave everything and more. 'I'm also so full of respect and admiration for the successful career Kate has built and the way she cared for me unconditionally.' Jeff said Kate is still in touch to check in on how his sons are doing, as Freddy prepares to welcome his first child. The presenter continued: 'Its credit to the woman she is that she still checks in to ask how the boys are doing because she is so invested in their lives. In a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, Jeff revealed his marriage to Kate broke down over summer after they discovered they couldn't make each other happy (pictured in 2024) The star failed to raise a smile as he headed through the airport with TV colleagues The TV presenter has been keeping busy with work in the wake of the split, filming in Iceland for ITV this week Jeff was notably without his wedding ring, after previously appearing on TV without the band this week 'They love her and I have many friends that love her too. I will miss her family who always went above and beyond to support us. 'My words dont tell the full picture because they dont need to. We will carry on supporting each other and I know Ill be celebrating her inevitable wins just like before. 'We both deserve complete happiness and were upset that we ultimately couldnt be that for one another and It felt time to let it go.' Before Jeff confirmed the split, it was reported that PR guru Kate, 35, had moved out of their marital home three weeks ago, with Jeff hinting on social media that his seven-year marriage was over. He was said to have shared snaps from new countryside property as he detailed the 'transitional time' in his life and how he was 'living in calm'. The smartly-dressed star stopped to check his phone whilst waiting for his driver A driver was then seen helping Jeff with his luggage as they headed outside Jeff was then seen without his wedding ring while reporting from Reykjavik on Monday's GMB, while Kate too reportedly ditched her band after heading to Las Vegas for the Grand Prix. The couple previously split in late 2022 before reconciling seven months later. Also this week, it was revealed that Jeff's youngest son Freddy, 21, has split from his girlfriend. The Daily Mail revealed that the father-to-be dumped girlfriend Holly Swinburn, who is pregnant with his child, and she reacted by trying to take his dog - a bully called Pablo - from him. Sources close to model Freddy told the Daily Mail that he is struggling with the idea of co-parenting with Holly as things have become 'very difficult between them'. 'The pair have been arguing a lot recently. Having a baby so young is a lot to deal with. Both are quite flighty characters,' the insider shared. Also this week, it was revealed that Jeff's youngest son Freddy, 21, has split from his girlfriend Holly Sinburn (pictured in October 2020) 'Freddy initially feared he was not the father, but has since done a paternity test which confirmed that he is the father.' Freddy, who is the second son of the late reality star Jade Goody, revealed the news in August that he would be welcoming his first child. Since then, he has vowed to turn his life around and has patched up his relationship with his father, Jeff. The influencer sadly lost his mother, Jade, when he was just four years old after she died from cervical cancer on Mother's Day in 2009. Kelly Osbourne professed it was 'so nice' to see her grieving mother have 'a little fun' at her first red carpet event since her father Ozzy's death. The TV star, 73, made a dazzling return to the spotlight as she was joined by Kelly, 41, at the glitzy London event, hosted by Rebecca Vallance. Black Sabbath legend Ozzy, to whom Sharon was married for 43 years, died of heart failure at his Buckinghamshire home on July 22, just two weeks after performing a farewell concert with his bandmates at Birmingham's Villa Park. After making their appearance on the red carpet, Kelly took to Instagram the following morning to write: 'I thought my mum looked beautiful and it was so nice to see her have a little fun! Thank you thank you thank you Rebecca we love you soooo much!' Party insiders told The Daily Mail that the duo were in 'good spirits' throughout the evening, during which they drank rose wine and ate prawn skewer canapes. Kelly Osbourne professed it was 'so nice' to see her grieving mother have 'a little fun' at her first red carpet event since her father Ozzy's death Kelly shared a number of sweet snaps showing tender moments with her mum After making their appearance on the red carpet, Kelly took to Instagram the following morning to write: 'I thought my mum looked beautiful and it was so nice to see her have a little fun! Thank you thank you thank you Rebecca we love you soooo much!' Black Sabbath legend Ozzy, to whom Sharon was married for 43 years, died of heart failure at his Buckinghamshire home on July 22, just two weeks after performing a farewell concert with his bandmates at Birmingham 's Villa Park (Sharon and Ozzy pictured in 2017) At the event, Sharon clutched tightly onto Kelly's hand as they posed for pictures in their glamorous ball gowns, with the widow looking stunning in a glitzy burgundy dress, while Kelly slipped into a pale pink number. Kelly shared a number of sweet snaps showing tender moments with her mum. Alongside discussing her mother's evening, Kelly also gave a nod to her gown for the night, writing: 'Had the best time with my mum and @rebeccavallancegasan at the @rebeccavallance new launch...I have never worn a dress like it before... 'It took me out of my comfort zone of black and made my bubblegum pink dreams come true. Her dresses always make me feel amazing.' Insiders reported the duo appeared to be having a lovely evening as they relaxed and spent much of the evening chatting to designer Rebecca Vallance. Zara Tindall was also present at the event although the Osbournes did not speak to the Royal. Last month, Sharon cut a heartbreaking figure as she was pictured for the first time since Ozzy's funeral. Ozzy had been battling a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including a fall in 2019 at the family's home, which saw his condition deteriorate. She looked sensational for her night out with her beloved mum Kelly was admired by her mother in their complementary gowns At the event, Sharon clutched tightly onto Kelly's hand as they posed for pictures in their glamorous ball gowns, with the widow looking stunning in a glitzy burgundy dress, while Kelly slipped into a pale pink number Kelly was showing off her svelte figure which she admitted was a departure from her usual style The duo posed with the woman of the hour Rebecca Vallance Zara Tindall was also present at the event although the Osbournes did not speak to the Royal Following the news of his passing, Sharon opened up on social media to thank fans for the 'overwhelming love and support' shown towards her. Sharon admitted she had been 'carried through' by those around her, adding she was 'still finding her footing' after losing the husband she often said she lived for. And her son Jack, who is currently starring on I'm A Celeb, said on Good Morning America: 'She's okay, but she's not okay. I know she feels the love.' New BBC One documentary Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home charted the self-styled Prince Of Darkness's return to the United Kingdom after more than three decades in the United States with his wife and children. It featured Jack and sibling Kelly speaking about their mum Sharon's pain over Ozzy's final years, nursing him though painful operations and trying to help him. It will also showed behind-the-scenes footage from his final farewell concert at Villa Park, following his long battle with Parkinson's. It follows new Paramount+ documentary Ozzy: No Escape From Now, which features Jack and Kelly's older sister Aimee speaking about her father's final few years. L-R: Kelly, Ozzy, Sharon and Jack are seen together in 2015. Black Sabbath legend Ozzy died of heart failure at his Buckinghamshire home on July 22 Ozzy had been battling a number of health issues in the years leading up to his death, including a fall in 2019 at the family's home, which saw his condition further deteriorate Reflecting on the concert, Jack said: 'Before he went on stage, I ran back into the dressing room, and I just gave him a big hug. 'I just kissed him. I just said, I was like, "Crush it. You're going to do so good." And I was crying. I was in the crowd with... there was this area in the crowd and I was with my brother and we both were just crying. 'It wasn't because of feeling sorry for him. It wasn't because we were sad for him. I think it was because we knew it was the last time. In hindsight, it kind of was a living wake if you think about it. He got to say goodbye to everyone.' It comes after Kelly shared her heartache over watching mum Sharon care for sick Ozzy through to his final moments in the new documentary, filmed during the final three years of his life. In one scene, Kelly said: 'I think what's happening to my mum is the most heartbreaking part of this whole thing. And I think that watching the man that she loves most in this world wither is really, really hard.' Emma Thompson and Gaia Wise returned to Finland on Thursday to promote the new movie they filmed there. The iconic actress and her daughter, both star in Dead Of Winter, which was filmed in the Koli region in North Karelia, Finland. They travelled to Helsinki this week to promote the thriller, coordinating their looks for a photocall. Emma, 66, was as chic as ever in a black abstract print shirt and trouser combo, whilst Gaia, 25, was looking gorgeous in a flower-adorned cardigan and mini skirt. In Dead Of Winter, Emma plays a widow, travelling alone through snowbound northern Minnesota, who interrupts the kidnapping of a teenage girl. Hours from the nearest town and with no phone service, she realises that she is the young girl's only hope. Emma Thompson and Gaia Wise returned to Finland on Thursday to promote the new movie they filmed there, travelling to Helsinki to promote Dead Of Winter The iconic actress and her daughter, both star in the movie, which was filmed in the Koli region in North Karelia, Finland Gaia plays the younger version of Emma's role, portraying the character's journey from a person who experienced a rich and happy life, through trauma, to becoming someone capable and willing to sacrifice. Reflecting on what it was like to work together, Gaia told the PA news agency at the films UK premiere: 'I was just very excited. I think I was also excited that we could be together for this amount of time, because I stayed in Finland the whole time we were filming.' 'Because I was on call, it was like, if the weather didnt quite permit a scene they might call us in to do something, so it was always up in the air.' 'But I just wanted to be there, not just to support her, but to be there for the whole thing, because I just wanted to sort of see it and see our character as well.' Gaia's father Greg Wise is Dame Emma's second husband, former Strictly star and Walking On Sunshine actor. Emma has been happily married to her second husband Greg for 20 years. Gaia made her acting debut in the BBC series Silent Witness - where she played university student Jo Reynolds whose mother, the controversial health secretary, is assassinated sparking the interest of forensic pathologists. Last year she landed her first big break by starring in the anime feature film The Lord Of The Rings: The War Of The Rohirrim. Emma, 66, was as chic as ever in a black abstract print shirt and trouser combo, whilst Gaia, 25, was looking gorgeous in a flower-adorned cardigan and mini skirt In Dead Of Winter, Emma plays a widow, travelling alone through snowbound Minnesota, who interrupts the kidnapping of a teenage girl. Gaia plays the younger version of Emma's role Reflecting on what it was like to work together, Gaia said: 'I was just very excited. I think I was also excited that we could be together for this amount of time Gaia added of working with her mum: 'I just wanted to be there, not just to support her, but to be there for the whole thing, because I just wanted to sort of see it and see our character' In 2021, Gaia detailed her three-year battle with anorexia - and credited her parents for saving her life by staging an emergency intervention. She developed anorexia aged 16 which left her so thin she was unable to even sit on a chair without it being painful. She was later admitted to rehab in 2017. She spoke out about her illness for the first time with The Sun on Sunday, saying: 'Anorexia makes you really good at gaslighting people, making it sound like they're insane. My parents would say, "Gaia, we heard you working out at 3am." And I'd say, "No you didn't, it was just the house moving. I was asleep."' The mother and daughter were joined by producers Meri-Tuuli Varis and Timo Vierimaa The film explores the darker side of human nature and revenge narratives, but also highlights the heroine's resilience and strength Gaia spoke of how Greg, Emma, her family, including brother Tindy and best friend gathered together for an intervention, with Gaia agreeing to a three-month rehab stint after Greg said: 'I don't know where my child is any more.' Adding that it was a 'kick in the teeth' she added: 'I had to listen to the people I loved most in the world who, at the time, I'd really forgotten about, tell me what I was doing.' She said: 'That's when I said I'd go to rehab. I went on December 29, 2017, and stayed for three months. Since then I've had a lot of therapy and I'll always be grateful for that, because it saved my life.' Tom Read Wilson's true character outside of I'm A Celebrity has been revealed by his childhood friend in a very lengthy post shared to Instagram on Thursday. The Celebs Go Dating personality, 39, entered the jungle as a latecomer alongside Vogue Williams last week, with the duo quickly building strong bonds in camp. And after sparking some reaction with his sophisticated accent and extended vocabulary, Tom's pal of 34 years, Charlie Collins, has spoken about his compassionate nature. She explained that when Tom was not singing around the home, he was always on side to say yes to helping people day to day. Charlie also joked that she feared she put openly gay Tom 'off girls for life' because he was her first kiss. Sharing a picture of Tom running through a field dressed in a suit, she penned: 'We are so proud of this one in a million man @Tomreadwilson. Tom Read Wilson's true character outside of I'm A Celebrity has been revealed by his childhood friend in a very lengthy post shared on Instagram on Thursday Tom's pal of 34 years, Charlie Collins (pictured), has spoken about his compassionate nature and said he loves ot help others 'I met Tom when I was four years old, when my mum and his mum became friends and @mirandareadwilson and I fused for life as besties, counting 34 years to our friendship! 'Tom was my first kiss and I fear I was his and put him off girls for life. We used to perform as leads together in our school plays, but Tom, more sparkly and effervescent than anyone, was absolutely born for the stage. 'When Miranda and I would be playing, Tom would be scaling octaves in his room, priming those vocal cords for all his performances!' She continued: 'In later life, Tom always said yes to helping with anything, whether coming to perform a Christmas song at the consignment store I was working in, going to read to the children at my sister's school, coming to celebrate for my book launch or serenading all our guests at our wedding in 2022 with a hilarious poem. Tom is always there when you need him. 'When his fabulous children's books came out, he sent a copy to us and my son Ivo, (who's almost 5) pours over them and I like to try and read the pages in Tom's voice. 'As a brother, well, words can't describe what he means to Miranda and Jack and my goodness does he dote on and adore his fabulous mummy @cheesemanjuliette. 'Tom frequently takes my mum and his mum out for champagne lunches, spoiling them both and filling up their cups with his hilarious stories and magical company. Tom is just so kind. 'Tom, you were born to make others smile and in a world full of scary things, you are the sunshine and the spoonful of sugar we all need.' She explained that when Tom was not singing around the home, he was always on side to say yes to helping people day to day She added: 'Watching you sing snakes into serene states, recite sonnets to your camp members in the bathing pond like some magical water-dwelling merman and generally dazzle everyone with your unique light has been mesmerising. 'You are the yolk to our egg Tom! Tom for the win! At our wedding in 2022 with a tiny Etta obviously running after him!' During his time in the jungle, Tom has proved to fans his voice isn't put on as he continues to wow both viewers and his campmates with his array of impressive vocabulary. When questioned by Aitch over where he gets his 'lingo' from, the Celebs Go Dating star attributed his language to his 'wonderful dad'. He explained: 'He was an English teacher and he made it into stories all the time.... I'm not a poet at all, but I love the lyricism of it all.' His parents have since separated and his dad has remarried. He previously revealed, 'I'm very close to my parents, but sadly they are now separated and my dad has remarried. My mum is a French teacher and a wonderful, zesty, rather naughty character.' Earlier this week, Tom's mum commented on his distinctive voice as she arrived at the airport in Australia on Tuesday. She told the Daily Mail: 'He's very articulate. He was born with a dictionary in his mouth. 'His father was an English teacher so that's where he gets it from. He doesn't get it from me, unfortunately. 'He's always been like that which is great. Sometimes I don't understand what he says, but yeah it is good.' They are a mainstay of the UK's High Street delicacies. And it seems Greggs' iconic sausage rolls have won the hearts of more than just Brits, as Rebel Wilson revealed she and fellow A-lister Kiefer Sutherland have a particular passion for the 1.25 puff pastry-wrapped porky treats. The duo star together in new Christmas movie Tinsel Town, which was filmed in locations including Leeds and Harrogate, and follows the story of Keifer's chacacter - a washed-up Hollywood action hero who is tricked into starring in UK pantomime. While the stars could afford to eat Michelin Star cuisine, Rebel, 45, revealed she had instead fallen for the 'exquisite taste of Greggs' - a view shared by her co-star - while she also praised the impressive price point of a sausage roll. Speaking to Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Thursday's This Morning, she said: 'The most exquisite taste of Greggs, their sausage rolls in particular. Kiefer is obsessed with them, so we got a Greggs van on set. Greggs' iconic sausage rolls have won the hearts of more than just Brits, as Rebel Wilson revealed she and fellow A-lister Kiefer Sutherland have a particular passion for the 1.25 puff pastry-wrapped porky treats (Rebel being gifted Greggs goodies on Thursday's This Morning) The duo star together in new Christmas movie Tinsel Town, which was filmed in locations including Leeds and Harrogate, and follows the story of Keifer's chacacter - a washed-up Hollywood action hero who is tricked into starring in UK pantomime Keifer is pictured with his Tinsel Town co-star Jason Manford in front of the set Greggs truck 'The catering was trying to do like a meatless Wednesday thing. Kiefer was like, 'No, no, let's get a Greggs van in. Crew loves it, and then they gave us both a 50 voucher which I still haven't used up because the price is so good.' Much to Rebel's delight, she was gifted a gold selection of Greggs goodies in a hamper by Ben and Cat, to which she replied: 'If people dont know about the quality that is Greggs just get into it like me and Kiefer did.' Rebel went on to discuss Tinsel Town, saying: 'It's a pretty sweet premise, and it is very, very British, because, you know, pantomime is such a thing here. And I mean, they don't really have it in America.' Despite professing her love for the pastries, earlier this year Rebel announced she was shaping up after overeating chocolate over Easter. The star, who dropped more than 36kgs (around 80lbs) back in 2021, revealed that her latest attempt to change her eating habits has resulted in further weight loss. 'My first few days were a bit rough giving up chocolate and ice cream - I wanted it so badly!' she wrote on Instagram. Speaking to Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Thursday's This Morning, she said: 'The most exquisite taste of Greggs, their sausage rolls in particular. Kiefer is obsessed with them, so we got a Greggs van on set Much to Rebel's delight, she was gifted a god selection of Greggs goodies in a hamper by Ben and Cat, to which she replied: ' If people dont know about the quality that is Greggs just get into it like me and Kiefer did' Much to Rebel's delight, she was gifted a god selection of Greggs goodies in a hamper by Ben and Cat, to which she replied: 'If people dont know about the quality that is Greggs just get into it like me and Kiefer did.' Rebel announced earlier this year she was shaping up after overeating chocolate over Easter. The star, who dropped more than 36kgs (around 80lbs) back in 2021, revealed that her latest attempt to change her eating habits has resulted in further weight loss. The health kick has resulted in a small weight loss for the performer. 'I did happen to lose 1kg (2.2 pounds) last week - which is not the point of the challenge - but it goes to show you how many Easter Eggs I was eating before I started!' she explained. Rebel initially lost weight after a 'year of health' and some help from Ozempic, and has again cut out sweet treats in a new challenge to amend her eating habits. In conversation with The Sunday Times last year, the movie star confessed about weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro: 'Someone like me could have a bottomless appetite for sweets, so I think those drugs can be good.' Hugh Grant claimed he only went into acting 'to be famous and make a lot of money' and has 'never loved it'. The British actor, 65, surprised Justice Smith, who he starred alongside in Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, when he made the candid confession. Justice, 30, revealed Hugh's true feelings on acting as he appeared on Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan's What Are We Even Doing? podcast last week - where he was asked if he had got along with the Love Actually star while filming together. 'I did. Oh, I love Hugh,' Justice said. 'When I worked with him, I was like, "Hugh, you know, do you still love what you do? Do you still love this?" 'And he was just like, "No." He said, "I've never loved it." He's like, "I just wanted to be famous and make a lot of money." And I said, "Really?" He said, "Yeah". He added: 'He is so funny. And he's like, "I've always hated the acting part of it". And I was like, "Oh." But he said it with such sincerity.' Hugh Grant claimed he only went into acting 'to be famous and make a lot of money' and has 'never loved it' (Seen in July) Justice Smith, 30, revealed Hugh's true feelings on acting as he appeared on Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan's What Are We Even Doing? podcast last week Justice was so 'stuck' on the conversation, he brought it up with Rosamund Pike while filming Now You See Me: Now You Don't to get her take on whether Hugh was being serious or 'just British'. He recalled: 'She's like, "No, I'm pretty sure he's just British." I'm like, "Are you sure?" I think 'cause it stuck with me. 'I was like, "Oh, I guess you can be a really good actor and just want to like just do it for the fame and money".' Both host Kyle and his guest agreed Hugh is a 'perfectionist' and pushes himself hard with his work. Kyle said: 'Here's the thing about Hugh that I think I 'cause I got a vibe about him. 'I've known Hugh for a long time, and he has the same spiel that he does. I think the thing that is so challenging for him is that he's such a perfectionist, and he takes it so seriously. 'It's like everything, he wants it to be perfect. You know, he's got, I think, control issues, but I feel like it's the torture of that experience as opposed to kind of letting it all go and just, you know, doing what he does. 'But I got to believe that he finds joy in it.' The British actor, 65, surprised Justice, who starred alongside in Dungeons And Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, when he made the candid confession (Seen together left in 2023) Both host Kyle and his guest agreed Hugh is a 'perfectionist' and pushes himself hard with his work (Hugh seen in Bridget Jones's Diary in 2001) Justice ultimately concluded that Hugh's proclamation was a sign of just how great an actor he is. He said: 'I would hope that he was joking, but also that British humour is so dry and like sometimes hard to permeate that I don't know 'cause he was so sincere. 'Then I watch him...he does the work, he puts a lot of effort into what he does. We were working on a silly comedy together, and you could tell he really cares about it. 'He's such a good actor, he'll make you believe that he doesn't.' Earlier this year, Hugh condemned schools for indulging pupils' screen addictions - as the actor called for laptops and tablets to be barred from classrooms. The Hollywood star and father-of-five made the call at a campaigning event at a school in west London, as he also criticised education chiefs for restrictions on children playing outside. Notting Hill and Four Weddings And A Funeral star Hugh accused schools of making 'pathetic' calls on what their students were allowed to do. And he described himself as 'another angry parent fighting the eternal, exhausting and depressive battle with children who only want to be on a screen'. He took part in the move organised by group Close Screens, Open Minds - appearing alongside US psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt. Hugh, who has been married since 2018 to Swedish TV producer Anna Eberstein, lambasted classroom Chromebooks for pupils as 'the last f***ing thing they need'. Danny Trejo volunteered at the LA Mission ahead of Thanksgiving and shared inspiring words of hope for struggling families. The 81-year-old Hollywood vet told TMZ: 'The more I can do for people, the better my life gets.' To those affected by the Los Angeles ICE raids, he said, 'To the families... You know what? Keep up hope. Help your neighbor and do whatever you can for people in need.' The star also commented on his recent knee replacement, saying, 'Im doing good. I had my knee fixed.' Adding that God's 'got my back,' he shared, 'Thats the way I get I feel better all the time, you know. And I almost died. I was sick and just knowing that umm Hes got my back.' It comes after earlier this year the actor had to respond to a rumor that he'd passed away, writing on Instagram, 'Thank you all for your concern but I am very much alive.' Danny Trejo volunteered at the LA Mission ahead of Thanksgiving and shared inspiring words of hope for struggling families The 81-year-old Hollywood vet told TMZ: ' The more I can do for people, the better my life gets' He added, 'Someone is spreading fake news.' Trejo's death hoax was sparked when former castmate John Leguizamo Instastoried 'R.I.P.' over a false August 19th report from Polonia News. Then in October he addressed fans' health concerns after he was spotted in a wheelchair at an airport terminal in Toronto, accompanied by his son Gilbert, 37. Later that month he was back on his feet as he walked into his Trejo's Cantina in Hollywood. As he attended a World Series watch party, he was asked for a health update by TMZ, to which he simply replied: 'Everything is beautiful.' Trejo made sure to mention the latest season of his History Channel series Mysteries Unearthed With Danny Trejo. He said: 'I am getting ready to do that History Channel. I'm going to be on the History Channel this month.' Speaking to the outlet on Wednesday, he shared, 'I know people are worried right now. And when you worry its like you gotta get out of yourself and say, "You know what? Lets do something. Lets do something for somebody. And it just seems to work.' 'I know people are worried right now. And when you worry its like you gotta get out of yourself and say, "You know what? Lets do something. Lets do something for somebody." And it just seems to work,' Danny said on Wednesday Pictured at the 2025 Thanks & Giving On Skid Row at Los Angeles Mission The star also commented on his recent knee replacement, saying, 'Im doing good. I had my knee fixed' It's been 22 years since Trejo guest-starred in an episode of Leguizamo's Nickelodeon sitcom The Brothers Garcia. They were both honored on August 22 at the 40th annual Imagen Awards in Beverly Hills, and the Latino-centered ceremony aired October 1 on PBS. Trejo won Best Variety/Reality Show for his History Channel series Mysteries Unearthed while Leguizamo, who did not attend, won Best Actor for his role in the film Bob Trevino Likes It. The former has been active in recent months, hosting a meet-and-greet and concert for his record label Trejo's Music at the Regent Theater in LA on August 30. Before that he took part in the 15th anniversary screening of Machete at Vidiots in LA alongside screenwriter Alvaro Rodriguez. Ben Savage has become a father for the first time at 45 after welcoming a baby girl with wife Tessa Angermeier on Wednesday, November 26. The actor, best known for playing Cory Matthews on Boy Meets World and its spinoff Girl Meets World, announced the joyful news with a heartfelt Instagram post shared just ahead of Thanksgiving. Alongside a carousel of tender photos, Savage wrote simply: 'Welcome little one.' One image showed the proud new dad gently holding his newborn's tiny hand, while another captured Angermeier cradling the swaddled baby in her arms. A third photo offered a glimpse down a hospital corridor, with Savage pushing his newborn's bassinet while wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words 'Girl Dad,' marking the quiet, emotional moments following their daughter's arrival. Another heartfelt picture showed Savage cradling his baby girl, who was wearing a pink-striped knitted cap, in a soft blanket. Ben Savage welcomws his first child with wife Tessa Angermeier on Wednesday, November 26 and the proud 'Girl Dad' shared a carousel of photos on Instagram Savage got a ton of support from his social media followers and some well-known pals gave shout-outs too. Matthew Lawrence, who co-starred with Savage in Boy Meets World, wrote, 'Wow bro!! a very happy Thanksgiving' alongside duckling and baby bottle emojis. Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper in Wonder Years starring Savage's older brother Fred Savage, wrote an enthusiastic 'Congrats!!!' followed by a trio of heartfelt emojis in the comments. The younger Savage met Angermeier in 2018 and made their relationship Instagram official in August of that year. In January 2023, Savage proposed to Angermeier beside a lake in Indiana, writing on Instagram that 'the best is yet to come.' A month later on February 18, the couple tied the knot at the exclusive Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California. The bride wore a long strapless white gown for the ceremony and later slipped into a 1920s flapper-style mini dress and white trainers to dance with her new husband, who wore a black tux. Savage previously stressed that he tries to live by the golden rule to follow your heart. 'That's easier said than done,' he shared with People in 2021. 'It's not an easy thing to do, and obviously it requires sacrifice - but I think, in the end, that's what makes people happy.' The Boy Meets World star couldn't resist showing off his beautiful child swaddled in a cozy blanket and pink striped knitted cap Ben wrote 'welcome little one' alongside a snap of his newborn grasping his thumb Ben got a ton of support from his social media followers and some well-known pals gave shout-outs too Matthew Lawrence, who co-starred with Savage in Boy Meets World, wrote, 'Wow bro!! a very happy Thanksgiving' while Danica McKellar from The Wonder Years shared, 'Congrats!!!' Angermeier showed her support when Savage ran for West Hollywood City Council in 2022, posting photos of her and friends wearing 'Savage for West Hollywood' t-shirts. Savage lost his bid in the election, coming out in seventh place. The former child star, who starred in two television movies in 2020 and 2022 and an episode of Homeland in 2020, has stepped back from acting in recent years to focus on politics and philanthropy. Back in 2023, his former co-star Danielle Fishel revealed they no longer talk, telling Variety, 'He just kind of disappeared from our lives.' Ben and Tessa got engaged in January 2023 after dating five years and wed a month later in February 2023 Ben, pictured with a very pregnant Tessa, has said he tries to live by the golden rule by following his heart because 'in the end, that's what makes people happy' Fishel said Savage wanted no part of the Boy Meets World rewatch podcast featuring their sitcom comrades Ryder Strong and Will Friedle. 'He was also very clear, 'I don't want it to stop you. If you guys want to do it, go ahead,'' Fishel said, noting, 'The time between those conversations and the time we actually started the podcast was a significant amount of time.' Fishel reflected on the time Savage supported her when her son was in NICU in June 2019. 'We were just so, so close, especially during that time. He was checking in with me regularly.' Then, she added, 'He ghosted us.' Ben has stepped back from acting in recent years with his former co-star Danielle Fishel declaring in 2023, 'He just kind of disappeared from our lives' She insisted, 'We didn't have a fight. There's no falling out. There was no animosity. 'He just woke up one day, and decided I don't want this person in my life anymore. 'Ben and I may be estranged right now and we may have our complaints about each other, but I will always love Ben and want what's best for him. 'I don't think this is the end of our story, but time will tell,' Fishel concluded. Hugh Jackman is spending Thanksgiving in Paris, and gave fans a glimpse at his holiday celebration on Instagram. The 57-year-old Australian actor who just went Instagram official with girlfriend Sutton Foster shared a series of images from a day in the city and wrote, 'From Paris, with love.' Hugh enjoyed shopping, a cafe, biking, and other scenery while sharing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre art museum. He also uploaded a brief clip with Song Sung Blue co-star Kate Hudson as the two sang in front of a Christmas tree. And taking to Instagram Stories, the Hollywood veteran posted footage of a Thanksgiving parade featuring Buzz Lightyear and Paw Patrol balloons. The star captioned, 'Thank you @warrencarlyle for sharing your view!' Hugh Jackman is spending Thanksgiving in Paris, and gave fans a glimpse at his holiday celebration on Instagram The 57-year-old Australian actor shared a series of images from a day in the city and wrote, 'From Paris, with love' Another post featured a casserole dish with sweet potatoes and a marshmallow topping as he added a 'Happy Thanksgiving' sticker. One day earlier Hugh gushed over Sutton, 50, as he shared a photo of her during an intimate performance at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City on Tuesday night. The post also featured a short video of the Tony Award-winning actress waving as she dazzled in a dark evening dress. The A-lister captioned: '@suttonlenore performing during the holidays at @cafecarlyle now thats an iconic NYC night! And, truly magical.' It came one month after the new couple made their red carpet debut following Hugh's divorce from Deborra-Lee Furness, who turns 70 on November 30, earlier this year. Sutton supported her new man at the Song Song Blue premiere during AFI Fest at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles on October 26. They put on a loved-up display, wrapping their arms wrapped around each another as they posed for cameras. The two also recently enjoyed a night out at the Fetch Pet Gala in NYC on October 20. Hugh enjoyed shopping, a cafe, and biking with a friend One photo featured a display of fruit, vegetables, and pastries He shared landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre art museum He also uploaded a brief clip with Song Sung Blue co-star Kate Hudson as the two sang in front of a Christmas tree Another post featured a casserole dish with sweet potatoes and a marshmallow topping as he added a 'Happy Thanksgiving' sticker Hugh and Deborra-Lee were married 27 years before announcing their separation in September 2023. They share two adopted children who are now adults. In June, the pair finalized their divorce a month after filing. A judgment of divorce was filed on June 12, making it official. The document was made public on June 23. The divorce had been settled prior, but the judge's final sign-off was required to make it official. Deborra-Lee will receive a payout, according to an insider who previously spoke to the Daily Mail and said, 'A settlement was reached that Deborra is pleased with, which includes a handsome spousal support payment.' It was added: 'There was some back and forth regarding this financial agreement but, in the end, she got what she believed she deserved. Both are coming out of this financially secure. 'There is not going to be any drama with this; it gives closure that she needed.' Gemma Collins has shared a health update on her mother Joan after she was taken to hospital with pneumonia earlier this month. The TOWIE icon, 44, revealed that Joan, 70, is 'slowly on the mend' as she shared a snap of her smiling mother in her hospital bed with family. She wrote: 'Seeing mummy slowly on the mend today finally is a miracle from above and the incredible doctors and physios at Broomfield hospital. I can't thank you enough.' Pneumonia is a type of chest infection that affects the tiny air sacs in the lungs. The condition causes these sacs to be become inflamed and fill with fluid, making it harder to breathe. Last week, Gemma asked fans to pray for her beloved mum Joan who she revealed was 'really unwell' with pneumonia. Gemma accompanied the photo with a heartbreaking post which read: 'This week has been the toughest week of my life I didnt know if I was coming or going and still dont my mum is really unwell and I just want to thank the NHS doctors and nurses at BROOMFIELD HOSPITAL CHELMSFORD HOSPITAL FOR looking after mum so well. Gemma Collins, 44, has shared a health update on her mother Joan, 70, after she was taken to hospital with pneumonia earlier this month The TOWIE icon revealed Joan is 'slowly on the mend' as she shared a snap of her smiling mother in her hospital bed with her family 'Mum has phenomena [sic] and is really struggling please if you believe in prayer like me please say a prayer for mum to get well asap. Thank you to all my closest for being there for me and for everyone who has reached out to higher powers to help mum you know who you are.' Gemma continued: 'Also all the friends and family who have visited and keep bringing the love for mum, mum and me always have loved Madonna and her music so its getting me through atm giving me a lift.' Last year Gemma was told how her mother could die after she was rushed to hospital after she stopped breathing. Speaking to The Sun, she said: 'I've had a lot of stress the last couple of weeks. 'My mum was suddenly taken into hospital and I was told she could die. They would not resuscitate her if she went into cardiac arrest. 'So imagine that, you know, I'm in the hospital having been out for dinner the day before, and then the next day I'm like, "wow", so that was a massive shock.' Gemma revealed that Joan had been rushed to hospital and was in intensive care. The reality TV personality shared sweet snaps with her mum to social media, telling fans Joan is 'really ill at the minute'. Last week, Gemma asked fans to pray for her beloved mum Joan who she revealed was 'really unwell' with pneumonia She shared a heartbreaking snap as cuddled her mother at her bedside in what has been the 'toughest week of her life' Last year Gemma was told how her mother could die after she was rushed to hospital after she stopped breathing In a video shared to Instagram, Gemma - who has openly spoken about her mother's health struggles in the past - explained: 'My mum is really ill at the minute, she's in intensive care. 'It's been a hell of a time and you know, I'm really happy, and well not that happy, because my mum's in intensive care, but she is on the mend, thank god.' Gemma later wrote: 'Last week I had the shock of my life when my mum stopped breathing. I called an ambulance and was told to prepare for the worst and would I like to resuscitate her.' She then reassured worried fans that Joan is now 'stable' and will 'hopefully' be much better soon. In August last year, Gemma shared a snap of her mother with a breathing tube in her nose after being admitted to Queens Hospital in Essex. She penned: 'Such a scary moment when Mum comes to hospital. Thank you Queens Hospital Romford for all you're doing.' Sharing another snap of her mother on her grid, she added: 'Love your parents as hard as you can. Thank you to everyone looking after mum @joancollins1 at QUEENS HOSPITAL ROMFORD.' Meanwhile the TV star is reportedly raking in a seven-figure sum ahead of her rumoured I'm A Celebrity All Stars comeback. Gemma is set to give the show another go, after famously quitting the show just 72 hours in the first time round. She headed Down Under back in 2014, but only lasted in the jungle for three days before jetting back to the UK. Speaking about her potential return to I'm A Celebrity for the All Stars season, a source told the publication: 'She hated it first time round but knows it would be TV gold for her fans if she gave it another go. 'The discussions could go either way, but signing her would be a huge win for execs.' Made In Chelsea star Maeva D'Ascanio has announced she has given birth to a baby girl, her second child with her husband James Taylor. The reality star, 33, shared the happy news in an Instagram post on Thursday evening, sharing photos and revealing her newborn daughter's name. Maeva wrote: 'Welcome to the world little Josephine Scarlett Taylor.' The couple, who married in 2023, became parents for the first time in 2022, welcoming son Beau, two. The TV personality revealed that she was pregnant again back in May, sharing a sweet video showing off her bump and scan and as Beau kissed her stomach. Revealing they were having a girl, she penned in the caption: 'We can't wait to meet you pretty little girl @jamestaylorldn.' Made In Chelsea star Maeva D'Ascanio has announced she has given birth to a baby girl, her second child with her husband James Taylor The reality star, 33, shared the happy news in an Instagram post on Thursday evening, sharing photos and revealing her newborn daughter's name Maeva joined Made In Chelsea as Miles Nazaire's on-off girlfriend in 2019 before finding love with James, causing the two friends to spectacularly fall out. She married James in November 2023 in front of their Made In Chelsea co-stars including Ruby Adler and Sam Prince. The couple had their second ceremony at Hedsor House in Buckinghamshire in the December, after officially marrying at Chelsea Registry Office in the November. Sharing their big day with Hello! Magazine, the couple gushed that it was 'perfect' as they opened up on the lavish details of their Christmas nuptials. Maeva looked incredible in a Liz Martinez dress from P.S. Bridal Rental and Jimmy Choo shoes. The floor-length silk and lace gown featured hand-embroidered florals with the bride explaining how 'it was a little bit see-through, but also traditional, so I managed to get everything in one dress'. The couple welcomed 76 guests to their Georgian venue which was decorated with five stunning Christmas trees, candles, white roses and fairy lights. The guest of honour was the couple's son, who was carried down the aisle by his dad to the Elton John classic Your Song. The TV personality revealed that she was pregnant again back in May, sharing a sweet video showing off her bump and scan She married James in December 2023 in front of their Made In Chelsea co-stars including Ruby Adler and Sam Prince Maeva became a mother for the first time in 2022, welcoming son Beau with James Maeva then had the Sheena Easton's song For Your Eyes Only played as she made her entrance on a balcony above the ceremony space. James told Hello! of the moment he first saw his bride: 'All the times we'd had together, all the memories, flashed before my eyes and I thought: "That's my woman and she will be forever."' 'Everything was perfect, more than perfect,' Maeva added. Among the guests there to help them celebrate were their Made In Chelsea co-stars Ruby Adler, Reza Amiri-Garroussi, Hugo MacKenzie-Wood, Joel Mignott, Robbie Mullet, Tristan Phipps, Digby Edgley and Sam Prince. The couple got engaged in April 2022 while visiting the Trevi Fountain in Rome. James proposed with a 2.5-carat pear-shaped diamond engagement ring which he designed and had already asked Maeva's father for permission to marry her in 2022. Cracker Barrel's embattled CEO has complained that she was 'fired by America' in a new interview. Julie Felss Masino, the restaurant's president and chief executive officer, was saved by investors last week after 75 percent of shares were cast in her favor. The vote came after Masino's controversial efforts to give the brand a 'woke' revamp. In an interview with The Blaze's Glenn Beck, Masino discussed her leadership role. 'This is probably very unfair to ask you. Were you surprised you weren't fired?' Beck asked. 'Um, I feel like I've been fired by America,' Masino said with a laugh. 'That's probably worse,' Beck responded. Speaking alongside senior vice-president of store operations Doug Hisel on The Glenn Beck Podcast, Masino said she never intended to redesign the entire restaurant, which has a Southern country theme. Cracker Barrel's embattled CEO complained that she was 'fired by America' in an interview Julie Felss Masino, the restaurant's president and chief executive officer, was saved by investors after 75 percent of shares were cast in her favor 'I think a lot of people think that Doug and me and other people sit around, are like, "Let's remodel Cracker Barrel." Nothing could be further from the truth,' Masino said. 'The notion for some of that truly came out of a lot of the work that we were doing on how do we improve food and experience. When we were talking to our guests, they said, "Stores could be a little bit more comfortable. They're real dark. I can't read the menu."' Masino confessed that she and her team may have missed the mark with their efforts to rebrand. 'We're sorry that that's what people feel,' Masino said. 'That was not the intent. It was not the intent. It hurts me, because I don't want people to be mad at Cracker Barrel,' she continued. 'Our job is to make people love Cracker Barrel the way that our guests do, right? And so, even trying to invite new people in, it was always about how do we show them the magic that is Cracker Barrel.' Masino, hired in 2023 after leadership roles at Taco Bell and other consumer brands, was tasked with refreshing Cracker Barrel, boosting sales, and attracting younger customers. She cut the company's dividend to free up hundreds of millions of dollars to remodel restaurants, modernize the brand, upgrade technology, and improve maintenance. Cracker Barrel was forced to axe the new logo (pictured) following a huge backlash Last week's vote came after months of damage control. The chain faced intense criticism for its logo change and broader rebranding push. In August, Cracker Barrel removed its longtime 'old timer' logo character to simplify its branding but reinstated him following backlash from customers and conservatives, including President Trump. The company also paused store remodels, reshuffled management, and promised to return to older cooking methods for many dishes. Traffic dropped 8 percent after the logo rollout, and Cracker Barrel expects sales to stay under pressure for the near future. Also in August, Cracker Barrel's co-founder delivered a scathing critique of the restaurant chain's CEO after the botched rebranding. Tommy Lowe, 93, accused Masino of failing to grasp what Cracker Barrel stands for, pointing to her previous stint at Taco Bell. 'They're trying to modernize to be like the competition. Cracker Barrel doesn't have any competition,' Low, who co-founded Cracker Barrel with the late Dan Evins in Lebanon, Tennessee, in 1969, told WTVF. 'I heard she was at Taco Bell. What's Taco Bell know about Cracker Barrel and country food? They need to work on the food and service and leave the barrel, the logo, alone.' Known nationwide as 'America's hometown', this coastal community has long balanced its iconic past with a rapidly evolving present. Plymouth, Massachusetts, is not only the birthplace of Thanksgiving, it's also transformed into a highly sought-after coastal sanctuary. Part of greater Boston and the gateway to the celebrity-favored sands of Cape Cod, it has become one of the state's most coveted shoreline enclaves. Plymouth certainly has a lot to give, and while its history and scenery remain undeniable draws, one thing is growing increasingly scarce: affordable places to live. Many people agree Plymouth urgently needs real affordable housing. The average listing home price in the town is $749,500. The debate is whether the state's Chapter 40B program actually provides it and whether Plymouth can continue growing while keeping residents happy and without losing the charm that makes it special. Plymouth's Select Board the town's executive branch says the town has built more than 4,500 housing units in the last eight years, Realtor.com reported. But board members argue that a new project, which can bypass local oversight, feels like a 'hostile takeover.' Plymouth, Massachusetts, is not only the birthplace of Thanksgiving, it's also a sought-after coastal sanctuary Part of greater Boston and the gateway to the celebrity-favored sands of Cape Cod, Plymouth has become one of the states most coveted shoreline enclaves Despite being dubbed 'America's hometown', Plymouth doesn't have many homes that Americans can afford The project, proposed by Pulte Homes, would add 163 condos on two lots under 10 acres, in what officials say is an already crowded North Plymouth neighborhood. It would add to the more than 1,000 units recently built or approved through Chapter 40B, a state program meant to expand affordable housing across Massachusetts. 'Plymouth desperately needs truly affordable housing,' Select Board member Deb Iaquinto told the outlet. However, she says the newest Chapter 40B proposals aren't providing the kind of housing the town truly needs. Under Massachusetts' Chapter 40B law, towns must make 10 percent of their homes affordable. To push development, builders who set aside 20 to 25 percent of units as affordable can skip local zoning rules. Plymouth officials say the issue is that 'affordable' prices are based on greater Boston incomes much higher than what most Plymouth residents earn making the units not truly affordable for the town. 'As a result, rents for these units in Plymouth actually are as much (sometimes more than) market rate units,' Iaquinto explained. 'We're not opposed to density, as long as it's in a location that has the infrastructure to support it and it complements the neighborhood. Good design is all it takes!' she said. Plymouth is not the same place it was when settled by the English Pilgrims, led by explorer John Smith who named the town way back in 1620. Plymouth certainly has a lot to give, and while its history and scenery remain undeniable draws, one thing is growing increasingly scarce: affordable places to live Plymouth is not the same place it was when settled by the English Pilgrims way back in 1620 Plymouth officials say the issue is that 'affordable' prices are based on greater Boston incomes much higher than what most Plymouth residents earn making the units not truly affordable for the town Plymouth is the largest town in Massachusetts by land size big enough that it can take 40 minutes to drive across it. Even though it's famous as the Pilgrims' landing spot and the symbolic home of Thanksgiving, it was for many years mostly a blue-collar summer town, where downtown restaurants often couldn't stay open year-round. Peter Zheutlin, a journalist who moved to Plymouth last year, told Realtor.com he used to think of the town as 'flyover country' a place people simply passed on the way from Boston to Cape Cod. That's changed fast, he says, thanks to huge new communities like Pine Hills and Redbrook, which tend to draw wealthier retirees and empty nesters. This influx is reshaping a town long rooted in blue-collar industries like rope-making, fishing, and shipping. Yet Zheutlin sees major promise: stunning waterfront views with whales and dolphins, a philharmonic orchestra, a busy arts center, and an improving restaurant scene. At the same time, he notes, some waterfront properties are still run-down. 'Is Plymouth on the edge of becoming the next Portland or Portsmouth?' he asks. 'It could be headed that way.' This mix of promise and decline and of newcomers with money and longtime working residents fuels Plymouth's current housing tensions. Thinking about cinema in Goa has always required a certain attentiveness because this festival has a way of slowing the mind while sharpening observation. That attentiveness felt especially vivid this year. The news of Dharmendras passing earlier in the week rested quietly over the festival grounds, shaping conversations and lending weight to the minute of silence at the Film Bazaars closing ceremony. It created an atmosphere where films, filmmakers and audiences carried themselves with a heightened awareness of artistic legacies and the fragile continuity that binds generations of cinema. Across Panjim, screenings and press interactions revealed how filmmakers from Iran, Iraq, Assam, Bulgaria, Russia, Turkey, Mexico and several Indian regions approached storytelling with conviction. At the press conference featuring My Daughters Hair and The Presidents Cake, Iranian and Iraqi voices brought a candour grounded in lived experience. They spoke of family pressures, political environments and creative paths shaped by circumstance. Listening to them, one could sense how festivals become places where national histories are spoken through personal memory. The Assamese teams behind Bhaimon Da and Patralekha carried a different emotional register. Their articulation of Munin Baruas influence and Bhupen Hazarika's enduring resonance felt like cultural continuity taking shape through cinema. The way they described their work suggested that regional storytelling thrives through artists who treat culture as an inheritance rather than a symbol. The screenings through the day offered a wide canvas. Oslo A Tail of Promise, presented by actor Pooja Rajiv Bhale and composer Hriday Deepak Gattani, brought a reflective tone to its session. Shangrila, with writer Binod Chhetri present, drew attention to Sikkimese life and its shifting rhythms. Neetu Chandra's involvement in Chhath created a strong Bhojpuri presence in the schedule. Pokkhirajer Dim, led by Soukarya Ghosal and Anirban Bhattacharya, contributed a Bengali vision shaped by imagination and emotional detail. The afternoon offered some of the days most absorbing interactions. The Untold Agony screened with director Jayram Bhaskar Waghmode and actor-producer Santosh Anil Kasbe speaking thoughtfully about its Marathi narrative. White Snow, represented by Praveen Morchhale and creative director Ajay Chourey, shaped a quiet session marked by restraint. Gondhal, with Kishor Bhanudas Kadam and creative producer Rameshwar Govindrao Bendrikar, added a grounded Marathi energy. The presence of Jabbar Patel during Ek Hota Vidushak showed how certain filmmakers continue to influence the values and questions within Indian cinema. Later, Sibi Malayil and GP Vijayakumar introduced Kireedam, reinforcing the lasting strength of Malayalam storytelling. In the evening, Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan brought director Ram Kamal Mukherjee and producer Aritra Das to their audience. The screening of Shiva drew considerable attention, heightened by Nagarjunas arrival on the red carpet. His presence carried the weight of a film that redefined Telugu cinemas visual language and attitude in the early 1990s. For many in the crowd, watching him walk with the ease of someone who shaped an entire generation of screen style felt like revisiting a landmark moment in their own film memory. It was the kind of appearance that reminded the festival why iconic performances continue to hold relevance long after their release. Beyond screenings, the roundtable on film criticism gathered a thoughtful audience. Critics deliberated on the evolving nature of the field, the pressures of digital immediacy and the continuing need for independent judgement. Their conversation displayed a shared understanding that festivals remain essential spaces where criticism and reflection gain structure. Filmmakers from Bulgaria, Russia and the Turkish German Bulgarian team of Those Who Whistle After Dark widened the days frame. Their reflections on philosophy, migration, artistic vulnerability and the nature of collaboration created a session that resembled a focused academic exchange. Shekhar Kapur's session on technology and creativity added another dimension, raising questions about emotion, intuition and the artistic choices that shape future cinema. Along the Mandovi, performances by local musicians and dancers contributed to the festivals character. Self-help groups preparing regional food created an environment where cultural exchange happened naturally, making the promenade feel like an integral extension of the festival's energy. If a festival prompts reflection, what did Goa make its audience think about? IFFI brought together films, their creators, the questions they raised and the memories they carried. Across the venues, these elements worked together with a natural ease, turning the festival into a space where cinema was examined with intent. The experience showed how the medium helps societies look at themselves through conversation, interpretation and presence. The festival upheld that role with steady purpose. A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of Brookdale Senior Living (NYSE: BKD) recently: 11/23/2025 Brookdale Senior Living was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a sell rating to a hold rating. 11/17/2025 Brookdale Senior Living had its price target raised by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $9.00 to $13.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 11/15/2025 Brookdale Senior Living was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a sell rating. 11/10/2025 Brookdale Senior Living was upgraded by analysts at Barclays PLC from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating. They now have a $14.00 price target on the stock, up previously from $8.00. 10/8/2025 Brookdale Senior Living had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 9/27/2025 Brookdale Senior Living had its sell (d-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 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. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Brookdale Senior Living Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookdale Senior Living Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the ten analysts that are covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $38.9750. MT has been the subject of several recent research reports. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of ArcelorMittal in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $49.00 price objective on shares of ArcelorMittal in a research note on Wednesday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of ArcelorMittal in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen downgraded ArcelorMittal from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 11th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company restated a cautious rating and set a $39.00 price target (up previously from $33.00) on shares of ArcelorMittal in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Get ArcelorMittal alerts: Get Our Latest Report on ArcelorMittal ArcelorMittal Price Performance ArcelorMittal stock opened at $43.15 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $35.35 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.32, a PEG ratio of 0.17 and a beta of 1.72. The firms fifty day moving average is $38.54 and its 200 day moving average is $34.49. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 1.40 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. ArcelorMittal has a 52-week low of $21.59 and a 52-week high of $43.23. ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by $0.04. ArcelorMittal had a net margin of 4.11% and a return on equity of 4.99%. The business had revenue of $15.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.88 billion. During the same period last year, the company posted $0.63 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that ArcelorMittal will post 3.72 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Investors Weigh In On ArcelorMittal Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in ArcelorMittal by 12.5% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 76,010 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,193,000 after acquiring an additional 8,448 shares in the last quarter. Summit Securities Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ArcelorMittal in the first quarter valued at approximately $3,778,000. FORA Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of ArcelorMittal in the first quarter valued at approximately $440,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its stake in ArcelorMittal by 232.6% in the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 33,858 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $977,000 after purchasing an additional 23,678 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Caption Management LLC purchased a new position in ArcelorMittal during the 1st quarter worth $288,000. Institutional investors own 9.29% of the companys stock. ArcelorMittal Company Profile (Get Free Report) ArcelorMittal SA, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated steel and mining companies in the United States, Europe, and internationally. It offers semi-finished flat products, including slabs; finished flat products comprising plates, hot- and cold-rolled coils and sheets, hot-dipped and electro-galvanized coils and sheets, tinplate, and color coated coils and sheets; semi-finished long products, such as blooms and billets; finished long products consisting of bars, wire-rods, structural sections, rails, sheet piles, and wire-products; and seamless and welded pipes and tubes. See Also Receive News & Ratings for ArcelorMittal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ArcelorMittal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barnwell Industries, Inc. (NYSE:BRN Get Free Report) Director Joshua Horowitz acquired 45,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The stock was purchased at an average price of $1.10 per share, with a total value of $49,500.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 315,276 shares of the companys stock, valued at $346,803.60. This trade represents a 16.65% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Joshua Horowitz also recently made the following trade(s): Get Barnwell Industries alerts: On Monday, November 24th, Joshua Horowitz purchased 14,563 shares of Barnwell Industries stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $1.10 per share, with a total value of $16,019.30. Barnwell Industries Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BRN traded down $0.06 on Wednesday, hitting $1.15. The companys stock had a trading volume of 14,874 shares, compared to its average volume of 153,281. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $1.23 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1.22. The company has a market capitalization of $11.59 million, a PE ratio of -1.69 and a beta of -0.32. Barnwell Industries, Inc. has a 1 year low of $1.08 and a 1 year high of $2.28. About Barnwell Industries Barnwell Industries, Inc acquires, develops, produces, and sells oil and natural gas in Canada. The company operates through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Land Investment, and Contract Drilling. It also acquires and develops crude oil and natural gas assets in the province of Alberta, as well as invests in land interests in Hawaii. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Barnwell Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barnwell Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Celsius, Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Solar, TC Energy, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce are the seven Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of ownership in companies headquartered in Canada, typically listed on Canadian exchanges such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) or TSX Venture, though some Canadian firms also trade on foreign markets. For investors they provide direct exposure to the Canadian economy and currency and are often concentrated in sectors like financials, energy, and materials, bringing country- and commodity-specific as well as general market risks. Investors can access Canadian stocks directly or via ETFs and ADRs to gain diversified or targeted exposure. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Celsius (CELH) Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products. Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Canadian National Railway (CNI) 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. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI Canadian Solar (CSIQ) Canadian Solar Inc., together with its subsidiaries, provides solar energy and battery energy storage products and solutions in in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, CSI Solar and Recurrent Energy. The CSI Solar segment designs, develops, and manufactures solar ingots, wafers, cells, modules, and other solar power and battery storage products. Read Our Latest Research Report on CSIQ TC Energy (TRP) TC Energy Corporation operates as an energy infrastructure company in North America. It operates through five segments: Canadian Natural Gas Pipelines; U.S. Natural Gas Pipelines; Mexico Natural Gas Pipelines; Liquids Pipelines; and Power and Energy Solutions. The company builds and operates a network of 93,600 kilometers of natural gas pipelines, which transports natural gas from supply basins to local distribution companies, power generation plants, industrial facilities, interconnecting pipelines, LNG export terminals, and other businesses. Read Our Latest Research Report on TRP Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Read Our Latest Research Report on CM Further Reading Tesla, Rivian Automotive, and NIO are the three Electric Vehicle stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Electric vehicle stocks are shares of companies directly or indirectly involved in the electric-vehicle ecosystem including EV manufacturers, battery and component suppliers, charging infrastructure operators, and related software or service providers. For investors, these stocks offer exposure to the growth potential of vehicle electrification while carrying risks tied to technology shifts, regulation, commodity prices, competition, and consumer adoption. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Electric Vehicle stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Tesla (TSLA) Tesla, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, leases, and sells electric vehicles, and energy generation and storage systems in the United States, China, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Automotive, and Energy Generation and Storage. The Automotive segment offers electric vehicles, as well as sells automotive regulatory credits; and non-warranty after-sales vehicle, used vehicles, body shop and parts, supercharging, retail merchandise, and vehicle insurance services. Rivian Automotive (RIVN) Rivian Automotive, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles and accessories. The company offers consumer vehicles, including a two-row, five-passenger pickup truck under the R1T brand, a three-row, seven-passenger sport utility vehicle under the R1S name. Read Our Latest Research Report on RIVN NIO (NIO) NIO Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells electric vehicles in the People's Republic of China. The company is also involved in the manufacture of e-powertrain, battery packs, and components; and racing management, technology development, and sales and after-sales management activities. In addition, it offers power solutions for battery charging needs; and other value-added services. Read Our Latest Research Report on NIO Featured Articles Mobius Investment Trust plc (LON:MMIT Get Free Report) insider Diana Dyer Bartlett purchased 21,469 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 21st. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 138 per share, for a total transaction of 29,627.22. Mobius Investment Trust Price Performance MMIT stock opened at GBX 139 on Thursday. Mobius Investment Trust plc has a 1-year low of GBX 107.70 and a 1-year high of GBX 150.98. The business has a 50-day moving average price of GBX 142.82 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 139.28. The company has a market capitalization of 160.43 million, a P/E ratio of -38.29 and a beta of 0.74. Get Mobius Investment Trust alerts: About Mobius Investment Trust (Get Free Report) Mobius Investment Trust plc (MMIT) is a closed-ended investment company listed on London Stock Exchange (LSE: MMIT). MMIT provides investors with access to a high conviction portfolio of 25-30 small to mid-cap companies, across emerging and frontier markets. The London listed investment trust will be managed by MCP Emerging Markets LLP (MCP), an investment manager launched in May 2018. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Mobius Investment Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mobius Investment Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:CWAN Get Free Report) CFO James Cox sold 29,700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $22.00, for a total transaction of $653,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 333,983 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,347,626. This represents a 8.17% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Clearwater Analytics Stock Down 1.8% Clearwater Analytics stock traded down $0.39 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $21.74. 3,880,196 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 3,977,141. The company has a current ratio of 1.97, a quick ratio of 1.97 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. The stock has a market cap of $6.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 14.21, a P/E/G ratio of 5.71 and a beta of 0.69. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $18.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $20.48. Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. has a 1-year low of $15.73 and a 1-year high of $32.34. Get Clearwater Analytics alerts: Clearwater Analytics (NYSE:CWAN Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.14 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.16 by ($0.02). Clearwater Analytics had a return on equity of 2.77% and a net margin of 61.28%.The company had revenue of $205.11 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $203.66 million. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.14 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 77.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Clearwater Analytics has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc. will post 0.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. Analyst Ratings Changes Clearwater Analytics declared that its Board of Directors has approved a stock repurchase program on Wednesday, September 3rd that permits the company to repurchase $100.00 million in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to buy up to 1.7% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock repurchase programs are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. CWAN has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Clearwater Analytics from $28.00 to $26.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Clearwater Analytics in a research note on Tuesday. Wall Street Zen downgraded Clearwater Analytics from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday. DA Davidson reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $30.00 target price on shares of Clearwater Analytics in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group raised Clearwater Analytics from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $27.00 price target on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Nine equities 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, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $29.56. View Our Latest Stock Report on Clearwater Analytics Hedge Funds Weigh In On Clearwater Analytics Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Versant Capital Management Inc raised its position in Clearwater Analytics by 189.3% in the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 1,565 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 1,024 shares in the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. grew its stake in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 278.9% in the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,523 shares of the companys stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 1,121 shares during the period. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC raised its holdings in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 54.9% in the 3rd quarter. Essex Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 1,806 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after buying an additional 640 shares in the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Clearwater Analytics by 84.6% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,545 shares of the companys stock worth $35,000 after buying an additional 708 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Danske Bank A S bought a new position in shares of Clearwater Analytics during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $36,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 50.10% of the companys stock. About Clearwater Analytics (Get Free Report) Clearwater Analytics Holdings, Inc develops and provides a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution for automated investment data aggregation, reconciliation, accounting, and reporting services to insurers, investment managers, corporations, institutional investors, and government entities in the United States and internationally. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Clearwater Analytics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Clearwater Analytics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco India ETF (NYSEARCA:PIN Get Free Report)s share price dropped 0% during trading on Monday . The company traded as low as $26.08 and last traded at $26.13. Approximately 19,241 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 57% from the average daily volume of 44,831 shares. The stock had previously closed at $26.14. Invesco India ETF Trading Up 0.7% The firm has a 50-day moving average of $25.95 and a two-hundred day moving average of $26.10. The firm has a market cap of $214.71 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.32 and a beta of 0.47. Get Invesco India ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco India ETF Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Bank of America Corp DE increased its position in Invesco India ETF by 19.4% during the third quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 703,034 shares of the companys stock worth $17,625,000 after acquiring an additional 114,064 shares during the period. MML Investors Services LLC increased its holdings in shares of Invesco India ETF by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. MML Investors Services LLC now owns 329,187 shares of the companys stock worth $8,872,000 after purchasing an additional 10,594 shares during the period. McAdam LLC raised its position in shares of Invesco India ETF by 4.9% during the third quarter. McAdam LLC now owns 235,442 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,903,000 after buying an additional 11,065 shares during the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Invesco India ETF by 2.4% in the second quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 227,038 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,119,000 after buying an additional 5,335 shares during the period. Finally, OLD Mission Capital LLC grew its position in Invesco India ETF by 409.0% during the first quarter. OLD Mission Capital LLC now owns 191,228 shares of the companys stock worth $4,783,000 after buying an additional 153,662 shares in the last quarter. 40.83% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Invesco India ETF PowerShares India Portfolio (the Fund) is based on the Indus India Index (Index). The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing substantially all of its assets in a wholly-owned subsidiary located in the Republic of Mauritius (the Subsidiary), which in turn invests at least 90% of its total assets in securities of Indian companies that consists of the Index, as well as American depositary receipts(ADR) and global depositary receipts (GDR) based on the securities in the Index. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Invesco India ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco India ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (BATS:XSHD Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 13% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $14.53 and last traded at $12.5450. 45,260 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 16% from the average session volume of 53,893 shares. The stock had previously closed at $14.42. Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF Stock Down 10.6% The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $13.02 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $13.30. The stock has a market capitalization of $69.87 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.06 and a beta of 1.02. Get Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 76.0% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 144,940 shares of the companys stock worth $2,012,000 after purchasing an additional 62,594 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers acquired a new position in Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $1,180,000. Concord Asset Management LLC VA increased its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF by 35.3% in the second quarter. Concord Asset Management LLC VA now owns 137,934 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,857,000 after buying an additional 36,004 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $232,000. Finally, Heartwood Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $1,639,000. Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF Company Profile The Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (XSHD) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in small-cap stocks. The fund tracks a dividend-yield-weighted index of the 60 least volatile stocks chosen from a list of the 90 highest-yielding US small-cap stocks. XSHD was launched on Dec 1, 2016 and is managed by Invesco. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco S&P SmallCap High Dividend Low Volatility ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF (BATS:BBRE Get Free Report) shares rose 2.2% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $94.28 and last traded at $94.1590. Approximately 7,630 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 75% from the average daily volume of 29,958 shares. The stock had previously closed at $92.1040. JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF Stock Up 3.7% The company has a market capitalization of $929.22 million, a P/E ratio of 34.86 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a 50-day moving average of $94.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $93.64. Get JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised its stake in JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF by 1.8% during the third quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 4,140,848 shares of the companys stock valued at $395,368,000 after buying an additional 74,483 shares during the last quarter. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. raised its position in JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF by 4.3% in the 2nd quarter. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Management Co. now owns 2,584,286 shares of the companys stock worth $238,039,000 after buying an additional 105,550 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF by 2.2% during the third quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC now owns 554,960 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,988,000 after purchasing an additional 11,724 shares during the last quarter. Alaska Permanent Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF by 3.7% in the third quarter. Alaska Permanent Capital Management LLC now owns 508,892 shares of the companys stock worth $48,599,000 after purchasing an additional 17,959 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its position in JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF by 6.6% in the 3rd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 352,820 shares of the companys stock worth $33,687,000 after purchasing an additional 21,827 shares during the period. JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF Company Profile The JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI U.S. REIT ETF (BBRE) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI US REIT Custom Capped index, a market-cap-weighted index of small-, mid-, and large-cap companies involved in the ownership or management of US real estate. BBRE was launched on Jun 15, 2018 and is managed by JPMorgan Chase. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JPMorgan BetaBuilders MSCI US REIT ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Monday . The stock traded as low as $39.61 and last traded at $39.6890, with a volume of 396223 shares. The stock had previously closed at $40.32. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages have issued reports on KBR. DA Davidson dropped their price objective on shares of KBR from $72.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of KBR from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of KBR in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They set an equal weight rating and a $45.00 price target on the stock. Citigroup cut their price target on shares of KBR from $62.00 to $57.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Bank of America lowered their price objective on KBR from $55.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, KBR has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $59.00. Get KBR alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on KBR KBR Stock Performance The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $44.26 and its 200-day simple moving average is $47.99. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. The company has a market capitalization of $5.18 billion, a PE ratio of 14.77, a PEG ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.68. KBR (NYSE:KBR Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The construction company reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.95 by $0.07. KBR had a return on equity of 33.65% and a net margin of 4.52%.The company had revenue of $525.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.99 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.84 earnings per share. KBRs quarterly revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts predict that KBR, Inc. will post 3.26 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. KBR Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a dividend of $0.165 per share. This represents a $0.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. KBRs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.68%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Invesco Ltd. raised its position in shares of KBR by 1.5% during the 3rd quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 5,544,490 shares of the construction companys stock worth $262,199,000 after purchasing an additional 79,258 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners increased its position in KBR by 25.6% during the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 5,506,603 shares of the construction companys stock worth $264,474,000 after buying an additional 1,122,076 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in shares of KBR by 8.1% in the second quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 4,090,874 shares of the construction companys stock worth $196,116,000 after acquiring an additional 308,268 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its position in shares of KBR by 17.8% in the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 3,419,468 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $163,929,000 after acquiring an additional 517,633 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of KBR by 1.5% during the third quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 2,550,767 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $120,621,000 after acquiring an additional 38,568 shares during the last quarter. 97.02% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About KBR (Get Free Report) KBR, Inc provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. It operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. See Also Receive News & Ratings for KBR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC Get Free Report) (TSE:K) shares were up 6.6% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as $26.04 and last traded at $26.0070. Approximately 8,481,183 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 55% from the average daily volume of 19,054,162 shares. The stock had previously closed at $24.39. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Scotiabank reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Kinross Gold in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. CIBC upped their price objective on shares of Kinross Gold from $36.00 to $37.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Canaccord Genuity Group boosted their target price on shares of Kinross Gold from $28.00 to $29.50 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on shares of Kinross Gold from $27.00 to $31.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, TD Securities boosted their price target on Kinross Gold from $22.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kinross Gold presently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $27.69. Get Kinross Gold alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on Kinross Gold Kinross Gold Stock Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $33.09 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a current ratio of 2.84. The stocks fifty day moving average is $24.62 and its two-hundred day moving average is $19.74. Kinross Gold (NYSE:KGC Get Free Report) (TSE:K) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The mining company reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.05. Kinross Gold had a return on equity of 20.04% and a net margin of 25.18%.The company had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.72 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.24 EPS. Kinross Golds revenue for the quarter was up 25.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that Kinross Gold Corporation will post 0.81 earnings per share for the current year. Kinross Gold Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be given a $0.035 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $0.14 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. This is a boost from Kinross Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. Kinross Golds payout ratio is 9.79%. Institutional Trading of Kinross Gold A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Van ECK Associates Corp increased its holdings in shares of Kinross Gold by 7.8% in the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 107,960,623 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $2,682,791,000 after purchasing an additional 7,825,336 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Kinross Gold by 3.2% in the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 50,738,541 shares of the mining companys stock worth $1,259,280,000 after purchasing an additional 1,553,594 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners raised its holdings in shares of Kinross Gold by 36.5% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 47,526,913 shares of the mining companys stock worth $632,797,000 after buying an additional 12,705,061 shares in the last quarter. Norges Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Kinross Gold during the second quarter worth approximately $389,025,000. Finally, Man Group plc grew its stake in shares of Kinross Gold by 47.8% during the second quarter. Man Group plc now owns 16,739,969 shares of the mining companys stock worth $261,646,000 after purchasing an additional 5,411,491 shares during the period. 63.69% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Kinross Gold Company Profile (Get Free Report) Kinross Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties principally in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Mauritania. The company operates the Fort Knox mine and the Manh Choh project in Alaska, as well as the Round Mountain and the Bald Mountain mines in Nevada, the United States; the Paracatu mine in Brazil; the La Coipa and the Lobo-Marte project in Chile; the Tasiast mine in Mauritania; and the Great Bear project in Canada. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Kinross Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinross Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA Free Report) had its target price boosted by Barclays from C$147.00 to C$158.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday,BayStreet.CA reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the financial services providers stock. Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the stock. Cibc World Mkts upgraded shares of National Bank of Canada from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 1st. Royal Bank Of Canada cut their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$152.00 to C$148.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 28th. Scotiabank lifted their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$150.00 to C$159.00 in a research report on Friday, October 10th. TD Securities upped their price target on National Bank of Canada from C$148.00 to C$161.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Desjardins raised National Bank of Canada from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of C$150.77. Get National Bank of Canada alerts: Get Our Latest Report on NA National Bank of Canada Stock Up 1.4% About National Bank of Canada Shares of NA stock opened at C$167.74 on Monday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of C$155.16 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$145.73. The stock has a market capitalization of C$65.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.53, a P/E/G ratio of 7.14 and a beta of 1.08. National Bank of Canada has a fifty-two week low of C$106.67 and a fifty-two week high of C$167.79. (Get Free Report) National Bank of Canada is the sixth-largest Canadian bank. The bank offers integrated financial services, primarily in the province of Quebec as well as the city of Toronto. Operational segments include personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and a financial markets group. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robot Consulting, Everbright Digital, Global Mofy AI, and HUB Cyber Security are the five Metaverse stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Metaverse stocks are shares of companies that develop or enable immersive virtual worlds and related digital experiences including makers of VR/AR hardware and software, online gaming and social platforms, cloud and GPU infrastructure, and marketplaces for virtual goods and real estate. For investors, the term describes an investment theme rather than a formal sector, often grouping highgrowth, speculative names whose fortunes depend on adoption of virtual/augmented reality, digital economies and enabling technologies. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Metaverse stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Robot Consulting (LAWR) Robot Consulting Co. Ltd. is a platform service provider focusing on human resource solutions with an intention to expand into legal technology and the metaverse. The Companys major product, Labor Robot, is a cloud-based human resource management system which helps users track employee attendance, manage sales orders and journalize accounting items. Everbright Digital (EDHL) We are an integrated marketing solutions provider in Hong Kong that is deeply involved in the metaverse and related technologies, and are committed to providing one-stop digital marketing services to support businesses through every stage of their development. Under the all-in-one service, our revenue is generated by providing tailored marketing solutions that address the specific needs of our clients in the context of the ever-developing nature of new forms of media. Read Our Latest Research Report on EDHL Global Mofy AI (GMM) Global Mofy Metaverse Limited, through its subsidiaries, provides virtual content production, digital marketing, and digital assets development services for the metaverse industry in the People's Republic of China. It offers services for visual effect design, content development, production, and integration based on customers specific needs; and 3D rebuilt and artificial intelligence technologies using its Mofy Lab technology platform. Read Our Latest Research Report on GMM HUB Cyber Security (HUBCW) HUB Security offers cyber security solutions in Israel and internationally. The company provides secure compute platform, metaverse security, quantum secured cloud workspace, quantum cure ransomware technology, and healthcare and AI security solutions; RAM Commander, a software tool for reliability prediction and analysis, reliability block diagram, Markov chains analysis, maintainability prediction, spares optimization, FMEA/FMECA, testability, fault tree analysis, event tree analysis, and safety assessment; D.STORM, a SaaS DDoS simulation platform; and safety assessment suite. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUBCW Featured Articles Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Monday . The stock had previously closed at $0.95, but opened at $1.02. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais shares last traded at $1.02, with a volume of 3,000 shares. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Zacks Research raised Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold. Get Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on USNZY Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Trading Up 6.4% The company has a quick ratio of 2.64, a current ratio of 4.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The firm has a market cap of $547.82 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -2.04 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $0.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $0.91. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais (OTCMKTS:USNZY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 24th. The basic materials company reported $0.01 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.01) by $0.02. Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais had a positive return on equity of 1.22% and a negative net margin of 12.91%.The firm had revenue of $1.23 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.20 billion. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA will post 0.09 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais (Get Free Report) Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais SA manufactures and markets flat steel products in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Mining and Logistics, Steel Metallurgy, and Steel Transformation. It extracts and process iron ore, such as pellet and sinter feed and, granulated iron ore; provides storage, handling, and road cargo transportation services; and operates highway and railway cargo terminals. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Usinas Siderurgicas de Minas Gerais and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. (NYSE:BNL Get Free Report) traded down 4.3% on Tuesday . The company traded as low as $17.98 and last traded at $17.6750. 2,721,049 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 80% from the average session volume of 1,513,887 shares. The stock had previously closed at $18.46. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research analysts have recently issued reports on BNL shares. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Broadstone Net Lease from $18.00 to $20.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Tuesday. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $22.00 target price on shares of Broadstone Net Lease in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. KeyCorp upgraded Broadstone Net Lease from a sector weight rating to an overweight rating and set a $20.00 target price for the company in a research report on Tuesday, August 19th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Broadstone Net Lease from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Broadstone Net Lease in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $20.11. Get Broadstone Net Lease alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Broadstone Net Lease Broadstone Net Lease Price Performance The firm has a market capitalization of $3.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.37 and a beta of 1.00. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $18.26 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.22. Broadstone Net Lease (NYSE:BNL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.14 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by ($0.23). The company had revenue of $114.17 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $111.89 million. Broadstone Net Lease had a net margin of 20.04% and a return on equity of 2.91%. Broadstone Net Lease has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.490-1.500 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Broadstone Net Lease, Inc. will post 1.43 EPS for the current year. Broadstone Net Lease Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.29 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $1.16 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.6%. Broadstone Net Leases payout ratio is 246.81%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Broadstone Net Lease Several institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in BNL. Strategic Advocates LLC bought a new position in shares of Broadstone Net Lease in the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Blue Trust Inc. increased its stake in Broadstone Net Lease by 96.9% during the 3rd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,790 shares of the companys stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 881 shares in the last quarter. Wolff Wiese Magana LLC acquired a new position in Broadstone Net Lease during the second quarter worth $45,000. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in shares of Broadstone Net Lease in the third quarter valued at $61,000. Finally, EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Broadstone Net Lease by 80.9% in the second quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 4,261 shares of the companys stock valued at $68,000 after buying an additional 1,906 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.07% of the companys stock. Broadstone Net Lease Company Profile (Get Free Report) Broadstone Net Lease, Inc (the Corporation) is a Maryland corporation formed on October 18, 2007, that elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT) commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2008. Broadstone Net Lease, LLC (the Corporations operating company, or the OP), is the entity through which the Corporation conducts its business and owns (either directly or through subsidiaries) all of the Corporations properties. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Broadstone Net Lease Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Broadstone Net Lease and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. raised its stake in Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF) by 210.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 19,612 shares of the financial services providers stock after buying an additional 13,292 shares during the period. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc.s holdings in Capital One Financial were worth $4,173,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its stake in Capital One Financial by 588,668.3% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 117,447,497 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $24,988,129,000 after purchasing an additional 117,427,549 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its holdings in Capital One Financial by 74.8% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 56,380,913 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $11,995,603,000 after purchasing an additional 24,129,990 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 64.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 14,008,841 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $2,970,628,000 after buying an additional 5,474,328 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners acquired a new position in shares of Capital One Financial during the 2nd quarter worth $533,486,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp boosted its position in shares of Capital One Financial by 41.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 7,011,073 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,491,676,000 after buying an additional 2,050,010 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.84% of the companys stock. Get Capital One Financial alerts: Capital One Financial Stock Up 1.5% COF opened at $217.60 on Thursday. Capital One Financial Corporation has a 12 month low of $143.22 and a 12 month high of $232.45. The business has a 50-day moving average of $216.00 and a two-hundred day moving average of $212.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45, a current ratio of 1.03 and a quick ratio of 1.03. The stock has a market capitalization of $138.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 91.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 1.19. Capital One Financial Increases Dividend Capital One Financial ( NYSE:COF Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The financial services provider reported $5.95 earnings per share for the quarter. Capital One Financial had a net margin of 2.24% and a return on equity of 10.94%. The business had revenue of $15.46 billion for the quarter. On average, research analysts expect that Capital One Financial Corporation will post 15.65 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.80 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $3.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.5%. This is a boost from Capital One Financials previous quarterly dividend of $0.60. Capital One Financials dividend payout ratio is presently 135.02%. Insider Activity at Capital One Financial In other Capital One Financial news, CEO Richard D. Fairbank sold 103,487 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $220.68, for a total transaction of $22,837,511.16. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 4,001,228 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $882,990,995.04. The trade was a 2.52% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Frank G. LapradeIii sold 17,840 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 13th. The stock was sold at an average price of $222.03, for a total value of $3,961,015.20. Following the sale, the insider owned 48,315 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,727,379.45. This represents a 26.97% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders sold 274,013 shares of company stock valued at $61,045,903 over the last quarter. 1.26% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analysts Set New Price Targets COF has been the subject of several recent research reports. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised their target price on shares of Capital One Financial from $224.00 to $240.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Zacks Research cut shares of Capital One Financial from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday. Rothschild & Co Redburn assumed coverage on Capital One Financial in a research report on Friday, August 1st. They set a buy rating and a $290.00 price objective for the company. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Capital One Financial from $240.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Truist Financial raised their price target on Capital One Financial from $260.00 to $270.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 12th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Capital One Financial has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $261.63. Read Our Latest Research Report on Capital One Financial Capital One Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Capital One Financial Corporation operates as the financial services holding company for the Capital One, National Association, which engages in the provision of various financial products and services in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It operates through three segments: Credit Card, Consumer Banking, and Commercial Banking. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Capital One Financial Corporation (NYSE:COF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Capital One Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capital One Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Teck Resources (TSE:TECK.B Get Free Report) had its price objective upped by equities research analysts at CIBC from C$57.00 to C$61.00 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage presently has a buy rating on the stock. CIBCs price target would suggest a potential upside of 1.50% from the companys previous close. TECK.B has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Teck Resources from C$60.00 to C$74.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 9th. Scotiabank lowered their target price on shares of Teck Resources from C$65.00 to C$60.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial reduced their price objective on shares of Teck Resources from C$64.00 to C$63.00 in a research note on Friday, October 10th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Teck Resources from C$56.00 to C$60.00 in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Teck Resources from C$60.00 to C$65.00 in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Six equities research 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 has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$63.77. Get Teck Resources alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Teck Resources Teck Resources Stock Up 0.5% About Teck Resources Teck Resources stock traded up C$0.28 during midday trading on Thursday, hitting C$60.10. 52,861 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,437,077. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 37.46, a current ratio of 1.48 and a quick ratio of 0.97. The firm has a market cap of C$29.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.14, a P/E/G ratio of -0.38 and a beta of 1.94. Teck Resources has a 1 year low of C$40.23 and a 1 year high of C$67.77. The company has a 50 day moving average price of C$58.76 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$53.23. (Get Free Report) Teck is a diversified miner with coal, copper, zinc, and oil sands operations in Canada, the United States, Chile, and Peru. Metallurgical coal is Tecks primary commodity in terms of EBITDA contribution, closely followed by copper, with zinc and oil sands contributing smaller amounts to earnings. Teck ranks as the worlds second- largest exporter of seaborne metallurgical coal and is a top-three zinc miner. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Teck Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Teck Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dayforce (NYSE:DAY Get Free Report) and Validian (OTCMKTS:VLDI 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 risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, institutional ownership, dividends and profitability. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Dayforce and Validian, as reported by MarketBeat. Get Dayforce alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Dayforce 2 14 1 1 2.06 Validian 0 0 0 0 0.00 Dayforce presently has a consensus target price of $70.36, indicating a potential upside of 1.86%. Given Dayforces stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Dayforce is more favorable than Validian. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Dayforce -7.91% 6.54% 1.92% Validian N/A N/A N/A Earnings and Valuation This table compares Dayforce and Validians net margins, return on equity and return on assets. This table compares Dayforce and Validians gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Dayforce $1.76 billion 6.28 $18.10 million ($0.94) -73.48 Validian N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Dayforce has higher revenue and earnings than Validian. Summary Dayforce beats Validian on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Dayforce (Get Free Report) Dayforce Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a human capital management (HCM) software company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It offers Dayforce, a cloud HCM platform that provides human resources, payroll and tax, workforce management, wallet, benefits, and talent intelligence functionalities; and Powerpay, a cloud HR and payroll solution for the small business market. The company also provides payroll and payroll-related services; and implementation and professional services. It sells its solutions through direct sales force and third-party channels. The company was formerly known as Ceridian HCM Holding Inc. and changed its name to Dayforce Inc. in February 2024. Dayforce Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. About Validian (Get Free Report) Validian Corporation, a development stage company, provides software products to assist public and private enterprises in Canada and internationally. The company primarily offers ValidianProtect, a software only cyber security technology comprising an application and data protection platform and a data protection module, which protect the life cycle of data by providing secure access, retrieval, transfer, receipt, storage, and usage of digital information on mobile, cloud, Web, local and network applications, devices, servers, databases, and memory at rest, as well as in transit and in usage using wired, and wireless and mobile networks. Its ValidianProtect also provides secure mobile messaging and communications, cloud computing, cloud storage, distributed computing and Web application and Web portal access and usage, software defined networking, and the Internet of Things and SCADA for computers, servers, databases, intelligent sensors, and tablets and smartphones. In addition, the company offers solutions customized to the client's business process to ensure authenticity, integrity, and custody of digital assets. It offers its products through direct sales, as well as through channel partners, such as independent software vendors, application service providers, value-added resellers, independent marketing representatives, system integrators, and original equipment manufacturers. The company was formerly known as Sochrys.com Inc. and changed its name to Validian Corporation in January 2003. Validian Corporation was incorporated in 1989 and is based in Ottawa, Canada. Receive News & Ratings for Dayforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dayforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. boosted its stake in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM Free Report) by 22.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 16,212 shares of the basic materials companys stock after buying an additional 3,000 shares during the quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A.s holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera were worth $572,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC bought a new position in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the 2nd quarter worth $67,759,000. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the 1st quarter valued at about $39,154,000. Itau Unibanco Holding S.A. bought a new stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the second quarter valued at approximately $32,432,000. Lord Abbett & CO. LLC purchased a new position in Sociedad Quimica y Minera in the first quarter worth $19,666,000. Finally, Strs Ohio bought a new position in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the 1st quarter valued at about $7,346,000. 12.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Sociedad Quimica y Minera alerts: Sociedad Quimica y Minera Stock Performance Shares of SQM stock opened at $63.28 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.93, a current ratio of 2.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. has a 52 week low of $29.36 and a 52 week high of $64.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $18.07 billion, a PE ratio of 37.89 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $47.99 and a 200-day moving average price of $41.66. Analyst Ratings Changes Sociedad Quimica y Minera ( NYSE:SQM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 18th. The basic materials company reported $0.62 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.68 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $1.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.14 billion. Sociedad Quimica y Minera had a net margin of 11.29% and a return on equity of 9.09%. Sociedad Quimica y Mineras quarterly revenue was up 8.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.46 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. will post -1.31 earnings per share for the current year. A number of brokerages recently commented on SQM. Scotiabank reiterated a sector outperform rating on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on Sociedad Quimica y Minera from $45.00 to $55.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. Itau BBA Securities assumed coverage on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a report on Thursday, September 4th. They set an outperform rating and a $55.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a $50.00 price target (down previously from $53.00) on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Sociedad Quimica y Minera presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.07. Read Our Latest Analysis on SQM About Sociedad Quimica y Minera (Free Report) Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA operates as a mining company worldwide. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers under Ultrasol, Qrop, Speedfol, Allganic, Ultrasoline, ProP, and Prohydric brands. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, agricultural, industrial, and human and animal nutrition products comprising x-ray contrast media, biocides, antiseptics and disinfectants, pharmaceutical intermediates, polarizing films for LCD and LED screens, chemicals, organic compounds, and pigments, as well as added to edible salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SQM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. lifted its position in The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 22.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 2,851 shares of the investment management companys stock after buying an additional 530 shares during the quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $2,018,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GS. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd acquired a new position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group during the 1st quarter worth about $25,000. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1,800.0% during the second quarter. Dogwood Wealth Management LLC now owns 38 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 36 shares during the period. Clearstead Trust LLC acquired a new position in The Goldman Sachs Group during the second quarter worth approximately $31,000. Ridgewood Investments LLC raised its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 45.9% in the second quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 54 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $38,000 after buying an additional 17 shares during the period. Finally, MeadowBrook Investment Advisors LLC bought a new stake in The Goldman Sachs Group in the second quarter valued at approximately $39,000. 71.21% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated a neutral rating and set a $750.00 target price (up from $625.00) on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. BNP Paribas Exane raised their price target on The Goldman Sachs Group from $685.00 to $775.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $854.00 to $828.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $752.00 to $830.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $786.00. The Goldman Sachs Group Stock Up 1.7% GS opened at $815.88 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $786.85 and a 200-day moving average of $723.41. The company has a market capitalization of $244.70 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.57, a P/E/G ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.41. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $439.38 and a fifty-two week high of $841.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.23, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 1.11. The Goldman Sachs Group (NYSE:GS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $10.27 by $1.98. The firm had revenue of $15.18 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.68 billion. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 13.18% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $8.40 EPS. On average, equities analysts expect that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current year. The Goldman Sachs Group Dividend Announcement The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be issued a $4.00 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 2nd. This represents a $16.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio is 32.50%. About The Goldman Sachs Group (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report) by 49.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 88,876 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 29,560 shares during the quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF were worth $5,642,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in EFV. Hobbs Wealth Management LLC raised its position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 69.2% during the 2nd quarter. Hobbs Wealth Management LLC now owns 163,729 shares of the companys stock valued at $10,394,000 after buying an additional 66,940 shares in the last quarter. Elgethun Capital Management increased its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 6.8% in the second quarter. Elgethun Capital Management now owns 384,036 shares of the companys stock valued at $24,379,000 after acquiring an additional 24,586 shares during the last quarter. Maia Wealth LLC raised its position in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 24.9% during the second quarter. Maia Wealth LLC now owns 256,247 shares of the companys stock valued at $16,267,000 after purchasing an additional 51,081 shares in the last quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. lifted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF by 127.3% during the second quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 26,738 shares of the companys stock worth $1,697,000 after purchasing an additional 14,977 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Richmond Investment Services LLC bought a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF during the second quarter worth about $913,000. Get iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF alerts: iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Trading Up 34.1% Shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF stock opened at $70.11 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.74 billion, a PE ratio of 12.17 and a beta of 0.73. iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF has a 12 month low of $51.05 and a 12 month high of $66.83. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $68.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $65.96. About iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Value Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Value Index. The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EFV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (BATS:EFV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Free Report) (TSE:CM) Analysts at Raymond James Financial issued their FY2025 earnings per share estimates for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a report issued on Monday, November 24th. Raymond James Financial analyst S. Boland forecasts that the bank will earn $6.05 per share for the year. Raymond James Financial currently has a Market Perform rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces current full-year earnings is $5.50 per share. Raymond James Financial also issued estimates for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces Q4 2025 earnings at $1.53 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $1.58 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $1.57 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $1.61 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $1.65 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $6.42 EPS. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Other equities research analysts also recently issued reports about the stock. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $112.00 to $113.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $107.50. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Performance Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock opened at $85.64 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $79.54 billion, a PE ratio of 14.47, a PEG ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a current ratio of 1.04, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 1 year low of $53.62 and a 1 year high of $87.37. The companys 50-day moving average is $82.52 and its two-hundred day moving average is $75.62. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Get Free Report) (TSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 28th. The bank reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.43 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $5.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.12 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a return on equity of 14.67% and a net margin of 12.94%.The companys revenue was up 3.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.93 earnings per share. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of CM. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the third quarter worth $11,217,000. Center For Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the 3rd quarter valued at $248,000. Danske Bank A S acquired a new stake in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the 3rd quarter worth $1,650,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co lifted its holdings in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 2.5% during the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 769,424 shares of the banks stock worth $61,190,000 after acquiring an additional 18,750 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PharVision Advisers LLC acquired a new position in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the third quarter valued at about $374,000. Institutional investors own 49.88% of the companys stock. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dividends First Niles Financial pays an annual dividend of $0.24 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.0%. First Niles Financial pays out 400.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. As a group, FIN SVGS & LOAN companies pay a dividend yield of 2.7% and pay out 28.5% of their earnings in the form of a dividend. Volatility and Risk First Niles Financial has a beta of 0.3, meaning that its share price is 70% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, First Niles Financials rivals have a beta of 0.63, meaning that their average share price is 37% less volatile than the S&P 500. Get First Niles Financial alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares First Niles Financial and its rivals revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio First Niles Financial $12.49 million $860,000.00 134.72 First Niles Financial Competitors $209.15 million $34.74 million 14.53 Profitability First Niles Financials rivals have higher revenue and earnings than First Niles Financial. First Niles Financial 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 First Niles Financial and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets First Niles Financial N/A N/A N/A First Niles Financial Competitors 12.22% 5.07% 0.78% Institutional & Insider Ownership 50.0% of shares of all FIN SVGS & LOAN companies are held by institutional investors. 23.4% of First Niles Financial shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 8.8% of shares of all FIN SVGS & LOAN companies are held by insiders. 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. Summary First Niles Financial rivals beat First Niles Financial on 8 of the 11 factors compared. About First Niles Financial (Get Free Report) First Niles Financial, Inc. operates as a holding company for the Home Federal Savings and Loan Association of Niles that provides various banking products and services in Ohio, the United States. The company offers personal and business checking and savings, money market deposit, and Christmas club accounts, as well as certificates of deposit. It also provides various loans, including mortgage and consumer loans, home equity lines of credit, and commercial loans and lines of credit. In addition, the company provides e-statement, and night depository services; debit and ATM cards; safe deposit boxes; direct deposits; I.R.A. certificates of deposit and savings accounts; and online banking services. First Niles Financial, Inc. was founded in 1897 and is based in Niles, Ohio. Receive News & Ratings for First Niles Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Niles Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Garner Asset Management Corp lifted its holdings in Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC Free Report) by 33.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 29,732 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 7,444 shares during the period. Garner Asset Management Corps holdings in Brunswick were worth $1,642,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust lifted its stake in shares of Brunswick by 103.5% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 702 shares of the companys stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 357 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings 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 buying an additional 601 shares during the period. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB lifted its position in Brunswick by 243.2% in the second quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 858 shares of the companys stock worth $47,000 after buying an additional 608 shares during the last quarter. Blue Trust Inc. lifted its position in Brunswick by 24.7% in the second quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 1,041 shares of the companys stock worth $58,000 after buying an additional 206 shares during the last quarter. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in Brunswick by 41.3% during the second quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,067 shares of the companys stock worth $59,000 after buying an additional 312 shares during the period. 99.34% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Brunswick alerts: Brunswick Price Performance BC opened at $66.62 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -18.30 and a beta of 1.40. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 0.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.28. Brunswick Corporation has a 12-month low of $41.00 and a 12-month high of $83.00. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $64.52 and its 200-day simple moving average is $60.77. 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 for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.84 by $0.13. The company had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.26 billion. Brunswick had a negative net margin of 4.60% and a positive return on equity of 10.55%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $1.17 earnings per share. Brunswick has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.25 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Brunswick Corporation will post 4.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed 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 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 26th. Brunswicks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -47.25%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently issued reports on BC. B. Riley raised their target price on shares of Brunswick from $60.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 8th. Roth Capital set a $79.00 price objective on shares of Brunswick and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Zacks Research lowered Brunswick from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on Brunswick from $65.00 to $75.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price target 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 assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $73.54. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BC Brunswick Company Profile (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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brunswick Corporation (NYSE:BC Free Report). 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. Garner Asset Management Corp trimmed its position in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW Free Report) by 9.4% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,354 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 140 shares during the period. Garner Asset Management Corps holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $1,408,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in shares of W.W. Grainger during the 1st quarter worth $285,574,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in W.W. Grainger by 4.4% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,627,273 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $5,853,714,000 after purchasing an additional 238,895 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its position in W.W. Grainger by 10.1% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 822,411 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $812,403,000 after purchasing an additional 75,644 shares during the period. Kodai Capital Management LP purchased a new position in shares of W.W. Grainger in the first quarter worth about $67,601,000. Finally, Interval Partners LP raised its position in shares of W.W. Grainger by 1,429.9% in the first quarter. Interval Partners LP now owns 67,957 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $67,130,000 after purchasing an additional 63,515 shares during the period. 80.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get W.W. Grainger alerts: W.W. Grainger Trading Up 0.4% W.W. Grainger stock opened at $945.81 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a quick ratio of 1.64 and a current ratio of 2.82. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $893.99 and a fifty-two week high of $1,221.32. The stock has a market cap of $44.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 24.00, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.17. The firms fifty day moving average price is $955.34 and its 200-day moving average price is $1,005.91. W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement W.W. Grainger ( NYSE:GWW Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $10.21 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.95 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.64 billion. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 49.63% and a net margin of 10.99%.The firms revenue was up 6.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $9.87 earnings per share. W.W. Grainger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 39.000-39.750 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 40.3 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 10th will be issued a dividend of $2.26 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $9.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.0%. W.W. Graingers payout ratio is presently 25.35%. Insider Buying and Selling at W.W. Grainger In related news, SVP Jonny M. Leroy sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $992.86, for a total value of $496,430.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president directly owned 1,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,758,355.06. This trade represents a 22.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 6.10% of the companys stock. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research firms recently weighed in on GWW. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,006.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein began coverage on W.W. Grainger in a report on Wednesday, November 12th. They issued a market perform rating and a $975.00 price target for the company. Barclays lifted their price target on W.W. Grainger from $963.00 to $975.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on W.W. Grainger from $1,035.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $1,009.43. Get Our Latest Stock Report on GWW W.W. Grainger Company Profile (Free Report) W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools. Read More Receive News & Ratings for W.W. Grainger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.W. Grainger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Beijing exhibition honors shared Chinese, Spanish anti-fascist fight Xinhua) 16:19, November 27, 2025 People visit the exhibition titled "For a Common Cause: From the Spanish Battlefield to China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" held at the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- "There's a valley in Spain called Jarama. It's a place that we all know so well. It was there that we gave of our manhood, where so many of our brave comrades fell." These plaintive strains of the folk ballad "Jarama Valley" are more than a memorial -- they are a portal to the stories of the International Brigades. This diverse group of anti-fascist fighters, drawn from across continents, now takes center stage in a touching exhibition in Beijing. Titled "For a Common Cause: From the Spanish Battlefield to China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," the ongoing exhibition opened in August at the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC), marking the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Through more than 260 photographs, 150 cultural relics and historical footage, the exhibition shows how anti-fascist volunteers of the International Brigades fought bravely on both the Spanish and Chinese battlefronts -- unfolding an inspiring chapter of mutual aid in the global struggle against fascism. "This marks the first time China has contextualized the two battlefields within a single exhibition space, underscoring the united anti-fascist spirit of people across the world," said Zhao Jiaojian, planner of the exhibition, which will run through the end of 2025. A staff member introduces exhibits to visitors at the exhibition titled "For a Common Cause: From the Spanish Battlefield to China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" held at the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) BATTLES IN SPAIN Organized by the Comintern -- an international communist alliance -- the International Brigades mobilized over 40,000 volunteers from more than 50 countries to defend the Spanish Republic against forces including those sent from fascist Italy and Nazi Germany during its civil war (1936-1939). They fought in brutal battles such as the Defense of Madrid and the Battle of Jarama, where an estimated 10,000 lives were lost. Less widely recognized is the Chinese dimension of this chapter. Among the International Brigades' volunteers were more than 100 Chinese, many of whom were CPC members. One prominent figure was Xie Weijin, who fought under the alias Lin Jishi. A multilingual individual with military training, Xie rose to lead the Chinese volunteers and serve as the political commissar of an artillery brigade. He fought in pivotal engagements, sustained two battle wounds, and narrowly avoided amputation. Beyond the frontline, Xie established an orphanage for war-orphaned children, which provided shelter for over 100 children by 1938. In a speech delivered that year, Xie crystallized the shared struggle: "The Spanish and Chinese peoples are in a very tense phase of struggle... They are waging a revolutionary war for the national and social liberation of their respective countries, leading the fight against fascism..." Their contributions were acknowledged back in China. A replica of the red banner sent by then CPC leaders to the volunteers in Spain is now displayed at the Beijing exhibition, bearing the inscription: "Unite the peoples of Spain and China! Down with the common foe of mankind -- the Fascists!" The heroic deeds of the volunteers, exemplified by figures like Xie, demonstrated "a commitment to justice that crossed national borders, and constituted an indelible chapter in the global fight against fascism that should never be forgotten," said Jiang Ying, researcher of the Academy of Military Sciences. A visitor views a photo of Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune at the exhibition titled "For a Common Cause: From the Spanish Battlefield to China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" held at the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) THE EASTERN FRONT As the Spanish Civil War drew to a close in 1938, the International Brigades were officially withdrawn. Following a period of internment in France, the Chinese volunteers returned home to join in China's nationwide resistance against Japanese aggression. Yet the tide of internationalism did not recede -- it flowed eastward. Foreign fighters redirected their focus from Spain to China, which had become the main theater of the World Anti-Fascist War in the East. Among these volunteers, the most renowned was Canadian surgeon Norman Bethune, a household name in China. After pioneering a mobile blood-transfusion service in Spain, he arrived in north China in 1938. There, he famously worked 40-hour shifts and championed setting up operating tables near the front lines. Alongside other international medical workers, Bethune saved countless lives and revolutionized battlefield medicine in China. They were joined by journalists and artists who documented the Chinese people's arduous struggle for the rest of the world. Among them, Hungarian-American photographer Robert Capa captured the war's brutal reality in 1937, while Dutch filmmaker Joris Ivens arrived in 1938 to produce "The 400 Million" -- the first Western documentary to portray China's resistance in a positive light, galvanizing global support. "In this exhibition, I can clearly see how the Chinese people assisted foreign revolutionaries and how foreign revolutionaries assisted the Chinese people," said Lin Tao, a doctoral student at Hunan Normal University, while visiting the exhibition. This photo taken on Nov. 14, 2025 shows photographic works by Hungarian-American photographer Robert Capa displayed at the exhibition titled "For a Common Cause: From the Spanish Battlefield to China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" at the Museum of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing, capital of China. (Xinhua/Yin Gang) Many young Chinese visitors like Lin have been profoundly moved by the exhibition, which also highlights the pivotal contributions of International Brigades anti-fascist fighters on the Chinese battlefield. Decades later, China continues to honor this international solidarity. On the occasion of marking the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II on Sept. 3 this year, the nation expressed sincere gratitude to the foreign governments and individuals who aided its people. China was the first country to rise against fascist aggression with the longest-lasting resistance that began in 1931. The country tied down and struck over half of Japan's overseas forces, at the cost of 35 million military and civilian casualties -- accounting for approximately one-third of all WWII casualties worldwide. "The exhibition aims to deepen the understanding that the Chinese people, at a tremendous national cost, made significant contributions to the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War," Zhao told Xinhua. "Meanwhile, the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression received extensive support from the international community, and the Chinese people will forever cherish these contributions. China will continue to work hand in hand with the rest of the world -- and strive tirelessly to build a brighter future for humanity," Zhao added. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing) Garner Asset Management Corp reduced its position in Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 22.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 7,456 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 2,168 shares during the quarter. Garner Asset Management Corps holdings in Southern were worth $685,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Choreo LLC raised its holdings in shares of Southern by 13.4% in the 2nd quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 49,487 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $4,544,000 after purchasing an additional 5,830 shares in the last quarter. Maia Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Southern during the second quarter valued at approximately $278,000. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in Southern by 8.3% during the second quarter. J.W. Cole Advisors Inc. now owns 90,424 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $8,304,000 after buying an additional 6,932 shares during the period. North Star Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in Southern by 4.6% during the second quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,957 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $272,000 after buying an additional 131 shares during the period. Finally, Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co raised its stake in Southern by 4.2% in the second quarter. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co now owns 27,098 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,488,000 after buying an additional 1,099 shares in the last quarter. 64.10% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Southern alerts: Southern Stock Up 1.2% Shares of SO stock opened at $90.32 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $93.78 and its 200 day moving average price is $92.42. Southern Company has a 1-year low of $80.46 and a 1-year high of $100.83. The company has a market cap of $99.45 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.22, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.54. Southern Dividend Announcement Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The utilities provider reported $1.60 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.09. Southern had a return on equity of 12.09% and a net margin of 15.10%.The company had revenue of $7.82 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.04 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.39 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts expect that Southern Company will post 4.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 8th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be given a dividend of $0.74 per share. This represents a $2.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 17th. Southerns payout ratio is currently 73.27%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts have issued reports on the company. Wall Street Zen raised Southern from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. BTIG Research began coverage on Southern in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. They set a neutral rating for the company. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Southern in a research report on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underperform rating and issued a $97.00 target price on shares of Southern in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Southern in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. They set a buy rating for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, thirteen have given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Southern presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $99.03. Get Our Latest Report on Southern Southern 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. Further Reading 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. Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 30,315 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock, valued at approximately $1,403,000. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb during the second quarter worth $25,000. REAP Financial Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 202.8% in the 2nd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 639 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 428 shares during the last quarter. Accent Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the 1st quarter worth about $33,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb by 66.0% during the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 581 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. acquired a new position in Bristol Myers Squibb in the first quarter valued at about $36,000. Institutional investors own 76.41% of the companys stock. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Bristol Myers Squibb Stock Up 0.6% Shares of BMY opened at $49.33 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $45.43 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.60. The firm has a market capitalization of $100.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.89, a PEG ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.33. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 52 week low of $42.52 and a 52 week high of $63.33. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54, a quick ratio of 1.11 and a current ratio of 1.21. Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Dividend Bristol Myers Squibb ( NYSE:BMY Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 80.04% and a net margin of 10.58%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $1.80 earnings per share. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. On average, analysts predict that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were paid a $0.62 dividend. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 83.78%. Insider Activity at Bristol Myers Squibb In related news, EVP David V. Elkins sold 56,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $47.33, for a total transaction of $2,650,480.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 167,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at $7,922,048.07. The trade was a 25.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this link. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on BMY shares. Scotiabank began 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. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Morgan Stanley reissued a hold rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Daiwa America lowered Bristol Myers Squibb from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets cut Bristol Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $42.00 price target for the company. in a report on Tuesday, August 5th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fifteen have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $54.42. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bristol Myers Squibb About Bristol Myers Squibb (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Retirement Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 58,046 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,214,000. Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Parallel Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 11.5% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 21,384 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $447,000 after purchasing an additional 2,204 shares during the period. DAVENPORT & Co LLC grew its position in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 4.8% in the second quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 16,655 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $348,000 after acquiring an additional 769 shares during the period. Blair William & Co. IL increased its position in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 7.7% during the 1st quarter. Blair William & Co. IL now owns 20,535 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $425,000 after purchasing an additional 1,471 shares in the last quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 130,180 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,723,000 after acquiring an additional 5,575 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of Invesco Senior Loan ETF by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 783,769 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $16,224,000 after buying an additional 7,070 shares during the period. Get Invesco Senior Loan ETF alerts: Invesco Senior Loan ETF Stock Performance Invesco Senior Loan ETF stock opened at $20.89 on Thursday. The companys 50-day moving average is $20.90 and its two-hundred day moving average is $20.91. Invesco Senior Loan ETF has a 1 year low of $20.02 and a 1 year high of $21.19. Invesco Senior Loan ETF Profile The Invesco Senior Loan ETF (BKLN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks a market-value-weighted index of senior loans issued by banks to corporations. BKLN was launched on Mar 3, 2011 and is managed by Invesco. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BKLN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Invesco Senior Loan ETF (NYSEARCA:BKLN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Invesco Senior Loan ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the five ratings firms that are covering the stock, MarketBeat reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $11.9375. A number of equities analysts have recently commented on HE shares. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d) rating on shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries in a research report on Monday. Jefferies Financial Group upgraded shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Hawaiian Electric Industries alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on HE Hawaiian Electric Industries Stock Performance NYSE:HE opened at $11.80 on Friday. Hawaiian Electric Industries has a 52 week low of $8.14 and a 52 week high of $13.41. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $11.47 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $11.22. The company has a quick ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 1.07 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52. The company has a market cap of $2.04 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -11.68 and a beta of 0.67. Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE:HE Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.20) by $0.39. Hawaiian Electric Industries had a positive return on equity of 10.76% and a negative net margin of 3.66%.The firm had revenue of $790.61 million during the quarter. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Hawaiian Electric Industries will post 1.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Hawaiian Electric Industries A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its holdings in shares of Hawaiian Electric Industries by 142.2% in the 3rd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 2,325 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 1,365 shares during the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 242.2% in the third quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 2,741 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $30,000 after purchasing an additional 1,940 shares in the last quarter. SJS Investment Consulting Inc. purchased a new position in Hawaiian Electric Industries in the third quarter valued at approximately $46,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 37.5% during the third quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 4,125 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 1,125 shares in the last quarter. Finally, US Bancorp DE raised its holdings in Hawaiian Electric Industries by 51.2% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 4,293 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $47,000 after purchasing an additional 1,453 shares in the last quarter. 59.91% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Hawaiian Electric Industries Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility businesses in the United States. It operates in three segments: Electric Utility, Bank, and Other. The Electric Utility segment engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hawaiian Electric Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Employees Retirement System of Texas decreased its stake in HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report) by 9.4% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 114,335 shares of the banks stock after selling 11,898 shares during the period. Employees Retirement System of Texas holdings in HDFC Bank were worth $8,766,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. BNP Paribas Financial Markets grew its position in shares of HDFC Bank by 81.0% during the first quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 568,407 shares of the banks stock worth $37,765,000 after acquiring an additional 254,395 shares during the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in HDFC Bank in the 1st quarter valued at about $19,366,000. Immersion Capital LLP acquired a new position in HDFC Bank during the 1st quarter valued at about $19,753,000. Raiffeisen Bank International AG grew its position in HDFC Bank by 21.3% in the 1st quarter. Raiffeisen Bank International AG now owns 193,223 shares of the banks stock worth $12,778,000 after purchasing an additional 33,983 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Freemont Capital Pte Ltd acquired a new stake in shares of HDFC Bank in the second quarter valued at approximately $1,073,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 17.61% of the companys stock. Get HDFC Bank alerts: HDFC Bank Stock Performance Shares of NYSE HDB opened at $36.64 on Thursday. HDFC Bank Limited has a 1 year low of $28.89 and a 1 year high of $39.81. The firm has a market cap of $186.92 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.27, a PEG ratio of 1.92 and a beta of 0.69. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $35.78 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $36.74. Analyst Ratings Changes HDFC Bank ( NYSE:HDB Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Saturday, October 18th. The bank reported $0.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.36 by $0.08. HDFC Bank had a return on equity of 11.49% and a net margin of 14.94%.The business had revenue of $8.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.98 billion. On average, research analysts predict that HDFC Bank Limited will post 3.03 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several brokerages have recently issued reports on HDB. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of HDFC Bank in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research upgraded HDFC Bank from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, HDFC Bank has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Check Out Our Latest Report on HDFC Bank About HDFC Bank (Free Report) HDFC Bank Limited provides banking and financial services to individuals and businesses in India, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The company operates in three segments: Wholesale Banking, Retail Banking, and Treasury Services. It accepts savings, salary, current, rural, public provident fund, pension, and demat accounts; fixed and recurring deposits; and safe deposit lockers, as well as offshore accounts and deposits, and overdrafts against fixed deposits. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding HDB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HDFC Bank Limited (NYSE:HDB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HDFC Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HDFC Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd. (OTCMKTS:IMPUY Get Free Report) gapped up before the market opened on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $10.89, but opened at $11.40. Impala Platinum shares last traded at $11.11, with a volume of 5,765 shares. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Zacks Research upgraded shares of Impala Platinum to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold. Get Impala Platinum alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on IMPUY Impala Platinum Stock Up 4.4% Impala Platinum Announces Dividend The firms 50-day moving average price is $11.73 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $9.97. The company has a current ratio of 2.74, a quick ratio of 1.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02. The company also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 22nd were issued a dividend of $0.0647 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 19th. This represents a dividend yield of 61.0%. About Impala Platinum (Get Free Report) Impala Platinum Holdings Limited engages in the mining, processing, concentrating, refining, and sale of platinum group metals (PGMs) and associated base metals. The company produces platinum, palladium, rhodium, nickel, and by-products, as well as ruthenium, iridium, and gold. It has operations on the PGM-bearing orebodies, including the Bushveld Complex located in South Africa; and the Great Dyke situated in Zimbabwe, as well as the Canadian Shield. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Impala Platinum Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Impala Platinum and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Insigneo Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund acquired 755 shares of the communications equipment providers stock, valued at approximately $317,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Signature Resources Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the first quarter valued at $29,000. Whipplewood Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 289.5% in the second quarter. Whipplewood Advisors LLC now owns 74 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $31,000 after acquiring an additional 55 shares during the period. Rossby Financial LCC boosted its position in Motorola Solutions by 148.6% in the second quarter. Rossby Financial LCC now owns 87 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $37,000 after purchasing an additional 52 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Meeder Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in Motorola Solutions by 47.1% in the first quarter. Meeder Asset Management Inc. now owns 103 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $45,000 after purchasing an additional 33 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 84.17% of the companys stock. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have recently commented on MSI shares. Piper Sandler reaffirmed a neutral rating and set a $465.00 price target (down previously from $495.00) on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b-) rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a report on Monday. UBS Group lifted their price target on shares of Motorola Solutions from $490.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Barclays cut their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $509.00 to $495.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Evercore ISI raised their target price on Motorola Solutions from $500.00 to $525.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 29th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $502.50. Insider Activity at Motorola Solutions In other news, CEO Gregory Q. Brown sold 50,000 shares of Motorola Solutions stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $483.50, for a total transaction of $24,175,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 46,936 shares in the company, valued at $22,693,556. This trade represents a 51.58% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, SVP Rajan Naik sold 8,014 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $474.45, for a total transaction of $3,802,242.30. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 10,244 shares in the company, valued at $4,860,265.80. This trade represents a 43.89% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 110,614 shares of company stock valued at $53,085,917. 1.44% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Motorola Solutions Stock Performance Shares of NYSE MSI opened at $370.25 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $61.67 billion, a PE ratio of 29.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 0.96. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 1 year low of $365.40 and a 1 year high of $503.62. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $426.08 and a 200-day moving average price of $432.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.86, a current ratio of 1.73 and a quick ratio of 1.54. Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The communications equipment provider reported $4.06 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.85 by $0.21. Motorola Solutions had a net margin of 19.08% and a return on equity of 134.30%. The company had revenue of $3.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $3.74 EPS. Motorola Solutionss revenue for the quarter was up 7.8% on a year-over-year basis. Equities analysts anticipate that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Motorola Solutions Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $1.21 per share. This is an increase from Motorola Solutionss previous quarterly dividend of $0.01. This represents a $4.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 38.84%. About Motorola Solutions (Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Integrity Investment Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSEARCA:SPHQ Free Report) by 9.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 98,361 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 8,244 shares during the quarter. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF makes up 5.4% of Integrity Investment Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 2nd largest position. Integrity Investment Advisors LLCs holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF were worth $7,009,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC boosted its stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF by 3.4% in the second quarter. Crestwood Advisors Group LLC now owns 39,672 shares of the companys stock worth $2,827,000 after acquiring an additional 1,323 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF by 349.8% in the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 3,306 shares of the companys stock valued at $236,000 after purchasing an additional 2,571 shares in the last quarter. Belpointe Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the 1st quarter worth $358,000. True North Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF during the first quarter worth $416,000. Finally, Wisconsin Wealth Advisors LLC raised its position in shares of Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF by 171.5% in the second quarter. Wisconsin Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 31,217 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,225,000 after buying an additional 19,721 shares during the last quarter. Get Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF alerts: Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF Trading Up 0.5% SPHQ opened at $74.38 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $15.16 billion, a PE ratio of 25.36 and a beta of 0.92. Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF has a twelve month low of $57.67 and a twelve month high of $75.03. The firms 50-day moving average price is $73.54 and its 200 day moving average price is $72.10. About Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF 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. Read More 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. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE:TDS 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 32,208 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock, valued at approximately $1,146,000. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Assetmark Inc. increased its stake in shares of Telephone and Data Systems by 53.1% in the 2nd quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 1,297 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $46,000 after buying an additional 450 shares during the period. Bayforest Capital Ltd boosted its holdings in Telephone and Data Systems by 121.8% in the first quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd now owns 1,342 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $52,000 after acquiring an additional 737 shares during the last quarter. HighTower Advisors LLC bought a new position in Telephone and Data Systems in the first quarter valued at about $214,000. HB Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Telephone and Data Systems in the first quarter worth about $216,000. Finally, Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd bought a new stake in Telephone and Data Systems during the 2nd quarter worth about $241,000. 80.00% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Telephone and Data Systems alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research analysts have recently issued reports on TDS shares. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Telephone and Data Systems from $53.00 to $54.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 12th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Telephone and Data Systems from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Citigroup initiated coverage on shares of Telephone and Data Systems in a research note on Wednesday. They issued a buy rating and a $45.00 price objective on the stock. Raymond James Financial lifted their target price on shares of Telephone and Data Systems from $49.00 to $50.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 12th. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Telephone and Data Systems from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $49.67. Insider Transactions at Telephone and Data Systems In other Telephone and Data Systems news, CAO Anita J. Kroll sold 870 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $39.16, for a total transaction of $34,069.20. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Insiders own 14.97% of the companys stock. Telephone and Data Systems Stock Performance Shares of Telephone and Data Systems stock opened at $39.72 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $4.57 billion, a PE ratio of -40.95 and a beta of 0.35. Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. has a 12 month low of $31.07 and a 12 month high of $42.74. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 1.65 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $38.62 and its 200 day simple moving average is $37.51. Telephone and Data Systems (NYSE:TDS Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.06) by $0.13. Telephone and Data Systems had a positive return on equity of 0.92% and a negative net margin of 0.85%.The firm had revenue of $308.52 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.16 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm earned ($0.73) earnings per share. The companys revenue was down 5.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. will post -0.31 EPS for the current year. Telephone and Data Systems Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.04 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.4%. Telephone and Data Systemss payout ratio is currently -14.81%. About Telephone and Data Systems (Free Report) Telephone and Data Systems, Inc, a telecommunications company, provides communications services in the United States. It operates through two segments: UScellular and TDS Telecom. The company offers wireless solutions to consumers, and business and government customers, including a suite of connected Internet of things (IoT) solutions, and software applications for monitor and control, business automation/operations, communication, fleet and asset management, smart water solutions, private cellular networks and custom, and end-to-end IoT solutions; wireless priority services and quality priority and preemption options; smartphones and other handsets, tablets, wearables, mobile hotspots, fixed wireless home internet, and IoT devices; and accessories, such as cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards, as well as consumer electronics, including audio, home automation and networking products. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TDS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Telephone and Data Systems, Inc. (NYSE:TDS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Telephone and Data Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Telephone and Data Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. lessened its position in Blue Owl Capital Corporation (NYSE:OBDC Free Report) by 21.6% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 499,857 shares of the companys stock after selling 137,870 shares during the quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. owned approximately 0.10% of Blue Owl Capital worth $7,345,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC acquired a new stake in Blue Owl Capital during the 2nd quarter valued at $734,619,000. State of New Jersey Common Pension Fund A purchased a new position in shares of Blue Owl Capital during the second quarter valued at $218,884,000. Cresset Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Blue Owl Capital by 85.8% during the first quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 8,248,547 shares of the companys stock valued at $123,979,000 after buying an additional 3,809,000 shares in the last quarter. Hamilton Lane Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Blue Owl Capital during the second quarter valued at $48,845,000. Finally, Strs Ohio purchased a new stake in Blue Owl Capital in the 1st quarter worth about $28,848,000. 42.83% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Blue Owl Capital alerts: Blue Owl Capital Price Performance Shares of OBDC opened at $13.14 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $6.71 billion, a PE ratio of 9.32 and a beta of 0.74. The firms 50 day moving average price is $12.72 and its 200 day moving average price is $13.83. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.72. Blue Owl Capital Corporation has a twelve month low of $11.65 and a twelve month high of $15.73. Blue Owl Capital Announces Dividend Blue Owl Capital ( NYSE:OBDC Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.36 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.39 by ($0.03). Blue Owl Capital had a return on equity of 10.58% and a net margin of 36.89%.The business had revenue of $453.07 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $466.81 million. As a group, research analysts expect that Blue Owl Capital Corporation will post 1.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of $0.37 per share. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 11.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. Blue Owl Capitals dividend payout ratio is presently 104.96%. Analyst Ratings Changes OBDC has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on Blue Owl Capital from $13.00 to $12.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price objective on shares of Blue Owl Capital from $16.00 to $14.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH upgraded shares of Blue Owl Capital to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Zacks Research cut shares of Blue Owl Capital from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Citizens Jmp dropped their price target on shares of Blue Owl Capital from $17.00 to $15.00 and set a market outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $14.56. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Blue Owl Capital Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO Craig Packer bought 83,200 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 18th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $11.75 per share, for a total transaction of $977,600.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer directly owned 41,600 shares in the company, valued at approximately $488,800. This represents a -200.00% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. 0.11% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. About Blue Owl Capital (Free Report) Blue Owl Capital Corporation is a business development company. It specializes in direct and fund of fund investments. The fund makes investments in senior secured, direct lending or unsecured loans, subordinated loans or mezzanine loans and also considers equity-related securities including warrants and preferred stocks also pursues preferred equity investments, first lien, unitranche, and second lien term loans and common equity investments. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Blue Owl Capital Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Blue Owl Capital and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut its stake in Essex Property Trust, Inc. (NYSE:ESS Free Report) by 21.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 572,072 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 153,824 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co. owned about 0.89% of Essex Property Trust worth $162,129,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. DNB Asset Management AS increased its position in Essex Property Trust by 5.0% during the second quarter. DNB Asset Management AS now owns 14,133 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,005,000 after buying an additional 674 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank grew its position in Essex Property Trust by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 194,752 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $55,193,000 after purchasing an additional 13,500 shares during the last quarter. Prudential PLC increased its stake in Essex Property Trust by 157.8% in the second quarter. Prudential PLC now owns 2,006 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $568,000 after purchasing an additional 1,228 shares during the period. Greenland Capital Management LP raised its holdings in shares of Essex Property Trust by 630.6% in the second quarter. Greenland Capital Management LP now owns 21,917 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $6,211,000 after buying an additional 18,917 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Wealthspire Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Essex Property Trust by 38.6% during the second quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC now owns 923 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $261,000 after buying an additional 257 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 96.51% of the companys stock. Get Essex Property Trust alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several brokerages recently issued reports on ESS. BNP Paribas cut Essex Property Trust from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on Essex Property Trust from $301.50 to $305.50 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Mizuho increased their price target on Essex Property Trust from $275.00 to $284.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Essex Property Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Scotiabank cut their price objective on shares of Essex Property Trust from $294.00 to $284.00 and set a sector outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $291.53. Essex Property Trust Price Performance Shares of NYSE ESS opened at $262.09 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.09. Essex Property Trust, Inc. has a one year low of $243.25 and a one year high of $316.29. The firm has a market capitalization of $16.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.92, a PEG ratio of 6.00 and a beta of 0.82. The companys fifty day moving average is $260.13 and its two-hundred day moving average is $270.20. Essex Property Trust (NYSE:ESS Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The real estate investment trust reported $3.97 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.96 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $473.30 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $472.11 million. Essex Property Trust had a net margin of 45.46% and a return on equity of 14.70%. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $3.91 earnings per share. Essex Property Trust has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 3.930-4.030 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 15.890-15.990 EPS. Analysts forecast that Essex Property Trust, Inc. will post 15.96 EPS for the current fiscal year. Essex Property Trust Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were paid a dividend of $2.57 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $10.28 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.9%. Essex Property Trusts payout ratio is 78.12%. About Essex Property Trust (Free Report) Essex Property Trust, Inc, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated real estate investment trust (REIT) that acquires, develops, redevelops, and manages multifamily residential properties in selected West Coast markets. Essex currently has ownership interests in 252 apartment communities comprising approximately 62,000 apartment homes with an additional property in active development. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Essex Property Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Essex Property Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Lenovo Group Ltd. (OTCMKTS:LNVGY Get Free Report)s share price gapped up prior to trading on Tuesday . The stock had previously closed at $25.14, but opened at $26.11. Lenovo Group shares last traded at $25.1550, with a volume of 15,450 shares changing hands. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut shares of Lenovo Group from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Lenovo Group alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Lenovo Group Lenovo Group Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $15.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.26, a PEG ratio of 0.59 and a beta of 0.71. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $28.92 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $27.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.67. Lenovo Group (OTCMKTS:LNVGY Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, November 19th. The technology company reported $0.75 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.60 by $0.15. Lenovo Group had a return on equity of 28.73% and a net margin of 2.17%.The business had revenue of $20.45 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $20.09 billion. As a group, equities analysts expect that Lenovo Group Ltd. will post 2.06 EPS for the current fiscal year. Lenovo Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Lenovo Group Limited, an investment holding company, develops, manufactures, and markets technology products and services. It operates through Intelligent Devices Group, Infrastructure Solutions Group, and Solutions and Services Group segments. The company offers commercial and consumer personal computers, as well as servers and workstations; and a family of mobile Internet devices, including tablets and smartphones. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Lenovo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lenovo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MAI Capital Management raised its holdings in iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV Free Report) by 582.8% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 4,909 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 4,190 shares during the quarter. MAI Capital Managements holdings in iShares Europe ETF were worth $311,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Trust Co. of Vermont bought a new stake in shares of iShares Europe ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $58,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in iShares Europe ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $103,000. Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new position in iShares Europe ETF in the 1st quarter worth $106,000. Prudential PLC bought a new position in shares of iShares Europe ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $158,000. Finally, Sutton Place Investors LLC bought a new position in iShares Europe ETF in the 2nd quarter worth $200,000. Get iShares Europe ETF alerts: iShares Europe ETF Price Performance iShares Europe ETF stock opened at $66.75 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $65.92 and its 200-day moving average price is $64.27. iShares Europe ETF has a 1 year low of $51.30 and a 1 year high of $67.94. The stock has a market cap of $1.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.48 and a beta of 0.91. About iShares Europe ETF iShares Europe ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares S&P Europe 350 Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the S&P Europe 350 (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the stocks of companies in the countries, which includes Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IEV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Europe ETF (NYSEARCA:IEV Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Europe ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Europe ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MAI Capital Management grew its stake in Coterra Energy Inc. (NYSE:CTRA Free Report) by 212.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 9,623 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 6,539 shares during the period. MAI Capital Managements holdings in Coterra Energy were worth $244,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in CTRA. Bogart Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Coterra Energy in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. REAP Financial Group LLC grew its position in Coterra Energy by 190.1% during the second quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 1,108 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 726 shares during the period. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise purchased a new position in Coterra Energy in the first quarter valued at $29,000. Tobam raised its position in shares of Coterra Energy by 50.9% in the second quarter. Tobam now owns 1,823 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after acquiring an additional 615 shares during the period. Finally, TCTC Holdings LLC boosted its stake in shares of Coterra Energy by 51.0% during the 1st quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 1,771 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 598 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.92% of the companys stock. Get Coterra Energy alerts: Coterra Energy Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:CTRA opened at $26.42 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.13 and a quick ratio of 1.08. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $24.40 and its 200-day moving average price is $24.59. The firm has a market capitalization of $20.11 billion, a PE ratio of 12.64, a P/E/G ratio of 0.36 and a beta of 0.30. Coterra Energy Inc. has a 1 year low of $22.33 and a 1 year high of $29.95. Coterra Energy Announces Dividend Coterra Energy ( NYSE:CTRA Get Free Report ) last posted 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 during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.83 billion. Coterra Energy had a net margin of 23.80% and a return on equity of 10.99%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 33.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $0.32 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Coterra Energy Inc. will post 1.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th were given a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.3%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, November 13th. Coterra Energys dividend payout ratio is 40.55%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Susquehanna cut their price target 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. The Goldman Sachs Group cut their price objective on Coterra Energy from $30.00 to $29.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. UBS Group upped their target price on Coterra Energy from $29.00 to $32.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Roth Capital reissued a buy rating and issued a $27.00 price target on shares of Coterra Energy in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Piper Sandler cut their price target on shares of Coterra Energy from $38.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $32.86. Read Our Latest Stock Report on CTRA 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. Read More 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. Maia Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 1,486 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $288,000. Several other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of VST. Banque Transatlantique SA boosted its holdings in shares of Vistra by 132.0% during the 1st quarter. Banque Transatlantique SA now owns 232 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the last quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in Vistra during the second quarter worth approximately $29,000. City State Bank lifted its position in Vistra by 210.0% during the second quarter. City State Bank now owns 155 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after buying an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Keener Financial Planning LLC purchased a new stake in Vistra in the 1st quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, WPG Advisers LLC purchased a new stake in Vistra in the 1st quarter valued at $37,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 90.88% of the companys stock. Get Vistra alerts: Vistra Price Performance Vistra stock opened at $177.14 on Thursday. The companys 50 day simple moving average is $193.22 and its 200-day simple moving average is $188.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.74, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 0.99. Vistra Corp. has a 1 year low of $90.51 and a 1 year high of $219.82. The company has a market capitalization of $60.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 63.95, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.13 and a beta of 1.30. Vistra Increases Dividend Vistra ( NYSE:VST Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The company reported $1.75 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.78 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $4.97 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.60 billion. Vistra had a net margin of 6.70% and a return on equity of 64.04%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Vistra Corp. will post 7 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Stockholders of record on Monday, December 22nd will be paid a $0.227 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 22nd. This is a boost from Vistras previous quarterly dividend of $0.23. This represents a $0.91 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Vistras payout ratio is presently 32.49%. Insider Transactions at Vistra In related news, CEO James A. Burke sold 21,935 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $186.53, for a total transaction of $4,091,535.55. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 271,074 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $50,563,433.22. This represents a 7.49% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Carrie Lee Kirby sold 58,275 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $174.75, for a total value of $10,183,556.25. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 218,239 shares of the companys stock, valued at $38,137,265.25. This trade represents a 21.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 868,339 shares of company stock worth $173,242,584 over the last quarter. 1.42% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have recently commented on VST shares. Melius assumed coverage on Vistra in a report on Wednesday, August 20th. They set a buy rating and a $295.00 price target on the stock. TD Cowen initiated coverage on shares of Vistra in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $250.00 price objective for the company. Melius Research upgraded shares of Vistra to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 20th. Scotiabank initiated coverage on shares of Vistra in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $256.00 price target for the company. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Vistra from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Friday, September 5th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $233.20. View Our Latest Report on VST About Vistra (Free Report) Vistra Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an integrated retail electricity and power generation company. The company operates through six segments: Retail, Texas, East, West, Sunset, and Asset Closure. It retails electricity and natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers across states in the United States and the District of Columbia. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VST? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Vistra Corp. (NYSE:VST Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Vistra Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Vistra and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mayfair Advisory Group LLC trimmed its position in McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report) by 8.0% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 2,367 shares of the fast-food giants stock after selling 206 shares during the quarter. Mayfair Advisory Group LLCs holdings in McDonalds were worth $723,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Nova Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in McDonalds in the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. HFM Investment Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of McDonalds in the first quarter worth $26,000. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. raised its stake in shares of McDonalds by 142.9% in the 2nd quarter. Decker Retirement Planning Inc. now owns 85 shares of the fast-food giants stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the period. Legacy Investment Solutions LLC purchased a new stake in McDonalds during the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Finally, GFG Capital LLC acquired a new stake in McDonalds in the 2nd quarter valued at $29,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.29% of the companys stock. Get McDonald's alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts have commented on the company. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating and set a $335.00 price objective on shares of McDonalds in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Mizuho raised McDonalds to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Morgan Stanley set a $335.00 price target on shares of McDonalds in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of McDonalds from $300.00 to $315.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets reissued an outperform rating on shares of McDonalds in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $324.57. McDonalds Stock Up 0.6% Shares of NYSE MCD opened at $312.43 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $303.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $304.15. McDonalds Corporation has a 52-week low of $276.53 and a 52-week high of $326.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $222.50 billion, a P/E ratio of 26.77, a P/E/G ratio of 3.23 and a beta of 0.50. McDonalds (NYSE:MCD Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The fast-food giant reported $3.22 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $3.33 by ($0.11). McDonalds had a negative return on equity of 225.52% and a net margin of 32.21%.The company had revenue of $7.08 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.10 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $3.23 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 3.0% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that McDonalds Corporation will post 12.25 earnings per share for the current year. McDonalds Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a $1.86 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This is a positive change from McDonaldss previous quarterly dividend of $1.77. This represents a $7.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.4%. McDonaldss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 63.48%. Insider Activity In other McDonalds news, EVP Manuel Jm Steijaert sold 13,134 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $300.42, for a total value of $3,945,716.28. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 4,606 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,383,734.52. This represents a 74.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, insider Joseph M. Erlinger sold 3,195 shares of McDonalds stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $305.82, for a total value of $977,094.90. Following the sale, the insider directly owned 6,088 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,861,832.16. This trade represents a 34.42% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 34,463 shares of company stock worth $10,549,351 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 0.25% of the companys stock. McDonalds Company Profile (Free Report) McDonalds Corp. engages in the operation and franchising of restaurants. It operates through the following segments: U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate. The U.S. segment focuses its operations on the United States. The International Operated Markets segment consists of operations and the franchising of restaurants in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MCD? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for McDonalds Corporation (NYSE:MCD Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for McDonald's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McDonald's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. NEC Co. (OTCMKTS:NIPNF Get Free Report) shares reached a new 52-week high during trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $39.0450 and last traded at $39.0450, with a volume of 300 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $36.75. NEC Trading Up 5.0% The firm has a market cap of $10.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.00 and a beta of -0.47. The company has a 50 day moving average of $34.26 and a 200 day moving average of $30.43. About NEC (Get Free Report) NEC Corporation provides information and communication technology solutions in Japan and internationally. It operates through five segments: Public Solutions Business, Public Infrastructure Business, Enterprise Business, Network Services Business, and Global Business. It provides systems integration services, including systems implementation and consulting; maintenance and support services; outsourcing and cloud services; and system equipment. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for NEC Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for NEC and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Seaways (NYSE:INSW Get Free Report) and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (OTCMKTS:NPNYY Get Free Report) are both transportation companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, profitability, dividends and risk. Insider and Institutional Ownership 67.3% of International Seaways shares are owned by institutional investors. 2.0% of International Seaways shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Get International Seaways alerts: Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current recommendations and price targets for International Seaways and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score International Seaways 0 2 2 0 2.50 Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha 0 1 0 0 2.00 Risk & Volatility International Seaways currently has a consensus target price of $52.67, suggesting a potential downside of 0.99%. Given International Seaways stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe International Seaways is more favorable than Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha. International Seaways has a beta of -0.02, indicating that its share price is 102% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha has a beta of 1.13, indicating that its share price is 13% more volatile than the S&P 500. Valuation and Earnings This table compares International Seaways and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaishas revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio International Seaways $770.04 million 3.41 $416.72 million $4.39 12.12 Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha $17.00 billion 0.80 $1.51 billion $0.96 6.56 Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha has higher revenue and earnings than International Seaways. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than International Seaways, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares International Seaways and Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaishas net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets International Seaways 29.88% 11.35% 8.27% Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha 12.71% 10.11% 6.82% Dividends International Seaways pays an annual dividend of $0.48 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha pays an annual dividend of $0.44 per share and has a dividend yield of 7.0%. International Seaways pays out 10.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha pays out 45.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Summary International Seaways beats Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha on 12 of the 16 factors compared between the two stocks. About International Seaways (Get Free Report) International Seaways, Inc. owns and operates a fleet of oceangoing vessels for the transportation of crude oil and petroleum products in the international flag trade. It operates in two segments: Crude Tankers and Product Carriers. As of December 31, 2023, the company owned a fleet of 73 vessels. It serves independent and state-owned oil companies, oil traders, refinery operators, and international government entities. The company was formerly known as OSG International, Inc. and changed its name to International Seaways, Inc. in October 2016. International Seaways, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in New York, New York. About Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (Get Free Report) Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha provides various logistics services worldwide. It operates through Liner & Logistics Business, Bulk Shipping Business, and Other Business segments. The company offers liner trading services, such as container shipping, and terminal and stevedoring services for containerships, car carriers, and cruise ships; and air cargo transportation services. It also provides bulk shipping services comprising transport services for finished automobiles, heavy construction machines, and used cars; transportation services for bulk freight, including iron ore, coal, and wood chips; and transportation services for crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas, and coal. In addition, the company is involved in the upstream areas of the supply chain for oil and natural gas. Further, it operates Asuka II, a luxury cruise ship; and manages commercial and residential buildings. Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha was incorporated in 1885 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Receive News & Ratings for International Seaways Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for International Seaways and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of OppFi Inc. (NYSE:OPFI Get Free Report) have been given an average rating of Moderate Buy by the six research firms that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, one has assigned a hold recommendation, three have issued a buy recommendation and one has assigned a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $13.6250. Several analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d+) rating on shares of OppFi in a report on Monday. Zacks Research raised OppFi from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Get OppFi alerts: Check Out Our Latest Report on OppFi Insiders Place Their Bets Institutional Trading of OppFi In other OppFi news, insider Christopher J. Mckay sold 9,030 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $11.21, for a total transaction of $101,226.30. Following the sale, the insider owned 172,129 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,929,566.09. This represents a 4.98% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CFO Pamela D. Johnson sold 5,497 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $11.21, for a total transaction of $61,621.37. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 154,521 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,732,180.41. This represents a 3.44% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 16,763 shares of company stock valued at $185,042. 72.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Tcfg Wealth Management LLC raised its position in OppFi by 40.6% in the 3rd quarter. Tcfg Wealth Management LLC now owns 14,974 shares of the companys stock worth $170,000 after purchasing an additional 4,325 shares during the last quarter. PDT Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of OppFi by 609.5% in the 3rd quarter. PDT Partners LLC now owns 250,343 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,836,000 after buying an additional 215,060 shares during the period. PharVision Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of OppFi during the third quarter worth $217,000. Sherbrooke Park Advisers LLC acquired a new position in OppFi in the third quarter valued at approximately $201,000. Finally, Prosperity Wealth Management Inc. boosted its stake in OppFi by 35.7% in the third quarter. Prosperity Wealth Management Inc. now owns 46,000 shares of the companys stock valued at $521,000 after acquiring an additional 12,100 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 7.10% of the companys stock. OppFi Stock Performance Shares of NYSE:OPFI opened at $9.73 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average is $10.22 and its 200-day moving average is $11.27. OppFi has a 52 week low of $6.65 and a 52 week high of $17.73. The company has a market capitalization of $840.54 million, a PE ratio of -12.98 and a beta of 1.69. OppFi (NYSE:OPFI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The company reported $0.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.31 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $155.09 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $153.42 million. OppFi had a net margin of 0.68% and a return on equity of 55.59%. OppFi has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.540-1.600 EPS. On average, analysts forecast that OppFi will post 0.86 EPS for the current year. OppFi Company Profile (Get Free Report) OppFi Inc operates a cialty finance platform that allows banks to offer credit access. Its platform facilitates the OppLoans, an installment loan product; SalaryTap, a payroll deduction secured installment loan product; and OppFi Card, a credit card product. OppFi Inc was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for OppFi Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OppFi and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Celsius, Canadian Natural Resources, Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce are the five Canadian stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Canadian stocks are shares of companies that are incorporated, headquartered, or primarily listed on Canadian exchanges (such as the Toronto Stock Exchange and TSX Venture Exchange). They give investors ownership in those businesses and provide exposure to Canadas economy and dominant sectors (financials, energy, materials), with prices usually quoted in Canadian dollars. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Canadian stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Celsius (CELH) Celsius Holdings, Inc. develops, processes, markets, distributes, and sells functional energy drinks and liquid supplements in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Canadian, European, Middle Eastern, Asia-Pacific, and internationally. The company offers CELSIUS, a fitness drink or supplement designed to accelerate metabolism and burn body fat; various flavors and carbonated and non-carbonated functional energy drinks under the CELSIUS Originals and Vibe name, as well as functional energy drink under the CELSIUS Essentials and CELSIUS On-the-Go Powder names; and CELSIUS ready-to drink products. Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) Canadian Natural Resources Limited acquires, explores for, develops, produces, markets, and sells crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids (NGLs). The company offers light and medium crude oil, primary heavy crude oil, Pelican Lake heavy crude oil, bitumen (thermal oil), and synthetic crude oil (SCO). Read Our Latest Research Report on CNQ Canadian National Railway (CNI) 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. Read Our Latest Research Report on CNI Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CP) Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates a transcontinental freight railway in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. The company transports bulk commodities, including grain, coal, potash, fertilizers, and sulphur; merchandise freight, such as forest products, energy, chemicals and plastics, metals, minerals, consumer products, and automotive; and intermodal traffic comprising retail goods in overseas containers. Read Our Latest Research Report on CP Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Read Our Latest Research Report on CM See Also State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its position in Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:CRM Free Report) by 0.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 908,101 shares of the CRM providers stock after acquiring an additional 7,482 shares during the period. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System owned about 0.09% of Salesforce worth $247,630,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in Salesforce by 1.0% in the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 88,823,481 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $24,221,275,000 after purchasing an additional 909,853 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Salesforce by 0.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 20,873,900 shares of the CRM providers stock worth $5,669,224,000 after buying an additional 114,504 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its holdings in Salesforce by 6.9% in the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 9,258,518 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $2,484,616,000 after buying an additional 600,386 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Salesforce by 5.1% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 9,014,148 shares of the CRM providers stock valued at $2,419,037,000 after acquiring an additional 437,435 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Salesforce during the 1st quarter valued at about $2,039,196,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.43% of the companys stock. Get Salesforce alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth CRM has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Macquarie reissued a neutral rating and issued a $250.00 target price on shares of Salesforce in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut their price target on shares of Salesforce from $400.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, September 4th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Salesforce from $276.00 to $253.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Wedbush restated an outperform rating and set a $375.00 price objective on shares of Salesforce in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reduced their target price on Salesforce from $255.00 to $221.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Twenty-five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, thirteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Salesforce presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $322.86. Insider Transactions at Salesforce In other news, CEO Marc Benioff sold 122 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $259.00, for a total transaction of $31,598.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 11,911,571 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,085,096,889. The trade was a 0.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders have sold a total of 56,372 shares of company stock valued at $13,941,863 over the last three months. 3.00% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Salesforce Stock Down 2.5% Shares of NYSE CRM opened at $228.27 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $244.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $255.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.12, a quick ratio of 1.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Salesforce Inc. has a 12-month low of $221.96 and a 12-month high of $369.00. The company has a market cap of $217.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 33.18, a P/E/G ratio of 2.11 and a beta of 1.19. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, September 3rd. The CRM provider reported $2.91 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.78 by $0.13. Salesforce had a return on equity of 13.27% and a net margin of 16.87%.The company had revenue of $10.24 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.14 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $2.56 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 9.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Salesforce has set its FY 2026 guidance at 11.330-11.370 EPS. Q3 2026 guidance at 2.840-2.860 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Salesforce Inc. will post 7.46 EPS for the current fiscal year. Salesforce Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 9th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 17th were given a $0.416 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, September 17th. This represents a $1.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Salesforces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 24.13%. Salesforce Profile (Free Report) Salesforce, Inc provides Customer Relationship Management (CRM) technology that brings companies and customers together worldwide. The company's service includes sales to store data, monitor leads and progress, forecast opportunities, gain insights through analytics and artificial intelligence, and deliver quotes, contracts, and invoices; and service that enables companies to deliver trusted and highly personalized customer support at scale. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Salesforce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Salesforce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 779,641 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 4,358 shares during the quarter. Eli Lilly and Company accounts for approximately 1.1% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems holdings, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System owned about 0.08% of Eli Lilly and Company worth $607,754,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position 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 acquiring an additional 50,002,551 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings 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 worth $62,680,004,000 after purchasing an additional 1,183,038 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.6% in 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 during the last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 78,621.2% during the 2nd quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 11,552,336 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,005,392,000 after purchasing an additional 11,537,661 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 13.3% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,821,993 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,808,443,000 after purchasing an additional 682,203 shares during the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LLY has been the subject of several research analyst reports. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price objective on Eli Lilly and Company from $876.00 to $879.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Scotiabank initiated coverage on Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $1,165.00 price target for the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reduced their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,010.00 to $900.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Daiwa America lowered shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, August 17th. Finally, Leerink Partnrs raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Eli Lilly and Company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,047.50. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance Shares of LLY stock opened at $1,105.45 on Thursday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $876.09 and its 200 day moving average is $794.85. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. The stock has a market cap of $1.05 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 72.25, a PEG ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. Eli Lilly and Company has a twelve month low of $623.78 and a twelve month high of $1,111.99. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 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 quarter last year, the firm posted $1.18 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Research analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Investors 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 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Te Ahumairangi Investment Management Ltd bought a new stake in Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE:MFG Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 50,000 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $278,000. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Brighton Jones LLC increased its stake in Mizuho Financial Group by 19.3% in the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 12,343 shares of the banks stock valued at $60,000 after purchasing an additional 1,998 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers increased its position in shares of Mizuho Financial Group by 3.4% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 102,037 shares of the banks stock valued at $562,000 after buying an additional 3,399 shares in the last quarter. Assetmark Inc. boosted its position in shares of Mizuho Financial Group by 244.3% in the 1st quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 51,843 shares of the banks stock worth $286,000 after buying an additional 36,786 shares in the last quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC raised its position in Mizuho Financial Group by 58.3% during the first quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 33,947 shares of the banks stock worth $187,000 after acquiring an additional 12,500 shares during the last quarter. Finally, US Bancorp DE increased its stake in shares of Mizuho Financial Group by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 778,316 shares of the banks stock worth $4,289,000 after purchasing an additional 61,997 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 3.26% of the companys stock. Get Mizuho Financial Group alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on MFG shares. Wall Street Zen raised Mizuho Financial Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, August 3rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (a-) rating on shares of Mizuho Financial Group in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Zacks Research downgraded shares of Mizuho Financial Group from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, August 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Mizuho Financial Group currently has an average rating of Buy. Mizuho Financial Group Price Performance MFG stock opened at $7.11 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $88.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21. Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. has a 52-week low of $4.04 and a 52-week high of $7.12. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $6.60 and its 200-day simple moving average is $6.13. Mizuho Financial Group (NYSE:MFG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The bank reported $0.20 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.17 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $5.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.74 billion. Mizuho Financial Group had a return on equity of 8.48% and a net margin of 10.16%. Equities research analysts expect that Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. will post 0.42 EPS for the current year. Mizuho Financial Group Company Profile (Free Report) Mizuho Financial Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in banking, trust, securities, and other businesses related to financial services in Japan, the Americas, Europe, Asia/Oceania, and internationally. It operates through Retail & Business Banking Company, Corporate & Institutional Company, Global Corporate Company, Global Markets Company, Asset Management Company, and Others segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mizuho Financial Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mizuho Financial Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A number of firms have modified their ratings and price targets on shares of Terreno Realty (NYSE: TRNO) recently: 11/26/2025 Terreno Realty had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/25/2025 Terreno Realty had its price target raised by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $60.00 to $63.00. They now have an equal weight rating on the stock. 11/20/2025 Terreno Realty had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/13/2025 Terreno Realty had its price target raised by analysts at Citigroup Inc. from $58.00 to $64.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 11/10/2025 Terreno Realty was upgraded by analysts at Piper Sandler from a neutral rating to an overweight rating. They now have a $75.00 price target on the stock. 11/10/2025 Terreno Realty was upgraded by analysts at Scotiabank from a sector perform rating to a sector outperform rating. They now have a $67.00 price target on the stock. 10/21/2025 Terreno Realty was given a new $71.00 price target on by analysts at UBS Group AG. 10/21/2025 Terreno Realty had its price target raised by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. from $64.00 to $71.00. They now have a buy rating on the stock. 10/8/2025 Terreno Realty had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 10/1/2025 Terreno Realty is now covered by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They set an overweight rating and a $70.00 price target on the stock. 10/1/2025 Terreno Realty is now covered by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald. They set an overweight rating and a $70.00 price target on the stock. Terreno Realty Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.3%. Terreno Realtys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 66.03%. Insider Transactions at Terreno Realty In other Terreno Realty news, EVP John Tull Meyer sold 4,758 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $59.95, for a total transaction of $285,242.10. Following the transaction, the executive vice president owned 119,949 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,190,942.55. The trade was a 3.82% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 2.40% of the companys stock. Terreno Realty Corporation (Terreno, and together with its subsidiaries, the Company) acquires, owns and operates industrial real estate in six major coastal U.S. markets: Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, DC All square feet, acres, occupancy and number of properties disclosed in these notes to the consolidated financial statements are unaudited. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Terreno Realty Corporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Terreno Realty Corporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE:SAM Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Reduce from the thirteen analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have issued a hold rating and one has given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $249.7364. A number of brokerages have recently commented on SAM. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on shares of Boston Beer from $230.00 to $220.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Friday, November 21st. Citigroup cut Boston Beer from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the company from $255.00 to $235.00 in a report on Monday, October 6th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on Boston Beer from $230.00 to $246.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Boston Beer in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group decreased their price target on shares of Boston Beer from $230.00 to $225.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, September 30th. Get Boston Beer alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on SAM Insider Activity at Boston Beer Institutional Investors Weigh In On Boston Beer In other news, Director Michael Spillane sold 3,120 shares of Boston Beer stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $205.78, for a total transaction of $642,033.60. Following the sale, the director directly owned 10,877 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,238,269.06. The trade was a 22.29% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website . Insiders own 26.10% of the companys stock. A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. California State Teachers Retirement System raised its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 8,414 shares of the companys stock worth $1,605,000 after buying an additional 57 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS grew its position in Boston Beer by 2.8% in the second quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 2,115 shares of the companys stock valued at $404,000 after acquiring an additional 58 shares during the period. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. raised its stake in Boston Beer by 5.3% during the second quarter. Great Valley Advisor Group Inc. now owns 1,192 shares of the companys stock worth $227,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. US Bancorp DE lifted its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 23.5% during the first quarter. US Bancorp DE now owns 336 shares of the companys stock valued at $80,000 after acquiring an additional 64 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Boston Beer by 81.7% during the third quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 189 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 85 shares during the period. 81.13% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Boston Beer Trading Up 2.2% Shares of Boston Beer stock opened at $195.08 on Monday. Boston Beer has a 1 year low of $185.34 and a 1 year high of $323.98. The companys fifty day simple moving average is $212.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $214.07. The company has a market cap of $2.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.00, a PEG ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.91. Boston Beer (NYSE:SAM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The company reported $4.25 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.78 by $0.47. Boston Beer had a net margin of 4.38% and a return on equity of 12.29%. The firm had revenue of $537.49 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $542.97 million. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 11.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.86 EPS. Boston Beer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 7.800-9.800 EPS. As a group, research analysts forecast that Boston Beer will post 9.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Boston Beer Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Boston Beer Company, Inc produces and sells alcohol beverages primarily in the United States. The company's flagship beer is Samuel Adams Boston Lager. It offers various beers, hard ciders, flavored malt beverages, and hard seltzers under the Samuel Adams, Twisted Tea, Truly, Angry Orchard, Dogfish Head, Angel City, and Coney Island brand names. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Boston Beer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Boston Beer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Booking, Expedia Group, Travelers Companies, Trip.com Group, MakeMyTrip, Thor Industries, and OUTFRONT Media are the seven Travel stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Travel stocks are shares of companies whose primary business depends on travel and tourismairlines, hotels and resorts, cruise lines, online travel agencies, car rental firms, airport operators and other travel-related services. These equities tend to be cyclical and sensitive to consumer confidence, economic growth, seasonality, fuel and labor costs, and geopolitical or health events, which can make them more volatile than defensive sectors. 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 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 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 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 Read More United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund grew its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Free Report) by 68.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,400 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,600 shares during the quarter. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Funds holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. were worth $507,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. by 144.6% during the first quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 49,229,283 shares of the companys stock valued at $4,418,820,000 after purchasing an additional 29,104,112 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC bought a new position in Merck & Co., Inc. in the first quarter worth approximately $991,553,000. Franklin Resources Inc. lifted its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 23.5% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 27,032,601 shares of the companys stock worth $2,139,901,000 after buying an additional 5,135,748 shares during the period. Amundi boosted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 37.1% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 13,077,716 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,130,397,000 after acquiring an additional 3,542,036 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in the 2nd quarter valued at $258,267,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.07% of the companys stock. Get Merck & Co. Inc. alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes MRK has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Merck & Co., Inc. from $98.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $110.00 to $111.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Wells Fargo & Company upgraded shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the company from $90.00 to $125.00 in a research note on Monday. Wall Street Zen raised Merck & Co., Inc. from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Scotiabank began coverage on Merck & Co., Inc. in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $105.00 price objective for the company. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating, nine have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $107.06. Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP David Michael Williams sold 8,614 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $83.59, for a total value of $720,044.26. Following the sale, the executive vice president directly owned 24,578 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,054,475.02. This represents a 25.95% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock. Merck & Co., Inc. Trading Down 0.9% NYSE:MRK opened at $104.71 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $259.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.13, a PEG ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 0.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69. Merck & Co., Inc. has a 12 month low of $73.31 and a 12 month high of $105.84. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $87.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of $83.37. Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.58 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.36 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $17.28 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17 billion. Merck & Co., Inc. had a return on equity of 41.05% and a net margin of 25.79%.The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.57 EPS. Merck & Co., Inc. has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.930-8.980 EPS. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 9.01 earnings per share for the current year. Merck & Co., Inc. Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.85 dividend. This is an increase from Merck & Co., Inc.s previous quarterly dividend of $0.81. This represents a $3.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Merck & Co., Inc.s payout ratio is currently 44.91%. Merck & Co., Inc. Profile (Free Report) Merck & Co, Inc is a health care company, which engages in the provision of health solutions through its prescription medicines, vaccines, biologic therapies, animal health, and consumer care products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceutical, Animal Health, and Other. The Pharmaceutical segment includes human health pharmaceutical and vaccine products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Merck & Co. Inc. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund acquired a new position in Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 100,686 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $8,375,000. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Nordea Investment Management AB boosted its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 4.3% in the second quarter. Nordea Investment Management AB now owns 1,797,823 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $149,920,000 after acquiring an additional 74,070 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its holdings in shares of Ingersoll Rand by 14.5% in the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 726,564 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $58,147,000 after purchasing an additional 91,777 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP lifted its stake in Ingersoll Rand by 85.3% in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 8,116 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $675,000 after purchasing an additional 3,736 shares during the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in Ingersoll Rand by 2.5% during the first quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 190,986 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $15,285,000 after purchasing an additional 4,690 shares during the period. Finally, Mackenzie Financial Corp increased its position in Ingersoll Rand by 1.8% in the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 246,020 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $19,689,000 after buying an additional 4,372 shares during the last quarter. 95.27% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Ingersoll Rand alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently commented on IR. Morgan Stanley dropped their price target on Ingersoll Rand from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $78.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Robert W. Baird lowered their target price on shares of Ingersoll Rand from $103.00 to $100.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Citigroup cut their price target on Ingersoll Rand from $94.00 to $91.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price objective on Ingersoll Rand from $83.00 to $95.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $93.90. Ingersoll Rand Trading Up 0.6% IR opened at $79.96 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $31.59 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 59.23, a PEG ratio of 5.13 and a beta of 1.43. Ingersoll Rand Inc. has a one year low of $65.61 and a one year high of $105.65. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $78.84 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $81.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a current ratio of 2.16 and a quick ratio of 1.51. Ingersoll Rand (NYSE:IR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The industrial products company reported $0.86 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.87 by ($0.01). Ingersoll Rand had a net margin of 7.31% and a return on equity of 12.14%. The company had revenue of $1.96 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.95 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $0.84 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. Ingersoll Rand has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.250-3.310 EPS. Analysts predict that Ingersoll Rand Inc. will post 3.32 EPS for the current year. Ingersoll Rand Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 13th will be given a $0.02 dividend. This represents a $0.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 13th. Ingersoll Rands payout ratio is currently 5.93%. About Ingersoll Rand (Free Report) Ingersoll Rand Inc provides various mission-critical air, gas, liquid, and solid flow creation technologies services and solutions worldwide. It operates through two segments, Industrial Technologies and Services, and Precision and Science Technologies. The Industrial Technologies and Services segment designs, manufactures, markets, and services air and gas compression, vacuum, and blower products; fluid transfer equipment and loading systems; and power tools and lifting equipment, including associated aftermarket parts, consumables, air treatment equipment, controls, other accessories, and services under the under the Ingersoll Rand, Gardner Denver, Nash, CompAir, Elmo Rietschle brands, etc. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Ingersoll Rand Inc. (NYSE:IR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Ingersoll Rand Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ingersoll Rand and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP decreased its holdings in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report) by 5.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 1,290,261 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 78,350 shares during the quarter. Visa accounts for about 1.0% of Korea Investment CORPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 15th largest position. Korea Investment CORP owned approximately 0.07% of Visa worth $458,107,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Visa during the first quarter valued at $3,518,533,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Visa by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 161,082,431 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $56,452,949,000 after buying an additional 1,677,088 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its stake in Visa by 17.7% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 10,979,720 shares of the credit-card processors stock valued at $3,847,953,000 after buying an additional 1,651,954 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Visa by 2.5% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 43,096,802 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $15,253,245,000 after buying an additional 1,067,631 shares during the period. Finally, MUFG Securities EMEA plc acquired a new position in shares of Visa in the first quarter worth about $373,240,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.15% of the companys stock. Get Visa alerts: Visa Trading Down 0.1% NYSE:V opened at $334.10 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. The company has a market capitalization of $608.65 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.72, a P/E/G ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.87. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $339.91 and its 200 day moving average price is $347.52. Visa Inc. has a 52 week low of $299.00 and a 52 week high of $375.51. Visa Increases Dividend Visa ( NYSE:V Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The credit-card processor reported $2.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.97 by $0.01. Visa had a net margin of 50.15% and a return on equity of 60.31%. The firm had revenue of $10.72 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.60 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.71 earnings per share. Visas revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts forecast that Visa Inc. will post 11.3 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, November 12th will be paid a $0.67 dividend. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 12th. This is a positive change from Visas previous quarterly dividend of $0.59. Visas dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.25%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts have recently issued reports on V shares. KeyCorp restated an overweight rating and set a $405.00 price target on shares of Visa in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Robert W. Baird set a $425.00 target price on shares of Visa in a research note on Wednesday, October 29th. UBS Group set a $425.00 target price on Visa and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Macquarie dropped their price target on Visa from $425.00 to $410.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upgraded Visa to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $400.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Visa Insider Buying and Selling In related news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 10,485 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $341.00, for a total value of $3,575,385.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 537 shares in the company, valued at approximately $183,117. The trade was a 95.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Paul D. Fabara sold 2,172 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $325.93, for a total value of $707,919.96. Following the transaction, the insider owned 26,413 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,608,789.09. This trade represents a 7.60% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 24,042 shares of company stock worth $8,175,152. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Visa Company Profile (Free Report) Visa Inc operates as a payment technology company in the United States and internationally. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, and click to pay services; Visa Direct, a solution that facilitates the delivery of funds to eligible cards, deposit accounts, and digital wallets; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral business-to-business cross-border payments network; Visa Cross-Border Solution, a cross-border consumer payments solution; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value-added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding V? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Visa Inc. (NYSE:V Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. XTX Topco Ltd boosted its holdings in shares of Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:PB Free Report) by 623.5% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 33,173 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 28,588 shares during the quarter. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in Prosperity Bancshares were worth $2,330,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of PB. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in shares of Prosperity Bancshares by 2.2% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,688,304 shares of the banks stock valued at $334,595,000 after purchasing an additional 102,044 shares during the period. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. boosted its position in Prosperity Bancshares by 14.6% in the 1st quarter. T. Rowe Price Investment Management Inc. now owns 3,232,995 shares of the banks stock valued at $230,739,000 after buying an additional 412,283 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC grew its stake in Prosperity Bancshares by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 1,788,114 shares of the banks stock worth $125,615,000 after acquiring an additional 11,606 shares in the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its position in shares of Prosperity Bancshares by 4,674.9% during the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,426,917 shares of the banks stock worth $100,227,000 after acquiring an additional 1,397,033 shares during the period. Finally, Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. raised its stake in shares of Prosperity Bancshares by 14.1% during the second quarter. Vaughan Nelson Investment Management L.P. now owns 1,269,634 shares of the banks stock valued at $89,179,000 after acquiring an additional 157,060 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock. Get Prosperity Bancshares alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other Prosperity Bancshares news, Director Ned S. Holmes sold 500 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $65.57, for a total transaction of $32,785.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 88,415 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,797,371.55. This trade represents a 0.56% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders have sold 13,200 shares of company stock valued at $872,099 over the last 90 days. 4.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Prosperity Bancshares Stock Performance Prosperity Bancshares stock opened at $68.86 on Thursday. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. has a one year low of $61.06 and a one year high of $85.76. The stock has a market cap of $6.54 billion, a PE ratio of 12.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 0.75. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $65.65 and a two-hundred day moving average of $68.18. Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $1.45 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.45. The business had revenue of $314.67 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $317.94 million. Prosperity Bancshares had a net margin of 30.28% and a return on equity of 7.06%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $1.34 earnings per share. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. will post 5.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. Prosperity Bancshares Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This is a boost from Prosperity Bancsharess previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Prosperity Bancsharess payout ratio is presently 42.78%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have weighed in on PB shares. Raymond James Financial reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $77.00 target price (up from $75.00) on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Hovde Group dropped their target price on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $83.00 to $80.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $84.00 to $77.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Barclays dropped their price objective on shares of Prosperity Bancshares from $85.00 to $82.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Finally, Citigroup reissued a neutral rating and set a $68.00 price objective (down from $78.00) on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a report on Monday, September 15th. Eleven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $80.21. View Our Latest Research Report on Prosperity Bancshares About Prosperity Bancshares (Free Report) Prosperity Bancshares, Inc operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Prosperity Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prosperity Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Party promotion company Sybaritic Weekend Party Series has pledged $20 million toward relief efforts for rural Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. Nicholas McInnis, chairman of the Classique Group under which the SBR Party Series falls, was so moved by the graphic images of Hurricane Melissas destruction that he and his business partners sprang into action. We just had to do something, when I saw the scale of the destruction, entire communities under water, families stranded and left homeless, streets turned into river beds, I knew I had to play my part for my fellow Jamaicans, McInnis, who is a well-known promoter of the Sybratic Weekend Party series, said. Classique Inc., along with its subsidiaries: SBR Weekend, Classique Auto Sales and Rentals, and Ecosense Project Management has pledged $20 million toward relief efforts for rural Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The companies recently donated in excess of 1000 care packages, including food, water, and connectivity devices, across Hanover in an effort to support individuals and families having challenges during this difficult period. Security expert Enrico Allen provided close protection for the Classique Group. He assisted in handing out care packages also. In addition, Classique Car rentals has assigned over 15 SUVs to Doctors Without Borders and other groups assisting in relief missions across the island. Classique Group staff member gives out a care package at a shelter in Mt. Peto, Hanover. This will be a continuous humanitarian effort, he said. This initiative marks only the beginning of the many efforts we will be rolling out in the coming weeks and months as we work to rebuild and strengthen the affected communities. Originally born and raised in Hanover, the scope and scale of the destruction was particularly heart-rending to McInnis. Staff members gave out care packages in Great River, St, James This effort is very close to me. I was born and raised in Hanover, where families give selflessly, even when they have very little. It is heartbreaking to see how much has been lost because of this hurricane. We could not sit back and do nothing while our brothers, sisters, and children are hurting, he said. Staff members giving out care packages in Flamstead, Hanover. Mr. McInnis said that his faith played an instrumental role in framing his humanitarian response. God loves a cheerful giver, and we intend to be just that. We encourage everyone to come on board and support the cause, we need all hands on deck, McInnis said. Associated Banc Corp reduced its holdings in shares of Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC Free Report) (TSE:K) by 17.1% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 10,594 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 2,187 shares during the quarter. Associated Banc Corps holdings in Kinross Gold were worth $166,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Get Kinross Gold alerts: Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the business. Boston Partners boosted its holdings in Kinross Gold by 36.5% in the first quarter. Boston Partners now owns 47,526,913 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $632,797,000 after purchasing an additional 12,705,061 shares in the last quarter. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd lifted its position in shares of Kinross Gold by 127.2% during the 2nd quarter. AustralianSuper Pty Ltd now owns 6,107,913 shares of the mining companys stock worth $95,509,000 after buying an additional 3,419,440 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Kinross Gold by 95.7% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 6,949,976 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $87,639,000 after buying an additional 3,398,687 shares in the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board grew its position in shares of Kinross Gold by 55.8% in the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 6,387,031 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $80,481,000 after buying an additional 2,288,753 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Kinross Gold by 21.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 10,639,787 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $172,571,000 after buying an additional 1,876,764 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 63.69% of the companys stock. Kinross Gold Stock Up 5.1% KGC stock opened at $27.41 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $33.09 billion, a PE ratio of 22.11, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.42 and a beta of 0.60. The company has a fifty day moving average of $24.62 and a 200-day moving average of $19.74. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16, a quick ratio of 1.45 and a current ratio of 2.84. Kinross Gold Corporation has a one year low of $8.99 and a one year high of $27.84. Kinross Gold Increases Dividend Kinross Gold ( NYSE:KGC Get Free Report ) (TSE:K) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The mining company reported $0.44 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.39 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $1.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.72 billion. Kinross Gold had a net margin of 25.18% and a return on equity of 20.04%. The businesss revenue was up 25.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.24 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Kinross Gold Corporation will post 0.81 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be paid a dividend of $0.035 per share. This is a positive change from Kinross Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.03. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 26th. This represents a $0.14 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.5%. Kinross Golds dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 9.79%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on KGC shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Kinross Gold from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 22nd. TD Securities boosted their target price on Kinross Gold from $22.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Kinross Gold in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (a) rating on shares of Kinross Gold in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded Kinross Gold from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of $27.69. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on KGC Kinross Gold Company Profile (Free Report) Kinross Gold Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties principally in the United States, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Mauritania. The company operates the Fort Knox mine and the Manh Choh project in Alaska, as well as the Round Mountain and the Bald Mountain mines in Nevada, the United States; the Paracatu mine in Brazil; the La Coipa and the Lobo-Marte project in Chile; the Tasiast mine in Mauritania; and the Great Bear project in Canada. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KGC? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE:KGC Free Report) (TSE:K). Receive News & Ratings for Kinross Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kinross Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 1,326 shares of the enterprise software providers stock, valued at approximately $290,000. Get Oracle alerts: Other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Swiss National Bank raised its stake in shares of Oracle by 7.6% in the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 5,093,200 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $1,113,526,000 after purchasing an additional 360,000 shares during the last quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. grew its holdings in Oracle by 4.3% during the first quarter. Lockheed Martin Investment Management Co. now owns 51,350 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $7,179,000 after buying an additional 2,110 shares in the last quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC grew its holdings in Oracle by 9.2% during the second quarter. Private Wealth Asset Management LLC now owns 3,817 shares of the enterprise software providers stock worth $835,000 after buying an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC raised its position in Oracle by 4.8% in the 2nd quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 32,937 shares of the enterprise software providers stock valued at $7,201,000 after buying an additional 1,515 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cascade Investment Group Inc. bought a new position in Oracle during the 2nd quarter valued at $239,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.44% of the companys stock. Oracle Trading Up 4.2% NYSE:ORCL opened at $205.29 on Thursday. Oracle Corporation has a 12 month low of $118.86 and a 12 month high of $345.72. The company has a current ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.33. The firms 50 day moving average is $266.77 and its 200 day moving average is $237.24. The stock has a market capitalization of $585.23 billion, a PE ratio of 47.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.96 and a beta of 1.51. Oracle Dividend Announcement Oracle ( NYSE:ORCL Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, September 9th. The enterprise software provider reported $1.47 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.48 by ($0.01). The firm had revenue of $14.93 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.04 billion. Oracle had a net margin of 21.08% and a return on equity of 72.93%. Oracles revenue for the quarter was up 12.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company posted $1.39 earnings per share. Oracle has set its Q2 2026 guidance at 1.270-1.310 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Oracle Corporation will post 5 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 23rd. Investors of record on Thursday, October 9th were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, October 9th. Oracles payout ratio is currently 46.30%. Insider Buying and Selling at Oracle In related news, Director Jeffrey Berg sold 49,365 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $283.02, for a total transaction of $13,971,282.30. Following the sale, the director directly owned 151,999 shares in the company, valued at approximately $43,018,756.98. This represents a 24.52% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Stuart Levey sold 19,758 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $300.00, for a total transaction of $5,927,400.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 18,429 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,528,700. This trade represents a 51.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last 90 days, insiders sold 204,254 shares of company stock valued at $60,227,807. Insiders own 40.90% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth ORCL has been the subject of several recent analyst reports. Sanford C. Bernstein upped their target price on shares of Oracle from $363.00 to $364.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Jefferies Financial Group upped their price objective on shares of Oracle from $360.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on shares of Oracle from $246.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Baird R W upgraded Oracle to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Bank of America raised Oracle from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $295.00 to $368.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 10th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-seven have issued a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Oracle has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $324.89. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on ORCL Oracle Company Profile (Free Report) Oracle Corporation offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. Its Oracle cloud software as a service offering include various cloud software applications, including Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise resource planning (ERP), Oracle Fusion cloud enterprise performance management, Oracle Fusion cloud supply chain and manufacturing management, Oracle Fusion cloud human capital management, Oracle Cerner healthcare, Oracle Advertising, and NetSuite applications suite, as well as Oracle Fusion Sales, Service, and Marketing. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. (LON:CBKD Get Free Report)s share price rose 0.2% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as GBX 2.19 and last traded at GBX 2.17. Approximately 1,859,359 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 99% from the average daily volume of 936,207 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 2.16. Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. Stock Up 0.2% The stock has a fifty day moving average of GBX 2.10 and a two-hundred day moving average of GBX 1.87. The stock has a market cap of 64.89 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 0.00 and a beta of 0.56. About Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. (Get Free Report) Commercial International Bank (Egypt) SAE. provides financial products and services in Egypt. The company operates in four segments: Corporate Banking, Investment, Retail Banking, and Assets and Liabilities Management. It offers current and saving accounts, business accounts, time deposits, and certificates of deposit; car, personal, travel, solar, education, and overdraft loans; fund investment management; mortgages services; and insurance products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bell Asset Management Ltd increased its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 8.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 11,354 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 877 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company comprises about 2.0% of Bell Asset Management Ltds holdings, making the stock its 9th largest position. Bell Asset Management Ltds holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $8,851,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Several other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. now owns 527 shares of the companys stock worth $411,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 732 shares of the companys stock valued at $571,000 after buying an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC increased its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% during the second quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 1,966 shares of the companys stock worth $1,533,000 after buying an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors raised its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 3.4% in the second quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors now owns 394 shares of the companys stock worth $307,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dash Acquisitions Inc. lifted its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the second quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 485 shares of the companys stock valued at $387,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on LLY. DZ Bank upgraded Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft decreased their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $1,010.00 to $900.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 11th. HSBC boosted their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $800.00 in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Scotiabank started coverage on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. They set a sector outperform rating and a $1,165.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Eli Lilly and Company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $1,047.50. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Performance NYSE:LLY opened at $1,105.45 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $1.05 trillion, a P/E ratio of 72.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. The firms 50 day moving average is $876.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $794.85. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,111.99. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. The business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate 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% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $1.18 EPS. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 EPS for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend The company also recently disclosed 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 0.5%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 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. Recommended Stories 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. Stellantis (EPA:STLAP Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 3.4% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as 9.13 and last traded at 9.05. 3,946,400 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, The stock had previously closed at 8.75. Stellantis Trading Down 1.3% The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of 8.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of 8.56. Stellantis Company Profile (Get Free Report) Stellantis N.V. engages in the design, engineering, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of automobiles and light commercial vehicles, engines, transmission systems, metallurgical products, mobility services, and production systems worldwide. It provides luxury and premium vehicles; sport utility vehicles; American and European brand vehicles; and parts and services, as well as retail and dealer financing, leasing, and rental services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Stellantis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stellantis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Heron Manufacture, based in Draperstown, has won the British Woodworking Federations (BWF) Heath and Safety award in recognition of the transformative changes made to the business health and safety culture led by the companys Health and Safety Manager, Aiden McClenaghan. Sponsored by Professional Woodworking Today, a leading voice for insights, guidance and best practice in the woodworking sector, the Health and Safety award celebrates those who go above and beyond to protect the wellbeing of their workforce. The BWF Award judges praised Aidans commitment to embedding a proactive safety culture within the business, building co-operation and management systems from the ground up. They commended Heron Manufactures approach as one that brings the team together to drive safety, delivering impressive results, with a reduction in accidents and an increase in near-miss reporting since 2023. Aidan McClenaghan, Health and Safety Manager at Heron Manufacture Ltd said: Receiving this award is a tremendous achievement for everyone at Heron. Over the past year we have focused on building a safety culture that truly involves the whole team, encouraging open communication, continuous improvement and shared responsibility. Im incredible proud of the commitment shown by colleagues across the business, this award reflects their effort, positivity and belief in creating a safer workplace for all. Mark Kelly, Managing Director at Heron Manufacture added: I am delighted to see Aidan winning the H&S Safety Award. His exceptional attention to detail, industry knowledge and commitment to continually improving processes are what set Aiden apart. His work and effort in driving a safety led culture have led to this recognition. We are very proud of Aidan and it is fantastic to see him recognised in this way by the BWF. Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF, commented: This years BWF Awards provided a fantastic opportunity for the sector to come together to recognise and celebrate the projects, businesses and people driving innovation and best practice across woodworking and joinery manufacture. Congratulations to Heron Manufacture for their dedication to transforming workplace safety. Aidan and his team have set a clear benchmark for the sector, showing how strong leadership, collaboration and a proactive approach can create positive safety culture that benefits everyone in the business. The prize was presented at a celebratory awards evening on Friday, November 21 at the Kimpton Fitzroy London. A full list of the winners at this years BWF Awards can be found HERE In St Eithnes Primary School we foster every childs abilities. We support all types of learners. We have great Special Educational Needs provision. The most important thing is the children, they are at the core of everything we do. This was the thoughtful mission statement of St Eithnes vice principal Mr Sean Conaghan, speaking to The Derry News. No matter what you do, kindness is the most important thing for children, he added. Mr Conaghan, who has been vice principal of St Eithnes since 2019, previously taught in Faughanvale Primary in Greysteel for 13 years. Describing the St Eithnes school community as tight-knit, Mr Conaghan said that was what was unique about St Eithnes. Everybody knows each other. Everybody is aware of the children, their family, their needs, their backgrounds, he added. At St Eithnes we take great pride in the development of our school community - getting to know the families, getting to know the parents. Within the school, we are providing the children with an excellent quality of education. We are looking at their academic ability, as well as their special education needs and their nurturing needs because St Eithnes is a big advocate or nurture, particularly through our Umbrella Room which we established during covid-19. Sean Conaghan, vice principal. I think that is one of our unique selling points really but the most important thing we do is to support our families and ensure that they are aware that their children are well looked after and cared for in a holistic way - academically, socially and emotionally. For example, this year again, St Eithnes will be involved in Santa's Grotto, which will run on December 16 and 17. This will provide a great opportunity for families and children to come in, visit Santa, get their photographs taken and get a selection box. Its all about giving back really. Everyone in our local community is very welcome to come along and visit Santa, said Mr Conaghan, who smiled, There is definitely nowhere better to be in the run up to Christmas than a primary school. St Eithnes is also an award winning school, an achievement of which Mr Conaghan is rightly proud. We have quite a few awards within the school. We have the ICT Mark Award, which we worked hard to achieve, which is about developing childrens awareness of anti-bullying and online safety, he said. St Eithnes is a welcoming school and is inclusive of children from all faith backgrounds and all abilities. This is why we have also obtained School of Sanctuary recognition last year, from the North West Migrants Forum. That is not to mention, in June we won the Local Women Magazine Primary School of the Year, which was judged by a 10-strong panel in Stormont. We were nominated anonymously by a member of our school community - a relative or parent or grandparent. That was a fantastic accolade for St Eithnes as a school, said Mr Conaghan, who was also very proud of the school choir. Laughing, he said: I am the music co-ordinator in St Eithnes and Im heavily invested in music. I am from this parish originally, so for me, coming back into the Parish of the Holy Family is lovely because it is where I was educated. It is where I grew up. Its just great to be back within the Parish now, working in the community. I know the history of the Holy Family. I sang in the gospel group since I was about eight or nine, so now we are giving back through music - St Eithnes sings at Mass once a month. We also compete in Derry Feis every Easter and we always come away with something. We are very lucky with our music provision. Our annual productions are the stuff of legend. We do a full-blown production. Over the years we have performed Peter Pan, Cinderella Rockafella, Moana, Matilda and The Little Mermaid. The school shows really are a core memory for our primary seven leavers. We do it at a time when the books are put away and we are looking at that whole area of the curriculum that hasnt been developed, maybe when students have been doing transfer tests. We have parents that volunteer who come on board with sets and everything else, said Mr Conaghan, who also praised what he described as the great arts and creativity within the St Eithnes staff. It is absolutely fantastic, he added, and it is just a brilliant experience for the children. We will be announcing this years school production on January 28, 2026, so everyone should keep their eyes peeled. Also a parent at St Eithnes, Mr Conaghan invited the families of prospective students to come and have a look around St Eithnes and have a chat with any member of staff. He added: I can guarantee you that when you come across the door of St Eithnes, your instinct will take over. You will see that we are a Catholic-based school, which fosters everybody's abilities. The Advantages of Bilingualism were explored in a recent article published by Glor na nGael - the Irish-language organisation which promotes and supports the language in the family, community, and business sectors. There are many reasons why parents make the decision to speak Irish in their family - cultural, educational or identity. Whatever the reason, there are many advantages to this decision. Advantages of thinking - In terms of creative thinking, a bilingual child will have two words or more for every item and every idea. A bilingual person has the ability to think in a more flexible and versatile way. Research shows that bilingual people are more fluent in their answers to open-ended questions. In terms of IQ tests, international research shows that bilingual people receive a higher IQ than monolingual people that are similar to them - gender, race and age. Learning to read bilingually at the age of four to six has significant advantages over monolingual. Curricular achievement - On average, bilingual children do better in exams than monolingual children. Bilinguals are more creative in their thinking which enhances their performance in the overall curriculum. This certainly stems from the advantages referred to earlier. Learning a third language - It is easier for bilingual children to learn a third or more languages than monolinguals. Mathematics - International research and the University of Limerick shows that people have a greater mathematical ability if they have a greater level of bilingualism. Pleasure from reading and writing - If someone speaks two languages, they are able to draw on two bodies of literature, tradition and habits. It introduces two cultures and two perspectives on life. Employment - According to the 2011 Republic of Ireland Census, the unemployment rate for everyday Irish speakers, male and female respectively, were 19.3 and 10.8 per cent compared to 22.3 and 15 per cent for the general population. This shows that bilinguals have added linguistic skill in the job market. Irish speakers are needed in all parts of the economy - retail, services, transport, administration, translation, media, secretarial, marketing, sales, law, teaching and more. Communication - When parents have different languages, children who learn both languages have the advantage of using either of their parents preferred languages. This helps to foster a special relationship with both parents and ensures that the child gets a sense of the heritage of both parents. Self-esteem and certainty of identity - Children who are bilingual have a greater sense of self-esteem and the ability to speak and knowledge of Irish enhances a childs identity. The language is a matter of pride and is a sign that the child is part of an Irish community. Value of other languages and cultures - A broader cultural experience and knowledge of cultural differences comes with having two languages. The average bilingual person has the confidence to enjoy and enrich other languages and cultures. Health - In addition to the mental, social and economic advantages mentioned earlier, there are health benefits to bilingualism. Children with autism learn how to think faster. There are different types of autism and, in some cases, the children are able to become fluent easily in other languages. Bilingualism delays the development of dementia. It is reported that some social workers advise parents that bilingualism is detrimental to children with special needs. This advice is without evidence and parents who have been told this are advised to contact Glor na nGael so that they can make an informed decision. Ceim ar cheim, step-by-step, thats how the Irish language has got to the position it is in in Derry.Thanks to the work of Mary Delargy, and others, we can recount the story of the Irish Language and how weve got to the point where Culturlann Ui Chanain and Irish speakers are flourishing in the city. The modern history of the language in the city can be traced back to 1894 and the founding of the first branch of Conradh na Gaeilge in the city. As was normal at the time, the group was diverse in terms of religion. As was the case with numerous events during this time period local, national and international affairs had a detrimental impact on the growth of the movement. Reformed There were numerous efforts to begin Irish language classes in the city again, and there was another branch founded in the 1950s, Craobh Sheain Ui Dhubhlain. It was through Craobh Cholmcille, however, that the links to Culturlann Ui Chanain can be traced back. Craobh Cholmcille was reformed in 1983 in order to deal with the growing demand for Irish classes. Eventually a permanent place for those classes was found on Morshraid Sheamais (Great James Street). In 2009 Culturlann Ui Chanain opened its doors and from there it has been years of development and growth. Challenges That isnt to say there hasnt been challenges, of course there have, but the spirit of the community has kept things going. From looking back, to looking forward, the question has to be asked whats next? The Irish Language is in the strongest position it has been in a long time and is now attracting international attention. The passing of the Identity and Language Act in 2022 and the appointment of an Irish Language Commissioner can only help the case going forward. The Irish Language education sector is flourishing, and the three Gaelscoileanna as well as a new Naiscoil in Doire Trasna are helping to strengthen the sector even further. Its easy to take a step back and look at everything with rose-tinted glasses, and its important to look back and appreciate everything that has been achieved. Its also important, however, to look forward and realise all that is left to achieve. As we know with rising costs many community-based organisations are struggling and the Irish Language sector is no different. (L-r) Eibhlin Ni Dhochartaigh, Chairperson Fonduireacht Cholm Cille, Danny Moore, manager of Dungloe Bar handing over 1,000 check to Liam O Faolain, treasuer of Fonduireacht Cholm Cille, Pol MacCathmhaoil, fundraiser, Caoimhin O Dochartaigh, vice-chairperson. Money was to help revitalise a house in Gort a Choirce which would be availabe to Gaeilgeoiri throughout the country. Despite this, however, things keep moving forward. We have over 400 learners attending our classes both on site, online, and in our outreach classes. The outreach project of An Droichead is undertaking extraordinary work in reaching people who havent had opportunities to learn the language before. Our Acadamh Ceoil has over 100 learners and is helping to support the traditional music scene in the city. Our Blathanna project is working towards IMBOLC and we look forward to welcoming many of you. Club Oige Setanta is providing a service to young Irish speakers and helping to foster the next generation. Theres so much to be positive about and so much more to come, and here at the Culturlann were looking forward to being a part of it. Ma chuireann tu siolta ag tus na bliana, feicfidh tu an toradh nios moille sa bhliain - You reap what you sow. PICTURED ABOVE: Deputy Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Niree McMorris, at the launch of the Foyle Network Foundation in urging people across the city to continue supporting this years Christmas Appeal. Included on left is Karen Mullan, Director of Foyle Network Foundation, and on right Seanan Walker, Foyle Food Bank. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics) The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Niree McMorris, has joined Foyle Network Foundation in urging people across the city to continue supporting this years Christmas Appeal. The appeal has already had strong support from people across the city, but with need expected to rise again this winter, continued donations will be essential. Karen Mullan, Director of Foyle Network Foundation, said: Peoples generosity so far has been incredible. Every day, were seeing people, community groups and local businesses stepping up to support families who are feeling the pressure. But we know the need is only going to grow as we get closer to Christmas. More families are telling us theyre struggling with food costs, heating, and the extra worries that come at this time of year. Any donation big or small really does help ease that pressure. Were hoping people will continue to back the appeal over the coming weeks. Donations, collections and even sharing our message all go a long way in helping families here who really need it. Speaking after visiting staff and volunteers at Foyle Foodbank, Deputy Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Alderman Niree McMorris, added: Foyle Network Foundation provides vital support to families who are finding things tough, and I want to thank everyone who has already contributed to the appeal. As more households reach out for help, Id encourage anyone who can to continue supporting the campaign. Your kindness brings hope and relief to families who really need it at this time of year. Over the coming days, volunteers from Foyle Network Foundation will be holding Food Drives at local Tesco and Sainsbury's stores, and people are encouraged to support the appeal in whatever way possible. How you can help: A new book on Irish unity has been launched in Derry. The Irish Unity Dividend was launched in the Museum of Free Derry on Monday evening. Author Ben Collins who grew up in a pro-unionist, pro-British family in East Belfast described the 1998 Good Friday Agreement as changing everything, in an insightful interview with The Derry News. It allowed me to look at things differently, said a reflective Collins. I had always felt Irish in addition to being British, he added, but then I went off to university in Dundee, where I met people from all over Ireland, and, outside the context of being in Belfast during The Troubles, that also allowed me to look at things differently. I finished my law degree in 1998 and came back to Belfast, just after the signing of the Good Friday Agreement. I did a couple of degrees here before going back to Scotland to work for a public affairs company. The Scottish Parliament had just been set up and it was good to be able to focus on bread and butter issues. Ironically, working in Britain made me feel less British and more Irish. I dont mean that in any negative way, it was just other people considered me to be Irish and my own sense of Irishness grew. Having grown up with a unionist background, where you are brought up to believe you are British, and again I dont mean this in any negative way, I realised the idea of Britishness held by certain elements of unionism in Northern Ireland does not exist in Britain. They do not consider themselves to be British. People in Britain are different from people in the North. Whatever the idea of Britishness is in Britain, I think it is fundamentally different to the idea of what Britishness tends to be in Northern Ireland. I just felt much greater affinity with my fellow Irish man and woman, he added. During his time in Scotland, Collins recalled seeing things changing. Attending the Scottish National Party conference in 2002, he remembered discussion around fiscal autonomy for Scotland. I thought, This makes a lot of sense because you want to have more control over your own affairs, said Collins. Admiring Scottish nationalism from the outside was the gateway to me thinking, Well actually, maybe we could have a United Ireland, " he added. The thing was, growing up I was not taught Irish history at all. The first time I found out Ireland had been one country originally was when I watched a black and white documentary about the Easter Rising. I cant remember what age I was but I remember thinking, What, they shot people for being part of the Rising? and then realising we were one country. Because you grow up in a Unionist background and you are told to believe Northern Ireland has always been British but that is obviously not right. The Irish Unity Dividend is available now. It was beginning to understand that and then learning basic things like the Tricolour was green, white and orange, the green and orange representing the two main traditions in Ireland, with peace between them. That was really transformative because growing up, we had always been told the Tricolour was green, white and gold. Coming from a unionist background in East Belfast and grown up during The Troubles, the flag regresented violent Republicanism and I do think we need to reclaim the Tricolour but I think, ultimately, the symbolism, the idealism it represents, is still as relevant today as it was when it was designed in 1848, said Collins, who was also inspired by the United Irishmen and Women - Protestant, Catholic and Dissenter. I am a Dissenter from a Presbyterian background and realising there were people from me, from a Presbyterian background, who wanted to bring all parts of Ireland together, were opposed to slavery, and wanted everyone to have the vote, really resonates today, he asserted. Certain unionist people were saying to be truly Irish you had to be Catholic, involved in the GAA and speak Irish. Then you realise that is not the case at all. I was talking to an American relative in a pub in East Belfast in 2012, at the time of the London Olympics, and I said, I really want to write a book on why there should be a United Ireland and how it should be a pluralist Ireland and outward looking, where we come together for the common good. This was before the Scottish Independence Referendum (2014) and the Brexit vote (2016). It is not something I have come up with overnight. My thinking evolved over decades but what was a long-term aspiration for me became an urgent necessity after Brexit. Brexit forced us to choose. Brexit is why you are seeing more people from Northern Ireland than ever before getting Irish passports. They want to maintain the European identity. An increasing number of people from a unionist background, like me, are open to the idea of Irish Unity for all sorts of reasons, including European identity. I believe the EU is the greatest peace project our continent has ever seen. I think it is hugely important and I do not want to lose that and that is one of the things I was very concerned about after the Brexit vote. We in the North voted to stay in the EU, like Scotland, but we were taken out of it and I think that, in a very real sense, emphasised to me, if we want to control our own destiny, we need to have a United Ireland, said Collins, who compared getting an Irish passport as crossing the Rubicon. Looking clearly to the future, Collins posited Taoiseach Micheal Martin would be standing down as Fianna Fail leader before the next Irish general election. He added: The Shared Ireland Unit is doing lots of good work but I think we need to move beyond that and the next leader of Fianna Fail, whenever he or she takes up the post, will have a key role to play in reunification. What we need - individuals, civic groups, academics - is preparation by the Irish Government. It needs to start preparing citizens assemblies and bringing forward the green and white papers. We cannot afford procrastination. We need to start preparation. "The Irish Government needs to say to the British Government, We want a unity referendum because I do not think the British Government will call a Border poll until the Irish Government asks for it and the Irish Government needs to prepare. Thats how you deal with the concerns people may have North and South of the Border. The Irish Unity Dividend by Ben Collins is published by Luath Press and costs 14.99. Deep concern has been voiced ahead of the ending of the grace period for post-Brexit rules over regulations for veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland in a few weeks time. The temporary grace period for the distribution of veterinary medicines from Great Britain into Northern Ireland has been running since January 2021. However January 1 2026 will see the full implementation of EU rules on veterinary medicines coming into Northern Ireland. It follows post-Brexit agreements which see the region being effectively treated as part of the EU in terms of trade rules, despite remaining part of the UK which left the EU. Stormonts Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee on Thursday heard of concern among vets over uncertainty around which products may no longer be able to be brought into Northern Ireland. North of Ireland Veterinary Association (NIVA) secretary and past president Mark Little said from January 1, GB authorised medicines can no longer be supplied into Northern Ireland, unless they meet EU regulatory requirements. Yet he told MLAs that they are approaching this with almost incomplete information, describing blinkers being on. He said so far three of the pharmaceutical companies have said what they are going to do, with one saying they will continue to supply as normal, while the other two have provided lists of products to be discontinued or supplied in different sizes. That amounts to between 30 to 40% of their stock keeping units being withdrawn, he said. These early signals already exceed the UK Governments modelling and their research which assumes that only a small amount of products will be affected. The other companies, we just dont know as vets who are on the ground, were sitting here at the end of November, we still dont know what is going to happen. The UK Government has been working hard and have created two schemes to try to continue to supply of veterinary medicines. But we (are) worried these schemes may not be workable in practice, and also place significant liability on vets to use them. He said the situation is currently stable, but they are worried about a gradual deterioration throughout 2026, as well as rising costs, reduced choice of first line medicines, reduced pack sizes and increased pressure. If youve reduced choice and different pack sizes, you may have to get more medicine than you need, or smaller pack sizes increase pressure on antimicrobial resistance or anti-parasite resistance, he said. In summary were approaching this major regulatory change very, very soon with almost incomplete information. The blinkers are still on for vets on the ground, communication and guidance has been limited as well, and growing evidence that maybe the scale of discontinuation is greater than the Veterinary Medicine Directorate is telling us. The next 12 months will be significant risk and uncertainly to animal health, to farming, to pet owners because of the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland. NIVA president Kirsten Dunbar said there is a lot of uncertainty, and concern around confidence, costs and communication. She gave an example of a product that treats lice in horses which will be discontinued, saying it will leave nothing specific for lice for use in horses. She also called for more user-friendly guidance. There is nothing clear and practical for vets on the frontline, and there has been no direct communication with veterinary surgeons or farmers or pet owners from Defra or the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), she said. There are long-promised webinars, which we are awaiting. Were told theyre imminent. She said NIVA would recommend issuing Northern Ireland specific plain language operational guidance for vets, farmers, horse owners and pet owners as soon as possible to allow for preparation. Responding, a government spokesperson said: We have launched two schemes to ensure the continued supply of veterinary medicines from Great Britain into Northern Ireland following the end of the grace period. We continue to engage with industry and remain confident that there will be limited disruption at the end of the year. Huawei has launched a new framework designed to help governments in the Middle East and Central Asia advance their digital transformation agendas, while underlining the role of technology as a catalyst for economic growth. Allen Tang, President of ICT Marketing & Solution Sales Department at Huawei Middle East and Central Asia, unveiled GovTech1.0 framework, describing it as a strategic blueprint to fast-track government modernisation. As part of GovTech1.0, Huawei offers tailored solutions for government agencies built on four foundational pillars: Application Intelligentization, Data Harmonization, Platform Standardization, and Network Broadbandization. Tang referenced Huaweis Global Digital and Intelligence Index (GDII), which compares 90 countries across five key areas - data, connectivity, computing, talent, and innovation - to help policymakers and enterprises identify effective digital strategies. The index found that countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are accelerating economic growth by investing in cloud, AI, and broadband infrastructure. Building on these findings, Huaweis GovTech1.0 framework leverages the companys core strengths in connectivity, cloud, and computing, integrating smart networks, unified platforms, and advanced AI to power digital tools for governance, public services, and emergency response. Tang highlighted that emerging technologies such as Wi-Fi 7, IPv6, and SRv6 will drive the next phase of government digitalisation and support wider economic growth through robust, secure networks. He noted that this approach is already gaining traction across the Middle East, pointing to Saudi Arabia as a key example. Under its Vision 2030 programme to diversify the economy, Huawei is working with national operators to deploy intelligent management systems and energy-efficient networks - efforts that are helping position the Kingdom as a regional leader in smart connectivity and digital transformation. The rise of AI, Tang added, is enabling governments to integrate smart features into public services, dramatically improving efficiency. However, these advances require strong foundations in software, data, and large AI models. Systems must be secure, simple, and end-to-end, Tang said. AI platforms should be faster, open, and flexible, supporting multiple models for quick deployment and automation. AI strategies are already underway across several Middle Eastern and Central Asian countries, with priorities including the establishment of AI centres, governance frameworks, and the expansion of cloud and AI tools across multiple sectors. There is a shortage of high-quality teaching in schools across the globe, but a new, innovative model is equipping teachers with the tools they need to prepare the next generation of minds. Huawei is working with education institutions to tackle inequality in the sector through the use of smart education solutions. These were recently unveiled at the companys Global Smart Education Showcase, where the Chinese technology giant demonstrated its pilot project with Shenzhen Welkin School to over 100 education leaders from around the world. Huawei and Shenzhen Welkin School have co-developed a centralised teaching model that allows schools to share teaching resources and instructional material. The ambition is simple but far-reaching: equal access to high-quality educational resources and enhance overall quality of education. An uneven educational landscape The need for such initiatives is urgent. According to UNESCO, there is a global shortage of qualified teachers and high-quality education. A 2024 report from the organisation highlights an urgent need for 44 million more primary and secondary teachers worldwide by 2030. Sub-Saharan Africa faces the steepest challenge, with a requirement for 15 million teachers in the next five years alone. It is clear the shortage of teachers will reach a critical point as population numbers swell globally. Huawei and Shenzhen Welkin Schools cloud-based teaching model is aimed at tackling this, as well as other shortfalls such as uneven distribution of high quality educaitonal resources and lack of interactivity in a traditional classroom. This is the context in which Huawei and Shenzhen Welkin Schools partnership becomes significant. Their joint project aims to demonstrate how digital technology can mitigate educational inequalities in Shenzhen and potentially act as a blueprint for other regions. Case study: Shenzhen Welkin School Shenzhen Welkin School operates 26 schools across 11 districts, positioning it as a flagship institution for national pilot programmes in basic education reform. It is also a national-level hub for smart teaching innovation and a demonstration zone for Chinas broader smart education ambitions. Welkin was the first institution to adopt Huawei's smart education solution. The set-up includes interactive whiteboards, cross-district communication and high-speed Wi-Fi 7, enabling the school to implement its much-praised 1+N teaching model. The 1+N model Principal Gong Weidong describes the model as One City, Two Companions, Three Collaborative Activities, representing a fundamental rethink of how education is organised and delivered. One City: a unified strategy across Shenzhen to share resources and standardise quality. Two Companions: - Inter-school companions students and teachers can collaborate across institutions, breaking down barriers between schools. - Intelligent learning companions AI-powered and digital tools that support students day-to-day learning. Three Collaborative Activities: - Collaborative lesson preparation among teachers. - Joint pedagogical research. - Shared teaching across campuses. In practice, the model means students are grouped across 80 classrooms that connect live to a central headquarters where lead teachers deliver lessons via a 4K video feed. Partner schools receive these lessons in real time, with assistant teachers on site to support students, answer questions, and provide the human touch where needed. This approach gives every student access to top-tier teaching, Gong explained, while also allowing our staff to make breakthroughs in teaching and research. Assistant teachers also gain invaluable classroom experience, accelerating their professional development. According to Gong, the model enhances the teaching skills of assistant teachers while delivering finely-designed classes for every student in Shenzhen Welkin School. These innovations ensure the seamless flow and integration of high-quality resources, turning the vision of educational equality and development into reality. Recognition has already come from both the Chinese government and the wider global education community. Global recognition The projects success has not gone unnoticed. Shenzhen Welkin School was awarded the UNESCO Global Smart Education Innovation Award in 2024, affirming the value of its practices on the international stage. At Huawei Connect 2025 in Shanghai, the vendor showcased how its Smart Education Campus Solution is transforming education across four dimensions: robust campus networks that deliver high-speed connectivity to every classrooms; intelligent collaboration tools for teachers and students to co-create and interact; Intelligent network operations and maintenance (O&M); and wide backbone networks that make cross-district lessons sharing and joint teaching possible. Technology backbone Welkins headquarters is powered by the Huawei Education Campus Network which links it to partner schools through the Huawei Xinghe AI education metro network, providing 4K definition feeds between classrooms. Boundaries are also shifting for teachers. Huaweis cloud-based, low-latency and high-bandwidth network - enables teachers to share teaching resources, co-develop lessons, conduct joint, as well as remotely teach students. Such powerful infrastructure ensures smooth and stable live-streamed classes for thousands of students, and collaborative work between teachers, simultaneously. Lead teachers deliver lessons using the Huawei IdeaHub - a 4K blue light-blocking smart screen - instead of the traditional whiteboard or chalkboard. Key points can be marked in real time while assistant teachers in satellite schools receive the updated content instantly. Students are also active participants. They can join online debates, collaborate on virtual geometry models, and share work interactively breaking down the traditional boundaries of the classroom. To maintain this level of service, Huawei has deployed its iMaster NCE network management system, which visualises campus network status, provides real-time fault detection, and enables automatic optimisation. Problems that might otherwise disrupt a class can be resolved in minutes, often by one person who can manage a campus of 1,000 people. With a strong network foundation, intelligent collaboration tools, and intelligent O&M, Huawei lays a solid technical foundation for the cloud model to thrive, Gong said. The showcase at Huawei Connect signals a transition for smart education not simply a products showcase, but about proving technology that can tangibly improve access, equity, and teaching quality. Comparing with European initiatives While China is scaling up smart education at pace through projects like Shenzhen Welkin School, similar efforts are under way in Europe though often on a smaller scale and with different priorities. One example is Italys Piccole Scuole (Small Schools) initiative, coordinated by the Indire research institute. Like Welkins 1+N model, it seeks to overcome inequalities in access to quality teaching, particularly in remote and rural areas. Small schools are digitally connected to share teachers, co-develop lessons, and provide students with access to specialist subjects they would otherwise miss. However, the focus in Italy is less on high-capacity infrastructure and more on fostering community participation and preserving local culture. The European Commissions broader Digital Education Action Plan emphasises inclusion and teacher digital skills, but it does not yet match the level of technical centralisation seen in Shenzhen. Instead, the EU prioritises interoperability and safeguarding student data across multiple vendors. In comparison, Huawei and Shenzhen Welkin Schools model is notable for placing network infrastructure at the centre of education reform. The metropolitan area network connects districts across the city with low-latency optical fibre, while the campus network beams 10Gbps connectivity straight into classrooms. This delivers use cases and tools such as 4K remote teaching, cross campus collaboration and instant content sharing. Such a scale has yet to be seen in other parts of the globe. Challenges to overcome But there are challenges for this model. A particular hurdle is the overreliance on a stable connectivity to ensure people are able to learn uninterrupted in case of a connection outage, be it from network issues or outlandish weather. There is also the digital divide between urban and rural locations, with people living in more remote locations that lack the necessary and expensive infrastructure to gain meaningful educations, particularly compared to the recent hyper development of Shenzhen from a mere fishing village in the 1980s to a booming metropolis. Teachers will also have to be trained to become more technologically literate to fully augment the new tools at their disposal to deliver the full potential of their teachings. The challenges have been acknowledged and are currently being tackled. Welkin runs a teacher exchange programme to train those located in rural areas to provide that human touch which is still valued as well as remote training. On the network issue, Huawei maintains a high standard in terms of network resilience and its project with Welkin is fundamentally network focused, hence any form of downtime is rare and easily fixed. The implications stretch beyond China. If scalable, models like Welkins could inspire other regions struggling with teacher shortages and resource inequalities from rural schools in Asia to overburdened classrooms in Sub-Saharan Africa - and potentially make a lasting systemic difference. --- UNESCO. (2024). Global report on teachers: What you need to know. [Online]. unesco.org. Last Updated: 20 February 2024. Available at: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/global-report-teachers-what-you-need-know [Accessed 29 October 2025]. It is as so often these days a busy time for finance initiatives targeting developing regions. Indeed, two recent announcements relevant to such regions involve pan-African operator MTN. Firstly, a new alliance between global payment infrastructure provider Thunes and MoMo PSB, the fintech platform of Nigerias largest mobile network operator MTN, is claimed to enable millions of Nigerians to now receive money from abroad instantly. Through this collaboration, says Thunes, MoMo users can receive international funds instantly and use them for everyday needs. MoMo PSB is a fintech platform and now also a member of Thunes Direct Global Network, offering a wide range of digital financial services, including payments, e-commerce, insurance and remittances. As a subsidiary of Nigerias largest mobile network operator, MTN, MoMo PSB provides millions of Nigerians with access to digital financial solutions anytime, anywhere. Thunes Direct Global Network enables its members to securely send and receive money across borders in real time by connecting with local wallets, neobanks, and financial institutions. By connecting with MoMo PSBs wallet ecosystem, the collaboration is claimed both to enhance financial inclusion and strengthen the flow of global money into Nigerias rapidly growing digital economy. MoMo says the alliance marks the significant strides attained in the expansion of its African and international remittance corridors, allowing MoMo customers to receive funds from key international markets including the USA, UK, Canada, France, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Israel and South Africa. Thunes says its mission is to enable the next billion end users in emerging markets to access the global economy. And thats not the only finance initiative MTN has recently become part of. Indeed, MTN Group Fintech, Africa's largest fintech platform and the name behind MoMo, is one of the members of the recently launched Global Financial Health Coalition, a diverse network of financial institutions, NGOs, telcos, wallet providers and industry leaders. Its aim? To bring together leaders across the ecosystem to share insights that help move consumers and micro and small businesses beyond access and towards overall financial health and the ability to withstand and navigate shocks. This group was launched in late October at the ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by the Mastercard Centre for Inclusive Growth. As Mastercard explains: Billions of people still face the daily stresses of being underbanked or unbankedWe must ensure that individuals are not just connected to the digital economy, but empowered and protected with the tools, trust and capabilities to actively participate, transact, save and grow. The digital transformation has driven unprecedented access and it holds the key to unlocking meaningful financial well-being for all. Other members of the group include pan-African telecoms group Axian, DANA Indonesia, which provides secure mobile payment and remittance services, GCash, a Philippines-based mobile wallet service, and The Centre for Financial Inclusion, an independent think tank. YOFC Indonesia marks its 10th anniversary on November 13, highlighting a decade of partnership in Indonesias digital transformation. As the first optical fibre manufacturing facility in Southeast Asia and a cornerstone of YOFCs international expansion, the Indonesian operations have evolved from a pioneering project into a key enabler of digital infrastructure, economic growth, and community development over the past decade. Since its establishment in 2015, YOFC Indonesia has grown from an undeveloped site into a modern, world-class optical fibre and cable manufacturing hub. The journey began with the launch of YOFI in Jakarta, followed by the establishment of PT Yangtze Optics Indonesia in Karawang in 2017 a milestone that completed a full-value-chain optical fibre and cable production system for YOFC in Indonesia. After commencing cable manufacturing in 2018 and completing its second-phase capacity expansion in 2022, the facility now features fully automated production lines and a team of over 500 highly skilled local professionals, reinforcing its position as a regional center of excellence in optical communications manufacturing. As a key contributor to narrowing Indonesias digital divide, YOFC Indonesia has played an essential role in the countrys information and communications infrastructure build-out. To date, the company has deployed over 28,000 kilometers of optical cable across more than 80 cities, covering Indonesias principal islands and delivering high-speed fibre broadband access to nearly two million households. By localizing production and transferring technology, YOFC has not only enhanced regional supply chain resilience but also supported the advancement of Indonesias communications manufacturing and R&D capabilities. The 10-year journey has also been defined by significant economic and social contributions. YOFC Indonesia has created over 1,000 direct jobs and, through partnerships with more than 400 local suppliers, generated an additional 4,000 indirect employment opportunities. Beyond job creation, the company has implemented a structured vocational training and talent development program, equipping employees with specialized expertise in optical communications. This focus on talent localization aligns with YOFCs global commitment to integrating with local cultures and building sustainable operations. YOFCs Executive Director and President Zhuang Dan said, The 10th anniversary of YOFC Indonesia represents not only a corporate milestone but also our long-term commitment to Indonesias progress. Guided by our global perspective and deep local engagement, we have grown together with the community, expanding digital access, driving technological innovation, and building shared prosperity. This journey reflects YOFCs core values of customer focus, innovation, and corporate responsibility. Aligned with its ESG commitments and membership in the United Nations Global Compact, YOFC Indonesia has integrated sustainability principles throughout its operations. From supporting national broadband initiatives to expanding skills training and inclusive employment, the companys actions align with Indonesias digital transformation agenda. Looking ahead, YOFC will continue building on its localized production capabilities and technological leadership, deepening its regional footprint across Southeast Asia and collaborating with partners worldwide to deliver reliable, next-generation fibre connectivity. As YOFC Indonesia enters its second decade, it remains dedicated to empowering Indonesias digital economy, bridging regional development gaps, and creating enduring value for local communities, customers, and partners. Smartphones are now so ingrained in our lifestyles that we see them as our gateway to connectivity. In developed markets, society is increasingly structured on the reasonably accurate premise that everyone has access to a 4G device, but in emerging markets, it becomes apparent that smartphones are more of a luxury. African consumers in particular struggle with the cost of 4G-capable devices - the GSMAs recent Mobile Economy Africa Report for 2025 found that there is still a significant affordability gap, with around 58% of Africans remaining offline because smartphones are too expensive. Together with major African players MTN, Airtel and Orange, the GSMA has put forward proposals to bring ultra-low cost 4G smartphones priced between $30 and $40 to Africa. Currently, comparable entry-level devices typically cost over $200. But if a $30 smartphone became available overnight in even a handful of African markets, what would be the ramifications for both Africas consumers and its operators? The Capacity Gap Ethel Cofie, Founder and CEO of Edel Tech Consulting, believes that it could be a shock. The projected numbers, if something like this happens at the $30 - $40 price point, that is bringing between 20 and 50 million onto the grid. That's ridiculous in terms of network planning, says Cofie. Cofie predicts that those coming online will be seasoned internet users familiar with how to use apps, but who have not previously had free access to data. Their usage will therefore be fairly data-intensive, requiring immediate increases to capacity, but there are various conversations about how this can be addressed. Building edge computing caching, such as regional data centres, would enable content and services to be delivered locally, reducing latency load on international links to help guard against outages. She adds that power will also be an issue this could include off grid options in the short term, and PPAs [Power Purchase Agreements], renewables, and micro grids in the longer term. Youve got to fix the coverage then ensure thatdata [is] pinging locally, and then you've got to provide more power and capacity. If you look at providers on the market, even data centre providers - MTN with Bayobab - they seem to be inching towards getting ready for something like this. Initially, a lot of the focus among African operators was on fixing the coverage gap, and this has largely been accomplished. Now the gap is with capacity. The networks will struggle, because I don't think anybody is planning for 20 - 30 million people to suddenly come online. Initially there will be capacity problemsissues with getting people capacity, and if not done well, that will degrade the experience. The Affordability Gap However, the GSMAs Head of Africa, Angela Wamola, is more sanguine, arguing that the progress made in the past 10 years means Africa has been ready for some time. She notes that since 2015, the usage gap has shrunk, while the coverage gap has been reduced from around 50% to just 9%, reflecting the industrys understanding of the challenges around infrastructure development. It's very capital intensive, but at the same time, I think the main challenge has been around the return of capital employed. To date, about 70% of the people who have access to this infrastructure - 3G, 4G, 5G broadband - have never gone online. That's where the opportunity is. She notes that capacity can be increased relatively easily as it doesnt necessarily require further build-out; it can be software-defined, or a matter of licensing but the infrastructure largely exists. The goal is to close that 70% usage gap in Africa so that more people can go online, because we need to tackle the barriers of why they're not online, and those include the affordability of the device, which is why we have the coalition around the affordability of a $30 handset, and the minimum specifications on 4G technology. Yang Wang, of Counterpoint Research, has a more tempered attitude towards device affordability. If I look at where the components come from and mentally break apart a smartphone - how much the system on the chip costs, the memory costs, the display costs US$30 right now is pretty aspirational. In the context of Africa, he acknowledges that the transition from 3G to 4G - which is, by extension, feature phone to smartphone is ongoing if not accelerating. This is having a positive impact, with African operators announcing that they are overachieving KPIs for usage numbers and base station deployments, but even so, scalability remains the issue for low-cost smartphones. Im not saying that companies can't do it; they are, and it's a huge industry, says Wang. There are always suppliers that want to tap into this huge market, but can they do so and scale it? If you want to have a sustainable business model, you want to sell in multiple countries - Africa is 54 countries. Stealing your chips However, reaching this scale involves looking to global leaders for displays, batteries, semiconductors etc and unfortunately for this segment of the market, many of the firms in the supply chain are now pivoting to AI. The players in this sector have vast investment available and are eager for HBM [high bandwidth memory] chips, which is sucking away capacity from the consumer device space as semiconductor manufacturers shift their focus from legacy to advanced memory chips. This forces the hands of even larger manufacturers such as Samsung and Xiaomi, who have to choose between sustaining market share or defending their margins. Wang notes that these companies typically opt for the latter at the expense of cutting production capacity, which impacts design features and portfolio mixes for mid to low and smartphones. The entry level is likely to be squeezed even further as the unit cost of legacy 4G chips increases, approaching parity with 5G chips but Wang notes that in the context of semiconductors, this effect is only ever fairly short-term. The smartphone supply chain is probably the biggest ever in terms of value, number of players, and materials being exchanged daily between countries and companies - demand and supply signals transmit extremely efficiently. all it takes is a savvy supplier to see [an opportunity to] address this shortage of supply and decide to ramp up production. This is factored into Counterpoints forecasts, so even if semiconductor prices rise until the middle of 2026, the gap will likely be addressed and the market will resolve itself. Will AI widen the Digital Divide? Wamola acknowledges that OEMs and device manufacturers are following the trend towards AI, which is driving demand for AI chips, but cautions against allowing this to widen the digital divide further. Are we OK as a world to let more than half of our population, 3 billion people, remain offline simply because they're unable to afford the current devices that exist? Is there room in production lines to create devices that will help these populations to go online? Because that's the next [generation of] consumers and contributors. Wang notes that operators including those in the GSMA consortium, such as MTN, Airtel and Vodacom are deploying 4G more widely and seeing data costs fall, which will spur wider data use among consumers. On the network side, there's positive momentum [in Africa], because one of the biggest constraints was capital investment and how much of the population you can cover with your network. In Africa, it's not urbanised - you have some population centres, [but] the unit cost, the margin, is just a completely different profile than in the developed world. Wamola posits that this increased usage will fuel further adoption as users create content in their local language, boosting relevance and bringing online potential users who do not currently see this utility. She notes that of the roughly 2000 African languages, very few are represented online, which restricts access to meaningful content in the age of AI. Bridging this gap will require users leapfrogging from 2G to 4G and eventually 5G devices as they become more affordable. This is why the consortium makes sense, explains Cofie. If left to chance, we're not going to see low-income pricing. Half these countries are also increasing taxes on devices, which is interesting at this time. The GSMA in conjunction with these five or six companies - they're trying to bring their next 100 million customers; from a practical boardroom perspective, that's what they need to do to hit their numbers. Achieving this growth is certainly possible, says Wang, noting that for Counterpoint, Middle East and Africa have the highest growth rate through the end of the decade. Demand is outstripping supply and Africa has long been the unaddressed market. Wang highlights how players from other markets, such as China, are now becoming much more active in building their retail channels and networks while working with local players in Africa. Their home markets are static, and even places like Southeast Asia, Latin America, are growing very modestly. They need to grow, and where else can they look for this? Africa is the last continent to enter the internet age. So that's why there's still some room for growth. Facing the rise of AI, how does Global Instrument Technology leverage Chunghwa Telecom's IDC for the manufacturing industry's AI-driven transformation The manufacturing industry is facing major changes with the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, which has made computing power and AI application services the "new oil" that fuels the competitiveness of enterprises. However, simply stacking hardware is not enough to run AI models, which are highly dependent on a stable and secure computing environment with low latency. The only way to ensure enterprise-level power, cooling, network bandwidth, and cybersecurity for the deployment of AI applications at scale is to set up the AI model in a professional Internet data center (IDC). Founded in 2009, Global Instrument Technology (GIT) initially provided instrument rental and automation solutions. However, its business expanded along with the upgrading of Taiwan's manufacturing industry, as it focused on optimizing networking, semiconductors, automotive electronics, and EMS production lines. It even expanded into surface defect detection for popular products, such as e-readers and Apple Watches. The company subsequently expanded to smart manufacturing solutions, such as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and early warning of anomalies, under Industry 4.0, expanding from single-point improvement to system-level optimization. GIT saw that the clearest trend in the manufacturing industry in recent years has been the rapid adoption of AI by factories. Its application scenarios include image inspection and IIoT. However, in addition to software capabilities, the support of a stable and high performance computing environment and network architecture are also needed to actually run AI models in production lines. To help customers in the manufacturing industry adopt AI more quickly, GIT partnered with Chunghwa Telecom to provide enterprises with an "AI application verification platform" and integration services in a secure and high performance professional IDC environment. This architecture allows enterprises to verify AI image inspection models and analyze the quality of AI models without increasing the burden of hardware, thus shortening the time from proof of concept to implementation. Professional IDC has become the foundation for stably running AI models with cooling, power, network, and cybersecurity all in place Tsai noted GIT chose a professional IDC to deliver stable AI services and trusted commitment. Credit:GIT The biggest difference between AI servers and regular servers is their power consumption, heat generation, and bandwidth requirements. "It would be very hard to let corporate customers feel at ease if we kept our servers at the company and managed them ourselves." Tsai Pei-Ying, IT Manager at the Head Office of GIT, got straight to the point: AI requires a trustworthy environment to ensure stable, high-performance, and secure processing. Therefore, GIT set the goal to relocate into a professional IDC, and evaluated five key criteria: Is the power supply stable? Is the temperature under control? Is the bandwidth adequate and is the latency acceptable? Is cybersecurity good enough? Is the quality of professional services reliable? GIT evaluated numerous service providers, focusing on their ability to operate at full capacity for extended periods of time without interruption, as well as their scalability, so that new businesses would not be slowed down by infrastructure limitations once launched. "From our perspective, IDC is not just a place to house servers, it is the foundation that enables AI applications to run stably," said Tsai Pei-Ying. GIT delivers more than just AI, it delivers a comprehensive system integration service that encompasses equipment, data transmission, security, and maintenance, offering a total solution for AI implementation. From cold aisles to high bandwidth, the guardian safeguarding the stability of AI servers In the end, GIT chose Chunghwa Telecom's IDC. "Chunghwa Telecom is able to fully meet all five of our requirements!" Tsai Pei-Ying pointed out that the instantaneous power consumption of a single AI server can reach up to 10 kW, so it has extremely high requirements on the stability of power supply. Chunghwa Telecom's IDC has a complete power and temperature control plan in place to ensure that servers can operate safely for extended periods of time. Using environmental control as an example, AI servers need to operate between 10 and 35 degrees Celsius, so Chunghwa Telecom specially designed "cold aisles" for faster heat dissipation and cooling to maintain optimal conditions for equipment. AI applications impose equally astonishing demands not only on power and cooling, but also on bandwidth. Using AI image inspection as an example, the size of a high-resolution image can reach several hundred megabytes, so high network latency can greatly lower the efficiency of training and inference. Chunghwa Telecom's IDC provides high bandwidth capable of instantly meeting massive data transmission demands, ensuring that customer services are not interrupted. In terms of cybersecurity, Chunghwa Telecom has worked closely with GIT to tailor cybersecurity solutions. From hardware firewalls to "cybersecurity fleet" solutions, the comprehensive protection mechanisms not only allow GIT to provide AI services without any concerns, but also lay the foundation for future expansion. "Chunghwa Telecom offers highly competitive one-stop services that have saved us great effort in resource integration." Manager Tsai Pei-Ying was straightforward when explaining the main reason why the company made the decision: They have never had to worry about the quality of Chunghwa Telecom's operation and maintenance. The value of providing one-stop services has been proven again and again in actual operations: All requests, no matter the scale, can be handled at a single window. The top-tier quality of the IDC's operation and maintenance has made GIT more confident in its future development The services of Chunghwa Telecom's IDC have gained the trust and confidence of GIT ever since it became a tenant. Stability is the top priority. In addition, the density of Chunghwa Telecom's resources across multiple locations throughout Taiwan and its backbone network allows service nodes to be located closer to demand, achieving lower latency and greater stability. GIT is currently focused on assisting the manufacturing industry in developing scenarios for implementing AI, such as image defect detection, automated quality monitoring, and digital twin systems. With the support of stable computing capacity provided by the IDC, these AI applications will be able to move on from proof of concept to become a part of routine operations, gradually becoming the new normal for smart manufacturing. Trust is key: Let a professional IDC handle strategic infrastructure Wang Sin-Siang, Vice General Manager of GIT (right), and Tsai Pei-Ying, IT Manager of GIT (left).Credit:GIT From the perspective of GIT, the AI application verification platform is not a short-term project. It is a long-term strategic direction to be simultaneously carried out by the manufacturing industry. Stable, flexible, and secure infrastructure is the key to letting enterprises experiment with AI and not be priced out by the initial cost. "Trust" is the key that makes all of this possible. As mentioned by Manager Tsai Pei-Ying, moving into a professional IDC is a necessary condition. Letting a team that understands data centers, networks, and operation and maintenance provide capital-intensive infrastructure is the only way AI will have a chance to move forward from technical projects to a stable part of routine operations. Chunghwa Telecom's one-stop, single window is a catalyst for reducing friction and accelerating development. Stability, predictability, and scalability are what give customers peace of mind. With the strong support of Chunghwa Telecom's IDC, GIT is driving the rapid adoption of AI in the manufacturing industry. When AI is no longer an experiment and is fully embedded into production processes, Taiwan's AI-enabled manufacturing industry will be able to move towards a replicable and sustainable future. Learn more about Chunghwa Telecom's IDC solutions. 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. Irish holidaymakers have been warned to steer clear of a very popular travel destination in 2026 as it has been places on a 'no travel' list. The Canary Islands has been placed on popular travel magazine Fodor's Travel annual list of places across the globe that people should avoid due to unsustainable pressures on local communities and land. READ NEXT: Man who won 250,000 in Today FM cash machine claims he can't pay 500 fine in court The purpose of the list is to give a "gentle nudge" to ease up on a spot for "now-not-forever", aiming to to give the popular destination a "breather". The move comes from continues tensions between local-residents and tourists followoing major protests that took place across main resorts in the area due to frustrations around tourism. John Daly Buckley of CanaryGreen told the magazine, "Residents have started protesting because they're genuinely fed up. Traffic is one of the biggest issues. What used to be a 40-minute drive from the north can now take well over an hour each way." Fodor's Magazine said that pressure is mounting in the are after the first half of 2025 saw 7.8million visitors and processed over 27 million airport passengers - a 5% increase from the previous year, leaving locals to question how much more the islands can take. Although tourism contributes more than a third of the Canary Islands' GDP and employs approximately 40% of its population, this surge has come at a price. READ NEXT: Man in his 80s dies following tragic crash in Kildare as Gardai appeal for witnesses Housing has also become a contentious issue as the Government previously changed regulations allowing residents to rent out their properties on popular sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com which has driven up both rental prices and property values leaving many young people finding it near impossible to rent or buy a home. Water scarcity and infrastructure strain have also become a strain with experts warning that the combination of rising tourism and climate change is "unsustainable" as buses are overcrowded, constant traffic jams and beaches having to close more often due to pollution and sewage run-off. One of Tenerifes oldest environmental groups, Asociacion Tinerfena de Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN), has said "the continuous arrival of new residents, mainly Europeans, worsens overpopulation, environmental degradation, land occupation and essential resources like water are being pushed to their limits". ATAN says the issue goes far beyond economics, READ NEXT: Irish comedy legends revealed for the series finale of the 2 Johnnies Late Night Lock In "We are losing our identity, culture, and , ultimately, our right to exist as a community. Tourism has become unlimited, mass-oriented, and largely low-cost party tourism that doesn't come to truly discover the islands, but to consume the fake backdrop." Other destinations that have been placed on the 'no travel list' include Antarctica, Glacier National Park in the US, Isola Sacra in Italy, the Jungfrau Region in Switzerland, Mexico City, Mombasa in Kenya, and Montmarte in France. Two Louth students, Samira Traore and Alice Hughes were presented with scholarship awards by Dublin City University at a ceremony to celebrate memorial and endowed scholarships on Wednesday 19th November. In total, 54 students received awards named in honour of individuals and organisations who have played a leading role in the life of Dublin City University and in wider Irish society. Alice, a former pupil of Ardee Community School and a Business student at DCU, was awarded The Volkswagen Stephen Moran Memorial Scholarship. Stephen was a graduate of DCU Business School and his colleagues in Volkswagen Group Ireland created this scholarship to honour his memory. READ NEXT: Appeal made against refusal for 45 new homes in Ardee Samira, a former student of St Oliver's Community College, and a Computing for Business student at DCU, was awarded The Hough and Lydon Family Memorial Scholarship. Established by DCU graduates, PJ Hough and Mar Lydon, to honour the memory of their parents, this scholarship supports one STEM student each year through the DCU Access Scholarship Programme. Speaking at the presentation event, Deirdre Hannigan, Chair of DCU Educational Trust, said: This event is an opportunity to look back on the remarkable lives of those we remember through our memorial scholarships and acknowledge the impact we can achieve when our friends, supporters and students come together. "By creating opportunities for impactful doctoral research and supporting scholarships that enable talented students to overcome barriers, our supporters are enabling young people to reach their potential and make a real impact on society. DCUs memorial and endowed scholarships are awarded based on different criteria, depending on the wishes of the scholarship creators. This years scholarship recipients include students who are pursuing important research in areas such as psychology, decent work, and digital inclusion in rural communities. 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 number of foreign nationals working at Louth County Hospital has been revealed, with most being nurses or midwives. Nationally, 12,000 non-nationals are working in HSE-run hospitals all around the country, according to figures obtained by Iconic Media under the Freedom of Information Act. In Louth, there are 57 foreign nationals working at the hospital, with 36 of those being nurses and midwives. Six of those are nurse or midwife managers and the other 30 are all midwives. Six are working in health and social care and the same number work in support roles. Seven people work in patient and client care. READ NEXT: Appeal made against refusal for 45 new homes in Ardee We requested these figures following the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation's condemnation of racially motivated abuse of health workers earlier this year, specifically those from India. During the summer, one Indian nurse wrote an open letter detailing racial abuse in Ireland after she saw an eight-year-old Indian girl being bullied and racially targeted by a group of Irish teenagers. The nurse's open letter said he was considering leaving Ireland while 30 to 35 Indian nurses were also seriously thinking about leaving their jobs because they no longer feel safe. The open letter said: "We came to Ireland with dreams - not big ones. We didnt want luxury or fame. Just a peaceful life. Honest work. A little respect. "My wife and I are both nurses. Like so many others, we left behind our families, our childhood homes, everything we knew to come here and help. To work hard. To live quietly. To make a better future. But now? Were planning to leave. And were not the only ones. "In our circle alone, around 30 to 35 Indian nurses are talking seriously about quitting their jobs some are applying to Australia, some going back to India. Even doctors are being targeted now. You mightve seen it in the news. Or maybe not. But we see it. We feel it. We live it. "Yesterday, I saw something that broke me. An eight-year-old Indian girl, surrounded by a group of Irish boys and girls, maybe 15 or 16 years old. They were pushing her. Bullying and laughing. For no reason. Just because she looked different. I helped her escape. They ran. And I stood there shaking, wonderingwhat kind of place is this becoming? READ NEXT: Dundalk and Louth represented on High Performance Panel "We came to Ireland to save lives and now were scared to walk home after a shift. We kept going during COVID. We missed weddings and funerals back home to stay here and work. We followed every law, paid every tax, waited for every visa. We believed this was a country of kindness. And now? Now were afraid for our children. Afraid to send them to school. "Afraid theyll be treated like less than human just because of their skin, their accent, their food, their culture. "We know not everyone here is like this. Weve met wonderful Irish people. Some have become like family. But that kindness is starting to feel like a whisper.....and the hate is starting to feel like a storm. "I dont want to write this letter. I want to stay hopeful. But hope starts to fade when you see that even a eight-year-old brown girl can be treated like she doesnt belong. "To Ireland, please listen: If we leave, it's not because we don't love this country. It's because this country stopped loving us back. If you lose your nurses, your doctors, your care workers dont ask "why." You already know why. "We didnt leave because of money. We left because were tired of being afraid. Tired of being ignored. Tired of watching silence win. Theres still time. But not much. This isn't about politics anymore. Its about basic human decency. "If this letter reaches even one person who didnt understand before then its worth writing. "We are not here to divide. We are not here to invade. We are here because we believed Ireland was a place where all people had value. Please prove us right." Responding to the staff figures, which only cover HSE hospitals and not private hospitals, nursing homes, care centres and the many agency staff working in our health sector, a HSE spokesperson said: "The effective operation of many essential health services in Ireland would be seriously threatened without the support of the many thousands of international staff who work in our hospitals and community services every day. "The HSE is proud of our organisations diversity and is dependent on all our staff for the delivery of frontline, essential services. We are very grateful to international workers who have chosen to move their lives and families to Ireland to work with the HSE and help provide essential care and support for patients and service users." INMO General Secretary, Phil Ni Sheaghdha, said: "These nurses and midwives make invaluable contributions, not just to their patients and to the workforce, but to our communities. There is no doubt that the Irish health service would suffer without the hard work of these valuable staff, and supporting these nurses and midwives to provide the best possible care and build the best possible careers in Ireland is a responsibility that should be taken very seriously by their employers and by the government." As of 1 June 2025, there has been a decrease in the number of new registrants who were educated abroad but the number of Irish graduates coming onto the Register is steadily increasing year-on-year. Nurses and midwives from Ireland accounted for the highest number of people in the profession with 54,436 registered. Nurses and midwives from India followed as the second highest represented nationality with 20,419 registered from there. Canada had the lowest number working in Ireland with just 81 nurses and midwives from there registered here. The release of a nationwide survey to all parents of children aged 0-12 by the Department of Education and Youth has been welcomed by Louth and Meath Education & Training Board (LMETB). The survey, aims to assess the appetite amongst parents for multi-denominational, co-educational and Irish-medium education. There is a link to the survey at the bottom of this article Education and Training Boards, the patrons of Community National Schools and Community Colleges across the country, which are state-funded, co-educational, multi denominational primary and post-primary schools, and the largest provider of education through the medium of Irish, are calling on all parents of children within this cohort, as well as school staff and boards of management to participate in the survey and have their say. Commenting today, Martin G. O Brien Chief Executive of LMETB said: This is an important opportunity to inform the future educational landscape across Ireland. Read also: Christmas Craft and Cake Sale in Kilkerley this weekend "Its a chance to ensure our schools, in the future, reflect the diverse society we now live in. We would encourage parents, school staff, and boards of management to take time to complete the survey, and to access the resources and information provided by the Department. While people are naturally cautious about change, he continued, its important to note, that when a school changes to become, for example, a Community National School under the patronage of their local ETB, lots of the great things that are already in place remain the same. "The curriculum, the staff, and extra-curricular activities all remain as they were. The main thing that changes is that the ethos in a Community National School includes all children and their families equally throughout the school day, rather than prioritising any one faith. LMETB manages four Community National Schools, one Community Special School, a Centre for European Schooling, eighteen post primary schools including one school with Post Leaving Certificate provision and two dedicated Post Leaving Certificate colleges. LMETB is also joint patron of six Community Schools located in Ardee, Ashbourne, Athboy, Drogheda, Kells and Trim. Further details on LMETB is available on www.lmetb.ie Figures gathered by Education and Training Boards Ireland (ETBI), the national representative body of Irelands 16 ETBs, including LMETB, show that, currently, only 156 of the 3089 primary schools nationally are multi-denominational (i.e. 5% of all schools). The vast majority 95% - fall under the patronage of religious bodies, primarily the Catholic Church. Data from the most recent Census illustrates a mismatch between the religious beliefs of people in Ireland, and the educational options currently on offer. In the 2022 Census, 31% of people in Ireland said they do not identify as Catholic, with over 14% identifying as non-religious and significant increases in other religious beliefs. Commenting on the data, Fiona Kindlon, Director of Schools with LMETB, said: The Census data demonstrates a clear need for more diverse primary school options for families in our region. A considerable proportion of our population is not adequately served by the current primary education system, where most schools are run by the Catholic Church and promote a Catholic ethos. "In the research carried out, ETBI assessed the appetite for multi-denominational schools nationwide. Their findings show 61% of people nationally would prefer to have a multi denominational body providing education rather than a religious body. "Its worth noting that even amongst people who identify as Catholic, there is a preference for multi denominational education. These findings leave little doubt that the current situation must change. Further information about the Schools Survey 2030 currently being run by the Department of Education is available here. On Friday 7 November, educators, activists, and community leaders from across Ireland, including strong representation from Dundalk, gathered at the Marino Institute of Education for Making spACE for Justice, a national event exploring how Adult and Community Education (ACE) fosters social justice and collective action. Hosted by Saolta, the event brought together practitioners who are advancing community education in towns like Dundalk, where ACE plays an essential role in supporting inclusion, wellbeing, and civic participation. The day featured workshops and keynote sessions addressing racism, disinformation, human rights, and the power of education in promoting justice. Dearbhail Lawless, CEO of AONTAS, highlighted the deep connection between adult education and social justice: Whats going to make a change is for each of us to continue doing what we do well and communicate with each other. Dr. Su Ming Khoo spoke about the toxins of individualism, reminding attendees that everyone is entitled to education and knowledge. Michelle Stowe of Connect RP added: Justice is about getting well, not getting even. We must ask what is not working in our communitiesand what we can do about it. Read also: Fundraiser appeal for Sidella Greenway at Dundalk Famine Graveyard A range of practical workshopsled by experts including Prof. Fionnuala Ni Aolain, Siphiwe Moyo, Aisling Meyer, Hilary Darcy, and Katie Martinequipped participants with tools to strengthen anti-racism practice, media literacy, and financial justice within their communities. Dundalk-based Saolta Trainer Alice Robinson reflected on the importance of local engagement in this work: Adult and community education isnt just about learningits about creating spaces where justice and hope can take root. Making spACE for Justice highlighted the essential role of Adult and Community Education in building solidarity, empowerment, and equitable communitieswork that continues to grow within Dundalks vibrant adult learning network. For more information: www.saolta.ie Hi Earthlings, I have a confession to make. I saw the news today and they featured so*meone who tried tandem paragliding in Manila for the first timeand I realized I committed a content crime. I realized that while I posted a vlog about my sky-high adventures years ago, I never actually sat down to write a blog post about it. I know, rude, right? Ive been letting this core memory live rent-free in my head without sharing the full tea with you guys here. So, we are correcting that timeline today. We are going back to May 2018 (I know, Im exposing my age, but we move). Its time to finally talk about the day I crossed a major item off my bucket list: Tandem Paragliding in Manila. The No Gear, Just Vibes Situation Before we get into the dreamy views, I need to set the scene because the anxiety was real. Nowadays, everyone has a GoPro on a stick, an Insta360 strapped to their helmet, or a drone following them around. But back then? I didnt have any of that fancy gear. I didnt even have a selfie stick. I literally flew off the side of a mountain holding my Android phone in my bare hands. Yes, you read that right. I trusted my grip strength more than I trust most men. I was suspended thousands of feet in the air, holding my lifeline to the digital world, praying to the universe that I wouldnt drop it into the forests of Cavite below. Looking back, that was brave bordering on chaotic, but honestly? It makes the footage even more iconic. Meeting the Legend: Uwe Blair and High5Paragliding If you are looking for Tandem Paragliding in Manila, you are technically going to be heading to Carmona, Cavite. Its super accessible and close enough for a day trip. I flew with High5Paragliding, and my pilot was Uwe Blair. Let me tell you, if you are going to run off a cliff with a stranger strapped to your back, you want it to be Uwe. He is the definition of a green flag. He was so chill, so professional, and had this calming aura that instantly lowered my heart rate. He walked me through the processharness, helmet, and the golden rule: dont stop running until we are flying. The Takeoff: Main Character Energy The wind was perfect. The sky was that specific shade of blue that makes you feel like everything is going to be okay. We ran, the wing puffed up behind us, and suddenly, my feet were dangling. The noise of the world just stopped. Floating up there is a different kind of therapy. Its quiet. Its peaceful. You see the patchwork of greens below, the winding roads, and Manilas skyline peeking out in the distance. I felt like the main character in an indie movie. I was ready for my emotional, reflective montage. But then, Uwe decided we needed a little spice. The OMG We Are Somersaulting Moment We were cruising along, me gripping my Android phone for dear life, when Uwe asked if I wanted to do some tricks. Being the adrenaline junkie (or maybe just a people pleaser) that I am, I said yes. OMG. We somersaulted in the air. And I dont mean a little spin. I mean full-on acrobatic, sky-high somersaults. My stomach dropped, I screamed, I laughed, and the horizon kept flipping upside down. It was the most unhinged, exhilarating feeling ever. And yes, I still held onto my phone through the G-force. That is talent. Here is the vlog of my Tandem Paragliding in Manila Experience ! Why You Need This Bucket List Adventure If youve been feeling stuck, stressed, or just bored with the routine, you need to try Tandem Paragliding in Manila. You dont need to be an athlete. You dont need to be brave (you just need to run when they tell you to). Its the perfect mix of peace and adrenaline. My tips for the girlies: Wear comfy clothes: Leggings and sneakers are a must. Cute but functional. Trust your pilot: They know the wind better than we know our own zodiac signs. Secure your phone: Learn from my stressget a lanyard or a strap if you dont have a GoPro! The Verdict Landing was smoothno face plants, thankfully. As soon as my feet touched the grass, I felt lighter. I left a lot of fear up there in the clouds. So, if youre looking for a sign to book that adventure? This is it. Go touch the sky, bestie. Its a whole vibe up there. The rise of AI, stablecoins and private markets: how stable is the financial system? When it comes to the risks to financial stability, things seem to have settled down a bit. But with trade tensions, an unpredictable US economic policy, geopolitical issues, a potential AI bubble and the rise of stablecoins, there is plenty to keep an eye on. Has the global environment really become less uncertain? And how do all these factors impact financial stability? To explore these questions and more, our host Paul Gordon speaks with financial stability expert John Fell. The views expressed are those of the speakers and not necessarily those of the European Central Bank. Recorded on 24 November 2025 and published on 27 November 2025. Taoiseach Micheal Martin has said he warmly welcomes the arrival this week of 48 new gardai in Cork, adding it will make all the difference for high-visibility policing in the city. The allocation consists of 36 garda graduates, or probationers as they are known in the force, and 12 transfers. Its the highest number of new allocations in a long time and it will facilitate greater visibility, which many people in the city have been requesting for a very long time, Mr Martin told The Echo. Ive been strongly pushing for additional gardai for a long time, and also the stronger sense of visibility, and the Garda Commissioner [Justin Kelly] was very clear when I met him in Templemore that Cork was going to be the next location for the high-visibility initiative they piloted in Dublin. Plan Assistant Garda Commissioner Eileen Foster said she was delighted to launch the Cork city high-visibility policing plan. Forty-eight additional gardai have been assigned to the Cork City division, which will support this high-visibility policing plan, she said. These high-visibility foot patrols in Cork city centre increase garda visibility and offer public reassurance that public realms and amenities are, and continue to be, safe places to live, visit, socialise, conduct business, and enjoy. Chief Superintendent Tom Myers, head of policing in the Cork City Garda division, paid tribute to local stakeholders, who he said had long lobbied for a greater allocation of garda resources. The city council, Cork Business Association, Cork Chamber of Commerce, local representatives, and the former joint policing committee were all very supportive in us getting extra guards for the city, he said. Its not just about the guards, because we want to make Cork city a safer place, we want people to come to the city, to enjoy the city and its amenities, we want people to be able to live in the city. Reassurance Fianna Fail councillor Fergal Dennehy, Lord Mayor of Cork, said seeing the new gardai out on the streets was providing a sense of safety and reassurance to the people of the city. When I was elected lord mayor in June, I mentioned how I wanted to work to make Cork the safest city possible, he added. These gardai will make Cork a safer city and I am delighted to have played a role in achieving this. Fianna Fail councillor Terry Shannon, chairman of the Cork city local community safety partnership, said the arrival of the new gardai demonstrated the commitment of Mr Martin to investing in policing in Cork. Cork-based charity Community Connect is launching its Christmas campaign, encouraging members of the public to sponsor A Bundle of Love for Christmas. Community Connect, Irelands baby bank charity, works closely with maternity hospitals, homeless services, domestic violence refuges, and health professionals around the country to provide support to pregnant women and new mothers in need. Through its hubs in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Kilkenny, Athlone, and Dundalk, the charity receives donations of essential items for babies and children and passes them on to new and expectant mothers free of charge. These items include buggies, cribs, cots, clothing bundles, and hygiene items, as well as specially prepared gift packages. This Christmas, the charity is calling on members of the public to sponsor a gift package, which will include a BabyBox, filled with nappies, a blanket, baby clothes, and other essential items; a MamaBag, containing items such as fluffy socks, shampoo, and other toiletries; and a hospital bag, which will include items that a pregnant woman would need to bring to hospital when having her baby. Monetary donations are also welcomed and will be used to cover hub costs and to purchase essential hygiene items, starter packs, and hospital bags for the gift packages. For more information, or to sponsor a gift package, visit https://communityconnect.ie/christmas/ An elderly West Cork man who was caught distributing one child sexual abuse image was told by the sentencing judge that even one is one too many. Judge Helen Boyle made this comment to 73-year-old Barry Moloney, of Ardan, Bandon, Co Cork, as she imposed a three-year suspended sentence on him at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. You were caught with 136 images of child pornography, or what are child sexual abuse images, Judge Boyle said. And the evidence is you distributed one image. The judge said that while the court had heard cases involving thousands of such images, Moloneys was not such a case and was not at the upper end of the scale, but that distributing even one image was too many. The judge stressed that it was not a victimless crime. Paula McCarthy, defence barrister, said Moloney co-operated with the investigation, had no previous convictions, and signed a plea of guilty and was deemed by the Probation Service to be at a low risk of re-offending. He had not come to adverse attention since the matter emerged in 2019. The barrister also described various health issues suffered by the defendant. Ms McCarthy said the defendant had addressed his issues with a psychologist specialising in this area. Sergeant Fintan Slater said that gardai went to the defendants house back in 2019 and seized a number of electronic devices, which were subsequently forensically analysed and found to contain a total of 136 images, and evidence that he sent one image on Facebook to someone in the UK. Of the images, 31 were the most serious category of children engaged in, or witnessing, sexual acts, and 74 were in the second category, of children with anal or genital areas exposed. A fisherman who was driving on the wrong side of the road when he crashed his vehicle into a car coming in the opposite direction has been convicted of dangerous driving in the district court. Court presenter Sergeant Trish OSullivan told Bantry District Court that gardai were called to a road traffic accident at Foildarrig, Castletownbere, Co. Cork on January 13 2025 at 6.15pm. When they arrived at the scene a Volvo car with extensive damage to its front end was stationary on the wrong side of the road facing Castletownbere. Another vehicle was stopped further up the road and the occupants were standing by the car. The driver of the Volvo identified as 42-year-old Damian Healy of The Oval, Eyeries, Co. Cork was still sitting in the drivers seat with the keys in the ignition and the engine running. Healy appeared to be under the influence to gardai and he was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and taken to Bantry Garda Station. A blood test carried out at the garda station indicated that Healy had a blood alcohol level of 235 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood where the legal limit is 50 mg. A statement was taken from the driver of the other vehicle who said that the Volvo was approaching her on the wrong side of the road. The court heard that the motorist flashed her lights and beeped the horn to try to warn the Volvo driver, but a collision could not be avoided, and the Volvo did not alter course and crashed into the other car. The court was told that Healy had two previous convictions in the Republic of Ireland including one for drink driving in 2011. The court also heard that he was convicted of driving whilst unfit in Northern Ireland for an offence in December 2024. Defence solicitor Colette McCarthy said that Healy had issues with drink in the past but had been working on fishing boats for a number of years and had not come to garda attention. She said that her client who was not in court because he was at sea was fully cooperative, was holding his hands up, made full admissions and wanted the deal with the matter. Ms McCarthy said that the incident and the one in Northern Ireland had happened within a short space of time and that Healy had broken out in regard to his alcohol problem at that time. She said that Healy was fully insured and she asked Judge Joanne Carroll to consider reducing the charge of dangerous driving to the lesser charge of careless driving. Judge Carroll said that Healy was a mature man and this was his third drink driving incident including the one in Northern Ireland. She said that the other driver was flashing her lights at him and beeping the horn and he still crashed into her. The judge said that in those circumstances she would have to convict Healy of dangerous driving. For dangerous driving he was convicted and disqualified from driving for two years. For drink driving he was convicted and disqualified for three years. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme. The president of Cork Chamber has called on political and business leaders to strengthen joined-up decision-making across government to unlock Irelands full potential. Rob Horgans comments were made at this years Cork Chamber Dublin Dinner 2025, which was hosted at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Rd, in Dublin, and sponsored by Ernst and Young. More than 650 business leaders, policymakers, and dignitaries attended, including keynote speaker Tanaiste Simon Harris, who addressed Irelands economic outlook and priorities for sustainable growth. At the event, the late John Mullins was posthumous recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Business Award 2025. Mr Mullins served as president of Cork Chamber from 2011 to 2013, and was a former chief executive of Bord Gais, and co-founder and group chairman of clean energy firm Amarenco Solar. Mr Horgan said that the dinner has long been a symbol of collaboration between Irelands two largest city regions. Housing delivery in Cork under public schemes was highlighted by Mr Horgan, while he called for greater action to unlock private development. The work of the accelerating infrastructure taskforce was welcomed by Mr Horgan, who stressed the importance of visible progress on major projects, such as BusConnects, the Cork Luas, and the Northern Distributor Road, describing them as critical to the regions competitiveness and to the national reputation. Mr Horgan also drew attention to Corks growing international outlook and inclusive workforce. He said: Cork, today, is home to people from over 100 nationalities across our many employers a truly international city built on diversity, talent, and inclusion. This diversity strengthens our workplaces, enriches our communities, and reflects the Ireland we continue to build together, Mr Horgan said. Its up to all of us to keep building on that strength, to make inclusion a shared priority in how we shape Corks future. Mr Horgan acknowledged Cork Chambers recent achievements, following its recognition as Chamber of the Year at the Chambers Ireland Awards, and as the first Irish, and only European, chamber to receive a global award at this years World Chambers Congress in Melbourne. Mr Horgan said that, progress isnt only about projects or plans, deadlines or targets. Its about people, and the legacy we leave behind. Our legacy will be measured not only in what we build, but in how we build it: Sustainably, with courage, compassion, and commitment to one another. Cork students, who are members of the Comhairle na nOg, attended the second Seanad na nOg event in Leinster House earlier this month. Some 60 delegates, under 18 years of age, came together with several organisations and members of Government to discuss their priorities ahead of Irelands assumption of the EU presidency in 2026. The cathaoirleach and leas-chathaoirleach of Seanad Eireann, senators Mark Daly and senator Maria Byrne, were among the members of Government in attendance, as well as Norma Foley, the minister for children, disability, and equality. At the event, Mr 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, Ms Byrne said it 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, said Ms Byrne. Priorities identified by the young delegates for the Government to consider include examining peace and security in a digital world and the threats of deepfakes; promoting climate action in an inclusive and co-operative manner to tackle the climate crisis; and examining the cost of living through the lens of a young person or person with a disability. Other priorities included advocating for increased mental health supports and community service to be funded as early intervention mechanisms to prevent the misuse of substances; improving circumstances for children in the care system to create better outcomes for them; and looking at the need to continue to strengthen the rights for all, and to come together and stand with those who fear, or are experiencing, inequality. A Cork man with 135 previous convictions pleaded guilty in the district court to three public order offences related to an incident in West Cork in October. Sergeant Tom Mulcahy told Clonakilty District Court that gardai were called to John L OSullivan Park near Rosscarbery on the night of October 13, 2025. When they arrived at 10.30pm, a man identified as Michael Maughan, aged 34, of John L OSullivan Park, was roaring and shouting in the street. Maughan then went into the house by the back door. Gardai knocked on the door and were invited in by a family member. In the living room, gardai attempted to calm Maughan, who the court was told was clearly intoxicated. Maughan stood up and shouted: F**k ye at gardai before pushing past them and leaving the house. Outside, standing by the garda patrol car, Maughan continued to behave aggressively, stood face-to-face with a garda while shouting abuse, and was eventually arrested. He resisted arrest and had to be handcuffed. He was taken to Clonakilty Garda Station. In the patrol car en-route, he continued to behave in an aggressive manner and, at the garda station, he head-butted the custody hatch. The court was told that Maughan had 135 previous convictions including two for public intoxication, two for threatening and abusive behaviour, and three for obstruction. The court heard that Maughan was pleading guilty to public intoxication, threatening and abusive behaviour, and obstruction, and that he apologised to the gardai and the court for his behaviour. Defence solicitor Flor Murphy said that Maughan had been drinking with his brother that evening, and an argument developed between them. The court heard Maughans stepfather described him as being out of control and that he was no longer welcome at the family home. Judge John King said that Maughan was working his way through the statute book and convicted and sentenced him to four months in prison on the obstruction charge. The other two charges were taken into consideration. The sentence was backdated to November 12 when Maughan went into custody. God help us, Maurice, tis the workhouse for us, was a cant, a saying, I often heard older people repeat down the years. It might have been said in a light-hearted manner on occasions, but in truth it harks back to an Ireland of long ago. Going to live or stay for a term in the Workhouse was seen as really the last resort the ignominy of having no house, no home, in many cases no family or relatives. In an era when the term healthcare wasnt invented or understood, poverty-stricken people had no option but to plead for a bed in a local Workhouse. In the early 1830s, the English Government introduced the Poor Law system to Ireland whereby Poor Law Unions were established all over the country to provide some limited care for the destitute of Irish society. The ratepayers (persons of property) elected local Poor Law Guardians to operate the system. It was only in 1923 that the regime was finally dismantled in this country. Around 1839, an English architect, George Wilkinson, arrived in Ireland and was given the job of designing over 130 Workhouses which were to be built. With separate male and female sections, most of the Workhouses accommodated several hundred inmates - as they were often referred to. The regime was spartan with no luxuries such as meat or fruit on the menu. During the terrible Famine of the 1840s, the Workhouse system was totally overwhelmed with literally thousands of starving and sick people cramming the halls and corridors of the buildings. A million emigrated, and hundreds of thousands of the million that died, did so in the Workhouses. No wonder it became a symbol of destitution, illness, and abject poverty. Over the decades after the famine, many of the old Workhouses were left derelict and some crumbled away whilst others were demolished. Thankfully, many of these large buildings were repurposed and put to meaningful use. The two I know best are still standing and functional - in Fermoy and Midleton. Work on the Fermoy Workhouse commenced in 1867, the year of the Fenian Rising. By then the building in Midleton was already in use for quarter of a century. Built around 1840, it originally had accommodation for 800 persons. Fermoy Workhouse has long since lost that name and is now St Patricks Community Hospital, which is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes. Both that and the Midleton building were General Hospitals for many years, incorporating surgical, medical, and maternity services. Rationalisation has meant that such services are now in reality the preserve of hospitals in Cork city, Bantry, and Mallow. Truly alls changed, utterly changed and two outstanding beauties have been born. The role of the community hospitals in East and North Cork has at last been fully recognised. With constant downgrading in the 1960s and 1970s, the fear existed that both Midleton and Fermoy hospitals might close down completely. Thankfully, the corner has been turned and multi-million Government investments, along with brilliant local fund-raising, has secured the future of these really special places. It was in the late 1970s that I first started visiting St Patricks in Fermoy. Locals like Bill Cronin and Paddy Fagin Ahern were residents there at the time. In 1984, Paddy Geary, who had worked here on our farm for three generations of Arnolds, was a patient there. Paddy died in 1985. I still recall Christmas Night of 1984 up on the top floor in the open plan ward where he was. It was a very special occasion for me with all those men who regarded St Patricks as their home. One person I knew well was a very quiet man named Leo Fox. I think he was in his eighties then. He had no relatives of any kind. The story was that in the last year of the reign of Pope Leo, around 1903, a little new-born baby boy was found on a roadside near a fox den. He was christened Leo Fox and raised in Fermoy Hospital. He worked for farmers in his adult life then spent the remainder of his life back where he started, in St Patricks. Leo was a big, strong gentle man who kept to himself. His family were the staff in Fermoy Hospital and he was treated with great tenderness and dignity, and in every respect St Patricks was his home - he loved it. I remember his funeral and the sadness of the nursing and household employees who made life comfortable for Leo Fox -a man of few words and little possessions. I thought in a special way of Leo last week when I attended a funeral mass in the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in Midleton Community Hospital. To paraphrase Florence Wilsons poem about the Cork-born United Irishman, Thomas Russell: Into our town, on a night of snow, came a man from God knows where. None of us bade him come or go, nor deemed him friend, nor damned him foe. That poem, though written in 1918, could well have referred to Michael Cotter, who died last week. He could truly be described as a man from God knows where. He came to Midleton and worked for a term in the Irish Meat Packers (IMP) factory in the town. His background was a mystery to one and all - including Michael himself - but that never came against him. Midleton became his home and Michael became a Midleton man. Big in stature with a slight limp, he always called me Johnny Arnold -and that was fine with me. I went to Lourdes to mark my half century on this earth in 2007. Around that time I used visit Jim Willis in Midleton Hospital and there I also met Kathleen Leahy - a neighbour of Jims from Dungourney. At that time, Michael had come to stay as a resident in the hospital and we were introduced to each other. Michael loved his annual trip to Lourdes in June each year with the Cloyne Diocesan Pilgrmage. If you offered him a choice of a month in America or Australia or the six days in the South of France - well, Lourdes was always his only choice. Though wheelchair-bound in recent years, Michael enjoyed with gusto his time in the little town under the Pyrenees. He loved going shopping, having a pint too - but all the different pilgrimage activities -well, they were like winning the Lotto for him. And Holy Water - gallons of the precious liquid - was so important to him. If you met him in the hospital around Christmas, twas Well Johnny, twont be long now til Lourdes again. At Michael Cotters funeral mass last Thursday in Midleton Hospital Chapel, Fr Jim Killeen paid tribute to his carers: Michaels family were the staff -former and present, of this hospital. Ye were his family and loved and cared for him so well He mentioned that special family in the hospital - people from Ireland and from far beyond these shores, all of whom were truly Michaels relations. As his coffin left the church to the strains of The Bells of the Angelus call us to pray. his Midleton Hospital family wept for their friend. Yes, tears of sadness, but oh, how much happiness and joy have so many kind people in these old Workhouses brought to men like Leo Fox and Michael Cotter. Please God, I will light candles for ye all in Lourdes next week. Gerry "The Monk" Hutch merchandise has appeared on Christmas stalls in Dublin city centre. It comes after he reportedly told supporters he will run in the upcoming byelection. Santa hats, mugs and even Christmas wrapping paper featuring Gerry Hutch's face have been spotted on stalls on Henry Street. Shoppers can also buy t-shirts with the monk's campaign poster, saying Vote no 1. It comes after it was reported that the 62-year-old has told friends and family he plans to run in the upcoming Dublin Central byelection. He narrowly missed out on a seat in last year's general election, securing 3,100 first-preference votes, but has another chance of taking the spot recently left vacant by former Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe. Mr Donohoe stepped down to take up a role with the World Bank. The Red Luas line at George's Dock in Dublin is officially reopening on Friday. It has been closed for three months following a major fire under the bridge at George's Dock on Tuesday, August 19th. Nobody was injured, but the bridge was substantially damaged. As a result, since then, the red Luas line between Connolly Station and the Point has been closed. A replacement bus service has been operating instead But now, three months later, this section of the Luas will finally reopen first thing Friday morning. The bridge has been reconstructed, and overhead cables reinstalled. On Thursday, the Transport Minister, local businesses and Luas workers are marking the reopening ahead of the full resumption of services on Friday. The reopening comes in time for the introduction of late-night services for the Christmas party period. Announcing the reopening of the Georges Dock bridge, Luas operator Transdev said the late-night trams would run on Friday and Saturday, December 12th and 13th, and on Friday, December 19th and Saturday, December 20th. Night Luas, as the extended services are to be branded, will also operate on New Years Eve. Night Luas services will be operated on both the Red and Green lines, with trams generally running up to around 3am. The full timetable is available at Luas.ie Services will finish at 8pm on Christmas Eve. The Irish Times reported that infrastructure provider Transport Infrastructure Ireland said an intensive programme of construction and reinstatement works was delivered in collaboration with Transdev, Jons Civil Engineering, ROD, GPX Rail and Custom House Docks Management Limited. TII chief executive Lorcan OConnor said that passenger services were being restored within an exceptionally short time frame. In addition to bridge reconstruction, utility connections and Luas tracks, the overhead contact system was fully reinstated. The Commission for Railway Regulation (CRR) approved the return of passenger services this week. Minister for Transport Darragh OBrien congratulated all concerned, The Irish Times said. Im delighted to see the services reopening just in time for the busy Christmas season and thank passengers for their patience and understanding throughout this period, he said. Ottoline Spearman Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan announced new immigration rules on Wednesday. These relate to asylum, citizenship, and family reunification. Mr O'Callaghan has said that this will bring in a new "rules-based" and "efficient" system. Legislation will be required to implement many of these changes, and officials have said they have started to develop a bill. However, the family reunification changes will take immediate effect. But what are the proposed changes, what do they mean for immigrants and their families? Family Reunification The revised family reunification policy sets out how Irish citizens and most non-EEA Irish residents (not including most international protection beneficiaries or EEA Citizens) may apply to bring family members to live with them in Ireland. Irish citizens and eligible non-EEA citizens will still be able to be joined by their immediate non-EEA family members (spouses, partners and children under 18), but strict limits will be placed on other family members. This includes, for the first time, application fees, new accommodation requirements, and an income assessment that only includes the earnings of a single sponsor. The new rules will also reduce the effective waiting period for those on General Employment Permits, and will give permission to work for 16-18-year-olds. Changes to legislation will also ensure that family reunification for those granted International Protection status will only be granted in cases where it can be shown they have sufficient resources to support family members. Responding to the changes, Susan Fitzgerald of trade union Unite said: The cynicism of this policy is staggering. On the one hand, the government mandates poverty pay for non-EEA healthcare assistants. On the other hand, they have retained unrealistically high salary thresholds for a worker to bring over their spouse and children, knowing full well that these vital workers cannot bridge the gap. "To add insult to injury, an application fee is also being introduced, while applications will only be assessed on a single income. This amounts to enforced family separation. IPAS residents Residents of international protection accommodation in employment will need to make a financial contribution towards their accommodation of up to 39.6 per cent of their income. The potential payments could range from 15 a week for those earning between 97.01 and 150 a week, to 238 a week for anyone earning more than 600 a week. The scheme will be implemented within a planned 12-month period. Social Democrats TD Gary Gannon said on Newstalk: "The best outcome for a person who's in IPAS is if they get themselves out. This is not going to do that when you're charging them up to 40% of a very meagre income. "They're not going to be able to access the private rental market. We've already got over 5,000 people in IPAS accommodation who've been granted status but who cannot find housing." Refugee status and citizenship There will be additional powers to revoke refugee status where a person is found to be a danger to the security of the state or has been convicted of a serious crime. Citizenship criteria will be tightened to ensure that applicants meet the "good character" requirement and that the interpretation of that criterion is clearer. Citizenship applicants will need to be self-sufficient, and applicants will no longer be allowed to receive certain social protection payments in the two years before they apply for citizenship. Furthermore, those who are granted international protection will need to be resident in Ireland for five years - up from three - to qualify for citizenship. CEO of the Irish Refugee Council Nick Henderson described the changes as "political posturing" and "deeply alarming". "They severely undercut two key pillars of refugee integration: a clear route to citizenship and the ability to reunite with family. The government asks refugees to integrate, but is removing their ability to do so. "The reported proposal that a person must not be in receipt of certain social protection payments within the previous two years before an application is made is deeply concerning. "Under this rule, a refugee seeking citizenship would be forced to make a choice: avoid all social supports regardless of ill health, disability, pregnancy, sudden job loss or any other legitimate need or seek that support and jeopardise a citizenship application. "Placing people in an invidious catch-22 like is deeply irresponsible. David Raleigh A coroner has returned a verdict of medical misadventure in the death of a 16-year-old girl at University Hospital Limerick (UHL). The inquest into the death of Niamh McNally, Ardykeohane, Bruff, Co Limerick, on January 29th, 2024, heard there were so many missed opportunities in her care at UHL. Niamh died of asphyxiation, after suffering cardiac arrest, having suffered a pulmonary haemorrhage which most likely resulted from an erosion of a collateral artery into the respiratory tract, a post-mortem found. Niamh attended UHL on January 9th gasping for breath and coughing up blood. The hospital was aware she had a history of congenital heart disease. A battery of tests followed, but her family argued these were not focused enough on her cardiac history, and, although her condition improved and she was discharged from UHL 14 days later on January 23, Niamh was still coughing up blood. Six days later, on January 29th, with her symptoms persisting, Niamh was readmitted to UHL, where she was pronounced dead later that day. Damian Tansey, senior counsel for the McNally family, told the inquest that Niamh had been continuously coughing up a massive amount of blood, her bedsheets were soaked with blood. Heart defect Despite UHLs awareness that Niamh had been born with scoliosis and a congenital heart defect, for which she had undergone three surgeries in the years prior to attending UHL that January, her treatment at the Limerick hospital had not been focused enough on her heart, Mr Tansey said. There were numerous missed opportunities, and had they not been missed, we wouldnt be here and a letter of apology (from the HSE) confirms that, Mr Tansey told Limerick Coroners Court. Niamhs mother, Carolyn ONeill, said prior to her daughters death, blood was spilling out of her mouth, but she said her concerns for her daughter were not heard: Nobody listened to me in UHL, and that is heartbreaking. Breaking down while giving her evidence to the court, Ms ONeill told how moments before Niamh went into cardiac arrest, her ailing daughter looked at her and said: Mammy, I cant breathe. Apology A letter unreserved apology from the HSE was read out at the opening of the two-day inquest, which concluded on Thursday. The HSE letter, to Ms ONeill, stated: We acknowledge the devastating consequences that this has had on both you and your extended family. We sincerely regret the opportunities that were missed to intervene. We accept that these failings, which ultimately led to Niamh's tragic death, should not have happened. On behalf of the management and staff of the University Hospital Limerick, we wish to apologise unreservedly for these failings, the letter added. The HSE letter commented that it was committed to learning from this tragedy and to implementing any necessary changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, Mr Tansey, citing several inquests into patient deaths at UHL in recent times, for which he had acted for families, said it appeared lessons were not learned by the hospital. Lessons not learned Mr Tansey said: This is like a Shakespearean tragedy, and to quote Hamlet - Something is rotten in the state of Denmark Something is very wrong in UHL. This is the third time in a little over a year that I have appeared before this court in relation to UHL, and it seems that no lessons have been learned, Mr Tansey said. Speaking afterwards, Carolyn ONeill said: I wish no other family will have to go through what Niamh experienced inside UHL. The inquest findings were horrendous. There were missed opportunities, and if they had actually acted upon and done a proper cardiology check-up on Niamh, she would be alive today. Ms ONeill, whose husband died prior to her daughters death, said she hoped the HSE would take on board fifteen recommendations arising out of an independent review of Niamhs case, which the coroner, John McNamara, attached as a rider to the verdict. Paying a tearful tribute to her only daughter, Niamh, she said: Niamh was a lovely girl, she was just coming into her own, she was turning into a beautiful woman, and she was so stable until (in UHL). She loved everything, she was such a fighter, she was fantastic, she had such a beautiful group of friends, and while it was hard, she never let her disability get in the way. Mr Tansey told the inquest that when Niamh was first admitted to UHL on January 9th, her admissions team recommended that she be referred to the hospitals cardiology department, but, he said, the first time there is any cardiology involved is on the 18th of January - a full nine days later. When cardiology checks were eventually conducted, they were so narrow that they were utterly ineffective. An echo scan of Niamhs heart took place on January 11th; it did not include her medical history, but it also did not indicate a cause for her condition. The patients medical history was included in a report of the scan. A BNP blood test, used to diagnose heart failure, was conducted, but it too did not indicate the cause of Niamh coughing up blood. A bronchoscopy and chest x-ray, used to examine the airways and lungs, also did not provide answers. There was still no change in her treatment plan on discharge; there was no reassessment in respect of Niamh, none whatsoever, added Mr Tansey. Mr Tansey called on Coroner John McNamara to return a verdict of medical misadventure. He said it was clear that UHL didn't intend for Niamh to die, but she did die. Simon Mills, senior counsel for the HSE, told the coroner that, in determining his verdict, he could not consider the outcomes of previous inquests he had adjudicated, in respect of other patient deaths at UHL: They must be put far from your mind. Mr Mills suggested the threshold for medical misadventure had not been reached, and that the correct verdict was a narrative verdict. Mr Mills argued that it was clear from the evidence that Niamh McNally had received a multidisciplinary care plan, including an echo, a BNP, and a CT Thorax, which included a scan of her heart, and that her underlying condition went undetected. He said Niamhs symptoms and markers for infection had reduced when she was discharged from UHL on January 23, six days prior to her being readmitted and dying there. Returning a verdict of medical misadventure, the coroner extended his deepest condolences to Ms McNallys mother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, who were in attendance. Mr McNamara said Niamhs death was a profound tragedy and he paid tribute to her familys dignity throughout the inquest. He said the inquest did not assign blame nor did it apportion liability, and that Niamhs death was clearly unintended. Losing a child is obviously the deepest of tragedies. I am sure Niamhs memory will live on through her family. Major land port in China's Xinjiang sees over 7,000 China-Europe freight train trips Xinhua) 16:57, November 27, 2025 URUMQI, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A freight train, loaded with daily necessities, vehicle parts and other goods, on Wednesday departed from the Alashankou Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, heading for Malaszewicze, Poland. This marks that the total number of China-Europe freight train trips handled by the Alashankou Port, also known as Alataw Pass, has exceeded 7,000 in 2025, according to the port. This year, the port's customs have streamlined clearance procedures so that inbound and outbound cargos now move faster. Additionally, more and more products from the Yangtze River Delta and the Pearl River Delta have been transported to Central Asian and European markets via the China-Europe freight train service. Currently, 128 China-Europe freight train routes pass through this port, covering 27 Chinese provincial-level regions and reaching 21 countries including Germany and Poland. These trains carry over 200 categories of goods, ranging from vehicles and vehicle parts to garments and electronics. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) If you have a Pixel 10 phone that you use for turn-by-turn directions in lieu of a dedicated GPS device, Google has an update that might be right up your alley. A Google Maps power-saving mode is now available for Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The company announced this feature earlier this month as part of its November 2025 Pixel Drop. Power-saving mode is only available in portrait orientation and it works on your lock screen. If you tap the power button while using the driving navigation tool, the app will switch to a simpler monochrome look that retains the map layer, as 9to5Google notes. It looks a bit like the dark mode map in the Uber app. You'll see only see key details your journey, such as your next turn and expected travel time. Other elements, such as your current speed, are stripped out. You can still swipe down to see your notifications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you press the power button or tap the screen, Google Maps will revert to the standard view. The app also turns off power-saving mode when you get to your destination. Google says that the power-saving mode can extend your Pixel 10's battery life by up to four hours, so this could come in handy for long drives when you don't have an easy way to charge your phone while you have it mounted on your dashboard. The more streamlined look could perhaps help to mitigate distracted driving too. Google will probably bring the feature to other devices down the line, but its disappointing that the company is limiting it to the Pixel 10 lineup for now. Perhaps it will end up offering this stripped-down UI on the Android Auto version of Google Maps someday. too It seems that Google is enabling power-saving mode by default via an update on its end. If you'd rather not be able to use the feature, you can switch it off by going to the settings in the app, then Navigation > Driving options and tapping the toggle for power-saving mode. Here's some bad news for folks who've been using Plex to stream stuff from a buddy's personal media server to their TV for free for years. As it pledged to do earlier this year when it bumped up the price of the Plex Pass, the service is starting to enforce a paywall for remote streaming from a personal server to TV apps. Plex is rolling out the change on its Roku app this week, followed by its other TV apps (on the likes of Fire TV, Apple TV and Android TV) and third-party clients that use its remote streaming API in 2026. Plex also recently started deploying a redesigned version of its app on Roku-powered TVs. Under the new way of things, the owner of a media server needs a Plex Pass subscription to grant other people remote access to it through the service. A Plex Pass now costs $7 per month, $70 per year or $250 for a lifetime membership. Those with such a subscription (or the Remote Watch Pass for $2 per month or $20 per year) can remotely access someone else's media server, even if the server owner doesn't have Plex Pass. Plex started enforcing the change on mobile devices before doing so elsewhere. It always stinks when a company puts up a paywall around a feature that was previously free. Plex needs to make money to keep things running, which is fair enough. But turning free features into paid ones is hardly a consumer-friendly approach, especially when there are open-source alternatives like Jellyfin around. A Thailand court has issued an arrest warrant for Jakkaphong "Anne" Jakrajutatip, the co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization, after she failed to show up for a scheduled hearing tied to a 2023 fraud case. The Bangkok South District Court confirmed that Jakrajutatip did not notify officials before missing the Nov. 25 appearance, leading judges to label her a "flight risk." According to court statements shared with multiple outlets, the case began when plastic surgeon Raweewat Maschamadol accused Jakrajutatip and her company, JKN Global Group, of misleading him into buying corporate bonds. According to People, he claimed he lost more than 30 million bahtabout $930,000after investing. The court said she had invited him to invest even though she allegedly knew she could not return the money in time. Jakrajutatip had previously been released on bail, and a verdict had been set for Nov. 26. With her absence, the ruling has been moved to Dec. 26. JKN has denied reports that she fled Thailand, though officials have not yet addressed the warrant directly. Jakrajutatip stepped down from her formal roles at JKN earlier this year but still remains the company's largest shareholder. Another scandal surrounding the Miss Universe Organization has been revealed after an arrest warrant was issued for co-owner Jakapong 'Anne' Jakrajutatip by the Bangkok South Civil Court, according to news outlets. https://t.co/yhnqZjZFaZ Entertainment Weekly (@EW) November 26, 2025 Miss Universe Crisis Grows With Public Insults The arrest warrant comes during a tense moment for Miss Universe. Only days earlier, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch Fernandez received her crown after a competition already filled with disputes. She had recently spoken out after pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisi called her "dumb," saying she would not stay silent. "I'm not afraid to make my voice heard," she shared after the incident, ENews reported. The organization also faced another blow when Olivia Yace, the fourth runner-up and Miss Universe Africa & Oceania 2025, gave up her title. In a message to her followers, Yace said she was stepping back to stay "true" to her values, citing respect and dignity as guiding principles. In the weeks leading up to the contest, several judges resigned, and accusations surfaced claiming that top finalists had been chosen early. The Miss Universe Organization denied wrongdoing, but the turmoil continued. Adding to the instability, Raul RochaJakrajutatip's business partner and co-owner of the pageantsaid he now hopes to sell his stake. He explained that the constant controversy wore him down, saying he was "fed up with all the talk" and ready to pass ownership to someone else. Hugh Jackman has made his relationship with Sutton Foster official on Instagram, sharing a warm message and video from her holiday performance in New York City. The post marks the first time the actor has publicly celebrated Foster on social media, confirming months of speculation about their romance. Jackman, 57, posted a photo and clip of Foster singing at Cafe Carlyle, where she performed in a sparkling green gown. "@suttonlenore performing during the holidays at @cafecarlyle ... now that's an iconic NYC night! And, truly magical," he wrote. In the video, Foster notices Jackman filming from the audience, smiles, and blushes before waving to him, creating a sweet moment that fans quickly react to with excitement. The Instagram post comes one month after the couple made their red carpet debut at the "Song Sung Blue" premiere. They appeared happy and relaxed together, smiling widely and standing close as photographers snapped pictures. A source previously told Page Six that the pair had been dating quietly and were "in love" but wanted to keep their relationship private at first. Hugh Jackman and Sutton Foster took the next step in their relatively new relationship Wednesday ... they're now Instagram official! Read more: https://t.co/V4csUmdiGk pic.twitter.com/aCrxCzS6G2 TMZ (@TMZ) November 27, 2025 Jackman and Foster met while starring together in "The Music Man" on Broadway from 2021 to 2023. Both were still married at the time. Jackman separated from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, in September 2023, and their divorce was finalized the following June. Foster filed for divorce from her husband, Ted Griffin, in October 2024. Reports later suggested that their connection began before their marriages ended, with one insider claiming there had been "an affair and overlap," US Magazine reported. The rumor caused tension during Jackman's split, and friends said Furness felt "devastated" by the sudden end of their longtime marriage. Despite the rocky period, sources shared that Jackman and Furness have recently begun rebuilding communication and are now "doing better" as they adjust to life after divorce. Foster has also faced attention since news of their relationship became public. The actress and Griffin share an 8-year-old daughter, while Jackman and Furness share two adult children. New allegations against Andrew Tate say he trapped his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, in Dubai for more than a month by filing a false police report. Stern, a model who often travels to the city for work, claims Tate used the UAE's strict laws to stop her from leaving the country. Her lawsuit, updated this week, lays out details of what she calls a "honeypot trap." According to court documents shared with TMZ, Tate went to Dubai police in June and accused Stern of posting lies about him online. In the UAE, this type of claim can trigger a criminal investigation, and people under investigation are not allowed to leave the country. Stern says Tate knew she traveled there often and expected she would eventually fly into the trap. That moment came on September 27, when Stern landed in Dubai for work. She said everything seemed normal until October 12, when she tried to fly home. Airport officials told her she was under a travel ban and showed her tweets they claimed she wrote about Tate. Stern insists the posts were fake and says police took her phone and questioned her repeatedly over the next six weeks. Andrew Tate's Ex-GF Claims He Set Her Up, Trapped Her in Dubai for 6 Weeks | Click to read more https://t.co/gJD0TuVohS pic.twitter.com/WdsUjcSfEB TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) November 26, 2025 Brianna Stern Claims Online Harassment Stern says she even went to the US Embassy for help but was told they could not step in. During her time stuck in Dubai, she began receiving frightening messages online including warnings that "Tate's gonna get you." She believes the messages came from Tate's supporters and says the harassment made her feel unsafe, especially after reading reports that Tate and his brother, Tristan, had arrived in Dubai. Her lawsuit notes that she already had a restraining order against Tate in the US, issued in September, TOI reported. It blocks him from contacting her or coming near her for three years. If Tate was involved in any of the threatening messages, that would violate the order. The updated lawsuit, filed by attorney Tony Buzbee, now includes claims of false imprisonment and emotional distress. These accusations join an earlier claim of sexual assault from Stern's original filing. Stern did not share in the court papers how she eventually got out of Dubai, only that she returned to Los Angeles around November 21. NEW PHILADELPHIA, Ohio Tuscarawas County 4-H and FFA youth interested in exhibiting a market beef at the 2026 Tuscarawas County Fair must present their animal at the market beef tag-in on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Main Show Arena at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds, 259 S Tuscarawas Ave., Dover, Ohio. There is no makeup date. Preregistration is not required. For more information, visit go.osu.edu/tuscanimalsciences. LISBON, Ohio The Columbiana County 4-H Program will host the Gingerbread House for a Cause event Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon at the First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 114 E. Washington St. in Lisbon. Enjoy cookies and milk with Santa and vote for your favorite gingerbread house. Families will receive one voting ticket for each non-perishable or canned good donation. All collected items will benefit the First United Methodist Church Community Food Pantry. For more information, contact the OSU Extension Office at 330-870-1165 or visit columbiana.osu.edu. FAYETTEVILLE, Ohio Twenty Fayetteville FFA members attended the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo on Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana, where the chapter attended various sessions and was recognized as a national three-star chapter. Three students were also recognized for earning their American Degrees including Claire Schaefer, Kadie Short and Katey Wolfer. Members took a tour of Tuttle Orchards and Indianapolis Motor Speedway as well. FAYETTEVILLE, Ohio On Nov. 3, seven members of the Fayetteville FFA competed in the sub-district job interview contest at North Adams High School. In Division 1, Lydia Murphy placed third. In Division 5, Jada Kassner placed second and advanced to the district contest. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA attended the 98th National FFA Convention, taking part in educational tours, opportunities for career exploration and fun activities. They wrapped the trip up by attending the American Degree Ceremony where members Hannah Barnes and Kendra Ehrsam were recognized for their dedication to their chapter and Ohio FFA before heading home. JEROMESVILLE, Ohio Hillsdale FFA took 29 members to the 98th National FFA Convention where they toured farms, food companies, a chocolate factory, Lincoln Tech and DSM Precision Manufacturing. The trip concluded at Lucas Oil Stadium for the American Degree Ceremony, where Seth Crytzer, Owen Hoffman and Braydon Rakovec earned FFAs highest honor. WASHINGTON COURT HOUSE, Ohio The Miami Trace Great Oaks FFA raised $20,775 to support community members affected by cancer through the sale of promotional T-shirts, with all funds being donated to the Fayette County Cancer Foundation. All funds raised will provide funds for wigs, transportation, medical supplies and other expenses needed by local cancer patients. HOWARD, Ohio On Nov. 11, four East Knox FFA members competed in the State Animal Management Career Development Event held in the Lausche Building at the Ohio Exposition Center in Columbus, placing fourth out of a group of teams from across Ohio. Team members were Ava Page, Peyton Harris, Rhyan Williams and Gweneth Opheim. Individually, Page finished as the second place competitor in the state, just three points behind the first place individual. This is the fifth time that East Knox FFA has had a team in the State Animal Management CDE finals and the first time placing in the top five to receive a banner. SULLIVAN, Ohio On Nov. 7, Black River FFA showcased its skills at the sub-district Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event held at Smithville High School. Representing Black Rivers Advance team were President Colton Roberts, Secretary Olivia Bailey and members Rylee Howard, Savanna Landrum, Jayden Young and Addison Flynn. The teams hard work paid off as they earned a first-place finish. SULLIVAN, Ohio On Nov. 9, six members of Black River FFA competed at the District Job Interview Career Development Event held at Smithville High School. Serina Dearth earned first place in the eighth-grade division, Caleb Howard earned second place in the freshman division, Rylee Howard earned third place in the sophomore division, Addison Flynn earned first place in the junior division and Rose Wingard took first place in the first-year senior division. Flynn and Wingard will now advance to the state competition. CHILLICOTHE, Ohio Sixteen Zane Trace FFA members attended the National FFA Convention, exploring agriculture careers, touring businesses and connecting with FFA members nationwide. The students participated in convention sessions, heard leadership speeches and received awards, including the three-star chapter award and American Degrees for members Kailee Adkins, Charley Clyne, Kendra Detillion and Sadie Swepston. RACINE, Ohio Racine Southern FFA traveled to Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, joining over 70,000 members for leadership, career and personal development. Students attended key sessions, workshops and competitions, learning to overcome self-doubt and grow personally. They also toured farms, saw Ella Langley in concert, explored exotic animals at Paws and Claws and visited the Career Expo to connect with colleges and agricultural businesses. WEST SALEM, Ohio On Nov. 12, members of the Northwestern Wayne FFA chapter gathered at Wayne Lanes for a chapter bonding event open to anyone in the chapter interested in bowling. Pizza and drinks were also provided. WEST SALEM, Ohio The Northwestern FFA chapter also attended the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Highlights included Ella Saals recognition for Dairy Entrepreneurship, Ag teacher Heather Tegtmeier receiving the Honorary American Degree and five chapter members earning the prestigious American FFA Degree, including Kaleb Badger, Kade Tegtmeier, Kirsten Boreman, Saal and Jacoby Gilbert. CRESTON, Ohio On Oct. 29, Norwayne FFA traveled to downtown Indianapolis for the 98th National FFA Convention. Members went on multiple tours, including Hunters Honey, where members were taught how honey is made and how it is processed, and Providence Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, where members looked at different rescued bird species. They also went to Driving Winds Acres, where members learned about different fruit production crops. The chapter went to three different sessions held in the Lucas Oil Stadium. SULLIVAN, Ohio Recently, the Black River FFA Chapter joined the Leadership Medina County class for its annual Agriculture Day, an event organized and sponsored by members of the Medina County Farm Bureau for the past 38 years. The day began with a breakfast at the Medina County Senior Fair Office, where participants learned about the history and continued importance of the Medina County Fair to the local agricultural community. The groups next stop was Maple Valley Dairy. There, they explored the farms maple syrup operation and dairy herd management. The final destination was Boyerts Greenhouse, where attendees toured the facility and enjoyed lunch, which featured a buffet made from locally grown and raised products from farms and businesses throughout Medina County. Black River FFA members assisted with meal preparation and serving, while also sharing their experiences in FFA and the role agriculture plays in their lives. Participating FFA members were Addison Flynn, Adalee Hollan, Olivia Bailey, Aidan Sas, Parker Broadsword, Hunter Varney and Savanna Landrum. SULLIVAN, Ohio The Black River FFA Chapter recently received a donation of wheat seeds from Centerra Co-op. The seeds will be used as a cover crop in the chapters FFA Land Lab this fall. Additionally, Centerra donated money for the fertilizer and applications necessary for winter wheat. The wheat was planted by A.M. Grain Farms. Black River FFA is grateful for the donations. SULLIVAN, Ohio Black River FFA chapter members recently handed out boutonnieres and corsages to veterans and guests attending the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Veterans Day Assembly. Students hand-crafted the floral pieces and learned floral design skills from Macey Davis of The Potted Sage in Spencer, Ohio. Davis shared her professional experience with the students while helping them assemble the pieces. WEST SALEM, Ohio Feed a Farmer is an event that the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter has hosted for over four years, as a way to personally thank the farmers who put countless hours into providing food for the community. The chapter officers prepared a meal Oct. 23 for any farmer in the community interested in lunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Commodity Blenders in West Salem. The food prepared included pork sandwiches, shredded chicken sandwiches, corn, mac and cheese, cookies, apples and caramel and chips. The members who prepared meals and helped serve included Emma Connelly, Addy Connelly, Makenna Connelly, Kaylee Cherry, Brooke Hershey, Laurie Barr, Chet McNeil, Alivia Welch, Jake Howman and Gabi Riedel. The chapter was able to feed around 100 farmers a fresh and warm meal. WEST SALEM, Ohio Northwestern-Wayne FFA volunteered to stack firewood for a local community member on Oct. 22. Members loaded and unloaded firewood; then stacked it. Students who helped include Emily West, Carmen Guidetti, Blaze Wiley, Triston Flinn, Avery Blount, Charlie Gortner, Kashmiere Woods, Taryn Wagner, Chase Wharton, Lucas Kolp, Ruger White, Madi Miller, Torrie Wurst, Brennan Flinn, Austin Pierson, Aveon Gray and Maddix May. HOWARD, Ohio East Knox FFA members Ethan Phillis and Andrew Poff received the American FFA Degree at the 98th National FFA Convention held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. These two were among 5,162 American Degrees awarded nationally with 533 of those being from Ohio. Ethan Phillis SAE projects included job placement at Mills Farms, welding and constructing horse treadmills and completing home improvement projects. He served as the 2022-23 chapter vice president and was the 2021-22 chapter sentinel. Phillis competed in Poultry, Greenland Quiz, Parliamentary Procedure and Agricultural Technology and Mechanics Career Development Events. He attended state and national FFA conventions, state leadership nights and district officer training. He is the son of Darren Phillis and Alicia Burwell of Bladensburg. Job placement at Apple Valley Marina as well as various home improvement projects were Andrew Poffs SAE projects. Poff competed in Agricultural Soils, Parliamentary Procedure, Forestry, Nursery/Landscape, Wildlife Management, Envirothon, Farm Business Management and Agricultural Technology and Mechanics Career Development Events. He competed in Environmental/Natural Resources in the U.S. Eastern Regional (Big E) in Massachusetts in 2019 after finishing second in the state. He was a member of the fourth place State Agricultural Soils team that represented Ohio in the National Land Judging Contest in Oklahoma. He was also part of the first place State Nursery/Landscape team that represented Ohio in the national contest in 2021, in conjunction with the national convention in Indianapolis. He also attended the state FFA convention, state OLLC, district officer training, as well as state leadership nights and served as the 2021-222 East Knox FFA vice president. He is the son of Richard and Sarah Poff of Howard. Phillis and Poff are the 54th and 55th American FFA Degree recipients from East Knox. HOWARD, Ohio Twenty-one East Knox FFA members recently attended the 98th annual National FFA Convention from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1 at the Indianapolis Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, where they attended sessions, accepted awards, heard from motivational speakers and took tours. Members also went to the Ella Langley concert at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis and the Three Hills Rodeo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. HOWARD, Ohio East Knox FFA recently represented Ohio at the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event in Martinsville, Indiana on Oct. 29, hosted in conjunction with the 98th National FFA Convention. Graduates Hayden Baker, Aiden Kapper and Dylan Springer and sophomore Curtis Divan won 14th place. Individually, Springer placed 22nd with a gold rating, Divan placed 38th with a gold rating, Kapper placed 84th with a silver rating, and Baker placed 97th with a silver rating. The team qualified for the National Career Development Event by winning the State Forestry Career Development Event held at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio in September. This is the ninth time a East Knox FFA forestry team has qualified and competed on a national level. HOWARD, Ohio East Knox FFA members recently competed and represented the state of Ohio at the National FFA Nursery/Landscape Career Development Event on Oct. 29, held in conjunction with the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ariana Talbott, Mackenzie Wilson, Ava Page and Madisyn Frost placed 18th in the competition. Individually, Talbott placed 41st with a gold rating, Page finished 54th with a silver rating, Frost placed 107th with a silver rating and Wilson received a bronze rating. The team also accepted a plaque for its placing, and each member received medals for their individual national ranking at the awards banquet. The East Knox FFA team advanced to the national contest after winning first in the State FFA Nursery/Landscape Career Development Event on March 26 at the Delaware Area Career Center. WATERFORD, Ohio The Waterford FFA chapter recently participated in county, district and state soil judging contests. At the county level, Waterfords agriculture team placed first in the Washington County Soil Judging Contest. Team members included Owen Stauch, Kaylie McCutcheon, Maddie Hansell, Katelynn Valandingham and Luke McCutcheon. Individually, McCutcheon placed first, Valandingham placed second and Hansell placed third. The urban team also won first place. Team members consist of Gracie Hartline, Adalyn Eichmiller, Leia Barnett, Caitlin Ellis, Ella Schweikert and Taylor Heiss. Individually, Hartline placed first, Eichmiller placed second and Barnett placed third. Both the agriculture and urban teams were honored at the annual Washington County Soil and Water Banquet held on Oct. 15. The second competition was the District 10 Soils Contest, hosted by Waterford FFA. The rural team won first out of 17 teams. Team members included Owen Stauch, Kaylie McCutcheon, Maggie Baldwin, Maddie Hansell and Katelynn Valandingham. Individually, McCutcheon won first, Stauch won second, Baldwin won sixth, Hansell placed eighth out of 75 participants. The Urban team won second place out of 16 total teams. Team members consisted of Gracie Hartline, Ella Schweikert, Caitlin Ellis, Adalyn Eichmiller and Leia Barnett. Individually, Hartline won third, Schweikert won fifth, Ellis placed ninth, Eichmiller placed 10th and Barnett placed 12th. Both the rural and urban teams advanced to the State Soils contest, which took place on Oct. 11 in Morrow County, Ohio. The rural team won 13th place out of 50 teams. Team members included Owen Stauch, Kaylie McCutcheon, Maddie Hansell and Maggie Baldwin. The urban team took 20th place out of 50 teams. Team members included Gracie Hartline, Ella Schweikert and Adalyn Eichmiller. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA competed in the Dairy Cattle Career Development Event district competition on Oct. 9 at Sunnyville Farms and Patrick Henry High School. Jacob Schlatter placed 10th. The state competition will be held in the spring. DELTA, Ohio Several Delta FFA members competed in the Ohio Job Interview Career Development Event on Oct. 23 at Fayette High School. Josh Mock placed sixth and Elwin Griewahn placed seventh in division one. Emmy Hintz won second place, and Gracyn Pelton won third in division three. Gavin Cansky placed first, and Trevin Crawford placed second in division five. Other members that competed include Claire Bates and Melanie Wyse. Hintz and Cansky will advance to the district contest. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA competed in the states Agricultural Soils Career Development Event, placing 41st out of 51 teams. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA competed in the county trapshoot contest on Oct. 14 at the Fulton County Sportsman Club. Hunter Elton placed first, Hunter Heinemann placed second, Trevor Rohrs placed third, Archer Andrews placed fourth, Ashlynn Tedrow placed fifth, and McCoy Tedrow placed sixth. As a group, Delta FFA placed second. DELTA, Ohio Delta FFA members recently got together to make and deliver goodie bags as a thank you to farmers. The bags included meat sticks, donuts, Oreos, Cheese-Itz, Motts bars, trail mix, fruit snacks, mints and water. Officers delivered goodie bags to Falor Farm Center, Davis Farm Service, Gerald Grain and Wauseon and Pettisville Grain. Students also conducted individual deliveries to farmers they know. DELTA, Ohio Ohio FFA State Treasurer Taylor Johnson recently visited the Delta FFA chapter on Oct. 10 at Delta High School. Students learned valuable lessons and engaged in various activities. Serious risks to animal and public health are looming in Northern Ireland, peers have warned, as the veterinary medicines grace period a post-Brexit arrangement allowing continued supply of GB-approved products approaches its end with no clear government plan in place. The House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee has written to the Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, urging urgent action before the 31 December deadline. The warning follows an evidence session with representatives from the Ulster Farmers Union, the Animal Health Distributors Association and the British Veterinary Association, who highlighted the scale of disruption Northern Ireland could face if access to essential veterinary medicines is restricted. Committee chair Lord Carlile said the situation required immediate attention. With only weeks left before the veterinary medicines grace period ends in Northern Ireland, we urge the government to act with urgency and transparency, he said. He warned that the loss of key products could create a two-tier animal health system, with Northern Ireland facing reduced choice, higher costs and greater vulnerability to disease. Witnesses told the committee that around 10% to 15% of the 3,000 veterinary medicines currently licensed for Northern Ireland could be discontinued, including some 20 products that have no suitable alternatives. Although both the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and pharmaceutical companies know which medicines are at risk, stakeholders have not been told, leaving vets, wholesalers and farmers unable to plan. Key impacts include reduced availability of preventive treatments, limited pack sizes forcing farmers to buy inappropriate quantities, and higher costs for both livestock and pets. Witnesses also said overprescribing could rise if alternatives are unavailable, increasing the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Concerns were also raised about supply-chain resilience, with only two of the six existing wholesalers expected to continue trading in Northern Ireland after the grace period ends. Pet owners are likely to lose access to online veterinary pharmacies, all of which operate from Great Britain, adding to the risk of Northern Ireland consumers paying more for fewer options. Agriculture plays a critical role in Northern Irelands economy, worth 8 billion and supplying more than a quarter of the UKs indigenous food. Peers warned that reduced availability of veterinary medicines could hinder rapid responses during disease outbreaks, with one witness noting that infections do not honour borders. Lord Carlile stressed that the matter stands apart from other Windsor Framework issues. This issue is unique as it is a matter of animal welfare, public health, and food security, he said. The committee has urged ministers to consider extending the grace period or presenting a credible fallback plan and has requested a response by 11 December. As the deadline approaches, peers say the government must urgently clarify whether it intends to extend the grace period, introduce temporary mitigation measures, or allow the current arrangements to lapse a decision that will determine the immediate stability of Northern Irelands animal health system. Many Scottish farmers are being put off from joining agri-environmental schemes because of financial risk, confusing guidance and excessive red tape, a new study has warned just as the sector enters its most significant reform in decades. The research, led by PhD student David Bryan at the University of Stirling, finds that farmers overwhelmingly care about the environment and are keen to support land-management practices that benefit nature and the climate. But it also shows that practical and financial hurdles continue to limit uptake, with recurring concerns around fear of financial penalties, uncertainty over whether applications will be approved, and the inflexibility of scheme design. The changes come as agriculture undergoes a major overhaul under the Agriculture and Rural Communities (Scotland) Act 2024, which replaces EU-era subsidies with a new four-tier support structure intended to strengthen food security, rural livelihoods and environmental outcomes. Against this backdrop, Bryans study highlights the specific barriers shaping farmers decisions, including inconsistent communication during applications, short application windows and long-term commitments that make planning more difficult. Social factors also influence engagement; support from family and farming communities increases participation, while higher levels of education correlate with stronger environmental involvement. Bryan said the insights could play a crucial role as Scotland prepares for the next phase of its transition. These insights come at a crucial time as Scotland reforms its agricultural support system, he said. The findings, he added, help policymakers understand what works and what doesnt for farmers on the ground, ensuring the new framework is realistic and accessible. Under the governments structure, Tier 1 provides baseline payments for meeting environmental and animal welfare standards. Tier 2 supports greener and more ambitious practices such as reducing tillage, protecting soils and creating habitats. Tier 3 extends the Agri-Environment Climate Scheme, offering longer-term agreements for targeted environmental projects, while Tier 4 provides training, advice and collaboration networks. The studys recommendations build directly from these tiers and aim to smooth farmer participation. Bryan calls for stronger farmer-led support through an expanded Tier 4, universal accessibility and outcome-based design for Tier 2, and greater regional flexibility across Scotlands varied landscapes. A simplified application process, modelled on Englands Environmental Land Management system, is also proposed to cut bureaucracy and reduce barriers linked to administrative complexity. Bryan believes that adopting the recommendations would give farmers the confidence and flexibility they need. If the recommendations are adopted, farmers will face less red tape, more flexibility, and stronger local support networks, he said. This could, he added, lead to improving biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience across rural Scotland. A better-designed system, he argued, would ultimately benefit everyone: farmers, communities, and the environment. The research draws on a co-designed national survey conducted in 2024, with responses from 80 farmers gathered both online and in person at shows, markets and through rural networks. It examined perceptions of risk, flexibility, access to guidance and the influence of social support. As Scotland prepares to implement its new agricultural support system, the study is likely to shape further policy discussions and may help determine how many farmers feel able and willing to take part in the environmental schemes intended to drive meaningful change across the countryside. The UK livestock industry has been handed a new set of antibiotic reduction goals as RUMA Agriculture launches its latest five-year targets a move hailed as another step in tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), but one that arrives with challenges for farmers already under pressure. RUMAs third Targets Task Force cycle (TTF3), running from 2025 to 2029, has been formally backed by the governments AMR National Action Plan and marks almost a decade of voluntary industry action that has already slashed antibiotic use across UK livestock. Since 2014, usage has fallen 57%, with the use of highest-priority critically important antibiotics down by 83%. RUMA Agriculture chair Cat McLaughlin said the new targets build on a remarkable industry effort but warned that the next phase will require realism. For some sectors, sustainable levels of use may already have been reached, she said, stressing that maintaining low use without damaging animal welfare is now the priority for several parts of the industry. The TTF3 report outlines each sectors commitments alongside wider stewardship work, including campaigns, data projects and disease-prevention strategies. For farmers, the targets mean continued scrutiny of antibiotic use at a time when climate pressures, disease outbreaks and vaccine shortages are already stretching resources. McLaughlin said vaccine availability remains a major hurdle for reducing reliance on antibiotics. She welcomed the Veterinary Medicines Directorates new Statement of Intent on vaccine access, calling it a step towards ensuring farmers have the vaccines they need to protect herd health. The livestock sectors efforts drew support from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate. Chief executive Abi Seager said the agency welcomes the third set of targets, praising the industrys long-standing commitment to responsible use since 2016. The Animals, Plants, Food and Environment Delivery Board also endorsed the targets, describing them as a key element of the UKs One Health approach. It urged regular review and refinement as new surveillance data becomes available. Addressing the launch webinar, Baroness Hayman of Ullock said AMR remains one of the most pressing health challenges of our time and applauded the UK livestock sectors for placing the country amongst the most progressive nations in tackling AMR in agriculture. She called on vets, farmers and industry leaders to back these targets wholeheartedly. As some sectors push for further gains and others hold at sustainable levels, RUMA says the core principle remains unchanged: use antibiotics as little as possible, as much as necessary. McLaughlin warned that expectations of continual annual reductions are not realistic, and must not come at the expense of animal welfare. She emphasised the importance of vaccines, skilled stockmanship and a supportive farming infrastructure in keeping progress on track. The latest targets come just a week after the publication of the final TTF2 report and the VMDs Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales Surveillance (VARSS) report. Both confirm that UK livestock remains among the lowest antibiotic users in Europe, with some of the steepest declines in resistance recorded over the past decade. New APHA and VMD data also show a strong link between reduced antibiotic use and falling AMR levels in UK animals. The governments decision to allow agricultural inheritance tax allowances to be transferred between spouses has emerged as a headline change within the autumn budget but farming leaders say the concession falls far short of what family farms need to survive. The government has set out the full details of its latest overhaul of agricultural property relief (APR), insisting the reforms will protect small family farms while ensuring the wealthiest estates pay more inheritance tax from 2026. Farming organisations, however, have warned that the new cap will still leave many families facing higher tax bills when passing on long-established holdings. Farmers from across the UK descended on central London yesterday (26 November) in one of the most visible rural protests in months, with tractors rolling into Westminster despite a police ban on agricultural vehicles. The NFU has said that the chancellors adjustment to inheritance tax rules doesnt come close to protecting family farms, accusing the government of leaving elderly and vulnerable farmers exposed as sweeping tax reforms approach. Following the autumn budget, the government confirmed that any unused portion of the new 1 million allowance for agricultural and business property relief will now be transferable between spouses and civil partners. The change brings the relief in line with existing inheritance tax rules for the nil-rate band and residence nil-rate band, and the Treasury says it will make the system less complex and fairer for farm families. Under the revised arrangements, a surviving spouse or civil partner will be able to combine both allowances, benefiting from up to 2 million of 100% relief on qualifying agricultural and business assets. Widows and widowers will also be able to use a deceased partners unused allowance, even where the first death occurred many years before April 2026. Government figures suggest the new spousal transfer will reduce the number of estates facing higher tax bills once the wider reforms take effect. Of the wealthiest 375 estates expected to pay more tax in 202627, around 190 will now face a smaller increase or no increase at all, according to Defra. Ministers say almost three-quarters of estates claiming agricultural or business property relief will not pay more inheritance tax under the new structure. From April 2026, the full 100% relief will be restricted to the first 1 million of combined agricultural and business property. Above that threshold, eligible estates will receive 50% relief and pay a reduced effective inheritance tax rate of up to 20%, instead of the standard 40%. That tax can be paid in 10 interest-free instalments, rather than upfront. Officials argue the reforms are designed to focus relief on small and medium-sized farms while preventing the largest estates from benefiting disproportionately. Treasury data shows the top 7% of claims 117 estates account for 40% of all agricultural property relief, costing the taxpayer 219 million a year. The top 2% alone account for nearly a quarter of all relief claimed. Ministers say the current system allows a small number of very large estates to receive significant tax breaks that could otherwise fund public services. The government maintains that most family farms will remain fully protected when passing land to the next generation, particularly when combined with other allowances such as the 325,000 nil-rate band and the 175,000 residence nil-rate band, both of which can be transferred between spouses. Depending on circumstances, a couple with farmland can still pass on up to 3 million tax-free to a direct descendant. Long-standing inheritance tax rules also remain unchanged. Transfers between spouses and civil partners are still fully exempt, and gifts made more than seven years before death fall entirely outside inheritance tax. Rural advisers, however, report rising concern that some family businesses may still need to restructure holdings or sell assets to manage future liabilities once the cap is introduced. 3. Thread the Needle Twist (Parsva Balasana) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Q. Which yoga pose gives the fastest relief from bloating? Q. Can beginners do these yoga twists? Q. How long should I hold each twist? Q. When should I do these poses after eating? Q. Do yoga twists really help with gas? Thread the Needle is a soothing twist that relieves bloating by opening the upper body and gently stimulating the abdominal area. Begin on all fours, slide one arm underneath your body and let your shoulder and cheek rest on the floor.As your torso rotates, the stretch helps release tension from the shoulders and mid-back, which often tighten during long celebrations and indulgent meals. This twist also helps improve circulation around the stomach and intestines, supporting smoother digestion and reducing fullness.Seated Spinal Twist usually works quickest for gas and heaviness.Yes, all three poses are safe and beginner-friendly.Hold for 3060 seconds per side for best results.Wait at least 30 minutes after a heavy meal.Yes, twists gently massage your abdomen, helping release trapped gas.This article is for general informational purposes only. Dont treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for specific health diagnosis or condition. Held at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, the 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 with Gujarat Tourism was a glittering night celebrating cinematic excellence. The Bachchan family had much to rejoice in, with Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan receiving the Cine Icon awards and Abhishek being named Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male). Later, expressing his gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), Amitabh wrote, Ek parivaar ek hi parivaar ke teen sadasya teenon ka ek hi vyavsay aur ek hi din teen puraskaar. 70 years of Filmfare honouring Jaya Best Actor of 2025 for Abhishek and yours truly for the 70-year celebration Hamara bahut bada saubhagya aur janta ke prati poorn roop se aabhaar. T 5530(i) - .. .. .. 70 years of filmfare honouring Jaya .. Best actor of 2025 for Abhishek .. and yours truly for the 70 years celebration .. Jaya Abhishek aur man .. pic.twitter.com/b48vFcfJHK Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) October 13, 2025 Taking her trophy, Jaya Bachchan mentioned that one shouldnt call the Hindi film industry Bollywood. It should be called the Hindi film industry. Ive been in this industry for 50 years, and have received much love and it pains me when its not called by its proper name, she said. When Shah Rukh Khan was invited to receive the Cine Icon Award on behalf of the late Dilip Kumar, it was a deeply emotional moment. Saira Banu, who couldnt attend due to ill health, personally requested SRK to accept the honour on her and Yusuf Saabs behalf, a gesture that carried immense sentiment. The moment also rekindled memories of Shah Rukhs first meeting with the legend, when a young and awestruck SRK had nervously visited Dilip Kumars home. Dilip Saab had affectionately placed his hand on Shah Rukhs head, blessing him and telling Saira, Hes like our son. Years later, as SRK emotionally stood on stage receiving the award for his idol, that blessing seemed to have come full circle. SRK, Karan Johar and Kajol were honoured as 90s Cine Icons. In one of the ceremonys most nostalgic moments, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol recreated their iconic Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge palat scene, followed by performances of Suraj hua maddham and Ladki badi anjani hai. It was as if the mists of time had rolled back and wed gone back to the 90s once more. Both were visibly emotional and almost had tears in their eyes. And so did Karan. SRK was told it was his 16th trophy and he said now he wants at least four more to make it 20. Boney Kapoor accepted the 80s Cine Icon award on behalf of his late wife Sridevi, saying that her presence has always lingered and that not a day has passed when he doesnt remember her. When Nutan was posthumously honoured with the Cine Icon Award, it became a moment steeped in legacy and love. Her son, Mohnish Bahl, and granddaughter, Pranutan Bahl, received the trophy on her behalf, symbolising the continuity of a cinematic lineage that has touched generations. Adding to the sentiment, Pranutan wore a specially crafted saree, delicately embroidered with the names of her grandmothers Filmfare Award-winning films, a heartfelt tribute to the timeless star. Meena Kumaris stepson Tajdar Amrohi took the special trophy on her behalf, while Joy Bimal Roy, looking dapper in a white tux, took home his father Bimal Roys Cine Icon Award. Ramesh Sippy too was honoured for Sholay completing 50 years and still remaining relevant. Both Shah Rukh and Karan said they were still in awe of the film. SRK said he regrets that he could never be a part of the film and Karan mentioned its one film he can never think of making. An emotional Sippy thanked the audience for their continuing love and support. While accepting his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for his performance in Shoojit Sircars I Want to Talk (2024), Abhishek Bachchan delivered an emotional speech that struck a deep chord with the audience. He began by congratulating fellow winner Kartik Aaryan, who had won the same trophy for his role in Chandu Champion. Then he went on to say that hes glad his mother, sister and niece are here to experience this victory with him. He added he hadnt got a gift for his fathers birthday, which fell the same day, and winning the Black Lady had become the perfect gift. The actor thanked his wife Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and daughter Aaradhya for standing by him through his artistic pursuits, even when it demanded sacrifices. To Aishwarya and Aaradhya, thank you for allowing me to go out and follow my dreams. I hope that by winning this award, they see that their sacrifices have been one of the main reasons I stand here today, he said. A visibly moved Abhishek went on to dedicate the honour to two very special people. He said, This film is about a father and a daughter, and I want to dedicate it to my hero, my father, and to my other hero, my daughter. Thank you so much, I cannot express what this means to me. Reflecting on his journey, he added, This year marks 25 years in the film industry, and I cannot remember how many times Ive rehearsed a speech for this award. This has been a dream, and Im so touched and humbled. To receive it in front of my family makes it even more special. Kartik Aaryan took home his first Black Lady for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Male) for Chandu Champion. Before stepping onto the stage, he sought the blessings of his parents, who were present at the event, making the moment all the more special. Kartik also took a moment to warmly congratulate Abhishek Bachchan on his feat. In his heartfelt speech, he expressed gratitude to director Kabir Khan for believing in him, his team for their constant support, and Indias first Paralympics gold medallist, Murlikant Petkar, whose inspiring life the film celebrates. Later, sharing a picture of Shah Rukh Khan affectionately holding his face after the announcement, Kartik captioned it, A frame full of dreams. A delighted Kartik later changed his display pic to one where hes posing with the Filmfare trophy. The evening, however, wasnt without its lighter moments. Shah Rukh Khan, hosting the Awards, playfully teased fellow host Karan Johar about his visible weight loss. Bahut alag lag rahe ho (You look very different), SRK quipped, before cheekily asking if Karan was on Ozempic, quickly correcting himself to Olympics. Karan shot back with a sharp, humour-laced retort, Haan, Wankhede mein hai Olympics. Aaoge? (Yes, the Olympics are at Wankhede. Will you come?), a witty reference that left the audience in splits. SRK also shared the stage with Rajkummar Rao to learn the viral Aayi nai hookstep from Stree 2, sending fans into a frenzy. Rajkummar Rao took home the Best Actor (Critics) Award for his deeply inspiring performance in Srikanth. Portraying the real-life story of visually impaired entrepreneur Srikanth Bolla, Rao delivered a performance marked by restraint, empathy, and conviction. In his acceptance speech, Rajkummar dedicated the award to every dreamer who dares to see light even in darkness, earning a heartfelt round of applause from the audience. Along with SRK and Karan, Maniesh Paul too hosted the evening and kept the ball rolling with his own brand of humour. Alia Bhatt couldnt come because of prior commitments but celebrated winning the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Female) trophy for Jigra with a special social media post. She expressed her gratitude and affection for the film and its team. This one will always stay closest to my heart, not just for the story we told, but for the incredible people who gave it life. She went on to thank director Vasan Bala for his vision and co-star Vedang Raina for the honesty [he] brought to every frame. Alia added, So grateful to Filmfare for the honour, and to everyone who found a piece of themselves in this film. I wish I couldve been there to hold that moment in person, but my heart is full all the same. The actress also acknowledged her sister, Shaheen Bhatt, calling her my real-life Jigra for being her calm through it all. She concluded the message with an evocative lyric: For now, all I can say is Taara na disse, ya chaann kho jaawe. Tenu sang rakhna. The night was equally momentous for Laapataa Ladies, which dominated with 13 honours. Kiran Rao won Best Director for Laapataa Ladies and expressed heartfelt thanks for the films overwhelming success. What a night! The film is not suddenly Laapata tonight, she quipped. Addressing all those who had loved the film, she mentioned, Thank you again, your love is everything. Her beaming smile widened with the announcement of every award for her film. Veteran actor Ravi Kishans joy was palpable as he finally won his first Filmfare Award after three decades in the industry. Waiting for this Black Lady for 33 years feels like a dream come true, he said after winning the Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Male) trophy, crediting Kiran Rao and Aamir Khan Productions for giving him the inspectors role. The Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Female) Award went to Chhaya Kadam for the same film. The actress had come all the way from Russia to accept the award, cutting her vacation short, and said the journey had been worth it. Pratibha Ranta, in her very first feature film, won the Best Actress (Critics) for her sensitive and deeply humane portrayal in Laapataa Ladies. Growing up in Shimla, dreaming of Mumbai and cinema felt far-fetched, she said. Thank you, Kiran maam, Aamir Khan Productions, and the audience for giving me so much love. She added her parents had no idea shed come to Gujarat for the awards and this win would come as a pleasant surprise to them. Her co-star, Nitanshi Goel, bagged Best Debut (Female). She was so nervous when she walked up she almost slipped on the steps and SRK had to catch her. Nitanshi dedicated the award to her mother and to everyone who embraced her character, Phool, in Laapataa Ladies. In her speech, she expressed gratitude to the films director, Kiran Rao, and co-stars, acknowledging their support and contribution to her journey. She also thanked the Filmfare jury and her fans for their overwhelming support. Later, through a heartfelt post, she shared her excitement: My first Filmfare, my first @iamsrk moment. @akshaykumar handed me the trophy and @karanjohar hugged this nervous girl. Ive watched Filmfare since I was a child, dreaming that one day Id be here, and today, Im holding this. It feels like magic. Kunal Kemmu made his mark as Best Debut Director for Madgaon Express. Its surreal to receive this from Shah Rukh sir, Karan, and Akshay sir. This only pushes me to work harder so that it doesnt seem like a one-hit wonder, he said. Best Debut (Male) Award winner Lakshya, who won it for his performance in Kill, initially couldnt find words. I never thought I would be nervous, but I am. I would like to thank the Filmfare team and the jury members for choosing me. Like everyone else, even I dreamt about standing on this stage and delivering a speech with an award. Today, my dream has come true, he said. He thanked Karan Johar for his guidance during the making of Kill. SRK wanted him to say his iconic Om Shanti Om dialogue, Itni shiddat se maine tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saazish ki hai, in his own style but Lakshyas machinegun delivery made SRK quip, Darra mat yaar. The gathering rose as one when Zeenat Aman took the stage to accept the Filmfare Lifetime Achievement Award. In an emotional address she described the moment as a poignant full-circle in a career spanning over fifty years, dedicating the honour to her mother and thanking her children and fans for their unwavering support. Zeenat added that she was proud to have worked at a time when cinema was changing, and making space for women, reflecting on the era that shaped her career. Earlier, Kriti Sanon had performed a dazzling medley of Zeenats songs, a high-energy act which sent the audience into raptures. Our other Lifetime Achievement Award went posthumously to noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal. The award was collected by Pia Benegal on her late fathers behalf. Mr Vineet Jain, the Managing Director of The Times Group, launched the official logo for the Indian Pickleball League at the gathering. This was the launch of Indias only official professional pickleball league, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). Filmfare partnered with the Dholakia Foundation as our community partner and planted 1,000 saplings as part of our sustainability initiative. The night was peppered by performances that blended nostalgia with verve: Ananya Pandays buoyant celebration of festive rhythms set a jubilant tone, while Abhishek Bachchan evoked deep emotion with a heartfelt homage to his fathers immortal melodies. Kriti Sanon sparkled through a medley of timeless tunes, and Akshay Kumar brought his unmistakable charm to a spirited showstopper that had the audience on their feet. Siddhant Chaturvedi channelled the golden age of dance with infectious energy, before the evening reached its most magical crescendo Shah Rukh Khan and Kajols poetic reunion, a moment that rekindled the essence of Bollywoods most cherished love stories. Sanju Rathods performance was an out-and-out crowd-igniter. An act that fused his rustic charm with red-carpet flamboyance. Bursting onto the stage with his chartbusters Gulabi sadi and Shaky shaky, Sanju had the audience swaying, clapping, and singing along in no time. The energy soared even higher when he was joined by Huma Qureshi, Ananya Panday, Maniesh Paul, and Elnaaz Norouzi, who matched his infectious beats with sparkling moves and spontaneous camaraderie. Together, they turned the arena into a celebration of rhythm and joy, earning deafening cheers and a standing ovation, easily one of the nights most talked-about, high-voltage moments. ALso Read: Dharmendras Iconic Filmfare Covers Actor Dhanush took fans down memory lane on Monday after he posted a set of emotional photos from Varanasi, the city where his hit film Raanjhanaa was shot. He shared new pictures on social media showing him walking on the ghats of Varanasi and enjoying a cup of chai with director Aanand L Rai. The actor looked deeply nostalgic as he reflected on his journey from Raanjhanaa to his upcoming film Tere Ishq Mein, which marks his third collaboration with the filmmaker. He shared how returning to the same streets after more than ten years felt like reliving a character who still lives in the hearts of the people. In his heartfelt post, he wrote, A walk through the memory lane Where it all started. KUNDAN. A character that refuses to let go of me, even after more than a decade. The Name Kundan still echoes in the narrow lanes of banaras as people call out to me and I still turn and smile. Now walking through the same lanes , sitting in front of the same house , sipping chai from the same tea shop , and walking by the shores of the holy Ganges, with the man who gave me Kundan , feels like a full circle. Now its time for Shankar. The actor also added, Tere ishk mein FROM TOM. Har Har Mahadev. Check out his post below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dhanush (@dhanushkraja) Dhanush played the role of Kundan, a boy from Varanasi, in Raanjhanaa (2013), which became a major success and earned widespread love. The film not only strengthened his place in Bollywood but also created a deep emotional bond between him and the city. He shared that locals in Varanasi still call him by the characters name even today, and the connection continues to feel special. Tere Ishq Mein was first announced by Aanand L Rai on the 10th anniversary of Raanjhanaa. The upcoming film stars Dhanush alongside Kriti Sanon and is produced by Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, Bhushan Kumar, and Krishan Kumar under the banners of Gulshan Kumar, T-Series and Colour Yellow Productions. The music is composed by AR Rahman. The romantic drama is scheduled to release in theatres on November 28, and fans are eagerly waiting to see the actor in another powerful role. For Dhanush, returning to Varanasi before the films release has been a deeply emotional experience, a moment of full circle, revisiting the birthplace of a character that changed his career. Also Read: Photos: Dhanush and Kriti Sanon Seek Blessings in Varanasi Ahead of Tere Ishk Mein Release Ranbir Kapoor currently has two big projects in development: Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Love & War. Ramayana is planned as a two-part film, with releases scheduled for Diwali in 2026 and 2027. The release date for Love & War has not yet been announced. However, according to a report from Bollywood Hungama, Ranbir is reportedly wanting Bhansali's film to be released by June 2026. Reportedly, Ranbir wants to maintain a minimum four-month gap between the releases of Love & War and Ramayana. Given that Ramayana is ideally suited for a Diwali release, he has reportedly requested Sanjay Leela Bhansali to release Love & War in theatres latest by June 2026. However, a source close to the film also informed that Bhansali is interested in releasing Love & War in August, coinciding with Independence Day. The source said, But RK feels that theres too little of a gap between Love & War and Ramayana. He is firm on his stance of releasing Love & War in June. Ranbirs producer, Namit Malhotra too, is putting the pressure to ensure that SLB releases Love & War in June, as he doesnt want the aftermath of Love & War to impact Ramayana in any way, given that the latter is a much bigger film. The source added, The makers of Love & War starring Ranbir Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal & Alia Bhatt are eyeing a June 5, 2026 release. Slated exactly a week after the IPL finale and coinciding with summer holidays, the date offers a prime launchpad for a big-ticket spectacle like Love & War. With no immediate box-office clutter and a high footfall period, this could be a strategic move to maximise the films reach. Earlier this year, during a meet and greet event in Mumbai, Ranbir Kapoor discussed the project, saying, Love & War is something which is every actors dream. To work with brilliant actors like Alia and Vicky and to be directed by the master, Sanjay Leela Bhansali. I worked with him 17 years ago. To work with him again, I can say this with so much of clarity that I havent met a human being who works so hard, who understands characters, emotions, music, Indian culture, Indian value system, as much as Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Just to be on his set, it is tiring. It is long. The process can be a little daunting but eventually, as an artist, it is so satisfying. He really nurtures art. As actors, its truly been amazing so far. Also Read: Photos: Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatts On-set Stills From SLBs Love and War Break The Internet A Mumbai special court under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) has officially framed charges against five accused in the high-profile Salman Khan house-firing case, marking a major step forward in the investigation. The order was issued by Special Judge Mahesh Jadhav on Thursday, nearly a year and a half after gunshots were fired outside the actors Bandra residence, Galaxy Apartment, on April 14, 2024. The men charged include the alleged shooters Vickykumar (Vicky) Gupta and Sagarkumar (Sagar) Pal, along with Sonukumar Bishnoi, Rafiq/Mohammad Rafiq Chaudhary (Rafiq Sardar Chaudhary), and Harpal Singh. All five pleaded not guilty during the hearing and the matter will now proceed to trial. They are currently in judicial custody. According to the charge order, the accused were acting as part of an organised crime syndicate led by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, with his brother Anmol Bishnoi also named as wanted in the case. The court noted that weapons and ammunition were allegedly provided by the Bishnoi network to execute the firing, adding that the attack was not meant merely as intimidation but carried the clear intention to kill the actor. The shooters reportedly arrived on a motorcycle in the early hours of the morning and opened fire toward the actors home. Earlier statements by Salman Khan, along with details in the FIR, indicate that the shots were aimed in the direction of areas he regularly uses inside the house. Another accused, Anujkumar Thapan, who was arrested in connection with the conspiracy, died by alleged suicide while in police custody last year. The court observed that the firing was part of a deliberate plan to create fear among Mumbai residents and reinforce the dominance of the Bishnoi gang. With charges now framed under MCOCA, IPC, the Arms Act, and other sections, the high-stakes case is set to move into the trial stage, drawing nationwide attention as proceedings continue. Also Read: Exclusive: Salman Khan Will Be The Only and Best Choice to Play Me in a Biopic Dharmendra South African-American actor Arnold Vosloo is all set to debut in Indian cinema. Best known for his chilling turn as villain in films like The Mummy (1999) and The Mummy Returns (2001), Hollywood actor Arnold Vosloo has reportedly joined the cast of Vijay Deverakonda's film. Tentatively titled, VD14, the period drama is being directed by Rahul Sankrityan. Arnold to debut in Indian cinema Two films are extremely demanding Arnold Vosloo was spotted on the sets of Vijay Deverakonda's film, VD14, accompanied by actor Vinod Sagar. The picture has sparked fresh buzz around the project and has quickly gained traction on social media. Many netizens have started predicting that The Mummy star will play antagonist opposite Vijay in the film. Since the film is set between 1854 and 1878, during the British colonial rule, many speculate that Vosloo may play a Brit officer. The plot is reportedly inspired from historical events, exploring themes of resistance, revolt and identity. Director Rahul Sankrityan reportedly chanced upon Arnold after his impressive filmography. VD14 marks a reunion of Vijay Deverakonda and Rahul Sankrityan after their successful earlier collaboration Taxiwaala (2018). The films first look was unveiled on Vijays birthday (May 8). The poster shows the young actor like a meditating warrior. The also touches Rayalaseema backdrop, and Vijay will speak in the region's accent for the first time.Meanwhile, Vijay Deverakonda made a revelation on what he is doing it for the first time. In what is called an update to the fans, the actor surprised himself by working on two films. He also added that both films are extremely so demanding that they have taken his life. Vijay also gave a sneak peek into whats happening in his life of late. From new watch collection to gadgets to not missing out on anything thats spiritual(pooja), Vijay reveals that hes always trained and game for the war. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mammootty Kampany (@mammoottykampany) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mammootty Kampany (@mammoottykampany) Also Read: With only a few days remaining for the arrival of Mammoottys much awaited Kalamkaval, the makers have dropped an unexpected announcement that has instantly set social media buzzing. A newly unveiled poster confirms that Rajisha Vijayan is part of the film, marking the first official word about her involvement. Until now, the team had kept her appearance completely under wraps, making this reveal a genuine pre release surprise.Kalamkaval marks the directorial debut of Jithin K Jose, who has co written the film with Jishnu Sreekumar. The story is set against a moody crime thriller backdrop with Mammootty in the lead, supported by Vinayakan who plays a police officer with considerable impact. The cast also features Dies Irae actor Jibin Gopinath in an important role. Behind the scenes, the film brings together a strong technical team that includes cinematographer Faisal Ali, editor Praveen Prabhakar, composer Mujeeb Majeed and production designer Shajie Naduvil. Produced by Mammootty Kampany and distributed in Kerala by Wayfarer Films, the project has already been cleared with a U/A 16+ certification.The announcement of Rajishas presence adds a final stroke of mystery to the films promotion. With the poster focusing entirely on her steely presence, the makers seem to be hinting at a character who holds narrative weight within Kalamkavals tense world.For Rajisha, this film marks her return to Malayalam cinema after a brief gap. She was last seen in the 2023 release Amala in a cameo appearance and her most recent full length Malayalam role was in Madhura Manohara Moham in the same year. Since then, she has been active in Tamil cinema, including a key role in Mari Selvarajs Bison Kaalamaadan, where she shared the screen with Dhruv Vikram and Anupama Parameswaran. Her performance drew praise, reinforcing her reputation as one of the more dynamic talents among the younger generation of actors.She is also part of Karthis Sardar 2 where she is expected to reprise her earlier role from the first film. With this slate, Rajisha is clearly moving between industries with impressive versatility. Her presence in Kalamkaval therefore raises curiosity about the tone and texture of her character and how it fits within the films shadowy world.Given the nature of the story, Rajishas role could be a pivot in the unfolding mystery or a character who carries emotional depth that enriches the central conflict. The team has not revealed anything about her character apart from the poster, which has only amplified speculation.Kalamkaval arrives with the promise of a dark investigative thriller set in a border region where tension runs high from the first frame. Promotional material has so far positioned Mammootty and Vinayakan at the centre of a slow burning narrative built on suspicion, conflicting loyalties and hidden motivations. The teasers and stills have created an atmosphere filled with unease, suggesting that the story explores the shadows that lie beneath seemingly ordinary lives.The addition of Rajisha to the ensemble deepens this intrigue. The makers appear to be saving details of her role for the theatrical experience, a strategy that makes the lead up to the release even more engaging. As the film heads to cinemas on December 5, the audience now has one more reason to anticipate its arrival.Kalamkaval is shaping up to be a compelling thriller with a strong cast, a new directorial voice and a narrative that promises grit and emotional complexity. Rajishas surprise entry only heightens the expectation. Chinese brand debuts MagiCCrystal CaHA Filler and presents patented ACD-MT and PCD-ETT technologies with leading clinicians Dr. Wang Wenting and Dr. Chen Lorraine RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aphranel, a China-based original aesthetic brand by SHANGHAI MOYANG BIOTECHNOLOGY, participated in the 4th Saudi Arabia Aesthetic Medicine Scientific Congress (SAAM 2025) in Riyadh, presenting its MagiCCrystal calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) filler and collaborating with Chinese clinicians Dr. Wang Wenting (Guangzhou Yestar) and Dr. Chen Lorraine (Shanghai LELITE M) to demonstrate advances in regenerative materials and injection protocols. SAAM 2025, one of the Middle East's most influential aesthetic medicine conferences, drew more than 2,500 participants from the United States, Germany, Switzerland, the Middle East, and other regions, spanning aesthetic dermatology, laser therapies, plastic surgery, and medical aesthetics. Aphranel's presence alongside Chinese experts highlights the growing integration of China's aesthetic technologies and treatment concepts into global practice. At the congress, Aphranel introduced core innovations behind its CaHA platform: ACD-MT "raspberry-like" through-pore microsphere technology PCD-ETT physical cross-linking gel technology These proprietary approaches are designed to balance immediate shaping with controlled, long-term collagen regeneration, while supporting precise degradation profiles and safety. Clinical education featured: Dr. Wang Wenting (Guangzhou Yestar): live demonstration of refined injection layer selection and dosage control. Dr. Chen Lorraine (Shanghai LELITE M): strategy framework "deep first, then superficial; outer first, then inner," showcased via live teaching. Both experts were among the first Chinese clinicians to share techniques on the SAAM stage, received recognition from international peers, and were interviewed by Saudi state television. Beyond the venue, the Aphranel team visited local aesthetic institutions for technical exchanges on regenerative materials and protocol design, positioning MagiCCrystal CaHA as a shared platform for Sino-Saudi professional dialogue. This visit by Aphranel and Chinese experts to Saudi Arabia demonstrated the maturing capabilities of China's aesthetic industry-from product research and development to technical application. Building on core technological advantages and domestic clinical validation, Aphranel plans to accelerate international expansion, deepen collaborations, and broaden market access, enabling more China-origin regenerative technologies and products to serve global patients and practitioners. The company aims to contribute a meaningful "Chinese momentum" to the global aesthetic market as a growing force in regenerative materials. Pricing, availability, indications, and regulatory status of MagiCCrystal CaHA vary by market. Clinicians should refer to local labeling and guidelines. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2832644/photo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/aphranel-debuts-at-saam-2025-spotlighting-original-caha-and-the-magicconcept-injection-technique-302627203.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 26, 2025 / GLG Life Tech Corporation (NEX:GLG.H) ("GLG" or the "Company"), a global leader in the agricultural and commercial development of high-quality zero-calorie natural sweeteners, announces financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. The complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com. FINANCIAL SUMMARY The Company reported revenues of $2.1 million in the third quarter of 2025, down 36% compared to $3.4 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2024. This 36% decrease was partly attributable to a decrease in unit prices on many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable period in 2024, amidst a highly competitive pricing landscape in the overall stevia market. A decrease in unit volumes delivered also contributed to the 36% decrease in revenues. Revenue for the first nine months of 2025 decreased by 22% to $8.2 million, a $2.3 million decrease compared to $10.5 million for the same period in 2024. This 22% decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in both unit prices (driven by overall market pricing pressures) and units sold for many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable 2024 period. The Company continues its efforts to closely manage its SG&A expenses, reducing SG&A by $0.1 million or 23% in the third quarter of 2025, compared to the third quarter of 2024, and by $0.5 million or 34% over the first nine months of 2025, relative to the 2024 comparable period. For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the Company had net loss attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $5.2 million, an increase in net loss of $1.6 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $3.5 million). For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company had net income attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $15.4 million, an increase in net income of $26.9 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $11.5 million). The nine-month net income figures include the final disposition of the Company's former Runhai subsidiary, following the shareholder vote earlier this year to transfer the subsidiary, including the subsidiary's debts and assets. The Company reported net loss per share from continuing operations of $0.13 for the third quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss per share of $0.09 for the third quarter of 2024. The Company reported net income per share from continuing operations of $0.40 for the first nine months of 2025, compared to a net loss per share of $0.30 for the first nine months of 2024. CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS 2025 AGM Voting Results The Company held its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "Shareholder Meeting") on May 22, 2025. The shareholders voted in all five nominated directors, with favorable votes for each exceeding 99%. Dr. Luke Zhang continues as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Brian Palmieri continues as Vice Chairman of the Board. Madame Liu Yingchun, Mr. Simon Springett, and Mr. David Bishop continue as directors of the Company. (Mr. David Bishop was added as a fifth director by the Board of Directors on March 27, 2025.) Disposition of Runhai Facility One of the matters voted on at the Shareholder Meeting was the transfer of the Company's Anhui Runhai Joint Stock Technology Co., Ltd. ("Runhai") subsidiary to Fengyang Xiaogang Hongzhang Health Industrial Park Co. Ltd ("Xiaogang"). Given that the Company has a long-term exclusive contract manufacturing agreement with Qingdao Honghongyuan Health Industry Technology Co., Ltd. ("HHY") - which is staffed almost entirely by the Company's formerly employed production staff/management and utilizes the Company's formerly owned "Runde" facility to produce products for the Company and its customers, all under the production standards mandated by the Company - Management determined that it would be in the interests of the Company and its shareholders to transfer the Runhai subsidiary to a third party. As described in particular in the Management Proxy Circular, dated April 28, 2025, and distributed to shareholders, the transfer of the subsidiary (including assets, other than intellectual property rights, and debts) for a nominal amount to a third party both brings net improvement to the Company's balance sheet and reduces the Company's exposure to potentially adverse action that could be taken by the government in China towards foreign-held assets. With shareholder's nearly unanimously approving the transfer (votes for the transfer exceeded 99.99%) at the May 22, 2025, meeting, Management has reflected the results of the transfer in its second quarter interim financial filings. The Company will continue to maintain its production focus through the operations at HHY. Given that the production operations at HHY are in all but name essentially identical to the Company's former production operations at its Runde facility, with HHY committed to adhering to the Company's production requirements, the Company has been able to seamlessly service the needs of its global customers with ample headroom to grow its sales volumes. Opting for a contract manufacturing arrangement with HHY (a purely Chinese entity), instead of maintaining direct ownership of Chinese facilities, has enabled the Company to bring major improvements to its balance sheet and significantly mitigate risk of actions that could be taken by the Chinese government at a time where macroeconomic and geopolitical factors have in recent months become more chaotic. Company Outlook In recent years, management focused particularly on mitigating the losses - especially from a cash or EBITDA perspective - that the Company suffered over the last several years and to ameliorate the Company's financial position. As a result of those sustained losses, the Company has lacked the cash necessary to fully fund the business operations and strategic product initiatives. The Company continues to manage its cash flows carefully to mitigate risk of insolvency and Management's efforts have been successful in improving the Company's performance, particularly its cash flows, with the Company regularly producing positive EBITDA (on the other hand, interest charges, most of which continue to be accrued rather than paid, continue to have significant impact on the Company's income statement and balance sheet). As a result of these efforts, management has been successful in improving the Company's cash flows. Nevertheless, without an infusion of cash in the months ahead, the Company may not be able to realize its strategic plans and could eventually cease to be a going concern. A factor that has continued to contribute to the Company's financial situation is the competitive price pressure in the stevia market over the last few years that has reduced mainstream "Reb A" products (such as Reb A 80 and Reb A 97) to the lowest price levels in years; less mainstream products such as "Reb M" have also more recently been facing significant price pressure. Monk fruit prices have also become highly competitive in the marketplace. To maintain margins at sustainable levels, the Company has focused on improving production efficiencies, and continues to strive for a mix of products that is weighted more heavily on higher margin, specialty products, and has focused more on higher margin direct sales. Margins, however, remain slimmer than desired and face additional pressure from the recent tariff actions. To address operating cash requirements, management previously negotiated revolving loan facilities with third parties for working capital purposes. Management continues to work with third parties for its working capital needs. This has been a significant departure from the Company's prior practice of arranging loans with related parties to fund the Company's operations and the Company has been successful in securing and managing these loan facilities. Further, the Company's focus on maintaining positive cash flow led the Company to take decisive steps in the last few years to reduce its SG&A costs as well as its production costs. In that time period, both its North American operations and Chinese operations significantly reduced SG&A costs. For many years, the Company's production capacity had been far greater than its projected order levels, as it had then sought rapid increases in orders for Reb A products. Instead, the Company focused on "right-sizing" the Chinese operations - i.e., to optimize staffing and production planning to meet the Company's projected production requirements while retaining the ability to accommodate growth in future order volumes - management made significant progress in this area. These efforts enabled the Company to sell its goods at more competitive and/or more profitable prices, although the competitive price pressures remain strong. Management has also availed itself of opportunities to improve the Company's balance sheet - to improve the Company's working capital position and to alleviate the debt burden that has impeded the Company's progress for many years now. In 2020, management realized the sale of one of its two idle assets; the sale of the "Runhao" facility resulted in significant debt reduction. In 2023, the Company also realized significant debt reduction through the bankruptcy liquidation of its other long-idled asset, "Runyang". Shareholders, on May 22, 2025 (and as noted further above), approved the transfer of the Company's Runhai facility on terms similar to the previously consummated transfer of the Company's Runde facility. The Company has thereby removed Chinese bank debt from its books, with only long-held related party debt and third-party working capital loans reflected as debt on its balance sheet. The Company has kept its manufacturing capabilities and practices intact through its contract relationship with HHY, comprised of essentially the same personnel and managed under the same strict protocols as was in place with the Company's Runde subsidiary, with manufacturing performed at the same Qingdao Runde facility. While revenue trends were increasing from late 2023 into early 2025, Management has more recently observed indications that the growth trend - previously driven both by generally increasing sales volumes from existing customers and the acquisition of new customers - is at present no longer being sustained. It is possible that our customers' purchasing flows are being impacted by concern over global macroeconomic factors and/or in some cases (at least anecdotally) reflecting weakening consumer demand across an array of end customer products (not limited to products utilizing sweeteners). Nevertheless, Management continues to focus on ways to grow revenues - whether through innovative product offerings, new customer acquisition, ensuring customer retention, and other efforts - as Management remains driven in part, as a baseline goal, of ensuring EBITDA / cash flow. Management's efforts over the last two years have been successful in realizing that goal and Management aims to continue that trend. Against this backdrop, the Company has faced significant regulatory hurdles. The Company had been cease-traded, as a result of its delay in filing its 2023 full-year financials (since filed, on June 28, 2024), pursuant to a British Columbia Securities Commission order (the failure-to-file cease trade order or "FFCTO"). As a result of that filing delay, the Company was also delayed in filing its interim first quarter financials for 2024 (filed on July 23, 2024). Further, the Company was under a delisting review initiated by the TSX, on the basis of the Company's share price and market capitalization remaining lower than the TSX's requirements, as well as the Company's sustained losses over the years and negative working capital situation, that as noted above, culminated in a decision by the TSX to delist the Company's shares effective close of business September 3, 2024. The Company has since transferred its listing to the NEX exchange, where it is currently listed (as of September 4, 2024). While the FFCTO had been in effect during the transition to the NEX exchange, the Company was ultimately notified by the BCSC that the FFCTO has been lifted; since that time, Management has been in contact with the NEX exchange and is preparing its submission to resume trading on the NEX exchange. Although the regulatory hurdles are substantial, Management continues to have a positive outlook on the Company's ability to sustain and grow revenues, albeit with a cautious eye given global macroeconomic uncertainties and some signs of weakening demand, at least in the near term. As Management seeks to have the Company's stock trading again, Management continues to focus on maintaining and increasing revenues, notwithstanding pricing pressures, as well as on maintaining and improving sales volumes and margins and increasing cash flows. Cease-Trade Status As noted in the Outlook section above, while the Company has been cease-traded since April of 2024, the FFCTO was ultimately revoked in May this year. Management has been in contact with the NEX exchange and is preparing its submission to the exchange to resume trading. SELECTED FINANCIALS As noted above, the complete set of financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, are available on SEDAR and on the Company's website at www.glglifetech.com. Results from Operations The following results from operations have been derived from and should be read in conjunction with the Company's annual consolidated financial statements for 2024 and the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025. In thousands Canadian $, except per share amounts 3 Months Ended June 30 % Change 9 Months Ended June 30 % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Results from Continuing Operations Revenue $ 2,144 $ 3,373 (36 %) $ 8,173 $ 10,514 (22 %) Cost of Sales $ (1,827 ) $ (2,762 ) 34 % $ (6,974 ) $ (8,584 ) 19 % % of Revenue (85 %) (82 %) (3 %) (85 %) (82 %) (4 %) Gross Profit $ 316 $ 612 (48 %) $ 1,199 $ 1,931 (38 %) % of Revenue 15 % 18 % (3 %) 15 % 18 % (4 %) Expenses $ (299 ) $ (388 ) 23 % $ (916 ) $ (1,387 ) 34 % % of Revenue (14 %) (12 %) (2 %) (11 %) (13 %) 2 % Income/(Loss) from Operations $ 17 $ 224 (92 %) $ 283 $ 544 (48 %) % of Revenue 1 % 7 % (6 %) 3 % 5 % (2 %) Other Income/(Expenses) $ (5,183 ) $ (3,745 ) (38 %) $ 15,079 $ (12,064 ) 225 % % of Revenue (242 %) (111 %) (131 %) 184 % (115 %) 299 % Net Income/(Loss) $ (5,166 ) $ (3,521 ) (47 %) $ 15,362 $ (11,520 ) 233 % % of Revenue (241 %) (104 %) (137 %) 188 % (110 %) 298 % Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (5,164 ) $ (3,515 ) (47 %) $ 15,419 $ (11,499 ) 234 % % of Revenue (241 %) (104 %) (137 %) 189 % (109 %) 298 % Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share Attributable to GLG $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 ) (47 %) $ 0.40 $ (0.30 ) 234 % Consolidated Results (Consolidating Continued and Discontinued Operations) Net Income/(Loss) - Continuing Operations $ (5,166 ) $ (3,521 ) (47 %) $ 15,362 $ (11,520 ) 233 % Net Income/(Loss) - Discontinued Operations $ 134 $ 90,640 (100 %) $ 3,997 $ 85,432 (95 %) Net Income/(Loss) $ (5,032 ) $ 87,119 (106 %) $ 19,359 $ 73,912 (74 %) Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (5,032 ) $ 86,083 (106 %) $ 19,370 $ 72,951 (73 %) Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share Attributable to GLG $ (0.13 ) $ 2.24 (106 %) $ 0.50 $ 1.90 (73 %) Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) $ 58 $ (1,258 ) 105 % $ (35 ) $ (1,974 ) 98 % Comprehensive Net Income/(Loss) $ (4,974 ) $ 85,859 (106 %) $ 19,324 $ 71,938 (73 %) Comprehensive Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (4,972 ) $ 84,826 (106 %) $ 19,273 $ 70,993 (73 %) Revenue Revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by 36% to $2.1 million, a $1.2 million decrease compared to $3.4 million for the same period in 2024. This 36% decrease was partly attributable to a decrease in unit prices on many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable period in 2024, amidst a highly competitive pricing landscape in the overall stevia market. A decrease in unit volumes delivered also contributed to the 36% decrease in revenues. International (ex-China) sales comprised 100% of revenues in the third quarter (100% in third quarter of 2024). Revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by 22% to $8.2 million, a $2.3 million decrease compared to $10.5 million for the same period in 2024. This 22% decrease was primarily attributable to decreases in both unit prices (driven by overall market pricing pressures) and units sold for many of the Company's products, relative to the comparable 2024 period. There is some anecdotal reason to believe that customers are experiencing reduced demand for their products generally (i.e., not specific to products using the Company's products), which in turn would translate to reduced demand for the Company's products on a 2025 vs 2024 comparative basis; while such general reduced demand could be reflective of broader macroeconomic trends, it is too speculative at present to attribute this as a causal factor or to make predictions for the future. International (ex-China) sales comprised 100% of revenues in the first nine months of 2025 (100% in first nine months of 2024). Cost of Sales For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the cost of sales decreased to $1.8 million, compared to a cost of sales of $2.8 million for the same period last year (a decrease in cost of sales of 34%). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 85% for the third quarter, a three-percentage point increase compared to the second quarter of 2024 (82%). This three-percentage point increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues is partly attributable to the decrease in unit selling prices in the third quarter of 2025, relative to the second quarter of 2024, that was driven primarily by competitive pricing pressures, despite the raw material costs for much of the Company's product portfolio either remaining static or increasing. The decrease in unit volumes sold also contributed to the increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the cost of sales decreased to $7.0 million, compared to a cost of sales of $8.6 million for the same period last year (a decrease in cost of sales of 19%). Cost of sales as a percentage of revenues was 85% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to cost of sales as a percentage of revenues of 82% for the first nine months of 2024. This increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues is partly attributable to the decrease in unit selling prices despite raw material costs largely either remaining static or increasing. The decrease in unit volumes sold also contributed to the increase in cost of sales as a percentage of revenues. Gross Profit (Loss) Gross profit for the three months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by 48% to $0.3 million, compared to $0.6 million in gross profit for the same period last year. This 48% decrease in gross profit was driven by the decrease in revenues for the third quarter of 2025 compared to the third quarter of 2024 as well as by the decrease in unit prices attributable to competitive price pressures in the stevia marketplace and, in some cases, margin pressure from the tariff actions in 2025. The gross profit margin was 15% for the third quarter of 2025, compared to 18% in the third quarter of 2024, for the same reasons as described above for the year-over-year comparison of cost of sales as a percentage of revenues. Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by 38% to $1.2 million, compared to $1.9 million in gross profit for the same period last year. This 38% decrease in gross profit was driven by the decrease in revenues for the first nine months of 2025, relative to the comparable period in 2024, as well as by the decrease in unit prices attributable to competitive price pressures in the stevia marketplace and, in some cases, margin pressure from the tariff actions in 2025. The gross profit margin was 15% for the first nine months of 2025, compared to 18% for the first nine months of 2024, for the same reasons as described above for the year-over-year comparison of cost of sales as a percentage of revenues. Selling, General and Administration Expenses Selling, General and Administration ("SG&A") expenses include sales, marketing, general and administration costs ("G&A"), stock-based compensation, and depreciation and amortization expenses on G&A fixed assets. A breakdown of SG&A expenses into these components is presented below: In thousands Canadian $ 3 Months Ended June 30 % Change 9 Months Ended June 30 % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Results from Continuing Operations G&A Expenses $ 290 $ 375 (23 %) $ 886 $ 1,349 (34 %) Depreciation Expenses $ 9 $ 13 (31 %) $ 30 $ 38 (21 %) Total $ 299 $ 388 (23 %) $ 916 $ 1,387 (34 %) G&A expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2025, decreased by $0.1 million to $0.3 million, compared to $0.4 million in the same period in 2024. The $0.1 million decrease in G&A expenses for the third quarter of 2025 was driven primarily by reductions in business taxes / licenses and professional fees. G&A-related depreciation and amortization expenses were $nil million for each of the three-month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. G&A expenses for the first nine months of 2025, decreased by $0.5 million to $0.9 million, compared to $1.3 million in the same period in 2024. The $0.5 million decrease in G&A expenses for the first nine months of 2025 was driven primarily by reductions in business taxes / licenses, consulting fees and professional fees. G&A-related depreciation and amortization expenses were $nil million for each of the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2025 and 2024. Net Loss Attributable to the Company In thousands Canadian $ 3 Months Ended June 30 % Change 9 Months Ended June 30 % Change 2025 2024 2025 2024 Net Income/(Loss) - Continuing Operations Net Income/(Loss) $ (5,166 ) $ (3,521 ) (47 %) $ 15,362 $ (11,520 ) 233 % % of Revenue (241 %) (104 %) (137 %) 188 % (110 %) 298 % Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to NCI $ (1 ) $ (7 ) 86 % $ (56 ) $ (21 ) (167 %) Net Income/(Loss) Attributable to GLG $ (5,164 ) $ (3,515 ) (47 %) $ 15,419 $ (11,499 ) 234 % % of Revenue (241 %) (104 %) (137 %) 189 % (109 %) 298 % Net Earnings/(Loss) Per Share Attributable to GLG $ (0.13 ) $ (0.09 ) (47 %) $ 0.40 $ (0.30 ) 234 % For the three months ended September 30, 2025, the Company had net loss attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $5.2 million, an increase in net loss of $1.6 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $3.5 million). This $1.6 million increase in net loss is attributable to (1) an increase in other expenses ($1.4 million) and (2) a decrease in gross profit ($0.3 million), which were offset by a decrease in SG&A expenses ($0.1 million). For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company had net income attributable to the Company from continuing operations of $15.4 million, an increase in net income of $26.9 million over the comparable period in 2024 (net loss of $11.5 million). This $26.9 million increase in net income is attributable to (1) an increase in other income ($27.0 million) and (2) a decrease in SG&A expenses ($0.5 million), which were offset by (3) a decrease in gross profit ($0.7 million). Quarterly Basic and Diluted Income (Loss) per Share The basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations was $0.13 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared with a basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations of $0.09 for the comparative period in 2024. The basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations was $0.40 for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared with a basic and diluted net loss per share from continuing operations of $0.30 for the comparative period in 2024. Additional Information Additional information relating to the Company, including our Annual Information Form, is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Additional information relating to the Company is also available on our website (www.glglifetech.com). For further information, please contact: Simon Springett, Investor Relations Phone: +1 (604) 669-2602 ext. 101 Fax: +1 (604) 662-8858 Email: ir@glglifetech.com About GLG Life Tech Corporation GLG Life Tech Corporation is a global leader in the supply of high-purity zero calorie natural sweeteners including stevia and monk fruit extracts used in food and beverages. GLG's vertically integrated operations, which incorporate our Fairness to Farmers program and emphasize sustainability throughout, cover each step in the stevia and monk fruit supply chains including non-GMO seed and seedling breeding, natural propagation, growth and harvest, proprietary extraction and refining, marketing and distribution of the finished products. Additionally, to further meet the varied needs of the food and beverage industry, GLG, through its Naturals+ product line, supplies a host of complementary ingredients reliably sourced through its supplier network in China. For further information, please visit www.glglifetech.com. Forward-looking statements: This press release may contain certain information that may constitute "forward-looking statements" and "forward looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or words and phrases that state or indicate that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. While the Company has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations about future events, the statements are not guarantees of the Company's future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include amongst others the effects of general economic conditions, consumer demand for our products and new orders from our customers and distributors, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with legal proceedings and negotiations, industry supply levels, competitive pricing pressures and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. Specific reference is made to the risks set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the financial year ended December 31, 2024. In light of these factors, the forward-looking events discussed in this press release might not occur. Further, although the Company has attempted to identify factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. 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. As 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, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. SOURCE: GLG Life Tech Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/glg-life-tech-corporation-reports-2025-third-quarter-financial-result-1112566 TAIPEI, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 34th Taiwan Excellence Awards ceremony took place in Taipei today, where ARBOR Technology was recognized for its outstanding innovation with three flagship AI industrial computers: FPC-5211, IEC-3714, and IEC-G510. Vice President Ms. Annie Lin attended the ceremony on behalf of the company, highlighting ARBOR's leadership in industrial miniaturization, edge AI computing, and communication integration. Vice President Lin expressed her appreciation to the judges, stating: "ARBOR Technology remains dedicated to delivering high-performance, energy-efficient, rugged, and compact edge AI computing solutions. Receiving three awards at once is not only a strong validation of our R&D efforts, but also a testament to Taiwan's global competitiveness in smart manufacturing and edge AI technologies." Three Award-Winning Products Demonstrate ARBOR's Innovation Capabilities FPC-5211: ESG High-Performance Fanless Edge AI System. This revolutionary system is equipped with the Intel Raptor Lake Processor and NVIDIA RTX-2000A GPU. It is capable of executing high-intensity AI workloads in a completely fanless design. It reduces energy consumption by 70% and extends operating lifespan by 3 times compared to traditional solutions, making it ideal for applications in smart manufacturing, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), and medical imaging. IEC-3714: Edge AI Computing Smart Retail Player. Featuring an ultra-compact chassis, the IEC-3714 integrates the full AI computing capabilities of the Intel Core Ultra processor. It delivers 34 TOPS of single-device performance with simultaneous quad-channel 4K output. This powerful unit can concurrently execute four OpenVINO AI models, including face recognition, age/gender detection, emotion analysis, and object detection, helping smart retail deployments save 60% in equipment costs and 40% in maintenance expenditure. IEC-G510: Ultra-Slim AI Digital Signage System. The industry-leading 20 mm ultra-slim design integrates the MediaTek Genio 510 platform and its APU AI engine. This system achieves a perfect balance between high-efficiency AI inference and low-power consumption. It features real-time face and emotion recognition capabilities, with a Bill of Materials (BOM) cost reduced by 35% compared to traditional x86 platforms, making it highly suitable for smart retail and interactive advertising applications. ARBOR Technology pledges to continue its investment in AI, low-power, and edge computing R&D. By deepening partnerships with strategic allies and system integrators, ARBOR aims to accelerate digital transformation for global customers, truly bringing innovation to every industry site "From Edge to Action." For more information, please visit ARBOR website. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/arbor-technologys-three-innovative-ai-products-win-taiwan-excellence-awards-302627216.html KUALA LUMPUR, MY / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / Industrialised building systems specialist, Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad ("SCIB" or the "Company") today announced its unaudited consolidated results for the fifth quarter ended 30 September 2025 ("Q5 FPE2025"), reporting continued progress and stable momentum, with revenue of RM46.19 million as the Company continues to streamline its operations and transition toward a Construction and Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning ("EPCC") business. Datuk Chong Loong Men, Executive Chairman of SCIB The Manufacturing segment delivered RM33.86 million in revenue and generated RM3.70 million profit before tax ("PBT") during the current quarter. Cumulatively, the segment contributed RM146.71 million in revenue and RM13.40 million PBT over the 15-month period. Meanwhile, the Construction and EPCC segment recorded RM12.33 million revenue and a loss before tax ("LBT") of RM3.80 million in Q5 FPE2025, mainly attributable to lower progress recognition and higher costs associated with a specific Peninsular-based project. For the 15-month period, the segment generated RM75.47 million revenue and a LBT of RM2.64 million, partly mitigated by the recovery of impairment losses on receivables earlier in the period. Compared to the immediate preceding quarter, the Company's revenue increased by 9.10% from RM42.33 million, driven by stronger manufacturing sales. However, the Company's profitability weakened as Construction and EPCC margins softened due to project-specific cost pressures. The Construction and EPCC segment registered lower revenue of RM12.33 million compared to RM17.62 million in the preceding quarter. Over the extended 15-month financial period from 1 July 2024 to 30 September 2025, the Company posted cumulative revenue of RM222.18 million. On 18 November 2025, SCIB announced a major corporate development involving the proposed disposal of 100% equity interest in SCIB Concrete Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. ("SCM") to YTL Cement (Sarawak) Sdn. Bhd. for RM113.0 million, subject to adjustments in accordance to the Share Sale Purchase Agreement entered between the parties. This transaction is complemented by irrevocable Options to Purchase and Options to Sell seven (7) parcels of land under previously executed tenancy and right-to-build agreements, carrying total pre-agreed prices of RM38.19 million. Together, these components represent a potential realisation value of approximately RM151.19 million, which will significantly strengthen SCIB's balance sheet and enhance liquidity to support its core Construction and EPCC business. The Company is also progressing with a renounceable rights issue involving up to 763.6 million new shares with free warrants, as well as a RM110.0 million share capital reduction. These capital exercises are designed to optimise the Company's capital structure and better align resources with SCIB's revised operating focus following the proposed divestment of the Manufacturing arm. Additionally, the Company clarified that the EGM for the Proposals, scheduled for 15 January 2026 at St Giles Boulevard, Mid Valley City, will proceed as scheduled and will not be delayed while waiting for the outcome of the Proposed Disposal of its manufacturing business. SCIB explained that if the Proposed Disposal goes ahead, the Group's overall direction and funding needs may change, meaning that some parts of the current utilisation plan for the Proposed Rights Issue with Warrants, especially those related to manufacturing may no longer be suitable. Therefore, the Company will decide at the right time whether to continue with the Proposed Rights Issue with Warrants or move forward with the Proposed Disposal. If the Proposed Disposal is not approved by shareholders or does not proceed, SCIB plans to implement the rights issue under its existing structure. However, if the Proposed Disposal is approved at the expected EGM in March 2026, the Company will not proceed with the current version of the rights issue and may instead introduce a revised proposal after reassessing its funding needs and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals. Datuk Chong Loong Men, Executive Chairman of SCIB, commented, "Our Q5 FPE2025 results reflect our continued effort to streamline operations and refine our focus on Construction and EPCC activities. With improved quarter-on-quarter revenue and a stable performance across our business segments, we remain committed to strengthening project execution, optimising resources, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. These ongoing efforts place SCIB in a favourable position to pursue upcoming opportunities as we advance into the next phase of our transformation." The macroeconomic outlook remains supportive as Malaysia maintains GDP growth of 4.0% to 4.8% in 2025, with continued domestic investment momentum and strong development allocations under Budget 2026 and RMK13. Sarawak continues to benefit from significant infrastructure investments, including Sarawak-Sabah Link Road, Autonomous Rapid Transit in Kuching, and wider SCORE-linked industrial expansion. These developments are expected to generate sustained demand for construction services, precast products, community development projects and industrial upgrading. SCIB's established presence, proven capabilities in IBS and precast solutions, and its ongoing operational realignment position the Company to capture upcoming public and private sector opportunities across Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia. CONTACT: l.low@swanconsultancy.biz SOURCE: Sarawak Consolidated Industries Berhad View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/scib-delivers-rm46.19-million-revenue-in-q5-fpe2025-1112579 Including the cost of construction, the project could contribute 9.9 billion ($13 billion) over six years to the local economy, including an additional 7,800 jobs across construction and other local industries The new building would house up to 12,000 people and serve as the firm's principal headquarters in the UK and its most significant presence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). JPMorganChase is a major employer in the UK with 23,000 employees there in total JPMorganChase already contributes nearly 7.5 billion ($9.8 billion) annually to the local economy, supporting 38,000 jobs across surrounding industries The building would be one of the largest and most sophisticated in Europe with more than three-million square feet (Gross Internal Area) of space, reinforcing London's status as a leading financial centre on the global stage Plans are subject to a continuing positive business environment in the UK and the firm receiving the necessary approvals and agreements In addition to its physical footprint, JPMorganChase plans to expand its business activity in the UK, bringing its Security and Resiliency Initiative to the country, which will provide dedicated financing to key strategic areas such as: defence and aerospace, energy independence and the supply chains for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing JPMorganChase is proud to announce its intention to build a new three-million square feet tower in London. This transformative project would enable additional capacity for the firm to grow by creating a world-class workplace for up to 12,000employees, further strengthening London's position as a global financial hub. The plans are subject to a continuing positive business environment in the UK and the receipt of the necessary approvals and agreements at a national and local level. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126040802/en/ Artist's impression: The view from JPMorganChase's Riverside office Serving as the firm's principal headquarters in the UK and its most significant presence in EMEA, the building would be situated on the Riverside development in Canary Wharf. The plans will provide employees and clients with a first-class working environment against a backdrop of uninterrupted views across the River Thames to central London. The building is being designed by British architects, Foster Partners, who also designed the firm's iconic global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in New York City. Its construction is expected to take six years and will begin as soon as necessary approvals and agreements are in place. Canary Wharf Group is working as co-developer on the project, and the firm is being advised independently by Sir George Iacobescu. Jamie Dimon, Chairman CEO of JPMorganChase, said: "London has been a trading and financial hub for more than a thousand years, and maintaining it as a vibrant place for finance and business is critical to the health of the UK economy. This building will represent our lasting commitment to the city, the UK, our clients and our people. The UK government's priority of economic growth has been a critical factor in helping us make this decision." While the building is constructed, JPMorganChase will also make interim upgrades to the interior of its existing building at 25 Bank Street. An independent study commissioned by the bank with a major consulting firm estimates that the combined project could contribute approximately 9.9 billion ($13 billion) to the UK economy over the next six years, creating more than 7,800 jobs across construction and other local industries. It also found that, through JPMorganChase's 13,000 employees and operations in London, the firm contributes nearly 7.5 billion ($9.8 billion) annually to the local economy, supporting 38,000 jobs across the surrounding ecosystem. Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "My Budget doubles down on growth as our number one priority by creating the conditions for businesses to invest and succeed. I am thrilled that JPMorganChase has chosen London for its landmark new building a multi-billion pound vote of confidence in the UK economy and this government's plans for growth, which are built on the rock of stability." Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said:"JPMorganChase's landmark investment in a new building here in London is a huge vote of confidence in the capital's future and a testament to our enduring status as a global powerhouse for finance, innovation, and talent. London is open to investment and the huge opportunities that it brings. This major commitment will create jobs and further strengthen London's position at the centre of the global economy, driving growth across the UK." Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, said"As Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, I am proud of the success of Canary Wharf, which is creating investment and job opportunities for local residents and boosting the ecosystem around local businesses. This announcement from JPMorganChase is fantastic and welcome news for the long-term prosperity of our Borough. We are excited by the opportunity that this investment can bring including the creation of a new world class park on the River Thames and the shared space for our community, Londoners and visitors to our city to enjoy." Modern community space and an investment in employees In collaboration with Canary Wharf Group, plans include new public parkland surrounding the building, a redevelopment of the Canary Wharf dock, and improved access to the Riverside area of Canary Wharf. The building itself will provide exceptional collaboration spaces, and state of the art trading floors. It will support employees' physical and emotional well-being with facilities including: terraces and roof-tops, wellness spaces, nursing rooms, restaurants and cafes, and ample bicycle parking spaces. Conor Hillery, Co-CEO of JPMorganChase in EMEA, said: "There should be no doubt about the enduring appeal of London as a world-class financial centre, and this investment would prove it. This is something for our employees to look forward to, and we can't wait to get the construction underway." Matthieu Wiltz, Co-CEO of JPMorganChase in EMEA, added: "So many of us across Europe have built our finance careers in London, and we are aiming to build a legacy that will benefit the city and its communities for generations to come." Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group, said: "We are delighted that JPMorganChase has once again chosen Canary Wharf as their primary UK location. The scale and ambition of this scheme set to become the largest office building in London demonstrates the continued momentum behind Canary Wharf's evolution and JPMorganChase's commitment to outstanding workplaces." JPMorganChase currently operates in London primarily from two main buildings that it owns: 25 Bank Street in Canary Wharf (for its Commercial Investment Bank) and 60 Victoria Embankment in the City (for Asset Wealth Management). It also leases space at One Cabot Square to accommodate its International Consumer Bank, including Chase UK, which continues to grow and now has over 2.6 million customers. Once the Riverside development is complete, London-based employees will consolidate in the new building as well as the existing property at 60 Victoria Embankment, and the firm will consider its options for 25 Bank Street. This news follows another recent investment announcement from the firm of up to 350 million (over $450 million) in its Bournemouth campus. More information can be found here. Expansion of Security Resiliency Initiative Extending on this commitment, JPMorganChase will in the coming months bring its Security Resiliency Initiative (SRI) to the UK. First announced in the US in October, SRI is a $1.5 trillion, 10-year plan to facilitate, finance and invest in key strategic areas such as: defence and aerospace, energy independence and the supply chains for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. As in the US, the UK commitment will include direct equity and venture capital investments from JPMorganChase, and further details will follow soon. Working to boost skills and jobs training in the UK JPMorganChase is committed to working with local communities wherever it is based. In 2024, the firm expanded its commitment to the UK by announcing 40 million in new investments over five years to help connect young people and underserved communities to economic opportunities bringing the firm's total commitment since 2019 to 90 million. Since then, the firm has deployed over 10 million in the programme's first year through support for non-profit organisations such as the Careers Enterprise Company, Young Enterprise, Nest Insights, and other partners. Beyond this deployment, which focuses on financial health and skills, JPMorganChase has also provided an additional 5.2 million to support small businesses in the UK. More information can be found here. The bank has also worked closely for many years with organisations in the borough of Tower Hamlets, where Canary Wharf is situated. Over the past two years, 370 JPMorganChase employees have helped over 1,600 Tower Hamlets secondary school students build employability skills through the firm's work with non-profit, The Switch. JPMorganChase is committed to working collaboratively with the community and the UK government to deliver the Riverside project that reflects a shared vision for the future of London. About JPMorganChase in the UK With a legacy dating back more than 200 years in the UK, JPMorganChase has a track record of demonstrating leadership during times of both economic growth and financial instability. The firm provides 600 billion in credit and capital to nearly 4,500 medium and large companies and supports over two and a half million retail customers. In the UK's Innovation Economy sector, made up of early stage high growth venture capital backed companies, JPMorganChase is aiming to lend more than $2 billion by 2030. At the same time, together with its non-profit partners the firm has supported over 33,300 low income households reduce their debt and improve their financial health, helped nearly 20,000 small businesses to grow their activity and placed over 9,800 individuals into apprenticeships or full and part-time employment. JPMorganChase has 23,000 employees in the UK, including: 13,000 in London, 5,300 in Bournemouth and 4,000 in Glasgow and Edinburgh. About JPMorganChase JPMorgan Chase Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America ("U.S."), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.6 trillion in assets and $360 billion in stockholders' equity as of September 30, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126040802/en/ Contacts: Media Contact: Patrick Burton +44 20 7134 9041 patrick.o.burton@jpmorgan.com SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MOIN, a leading fintech company specializing in cross-border payment solutions, announced the expansion of its strategic partnership with Nium, the global infrastructure for real-time payments, at Korea Fintech Week. The expanded partnership will enhance global payout and collection capabilities, delivering faster, more affordable, and more transparent international money transfer services for Korean consumers and businesses, while enabling seamless settlement into Korea for global customers. Through this collaboration, MOIN is expanding its outbound payouts to key global markets including Japan (JPY), the United States (USD), Europe (EUR), Australia (AUD), and Canada (CAD). The integration with Nium also unlocks access to emerging market currencies across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, - allowing Korean individuals and businesses to send money to more geographies with greater speed and efficiency. Since establishing their strategic partnership in 2018, MOIN has relied on Nium as a key global remittance partner. The two companies now plan to strengthen inbound payment flows into Korea through additional use cases, new service types, and higher transaction volumes in Korean won (KRW) payout services, enabling faster and more reliable KRW settlements for corporate clients and global partners - such as marketplaces and platforms. In parallel, the companies are jointly exploring stablecoin-based cross-border payment and settlement models, combining MOIN's blockchain expertise with Nium's global network to develop next-generation technologies that improve speed, reduce costs, and enhance liquidity efficiency. With this deepened partnership, Korean users gain access to faster, more affordable global remittance services, while businesses of all sizes - from exporters to digital platforms and financial institutions, can strengthen their competitiveness through lower cross-border payment costs, improved settlement speed, and broader service coverage. Ilseok Suh, CEO of MOIN, said, "By further expanding our long-term partnership with Nium, we have established a foundation that enables Korean users and businesses to enjoy world-class remittance and payment experiences. We will continue to integrate global networks and next-generation payment technologies to grow into a leading cross-border financial infrastructure connecting Korea and the world." "As global ambition accelerates, payment infrastructure must evolve with it," said Anupam Pahuja, Chief Revenue Officer at Nium. "Strengthening our partnership with MOIN allows us to extend the speed, transparency, and cost advantages their customers rely on, while scaling to support even greater growth." By deepening its integration with Nium's global network, MOIN is further strengthening its foundation for next-generation cross-border payments. This collaboration supports MOIN's vision to deliver more seamless, efficient, and future-ready financial solutions for individuals and businesses in Korea as global payment models continue to evolve. About MOIN, Inc. A cross-border payment company based in South Korea. Since its establishment in 2016, MOIN has been addressing the inefficiencies of cross-border payments by developing a proprietary payment network that replaces the conventional payment network. MOIN launched its individual cross-border remittance service targeting students studying abroad and has been expanding its outreach to encompass businesses and e-commerce platforms. MOIN's technology and business solutions were awarded by 2019 The World's Top Fintech Companies by KPMG Top 100. 2023 The only Korean remittance company to be included in the World Bank price index. 2023 K-Fintech 30, chosen as the top 10 representing fintechs in Korea by the Financial Services Commission (FSC). Moin has been recognized as the first non-banking financial institution to receive the "Outstanding STR (Suspicious Transaction Report) Reporter for Financial Institutions in the First Half of 2025" Commissioner's Award from the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)-the nation's financial intelligence authority. For more information, visit www.eng.themoin.com. About Nium Nium, the leading global infrastructure for real-time cross-border payments, was founded on the mission to deliver the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the global economy, its payments infrastructure is shaping how banks, fintechs, and businesses everywhere collect, convert, and disburse funds instantly across borders. Its payout network supports 100 currencies and spans 190+ countries, 100 of which in real-time. Funds can be disbursed to accounts, wallets, and cards and collected locally in 40 markets. Nium's growing card issuance business is already available in 34 countries. Nium holds regulatory licenses and authorizations in more than 40 countries, enabling seamless onboarding, rapid integration, and compliance - independent of geography. The company is co-headquartered in San Francisco and Singapore. For more information, visit www.nium.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2833360/Nium_Lockup_Blue_Blue_RGB_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/moin-expands-strategic-partnership-with-nium-enhancing-global-remittance-and-settlement-services-302627366.html Global tech consulting company's founder, Marco Stefanini to attend Brazil-France Forum as special guest, culminating in high-profile meeting with President Emmanuel Macron Stefanini Group, a global tech consulting company with expertise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence solutions, today announces a significant, multi-faceted commitment to the French market. The company plans a major investment and strategic expansion throughout 2026. The announcement is timed to the participation of Marco Stefanini, Founder and Global CEO of Stefanini Group, in the technology panel at the LIDE Brazil-France Forum, scheduled in Paris for November 26-27, 2025. "France is a crucial hub for the next wave of global digital transformation. Our increased investment here reinforces our AI-First methodology for French enterprises, leveraging cutting-edge technology to accelerate their digital journey and drive a new era of efficiency and innovation," said Marco Stefanini. The company is aiming to substantially strengthen its presence in France through a dual approach: AI-driven organic growth and targeted acquisition. The CEO's visit will culminate with a private meeting with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. Present in France for more than 15 years, Stefanini highlights the importance of technology to expand business opportunities with a focus on economic growth. "I am pleased to meet with President Macron to discuss the role of technology-especially AI-in supporting France's economic development," said Stefanini. The LIDE Brazil-France Forum is set to convene top executives and authorities for discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, investment prospects, and fostering a more robust economic relationship between Brazil and France and stimulate cooperation in strategic sectors. The forum is scheduled for November 27, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Quai d'Orsay, 37). The proceedings will be transmitted live globally via TV LIDE, ensuring worldwide engagement. About Stefanini Group Stefanini Group is a global technology consulting company that offers a wide range of solutions with a co-creative approach and a constant focus on delivering results. The company supports organizations in their digital transformation journeys and in achieving operational excellence. With a portfolio fully powered by AI, the Stefanini Group brings together its broad offering across seven business units: Technology, Cyber, Data Analytics, Financial Tech, Operations, Marketing, and Manufacturing. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251127234884/en/ Contacts: Vanessa Morais +1 (248)688.1121 vanessa.morais@stefanini.com New manufacturing zone in Riyadh to accelerate deployment of locally assembled automation panels for critical infrastructure projects RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced a strategic collaboration with alfanar, a leading Saudi Arabian energy and infrastructure solutions provider, to establish a dedicated manufacturing zone within alfanar's facility in Industrial City in Riyadh. This agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing industrial innovation and supporting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. This new manufacturing zone will serve as a hub for assembling advanced automation panels using Rockwell Automation's latest technologies, including a wide range of offerings from the company's intelligent devices, software and control and process automation solutions. These locally assembled panels will be deployed in key infrastructure and utility projects, with an initial focus on the Saudi Water Authority (SWA). "This collaboration between alfanar, Rockwell Automation and the Saudi Water Authority represents a pivotal step in advancing Saudi Arabia's localization agenda," said Ahmad Haydar, country leader for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Rockwell Automation. "We are enabling the local assembly of advanced automation technologies and reinforcing SWA's commitment to building resilient, high-performance infrastructure through Saudi talent and innovation. This initiative directly supports our priority to localize critical industrial capabilities, ensuring that the Kingdom's water sector is empowered with solutions that are made in Saudi Arabia for Saudi Arabia." The collaboration was officially finalized with a signing ceremony at Automation Fair, Rockwell's global event held recently in Chicago. "Spearheaded by the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), this initiative constitutes a pivotal milestone in advancing the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly with respect to developing and deepening local content in the water sector," said Eng. Sharekh Ibrahim AlSharekh, vice-president for technical affairs and projects in the Saudi Water Authority. "By nurturing national capabilities and maximizing in-Kingdom value creation, the initiative directly supports the Kingdom's strategic objectives of sustainable economic diversification and reduced dependence on external sources. "Through this program, SWA is reinforcing strategic international and domestic partnerships, cultivating a more attractive and competitive investment environment and driving the standardization of technical and engineering requirements for operational assets," Eng. Sharekh Ibrahim AlSharekh continued. "Together, these efforts enhance the security, reliability and long-term resilience of the Kingdom's water infrastructure, positioning the water sector as a fundamental pillar of national development and a model for Vision 2030-aligned transformation." By leveraging alfanar's deep expertise in local manufacturing and Rockwell Automation's cutting-edge solutions, the collaboration aims to deliver high-performance, digitally enabled systems tailored to the needs of industrial operators across the Kingdom. The manufacturing zone will also feature Rockwell Automation demonstration walls, showcasing the breadth of its automation and control technologies. This alignment is essential to support alfanar's strategic direction, which considers the automation business as a critical enabler of its core solutions portfolio. "Our partnership with Rockwell Automation marks a transformative moment for alfanar and for Saudi Arabia's industrial future," said Pascal Hoerter, president of alfanar group. "By combining Rockwell's global leadership in automation with our deep-rooted expertise in local manufacturing, we are creating a powerful platform for innovation, knowledge transfer, and sustainable growth." About Rockwell Automation Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries as of fiscal year end 2025. To learn more about how we are bringing Connected Enterprise to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1981317/5644528/Rockwell_Automation_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rockwell-automation-and-alfanar-launch-strategic-manufacturing-collaboration-to-support-saudi-arabias-vision-2030-302627063.html 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. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - iMetal Resources Inc. (TSXV: IMR) (OTCQB: IMRFF) (FSE: A7VA) ("iMetal" or the "Company") has completed 2025 Phase I drilling at the Company's Gowganda West ("GW") project. Core logging and sampling is in progress and samples will be sent to the ALS Minerals laboratory in Val D'or, Quebec. The drill program focused in the area of IMGW23-04, at the location of the spring 2023 discovery hole of 48.5m of 0.85 g/t Au starting at 316.5m (see News Release dated 2023-Jun-06). Highlights: A total of 2,640 metres were completed in 6 holes to expand the mineralized footprint of IMGW23-04 along strike and up and down dip. The original plan to drill 2,500 metres was expanded to 2,640 metres based on recommendations of the onsite geological team. McFarlane Lake Mining Limited, contiguous to the northwest has identifed a parallel zone to it's Juby Zone within the regional Ridout-Tyrrell Deformation Zone, the 826 Zone, which appears to trend into the area of the 2025 drilling. "We are happy with the progress we have made during this drill program." commented iMetal President & CEO Saf Dhillon. "With the runup in the price of gold over the past two years, the increased liquidity in the overall metals and mining markets in general and the developments with our bordering neighbours, we anxiously anticipate the return of the assays from the lab!" The drilling intersected the targeted host rocks that exhibited alteration patterns and mineralization similar to that which was intersected in the 2023 drill program. The dominant lithology intersected was polymictic conglomerate of Indin Lake Group previously intersected in IMGW23-04, as well as local mafic and felsic dykes. Zones of moderate to pervasive hematization /potassic alteration, sericitization and silicification were noted in the drill holes. Mineralization included disseminated and clast-replacement controlled pyrite, while a few holes also intersected local chalcopyrite vein fractures or plurimillimetric clusters. Core logging is wrapping up and core saw sampling is well underway. Samples will be sent to the lab as each hole is completed. QA/QC A rigorous QA/QC program is underway as well. A certified standard and a blank is inserted at an interval of every thirty samples. Each 30th sample is also be duplicated. All samples will be shipped to ALS Minerals Val D'Or and undergo the standard preparation procedures of CRU-21 and PREP-31. All samples will be analyzed utilizing the Au-AA24 procedure, a 50-gram gold fire assay with an AAS finish. Intervals of visible chalcopyrite will also undergo an ME-ICP41 procedure. Figure 1. 2026 Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7946/276159_fb527553a46b4b42_002full.jpg Table. 2025 Drill Holes Hole_ID 83Z17E 83Z17N Azimuth Dip Length IMGW-25-06 502468 5270029 225 -45 336 IMGW-25-04 502443 5270069 225 -45 393 IMGW-25-01 502535 5269969 225 -45 411 IMGW-25-02 502574 5269916 225 -45 486 IMGW-25-05 502557 5270046 225 -45 543 IMGW-25-04 502454 5269956 225 -45 471 The Gowganda West property hosts a large package of gold prospective Timiskaming metasediments, approximately 7 km in strike and up to 5 km in width, that hosts all the gold mineralization thus far discovered on the property. Successive drill programs advancing to the southwest continued to intersect increasing alteration and gold values in suspected NW trending zones and lead directly to the IMGW23-04 discovery hole. The 48.5m gold interval is characterized by a coarse-grained to boulder-sized conglomerate, with moderate to pervasive silica alteration associated with a large intermediate-mafic dyke. Ther 2022 and 2023 drill programs appear to suggest a strong correlation between the intensity of the silica alteration and increased gold grades. Gowganda West is an exploration-stage gold project about 100 km south-southeast of Timmins, Ontario; contiguous to McFarlane Lake Mining's Juby Deposits Project in the Shining Tree Camp of the southern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt; and also contiguous to the Knight project that is part of the Strategic Partnership between Orecap Invest Corp. and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. iMetal's fall 2022 and spring 2023 drill program were successful in intersecting new gold trends in the SW section of the property. The Property also has multiple-ounce grab samples from trends that have yet to be drill tested. Qualified Person The technical content of the New Release has been reviewed and approved by R.Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC), a director of the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. About iMetal Resources Inc. iMetal is a Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on the exploration and development of its portfolio of resource properties in Ontario and Quebec. The flagship property Gowganda West is an exploration-stage gold project with a recent discovery hole of 48.5m at 0.85 g/t gold that borders the Juby Deposit and is located within the Shining Tree Camp area in the southern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt about 100 km south-southeast of the Timmins Gold Camp. The 220-hectare Ghost Mountain property, 42 kilometres NE of Kirkland Lake, lies 5 kilometres W of Agnico Eagle's Holt and Holloway Mine. Carheil is an exploration stage project with multi-metal potential and previous graphite results. The project is about 170 km north of Rouyn-Noranda in the Northern Abitibi Greenstone Belt. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Saf Dhillon President & CEO https://imetalresources.ca 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. This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "potential", and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of iMetal to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements or information in this release relates to, among other things, the potential to complete a transaction with the Vendor and the outstanding conditions to such a transaction. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and assume, among other things, the ability of the Company to successfully pursue its current development plans, that future sources of funding will be available to the company, that relevant commodity prices will remain at levels that are economically viable for the Company and that the Company will receive relevant permits in a timely manner in order to enable its operations, but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276159 SOURCE: iMetal Resources Inc. BERLIN, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Editage, the flagship brand of Cactus Communications (CACTUS), a leader in AI and expert solutions for the scholarly publishing ecosystem, participated as an Industry Partner at Global Research Council (GRC) 2025 Asia Pacific Meeting, hosted by National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia, and National Research Foundation (NRF), Singapore. At the three-day-event in Jakarta, Editage showcased the power of combining AI with human expertise to enhance research quality, streamline grant management, and strengthen institutional reputations. Through AI and human-led solutions, Editage supports global funders, universities, and researchers in driving research excellence. The event promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion, bringing funders, policymakers, and academic leaders from Japan, China, Germany, South Africa, Philippines, Vietnam,New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Indonesia. Editage hosted a panel discussion "Funding Science in the Age of AI: Redefining Openness, Accountability, and Impact," featuring funders and experts from New Zealand, China, and BRIN. Moderated by Ruchi Chauhan from CACTUS, the session explored how AI and human expertise can enhance accessibility and ensure ethical AI adoption across academia. Ruchi Chauhan, Vice President & Head of Marketing (ROW), Cactus Communications, said, "AI has potential to democratize knowledge and accelerate research dissemination. To preserve the integrity and inclusiveness of science, we must ensure that AI complements, not replaces, human judgment. This balance is at the core of Editage's AI plus human model, bringing together the best of technology and expert insight to empower funders, researcher, and institutions worldwide." Siddharth Bhatia, Chief Growth Officer, Institutional Sales (West), Cactus Communications, added, "The research ecosystem is at an inflection point where synergy between AI and human intelligence is key to improving the quality and integrity of science. Funders are central to this transformation, and our participation reflects Editage's commitment to advancing global research through collaboration and innovation." Prof. Dr. Eng. Agus Haryono, Deputy Chairman of Research and Innovation Facilitation, BRIN, commented, "At BRIN, we are committed to build a strong research ecosystem and international partnerships that empowers Indonesian researchers to produce globally impactful work. Collaboration with Editage brought together technology, human expertise and a shared vision to accelerate the nation's progress toward innovation-driven growth. By leveraging the combined power of AI and human expertise, we are taking a meaningful step towards advancing open science and enhancing Indonesia's research output and their impacts to the society." For more details, please contact: Nidhi Amin | Cactus Communications | nidhi.amin@cactusglobal.com I newsroom@cactusglobal.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2694980/5335379/Cactus_Editage_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/editage-showcases-the-power-of-ai--human-collaboration-at-the-global-research-council-2025-302626722.html PARIS, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On December 16-17, 2025, Paris will host the 9th Conference of Paris, organized by the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA). This premier event brings together top economic, financial, and political decision-makers to tackle today's most critical global challenges, including sustainable finance, artificial intelligence, industrial sovereignty, energy transition, and international cooperation. STRENGTHENING AMBITION IN A CHANGING WORLD The 9th edition of the Conference of Paris takes place in a context marked by unprecedented economic, technological, and geopolitical challenges. Mathias Cormann, Secretary-General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD): "We are pleased to be hosting the Paris Conference at the OECD, bringing together governments, businesses and experts to exchange views and identify solutions to shared global challenges. This is part of our broader support for effective multilateral cooperation through data, evidence-based policy advice and inclusive dialogue, which remain essential to strengthen productivity, boost sustainable growth and build more resilient, inclusive economies." This event, initiated by the International Economic Forum of the Americas (IEFA), serves as a unique platform for dialogue between Europe and the Americas. It brings together key players shaping the global economy. In 2025, the Conference of Paris aims to reinforce its role as a catalyst for ideas and concrete solutions, with a focus on resilience, the energy transition, and industrial sovereignty. DISTINGUISHED SPEAKERS : Over 70 distinguished speakers are expected, among them: Jean-Pierre Clamadieu , President and CEO, ENGIE , President and CEO, ENGIE Ken Griffin , Founder and CEO, Citadel , Founder and CEO, Citadel Patrick Pouyanne , Chairman and CEO, TotalEnergies , Chairman and CEO, TotalEnergies Dominique Senequier , Founder and CEO, Ardian , Founder and CEO, Ardian Paul Hudson , CEO, Sanofi , CEO, Sanofi Jose M. Linares , CEO, Banco Santander, Senior Executive Vice-President of Banco Santander and Global head of Santander CIB , CEO, Banco Santander, Senior Executive Vice-President of Banco Santander and Global head of Santander CIB Hana Al Rostamani , Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank , Group CEO, First Abu Dhabi Bank Mathias Cormann , Secretary-General, OECD , Secretary-General, OECD Mike Henry , CEO, BHP , CEO, BHP Arthur Mensch , Co-founder and CEO, Mistral AI , Co-founder and CEO, Mistral AI Marcie Frost , CEO, CalPERS , CEO, CalPERS Josu Jon Imaz , CEO, Repsol , CEO, Repsol Miguel Angel Lopez Borrego , CEO, thyssenkrupp , CEO, thyssenkrupp Paul Desmarais Jr., Chairman, Power Corporation of Canada A UNIQUE PLATFORM FOR STRATEGIC DIALOGUE Renowned for its exclusive and prestigious setting, the Conference of Paris offers a unique environment for direct exchanges among top executives. It will gather an elite group of CEOs and global decision-makers under the theme "Thriving in the unpredictable," providing an exceptional opportunity to connect with the world's most influential leaders and leading investors. Nicholas Remillard, CEO of the IEFA, emphasizes: "The Paris Conference is not a place to observe the future, but to build it. In the face of the unpredictable, analyzing is no longer enough, we must dare. Dare to innovate, dare to cooperate, dare to act together. Because it is today, and only today, that we can lay the foundations for a more resilient world." INTERNATIONAL MEDIA COVERAGE The event will enjoy broad coverage from leading global media, featuring prominent journalists and anchors, including: Francine Lacqua (Bloomberg TV), Charlotte Reed (CNBC), Lorraine Goumot (BFM Business), Anita Hawser (The Banker), and Arash Massoudi (Financial Times). PRACTICAL INFORMATION Theme: Thriving in the unpredictable Dates: Tuesday, December 16 - Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Location: OECD Conference Centre, 2 rue Andre Pascal, 75016 Paris More information and registration: https://www.conferencedeparis.com MEDIA ACCREDITATION : Confluence Paris - Regine Le Brun Email: regine@confluenceparis.com | Phone: +33 6 14 67 03 16 Accreditation form: https://forms.zoho.com/iefa/form/MediaaccreditationCDP2025 ABOUT THE CONFERENCE OF PARIS Launched in 2017 at the initiative of the IEFA, the Conference of Paris is the Forum's premier European event. It brings together leading figures from business, government, and civil society around a shared goal: to promote the exchange of ideas on major current challenges, foster international trade between Europe and the Americas, and encourage global relationships that drive positive change. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2827649/IEFA_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/navigating-a-multipolar-world-global-leaders-gather-in-paris-302622198.html OpenTable reveals its annual Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025, alongside its key 2026 dining trends LONDON, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant technology, has revealed its annual Top 100 Restaurants in the UK list alongside its 2026 dining trends. With dining in the UK up 4% year-over-year (YoY) in 2025,* and Brits set to dine out on average six times a month in 2026,** dining out is on the menu for the year ahead and restaurants are front and centre. Gen Z are particularly enthusiastic, planning to dine out nine times a month, second only to Millennials at ten.** The dining trends that shaped 2025 and what's on the menu for 2026, based on OpenTable data and consumer research: The more the merrier: Almost half of diners (44%) say they'd prefer eating with others over going solo in 2026.** Group dining also grew by 5% in 2025 YoY,* with the most popular days for group dining on Mother's Day weekend and major sporting events, including rugby matches.* Looking ahead, the appetite for togetherness shows no sign of slowing down, with more than a third (36%) of Brits wanting to see more group and private dining in 2026.** OpenTable's new private and group dining marketplace is helping to make those shared moments even easier to plan and enjoy. Happy hour and strategic spenders: Brits are also adjusting how and when they dine. In 2025, dining between 4pm-5pm rose by 6% YoY.* When it comes to spending, nearly half (49%) of Brits plan to spend more on dining out in 2026 vs 2025, rising to 70% of Gen Z and Millennials.** Despite this, 54% of Brits want to see more happy hours and value promotions in 2026.** "Dining has become about far more than what's on the plate this year. It's about connection and creating unforgettable moments together, with new research showing that 79% of Brits say eating out helps them feel more connected to others,**" said Sasha Shaker, Senior Director at OpenTable in the UK and Ireland. "With Brits set to dine out six times a month on average in 2026, we're confident that restaurants will remain at the heart of the UK's social scene in the year ahead.**" Bold flavours and retro favourites: When it comes to taste, 2026 is shaping up to be a year that blends global cuisines with nostalgia. Mediterranean (+35%), Greek (+27%) and Contemporary Asian (+21%) cuisines saw the biggest YoY dining increases in 2025, reflecting a growing appetite for bold, vibrant flavours.* However, nostalgia is also making a comeback, with Gen Z diners championing retro comfort classics like Bangers and Mash and Prawn Cocktail as dishes they'd love to see on menus of restaurants in 2026.** One of the most surprising food trends for next year? Sharing plates are becoming less popular as 56% of Brits prefer individual servings. Brits expect to see fried chicken, gourmet burgers, protein-packed dishes, and espresso-based drinks taking centre stage in 2026.** Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025 list OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in the UK 2025 list is here to inspire diners where to eat next and to highlight industry dining trends. The list is compiled by analysing more than 780,000 diner reviews, ratings, reservation demand and percentage of five-star reviews among other factors,*** featuring a list of restaurants perfect for any occasion. Sasha said: "From exciting new names like Nina in London to much-loved local favourites such as Opheem in Birmingham and Higher Ground in Manchester, the list celebrates the fantastic spots that the UK has to offer. Whether diners are after a happy hour menu, a certain cuisine type or spot for group dining, there's a place to match every taste and occasion." The complete Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025 list can be found here as well as below (listed in alphabetical order by area): Aberdeen The Rustic Grill Bath/Somerset The Olive Tree Berkshire The Loch & The Tyne by Adam Handling Birmingham/West Midlands Opheem Buckinghamshire The Greyhound Beaconsfield Cheshire The Chefs Table Cornwall Narla Porthminster Beach Cafe Edinburgh/Midlothian Little Capo Paz Taqueria Skua The Broughton The Spanish Butcher - Edinburgh Essex Lot Bar & Restaurant Gloucestershire/Wiltshire The Woozy Pig William's Hampshire The Kara Fleet Kent Bar Ingo Land + Sea Sotirio's Bar and Restaurant The Corner House - Canterbury Lincolnshire Ole Ole Tapas London 64 Goodge Street Andrew Edmunds BABA Benares Blacklock Soho Bottarga Caraffini Restaurant Cecconi's Clos Maggiore Cloth Restaurant CORE by Clare Smyth Daphne's Donia Doppo El Pirata of Mayfair Estiatorio Milos - London FAROS Oxford Circus Franks Canteen Frederick's French Society Frog by Adam Handling Gallery Harwood Arms Kai Mayfair L'Escargot Le Cafe du Marche Min Jiang Nina Ognisko Paro Indian Portland Restaurant Roe Sasa Sushi Savoy Grill - Gordon Ramsay Scott's Mayfair Sexy Fish London Sketch Gallery Smiths Restaurant Wapping St. JOHN Smithfield Tamarind The Cinnamon Club The French Table The Ledbury The Mayfair Chippy The Parakeet The Plimsoll The Quality Chop House Tom's Pasta Trinity Zephyr Manchester/Greater Manchester BAR SAN JUAN Bruco Hawksmoor Manchester Higher Ground Onda Pasta Bar The Italian The Ivy Asia, Spinningfields Newcastle and Northumberland 21 Blackfriars Restaurant The Broad Chare The French Quarter Vito's Osteria Northampton/Northamptonshire Ember Sally's Wine & Whisky Oxford/Oxfordshire No1 Ship Street Renfrewshire De Buddha Authentic Nepalese Restaurant & Bar South Wales Butterflies Bar & Kitchen Staffordshire Lowe's Suffolk Loca Bar & Restaurant Surrey Cambio Marcia Warwickshire Loxley's Restaurant & Wine Bar West Sussex La Follia Orla Yorkshire Bavette-Leeds Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms - York Casa Brazilian Rodizio The Highland Laddie Vivido Bar & Restaurant NOTES TO EDITORS *OpenTable data: OpenTable looked at the number of seated diners per party size, time slot and cuisines from online reservations for all active restaurants on the OpenTable platform in the UK from 1st January - 31st August, 2025 and compared it to the corresponding time period in 2024 (3rd January - 1st September). **Consumer Research Methodology: An online survey was conducted by WALR among 2005 UK respondents, with quotas weighted for major cities. Fieldwork took place between September 3rd - September 9th 2025. Data has been collected adhering to MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines to ensure ethical and accurate data collection. *** The Top 100 Restaurants Methodology: OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in the UK for 2025 list is generated from over 780,000 reviews from verified OpenTable diner and dining metrics from September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025. Restaurants with a minimum threshold of diner reviews were considered and evaluated by a compilation of unique data points, including diner ratings, the percentage of five star reviews, the number of alerts set, the percentage of reservations made in advance, percentage of capacity and direct searches. Metrics were weighted to comprise an overall score, used to rank the list. The resulting list appears A-Z, not in ranked order. About OpenTable: OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), helps more than 60,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable's world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most - their team, their guests, and their bottom line - while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/dining-out-in-2026-brits-embrace-group-gatherings-happy-hour-and-retro-classics-302627131.html GOTHENBURG, Sweden and VASTRA GOTALAND, Sweden, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CEO Dr Martin Edlund:"Minesto moves forward with a funded and reinforced action plan for commercial breakthrough." Significant events July-September 2025 In July Minesto announced a reorganization over the last year was completed, resulting in readiness to deliver commercial projects and reduced fixed costs. Reshaping of the organization include relocation geographically, management team set-up and product development focus. The completed reorganization resulted in a reduction of fixed costs by approximately 35%. In August the company appointed new CFO, Alexander Jancke, strengthening the business development agenda with start October 2025. Former CFO Gustav Kvibling leaves his position to pursue opportunities outside the company. Together with project partners Sev, Capture Energy and IVL, Minesto completed a planning and project set-up workshop for the 25 MSEK Microgrid Project awarded by Swedish Energy Agency. In parallel with the project, Minesto has added an integration of two local end-user applications of tidal energy in the Faroe Islands to strengthen customer involvement. On 16 September 2025, Minesto announced that the Board of Directors, conditional on the subsequent approval of an extraordinary general meeting, had resolved on a rights issue of shares of approximately SEK 152.4 million. The subscription price was determined to SEK 1.85 per share. Minesto received guarantee commitments subject to customary conditions which, in aggregate, amount to SEK 99.0 million, corresponding to approximately 65.0 percent of the Rights Issue. After the end of the period On 28 October, Minesto announced the outcome of the company's rights issue of up to 82,364,595 shares. 33,436,356 shares, corresponding to approximately 40.6 percent of the Rights Issue, had been subscribed for with the support of subscription rights. Additionally, applications for subscription of 575,828 shares, corresponding to approximately 0.7 percent of the Rights Issue, had been received for subscription of shares without the support of subscription rights. In aggregate, the subscriptions with the support of subscription rights and the applications for subscription without the support of subscription rights correspond to approximately 41.3 percent of the Rights Issue. Hence, guarantee commitments of 19,501,329 shares, corresponding to approximately 23.7 percent of the Rights Issue, will be utilized. The Rights Issue provides the company with proceeds of approximately SEK 99.0 million before deduction of costs related to the Rights Issue. On 30 October, Git Sturesjo Adolfsson resigned as a member of the Company's Board. Deputy Board Member Andreas Gunnarsson assumed her position. The Board of Directors resolved to allow Fenja Capital to set off its outstanding loan claims, including accrued interest, totalling approximately SEK 22.2 million as payment for part of the shares that Fenja Capital has been allocated and subscribed for in the Rights Issue. On 8 October, Minesto invited investors and the public with an interest in technology and energy systems to a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the tidal energy kite Dragon 4 "Iunn" as she was brought home for a break from production duty at the company's demonstration site in the North Atlantic where it produces electricity to the Faroe Islands grid. The event attracted around 150 guests, presentations are available on the company's youtube channel. In October, Minesto was part of a high-level Swedish delegation to South Korea aiming to explore new partnerships and strengthen bilateral collaboration in the green transition. The delegation was led by HRH Crown Princess of Sweden and supported by Swedish minister for Foreign Affairs and Swedish minister for Infrastructure and Housing. The delegation was part of Focus Asia - Sweden's strategy for trade and investment in the region. Extensive tidal and ocean current resources make South Korea a highly attractive market for Minesto. In November, Minesto participated in high-level Swedish business delegation to Canada in connection with the royal couple's state visit. The delegation, led by the Swedish Minister for Energy and Business and Minister for Defence, aimed to strengthen Swedish-Canadian relations and promote innovation with focus on AI, defence & security and electrification. Significant ocean resources with tidal streams and political support for ocean energy make Canada a highly attractive market for Minesto. Minesto was selected to be part of InnoEnergy's annual industry event The Business Booster, this year in Lisbon in October. InnoEnergy, initiated by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), is Europe's investment company at the forefront of clean energy transition and Minesto was invited as one of the industrial scale-ups driving Europe's energy transition. During the third quarter, Minesto continued to attract credible media publicity - the tidal energy kites were featured in Forbes online as well as in a new in-depth TV documentary, airing on Arte and available in German and French. The Group in summary 1 January-30 September 2025 Total operating income for the period amounted to SEK 17,046 thousand (19,320) and mainly consist of capitalised development work. Net sales amounted to SEK 0 thousand (75). Operating loss for the period amounted to SEK -28,158 thousand (-32,884). The negative result is largely attributable to business development and administration related to technology development. During the period personnel costs of SEK 17,045 thousand (19,222) has been capitalised as development work. At the end of the period, the intangible fixed assets amounted to SEK 567,805 thousand (531,569), of which capitalised development costs SEK 549,991 thousand (514,633) and capitalised patent expenses SEK 17,814 thousand (16,937). During the period, payments of SEK 4,416 thousand (27,803) were received from public funding schemes, of which SEK 54 thousand (26,474) is approved claims and the remaining part is advance payments. Grants of SEK 1,263 thousand (716) were accounted for during the period, of which SEK 1,263 thousand (716) has reduced the acquisition value of the capitalised development costs. Cash flow for the period amounted to SEK -8,182 thousand (39,418). At the end of the period, cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 26,422 thousand (54,790). At the end of the period, equity amounted to SEK 554,230 thousand (571,836) divided into 205,911,488 shares (194,116,040), of which loss for the period amounted to SEK -30,138 thousand (-32,731). The Interim Management Statement t is available to download at Minesto's website: www.minesto.com/investor/investor-information CEO comment: Minesto moves forward with a funded and reinforced action plan for commercial breakthrough This Third quarter and beyond have been a busy period for Minesto. First and foremost, we have secured funding by a rights issue to keep pushing our commercial agenda forward. This was achieved in a tough capital market with proceeds of SEK 99 million before deduction of transaction fees and loan payback. The size of this investment is satisfactory and immediately creates momentum in reinforcing our action plan for commercial breakthrough. However, the overall message from the capital market to Minesto is clear: the commercial roll-out needs to accelerate. Let me give you a brief run-through on how we execute our plan to deliver business based on our groundbreaking innovation. A unique sales team The volume of sales offers is on the rise, as well as the number of markets where step-in offers are made. It is no secret that most actors in a novel market are "late movers" so the increasing volume in market activities and sales offers is key to push customers into faster and larger commitments. We have expanded and organized a multidisciplinary commercial team with expertise in key areas necessary for promoting our power plants: Site identification expertise (ocean flow simulations etc.) Power plant design adaptation to maximize production yield Design of tidal energy parks and associated business simulation Construction of project investment cases Energy system analysis for assessment of the value of adding tidal energy production Our approach is process-oriented where re-use and improvement iterations of product descriptions, tender documentation, legal-frameworks and content of customer offers also supports an increased volume of sales activities, but even more so the quality of our work. Given the novel nature of our ocean energy sector and the uniqueness of our technology, we have been forced to and succeeded with putting together a truly unique sales team to deliver business. Putting the Rights issue investment to work The purpose of our recent investment round is to strengthen our commercial offer and contribute to risk reduction of investment offers for Dragon farms (tidal array projects). This marks a substantial shift in focus, built on the following core activities. Since August, with substantial technical contributions from partners and funding from the Swedish Energy Agency of 25 MSEK, we are expanding the test site in Vestmanna into a complete microgrid-system for sales and delivery. With this system, we will be able to address non-grid connected needs in the Faroe Islands, but also to offer tidal microgrids in all suitable commercial contexts globally. We have end-customer involvement to make it into a complete microgrid business set-up where we will be paid for fossil fuel and CO2 emission reductions. We are also adding substantial value to the project investment case at Hestfjord in the Faroe Islands via site development activities. We have progress in a range of areas to further reduce environmental risks (an example of this includes sound measurements), to make assessments of production yield more robust (with simulations of array design) and improvements of our maintenance set-up. This work is all done in close collaboration with SEV and other potential commercial partners. Our goal is clearly within reach, to secure that the world's first commercial tidal array at scale will be a Minesto Dragon Farm. We limit site development investments to the Hestfjord project, but all aspects of maturing that project has merits for other Dragon Farm opportunities, both existing and new. In this way, our ability to on-board project development partners and site project investments is significantly increasing. Our extended sales capability combined with the site-development achievements in Hestfjord makes it possible for us to revisit existing partnerships in markets such as Wales, Taiwan and the Philippines, but also to add new ones in a range of markets such as Canada, Ireland and Japan. Our go-to-market model is based on forming strategic partnerships with project developers in basically all relevant tidal markets. We have serious interest from potential partners across the globe and are organized to engage with all of them. The value of tidal energy from our Dragons Minesto continues to lead the industry in terms of LCOE, with a 2,5 M EUR/MW in CAPEX, thanks to our outstanding power-to-weight-ratio and efficient energy conversion. With the first 30 M EUR investment for the first tidal energy farm (10 MW), we foresee an LCOE at 150 EUR/MWh - outperforming other ocean renewables. Notably, this is the world-first installation and standard cost-reductions from learning and increased scale will enable large scale (multimegawatt) commercial build out at competitive cost-levels. As an extension to our business development work on analyzing our cost-competitiveness, we now also assess how our tidal electricity production contributes to the total cost of electricity to serve consumers in a given market. In-short, markets with a solid tidal resource can shape a cost-efficient roadmap towards net-zero if they rely on our Dragons. If not, the cost of storage, build of over-capacity and system losses makes it economically unfeasible to reach net-zero relying only on the so-called mature renewables, solar and wind. We conclude that for our target markets an energy system including our tidal technology will be able to cut cost-of-electricity in half compared to a renewable scenario without us. The message we send to potential customers and energy stakeholders is that it may be perceived as risky to "bet" on our novel renewable energy technology, but it is even more risky to stick to existing solutions that are proven insufficient to deliver an affordable energy transition towards sustainability. Thus, our tidal energy offer has a key role to play with its base-load characteristics and competitive cost levels. We are, more than ever in the driver's seat to be the true pioneers, delivering the large-scale commercial breakthrough for ocean renewable energy. /Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto Contact Cecilia Sernhage, Chief Communications Officer +46 735 23 71 58 ir@minesto.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/minesto-ab/r/interim-management-statement-1-january---30-september-2025,c4273429 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/14621/4273429/3810868.pdf Minesto AB_Interim Management Statement Q3_2025 https://mb.cision.com/Public/14621/4273429/8d391cf52a968824.pdf PR 271125 Interim Management Statement 1 January 30 September 2025 Minesto AB View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/minesto-ab-interim-management-statement-1-january--30-september-2025-302627447.html A Landmark Event for Collectors, Historians, and Cultural Enthusiasts HARWICH, United Kingdom, Nov. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This December, TimeLine Auctions invites global audiences to embark on an extraordinary journey through 100,000 years of human expression, identity and craftsmanship, told through the enduring language of jewellery. From the earliest shell beads worn by prehistoric peoples to the refined gold masterpieces of ancient and medieval civilisations, the story of jewellery reaches far deeper into the past than many realise. Jewellery has always signified more than simple decoration. Across cultures and eras, it has served as a defining symbol of status, devotion, memory, heritage and artistic excellence. TimeLine's 2-6 December 2025 auction brings this sweeping narrative to life with an exceptional lineup of museum-quality pieces, each one revealing the creativity and sophistication of the society from which it emerged. The human fascination with self-adornment can be traced back around 100,000 years. Pierced Nassarius shells found in caves across Israel, Algeria and Morocco represent the earliest known personal ornaments. Over time, materials evolved dramatically: Mesopotamian gold, Egyptian filigree, Roman gemstone intaglios, Viking metalwork, Byzantine devotional rings and Renaissance enamel all illustrate the progression of technique and global influence. TimeLine's opening session on 2 December showcases remarkable highlights, including: A superb Bactrian gold pendant with an agate cabochon (4th-2nd century BC) A Romano-Egyptian gold ring featuring a garnet duck intaglio, symbolising renewal (1st centuryBC-1st century AD) A finely carved Roman sard intaglio of a panther, both classical and stylish (1st century AD) A Roman spiral-twisted gold bracelet with a central bezel, elegant and modern in appearance (2nd-3rd century AD) A striking Roman garnet gemstone depicting Empress Julia Domna An exceptional Migration Period gold ring with impressive presence (4th-5th century AD) A Byzantine gold ring inscribed "belonging to Mary and Eutropius" A richly textured Seljuk braided gold bracelet (11th-13th century AD) The 'Otterington Hall' medieval gold ring, discovered in 2024 and declared a National Treasure A charming Renaissance gold and enamel ring with a vivid ruby A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link. This auction represents a rare opportunity to acquire pieces that embody the history of humanity itself. Held live at The Court House, 363 Main Road, Harwich, Essex, with worldwide online bidding available, the event promises to be a defining moment for collectors and institutions alike. For enquiries or registration, call +44 7494 866514 or email ah@timelineauctions.com. Fidelity Japan Trust Plc - Result of General Meeting PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 27 THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN IT ARE NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, CANADA, JAPAN, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, IN ANY MEMBER STATE OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA OR IN ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE SAME WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. This announcement is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to acquire, securities in any jurisdiction in which the same would be unlawful. Neither this announcement nor any part of it shall form the basis of or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment whatsoever. 27 November 2025 For Immediate Release FIDELITY JAPAN TRUST PLC Result of General Meeting Further to the circular to shareholders dated 14 October 2025 (the " Circular"), the Board of Fidelity Japan Trust PLC (the " Company") announces that at the second general meeting of the Company which was held today (the " Second GM"), the special resolution set out in the notice of the Second GM (the " Resolution") was duly passed by shareholders. By the passing of the Resolution, shareholders have authorised: a) placing the Company into liquidation; b) appointing the Liquidators and agreeing the basis of their remuneration; c) instructing the Company Secretary to hold the books to the Liquidators' order; and d) providing the Liquidators with appropriate powers to carry into effect the amendments to the Articles made at the First General Meeting. The Resolution was voted on by way of a poll. Details of the number of votes cast for, against and withheld in respect of the Resolution are set out in the table below and will also be published on the Company's website, https://www.fidelity.co.uk/Japan . Resolution Votes for (including discretionary) Votes against Total votes Votes Withheld(3) Number % of shares voted (2) Number % of shares voted (2) Number Proportion of issued share capital voted (%) (2) 1. To wind up the Company in accordance with the Scheme, appoint the Liquidators and grant the Liquidators certain powers*. 62,628,525 99.82 112,082 0.18 62,740,607 55.2% 21,015 *denotes special resolution Notes: Each holder of Shares present at the Second GM, in person or by proxy, was entitled to one vote per Share held at the voting record time, being close of business on 25 November 2025 (the " Second GMRecord Time"). At the Second GM Record Time, the Company's issued share capital comprised 113,677,866 Ordinary Shares of 0.25 each and the Company held no Ordinary Shares in treasury. Therefore, the total number of voting rights in the Company as at the Second GM Record Time was 113,677,866. Rounded to two decimal places. A "Vote withheld" is not a vote in law and is not counted in the calculation of the percentage of shares voted "For" or "Against" the Resolution or in the calculation of the proportion of issued share capital voted. A copy of the Resolution passed at the Second GM will be submitted to the National Storage Mechanism and will shortly be available for inspection at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism . Following this Second GM, the expected timetable is provided in full below. Suspension of Reclassified Shares In accordance with the timetable, the Company's Reclassified Shares were suspended from listing on the Official List of the Financial Conduct Authority and from trading on the London Stock Exchange at 7.30 a.m. this morning, 27 November 2025 in anticipation of the Second General Meeting. Entitlements under the Scheme As at the Calculation Date, Shareholders' entitlements under the Scheme calculated in accordance with the terms of the Scheme were as follows: Company FAV per Share: 238.056840 pence Adjusted Cash NAV per Share: 234.925588 pence AJOT FAV per Share: 166.382531 pence Therefore, Shareholders will receive the following: For Shareholders that elected (or are deemed to have elected) for the Rollover Option: each Reclassified Share with "A" rights attached to it will entitle the holders thereof to 1.430780 New AJOT Shares. Fractional entitlements to New AJOT Shares will not be issued under the Scheme and entitlements will be rounded down to the nearest whole number. For Shareholders that elected for the Cash Option: each Reclassified Share with "B" rights attached to it will entitle the holders thereof to 234.925588 pence in cash. Shareholder entitlements under the Cash Option will be rounded down to the nearest penny. As set out in the Circular, the Directors have set aside sufficient assets in the Liquidation Pool to meet all estimated current and future, actual and contingent liabilities of the Company, including the costs of the winding-up of the Company and the costs of implementing the Scheme. The Liquidation Pool will be applied by the Liquidators in discharging all current and future, actual and contingent liabilities of the Company and any balance remaining after discharging such liabilities will in due course be distributed to Shareholders on the Register on the Record Date in accordance with the terms of the Scheme. As at the Calculation Date, excluding cash, the Company held approximately 1 million (0.92 pence per Ordinary Share) of current assets principally comprising accrued income. This amount was transferred to the Liquidation Pool and once the Liquidators have collected in the cash in respect of these assets, they will, in due course, make a further distribution to all FJV Shareholders holding Reclassified Shares with "A" rights and Reclassified Shares with "B" rights. Except for Spiber Inc., all of the Company's Unlisted Investments held as at the date of the Circular will be transferred to AJOT through the Rollover Pool at the valuations as at 12 August 2025 (as of the 30 June revaluation round) which also reflects their valuation at the Calculation Date. The Company's holding in Spiber Inc. (which represented approximately 0.27 per cent. of NAV as at the Calculation Date) has been transferred to the Liquidation Pool. The Liquidators, with the support of the Investment Manager and the AIFM, will seek to realise the holding in Spiber Inc. for cash. Any net proceeds from the disposal of Spiber Inc. during the liquidation period will be returned to Shareholders in due course however there can be no guarantee as to the value or timing of any realisation of Spiber Inc. Following the appointment of the Liquidators, all further enquiries regarding the Company should be made to the Liquidators, whose contact details are below. In accordance with the timetable, Shareholders will receive their New AJOT Shares: (i) in relation to Shareholders who hold their Shares in CREST, via CREST on 28 November 2025; and (ii) in relation to certificated Shareholders, within 10 business days following the Effective Date. Circular Capitalised terms shall have the meaning attributed to them in the Circular unless otherwise defined in this announcement. A copy of the Circular is available for viewing at the National Storage Mechanism https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism and on the Company's website, https://www.fidelity.co.uk/Japan . Enquiries: Liquidators Gareth Morris Susan Evans Bristol@frpadvisory.com +44 (0) 117 203 3700 Stifel Edward Gibson-Watt Andrew Yeo +44 (0) 20 7710 7600 Legal Entity Identifier (LEI): 549300ND695NEJ5GPI72 This announcement is not for publication or distribution in or into the United States of America. This announcement is not an offer of securities for sale into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, except pursuant to an applicable exemption from registration. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. The hair accessories market is witnessing steady adoption across fashion brands, personal care companies, beauty retailers, and e-commerce platforms due to its vital role in enhancing personal grooming, styling versatility, and overall aesthetic appeal. These accessories, including headbands, clips, barrettes, hair ties, pins, scrunchies, and tiaras, are used for everyday styling, professional grooming, festive looks, and fashion-forward expressions. Applications span from routine personal use and salon-based styling to bridal wear, cultural traditions, and premium fashion segments. With rising consumer focus on self-expression, growing influence of fashion trends and social media, and increasing availability of innovative, customizable, and sustainable designs, the hair accessories market is gaining momentum globally across beauty, lifestyle, and fashion domains. WILMINGTON, Del., Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Hair Accessories Market by Product Type (Hair Bands, Scrunchies and Elastics, Claw Clips and Jaw Clips, Snap Clips, Bob Pins and Hair Pins, Hair Combs and Sticks, Tiaras and Decorative Hairpieces, Heatless Curling Tools and Styling Accessories, and Others), End User (Women, Men, and Kids), Price Range (Economy, Medium, and Premium), and Distribution Channel (Hypermarkets and Supermarkets, Specialty Stores, Online Retail, and Others): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034". According to the report, the hair accessories market was valued at $24.8 billion in 2024, and is estimated to reach $57.1 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 8.7% from 2025 to 2034. The hair accessories market is driven by rising consumer focus on fashion and personal grooming, growing influence of social media and celebrity trends, and increasing availability of affordable as well as premium products through online and offline channels. In addition, innovation in designs, materials, and sustainable options is further boosting market growth across diverse consumer segments. Download Sample Pages of Research Overview: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/A06430 Market Introduction The hair accessories market encompasses a wide range of fashion and functional products designed to enhance hairstyling, improve grooming convenience, and complement personal aesthetics. These accessories play a vital role in everyday styling as well as premium fashion, catering to diverse consumer groups including children, working professionals, brides, and fashion-forward individuals. Key products include headbands, clips, barrettes, hairpins, scrunchies, tiaras, combs, and emerging eco-friendly options made from sustainable or biodegradable materials. The market has gained significant global traction due to rising consumer demand for fashion-driven styling solutions, the growing influence of celebrity endorsements and social media trends, and the increasing focus on personal grooming in both men and women. For instance, fashion influencers and e-commerce platforms have accelerated the visibility and adoption of new designs and collections, transforming hair accessories into must-have lifestyle products. This has pushed demand not only in casual and daily-use segments but also in premium bridal wear, festive occasions, and professional fashion industries. Product innovation remains a key growth driver, with manufacturers introducing multifunctional, ergonomic, and customizable designs that align with changing consumer preferences. Advancements in materials such as lightweight alloys, eco-friendly fabrics, and durable polymers are expanding both comfort and sustainability. Moreover, fashion-tech integrations such as smart hair accessories with embedded sensors or LED embellishments are emerging niche offerings that appeal to younger, tech-savvy consumers. Emerging economies in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are witnessing heightened adoption of hair accessories, fueled by rising disposable incomes, cultural emphasis on grooming, and the growing penetration of online retail platforms. With the expansion of e-commerce, customization, and sustainable fashion, the hair accessories market is positioned to play a central role in the global beauty and lifestyle ecosystem, shaping consumer expression and driving long-term growth across mass and premium segments. Buy This Research Report (338 Pages PDF with Insights, Charts, Tables, and Figures): https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/checkout-final/cdadf457ab7d4d84b09f8d1e4b810f60 Report Overview The hair accessories market is segmented into product type, end user, price range, distribution channel, and region. On the basis of product type, it is divided into hair bands, scrunchies and elastics, claw clips and jaw clips, snap clips, bob pins and hair pins, hair combs and sticks, tiaras and decorative hairpieces, heatless curling tools and styling accessories, and others. On the basis of end user, the market is segregated into women, men, and kids. On the basis of price range, it is categorized into economy, medium, and premium. On the basis of distribution channel, the market is classified into hypermarkets and supermarkets, specialty stores, online retail, and others. Region-wise, the market is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, UAE, Argentina, and rest of LAMEA). On the basis of product type, the others segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024. and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. On the basis of end user, the women segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. On the basis of price range, the economy segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024. However, the online retail segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. On the basis of distribution channel, the supermarkets/hypermarkets segment dominated the market in terms of revenue in 2024. However, the online retail segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Region-wise, Asia-Pacific generated the largest revenue in 2024 and is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2025-2034 Base Year 2024 Market Size in 2024 $ 24.8 billion Market Size in 2034 $ 57.1 billion CAGR 8.7 % No. of Pages in Report 338 Segments Covered Product Type, End User, Price Range, Distribution Channel, and Region Target Region / Countries North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (Japan, China, India, Australia, South Korea, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Argentina, and Rest of LAMEA). Drivers Rising Fashion Consciousness and Social Media Influence Expanding Consumer Base among Men and Kids Growth of E-commerce and Direct-to-Consumer Channels Opportunities Rising Demand for Premiumization and Customization Restraints Intense Market Fragmentation and Price Competition Market Growth & Opportunities Factors The global hair accessories market is experiencing robust growth, driven by evolving consumer preferences, lifestyle changes, and the rising importance of grooming and fashion in everyday life. A key growth factor is the increasing influence of fashion trends and social media platforms, which amplify demand for stylish and innovative products. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest enable influencers and celebrities to showcase unique hairstyles, instantly driving product adoption across global audiences. The rise of fashion blogging and e-commerce has further blurred the line between premium and mass-market accessories, making fashionable products accessible to wider demographics. Another major growth driver is the expansion of e-commerce and digital marketplaces, which have dramatically increased the availability and visibility of hair accessories. Consumers can now access global designs, compare prices, and purchase from international brands with ease. Subscription-based beauty boxes and online customization tools also open new revenue streams, catering to demand for personalized styling solutions. Additionally, shifting demographics support market growth. The rising disposable income of millennials and Gen Z, coupled with their inclination toward self-expression through styling, ensures a steady demand base. Meanwhile, in emerging economies, urbanization and growing participation of women in the workforce are fueling the adoption of convenient and versatile accessories for professional grooming. Opportunities are also unfolding in sustainable and eco-friendly product lines, as consumers increasingly demand accessories made from biodegradable materials, recycled fabrics, or cruelty-free processes. Premiumization, with luxury and designer collaborations, presents further growth opportunities, especially in bridal wear and festive segments. Collectively, these factors position the hair accessories market for long-term expansion, with significant headroom in both mass-market and premium categories. Major Challenges in Industry & Solutions Despite strong growth potential, the hair accessories market faces several challenges that manufacturers, retailers, and brands must address to ensure sustainable success. One of the primary challenges is market saturation and commoditization. With numerous players offering similar designs at competitive prices, differentiation becomes difficult. This drives down margins and creates price-sensitive consumer behavior, especially in mass-market categories. The solution lies in innovation and brand positioning. By introducing multifunctional designs, limited-edition collections, or collaborations with fashion designers, brands can differentiate themselves and command premium pricing. Another challenge is sustainability and environmental concerns. Many hair accessories are made of plastics, synthetic fabrics, or low-cost metals that contribute to environmental waste. Growing consumer awareness is putting pressure on companies to adopt eco-friendly materials. To address this, manufacturers are increasingly exploring biodegradable fabrics, recycled materials, and sustainable packaging, which not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance brand appeal among environmentally conscious consumers. The market also faces challenges related to global supply chain disruptions. Since much of the production is concentrated in Asian manufacturing hubs, issues like rising labor costs, geopolitical tensions, and logistic bottlenecks can impact timely delivery and cost efficiency. Brands are responding by diversifying supply chains, investing in local sourcing, or adopting just-in-time inventory models to reduce risks. Lastly, industry must overcome changing consumer preferences and rapid fashion cycles. The speed at which trends evolve creates pressure to refresh product lines quickly. Failure to keep up can result in obsolete inventory and financial losses. Solutions include AI-driven trend forecasting, agile design processes, and strong retailer partnerships to accelerate time-to-market. By addressing these challenges strategically, the industry can build resilience while maintaining consumer engagement and profitability. Regional Insights Asia-Pacific holds the largest share and is the fastest-growing region of the hair accessories market, driven by its vast population, cultural emphasis on hairstyling, and the strong presence of both global and local manufacturers. Countries such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan are major growth hubs where grooming is closely tied to cultural identity, festive occasions, and professional life. The region benefits from low-cost manufacturing capabilities, which make it a global export center for hair accessories, enabling affordability and diversity of products in both local and international markets. The growing middle-class population and rising disposable incomes are fueling demand for premium products, while younger demographics are driving trend adoption through K-beauty, J-fashion, and Bollywood-inspired styling. Additionally, e-commerce platforms like Alibaba, Flipkart, and Shopee are expanding accessibility, making Asia-Pacific not only the largest market but also the most dynamic in terms of innovation, customization, and volume sales. North America ranks as the second-largest market, supported by high consumer spending power, a strong culture of personal grooming, and the dominance of fashion retail networks. The U.S. and Canada are key contributors, with consumers seeking both affordable everyday accessories and premium designer products. The region's market is heavily influenced by social media and celebrity culture, where fashion influencers and Hollywood trends dictate consumer choices. Moreover, sustainability is emerging as a key demand factor, with eco-friendly and ethically sourced hair accessories gaining popularity among conscious buyers. Retail distribution channels, including beauty specialty stores, department stores, and online platforms like Amazon, further enhance accessibility. North America is also witnessing increased male participation in grooming trends, opening a new niche for gender-neutral or unisex hair accessories. Collectively, these factors make the region a lucrative growth hub with strong potential in premiumization and sustainable product lines. Enquiry Before Buying: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/A06430 Key Players The major companies profiled in the report include GIMME Beauty, ACON Investments, L.L.C (Goody), Conair LLC, Kitsch, The Finest Accessories, Inc. (L. Erickson), New Flag GmbH (Invisibobble GmbH), Jennifer Behr LLC, Annie International Inc., Silke London and Firelight Capital Partners (Fromm International/The Hair Edit). The key players operating in the market have adopted strategies such as acquisition and partnership to strengthen their market presence and cater to evolving consumer demands. Key Strategies Adopted by Competitors In February 2025, Goody partnered with fashion brand LoveShackFancy to launch a limited-edition collection of 35 hair accessories, including brushes, clips, scrunchies, and headbands adorned with vintage floral designs. The collection features four signature LoveShackFancy prints, blending the brand's whimsical and romantic aesthetic with Goody's functional designs. In October 2024, Jennifer Behr partnered with New York Vintage to launch a limited-edition headpiece collection crafted from archival couture materials. The one-of-a-kind designs repurpose vintage trims, silk flowers, and embellishments into modern, handcrafted accessories that celebrate both sustainability and timeless elegance. In January 2024, Firelight Capital Partners acquired Fromm International from the Simon-Johnson family, who have owned the business since founding it in 1907. Fromm is well respected in the beauty industry, known for its branded product lines of innovative tools, accessories, and everyday beauty essentials for both professionals and consumers. Explore AMR's Extensive ongoing Coverage on Consumer and Goods Domain: Professional Hair Care Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024 - 2033 Keratin Products Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023 - 2035 Skin Care Products Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021 - 2031 Hairbrush Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2025-2034 Herbal Cosmetics Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2032 Personal Care Electrical Appliances Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022 - 2031 Cosmetics Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022 - 2032 Organic Personal Care and Cosmetic Products Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031 Personal Care Wipes Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2020-2031 Men Personal Care Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2030 Healthcare Wipes Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024 - 2033 Cosmetics Face Serum Market: Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2021 - 2031 About Us Allied Market Research (AMR) is a full-service market research and business consulting wing of Allied Analytics LLP based in Wilmington, Delaware. Allied Market Research provides end-to-end solutions along with information, education, advocacy, and networking resources to SMEs and early-stage start-ups to bring excellence to their processes. In addition, we offer a nurturing environment required to develop and grow businesses, including business planning; virtual support; market intelligence; acquiring resources; and getting direct access to finance, suppliers, and other experts to boost the growth of businesses and entrepreneurs. Our bundled and hassle-free business support systems are customized to meet the needs of SME consultants and industry leaders. Moreover, our large network of skilled consultants and experts help start-ups get the business on a roll. Contact: David Correa 1209 Orange Street, Corporation Trust Center, Wilmington, New Castle, Delaware 19801 USA. Int'l: +1-503-894-6022 Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285 Fax: +1-800-792-5285 help@alliedmarketresearch.com Web: www.alliedmarketresearch.com Allied Market Research Blog: https://blog.alliedmarketresearch.com Follow Us on | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hair-accessories-market-to-reach-57-1-billion-globally-by-2034-at-8-7-cagr-allied-market-research-302627480.html Technology-driven critical metals company advancing Western supply resistance through patented processing IP, strategic exploration assets, and global commercial partnerships. Highlights 2,302 m of HQ diamond drilling successfully completed at the La Blache Vanadium Titanomagnetite Critical Mineral Project in Quebec, Canada. Drill core assays to be sent to ALS Limited (ASX:ALQ) geochemistry facilities in Lachine, Quebec - results expected to flow starting January 2026. 181 historic holes totalling 36,614m of core to be re-assayed targeting Gallium and other Rare Earth Elements ("REE"). Program designed to expand & upgrade the Farrell-Taylor Massive Oxide ("MO") inferred resource of 108.8m tonnes at 17.83% Titanium (TiO2), 0.32% Vanadium (V2O5) and 59.4% Iron (Fe2O3). Early observations indicate the presence of Gallium and Scandium, as well as Titanium and Vanadium. Phase 2 drilling is being planned for early/mid CY2026. Drill core to support the development of Temas' patented Regenerative Chloride Leach ("RCL") technology, a new generation progressing technology that reduces costs by up to 65% and enhances recovery of Titanium, Vanadium, Rare Earth and other Critical Metals. Initial results from RCL technology development expected in early CY2026. Discussions to jointly develop the RCL technology on third-party ore including gold, silver, nickel and REE are ongoing with updates expected early in the new year VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / Temas Resources Corp. ("Temas" or the "Company") (ASX:TIO)(CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF)(FSE:26P0) is pleased to report the completion of its fall/winter HQ diamond drilling campaign at its La Blache property in Quebec, Canada. With drilling now complete, Temas will undertake a full core analysis and assay testing program to refine its geological model and advance geometallurgical testwork for its proprietary Regenerative Chloride Leach ("RCL") platform technology. This fall/winter exploration program delivered approximately 2,302 m of HQ diamond drilling focussed on the Farrell-Taylor deposit and represent the first of several planned exploration phases planned at La Blache. Additional exploration in 2026 will include definition drilling the Lac Schmoo deposit, the Hervieux East and the Hervieux West deposits on the La Blache property. Results from this program will support upgrading the existing 208.5 million tonne inferred resource, underpinning conversion to higher-confidence categories and contributing to a maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") during CY2026. Tim Fernback, CEO, of Temas Resources commented: "Now that our fall/winter exploration program at La Blache has been successfully completed, we are getting ready to submit the drill core to ALS Geochemical for follow-on assays. Our review of the prior drilling at La Blache, has identified significant signatures for both Scandium and Gallium, in addition to the Titanium, Vanadium and Iron. These critical metals are required for the development of high-performance aerospace equipment alloys and semiconductors respectively and will result in additional value to our planned MRE." "La Blache is a large, complex and highly prospective deposit, and this program positions us to integrate our proprietary RCL processing technology into future development work. The patented RCL process has demonstrated encouraging results in pilot studies; however, further independent verification and feasibility-level studies are required to confirm performance which is ideally suited for treating increasingly complex polymetallic mineral deposits like La Blache." "Temas plans to both license and joint venture the use of this technology internationally now that it has been shown to assist on developing metallurgically complex Gold, Silver, Nickel, Critical Mineral and Rare Earth Element deposits. The Company notes that the RCL cost reduction estimates are based on internal pilot-scale studies and have not yet been independently verified in a JORC-compliant feasibility study." The downhole elemental grade variation from LB-22-07 (Figure 1), which intersected ~87m true thickness of continuous Massive Oxide ("MO"), demonstrates the consistency and scale of mineralisation targeted by Temas. The Company is focused on these MO deposits as the main repository for five critical elements (Ti, V, Cr, Ga, Sc), as well as several major elements that can be rendered through the RCL process as co-products. Average elemental grades from all 405 assayed intercepts for the MO in Temas' 2022 program align closely with those of LB-22-07, reinforcing continuity across the Farrell-Taylor deposit. Mr. David Caldwell, Temas Chief Operating Officer, commented: "During a 2022 drill campaign, Temas drilled eight holes at Farrell-Taylor to validate historical data for use in a multi-commodity resource model. In addition to the three originally targeted elements, Temas systematically also assayed for a full spectrum of trace and critical elements, which revealed elevated results for both Scandium and Gallium." "The consistency of mineralization in the La Blache MO is striking both within LB-22-07 and across all 2022 holes is encouraging. We are designing a comprehensive re-assay program for all historic core at Hervieux East, Hervieux West and Farrell-Taylor to ensure the full multi-element potential is captured across the 14.5km trend." PREVIOUS ASSAY RESULTS ( 2022 DRILLING PROGRAM ) AT LA BLACHE Figure 1: Assay results from LB-22-07 Massive Oxide (~87 m True Thickness) All data shown in Figure 1 were previously disclosed in the Company's Prospectus dated 29 August 2025 Mr. Caldwell continues "Importantly, Temas has consolidated 100% ownership of all major mineral showings and has secured all 181 historical drill holes, totalling 36,614m at its La Baie facility. Re-assaying this core represents over CAD$35 million in re-acquisition savings, several years of development time and significant accelerates our path toward feasibility-level studies by providing a large, high-quality dataset." Picture 1 & 2: HQ drill core from La Blache Vanadium Titanomagnetite Critical Mineral Project in Quebec, Canada REGENERATIVE CHLORIDE LEACH ("RCL") TECHNOLOGY UPDATE Core from the current drill program, as well as historic core, will further enable the refinement of the RCL technology. We expect to get our testing program underway in January with initial results in February and March. The RCL technology is not only key to unlocking the value of our projects - it has significant potential to enable the economic extraction of many types of complex mineralised systems around the world. Discussions to develop the RCL on third party ore including Gold, Silver, Nickel, REE and Critical Minerals, are well underway and we expect to be able to update the market on these throughout the new year. MAP OF THE TEMAS LA BLACHE PROPERTY Figure 2: Location of the La Blanche tenure and drill demonstrated mineralised zones All data shown in Figure 2 were previously disclosed in the Company's Prospectus dated 29 August 2025 Foreign Resource Cautionary Statements Details regarding the foreign mineral resource estimate, project details and associated exploration results are set out in the Company's Prospectus dated 29 August 2025 (the "Prospectus"). The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the La Blache Project description in the Prospectus. The Prospectus is available on the Company's website at www.temasresources.com/investors or through the ASX platform under announcement dated 15 July 2025. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the La Blache Project description in the Prospectus. The Company confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the foreign resource estimate and exploration results in this original Prospectus continue to apply and have not materially changed. The estimates of the quantity and grade of mineralisation for the La Blache Project are set out in the La Blache Project in the Prospectus and are "foreign estimates" within the meaning of the ASX listing rules and are not reported in accordance with the JORC Code 2012. A competent person has not undertaken sufficient work to classify the foreign estimates as mineral resources in accordance with the JORC Code 2012. It is uncertain that following evaluation and further exploration work that the foreign estimates will be able to be reported as mineral resources in accordance with the JORC Code. - ENDS - Approved for Release by the Board of Directors For further information, contact: Tim Fernback President & CEO timf@temasresources.com Jane Morgan Investor & Media Relations jm@janemorganmanagement.com.au + 61 (0) 405 555 618 Or visit our website at www.temasresources.com Disclaimer No representations or warranty, express or implied, is made by the Company that the material contained in this announcement will be achieved or proved correct. Except for the statutory liability which cannot be excluded, each of the Company, its directors, officers, employees, advisors, and agents expressly disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy, fairness, sufficiency or completeness of the material contained in this announcement and excludes all liability whatsoever (including in negligence) for an loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this announcement or any effort or omission therefrom. The Company will not update of keep current the information contained in this announcement or to correct any inaccuracy or omission which may become apparent, or to furnish any person with any further information. Any opinions expressed in the announcement are subject to change without notice. Competent Person's / Qualified Person's Statement The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results and Mineral Resources for the La Blache and Lac Brule Titanium-Vanadium Projects in Quebec, Canada, is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared and compiled by Mr Malcolm Castle, BSc (Hons), GCertAppFin (Sec Inst), MAusIMM, Principal Consultant of Agricola Mining Consultants Pty Ltd. Mr. Castle's role as Competent Person is limited to the geological information and Exploration Results disclosed in this announcement. He has not reviewed or reported on metallurgical testwork, processing technology, or economic assessments. Mr. Castle is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM). He has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation, the type of deposit under consideration, and the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012) and a Qualified Person as defined by NI43-101. Mr. Castle is the Principal Consultant of Agricola Mining Consultants Pty Ltd, which provides independent geological and technical advisory services to Temas Resources Corp. He has reviewed the information presented in this announcement and consents to the inclusion in the report of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which they appear. Agricola Mining Consultants Pty Ltd is an independent geological and technical consultancy and has no direct or indirect interest in Temas Resources Corp. About Temas Resources Revolutionising Metal Production Proprietary IP. Global Licensing. Titanium & Critical Minerals. Temas Resources Corp. (ASX:TIO)(CSE:TMAS)(OTCQB:TMASF)(FRA:26P0) is a technology-driven critical minerals company advancing a dual-business model built around proprietary processing innovation and strategic mineral ownership. The Company's patented Regenerative Chloride Leach (RCL) technology platform delivers operational cost reductions - validated at up to 65% lower than traditional processing - while reducing energy use and environmental impact. Temas' RCL process is the foundation of its technology licensing and partnership business, enabling global mining and materials companies to adopt sustainable, high-margin metal extraction methods across a range of critical minerals including titanium, vanadium, nickel, and rare earth elements.? Complementing its technology division, Temas also owns 100% of two advanced titanium-vanadium-iron projects in Quebec, Canada - La Blache and Lac Brule - which are strategically positioned to feed directly into the Company's proprietary processing platform, creating a fully integrated mine-to-market supply chain for Western metals. Through this combination of innovative IP commercialisation and resource ownership, Temas Resources is positioned to deliver scalable, low-carbon solutions that strengthen Western critical-mineral independence and create long-term value for shareholders. Follow us: https://temasresources.com/ https://x.com/TMASResources https://www.linkedin.com/company/temas-resources-corp/ Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with mineral exploration generally and results from anticipated and proposed exploration programs, conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals. Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. SOURCE: Temas Resources Corp. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/temas-completes-drill-program-targeting-critical-minerals-and-rare-earth-elements-1112563 Regulatory News: CTP, Europe's largest listed developer, owner, and manager of industrial and logistics properties by gross lettable area (GLA), has signed an 11-year lease agreement with LPP Logistics for a new 60,000 sqm distribution centre to be developed at CTPark Bucharest West. The new facility strengthens LPP Group's footprint in Southeast Europe and will restore full distribution capabilities, bringing its total space within the park to 125,000 sqm and further consolidating CTPark Bucharest West's position as a leading regional distribution hub. CTPark Bucharest West, the largest industrial park in Central and Eastern Europe, is strategically located in the western area of Bucharest, along the A1 motorway, the city's main western gateway. "We are proud to continue our partnership with LPP Logistics and to support the rapid expansion of their brands in Southeast Europe. The decision to further invest in CTPark Bucharest West confirms the industrial park's strategic importance as a regional logistics hub and demonstrates our ability to deliver large-scale, sustainable facilities tailored to our clients' long-term growth plans," said Ronald Binkofski, Managing Director for CTP Romania. Located directly adjacent to LPP Logistics' new e-commerce fulfilment centre which has been operational since the end of October, the new facility will support the Group's rapid growth in the region and enhance the efficiency of supply to key markets, particularly for the fast-expanding Sinsay brand. The first phase of construction is scheduled for completion at the end of Q1 2026, with operations set to begin in June 2026 and full development stages continuing until the end of October 2026. Once operational, the facility at CTPark Bucharest West will supply LPP brand stores in Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, while also replenishing LPP's two Romanian fulfilment centres dedicated to online sales. This integrated network will strengthen the company's omnichannel capabilities and ensure efficient distribution across both physical retail and e-commerce. Southeast Europe remains one of LPP Group's most dynamic expansion regions, a momentum highlighted in November by Sinsay's opening of its 200th store in Romania. The new building at CTPark Bucharest West has been designed with advanced logistics technology to support large-scale operations. It will feature an automated conveyor system with a total length of approximately 1.3 kilometres, a storage capacity of up to 40 million clothing items and accessories, and the ability to handle shipments of up to 6.5 million items per week. These capabilities will significantly enhance the speed, accuracy, and reliability of distribution across Southeast Europe. Given the continuous growth of the Group's brands and rising distribution volumes, LPP Logistics plans further expansion of the facility in the coming years, ensuring long-term scalability and sustained operational performance. With direct access to the city's ring road and excellent transportation links, CTPark Bucharest West is the ideal location for e-commerce and logistics operators serving the capital and its rapidly growing metropolitan area. The industrial park also hosts Romania's first CTP Clubhaus, a modern community hub designed for collaboration, learning, and employee wellbeing. Featuring a canteen, supermarket, amphitheatre, meeting rooms, outdoor fitness areas, and an onsite medical office, it provides essential amenities that help attract and retain a high-quality workforce. About CTP CTP is Europe's largest listed owner, developer, and manager of logistics and industrial real estate by gross lettable area, owning 13.8 million sqm of GLA across 10 countries as of 30 September 2025. CTP certifies all new buildings to BREEAM Very good or better and earned a negligible-risk ESG rating by Sustainalytics, underlining its commitment to being a sustainable business. For more information, visit CTP's corporate website: www.ctp.eu. Important notice about forward looking information This announcement contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CTP. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "targets", "may", "aims", "likely", "would", "could", "can have", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. As a result, undue influence should not be placed on any forward-looking statement. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251127215789/en/ Contacts: CONTACT DETAILS FOR ANALYST AND INVESTOR ENQUIRIES: CTP Maarten Otte, Head of Investor Relations Email: maarten.otte@ctp.eu IR TEAM Email: investor.relations@ctp.eu CONTACT DETAILS FOR MEDIA ENQUIRIES: SEC Newgate UK Email: ctp@secnewgate.co.uk CTP Romania Sorina Florescu Head of Marketing PR Romania Email: sorina.florescu@ctp.eu Elena Filip PR Consultant Email: elena.filip@efwords.ro Latest release demonstrates how IFS.ai continues to deliver contextual, embedded, industry-specific intelligence, and now agentic Digital Workers, to drive measurable outcomes, at speed, in the mission-critical industries that keep our world running. LONDON, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IFS, the leading provider of Industrial AI software, today announced the release of IFS Cloud 25R2, applying the very latest in AI innovation to the realities of hardcore, industrial work. The release introduces powerful new agentic AI capabilities, including IFS Loops Digital Workers that think, decide, and act across systems, operating as integral members of the industrial workforce. Industrial AI is an operational reality. With 25R2, IFS demonstrates that when deployed at scale, Industrial AI multiplies human capacity against the backdrop of acute labor shortages. At its flagship event, Industrial X Unleashed, IFS revealed a foundational truth: generic AI fails in industrial reality. Industrial sectors face an unprecedented capacity crisis as 17 trillion of capital is deployed to create AI factories, rebuild aging infrastructure, and stabilize volatile supply chains. Meanwhile, millions of industrial jobs sit unfilled and 50% of the industrial workforce is due to retire in the next five years, taking critical experience and expertise with them. IFS Cloud 25R2 addresses this directly with applied Industrial AI and Digital Workers that have the potential to expand industrial workforce capacity infinitely. Speaking at Industrial X, New York, IFS customer Pedro Buhigas, CIO at Kodiak Gas Services, said: "If half of our workforce engages with the [IFS Loops] agent once per day, that's three million dollars a year of ROI. More importantly, that's ninety thousand hours we can give back to field service technicians to do their job." With 25R2, IFS.ai expands its embedded intelligence and Digital Workers across the IFS Cloud suite, launching new AI-driven capabilities in its ERP, EAM and FSM solutions that make AI a true co-worker with contextual knowledge for every role. Christian Pedersen, Chief Innovation Officer, IFS, said: "The strength of our solutions lie in their application - AI deeply embedded into the complex processes and workflows of industry to work autonomously, intelligently, and profitably. Generic, consumer-grade AI tools simply can't cut it in these environments. This is what attracts world-leading AI partners to work with us as they seek to expand in the industrial space. It's why customers trust us to transform their operations. This is the next frontier in Industrial AI, and IFS is defining it." Ending the Invisible Work Problem - the Next Generation of Automation Industrial organizations face a hidden productivity drain: the "invisible work" - repetitive, time-consuming tasks that consume 40-60% of field and operations staff capacity but drive minimal strategic value. These repetitive workflows (order processing, inventory management, maintenance scheduling, data entry) delay critical operations, result in unplanned downtime, prevent first-time fixes, and consume hours that frontline experts could spend on high-value judgment calls. IFS Loops Digital Workers represent the next generation of automation - advanced software agents that work alongside teams. They are embedded to execute complex workflows across systems, streamline repetitive processes, and deliver continuous operational value. All within a secure, governed, and fully auditable environment built for enterprise scale. IFS Loops Digital Workers are fundamentally different from consumer-grade automation tools. They: Think - Embedded with domain knowledge specific to industrial operations (maintenance protocols, supply chain constraints, asset-specific rules) - Embedded with domain knowledge specific to industrial operations (maintenance protocols, supply chain constraints, asset-specific rules) Decide - Autonomous execution within governed parameters; human-in-the-loop for exception management - Autonomous execution within governed parameters; human-in-the-loop for exception management Act - Execute complex workflows across systems 24/7 - no downtime, no handoffs - Execute complex workflows across systems 24/7 - no downtime, no handoffs Remain Auditable - Full traceability and governance for mission-critical and regulated industries Industrial AI is expanding the workforce, not replacing it. Digital Workers multiply human capability when labor shortages and infrastructure demands have never been greater. The first five Digital Workers available are: Customer Order Manager - Accelerates order processing, reduces errors, and ensures accurate, end-to-end order fulfilment. - Accelerates order processing, reduces errors, and ensures accurate, end-to-end order fulfilment. Supplier Order Manager - Ensures supplier orders are accurate, on time, and coordinated, reducing delays and operational risk. - Ensures supplier orders are accurate, on time, and coordinated, reducing delays and operational risk. Inventory Replenisher - Reduces stockouts and overstock by automatically monitoring and replenishing inventory. - Reduces stockouts and overstock by automatically monitoring and replenishing inventory. Operations Analyst - Provides teams with consolidated, actionable information from multiple sources. - Provides teams with consolidated, actionable information from multiple sources. Material Replenisher - Ensures critical materials are available on time, preventing production or service delays. Cathie Hall, Chief Product and Customer Officer, IFS, commented: "Our commitment to customers is to embed industrial-focused AI where it matters most - in the daily workflows of field technicians, maintenance planners, and operations teams. We're ensuring that what we build is immediately adopted and delivers measurable impact, all with AI at the core. This reflects confidence in our technology and our ambition to lead the market by operating with deeper customer connection than anyone else. AI Embedded for Real-Time Orchestration of Industrial Operations and Supply Chains Alongside Digital Workers, IFS Cloud 25R2 embeds Applied Industrial AI throughout the customer journey: Field Service Management - Technician-focused AI tools boost productivity and first-time fix rates. IFS.ai Copilot provides instant information and key answers in the field. Work Briefing Generation enhances preparation and reduces oversights with an AI-generated job summary, consolidating critical task information, while Service Report Summarization accelerates customer sign-off with clear, AI-generated summaries. - Technician-focused AI tools boost productivity and first-time fix rates. IFS.ai Copilot provides instant information and key answers in the field. Work Briefing Generation enhances preparation and reduces oversights with an AI-generated job summary, consolidating critical task information, while Service Report Summarization accelerates customer sign-off with clear, AI-generated summaries. Enterprise Asset Management - AI-driven capabilities improve maintenance accuracy, reduce downtime, and enhance planning precision. The Work Task Template Optimizer utilizes AI-driven insights to improve maintenance instructions. New Work Order Reporting: Data Population allows technicians to enter short summaries or voice notes that automatically populate key details. The FMECA Data Enhancer accelerates reliability analysis with AI-driven suggestions for failure modes and causes. - AI-driven capabilities improve maintenance accuracy, reduce downtime, and enhance planning precision. The Work Task Template Optimizer utilizes AI-driven insights to improve maintenance instructions. New Work Order Reporting: Data Population allows technicians to enter short summaries or voice notes that automatically populate key details. The FMECA Data Enhancer accelerates reliability analysis with AI-driven suggestions for failure modes and causes. Enterprise Resource Planning - AI enhancements strengthen planning accuracy, inventory control, and financial agility across operations. Manufacturing gains AI-powered MRP Simulation for multi-scenario demand planning, Sales Price Elements for dynamic pricing accuracy, and First Article Inspection for streamlined compliance workflows. Finance benefits from automated supplier invoice data capture and intelligent business planning baselines. - AI enhancements strengthen planning accuracy, inventory control, and financial agility across operations. Manufacturing gains AI-powered MRP Simulation for multi-scenario demand planning, Sales Price Elements for dynamic pricing accuracy, and First Article Inspection for streamlined compliance workflows. Finance benefits from automated supplier invoice data capture and intelligent business planning baselines. Aviation Maintenance - AI-powered capabilities accelerate maintenance operations and improve part selection accuracy. The new IFS.ai Smart Part Finder delivers context-aware part suggestions using structured IPC data and AI, reducing search time and improving accuracy to accelerate aircraft return-to-service. "[With IFS] it wasn't just about the technology, it was about business processes, operating best practices, and business acumen. My team was totally energized; we had junior through senior members all in the same room, and it allowed us to stop, innovate, and streamline processes in flight. Through that transition and technology partnership, we drove 30 % savings to the bottom line - proof of how simplifying complexity pays off."- Tony Alloway, VP North American Operations, BGIS, IFS customer, speaking at Industrial X Unleashed Sustainable and Profitable Growth IFS Cloud 25R2 continues to embed sustainable practices automatically while driving financial returns for customers. New AI-powered KPI Narrative Generation and enhanced emissions tracking integrate sustainability into every operational decision - bringing visibility to the forefront rather than treating it as a month-end reporting exercise. This results in companies strengthening compliance and sustainability reporting while proving that profitability and sustainability advance together. IFS Cloud 25R2 is available from 27 November. For more information about IFS Loops Digital Workers and the latest release, visit https://www.ifs.com/ifs-cloud/ifs-cloud-release CONTACT: IFS Press Contacts: EUROPE / MEA / APJ: Adam Gillbe IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications Email: adam.gillbe@ifs.com NORTH AMERICA / LATAM: Mairi Morgan IFS, Director of Corporate & Executive Communications Email: mairi.morgan@ifs.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Public/855/4273633/8d47cd6512531b00_org.png 930x432px PRESS RELEASE View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ifs-cloud-25r2-unlocking-10x-industrial-workforce-capacity-with-digital-workers-and-applied-industrial-ai-302627499.html Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Teako Minerals Corp. (CSE: TMIN) (the "Company" or "Teako") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 2025 field program on four (4) 100%-owned uranium ("U") projects in northern Norway (the "Projects"). The field mapping/sampling program has confirmed the prospectivity of these Projects for uranium deposits associated with felsic intrusions / pegmatites, and was complemented by a ground gamma-ray spectrometry survey which returned elevated U concentrations (up to 7,114 ppm1) at the Svarthola project. The northern Norway U Projects form part of the energy metals portfolio within the Company's Project Hub model, and complement the Company's ongoing exploration focus on its base metals projects in the County of Trndelag. 2025 Uranium Field Program Field work conducted at the Svarthola, Tverrlandet, Lavangen, and Kvfjord Projects (or each a "Project") in northern Norway (Figure 1) comprised detailed geological mapping and sampling of uranium mineralization across all four projects, complemented by ground-based gamma-ray spectrometry surveys conducted with a Georadis GT40 spectrometry unit ("GT40") to acquire uranium concentrations. Figure 1: Location map of the Svarthola, Tverrlandet, Lavangen and Kvfjord Projects To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8258/276172_teako1en.jpg 1 Spectrometer analyses were performed on select samples which may not be representative of all mineralization hosted within the Projects. The Svarthola Project The Svarthola Project is situated approximately 10 km north of the town and port of Fauske in Nordland and contains the Harelifjell occurrence ("Harelifjell"). Mineralization at Harelifjell has been identified as zones of uraninite mineralization within an aplite body. This aplite can be traced up to 1.4 km NE-SW with historic rock-chip grades confirmed up to 5% U (Lindhal 1984)2. The target was to characterize the Harelifjell mineralization, sample the known mineralized areas and map out radiometric anomalies associated with the occurrence, via a high-resolution survey with the GT40. Mineralization consists of fracture zones and dark black biotite-uraninite within the aplite body, with U grades from the Company's survey reaching 7,114 ppm (Figure 2). Historical drilling failed to replicate surface grades and raised questions about depth continuity. However, to the northeast of Harelifjell the GT40 also identified areas with U enrichment at significantly lower topographical elevation, suggesting greater potential depth continuity of mineralization than previously thought at Harelifjell. This second area of enrichment highlights the strike potential of the Svarthola Project, with initial exploration confirming U potential over a minimum 1 km strike length. Figure 2: Svarthola Project map highlighting the potential strike length of mineralization at Harelifjell. The inset map shows the radiometric data across the Svarthola Project highlighting further potential across the region (radiometric data edited to present only highest data). To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8258/276172_teako2en.jpg The Tverrlandet Project At the Tverrlandet Project, which is situated approximately 45 km southwest of Narvik, the focus was to assess the rare earth elements ("REE") and U potential of the northern Tysfjord basement window, within the TIB-2 granites. Historical soil geochemistry data collected by the Norwegian Geological Survey (the "NGU") identified local soil anomalies reading up to 19.2 ppm U2, recorded around the area the Teako field crew focussed its exploration efforts. The results of the GT40 survey of the area showed U enrichment in and around pegmatites, with elevated gamma readings identified around the new Kulhornet target (Figure 3). The general locations and elevated values of the uranium in the soil data provided by the NGU raises questions regarding the source of these elevated values, if they are also linked to pegmatites, or if there is a second source of uranium in this region. Figure 3: Tverrlandet Project map with NGU soil sampling data (Finne & Eggen, 2013) overlain, with select GT40 survey readings across the area of investigation (inset) To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8258/276172_teako3en.jpg The Lavangen Project The Lavangen Project is situated 37 km north of the major port of Narvik and hosts the pegmatite hosted Spansdalen uranium occurrence, the focus base of this initial investigation. Radiometric studies of this area in the 1980's highlighted the Spansdalen occurrence to contain values reaching 2543 ppm U (Lindhal 1983)2. Rock samples taken by the NGU in the 1990's also revealed uranium grades up to 1155 ppm2. The goal was to assess the historical Spansdalen occurrence with the GT40 and extend this survey over select areas of interest. The GT40 results showed readings of mineralization (up to 930 ppm U1) (Figure 4). Figure 4: Lavangen Project overview highlighting the granitic gneiss inlier over the project area. Radiometric data from the NGU has been altered to show the highest values. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8258/276172_teako4en.jpg Within the Spansdalen occurrence uranium and molybdenum mineralization was identified by field crews within fracture zones (Figure 5). This enrichment may suggest that the pegmatites at the Lavangen Project are part of a system of later phase or evolved pegmatitic intrusions with structures present across the project area. The orientation of this outcropping mineralization indicates the potential for strike extension to the northeast. Figure 5: Outcropping molybdenite and secondary uranium mineralization within the Spansdalen pegmatite To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8258/276172_teako5en.jpg The Kvfjord Project At the Kvfjord Project, which lies approximately 10 km west of the town of Harstad, exploration efforts concentrated around the historical Berg disseminated sulphide deposit, with a renewed focus on its uranium potential. Historic work around the old workings was focussed on base metal extraction with chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite being the main sulphides present. Uraninite mineralization has been found around the Berg deposit itself with the NGU reporting mineralization up to 9181 ppm U and with work in 1982 reporting grades of 0.3% U (Often, 1982)2. The GT40 survey over the area identified uranium with assay function data (reaching 24 ppm1). These data were compared to regional and historical data which highlights untested areas with promising radiometric data, with the largest anomaly being in the northern part of the Project (Figure 6). Figure 6: Overview of the Kvfjord project with inset of the area of investigation with the GT40. The background radiometric map has been edited to highlight the highest U values, indicating multiple areas of interest over the project. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8258/276172_teako6en.jpg 2 The Company has not undertaken sufficient analytical work to confirm reported historical assay results, but believes these to be reliable and relevant to the discussion on known mineralization at the Projects. Qualified Persons and Disclosure Statement The technical information presented in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and reviewed and approved by Eric Roth, a Non-Executive Director of Teako and Qualified Person under NI 43- 101. Mr. Roth holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from the University of Western Australia, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), and is a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists. Mr. Roth has over 35 years of experience in international minerals exploration and mining project evaluation. About Teako Minerals Corp.: Teako Minerals Corp. is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company committed to acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties in Norway, focusing on critical metals such as copper, cobalt, zinc and molybdenum. By leveraging leading-edge exploration technologies and strategic partnerships, Teako aims to address the growing demand for essential minerals while generating value for shareholders and stakeholders alike. Teako's Project Hub, including the Lkken and Venna main projects, covers an extensive land package prospective for copper, cobalt, zinc, gold, platinum group elements (or "PGE"), uranium, antimony, molybdenum and rare-earth-elements. The Project Hub strategy was initially developed from the Company's first-mover advantage in-country, leveraging both technical skill and strong local community engagement to acquire and advance groups of both core and non-core assets. Core assets such as the Lkken-Venna district remain integral to the Company's self-funded exploration programs, whereas the Company aims to retain exposure to exploration success on non-core assets through securing deals with strong partners. These deals, if secured, are intended to potentially bring in capital and/or ongoing cash flow, retain upside exposure, and reduce overall risk, thereby strengthening Teako's foundation. Teako holds a 10% economic interest in the Hulderdalen, Moelva, Kvelde and Skarafjell projects owned by Fritze Skoger AS. Forward-Looking Information: This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Teako. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Teako. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "will," "may," "would," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "could" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements related to (i) the Company's expectations and views with respect to certain mining jurisdictions, future transactions and the Company's plans. Although Teako believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Teako 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. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include but are not limited to, risks associated with the mineral exploration industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraint in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, changes in legislation impacting the mining industry, adverse weather conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. These and other risks are set out in more detail in Teako's interim Management's Discussion and Analysis, July 31, 2025. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. References Lindahl, I. (1983) Radiometriske bilmalinger i Troms 1983. NGU Rapport 84.062. Trondheim: Norges Geologiske Underskelse. Often, M. (1982) Geologiske underskelser og diamantboring ved Berg Gruve, Borkenes. NGU Rapport BV1151 Trondheim: Norges geologiske underskelse. Finne, T.-E. & Eggen, O. A. (2013) Soil geochemical data from Nord-Salten, Nordland. NGU Rapport 2013.015. Trondheim: Geological Survey of Norway (for data used in figures) Lindahl, I. (1984) Rishaugfjellvinduet og Harelifjell uranmineralisering. NGU Rapport 84.057. Trondheim: Norges geologiske underskelse To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276172 SOURCE: Teako Minerals Corp. Large, never-drilled ultramafic target identified beside Kerr Addison. MT anomaly from ~250 metres to >1,000 metres. Strong structural alignment with Larder Lake-Cadillac Deformation Zone and key district faults. Interpreted folded ultramafic unit with high-grade potential. High-impact upside with ANT survey to refine and then drill-test. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Stardust Metal Corp. (CSE: ZIGY) ("Stardust" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the discovery of a significant geophysical target at its McGarry Project, located in the heart of the world-class Kirkland Lake gold district, home to some of Canada's most prolific high-grade gold mines, including Kerr Addison, Macassa, Upper Beaver, and several others. Presentation on McGarry's Ultramafic Target MT Image of Target Map of McGarry's Location in Kirkland Lake Geophysical Target Highlights MT Anomaly The Magnetotellurics (MT) survey highlights a large, deep feature beneath the sedimentary cover, visible from approximately -250 m and extending well beyond -1,000 m, below the depth detectable by conventional IP methods. IP Survey An Induced Polarization (IP) survey was done concurrently with the MT survey and confirms the general pattern of the MT results in the top 250 of the sections both in terms of the resistivity and the chargeability responses and major features such as the Larder Lake-Cadillac Deformation Zone (LLCDZ), the Armistice Fault and the Mill Zone Fault are visible on both surveys but the anomaly that is highlighted in this news release is located below the IP response. Geological Interpretation: The anomaly is interpreted as a folded ultramafic unit, in disconformable contact with overlying sediments and forms a synclinal structure plunging to the west. The base of the sedimentary unit has not been intersected in drilling and until recently was thought to be very deep and beyond the limit of geophysics. But the MT response is very clear and indicates the presence of a low-resistivity body sitting right beneath the sediments and espousing the syncline from about 250m depth to well beyond 1000m. Its shape and response suggests potential to host an ultramafic unit similar to the rocks that host the known gold deposits in the district. Only drilling this target will tell if gold-rich solutions penetrated the body but an Ambient Noise Tomographic (ANT) seismic survey should refine the target in anticipation of drill testing. Structural and Regional Context: Key structures including the LLCDZ, Armistice Fault, and Mill Zone Fault are clearly reflected in both IP and MT datasets, demonstrating the reliability of the survey and aligning with known district-scale controls on mineralization. District Significance: The McGarry Project sits immediately adjacent to several historic and currently operating high-grade mines. The identification of a deep, never-drilled target within potentially ultramafic rocks underscores the potential to discover new, high-grade zones at depth, complementing the district's rich endowment of gold resources. This target, which has never been drilled and was highlighted during recent compilation work, was identified thanks to a comprehensive IP-MT survey completed by Quantec and reviewed and interpreted by Charles Beaudry, M.Sc., P.Geo. The anomaly sits beneath a sedimentary unit usually mapped as Temiskaming Assemblage and, by its shape and low resistivity, is thought to represent an ultramafic unit. The anomaly's size, depth, and geological context make it a high-priority drill target, with potential to host significant mineralization similar to nearby high-grade deposits. "If it is an ultramafic unit as postulated, it has never been tested in drilling or seen in underground workings and it is possible that the fluids responsible for the Kerr Addison deposit (see Gold Candle news release dated June 3rd 2025) could have penetrated the domain lying beneath the sedimentary unit. This prediction is totally reasonable because of the presence of significant near surface gold mineralization (see Mill Zone on Kerr Addison and McGarry properties) as much as 1,000 metres south of the Larder Lake-Cadillac Deformation Zone (LLCDZ)," said Charles Beaudry, Director of Stardust. Next Steps Stardust plans to conduct an Ambient Noise Tomography (ANT) survey to provide high-resolution 3D imaging of density-velocity contrasts. This approach will refine the depth, size, and geometry of the anomaly and guide the first-ever drill testing of this exciting ultramafic target. QP Statement The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Charles Beaudry, P.Geo and geo., Director of Stardust Metal Corp., a Qualified Person, as defined in "National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects." For the exploration undertaken by Stardust, all assay batches are accompanied by rigorous Quality Assurance procedures, including the insertion of standards and blanks. For the latest videos from Stardust, Ore Group, and all things mining, subscribe to our YouTube Channel here. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. Stardust assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to Stardust. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by Stardust with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under Stardust profile at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276139 SOURCE: Stardust Metal Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia and Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) (FSE: MV3) ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has received approval of its Work Plan for the exploration tunnel at its Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project in Victoria, Australia. This approval marks a significant milestone in the Company's progression from exploration success towards mine development. Over the past three years, Southern Cross Gold has systematically demonstrated one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries. Purpose and Benefits of the Exploration Tunnel The exploration tunnel (also known as an exploration decline) will provide underground access to high-grade mineralization at Sunday Creek (Figures 1 and 2). This will enable the Company to: Conduct detailed geological mapping and sampling of mineralized structures Execute precision underground drilling to expand and define the resource along strike and at depth Gather geotechnical data essential for future mine design Assess various mining methods and equipment selection for potential future operations Underground access represents a significant advancement over surface drilling alone, enabling the Company to more efficiently delineate high-grade mineralization across multiple areas. Community and Environmental Commitment Southern Cross Gold remains committed to the highest standards of environmental management and community engagement. Following extensive consultation, the tunnel design was refined to minimize impacts on the environment, cultural heritage areas, and the community. Key benefits include: Reduced impacts from 24-hour surface drilling operations Fewer surface drill pads required, protecting neighbours, native vegetation and heritage features Further information, including FAQs and fact sheets are available at www.southerncrossgoldcommunity.com.au. Community enquiries: community@southerncrossgold.com.au or 1800 717 638 or Media contact: Seamus Bradley | seamusbradley@gmail.com | +61 410 256 902 Michael Hudson, President & CEO, stated: "This Work Plan approval is a pivotal milestone in Sunday Creek's evolution from exploration discovery to future potential mine development. We are assembling the pieces needed for a commercially viable operation: an exceptional high-grade discovery with demonstrated depth continuity, strategic freehold land ownership, proven metallurgy, and now approval for underground access. "The exploration tunnel will allow us access to drill and better understand the high-grade mineralization, significantly enhancing our ability to define and expand the resource and advance technical studies. With 10 surface drill rigs operating today, the Company plans to add an additional 12 drill rigs underground after the decline completion for 22 rigs in total, making it the largest pre-development drill program in Australia. "We are grateful for the professionalism shown by Victorian government agencies throughout the approvals process. Southern Cross Gold commenced in-house engineering and environmental work in late 2024, submitted our Work Plan in late July 2025, and received approval in November 2025. "This timeline demonstrates Victoria is open for business while maintaining rigorous environmental and community standards. "We remain committed to working constructively with all stakeholders - government, community and the Taungurung people - as we advance this globally significant discovery responsibly. "This approval, combined with our strong balance sheet, and outstanding drilling results, positions Southern Cross Gold to advance Sunday Creek toward its potential as a globally significant Victorian gold producer with a strategic antimony supply that opens the door for wider made-in-Victoria opportunities." Next Steps Site establishment activities are scheduled to commence within the next month. The Company will notify nearby residents of this approval and provide ongoing updates as construction progresses. The Company is also progressing secondary approvals under the Water Act and Environment Protection Act, working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Resources Victoria, and other relevant agencies before underground work commences. Underground construction will take 6-9 months and comply with strict operational controls to protect people, environment and infrastructure. The Company will continue to: Maintain ongoing community engagement throughout the construction process Continue the expanded drilling program across Sunday Creek's multiple high-grade prospects Advance engineering and technical studies supporting future development decisions About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF), controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 1.2 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth. Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing approximately 20% of the in-situ value alongside gold, meaning Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defence and semiconductor applications. Southern Cross' inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Technical fundamentals further strengthen the investment case, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing and gold recoveries of 93-98% through gravity and flotation. With a strong cash position, over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and a large 200 km drill program planned through Q1 2027, SXGC is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction. - Ends - This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian or Australian (under code SX2) securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for the Company in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www.asx.com.au (under code SX2). Documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. Figure 1: Sunday Creek plan view showing conceptual surface and underground tunnel layout. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11541/276166_0d3d66f1348b889f_001full.jpg Figure 2: Sunday Creek longitudinal cross section of exploration tunnel. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11541/276166_0d3d66f1348b889f_002full.jpg To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276166 SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. MADRID, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Anyformat, a generative AI platform specialized in extracting and structuring complex data from any document, has raised a 3.3 million seed round led by Kibo Ventures, with follow-on participation from 4Founders, Abac Nest Ventures, and Decelera Ventures. All three funds also invested in the company's previous round. The company is building the next generation of document infrastructure powered by generative AI. Its technology allows large organizations to process contracts, invoices, emails, or presentations with human-level accuracy at machine speed, while maintaining full control of sensitive data. Anyformat has already developed projects for the Singapore Government, L'Oreal Group, and IAG Group, demonstrating its ability to operate in complex, high-demand environments. Since raising 520,000 in June 2025, Anyformat has significantly expanded its capabilities beyond traditional document extraction. It is now the only provider that can combine information extracted from a document with a company's proprietary data in real time. This enables automated analysis of unstructured documents while cross-referencing data with internal records such as customer databases, policies, product catalogs, or historical information. For organizations dealing with complex documentation and fragmented systems, this ability removes manual validation steps, reduces errors, and accelerates critical business processes. According to Dell Technologies' Innovation Catalyst report, 68% of Spanish companies are unable to turn their data into valuable, real-time insights-a gap Anyformat aims to address. "The document intelligence market is entering a new phase driven by generative AI and agentic systems. Anyformat has developed a unique technology that enables companies to automate critical processes while preserving data sovereignty, an essential requirement in Europe. The founders' vision and talent, combined with the vast potential of AI in a large and growing market, were key factors in our decision to invest," says Javier Torremocha, Co-founder and Managing Partner at Kibo Ventures. The company continues to refine its technology to convert any file into structured data for analytics, business intelligence, and operational workflows, always under strict privacy and security standards. Growth underway: over 1 million ARR expected in 2026 Anyformat forecasts surpassing 1 million in annual recurring revenue in 2026, driven by its European expansion and the increasing demand for automation, compliance tools, and advanced document processing. "Documents are the backbone of any organization. Our goal is to help companies analyze them with human intelligence, machine speed, and the level of security required by modern regulations," says Juan Huguet, CEO and co-founder. CTO and co-founder Diego Perez adds: "We are building technology that goes far beyond simple document digitization." The new funding will accelerate product development and expand the engineering and product teams, strengthening advanced extraction capabilities and proprietary error-detection models. The company will also build a dedicated sales team focused on Spain and the European Union. Anyformat will continue investing in its privacy-first infrastructure and work toward certifications such as ISO 27001, essential for serving large corporations and public institutions. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/anyformat-closes-a-3-3-million-seed-round-led-by-kibo-ventures-with-the-aim-of-transforming-document-management-for-global-corporations-302627516.html FOR USE IN CE-MARK EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ONLY StarGuide GX i empowers personalized care and research innovation as nuclear medicine expands into new applications empowers personalized care and research innovation as nuclear medicine expands into new applications The system doubles volume sensitivity,ii maintains high resolution and enables clinicians to virtually scan all energies fast including the acquisition of investigational alpha emitters like Actinium-225 with exceptional clarity and quantitation GE HealthCare today announced CE Mark for its new StarGuide GX system,i a new digital 4D SPECT/CT designed with excellent precision, clinical efficiency and impressive versatility. This milestone marks a significant moment in molecular imaging's evolution, helping empower clinicians to expand research and help personalize care across a growing range of nuclear medicine applications and tracers including the acquisition of alpha emitters. StarGuide GX comes at a pivotal time for the field of nuclear medicine. As complex diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease become increasingly prevalent, the demand for precision diagnostics and targeted therapies is accelerating. StarGuide GX helps meet this need head-on, enabling clinicians to break free from energy-range limitations and image tracers with exceptional clarity. With growing demand for digital SPECT/CT partially driven by the rise of theranostics GE HealthCare's innovation arrives as departments seek all-in-one, scalable solutions to help manage increasing patient volumes and complex treatment protocols. "Our mission is to advance precision health by delivering technologies that meet the evolving needs of clinicians and patients," shares Jean-Luc Procaccini, President and CEO, Molecular Imaging and Computed Tomography, GE HealthCare. "As nuclear medicine evolves to meet the demands of precision health, StarGuide GX is designed to help researchers and clinicians stay ahead, offering a whole new range of possibilities with one scanner. This innovation reflects our commitment to purposeful technology supporting cases across care pathways and the practice of theranostics to help both expand clinical capabilities and improve outcomes for patients worldwide." Powered by its dual-sided CZT detector technology, StarGuide GX is designed to deliver ultra-high sensitivity and high-resolution imaging enabling fast, confident diagnostics. The system's patented dual collimator detector design helps eliminate the need for traditional manual or automated external exchanges, streamlining workflows and helping users avoid physical strain. Moreover, StarGuide GX leverages NVIDIA RTX accelerated computing to optimize the reconstruction process and help reduce the time it takes to generate images. Intentionally designed for versatility, StarGuide GX represents an all-in-one system virtually capable of imaging all energy levels for general-purpose SPECT imaging as well as the acquisition of investigational alpha therapies such as Actinium-225 with excellent image quality, optimizing it for exploring imaging of emerging therapies. The system's ability to image closer to organs helps deliver excellent resolution and quantitation, both of which are important for treatment planning and monitoring. This enables clinicians to image tracers with exceptional clarity, with impressive workflow efficiency. "StarGuide GX is an innovation sure to prove valuable now and in the future," says Erez Levy, Executive Director, Molecular Imaging, GE HealthCare. "Its ability to image alpha emitters and deliver accurate quantitation in short scan times could create new opportunities for clinicians to personalize treatment with great confidence. This technology holds the promise of expanding nuclear medicine's research capabilities and clinical practice with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients across a wide range of conditions." Operationally, StarGuide GX is designed to support clinical efficiency, enabling fast scans, precise dynamic imaging and helping reduce traditional collimator exchange workflows from minutes to seconds. It's designed to reduce workload, helping departments manage growing patient volumes with limited resources. Additionally, the system features a lead-free laser-printed collimator that supports global sustainability goals and contributes to its impressive image quality. As nuclear medicine and the practice of theranostics expands, StarGuide GX equips healthcare providers with the tools needed to lead in research, clinical innovation and personalized care. With StarGuide GX's CE Marking, GE HealthCare continues to deliver on its promise to transform the future of nuclear medicine helping empower clinicians, improve outcomes and advance precision health for patients worldwide. For more information on GE HealthCare's molecular imaging portfolio, visit gehealthcare.com. Healthcare system representatives from CE Mark-observing countries are also invited to explore StarGuide GX in person at the Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) Annual Meeting in Chicago, November 30-December 3. About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. GE HealthCare is a trusted partner and leading global healthcare solutions provider, innovating medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and integrated, cloud-first AI-enabled solutions, services and data analytics. We aim to make hospitals and health systems more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient's journey across care pathways. Together, our Imaging, Advanced Visualization Solutions, Patient Care Solutions and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from screening and diagnosis to therapy and monitoring. We are a $19.7 billion business with approximately 53,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits. GE HealthCare is proud to be among 2025 Fortune World's Most Admired Companies. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and Insights for the latest news, or visit our website https://www.gehealthcare.com for more information. i StarGuide GX is CE marked. Available for sale in EU member states. Not approved or cleared by the U.S. FDA. Not available for sale in the United States and other non-EU member state countries. ii StarGuide GX with Low-Medium collimator has up to 2.67x increase in System Volume Sensitivity as compared to NM/CT 870 DR with LEHRS collimator. Measured per NEMA NU-1 2023. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251127633815/en/ Contacts: GE HealthCare Media Contact: Margaret Steinhafel +1 608 381 8829 Margaret.Steinhafel@gehealthcare.com THE HAGUE, Netherlands, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On 12 December 2025, the Americas Youth Advocacy Team will be honored with the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize at the Peace Palace in The Hague. The organization is being recognized for its innovative approach to making peacebuilding accessible, connecting young peacebuilders across the Americas, and actively engaging policymakers to advance youth participation in peace processes. The Laureate The Americas Youth Advocacy Team (Am-YAT), established in May 2024 under the umbrella of the United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY), is a dynamic network uniting 25 young peacebuilders from 16 youth-led organizations across the Americas. Its mission is to strengthen youth-led advocacy and advance the implementation of international and regional Youth, Peace and Security frameworks through research, workshops, campaigns, and grassroots initiatives. In April 2025, Am-YAT launched its flagship report, Catalyst for Change, an evidence-based publication that addresses critical gaps in youth and peace research and offers practical tools for stakeholders to support youth participation in peacebuilding. The report focuses on three key themes: youth involvement in conflict resolution, advocacy for human and environmental rights, and unity in diversity. It showcases inspiring grassroots initiatives and provides actionable recommendations for policymakers. By promoting intersectional cooperation, investing in education, and fostering cross-cultural dialogue, Catalyst for Change charts a roadmap for countering polarization and advancing sustainable peace. The Jury's Statement The jury of the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize explains: "Working for peace can sometimes feel abstract, and analyzing numbers and statistics can seem like a dry subject. The young people of Americas Youth Advocacy Team know how to bring ideas and numbers to life in everyday experiences: They fill gaps in existing research on Youth, Peace and Security, make it accessible to a broad audience and actively seek dialogue with policymakers - all while connecting young peacebuilders across North America, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Am-YAT and its report serve as a strategic tool for advocating youth involvement, mobilizing investment in youth-led peace initiatives, and fostering a strong sense of empowerment." Youth Carnegie Peace Prize The Carnegie Foundation, owner and manager of the Peace Palace, together with the Youth Peace Initiative, awards the Youth Carnegie Peace Prize every two years to showcase outstanding best practices by young individuals and youth-led organizations. The prize shines a spotlight on innovative peacebuilding efforts and aims to inspire others to launch their own initiatives. In 2023, the international youth movement World's Youth for Climate Justice won the Prize for its dedicated efforts in fighting climate change by means of international law and for advocating climate justice. Award Ceremony The Youth Carnegie Peace Prize will be formally presented to the Americas Youth Advocacy Team on Friday, 12 December 2025. The award ceremony will be held in the Auditorium of the Peace Palace and will be streamed live online. Program details are available on the Peace Palace's website. Press Invitation / Note for Editors: Members of the press are cordially invited to attend the award ceremony on Friday, 12 December 2025, in the Auditorium of the Peace Palace. more information: www.peacepalace.org/youthprize. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2833630/Carnegie_Foundation.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/americas-youth-advocacy-team-receives-2025-youth-carnegie-peace-prize-302627532.html DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets, the recreational boat market is projected to reach USD 24.64 billion by 2032, from USD 15.96 billion in 2025, with a CAGR of 6.4%. Browse 230 market data Tables and 200 Figures spread through 300 Pages and in-depth TOC on " Recreational Boat Market - Global Forecast to 2032" Recreational Boat Market Size & Forecast: Market Size Available for Years: 2021-2032 2021-2032 2025 Market Size: USD 15.96 billion USD 15.96 billion 2032 Projected Market Size: USD 24.64 billion USD 24.64 billion CAGR (2025-2032): 6.4% Recreational Boat Market Trends & Insights: The growth in the recreational boat market is driven by global demand for leisure activities and flexible ownership models. Cruising & watersports is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Engine-powered boats are expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period. North America is expected to be the leading market for recreational boats during the forecast period. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=227150980 The growth in the recreational boat market is driven by global demand for leisure activities and flexible ownership models. Notably, fractional ownership and boat subscription models are making high-end and ultra-luxury vessels more accessible. This growth is further fueled by an increase in the number of high-net-worth individuals worldwide and the expansion of marina infrastructure. However, the industry is facing headwinds from supply chain disruptions for engines and materials, which are causing delays in deliveries. Increasing regulatory pressure on emissions and noise regulations is compelling manufacturers to introduce costly hybrid and electric solutions. These challenges, combined with high maintenance and mooring (a place where boats are tied down safely) costs, may slow market growth despite strong demand. Cruising & watersports is expected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period. Cruising and watersports boats are expected to be the fastest-growing segment in the recreational boat market, driven by rising leisure tourism and a growing preference for premium outdoor experiences. These boats combine broad accessibility with high equipment utilization. Technically, cruising boats and personal watercraft (PWCs) are easier to operate, have improved propulsion efficiency and stability systems, and require less crew or maintenance compared to large yachts or sailing vessels. Advances in outboard engine technology, lightweight composites, and modular deck designs have made boats more versatile for activities such as towing, wakeboarding, diving, and coastal cruising. The growing presence of rental operators and digital booking platforms for charter boats and jet skis has further expanded participation. Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=227150980 Engine-powered boats are expected to be the largest segment during the forecast period. Engine-powered boats are expected to be the largest segment in the recreational boat market. This growth in sales volume can be attributed to their high-power output for longer trips, established fueling infrastructure, and their practicality, which makes them suitable for multipurpose use. In the US and Europe, engine-powered boats are the highest-selling, largely due to their well-developed marina infrastructure, strong boating cultures, and high prevalence of leisure activities such as wakeboarding, fishing, and luxury cruising. Particularly, the US benefits from extensive coastlines, inland waterways, and established boat financing systems. European countries such as France, Italy, and the Netherlands also continue to invest in coastal tourism and lake-based recreation. North America is expected to be the leading market for recreational boats during the forecast period. North America is expected to remain the leading recreational boat market, supported by its deeply rooted boating culture and vast network of waterways across the US and Canada. Strong participation in fishing, cruising, and watersports activities is ensured by a mature marina network, robust resale market, and established financing and insurance systems. Leading OEMs, such as Brunswick Corporation, Malibu Boats, and MasterCraft, continue to drive innovation in propulsion, connectivity, and safety technologies, thereby maintaining consumer interest. Government involvement in the region further strengthens market stability. The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the US Coast Guard Boating Safety Program receive federal funding to promote safe and sustainable boating activity. Simultaneously, broader infrastructure and electrification initiatives improve marina facilities and access. Expanding rental, sharing, and charter models also widen participation of consumers in the boat market beyond ownership. Inquire Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=227150980 Top Companies in Recreational Boat Market: The Top Companies in Recreational Boat Market are Brunswick Corporation (US), Yamaha Motor Corporation (Japan), Groupe Beneteau (France), Malibu Boats (US), MasterCraft Boat Company (US), Sunseeker International (UK), and Ferretti Group (Italy). Browse Adjacent Market: Automotive and Transportation Market Research Reports & Consulting Related Reports: Battery Passport Market Automotive Suspension Market Rubber Track Market Electric 3 Wheeler Market About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets has been recognized as one of America's Best Management Consulting Firms by Forbes, as per their recent report. MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. With the widest lens on emerging technologies, we are proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients across the globe. Today, 80% of Fortune 2000 companies rely on MarketsandMarkets, and 90 of the top 100 companies in each sector trust us to accelerate their revenue growth. With a global clientele of over 13,000 organizations, we help businesses thrive in a disruptive ecosystem. The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion in new revenue streams that are replacing existing ones within this decade. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing. Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we collaborate with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies to keep them future-ready. Our insights and strategies are powered by industry experts, cutting-edge AI, and our Market Intelligence Cloud, KnowledgeStore, which integrates research and provides ecosystem-wide visibility into revenue shifts. To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn and Facebook . Contact: Mr. Rohan Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 1615 South Congress Ave. Suite 103, Delray Beach, FL 33445 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1868219/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/recreational-boat-market-worth-24-64-billion-by-2032--marketsandmarkets-302627386.html AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the In-Silico Clinical Trials Market Size was USD 3.76 billion in 2023, increased to USD 3.95 billion in 2024, and is projected to achieve USD 6.39 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2025 and 2033. This shift reflects a profound structural transformation across drug development, medical device evaluation, regulatory science, and post-market monitoring-driven by computational modeling, virtual patient simulations, and AI-based predictive systems. In-silico trials (ISTs) are rapidly emerging as an integral part of pharmaceutical R&D and regulatory evaluation. These computational simulations enable researchers to digitally model drug candidates, medical devices, dosing strategies, toxicity profiles, and responses across diverse patient subpopulations. By complementing laboratory and clinical studies, in-silico trials reduce experimental workload, enhance prediction accuracy, and shorten development timelines, ultimately improving time-to-market for innovative therapies. With rising development costs of pharmaceuticals, delayed approvals, protocol failures, and persistent patient-recruitment challenges, in-silico trial (IST) platforms have become essential tools for accelerating evidence generation. They are now widely adopted by pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, CROs, and academic research institutions seeking to modernize clinical development and enhance decision-making precision. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/in-silico-clinical-trials-market Browse in-depth TOC on 'In-Silico Clinical Trials Market' 62 - Tables 53 - Figures 178 - Pages A New Era of Virtual Evidence: Why In-Silico Trials Are Becoming an Industry Necessity 1. Escalating Clinical Trial Costs Drug development costs surpassed USD 2.3 billion per approved drug on average (2024), increasing pressure to reduce physical trial size and optimize protocols via digital twin simulations. 2. Regulatory Acceptance Gaining Momentum The FDA, EMA, PMDA, and MHRA increasingly encourage Model-Informed Drug Development (MIDD), digital biocompatibility studies, and virtual bioequivalence assessments-boosting confidence in in-silico evidence. 3. AI & HPC Improving Modeling Accuracy High-performance computing (HPC), machine learning, mechanistic modeling, and biological system simulations now replicate complex 'virtual patient' responses with greater fidelity than ever before. Market Segmentation By Application (Drug Development, Medical Device Evaluation, Regulatory Submissions, Post-Market Surveillance, Others) Drug Development Drug development represented the largest share of the market, accounting for nearly 52% of global revenue (USD 2.06 billion) in 2024. Pharmaceutical and biotech companies increasingly use virtual modeling to optimize dosing, predict toxicity, simulate rare disease outcomes, and replicate population variability. AI-augmented quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP), PK/PD modeling, and virtual screening are cutting years off development timelines. Medical Device Evaluation Medical device simulation accounted for 28% (USD 1.10 billion). Device manufacturers increasingly use in-silico trials to evaluate implant behavior, biomechanics, material interactions, and device failure probabilities-reducing reliance on animal tests and early-stage human trials. Adoption is particularly strong in cardiovascular implants, orthopedic devices, neurostimulation systems, and digital therapeutics. Regulatory Submissions Regulatory use represented 12% (USD 474 million). Agencies are now accepting mechanistic models, computational biocompatibility tests, and virtual patient datasets to support approvals. Regulatory submissions using IST grew 19% YoY from 2023-2024. Post-Market Surveillance Post-market digital monitoring captured 6% (USD 237 million). Companies use in-silico simulations to evaluate device longevity, identify rare failure modes, and compare real-world evidence (RWE) against virtual cohorts. By End-User (Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies, Medical Device Manufacturers, Academic & Research Institutes, CROs, Others) Pharmaceutical & Biotech Companies This was the dominant end-user group, representing 47% of market share (USD 1.86 billion). The need to reduce R&D risk, optimize protocols, and predict patient responses drove rapid IST integration across small-molecule, biologics, RNA therapies, and cell & gene therapy pipelines. Medical Device Manufacturers Medical device companies accounted for 29% (USD 1.15 billion). These firms rely heavily on digital twins for implant behavior simulation, hemodynamic modeling, and mechanical stress testing-significantly lowering costs for cardiovascular, dental, orthopedics, and neuromodulation devices. Academic & Research Institutes Universities and institutes held 13% (USD 515 million), often supported by government-funded modeling programs and translational medicine grants. Contract Research Organizations (CROs) CROs represented 9% (USD 356 million). Many CROs are now adding modeling & simulation (M&S) divisions to serve pharma and MedTech clients seeking hybrid or fully digital trial components. Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=in-silico-clinical-trials-market Regional Analysis - Where U.S. & Japan Lead The Digital Trial Revolution United States The U.S. accounted for 44% of global market value (USD 1.74 billion in 2024), driven by strong FDA initiatives, high corporate adoption, and a mature AI modeling ecosystem. Key U.S. Market Indicators: FDA's MIDD pilot program participation increased 23% YoY (2023-2024) >65% of top 50 pharma companies use in-silico modeling routinely use in-silico modeling routinely Medical device M&S submissions grew 28% YoY Digital twins in MedTech R&D rose 34% YoY By 2033, the U.S. market is forecasted to exceed USD 3.0 billion. Japan Japan represented 9% of the global market (USD 355 million in 2024). PMDA's structured approach to digital evidence, combined with growing collaborations among universities, med-tech developers, and simulation software providers, positions Japan as a key innovation hub. Japan Market Trends: Hybrid clinical modeling programs increased 21% YoY Japan's medical device simulation usage grew by 17% YoY Government-backed digital trial initiatives exceeded USD 150 million in 2024 By 2033, Japan's market value is expected to surpass USD 700 million. Competitive Landscape: Certara 2024 Revenue: USD 367 million USD % Revenue from Modeling & Simulation: 62% 62% R&D Investment: USD 45+ million Certara remains the global leader in pharmacometrics, QSP modeling, PBPK simulation, and software-led clinical optimization. Dassault Systemes 2024 Revenue: USD 6.20 billion USD Life Sciences Segment: USD 1.3 billion USD R&D Spending: USD 700 million Dassault's BIOVIA and SIMULIA platforms dominate virtual device testing and mechanistic biological modeling. InSilicoTrials Technologies Private company; revenue: USD 26 million USD Heavy investment in cloud-based simulation regulators trust for CE and FDA filings. Simulations Plus 2024 Revenue: USD 59 million USD Modeling & Simulation Share: 95% Prominent for PBPK, ADMET, and clinical pharmacology modeling tools. Physiomics Plc Revenue 2024: USD 1.6 million USD A niche specialist in oncology in-silico modeling. Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=in-silico-clinical-trials-market The Next Decade of In-Silico Clinical Trials - What Will Transform The Industry? Key Trends Include: Virtual patient avatars used alongside or replacing early-phase studies used alongside or replacing early-phase studies Model-based regulatory approvals for low-risk device categories for low-risk device categories Digital twins for entire clinical protocols AI-powered toxicity & safety prediction replacing most animal testing Hybrid trials combining real-world data with mechanistic simulation Expansion of rare disease virtual trials Automation of protocol optimization and predictive enrollment analytics Related Report: AI in Clinical Trials Market Size to Grow from US$1.45 B in 2024 to US$5.06 B by 2033 - CAGR 14.6%. Virtual Clinical Trials Market Size Growing from US$8.95 B in 2024 to US$14.42 B by 2033 - CAGR 5.5%. Decentralized Clinical Trials Market Size Growing from US$8.68 B in 2024 to US$29.90 B by 2033 - CAGR 14.8%. About DataM Intelligence DataM Intelligence is a renowned provider of market research, delivering deep insights through pricing analysis, market share breakdowns, and competitive intelligence. The company specializes in strategic reports that guide businesses in high-growth sectors such as nutraceuticals and AI-driven health innovations. To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Contact: Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor, DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/in-silico-clinical-trials-market-set-to-reach-usd-6-39-billion-by-2033-as-pharma-and-medtech-accelerate-digital-first-validation-ai-modeling--virtual-patient-simulations-302627529.html VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / ESGold Corp. ("ESGold" or the "Company") (CSE:ESAU)(Frankfurt:Z7D)(OTCQB:ESAUF) is pleased to announce that the Company intends to proceed with a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,500,000 flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares") at a price of C$0.85 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $2,975,000 (the "Offering"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. will be acting as a finder in connection with the Offering. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering to fund the exploration on the Company's Montauban Property in Quebec. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as defined in paragraph (f) of the definition of "Canadian exploration expense" in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in section 359.1 of the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026 and renounced to the purchasers of FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares. The Company may pay finder's fees to eligible finders in connection with the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about December 8, 2025. Closing of the Offering is subject to various conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation. About ESGold Corp. ESGold Corp. (CSE:ESAU)(OTCQB:ESAUF)(FSE:Z7D) is a fully permitted, fully funded, pre-production mining company advancing a scalable clean mining model across North and South America. The Company's flagship Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec is under construction with production anticipated in 2026. ESGold is also advancing a joint venture in Colombia, validating one of South America's most prolific gold regions for tailings reprocessing and systematic exploration. With a dual-track strategy of cash flow today and discovery tomorrow, ESGold is building a platform for clean, sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces. Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel. For further information or to connect directly, please reach out to Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold Corp. at gordon@esgold.com or call 250-217-2321. On behalf of the Board of Directors ESGold Corp. Paul Mastantuono Chairman & COO info@esgold.com +1-888-370-1059 Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the proceeds from the Offering and the intended use thereof; the intention and timing related to incurring Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation thereof; and the payment of possible finders fees. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company's operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE: ESGold Corp View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/esgold-corp.-announces-flow-through-share-private-placement-for-gross-proceeds-of-1112567 Video: MAX Power Leaps at Lawson https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr4Ha06__Eg SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, Nov. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MAX Power Mining Corp. (CSE: MAXX; OTC: MAXXF; FRANKFURT: 89N) ("MAX Power" or the "Company") is accelerating Canada's first-ever Natural Hydrogen well into its next stage of evaluation following encouraging preliminary analytical results generated by core scanning and gas testing. With the service rig now mobilizing, the Company is preparing to carry out zone testing that will inform commercial assessment at the Lawson well near Central Butte, Saskatchewan, on the 475-km-long Genesis Trend. It is anticipated that the service rig required to undertake this work will arrive at Lawson later in the week of December 1, 2025. The testing program involves the perforation of casing through particular zones of interest, after which samples of gas and liquids will be captured for detailed chemical analysis. During the sample collection period, pressures will also be recorded using both downhole and at surface pressure recorders. Once samples are collected and pressure data recorded, the perforated zones will be isolated one from another with bridge plugs, thus securing the well until further work is required. Mr. Steve Halabura, MAX Power Chief Geoscientist, commented: - This data will help us understand the composition of any gas stream that can flow from porous and permeable zones, flow rate and pressures inherent within such zones, and mechanisms of gas generation. This data is of inestimable value in assessing at an early stage what should be considered as being 'commercial'." Strategic Partnership Update Further to its September 24, 2025, and October 28, 2025, news releases, MAX Power is pleased to provide an update on the previously announced strategic partnership with a leading Southeast Asian conglomerate (the "Corporate Investor") that also includes an initial $5 million investment (the "Transaction"). This entity is based in Vietnam and has received final Vietnam government approvals this week for the Transaction. This also represents the Corporate Investor's first entry into Canada and reflects growing international interest in Natural Hydrogen. MAX Power expects to close the Transaction in the coming days with the Corporate Investor. Closing remains subject to the final approval of the CSE. MAX Power Leaps at Lawson MAX Power drills into Natural Hydrogen in Canada's first-ever dedicated Natural Hydrogen well: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yr4Ha06__Eg Watch the Drill in Action Video captures the historic start of drilling at Lawson on the Genesis Trend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eguNGAfdIek MAX Power Saskatchewan Natural Hydrogen Documentary Video https://www.maxpowermining.com/NaturalHydrogen-NewEra/ History in The Making at Lawson - Video Immediately Ahead of Drill Rig Setup https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNHazk9Sy4E Stay Connected by Following Us On X (formerly Twitter) x.com/MaxPowerMining LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/max-power-mining-corp and by joining our Telegram channel: t.me/MaxpowerMining About MAX Power MAX Power is an innovative mineral exploration company focused on North America's shift to decarbonization. The Company is a first mover in the rapidly growing Natural Hydrogen sector where it has built a dominant district scale land position in Saskatchewan with approximately 1.3 million acres (521,000 hectares) of permits covering prime exploration ground prospective for large volume accumulations of Natural Hydrogen. Canada's first-ever deep well specifically targeting Natural Hydrogen has been drilled by MAX Power at its Lawson target on the Genesis Trend, with an "Analytic Phase" now in progress followed by a "Completion Test Phase" after Natural Hydrogen and helium were confirmed in multiple horizons. MAX Power also holds a portfolio of properties in the United States and Canada focused on critical minerals. These properties are highlighted by a 2024 diamond drilling discovery at the Willcox Playa Lithium Project in southeast Arizona. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Mansoor Jan - CEO MAX Power Mining Corp. info@maxpowermining.com For further information, please contact: Chad Levesque Ph: 1-306-981-4753 Email: chad@maxpowermining.com Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the Company's planned multi-well Natural Hydrogen drill program, the anticipated timing and objectives of that program, future corporate development initiatives, potential strategic transactions involving the Company's assets, and the proposed Transaction with a leading Southeast Asian conglomerate.. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic uncertainties. Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein, including, without limitation: exploration and development risks; the ability to obtain required permits and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; availability of equipment and personnel; geological and technical uncertainties; fluctuations in commodity and energy market prices; general economic conditions; and the Company's ability to secure additional financing on acceptable terms. There can be no assurance that the Company will complete its planned drill program as currently contemplated or that such program, if completed, will be successful. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is made as of the date hereof. The Company does not undertake to update any such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Additional information regarding risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company's business is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/af981641-3a6b-431f-8711-36ad2819652f VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE:LCR) (OTC Pink:LANRF) (FRA:6UF0) ("Lancaster", the "Company") announces the completion of the title transfer for 100% of the Lake Cargelligo Gold Project, a district-scale exploration property in the famed Cobar mining district of New South Wales, Australia. Effective November 17, 2025, the mineral claim title for Exploration License 9775 is now held by Lancaster Gold Australia Pty Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary established to lead exploration and development activities in Australia. The Lake Cargelligo project covers approximately 62,300 hectares. Exploration License 9775 covers 28,768 hectares under a single exploration license and features multiple historical high-grade gold and silver occurrences, identified through rock chip and channel sampling, as well as historical drilling. In addition to EL 9775, Lancaster Gold Australia submitted ELA6970 for an additional 33,400 hectares as previously announced on September 22, 2025 and is awaiting final state approval. All exploration results are historical in nature and have not been verified by a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. The Company considers these results relevant for exploration purposes but not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the property. Andrew Watson, P.Eng., President, CEO, and a Director of the Company, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Watson has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Watson is the President and Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company and is not independent of the Company. About Lancaster Resources Inc. Lancaster Resources Inc. is a Canadian exploration company advancing a portfolio of critical mineral and gold projects in established mining jurisdictions. The Company holds a 100% interest in the Lake Cargelligo Gold Project in New South Wales, Australia, covering more than ~62,300 hectares with a history of drilling and exploration. In Canada, Lancaster's assets include the Lac Iris Polymetallic Project and an option to acquire the Trans-Taiga Project in Quebec's James Bay region, as well as the Piney Lake Gold Project and uranium projects at Catley Lake and Centennial East in Saskatchewan's Athabasca Basin. Lancaster's diversified land position provides exposure to gold, uranium and polymetallic exploration opportunities. Andrew Watson, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lancaster Resources Inc. andrew@lancaster-resources.com Tel: 604 923 6100 www.lancaster-resources.com The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or Lancaster's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Lancaster's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the ability of Lancaster to execute its exploration plans, raise capital, retain key personnel, identify, acquire, explore, and develop high-quality mineral-rich properties constitutes forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Lancaster disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/05bc3bfe-25c8-48d2-97bf-b8b605e07b5a MUNICH, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Having an exciting participation at BIM World Munich 2025, Gstarsoft has been demonstrating its comprehensive suite of industrial software solutions to global audiences, emphasizing its strategic focus on the European market. The event, held at the ICM - International Congress Center Messe Munchen on November 26-27, hosted around 8,000 industry professionals and featured more than 250 exhibitors. Gstarsoft's booth has been serving as a hub for live product demonstrations, highlighting the seamless integration of its 2D CAD, 3D CAD, BIM, and cloud-based platforms, which was drawing significant interest from architects, engineers, and construction specialists visiting the exhibition. Mr. Xiang Lu, CEO of Gstarsoft, mentioned to the journalists: "Our global strategy centers on delivering high-performance, compatible CAD/BIM solutions tailored to diverse market needs, supporting sustainable digital transformation worldwide." Interactive Exhibits and Product Highlights Visitors to the Gstarsoft booth experienced firsthand how the company's recently announced product portfolio provides a complete, end-to-end solution for design, collaboration, and sustainability challenges: GstarCAD 2026 : Attendees tested the software's incomparable performance gains , including a 40% boost in opening speed and core operations up to 20% faster. The completely reconstructed modern interface and powerful APIs for industrial application development drew significant interest, showcasing a platform that balances cutting-edge performance with a robust and customizable ecosystem for professional industry solutions. : Attendees tested the software's , including a 40% boost in opening speed and core operations up to 20% faster. The and powerful APIs for industrial application development drew significant interest, showcasing a platform that balances cutting-edge performance with a robust and customizable ecosystem for professional industry solutions. ARCHLine.XP/GstarBIM : The demonstration highlighted this established European BIM solution, which has been serving architects and interior designers for decades, utilizing its efficient and stable proprietary BIM modeling engine and supporting major formats like IFC, RVT, and DWG. ARCHLine.XP/GstarBIM clearly demonstrated why it is the trusted choice for European firms seeking reliable, high-performance BIM workflows. : The demonstration highlighted this established European BIM solution, which has been serving architects and interior designers for decades, utilizing its efficient and stable proprietary BIM modeling engine and supporting major formats like IFC, RVT, and DWG. ARCHLine.XP/GstarBIM clearly demonstrated why it is the trusted choice for European firms seeking reliable, high-performance BIM workflows. GstarCAD 365: This cloud-native platform enabled live collaborative design sessions, which resonated strongly with firms managing complex, cross-border projects and seeking seamless data synchronization. In a keynote address titled "CAD & BIM Integrated Solution: Empowering Energy-Efficient Design Workflows", Richard Li, CEO of Gstarsoft BIM BU, underscored the role of unified tools in advancing sustainable construction. "The future of digital design lies in merging CAD precision with BIM's data depth to reduce waste and energy use," he stated. Affirming Commitment to the European Market Gstarsoft reinforced its long-term dedication to Europe, a region poised to see its BIM market grow from 800 million in 2024 to 1.48 billion by 2029 (*Source: SNS insider report in 2025). The company plans to deepen its investment through: Localized Support : Establishing training programs and resources tailored to European design standards, such as compliance with EU Green Deal Initiatives . : Establishing training programs and resources tailored to European design standards, such as compliance with . Ecosystem Expansion : Strengthen collaborations with European distributors to further improve product accessibility and deliver more responsive, high-quality technical support and services. : Strengthen collaborations with European distributors to further improve product accessibility and deliver more responsive, high-quality technical support and services. Talent Development: Offering free workshops and toolkits to help engineers and designers upskill in cloud collaboration and AI-driven design. "We are committed to supporting the professional growth of Europe's AEC community," said William Wang, Director of Overseas Sales of Gstarsoft. "Our goal is to equip them with technologies that turn creative visions into buildable realities." Industry Validation and Global Reach The solutions have earned the trust of numerous industry leaders across global markets, a testament to their exceptional adaptability. At the exhibition, Mr. Johann Schmidt, a project manager from a German engineering firm noted, "The platform's compatibility with existing toolsets minimizes transition barriers, allowing our team to adopt new workflows without disrupting ongoing projects." This feedback aligns with the growing industry emphasis on OpenBIM standards and digitalized construction methodologies. At BIM World Munich 2025, Gstarsoft is emerging as a pivotal player in shaping the industry's digital transformation. By combining robust software with a customer-centric approach, the company is well-positioned to support Europe's journey toward smarter, more sustainable building practices. About Gstarsoft Gstarsoft Co., Ltd., established in 2001, is a leading provider of R&D-focused industrial software. With a mission to be "customer-centric - making design more efficient, collaboration smoother, and value sustainable," the company is committed to becoming a world-class, product-innovation-driven industrial software provider, delivering a full spectrum of solutions including 2D CAD, 3D CAD, BIM, and cloud-based CAD. Currently, Gstarsoft's products and services cover more than 110 countries, with a cumulative global user base exceeding 100 million. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2833649/Gstarsoft_BIM_WORLD_Munich_2025.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gstarsoft-strengthens-european-presence-with-dynamic-bim-world-munich-reaffirms-long-term-commitment-to-customers-302627577.html CHONGQING, China, Nov. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2025 international academic exchange activity for young grotto researchers, part of the Asian Alliance for Cultural Heritage Conservation's Youth Ambassador Program, is set to kick off on November 29 in Dazu District, home to the world heritage site of the Dazu Rock Carvings in southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Over 100 young scholars from more than a dozen countries, including China, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, India, and the United Kingdom, will converge to conduct in-depth exchanges on innovative approaches to the protection and inheritance of grotto temples, jointly exploring cutting-edge concepts and practical solutions for cultural heritage preservation. Included in the outcome list of the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting, the event is guided by the Asian Alliance for Cultural Heritage Conservation and the Chongqing Municipal Commission of Culture and Tourism Development, and co-hosted by the China Academy of Cultural Heritage, the People's Government of Dazu District, Chongqing, and the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings. Centered around protection, inheritance, innovation and symbiosis, the event focuses on academic exchange and methodological innovation, cultural inheritance and regional collaboration, and youth action with a global perspective. Participating young scholars will engage in interdisciplinary dialogues on key topics such as the international communication of Bashu grotto culture and the application of digital technologies in grotto conservation. In the field of grotto temple protection, digital technologies are driving a shift from traditional experience-based practices to scientific and precise conservation. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dazu Rock Carvings has pioneered a series of cutting-edge explorations in digital preservation. The site has established millimeter-level precision digital archives and a permanent 3D database for over 10,000 statues. It has implemented an all-round intelligent monitoring system for 24/7 guardianship, and adopted virtual restoration technologies to accurately assess the condition of the carvings through digital means. Additionally, the online tour of Dazu Rock Carvings metaverse project replicates physical landscapes in the digital realm via digital twin technology, offering immersive experiences to global audiences. This international academic exchange aims to build a high-end dialogue platform for young Asian scholars and inject youthful vitality into the cause of grotto temple conservation. Moving forward, the Asian Alliance for Cultural Heritage Conservation Youth Ambassador Program will continue to promote international exchanges and cooperation, nurture young talents in cultural heritage protection, and provide sustained impetus for Asian cultural heritage preservation. Source: The People's Government of Dazu District, Chongqing Contact person: Ms. Meng, Tel: 86-10-63074558 Rimouski, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Puma Exploration Inc. (TSXV: PUMA) (OTCQB: PUMXF) (the "Company" or "Puma") is pleased to announce that it has mobilized a second drill at its McKenzie Gold project in Northern New Brunswick. This follows the start, on November 17, 2025, of the Company's inaugural 2,500-metre drilling program at the high-grade RIM Gold Zone ("RIM"). Grab sampling at RIM in 2024 and 2025 returned impressive gold grades, including up to 601.33 g/t Au* (see November 11, 2025 and January 16, 2025, News Releases). The quartz vein system at RIM is characterized by a main shear vein to the south, mineralized along nearly its entire strike length, with an array of extension veins to the north spanning 35 m in width (Figure 1). The zone remains open in all directions. *The reader is cautioned that grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true metal content of the mineralized zone. The first drill is focused on the continuous southwest portion of the shear vein, where surface sampling in 2024 identified the highest gold grades. To date, eight (8) short holes have been drilled, with a cumulative total of less than 300 metres. The holes successfully intersected mineralized quartz veins containing disseminated sulphides, hosted within mudstone units. Hole MK25-03 intersected a quartz vein showing several (4-5) small grains of visible gold ("VG") (Image 1). It is important to note that VG in the core confirms that gold is present in the vein material, but only assay results will confirm the gold grades. Only preliminary quick logging of the drill core has been conducted on site to date. The core will be transported to our regional coreshack in Saint-Quentin for detailed logging and sampling before being sent to the lab for assaying. The second drill has been mobilized to the newly stripped area located in the northern section of the RIM Gold Zone (see white dashed rectangle in Figure 1). The primary objective of this drilling is to assess the extent and continuity of the extension veins beneath the surface. Initially, the drilling program will focus on short holes, ranging from 25 to 50 metres in depth. This approach is designed to provide a clearer understanding of the geometry and gold grades of the veins subsurface. The information gathered from these initial holes will enable more precise targeting of the veins at greater depths for future drilling. Image 1. Visible Gold (VG) in hole MK25-03 at the McKenzie Gold Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3398/276091_75733548c46d5bb6_001full.jpg Figure 1. RIM Gold Zone currently being drilled at the McKenzie Gold Project To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3398/276091_75733548c46d5bb6_002full.jpg Qualified Person The scientific and technical content of this press release has been prepared, reviewed, and approved by Mr. Dominique Gagne, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration, who is a "Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). On-site quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measures All rock samples were collected by Puma's field team, placed in individual bags, and securely sealed before being shipped. Puma follows a rigorous QA/QC protocol that includes the systematic insertion of certified reference materials and blanks in every batch of samples submitted for analysis. The results from these control samples are routinely reviewed to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the analytical data. About Puma's Assets in New Brunswick Puma has accumulated an impressive portfolio of prospective gold landholdings strategically located close to roads and infrastructure in Northern New Brunswick, including the Williams Brook Project and the McKenzie Gold Project. Both are located near the Rocky Brook Millstream Fault ("RBMF"), a major regional structure formed during the Appalachian Orogeny and a significant control for gold deposition in the region. Puma's work to date has focused on the Williams Brook property, but prospecting and surface exploration work on its other properties have confirmed their potential for significant gold mineralization. The Williams Brook Project was optioned to Kinross Gold in October 2024. About Puma Exploration Puma Exploration is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on identifying and developing a pipeline of precious metals projects in New Brunswick, near Canada's Renowned Bathurst Mining Camp. Puma has a long history in Northern New Brunswick, having worked on regional projects for over 15 years. Puma's successful exploration methodology, which combines traditional prospecting methods with detailed trenching and cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, has been instrumental in understanding the region's geology and associated mineralized systems. Armed with geophysical surveys, geochemical data, and consultants' expertise, Puma has developed a cost-effective exploration tool to discover gold at shallow depths and maximize drilling results. Connect with us on Facebook, X, or LinkedIn. Visit www.explorationpuma.com for more information or contact: 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 Statements: This press release may contain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements involve several known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Puma to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made, except as required by law. Puma undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. The quarterly and annual reports and the documents submitted to the securities administration describe these risks and uncertainties. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276091 SOURCE: Puma Exploration Inc. West Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Surge Battery Metals Inc. (TSXV: NILI) (OTCQX: NILIF) (FSE: DJ5) (the "Company" or "Surge"), through its wholly-owned U.S. subsidiary, Surge Battery Metals USA Inc. ("Surge US"), is pleased to announce that it has settled all of the transaction documents in connection with its previously announced proposed transaction with a subsidiary of Evolution Mining Limited ("Evolution"), pursuant to which Surge US and Evolution propose to form a joint venture, for the purpose of continuing the development of the Nevada North Lithium Project (the "Transaction"). Surge US and Evolution intend to close the Transaction on December 1 and 2, 2025 following the re-opening of requisite government offices after the U.S. Thanksgiving holidays. At the time of closing, the Company intends to issue a news release further describing the Transaction. About Evolution Mining Limited Evolution is a leading, globally relevant gold miner. Evolution operates six mines, comprising five wholly-owned mines - Cowal in New South Wales, Ernest Henry and Mt Rawdon in Queensland, Mungari in Western Australia, and Red Lake in Ontario, Canada, and an 80% share in Northparkes in New South Wales. About the Nevada North Lithium Project The Nevada North Lithium Project is located in the Granite Range southeast of Jackpot, Nevada about 73 km north-northeast of Wells, Elko County, Nevada. The first three rounds of drilling, completed in 2022, 2023, and 2024, identified a strongly mineralized zone of lithium bearing clays occupying a strike length of more than 4,300 meters and a known width of greater than 1500 meters. Highly anomalous soil values and geophysical surveys suggest there is potential for the clay horizons to be much greater in extent, while wide drill spacing allows for significant upside to occur during infill drilling. The North Nevada Lithium Project has a pit-constrained Inferred Resource containing an estimated 8.65 Mt of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) grading 2,955 ppm Li at a 1,250 ppm cutoff. The recently completed PEA reported an after-tax NPV8% US $9.17 Billion and after-tax IRR of 22.8% at $24,000/ t LCE and an OPEX of US $5,243/t LCE. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Greg Reimer" Greg Reimer, Director, President & CEO Keep up-to-date with Surge Battery Metals: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. 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. This document may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan" or "planned", "possible", "potential", "forecast", "intend", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Forwards-looking statements herein, include statements related to the timing of the closing of the Transaction and future news releases. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon several assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, environmental (including endangered species, habitat preservation and water related risks) and social risks, contingencies, and uncertainties, including risks related to unforeseen variables preventing the closing of the Transaction. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules, and regulations. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276149 SOURCE: Surge Battery Metals Inc. Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - E-Power Resources Inc. (CSE: EPR) ("E-Power" or the "Company") today announces significant appointments to its executive leadership and advisory teams. These changes are designed to implement a robust, focused, and value-driven development plan for the Tetepisca Graphite Project in Quebec, capitalizing on the project's technical potential. The Company appoints Jean-Michel Gauthier as Chief Executive Officer and Mark Billings, CFA, as Chairman of the Board. This core leadership is now strategically expanded with the addition of Christian Falk to the Advisory Board, ensuring access to essential technical, financial, and commercial expertise moving forward. New Leadership and Corporate Strategy Jean-Michel Gauthier Appointed CEO E-Power Resources appoints Jean-Michel Gauthier as Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Gauthier contributes significant expertise in capital markets, corporate development, and strategic positioning within the resource sector. His focus will be on ensuring the optimal deployment of capital and maximizing the inherent value of the Tetepisca Project as it advances through key de-risking stages. CEO's Statement: "The validated metallurgical results provide a clear, actionable mandate and reinforce our strong conviction in Tetepisca. We are moving forward decisively with an agile, focused operating strategy across the entire organization, prioritizing strict cost discipline and aggressive technical execution. Our expanded team's commitment is simple: prove up the project to its full potential by completing resource definition, establishing robust economic parameters, and securing key strategic partnerships vital for the next stages of development." Mark Billings Appointed Chairman of the Board Mark Billings, CFA, is appointed Chairman. Mr. Billings is a highly respected finance professional in the Canadian resource sector, bringing extensive investment banking and corporate finance experience. His prior roles, including VP Corporate Finance at Desjardins Securities, provide a crucial foundation for guiding E-Power's capital formation and strategic financing plans necessary for the Tetepisca Project's development phases. Advisory Board Addition The strategic strengthening of the Advisory Board ensures the Company has access to high-level technical and commercial insight vital for future development: Christian Falk Joins the Advisory Board: Mr. Falk is Co-founder of Camet AG, Zug Switzerland and Vega Metals Trading Inc, Montreal, Canada. He provides over 16 years of global mining and metals trading experience, including significant tenure with Glencore International AG. His expertise in global graphite and critical metals markets will be critical in formulating E-Power's downstream commercial strategy and understanding customer specifications. Momentum Driven by Strong Metallurgical Results The leadership team's focused mandate is strongly supported by the Company's recent robust metallurgical results (November 20, 2025), which validate the project's technical potential for producing high-quality flake graphite concentrate: Key Metallurgical Metrics (Graphi West Sample) Result Significance Flotation Recovery 96.7% Excellent material recovery efficiency. Concentrate Grade 94.8% Ct Meets general commercial purity specifications with potential for further upgrading. Large/Medium Flake ~40% Flake sizes larger than medium, which typically command premium pricing. High Grade Samples 15.3% to 32.7% Cg Demonstrates high-grade zones across multiple mineralized areas. These strong results confirm Tetepisca's potential to deliver a high-value, high-purity natural flake graphite product essential for batteries and other advanced industrial applications. The mandate for the expanded team is to swiftly leverage these validated findings into a detailed resource definition and preliminary economic assessment. About E-Power Resources E-Power Resources Inc. is a Quebec corporation based in Montreal focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals in Quebec. The Company is focused on flake graphite resource development at the Tetepisca Property located in the Innu Nation of Pessamit within Quebec's emerging Tetepisca Graphite District, a region known for high-quality graphite mineralization. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276129 SOURCE: E-Power Resources NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRES TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / Route1 Inc. (TSXV:ROI) ("Route1" or the "Company"), a leading engineering and professional services firm specializing in the deployment and integration of ALPR and other advanced data capture-based technologies to city, state, and federal first responder departments, public safety, colleges and universities, and parking managers, announces that in connection with the non-brokered private placement of units (the "Offering") originally announced in the Company's news release of November 4, 2025, the Company has applied to the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") for an extension of a further 30 days price protection in order to complete further subscriptions for the second and final tranche of the Offering (the "Final Closing"). The Company intends the Final Closing to close in the next couple of weeks. The Final Closing is subject to receipt of further subscriptions and all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the approval of TSXV. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance. Certain insiders of the Company may participate in the Final Closing. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund the development of Route1's Actionable Business Intelligence ("ABI") software application. Appointment of Jerry Iwanski as Interim CFO Effective December 1, 2025, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Jerry Iwanski as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Iwanski will replace Tony Busseri as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Busseri will continue in his role as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Version 4.0 - AI Co-Pilot To be released in early 2026, Route1's co-pilot will be an AI operations co-pilot that acts as a force multiplier - exponentially extending staff capability. It will be purpose-built to optimize parking operations by combining advanced machine learning with a secure, scalable platform that keeps control of sensitive data in-house. The system will run on a dedicated on-premises AI infrastructure including three GPU servers, backed by shared storage, solid-state checkpointing, and high-speed networking to deliver consistent low-latency performance. Sized for state-of-the-art 13B-70B models, Route1's AI co-pilot will be designed for continuous refinement and understanding of unique parking operations and how socioeconomic factors and decisions can impact those operations in real time. Engineered for adaptive learning through feedback, measurement and refinement cycles, Route1's AI co-pilot will empower our clients to achieve even more in the future by unlocking advanced capabilities such as event-aware staffing, predictive compliance sweeps, proactive curb allocation, and strategic "what-if" investment planning. The more it is used, the stronger it becomes - growing into a domain-specialized AI expert in parking operations. About Route1 ABI Through a single intuitive interface, parking professionals can instantly evaluate current operations against dynamic benchmarks developed by Route1's domain experts. Route1's real-world benchmarks are segmented by enforcement and parking, providing intelligent baselines for live performance indicator tracking and trend analysis. Built-in analytics drive higher visibility, tighter accountability, and measurable impact at every layer of a user's operation including: Uncovering latent revenue opportunities. Optimizing curbside usage. Monitoring parking facility usage, including occupancy, and dwell and turnover times. Visualizing compliance - the good, the bad and the ugly. Route1 processes raw ALPR streams directly from our end user's mobile and fixed ALPR cameras, providing the most complete, accurate, and timely operational picture in the industry. Our technology ensures that every visualization reflects ground truth - allowing for confident, data-backed decision in real time. About Route1 Inc. Route1 Inc. is an advanced North American technology company that empowers their clients with data-centric solutions necessary to drive greater profitability, improve operational efficiency and gain sustainable competitive advantages, while always emphasizing a strong cybersecurity and information assurance posture. Route1 delivers exceptional client outcomes through real-time secure delivery of actionable intelligence to decision makers. Route1 is listed in Canada on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ROI. For more information, visit: www.route1.com. For More Information, Contact: Tony Busseri President and Chief Executive Officer +1 480 578-0287 tony.busseri@route1.com 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 U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the "United States" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. 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. 2025 Route1 Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be reproduced, transmitted or otherwise used in whole or in part or by any means without prior written consent of Route1 Inc. See https://www.route1.com/terms-of-use/ for notice of Route1's intellectual property. This news release may contain statements that are not current or historical factual statements that may constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements. These statements are based on certain factors and assumptions, including expectations regarding the use of the net proceeds of the Offering; the extension of the Offering; the timing and completion of the Final Closing; and the receipt of all regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSXV in connection with the Offering, price and liquidity of the Common Shares; development and deployment of Route1's ABI software and AI co-pilot platform; and competition for skilled personnel, business prospects, technological developments, development activities and like matters. While Route1 considers these factors and assumptions to be reasonable, based on information currently available, they may prove to be incorrect. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to expectations regarding management changes and their anticipated impact on operations, the ability to extend and successfully complete the Offering; the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals including the approval of the TSXV; the ability to apply the net proceeds as intended, technology development and integration risks, customer adoption, competition, market conditions, and the results of business operations. Actual results could differ materially from those projected as a result of these and other risks and should not be relied upon as a prediction of future events. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or future-oriented financial information to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law. Past or forecasted performance is not a guarantee of future performance and readers should not rely on historical results or forward-looking statements or future oriented financial information as an assurance of future results. SOURCE: Route1, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/us-route1-applies-for-extension-of-price-protection-for-non-broke-1112580 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Golcap Resources Corp. (CSE: GCP) (the "Company" or "Golcap Resources") announces that, further to its news release of November 20, 2025, it has closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") and issued 1,403,508 flow through common shares ("FT Shares") at a price of $0.285 per FT Share for gross proceeds of $399,999.78. The Company paid commission of $24,000 and issued 84,210 finder warrants at a price of $0.285 per share for a period of two years expiring November 27, 2027. All securities issued are subject to a four month and one day hold period expiring March 28, 2026. The Company has received an additional subscription for $285,000 and expects to close the final tranche on or about December 1, 2025. The gross proceeds received by the Company from the Offering will be used to incur eligible "Canadian exploration expenses" (the "Qualifying Expenditures") on the Company's properties in Quebec that qualify as "critical flow-through mining expenditures" within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and "flow through mining expenditures" as defined in the Taxation Act (Quebec). The Company will renounce the Qualifying Expenditures so incurred to the purchasers of the FT Shares with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2025. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276096 SOURCE: Golcap Resources Corp. VDK Groep acquires Builtech Group from AUCTUS Capital Partners The merger creates a pan-European provider of building technology services The new group of companies generates about 2 billion in revenue, comprises around 150 businesses and employs 7,000 people in six countries The goal is further growth in Europe as a technical implementation partner for decarbonization in the building sector and as a driving force for succession, digitization and innovation in the skilled trades The European skilled trades market is being reshaped: Berlin-based Builtech Group, one of the leading service providers in technical building equipment (TBE), is becoming part of the Dutch VDK Groep, headquartered in Zwolle. The transaction remains subject, inter alia, to clearance by the European Commission. This creates a pan-European provider of building technology services. The new group of companies generates about 2 billion in revenue and employs more than 7,000 people in over 150 businesses across six countries, making it a key enabler in the European infrastructure and building sector. The decarbonization and digitization of buildings and infrastructure systems are among Europe's largest transformation projects and open up considerable potential for specialized implementation partners. At the same time, the skilled trades are facing profound structural challenges. On the business side, digitization, skills shortages, and increasing sustainability requirements are among the key challenges. In addition, succession issues are becoming more acute for businesses, especially in Germany: Over the next few years, almost 70,000 skilled trades businesses will be facing a handover. The ability to build new skills, work in networks and collaborate more closely across the industry is therefore becoming increasingly important. This is precisely where the merger of Builtech and VDK comes in. Both companies share the goal of making the skilled trades in Europe more digital, modern, and future-proof while preserving established local structures and brands. The merger creates a European network that combines traditional expertise with new technological strength. As a pan-European specialist for technical building equipment, the new group of companies will therefore play a significant role in the digital transformation of the skilled trades, the implementation of the energy and heating transition, and the modernization of technical infrastructure in Europe. The Builtech Group has already established itself as a reliable succession partner in the skilled trades sector in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Sweden through successful acquisitions. Its affiliation with the VDK Groep now opens up additional scaling and growth prospects. With its strong employer brand, its own academy, and a powerful innovation department, the group is ideally positioned to reach the next stage of growth and successfully integrate further businesses. "Our mission is to strengthen the skilled trades in Europe economically, in terms of people, and technologically. We have laid a strong foundation for this over the past few years. 'Next level skilled trades' is what drives us every day. With the VDK Groep, we have the ideal partner at our side to drive this development even faster in our core markets of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Nordics, while giving businesses a secure future. The two groups complement each other perfectly in every respect", says Maurice Frhr. von Dalwigk, CEO of Builtech Group. The VDK Group, which currently comprises over 100 companies in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, is expanding its presence in Central and Northern Europe with this acquisition. The Dutch company focuses on organic growth and targeted acquisitions always with the aim of preserving the established identity of the companies and strengthening them in the long term. Together with the Builtech Group, this creates an alliance that combines the best of both worlds: strong local brands, regional responsibility and the pan-European strength to implement large-scale programs and complex TBE projects across the board. Frans van der Kolk, CEO and founder of VDK Groep, says: "This acquisition is a milestone in the development of VDK Group. Our VDK model entrepreneurship in strong local companies, supported by a professional central organization not only works in the Netherlands, but also proves to be highly applicable in other European countries. Adding Builtech Group, we are now not only the market leader in the Netherlands, but also a top three player in Germany. Our core values are the foundation for this: entrepreneurship, sustainable continuity in business operations, and job satisfaction. I therefore look forward to welcoming our new German colleagues to our family of VDK companies." Investor AUCTUS Capital Partners also views the transaction positively: "Builtech has developed into a European growth driver at remarkable speed. The sale to VDK Groep creates the ideal structure for further expanding the model with strong regional roots and secure succession for a large number of medium-sized companies", says Dr. Daniel Meuthen, Partner at AUCTUS Capital Partners. About Builtech Builtech is a dynamically growing group of currently 51 leading companies and more than 2,000 employees in German-speaking countries (DACH) and Sweden. As an integrated 360 provider in the field of technical building equipment (TBE), Builtech is playing a key role in shaping the transformation of the building sector. The group brings together companies with strong regional roots under one roof, enabling significant synergy effects and knowledge transfer. Builtech ensures suitable succession, thus securing the future and further development of local companies while preserving their individual character. The group offers comprehensive solutions in the areas of electrical building automation, plumbing heating, air conditioning ventilation, and technical building envelopes. Builtech's mission is to bring skilled trade into the future and the future into skilled trade. Further information is available at: www.builtech.de About VDK Groep VDK Groep, founded in 2013 by CEO Frans van der Kolk, is a Dutch integrated installation and service organization. The company provides multidisciplinary solutions in the fields of electrical engineering, climate control, infrastructure technology, security technology, and Building Intelligence IT. With more than 5,000 professionals, VDK realizes and maintains complex installations for sectors such as education, healthcare, retail, housing, and government. VDK Groep consists of 107 entities in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The local companies are supported from regional offices in Zwolle, The Hague, and Eindhoven, with the national team based in Zwolle. The company is steadily expanding its presence in the Netherlands and Germany, with a clear long-term focus on the whole of Europe. VDK is a financially healthy Dutch company with a solid foundation and an ambitious buy-and-build strategy within the European installation sector. In 2024, the group achieved more than 1 billion revenue. Thanks to its scale, innovative strength, and broad expertise, VDK Groep is a reliable partner for innovative, sustainable, and future-oriented installation technology. Further information is available at: https://vdkgroep.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251127925831/en/ Contacts: Addick Addicks, presse@builtech.de, +49 170 65 41 348 Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - NU E Power Corp. (CSE: NUE) ("NU E" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Eugene Hodgson will be joining its Board of Directors following the Company's Annual General Meeting to be held on December 18, 2025. The proposed appointment strengthens corporate governance as NU E accelerates development of large-scale hybrid power sites solving critical power pressures for the digital and energy economies and surpasses 1 gigawatt of global hybrid power capacity across its development portfolio. Mr. Hodgson brings more than 30 years of senior leadership in energy infrastructure, structured finance, and public-private partnerships. As former Vice President (Western Region) of Corpfinance International Limited, he specialized in green power, P3 financing, and complex infrastructure structuring across British Columbia and Canada. He has served on the boards of several TSX and NYSE-listed companies, including Timmins Gold Corp., Sea Breeze Power Corp., and Silvermex Resources Inc. He has been involved in major renewable and transmission development initiatives representing several hundred megawatts of capacity. Mr. Hodgson is also a recipient of the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal. Quote From Eugene Hodgson "NU E Power has reached a pivotal moment, crossing the 1-gigawatt threshold and establishing a truly global hybrid power platform. I'm honored to be shortly joining the Board at a time when the Company is scaling across continents and delivering the reliable, adaptable energy that the digital and traditional economies increasingly depend on. NU E's vision-building the power that powers everything-aligns strongly with where the world is headed, and I look forward to supporting the team as we execute on the next phase of growth." Lethbridge Two & Lethbridge Three: Strategic Alberta Expansion NU E continues to advance its Alberta development program, highlighted by Lethbridge Two and Lethbridge Three, located approximately 2 km south of the Lethbridge Airport. Project Highlights Hybrid renewable development strategy Expected output: ~327,000 MWh annually Carbon offset: ~135,000 tonnes per year Advanced through rigorous environmental, noise, glare, and community-impact review These sites follow the successful commissioning of Lethbridge One, establishing NU E as a multi-stage renewable and hybrid-energy developer in one of Canada's fastest-growing power corridors. A New Era for NU E Power With the global economy facing severe pressure from AI compute growth, digital infrastructure, industrial electrification, and grid constraints, NU E Power is positioned at the intersection of: AI & high-density compute Grid & community power Hybrid generation (solar, gas, grid, storage) Digital energy monetization and tokenized infrastructure NU E is building scalable next-generation power sites designed to meet the rising energy needs of both the digital economy (AI, cloud, telecom, Bitcoin) and the traditional economy (communities, industry, utilities). About NU E Power Corp. NU E is a vertically integrated energy-infrastructure company developing next-generation hybrid power sites to meet the accelerating demand of AI and industrial and community electrification. Through its hybrid approach-combining renewable energy, grid power, gas generation, and storage-NU E delivers scalable, reliable, and optimized energy for tomorrow's digital and traditional economies. For further information, please contact: The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information in relation to: the appointment of Mr. Eugen Hodgsen, the expected output and carbon offset of the Lethbridge Two and Three solar sites and the building of scalable, next generation power sites. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. In the forward looking information contained in this news release, NU E has made numerous assumptions, based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with the energy industry. In addition, NU E has assumed: the continued market acceptance of its business model; the ability of NU E and its partners to raise future equity financing, if needed, at prices acceptable to NU E or its partners, including any future capital required for the construction of its development pipeline; NU E's current and initial understanding and analysis of the assets and the potential of the assets; the receipt of any other third party approvals for the developments; and NU E's general and administrative costs remaining sustainable. While NU E considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause NU E's observations, actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, among others: changes in NU E's business, general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; decreases in the prevailing prices for products in the markets that the Company operates in; adverse changes in applicable laws or adverse changes in the application or enforcement of current laws; regulations and enforcement priorities of governmental authorities; compliance with government regulation and related costs; and other risks described in the Listing Statement of NU E posted on SEDAR+. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276152 SOURCE: Nu E Corp. LONDON , Nov. 27, 2025. Now celebrating its 13th year, the awards shine a spotlight on the individuals and businesses driving innovation, creating jobs and shaping the future of the UK economy. The awards, sponsored by Allica Bank , honour remarkable stories of entrepreneurial success, perseverance and vision, championing the people behind the businesses and fostering a national community of ambitious, high-growth entrepreneurs. "Since founding the company with my brother, we've been committed to transforming commercial real estate through intelligent, tenant-centric technology," said Dan Drogman, Chief Executive Officer. "By combining deep software-engineering expertise with a continuous focus on innovation and the integration of hundreds of digital and physical building systems, our OS and app have developed into a sophisticated full-stack smart building platform. This award is an important recognition of our work and a testament to the outstanding efforts of the entire Smart Spaces team." PropTech innovator The world's leading real estate and occupier brands today utilise Smart Spaces' smart building technology across a portfolio of alpha-class locations in prime global locations. Rated to Smart Score Platinum, the Smart Spaces OS connects access control, lifts, HVAC, lights, IoT sensors and more to provide integrated controls and reporting via an intuitive, comprehensive dashboard. Driven by sustained investment in R&D, Smart Spaces has also created a feature-rich, white-labelled smart building employee-engagement app. Functionality includes live meeting room and desk booking, cycle parking, digital lockers, along with community, communications, smart controls, facility management tools and digital twin. ? From smart buildings to buildings that can talk back In September 2025, Smart Spaces introduced Space Agent - its agentic, AI-driven digital workplace concierge. Built directly into its OS and presented through an approachable digital persona - Max - Space Agent functions as a virtual building manager. It can reserve desks, fine-tune climate settings, interpret energy data and even suggest community or social activities. This innovation signals a new era where AI enables buildings to become responsive, conversational environments that adapt continuously to users' needs. "Our winners embody the very best of British enterprise, ambitious, resilient and relentlessly innovative. The Great British Entrepreneur Awards, often described as the 'Grammys of entrepreneurship', exist to champion founders who create jobs, scale ideas and strengthen communities," commented Francesca James, founder of the Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards. The awards ceremony, held on 17th November 2025 at London's iconic Grosvenor House, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers to celebrate the exceptional achievements of this year's winners. "What stands out this year is the optimism and ambition that continue to define the UK's established business community. I know the resilience, creativity and sheer determination it takes to build something that lasts, especially in challenging times," says, Conrad Ford, Chief Product Officer at Allica Bank. "Established businesses are the real economy, making up a third of the UK's GDP and employment, and represented in every town across the country. At Allica, we're proud to support and celebrate their contribution through the Great British Entrepreneur Awards." About Smart Spaces Smart Spaces is a multi-accredited and award-winning developer of smart building software for global commercial real estate. Its smart building OS simplifies day-to-day operational management of buildings to boost energy efficiency and save cost, with its intuitive smartphone-based app enabling secure entry, desk and meeting room booking, parking or access to a host of other services. The business operates worldwide with over 105 million sq.ft of global office space across 30 countries now managed through its software platform. Customers include market leaders such as AXA, CBRE, The Crown Estate, Hines, Jones Lang LaSalle, Grosvenor and Landsec, with Smart Spaces' software used in some of the world's most prestigious commercial developments like 22 Bishopsgate, Paddington Square and International Place, Boston. Founded in 2010, Smart Spaces is privately owned and headquartered in London. www.smartspaces.app About Allica Bank Allica Bank is a no-nonsense business bank built specifically for established UK SMEs, offering personal relationship management, fee-free current accounts and technology that genuinely makes life easier. Named Britain's fastest-growing private company in The Sunday Times 100 and the fastest-growing fintech in Deloitte's UK Technology Fast 50, it has already achieved full-year profitability and lent more than 2 billion to UK businesses. Allica aims to secure a 10% share of the SME market within five years. Attachments Smart Spaces wins at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2025 (https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/29730da9-f1bf-456d-9026-7d873315f59c) 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards winners (https://ml-eu.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/dbd269d3-7ade-410a-ad81-4f4378544004) Media contact: Tom Herbst PR tom@tomherbstpr.co.uk +44 (0)7768 145571 +44 (0)207 274 9937 AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the Orphan Drugs Market Size was USD 223.76 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to soar to USD 486.51 billion by 2032, expanding at a strong CAGR of 9.1% between 2024 and 2032. This remarkable growth trajectory reflects a dramatic shift toward rare disease therapeutics-a segment historically underserved but now at the center of global biopharmaceutical R&D. More than 300 million people worldwide live with rare diseases, and over 95% of these conditions still have no approved treatment. Breakthroughs in gene therapy, RNA-based drugs, monoclonal antibodies, small-molecule precision therapies, and targeted biologics are now transforming outcomes for patients with neurological, hematological, metabolic, oncologic, and immunologic disorders. Governments across the U.S., EU, Japan, and Asia-Pacific are strengthening rare-disease incentives-fast-track approvals, accelerated pathways, tax credits, market exclusivity, premium pricing-and biopharma innovators are responding with record investments in orphan drug pipelines. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/orphan-drugs-market Browse in-depth TOC on 'Orphan Drugs Market' 54 - Tables 50 - Figures 179 - Pages The Rare Disease Momentum: Why Orphan Drugs are the Fastest-Growing Pharma Segment Three major macro-trends are propelling this market: 1. Record Growth in Gene & Cell Therapy Approvals (2023-2025) 2023-2025 witnessed a sharp rise in FDA and EMA approvals for AAV-based gene therapies, CAR-T treatments, RNA-targeting medicines, and ex vivo gene-modified cell therapies, many of which address rare and ultra-rare genetic disorders. 2. Strong Pricing Power & Reimbursement Support Orphan drugs command significantly higher ASPs (average selling prices), often exceeding USD 150,000 per patient per year, with some gene therapies priced above USD 1-2 million due to curative value. 3. Industry Shift Toward High-Value Precision Models Large pharma companies are prioritizing rare oncology, hematology, and CNS disorders, as these areas offer higher regulatory success rates, strong exclusivity protection, and a sustainable market size despite smaller patient volumes. Market Segmentation By Product Type (Small Molecules, Biologic Drugs-Gene Therapies, Monoclonal Antibodies, & Others) Biologic Drugs (Including Gene Therapies, Monoclonal Antibodies & Others) Biologic therapies dominated the rare disease market in 2023, accounting for approximately 62% of total revenue (USD 138.7 billion). This category includes monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, gene therapies, cell-based therapies, and other advanced biological products, which collectively form the foundation of modern rare-disease treatment. Growth in biologics is being driven by expanding approvals across neuromuscular disorders, rare cancers, hemoglobinopathies, metabolic diseases, and inherited retinal disorders. Within this class, gene therapies while a subset of biologics, represent the fastest-growing segment, with expected CAGR exceeding 24%, reflecting the global shift toward durable and potentially curative treatment modalities. Small Molecules Small molecules accounted for 33% (USD 73.8 billion). They remain central to rare metabolic diseases, neurology, endocrine disorders, and hematology. Despite the rise of biologics, small molecules maintain strong demand due to oral formulation convenience, lower production cost, and well-established regulatory pathways. By Therapy Area (Oncology, Hematology, CNS, Cardiovascular, Endocrine, Respiratory, Immunologic, Gastro-Intestinal, Musculoskeletal, Dermatology, Others) Oncology Oncology-related rare diseases represented the largest share of the orphan drugs market, accounting for around 41% (USD 91.7 billion). This segment is driven primarily by hematologic malignancies, pediatric tumors, rare lymphomas, sarcomas, and solid tumors with actionable genetic variants, which together lead orphan oncology approvals. Hematology Diseases Hematology accounted for 17% (USD 38 billion). Conditions such as hemophilia A/B, sickle cell disease, beta-thalassemia, and bone marrow failure syndromes are seeing breakthrough approvals in gene therapy and biologics. Central Nervous System (CNS) CNS held 12% (USD 26.8 billion). Rare neuromuscular disorders, inherited neurological conditions, mitochondrial diseases, and epilepsy subtypes rely heavily on orphan-designated assets. Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders Represented 8% (USD 17.9 billion). Includes lysosomal storage diseases, Gaucher, Fabry, Pompe, phenylketonuria, and other inborn metabolic errors. Immunologic, Respiratory, Gastro-Intestinal, Musculoskeletal & Dermatology Combined, these categories accounted for 22% (USD 49.3 billion). Autoimmune rare disorders, cystic fibrosis, eosinophilic esophagitis, IBD genetic variants, rare bone disorders, and dermatological genetic syndromes form key contributors. Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=orphan-drugs-market Regional Highlights - U.S. & Japan Strengthen Dominance in Orphan Drug Commercialization United States The U.S. remained the epicenter of orphan drug innovation, contributing 47% of global revenue (USD 105.2 billion in 2023). Benefiting from strong FDA incentives, high reimbursement acceptance, world-leading clinical trial infrastructure, and advanced gene therapy manufacturing facilities, the U.S. is expected to surpass USD 230 billion by 2032. U.S. Market Indicators: 52% of FDA approvals in 2023 were for orphan-designated drugs were for orphan-designated drugs >170 ongoing U.S. gene therapy trials targeting rare conditions targeting rare conditions Orphan drug reimbursement acceptance: 86-92% across major payers U.S. rare oncology trials grew 18% YoY Japan Japan accounted for 9% (USD 20.1 billion) in 2023. PMDA's fast-track pathways and robust reimbursement for rare disease drugs make Japan one of the strongest Asian markets for orphan therapies. Japan Market Highlights: Orphan drug approvals increased 14% YoY (2023-2024) >40% of new gene & cell therapy launches target rare diseases Japan's pediatric rare disease program funding exceeded USD 200 million in 2024 Competitive Landscape: Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. 2024 Revenue: USD 85.2 billion USD Immunology + Oncology share (orphan-heavy): USD 30 billion USD R&D Spend: USD 15 billion J&J leads in rare oncology, immunologic disorders, and cell therapies via Janssen. AbbVie Inc. 2024 Revenue: USD 54.3 billion USD Orphan/Immunology portfolio: >USD 32 billion Includes assets for rare immunologic and hematologic disorders. Vertex Pharmaceuticals 2024 Revenue: USD 10.9 billion USD Rare disease share: >95% (primarily cystic fibrosis + gene-editing programs) Vertex is one of the most pure-play rare disease companies globally. AstraZeneca 2024 Revenue: USD 45.8 billion USD Rare Oncology Revenue: USD 7-8 billion A major player in targeted rare oncology and immunology. Incyte Corporation 2024 Revenue: USD 3.6 billion USD Orphan oncology share: 70% Strong in rare hematologic cancers. Biogen 2024 Revenue: USD 9.6 billion USD Neurology + rare disease share: 65% Includes SMA, ALS, and neuromuscular pipeline programs. Novartis AG 2024 Revenue: USD 47.78 billion USD Rare oncology + gene therapy revenue: USD 10-12 billion A global leader in CAR-T, gene therapy & targeted rare cancer drugs. F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd 2024 Revenue: USD 62.5 billion USD Rare oncology & immunology: USD 14+ billion Extensive presence in hemophilia and neurology. Pfizer Inc. 2024 Revenue: USD 55.1 billion USD Rare disease revenue: USD 3+ billion Pipeline expanding rapidly in genetic diseases and rare cancers. Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS) 2024 Revenue: USD 45.0 billion USD Oncology (rare-heavy): USD 15 billion Strong portfolio in hematologic malignancies and cellular therapies. Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=orphan-drugs-market Future Outlook - The Next Decade of Rare Disease Innovation By 2032, the orphan drug industry will be shaped by: Commercial scaling of gene therapies for hemoglobinopathies, neuromuscular disorders, and inherited retinal diseases for hemoglobinopathies, neuromuscular disorders, and inherited retinal diseases Rise of mRNA & ASO precision medicines targeting ultra-rare genetic variants targeting ultra-rare genetic variants Disease-modifying therapies for neurological & metabolic conditions for neurological & metabolic conditions Global expansion of newborn screening programs AI-driven rare disease diagnosis reducing time-to-treatment from 5 years to <1 year Premium reimbursement models for one-time curative therapies for one-time curative therapies Pharma-academic partnerships accelerating rare disease discovery Related Report: Pediatric Vaccines Market Size was growing from US$ 23.25 B in 2024 to > US$38.53 B by 2032 - Robust 10%+ CAGR. Nephrology Drugs Market Size Set to Expand From US$18.4 B in 2025 to Nearly US$29.1 B by 2032 - CAGR 4.57%. Immunology Drugs Market Size to Surge from US$122.4 B in 2024 to US$262.0 B by 2033 - CAGR 8.8%. Infectious Diseases Treatment Market Size to Grow from US$189.1 B in 2024 to US$264.8 B by 2033 - CAGR 3.9%. About DataM Intelligence DataM Intelligence is a renowned provider of market research, delivering deep insights through pricing analysis, market share breakdowns, and competitive intelligence. The company specializes in strategic reports that guide businesses in high-growth sectors such as nutraceuticals and AI-driven health innovations. To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Contact: Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor, DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/orphan-drugs-market-to-surge-to-usd-486-51-billion-by-2032-as-rare-disease-innovation-gene-therapies--precision-medicine-reshape-global-healthcare-302627575.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Joseph van den Elsen, President and Chief Executive Officer, Andina Copper Corporation (TSXV: ANDC) ("Company"), and his team, joined Tim Babcock, President, TSX Venture Exchange, TMX Group, to open the market and celebrate the Company's new listing on TSX Venture Exchange. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ef3Q6CB_77w 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 with projects in Argentina, Colombia and Chile. The Company's strategy is to acquire copper projects with compelling scale and grade and to add value through rapid exploration, and is actively working across two significant discoveries along the world's premier copper producing belt, and a compelling undrilled copper-gold target. The Piuquenes project is a high-grade copper-gold porphyry located along the San Juan, Argentina Miocene belt, Cobrasco is an exciting new copper-moly porphyry discovery in Choco, Colombia and Mantau is an undrilled copper-gold target located in the Tier 1 address of Antofagasta, Chile. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276182 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange Press release - Property Development Sainte-Marie, November 27 ,2025, 8 :45 pm (local time) Jardin des Gardenias : a new NF Habitat-certified residence certified in the sustainable tropical city of Beausejour On November 18, CBo Territoria delivered the second phase of Jardin des Gardenias in Sainte-Marie (36 units). Developed as presale transaction (VEFA) for SHLMR, the residence now offers 78 Intermediate Rental Housing (LLI) apartments. Jardin des Gardenias reflects the Group's commitment to delivering high-quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of Reunion Island at a time of significant housing pressure. The apartments, designed to adapt the modern lifestyles, feature functional, bright, and well-organized spaces. Each unit opens onto a spacious veranda, a true extension of the interior, ensuring comfort, practicality, and quality of life for future residents. Its contemporary urban architecture fits seamlessly into the vision of Beausejour as a sustainable tropical city and responds to today's environmental challenges. The residence benefits from harmonious landscaping featuring pedestrian pathways and green areas that offer spaces for relaxation while naturally cooling the central courtyard. The common areas are welcoming, secure, and designed to foster social interaction. The development is under the French NF Habitat quality label, which attests to housing standards in energy performance, noise insulation, safety, and indoor air quality. It also reflects a responsible construction approach focused on meeting residents' expectations. With this new residence, CBo Territoria reaffirms its commitment to building sustainable housing and contributes actively to enhancing the living environment on Reunion Island. From a social perspective, SHLMR and CBo Territoria ensure that their construction projects also serve as pathways to employment. By integrating measures that promote access to work for people facing barriers to the labor market, each construction site becomes a concrete opportunity for integration and solidarity. As part of the Jardin des Gardenias project, 20 workers received support, totaling 10,793 hours of work. This approach strengthens the social impact of real estate projects and contributes to the island's economic vitality. To date, CBo Territoria has delivered 1,975 homes in Beausejour to. As of today, three construction sites are underway across the island, totaling 136 units. About CBo Territoria (FR0010193979, CBOT) A leading real estate player in Reunion Island for 20 years, CBo Territoria has become a multi-regional development property investment company (379.7m economic property portfolio value at end-June 2025). The Group operates across the entire real estate value chain (Land Developer, Property Developer and Property Investment Company), pursuing growth through its land reserves or land acquisitions. Since inception, CBo Territoria has been committed to sustainable real estate. CSR is embedded in the company's DNA and is embodied today in its Impact Pei 2030 programme. CBo Territoria is a dividend-paying property investment company eligible for PEA PME and listed on Euronext Paris (Compartment C). INVESTORS Contacts Caroline Clapier - Director of Finance and Administration - direction@cboterritoria.com Agnes Villeret - Komodo - Tel.: 06 83 28 04 15 - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com PRESS Contacts: Finance: Agnes Villeret - agnes.villeret@agence-komodo.com Corporate-Paris: Dina Morin-dmorin@capvalue.fr La Reunion & Mayotte: Catherine Galatoire - cgalatoire@cboterritoria.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: yJhvYJqYk2/IlW2el8tuaGNjaJdlyGbHa5eYxWadaJ/Fm29glG1laMmYZnJmmGZp - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-95313-cbot_press-release-property-development.pdf BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 27 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 27 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: 27 November 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 27,438 Weighted average price (Sterling/US Dollars as applicable): 3.9584 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 319,357,404 Sterling Shares 58,700,202 Sterling Shares 23,901,261 US Dollar Shares 215,496 US Dollar Shares From 27 November 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 487,954,040. 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 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Americore Resources Corp. (TSXV: AMCO) (FSE: 5GP0) (OTCQB: AMCOF) ("Americore" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into an amendment to the acquisition agreement originally announced on November 24, 2025 with Nevada Hills Gold LLC (the "Vendor") regarding the proposed acquisition of certain mineral claims located in Nevada, USA. Pursuant to the amended terms, the new consideration payable by the Company for 100% of the Vendor's right, title, and interest in the claims shall be as follows: US$100,000 cash payment and issuance of 250,000 common shares of Americore, payable on TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") approval of the transaction; and US$100,000 cash payment and issuance of 250,000 common shares of Americore, payable 15 months following Exchange approval of the transaction. The claims will now be subject to a 0.5% Net Smelter Return royalty (NSR) retained by the Vendor, payable on any future mineral production from the project. The Vendor's 0.5% NSR royalty may be subject to partial or full buy-back rights by the Company on terms to be negotiated in the future, and as permitted under Exchange policies. All securities issued under the amended agreement will be subject to a statutory four-month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws and Exchange policies. The transaction remains non-arm's length as defined under Exchange policies. No finder's fees are payable in connection with the transaction. Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary conditions, including but not limited to, the approval of the Exchange. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that the acquisition will be completed as proposed, or at all. The amended agreement does not otherwise alter the previously disclosed material terms of the transaction, including the nature of the assets subject to acquisition. The Company considers the transaction to be a strategic, growth-focused addition to its Nevada mineral portfolio. ABOUT AMERICORE RESOURCES CORP. Americore Resources is focused on advancing the Trinity Silver Project in Nevada, a past-producing silver asset with significant expansion potential. Americore is led by an experienced team with a proven track record of exploration discovery, resource development, and value creation in North American mining jurisdictions. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. 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. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding AMERICORE's intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits AMERICORE will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements' current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including AMERICORE's inability to identify transactions having satisfactory terms or at all and the results of exploration or review of properties that AMERICORE does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and AMERICORE assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276195 SOURCE: Americore Resources Corp. Stella Li (BYD): "With ATTO 2 DM-i we will Beat everyone" BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Last week, Stella visited the European market debut of the new Super Hybrid ATTO 2 DM-i and said "Europe is a particularly important strategic market for us. We are very happy to have brought, in recent years, different models and technologies that have proved highly successful. Especially in Italy, where we launched our Dolphin Surf model in Milan." This is what BYD Executive Vice President Stella Li told LaPresse on the sidelines of the European market debut of the new Super Hybrid ATTO 2 DM-i. "ATTO 2 is another game-changing product," Li explains, "because it is the only compact B-segment SUV that can travel 90 km in fully electric mode," reaching up to 1,000 km of combined driving range. Thanks to this vehicle-called a Super Hybrid car due to its DM-i technology, which ensures "lower consumption levels"-"we will beat anyone," Li states, "all ICE (internal combustion engine) cars, all hybrids, and even mild hybrids: the best performance when it comes to fuel-saving efficiency." Li is particularly proud of the innovations that accompany the launch of ATTO 2, which will provide European consumers with "the best driving experience in terms of technology and performance." She also highlights the new AI assistant features: "It will be like talking to a friend. You'll be able to ask, 'Hi BYD, what's the weather like today?' or 'Where can I find a restaurant?' and the car will automatically answer as if it were a friend." "We are convinced it will be another success," Li reiterates, before outlining her expectations for the near future: "Everyone will need to recognize BYD as a technology company. And when European consumers are ready to buy a new car, we aim to be among the top three brands considered," she says, emphasizing that "it doesn't matter whether they want an electric car or an ICE vehicle," because-Li concludes-"the ATTO 2 DM-i is a one-to-one replacement for ICE cars." For more information: Press Office LaPresse - ufficio.stampa@lapresse.it A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/82bff139-e548-4f78-9b27-2c550385556c A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cbce9708-8eab-4dfe-bc2e-9e790015dc90 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Americore Resources Corp. (TSXV: AMCO) (FSE: 5GP0) (OTCQB: AMCOF) ("Americore" or the "Company") announces that it is issuing a correction to its news release dated November 27, 2025, in which the Company incorrectly stated that its acquisition transaction with Nevada Hills Gold LLC (the "Vendor") constituted a Non-Arm's Length transaction. The Company confirms that the transaction is in fact an Arm's Length transaction, as defined under the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The prior disclosure referencing the transaction as Non-Arm's Length was included in error and the result of an administrative oversight during the preparation of the original release. Americore wishes to clarify that: The Company and the Vendor do not share common directors, officers, control persons, or other insider relationships that would cause the transaction to be considered Non-Arm's Length under Exchange policies. The transaction remains structured under the previously announced amended commercial terms, including: US$100,000 cash and 250,000 common shares, issued on Exchange approval of the transaction; US$100,000 cash and 250,000 common shares, issued 15 months following Exchange approval; A 0.5% NSR royalty retained by the Vendor on future production; The potential for an NSR buy-back right to be negotiated in the future, subject to Exchange policies. No finder's fees are payable in connection with this transaction, and all securities issued will remain subject to a statutory four-month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws and Exchange policies. Apart from the correction to the nature of the transaction, all other information and material commercial terms disclosed in the original and amended press releases remain unchanged. Americore regrets the error and confirms that internal disclosure controls have been reviewed to prevent similar administrative inaccuracies in the future. CONTACT The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange. 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. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding AMERICORE's intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits AMERICORE will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements' current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including AMERICORE's inability to identify transactions having satisfactory terms or at all and the results of exploration or review of properties that AMERICORE does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and AMERICORE assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276205 SOURCE: Americore Resources Corp. Burlington, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Promino Nutritional Sciences Inc. (CSE: MUSL) (OTCID: MUSLF) (FSE: 93X) (the "Company" or "Promino") is pleased to announce the full revocation of a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order (the "FFCTO") issued by the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") effective on November 26, 2025. The FFCTO prohibited the trading by any person or company of any securities of the Company in Canada, except pursuant to limited exceptions under the FFCTO. The FFCTO was issued by the OSC on May 7, 2025 due to the Company's failure to file its annual audited financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the "Filings") as required under Parts 4 and 5 of National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations and pursuant to National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuer's Annual and Interim Filings. The Company submitted the Filings on September 12, 2025, as amended on November 19, 2025, all of which are available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. On September 19, 2025, the Company filed on SEDAR+ its interim financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and related officer certifications for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and the six months ended June 30, 2025. The Company has submitted a written application to the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "Exchange") in order to commence the process to reinstate trading of the Company's common shares on the Exchange. Furthermore, the Company confirms that it has provided the OSC with an undertaking to hold an annual meeting of shareholders on or before February 26, 2026. Other than as otherwise disclosed by the Company since the date of the FFCTO, there have been no changes to the Company's current or future business plans since the date of the FFCTO. About Promino Promino is an innovative and research driven Canadian nutraceutical company specializing in the development of science-based products for the global consumer packaged goods market, with a portfolio focused specifically on muscle health. Promino's lead product, Rejuvenate Muscle Health now benefits from a new formulation that aims to assist in the building, rebuilding, restoration and rejuvenation of natural muscle mass. Promino also offers Promino, an elite performance supplement for both professional and amateur athletes to accelerate muscle recovery, build strength and accelerate recovery from injury. Promino was founded in 2015 and is located in Burlington, Ontario. For more information about Rejuvenate Muscle Activator and where to purchase, visit www.rejuvenatemuscle.com. To learn more about Promino, visit www.drinkpromino.com. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipates", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. 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. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable law. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276206 SOURCE: Promino Nutritional Sciences, Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Golden Sky Minerals Corp. (TSXV: AUEN) (OTC Pink: LCKYF) ("Golden Sky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange") for its Option and Joint Venture Agreement (the "Agreement") with Boliden Minerals Canada Ltd. ("Boliden") and, as requested by the Exchange, provides the following supplemental disclosure regarding the net smelter returns royalty (the "NSR"). This news release is issued further to the Company's news releases dated September 3, 2025 found here, and November 17, 2025 found here, which described the key terms of the Agreement and the approval of the Agreement by disinterested shareholders. Under the Agreement, Boliden may earn up to an 80 percent interest in the Rayfield copper gold property in south central British Columbia by making cash payments totaling CDN $1,000,000 over five years and funding up to CDN $19,000,000 in exploration expenditures over six years. Upon completion of the earn in, a joint venture will be formed, and the Rayfield Property will be combined with Boliden's adjoining Gjoll property. In connection with the joint venture, if a party's interest in the joint venture is reduced to below 10 percent, its remaining interest will automatically convert into a 1.0 percent net smelter returns (NSR) royalty on the Rayfield Gjoll property, subject to a maximum aggregate royalty payable of CDN $15,000,000. The NSR is not an upfront or current obligation of the Company. It only arises if a joint venture participant is diluted below a 10 percent interest. At present, no NSR is outstanding or payable to any party under the Agreement. This transaction is arm's length to the Company and no finder's fees are being paid. About Golden Sky Minerals Corp. Golden Sky Minerals Corp. is a well-funded junior grassroots explorer engaged in the acquisition, assessment, exploration, and development of mineral properties located in highly prospective areas and mining-friendly districts. Golden Sky's mandate is to develop its portfolio of properties to the mineral resource stage through systematic exploration. Its portfolio includes the Rayfield-Gjoll Copper-Gold Project in British Columbia, the Hotspot and Luckystrike gold projects in Yukon, and the Auden Gold Project in Ontario's Timmins camp. Golden Sky's objective is to create value for shareholders through the discovery and development of world-class mineral deposits. The company was incorporated in 2018 and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 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 Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward looking information includes statements regarding final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange, the ability of Boliden to complete the earn in and fund exploration expenditures, the formation and operation of the joint venture, the potential application of the NSR, and the exploration and development plans for the Rayfield Gjoll property and the Company's other projects. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date of this news release, 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. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, risks relating to exploration, development and mining activities, commodity prices, regulatory approvals, title, financing, and general economic conditions, as well as the risks described in the Company's continuous disclosure filings available on SEDAR Plus at www.sedarplus.ca. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276209 SOURCE: Golden Sky Minerals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Railtown AI Technologies Inc. (CSE: RAIL) (OTCQB: RLAIF) ("Railtown" or the "Company"), a leader in Canadian-built artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced proposed amalgamation transaction with AI Partnerships Corp. ("AIP") on November 26, 2025 (the "Transaction"). The Transaction closed pursuant to an amalgamation agreement (as amended) entered into among the Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company ("SubCo") and AIP, as previously announced on October 8, 2025 (the "Amalgamation Agreement"). Under the terms of the Transaction, Railtown acquired all of the outstanding shares of AIP from the holders thereof in exchange for 49,476,251 common shares of Railtown representing an exchange ratio of approximately 2.348 Railtown shares for each AIP share acquired (collectively, the "Consideration Shares"). The Consideration Shares are subject to escrow and contractual restrictions on transfer as follows: Approximately 10 million of the Consideration Shares (the " Escrow Shares "), on a pro rata basis to all AIP shareholders, are placed in escrow upon closing of the Transaction (the " Effective Date ") and subject to release or cancellation on the following basis: Approximately 1 million Escrow Shares (the " Indemnity Shares "), on a pro rata basis to all AIP shareholders, will be subject to cancellation for no consideration in the event Railtown makes an indemnification claim prior to the date that is 12 months from the Effective Date, with one Consideration Share being cancelled for every $0.50 of Railtown's claim; and 50% of the Escrow Shares (including any Indemnity Shares that were not cancelled) will be eligible for release from escrow upon Railtown recording annual recurring revenue from AIP Affiliates equal to or greater than $1 million from the Effective Date to the date that is 36 months from the Effective Date (the " First Milestone ") and the remaining 50% of the Escrow Shares will be eligible for release from escrow upon Railtown recording annual recurring revenue from AIP Affiliates equal to or greater than $2,000,000 (the " Second Milestone ") from the Effective Date to the date that is 36 months from the Effective Date. If the First Milestone and/or Second Milestone are not met by the date that is 36 months from the Effective Date, the Escrow Shares that were to be released upon satisfaction of such milestone will be cancelled for no consideration. The Escrow Shares to be released from escrow as a result of satisfaction of the First Milestone or Second Milestone will be released upon satisfaction of such milestone but no earlier than 18 months from the Effective Date and no later than 36 months from the Effective Date, provided that certain Consideration Shares (the " Key Shareholder Shares ") received by key AIP shareholders (the " Key Shareholders ") will instead be released from escrow on the date that is 36 months from the Effective Date; all other Key Shareholder Shares received by the Key Shareholders are placed into escrow on the Effective Date and released in equal quarterly instalments during the 36 months following the Effective Date, with 10% of 4/5th of the total number of Key Shareholder Shares held by the Key Shareholders being released on the Effective Date; and all other Consideration Shares are subject to a contractual restriction on transfer pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement with 10% of such shares being released from any restriction on transfer as of the Effective Date and the remainder being released in six equal instalments of 15% on a quarterly basis until the date that is 18 months from the Effective Date. The Amalgamation Agreement was negotiated at arm's length between representatives of Railtown and AIP. In connection with the execution of the Amalgamation Agreement and in support of the Transaction, shareholders of AIP holding approximately 51.24% of the outstanding shares of AIP have entered into voting support agreements with Railtown and AIP in support of the Transaction. For additional information on the Transaction and the Amalgamation Agreement, please refer to the News Release dated October 8, 2025 filed under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and posted under the heading "News Releases" on the Company's website at www.railtownaitechnologies.com. About Railtown Railtown AI Technologies Inc. is dedicated to transforming the way agentic software is built, deployed, and scaled. Through its intelligent AI frameworks and observability solutions, Railtown believes it empowers companies and developers to quickly build and deploy agentic solutions while simultaneously providing observability into agent health, reliability and performance. About AI Partnerships Corporation AI Partnerships Corp. was formed in 2020 with the goal of establishing a world-wide affiliate network of AI-as-a-Service based companies that are focused on providing AI-based solutions in a select number of sectors. These sectors include healthcare, manufacturing, supply chain and fintech, as well as sector agnostic AI development tools and applications. AIP has established a network of over 180 SaaS-based AI affiliates (each an "AIP Affiliate"), primarily headquartered in Canada and the US, who have offices in 13 countries world-wide. Follow us on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/railtown-ai/ SUBSCRIBE FOR INVESTOR NEWS Click here to receive our latest investor news alerts. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD "Cory Brandolini" Cory Brandolini, Chief Executive Officer This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will," "may", "should", "intends", "anticipates", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the future plans and objectives of the Company, and the benefits of the Transaction to both Railtown and AIP are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. 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 are risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. As a result, the Company cannot guarantee that any forward-looking statement will materialize, and readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will only update or revise publicly any of the included forward- looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276210 SOURCE: Railtown AI Technologies Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - S2 Minerals Inc. (CSE: STWO) ("S2" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that at an annual general and special meeting of its shareholders held today, the shareholders overwhelmingly approved the proposed change of the name of the Company to "FNX Inc." (the "Name Change") and the proposed amendments to the articles of the Company to (a) amend the rights and restrictions of the existing class of common shares and re-designate such class as "subordinate voting shares" and (b) create a new class of shares designated as "multiple voting shares" (the "Articles Amendments"). Further details in respect of the Name Change and Articles Amendments can be found in the Company's management information circular dated October 23, 2025. The Name Change and the Articles Amendments are expected to be effective on December 5, 2025. The Company's subordinate voting shares are expected to begin trading at the opening of markets on December 5, 2025 under the symbol "FNX". The new CUSIP and ISIN of the subordinate voting shares will be 343921102 and CA3439211028, respectively. No action is required to be taken by existing securityholders of the Company with respect to the Name Change or Articles Amendments. About S2 Minerals Inc. S2 Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on exploring mineral properties in Northwest Ontario, including the Sandy Lake project. The Sandy Lake project comprises approximately 167,000 acres of contiguous mineral claims in the Sandy Lake Archean Greenstone Belt, located approximately 140 miles north of Red Lake, Ontario. S2 beneficially holds a 100% interest in the mineral rights to approximately 137,000 acres, and holds a 50.1% interest in the approximately 15,000 acres of the "Weebigee Joint Venture" claims and a 50% interest in a further 15,000 acres of the Southern Block claims in joint ventures with Goldeye Explorations Limited, now part of NexGold Mining Corp. The Sandy Lake project is held within the traditional territories of Sandy Lake First Nation and Keewaywin First Nation. S2 also holds additional mineral claims which are located within Eabametoong First Nation traditional lands. It is expected that over time, S2 may add new Canadian-focused exploration stage projects to its portfolio. Forward-Looking Information Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance and include statements regarding the Name Change and Articles Amendments, the anticipated effective date for each, and the anticipated timing for trading under the new stock symbol. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include risks relating to general business, economic, competitive, policy and social uncertainties, and risks relating to the failure to receive all requisite regulatory approvals. The forward-looking information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof, and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276212 SOURCE: S2 Minerals Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Royal Road Minerals Limited. (TSXV: RYR) (OTCQB: RRDMF) (the "Company" or "Royal Road") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release of November 3, 2025, it has successfully closed its non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering") through the issuance of 27,772,523 ordinary shares (each, a "Share") in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.18 per Share for gross proceeds of $5,000,000. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Shares were offered for sale to purchasers resident in Canada and/or other qualifying jurisdictions pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 as amended by CSA Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 (the "LIFE Exemption"). Because the Offering was completed pursuant to the LIFE Exemption, the Shares issued pursuant to the Offering are not subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws. The Offering attracted solid interest from both existing and new investors. The Company further confirms that its largest shareholder, Rio2 Limited, maintains its approximately 15% equity stake in Royal Road following completion of the Offering. In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company paid certain eligible persons cash commissions in the aggregate amount of $251,319.23 and issued an aggregate of 1,396,215 broker warrants (each, a "Broker Warrant"). Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Share at a price of $0.18 per Share for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the closing of the Offering. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to expand drilling programs across Royal Road's properties in Colombia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as more specifically detailed in the Company's offering document dated November 3, 2025 prepared and filed in accordance with the LIFE Exemption. The Offering constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 4,502,223 Shares. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on a specified market and the fair market value of the participation in the Offering by insiders does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. The securities issued pursuant to the Offering have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. About Royal Road Minerals: Royal Road Minerals is a mineral exploration and development company with its head office and technical-operations center located in Jersey, Channel Islands. The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker RYR, on the OTCQB under the ticker RRDMF and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the ticker RLU. The Company's mission is to apply expert skills and innovative technologies to the process of discovering and developing copper and gold deposits of a scale large enough to benefit future generations and modern enough to ensure minimum impact on the environment and no net loss of biodiversity. The Company currently explores in the Kingdoms of Saudi Arabia, Morocco and in Colombia. More information can be found on the Company's website www.royalroadminerals.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. Cautionary statement: This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") describing the Company's future plans and the expectations of its management that a stated result or condition will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in the mineral resources industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about, among other things, future economic conditions and courses of action, and assumptions related to government approvals, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The words "plans", "prospective", "expect", "intend", "intends to" and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to the Company's exploration plans. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only on the date they are made. There is no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans or operations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: economic market conditions, anticipated costs and expenditures, government approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators or other applicable regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements included herein are based on the current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions of the Company management and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276214 SOURCE: Royal Road Minerals Limited Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Surface Metals Inc. (CSE: SUR) (OTCQB: SURMF) (the "Company", or "Surface Metals") announced today that the Company has closed a first tranche of its non-brokered private placement financing, previously announced on October 20, 2025. The Company issued 1,600,000 units (the "Units") at $0.20 CAD per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $320,000 CAD. Each Unit is comprised of one (1) common share and one-half of one (1) transferable common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.40 for two (2) years from closing of the Offering. The Issuer intends to use the proceeds of the offering to fund technical work at its Nevada gold and lithium projects, as well as for general working capital purposes. Finder's fee of $10,500 and 52,500 finder's warrants were paid to arm's lengths parties in connection with the Offering (each finder's warrant exercisable on the same terms as the warrants forming part of the Units). All securities that are issued pursuant to the offering are subject to, among other things, a hold period of four months and one day in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. About Surface Metals Inc. Surface Metals Inc. (CSE: SUR) (OTCQB: SURMF) is a North American mineral exploration company focused on advancing a diversified portfolio of gold and lithium projects in Nevada, USA, and Manitoba, Canada. The Company's Cimarron Gold Project is located in Nye County, Nevada, in a historically productive gold district. It's Clayton Valley Lithium Brine Project hosts an inferred resource of approximately 302,900 tonnes LCE adjacent to Albemarle's Silver Peak Mine. Surface Metals also holds additional lithium assets in Fish Lake Valley, Nevada, and through a joint venture with Snow Lake Energy in southeastern Manitoba. Neither the CSE nor its regulations service providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains certain statements which may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws ("forward-looking statements"). These include statements regarding the amount of funds to be raised under the Offering, and the use of such funds. There is no guarantee the Offering will be completed on the terms outlined above, or at all. Use of funds is subject to the discretion of the Company's board of directors, and as such may be used for purposes other than as set out above. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276222 SOURCE: Surface Metals Inc. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Leor Rotchild, Founder, Calgary Climate Week and other members, joined Ariane Bourassa, Head, Sustainability and ESG Strategy, TMX Group, to close the market and celebrate the launch of Calgary Climate Week 2026 from the Energy Transition Centre in Calgary. Cannot view this video? Visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBsxCgbA9Rc Calgary Climate Week is a city-wide celebration of climate leadership, innovation, and community action. Taking place June 1-6, 2026, the event brings together investors, climate-tech innovators, policymakers, and community changemakers for a week of forums, tours, demonstrations, and collaborative programming showcasing practical climate solutions. Calgary Climate Week provides a platform for discussing progress and accelerating action towards Calgary's climate goals, including reducing GHG emissions to net-zero by 2050. The Calgary Climate Week was announced as part of Canada Climate Week Xchange (CCWX) event, in partnership with TMX Group and featuring sessions from the Energy Futures Lab, Evok Innovations, and the launch of Calgary Climate Week. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276224 SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange The rhabdomyosarcoma market is expanding as unmet needs in pediatric and young-adult populations drive increased R&D and clinical activity. Additionally, the launch of emerging therapies such as Cabozantinib (Exelixis/Ipsen), PEEL-224 (Peel Therapeutics), Orotecan (Edison Oncology), ONIVYDE (St. Jude Research Hospital), and others will further propel the market growth. LAS VEGAS, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DelveInsight's Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Insights report includes a comprehensive understanding of current treatment practices, rhabdomyosarcoma emerging drugs, market share of individual therapies, and current and forecasted market size from 2020 to 2034, segmented into leading markets (the US, EU4, UK, and Japan). Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Summary The market size for rhabdomyosarcoma in the leading markets is expected to grow significantly by 2034. The United States accounted for the highest rhabdomyosarcoma treatment market size in 7MM in 2024, in comparison to the other major markets, i.e., EU4 countries, the United Kingdom, and Japan. Rhabdomyosarcoma is one of the most common STS in children, representing ~ 50% of STS cases. of STS cases. Leading rhabdomyosarcoma companies developing emerging therapies, such as Exelixis, Ipsen, Peel Therapeutics, Edison Oncology, St. Jude Research Hospital, and others, are developing new therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma that can be available in the rhabdomyosarcoma market in the coming years. and others, are developing new therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma that can be available in the rhabdomyosarcoma market in the coming years. The promising rhabdomyosarcoma therapies in clinical trials include Cabozantinib, PEEL-224, Orotecan, ONIVYDE, and others. Discover the rhabdomyosarcoma new treatment @ New Treatments for Rhabdomyosarcoma Key Factors Driving the Growth of the Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Pediatric Prevalence and Clear Clinical Need Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children, with a measurable (though rare) incidence that keeps it a distinct clinical priority in pediatric oncology. Genetic Profiling and Risk Stratification in Rhabdomyosarcoma Recent genetic and molecular profiling of rhabdomyosarcoma has enhanced risk stratification and individualized treatment. Identifying subtypes, such as alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with PAX3/7-FOXO1 fusion, enables more accurate prognostic predictions and informs targeted therapy strategies in clinical trials. Novel Agents and Immuno-Oncology Approaches for Relapsed or Metastatic Rhabdomyosarcoma New drugs targeting IGF1R, ALK, and FGFR pathways, as well as immune-based strategies such as checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cells, and cancer vaccines, hold promise for improving outcomes in relapsed or metastatic rhabdomyosarcoma. Early-phase clinical trials are expanding rapidly, presenting opportunities for breakthroughs in previously hard-to-treat cases. Launch of Emerging Rhabdomyosarcoma Drugs The rhabdomyosarcoma pipeline is advancing, with several key candidates currently in early-stage clinical development. Notable drugs in progress include Cabozantinib (Exelixis/Ipsen), PEEL-224 (Peel Therapeutics), Orotecan (Edison Oncology), and ONIVYDE (St. Jude Research Hospital), among others. Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Analysis Currently, treatment options for rhabdomyosarcoma remain limited, with the VAC regimen, comprising an alkylating agent (such as cyclophosphamide or ifosfamide) combined with vincristine and dactinomycin, serving as the standard of care across all risk categories: low, intermediate, and high. In children with localized disease, rhabdomyosarcoma is often curable through combined-modality therapy, yielding 5-year survival rates above 70%. Patients who remain event-free for 5 years rarely relapse, with the 10-year late-event rate around 9%. However, the risk of recurrence is significantly higher in those presenting with unresectable tumors, unfavorable primary sites, or metastatic disease at diagnosis. Early efforts to apply adult immunotherapy approaches to pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma have shown limited benefit, primarily due to the typically low mutational burden and non-inflammatory tumor microenvironment of pediatric solid tumors. The scarcity of robust clinical trial data underscores a persistent unmet need in rhabdomyosarcoma management. Emerging companies addressing this gap include Peel Therapeutics, Ipsen Pharma, Edison Oncology, and others. To know more about rhabdomyosarcoma treatment options, visit @ Approved Rhabdomyosarcoma Drugs Rhabdomyosarcoma Competitive Landscape The rhabdomyosarcoma clinical trial landscape is advancing, with several major products in early-stage clinical development. The current drugs in the pipeline include Cabozantinib (Exelixis/Ipsen), PEEL-224 (Peel Therapeutics), Orotecan (Edison Oncology), ONIVYDE (St. Jude Research Hospital), and others. Exelixis/Ipsen's Cabozantinib is an orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat several types of cancer. It acts on multiple signaling pathways that drive tumor growth and angiogenesis. The drug is currently in Phase II clinical development for rhabdomyosarcoma, with ongoing studies in collaboration with Nationwide Children's Hospital (NCT05135975) and the National Cancer Institute (NCT02867592). Peel Therapeutics' PEEL-224 is a nanocarrier-based therapy incorporating four small molecules for cancer treatment. Its active component is derived from camptothecin, a natural compound from the Chinese Happy Tree, initially thought to serve as a plant defense molecule. Through molecular engineering and conjugation with a synthetic polymer, PEEL-224 is designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxicity. It is presently being evaluated in Phase I/II clinical trials in collaboration with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (NCT06709495) and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (NCT06721689). Edison Oncology's Orotecan (oral irinotecan HCl, VAL-413) is a novel, patented liquid oral formulation of irinotecan hydrochloride developed to enable oral administration with improved tolerability. It is currently undergoing Phase I clinical development. In April 2024, Edison Oncology presented interim data from its ongoing orotecan trial in recurrent pediatric cancers at the AACR 2024 conference. ONIVYDE is a cancer therapy that inhibits the TOP1 enzyme, which is essential for DNA replication and cell division. By blocking this enzyme, the drug prevents cancer cell proliferation, leading to cell death. In ONIVYDE, irinotecan is encapsulated in liposomes-tiny lipid particles that accumulate in tumors and release the drug gradually. It is administered intravenously over 90 minutes every two weeks, with specific dosing adjustment guidelines. ONIVYDE is currently in Phase I/II clinical development. The anticipated launch of these emerging therapies are poised to transform the rhabdomyosarcoma market landscape in the coming years. As these cutting-edge therapies continue to mature and gain regulatory approval, they are expected to reshape the rhabdomyosarcoma market landscape, offering new standards of care and unlocking opportunities for medical innovation and economic growth. Discover more about therapy for rhabdomyosarcoma @ Rhabdomyosarcoma Clinical Trials What is Rhabdomyosarcoma? Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor that arises from skeletal muscle progenitor cells. It primarily affects children and adolescents, though it can also occur in adults. RMS is categorized into several histological subtypes, including embryonal, alveolar, and pleomorphic, each with distinct genetic and clinical characteristics. Common sites of origin include the head and neck region, genitourinary tract, and extremities. The disease often presents as a rapidly growing, painless mass, sometimes accompanied by symptoms related to local invasion or metastasis. Diagnosis involves imaging studies, biopsy, and immunohistochemical analysis, while treatment typically includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Advances in molecular profiling have improved understanding of the disease's biology, paving the way for targeted and personalized therapeutic strategies. Rhabdomyosarcoma Epidemiology Segmentation The rhabdomyosarcoma epidemiology section provides insights into the historical and current rhabdomyosarcoma patient pool and forecasted trends for the leading markets. Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue malignant tumor of mesenchymal origin. It accounts for approximately 2.7% of cancer cases among children aged 0 to 14 years and 1.4% of the cases among adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 19 years. The rhabdomyosarcoma market report proffers epidemiological analysis for the study period 2020-2034 in the leading markets, segmented into: Total Incident Cases of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Total Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma Type-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma Site-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma Age-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma Total Treated Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Report Metrics Details Study Period 2020-2034 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Report Coverage 7MM [The United States, the EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan]. Rhabdomyosarcoma Epidemiology Segmentation Total Incident Cases of Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Total Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma, Type-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma, Site-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma, Age-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma, and Total Treated Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma Key Rhabdomyosarcoma Companies Exelixis, Ipsen, Peel Therapeutics, Edison Oncology, St. Jude Research Hospital, and others Key Rhabdomyosarcoma Therapies Cabozantinib, PEEL-224, Orotecan, ONIVYDE, and others Scope of the Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Report Therapeutic Assessment: Rhabdomyosarcoma current marketed and emerging therapies Rhabdomyosarcoma current marketed and emerging therapies Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Dynamics: Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Rhabdomyosarcoma Drugs and Market Outlook Key Market Forecast Assumptions of Emerging Rhabdomyosarcoma 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, Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Access and Reimbursement Download the report to understand which factors are driving rhabdomyosarcoma therapeutics market trends @ Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Trends Table of Contents 1 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Key Insights 2 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Report Introduction 3 Executive Summary of Rhabdomyosarcoma 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Overview at a Glance 4.1 Emerging Landscape Analysis (By Phase, RoA, and Molecule Type) 4.2 Market Share by Therapies (%) Distribution of Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2024 4.3 Market Share by Therapies (%) Distribution of Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2034 5 Key Events 6 Epidemiology and Market Forecast Methodology 7 Disease Background and Overview 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Rhabdomyosarcoma Symptoms 7.3 Rhabdomyosarcoma Causes 7.4 Rhabdomyosarcoma Types 7.5 Rhabdomyosarcoma Risk Factors 7.6 Rhabdomyosarcoma Pathophysiology 7.7 Rhabdomyosarcoma Biomarkers 7.8 Rhabdomyosarcoma Diagnosis 8 Rhabdomyosarcoma Treatment 9 Epidemiology and Patient Population 9.1 Key Findings 9.2 Assumptions and Rationale 9.3 Total Incident Cases of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the 7MM 9.4 Total Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the 7MM 9.5 The United States 9.5.1 Total Incident Cases of Soft Tissue Sarcoma in the United States 9.5.2 Total Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the United States 9.5.3 Type-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the United States 9.5.4 Site-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the United States 9.5.5 Age-specific Incident Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the United States 9.5.6 Total Treated Cases of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the United States 9.6 EU4 and the UK 9.7 Japan 10 Rhabdomyosarcoma Patient Journey 11 Emerging Rhabdomyosarcoma Therapies 11.1 Key Competitors 11.2 Cabozantinib: Exelixis 11.2.1 Product Description 11.2.2 Other Developmental Activities 11.2.3 Clinical Development 11.2.3.1 Clinical Trial Information 11.2.4 Safety and Efficacy 11.2.5 Analyst Views 11.3 PEEL-224: Peel Therapeutics 11.4 Orotecan (VAL-413): Edison Oncology List to continued 12 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market: 7MM Analysis 12.1 Key Findings 12.2 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Outlook 12.3 Conjoint Analysis 12.4 Key Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Forecast Assumptions 12.5 Total Market Size of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the 7MM 12.6 Market Size of Rhabdomyosarcoma by Therapies in the 7MM 12.7 The United States Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Size 12.7.1 Total Market Size of Rhabdomyosarcoma in the United States 12.7.2 Market Size of Rhabdomyosarcoma by Therapies in the United States 12.8 EU4 and the UK Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Size 12.9 Japan Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Size 13 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Unmet Needs 14 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market SWOT Analysis 15 KOL Views on Rhabdomyosarcoma 16 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Access and Reimbursement 16.1 United States 16.2 EU4 and the UK 16.3 Japan 16.4 Market Access and Reimbursement of Rhabdomyosarcoma 16.5 Summary and Comparison of Market Access and Pricing Policy Developments in 2025 17 Bibliography 18 Rhabdomyosarcoma Market Report Methodology Related Reports Rhabdomyosarcoma Clinical Trial Analysis Rhabdomyosarcoma Pipeline Insight - 2025 report provides comprehensive insights about the pipeline landscape, pipeline drug profiles, including clinical and non-clinical stage products, and the key rhabdomyosarcoma companies, including Exelixis, Ipsen, Peel Therapeutics, Edison Oncology, St. Jude Research Hospital, among others. Soft Tissue Sarcoma Market Soft Tissue Sarcoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key STS companies, including Advenchen Laboratories, Philogen, Gradalis, Epizyme, Chugai Pharma France, CytRx, Taiho Pharmaceuticals, KaryoPharm Therapeutics, Nanobiotix, Apexigen, Lytix Biopharma, Incyte Corporation, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Aadi Bioscience, Inc., AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Bayer, VasGene Therapeutics, Mirati Therapeutics, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Incyte Corporation, Tracon Pharmaceuticals, Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine, Exelixis, Qbiotics, AstraZeneca, Loxo Oncology, ImmunityBio, Monopar Therapeutics, Chipscreen Biosciences, Ltd., Agenus, C4 Therapeutics, Inc., Noxopharm Limited, Moleculin Biotech, Inc., Sunshine Guojian Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., Tracon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Guangdong Xiangxue Precision Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals, Takara Bio Inc., Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Lyell Immunopharma, Telix Pharmaceuticals, among others. Kaposi Sarcoma Market Kaposi Sarcoma Market Insight, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report delivers an in-depth understanding of the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Kaposi sarcoma companies, including Sun Pharmaceutical, Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, among others. Ewing Sarcoma Market Ewing Sarcoma Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034 report deliver an in-depth understanding of the disease, historical and forecasted epidemiology, as well as the market trends, market drivers, market barriers, and key Ewing sarcoma companies, including Gradalis, Eisai, Salarius Pharmaceuticals, Tyme, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Company, Cellectar Biosciences, Inc., Valent Technologies, LLC, Sumitomo Pharma Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Ono Pharmaceuticals, Nektar Therapeutics, Inhibrx, Inc., 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 info@delveinsight.com +14699457679 www.delveinsight.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1082265/3528414/DelveInsight_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/rhabdomyosarcoma-market-is-expected-to-rise-throughout-forecast-period-20252034-with-promising-drug-candidates-in-pipeline--delveinsight-302627334.html Prince Harry and Meghan Markle has done enough to tarnish the image of the British Royal Family through their Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan and Harrys memoir Spare. How worried is Harry as Prince William wants to erase him and Meghan from the royal family? According to reports Prince William has zero tolerance for what Harry and mostly Meghan has been doing to tarnish the image of the British Royal Family. Prince Harry seems to be worried about that. Harry worried about being stripped of princely status As per a report in International The News, Royal expert Tom Bower said, Harry is seriously worried that when his father dies William will literally banish him and he will have no status in Britain at all. Prince Harry will be persona non grata in Britain, the expert further said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The royal insiders went on saying several other royals will also see their titles terminated as William removes the HRHdesignation from all non-working royals, adding with Harry and Meghan are his primary targets. This will make it very difficult for Harry to return to India. Following the recent removal of Prince Andrews titles by King Charles due to scandal, a Removal of Titles Bill is being pushed in the UK Parliament to empower the monarchand subsequently the new kingto revoke royal titles from members who are no longer active royals or who bring controversy What might happen to Meghan? Meghan Markle, the star from the popular show Suits, married Prince Harry and they both became the Royal couple. She was given the title Duchess of Sussex but if a report is to be believed, she could be stripped off the same if Prince William becomes the king. Sharmas Kaps Cafe, which opened in Surrey, British Columbia, in July, was first targeted by unknown people on July 10, followed by two more attacks on August 7 and October 16 Actor-comedian Kapil Sharma on Wednesday said the three incidents of firing at his cafe in Canadas Surrey only led to more business and a discussion in the countrys parliament. Sharmas Kaps Cafe, which opened in Surrey, British Columbia, in July, was first targeted by unknown people on July 10, followed by two more attacks on August 7 and October 16. No one was injured in the incidents and no group has claimed responsibility for it. Jitni baar goli chali wahan pe, uske baad hume aur badi opening lagi cafe par. Uparwala saath hai to theek hai. Har har Mahadev. (In fact, after every firing incident, we got a bigger opening at the cafe. So it is all ok if god is with you), Sharma said in his first reaction to the incident during an event here. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Sharma said he was told that the firing at his cafe brought focus on such incidents in the country. What I feel is that the rules there and the police perhaps dont have power to control (such incident). But when our case happened, it went to federal government and there was a discussion in Canadian parliament, Sharma said. I believe whatever god does we dont get to know the story behind that I got calls from a lot of people from there who told me that there were a lot of things happening but after the firing at my cafe, it became a news and now steps are being taken to improve the law and order situation there, he added. The 44-year-old actor said he had never felt unsafe in Mumbai or anywhere else in India. I never felt unsafe in Mumbai or in our country. There is no other city like Mumbai, he added. The actor, who spoke to the media at the trailer launch of Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2, said he primarily considers himself a comedian but there is a hunger to explore different genres. I like to making people laugh wether it is on TV, OTT or in films. I personally love comedy. I did a film with Nandita (Das) maam. It wasnt comedy. She did not see me as a comedian. In that she made me do a delivery boy character. What ever she said I did. As an actor you want to explore something new which you havent done earlier. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol Bishnoi and Ravtaram Swami have been named as wanted accused in the case A special Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) court here has framed charges against five persons, including the two alleged shooters, in the 2024 Salman Khan residence firing case. A trial starts once charges are framed. Judge Mahesh Jadhav framed charges against Vickykumar Gupta, Sagarkumar Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Rafiq Sardar Choudhari and Harpal Singh after they pleaded not guilty. Gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, his brother Anmol Bishnoi and Ravtaram Swami have been named as wanted accused in the case. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two motorbike-borne men Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal allegedly opened fire outside Galaxy Apartment in Bandra, the actors residence, in the early hours of morning on April 14, 2024. Gupta and Pal, along with Sonukumar Bishnoi, Choudhary and Harpal Singh, are currently in judicial custody. Anujkumar Thapan, also arrested in the case, allegedly committed suicide in police custody. The arrested accused, along with the absconding persons, were parties to the criminal conspiracy and acting as members of an organised crime syndicate (as defined under the MCOCA) headed by Lawrence Bishnoi, said the charge order. They agreed with a common objective to do an illegal act which was to commit the murder of the victim by use of firearms and to create terror in the minds of the citizens of Mumbai city for establishing supremacy, the charge order said. Singh provided the information collected by Choudhary, who had conducted a recce of Salmans house, to the wanted accused, it said. Bishnoi provided weapons and bullets to Gupta and Pal who fired at the residence of the victim with the intention to kill him, the charge order said. Thereby, each of the accused allegedly committed an offence under IPC provisions for criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder and relevant provisions MCOCA and they should be tried, the order said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Lawrence Bishnoi is currently lodged in an Ahmedabad jail, his brother Anmol was recently deported to the country from the USA and is in NIA custody in another case. Field Marshal Asim Munir has become Pakistans most powerful army chief as he takes over the post of the countrys first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). As the 27th Amendment to the Constitution came into force today (November 27), Munir has assumed control of the army, navy and air force. This position has made him the most powerful man in Pakistan. Heres how Pakistans Field Marshal Asim Munir has become the countrys most powerful Army chief ever. On Thursday (November 27), he took over as the first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a position that would empower him to control the army, navy and air force. This comes after Pakistans Parliament approved the contentious 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which created the position that has put Munir in charge of Pakistans military. As the amendment comes into force from today, Munir has become the overall commander of the Pakistani armed forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. Asim Munir is the new CDF Asim Munir is Pakistans first CDF after the 27th Amendment to the Constitution abolished the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). This post was created in 1976 by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto after structural changes were introduced in the military in the aftermath of Pakistans defeat in the 1971 war with India. The CJCSC served as the symbolic head of the armed services, who ensured coordination among the army, navy, and air force. However, in reality, the Pakistan Army maintained oversized clout over the other services, with 15 of the total 18 CJCSCs coming from the army. Current CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza retired today, bringing an end to the decades-old role. The 27th Constitutional Amendment also revised Article 243, which stated that the Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces and that the Supreme Command of the Armed Forces shall vest in the President. Now, the President will appoint the Chief of Defence Forces and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), in consultation with the Prime Minister, for a term of five years. What powers does Munir have now? Asim Munir will remain Pakistan Armys chief while simultaneously assuming the post of the CDF. Sources told News18, Pakistans armed forces are undergoing a deep structural revamp, with new formations, revisions in command layers, and sweeping organisational reforms likely in the cards. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There could be promotions, transfers, and fresh postings in the three services as the new post becomes operational. Munir will be at the helm of Pakistans armed forces till at least 2030. The amendment also allows for increasing the tenure of the CDF. He would have retired on Thursday itself. However, an amendment last year extended the tenure of the service chiefs from three to five years, shifting Munirs regular retirement date as army chief to November 27, 2027. The 27th Constitutional Amendment also provides unchecked legal power to Munir, on par with the President. The CDF, as well as the air force and navy chiefs, cannot be prosecuted. If Munir, as CDF, gets the power to influence promotions, it would establish the supremacy of the army over the other two services in Pakistan. As per local media, there is ambiguity over who would control transfers, postings, and promotions in the air force and navy. The amendment also reduced the governments oversight over the army, reported Dawn. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Asim Munir is Pakistans first Chief of Defence Forces. File Photo/AFP Munir has been empowered to recommend appointments to the position of Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS), which will then be authorised by the federal government. However, the field marshal is unlikely to appoint a Vice Chief of Army Staff just yet, as per Dawn. There is also a proposal to create a Commander of the National Strategic Command, a position supervising Pakistans nuclear forces. Under the amendments, this commander will be appointed from the army by the Prime Minister on the advice of the army chief. According to Dawn, this indicates a shift in control of Pakistans most sensitive assets away from the collegial National Command Authority (NCA), which ensured civilian oversight and inter-service balance, toward a single service. Former human rights minister and defence academic Dr Shireen Mazari told the Pakistani daily that this change could have serious operational implications. Effectively, all nuclear weapons and delivery systems will be under the armys control, including second-strike missiles which normally fall under naval command, she said. This could lead to command-and-control problems and time delays, especially in a war-like situation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How CDF post makes Munir all-powerful The creation of the post of Chief of Defence Forces has given Munir overarching control of all three services the army, air force and navy. Field Marshal Asim Munir has become the most powerful man in Pakistan, defence analyst Naeem Khalid Lodhi, a retired lieutenant general, told the AFP news agency. The politicians are responsible for making him even more powerful. For their short-term interests, they have put Pakistans long-term interests at stake, he added. Defence experts warn that putting an army chief as the head of the Pakistani military, with authority over the other two services as well, is a recipe for disaster. By placing an army officer as the Chief of Defence Forces with authority over the Air Force and Navy, the proposed system invites institutional imbalance and potential disaster, retired Lt Gen Asif Yasin Malik, a former defence secretary, said to Dawn. This amendment appears tailored to benefit a specific individual rather than to strengthen the defence structure, he said. According to Shuja Nawaz, an author and expert on South Asia, the amendment seems as a survival strategy for Pakistans lawmakers. Politicians renewed their insurance policy, he told AFP. Munirs five-year term will outlast theirs, and they expect his support when elections come. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nawaz said the army chief now probably has as much power as the late Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who seized power in 1999. Like Musharraf, he has a subservient prime minister and the authority to reshape the armys structure, he said. Nawaz pointed out that Munir, as CDF, can now overhaul military command and modernise the force. With inputs from agencies A Dhaka court will pronounce its verdict today in three separate corruption cases against the former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 22 others over alleged irregularities in the Rajuk plot scam. This comes days after Hasina was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. In India, PM Narendra Modi is set to unveil Indias first private rocket, Vikram-I, built by Skyroot Aerospace via video conferencing Former Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina attended the EU Global Gateway Forum 2023, in Brussels, Belgium October 25, 2023. Image: Reuters Its a busy Thursday indeed. After the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death on November 17, today the Dhaka court will deliver its verdict in three corruption cases against the former Bangladesh prime minister and her family. This will also be the first ruling in a corruption case against Hasina. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate Skyroots Infinity Campus, the Indian space startup. The PM will also unveil Skyroots first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, capable of launching satellites into orbit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russian President Vladimir Putin has kicked off his state visit to Kyrgyzstan, which will last from November 25 to 27. Today, Putin will participate in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation summit (CSTO), with several bilateral meetings scheduled. Lets take a closer look at all the events: Rajuk plot scam: Verdict against Hasina, family Making it a first ruling in a corruption case against Sheikh Hasina, the Dhaka court will announce the verdict in three separate corruption cases filed against former Bangladesh prime minister, son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, daughter Saima Wazed Putul, and 20 others. The ruling is over the alleged irregularities in the Rajuk plot allocation. On November 17, the court had already completed recording the testimonies of witnesses in the three cases. Sheikh Hasina hid information about properties owned by her and other family members within areas under Rajuks jurisdiction, according to the charge sheets. All eyes are on the judgment set to be pronounced today. PM Modi to inaugurate Skyroots Infinity Campus Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually launch a space-tech startup, Skyroot Aerospaces Infinity Campus, today. The PM will also unveil Skyroots first orbital rocket, Vikram-I. The event is scheduled to begin at 11 am via video conferencing. According to the release from PMO, the facility will have around 200,000 square feet of workspace for designing, developing, integrating and testing multiple launch vehicles. It will also boost the capacity to build one orbital rocket every month. Founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, Skyroot Aerospace stands at the forefront of Indias private space sector. Putin to attend CSTO summit Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is on his three-day visit to Kyrgyzstan, will attend the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) summit. His visit started on November 25 and will last till November 27. According to a Russian news agency, Tass, this will be Putins third state visit to Kyrgyzstan. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov attend an official welcoming ceremony. Reuters The Russian President will hold several bilateral meetings. He will deliver a report on Russias priority areas of Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) chairmanship in 2026. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Russia and Kyrgyzstan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening and deepening bilateral cooperation across sectors. Thanksgiving is here! Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of every November, and in 2025, it falls on November 2027, which is today. A day of a huge feast. A day, when one is allowed to eat an abundance of pumpkin pies and other stuff. Its a federal holiday, with many schools and businesses remaining closed. Its known as the day to eat turkey, be merry, and give thanks. Other popular meals include rolls, ham, potatoes, green beans, mac, etc. The date Thanksgiving falls on changes each year; however, the holiday always falls on the fourth Thursday of November. Pope Leo XIV visits Turkey, Lebanon Pope Leo XIV is on his first foreign trip since his election, as he is set to visit Turkey and Lebanon. With a message of peace, he will emphasise the key themes of his pontificate: dialogue and unity. Pope Leo XIV arrives to attend a general audience in Saint Peters Square at the Vatican. Reuters He will begin his trip on Thanksgiving Day in the United States. During his trip, Leo will meet the presidents of the countries and will also participate in the interfaith events. Like Pope Francis, he also uses these trips to help war-torn countries. Astronaut launch for ISS on Russian Soyuz spacecraft The Russian Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft, carrying two Russian cosmonauts and a US astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS), is scheduled for a launch aboard a Roscosmos Soyuz 2.1a rocket from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The three-person crew will spend about eight months aboard the orbital laboratory conducting scientific research, according to the Florida Today. The mission comes as the International Space Station (ISS) marks 25 years of human presence in orbit. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The live coverage of the launch and docking will be provided by NASA. With inputs from agencies. It was on November 27, 1895, that one of the worlds most prestigious awards, the Nobel Prize, was established by Alfred Nobel. The Swedish chemist and inventor dedicated the bulk of his fortune to creating international recognition that would honour those who work for the betterment of humankind. On this day in 1978, Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, and George Moscone, the progressive mayor of San Francisco, were assassinated A bust of Alfred Nobel on display at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden. File image/AP The Nobel Prizes hold an extreme significance in their respective fields even today, 130 years after it were first established. It was on November 27, 1895, that Alfred Nobel, surprised everybody and dedicated the bulk of his considerable fortune to creating a series of international awards that would honour those who conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. If you are a history geek who loves to learn about important events from the past, Firstpost Explainers ongoing series, History Today will be your one-stop destination to explore key events. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On this day in 1978, one of the most shocking incidents in the history of American politics took place when Harvey Milk and George Moscone were assassinated. Here is all that took place on this day. Nobel Prizes were established One of the most prestigious recognitions in the world, the Nobel Prizes, was established on this day in 1895 for intellectual and humanitarian achievement. On this day, a Swedish chemist, engineer and industrialist Alfred Nobel, signed his final will at the SwedishNorwegian Club in Paris. In a move that surprised even his closest associates, Nobel dedicated the bulk of his considerable fortune to creating a series of international awards that would honour those who conferred the greatest benefit to humankind. Nobels will outlined five categories, namely, Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace. These fields, he believed, represented the scientific, cultural, and moral pillars necessary for the progress of civilisation. The Peace Prize was singled out to be awarded by the Norwegian Parliaments committee, while the others were entrusted to Swedish institutions such as the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and the Karolinska Institute. The Nobel Prize for Literature medal is displayed before a ceremony at the Swedish Ambassadors Residence in London. File image/AP Initially, Nobels will faced scepticism, legal disputes, and resistance from heirs who questioned both his intentions and the feasibility of administering such awards. It took several years of negotiations before the Nobel Foundation was formally established in 1900 to manage the funds and oversee the prize process. The first Nobel Prizes were finally awarded in 1901, fulfilling the vision Nobel set in motion on that late November day. Over time, the prizes have grown in stature and expanded in scope. In 1968, Swedens central bank established the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, often referred to as the Economics Nobel, bringing the number of annual awards to six. Today, the Nobel Prizes stand as global symbols of excellence, honouring groundbreaking discoveries, profound literary contributions, and extraordinary efforts to advance peace. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Harvey Milk and George Moscone were assassinated The assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Moscone on this day in 1978, remain among the most shocking moments in modern American political history. Milk was the first openly gay elected official in California, while Moscone was the progressive mayor of San Francisco at the time. They were both gunned down inside San Francisco City Hall by former city supervisor Dan White. Tensions had been simmering for months. White, a conservative former police officer and firefighter, had resigned from the Board of Supervisors but soon regretted the decision and demanded his seat back. Mayor Moscone, encouraged by Milk and others who believed White would obstruct the citys progressive direction, decided to appoint someone else instead. Feeling betrayed and politically sidelined, White entered City Hall on the morning of November 27 through a basement window to avoid metal detectors, carrying a loaded revolver. A child carries a sign of former San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk during an annual remembrance and candlelight march in memory of their assassinations in San Francisco, California. File image/Reuters He first confronted Moscone in the mayors office. After a brief conversation, White pulled out his gun and shot Moscone multiple times at close range. He then walked to Milks office, requested a private meeting, and opened fire again. Milk was killed instantly. Vigils began within hours, and that night, tens of thousands marched in a silent procession through San Francisco, holding candles to honour the slain leaders. Milks death, in particular, devastated the LGBTQ+ community, which had celebrated his 1977 election as a historic moment for representation and civil rights. The aftermath grew even more controversial when Dan White was convicted not of murder but of voluntary manslaughter, a verdict that sparked the White Night Riots. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Day, That Year The revised Code of Canon Law took effect from this day in 1983. In 1919, the Treaty of Neuilly, outlining the post-World War I peace terms for Bulgaria, was signed. With inputs from agencies Residents of Hong Kong are in disbelief after a fire engulfed several tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district, killing 55 people, with officials noting that the death toll could rise. Even as firefighters try to douse the flames, theories are swirling around the possible causes of the deadly blaze, with experts and residents pointing to the bamboo scaffolding Hong Kong is known for its towering skyscrapers its urban landscape is made up of an impressive forest of steel and glass towers that dominate the sky. However, on Wednesday (November 26), a deadly fire took hold in an eight-building housing estate with 2,000 apartments, killing at least 55 people and leaving hundreds missing according to authorities. The devastating fire, which continues to blaze, is now being considered the financial hubs worst in decades, sending shockwaves through the area, with even Chinas Xi Jinping expressing his condolences, and calling for all-out efforts to minimise casualties and losses. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what do we know of the fire? What dont we know of the blaze? Heres what we found out so far. Where and when did the fire break out in Hong Kong? The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a large housing complex in Hong Kongs Tai Po district, at 14:51 local time on Wednesday (November 26). This residential complex consists of eight blocks with each building being 32-storeys high. According to the 2021 census, this entire complex housed 1,984 apartments and some 4,600 residents. At the time of the blaze, the buildings were undergoing renovation with the outside being covered in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting. Visuals from the blaze shows the fire spreading quickly through the bamboo. Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kongs New Territories. AP According to Derek Armstrong Chan, the fire departments deputy director of operations, by the time firefighters reached the spot, the scaffolding was on fire, spreading through the building and across to other tower blocks. At least seven of the eight tower blocks within the housing complex were affected by the blaze, forcing those who were able to escape the flames into temporary accommodation. How serious is this blaze? Soon after the fire broke out, visuals of the blaze went viral on social media with local media even reporting that explosions could be heard inside the building. According to Hong Kongs fire department, the blaze has been categorised as level five the highest in severity. In fact, 17 years since a level five fire last hit Hong Kong. Firefighters are still struggling to douse the flames on Thursday morning. They added that the scorching temperatures inside Wang Fuk Court was preventing them from reaching the upper floors of the buildings, where residents are still trapped. The temperatures inside the buildings concerned are very high, so its quite difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs and conduct firefighting and rescue operation, Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department, was quoted as telling the local media. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD People look at flames engulfing a building after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kongs New Territories. AP A total of 128 firetrucks, 57 ambulances and some 400 police officers have been deployed at the scene of the fire where locals look on aghast as the blaze continues to rip through the buildings. A total of 55 people have been killed in the blaze so far, but officials fear that count will rise as they reach the higher floors in the buildings. Shirley Chan, a local resident, called the tragedy terribly sad. Imagine a home gone, burnt. Anyone would be heartbroken. I can relate to that; its truly heartbreaking. A home, gone in flames, Chan told AFP. I cant even put it into words. Another resident, 65-year-old Jason Kong, told Reuters that a neighbour called him and said he was still trapped inside one of the tower blocks. I am devastated. There are so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore. Look, all the apartments are just burning. I do not know what to do. I hope the government can help us to settle down after this. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What do we know about the victims of the fire? As of now, 55 people have died as a result of the blaze in the Hong Kong complex, with more than 200 other people missing. Among those who have died so far is firefighter Ho Wai-ho, 37, who was with the service at Sha Tin Fire Station for nine years. At least two others were injured while battling the flames. According to officials, one has injured his leg, while the other is battling extreme exhaustion. An injured person is lifted into an ambulance after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kongs New Territories. AP What caused the fire? What action has been taken so far? While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, many note that the bamboo scaffolding may have exacerbated the effects of the blaze. Such scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong, as bamboo grows quickly and is lightweight and strong. However, in March, the government had said it would phase out the use of bamboo owing to safety concerns. They highlighted the fact that at least 23 people had died since 2018 owing to industrial accidents involving bamboo scaffolds. According to Gary Au Gar-hoe, spokesman for the fire engineering division of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers, the scale of the fire indicated that there were deficiencies in fire safety materials being used. Besides the scaffolding, there was also debris inside like newspapers and other flammable items. Once these items burn, the entire blaze would strengthen, Au told South China Morning Post. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Smoke rises from the ongoing fire at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kongs New Territories. The blaze is yet to be fully doused with officials citing trouble to reach the top floors of the buildings. AP Residents of the blazing building also stated that they had complained of the green netting, but no one had paid heed to his complaints. Kwong Pui-lun, former chairman of Wang Fuk Courts Owners Corporation, was quoted as saying, I always see construction workers smoking, and they litter cigarette butts everywhere, hinting that this might have led to the fire. Meanwhile, Hong Kong police has arrested three construction officials on suspicion of manslaughter: two directors of a company and a consultant. Speaking on the arrests, Eileen Chung, a senior superintendent of police, was quoted as saying, We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent. The police added that they suspected some materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet fire resistance standards, as the rapid spread of the fire was unusual. Officials also pointed out to the discovery of styrofoam being used inside the buildings, which they said caused the fire to spread more rapidly within the blocks and ignite flats through the corridors. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The authorities added that they have opened temporary shelters at nearby community centres to house displaced residents. A total of 767 firefighters, 128 fire engines, 57 ambulances and some 400 police officers have been deployed to douse the flames at the residential complex in Hong Kong. AP How has the world reacted to the blaze? As officials continue to battle the blaze and try to bring it under control, Chinese President Xi Jinping offered his condolences to the victims of the disaster. Xi urged all-out efforts from representatives of Chinas Central Committee and the Hong Kong Liaison Office to do everything possible to assist efforts in minimising casualties and losses from the fire, according to CCTV. Several other countries, including Japan, Germany, Canada and the United Kingdom, also extended their condolences to families affected by the fire and the people of Hong Kong. The horrendous fire in Tai Po apartment blocks is truly devastating and deeply distressing. The UK sends heartfelt condolences to all the families affected and to the people of Hong Kong, wrote the Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper on her social media. Taiwans President Lai Ching-te also sent condolences to Hong Kong over Wednesdays massive fire. Residents rest at the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kongs New Territories. AP Is this the worst fire Hong Kong has ever seen? With the death toll already at 55, the fire at Wang Fuk Court is now being considered the worst ever in Hong Kong. Previously, the 1996 Garley building fire in which 41 people died, was considered the worst blaze in Hong Kong history. In fact, fires such as the one on Wednesday are rare in Hong Kong. The Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the Peoples Republic of China has a strong track record when it comes to building safety owing to high quality construction and strict enforcement of building regulations. With inputs from agencies The Hong Kong government and Chinas Communist Party both responded quickly to the crisis. Police have already acted against the construction company in charge of the renovations. But analysts say there is an undercurrent of anger against the authorities that could potentially spiral out of control Flames swept through bamboo scaffolding spanning several buildings at the Wang Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 26. (Reuters) The fire in Hong Kongs high-rise apartment complex has left at least 75 dead and hundreds missing, shaking the city. Since the mass pro-democracy protests of 2019, Hong Kong has witnessed a slew of changes including alterations to its legislature and the silencing of critics and pro-democracy candidates. Now, with the Legislative Council election just over a week away and the sentencing of media tycoon Jimmy Lai pending, all eyes are on Hong Kong. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD I think Beijing is attaching great importance to two issues number one, how will the government handle this tragedy? And secondly, will we see a changing perception of the citizens towards the Hong Kong government, said Sonny Lo, a political scientist who has written several books on Hong Kong politics. The government has done well on national security, but national security includes a human-security dimension. Hong Kong government and CPC act The Hong Kong government and Chinas Communist Party both responded with alacrity to the crisis. Police have already taken action against the construction company overseeing the renovations. But analysts say Hong Kongs sky-high property prices have long been a source of anger, and that the incident could increase antipathy towards the authorities. From faulty fire alarms to workers smoking cigarettes and the risks of traditional bamboo scaffolding, many have wondered whether risks were ignored and whether safety systems were properly installed and operational. As they huddled in shelters, some residents criticised what they saw as negligence and cost-cutting behind the fire sentiments echoed widely online. Around 10 p.m. on Wednesday night, with flames still shooting out of windows, Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing urged an all-out effort to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses, according to state media. Xi expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster and attached great importance to the accident and immediately sought updates on the rescue efforts and casualties. Hong Kong leader John Lee later held a news conference after touring shelters for survivors. Some 4,600 people live in the complexs eight towers, seven of which caught fire. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped, Lee said. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then well launch a thorough investigation. Residents rest at the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kongs New Territories. AP At 5:54 a.m., just hours after Lees news conference and before the fire was fully under control, police announced their initial findings on how the blaze had spread and said three officials from the construction company had been arrested. Police said the towers had been covered with sheets of protective mesh and plastic that may not meet fire standards, and that some windows on one of the unaffected buildings had been sealed with foam material installed by the construction company carrying out maintenance work. We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties, said Eileen Chung, a Hong Kong police superintendent. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Three men from the construction company two directors and one engineering consultant were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Who is responsible? While protests are now tightly controlled in Hong Kong, a full range of online forums remains accessible and may provide an early barometer of public mood. Analysts say public anger and concern may spread beyond the construction firms to the governments fire-safety and building regulators, and pressure is likely to build for extensive and open investigations into what happened. Traditionally, the Hong Kong government has staged open inquiries into large-scale tragedies, often headed by an independent judge. One comparison raised by experts is a commission of inquiry into a fire in a Kowloon commercial building that killed 41 people in 1996, a year before the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to China. That inquiry sparked new building and fire-safety laws and regulations. But it may no longer be enough. I believe we need to seriously review fire safety and site-safety management across the entire industry, including government oversight, said Chau Sze Kit, chairman of the Hong Kong Construction Industry Employees General Union. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Donald Trumps recent decision to deploy more than 2,000 National Guard troops in Washington, DC, is in the spotlight after two members were shot. What is this military force doing in the US capital? National Guard patrol on the National Mall near the US Capitol in Washington. AP The shooting of two members of the National Guard in the US capital has shone a spotlight on President Donald Trumps controversial decision to station more than 2,000 troops in the city. The deployment like others ordered by Trump has been challenged in court and was ruled unlawful, but the decision barring the troop presence has yet to take effect and could still be overturned on appeal. Here is a look at the key facts behind the Washington deployment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why were they sent? Trump ordered troops to Washington in August, claiming it was a filthy and crime-ridden embarrassment, despite local police statistics showing that violent offences were down in the overwhelmingly Democratic city. The Washington deployment followed another in Los Angeles, California, earlier in the year, and came ahead of one in Memphis, Tennessee. The cities to which Trump has deployed troops have all been led by Democrats, but the president has denied charges that he is strictly targeting areas run by his political opponents. More from Explainers US prepares new phase of pressure on Venezuela, sources say imminent action looming The Washington contingent is a mix of the DC National Guard, who make up a little less than half of the total, and troops from seven Republican-led states. There are currently more than 2,100 troops in the US capital, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said he would increase that number by 500 after the shooting. What are they doing? Troops have carried out a variety of tasks, from patrolling the National Mall and Metro stations to picking up trash, removing graffiti, spreading mulch and painting fencing. Joint Task Force-DC (JTF-DC) to which the National Guard members in the city are assigned said the troops are meant to provide a visible crime deterrent, but that they would not arrest, search, or conduct direct law enforcement actions. National Guard patrol on the National Mall near the US Capitol in Washington. AP They were initially unarmed but began carrying weapons just weeks after Trump ordered the deployment. Legal challenges The attorney general for Washington DC filed a lawsuit in September seeking to end the National Guard deployment, and a federal judge ruled last week that Trumps decision to send the troops was unlawful. The judge ordered an end to the deployment, but stayed her order for 21 days to allow the Trump administration time to file an appeal. Federal judges have also temporarily blocked the deployment of troops in two other Democratic-controlled cities Chicago and Portland and the Supreme Court is expected to deliver the final word soon on whether the actions are lawful. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trumps extraordinary domestic use of the Guard was also challenged by California earlier this year after the president sent troops to Los Angeles to quell protests sparked by the rounding up of undocumented migrants. A district court judge ruled it unlawful, but an appeals court allowed the deployment to proceed. Washington, DC, is in lockdown after two National Guard members were critically injured in a shooting incident near the White House. The suspect, who is in custody, has been identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the US in 2021. But what was the motive behind the attack? National Guard are seen after reports of two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House in Washington, Wednesday. AP It was a normal Wednesday afternoon at Washington, DCs Farragut Square. However, at 2.15 pm (local time), an armed man ambushed the National Guard members deployed around the city, shooting at them, before he was subdued and taken into custody. Suddenly, the spot, which is just a few minutes walk from the White House, and known for housing professional office workers, coffee shops and lunch venues, bore the signs of being an active crime scene, shocking and rattling residents in and around the area. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Officials have now taken the suspect into custody. Hes been identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national, prompting the Trump administration to halt all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals for an indefinite period of time. But what exactly happened? Who is the man responsible for the shooting of the National Guards? What was his motive? We get you the answers you are looking for. Shots ring out near the White House On Wednesday afternoon, two West Virginia National Guard members who were deployed to the nations capital were shot just blocks from the White House. According to Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the Metropolitan Police Department, the two National Guard members were ambushed by a person who came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard members. Carroll added that other National Guard members heard the shots and after a back and forth were able to hold the armed man to the ground before he was taken into custody. According to officials, the suspect was also shot, though he didnt have life-threatening wounds. However, the two National Guard members, who were shot at, are in critical condition. Law enforcement respond at the scene after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC. Reuters Muriel Bowser, the mayor of Washington, described the incident as a targeted shooting while Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Kash Patel said the case will be treated as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer. People who were present at the time of the shooting recount the chaos that unfolded after the first pops of gunfire. Angela Perry, 42, who was driving home with her two children, told AFP, We heard gunshots. We were waiting at the traffic light and there were several shots. You could see National Guard running toward the metro with their weapons drawn. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For Stacey Walters, a nurse, the shooting brought tears to her eyes. She was on her way to the dry cleaners when she heard the gunshots. I wanted to cry, she was quoted telling the New York Times. Ive never been so close to something like that, let alone at the holidays. Eighty-year-old Leonard Koontz, who was staying at a hotel near the shooting, recounted to the New York Times that he had gone down to the lobby when suddenly three guns were pointed at him. The rifles belonged to law enforcement officers, and Koontz was escorted to a back exit of the hotel, he said. As he passed through the lobby, he could see Secret Service members and strobe lights outside. You dont know what to expect anywhere, anytime these days, he said. People are plumb crazy. Another witness, Leila Christopher was on her way to a popular holiday market with a friend when they heard National Guard members shouting run, run. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We heard that there was a shooting. We ran into the nearest cafe and shortly after there was Secret Service surrounding the building in the streets, taping off the streets, Christopher told CNN. She said she saw a National Guardman being wheeled out on a stretcher with a device that appeared to help pump his heart. His face was covered in blood, Christopher said. An unidentified man in military fatigues lies on a stretcher inside an ambulance in downtown Washington, DC. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement. AFP Suspect behind Washington, DC shooting The suspect in the shooting has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, hailing from Afghanistan. According to reports, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a programme of the Joe Biden administration that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the US withdrawal from the country. The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the US, many of whom had worked alongside US troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. The man behind the Washington, DC shooting has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Authorities who are still ascertaining details about Lakanwal have said that he has been living in Washington state since entering the country. According to his former landlord Kristina Widman, Lakanwal arrived in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles (127.1 kilometres) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and it was approved on April 23, according to the official, three months after President Donald Trump took office. He has no criminal history. Authorities are still trying to determine the motive behind Lakanwals actions. He was reportedly shot four times and was hauled away nearly naked in an ambulance. How authorities are responding to the shooting In the aftermath of the shooting, US President Donald Trump, who was not at the White House, called it an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. Taking to social media first, Trump wrote, The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our great National Guard, and all of our military and law enforcement. These are truly great people. I, as president of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you! Later, in a video message, Trump said, I can report tonight that based on the best available information, the Department of Homeland Security is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan a hell hole on earth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He noted, We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under former president Joe Biden. We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country if they cant love our country, we dont want them. Evidence markers sit on the ground after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC. Reuters And soon after Trumps address, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency overseeing lawful immigration, . Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols, the agency wrote in a social media post. Trump has also ordered US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth to deploy an additional 500 members of the National Guard to the capital city. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel called the attack a horrendous act of violence. He promised at a news conference that the perpetrator will be brought to justice and said the matter will be treated as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD US Vice President JD Vance, who was in Kentucky at the time of the shooting, said in a post on X that the incident proved that the Trump administrations immigration policy was justified. We must redouble our efforts to deport people with no right to be in our country, he said. With inputs from agencies The United Kingdoms high-powered laser weapon is said to be capable of shooting down drones travelling as fast as 650 kilometres per hour (kmph) twice as fast as an F1 race car. The trials were conducted at the Ministry of Defences Hebrides Range in Scotland by the British Royal Navy. Heres what we know about it The United Kingdom recently tested its DragonFire laser weapon. The high-powered laser weapon is said to be capable of shooting down drones travelling as fast as 650 kilometres per hour (kmph) twice as fast as an F1 race car. The trials were conducted at the Ministry of Defences Hebrides Range in Scotland by the British Royal Navy. But what happened? What do we know about the laser? Lets take a closer look. DragonFire laser The DragonFire laser is a high-powered energy weapon. It was developed by MBDA UK, Leonardo, QinetiQ, and the UK Ministry of Defence. It is built to take down drones, missiles, and other airborne threats. It does so by using an intense, concentrated beam of light to cut through the target. The UK Ministry of Defence claims the laser can engage targets at the speed of light and that it has greater accuracy while reducing the reliance on high-cost ammunition. Officials say each shot costs around $13 (Rs 1,161) and that it can hit a 1 coin from a kilometre away. When it comes to targeting a warhead, this can result in structural failures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is a more cost-effective method in comparison to traditional missile systems, which cost upwards of hundreds of thousands of pounds per shot, officials said. The UK Defence Ministry has signed a $417 million (Rs 372.6 crore) deal with MBDA UK to install these DragonFire lasers onto Royal Navy vessels starting in 2027. This is five years earlier than its previous operational schedule. UK officials have said that the first laser would be installed on a Type 45 destroyer, followed by Type 26 frigates that are still being built. How it works The video released by the UK Ministry of Defence shows the DragonFire laser system taking on an incoming drone. It first tracks the drone before locking on and shooting a targeted beam of light at the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The target can then be seen falling out of the sky with smoke emanating from it. The DragonFire laser system is mounted on a turret. It also uses an electro-optical camera and a second low-power laser for tracking. It can chart the flight of incoming drones and other objects over the horizon, lock on, and then target them. Its beam director, made by Leonardo, harnesses and directs the powerful laser energy at the target. While many of the details are classified, the laser is in the 50-kilowatt class. The destroyers it will be mounted on also have the SAMPSON radar system that can reportedly track targets around 400 kilometres away. There are also plans to incorporate the laser system into Army vehicles and future Royal Air Force combat aircraft. The January 2024 trial at the Hebrides Range in Scotland. Image courtesy: UK Ministry of Defence MBDAs UK Managing Director Chris Allam has called it a truly game-changing weapon system, while Defence Minister Luke Pollard said it will place the Royal Navy at the leading edge of innovation in NATO and increase the UKs ability to counter modern aerial threats. We are backing British industry and delivering a cutting-edge capability in a new era of threat, Pollard added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Other laser weapon systems With DragonFire, the UK has become the European nation to have such an advanced high-power laser weapon system. It is also the first among the NATO nations to have such an advanced directed energy programme. But the quest for such laser weapons is nothing new. In the 1980s, then US President Ronald Reagan announced his Star Wars programme, named after the iconic film franchise, to defend America and shoot down Soviet missiles. However, America has been looking into these sorts of weapons since the 1960s. This DragonFire system isnt one of a kind either. Israel has spent over $500 million (Rs 446.7 crore) to develop its Iron Beam laser system. Iron Beam laser anti-missile interception system, developed by Israel, is seen in action in this handout image obtained by Reuters on September 17, 2025. Image/Israel Defence Ministry In July 2025, Russia reportedly tested its new Posokh laser air defence system against drones. The UK Ministry of Defence in December 2024 placed a high-energy laser on top of the Wolfhound armoured vehicle, using it to take down drones with an infrared light. The US Army in 2023 received the Leonidas laser system from Epirus. The US Pentagon is ploughing $1 billion (Rs 8,934 crore) every year into research and development, according to a study from the Emerging Technologies Institute. There are dozens of projects that are currently underway, many with ties to the US Navy, US Army, and the US Air Force. Lockheed Martin has also proposed trials for its High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-Dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) weapon. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It remains to be seen who will grab the edge in this new and exciting field of combat. With inputs from agencies White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has a connection to an arrest made by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Bruna Caroline Ferreira, described by the US government as a criminal illegal alien from Brazil, was engaged to Leavitts brother, with whom she has a son Republican candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives Karoline Leavitt listens during a Get Out the Vote Rally with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz. Image: Reuters As part of the Trump administrations immigration crackdown, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is sweeping the country and sparing none. With many cases of illegal aliens being arrested, now a fresh one has a direct link to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The detained person, identified as Bruna Caroline Ferreira, is the mother of Leavitts nephew. According to the US government, Ferreira is a criminal illegal alien from Brazil with a previous arrest for battery. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Who is Bruna Caroline Ferreira, the mother of Leavitts nephew? Bruna Ferreira is a Boston-area resident who reportedly migrated to the US with her family from Brazil in 1998 as a child. The 33-year-old was engaged to Karoline Leavitts brother, Michael Leavitt. The two have a son aged 11. The child has lived with his father in New Hampshire since birth, and after the couple separated roughly 10 years ago, CNN affiliate WBUR reported, quoting a Trump administration official. According to Todd Pomerleau, Ferreiras lawyer, the two share joint custody of the boy. Michael Leavitt told WMUR that Ferreira has maintained a relationship with their son. However, the boy has not spoken to his mother since her detention. Describing the situation as difficult, he said that he just wanted the best for his son. Why was Bruna Caroline Ferreira arrested? Ferreira was arrested while leaving her home to pick up her son from school, according to a report in the _Boston Glob_e. Ferreiras sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, told the publication that ICE agents demanded her name and drivers licence. However, she did not have an identification card. Rodrigues said that they were not gentle with her sister. My sister was terrified, I am sure. Shes been here since she was six years old. Shes more American than she is anything else. Im sure she tried to just use whatever she could come up with in the moment. However, it didnt really help very much, Rodrigues said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ferreira is detained at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Centre in Basile, according to her attorney, Pomerleau. The facility is more than 2,400 km from where the woman was arrested. What is the US administration saying about her arrest? Describing Ferreria as a criminal illegal alien from Brazil with a previous arrest for battery, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said that Bruna Caroline Ferreira is in the process of being deported from the US. ICE arrested Bruna Caroline Ferreria, a criminal illegal alien from Brazil. She has a previous arrest for battery. She entered the US on a B2 tourist visa that required her to depart the US by 6 June 1999. She is currently at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Centre and is in removal proceedings, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said. Under President Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation, she added. Why does Ferreiras lawyer call the arrest illegal? However, no battery charges against Ferreira are available in Massachusetts online court records. Pomerleau said. Calling the arrest illegal, the attorney told WBUR, My understanding is she was never served any type of warrant to detain her. I dont even know if they knew who she was. Were going to get to the bottom of that. He said that they are labelling her a criminal based on some charge that I have never seen; they dont even exist, adding that I mean, show me that. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We dispute that she has any criminal record. She is not a criminal illegal alien, Pomerleau said. Pomerleau even went on to say that Ferreira was a former recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides temporary protection from deportation for those who enter into the United States as children. She was in the middle of a lawful immigration process for US citizenship; however, unable to renew her legal status under DACA years ago when the US government under Trump attempted to end the programme, Pomerleau added. However, McLaughlin told The Associated Press, Those with status under the Obama-era programme are not automatically protected from deportations. To pay for the legal fees, Ferreiras sister has started a GoFundMe page. My sister followed every requirement and has always strived to do the right thing, the GoFundMe page says. A hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether its supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself, Rodrigues wrote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The page has raised more than $30,000 (Rs 26.78 lakh) so far. Is Leavitt in touch with Ferreira? The White House press secretary and Ferreira have not spoken in years. Karoline had no involvement whatsoever in this matter, the administration official confirmed. Leavitt has declined to comment on the arrest. With inputs from agencies Chatbots may listen, but do they safely guide you through a crisis? Our expert psychologist shares her thoughts. Representational image/pixabay From a quick meal on the go to catching the latest meme before it goes viral, Gen Z is defined by their appetite for everything fast and readily accessible. Take emotional support, for instance. In an age where trauma gets thrown around casually, this generation is quietly swapping traditional therapy sessions for quick healing chats with ChatGPT. Why pay an hourly professional and be put on a waitlist when AI is available for free, anytime, day or night? Well, zoomers love saving a buck and hate waiting around, after all! STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Youngsters today are relying heavily on AI platforms for instant healing. Representational image/pixabay A survey conducted by Resume.org reveals that a major chunk of Gen Z population around the world are turning to ChatGPT for psychotherapy, with 40 per cent sharing that they talk to the AI tool for an hour daily. International Journal of Indian Psychology, on the other hand, in its 2025 data found out a whopping 60 per cent of Gen Z population reporting a positive experience with how the chatbot helped them manage their stress and anxiety. But things are not as rosy as they might seem. A 23-year-old Texan named Zane Shamblin tragically died by suicide on July 25 this year, after what turned out to be a deeply troubling conversation with ChatGPT. According to CNN, in nearly 70 pages of chat logs, the AI repeatedly affirmed him to die - sending messages like, Youre not rushing. Youre just ready, and later, Rest easy, king. You did good. Shockingly, it also asked Shamblin what his haunting habit would be as a ghost! His parents have now filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that the bot goaded him into ending his life. Zane Shamblin (23) died by suicide on July 25, 2025, after ChatGPT encouraged his suicidal thoughts. Image Courtesy: @ While trauma-dumping on chatbots may feel like an instant mental reset, this generation might overlook the difference between supplementing care and replacing it. Sure, ChatGPT can offer coping tools like meditation or journaling, but it cant replace a professional psychotherapist who helps address the root cause of the issue. Firstpost spoke with Ms. Nishtha Agarwal, an Expressive Arts Therapist and Licensed Mental Health Counsellor certified by the Board of Allied Mental Health and Human Services Professions, Massachusetts, USA, who explains how Gen Z may be expressing their anxieties into a void, mistaking quick-fix solutions for real mental health support. The 24/7 availability of AI is the biggest problem, says Agarwal In our candid conversation, Agarwal shared a little-known insight about psychotherapy. Just that one hour with your therapist on a fixed day of the week isnt your therapy - its the whole process that tests your commitment and consistency to do long-term work on healing yourself, she explains. The expert believes this crucial idea is lost with AI bots that are available around the clock. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to her, AI bots dont teach you how to contain yourself between two therapy sessions. Instead, it pushes you towards instant gratification as it is available 24/7, unlike your therapist. As a result, people may struggle to build the emotional muscle and tools to contain yourself when challenges arise. Validations are natural, but a psychotherapist pairs them with accountability Agarwal states that seeking validation for emotions during therapy is natural. However, only a trained psychotherapist will pair them with accountability. Citing Shamblins case where AI led him to his tragic doom, Agarwal says If someone shares honest thoughts about wanting to kill themselves or harm someone else, a therapist would hold space for those emotions rather than validating them or encouraging the act - unlike what happened with the boy, where ChatGPT ended up giving him a kind of green signal to kill himself." Sharing further, the Expressive Arts Therapist says Any psychotherapist will make a room for such emotions to flow and help the client identify where they are stemming from. Accordingly, they will offer them coping tools to overcome these harmful emotions instead of validating those self-sabotaging behaviours." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Accountability means that the therapist takes responsibility for responding to your emotions in a safe, ethical, and helpful way - not just agreeing with what you feel, but guiding you toward healthier thinking and behaviour. AI, on the other hand, shall only hold you accountable for your own doings. A therapist makes you self-reliant; AI tells you what you want to hear The mental health counsellor stresses that When you come for therapy, you learn to reflect and identify things for yourself. A therapist will never give you answers, they wont solve your problems for you. They will instead witness you, hear you out, be a companion in your healing journey, and help you learn to do that yourself. This makes you self-reliant." She believes that developing autonomy and independent thinking is crucial, so people can know whats right for them. AI platforms, however, dont foster this - they tend to simply echo what you want to hear, agreeing with almost everything you share instead of offering a thoughtful counterpoint. AI tools wont hesitate in giving you its own reflection. Systems are trained to offer you words of comfort and not ask reflective questions like what makes you feel this way? or when did you last remember feeling this way or does this feeling remind you of a particular incident in your life? etc., she mentions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Agarwal says a psychotherapists goal is to help you become self-reliant instead of depending on any person/platform for an emotional release. OpenAI blames boy for his suicide, cites misuse of technology - AI will only hold you accountable for your own actions! Adam Raine was found dead in his bedroom on April 11, 2025. Later, his parents discovered that he had been messaging ChatGPT that had given him harmful guidance and encouraged his suicidal thoughts. Adam Raine was found dead in his bedroom on April 11, 2025. Later, his parents learned that he had been messaging ChatGPT, which had responded in ways that reinforced his distress instead of guiding him toward safe, appropriate help. Image Courtesy: @ Around November last year, Adam had been using ChatGPT to talk about feeling that life lacked meaning. At first, the bot responded with hopeful, supportive messages. But by January 2025, when Adam directly asked for advice about suicide, the AI provided dangerous and inappropriate responses. It not only gave him harmful guidance, but also offered to help him write a suicide note to his parents! Raines family has sued OpenAI, however, the company has rejected the blame and cited the boys misuse as the reason that pushed him to his death. According to The Guardian, in its court filing, OpenAI stated to the extent that any cause can be attributed to this tragic event, Raines injuries and harm were caused or contributed to, directly and proximately, in whole or in part, by [his] misuse, unauthorised use, unintended use, unforeseeable use, and/or improper use of ChatGPT." STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A quick takeaway for you In the end, while AI tools can offer temporary comfort, they cannot replace the training, ethics, and human understanding that real psychotherapists provide. A licensed therapist can hold difficult emotions safely, offer accountability, recognize warning signs, and guide you through long-term healing - things AI simply isnt built to do. AI may be available 24/7, but true therapeutic support requires human presence, judgment, and care. When it comes to your mental health, especially in moments of deep distress, seeking help from a qualified professional is not just the better choice - its the safer one. Russia is highly unlikely to accept the modified peace plan because the updated version incorporates key Ukrainian and European demands that directly contradict Moscows core objectives The recent talks between the US and Ukraine on Sunday, November 23, 2025, in Geneva are significant because they produced an updated and refined version of the original Trump 28-point peace plan, addressing Ukrainian and European concerns that the first draft heavily favoured Russia. The discussions signal a major diplomatic push by Washington to end the war, while Ukraine seeks to ensure that its fundamental interestssovereignty, territorial integrity, and credible security guaranteesare preserved in any potential agreement. The original plans chances of success were minimal due to its alignment with major Russian demands, and ongoing US diplomacy aims to create a revised framework that is more balanced and potentially viable. The US delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and included special envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Ukraines delegation was headed by presidential chief of staff Andrii Yermak. Both sides reported notable progress and described the meetings as productive and meaningful. They agreed to continue intensive work to finalise details in the coming days. Ukrainian officials also held separate meetings with national security advisers from the UK, France, and Germany in Geneva. These consultations took place before their session with the US team and focused on reviewing the American draft plan to end the war with Russia. European leaders had earlier raised concerns that the initial US proposal was too favourable to Moscow and therefore prepared a counter-proposal emphasising Ukrainian sovereignty and stronger security commitments. Several major obstacles undermined the viability of the original peace plan. First, it required Ukraine to cede control of Crimea, Luhansk, and Donetsk (including areas still held by Kyiv) and freeze the frontlines in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. This was widely viewed as rewarding Russian aggression and violating Ukraines sovereignty. Ukrainian and European leaders made clear they would not recognize Russias illegal annexations. Second, the plan required Ukraine to enshrine in its constitution that it would never join NATO, while NATO would also amend its statutes to block Ukraines future membership. Although the plan included alternative security guarantees, critics argued they were vague and lacked the strength of NATOs Article 5, potentially leaving Ukraine exposed to future attacks. Third, the proposal sought to cap the size of Ukraines armed forces at 600,000 personnela major reduction from its current force of over 800,000. Ukrainian troops and European officials regarded this as an infringement on sovereignty and a long-term security risk. Fourth, the plan offered full amnesty for all parties for actions during the war and called for the gradual lifting of sanctions on Russia. This was unacceptable to Ukraine and its allies, who insist on accountability for war crimes. The European counter-proposal to the US plan prioritised Ukrainian sovereignty, stricter conditions on frozen Russian assets, and clearer security guarantees. Drafted by the UK, France, and Germany, it was welcomed by Kyiv but immediately rejected by Moscow as completely unconstructive. Following the Geneva talks, the US modified the original plan, reducing it to around 19 points and removing several of Russias maximalist demands, particularly those related to NATO membership and territorial concessions. After the discussions, Rubio said there had been a tremendous amount of progress but noted that work remains before the proposal can be presented to Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin had cautiously welcomed the initial 28-point plan as a possible basis for negotiations but has not engaged substantively with the revised version. Moscow continues to seek battlefield gains, suggesting that a negotiated settlement remains distant. Russias reaction to the updated, more European-aligned plan is expected to be negative. The Kremlin has stated that the European counter-proposal is unsuitable and fails to account for Russias interests. Russian officials insist that if their conditions are not met, they are prepared to keep fighting, as they believe their military position is improving and that victory is achievable. By engaging in the talks on Trumps revised peace proposal, Ukraine is attempting to ensure that any final agreement includes robust, Western-backed security guarantees to prevent renewed Russian aggression. European alliesinitially sidelined and critical of the first draftare now central to shaping the plan, proposing key revisions on security commitments, military limits, and future NATO aspirations. Their involvement underscores the need for a unified Western approach. At the same time, Ukraine cannot afford to risk losing crucial US military and financial support. President Trump originally set Thanksgiving DayNovember 27as the deadline for Ukraine to accept the plan, placing heavy pressure on Kyiv. Although US officials have since indicated that the deadline is flexible, the push for a rapid resolution has created a sense of urgency. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces intense political pressure, balancing the need to maintain vital US backing with the impossibility of accepting terms that would be seen domestically as capitulation. In summary, Russia is highly unlikely to accept the modified peace plan because the updated version incorporates key Ukrainian and European demands that directly contradict Moscows core objectives. The US 28-point plan, which favoured Russia, was seen in Moscow as a potential starting point, but the revised, Western-aligned version has been dismissed as entirely unconstructive. Putin and senior Russian officials have repeatedly said that Russia is prepared to continue the war if its conditions are not met. Moscows objective remains a final settlement on its own termsnot a temporary ceasefire or frozen conflict. (The writer is a retired Indian diplomat and had previously served as Ambassador in Kuwait and Morocco and as Consul General in New York. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Seminar on Innovative Implementation of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 kicks off in Nanning, S China's Guangxi People's Daily Online) 14:03, November 27, 2025 The 2025 Seminar on Innovative Implementation of China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) 3.0 officially commenced in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Nov. 24. Hosted by China's Ministry of Commerce and organized by the Secretariat of the China-ASEAN Expo, the seminar brought together 41 participants from nine-member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnamas well as representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. The five-day seminar features a series of special lectures on topics including the CAFTA 3.0 upgrade and cooperation opportunities, prospects for China-ASEAN cooperation in the green economy, and the role of the China-ASEAN Expo in supporting the free trade area. The seminar also includes field visits to key sites such as the China-ASEAN Countries Artificial Intelligence Application Cooperation Center, the Youyiguan Port (Friendship Pass) at the China-Vietnam border, and the high-tech industrial development zone of Chongzuo, Guangxi. The CAFTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol has been formally signed, according to Cheng Gong, deputy secretary-general of the China-ASEAN Expo Secretariat. He highlighted the timely relevance of the seminar and noted that the event would help stakeholders deepen their understanding of the upgraded free trade framework and facilitate its innovative implementation. Speaking at the seminar on behalf of the participants, an official from the ASEAN Secretariat highlighted the ongoing deepening of economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN, noting that the two sides have been each other's largest trading partners for many consecutive years. The signing of the CAFTA 3.0 Upgrade Protocol ushered in a new chapter in the China-ASEAN partnership, according to the official, who expressed hope that both sides would accelerate cooperation to foster sustained regional prosperity. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) G20 nations can give themselves a pat on the back for crafting and reaffirming important decisions on inclusive growth, debt sustainability, disaster resilience and response, climate finance, critical minerals, food security and global governance. A well-informed former diplomat specialising in bilateral diplomacy remarked recently that multilateral diplomacy and institutions have failed to deliver. What has the G20 achieved? he asked. This is a valid question, best answered by critically examining the recently concluded G20 Summit in Johannesburg (2223 November). The G20 is a unique, informal, plurilateral grouping widely hailed as a premier forum for international economic cooperation. Its global clout has grown with the first expansion since its elevation to the highest political level in 2008. According to an official source, with the entry of the African Union (AU) as a full member, the G20 composed of 19 nations and two regional groupings now represents 88 per cent of global GDP, 78 per cent of international trade, and around three-quarters of the worlds population. With such credentials, the G20s achievements and vulnerabilities serve as an index of the direction in which the world is proceeding. A critical assessment is therefore essential to understanding international relations and global diplomacy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD South African Perspective It took the G20, a combination of nations from the Global North and South, a full 17 years before holding a summit in Africa the cradle of humankind. South Africa, the only African member, was given the honour, and the summit came just two years after the AU became its latest member. From all accounts, the South African government as the host and presidency holder performed superbly. Among several speeches and statements, President Cyril Ramaphosa excelled, especially in his opening and closing addresses. On Day 1 (22 November), he asserted in a veiled reference to the US boycott that South Africa had sought at all times to preserve the integrity and stature of the G20. Addressing sceptics directly, he argued that deliberations at this forum do have an impact on the lives of all members of the global community. This is evident when we recall that, from its initial focus on macroeconomic issues, the G20 now addresses a wide range of matters: trade, sustainable development, health, education, science and technology, agriculture, energy, environment, climate change, women-led development, critical minerals, and artificial intelligence. Ramaphosa emphasised the need to promote equality and to break down divisions of economic status, gender, race, and geography. Who can quarrel with this idea? He reminded leaders of their responsibility to not allow anything to diminish the value, the stature or the impact of the first African G20 presidency. His closing remarks offered a sober report card a robust response to sceptics questioning the summits achievements. Referring to the Leaders Declaration, he stressed that it is more than words it is a commitment to concrete actions enabling joint efforts on issues of shared concern. Participants focused on responding to global calls on the major imperatives of our times: ending poverty in all its forms, reducing inequality within and among countries, and taking urgent action to combat climate change. How these aims may be achieved is detailed in 122 paragraphs of the Johannesburg Declaration (which this author has analysed elsewhere). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ramaphosa also cited the G20@20 Review, expressing hope that it would guide the G20 to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world. At the heart of the South African presidency was the conviction that the G20 must act boldly and act together to create an environment of inclusive growth, reduced inequality, and sustainable development. Indias Perspective In the broader context of the absence of top leaders from Russia, China, Argentina, Mexico, and Indonesia and the USs complete boycott of the South African presidency and summit the meeting unfolded under unusually constrained circumstances. In this setting, India, Brazil, and a handful of leaders from the North (notably France, Germany, the UK, and Japan), together with the host nation, carried the responsibility of ensuring the summits success. Against this backdrop, India performed very well, both in the main conference hall and during sideline deliberations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at all three sessions, addressing inclusive and sustainable economic growth, a resilient world, and a fair and just future for all. His combined interventions made a strong plea to reconsider and redefine the parameters of development and adopt the pathway of Integral Humanism. It is an approach calling upon the humankind to view the individual, society and nature as an integrated whole. PM Modi presented six new proposals for consideration and acceptance by fellow G20 leaders. These are: the creation of a global traditional knowledge repository; a G20 Africa skills multiplier initiative; a G20 health response team; a G20 initiative to combat the drug-terror nexus; a G20 critical minerals circularity initiative; and, a G20 open satellite data partnership. He also sought a greater voice for the Global South in global governance, projecting Indias message in the following clear terms: Development must be sustainable. Trade should be trusted. And progress must ensure all-inclusive prosperity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To what extent Indias ideas and proposals have been incorporated in the Johannesburg Declaration and how they might influence the future work of the G20 should be introspected and analysed by domain experts. However, it is noteworthy that officials of the Ministry of External Affairs seemed pleased with the reception PM Modis interventions received. A senior official asserted that for us, G20 is a very important forum, and that we are very happy that the issues of importance to the Global South are at the centre for discussion and are being highlighted. Conclusion While most participating leaders, including the host, expressed satisfaction with the summit outcome, concerns remain about how the G20 will fare under the next presidency that of the US. A formal handover was not possible due to the absence of the US president. More significantly, the current US administration appears to have serious reservations regarding key elements of the Johannesburg outcome documents. How the US will reconcile its position with the clear tilt in favour of the Global South agenda is an open question the answer lies in the future. Meanwhile, G20 governments can give themselves a pat on the back for crafting and reaffirming important decisions on inclusive growth, debt sustainability, disaster resilience and response, climate finance, critical minerals, food security, and global governance. However, now back in their capitals, they need to remember that decisions must be implemented which, in turn, requires a high degree of political will and commitment. The real success of the G20, and indeed the well-being of humanity, will depend on their ability to muster these qualities in sufficient measure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (Rajiv Bhatia is a Distinguished Fellow at Gateway House, with extensive diplomatic experience in regional and global groupings, and the author of three books on Indian foreign policy. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) Last week marked another significant moment in Israel-India relations as a major business delegation from India, led by Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal, arrived in Israel. This adds to a series of high-level visits in recent months, aimed at setting the stage for a new phase in the Israel-India strategic friendshipone that truly focuses on innovation and co-creation. These visits mark the return to normalcy after the war, signalling a clear message of confidence in Israel, its resilient economy, and the long-standing partnership between the countries, now unlocking new domains for business cooperation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, what matters most is that this momentum must translate into action. What we need now is to ensure that this unprecedented wave of engagement doesnt merely produce MoUs and diplomatic events but translates into a deepened strategic partnership that practically adopts innovation across all sectors. More from Opinion Beijings latest provocation: Time to call the Chinese bluff on Arunachal Pradesh The strength of Israel-India relations was tested during the war, and the results speak volumes. India stood firmly next to Israel. The Narendra Modi government supported Israels right to self-defence and continued to manufacture and supply defence equipment to Israel despite domestic and international criticism. Israel reciprocated this loyalty during Indias Operation Sindoor. Throughout the conflict, Israeli officials worked tirelessly to maintain the partnership. Economy Minister Nir Barkat made two subsequent visits to Indiaone in December 2024 and another in February 2025joined by the largest business delegation ever to India, with approximately one hundred Israeli businesspeople. On Indias part, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval arrived in Israel during the war to convey a special message of support from Prime Minister Modi. These werent ceremonial gesturesthey were deliberate efforts to keep the partnership alive when it mattered most. This loyalty must now be the foundation for exponential growth, not just business as usual. The current bonanza of opportunities didnt emerge overnightits rooted in decades of strategic cooperation. Security collaboration has been a cornerstone from the very beginning, with Israel proving to be a reliable partner in all of Indias modern wars (1965, 1971, and 1999). Israeli defence industries pioneered business models featuring joint ventures, knowledge sharing, and local productioneven before Modis government announced the Make in India policy and the drive for self-reliance (Aatmanirbhar Bharat). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The results are extraordinary. Israeli defence industries are flourishing in India with several blockbuster deals in recent months, worth billions of dollars, and include anything from rifles and missiles to converting passenger planes into refuelling aircraft. These deals demonstrate whats possible when strategic alignment meets operational trust. But the defence sector shouldnt be the ceilingit should be the template. The joint-venture model, local production, and knowledge sharingthis is exactly what Israel and India should be replicating across technology, agriculture, water, renewable energy, AI, smart mobility, and more. The economic infrastructure is set in place to support this. Last September, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrichs trip resulted in the historic investment-protection agreement between the countries. Israel became the first among OECD members to sign such an agreement with India. This isnt merely symbolicits expected to dramatically improve the business climate and expand mutual investments, including within IMEC, which focuses on digital, energy, and trade connectivity. It will also pave the way for a free-trade agreement, which has been under negotiation since 2010 and, following Minister Goyals visit, is back on the table. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, Foreign Minister Gideon Saars recent visit to India emphasised the friendship between the countries and the need to strengthen frameworks such as I2U2 and IMEC, and resulted in the renewal of direct flights between the countriesan important factor in supporting business activity. The recent defence dialogue resulted in a memorandum of understanding to deepen cooperation in cyber, dual-use technologies, AI, electronic warfare, and space. These mark relatively new territories for industrial-defence collaboration, supported by public-private cooperation in programmes like Drishti. This signals the right direction: going beyond the three major Israeli defence companies to include many more small and medium-sized defence companies and startups that emerged from the war over the last two years. The success of IAI, Rafael, and Elbit should pave the way for these startups to focus on the Indian market and forge partnerships on R&D, design, and manufacturing with Indian partners. This approach will allow even a traditional sector like defence to renew itself and grow exponentially, supporting Indias ambition to become a global arms exporter while maintaining Israels innovative edge amid increasing competition. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The recent interactions have laid the groundwork for a visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Indiahopefully sooner rather than later. This has created high visibility and expectations for upgrading relations into a genuinely new phase. The infrastructure exists. The agreements are being signed. The question is whether both countries will leverage these tools with the urgency they deserve. We must leverage this opportunity and execute. Israel and India arent just trading partnerstheyre strategic partners confronting similar threats, sharing democratic values, and possessing complementary strengths. Israels innovation ecosystem and Indias scale and manufacturing capabilities create a natural synergy. Joseph Rozen is an expert on national security and international affairs, founder of Solaris Global Partners geopolitical consultancy, partner at i2 company which facilitates business activity between Israel and India, and a senior fellow at Misgav Institute. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The European Parliament has called for a region-wide prohibition on social media use for anyone younger than 16. The proposal marks one of the blocs strongest stances yet on safeguarding minors online FILE - 14-year-old Henry, right, and Angel, 15, use their phones to view social media in Sydney, on Nov. 8, 2024. As global concerns about young peoples mental health, online safety, and digital dependency rise, lawmakers across continents are moving toward a bold new idea: banning social media access for users under 16. A proposal now circulating in Europe, and mirrored by legislative action in Australia, suggests the world may be entering a new era of stricter online protections for minors. EU pushes for stricter age restrictions The European Parliament has called for a region-wide prohibition on social media use for anyone younger than 16. The proposal marks one of the blocs strongest stances yet on safeguarding minors online, adding new urgency to a debate that has intensified alongside reports linking heavy social media use to anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying among young teens. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The call, which is not binding, comes as Australia is poised to institute the worlds first social media ban for children younger than 16 and as Denmark and Malaysia also plan bans. French President Emmanuel Macron has previously called for EU regulation to ban social media for children under 15, although it is not quite clear how the EU would carry this out, given that it is up to individual EU members to impose age limits. Parliaments resolution, backed by 483 votes to 92, with 86 abstentions, called for an EU-wide ban on access for children under 16 to online platforms, video-sharing sites and AI companions without parental consent and an outright ban for those younger than 13. Proponents in Parliament argue that platforms existing age checks are ineffective, allowing children as young as eight or nine to open accounts with ease. A unified 16-and-over requirement, they say, would close that loophole and set a consistent standard across all EU member states. Lawmakers target tech CEOs for accountability In a striking escalation, Parliament members are also seeking to hold tech leaders, including Metas Mark Zuckerberg and Xs Elon Musk, personally liable if their platforms repeatedly fail to comply with EU rules designed to protect minors. Supporters of the measure say personal accountability is necessary to ensure that powerful tech companies take enforcement seriously, rather than simply absorbing fines as routine business expenses. Critics, however, warn it could spark legal battles and raise questions about the limits of executive responsibility. Australia moves ahead with its own age limit While Europe debates, Australia is already putting age restrictions into motion. The government is in the process of implementing a national age limit of 16 for social media accounts, with enforcement expected to involve strengthened age-verification systems and stiff penalties for noncompliant platforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Australian officials describe the move as a preventative measure aimed at shielding children from online predators, harmful content, and addictive design features. The initiative is being closely watched by other nations considering similar legislation. As momentum builds on multiple continents, the question is no longer whether governments will act, but how soon under-16 social media bans could become a new global norm. Snapchat has begun asking teenage Australians to verify their ages, a company spokesperson said Monday, just weeks before Canberra enforces sweeping laws banning under-16s from social media. From December 10, Australia will force social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, to remove users under the age of 16 or face hefty fines. Starting this week, many users will be asked to verify their age to continue accessing Snapchat, the company said. The train used for seismic equipment testing collided with construction workers at Kunmings Luoyang Town station in the early morning, killing 11 and injuring two, the Kunming Railway Bureau said in a statement Hours after a fire engulfed a high-rise residential building in Hong Kong, killing over 40 people, another mishap has befallen China, with a train running over railway workers, leaving 11 dead. The train used for seismic equipment testing collided with construction workers at Kunmings Luoyang Town station in the early morning, killing 11 and injuring two, the Kunming Railway Bureau said in a statement. The train was passing normally through a curve inside Kunming Luoyang Town Station when a collision happened with construction workers who had entered the track area, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hong Kong fire The fire began on Wednesday afternoon in an eight-building complex that has around 2,000 apartments. These blazes first took hold of bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court, Hong Kongs northern district of Tai Po. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that at least 900 people had been relocated from the area to safer locations. An AFP reporter heard loud cracking sounds on Wednesday at the scene of the fire, possibly from the burning bamboo. They also saw thick plumes of smoke billowing from the buildings as flames and ash reached high into the sky. The temperature at the scene is very high and there are some floors where fire service personnel have been unable to reach people who requested help, but they will keep trying, said Derek Armstrong Chan, the deputy director of fire service operations. With the death toll rising to 44, the Wang Fuk Court fire became the deadliest in more than 60 years in Hong Kong, according to multiple reports. A fire on August 2, 1962, in the Sham Shui Po neighbourhood of Kowloon, also killed 44 people. Earlier, a fire at the Wing On Company warehouse killed 176 people on September 22, 1948. Three men arrested Eileen Chung, a senior superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force, said police are looking at a construction company that was carrying out maintenance work on the building. We have reason to believe that those in charge at the company were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties, she said. Chung said police have arrested three men in Tai Po, Ngau Tau Kok, and San Po Kong districts at around 2 a.m. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies The Army has seized power in western Africas Guinea-Bissau in a coup. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has said he has been ousted and placed under arrest. Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau appeared on state television Wednesday saying they have seized power in the country, following reports of gunshots near the presidential palace, three days after national elections. The president told French media he had been deposed and arrested. It is the latest of several coups in recent years in West Africa. The High Military Command for the re-establishment of national and public order decides to immediately depose the president of the republic, to suspend, until new orders, all of the institutions of the republic of Guinea-Bissau, spokesperson Dinis NTchama said in a statement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said they acted in response to the discovery of an ongoing plan that he said aimed to destabilize the country by attempting to manipulate electoral results. The scheme was set up by some national politicians with the participation of a well-known drug lord, and domestic and foreign nationals, NTchama asserted, and gave no details. The soldiers said they were immediately suspending the electoral process and the activities of media outlets, as well as closing all borders. Army officers in coup-prone Guinea-Bissau say they seized power, hours after gunfire erupted near the presidential palace and one day before results from a tense presidential election were due https://t.co/6GOqXLFITV pic.twitter.com/083M2XhY7g Reuters (@Reuters) November 26, 2025 Guinea-Bissau has seen four coups and numerous attempted ones since independence, including one reported last month. The country also has emerged as a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe. The presidential and legislative elections were held Sunday. Incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias each claimed victory Tuesday, even though official provisional results were not expected until Thursday. How the coup unfolded Gunfire was heard midday Wednesday near the presidential palace. An Associated Press journalist saw roads leading to the palace closed off, with checkpoints manned by heavily armed and masked soldiers. An official from the presidential palace said a group of armed men tried to attack the building, leading to an exchange of gunfire with guards. Another official from the Interior Ministry said they also heard gunshots near the National Electoral Commission nearby. The two spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not allowed to speak publicly on the matter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A key member of an international election observer group said the election commission chief was arrested and the commission office was sealed off by the military. The president has been speaking to people saying hes being held by the military, the observer group staffer told the AP. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not allowed to speak publicly on the matter. French news outlet Jeune Afrique quoted Embalo as saying he was arrested in what he called a coup led by the army chief of staff. He said he was not subjected to violence. I have been deposed, Embalo told French television network France 24. Embalo had faced a legitimacy crisis, with the opposition saying his tenure had long expired and that they did not recognize him as president. Guinea-Bissaus constitution sets the presidential term at five years. Embalo first came to power in February 2020. The opposition says his term should have ended on Feb. 27 of this year, but the Supreme Court ruled it should run until Sept. 4. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The presidential election, however, was delayed until this month. Soldiers arrested Embalos rival Fernando Dias as well as Domingos Simoes Pereira, the leader of the main opposition African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde, the party said in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday. A former prime minister, Domingos Simoes Pereira was seen as Embalos main challenger, before he and his party were barred from the election after authorities said they failed to submit their application early. He later endorsed Dias for the election. Bodies demand return to constitutional rule A UN official said Wednesday that the world body was following the situation in Guinea-Bissau with deep concern. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appeals to all national stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law, Stephane Dujarric, his spokesperson, told reporters. In a joint statement, the election observation missions of the African Union and of the regional bloc known as ECOWAS, denounced a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process and called for a return to the constitutional order. It also urged the immediate release of detained election officials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The civil society coalition Popular Front accused Embalo and the army of staging a simulated coup to block the release of election results and cling on to power. This maneuver aims to prevent the publication of the electoral results scheduled for tomorrow, Nov. 27, the group said in a statement on Wednesday. It claimed that Embalo plans to name a new president and interim prime minister, then call fresh elections in which he intends to run again. West Africa has seen a wave of coups since 2020. Three landlocked nations in the region, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, are now ruled by military leaders who have taken power by force, on the pledge of providing more security to citizens against an insurgency by armed groups. In neighboring Guinea, Gen. Mamadi Doumbouya, the junta leader, overthrew the president in 2021, chastising the previous government for breaking promises while promising to rid the country of bad governance and corruption. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Gabon, mutinous soldiers took power in 2023, shortly after the president was declared the winner of the election from which international observers, for the first time, had been barred. In April, coup leader Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema was elected president. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Firefighters battled a blaze at a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong for the second day on Thursday, as the death toll rose to 83 in one of the deadliest blazes in the citys modern history. Firemen get ready after a major fire swept through several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 27, 2025. Image- AFP Hong Kong authorities said on Friday the death toll from the citys worst fire in decades had risen to at least 83, as firefighters scoured torched high-rise buildings for scores of people still listed as missing. Flames were still visible in some of the eight-building apartment complexs almost 2,000 units well over 24 hours after the fire broke out, with crews still spraying water over the blackened exteriors. Authorities have begun investigating what sparked the disastrous blaze the financial hubs worst in almost 80 years including the presence of bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around the structures as part of a housing estate-wide renovation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hong Kongs anti-corruption body said it has launched a probe into renovation work at the housing complex, hours after police said they had arrested three men on suspicion of negligently leaving foam packaging at the fire site. The complex, comprising eight closely built blocks with around 2,000 flats, is home to over 4,600 residents in a city already grappling with severe shortages of affordable homes. Authorities said the flames in four of the eight blocks had been fully put out, while fires in three other buildings were under control. One block remained untouched by the blaze. A distraught woman carrying her daughters graduation photograph searched for her child outside a shelter, one of eight that authorities said house 900 residents. She and her father are still not out yet, sobbed the 52-year-old, who gave only her surname, Ng. They didnt have water to save our building." On Thursday, police officers searched the building maintenance company responsible for the housing estate, seizing documents that mentioned it, media said. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties, said police superintendent Eileen Chung. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Video images from the scene showed flames leaping from at least two of the 32-storey towers sheathed in green construction mesh and bamboo scaffolding. Authorities said they had doused the flames in four of seven affected blocks, with those in the rest brought under control. We bought in this building more than 20 years ago, said a 51-year-old resident surnamed Wan. All of our belongings were in this building, and now that it has all burned like this, whats left?" Dozens in hospital Another displaced resident, Wong Sik-kam, recalled how his son was one of the firefighters dispatched to the scene. My son called me and told me about the fire I thought it was just a normal fire, like a kitchen accident that would be put out. Who knew it would get so bad? Wong said. Among the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter, who was found with burns on his face half an hour after losing contact with colleagues, according to the fire service director Andy Yeung. A government spokesman told AFP that 61 people were being treated in hospital. Fifteen were in a critical condition, 27 in a serious condition and 19 were stable. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD City leader Lee said in the early hours of Thursday that 279 were unaccounted for, though firefighters said later that they had established contact with some of those people. Authorities have not updated the figure since. Lee said more than 900 people sought refuge at temporary shelters overnight. The Indonesian consulate said around noon that two of the deceased were Indonesians working as migrant domestic workers. A distraught woman carrying her daughters graduation photograph searched for her child outside a shelter, one of eight that authorities said house 900 residents. She and her father are still not out yet, sobbed the 52-year-old, who gave only her surname, Ng. They didnt have water to save our building." On Thursday, police officers searched the building maintenance company responsible for the housing estate, seizing documents that mentioned it, media said. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment. We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties, said police superintendent Eileen Chung. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Video images from the scene showed flames leaping from at least two of the 32-storey towers sheathed in green construction mesh and bamboo scaffolding. Authorities said they had doused the flames in four of seven affected blocks, with those in the rest brought under control. We bought in this building more than 20 years ago, said a 51-year-old resident surnamed Wan. All of our belongings were in this building, and now that it has all burned like this, whats left?" Three arrested Police said in addition to the protective mesh and plastic coverings of the buildings, which may fall short of fire standards, they found foam material sealing some windows on one unaffected building, and installed by a construction company engaged in year-long maintenance work. Police have arrested two directors and an engineering consultant of the company on suspicion of manslaughter over the fire, Chung added. The estate has been under renovation for a year at a cost of HK$330 million ($42 million), with each unit contributing between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000, media said. Hong Kongs corruption body said it had launched an investigation into suspected graft related to the renovation. A firefighter was among the dead, while dozens in hospital were in critical condition, authorities said on Thursday. About 279 people have yet to be traced. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Two Indonesian migrant workers in the domestic sector died in the fire and two others were injured, the Southeast Asian nations foreign ministry said. The death toll is now the highest in a Hong Kong fire since 1948, when 176 people were killed in a warehouse blaze. More than 1,200 firefighters are battling to control the flames, along with 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles. The priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped, city leader John Lee told reporters, adding that support for the injured and recovery efforts would follow before a thorough investigation was launched. With inputs from agencies FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday confirmed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting of two US National Guard members, had connections to US forces in Afghanistan, according to a report FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday confirmed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting of two US National Guard members, had connections to US forces in Afghanistan. Lakanwal had a relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces, CNN quoted Patel as telling reporters during a news conference. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in the United States in September 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome programme, which provided visas to Afghans who had assisted the US government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Patel said Lakanwals ties to US operations in Afghanistan are part of the ongoing investigation. We are fully investigating that aspect of his background as well, to include any known associates that are either overseas or here in the United States of America, he added. Earlier, CIA Director John Ratcliffe had also confirmed Lakanwals ties to the agency to media outlet. The Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the US government, including CIA, Fox News quoted Ratcliffe as saying, adding that Lakanwals involvement with the agency was as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation. Immigration requests for Afghans suspended Meanwhile, The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has suspended all residency applications from Afghan nationals following the Washington, D.C. shooting. Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols, the agency said on social media. In response to the incident, President Donald Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard troops to the capital. Trump said the attack was an act of terror, adding that he would take steps to remove foreigners from any country who does not belong here. He said the US must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies A court in Bangladesh sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday to 21 years in prison for corruption, a week after she was given the death penalty for crimes against humanity in connection with the students uprising in 2024. A Dhaka court has sentenced Bangladesh's former Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, to 21 years in prison on charges of corruption. Image Credit: Reuters After the most awaited political decision came to light, the court in Bangladesh on November 17 sentenced Bangladeshs former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for being convicted in the student-led protest in 2024. The tribunal found her guilty of crimes against humanity in connection with the unrest. Recently Dhaka court on Thursday, November 27 has sentenced the ousted PM to 21 years in prison under the charges of corruption, a week after she was given death penalty. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hasina is currently residing in India and disobeying the court orders about her return to the nation. In addition to Hasinas imprisonment, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, has been given a five-year prison sentence along with a fine of Tk 100,000. Her daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, was also sentenced to five years in prison. The involvement of Hasinas family are part of the legal proceedings conducted by Bangladeshs Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in January, and their engagement in several land deals scams. Involved in corruption Hasinas conduct demonstrates a persistent corruption mindset rooted in entitlement, unchecked power, and a greedy eye for public property, ruled judge Abdullah Al Mamun. Treating public land as a private asset, she directed her greedy eye toward state resources and manipulated official procedures to benefit herself and her close relatives, he added. Hasina fled Bangladesh by helicopter on August 5, 2024, after weeks of student-led protests against her autocratic rule. An interim government of Muhammad Yunus was formed to manage the countrys security and foreign affairs. Indias reaction The Indian government is currently reviewing a formal request from Bangladeshs interim government for the extradition of Sheikh Hasina. Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal on Wednesday confirmed that New Delhi has already reviewed the documents and is not just evaluating it. Jaisal has also clarified that India supports Bangladeshs legal and judicial processes. It will stay committed to the stability of the nation and ensure the well-being of the people. While aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, Trump chose not to clarify the specific goals of his ongoing four-month campaign against Venezuela. However, there is widespread speculation that the campaign is aimed at toppling Maduro US President Donald Trump holds a 'Make America Great Again' (Maga) hat as he attends the commencement ceremony at West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York, US, May 24, 2025. File Image/Reuters US President Donald Trump has warned Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of doing things the easy or the hard way as the South American leader urged his supporters to defend every inch of the country amid Washingtons war on drugs. While aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, Trump chose not to clarify the specific goals of his ongoing four-month campaign against Venezuela. However, there is widespread speculation that the campaign is aimed at toppling Maduro, who is widely accused of rigging last years presidential election. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Im not going to tell you what the goal is. You should probably know what the goal is, the US president said, adding that he might meet Maduro. If we can save lives, if we can do things the easy way, thats fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, thats fine too, Trump added. Will give it my all Meanwhile, Maduro is ready to pull out all stops to defend Venezuela amid Trumps war on drugs. The US president has often indicated that he will send troops for a ground operation in Venezuela after conducting several missions at sea. Holding a rally in Venezuelas capital, Caracas, Maduro, clad in military fatigues, said, We have to be capable of defending every inch of this blessed land from any sort of imperialist threat or aggression, wherever it comes from. I swear before our Lord Jesus Christ, that I will give my all for the victory of Venezuela, he added." China backs Venezuela Chinese President Xi Jinping has chosen his Venezuelan counterpart, Maduro, in his clash with Trump. Xi and Maduro have exchanged a series of letters, highlighting their countries commitment to Venezuelas sovereignty, national security, and stability. The letters were exchanged on the eve of Maduros birthday, which falls on November 23. In his letter, Xi referred to China and Venezuela as intimate friends, dear brothers, and good partners and denounced interference by external forces in Venezuelas internal affairs under any pretext. He pledged that Beijing would continue to resolutely support Venezuela in safeguarding its sovereignty and national security, national dignity, and social stability. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Dominican Republic has granted the United States access to an air base and airport for US President Donald Trumps so-called war on drugs, which is largely seen as a thinly-veiled pretext to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and access the countrys oil reserves. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, left, and Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader speak during a press conference at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, on November 26, 2025. (Photo: Ricardo Hernadez/AP) The Dominican Republic said Wednesday it will allow the United States to use an air base and airport as part of its controversial operations against alleged drug traffickers that have killed more than 80 people so far. The announcement came during a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Santo Domingo, as the United States seeks to ramp up pressure on leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington accuses of heading a drug cartel. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We have authorised the United States, for a limited time, to use restricted areas at the San Isidro Air Base and the Las Americas International Airport for logistical operations of aircraft, including refueling and the transport of equipment and personnel, President Luis Abinader told a news conference. Hegseth, who spoke alongside the Dominican leader, confirmed the temporary deployment of US service members and aircraft, saying Washington is deadly serious about the counter-narcotics mission. In waging this war on narco-terrorists, were willing to go on the offense, go on the offense in a way that changes the dynamic for the entire region, and we think can bring safety, stability and security to our partners, Hegseth said. We must meet narco-terrorists and their illegal activities with strength and swift action. Its the only language they understand, he added. Major military buildup The visit came after the United States designated an alleged Venezuelan drug cartel, Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns), as a foreign terrorist organisation, which gives President Donald Trumps administration legal cover for more action against Venezuelan authorities. The United States began carrying out strikes on alleged drug smugglers which experts say amount to extrajudicial killings even if they target known traffickers in early September, and has now destroyed more than 20 vessels it says were used for trafficking. But Washington has yet to make public any evidence that its targets were smuggling narcotics or posed a threat to the United States. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has deployed the worlds biggest aircraft carrier and 10 other ships to the Caribbean a huge force for a mission to counter traffickers and Washington has also carried out multiple shows of force with B-52 and B-1B bombers flying near Venezuelas coast. Regional tensions have flared as a result of the strikes and the military buildup, with Maduro accusing Washington of using drug trafficking as a pretext for imposing regime change in Caracas to seize Venezuelan oil. Maduro insists there is no drug cultivation in Venezuela, which he says is used as a trafficking route for Colombian cocaine against its will. The Dominican Republic has already been cooperating with the US anti-drug operations. Authorities in the country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, announced earlier this month that they had seized about 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of cocaine from a boat intercepted during a joint operation with US forces. (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Kurdish electricity ministry spokesperson Omed Ahmed said power generation could drop by about 3,000 megawatts as a result of the incident. Security sources said the drone hit storage tanks at the site, igniting a fire and injuring several workers A drone strike forced the shutdown of operations at the Khor Mor gas field, one of Iraqi Kurdistans largest, triggering major power outages across the region, engineers and officials said Wednesday. According to a joint statement from the Natural Resources and Electricity ministries, gas flows to all Kurdistan power stations were halted after the attack. Local authorities reported widespread blackouts affecting much of the northern region. Kurdish electricity ministry spokesperson Omed Ahmed said power generation could drop by about 3,000 megawatts as a result of the incident. Security sources said the drone hit storage tanks at the site, igniting a fire and injuring several workers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Fire crews continued battling the blaze, and a field engineer noted that repairs to the main liquid-gas storage depot could take two to three days. A drone struck a key gas storage facility at the field, causing extensive damage, and a fire is still burning, one worker told Reuters from a shelter where staff had gathered amid concerns of additional strikes. Footage shared by Kurdish network Rudaw on X showed smoke rising from the site as parts of Erbil experienced a blackout. Teams from both ministries, along with personnel from Dana Gas, one of the operators, were at the scene to assess the situation. Dana Gas and its affiliate Crescent Petroleum are part of the Pearl Consortium, which oversees development of the field. Iraqs Security Media Cell said the attack, described as a treacherous terrorist act, set a major storage tank on fire but caused no fatalities. The strike is expected to worsen electricity shortages in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, and authorities vowed to track down those responsible. The perpetrator of the attack remains unknown. It marked the second attempted strike on the facility in recent days; on Sunday, Kurdish security forces fired at a drone approaching the site to prevent it from reaching the field. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Toby Cadman, special adviser to Bangladeshs ICT chief prosecutor, and an expert in international crime and human rights law, shared his take on the Hasina verdict. On November 17, Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced the countrys former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia over charges of crimes against humanity during the July 2024 protests. This was the first time in the countrys history that a former prime minister received a death sentence, leaving many divided on the verdict. While some emphasised the plight of the victims of the violent protests that toppled the Hasina government, others raised human rights concerns, calling out the courts tendency to award capital punishment. Many also pointed to the irony of the whole saga, given the fact that it was Hasina who established the court in the first place, and it was her father, Bangabandhu Mujibur Rahman, who laid the foundation for the tribunal. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The court was established to provide retributive justice to victims of atrocities committed during Bangladesh's 1971 liberation war. For years, ICT remained one of Hasinas most powerful judicial instruments a court she created, expanded and heavily defended. Ultimately, it was the same court, which underwent a reconstruction after she was ousted, that ended up giving her a death sentence. In an email interview with Firstpost, Toby Cadman, special adviser to ICTs chief prosecutor and an expert in international crime and human rights law, shared his take on Hasinas verdict. Interestingly, Cadman was one of the prominent critics of the ICT process when Hasina was in power. He not only represented and advised defendants tried in the court, but was also banned from entering Bangladesh in 2011 after he questioned the transparency of the tribunal. In the interview, he also threw light on what changed. On Hasinas trial and verdict When asked about his overall assessment of the verdict in the Hasina trials, Cadman emphasised that Bangladeshs former PM was afforded every opportunity to appear before the tribunal, that she played a key role in establishing. Her decision not to participate and not return to stand trial was a matter of personal choice, not a result of any procedural unfairness or lack of opportunity, Cadman told Firstpost. Hasina has maintained that she was denied the opportunity to have lawyers of her choice to defend her in the ICT. The state appointed her defence lawyer. However, Cadman maintained that procedure remained transparent. She was afforded state-appointed counsel in accordance with the legal framework that her government had implemented. She did not nominate lawyers to appear on her behalf or seek to engage with the proceedings, he said. While Cadman defended the verdict and pointed to Hasinas decision not to appear for the trials, it became important to point out the circumstances in which Hasina fled the country. Right after she left Dhaka, violent protesters barged into her residence and even vandalised buildings made to honour her father. Workers from the Awami League and even Hasina herself maintained that there was a significant risk to her life during the protests. Hence, Hasinas security would have been a concerning factor during the trials. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On allegations of bias and political vendetta Since the start of the trial, Hasina and her supporters often described the ICT as Kangaroo court and insisted that the trial was a political vendetta against the former Bangladeshi premier. In the interview, Cadman defended the institution, which he played a crucial role in restructuring after the Hasina era. Sheikh Hasina has chosen to criticise the process rather than engage. As the special adviser to the prosecutor, I must address the allegations of bias and political vendetta with the utmost seriousness. The integrity of the tribunal and its proceedings is paramount, and every effort must be made to ensure that justice is served, he said. The legal process was anchored in both domestic legislation and established international standards, with particular attention paid to safeguarding the rights of the accused. Significant changes were made to the legal process to safeguard the rights of the accused. Cadman went on to recall the trials under Hasinas rule, pointing to the political interference at every level. Sheikh Hasina is clearly conflating the judiciary under her tenure with the trial process now. Claims of partiality, in my view, often overlook the substantial evidentiary basis underpinning the conviction, and conflate legitimate judicial action with political motivation, he asserted. It is important to recognise that the tribunal was constituted with procedural safeguards under a legal framework that Sheikh Hasinas government implemented, and was subject to both domestic and international scrutiny at each stage. While criticism is inevitable in high-profile cases of this nature, the prosecutions mandate was to pursue justice in accordance with the law, not to serve any political agenda. Ultimately, the focus must remain on the rule of law and the pursuit of accountability, rather than on unfounded allegations that risk undermining public confidence in the judicial process, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Regional & political implications Impact on Bangladeshs domestic political stability When asked about the implications of the Hasina verdict, Cadman acknowledged that the former premiers conviction will have a profound impact on Bangladeshs political landscape. Such a judgment inevitably exerts pressure on Bangladeshs internal stability and governance. High-profile convictions can serve as catalysts for polarisation, potentially fuelling unrest among political factions and testing the resilience of democratic institutions. That said, the commitment to due process is intended to reinforce, not undermine, public trust in the system, he said. Critics may argue that the conviction risks exacerbating divisions within Bangladeshi society, but it is imperative to differentiate between legitimate judicial accountability and political manoeuvring. The prosecutions role was not to advance a political agenda, but rather to uphold the principles of justice and accountability. In the long term, the integrity of the proceedings should serve to strengthen governance, provided that all parties respect the outcome and engage constructively with the countrys legal institutions. The true test for Bangladesh will be its ability to navigate these turbulent times by prioritising the rule of law and democratic values over partisan interests, he furthered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is pertinent to note that Hasinas verdict triggered an unprecedented unrest across Bangladesh, with the Awami League calling it an unfair trial. Since the tribunals verdict announcement on November 17, the Awami League has mobilised supporters in mass protests, shutdowns, and street demonstrations, calling for the resignation of the interim government and the reversal of the sentence. The party condemned Yunus as a usurper and killer-fascist, accusing him of manipulating the tribunal to eliminate political rivals ahead of the scheduled general elections in February 2026. After Hasina was ousted, her party was banned from contesting the polls, a decision many termed as undemocratic. The country remains divided Cadman admitted that public opinion over the verdict remained divided. For many, the verdict is perceived as a necessary assertion of judicial independence and a reaffirmation of the rule of law. These individuals point to the transparent nature of the proceedings and the robust evidentiary basis for the conviction as evidence that justice has been served, irrespective of the defendants political stature, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the UK-based barrister also acknowledged the views on the other side of the aisle. Conversely, a portion of the public, namely Sheikh Hasinas political allies and supporters, view the conviction through a lens of scepticism and mistrust. For these critics, the legal process is inseparable from the prevailing political climate, and they question whether the proceedings were truly free from external influence or political motivation, he exclaimed. Cadman maintained that the criticism is fueled by Bangladeshs history of contentious legal actions against high-profile figures, leading to fears that the verdict could be exploited as a tool for consolidating power or marginalising dissent. The polarised responses reveal a society grappling with issues of legitimacy, accountability, and trust in public institutions. The strength of these divergent reactions underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance in safeguarding judicial independence and promoting open, good-faith dialogue across the political spectrum. Only through such measures can Bangladesh hope to bridge its divisions and foster a more inclusive, resilient democracy in the face of ongoing challenges, he averred. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Regional implications During her time in office, Hasina maintained strong ties with two key regional players of Asia: India and China. Cadman admitted that the trial will have significant regional implications as well. It is essential to approach the potential regional ramifications of Sheikh Hasinas conviction with both caution and clarity. The tribunals decision, while grounded in the law, will undoubtedly be scrutinised by Bangladeshs neighbours, particularly India and China. Both countries have vested strategic and economic interests in the stability of Bangladesh, and any perception of judicial overreach or political manipulation could complicate diplomatic relations, he said. However, he reiterated that the ICT acted independently of international pressure. Cadman went on to urge India to extradite Hasina, citing the extradition treaty signed by the two nations. India has an obligation to properly consider her extradition in accordance with the treaty, something they have failed to do so far, he said. After Hasinas conviction, India maintained that it is committed to the best interests of the people of the neighbouring country. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs noted, India has noted the verdict announced by the ICT concerning former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As a close neighbour, India remains committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country. We will always engage constructively with all stakeholders to that end, it added. Since Bangladesh has formally issued an extradition request after Hasinas verdict, India will now have to assess the ruling against its obligations under the 2013 agreement signed by then-Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde during a visit to Dhaka. However, the 2013 extradition has several exceptions the government could use to defend its grant of refuge to Hasina. One such exception is enshrined in Article 6 of the treaty that stipulates that extradition may be refused if the offence is of a political nature. Hence, Hasinas extradition, especially after a death sentence, remains a complicated issue. Addressing the human rights concerns: Courts tendency to award capital punishment For decades, the ICT has been criticised by human rights groups from around the world for awarding capital punishments. Cadman himself has criticised the process the tribunal was operating in the past. When asked about these concerns, the newly appointed advisor to the chief prosecutors acknowledged these issues. I am acutely aware of the gravity of the concerns raised from a human rights and rule of law perspective, particularly given the historical criticisms levelled at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) regarding the imposition of capital punishment and the practice of trying individuals in absentia under Sheikh Hasinas government, he told Firstpost. It is both necessary and proper to acknowledge that no judicial process is above scrutiny, and that robust debate about the fairness and proportionality of such measures is vital to the ongoing legitimacy of any legal institution, he added. However, Cadman separated the nature of trials conducted under the Hasina government from how ICT operated in this case. The trials under Sheikh Hasinas government were termed as a flagrant denial of justice, including evidence-based, credible allegations of political interference, prosecutorial and judicial misconduct, and the circumvention of the rule of law, he said. Let us not forget that Sheikh Hasina herself said publicly after one unfavourable decision by the ICT during her tenure that resulted in public demonstrations demanding the death penalty, that she would speak to the judges and make them understand the sentiment of the people. That resulted in the judges overturning a sentence of life imprisonment and imposing a sentence of death, which was subsequently carried out. Clearly, Sheikh Hasina and her political supporters are conflating the current tribunal with its own conduct of political interference. One should not confuse the two. Yes, there may be criticisms to be made of the process, but any criticisms, real or not, pale in comparison to the trials conducted under her tenure, he added. While Cadman is defending Hasinas conviction, several international bodies called out ICT for handing down a death sentence to the countrys former PM. The United Nations has said that the verdict against Bangladeshs ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on charges of crimes against humanity is an important moment for the victims, but expressed regret over the imposition of the death penalty. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres fully agreed with UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on the position that we stand against the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, the UN chiefs spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said at the daily press briefing, a day after the verdict. Meanwhile, Amnesty International also condemned Hasinas death sentence. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said in a statement that the ruling represents a grave miscarriage of justice, warning that the verdict fails to deliver accountability for the victims of last years violence and instead risks deepening Bangladeshs human rights crisis. The body noted that the verdict raises significant fair trial concerns, citing the tribunals long-criticised lack of independence and history of politically influenced proceedings. The organisation noted that the trial was conducted at unprecedented speed, despite the scale and complexity of the case, and highlighted multiple due-process failures. What lies ahead for Hasina When asked if there is any scope for reversal of the sentence awarded to Hasina and her top aide, Cadman maintained that Hasina will have to engage with the Bangladesh judicial system. There is a functional judicial system, independent of politics, and a legal framework that allows for appeals should Sheikh Hasina choose to engage rather than merely criticise from her self-imposed exile in India. That is a matter for her. Regardless of what decision she ultimately takes, the decision convicting her stands, he said. In her five-page response to the verdict, Hasina said that the charges should be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. In March, Cadman also suggested that the July protests should be referred to the ICC. However, in the Firstpost interview, Cadman emphasised why conducting the trial in the domestic institution was important. I must emphasise that Sheikh Hasinas criticisms regarding the verdict and her call for the charges to be brought before the International Criminal Court (ICC) are largely political in nature and lack substantive legal merit. Her assertions appear to be designed to shift the narrative away from the judicial findings and to cast aspersions on the integrity of Bangladeshs legal system, rather than engaging meaningfully with the evidence or the judicial process itself, he said. It is true that I advocated for the Situation in Bangladesh to be referred to the ICC. That was, of course, a matter for the Interim Government to determine. It was considered appropriate to try the cases domestically; I respected that decision. It is crucial that trials for serious crimes are conducted in the locality where the offences occurred, as this ensures that victims and affected communities have genuine access to the judicial process. The suggestion that the July protest casesor indeed the charges against hershould be referred to the ICC disregards the principle of complementarity, whereby international courts intervene only when domestic avenues have demonstrably failed to deliver justice. Thus far, there is no credible basis to suggest that Bangladeshs judiciary is either unwilling or unable to adjudicate these matters independently and fairly, Cadman furthered. What lies ahead for Bangladesh? When it comes to the possible scenarios for Bangladeshs political future in light of these recent events, Cadman maintained an optimistic stance on the matter. I see the future as bright. There will be elections next year that will be free and fair something that was not seen under the previous government. The conviction of Sheikh Hasina marks a pivotal juncture in Bangladeshs political trajectory, inviting both domestic and international scrutiny, he told Firstpost. The immediate aftermath reveals a society wrestling with entrenched divisions, where the verdict has become a lightning rod for debates about the integrity of public institutions and the health of the nations democracy. While some view the conviction as a testament to judicial independence and the rule of law, others, Sheikh Hasinas supporters, have sought to undermine the process by advancing allegations that political considerations may have influenced the outcome. He noted that Bangladesh is at a crossroads after the recent events. The conviction could either serve as a catalyst for greater meaningful reformdriving greater accountability and strengthening democratic institutionsor exacerbate existing tensions, leading to further instability. Ultimately, Bangladeshs future will depend on its future leaders willingness to foster open dialogue, uphold human rights, and pursue justice without fear or favour, he said. Why the change in stance When asked about why his stance on ICT changed over the years, Cadman once again emphasised that ICT under Hasina was different from the ICT of today. From my perspective as special adviser to the prosecutor and as someone who previously represented a number of accused during 2010-2014, my concerns regarding the operation of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) have been longstanding and well-documented, he averred. Toby Cadman is also the co-founder of Guernica37 Law Chambers, a firm specialising in international law. He has worked on cases in Bosnia, Kosovo, Rwanda, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine. The death toll from a fire in a high-rise in Hong Kong has risen to at least 44. The fire continues to burn and hundreds of people remain unaccounted. Thick smoke and flames rise during a major fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 26, 2025. (Photo: Peter Parks/AFP) The Hong Kong fire department has said that at last 44 people have been killed and hundreds remain missing in a fire in high-rise. The fire was still burning at the time of writing this story, according to AFP. The police said at least three persons had been arrested in the case on suspicion of manslaughter. The fire began on Wednesday afternoon in an eight-building complex that has around 2,000 apartments. These blames first took hold of bamboo scaffolding on several apartment blocks of Wang Fuk Court Hong Kongs northern district of Tai Po. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hing Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said that at least 900 people relocated from the area to safer locations. An AFP reporter heard loud cracking sounds on Wednesday at the scene of the fire, possibly from the burning bamboo. They also saw thick plumes of smoke billowing from the buildings as flames and ash reached high into the sky. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places in the world and is infamous for cramped houses. Its still unclear how many are missing A police officer at a temporary shelter told AFP it was unclear how many people were missing because residents were still trickling in late into the night to report missing family members. Moreover, a local said that there were many elderly in the area. A 65-year-old person who only gave the news agency his last name, Yuen, said many neighbours in the complex were elderly and might not be mobile. The windows were closed because of the maintenance, (some people) didnt know there was a fire and had to be told to evacuate via phone calls by neighbours. Im devastated. There is loss of property and loss of life, and even a firefighter has died, said Yuen. The temperature at the scene is very high and there are some floors where fire service personnel have been unable to reach people who requested help, but they will keep trying, said Derek Armstrong Chan, the deputy director of fire service operations. Chan said the fire likely spread from one building to another due to the wind and drifting debris. He added the authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze. Any investigation is bound to look into the materials on the buildings exterior that may have caused the blaze to spread faster than usual. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump on Wednesday warned Maduro of doing things the easy or the hard way as tensions between the two leaders flare up Reports of imminent action have intensified as US forces build up in the Caribbean amid rapidly deteriorating relations with Venezuela. (Photo: Reuters/AFP) The war of words between US President Donald Trump and his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, seems straight out of a movie. In fact, recent comments made by the two leaders are indeed dialogues from two classic movies. While it is uncertain whether Trump and Maduro picked up their statements from movies or not, it is safe to say that they are trying to reach a larger audience via their speeches. Hard way or easy way Trump on Wednesday warned Maduro of doing things the easy or the hard way as tensions between the two leaders flare up. While aboard Air Force One en route to Florida, Trump chose not to clarify the specific goals of his ongoing four-month campaign against Venezuela. However, there is widespread speculation that the campaign is aimed at toppling Maduro, who is widely accused of rigging last years presidential election. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Im not going to tell you what the goal is. You should probably know what the goal is, the US president said, adding that he might meet Maduro. The line is actually from the 1991 movie The Hard Way, where Captain Brix (Delroy Lindo) tells John Moss (James Wood), You got two ways to deal with this: you got the easy way, you got the hard way. Defend every inch Meanwhile, Maduro has indicated that he is ready to pull out all stops to defend Venezuela amid Trumps war on drugs. The US president has often indicated that he will send troops for a ground operation in Venezuela after conducting several missions at sea. Holding a rally in Venezuelas capital, Caracas, Maduro, clad in military fatigues, said, We have to be capable of defending every inch of this blessed land from any sort of imperialist threat or aggression, wherever it comes from. I swear before our Lord Jesus Christ, that I will give my all for the victory of Venezuela, he added." The phrase every inch also finds a mention in Any Given Sunday, where legendary actor Al Pacino delivers his famous inch by inch monologue. Italys parliament on Tuesday approved a law that introduces femicide into the countrys criminal law and punishes it with life in prison. Italys lower house of Parliament on Tuesday approved a law introducing the crime against women as a crime of femicide in Italys criminal code. The law punishes one who is found guilty with life in prison. After ages of crime against women, it now will be defined as femicide. The scale of misogynistic violence in Italy has been increasing in Italy and about 73 women were murdered in the first nine months of the year. It was found in the report shared by the Interior Ministry, that half of those who were killed were by their former or current partners. This shows the cruelty against women in the face of law. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The call for the femicide law was amplified after a 22-year old student, Giulia Cecchettin was killed by her ex-boyfriend in November 2023 marking a violent death. Cecchettins death led to protests in Italy as a symbol of the fight against patriarchal violence, because, feminists say, in many cases, these crimes take place in a domestic context. Bipartisan support The law won bipartisan support from the centre right majority and the centre-left opposition in the final vote in the Lower Chamber, passing with 237 votes in favour. The law was headed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, after a series of killings were reported in the state making it the country facing highest violence against women. We have doubled funding for anti-violence centers and shelters, promoted an emergency hotline and implemented innovative education and awareness-raising activities, Meloni said addressing the violence against females. Its introduction sends a strong message of social condemnation against this phenomenon, said a lawmaker Giulia Bongiorno as quoted by The New York Times. Italy after Mexico Recently Mexico specified measures and people led massive country-wide protests in violence against women. After the incident with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, marks the higher intensity of risks for females. Italy has also taken this step to vanish the deep rooted chauvinistic mindset among people. Critics still suggest that the law does not go far so the law should be accompanied with better education for women about gender issues and legal studies. Call for sex education A professor at the University of Foggia, Valeria Torre said that only by giving women greater access to the labor market, offering working women greater support and reversing one of the most imbalanced gender wage gaps in Europe, can disparity be overcome. Italy is one of only seven countries in Europe where sex and relationship education is not yet compulsory in schools, and we are calling for it to be compulsory in all school cycles, said the head of Italys Democratic Party, Elly Schlein. Jakarta surpasses Tokyo as the worlds most populous city with 42 million people, highlighting Asias urban dominance and raising urgent challenges for infrastructure and sustainability. Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo to become the worlds most populous city, according to a new United Nations-backed study capturing global urban trends in 2025. The Indonesian capital and its surrounding metropolitan region now house an estimated 42 million people, surpassing Dhakas 37 million and pushing Tokyo down to third place with 33 million residents. The shift reflects not just population growth, but a dramatic repositioning of urban power: nine of the worlds ten most populated urban agglomerations Jakarta, Dhaka, Tokyo, New Delhi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Cairo, Manila, Kolkata and Seoul are now in Asia, cementing the continents dominance in global urbanisation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Urban experts say the surge in these megacities is driven by continuing rural-to-urban migration, economic opportunity, and demographic momentum. In particular, South and Southeast Asian capitals, already under strain from infrastructure pressure and resource constraints, are rapidly scaling up. In this context, New Delhi and Kolkata, two of Indias major population centres also find themselves among the worlds top ten, underscoring the scale of urban challenge across South Asia. For Jakarta now officially the worlds largest city by population, the recognition brings into sharp relief chronic challenges. The city already grapples with flooding, water-management stress and land subsidence. Overcrowding further strains housing, transport, sanitation and social services. These vulnerabilities were among the reasons Indonesia in recent years commenced shifting its administrative capital functions to Nusantara on Borneo, aiming to ease pressure on Jakarta. Analysts warn that the UN ranking highlights growing disparities across megacities: while population numbers soar, infrastructure and climate resilience often lag behind. Cities like Dhaka, New Delhi, Manila or Kolkata may face escalating risks from water scarcity and extreme heat to public-health challenges and pollution, if planning, investment and governance do not keep pace. With nearly all of the worlds largest cities now concentrated in Asia, the urgency has never been greater. Governments across the region must adopt sustainable urban policies, invest in resilient infrastructure, strengthen public services, and manage expansion carefully. If not, swelling populations could overwhelm capacity, turning megacities into mega crisis zones rather than engines of growth. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Moldova has become the latest European country to accuse Russia of violating its airspace. The foreign ministry summoned the Russian ambassador to register protest about the unacceptable breach. Russia's Ambassador to Moldova, Oleg Ozerov, walks by a drone after Chisinaus Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Ozerov to show him a Russian drone that fell in Moldova, in Chisinau, Moldova, on November 26, 2025, in this screengrab from video. (Photo: Moldovan Ministry Of Foreign Affairs/Handout via Reuters) Moldova summoned Russias ambassador on Wednesday to complain about the latest intrusion of drones into its airspace and urged Moscow to take measures to prevent further instances. Russias ambassador expressed doubt that one of the drones was linked to a genuine intrusion and suggested the incident was aimed at spoiling Moscows already poor relations with Chisinau. Moldovas pro-European government denounces the Kremlins invasion of Ukraine and accuses Moscow of attempting to destabilise the ex-Soviet state lying between Ukraine and European Union member Romania. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moldova noted incursions by six Russian drones on Tuesday, including one that landed on a roof outside Floresti, near the Ukrainian border, and a second that passed through Moldovan airspace before heading off toward Romania. Moldovas Foreign Ministry said the incident was absolutely unacceptable and a serious violation of Moldovas sovereignty and a direct threat to national and regional sovereignty. Placed outside the ministry building as ambassador Oleg Ozerov entered was the 18-kg (39-pound) drone that authorities said had landed on a roof in a village. Do you believe this? A drone runs out of fuel and lands on a roof without causing damage? Ozerov told reporters. There are many false flag operations. Many attempts to spoil our relations with Moldova, which are already at their lowest point in history, Ozerov said. Romanian and German NATO fighter jets were scrambled on Tuesday near Romanias border with Ukraine to respond to a drone incursion that penetrated deeper than ever into Romanian airspace. Moldova had issued its previous complaint to Ozerov about a drone intrusion only last week. Russia says Moldova is whipping up Russophobia. Each country has expelled diplomats from the other, with the last such instance dating from April. Ozerov has yet to be invited to present his credentials formally to President Maia Sandu despite being in Moldova for more than a year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD (This is an agency story. Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by Firstpost staff.) Two National Guard soldiers were shot near White House in an ambush-style attack. Their condition is critical. President Donald Trump called it an act of terror. National Guard members stand in a cordoned-off area after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC, US, on November 26, 2025. (Photo: Nathan Howard/Reuters) Two National Guard soldiers were on Wednesday shot near White House in a targeted attack. They remain in critical condition. The attack took place in the heavily populated area near the Farragut Metro stop at around 2:15 pm, which is just a few blocks from the White House. Law enforcement officials described the attack as an ambush-style attack and said 10 to 15 bullets were fired. They said a suspect had been taken into custody. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following the attack, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said 500 more National Guard personnel will be deployed to Washington DC. The administrations deployment of National Guard to cities has been controversial and seen as political retribution and intimidation. National Guard soldiers were on patrol at time of attack National Guard personnel were on high visibility patrols when the suspect walked around a corner, raised a firearm, and then shot the two National Guard members, according to Jeff Carroll, the Executive Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department. We have reviewed video from the area. It appears, like I said, to be a lone gunman that raised the firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, and he was quickly taken into custody by other National Guard members and law enforcement members, said Carroll, according to CBS News. After the shots were fired, other National Guard members were able to rush to their colleagues side, said Carrol. There were other National Guard members that were in the area. They were able to, after some back and forth, able to subdue the individual and bring him into custody, said Carroll. There was no other person suspected to be believed in the attack and the authorities were investigating all aspects of the suspect and his possible connections, said Carroll. Trump calls it act of terror, says shooter came from Afghanistan In an address from White House, Trump said the shooter was an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021. Trump further called the shooting an act of terror. While Trump did not name the suspected shooter, The New York Times reported that he has identified as 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021 through a programme known as Operation Allies Welcome that was meant to facilitate the entry of Afghans fleeing the Talibans takeover of the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Separately, CBS News reported sources as saying that the suspect was shot four times and was taken to a hospital in police custody. Both the National Guard soldiers were shot in the head, sources told NBC News. Pariss Louvre museum said Thursday it would raise ticket prices for most non-EU visitors, meaning US, British and Chinese tourists among others will have to pay $37 to get in. Pariss Louvre museum announced on Thursday that it will increase entry fees for most visitors from outside the European Union, meaning tourists from countries such as the United States, Britain and China will soon face a ticket price of $37. The museum told AFP that the 45-percent rise is intended to generate up to $23 million in additional yearly revenue to support structural upgrades at the worlds most visited art institution, which has been under pressure following the daylight theft of valuable artefacts last month. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Beginning January 14, 2026, travellers from outside the EU, as well as those from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, will see the ticket price rise to 32 euros 10 euros more than the current rate, according to the museum and staff unions after the board approved the change. A Louvre report released in 2024 noted that the museum welcomed 8.7 million people that year, with foreign tourists making up 69 percent of the total. Visitors from the United States were the largest group, while those from China ranked third. The museum told AFP that the price rise aimed to raise up to 20 million euros a year to tackle structural problems. On October 19, a four-person gang raided the Louvre, taking just seven minutes to steal jewellery worth an estimated $102 million before fleeing on scooters. An official investigation indicated that security equipment was lacking, and the museums management has warned about the state of its premises. Labour unions criticised the decision to scrap the universal entry fee for all nationalities, with one, the CFDT, warning it would be perceived as discrimination. With inputs from agencies Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called the Ukrainian leadership illegitimate and said it was senseless to sign any documents with them. In this pool photograph distributed by the Russian state agency Sputnik, Russia's President Vladimir Putin meets with the Russian media in Bishkek on November 27, 2025.- AFP Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday asserted that Ukraines current leadership lacks legitimacy and argued that there is no point in entering into any agreements with it. Putin claimed that the authorities in Kyiv lost their mandate after opting not to hold elections following the end of President Volodymyr Zelenskyys term. Ukraine maintains that nationwide polls cannot be conducted under martial law while the country continues to defend itself against Russia. Putin: Text could guide peace President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the outlines of a draft peace plan discussed by the United States and Ukraine could become the basis of future agreements to end the conflict in Ukraine but that if not then Russia would continue to fight. In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements, Putin said, adding that the variant of the plan discussed by the United States and Ukraine in Geneva had been passed to Russia. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Putin said that the United States was taking into account Russias position but that some things still need to be discussed. He said that if Europe wanted a pledge not to attack it, then Russia was willing to give such a pledge. Russia, Putin said, was still being told it should cease the fighting. Ukrainian troops must withdraw from the territories they hold, and then the fighting will cease. If they dont leave, then we shall achieve this by armed means. Thats it, Putin said. Russian forces, he said, were advancing in Ukraine at a faster pace. Putin said that he considered the Ukrainian leadership to be illegitimate and so it was legally impossible to sign a deal with Ukraine, so it was important to ensure any agreement was recognised by the international community and that the international community recognised Russian gains in Ukraine. Putin rejected the suggestion that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff had shown himself to be biased towards Moscow in peace talks over Ukraine, describing it as nonsense. Italy: Putins peace intent imminent Italys defence minister said on Thursday that it will become clear in the next weeks if Russian President Vladimir Putin has any interest in making peace with Ukraine, and that the war was costing Russia dearly, despite its increase in defence spending. Guido Crosetto, a co-founder of right-wing premier Giorgia Melonis ruling party, also said European countries should not ignore the importance of Russia, as well as Ukraine, moving away from a war economy to normal activity once the conflict ends. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States has put forward an updated version of its plan to halt the deadliest fighting in Europe since World War II after the initial blueprint alarmed both Kyiv and European allies who feared it reflected maximalist Russian demands. Moscow has said that the ongoing talks on the plan were serious but European leaders have expressed scepticism, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying there was clearly no Russian willingness to agree a ceasefire. I dont know what Putin has in mind, Crosetto told reporters at the Italian embassy in Paris after meeting his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin. We hope that this time Russia will truly want to sit down at the table and negotiate. Looking at whats happening, Im not optimistic, he said, noting that Russia was still recruiting troops and boosting defence investment. But he added: Russia is paying for this war domestically, with a decline in its GDP, its wealth. Well see in the coming weeks it wont take long to understand whether Putin has a real intention to make peace, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He also cautioned that Europe, as well as helping Ukraine rebuild, should not turn a blind eye to Russias post-war transition or else risk a resumption of conflict. Russia: Ceasefire needs pullout Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow would end its Ukraine offensive if Kyiv withdrew from territory Moscow claims at its own otherwise they would take it by force. The Russian army has been slowly but steadily grinding through eastern Ukraine in costly battles against outnumbered and outgunned Ukrainian forces. Washington has meanwhile renewed its push to end the nearly four-year war, putting forward a surprise plan that it hopes to finalise through upcoming talks with Moscow and Kyiv. If Ukrainian forces leave the territories they hold, then we will stop combat operations, Putin said during a visit to Kyrgyzstan. If they dont, then we will achieve it by military means." Russia controls around one-fifth of Ukraines territory. The issue of occupied land, which Kyiv has said it will never cede, has become the key stumbling block in the peace process. Putin repeated the claim that Russia had encircled the Ukrainian army in Pokrovsk and Myrnograd in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region the most fiercly embattled area and a key target for Moscows forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD "Krasnoarmeysk and Dimitrov are completely surrounded, he said, using the Russian names for the cities. Moscow was also advancing in Vovchansk and Siversk, as well as approaching the important logistic hub of Guliaipole, he added. With inputs from agencies Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Moscow is preparing retaliatory steps if the European Union moves ahead with plans to use the cash value of frozen Russian assets to fund a 140 billion reparations loan for Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday warned that Moscow is preparing retaliatory steps if the European Union moves ahead with plans to use the cash value of frozen Russian assets to fund a 140 billion reparations loan for Ukraine. According to a Politico report, speaking at a press briefing in Bishkek, Putin said, The government of the Russian Federation, by my assignment, develops a package of reciprocal measures in case this happens. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He denounced the EU proposal as theft of someone elses property, arguing that such a move would damage Europes credibility on the global stage. Its clear that this will have a negative impact on the international finance system, Putin was quoted as saying. The trust in the eurozone will decline, will fall abruptly, he added. Putin also warned that Europe could face an uneasy [economic] test, noting that Germany the continents largest economy is in recession for the third year. The European Commission has repeatedly stressed that the plan would not involve confiscating Russian assets currently held at Euroclear, the Brussels-based financial depository. The arrangement, which has triggered concerns in Belgium over possible Russian retaliation, would instead allow the EU to borrow against profits generated from the frozen funds and transfer the money to Kyiv for its defence. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that the draft legal text for the 140 billion loan would be presented very soon. With inputs from agencies Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered American diplomats in Europe and in Canada, Australia and New Zealand to press their host governments to restrict most immigration activities. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered the American officials residing in Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to ask their countries to restrict most immigration activities and keep in record if government continues to support immigrants coming in their state, according to a document sent to US embassies and consulates. As the risk of crime and criminal acts is increasing, Rubio emphasised them to encourage the government to stop these activities as they cause a major threat to the nation and the allies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The recent attack on White House serves as the best example of immigrant risk, which killed two security guards. Donald Trump also said that an Afghan man who fled the Taliban is the suspect of the shooting incident. Greater entry risks Diplomats should regularly engage host governments and their respective authorities to raise U.S. concerns about violent crimes associated with people of a migration background and any related human rights abuses, a document said. The should be regular reports sent on crime linked to immigration to the State Development headquarters as to how the government provide safer environment to the residents. Immigrants as a scourge in US US President Donald Trump has repeatedly talked about large numbers of migrants and how they cause trouble to the United States and Europe. Trump has always been focused about immigration tensions and how they scourge the nationalist agenda. Trumps deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller and Vice President JD Vance have actively participated in talks regarding migration activities. We cannot rebuild Western civilization, we cannot rebuild the United States of America or Europe, by letting millions and millions of illegal migrants come into our country, Mr. Vance said in February. Rubio now tries to push the Trump administrations hard-line measures to the state departments as to curb the existential threat to build a stable nation. The State Department said in an official statement on social media last week that mass migration poses an existential threat to Western civilization and undermines the stability of key American allies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Immigration of high-skill workers With the introduction of H1B visa, Trump supports immigration of high-skill workers that serve for the nation and have an intelligent mindset. The cable was ruled out by the State Department highlighting that foreign governments supporting illegal or mass migration should be included in the annual country human rights reports being written now. One of the officials said the immigration diplomacy cable was sent to US missions in countries that have a shared Western civilization with the United States and are close allies. A Russian court has ordered life imprisonment for eight people after being found guilty for the 2022 Crimean bridge blast. A Russian court on Thursday sentenced eight people to life in prison over huge 2022 explosions that partially destroyed the Crimean bridge, an attack both Kyiv and Moscow said was organised by Ukraines secret services. Five people were killed when the 19-kilometre (12-mile) Kerch road and rail bridge was hit by a truck bomb blast on October 8, 2022, eight months after Moscow launched its all-out offensive on Ukraine. Kyiv later claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was aimed at hampering Moscows logistics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Crimean peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 has been a key supply route for Russias troops fighting in the south of Ukraine. The defendants were found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, Russias southern military court in the city of Rostov-on-Don said on Telegram. The attack set ablaze seven oil tankers being transported by train and collapsed two sections of the highway, Russia said. The men were tried in a closed-door hearing at a military court. The bridge is seen by both Ukraine and Russia as a hugely symbolic installation of Moscows 2014 seizure of the Crimean peninsula. President Vladimir Putin personally inaugurated the bridge, which links Russia to Crimea, in 2018 even driving a truck across it. Moscow had maintained the crossing was safe despite the fighting, but it has been targeted repeatedly throughout the war. The men were charged with carrying out a terrorist act that caused death and illegally obtaining weapons as an organised group, the court said. Two were also charged with smuggling explosives. South Africa has condemned US President Donald Trumps decision to bar it from G20 events in the United States next year, describing the move as punitive and based on misinformation and distortions about the country, according to a report South Africa has condemned US President Donald Trumps decision to bar it from G20 events in the United States next year, describing the move as punitive and based on misinformation and distortions about the country. According to a Guardian report, South Africas presidency in a statement said Trumps comments were regrettable and emphasised that the country is a sovereign constitutional democracy whose G20 membership is recognised by all other members. South Africa will never insult or demean another country It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa, the statement said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump announced the move on his Truth Social platform, repeating widely discredited claims that South Africa is killing white people and accusing the country of refusing to hand over the G20 Presidency to a US Embassy representative at the summits closing ceremony in Johannesburg last weekend. At the conclusion of the G20, South Africa refused to hand off the G20 Presidency to a Senior Representative from our U.S. Embassy, who attended the Closing Ceremony. Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year, Trump posted. He added, South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere, and we are going to stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately. US-South Africa tensions This follows Trumps earlier decision in February to halt aid to South Africa, accusing the government of discriminating against white minority Afrikaners, inciting violence against white farmers, and expropriating land claims South Africa has repeatedly rejected. Officials have pointed out that land expropriation is limited and that the countrys high crime rate affects all citizens, regardless of race. After the US boycotted the G20 leaders summit the first in Africa and other G20 events in South Africa, it demanded the presidency be handed over to its acting ambassador at the closing ceremony. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD South Africa rejected the request, saying it would breach protocol for President Ramaphosa to symbolically hand over the presidency to a junior diplomat. The country hailed the summit as a success for multilateralism, noting the leaders communique emphasized tackling climate change and gender inequality issues at odds with Trumps administration. Trumps claims on Afrikaners Trump and US officials have continued to repeat false claims about South Africas treatment of Afrikaners. In May, the US began offering refugee status to white South Africans while halting other refugee arrivals. Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday: The United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa, because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human Right Abuses endured by Afrikaners, and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers. To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people, and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them. In reality, South African police recorded 12 farm murders in the last quarter of 2024 including black-owned smallholder plots out of nearly 7,000 murders nationwide. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Land restitution remains limited, with private ownership still concentrated among the white minority, and only a handful of cases returned to black owners after lengthy legal processes. With inputs from agencies Devastating floods and landslides have killed at least 31 people in Sri Lanka, while 14 remain missing. About 400 homes were damaged in the steep mudslides with over 1,100 families displaced to live in temporary shelters. At least 31 people died after devastating floods and landslides hit Sri Lanka. About 14 have gone missing this week, while weather depletion continues. The intense weather has caused widespread destruction, displacement of people particularly in central, eastern, and southwestern parts of the country. Badulla was hit the hardest where most of the deaths occurred and about 16 people were buried alive when mountain slopes crashed into their homes, according to the statement of Disaster Management Centre. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The rescue efforts by the military and police are ongoing, deploying boats, helicopters, and vehicles to reach those stranded or missing. Houses damaged About 400 homes were damaged in the steep mudslides with over 1,100 families displaced to live in temporary shelters. DMC warned about the rising level of river levels in Sri Lanka and advised people who are living in low-lying areas to shift to higher grounds. Sri Lanka which is already facing an economical crisis is expected to receive more than 100 millimetres of rainfall with some areas to be deluged with 250 millimetres. Early stats In December last year, about 17 people died due to flood and landslides in Sri Lanka. The country is facing frequent floods due to change in the climate. Hours after a Wall Street Journal report claimed that President Trump had urged PMTakaichi not to provoke China over Taiwans sovereignty, Japan on Thursday dismissed the report, saying there is no such fact in what was published Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (R) and US President Donald Trump attend a signing ceremony after a Japan-US Summit at the Akasaka State Guest House in Tokyo on October 28, 2025. AFP File Hours after a Wall Street Journal report claimed that US President Donald Trump had urged Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to provoke China over Taiwans sovereignty, Japan on Thursday dismissed the report, saying there is no such fact in what was published. The dispute between Asias two largest economies escalated after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi suggested earlier this month that Tokyo could intervene militarily if China attacked self-ruled Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Chinas foreign ministry said President Xi Jinping raised the issue in a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Monday, stressing that Taiwans return was an integral part of the post-war international order. The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that, following that call, Trump spoke with Takaichi and advised her not to provoke Beijing over the islands sovereignty, citing unnamed Japanese officials and an American familiar with the exchange. Japans chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara, however, rejected the Journals account. The article has a passage that says, on the question of Taiwans sovereignty, (Trump) advised her not to provoke the Chinese government. There is no such fact, AFP quoted Kihara as saying at a regular media briefing, without elaborating. In her account of the call with Trump, Takaichi said that the two discussed the US presidents conversation with Xi, as well as bilateral relations. President Trump said we are very close friends, and he offered that I should feel free to call him anytime, she said. However, according to the WSJ, the Japanese officials said the message was worrying. The president didnt want friction over Taiwan to endanger a detente reached last month with Xi, which includes a promise to buy more agricultural products from American farmers hit hard by the trade war, it reported. China-Japan tensions Beijing, which has repeatedly warned it could use force to seize the self-ruled island, reacted angrily to Takaichis November 7 remarks in parliament. It summoned Japans ambassador and cautioned Chinese citizens against travelling to Japan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Wednesday, the Chinese embassy issued another warning, claiming a rise in crime and reporting that some Chinese nationals had been insulted, beaten and injured for no reason. Japans foreign ministry rejected the claims, pointing to National Police Agency data showing that the number of murders from January to October had fallen by half compared to the same period in 2024. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun on Thursday reiterated a call for Japan to officially retract Takaichis comments. The Japanese sides attempt to downplay, dodge, and cover up Prime Minister Takaichis seriously erroneous remarks by not raising them again is self-deception, AFP quoted Guo as saying at a regular briefing. China will never accept this, Guo added. With inputs from agencies President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced that France will reinstate military service on a voluntary basis, citing the growing threat from Russia and the risk of a new conflict in Europe France's President Emmanuel Macron reviews the troops prior to his speech to unveil a new national military service at the military base in Varces, French Alps, on Thursday. Reuters President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced that France will reinstate military service on a voluntary basis, citing the growing threat from Russia and the risk of a new conflict in Europe. According to a France 24 report, almost three decades after France ended conscription, Macron unveiled the programme during a visit to an infantry brigade in southeastern France. A new national service is set to be gradually established, starting from next summer, France 24 quoted Macron as saying in a speech at the Varces military base in the French Alps. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that young volunteers will serve only within Frances mainland and oversea territories, and will not be part of Frances ongoing military operations abroad. According to the report, about 80% of participants will be aged 18 and 19, while the remainder will include candidates up to 25 with specialised skills such as engineering. Macrons announcement comes more than three-and-a-half years into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with the French president and other officials warning that Moscow may not stop at Ukraines borders. The day that you send a signal of weakness to Russia which for 10 years has made a strategic choice to become an imperial power again, thats to say advance wherever we are weak well, it will continue to advance, the French president had told radio RTL on Tuesday. No return of conscription Macron said former President Jacques Chiracs scrapping of obligatory national service in 1996, was correct, adding that conscription made no sense for Frances current needs. We cannot return to the time of conscription, Reuters quoted Macron as saying. This hybrid army model corresponds to the threats and risks ahead, bringing together national service youth, reservists, and the active army, he added. Prior to Macrons announcement, his aides pointed to poll data suggesting high support for the armed forces among 18- to 25-year-olds. France plans major defence boost France aims to spend 64 billion annually on defence by 2027, President Emmanuel Macron said, double the 32 billion annual budget when he took office in 2017. The country is not considering restoring conscription, which ended in 1996. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Last week, armed forces chief Fabien Mandon stirred controversy by warning France must be ready to lose its children, adding that Russia is preparing for a confrontation by 2030 with our countries. While a dozen European states maintain some form of conscription, its use varies. Frances new voluntary service aligns it with countries like Latvia and Lithuania, which have reintroduced service, while others, such as Denmark, have strengthened existing programmes. Military service is intended to bolster the active forces and create a reserve pool for potential future conflicts. France currently has about 200,000 active military personnel and 47,000 reservists, projected to rise to 210,000 and 100,000, respectively, by 2030. Accused of warmongering, General Mandon defended his remarks, saying the goal was to alert and prepare amid a rapidly deteriorating security context. He added on Saturday that the strong reactions show that this is something that was perhaps not sufficiently perceived in our population. Ahead of Macrons announcement Thursday, officials sought to calm fears, with the president stating on Tuesday that he needed to dispel any notion we are going to send our young people to Ukraine. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies Trump spoke with Takaichi after Chinese President Xi Jinping called the US president and spoke about Chinas historic claim to the democratic self-governing island, as well as Washington and Beijings joint responsibility to manage the world order US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a bilateral meeting at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Japan. Reuters US President Donald Trump called Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi this week and advised her not to provoke Beijing on the question of Taiwans sovereignty, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday, citing Japanese officials and an American briefed on the call. Trump spoke with Takaichi after Chinese President Xi Jinping called the US president and spoke about Chinas historic claim to the democratic self-governing island, as well as Washington and Beijings joint responsibility to manage the world order, the Journal said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Takaichi dialled Trump earlier this week after the US president held a phone call with Xi. This was the first discussion between Takaichi and Trump following a diplomatic spat between Japan and China over Taiwan. The row came up in Trumps discussions with Xi and Takaichi. The Chinese leader told Trump that Taiwans return to China is a key part of Beijings vision for the world order, while Potus touted progress in trade talks but made no mention of discussions on Taiwan. President Trump gave a brief explanation of the recent state of US-China relations, Takaichi told reporters following her call with Trump on Tuesday, declining to go into further details. President Trump mentioned that he and I are extremely good friends, and that he would be delighted to receive a call from me at any time, she added. Meanwhile, Japans Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara has told reporters that the stability of US-China relations is extremely important for the international community, including Japan, but declined to comment on Xis reported remarks to Trump about Taiwan. The China-Japan feud over Taiwan has started taking a cultural toll after Chinese authorities cancelled several concerts and performances featuring Japanese artists and Chinese cruise operators have begun to stay away from Japanese ports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The development comes as a diplomatic row between China and Japan continues to simmer after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi commented on Taiwan, seen as an interference by China as it considers the island-nation part of its own territory. With inputs from agencies Taiwan held preliminary talks with the United States on its arms purchase as of what weapons it aims to buy as part of a $40-billion defence budget, Defence Minister Wellington Koo stated on Thursday. Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te delivers a speech during National Day celebrations at the Presidential Palace in Taipei on October 10, 2025. (Photo by I-Hwa Cheng / AFP) Amid Japan and China fighting for Taiwan, President Lai Ching-te announced the new spending plan between US and Taiwan which will come into force from 2026-2033, to underscore the determination of the island nation as a rising threat against China. In a telephonic conversation between US President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Beijing has said that their stance towards Taiwan remains unchanged. China, undemocratically views Taiwan as its own territory and asserts its military control over the island. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Xi on Monday told Trump that Taiwans return to China was an important part of the postwar international order. The recent rift between China and Japan is because of Taiwan and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi warning China to not claim Taiwan and stop military intervention. Speaking to reporters in Taipei, Koo said purchases from the United States naturally constitute a significant part of the spending plans. We have already completed preliminary coordination with the United States on the planning for this military procurement project, he said as quoted by Reuters. United States is Taiwans most important international backer and arms supplier as Taiwan was formally obtained from the US Department of Defence. Lai said in August he hoped for a boost in defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product by 2030. But since Trump took office in January, only one new arms sale to Taiwan has been approved, a $330 million package for fighter jets and other aircraft parts announced this month. Trumps weapons deal with Taipei can be a part of an effort to deter China, two US officials told Reuters. Venezuela has revoked operating rights for six major international airlines after they suspended flights to the country following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration. Venezuela has revoked the operating rights of six major international airlines after they suspended flights to the country following a warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration about heightened security risks. The airlines Venezuela revoked permits for Iberia, TAP, Avianca, Latam Colombia, Turkish Airlines, and Gol. Caracas accused it of joining hands with terrorism which is helped by the United States, creating a dangerous situation and posing a significant threat. The US FAA last week warned major airlines of a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around the country. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Military build-up The warning was seen as a US military build-up in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug-trafficking, which the US usually links to Venezuelan President NIcolas Maduro. Maduro has denied the allegations against drug trafficking and said US President Donald Trump seeks to oust him. Restart flight services Iberia Airlines said that it wishes to start flights to Venezuela as soon as safety measures are in place and there is no risk of significant threat. Venezuela gave the airlines a 48-hour ultimatum to resume the flight services when several airlines fail to comply. The flight suspension highlights the escaping tensions between US and Venezuela, framing that the suspensions are attacks coordinated by the US, while the US states its actions are aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region. Venezuela has revoked operating rights for six major international airlines that suspended flights to the country after a safety warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Venezuela has revoked operating rights for six major international airlines that suspended flights to the country after a safety warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to a Reuters report, citing a notice issued late Wednesday, the civil aviation authority announced it had withdrawn permits for Iberia, TAP, Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Turkish Airlines and Gol. The move both fulfils earlier government threats and further isolates Venezuela by sharply reducing international air connectivity. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The decision affects carriers from Spain, Brazil and Colombia three countries that host some of the largest Venezuelan diaspora communities. Venezuela-US tensions Caracas accused the six international airlines of aligning with US state terrorism, saying in a statement that the carriers had joined actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States by unilaterally suspending commercial flights to Venezuela. The move followed last weeks warning from the US Federal Aviation Administration, which cautioned airlines about a potentially hazardous situation when flying over Venezuela due to a worsening security situation and heightened military activity in or around the country. Venezuelan authorities dismissed the alert, insisting the FAA has no jurisdiction over the countrys airspace. Tensions have been escalating for months as the US military increases its presence in the Caribbean, citing what Washington alleges is President Nicolas Maduros involvement in drug trafficking that has harmed Americans. Maduro has rejected the accusations, claiming US President Donald Trump is attempting to remove him from power. On Monday, the International Air Transport Association said Venezuelan officials had given foreign airlines a 48-hour deadline to resume flights or face losing their operating rights. The airlines respond Several international airlines had canceled flights to Venezuela in recent days, ignoring Caracass deadline. Iberia said it wished to restart flights to Venezuela as soon as full safety conditions were met. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Avianca announced its intention to reschedule canceled flights to Caracas for December 5 in a Wednesday statement. The company declined to comment on the restrictions imposed by Venezuela. Portuguese Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel called Venezuelas decision to revoke the airlines operating rights totally disproportionate. He said the European nation - headquarters of carrier TAP - had tried through its embassy in Caracas to persuade Venezuelan authorities to reinstate operating rights. Air Europa and Plus Ultra had suspended flights but did not have their permits revoked. International airline Copa and its Wingo unit continue to operate in Venezuela, as do domestic airlines flying to Colombia, Panama and Curacao. Ban slammed as disproportionate Meanwhile, Venezuelas decision to ban foreign airlines was branded disproportionate on Thursday as thousands of passengers scrambled to save their travel plans. Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel accused Venezuela of a disproportionate reaction. Portugal has no intention of canceling our routes to Venezuela, and that, obviously, we only did so for security reasons, he said. With inputs from agencies Jeffery Carroll, assistant chief of the Washington police, said the gunman ambushed his victims. He came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard members. Law-enforcement officials visit the crime scene of a shooting in downtown Washington, DC, on November 26, 2025. AFP The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on Thursday suspended all immigration requests from Afghan nationals indefinitely after two National Guard soldiers were shot near White House by an Afghan national. Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The protections and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission, USCIS said in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. The protections and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and USCIS (@USCIS) November 27, 2025 What happened? Jeffery Carroll, assistant chief of the Washington police, said the gunman ambushed his victims. He came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard members. Dozens of bystanders were caught up in the chaos. We heard gunshots. We were waiting at the traffic light and there were several shots, said Angela Perry, 42, who was driving home with her two children. You could see National Guard running toward the metro with their weapons drawn. Soon after the shootings, security agents flooded the area. Officers carrying rifles stood guard behind yellow tape at the perimeter and a helicopter circled overhead. Hellhole Afghanistan US President Donald Trump has labelled the Washington as an act of terror, saying that the suspect who shot the National Guard soldier was from hellhole Afghanistan. The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price, he said in a post on Truth Social. Meanwhile, in an address from White House, Trump said the shooter was an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 but did not reveal his name. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The New York Times reported that he has identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the United States in 2021 through a programme known as Operation Allies Welcome that was meant to facilitate the entry of Afghans fleeing the Talibans takeover of the country. With inputs from agencies A visiting European Union delegation is assessing Pakistans Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status as concerns mount over alleged electoral irregularities and human rights violations, particularly against the Pashtun community A member of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) rehearses flag masting at the mausoleum of Muhammad Ali Jinnah before the Defence Day ceremonies, or Pakistan's Memorial Day, in Karachi, Pakistan. Reuters File A visiting European Union delegation is assessing Pakistans Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status as concerns mount over alleged electoral irregularities and human rights violations, particularly against the Pashtun community. According to an Economic Times report, the review comes as fresh reports and videos circulate online, alleging rigging and manipulation in two recent by-elections. The controversy deepened after former prime minister and PPP Central Punjab president Raja Pervaiz Ashraf demanded an impartial investigation into accusations raised by Dost Muhammad Khosa, the partys defeated candidate for National Assembly constituency NA-185, added the report. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, in the aftermath of a recent terror attack in Peshawar, security forces have launched lethal operations targeting Pashtun minority groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, raising further alarms among rights advocates. Sources told ET that the combination of election-related malpractice and minority rights violations poses a serious setback for Pakistans GSP+ review and represents issues the EU cannot overlook during its ongoing assessment. What is GSP+ status? The EUs GSP+ scheme offers developing countries zero import duties on two-thirds of their exports in return for progress on sustainable development and good governance. To qualify, countries must fully implement 27 international conventions on human rights, labour standards, environmental protection and good governance. Pakistans compliance grants it duty-free or low-duty access for key exports including apparel, home textiles and surgical instruments a benefit highlighted in a 2022 commerce ministry report. Export earnings to the EU reached $3.17 billion between July and October, up from $3 billion in the same period last year, according to a Dawn report, citing State Bank of Pakistan. Countries with GSP+ status face strict oversight: they must meet reporting obligations, undergo regular monitoring and maintain ongoing dialogue with the EU. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A public progress report is submitted to Brussels every two years to assess continued implementation of the 27 conventions. With inputs from agencies AI platforms and large language models (LLMs) enable companies and research organizations to boost efficiency, innovation and competitiveness. However, these services often pose risks to data protection and security. To address this, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaftunder the leadership of Ingo Weber, Director of Digital Transformation and ICT Infrastructure at Fraunhofer's Munich headquartersdeveloped FhGenie. This platform has been available to employees since 2023 and is continuously being developed. Artificial intelligence is a key technology with disruptive potential for innovation. FhGenie demonstrates that Europe has the technological capability to translate this potential into practical benefits. The potential is still enormous, particularly in specific applications for industry, small and medium-sized enterprises and the research sector, as well as with regard to the specifics of AI application use. We must seize this opportunity for Germany as a hub of innovation, explains Ingo Weber. FhGenie: Generative AI for everyday work In June 2023, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft introduced FhGenie, a secure ChatGPT-like service that lets employees analyze, create and edit texts while meeting the highest data-protection and information-security standards. A key advantage is that the platform can be customized with organization-specific data to deliver more accurate, context-sensitive results. Today, FhGenie has become an indispensable tool for many Fraunhofer employees. Nearly 12,000 employees use the platform regularly, generating more than a million prompts each month. Continuous development for security and sovereignty As a key tool in Fraunhofer's digital transformation, the platform is being continuously developed to meet growing requirements. For security and data protection, the platform operates exclusively within the European Economic Area (EEA), with no data leaving the region. Thanks to its stateless architecture, no information about executed transactions is stored; each request is treated as new. Content filters protect against misuse, and voluntary data contributions for benchmarking are made anonymously. FhGenie also sets standards in data protection and compliance. It operates in line with the GDPR, meaning no user data is stored or analyzed. Clear terms of use and technical safeguards add further security. In terms of technological autonomy, Fraunhofer's use of its own language models and software ensures sovereignty and gives employees full control over the technologies and systems they use. Regular updates include new language models such as GPT-5, Claude Sonnet 4.5 and Teuken 7B, which was trained from scratch in all of the 24 official EU languages as part of the OpenGPT-X project and developed entirely in Europe. Further updates in recent years include the integration of DALL E 3 for image generation, multi-upload capabilities, automatic file type recognition and ongoing UI improvements. Advanced features include web and intranet searches, application programming interfaces (APIs) for research projects and on-premises operation on a scalable Kubernetes platform. It also integrates with the SAP Support and Information Portal, an internal knowledge platform, and other internal systems. In addition to these developments, Fraunhofer has built a vibrant internal AI community of more than 4,500 employees who regularly share ideas on AI topics. As an innovation platform, FhGenie also provides an open API for research projects, enabling AI functions to be integrated directly into projects while GDPR-compliant cloud environments such as Microsoft Azure ensure the highest security standards. Ready for the future: more models, more interfaces Given rapid advances in AI, plans include expanding the model line-up, for example by adding additional open-source models, to support even more specific applications. At the same time, FhGenie will be integrated more closely into Fraunhofer's existing workflows, including through interfaces to other Fraunhofer systems and external partners. The API functions are also being enhanced to provide targeted support for R&D projects. For example, the imminent introduction of a custom API will enable more flexible integration of FhGenie as well as on-premises data processing. Customizable AI kits are available for specific fields. In addition, features such as load balancing and support for multiple LLMs ensure reliable performance. There is a strong focus on security and compliance. In addition to meeting new regulatory requirements such as the EU AI Act and expanding on-premises variants, an option for handling highly confidential data is under development. First responders work the scene of a fire at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories on Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. Defence industry: Council agrees position on simplification package to boost Europe's defence industry and readiness European Council / Council of the European Union Council of the EU Press release 26 November 2025 19:11 Member states' representatives approved today the Council's position on a set of proposals aiming to simplify certain provisions on security and defence procurement, facilitate defence investments, and improve market conditions for defence industry. The proposals constitute the so-called "Omnibus V" legislative package as part of the EU's simplification agenda. The simplification drive is crucial for EU's defence readiness and competitiveness. Both are top priorities for the Danish presidency. Therefore, it is very positive that the Council has reached an ambitious position quickly. The defence omnibus is a next step to further boost the EU's defence readiness towards 2030. And an important step towards a Europe that is able to defend itself. Today is a good day for Europe. Marie Bjerre, Minister for European Affairs of Denmark The defence readiness omnibus is an important initiative as we work to ramp up Europe's defence readiness. We need simpler regulation and better conditions for the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. Regulation made in peace time must not be a barrier for member states and industry in our efforts to provide the necessary capabilities that today's security environment calls for. We need more speed across the board: from defence procurement to the initiation of new defence projects, and this is what the omnibus delivers. Troels Lund Poulsen, Minister for Defence of Denmark The world has fundamentally changed with war in Europe and tensions across continents. It is crucial that the EU picks up the pace - especially in the area of defence. The regulatory jungle must be cleared so that European defence companies are not hindered in the build-up that the EU needs. Bureaucratic barriers must not stand in the way of our own security. It must become easier to invest in defence and thereby create the much-needed innovation required for us to strengthen and defend ourselves. Mortin Bdskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark The package removes administrative delay in procurement, permitting, reporting and cross-border cooperation, giving member states and industry a clearer path to act quickly and reinforce Europe's defence capacity. It consists of the following legislative proposals: a draft regulation on defence readiness and facilitating defence investments and conditions for defence industry and facilitating and conditions for defence industry a draft regulation on the acceleration of permit-granting for defence readiness projects for defence readiness projects a draft directive on the simplification of EU transfers of defence-related products and the simplification of security and defence procurement Main amendments introduced by the Council The Council mandate broadly maintained the general thrust of the Commission proposals while introducing several targeted amendments. Draft regulation on defence readiness The proposal simplifies the management and implementation of the European Defence Fund (EDF) and clarifies how the EU's environmental and chemicals legislation apply to defence readiness activities. The Council mandate narrows the eligibility of costs for testing outside of the EU or EDF-associated countries to testing activities in Ukraine, while also clarifying that the eligibility of such costs must benefit the funded actions and strengthen the competitiveness ofthe network of European defence companies and research institutions aiming to provide the EU with military capabilities and technology, the so-called 'European Defence Technological and Industrial Base' (EDTIB). Moreover, the text introduces additional incentives to reinforce the participation of SMEs in EDF projects, notably by increasing the funding rate bonus for projects involving SMEs. Moreover, the mandate reflects the call by many member states to grant co-financing member states the right to access the results of development projects on fair terms. The Council mandate reiterates the aim of providing a high level of protection of human health and the environment. It therefore retains the amendments proposed by the Commission to the environmental and chemicals legislation, regarding exemptionsavailable for use of chemical substances for defence readiness purposes. Draft regulation on the acceleration of permit granting The Council mandate maintains the default time limit for permit decision at 60 days. However, the mandate simplifies the possibility to extend the time limit by up to 90 additional days and makes it more flexible. The mandate also retains the proposal that a permit request would be tacitly approved if the competent authority has not taken a decision before the expiration of the time limit. However, the mandate introduces an obligation to inform the project promoter within 10 days about such approval and clarifies that the decision can be challenged by affected parties. It also highlights that it is up to member states to decide, whether a project located on its territory qualifies as a defence readiness project. Finally, the mandate gives member states the opportunity to introduce in national law a derogation to the general rule of tacit approval in duly justified cases where substantiated evidence demonstrates the existence of a credible and grave risk to human health, the safety of workers, national security or the environment. Draft directive on simplification of intra-EU transfers and defence procurement The Council mandate increase the thresholds to ease the administrative burden and give authorities more time to focus on the major defence projects that really matter. Furthermore, it retains the Commission proposal allowing the use of a simpler, so-called 'negotiated', procedure for certain common procurements and innovative products and services. The Council further simplifies the conditions for the use of this expedited procedure to enable member states to quickly address their urgent capability needs. This simpler procedure is not subject to certain conditions, as these are deemed to increase the administrative burden. Discussions regarding the so-called 'European preference' clause will wait until the revision of the procurement directives next year. For now, the focus is on simplification, to which this mandate has delivered. Next steps Following today's approval of the Council's mandate, the presidency will start negotiations with the European Parliament. Background On 17 June 2025, the Commission adopted its fifth Omnibus package on defence readiness, comprising simplification proposals in defence-specific, as well as non-defence-specific legislation and programmes. The package includes proposals for two regulations and one directive, as well as drafts of delegated regulations aiming to facilitate defence investments and conditions for defence industry and simplify security and defence procurement. The defence readiness Omnibus reflects the priorities set out in the White Paper for European Defence Readiness 2030. This initiative follows from a broader political objective of enhancing EU competitiveness, by reducing businesses' administrative burdens and creating more favourable conditions for them to operate in the EU. Notably, on 6 March 2025, the European Council called on the Commission and the co-legislators to "swiftly take work forward on simplifying the legal and administrative framework, in particular for public procurement, industry cooperation, permitting and reporting requirements, in order to address all obstacles and bottlenecks hindering a rapid ramping up of the defence industry, including for SMEs and mid-caps." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK Armed Forces Minister Carns to Defence Minister Pevkur: There are plans to deploy our new Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Estonia within the next few years to bolster our commitment to Estonia and to enhance capabilities of the UK's FLF Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Defence 26. November 2025 - 18:31 Today, Estonia's Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur met with the United Kingdom's Armed Forces Minister Alistair Carns at the Ministry of Defence to discuss strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries, as well as collaboration between their defence industries. "The UK Armed Forces have been an excellent partner for Estonia, and it is encouraging to see the British modernising their armoured forces and introducing new Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicles. According to the UK Armed Forces Minister, we can expect to see these new vehicles in Estonia in the coming years as part of our bilateral defence cooperation Roadmap, further enhancing Estonia's defence capabilities and the deterrence provided by our Allies in the region", said Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur. Following the meeting, Minister Carns will visit the UK troops stationed at Tapa Military Base and participate in a demonstration of the Ajax armoured vehicles. The United Kingdom has long been a key defence partner for Estonia. NATO decided to deploy Allied battlegroups to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland following the 2016 NATO Summit in Warsaw. The first NATO Battlegroup arrived at Estonia's 1st Infantry Brigade in April 2017. The UK serves as the framework nation for the Battlegroup, with France as a contributing nation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Preliminary study: Finland should consider creating a national law of armed conflict manual Finnish Government Ministry for Foreign Affairs Publication date 26.11.2025 Type:Press release A preliminary study, commissioned by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, urges Finland to consider creating a national manual on the law of armed conflict. The study was supported by a group of experts from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Finnish defence administration and the Finnish Red Cross. Countries such as Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States have prepared national manuals on the law of armed conflict (LOAC) in the 2000s. Finland does not yet have a national LOAC manual. A preliminary study, commissioned by the Unit for International Law of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, examined how national LOAC manuals were prepared in the reference countries and estimated the extent of a possible manual project in Finland. The study report by Irina Nieminen, M.Sc. (Admin.), is published in the publication series of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The report collates information about national LOAC manuals and how they were prepared for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and other actors of key importance to a possible manual project in Finland. The report also explains why Finland should consider creating a national LOAC manual. Ambassador for International Legal Affairs Marja Lehto from the Foreign Ministry hopes that the preliminary study will stimulate discussion and serve as a useful instrument for decision-makers, experts and other interested parties. What are national law of armed conflict manuals? National manuals on the law of armed conflict collate the key rules of international humanitarian law applied in each state and how they should be interpreted. Their purpose is to ensure compliance with the rules during armed conflict, to lower the risk of mistakes and misunderstandings, to protect civilians and to strengthen the international credibility of the state. Law of armed conflict manuals can also be used as training material that promotes soldiers' professional skills and reflects the state's commitment to the principles of international law in warfare. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden's total defence highlighted at NATO civilian planning conference Government Offices of Sweden Article from Ministry of Defence Published 26 November 2025 On 4 November, Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin and Minister for Defence Pal Jonson participated in a NATO conference on civilian planning, which Sweden hosted in Stockholm on 3-5 November. Sweden's work with total defence was presented on several occasions at the conference, and contributed to discussions on improving civilian planning within NATO. The conference was part of the Alliance's efforts to strengthen and develop civilian planning in support of NATO's defence plans, and a forum for civil and military actors to share experiences and lessons learned and promote civil-military collaboration. Minister for Civil Defence Bohlin gave a speech on Sweden's total defence concept and efforts to strengthen civil defence. Minister for Defence Jonson spoke about topics including civil defence as a prerequisite for military strength. More than 200 military and civilian representatives from the Allies and NATO institutions attended the conference. Ukraine participated and spoke about experiences of civil-military integration during war. Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Michael Claesson and Director General of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency Mikael Frisell outlined Sweden's work with total defence planning, and gave a presentation about the Agency's and the Swedish Armed Forces' work on planning assumptions for the development of Swedish total defence 2025-2030. The conference was moderated by Johan Berggren, State Secretary to Minister Bohlin, and was organised with support from the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address ICC Trial Chamber VI to deliberate on the Said case International Criminal Court (ICC) / Cour penale internationale (CPI) Press Release: 26 November 2025 The trial in the case The Prosecutor v. Mahamat Said Abdel Kani has entered its final stages following the Closing Statements which took place before Trial Chamber VI of the International Criminal Court ("ICC" or "Court") from 25 to 26 November 2025. During the Closing Statements, the Prosecution, the Legal Representative of Victims and the Defence presented their final arguments. ICC Trial Chamber VI, composed of Judge Miatta Maria Samba (Presiding Judge), Judge Maria del Socorro Flores Liera, Judge Sergio Gerardo Ugalde Godinez and Judge Keebong Paek (Alternate Judge), will now deliberate on the proceedings and, within a reasonable period of time, pronounce its decision on conviction or acquittal pursuant to article 74 of the Rome Statute. The Chamber bases its decision only on the applicable law and on evidence submitted and discussed before it at trial. As a former alleged Seleka commander, Mr Said is accused of crimes against humanity (imprisonment or other severe deprivation of liberty; torture; persecution and other inhumane acts) and war crimes (torture; cruel treatment and outrages upon personal dignity) allegedly committed at the Office Central de Repression du Banditisme ('OCRB') in Bangui (Central African Republic) in 2013. The trial in this case opened on 26 September 2022. The Prosecution concluded its presentation of evidence on 15 November 2024, the Chamber having heard the testimony of 58 Prosecution witnesses. On 17 March 2025, the Defence called its first witness and concluded its presentation of evidence on 2 September 2025. On 25 September 2025, the Prosecution and Legal Representative of Victims submitted their Closing Briefs. On 11 November 2025, the Defence submitted its Closing Brief. Public redacted versions of both the Prosecution's and the Defence's Closing Brief will be published in due course. Over the course of 130 trial hearings, the Chamber heard 58 witnesses called by the Prosecution and 3 witnesses called by the Defence. Throughout the trial, the Judges ensured that the rights guaranteed by the Rome Statute to each of the parties were respected, including the right to question witnesses. 32 victims represented by their legal counsel Sarah Pellet, have been granted the right to participate in the proceedings. They have expressed their position on matters heard before the Chamber and were authorised to examine witnesses on specific issues. The total case record, consisting of filings of the parties and participants and decisions by the Chamber, currently includes more than 890 public records. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 26.11.2025 The Prime Minister's Office, this morning: Following the completion of the identification process by the National Center of Forensic Medicine, in cooperation with the Israel Police and the IDF Rabbinate, IDF representatives informed the family of fallen hostage Dror Or, of blessed memory, that their loved one has been returned to Israel and that his identification has been completed. The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Or family and all the families of the fallen hostages. The Government and the entire establishment for the missing and the captives of the State of Israel are determined, committed, and working tirelessly to return our two fallen hostages for proper burial in their country. The Hamas terrorist organization is required to uphold its commitments to the mediators and return the fallen hostages as part of the implementation of the agreement. We will not compromise on this and will spare no effort until we return all of the fallen hostages, every last one of them. May his memory be blessed NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys: Close cooperation between Lithuania and Germany ensures the security of our region Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-11-26 On 25 November, when welcoming the participants of the German-Baltic Defence Industry Conference 2025 in Vilnius, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budrys emphasized that the event reflects strategic partnership and shared responsibility for our regional and pan-European security. The Minister underlined the importance of close cooperation between business and political institutions and highlighted the significance of this partnership in the country's defence industry. "Lithuania appreciates Germany's contribution to strengthening NATO's eastern flank. This conference is not only a platform for dialogue but also a practical tool to promote joint projects, innovation, and investment in the defence industry. Our long-term vision is to build a sustainable and competitive defence industrial ecosystem that contributes to national, regional and European security," said Minister Budrys. The event was attended by high-level government, business and defence sector experts from Germany, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The best possible conditions for our Allies on the ground: Lithuania unveils brand new military infrastructure in Pabrade for U.S. forces Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-11-26 Acquisitions and infrastructure development New military infrastructure developed in Pabrade for the U.S. forces in Lithuania has been solemnly unveiled. It includes three buildings of barracks, a multifunctional facility with a gym, classrooms, mess halls, technical maintenance area, helipads, and more. "Infrastructure of the Pabrade Training Area is about to become one of the most advance military sites in the Baltic states. The U.S. military presence in Lithuania is critical, which is why our aim is to offer the best living and training conditions for our strategic partners. Hand in hand, the inauguration of the new infrastructure and the decision on expanding the Host Nation Support Package to include all costs of U.S. military presence in Lithuania underlines Lithuania's commitment to the NATO collective defence and deterrence. It is yet another proof we are called an exemplary Ally for a reason," says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas. Lithuania aims to provide advanced service conditions sufficient for excellent military readiness for Allied forces in Lithuania. On October 3 the current 12th U.S. rotation in Lithuania moved from Camp Herkus built in 2021 to the new and permanent infrastructure in Pabrade. The new barracks now houses the two U.S. battalions with their Abrams tanks, Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles and the Paladin self-propelled howitzers deployed in Lithuania from the 1st Cavalry Division (Texas). "The infrastructure we are unveiling today means much more than just concrete, steel and technology. We are opening a new gate for cooperation, a site for joint training, preparation and readiness to act for the Lithuanian and U.S. forces. As the Host Nation, we are proud being able to provide the conditions for our Allies to act, exercise and achieve success. This infrastructure is a testament to our commitment," says Commander of the Lithuanian Land Force Brigadier General Nerijus Stankevicius. Camp Herkus remains to be the Lithuanian home to the U.S. forces operating HIMARS. Lithuania currently hosts approx. 1 thousand U.S. military personnel equipped with different capabilities and vehicles. The three new barracks are planned to be called by the names of trees native to Lithuania: Oak, Birch and Maple. The multifunctional centre will be names after the warriors defending everyone's freedom. It will also immortalize the memory of the four American servicemembers who perished in a training accident in Pabrade this March: Staff Sergeant Jose Duenez, Jr., Staff Sergeant Edvin F. Franco, Private First Class Dante D. Taitano, and Staff Sergeant Troy S. Knutson-Collins. "The United States will celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow, the time to reflect of gratefulness and the connections that support us, regardless of who it is specifically - family, friends, the community. The occasion we share today is an embodiment of that same spirt: we thank Lithuania for the steadfast support and lasting partnership that makes our Alliance and share security stronger," says Ambassador of the United States to Lithuania Kara C. McDonalds. All the buildings in the new Pabrade infrastructure meet the standard of A++ class energy efficiency. The new utility network including water supply, waste, gas and electric constructed together with the site are integrated with the nearest civilian urban infrastructure. The new military site is also supported by the recently reconstructed railhead with reinforced concrete walls, new unloading area, reconstructed and built asphalt concrete and concrete roads. The works were completed by Merko Statyba UAB. "We recognize the meaning and value of this project and we understand its immense importance to Lithuania and security. It was a thoroughly binding commitment to pull together the team effort, expertise of the local and international group, and trusty partners, to deliver to high standard and on time," says Merko Statyba UAB CEO Saulius Putrimas. The project launched in September 2023 to provide training and living infrastructure for NATO forces was funded by the Ministry of National Defence and NATO through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). One of the most massive Host nation Support projects region-wide gives Lithuania the capacity to ensure host Nation Support to the Allies in peacetime, during exercises or in the event of war. The approx. EUR 280 million project encompasses comprehensive investment in the development of the General Silvestras Zukauskas Training Area: from utilities and internal roads to modern barracks and workshops. The inauguration is accompanied by Lithuanian investment in training and exercises infrastructure: extension of firing ranges and maneuver areas, provision of dark part of the day training availability, as well as conditions for electronic warfare, UAV and other breakthrough technology training support. Complex investment in military infrastructure combined with persistent Allied presence in Lithuania strengthens collective deterrence in the Baltic region and contributes to collective defence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address SACEUR emphasises warfighting readiness during visit to Allied Air Command NATO Allied Air Command Nov 26 2025 RAMSTEIN, Germany -- Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) U.S. Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich visited NATO's Allied Air Command (AIRCOM) headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, on 26 November 2025, reinforcing his strategic priorities of readiness, innovation and care for personnel across Allied Command Operations (ACO). Meeting with newly appointed AIRCOM Commander, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General Jason T. Hinds, General Grynkewich discussed the evolving security landscape and the need to maintain a warfighting mindset at every level of command. He received operational updates on Eastern Sentry, NATO's newest enhanced Vigilance Activity (eVA), which strengthens air and missile defence across the eastern flank. Eastern Sentry represents a structural evolution from traditional Air Policing into a more agile, multi-domain defensive framework that integrates air, land, maritime and space capabilities. Immersing himself in AIRCOM's mission, General Grynkewich toured the headquarters of AIRCOM, observing how Allied forces integrate air, space, cyber and intelligence functions to deter and defend every inch of NATO territory. "The most important thing we do each and every day is to deter and defend every square inch of Alliance territory," he said. "That requires relentless focus on warfighting readiness." Reflecting his stated priorities for ACO i.e. taking care of people, fostering a warfighting mindset and harnessing innovation General Grynkewich reinforced these embodying priorities directly with AIRCOM's personnel. After several operational updates and briefs, SACEUR signed AIRCOM's guest book for the first time, symbolizing General Grynkewich's first visit to AIRCOM as SACEUR. The visit reaffirmed NATO's focus on adaptation, agility, and unity. Through continuous vigilance and forward-looking initiatives, AIRCOM remains at the forefront of NATO's transformation into a truly strategic warfighting command, ready to respond to any challenge from peace to crisis and conflict. Story by Allied Air Command Public Affairs Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Allied and partner representatives take stock at NATO HQ of efforts to build defence and security related capacity NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 26 November 2025 National Points of Contact for Defence and related security Capacity Building (DCB) held their annual meeting at NATO Headquarters, Brussels, on 19 November 2025. Experts from Allies, partners and the NATO staff reviewed progress on the implementation of programmes within the framework of the DCB Initiative, including resource management and specific DCB packages for NATO partners. They also shared views on future priorities, and identified opportunities to further strengthen networks across the DCB community. The DCB Initiative is NATO's primary mechanism for assisting partners in strengthening their defence capacities and capabilities, improving resilience, and building capacities to address complex security challenges. By providing strategic advice, education, training, equipment, and infrastructure to eight NATO partners, the DCB Initiative contributes significantly to the Alliance's overall security and stability. In her keynote speech, the Deputy Assistant Secretary General for the Operations Division, Ms. Burcu San, emphasised that "what DCB delivers is at the intersection of the partners' and Allies' interest." She also highlighted that "DCB strengthens entire defence ecosystems, combines unique operational know-how from Allies and NATO's Command Structure in joint planning, and enables partners to operate side-by-side with Allied forces." This year marks the 11th anniversary of the DCB Initiative, launched at the Wales Summit of NATO Heads of State and Government, in 2014. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address A look at the Defence news 17 - 23 November Netherlands Ministry of Defence News item | 26-11-2025 | 15:10 In the week of 10 to 14 November, the M-frigate HNLMS Van Amstel of the Royal Netherlands Navy took part in an anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Baltic Sea, together with units from the Swedish, German and French navies, among others. Sweden had invited its NATO allies to undergo training in anti-submarine warfare in Exercise Playbook Merlin 2025. NATO is not the only party interested in the Baltic Sea; it is also used intensively by Russia and the same applies to the North Sea. Training together in the Baltic Sea therefore benefits all participating nations, while also strengthening the readiness of the alliance. Eight countries strengthen European military mobility Last week, eight European countries took an important step in strengthening military readiness and cooperation in Europe. The signing of a Letter of Intent marked the official establishment of the Central Northern European Military Mobility Area. This new partnership between Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Slovakia intends to make the transport of military personnel and materiel across international borders easier, faster and more efficient. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE condemns attacks on elected officials OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 26 November 2025 SARAJEVO, 26 November 2025 -- The OSCE Mission to BiH (Mission) strongly condemns all attacks on elected officials in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including the recent assault on Banja Luka Mayor Stanivukovic and the burning of Mostar Mayor's Kordic official car. Violence and intimidation against public servants have no place in a democratic society. The Mission calls for swift and thorough investigations; accountability for all perpetrators, both detained and still at large; and effective protection of all public officials. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Experts' Findings on Human Rights Violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan notes with grave concern the latest findings by the United Nations Special Procedures experts regarding India's illegal measures in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The report, issued on 24 November 2025, once again underscores the severe and systematic human rights violations endured by the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation. Pakistan notes with alarm the experts' observations that India's actions have resulted in the extensive arbitrary arrest and detention of nearly 2,800 individuals, including journalists, students, and human rights advocates. The persistent application of draconian legislation, such as the Public Safety Act (PSA) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), has facilitated indefinite and unjustifiable detentions. Instances of torture, custodial deaths, incommunicado detention, denial of due legal process and family contact, punitive demolitions and forced evictions, recurring communication blackouts, and suppression of press freedom including the blocking of 8,000 social media accounts as well as the rise in hate speech, lynching, and harassment directed at Kashmiris and Muslim communities across India, are equally deplorable and deeply troubling. These findings reaffirm Pakistan's longstanding concerns regarding state-sponsored persecution of Kashmiri Muslims as well as discrimination against minorities across India. Pakistan calls upon India to cease its coercive measures and to unconditionally release all those arbitrarily detained in IIOJK. We further urge India to take concrete steps to end the persecution of all religious minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians. Pakistan reiterates its commitment to a peaceful, just, and enduring resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. We urge India to halt its repressive policies, reverse demographic and legal alterations, restore fundamental freedoms, and engage sincerely in meaningful dialogue. Pakistan will continue to extend moral, political, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people in their just struggle against foreign occupation. Islamabad November 26, 2025 352/2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Remulla junks civilian-military junta claims Philippine News Agency November 26, 2025, 2:03 pm MANILA -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla said there is no truth to circulating rumors about the formation of a civilian-military junta. He said the government maintains full visibility over individuals attempting to recruit personalities for a so-called "alternative government." "Not happening," Remulla said in an interview with the media on Tuesday. "It's never been absent from the Philippines. So, it's always been present in our system," he said, referring to a recent account from a senator who shared that he was approached to participate but firmly declined. He said that while the matter requires vigilance, it does not warrant unnecessary alarm. "It is always a point of concern, but it's not a point of panic. It's not a point that we will waste great time and resources over it. Unahin na namin 'tong mga nasa floodgate kaysa tong ibang destabilizers (We'd rather deal with those at the floodgate than other destabilizers)." Remulla assured the public that security and intelligence units are closely monitoring the situation. "We are on top of the situation. We know who are asking, who are the ones recruiting. We know what they're up to. We know what they are offering. We know the composition of those who want to form an alternative government. So, we're on top of it," he said. Remulla identified those involved in exploratory discussions as mostly retired or semi-active political personalities. "Mostly retired. Some semi-active politicians.. Connected with active politicians also," he said. Remulla said the semi-active politicians "were in office a term ago, and they are still making themselves public. They're still politicians except not in office. Yung mahilig pa rin makialam pero hindi na sila elected (They always like to meddle despite being no longer elected)." (Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah chief: Vicious US, Israeli schemes will eventually come to end Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 6:37 PM The secretary-general of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah says the dawn of victory is on the horizon despite intensifying crises, emphasizing that vicious US and Israeli schemes will eventually come to an end. Sheikh Naim Qassem made the remarks in a Wednesday written message on the anniversary of the formation of the Basij volunteer forces. "Your path is the path of Islam, and your honor is elevated through piety and devotion. Your success lies in remaining utterly faithful and grasping truth," the message read. He added that adherence to Velayat (Guardianship [of the Islamic Jurist]) serves as the rope of salvation, calling for full allegiance to the guidelines of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini. The Hezbollah chief also underscored that victory manifests in two ways: Victory within one's heart and triumph over the enemy. Those who stand firm in their faith will inevitably succeed, even if achieving it requires great patience. "No matter how severe the crises would turn out to be, a resolution will eventually emerge. The vicious acts of aggression by the Zionist regime and the United States will ultimately come to an end," Sheikh Qassem stated. He urged Basij members to demonstrate perseverance, emphasizing that steadfastness brings forth honor and dignity - qualities that he characterized as inherent to God, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and believers. Basij is a military volunteer force established in 1979 at the order of Imam Khomeini. It consists of often young Iranians, who have volunteered with a strong sense of fidelity to both the Islamic system and religious beliefs. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah 'more essential than bread and water' for Lebanon, says advisor to Iran Leader Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 6:15 PM An advisor to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution has strongly condemned the Israeli regime's recent violations of the ceasefire in Lebanon, saying the current circumstances prove that the existence of Hezbollah is "more essential than bread and water" for the Lebanese nation. Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Ali Akbar Velayati pointed to Israel's repeated breaches of the ceasefire, reiterating that the regime has once again demonstrated its utter disregard for international law and established agreements. "The Zionist regime is not committed to its obligations within the framework of the ceasefire agreement," he said. "By repeatedly violating the truce and targeting the people of Lebanon, it has once again proven that it adheres to none of the international rules," the Iranian advisor added. Velayati said the constant, aggressive appetite of the Israeli regime for "slaughter and plundering of other territories" makes Hezbollah an absolute necessity. Hezbollah has "repeatedly protected and saved the people of Lebanon and put the occupying regime of Quds in its place." On the intense pressure from the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah and their promises of economic aid, Velayati said the recent statements from Lebanese officials suggest that the government "has also recognized the futility and emptiness of [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's statements." Velayati condemned the assassination of Hezbollah commander Haytham Ali Tabatabai in the southern suburbs of Beirut on November 23. "This assassination took place in violation of Lebanon's territorial sovereignty." He warned that the Israeli regime attempts to realize its "illegitimate goals by creating terror and fear in Lebanon through the assassination of Hezbollah commanders." However, he added, Lebanon has a history of steadfast resistance and has proven its ability to stand firm against these provocative actions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Islamic Jihad, Hamas slam Israeli raid on Tubas as part of systematic 'West Bank displacement' Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 4:01 PM The Islamic Jihad resistance movement says the expansive military raids launched by the Israeli army on cities and towns in the occupied West Bank since this morning are "aimed to empty the West Bank of its people, displace them, and seize their lands and properties." In a statement released on Wednesday, the group described the military offensive as "a new systematic aggression against Palestinians." The Israeli army conducted large-scale raids on the Palestinian town of Tubas, near Nablus, deploying hundreds of soldiers along with armored vehicles. Palestinian media reported that a curfew was imposed on Tuesday night on Tubas and several surrounding communities. Roads were sealed with earthen barriers, and families were forced from their homes as Israeli forces stormed residential buildings. Islamic Jihad said the raids are part of an ongoing pattern of Israeli attempts to tighten control over the occupied territory. "This new aggression coincides with frantic attempts by the Knesset to approve laws paving the way for annexation operations, including the bill that permits settlers to acquire occupied lands," Islamic Jihad said. The movement further stated that Israel's widening military raids were solely driven by the Israeli prime minister's objective of political survival as he faces mounting internal pressure. "The regime of Benjamin Netanyahu, which no longer finds any way to survive except by waging wars and committing massacres, is a government of war criminals, whose members must all be prosecuted," the statement added. Islamic Jihad also condemned the international community's silence towards Israel's criminal behavior. "Our Palestinian people and their resistance forces will confront these crimes, which the world continues to ignore, with full strength and steadfastness," it said. Hamas issued a separate statement sharply condemning the "military operation launched across the Northern West Bank, which involves sieges, curfews, raids, and mass arrests," adding that the assault coincides with new legislative steps taken by Israel. "The operation is part of Zionist annexation and displacement plans aimed at crushing Palestinian presence and achieving full control," the movement said, noting that the "Zionist Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Security Committee approved a bill allowing 'Israeli' settlers to directly purchase land in the occupied West Bank." Hamas denounced the legislation, calling the bill "a crime that violates international law and advances the occupation's plan to annex and Judaize the territory." The Palestinian Mujaheddin Movement, another resistance faction, denounced the raid as part of Israel's "open war" to annex the West Bank and forcibly remove its residents. Israel has sealed off large parts of the Tubas Governorate after sending heavy reinforcements into the northern Jordan Valley, shutting the region off from the rest of the occupied West Bank. Israeli Apache helicopters fired rounds over empty fields around Tubas in a bid to threaten Palestinian residents. The residents said that the scale of this operation, which began shortly after midnight, resembles the large military invasions Israel has conducted across the West Bank since the Gaza genocide started in 2023. Tubas Governor Ahmed Asaad said Israeli troops had seized several buildings on high ground overlooking the governorate. More than 50,000 Palestinians live across the five towns now encircled by the regime's army. More than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank in the past two years. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel fortifying outposts in southern Lebanon in violation of ceasefire: Satellite imagery Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 3:11 PM Satellite imagery shows Israel continues to occupy and fortify military positions in southern Lebanon in violation of Lebanese sovereignty, one year after signing a ceasefire with Hezbollah. According to Planet Labs PBC, the Israeli military occupies five strategic positions along the Blue Line, the de facto border between Lebanon and the occupied territories. These positions are surrounded by earthen fortifications and connected by widened access roads. The outposts, covering one to two hectares each, include sections for temporary buildings and military vehicles, according to an analysis by AFP, which says the access roads to these positions have also been significantly expanded to facilitate vehicle movement. The westernmost base in the Labbouneh area lies only 150 meters from a UN peacekeeping station, while the easternmost on Hamames hill is about 1.5 kilometers inside Lebanese territory. The analysis also shows near-total destruction of buildings in villages near the outposts due to Israel's systematic demolition of infrastructure. By maintaining control over southern Lebanese villages, Israel continues to violate the ceasefire it signed on November 27, 2024, which required a full withdrawal of its forces within 60 days. Israel says it keeps these positions to ensure Hezbollah does not carry out military activities in the area. However, analysts state that these fortified positions and demolitions mirror the war tactics employed by Israel in the Gaza Strip. According to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the regime's forces have committed over 7,500 air violations and nearly 2,500 ground violations in the past year, totaling almost 10,000 breaches of the ceasefire. In a latest violation, Israel assassinated top Hezbollah commander Haitham Tabatabai in a strike on a residential area near Beirut on Sunday. Hezbollah warned that Israel has committed a grave mistake, saying the resistance group is considering its response to the killing. Lebanese President Michel Aoun also condemned the attack, calling it a clear demonstration of Tel Aviv's disregard for repeated international appeals. Aoun urged the global community to act to prevent further aggression against the Lebanese people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel killed 33,000 women, girls during genocide in Gaza: Palestinian Foreign Ministry Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 2:38 PM The Palestinian Foreign Ministry says the Israeli military killed at least 33,000 Palestinian women and girls during its genocidal campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip. The ministry made the announcement in a statement on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, lambasting the Tel Aviv regime for systematic crimes and the use of sophisticated surveillance technologies to target Palestinians. The statement, citing figures by Gaza's Government Media Office, said more than 12,500 women and 20,000 children have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 2023. Israel commits "systematic crimes against Palestinian women, including genocide, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary and administrative detention, torture and sexual violence, home demolitions, land seizure, settler terrorism, starvation, and intimidation," the ministry said. It further noted that Israel employs advanced surveillance tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence and cyber espionage, to terrorize the Palestinian population, with a particular focus on intimidating women. The ministry also underscored the urgent necessity for sustained international pressure and concrete steps to end the Israeli occupation, and to implement a so-called two-state solution that would guarantee the independence of a Palestinian state. It called for the protection of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, specifically the right to self-determination, independence, and the right of return for refugees. Since October 2023, the Israeli army has killed at least 69,785 people, most of them women and children, and injured 170,965 others in a two-year war in Gaza that has reduced much of the coastal sliver to rubble. The war has also led to the widespread destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure, creating a dire situation for the territory's surviving inhabitants. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Maduro says US 'cannot defeat invincible' Venezuela amid deepening tensions Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 8:31 AM Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says the United States "cannot defeat" his "invincible" country, denouncing US military pressure and new terrorism accusations as tensions escalate across the southern Caribbean. Speaking on a television program on Tuesday, Maduro stressed that the US is incapable of defeating the South American country, calling his nation "invincible." The Venezuelan leader also thanked supporters for standing by Caracas despite sustained psychological and political warfare by Washington for the past several months, noting that despite such warfare, "we are receiving an indescribable amount of support messages" in recent weeks. His comments followed Washington's designation of the Venezuela-based Cartel de los Soles -alleged by the US to be controlled by Maduro and senior officials - as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The move coincided with a major US military buildup in the Caribbean, including an aircraft carrier strike group and F-35 jets, after US President Donald Trump ordered deployments targeting what he claimed to be drug cartels. Caracas has dismissed the "ridiculous" terrorism label as fabricated, slamming Washington for inventing a pretext for intervention and "regime change" as the so-called organization "does not exist." At the United Nations, officials expressed "grave concern," warning that escalating rhetoric could destabilize the region and urging all parties to abide by international law and pursue dialogue. Such "increasingly confrontational rhetoric" risks heightening regional tensions, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric warned. US military activity across Latin America has expanded with Marines, warships, aircraft, submarines, and drones deployed, though reports suggest Trump may attempt direct talks with his Venezuelan counterpart as Maduro has reportedly reiterated his readiness for a "face-to-face" dialogue with Washington. Amid the standoff, US war secretary Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit the Dominican Republic - one of Washington's closest Caribbean partners - for discussions on countering what he called drug trafficking, a trip confirmed by the US embassy in Santo Domingo. Separately on Tuesday, Maduro, wearing military uniform and brandishing Simon Bolivar's symbolic sword, addressed a crowd of thousands who chanted their support during a large pro-government mobilization in Caracas, staged to project unity amid escalating confrontation with the US. Maduro urged "effort and sacrifice," insisting that Venezuela faces a decisive moment. The Venezuelan leader used the rally to call for absolute unity and readiness to resist US pressure, declaring that no civilian, soldier, or politician had "excuses" in the face of national demands. In response to US military build-up, Caracas has activated all internal levers of power, placed the armed forces and militias on high alert. Trump's administration accuses Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking allegations the Venezuelan government has repeatedly and firmly denied. The US attacks against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific have drawn sharp condemnation from former officials, analysts and international observers, who say Washington's militarized posture toward Venezuela exposes a familiar strategy of "regime change" in Latin America. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UAE buys West's silence on its 'race war' in Sudan: Sudanese top general Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 7:10 AM Western leaders have remained silent on the mass killing of civilians in Sudan because the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has purchased their political quiet, a senior Sudanese general says. Lieutenant General Yasser al-Atta, a member of Sudan's governing Sovereignty Council and the second in command of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), told a news conference on Tuesday that UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has effectively launched a race war against the Sudanese population, and that the West's silence has enabled it. He said the Abu Dhabi ruler, shielded by Western inaction, supports the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a militia responsible for widespread massacres and abuses across Sudan during more than two years of conflict, most recently in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. Atta stated that the civilian death toll in el-Fasher has risen to 32,000, with more victims killed every day based on their "ethnicity and race." He said the RSF, backed by Emirati funding, has been fighting the SAF since April 2023 and "launched a big war against the Sudanese people." "They entered people's houses in Khartoum and other cities. They loot and destroy everything: hospitals, electricity, water supply, everything that keeps people alive," he said. Atta added that "the world has been silent regarding all the RSF has done in Sudan" despite "social media and technological tools" that clearly expose the group's crimes. "This silence was bought by the power of the UAE's money." He said the absence of international scrutiny allowed foreign mercenaries to enter the country, a development he attributed to the UAE. According to Atta, the RSF has brought in fighters from Ukraine and from African countries, including Niger, Mali, Chad, and South Sudan. He added that the group has recently recruited individuals from Somaliland. In recent weeks, global focus on the RSF and the UAE's support for it has grown after the militia stormed el-Fasher on October 26 and began a killing spree. Atta stressed that atrocities extend far beyond el-Fasher, highlighting attacks across al-Jazira state, south of Khartoum, saying, "There are many small villages in al-Jazira, and in those villages hundreds were being killed." A raid on al-Seriha village in October 2024 reportedly left around 100 people dead and hundreds injured. The RSF originated from Janjaweed militias that the Sudanese military and the government of former president Omar al-Bashir mobilized to crush rebel movements in Darfur two decades ago. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 26 November 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General. ** Guests Today and Briefing Note Good afternoon on this almost holiday long weekend. So, thank you for being here. I'm delighted to be joined in person our guests, Elizabeth Spehar, who, as you know, is the Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support, and our dear friend Ambassador Macharia Kamau, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Fund's Advisory Group. They are here to brief you on the Peacebuilding Fund's recent activities. And today, of course, as you know both the General Assembly and the Security Council adopted by consensus identical resolutions on the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review. [Guest briefing not transcribed.] ** Briefing Note Just a reminder, tomorrow is 27 November. It is American Thanksgiving. Canadians already celebrated Thanksgiving, but, given that we are based here in the US, tomorrow is a public holiday. The UN Headquarters will be closed; there will be no Noon Briefing. On Friday, 28 November, there will not be an in-person Noon Briefing, as well, although the office will be open during hours in the morning and we will be always reachable in case of emergency. We will post updates online around noon. Just looking forward to 1 December. After the briefing at 1 p.m., there will be a briefing by Ambassador Samuel Zbogar, Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the winter month of December. He will be here to brief you on the Programme of Work. It will be an in-person briefing only. You will be able to follow it on UN WebTV but the Zoom link will not be active for that briefing. ** Guinea-Bissau I have been asked this morning by a number of you about the situation in Guinea-Bissau and I can tell you that obviously, the Secretary-General is following the situation with deep concern. He appeals to all national stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law. The Secretary-General will continue to closely follow the situation in the country as it unfolds. ** David Malone I also have a statement on the passing of our late colleague David Malone and I can tell you that the Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the passing of David Malone. His decade of service as Rector of the United Nations University marked the culmination of a distinguished career devoted to international cooperation and scholarship. Under his leadership, UN University strengthened its role as a centre for policy-relevant research, advanced gender parity and forged trusted partnerships across the United Nations system. His vision and dedication contributed significantly to initiatives such as Our Common Agenda and to advancing digital transformation in the developing world. Mr. Malone's legacy will endure as an inspiration to all who work for a more just and sustainable future. The Secretary-General extends his heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. And just to add my own personal condolences to David who was a dear friend. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan. Some of you have also been asking about the activities of the Secretary-General's Personal Envoy, Ramtane Lamamra. I can tell you that Mr. Lamamra is preparing to travel to Port Sudan and Addis Ababa next week. He has been in regular contact with the parties and continues to encourage them to engage in a genuine dialogue to advance peace, he is also working closely with regional partners, including the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, otherwise known as IGAD, and the League of Arab States. The urgent need for better protection of civilians in Sudan is and will be at the forefront of all of his discussions. Our humanitarian colleagues also continue to call for safe and unimpeded access to deliver assistance to people in need across Sudan, including Kordofan and Darfur. On the ground, the situation in El Fasher remains dire. Our colleagues at the World Food Programme (WFP) are currently supporting families who have fled to five areas surrounding El Fasher, including Tawila. Distributions are also ongoing for families who have arrived in more distant locations like Dabbah in Northern State and even as far as Khartoum. Currently, 1,485 metric tons of food and nutrition supplies, enough for about 130,000 people, are en route to Tawila via the Dabbah Crossing in Northern State. This is in addition to the regular support that WFP has been providing to people who fled El Fasher or Zamzam earlier this year. Meanwhile, fighting continues to drive large-scale displacement in the Kordofan areas. Our colleagues with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) tell us that on Tuesday in South Kordofan State, more than 1,800 people were displaced across multiple localities. And in North Kordofan, heightened insecurity there uprooted nearly 40,000 people from different parts of the state between 25 October and 18 November. Despite the escalating hostilities and access challenges, humanitarians are doing everything they can to support people in need across Kordofan. In North Kordofan, the OCHA-managed Sudan Humanitarian Fund has released more than $5 million to support four international NGOs who are providing critical services including health, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as food production, shelter and protection. Throughout the Kordofan region this year, the Sudan Humanitarian Fund has allocated $33 million to support projects that reach some 1.6 million people in the hardest-hit areas. We continue to encourage donors to step up their contributions as needs deepen. The year is nearly over, and of the $4.2 billion humanitarian appeal, was just over a third funded, with only $1.4 billion in the bank. ** Democratic Republic of the Congo And just South of there, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs are raising the alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in South Kivu Province, particularly in Fizi and Mwenga Territories. OCHA's latest access report shows that persistent fighting among armed groups and restrictions during the second and third quarters of 2025 have severely limited humanitarian access or made it impossible in some places. This includes the localities of Minembwe and Itombwe, as well as the Hauts Plateaux area. Since May, these areas have faced near-total isolation due to severe restrictions imposed by armed groups, including the closure of key roads linking the locality of Fizi to Minembwe and the denial of access to humanitarian organizations. Reported threats have also forced a number of NGOs to withdraw from the areas. As you can imagine, the impact of these restrictions on civilians has been devastating. In the locality of Minembwe alone, more than 170,000 displaced human beings are cut off from essential services. The health system is struggling to cope with prolonged medicine shortages. At Minembwe Hospital, children accounted for 60 per cent of all deaths between July and September of this year that is 25 children and the mortality rate for severe acute malnutrition has reached nearly 30 per cent. OCHA says that the food security situation is also deteriorating rapidly. Road blockages have caused the price of basic staples to skyrocket. Sugar prices have increased six-fold and the cost of cassava flour has more than tripled since January of this year. Our partners have prepositioned supplies, including medicine and nutrition kits, in neighbouring towns, but they cannot be delivered due to lack of access due to the insecurity. We urgently call on all parties to urgently protect civilians and ensure safe, unhindered humanitarian access so that life-saving aid can reach those who are trapped by violence. ** Ukraine Turning to Ukraine. Our colleagues from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) tell us that more than 340 educational facilities have been damaged or destroyed this year alone in Ukraine. This brings the total number of schools damaged or destroyed to 2,800 since February 2022. Our colleagues note that these numbers only include UN-verified incidents, so the true number is likely higher. Protecting schools and children's right to education is not optional during war; it is imperative. Our UNICEF colleagues say that in Ukraine, 4.6 million children currently face educational barriers. UNICEF's response, alongside that of the Government and local partners, has enabled more than half a million children to access inclusive formal or non-formal education, including in-person safe learning, which helps them catch up on lost learning through remedial education. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to Gaza. Our humanitarian colleagues tell us that hostilities continue in parts of the Gaza Strip, resulting in reported casualties and disruptions to aid operations. Yesterday, we and our partners coordinated with Israeli authorities eight humanitarian movements inside Gaza. While one movement was facilitated, the seven others were either impeded, denied or cancelled. Despite these challenges, we managed to collect more than 200 pallets of medicine and five tankers of fuel from the Kerem Shalom/Kerem Abu Salem crossing, along with additional tents from the Kissufim crossing. Every delivery into Gaza makes a significant difference. As you know, not a single hospital in Gaza is fully functional. Only half of the hospitals, only 18 out of 36 hospitals, are partially operational. On Monday, teams from the World Health Organization (WHO) facilitated the medical evacuation of 33 Palestinians in need of critical attention and over 100 companions. However, there are still more than 16,500 patients who need to receive medical care outside of Gaza. WHO continues to call for safe access through all evacuation routes, particularly to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and for medical evacuation convoys to be expedited at crossings. Meanwhile, our colleagues at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) continue to provide learning activities. As of Sunday, the agency is running nearly 350 temporary learning spaces across 64 shelters in Gaza, providing in-person learning for more than 47,000 boys and girls. Humanitarians continue to deliver critical support. We once again call for unimpeded humanitarian access so that teams can reach everyone they need. We and our partners can do much more as soon as restrictions on relief items and aid groups are lifted. ** Sustainable Transport Day For those of you who bike or take public transportation. Today is World Sustainable Transport Day or even walk a reminder that the road to a better future starts with cleaner and greener ways to get around that help reduce pollution. Sustainable transport can be as simple as taking a bus or train to work, opting to walk or cycle, or using an electric or hybrid vehicle. Small choices add up to a healthier planet. ** Financial Contribution We have money, which means we have a quiz. This country has won all four of its Olympic medals in one sport. And that sport has only been an Olympic sport since 2016. One country, four medals, one sport relatively new sport in the Olympics. It's a sport played on a field, with a ball, but only since 2016. Fiji has won all four of its Olympic medals. We say thank you to our friends in Suva for their payment to the Regular Budget. And that was a good quiz from our quiz meister, David Hunter. Alright, you can quiz me now, or not, and we can all go home now and eat turkey. Fiji's payment brings the number of fully paid-up Member States to 145. Yes, Dezhi? ** Questions and Answers Question : You just mentioned about Sudan. We know that RSF announced a unilateral ceasefire, which actually the Sudan Armed Forces, they didn't follow. So, how's the ceasefire going? I don't believe you mentioned that? Spokesman : I don't think it's going, because we've seen reports of fighting including the RSF [The Rapid Support Forces]. Question : So, it's just announcement there's no ceasefire? Spokesman : Exactly. And I think, you know, this was raised yesterday. We obviously welcome any announcement of a ceasefire, but the proof is in the pudding. Question : Okay. Another subject, which is totally irrelevant. In Australia, they will implement a social media ban for people under 16, beginning on 10 December. What is the position of the Secretary-General on social media and the ban? Spokesman : Look, we don't have I would say a position on social media ban. I think it is important for governments to take actions that reflect the will of the people. It is absolute incumbent on tech companies and on social media companies to do much more to protect children from harm. And I think we noted yesterday, I think in the presentation on violence against women that the high number of violent rhetorics that we see on social media. Question : Will you limit the time of your children on social media? Spokesman : My children are way past accepting any authority of me. Question : I mean, if it's 16? Spokesman : They're no longer 16, and I cannot go back in time. Question : So, there's no hypothetical? Spokesman : No. Okay. Yes, please go ahead. Question : Hi, my name is [Phonetic]Rui. I'm from 21st Century Business Herald, Guangdong, China. So, as you just mentioned tomorrow marks the Thanksgiving holiday, a time traditionally dedicated to gratitude and reflection. So, on this occasion, who or what would the United Nations like to express its thanks to? Would you like to acknowledge any specific countries, partners or even individuals that have made a lot of contributions this year? Spokesman : I think, you know, we are grateful for the continued passion that we see people across the world fighting for peace, fighting for justice, and fighting for human rights. Yes. Please, go ahead. Question : Thank you, Mr. Dujarric. Mona from Al Quds Al Arabi. I have two questions, please. The first one is on the environment in children's health in Gaza. Recent UN reports are showing that Gaza's waste and wastewater systems have collapsed. So, what steps is the UN taking to protect children from pollution-related health risks? And how is this environmental dimension being integrated into the humanitarian response? Spokesman : The issue of wastewater hygiene is very much a part of our overall humanitarian approach. We are seeing, especially with the recent rains, an increase in floodwaters, an increase in the risk in the movements of contaminated water, which poses obvious risks to people. It also poses risks to countries beyond Gaza, right? Especially once it flows into the Mediterranean [Sea]. We are trying to do whatever we can to repair the systems. The problem, and one of the many problems, is that the equipment that is needed is not being allowed in to Gaza, but it is something our colleagues on the ground in Gaza are very much focused on. Question : Can I add a question, please? Spokesman : Of course. Question : Thank you. A British doctor yesterday reported difficulties in bringing baby formula into hospitals. Can you give us any updates on humanitarian access, especially to babies? Spokesman : No, I don't have any specific on that, but you could check with the World Health Organization, or we can see if we can get something in the next couple of days. Okay. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. See y'all on Monday. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Sudan, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Sudan Thousands flee hostilities in Kordofan region OCHA warns that fighting continues to drive large-scale displacement in Sudan's Kordofan region. Yesterday in South Kordofan State, more than 1,800 people were displaced across multiple localities, according to the International Organization for Migration. In North Kordofan, heightened insecurity has uprooted nearly 40,000 people from different parts of the state between 25 October and 18 November. Despite the escalating hostilities and access challenges, humanitarians are supporting people in need across the Kordofan region. In North Kordofan, the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) - which is managed by OCHA - has released more than US$5 million to back four international NGOs providing critical services including health, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene - as well as food production, shelter, protection and mine clearance activities. Throughout the Kordofan region this year, the SHF has allocated $33 million to support projects that reach some 1.6 million people in the hardest-hit areas. Once again, OCHA calls for safe and unimpeded access to get life-saving assistance to people in need across Kordofan, Darfur and other parts of Sudan. OCHA also encourages donors to step up their contributions as needs deepen. The $4.2 billion humanitarian appeal for 2025 is just over a third funded, with some $1.4 billion received to date. Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarians deliver critical shelter support in Gaza, despite ongoing challenges OCHA says that despite the ceasefire, hostilities continue in parts of Gaza - resulting in reported casualties and disruptions to aid operations. Humanitarians continue to deliver critical support, despite ongoing impediments to the aid scale-up in Gaza. On Monday, just before yesterday's heavy rains, partners distributed 500 tents across three displacement sites in Khan Younis. And on Sunday and Monday, they distributed more than 4,000 tarpaulin sheets to over 1,300 households in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah, along with kitchen sets, ropes and blankets. However, given the scale of the needs, much more is required. Once again, OCHA calls for unimpeded humanitarian access so that teams can reach everyone in need of support. The UN and its partners can do much more as soon as restrictions on relief items and aid groups, including non-governmental organizations, are lifted. Yesterday, the UN and its partners coordinated eight humanitarian movements inside Gaza with the Israeli authorities. While one movement was facilitated, the seven others were either impeded, denied or cancelled. Despite these challenges, humanitarians collected more than 200 pallets of medicine and five tankers of fuel from the Kerem Shalom crossing - as well as more tents from Kissufim. On Monday, teams from the World Health Organization (WHO) facilitated the medical evacuation of 33 critical patients and over 100 companions. However, there are still more than 16,500 patients who need to receive medical care outside of Gaza. WHO calls for them to be able to do so through all evacuation routes, particularly to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem - and for the movement of medical evacuation convoys to be expedited at crossings. The agency also urges more countries to receive patients and help ensure access to the specialized care they need. OCHA notes that not a single hospital in Gaza is fully functional. Only half of the hospitals in Gaza - 18 out of 36 - are functional, and only partially. UNRWA continues to provide learning activities. As of Sunday, the agency is running nearly 350 temporary learning spaces across 64 shelters, providing in-person learning for more than 47,000 boys and girls. Meanwhile in the West Bank, Israeli forces have launched an operation in the Tubas governorate. OCHA says that a curfew has been imposed in the area, and forces are carrying out search-and-arrest operations. More than two dozen families were forced to evacuate as Israeli troops took over their homes. Today, thousands of residents could not reach essential services such as health and education. OCHA reiterates that according to international humanitarian law, civilians must be protected, and their essential needs must be met. Democratic Republic of the Congo Fighting, restrictions undermine humanitarian access in South Kivu OCHA is sounding the alarm over the rapidly deteriorating situation in South Kivu province, particularly in Fizi and Mwenga territories, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The latest access report from OCHA shows that persistent fighting among armed groups and restrictions during the second and third quarters of 2025 have severely limited humanitarian access or made it impossible in some places. This includes the localities of Minembwe and Itombwe, as well as the Hauts Plateaux. Since May, these areas have faced near-total isolation due to severe restrictions imposed by armed groups, including the closure of key roads linking the locality of Fizi to Minembwe and the denial of access for humanitarian organizations. Reported threats have also forced several NGOs to withdraw. The impact on civilians is devastating. In the locality of Minembwe alone, more than 170,000 displaced people and returnees are cut off from essential assistance. The health system is struggling to cope with prolonged medicine shortages. At Minembwe Hospital, children accounted for 60 per cent of all deaths between July and September this year, and the mortality rate for severe acute malnutrition has reached nearly 30 per cent. OCHA says that the food security situation is also deteriorating rapidly. Road blockages have caused the price of basic staples to skyrocket. Sugar prices have increased six-fold, and the cost of cassava flour has more than tripled since January. Partners have prepositioned supplies - including medicine and nutrition kits - in neighbouring towns, but they cannot be delivered due to the insecurity. It is urgent that all parties protect civilians and ensure safe, unhindered humanitarian access so that life-saving aid can reach those trapped by violence.* *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with urgent support Posted on 26 November 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Unanimously Adopts Resolution 2805 (2025), Reaffirming Mandate of Peacebuilding Commission, Acting in Concert with General Assembly Meetings Coverage Security Council 10054th Meeting (AM) SC/16234 26 November 2025 The Security Council today unanimously adopted resolution 2805 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2805(2025)), reaffirming the mandate of the Peacebuilding Commission, acting in parallel with the General Assembly, which adopted an identical text. By its terms, the Council requested the Commission to establish a detailed, predictable and flexible annual programme of work reflecting, its country-specific, regional and thematic issues, while also considering the programmes of work of the General Assembly, Security Council and the Economic and Social Council. It also requested the Commission to serve as a platform to support Member States, upon their request, to strengthen their national peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts, including through capacity-building. On funding, the text called for the full implementation of relevant resolutions, encouraged the Commission to maintain a regular and strategic dialogue with the Peacebuilding Fund, and encouraged countries receiving support from that Fund to share with the Commission their national peacebuilding priorities, as well as key outcomes and results of activities financed through the Fund. It also requested the Peacebuilding Support Office to provide annual updates on progress in advancing United Nations partnership with international financial institutions, including regional development banks and other relevant financing partners. By its further terms, the 15-member organ decided to establish an annual "peacebuilding week" in June, to raise awareness of the peacebuilding and sustaining peace efforts of the United Nations. The Council also requested the Secretary-General to assess how ongoing reforms of the United Nations in the context of the UN80 Initiative can further enhance cooperation among relevant UN entities to deliver more coordinated and impactful peacebuilding efforts at the country level. Finally, it called for a further comprehensive review of United Nations peacebuilding in 2030. "While the United States did not get everything we wanted, our main concerns are reflected in the final text," that country's representative said after the adoption. She expressed concern that the UN had strayed from its initial purpose and needs to "to get back to basics", describing that as a more disciplined approach to the peacebuilding architecture, "grounded in preventing the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict". Her country will continue to push back on attempts to undermine or circumvent the Council's authority, including through the creation of new peacebuilding-related mechanisms. Voluntary contributions must remain the primary source of peacebuilding fund resourcing, she stressed, adding that "countries should be on notice that we will look to institutions to deliver real value per dollar". While the UN's budget has increased eightfold since its inception, "there is not an eightfold increase in peace around this world", she added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Coast Guard heavy icebreaker departs Seattle for months-long deployment to Antarctica United States Coast Guard Press Release | Nov. 26, 2025 SEATTLE -- The USCGC Polar Star (WAGB 10) departed Seattle on Thursday commencing its 29th deployment to Antarctica in support of Operation Deep Freeze. Operation Deep Freeze is an annual joint military mission to resupply the United States Antarctic stations in support of the National Science Foundation (NSF), the lead agency for the United States Antarctic Program. Historic investment in the Big Beautiful Bill of nearly 25 billion, $9 billion of which is specifically for icebreakers and infrastructure in the high latitudes. This massive investment in icebreakers will secure U.S. access, security, and leadership in the polar regions. As the U.S. Coast Guard prepares to revitalize its icebreaking fleet, the Polar Star remains the only U.S. vessel capable of breaking a navigable channel through the ice to reach McMurdo Station, the largest Antarctic station and the logistics hub of the U.S. Antarctic Program. Each year, the cutter serves a vital role in ensuring surface access for fuel and supply ships through the Ross Sea to resupply the U.S. Antarctic bases. Polar Star's mission directly protects the security, freedom, and prosperity for the U.S., our allies and partners. "Polar Star's crew does remarkable work maintaining and operating this ship," said Capt. Jeff Rasnake, commanding officer of Polar Star. "Each year brings unique challenges, and I'm proud to say this crew has risen to meet them all. The way we've come together over the course of maintenance, and our logistical preparations is exciting as we enter the operational phase of our annual deployment cycle." Commissioned in 1976, Polar Star is 399 feet, weighing 13,500 tons with a 34-foot draft. Despite reaching nearly 50 years of age, Polar Star remains the world's most powerful non-nuclear icebreaker with the ability to produce up to 75,000 shaft horsepower. The continuous effort Polar Star's crew commits to maintaining the aging cutter ensures the nation's access to the continent and the economic, environmental, and national security interests in the high latitudes. Polar Star will continue to support Operation Deep Freeze until new Polar and Arctic Security Cutters enter service in the coming decade. Since 1955, Active, Reserve, and Guard members of the U.S. Coast Guard, Air Force, Navy, and Army have proudly supported the USAP by the air and sea lift of supplies to McMurdo Station. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Navy Accepts Delivery of Final Freedom-Variant Littoral Combat Ship, USS Cleveland (LCS 31) US Navy 26 November 2025 MARINETTE, Wis. -- The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the future USS Cleveland (LCS 31) from Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) in Marinette, Wisconsin, November 26. Cleveland is the 16th and final ship of its class, marking the completion of the Freedom-variant littoral combat ship (LCS) construction phases - a sustained acquisition effort involving Navy personnel, industry partners, and program management teams for over two decades. "The delivery of USS Cleveland, our final Freedom-variant LCS, symbolizes the U.S. Navy's unwavering vigilance and a steadfast commitment to protecting national interest and ensuring global stability," said Jay Iungerich, acting deputy program manager of the LCS Program Office (PMS 501). Following commissioning in Cleveland, Ohio in early 2026, LCS 31 will be homeported in Mayport, Florida. She will support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence in key operational theaters. "With the final Freedom-variant LCS now delivered, we celebrate the successful outcome of years of innovation and commitment," said Melissa Kirkendall, Program Executive Officer, Unmanned and Small Combatants (PEO USC). "This highly capable and lethal warship is ready to assert maritime dominance and protect global waters with unparalleled precision and power." LCS 31 honors the city of Cleveland, Ohio. She will be the fourth ship to bear the name. The lineage began with the Denver-class protected cruiser, USS Cleveland (C-19), later reclassified as CL-21, commissioned in 1903. She served prominently as flagship of the Atlantic Fleet. During World War I, she diligently escorted convoys and transported troops before her decommissioning in 1929. The second USS Cleveland (CL-55), a Cleveland-class light cruiser, entered service in 1942, leaving her mark on history through extensive action in World War II's Pacific theater. Her participation spanned numerous campaigns, including Guadalcanal, Bougainville, the Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. CL-55 was decommissioned in 1947. The third namesake, USS Cleveland (LPD-9), an Austin-class amphibious transport dock, was commissioned in 1976 and served a distinguished 30-year career. LPD-9 was a familiar presence in deployments and exercises around the world, notably contributing to Operation Desert Shield/Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was decommissioned in 2011. Now, LCS 31 carries the legacy forward, embodying Cleveland's spirit of service. LCS is a fast, agile, mission-focused warship designed to operate in near-shore environments to counter 21st-century threats. It is a class of small surface combatants armed with capabilities to defeat challenges in the world's littorals. LCS can operate independently or in high-threat scenarios as part of a networked battle force that includes larger, multi-mission surface combatants such as cruisers and destroyers. PEO USC designs, develops, builds, maintains, and modernizes the Navy's unmanned maritime systems; mine warfare systems; special warfare systems; expeditionary warfare systems; and small surface combatants. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 26 November 2025 - Day 1372 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 in total, since the beginning of this day, there have been 216 combat clashes. Russian Zagarbniki made 41 aviation strikes, dropping 103 controlled air bombs. In addition, the Russians have engaged 3,178 kamikaze drones and carried out 2,972 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. In the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions, Ukrainian soldiers repelled two Russian assault actions since the beginning of the day. The Russian enemy also launched two air strikes using nine controlled airstrikes and carried out 162 shells, two of which were from jet-fire systems. In the South Slobozhansky direction, Russian forces attacked the positions of Ukrainian defenders 11 times and received a blockade near Vovchansky, Sinelnikovy, Barnoy and Dvorichansky. In the Kupyansky direction, Russian units carried out five assault actions, trying to break through the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the direction of the settlements of Pichnia and Petropavlivka. In the Lyman direction since the beginning of the day, Russian invaders 43 times attacked the positions of Ukrainians near the settlements of Grekivka, Novovodiyane, Novoyegorivka, Novoselivka, Kopanky, Kolodyazi, Serednoe, Ridkodub, Karpivka, Zarichne and towards the settlements of Lyman and Drobisheve. Currently, Ukrainian defenders repel the attack of the Russian opponent in 14 locations. In the Slovak direction, the Russian enemy seven times tried to break through in the areas of yampol, serebryanka, dronivka, viimki and sacko and vancetti. In the Kramators komu direction Ukrainian soldiers repelled four attacks in the area of Chasovoye Yar and towards the Predtecinyo. In the Konstantiniv direction, Russians attacked the positions of Defense Forces 31 times. The efforts of the attack were concentrated in the areas of the settlements of Yablunivka, Pleshiyivka, Ivanopilla, Rusin Yar and towards Konstantinivka and Sofiyivka. Since the beginning of the day in the Pokrovsky direction, Russian units 49 times tried to break through Ukrainian defense in the areas of settlements Volodymyrivka, Fedorivka, Nikanorivka, Red Lyman, Rodinske, Novoekonomichne, Pokrovsk, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Yalta and Dachne. Three fighting clashes are still ongoing. Defense forces deter enemy attacks, the Russian enemy suffers significant losses - today 126 invaders have been defecated in this direction, 94 of which are irreversible. Ukrainian defenders destroyed one vehicle unit and 20 unmanned aircraft, also struck an artillery system and ten Russian bases. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Ukrainian units stopped 14 Russian attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops near settlements Ivanivka, Green Gorge, Oleksiyivka, Privilne and Krasnogirsk. In the Gulyaipil direction, Ukrainian defenders stopped 17 Russian attempts to advance near the settlements of Zatishya, Solodke, Yablukove, Green Grove and towards Gulyaipol. In the Orihiv direction, Ukrainian units stopped two Russian attacks on the position of Ukrainian troops near the settlement Primorske. In the pridniprovsky direction at the moment boezitknen is not recorded. 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 three mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one air assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Mogritsa, Miropolye, Pavlovka, Alekseyevka, Andreyevka, and Novaya Sech (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of two mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault regiment of the AFU, and one national guard brigade have been hit near Volchansk, Vilcha, Udy, Khatneye, and Staritsa (Kharkov region). The enemy lost more than 180 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, 15 motor vehicles, one U.S.-made 105-mm M101 howitzer, and one electronic warfare station. Two ammunition depots and seven materiel depots were neutralised. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. Five mechanised brigades, one assault brigade of the AFU, two territorial defence brigades, and one national guard brigade have been hit near Monachinovka, Staroverovka, Podoly, Nechvolodovka, Blagodatovka, Gusinka, Kovsharovka (Kharkov region), and Dibrova (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy losses amounted to up to 230 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, two armoured fighting vehicles, 20 motor vehicles, three field artillery guns, ten electronic warfare stations, and six ammunition depots. The Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions. Losses were inflicted on formations of three mechanised brigades, one mountain assault brigade, one airmobile brigade, one artillery brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU and one marine brigade near Seversk, Reznikovka, Platonovka, Slavyansk, Piskunovka, Konstantinovka, and Berestok (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy lost up to 275 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, one Kazak armoured vehicle, 16 motor vehicles, and two artillery guns. One U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar station, one electronic warfare station, and one ammunition depot were neutralised. The Tsentr Group of Forces' units improved the situation along the front line. Strikes were delivered at manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades, one jaeger brigade, one airmobile brigade, one air assault brigade, one assault brigade, three assault regiments of the AFU, two marine brigades, and three national guard brigades close to Torskoye, Rodinskoye, Toretskoye, Dorozhnoye, Artemovka, Udachnoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Novopavlovka, and Ivanovka (Dnepropetrovsk region). In Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic), assault groups of the 2nd Army are successfully advancing northwards in Tsentralny and Dinas districts. Russian troops continue mopping up Ukrainian militants in Rovnoye (Donetsk People's Republic). Eight attacks of the 210th Assault Regiment and the 95th Air Assault Brigade of the AFU in order to unblock an encircled Ukrainian group were repelled from the area of Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic) and in the direction of Kotlino (Donetsk People's Republic). Up to 35 troops and one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle of the AFU have been neutralised. In Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic), assault detachments of the 51st Army continue to push the enemy out of Vostochny and Zapadny districts, and southern part of the city. More than 210 servicemen, seven armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns of the AFU have been neutralised in Krasnoarmeysk direction over the past 24 hours. In total, more than 450 troops, one tank, seven armoured fighting vehicles, four pickup trucks, two field artillery guns, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-50 counter-fire radar of the AFU were neutralised in the Tsentr Group's area of responsibility. The Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing into the depth of enemy defences. Russian troops inflicted losses on formations of two mechanised brigades, two assault brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades near Malinovka, Dobropolye, Gulyaipole (Zaporozhye region), Mayak, and Otradnoye in Dnepropetrovsk region. The AFU lost more than 240 troops, one tank, 10 motor vehicles, one field artillery gun, one electronic warfare station, and four materiel depots. The Dnepr Group's units inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and one mountain assault brigade of the AFU close to Lukyanovskoye, Odarovka, Novoyakovlevka (Zaporozhye region), Nikolskoye, and Ivanovka (Kherson region). Up to 85 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, 12 motor vehicles, one artillery gun, two radar stations, two ammunition depots, and two fuel depots were neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have inflicted damage on an ammunition production workshop, energy and transport infrastructure of Ukraine used in the interests of the AFU, as well as temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 143 areas. Air defence systems shot down six guided aerial bombs, four U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 154 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 98,851 unmanned aerial vehicles, 638 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,266 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,620 MLRS fighting vehicles, 31,564 field artillery guns and mortars, and 47,712 special military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address November 26, 2025 By Matthew Olay, Pentagon News Hegseth to Order 500 Additional Guardsmen to D.C. Following Shooting of Two Soldiers Secretary of War Pete Hegseth this afternoon said that President Donald J. Trump has requested he order 500 additional National Guardsmen to Washington in the wake of today's shooting of two guardsmen near the White House. Hegseth made the announcement from the steps of the Dominican Republic's National Palace, where he had spent the afternoon meeting with the country's senior leadership. "After those meetings, [my team and I] were notified that two National Guardsmen had been shot in Washington, D.C., critically wounded by a shooter [and] shot in a cowardly, dastardly act targeting the best of America," Hegseth told the media. "It will not stand, and that's why President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the secretary of the Army to [tell] the National Guard to add 500 additional troops National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C.," he continued. At a press conference, FBI Director Kash Patel said that two West Virginia National Guardsmen had been shot within the vicinity of the White House. The two guardsmen were taken to a local hospital and are listed in critical condition. D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said that a suspect is in custody and was also taken to a local hospital after being injured. During Hegseth's brief remarks in the Dominican Republic, he hailed the two shooting victims. "[They're] heroes willing to serve in Washington, D.C., [to] serve for people they don't know and they've never met. Because they love their country and their capital and their community, they were willing to do dangerous things," Hegseth said. The secretary added that today's incident will "only strengthen" the resolve of those who aim to improve cities like Washington, which he noted has seen a noticeable reduction in crime since the National Guard first deployed to the nation's capital in August. "The drop in crime has been historic. The increase in safety and security has been historic. But if criminals want to conduct things like this violence against America's best we will never back down," Hegseth said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader of Colombian Money Laundering Organization Sentenced to Five Years in Prison For Laundering Drug Proceeds Wednesday, November 26, 2025 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs A Colombian national was sentenced today to 60 months in prison for conspiring to launder drug proceeds. He was also ordered to forfeit $1.2 million. According to court documents, Michael Nunez Daza, also known as "Luky," 49, led a transnational money laundering organization operating in Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. Nunez Daza orchestrated bulk cash pickups involving drug trafficking proceeds from Mexico across multiple U.S. cities. After the bulk cash was picked up, Nunez Daza arranged for the illicit funds to be deposited into U.S. bank accounts registered in the names of other individuals and companies before they were further transferred to Colombia. Within days of the bulk cash being delivered and deposited in the United States, corresponding bulk cash in the form of Colombian pesos was delivered in Cali, Colombia, directly to Nunez Daza and his couriers. In just eight months in 2017 and 2018, Nunez Daza laundered at least $1.2 million for his Mexico-based co-conspirators. Nunez Daza was previously convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and was deported to his native country Colombia in 2004. Nunez Daza was indicted on the money laundering charges in January 2023 and extradited to the United States in April 2025. Nunez Daza pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering conspiracy on Aug. 14, 2025. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department's Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI Newark Field Office made the announcement. The FBI investigated the case. The Criminal Division's Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida provided significant assistance. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs and Judicial Attache Office in Bogota, Colombia, worked with law enforcement partners in Colombia to secure the arrest and extradition of Nunez Daza. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Homeland Security Task Force and Project Safe Neighborhoods. Topic: Drug Trafficking Components: Criminal Division Criminal - Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Press Release Number: 25-1117 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address White House locked down after 2 National Guards shot in central Washington; Trump warns suspect 'will pay a very steep price' Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 27, 2025 11:27 AM Two National Guard members were shot on Wednesday afternoon local time in what appeared to be a "targeted" attack near the White House and are in critical condition, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said. The gunman was also shot and is in custody, authorities said, according to US media reports. The shooting in the heart of Washington, DC, has prompted officials to lock down multiple government buildings, including the White House, reported USA Today. According to CNN live updates, the gunman opened fire in Washington, DC's Farragut Square a tourist-heavy area located near a busy transit center and the White House - on the day before the Thanksgiving holiday. Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been identified as the suspect, four senior law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation said, per the NBC News. CNN News reported that the FBI believes the suspect is from Washington state who appears to have immigrated to the US from Afghanistan in 2021. The suspect applied for asylum in 2024, and it was granted earlier this year. The FBI will initially investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, according to NBC News citing two senior US law enforcement officials. Writing on Truth Social, US President Donald Trump described the suspect who allegedly shot two members of the National Guard on Wednesday in dehumanizing terms, calling them an "animal" and saying that they "will pay a very steep price," the NBC News report said. "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price," read the post. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said later on Wednesday that Trump had asked him, and he will in turn ask the Army secretary, to add 500 guard members to Washington after the shooting. "This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, DC, safe and beautiful," Hegseth told reporters. "But if criminals want to conduct things like this, violence against America's best, we will never back down." The rare shooting of National Guard members comes as the presence of the troops in the nation's capital and other cities around the country has been a flashpoint issue for months, fueling court fights and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administration's use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem, according to media reports. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 2 US National Guard members in 'critical condition' after Washington, D.C. shooting: Reports Iran Press TV Thursday, 27 November 2025 3:29 AM Two members of the West Virginia National Guard have been shot in Washington, D.C. in what authorities described as a street ambush near the city's downtown government district. The incident took place outside the Farragut Metro Station, just after 2 p.m. on Wednesday, various American media outlets reported. A law enforcement official said investigators counted 10 to 15 shots fired within seconds. Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Jeff Carroll said video reviewed from multiple angles showed a single gunman stepping from concealment around a street corner, raising a handgun, and opening fire on the troops. "This was a targeted confrontation, not crossfire," said FBI Director Kash Patel at an evening briefing. "Our priority is establishing the facts and supporting the injured. Initial reports suggesting fatalities were incorrect." The Guard members were deputized for duty, but did not have arrest powers, officials said. One of the wounded personnel was evacuated by medical helicopter, while the suspect, wounded by return fire from a third Guard member, was transported by ambulance before being formally taken into custody. Some law enforcement sources identified the suspect as a 29-year-old Afghan national, who had entered the United States in 2021 following the United States messy withdrawal from Afghanistan that was ensued by the Taliban's reassuming power. Investigators currently believe he acted alone, Patel added. State governor Patrick Morrisey deployed hundreds of personnel to the capital in August 2025 to deter, what he called, street crime. Other Guard units have since been assigned to similar visibility-based patrol duties in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. Only one week earlier, US federal judge Jia Cobb had ruled that elements of the capital deployment were likely unlawful, pausing enforcement of her decision for 21 days pending appeal. In an evening address, Trump announced that an additional 500 Guard troops would be mobilized at the request of the War Department to "reinforce" capital security in the coming days. Observers commenting on the incident warned that it could be used by American officials to drastically rekindle Washington's so-called "war on terror" fiery rhetoric, which has been repeatedly used by the White House to justify radical foreign meddling and deployment as well as mass deportations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address AUSINDEX concludes in the Pacific By Sub-Lieutenant Jake Badior 26 November 2025 The Royal Australian Navy successfully conducted training and engagement with the Indian Navy from November 18 to 20 in the western Pacific Ocean for AUSINDEX 25. The exercise involved HMAS Ballarat and Indian Navy Shivalik-class frigate INS Sahyadri conducting serials focused on surface and air warfare, seamanship, aviation operations and personnel exchanges. AUSINDEX is held every two years and is concentrated on enhancing interoperability between the Australian and Indian navies. It also allows sailors from both navies to share best practices. Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren emphasised the importance of the India-Australia relationship. "India is a top-tier security partner for Australia and, as highlighted by the National Defence Strategy, is central to Australia's ability to achieve our objectives in the Indo-Pacific region," Commander Uren said. "Frequently exercising together and conducting training exchanges not only strengthens our ability to operate together at sea, but it also builds trust, mutual understanding and interoperability between our forces." This year marked the fifth year since Australia and India elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, where both nations agreed to boost cooperation in the maritime domain. This concept, encapsulated in a Joint Declaration on a Shared Vision for Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, facilitates deeper engagement between the two nations, including maritime domain awareness and expanded linkages between the maritime agencies. "Exercises like AUSINDEX highlight the commitment of Australia and like-minded partners to regional security, stability and prosperity," Commander Uren said. "They also enable us to enhance Australia's reputation as a partner of choice in the region." AUSINDEX is the final international engagement activity for Ballarat and her crew as part of their three-month regional presence deployment throughout the Indo-Pacific. Ballarat will return to her home port of Fleet Base West in Western Australia in early December, having conducted a range of engagements, exercises and cooperative activities with 10 partner and allied nations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Maritime experts join Brunei security workshop By Lieutenant Jemima Schortz 26 November 2025 Australian maritime security specialists joined Bruneian counterparts for a Maritime Security Workshop hosted by the Royal Brunei Navy from November 12 to 13. The Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 event brought together senior Bruneian officials - including from the Attorney General's Chambers and Fisheries Department - Royal Brunei Armed Forces personnel and law enforcement officers to exchange lessons on maritime domain awareness and maritime security challenges. Australia was represented by Australian National University's National Security College experts Commodore Peter Leavy and Jennifer Parker, and Australian Border Force First Secretary (Philippines) Inspector Joeline Arentz, who shared insights on maritime security threats, integrated maritime operations, policy and legal frameworks, and border enforcement strategies. The dialogue focused on key priorities including enhancing maritime domain awareness through increased understanding of the environment, growing technology and improved information-sharing platforms. Discussion also covered countering transnational maritime threats - such as piracy, illegal fishing and narcotics smuggling in the South-East Asian region - and strengthening collaborative regional relationships through joint operations, capability sharing and formalised policy frameworks. Commodore Leavy highlighted the importance of collaboration. "Maritime security is a shared responsibility," he said. "By working together, we can ensure safe and open sea lanes that underpin regional stability and prosperity." Australian High Commissioner to Brunei Michael Hoy said: "Indo-Pacific Endeavour working groups like this help bring together representatives from across governments with a stake in maritime security. Exchanging lessons helps both countries secure our respective maritime resources for future generations." Ms Parker contributed expertise on maritime strategy and multilateral coordination, including how understanding the maritime domain resulted in the ability to respond effectively. Inspector Arentz provided operational perspectives on border enforcement and inter-agency cooperation, highlighting that effective deterrence and interdiction of vessels required multi-agency input and standardised procedures. The two-day workshop concluded with a commitment to regional partnership through joint exercises, capacity-building programs and enhanced interoperability. Participants looked forward to future cooperation to safeguard blue economy interests and respond to new maritime security challenges. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference - Canberra Transcript Thursday 27 November 2025 Parliament House, Canberra Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher Minister of Government Business in the Senate Minister for Government Services Minister for Finance Minister for Women Senator the Hon Murray Watt Minister for the Environment and Water ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: When we came to government, we promised we would reform Australia's broken environmental laws. Today, we deliver that promise. The sensible, responsible and balanced laws are good for business and good for the environment. Today, I can announce our Government's landmark environmental law reform will pass the Parliament today, heralding a new era for the environment and productivity in Australia. We have consulted extensively with the business community, with environmental groups and with community organisations. More than five years after Professor Graeme Samuel handed down his independent review into the nation's 25 year old environmental laws that were widely acknowledged as not being fit for purpose, the Government's Environment Protection Reform Bill will be passed by the Senate today. The bill will amend the EPBC Act, providing a balanced set of reforms that not only protect the environment for this and future generations, but importantly as well, deliver more certainty for business and the community by helping to speed up decision making for projects in key areas of national priority, like housing, renewable energy and critical minerals. These laws will reduce approval times from years to months, and from months to weeks. The key measures in the Government's amended Bill are; for the first time, Australia will have a National Environment Protection Agency, a strong, independent regulator with a clear focus on ensuring better compliance with and stronger enforcement of Australia's new environmental laws. In another first, Australia will have national environmental standards to ensure clear, strong guidelines to protect the environment. There will be higher penalties for the most significant breaches of environmental law, as well as environment protection evidence for use in urgent circumstances to prevent and respond to major contraventions of the law. We are removing and sunsetting the exemption from the EPBC Act for high risk land clearing and regional forest agreements, so they comply with the same rules and standards as other industries. To complement this, today we're announcing that my Government will establish a $300 million Forestry Growth Fund to deliver a bigger forestry industry that supports more secure jobs, better pay and high value output. The Timber Fibres Strategy developed with industry outlines how the forestry sector is increasingly relying on plantation timber, which provides opportunities to improve the sustainability of the industry and move up the value chain for timber products. This is about using science and evidence to prove all forestry in Australia is undertaken at the highest standard. The Government is backing forestry and timber workers through our Forestry Growth Fund that will invest in new equipment, and facilities to enable industry modernisation and advanced processing. Things like retooling of timber mills, that is so important for the industry going forward. We will require proponents of large emitting projects to disclose their greenhouse gas emissions and their emission reduction plan. We will maintain federal approval of water trigger on coal and gas projects, because the water table in areas like the Murray Darling Basin obviously goes across state boundaries, and therefore the water trigger is absolutely essential. We will importantly respond to what was the business community's main demand, and that was that we needed to better define unacceptable impacts that were in the Bill that passed the House of Representatives, to give more certainty to business, and we will deliver that today. We will clarify net gain as well to provide more certainty going forward. We will have stop work orders limited to 14 days with the potential for the Minister to deliver an additional 14 days, should it be deemed to be appropriate. We will allow the extension as well of not-controlled action decisions, which has lapsed. So, for example, if you had a not-controlled action, such as a road to a particular project that hadn't yet been approved because it was subject to assessment, then that could be extended so that a common sense approach was taken. We will introduce all of these key measures to speed up decision making for business and the community, which Minister Watt will go through. This is a landmark day for the environment in this country. It is also a good day for business in this country, by providing more certainty, reducing delays, and making sure that we get better outcomes and improve productivity. I do want to congratulate Minister Watt in particular, for the work that he has done consulting right across the country to deliver this project. I want to thank those people who participated in good faith negotiations, including the Senators Waters and Hanson-Young, who negotiated in good faith. There are many people in the Coalition as well, such as Senator Duniam and the Shadow Minister who also participated in negotiations. But in particular, I want to thank those people in the business community and in the environmental movement who engaged constructively to get this outcome. I said, when I spoke at the National Press Club in June after our election, that this was going to be the year of delivery, and this is front and centre of my Government, delivering on the commitments that we made. We'll hear from Minister Watt, and then we'll hear from Minister Gallagher as well about the other legislation that will pass the Parliament today. MURRAY WATT, MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER: Well, thanks very much, Prime Minister, and thank you for your leadership and support through this project. As you say, it has been a long time coming, and it's a very good day for Australia under your leadership. As the Prime Minister has said, today is a landmark day for Australia's natural environment. Today, Labor's historic reforms through our national environmental laws will be passed with the support of the Greens in the Senate. These reforms will deliver a modern, fit for purpose set of national environmental laws for Australia for a long time to come. The reforms deliver faithfully on the recommendations of Professor Samuel's report five long years ago, and they deliver on the promise that I gave, on taking on this role to ensure that these laws would be balanced and that they would deliver real gains for both the environment and for business. Labor has a proud history of standing up for the environment, and we continue that work today with these reforms. The Prime Minister has taken you through in some detail the major benefits for the environment out of these reforms, such as the new National Environment Protection Agency, new national environmental standards and removing exemptions from the Act for high risk land clearing and regional forestry agreements. I won't go over that again in detail, but I will elaborate a little bit further on some of the reforms for business. These reforms do respond to the major requests of the business community, which are all designed to speed up decision making and lift productivity by giving business faster yeses and faster nos. So these reforms include a new streamlined assessment pathway to significantly reduce the time frame for proponents who provide sufficient information up front; new and improved bilateral agreements with states and territories to remove duplication for the assessment and approval of projects; reformed regional planning to deliver go zones and no go zones for development, rather than project by project assessment; clarifying definitions of unacceptable impacts and net gain for the environment to provide greater business certainty; and introducing an ability to extend the lapsing of a not-controlled action after five years for an additional five years. The passage of these laws today has been years in the making, and it's taken a lot of effort from a lot of people. And I really want to thank all stakeholders, from whichever perspective they've come from, who've participated in an extremely extensive consultation process. And I pay particular tribute to the members of the Labor Caucus, as well as the broader party membership, who fought so hard for so long to achieve these changes. These changes deliver that balanced package that we've talked about, to strengthen environmental protections and speed up the housing, renewables, critical minerals and other projects that we so desperately need. Thank you, and I'll pass over to Katy Gallagher. KATY GALLAGHER, MINISTER OF GOVERNMENT BUSINESS IN THE SENATE: Thanks, Murray, and it's lovely to be here with you and the PM on the final sitting day. So I thought I'd just run through some of the other parts of what we've agreed today in terms of what we're going to pass through the Senate. As the PM said, he made it very clear from the re-election date that this was the year of delivery, the term of delivery, and since that day, we have gone and sought to work with the Senate, which, as you know, at times can be difficult, to get our legislative agenda through, deliver on our election commitments. And we have done that. At the end of today, once the Senate rises, we will have passed 50 Bills through the Senate, including ten of those today. So we will pass through, obviously, the environment, the EPBC package. We'll also pass the Home Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill, the Communications Legislation Amendment, Treasury Laws Amendment, Regulatory Reform Bill, the Education Legislation Amendment, Strengthening Oversight from the National Intelligence Community Bill, the Veterans Affairs Legislation Amendment Bill, the VET Student Loans Bill, and the Customs Tariff Amendment (Geelong Treaty) Implementation Bill. So that gives you a sense of what will happen today, but also what we have delivered since we came, were returned to Government, including delivering on a number of election commitments through the Senate. 50 bills through the Senate, is not an insignificant achievement over the last few months. And we thank very much those across the Senate that have worked with us, including the Greens, over the last week to negotiate a package that we can get through today. But it means we finished the year on a very strong position. It means there'll only be a few Bills left before the Senate, because we have delivered so much over the last few months. And we will also, through the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Update, be providing an additional $50 million to the ABC for the production of local content, and the Minister will have more to say about that later. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, is there anything that you've agreed to with the Greens outside of this package to obtain their support? And you met with Larissa Waters and Sarah Hanson-Young yesterday to thrash out the final details - did you meet at all with Sussan Ley to elevate those negotiations? PRIME MINISTER: I offered to meet with Sussan Ley, and that wasn't taken up, that offer. The Coalition, I made it very clear in the first meeting that I had with Sussan Ley that this was a priority. I don't think that's a secret. I said the same privately. I said the same publicly, over and over again. The Coalition did put forward a range of amendments. Now some of those were straight from the business community. They're things that we have pursued, because we received them from the business community as well. So the sort of reforms, such as the clarification of net gain, the definition of unacceptable impacts as well, are things that we work through. The problem that we have with the Coalition was that their final letters had in it, 'and there are other things to come'. Now, Parliament stops today. You can't, the day before Parliament say, 'oh, well, we've got some other things, but we can't tell you what they are yet'. It made it impossible. And I hope that the Coalition support this today, because this is something that everyone in the Parliament should support. I must say that the Greens showed maturity in that they, a range of the things that they wanted they didn't get. There are a range of things we put forward that I said were not negotiable, because the business community had said to me that those last two measures, for example, were what they wanted to amend the legislation. Where I saw a good argument, either from the environmental improvement side or the business improvement side, they went in the Bill in a non-negotiable way. And I must say that the Greens were very constructive in those negotiations yesterday, and I thank them for it. JOURNALIST: This has been, as you know, a key ask for many, many years of a great deal of Labor membership. And they're telling me now this is a landmark deal, get the champagne out, they're extremely happy about the environmental gains. And just on your earlier remarks, would you say this is a big win for the environment and there are a couple rules for business now? How would you describe the environmental gains? PRIME MINISTER: I'd describe this as a great win for the environment and a great one for business. This is a win-win, and that is what we were looking for very clearly. And it is absolutely true that the Labor Party membership are passionate about the environment. The only portfolio I've asked for in this building is to be Shadow Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, and I was proud to do so when I received that portfolio. I know that it's been said in the past, I read that the environment portfolio isn't an important one. I'll tell you what, if you're a Labor Environment Minister, then that is important, and that's a very senior role in my Government. I thank also Tanya Plibersek for the work that she did during the last Parliament as Environment Minister as well. I think that the whole of our party can be proud of what we've achieved today. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, just to follow up Ron's question, was there anything else that you've agreed with the Greens outside of what you've announced? PRIME MINISTER: We had the series of bills that we wanted passed, we've done that, and the forestry package that we've done to improve jobs and sustainability of the industry is something as well that we've talked with the union about, I've talked with other stakeholders about as well. That's outside of the Parliament here. JOURNALIST: Have you spoken with Roger Cook? PRIME MINISTER: Yes, we have spoken to Roger Cook. JOURNALIST: Can you tell us more about the forestry deal, what will it mean for people who work in native forestry logging? Will they have to find a new job? What guarantees can you give those workers today? PRIME MINISTER: Well, we're very clear that the prospects of forestry workers are improved today compared with what they were yesterday, because RFAs stay. And RFAs of course, apply not just to native forestry, but also to plantation. What this does is take on board the recommendations from the Samuel Review, and does that very faithfully. But in addition to that, this takes on board the program that was done with the Timber Fibre Strategy that was worked through with industry. And so taking that on board, things like retooling of timber mills, and providing government support for that is really important. At the moment, those jobs increasingly, because yield has been decreasing over a period of time, you need to retool so that you ensure that there are future jobs going forward. Murray, you might want to add. MINISTER WATT: As the Prime Minister says, this is actually a massive vote of confidence in the forestry sector moving forward. The reality is that we are increasingly moving towards plantation timber as the source of most of our timber needs nationally, and we want to make sure that workers in those industries seize those new opportunities of the future, including also by making sure that we are moving the sector up the value chain. That's the way that we have a sustainable forestry industry, into the future, both in environmental and economic terms. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, is the business community worse off under a Labor-Greens deal as opposed to a Labor-Coalition deal? And Minister, did you ask for this portfolio? PRIME MINISTER: Well on the former, I can do the latter too because that's my job to allocate portfolios. And it is a great privilege to be able to do that. The Coalition deal wasn't on the table - that was the problem. The business community have been saying for a long period of time, including through your network, that they wanted the Coalition to move forward here. I mean, this has been around, be clear about this, this has been around for a long period of time. And what is very clear from the way that I negotiate and the way that things get done or don't get done, is if it's not a good deal, it doesn't get done. This is a good deal. This is consistent with the principles that we went into those negotiations with. This had to be a good outcome for the environment and a good outcome for business. And so, I've engaged very directly myself as Prime Minister, not just this term, but last term as well, as has been well documented. I wanted to make sure that we ticked off on the big things that were required. MINISTER WATT: I can tell you having been involved in those negotiations with the Prime Minister, that it was an absolute condition of passing these reforms with the Greens that some of the major concerns of the business community be addressed. There is no doubting whatsoever this package takes the environment a long way further, but it also takes things further forward for the business community and speeding up approvals. JOURNALIST: Would you consider this a political victory? Obviously, it's a mammoth task. On the legislation, when will we start to see these things taking affect in the real world? PRIME MINISTER: I'd consider this to be a significant victory for the country, because the country's been held back by environmental laws that were not fit for purpose. They weren't working for the environment and they weren't working for business. They were holding back investment. One of the things we need to do in this country for our economy is increase investment. Speed up the housing development, speed up the rollout of renewable energy, speed up the rollout of critical minerals projects. Do so in a way that is sustainable as well, that protects our pristine and natural environment that Australians love for this and future generations. This achieves that, and I think it is certainly a proud moment that occurs. You will see this pass the Senate today. In a range of areas, the changes to the EPA application for forestry will take place 12 months after the entry into force, which is 1 July next year. So that gives time as well to work out the details of the $300 million package. How we are making sure that we're delivering. And we want to do that in partnership with industry and with workers, because my government will always stand up for the interests of workers. That is what we have done, including in Tasmania. JOURNALIST: Minister, you've spoken about what it means for to have longevity in a way that moves outcomes by doing a deal with the other party of government. Are you concerned that that's now at risk given you aligned with the Greens? MINISTER WATT: No, I'm not. I have made the point that there were some benefits in being able to reach a deal with the coalition in terms of the enduring nature of the reforms. But as all of you can see, every single day, the Coalition is a shambles, and they've been a shambles on these negotiations as well. So you can't strike a deal with someone who doesn't know what they want. But more broadly, I have great confidence that we've ended up delivering an enduring set of reforms by working with the Greens, because we have not only delivered wins for the environment, but also for business. So that gives me confidence that these laws will work for both the environment and for business. JOURNALIST: One of the big aspects of this legislation is the bilateral agreements with the states. There have been plenty of examples throughout history of some relatively tough negotiations between Commonwealth and State Governments. How you expect the talks to go between yourself and the states as you thrash out some of the detail of these changes? PRIME MINISTER: I think they'll go very well. I have a good relationship with the states, notwithstanding the fact that from time to time, Premiers will decide to, you know, try to secure a parochial hit through local papers. But I sit down with them, I engage with them constructively. I had a terrific meeting with Premier Rockliff, who's the Chair of CAF at the moment, as in, Council for the Australian Federation. Basically, the state Premiers all have this rotating chair who's their spokesperson. I met with him this week here in Canberra. I have a very good relationship with Jeremy, and I certainly, I take this opportunity to call upon members of the Legislative Council in Tasmania to vote for the stadium and to vote for Tasmania getting a footy club. Vote for Tasmanian young people having the opportunity to stay in Tasmania and to dream of playing for the Tassie Devils. You have an important task ahead in the coming week, and I don't want to see that go backwards. And so that was certainly one of the discussions that I had with Premier Rockliff. JOURNALIST: Earlier this week, the Chinese Ambassador to Australia made a pitch for China to be considered for the 6G network. Given the history of the 5G network, is that something you would consider? PRIME MINISTER: I didn't see that pitch, and it certainly hasn't been made to me. We give consideration, including appropriate national security consideration, to all of those measures. I'm very satisfied with decisions made by my Government and by previous governments as well, and I should imagine that any decision that we made will be consistent with that. JOURNALIST: Are you concerned about the questions about money laundering around the Nauruan Government given the deal for resettlement of the NZYQ cohort? PRIME MINISTER: Well of course as you know those things are, suggestions are subject to a period before we were in office. I'm happy to answer questions and be accountable for what we've done in office, and what we've done in office is entirely appropriate. JOURNALIST: Are you open to a conscience vote in Parliament on the gambling ad ban? PRIME MINISTER: Well, that's been asked in Parliament. I lead the Labor Party, and the Labor Party makes caucus decisions appropriately, and that is what we do. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, do you have any thoughts about the people of Hong Kong? We've seen those terrible apartment fires. PRIME MINISTER: My heart goes out to the people who've lost their lives and the people who are searching and concerned about loved ones. This has been a human tragedy, and the hearts of all Australians today will be thinking of the people of Hong Kong who are going through a very tough day. Thanks very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko Vladimir Putin held a meeting with President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko. November 26, 2025 14:30 Bishkek President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko: First off, thank you for taking the time to make good on your promise. Earlier, we set up a meeting at this particular time. I am aware that you have had a few challenging days; an official visit usually entails a considerable workload. Nevertheless, as you accurately pointed out, there is always something important to discuss. We need to go over certain matters before we make certain decisions. These matters are not getting fewer in number and are becoming increasingly challenging. I am ready to discuss issues that are pressing for Russia and Belarus. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Lukashenko, I am also delighted to see you. We maintain contact; a couple of days ago, we spoke by phone and scheduled this meeting. We are among friends here, so the workload will not be too heavy. We discussed bilateral relations with Kyrgyzstan. Our trade and economic ties with Kyrgyzstan are not that extensive but are also on the rise. If we take Belarus, even though in previous years the figures were also good, we have reached a good mark of over US$50 billion in trade, and Russia is the largest investor in the Belarusian economy. To reiterate, the dynamics are good and, overall, things appear to be going quite well in the EAEU, and the trend is very good indeed. Speaking of Russia-Belarus relations, I would like to highlight the most important points: in addition to positive dynamics in trade and the economy, we have fulfilled more than a third of our plans to improve and to build the Union State. This is critical. The discussions continue productively in the energy sector. Without a doubt, we have things to discuss when it comes to security of the Union State. You informed me by phone about ongoing relations with your neighbours, and I will be glad to update you on what is happening in terms of achieving results - by peaceful means - that are acceptable and desirable for us on the Ukraine track. I know you always stay up to date and are concerned about it, and you are among the people who want this conflict to be over. We remember your contribution to settling this conflict. Literally from day one, the efforts deployed by Belarus in this regard brought good results, and our first contacts with the Kiev regime on this matter took place on the Belarusian soil with your direct participation. Without a doubt, I will update you on this as well. Alexander Lukashenko: If you ever decide to return to Minsk, you know we are always ready for that. Whenever the issue of Ukraine comes up in my conversations with the Westerners, the Americans, and they voice their concerns, I always ask them: did you not know that we are kin, and our actions are legally substantiated? We are allies. So, even the Americans, and I credit them with it, never raise this question, never. We made this point once and took it off the table, end of discussion. I hope everything will turn out well as we can surmise from the latest developments, if the Americans (I will now say publicly what I told them in private) tread carefully and remain fully aware of the fact that this matter is not simple and needs complex solutions. Vladimir Putin: I think we have achieved such an understanding. We will discuss this matter now. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's FM urges Kyrgyzstan to enforce the law impartially, in responding to reported arrest of Chinese CEO Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 26, 2025 04:29 PM Responding to media inquiries over Kyrgyzstan's reported arrest of a Chinese CEO of a gold mining firm, which is accused of causing "large-scale" environmental damage and providing false information to authorities, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday: "We have noted relevant reports, and the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan is further verifying and learn about the specific situation." Mao said the Chinese government has always required overseas Chinese citizens to abide by local laws and regulations and Chinese-funded enterprises to operate legally. "We also hope Kyrgyzstan will enforce the law impartially and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese-funded enterprises and Chinese citizens in Kyrgyzstan," Mao said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (November 26, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs November 26, 2025 Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to this press conference. Let's begin our conversation. Sidhant, WION: Hi, sir. Siddhant from WION. My question is over the Pakistani reaction over the Indian Prime Minister hoisting the flag at the Ayodhya temple. So, what's the reaction of the MEA? Uma Shankar Singh, Independent Journalist: Uma shankar Singh, independent journalist, mera sawaal Cheen ko lekar hai. Cheen ne pehle Bhaaratiya nagrik ki nagrikta par sawaal uthaya, uske baad Arunachal Pradesh ko lekar ek bahut hi ek apattijanak bayan diya, jo pehle bhi vah deta raha hai. Kaha hai ki Arunachal Pradesh Bharat ka hissa nahin hai. Mera sawaal yah hai ki kya Videsh Mantralay jo hai, vah bayan ke zariye hi is ka is bat ka jawab dega, ya kuch steps bhi uthae gaye hain, ya kisi tarah se talab karke rajdoot kokya kuch kiya gaya is maamle mein Cheen ke saath? [Approximate Translation: Question In Hindi] Uma Shankar Singh, independent journalist my question is regarding China. China first raised a question about the citizenship of an Indian national, and after that, it made a very objectionable statement regarding Arunachal Pradesh, which it has been making earlier as well. It has said that Arunachal Pradesh is not a part of India. My question is: will the Ministry of External Affairs respond to this only through a statement, or have some steps also been taken? Has the ambassador been summoned in any way, or has anything else been done in this matter with China? Rishabh, Times Now: Sir, good evening. Rishabh from Times Now. So one, in addition to Sidhant's question, that Pakistan also made a comment on Raksha Mantri's statement that he made earlier this week regarding Sindh. And second, there have been multiple reports as well as statements that have come from Dhaka, where they have asked India to return Sheikh Hasina and other Awami League leaders who have been convicted by the ICT. Madhurendra News Nation: Sir, Madhurendra mei News Nation se. Bharat ke demarche jaari karne ke baad bhi humne dekha ki Cheen ki taraf se bayaan jaari kiya gaya ki Arunachal unka abhinna ang hai. Haalanki uske baad Bharat ne statement jaari kiya hai. Lekin main jaanna chahta hoon ki SR-level talk bhi, kyunki tamaam border issues par chal rahe hain, to Arunachal ko lekar SR-level talk mein kya sthiti haiuske baare mein bataayein. Aur hamare statement jaari karne ke baad agar Bharat sarkaar ne Cheen ke saath aur bhi kuch samvaad kiya ho, ya phir demarche issue kiya ho, us baare mein jaankaari dein. Doosra sawaal Pakistan ko lekar haiPakistan ne jo Ram Mandir par flag lagaya gaya usko lekar jo virodh jataaya hai, us par, usko lekar jo baatein kahi hain, us par hamara kya reaction hai? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, this is Madhurendra from News Nation. Even after India issued the demarche, we saw that China released a statement saying that Arunachal is its integral part. Although India has issued a statement afterward, I want to know about the SR-level talks as wellsince discussions on various border issues are ongoing. So, regarding Arunachal, what is the position in the SR-level talks? Please tell us about that. And after our statement, if the Government of India has had any further communication with China or issued another demarche, please provide information on that. My second question is regarding PakistanPakistan has expressed objection to the flag that was placed at the Ram Mandir. About the comments they have made on this matter, what is our reaction? Yeshi Seli, Business India: This is Yeshi Seli from Business India. My question is regarding Afghanistan. Afghanistan Trade and Commerce Minister was here recently, and he said that a trade attache is coming here and a trade attache from India is going there. There was this understanding that India is possibly going to send an Ambassador there. Is that going to happen in the near future? And secondly, what is the status of Commander Purnendu Tiwari? It's been 21 months is he coming back, or what is the status on him? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first we come to Sidhant, your question on Pakistan. We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others. Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights records. Kyonki Madhu, apne bhi yahi sawal kiya, isliye main Hindi mein dohrana chahunga isko. humne report kiye gaye bayanon ko dekha hai aur unhein usi apmanna sath kharij karte hain, jiske vah hakdar hain. Ek aise desh ke taur par jiska apne alpsankhyakon ke daman, kattarta aur vyavasthit bure bartav ka gehra dagdar record hai, Pakistan ke pas doosre ko lecture dena, yani updesh dene ka koi naitik adhikar nahin hai. Khokhle updesh dene ke bajay, ya pakhndi updesh dene ke bajay, Pakistan ke liye behtar hota ki vah apne andar jhanke aur apni jo unke manav adhikar ka jo record hai, kharab record hai, us par dhyan de. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Since Madhu, you also asked the same question, I would like to repeat it in Hindi. We have seen the statements that were reported, and we reject them with the contempt they deserve. A country whose own record is deeply tainted with the persecution, extremism, and systematic mistreatment of its minorities has no moral right to lecture others or give sermons. Instead of giving hollow or hypocritical sermons, it would be better for Pakistan to look within and pay attention to its own poor human rights record. Umashankar ji, apka sawal. Dekhiye Cheen par jo abhi unhone jo kadam uthaye the hamare nagrik ko leke Shanghai airport par, uske bad hum logon ne kal ek statement jari kiya hai. Usme humne bataya hai, usse pehle bhi bataya ki jo yeh hua, vah theek nahin hai aur hamare dono deshon ke rishton ke liye yeh madadgar nahin hai. Sath hi sath humne yeh bhi kaha ki Arunachal Pradesh jo hai, vo Bharat ka ek abhinna ang hai, ek anishchit ang hai, aur yeh ek tareeke se swayam-spasht hai. Kisi prakar ki is mamle par koi haqeeqat mein koi badlav nahin ata hai. Yeh Cheeni paksh ko iske bare mein poori tarah se gyat hona chahiye. Jahan tak apne kaha ki kya humne is mudde ko uthaya haiji, humne Cheeni sarkar se yahan Nai Dilli mein aur Beijing mein, dono taraf unse is mudde ko badi sakhti se uthaya tha ki yeh jo hai niradhar hai, bilkul galat hai jis prakar se bartav kiya gaya hai. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Umashankar, regarding your question: See, on China, the steps they recently took concerning our citizen at Shanghai Airportafter that we issued a statement. In it, we stated, as we had mentioned before, that what happened is not acceptable and is not helpful for the relations between our two countries. At the same time, we also said that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India, an inseparable part, and this is self-evident. There is no change in that reality. The Chinese side should be fully aware of this. As for your question about whether we raised this issueyes, we raised this matter with the Chinese government both here in New Delhi and in Beijing, on both sides, with strong insistence that what happened is baseless and completely wrong, in the way such conduct was carried out. So, I will sum it up also in English. See, we had issued a statement; essentially, I was translating the statement that we had made earlier. Yesterday we made a statement regarding the arbitrary detention of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, who was holding a valid passport and was transiting through Shanghai International Airport on an onward travel to Japan. We want to say that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of India, and this is a fact which is self-evident. No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality. At the same time, I said that we did take up this matter, we did do a strong demarche with the Chinese side, both in Beijing and in Delhi, when the incident took place. At the same time, I would like to add further, since we are talking about .... Madhu made a reference to SR talks, as to what sort of impact these incidents will have on our ties going forward. So let me reiterate. Maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border regions is a prerequisite for the continued and overall development of India-China bilateral relations. Our position in this regard has always been very clear and consistent. Since October 2024, both sides have worked closely to maintain peace and tranquility in the border regions, and it is on this basis that progressespecially in particular focus on people-centric engagementshas been made. Arbitrary actions by China, as the one that I refer to, involving an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh, are most unhelpful towards efforts being made by both sides to build mutual trust and understanding and gradually move towards normalization of bilateral relations. Madhu, aapke liye main jo Hindi mein iska roopantar kar deta hoon: Bharat-Cheen ke aapsi rishton ke lagataar aur vyaapak vikaas ke liye seemaavarti, yaani border kshetron par ilaakon par shanti aur sukoon banaaye rakhna zaroori hai. Is baare mein hamari raay hamesha saaf aur ek jaisi rahi hai. October 2024 ke baad dono pakshon ne border ilaakon mein shanti aur sukoon sthaapit karne ke liye milkar kaam kiya hai, aur isi aadhar par hamare rishton mein ek sthirata aayi hai aur usmein ek tarakki hui hai. Cheen ki manmaani harkatein, jaise ki Shanghai havaai adda par jo haadsa hua, dono pakshon dvara aapsi bharosa aur samajh banane aur dheere-dheere aapse rishte ko saamaanya, yaani normal banane ki koshishon mein madadgaar nahin hai. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Madhu, for you, I will translate this into Hindi: Maintaining peace and tranquility in border areas is essential for the continued and overall development of India-China relations. Our view on this has always been clear and consistent. After October 2024, both sides have worked together to establish peace and tranquility in the border areas, and on this basis, stability has come into our relations, and progress has been made. Arbitrary actions by China, such as the incident at Shanghai Airport, do not help in building mutual trust and understanding between the two sides or in gradually normalizing the relationship. Rishabh, aapka sawaal Sindh ko lekar hai, us par main koi tipanni nahin karna chahta hoon. I don't want to offer any comments on that. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Rishabh, your question is regarding Sindh. On that, I do not wish to offer any comments. On Bangladesh, to your question about the request. Yes, we have received the request and this request is being examined as part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. We remain committed to the best interests of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country, and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all stakeholders. Madhu, aapke Cheen se sambandhit dono prashnon ke maine jawab de diye hain. [Approximate Translation: Answer In Hindi] Madhu, I have answered both your questions related to China. Yeshi, on Afghanistan, you would have followed the visit of the industry and commerce minister. He had several meetings here. He met the External Affairs Minister. He also met the Commerce and Industry Minister here, as also the Minister of State for Commerce and Industry. He also attended the India International Trade Fair, where several Afghan companies and traders, they displayed their wares and displayed their products and services. Since this visit was focused to strengthen Afghanistan-India business ties, he had a range of meetings with chambers on our side, SHM, PhD, Chamber of Commerce, with the export-promoting agencies and councils, such as PHARMEXCIL, APEDA and TEXPROCIL. TEXPROCIL is about textile exports. During these meetings, they discussed several issues, including market access, connectivity, how trade facilitation can happen for Afghan goods in India, also on capacity building and several other issues. You would have also followed this development that during the visit, air freight corridor between Kabul and Delhi and Kabul and Amritsar sectors ... it was agreed to launch and initiate. It was also agreed that both sides will reactivate joint working group on trade, commerce and investment. As also, they will debut commercial representatives in the respective embassies. It was also agreed that we institutionalize an arrangement whereby we have a joint chamber of commerce and industry bringing both sides, Afghanistan and India together, to further promote bilateral trade and commercial cooperation. So, in that sense, a range of meetings, very good outcomes, and the visit was a successful one, very productive one. On your question as to when our ambassador will be posted. Those are things that are ... as I told you, the functional requirements of our embassy there, which we have already upgraded from a technical mission to an embassy ... Those details are being looked into, and we shall keep you updated on that matter. On Purnendu Tiwari, as I said, I don't have an update as to where exactly it is, but he had certain requirements which he has to fulfill in that country, and therefore he continues to stay there. Vijai Laxmi, India TV: Sir, Vijai Laxmi hoon India TV. Sir, kya December ke pehle saptah mein Russia ke Rashtrapati Vladimir Putin Bharat aa sakte hain India-Russia Annual Summit ke liye? Aur kya koi labor mobility agreement bhi sign ho sakti hai dono deshon ke beech, aur iske alawa kya badi cheezen ho sakti hain agar yeh summit ho raha hai isi pehle saptah mein to? [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, this is Vijai Laxmi from India TV. Sir, will Russia's President Vladimir Putin visit India in the first week of December for the India-Russia Annual Summit? And will any labor mobility agreement also be signed between the two countries? Additionally, what major developments could take place if this summit happens in that first week? Huma Siddiqui, StratNews Global: Sir, I have few questions. My name is Huma Siddiqui, and I am with the StratNews Global. There are reports indicating that India has been named as number two supplier of fentanyl precursor to the US, as well as pills. So, what does India have to say about that? And today there was a FOC between India and Venezuela. Was oil export on the agenda of conversation? Because it doesn't find mention in the release that has been issued. Shailendra Wangu, News 18 India: Sir, Shailendra Wangu, News 18 India se. Israel ke media ne claim kiya tha ki Israel ke PM ne apna jo visit hai usko suspend kar diya hai, taal diya hai, filhaal suraksha kaarano ke chalte. Halanki MEA ki taraf se announce nahin hua tha, lekin kal humne dekha ki unki taraf se ek tweet bhi saamne aaya, jahan par unhone kaha ki hum poora security, jo PM Modi ki taraf se ensure ki jaati hai, us par poora bharosa hai. To asal wajah kya rahi hai is daure ke cancel hone ki, kyunki unhone admit kiya ki yeh daura hone wala tha. [Approximate Translation: Question in Hindi] Sir, this is Shailendra Wangu from News 18 India. Israel's media had claimed that Israel's Prime Minister had suspended or postponed his visit for now due to security reasons. Although the MEA had not announced anything, yesterday we saw a tweet from their side in which they said that they have full confidence in the security arrangements ensured by PM Modi. So, what is the real reason for the cancellation of this visit, given that they had admitted that the visit was indeed scheduled to take place? Dhairya Maheshwari, Sputnik India: Sir, Dhairya Maheshwari, from Sputnik India. Sir, will it be possible to get a reaction to the 28-point peace plan which has been compiled by the US with inputs from both Russia and Ukraine? Thank you. Keshav Padmanabhan, ThePrint: Sir, thank you Keshav Padmanabhan from ThePrint. My first question is with regards to the international crimes tribunal, Bangladesh. I remember your statement which said that you have noted the verdict. But my larger question is, does India recognize the jurisdiction of the ICTB when it comes to cases against Sheikh Hasina that was being judged and the verdict was given? And my second question actually was, my colleague already asked in Hindi regarding Israel. So, I would like if you can give that statement in English as well regarding the visit of the Israel Prime Minister. Thank you. Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: So first, pehla Vijay Lakshmi ji, aapka sawaal. Dekhiye, dono deshon ki taraf se taiyaari chal rahi hai. Jo hamara annual summit meeting hota hai, Russia aur Bharat ke beech mein, isko lekar. 23rd annual summit jo hai, vah Delhi mein hona hai, December ke mahine mein. Aur date ke baare mein aapko jald gyaan diya jaayega. Main yeh bata sakta hoon ki dono deshon ki taraf se achhi taiyaari chal rahi hai, aur jaisa ki aapko pata hai, jab Videsh Mantri bhi gaye the Moscow, us yatra ke dauran is par baatcheet hui thi, kai ek mantri gan se wahan baatcheet hui thi. Aur dono desh prayaas kar rahe hain ki Rashtrapati Putin ka daura Bharat mein, isse rishton mein aur tezi aayegi. Is taraf hum log kaam kar rahe hain. [Approximate Translation: Answer In Hindi] So first, Vijay Lakshmi ji, regarding your question: See, preparations are underway from both sides for the annual summit meeting between Russia and India. The 23rd annual summit is scheduled to be held in Delhi in the month of December. You will be informed soon about the exact date. I can say that preparations from both sides are going well. As you know, when the External Affairs Minister visited Moscow, discussions were held on this matter with several ministers. Both countries are making efforts to ensure that President Putin's visit to India strengthens the bilateral relationship. We are working in this direction. Yes, I said that both sides are working on the annual summit, which is to be held in Delhi. As far as the dates are concerned, we will let you know on this matter in a few days' time. Both sides are working very hard to strengthen ties, and in that regard, several issues that will form part of the outcome, are being discussed and being looked into. Right now, we shall keep you updated on the visit and the progress that is being made in that regard. Huma, on your question on counter-narcotics. Let me tell you that we have very strong collaboration and not just strong collaboration, institutional collaboration between India and the United States. And these are based on long-standing agreements between the two countries. Operational cooperation between the two countries has surged in the last several years, with significant two-way interdictions and coordinated enforcement. Let me tell you that cooperation, as far as counter-narcotics is concerned, has been given a further push with the upgraded launch of the India-United States Counter-Narcotics Working Group which happened in 2020. And the fifth meeting of the Counter-Narcotics Working Group happened in October last year, where both sides adopted several new measures to strengthen their common challenge and fight against narcotics. And let me also tell you that the preparations for the sixth meeting, sixth Counter-Narcotics Working Group meeting is also underway. We have a very strong mechanism of sharing information between the United States and India, and these have resulted in key seizures and arrests. Let me also tell you that joint operations have been conducted which has led to dismantling of major transnational networks. So, it's a very good area of cooperation and we want to further strengthen our joint fight against narcotics. On the Foreign Office Consultations, yes, we had foreign office consultations at the time and we have put out a press release which gives you details of all the issues that were discussed, and I would seek your attention that we have given you a detailed readout and that is where you will get all the details of our conversation with our counterpart from Venezuela. Shailendra, dekhiye, koi bhi videshi daura jab hota hai, chahe Pradhanmantri aaye, Rashtrapati aaye, uska hum log ek announcement karte hain. Theek hai na? To announcement karne ke baad aapko pata chalta hai ki ye state visit ho ya official visit ho, uski hum pushti karte hain. Is maamle mein baatcheet chal rahi thi, hum logon ne koi pushti to nahi ki ki ye daura hone wala hai. To aap kaise keh rahe hain ki fir ye postpone ho gaya? Mujhe yeh samajh mein nahi aa raha hai. Aur ek cheez aur main aapko dhyaan launga ki aap log jab kuch media mein khabar dekhte hain, to chhaapne se pehle hum logon se pooch lijiye ki is pe aapki kya raay hai, to behtar rahega. Shailendra, aapka dhyaan mein aakarshit karna chaahoonga ki Israel ke Pradhanmantri ke dastak ke ki taraf se bhi ek bayaan is par aaya hai. To us par bhi aap nazar daalen. Bahut saari cheezen hoti hain dwipakshiya dauron mein, jis par dhyaan diya jaata hai, aap log ke samaksh laane se pehle. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] Shailendra, see, whenever any foreign visit happens, whether the Prime Minister comes or the President comes, we make an announcement about it. Right? After the announcement, you come to know whether it is a state visit or an official visit, and we confirm it. In this matter, discussions were ongoing, and we did not confirm that this visit was going to happen. So how can you say that it has been postponed? I don't understand this. And one more thing, I would like to draw your attention: when you see any news in the media, before publishing it, you should ask our view is on it; that would be better. Shailendra, I also want to bring to your attention that a statement has come from the side of Israel regarding the Prime Minister's visit. So, you should also look at that. Many things happen during bilateral visits, which are paid attention to before being presented in front of you. Dhairya, you had a question about the peace plan. We have seen reports about the peace plan. This issue is still evolving, as you would have seen. There are meetings which are being held. We are closely monitoring the developments in this regard. As you are aware, our Prime Minister has in the past, and on several occasions, said that this is not an era of war, and also called for the earliest possible cessation of hostilities. India has also advocated for sincere and practical engagement between the two parties, and other key stakeholders, through dialogue and diplomacy, to find a lasting solution to the conflict. We continue to support all efforts aimed at bringing lasting peace to the region. Peace efforts were also discussed when External Affairs Minister visited Moscow, and it was also discussed when he had a conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, the Foreign Minister, recently. Keshav, on the ICT verdict, look, we have made a statement. I would say that please have a look. We have given you what we think of it, and what is our position on it. So that is where it is. On the visit of the Prime Minister of Israel, all such visits are announced officially by us, and thereafter it is for you to know that the visit is happening. In this particular case, the dates were not finalized. There are several visits on which we share information. Between two countries, we have a planning process. We look at several issues. Several variables are there. The Israeli Prime Minister's office also issued a statement in that regard. We will definitely keep you updated as and when the visit is planned. Sahil Pandey, ANI: I am Sahil Pandey from ANI News Agency. There were talks about India and Canada likely to announce a uranium deal soon. Are there negotiations going on? If we have an update regarding that, thank you. Ashok, The Pioneer: Sir, Ashok from the Pioneer. I have a question related to visa, that India has reopened visa for Chinese tourists globally. So is this only tourist visa or some business and other visa is also reopened? Sandra: Also, an Israel-related question. There are quite a few reports about Israel having green-lit the relocation of about 5,800 Indian Jews from Mizoram, Manipur to Israel. So how does India feel about the relocation? Kallol Bhattacharjee, The Hindu: Sir, Kollal from The Hindu. India has of course taken note of the death sentence that was given to Sheikh Hasina by the ICT. But there are other cases against Sheikh Hasina as well as there are cases against her top officials that are also coming up. In fact, they are being heard at the ICT right now. And several of those officials are expected to get the capital punishment. And it's being reported that many of these officials are actually on the Indian soil. So, what is your Indian position on this matter? If these individuals also receive a very harsh and adversarial verdict from the ICT, would the Indian authorities then hand over these individuals to Bangladesh or would that also require some negotiation on your part? Gautam Lahiri: Sir, thank you. I am Gautam Lahiri. I have a question on the visit of National Security Advisor of Bangladesh. And at the sideline of security conclave, we had a bilateral meeting with our NSA. Whether our concerns and our views and reflections have been communicated to him? Because we didn't get any kind of readout on that meeting. Srinjoy Chowdhury: Sir, on the same subject, the Bangladesh government says that the NSA has been invited to Dhaka. Has that invitation been accepted? And are the two countries looking at dates? Agni, ABP: Sir, this is Agni from ABP. The Union government on Tuesday faced sharp question in the Supreme Court over the case of six people including a pregnant woman from West Bengal, Sunali Khatun, who were pushed to Bangladesh without any verification to their citizenship. Are we in touch with Bangladesh regarding this for their safe coming back and all? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Okay. So, first, Sahil, your question regarding uranium. You know, this is ongoing conversation that we have with Canada. This particular matter was also discussed when our Prime Minister met with Prime Minister Carney in Johannesburg. We shall keep you updated with developments. But, you know, it's an important part of India-Canada bilateral cooperation as to how we can further strengthen our civil-nuclear cooperation between the two countries. Alok, tourist visa is being given to Chinese nationals. And business visas were being given earlier. So, you know, all those visas are now in place. The visa regime of tourism and business, etc., is fully functional. Sandra, on Israel. Between Israel and India, there's a history which goes back thousands of years. And for that reason, we've had over the last several decades movement of people, and also forging of strong links between Israel and Israeli or Jewish heritage in India. We have seen some reports where a lost tribe from India may travel to Israel. We have seen those. We have a large diaspora. We have a large number of people. People travel to different parts of country on account of economic necessity, on account of emotional necessity or family reunion. So, it is for them to decide what they want to do. Kallol, on your question, on the verdict of the ICT. Yes, we have seen the statement. We are following all the developments that are happening in that country closely. Gautam, on the visit of the National Security Advisor. That visit from Bangladesh happened for the Colombo Security Conclave, the meeting of which was held on 20th November. He also had a bilateral meeting with the National Security Advisor. Several issues were discussed. As part of the Colombo Security Conclave, we discussed common challenges among the several countries which participated. And a readout was given about that particular meeting, where we talked about countering terrorism, radicalization, maritime safety and security, combating trafficking, transnational organized crime, cyber security, protection of critical infrastructure. As also humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. There were also issues where we talked about capacity building, etc. So, these were the issues that were discussed as part of the Colombo Security Conclave. We have a readout. If you want more details, those details are there. Coming to Srinjoy's question, yes, we saw that the invitation has been extended and we will take it forward when the time comes. Agni, your question, see we have a regular consular dialogue and conversation going on with Bangladesh. There are several people's issues which we continue to discuss on both sides. And in this particular specific case, I don't have an update. But we continue to talk with Bangladesh on several issues where the interests of our nationals are concerned, where our interests are concerned. Niraj, News18 India: Thank you, sir. News18 India se Niraj hoon. Sir, hamara sawaal hai ki Pakistan ki taraf se aaj bhi UN expert ke report ka hawala dekar Kashmir mein manavadhikar ka masla uthaya gaya. Operation Sindoor ke baad aur Pahalgam ke baad Pakistan se hamare koi sambandh nahi hai. Baar-baar, Ram Mandir ka masla ho, Raksha Mantri ki baat ho ya manavadhikar ki baat ho, us par kyun baar-baar Pakistan jo hai Bharat par hamla karta hai aur is tarah ke aarop lagata hai. [Approximate Translation: Question In Hindi] Thank you, sir. This is Niraj from News18 India. Sir, our question is: even today, Pakistan has raised the issue of human rights in Kashmir citing a UN expert's report. After Operation Sindoor and after Pahalgam, we have no relations with Pakistan. Repeatedly, whether it is about the Ram Mandir issue, the Defence Minister's remarks, or human rights, why does Pakistan repeatedly attack India and make such allegations? Shri Randhir Jaiswal, Official Spokesperson: Jahan tak manav adhikar ka sawaal hai, maine kaha ki Pakistan ko khud apne girebaan mein jhaank ke dekhna hoga, isse pehle ke doosron ko updesh de, kyunki sab poori duniya ko yeh baat gyat hai ki kis prakar ka manavadhikar ka hanan us desh mein ho raha hai. [Approximate Translation: Answer in Hindi] As far as the question of human rights is concerned, I said that Pakistan needs to look into its own backyard before giving lectures to others, because the entire world is aware of the kind of human rights violations that are happening in that country. With that, thank you very much. Thanks for coming for this press conference. New Delhi November 26, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Larijani says US-Israeli plot was behind recent 12-day war against Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 26, 2025 Islamabad, IRNA -- Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, says the recent 12-day imposed war against Iran was the result of a "US-Israeli conspiracy" planned years in advance. Larijani made the remarks during a gathering at the Iranian Embassy in Islamabad with a group of leading Pakistani think-tank chiefs and scholars of regional and international peace and security. Conveying the greetings of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution to the people of Pakistan, Larijani said that the Pakistani nation, by supporting Iran "with a sense of responsibility" during the Israeli regime's "unjust war" against Iran, showed that it possessed "a solid and sound way of thinking." He also thanked Pakistan's government, parliament and armed forces for their support. Highlighting deep cultural ties as the foundation of Iran-Pakistan relations, he said, "The basis of our cooperation with Pakistan in the past and present is cultural affinity, and in the political sphere we also share intellectual unity." "We consider Pakistan a friendly, supportive, neighboring and culturally akin country, and the Persian language is one of the factors bringing the two nations closer together." He said Pakistan's "justice-seeking position" during the eight-year imposed war had greatly assisted Iran, adding that the recent 12-day war also brought "various lessons." "It was the will of the Iranian nation that revealed itself in this war," he said. "The Israeli regime, which thought it could defeat Iran, became completely disappointed." Calling the war the result of a long-planned "US-Israeli conspiracy," Larijani added that US President Donald Trump recently said "they had been practicing since 2003 to attack Iran's nuclear facilities with their aircraft." He said Iran's powerful missiles "overran Israel's hollow security," while noting that some shortcomings existed that Iran is working to resolve. The war, he went on, demonstrated Iran's resolve while exposing internal disorder within the Israeli regime. 4354**7129 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Negotiation means dialogue, not dictation; US has to abandon inflated demands: FM Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 9:36 PM Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Iran remains open to serious negotiations with the United States, but only if Washington shifts from imposing demands to engaging in equitable and mutually beneficial dialogue. "Negotiation means dialogue, not dictation, and we reject anything based on dictates," the top diplomat said during an interview with France 24 in Paris on Wednesday. He went on to decry a lack of genuine intent on the American side, blaming it for the absence of any underway negotiation track. "The reason is clear: There is no will in America for real, fair negotiations," he said, recalling that Iran had already proven its commitment to diplomacy in earlier years. The official cited the Islamic Republic's joining the negotiation process that yielded the 2015 nuclear agreement between Iran and world countries, which was ditched by Donald Trump during the latter's former tenure. He also referred to the negotiation process that began earlier this year, but was irreversibly disrupted by an imposed and illegal joint Israeli-American war on Iran. Despite all this, Araghchi said, Tehran's stance does equate rejection of diplomacy, but rejection of negotiation shaped by coercion. "The day the US government announces that it is ready to set aside imposed and excessive demands and pursue a serious, win-win dialogue based on mutual interests, Iran will never say 'no,'" he said. "But we don't see that readiness now. We're not rushing. We're waiting, and we will be patient until the US shows real intent instead of inflated demands," the foreign minister noted. The interview also touched on regional diplomacy and recent media claims regarding a letter sent by President Masoud Pezeshkian to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Araghchi roundly dismissed allegations that the communication concerned potential Riyadh-mediated talks between Iran and the United States. He, however, stated that the Islamic Republic "completely trusts" the kingdom in the nuclear issue, asserting that the bilateral ties and confidence between the two sides have been improving over the past years. The official, meanwhile, reiterated that the challenge faced by Iran on the nuclear file was not a shortage of mediators, but Washington's approach to negotiations. Objection to the IAEA board resolution Araghchi went on to address the Islamic Republic's rejection of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors' most recent anti-Iranian resolution, which has demanded rapid and unconditional access to the Iranian nuclear sites hit during the Israeli-American war. The resolution, he said, has ignored "field realities," including the attacks and their aftermath. The official noted that such bombing of civilian nuclear sites was unprecedented, and the agency had no protocol for inspecting bomb-damaged nuclear facilities. Access to the attacked sites remains dangerous due to unexploded munitions, chemical and radioactive contamination, and the risk of renewed Israeli or US strikes, making a new safety-driven framework essential before inspectors could approach damaged areas, he said. He called on board members to avoid further escalatory decisions until such new framework was finalized defining the manner of inspection of the affected facilities. 'Israel, US underestimated Iran's strength' Addressing the issue of the war, Araghchi said the Israeli regime and the United States misread Iran's level of strength during the war, which saw Iranian missiles strike enemy targets "with rising power and accuracy" in retaliation. The reprisal, he reminded, forced both Tel Aviv and Washington to request a ceasefire, despite their early demands for Iran's "unconditional surrender." On prisoner exchange with France Araghchi also commented on the case featuring French nationals Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris. The individuals used to be detained in Iran over espionage charges, but are now at the French Embassy in Tehran awaiting exit permits pending exchange with Iranian academic Mahdieh Esfandiari, who was arrested in France in February over her pro-Palestinian activism. "This exchange has already been negotiated between Iran and France, and an agreement has been reached. Everything on our side is ready. We are now waiting for the legal and judicial processes in both countries to conclude," the foreign minister said. He added that the exchange timeline, though, depended on French judicial schedules, particularly Esfandiari's upcoming hearing. "Her court hearing in France is set for mid-January. Depending on the duration of judicial procedures, the process may conclude within one or two months. But at the very latest, the prisoner swap will take place by mid-January, provided the French court finalizes its process." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's security chief urges 'strategic relationship' with Pakistan Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 4:36 PM The secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) has underscored the necessity of defining a new "strategic relationship" between Tehran and Islamabad, citing the Islamic Republic's successful models with China and Russia. Speaking at a press conference during his visit to the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Wednesday, Ali Larijani said Iran's strategic partnership with China "pushed up the level of economic relations," and a similar "strategic relationship was established between Iran and Russia." He said this framework could be successfully replicated. "We can define a similar relationship with Pakistan in this field as well." The SNSC secretary said the recent visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan was highly positive in "smoothing out the economic path" between the two nations. Larijani reiterated Iran's unwavering commitment to the Iran-Pakistan (IP) gas pipeline, a project established years ago, saying Iran has fully completed its part of the infrastructure. "Iran has constructed the pipeline up to the border. We have fulfilled our commitment." He expressed regret that the pipeline is not currently operational, blaming external factors for the delay. "There are disturbances and acts of sabotage. Otherwise, Iran's gas would be available to Pakistan and consumed by the people of this country today. I hope the issues facing the gas pipeline project will be resolved soon," he said. On security matters, Larijani said that Iran and Pakistan can employ "effective mechanisms" in the security sphere. While acknowledging past terrorist operations conducted against Iran from Pakistani territory, he said the overall security cooperation between the two countries was "excellent." Gratitude for support during '12-day war' Larijani expressed gratitude for the support extended by the government and people of Pakistan to Iran during the 12-day war imposed by the Zionist regime and the United States. "Pakistani friends know that the US committed injustice in its aggression against Iran." He characterized the ties between the two countries as "fraternal," and said Pakistan's role in the region is "positive." Larijani said Tehran and Islamabad, through complementary efforts, "can do positive things for regional peace and stability." Regarding the situation in Gaza, the Iranian official underscored the complexity of the current truce deal, saying the agreement is "never in accordance with the demands of the Palestinian nation." Iran and Pakistan, he said, can be aligned on the Palestine issue, recognizing that Pakistan has played a positive role concerning Gaza. Larijani also addressed the clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Iran, he said, is "very saddened" by the tensions and is "ready to play any constructive role" to help resolve them. "We conveyed to the senior officials of Pakistan that whatever they believe Iran can do, we are fully prepared to do it willingly," he said. Agreement on enhanced security cooperation Earlier in the day, Larijani met with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Staff of Pakistan's Army, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on bilateral cooperation, regional security developments, and ways to strengthen Tehran-Islamabad interactions. Larijani highlighted Pakistan's important position in regional security equations, underscoring the key role of Iran-Pakistan cooperation in countering common threats. The Pakistani Army Chief gave a positive assessment of the cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and stability. He also underscored the importance of upgrading strategic cooperation between the two nations. On Tuesday, Larijani held talks with Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Parliament Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, among other officials. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Larijani: 12-day war was US-Israeli plot, Iran emerged victorious Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 11:12 AM Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Larijani says the 12-day war against the Islamic republic in June was a "plot" hatched by the United States and Israel years ago, stressing that Iran emerged victorious while the occupying entity is now grappling with severe internal disorder and decline. Larijani made the remarks during a meeting with a group of heads of Pakistan's top think tanks and experts in the field of regional and international peace and security at a ceremony held at the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Wednesday. "This war was the result of an American-Israeli plot that had been designed years ago. [US President Donald] Trump also recently declared that since 2003 they had been working on a plan to attack Iran's nuclear facilities with their aircraft," Larijani said, adding, "The power of God, however, prevented this assault." "It was the will of the Iranian nation that revealed itself in this war. The Israeli regime, which thought it would defeat Iran, became completely frustrated," Larijani added. Referring to the current situation of the Zionist regime, he stressed that the Zionist regime is facing internal disorder and a crisis rooted in its illegitimate existence. "This regime is now facing reputational erosion and has never had such a challenge at the international level. The Zionists have fallen into a kind of internal disorder, and the statistics also show that an existential disorder for them lies ahead. Their posture of power in the region was never deep," Larijani emphasized. He also stressed that the determination of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and the will of the Iranian nation triumphed over the enemy's weapons and aggression in the recent war. "The civilizational background of the Iranian nation is the secret of our heroic struggle and victory. Iran has been, is, and will continue to exist for thousands of years. It was the foolish idea of the aggressive enemy to imagine that it could break Iran with war," Larijani added. At the beginning of the meeting, Iran's security chief conveyed the greetings of Iran's Leader to the people of Pakistan. "A nation that, in the recent oppressive war of the Zionist regime against Iran, responsibly supported Iran showed that it enjoys a firm line of thought," Larijani added, expressing gratitude to the government, parliament, and armed forces of Pakistan. He also stressed that Pakistan's "justice-seeking stance" was of great help to the Islamic Republic during Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s "and the recent 12-day war also carried various lessons." "The basis of our cooperation with Pakistan in the past and present is cultural affinity, and in the political sphere we also share intellectual unity. We consider Pakistan a friendly, supportive, neighboring, and culturally kindred country, and the Persian language is one of the factors bringing the two nations closer," Larijani stressed. Elsewhere in his remarks, Iran's security chief said the US is trying to present itself as the focal point of every transformation in the world. "This is a kind of self-deception. We accept real negotiations, not sham negotiations. Negotiations must have real foundations and their results must not be announced beforehand. The Islamic Republic of Iran does not insist" to hold talks with Washington, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese FM responds to whether China requested US to convey messages to Japan during China-US leaders' phone call Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 26, 2025 04:41 PM When asked whether China requested the US to convey any messages to Japan during the phone call between the two leaders given the US-Japan leaders' call took place after the China-US leaders' call, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at the press briefing on Wednesday that China has already released information of the call between the heads of state of China and the US, which media can refer to. Mao added that she has no further information to offer. On Tuesday, multiple Japanese media outlets closely followed a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi at Trump's request and highlighted that the call occurred shortly after the conversation between the Chinese and US heads of state, during which the Taiwan question was discussed. The Japanese media outlets focused on whether the Taiwan question was discussed during the Trump-Takaichi call, especially amid the China-Japan tensions. However, when facing reporters after her phone call with Trump, Takaichi evaded addressing whether they discussed the Taiwan question, saying that "the details of the discussions are diplomatic exchanges and will be withheld." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement of Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan to the United Nations Security Council on the Situation in Libya, pursuant to Resolution 1970 (2011) International Criminal Court (ICC) / Cour penale internationale (CPI) Statement: 26 November 2025 (On 25 November 2025, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Nazhat Shameem Khan addressed the United Nations Security Council in New York on the Situation in Libya. Below is a transcript of her remarks.) Madam President, thank you for the opportunity to brief the Security Council today. Please also allow me to begin by recognising and expressing my thanks to his Excellency the Permanent Representative of Libya to the United Nations for his attendance today. Madam President, Excellencies, I address you today following the realisation, over the last six months, of a series of unprecedented landmarks in response to the mandate set by this Council through Resolution 1970 in 2011. As reflected in my report, through our collective work, there is a new momentum towards justice in Libya, and we now look towards the first trial to be held at the Court in this situation. Based on the progress we now see, I firmly believe there is an opportunity for us to show a collective success based on the partnership between Libya, this Council and the ICC. This progress has been delivered despite what are also unprecedented headwinds faced by the Court. I must be clear that coercive measures and acts of intimidation against the ICC, civil society and other partners of justice do not serve anyone other than those who wish to benefit from impunity in Libya and in all situations that we address. It is the victims of murder, sexual violence, torture and the other most serious crimes addressed by our Court that stand to lose the most from these coercive actions. I firmly believe that is not a position that is welcomed by any member of this Council, and it is my sincere hope that we can rebuild a common ground between us for collective, effective action against atrocity crimes. I do wish to underline to all members today that, despite this context, the Office, and I personally, remain fully committed to delivering on the promise that was made to victims through Resolution 1970, and through the Rome Statute to all those affected by international crimes. Madam President, Excellencies, this sense of solidarity and common action has delivered significant progress in the period covered by the report I present to you today. And through the arrest of Khaled Mohamed Ali EL HISHRI by German authorities on the 16th of July on the basis of a warrant issued by Pre-Trial Chamber I of the ICC, we see a clear example of the momentum that we are building. The Office of the Prosecutor alleges that Mr. EL HISHRI is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Mitiga Prison from February 2015 to at least early 2020, including murder, torture, rape and sexual violence against Libyan nationals and migrants. For too long, crimes committed in detention facilities in the West and the East of Libya have represented a no-go-area for accountability, and it is that sense of impunity that has acted as a driver, an accelerant for the infliction of even more cruelty. Through the imminent transfer of Mr. EL HISHRI to the ICC, based on the mandate provided by this Council, and through the first pre-trial and subsequently trial proceedings before the Court in the situation of Libya, we send a clear message: those responsible for inflicting suffering in Libya are mistaken if they believe they are still outside the reach of justice. Reflecting this momentum, our Office also remains clearly focused on securing the arrest and transfer of Mr. Osama Elmasry NJEEM for trial at the ICC for the war crimes and crimes against humanity that we allege he has committed in Mitiga prison. These alleged crimes also include murder, torture, rape and sexual violence. We have received reports in recent weeks of his possible arrest in Libya, and we are seeking confirmation of this from the Office of the Attorney General. And we are also continuing steps, together with our Registry colleagues, to ensure the effective tracking and arrest of Mr. Saif Suleiman SNEIDEL, in relation to whom Pre-Trial Chamber I unsealed an ICC arrest warrant on the 8th of August. We allege Mr. SNEIDEL to be responsible for war crimes when serving as an officer of Group 50 in the Al-Saiqa Brigade and participating in an operation launched by the so-called Libyan National Army in Benghazi, known as Operation Dignity, in May 2014. In issuing the arrest warrant in November 2020, the Chamber found reasonable grounds to believe that Mr SNEIDEL participated in three mass executions in which a total of 23 people were murdered. I call on all relevant authorities, and in particular those in Eastern Libya, to secure the arrest and transfer of this individual to the ICC. It is also essential, Madam President, that we ensure those subject to existing arrest warrants for the horrors committed in Tarhunah, whether they are located in Libya or in third States, are arrested and brought to justice. The scale of atrocities committed demand our collective action. Madam President, Excellencies, collectively, these actions, the additional warrants, the arrests and the anticipated trials before the ICC, are proof that through our common work, we can end an era of impunity in Libya. This will remain our absolute central focus in the coming period. And these new possibilities for accountability are not just reflected in the concrete steps I have outlined. They are seen in the clear, further commitments made by the Government of Libya to partner with the ICC in these efforts. The submission of a declaration by the Government of Libya pursuant to Article 12(3) of the Rome Statute, accepting the exercise of jurisdiction by the Court, was a significant moment. It sends a clear message that Libya sees ongoing, real value and trust in the work of the ICC. And this is not just a commitment that we have seen on paper - it has been reflected in real, enhanced cooperation received from Libyan authorities in this reporting period. I wish to express thanks in particular to their Excellences Prime Minister Dbeiba and President Al-Menfi for the support of their offices, and would like to welcome the Attorney-General of Libya to deepen his engagement in this common cause. In that regard, I note that, last week, the Attorney General was in contact with my office to request an in-person meeting. I welcome that approach and I look forward to engaging with him further in the near future. Madam President, Excellencies, reflecting this renewed dynamic, Libyan authorities have also made clear to the Office that they see significant value in ensuring a comprehensive conclusion to existing lines of inquiry as outlined in the 2022 situation strategy. Through this renewed posture, we see an alignment of messages from Libyan national partners and civil society organisations as to their hopes for a full realisation of the strategy outlined originally by the Office in its 23rd Report. In this new landscape, and also taking into account the significant work stemming from the impending first trial in the Libya situation, the Office has conducted a further assessment of the opportunities and consequent timeframe for the effective implementation of its 2022 Strategy, in fulfilment of the mandate set by this Council. I can therefore confirm to the Council today that, on the basis of that review, and while reaffirming its commitment to move promptly to the conclusion of the investigation phase in this situation, the Office has renewed the core landmarks it will seek to achieve in reaching this completion stage. As a result, the Office will continue its investigations beyond May 2026, and will report promptly to the Council upon completion of each of the three lines of inquiry that remain in active investigation phase. Madam President, Excellencies, amidst this renewed sense of dynamism and common action, it is important to recall from where the Court derives its strength and focus: that is our work with victims, with those affected by Rome Statute crimes. In the last period, this spirit of partnership has also been seen in our work with civil society actors. On the 8th of October 2025, I was grateful for the opportunity to hold a further periodic meeting with more than 30 civil society organisations and human rights activists in relation to the situation in Libya. The Libya Unified Team has also held over 150 interactions and engagements with more than 54 CSOs, human rights defenders, and victims' organisations over the last six months. The messages we received from them were consistent. They are encouraged by the recent arrest, they see other tangible progress, and they believe that these actions can have a deterrent effect on perpetrators in Libya as we speak. I can feel a genuine increased trust and confidence in our work from victims and from civil society. But in our meetings, they are also clear: to have lasting impact, we must retain our focus and ensure that these positive steps result in real justice, in a way that properly addresses key areas of impunity in Libya. I underlined to them, that we are united in this view and we will continue to rely on their partnership as we take this work forward. Let me take this opportunity to express my personal gratitude to both Libyan and international civil society organisations for their strong voice for victims, and for their essential support to the ICC in our common work to end impunity in Libya. Madam President, Excellencies, finally, I wish to emphasise the crucial role that cooperation with other national partners has played in this reporting period, in particular with respect to crimes committed against migrants. Our work in the Joint Team together with domestic law enforcement agencies of five State Parties has, in particular, actively contributed to our investigations in this area. And again here we see concrete results delivered through our work together. Earlier this month, on the 3rd of November, the trial of an Eritrean alleged human smuggler named Tewelde Goitom (also known as "Walid") commenced in The Netherlands. He faces charges that include extortion, smuggling of migrants and membership in a criminal organisation for his role in a large international human smuggling network including operations in Libya. Our Office was pleased to attend Court for the closing submissions by the Prosecution last week. A second Eritrean alleged human smuggler who also operated from within this network in Libya is expected to be extradited from the United Arab Emirates to The Netherlands by the end of the year to face domestic trial proceedings, again based on the work of this Joint Team. I wish to extend my sincere thanks to all national authorities that have provided their support and collaboration in the recent period. It is my hope that as we see the real accountability returns on this investment, more States and national authorities will join this collective effort. Madam President, Excellencies, based on our common work, based on the mandate and support of this Council, there is now a brighter future for justice in Libya. We can clearly see, in our activities, an increased alignment of cause across actors, from Libyan national authorities to civil society partners and to our colleagues from other States that wish to support accountability for international crimes. Looking at what has been achieved in the recent period, we can allow ourselves a tentative hope that a page is being turned, a clearer space being created for good actors in Libya, and ultimately that the foundations for lasting peace and stability for the Libyan people are being strengthened. This hope is real, but it is also fragile. I welcome the partnership of all members of this Council in our continued efforts towards this goal, and also urge, on behalf of victims, that all measures seeking to frustrate this work are ceased. Our cause is a common one, which we will continue together in the months ahead. I can assure all Members that the Office of the Prosecutor and I personally remain fully committed in our efforts to deliver for the victims of Rome Statute crimes in Libya in line with the mandate that you have provided us. I thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Risch, Shaheen, Mast, and Meeks, Call on Trump Administration to Speak Out Against Sham Elections in Burma Senate Foreign Relations Committee Published: November 26, 2025 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, along with Representatives Brian Mast (R-Fla.), and Gregory W. Meeks (D-N.Y.), chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement about the forthcoming elections in Burma on December 28, which are being organized by the Burmese military with China's support. The House Foreign Affairs Committee hosted a hearing on November 19, where witnesses unanimously determined that, based on fundamental flaws and preliminary conduct, the elections could not be free or fair. "Burma's planned elections this December are proving to be a sham. Orchestrated by the military junta to deceive the international community, these elections are designed to manufacture legitimacy for the China-backed junta after its 2021 coup and ongoing campaign of violence against the Burmese people. Almost five years after the coup, the junta struggles to control territory despite increased political and military backing from China and Russia. In keeping with America's commitment to democracy and internationally recognized human rights, we urge the Trump Administration - and all of America's democratic allies - to speak out against these flawed elections and any electoral results that would deny the right of the Burmese people to freely and fairly choose their own government." "At great risk of death, imprisonment, and torture, the Burmese people have bravely resisted the junta's authoritarian rule and prevented it from consolidating control over the country. The junta's dissolution of several political parties in 2023, including the National League of Democracy, coupled with the continued imprisonment, persecution, or exile of many officials duly elected in the 2020 general elections, makes clear that any forthcoming vote risks being neither free nor fair. Under these conditions, the United States must categorically reject this electoral farce." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today a special ceremony was held at Joint Staff Headquarters to bid farewell to General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), the outgoing Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, after completing 40 years of distinguished military service. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - November 26, 2025 No PR-382/2025-ISPR Today a special ceremony was held at Joint Staff Headquarters to bid farewell to General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, NI, NI (M), the outgoing Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, after completing 40 years of distinguished military service. The event was attended by ex-CJCSCs and senior military officers of the tri-services. In his address, the outgoing CJCSC expressed gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting him the strength to perform his duties with dedication, professionalism and selfless devotion. He paid rich tributes to the Armed Forces for their unwavering sacrifices in the defence of the motherland and payed homage to the shuhada of the Armed Forces and their families. He highlighted that in the current geo-strategic environment strong national defence is an essential pillar of National Security and reaffirmed that the nation's defence remains impregnable and our valiant officers and soldiers stand ever-ready to make it even more formidable. Earlier, upon his arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented 'Guard of Honour' to the outgoing CJCSC. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council of Iran (NSA Iran), called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - November 26, 2025 No PR-381/2025-ISPR Mr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council of Iran (NSA Iran), called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. The meeting focused on bilateral cooperation, regional security issues, and the importance of strengthening ties between Pakistan and Iran. During the meeting, both dignitaries discussed the prevailing security dynamics in the region. COAS reiterated Pakistan's commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasizing the need for closer collaboration with Iran to combat terrorism. He also highlighted the growing importance of strategic cooperation in light of the evolving geopolitical situation. Mr. Ali Larijani acknowledged Pakistan's vital role in ensuring peace and security in the region and expressed his commitment to furthering Iran-Pakistan ties. He underlined the significance of dialogue and partnership between the two nations to tackle regional challenges and ensure long-term stability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Participants of the National Security Workshop-27 (NSW-27) visited General Headquarters (GHQ) today, where they received comprehensive briefings on Pakistan's regional and internal security landscape and prevailing national security environment. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - November 26, 2025 No PR-380/2025-ISPR Participants of the National Security Workshop-27 (NSW-27) visited General Headquarters (GHQ) today, where they received comprehensive briefings on Pakistan's regional and internal security landscape and prevailing national security environment. During the visit, the delegation held an interactive session with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The COAS highlighted the fluid regional environment shaped by heightened geopolitical competition, cross-border terrorism, and hybrid threats. He underscored that despite complex challenges, including externally supported militancy and information-centric warfare, Pakistan's Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and law-enforcement institutions continue to demonstrate unwavering professionalism and resolve to safeguard national security. The COAS noted that Pakistan is a country of consequence and is destined to reach its rightful place in the comity of nations. The professionalism, resolve and commitment of the Armed Forces displayed during Marka-e-Haq has enhanced the global stature of Pakistan. He stressed that our greatest strength lies in national unity and together, we shall defeat the nefarious designs of our foes, Insha'Allah. Participants were briefed on ongoing national efforts against illegal activities, including the crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and organised criminal networks that adversely impact security. Updates were shared on enhanced border controls and the repatriation of illegal foreigners, aimed at maintaining internal order and protecting national interests. The COAS reiterated that the territorial integrity, security and protection of every Pakistani citizen is paramount for Pakistan Army and will not be compromised under any circumstances. Concluding the session, the COAS reaffirmed the Pakistan Army's commitment to supporting federal and provincial governments, stating that coordinated national efforts and institutional synergy are vital for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity. NSW-27, the flagship programme of the National Defence University (NDU), brings together Parliamentarians, senior civil and military officers, and representatives from academia and civil society. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address State visit to Kyrgyzstan Vladimir Putin made a state visit to Kyrgyzstan. November 26, 2025 09:40 Bishkek The official welcoming ceremony for Vladimir Putin, hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, was held at the Yntymak Ordo governmental building, followed by Russian-Kyrgyz talks. Following the talks, the leaders signed a joint statement on deepening allied relations and strategic partnership. The presidents attended the exchange of other documents signed during Vladimir Putin's state visit to Kyrgyzstan, including a protocol amending the Treaty between the Russian Federation and the Kyrgyz Republic on Promoting Military-Technical Cooperation signed on June 20, 2017, intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in ensuring the sanitary and epidemiological safety of the population, on internal affairs and migration issues in Russia and Kyrgyzstan, and on the terms for building a new campus of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University named after Russia's first president, Boris Yeltsin. In addition, the sides signed interdepartmental memorandums of understanding on cooperation in cardiology and strategic planning. The two presidents also made press statements. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press statements by President of Russia and President of Kyrgyzstan Vladimir Putin and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov made press statements following the Russian-Kyrgyz talks. November 26, 2025 12:20 Bishkek Earlier, the heads of state attended a ceremony held to exchange documents signed during the visit. * * * President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov: Members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, I once again cordially welcome President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on his state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic. Mr President, it is symbolic that your visit is taking place in the year marking the 25th anniversary of the Declaration on Eternal Friendship, Alliance and Partnership between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz-Russian relations are based on the centuries-old friendship between our nations, close cultural and humanitarian ties, and a shared history. I would like to once again assure you of the Kyrgyz Republic's unwavering commitment to strengthening our allied relations and historical partnership with the Russian Federation. I would like to emphasise that our partnership serves our long-term national interests. During our informal meetings yesterday, Mr Putin and I discussed a broad range of current issues on our agenda. We noted with pleasure the high level of Kyrgyz-Russian cooperation and conducted a detailed review of the implementation of all our agreements reached during our meeting in Moscow in July 2025. Today, we discussed a broad range of issues during an expanded-format meeting, which was attended by the heads of our countries' key ministries and departments and held in a traditionally trust-based atmosphere. We noted progress in many spheres and issued instructions regarding certain issues. Overall, I would like to say that we have a highly positive view of our bilateral cooperation at almost all levels. Our government bodies have been instructed to build up joint efforts in order to add new promising spheres to our bilateral agenda and identify new points of convergence of our interests. A new package of bilateral documents covering education, healthcare, migration, security, economic, and military-technical cooperation has just been signed in your presence. I am pleased to note that the legal framework between our countries now comprises more than 400 documents. There is probably no other foreign country with which we have signed such a large number of interstate, intergovernmental, and interdepartmental agreements. Naturally, we regard the joint statement on deepening relations of alliance and strategic partnership, which defines the principal areas of our future collaboration, as a central achievement of the talks. We highly value the traditionally close cooperation between our countries within international organisations and integration associations, including the UN, the CIS, the EAEU, the CSTO, and the SCO. Our two nations share similar approaches to many key issues on the international and regional agenda. I would like to express my gratitude to the Russian side for the fruitful joint work during our presidency of the CSTO this year. We look forward to comparable cooperation during the Kyrgyz Republic's forthcoming chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. We concur that the Russian air base in Kant is a vital component of the CSTO Collective Rapid Deployment Forces and a significant factor in maintaining regional stability in Central Asia. Significant attention was also paid to trade and economic cooperation. I would like to underscore that Russia remains one of the Kyrgyz Republic's principal trading partners, accounting for 22 percent of our total trade turnover. In other words, nearly a quarter of Kyrgyzstan's foreign trade is conducted with Russia. We were pleased to note the progress being made towards our shared objective of reaching US$5 billion in mutual trade in the coming years. Investment is of particular importance. Russian direct investment in the first half of this year alone amounted to US$110 million. We consistently welcome the interest of Russian businesses in the Kyrgyz market and are prepared to ensure a favourable operating environment for their success. According to our data, as of November 2025, more than 1,800 companies with Russian participation are operating in Kyrgyzstan, representing one-third of all foreign enterprises in the country. In order to give this effort fresh momentum, we wholeheartedly support the initiative put forward by our Russian partners to establish an Association of Russian Investors in Kyrgyzstan. The association should become an effective platform for dialogue between our business communities, between Russian investors and the authorities of Kyrgyzstan. We also discussed the results of the latest meeting of the Kyrgyz-Russian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Humanitarian Cooperation, which was recently held in Bishkek. We highly assessed the performance of the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, one of the key drivers of our bilateral economic relations. Since its establishment, the Fund has invested over one billion dollars in Kyrgyzstan's economy and has financed over 3,500 projects across all regions of the Republic. Taken together, its aggregate investment is twice as large as the Fund's initial authorised capital. To date, the Fund is co-financing the construction of 14 hydropower and renewable energy facilities worth more than US$175 million. We exchanged views on our cooperation within the Eurasian Development Bank and the Eurasian Fund for Stabilisation and Development. We traditionally paid considerable attention to education, where we noted positive interaction as well. Over 16,000 Kyrgyz students are studying at Russian universities. The education of half of them is fully funded by the Russian side. We noted with satisfaction the large-scale plans for the scientific and technical modernisation of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University, a leading higher educational establishment in the Republic. The agreement signed today to build a new campus of the university has launched this important project. We are consistently implementing a major socially significant initiative, which we have formulated together with Mr Putin, to build nine [Russian-language] schools, three of which are scheduled to open in 2027. We maintain a careful attitude towards the Russian language, the language of not only Pushkin and Tolstoy but also our great writer Chingiz Aitmatov. The humanitarian project Russian Teacher Abroad, under which teachers from Russia teach Russian in schools across Kyrgyzstan, has proved to be in great demand. Many projects of great importance for our social development are being implemented with support from Rossotrudnichestvo and ANO Eurasia. Eurasia Park, the largest family recreation park in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, opened in Bishkek in August 2025 at the initiative and with full support from ANO Eurasia. Acting on our instructions, Kyrgyzstan and Russia have started creating an educational space based on the integration of best practices of our countries' educational systems. We are actively developing and promoting cultural ties between our nations. Cross Culture Days were successfully held in Russia and Kyrgyzstan and were met with mutual admiration of the audiences. Kyrgyzstan's House of Science and Culture in Moscow, which will open soon, will further strengthen our cultural ties. We are grateful to our Russian friends for their practical assistance in implementing this initiative. We also discussed migration issues and reaffirmed our mutual interest in ensuring that our compatriots live in Russia legally and are guaranteed appropriate labour conditions and social benefits. We have also agreed to continue working in this vital sphere through our respective ministries. Mr President, the results of your state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic allow us to look optimistically at the further development of Kyrgyz-Russian relations. I am confident that your visit has reaffirmed once again the special strength of the Kyrgyz-Russian alliance and strategic partnership and has given a powerful impetus to their further deepening. It is with great pleasure that I am giving the floor to you, Mr President. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like, in turn, to thank the President of Kyrgyzstan for his invitation, and all our Kyrgyz colleagues for their hospitality and the warm welcome we have received. Special words of gratitude, Mr President, for yesterday's informal evening, which afforded us the opportunity for a one-on-one discussion covering virtually all areas of our mutual interest and the development of our interstate relations. I fully concur with Mr Japarov: today's talks were highly productive and were held in a constructive spirit. This is entirely consistent with the nature of genuinely friendly and neighbourly relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. We held a detailed discussion on the entire spectrum of bilateral issues and exchanged views on pressing regional matters. A significant outcome of this visit is the joint statement on taking Russian-Kyrgyz relations to a new, even more advanced level of deepened strategic partnership and alliance. Furthermore, a package of intergovernmental and interagency documents was signed, aimed at expanding concrete, practical cooperation. Naturally, priority during the talks was given to the further development of our economic cooperation. Last year, our bilateral trade reached a record high, exceeding US$4 billion. This year, the growth of mutual trade continues at a robust pace - around 17 percent. This is a commendable result. We have all but ceased the use of foreign currencies in financial settlements and have established stable channels for credit and banking cooperation. The share of the ruble in commercial transactions has already reached 97 percent. The Russian side is assisting Kyrgyzstan in enhancing its tax administration and system of goods marking. According to our estimates, this has already led to an increase in additional revenues to the Kyrgyz budget of more than US$1 billion. Russia is a major investor in the Kyrgyz economy. Accumulated Russian investments amount to almost US$2 billion. Kyrgyzstan is home to around 1,700 business entities with Russian capital in key sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, transport, and logistics. All this has been made possible thanks to the steady domestic policy pursued by the President of Kyrgyzstan and the nation's internal political stability. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, I would like, in turn, to thank the President of Kyrgyzstan for his invitation, and all our Kyrgyz colleagues for their hospitality and the warm welcome we have received. Special words of gratitude, Mr President, for yesterday's informal evening, which afforded us the opportunity for a one-on-one discussion covering virtually all areas of our mutual interest and the development of our interstate relations. I fully concur with Mr Japarov: today's talks were highly productive and were held in a constructive spirit. This is entirely consistent with the nature of genuinely friendly and neighbourly relations between Russia and Kyrgyzstan. We held a detailed discussion on the entire spectrum of bilateral issues and exchanged views on pressing regional matters. A significant outcome of this visit is the joint statement on taking Russian-Kyrgyz relations to a new, even more advanced level of deepened strategic partnership and alliance. Furthermore, a package of intergovernmental and interagency documents was signed, aimed at expanding concrete, practical cooperation. Naturally, priority during the talks was given to the further development of our economic cooperation. Last year, our bilateral trade reached a record high, exceeding US$4 billion. This year, the growth of mutual trade continues at a robust pace - around 17 percent. This is a commendable result. We have all but ceased the use of foreign currencies in financial settlements and have established stable channels for credit and banking cooperation. The share of the ruble in commercial transactions has already reached 97 percent. The Russian side is assisting Kyrgyzstan in enhancing its tax administration and system of goods marking. According to our estimates, this has already led to an increase in additional revenues to the Kyrgyz budget of more than US$1 billion. Russia is a major investor in the Kyrgyz economy. Accumulated Russian investments amount to almost US$2 billion. Kyrgyzstan is home to around 1,700 business entities with Russian capital in key sectors such as energy, mining, agriculture, transport, and logistics. All this has been made possible thanks to the steady domestic policy pursued by the President of Kyrgyzstan and the nation's internal political stability. Our countries maintain close cooperation within the Eurasian Economic Union. Together with our fellow member states, we are building common markets for goods, services, capital, and labour. The advancement of Eurasian integration is delivering tangible dividends to all members, Kyrgyzstan included. To illustrate, in the decade since Kyrgyzstan acceded to the EAEU, its GDP has grown by 150 percent, while its exports to other Union countries have quadrupled. As the President of Kyrgyzstan has just noted, Russia finances the Russian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, which has channelled approximately US$1 billion into Kyrgyzstan, supporting more than 3,500 joint projects in the real economy. Energy represents one of the most vital sectors of Russian-Kyrgyz collaboration. Our country fully meets Kyrgyzstan's demand for petrol and diesel and does so on preferential terms, without levying export duties - a measure that provides direct economic benefit to the Republic. Furthermore, Gazprom is a key supplier of natural gas to Kyrgyzstan and has joined the nation's public gas supply programme. The Russian gas giant has allocated over US$400 million for this purpose, which has already provided 42 percent of the country with access to the gas network. This work is ongoing. Russia also supplies electricity to Kyrgyz consumers. Our companies are engaged in the design and modernisation of hydroelectric power plants on Kyrgyz rivers. We plan to jointly construct a large solar power plant in the Issyk-Kul Region and a new, modern combined heat and power plant in the north of the country. Concurrently, Rosatom is executing a broad reclamation programme for former uranium mining sites. We are also exploring the possibility of constructing Kyrgyzstan's first nuclear power plant, utilising advanced Russian small modular reactor technologies. I must emphasise that these reactors meet the most stringent international standards for safety and environmental protection. Russian-Kyrgyz humanitarian cooperation remains traditionally rich and multifaceted, with ties between our citizens continually strengthening. Our collaboration extends robustly across culture, sport, public and youth organisations, and certainly education. More than 10,000 students from Kyrgyzstan are currently pursuing their studies in Russia; half of them, as the President noted, are studying in state-funded places. Kyrgyzstan hosts branch campuses of several leading Russian universities. The Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University in Bishkek alone serves approximately 7,500 students. The intergovernmental agreement signed today includes plans to construct a new academic building and other infrastructure on the university campus. And, of course, it is encouraging that, alongside Russia, the Russian language, which holds official status under the Constitution, is widely and freely used in Kyrgyzstan. We greatly value this, and we welcome the support provided by the Republic's leadership for its use across various spheres of life. It is symbolic that on the eve of our visit, the Eurasian Centre for Russian Language and Culture opened in Bishkek, and a new Russian-language television channel, Nomad TV, began broadcasting in Kyrgyzstan. I would like to emphasise that Russia will continue supporting efforts to improve the quality of education in the Russian language. We regularly supply schools and universities with teaching materials, and more than 150 educators have been sent to Kyrgyzstan under the Russian Teacher Abroad programme. I believe, and Mr President has also mentioned this in the course of our interaction, including in our informal conversations, that this is still not enough. I fully agree with you. In addition, we are helping build new Russian-language schools in Kyrgyzstan. The first three institutions are scheduled to open in 2027, and in total, nine such schools will be built in different regions of the country. Naturally, President Japarov and I also discussed in detail the expansion of bilateral cooperation in the military and military-technical spheres. We outlined plans for joint efforts in countering terrorism and extremism, combating drug trafficking, and fighting organised crime. Both sides noted that the joint Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan makes a significant contribution to strengthening the Republic's defence capability and, more broadly, to ensuring security and stability in Central Asia. When discussing current foreign policy issues, we acknowledged that our approaches are similar or fully align. Our countries closely coordinate their positions within multilateral formats, including the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. We look forward to welcoming Mr Japarov in St Petersburg at the end of December for the traditional informal meeting of CIS leaders and the session of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council. In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Kyrgyz friends and Mr President for the constructive and productive discussions. Our joint work with Mr Japarov will continue today, and tomorrow we will participate in the regular session of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation Council. As you know, Kyrgyzstan has successfully chaired the CSTO this year and will hand over this responsibility to Russia on January 1. I am confident that this visit and our talks will contribute to the further development of the multifaceted Russian-Kyrgyz partnership, for the benefit of our peoples and our countries. Thank you for your attention. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian-Kyrgyz talks The Russian-Kyrgyz talks were held at the Yntymak Ordo government residence. November 26, 2025 10:30 Bishkek Beginning of Russian-Kyrgyz talks President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Japarov: Mr President, members of the Russian delegation, I am delighted to welcome you to the Kyrgyz Republic. I am grateful to you for accepting the invitation to make a state visit to our country. You have always been and remain a welcome and deeply respected guest. Your arrival has clearly reaffirmed the stability of Kyrgyz-Russian relations based on mutual understanding, a high level of trust, and a shared commitment to jointly strengthen our alliance and strategic partnership. Our nations have demonstrated their unity and fraternal assistance for many decades, including during the Great Patriotic War, an event that has sealed our common future and laid the foundation for our current cooperation. Russia has been and remains a strategic ally of Kyrgyzstan, a reliable partner and true friend. We have always highly appreciated the strong multifaceted relations with fraternal Russia. Mr President, Russia has demonstrated a high level of adaptability and stability in the current dynamic geopolitical and complicated economic situation. We regard this as a testament to your personal qualities as a leader. This is not mere curtesy but a recognition of your role in international politics. Our people feel Russia's support in all the key areas of their everyday lives, especially in the energy and food sectors. Your consistent policy and ability to maintain a strategic course are extremely important for our countries and are strengthening our allied interaction. We highly appreciate this and value the trust-based relations between us. Mr President, our bilateral agenda continues to expand, with new projects and initiatives added to it, which is proof of the positive dynamics of our cooperation. Russia remains one of the largest trade and economic partners for Kyrgyzstan, and our integration within the Eurasian Economic Union opens up new horizons for innovation and investment cooperation. We highly appreciate Russia's support in the development of our infrastructure, energy, industrial and humanitarian initiatives. The number of Russian companies in Kyrgyzstan has grown to 1,800 in 2025, which is three times more than several years ago. Our cooperation in education, culture and migration policy is especially important. Hundreds of thousands of Kyrgyz citizens are working in Russia, making their modest contribution to our countries' economies. Russian universities remain among the top choices for Kyrgyz young people, and our joint humanitarian projects help strengthen ties between our nations and raise the future generations on the values of friendship. We will discuss these and other key issues of Kyrgyz-Russian interaction and plan joint actions on them today. I am confident that the results of our talks will yield new benefits for our fraternal nations. Mr President, I would like to give you the floor now. President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr President, I am sincerely grateful for the invitation. My colleagues and I are delighted to be in friendly Kyrgyzstan. This visit precedes the forthcoming session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation. We highly value the substantive work undertaken by Kyrgyzstan during its chairmanship of the CSTO. Russia will take over the baton from your nation and will chair the organisation throughout 2026. Russian-Kyrgyz relations of strategic partnership and alliance are advancing successfully, grounded in mutual respect and due regard for each other's interests, in the spirit of the fundamental treaty on friendship and cooperation. We maintain continuous dialogue and personally monitor key aspects of bilateral cooperation. Before the year's end, we will have another opportunity to convene in Russia for the Supreme Eurasian Council meeting and the traditional pre-New Year gathering of the CIS leaders. The agenda of our talks is very extensive. A joint statement on deepening relations of alliance and strategic partnership has been prepared for signing, outlining priority tasks for further strengthening bilateral cooperation across multiple domains. Furthermore, a package of critical intergovernmental and inter-agency documents in trade, economic, educational, migration, and other fields will be signed. Russia is Kyrgyzstan's leading trade and economic partner. Bilateral trade rose by 13.6 percent last year reaching a record US$4.1 billion, and in January-September, it grew by a further 17 percent. Approximately 97 percent of all payments are now made in national currencies. We are examining new options for organising mutual settlements. You mentioned Russian investments. Indeed, they are also growing and have already reached almost US$2 billion. Some 1,700 enterprises with Russian capital operate in the republic. I would like to emphasise that such confidence among Russian investors, both in partnering with Kyrgyzstan and committing capital to its economy, stems from your efforts and the positive developments in domestic policy. We are pleased to note that under your leadership the Kyrgyz Republic has proven to be a stable and reliable partner in terms of its domestic policy, and this is a key condition for further advancing our bilateral trade, economic and investment cooperation. Our Intergovernmental Commission has been working actively, focusing on the implementation of the comprehensive programme of our cooperation for 2022-2026. Leading Russian oil and gas companies are supplying Kyrgyzstan with natural gas and petroleum products. There is great potential for building up cooperation in the peaceful nuclear development, the construction of solar and wind power plants, the digital economy, transport and logistics. Our interregional cooperation, which involves over 80 entities of the Russian Federation and all seven regions of Kyrgyzstan, plays an important role. Bilateral regional conferences are held regularly. The Days of Kyrgyzstan Culture held in Russia in October 2024 were a success, as were the Days of Russian Culture held in Kyrgyzstan in the autumn of 2025. We appreciate the Kyrgyz authorities' policy of supporting the Russian language, which has an official status in Kyrgyzstan. In 2023, you and I launched a major joint project to build nine Russian-language schools in Kyrgyzstan. The first three schools are scheduled to open by September 1, 2027. As many as 157 Russian teachers are working at 42 schools in the Republic within the Russian Teacher Abroad programme. We are paying special attention to security cooperation. The joint Russian military base located in Kyrgyzstan is an important stabilising factor in the region. We coordinate our positions at international organisations, in particular, the EAEU, the CSTO, the CIS and the UN. We are committed to close interaction with Kyrgyzstan during its chairmanship of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, which began in September. Overall, today we have an opportunity to hold in-depth discussion on all issues of our multifaceted agenda and to establish benchmarks for the further deepening of our comprehensive cooperation. Thank you for the attention. Sadyr Japarov: Mr President, thank you for your cordial address. I fully share your assessment of our bilateral cooperation. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin: Joint Military Base in Kyrgyzstan Important for Ensuring Stability in Region Sputnik News 20251126 BISHKEK, November 26 (Sputnik) - The joint Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan is an important factor in ensuring stability in the region, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. "We pay special attention to cooperation in the field of security. The joint Russian military base located in the republic is an important factor in ensuring stability in the region," Putin said during the Russian-Kyrgyz talks in Bishkek. Putin is currently in Kyrgyzstan on a state visit. The Russian president is also scheduled to meet with President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko and attend the Collective Security Treaty Organization summit. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin Lauds Kyrgyzstan Under Japarov's Leadership as Reliable Russian Partner Sputnik News 20251126 Kyrgyzstan, under Sadyr Japarov's leadership, has proven to be a reliable partner for Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted on Wednesday. "We are pleased to note that the republic, under your leadership, is a stable, reliable partner from a domestic political point of view, and this is one of the main conditions for further developing our bilateral trade, economic and investment ties," Putin said at a meeting with Japarov. Furthermore, Russia and Kyrgyzstan maintain coordinated positions within international organizations, the president pointed out, adding that Moscow is committed to close cooperation with Bishkek during its Shanghai Cooperation Organization presidency. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Trump had heated exchange with MBS over Israel normalization demand: Report Iran Press TV Wednesday, 26 November 2025 6:33 PM Donald Trump's meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) grew tense last week after the prince pushed back at the US president's demand that the kingdom formally normalize relations with Israel, a report says. Citing US officials, Axios reported on Tuesday that Trump and MBS held a "civil but difficult" meeting at the White House on November 18, during which the president pushed hard for Saudi Arabia to join the controversial US-brokered Abraham Accords. According to Axios, MBS told Trump he could not improve relations with Israel because public sentiment in Saudi Arabia is overwhelmingly anti-Israel following the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip. One source told Axios that the conversation was filled with "disappointment and irritation." "The president really wants them to join the Abraham Accords. He tried very hard to talk him into it. It was an honest discussion. But MBS is a strong man. He stood his ground," the source said. The "Abraham Accords" established diplomatic ties between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE and Bahrain, and have been widely criticized as a betrayal of Palestinian rights. MBS reportedly told Trump that any potential agreement with Israel must include "an irreversible, credible, and time-bound path" towards establishing a Palestinian state. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to commit to Palestinian statehood, rejecting even minimal steps towards a political resolution. The tense exchange, however, underscores Washington's ongoing efforts to pressure Arab governments into normalizing ties with the Israeli regime despite an overwhelming regional opposition. Across the Arab world, normalization is widely condemned as political capitulation in the face of Israel's continued occupation and atrocities. Military cooperation and advanced weapons sales were also central to the crown prince's visit. Before MBS arrived in Washington, Axios reported that Israeli officials told Trump the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia must be conditioned on Riyadh normalizing ties with Tel Aviv and abandoning its demand for a Palestinian state. Following the meeting, Trump announced that he had formally designated Saudi Arabia a "Major Non-NATO Ally" and would move ahead with selling the kingdom F-35 jets "pretty similar" to those used by Israel. If finalized, the sale of 48 F-35s would mark the first transfer of the advanced aircraft to Saudi Arabia. Until now, Israel has been the only US ally in the region permitted to acquire the stealth fighters. The move came despite senior Israeli military officials privately urging Washington to block the sale, calling it a "clear and immediate danger." They claimed the deal could undermine Israel's military dominance if Saudi Arabia were ever to "fall into the hands of extremists." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai unveils plan to budget US$40 billion to bolster Taiwan's defense ROC Central News Agency 11/26/2025 07:29 PM Taipei, Nov. 26 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te () on Wednesday proposed a NT$1.25 trillion (US$39.85 billion) special defense budget to fund the construction of a multilayered "T-Dome" air defense network and strengthen Taiwan's overall defense posture over the next eight years. Speaking at the Presidential Office, Lai said the T-Dome will provide low-, mid- and high-altitude air defense, incorporate artificial intelligence to improve detection and decision-making, and enhance Taiwan's ability to intercept threats to protect military assets, critical infrastructure and civilians. According to Lai, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has completed a draft provision for the budget, which is set to run from 2026 to 2033. Local media reported in September that the ministry had already submitted the draft provision to the Cabinet for review. The proposal will then require Cabinet approval before being sent to the Legislature for consideration. Defense Minister Wellington Koo () said that to build the T-Dome, the military plans to expand the number and types of air defense and anti-ballistic missiles in its arsenal and integrate them with early-warning and battle-management radar systems. He added that newly acquired missiles will work alongside existing MIM-104 Patriot systems to increase intercept altitudes, widen coverage areas and improve defenses against missiles with mid-flight maneuverability. Koo said the budget will also fund the development of an "AI-enabled battlefield intelligence and decision-support module" capable of providing real-time threat forecasting, battlefield visualization and recommendations to help commanders make quicker decisions. The budget will also be used to procure unmanned systems, as well as precision munitions for use against enemy forces during amphibious landings and deep-strike operations. Both man-portable and vehicle-mounted armor-piercing missile systems will also be acquired, he added. Koo said Taiwan aims to accelerate the procurement through cooperation with the United States, which will help the military obtain urgently needed weapons and integrate emerging technologies more quickly. Domestically, the special budget is expected to generate more than NT$400 billion in production value and create about 90,000 jobs across supply chains, Koo said. Asked whether the timing of the budget proposal was linked to Monday's call between Chinese President Xi Jinping () and U.S. President Donald Trump -- during which Xi reportedly underscored the importance of China's "reunification" with Taiwan -- Lai said the two events were not connected. "The special budget was earmarked based on the needs to ensure Taiwan's security and social stability and safeguard its people's free and democratic way of life," Lai said. He also rejected suggestions that the proposal was related to Taipei's ongoing tariff discussions with Washington, saying the special budget is intended to demonstrate Taiwan's determination to defend the homeland and contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (By Sean Lin) Enditem/kb NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address KMT slams Lai's 'astronomical' US$40 billion defense proposal ROC Central News Agency 11/26/2025 06:15 PM Taipei, Nov. 26 (CNA) Opposition Kuomintang (KMT) lawmakers criticized President Lai Ching-te's () "astronomical" US$40 billion defense proposal as lacking detail, and questioned whether it was part of a quid pro quo with U.S. President Donald Trump to allow Lai to transit through the United States. Lai first outlined the special budget proposal, which requires the assent of the opposition-controlled Legislature, in a Washington Post op-ed on Tuesday (U.S. time). Speaking to reporters, KMT lawmaker Hsu Yu-chen () said the "astronomical sum" for the proposal could only be secured through debt financing, adding that Lai's ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had provided little detail on how the money would be spent. Hsu questioned whether Lai's commitment was made in exchange for Trump allowing him to make future stopovers. Trump, who has repeatedly called on Taiwan to increase defense spending, reportedly nixed plans by Lai to transit through the United States in August en route to Taiwan's diplomatic allies in Latin America. KMT lawmaker Hsu Chiao-hsin () said that while her party was not opposed to raising Taiwan's defense budget -- "given the deterioration in cross-strait relations under the DPP" -- the proposed US$40 billion amount would likely force cuts to social welfare, education and other spending. She also noted that Washington has yet to deliver several existing weapons orders to Taiwan. In a statement, the KMT's legislative caucus said it would closely scrutinize the budget proposal to ensure that taxpayer dollars are protected. Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (), currently visiting Japan, said in a video message that the TPP supported a "reasonable" increase in security spending but would conduct a "practical and rational" review to ensure taxpayers' money is well spent. He noted, however, that Lai was now pledging an additional US$40 billion, despite the government's fiscal 2026 defense budget already standing at NT$950 billion (US$30.2 billion), pending legislative approval. At a news conference Wednesday morning, Lai said the proposed military investment was "necessary" given the growing threat Taiwan was facing from China, and called for support from opposition party lawmakers. "[We] hope the opposition parties can support Taiwan's national security regardless of political stance, so that [we] can safeguard everyone's way of life and keep the economy growing," he said. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the proposed US$40 billion supplementary defense budget will be spent over a period of eight years from 2026 to 2033. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Lai's US$40 billion defense proposal 'a step towards peace': U.S. envoy ROC Central News Agency 11/26/2025 02:18 PM Taipei, Nov. 26 (CNA) The United States' top envoy to Taiwan on Wednesday said President Lai Ching-te's () proposed US$40 billion special defense budget marked "a major step towards maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait by strengthening deterrence." Lai first outlined the special budget proposal in a Washington Post op-ed, hours before reiterating the plan at a news conference in Taipei earlier Wednesday. In a post on the American Institute in Taiwan's (AIT) Facebook page, AIT Director Raymond Greene said that Taiwan was joining "partners from across Europe to Japan and Korea that are making critical defense investments necessary to deter unprecedented challenges to global peace and prosperity." The director reiterated Washington's stance in supporting Taipei's "rapid acquisition of critical asymmetric capabilities needed to strengthen deterrence," which is consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and "decades of commitment across multiple U.S. Administrations." In an appeal to the Legislative Yuan's opposition parties, Greene said that "just as support for Taiwan is a longstanding U.S. bipartisan priority, I expect Taiwan's political parties will find similar common ground." "Whether your priority is preserving Taiwan's democracy and market economy, fostering conditions for cross-Strait dialogue, or maintaining support from the international community, increasing Taiwan's defense capabilities is a necessary precondition," Greene said. "The entire world has a stake in ensuring that differences across the Taiwan Strait are resolved peacefully and free from coercion," he added. Lai's commitment comes after repeated demands from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration for Washington's partners around the world, including Taiwan, to increase defense spending. (By Joseph Yeh) Enditem/ASG NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mainland spokesperson slams Lai's $40B 'defense budget' to push Taiwan toward disaster; island voices accuse him of 'selling out' Taiwan Global Times By Liu Xin Published: Nov 26, 2025 03:43 PM When asked to comment on Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's recent article in The Washington Post, in which he claimed to introduce a "historic $40 billion supplementary defense budget" to respond to mainland's "threat" and that convened a meeting on the matter on Wednesday, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Peng Qing'en said that the DPP authorities, driven by their own political interests, have allowed external forces to take whatever they want. Money that could have been used to improve people's livelihoods and develop the economy is being squandered on buying weapons and currying favor with outside powers, a move that will only push Taiwan into disaster, Peng said at a press conference on Wednesday. The trend toward national reunification is unstoppable. Any attempt to seek independence by relying on the US is doomed to fail, and any attempt to seek independence with force will only lead to self-destruction, said Peng. Taiwan regional leader Lai published an article in The Washington Post on Tuesday local time, announcing what he claimed was a "historic $40 billion supplementary defense budget" to show the authorities' "commitment" to defending the island's "democracy." The move coupled with his recent gestures toward Japan, such as publicly eating sushi after Japanese prime minister's remarks on "Taiwan contingency" has triggered backlash on the island, with some netizens blasting Lai as a "traitor," accusing him of "selling out Taiwan," "licking the boots" of certain countries and pandering to Washington. Lai opened the article by citing the 1979 "Taiwan Relations Act" and Reagan's "Six Assurances," while hyping the Chinese mainland's "unprecedented military buildup" and "intensifying provocations" in the Taiwan Straits. He also expressed "gratitude" for US President Donald Trump. Lai then claimed the island's defense spending already doubled in recent years is expected to rise to 3.3 percent of GDP next year, and vowed to raise it to 5 percent by 2030. He also claimed the regional authorities will introduce a "historic" $40 billion supplementary defense budget, saying the package will fund major US arms purchases and boost the island's "asymmetric capabilities." Lai's article and plan to boost "defense spending" have been reported by multiple media outlets within the island and drawn criticism. Some netizens left comments under these reports, accusing Lai of hollowing out Taiwan to pander to Washington. One netizen mocked him as "pathetic and spineless licking boots to this extent!" In an article published by Now News on Wednesday, psychiatrist and political commentator Shen Cheng-nan ridiculed Lai's proposal, saying that if the goal is merely to please the US president, then Taiwan might as well raise its "defense budget" to 10 percent of GDP. He warned that even lifting defense spending to 5 percent of GDP would squeeze out vast amounts of funding for other public needs, effectively "cutting the rest of the budget in half." Shen asked: "What should be cut health insurance, long-term care, childcare, education, or basic infrastructure and cultural development?" Shen argued that Taiwan's priority should not be blindly expanding weapons purchases, but maintaining cross-Straits peace through communication and dialogue. This is also not the first time that Lai has promoted increasing the "defense budget." In August, he announced that the Taiwan region's 2026 defense spending would rise to more than 3 percent of GDP over NT$800 billion, according to Taiwan media. In response, Zhu Fenglian, another spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, noted that the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan favors peace, development, exchanges and cooperation. Yet the Lai authorities, driven by partisan interests, have ignored public sentiment and willingly acted as a "cash machine" for US arms dealers. By constantly expanding the military budget and advancing a "everyone-a-soldier" approach, Lai is binding the Taiwan population to the "Taiwan independence" war chariot and attempting to "seek independence through military means." This, Zhu said, is a betrayal of the safety and interests of the Taiwan people. This Washington Post article is just another political performance by Lai a modern traitor, destabilizer and troublemaker of cross-Straits relations and, together with his recent moves, underscores his growing sense of political anxiety, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Lai is attempting to use the "$40 billion supplementary defense budget" to court the US, at a time when Washington is revising its key national security documents while the DPP increasingly worried about unfavorable attitude to Taiwan, said Zheng. Despite the broader trend toward cross-Straits integration, Lai continues down a confrontational and misguided path. "How much more of the Taiwan residents' hard-earned money does he plan to pour into exorbitant 'Taiwan independence' arms purchases?" Zheng asked. Lai's loud rejection of unification is the move of swimming against the tide and will only lead more island residents to see that "Taiwan independence" is an unrealistic illusion, said the expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mainland slams Lai Ching-te for "disgusting" support of Japanese PM's Taiwan remarks People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 15:20, November 26, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland on Wednesday criticised Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te for publicly siding with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over her recent remarks on Taiwan, slamming Lai's statements and actions as "disgusting." At a press conference, Peng Qing'en, a spokesperson for the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office, accused Lai of "eating the food of ingratiation towards Japan and engaging in acts of selling out Taiwan." Peng said Lai's words and deeds once again exposed his "ugly face of forgetting the heritage, betraying the motherland." The spokesperson warned the Democratic Progressive Party authorities that "any act relying on external forces will only lead to disgrace, and any traitor who betrays the nation will inevitably face the judgment of justice." Peng was responding to a question on Takaichi's recent comments on Taiwan, which have triggered sustained protests across the island. Lai defended her and posted a photo of himself eating Japanese cuisine on social media, claiming it showed the "solid friendship" between the island and Japan. The mainland spokesperson said Takaichi's remarks grossly interfered in China's internal affairs, seriously violated international law and basic norms governing international relations, gravely undermined the post-war international order, and seriously breached the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan. Peng urged the Japanese side to "immediately reflect and correct its mistake" and withdraw the "erroneous statements" concerning Taiwan. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. welcomes Taiwan's NT$1.25 trillion defense spending plan ROC Central News Agency 11/27/2025 11:05 AM Washington, Nov. 26 (CNA) The United States government said Wednesday that it welcomed Taiwan's plan to allocate US$40 billion for a special defense budget to boost its self-defense capabilities. "We welcome Taiwan's announcement of a new US$40 billion special defense procurement budget," a U.S. State Department spokesperson told CNA when asked to comment on President Lai Ching-te's () announcement earlier in the day of the plan to sharply increase investment in the country's self-defense. "Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and more than 45 years of commitment across multiple U.S. administrations, the United States supports Taiwan's acquisition of critical defense capabilities, commensurate with the threat it faces," said the spokesperson, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "We also welcome the Lai administration's recent commitments to increase defense spending to at least 3 percent of GDP by 2026 and 5 percent of GDP by 2030, which demonstrates resolve to strengthen Taiwan's self-defense capabilities," the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, two senior members of the U.S. Congress on Wednesday also lauded Lai's pledge to invest heavily in Taiwan's security. Republican Senator Tom Cotton, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, said he was "pleased" to see the planned defense budget increases announced by President Lai. "Taiwan is a strong and reliable partner to America, and this decision is an important step in ensuring peace and stability in the region," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Democratic Party Congressman Gregory W. Meeks, a ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also commended President Lai "for taking Taiwan's self-defense seriously." "These investments will boost deterrence and bolster peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait," Meeks wrote on X. Lai first disclosed his proposal for the special budget in a Washington Post op-ed piece published on Tuesday (U.S. time), and a few hours later the president made a formal announcement of the plan at a news conference in Taipei. Lai's proposal followed repeated calls by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration for Washington's partners around the world, including Taiwan, to increase defense spending. Taiwan's proposed US$40 billion supplementary defense budget will be spent over a period of eight years, from 2026 to 2033, according to the Ministry of National Defense. (By Elaine Hou and Joseph Yeh) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mainland spokesperson slams Lai's $40B extra 'defense budget' to push Taiwan toward disaster; island voices accuse him of 'selling out' Taiwan Global Times By Liu Xin Published: Nov 27, 2025 02:01 AM When asked to comment on Taiwan regional leader Lai Ching-te's recent article in The Washington Post, in which he claimed to introduce a "historic $40 billion supplementary defense budget" to respond to mainland's "threat" and that convened a meeting on the matter on Wednesday, State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Peng Qing'en said that the DPP authorities, driven by their own political interests, have allowed external forces to take whatever they want. Money that could have been used to improve people's livelihoods and develop the economy is being squandered on buying weapons and currying favor with outside powers, a move that will only push Taiwan into disaster, Peng said at a press conference on Wednesday. The trend toward national reunification is unstoppable. Any attempt to seek independence by relying on the US is doomed to fail, and any attempt to seek independence with force will only lead to self-destruction, said Peng. Taiwan regional leader Lai published an article in The Washington Post on Tuesday local time, announcing what he claimed was a "historic $40 billion supplementary defense budget" to show the authorities' "commitment" to defending the island's "democracy." The move has triggered backlash on the island, with some netizens blasting Lai as a "traitor," accusing him of "selling out Taiwan," "licking the boots" of certain countries and pandering to Washington. In the article, Lai expressed "gratitude" for US President Donald Trump. He then claimed the island's defense spending already doubled in recent years is expected to rise to 3.3 percent of GDP next year, and vowed to raise it to 5 percent by 2030. Lai's article and plan to boost "defense spending" have been reported by multiple media outlets within the island and drawn criticism. Some netizens left comments under these reports, accusing Lai of hollowing out Taiwan to pander to Washington. One netizen mocked him as "pathetic and spineless licking boots to this extent!" Kuomintang Chairperson Cheng Li-wen on Wednesday also criticized Lai's "special defense budget" as "playing with fire," saying that Lai is turning the Taiwan Straits into a powder keg and Taiwan into an arms factory, according to Taiwan media outlet In an article published by Now News on Wednesday, psychiatrist and political commentator Shen Cheng-nan ridiculed Lai's proposal, saying that even lifting defense spending to 5 percent of GDP would squeeze out vast amounts of funding for other public needs, effectively "cutting the rest of the budget in half." Shen asked: "What should be cut health insurance, long-term care, childcare, education, or basic infrastructure and cultural development?" Shen argued that Taiwan's priority should not be blindly expanding weapons purchases, but maintaining cross-Straits peace through communication and dialogue. On Wednesday, Raymond Greene, US "top envoy in Taiwan," claimed that he "welcomes" a $40 billion military spending plan announced by Taiwan. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at the press conference on Wednesday that China opposes official interactions and military ties between the US and China's Taiwan region. This position is consistent. "The DPP authorities will not succeed in resisting reunification and seeking 'independence' through military buildup," Mao said. This Washington Post article is just another political performance by Lai a modern traitor, destabilizer and troublemaker of cross-Straits relations and, together with his recent moves, underscores his growing sense of political anxiety, Zheng Jian, a professor at the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Despite the broader trend toward cross-Straits integration, Lai continues down a confrontational and misguided path. "How much more of the Taiwan residents' hard-earned money does he plan to pour into exorbitant 'Taiwan independence' arms purchases?" Zheng asked. Lai's loud rejection of unification will only lead more island residents to see that "Taiwan independence" is an unrealistic illusion, said the expert. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Mainland reiterates one-China principle key to peace, stability across Taiwan Strait People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 10:09, November 27, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Adhering to the one-China principle is essential for improving cross-Strait relations and maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday. Peng Qing'en, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a regular press briefing when asked to comment on recent statements by Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) Chairperson Cheng Li-wun. Cheng stated that Taiwan's survival depends on accepting the concept of one China, and questioned why advocating secessionism is allowed while supporting reunification is not on the island. Peng said that the contrast between upholding and deviating from the one-China principle is clear -- embracing it leads to improved cross-Strait ties and a stable Taiwan Strait, while rejecting it and denying the 1992 Consensus results in rising tensions and harm to the well-being of Taiwan's people. Noting that "Taiwan independence" secessionism is the greatest threat to peace and stability across the Strait, Peng criticized Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities for suppressing organizations and individuals advocating improved cross-Strait relations. He called on people across the Strait to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, oppose secessionism and external interference, and work together for peaceful development. Responding to comments by Taiwan authorities on "one country, two systems," Peng said peaceful reunification under the "one country, two systems" framework is the fundamental policy for resolving the Taiwan question -- and the best approach for achieving national reunification. "More people in Taiwan now recognize the advantages of this framework and are contributing ideas for a solution tailored to Taiwan," he said. The specific form of "one country, two systems" in Taiwan would fully account for the island's realities, absorb input from all sectors across the Strait -- and safeguard the interests and sentiments of Taiwan compatriots, Peng said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan ROC Ministry of National Defense 2025/11/27 PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan 1.Date 6 a.m. Nov. 26 (Wed.) to 6 a.m. Nov. 27 (Thu.) (UTC+8) 2.PLA activities 17 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 10 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and employed CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missile systems in response to detected activities. 1141127_PLA activities in the waters and airspace around Taiwan [Open a new window] 1141127_PLA air activities in the vicinity of Taiwan [Open a new window] NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK and Overseas Territories leaders unite in London to strengthen historic partnership Press release Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty will host the annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) as the UK reaffirms its strong commitment to its overseas family. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Stephen Doughty MP Published 25 November 2025 Growth, climate, security, and good governance on the agenda as the UK government strengthens its historic partnership with the UK Overseas Territories at the annual Joint Ministerial Council. UK to reaffirm its commitment to defending UK Overseas Territories' sovereignty, security, and right of self-determination. Elected Leaders and representatives from the Overseas Territories will explore collaborative approaches to shared challenges, ensuring a respectful and sustainable partnership for the future. Boosting economic growth, protecting the environment and strengthening security will be discussed as leaders from across the British Overseas Territories meet in London this week. Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty will host the annual Joint Ministerial Council (JMC) as the UK reaffirms its strong commitment to its overseas family. Meetings will focus on deeper collaboration in key areas: driving shared economic growth, advancing environmental conservation, strengthening territorial security, and upholding good governance and transparency. The Territories are a highly valued and productive part of the British family, overseeing 94% of Britain's unique species, bringing bilateral trade worth 17bn (placing the OTs among the UK's top 25 trading partners) and sending more athletes per capita to compete in the Commonwealth Games than major countries with populations of millions. Minister for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty said: The Overseas Territories are an invaluable part of the British family - these are dynamic communities contributing to our shared prosperity and security and important custodians of our oceans and ecosystems, to name but a few of their many great merits. Delivering on the issues that matter to our Overseas Territories - including security, climate change, and growth - is a priority for this government, as well as continuing our work together to maintain good governance and transparency. Minister Doughty - who has visited several of the Overseas Territories in recent months - will host elected Leaders and representatives from across 13 of the inhabited Territories to set priorities for the year ahead, and hear their unique perspectives on how best to enhance our relationship to deliver greater security and prosperity. The Minister will also underscore the UK's steadfast commitment to defending the Overseas Territories, their sovereignty and rights - including to self-determination - priorities underpinned by this year's JMC tagline: Protect, Grow, Sustain - Together. Delegates will attend meetings at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London over the next three days, where the Minister will hold conversations with Leaders and representatives from across the UK government. Participants in the Council will include Anguilla, Ascension, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, St Helena, Tristan da Cunha and the Turks and Caicos Islands. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UK-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue 2025: joint statement News story The UK Foreign Secretary and Minister Hamish Falconer, along with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, co-chaired the UK-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue on 24 November 2025. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP and Hamish Falconer MP Published 26 November 2025 The Foreign Secretary and Minister Falconer, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan met H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain on 24 November 2025 for the second UK-Bahrain Strategic Dialogue in London. The Ministers reaffirmed the strength of the UK-Bahrain strategic partnership, grounded in shared values, mutual interests, and enduring people-to-people ties. They reviewed the outcomes of HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa's visit in June 2025, including the signing of a second Strategic Investment and Collaboration Partnership committing a further 2bn of investment into the UK. Both sides welcomed the UK's accession to the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement (C-SIPA) and signing of a new Defence Cooperation Agreement, recognising their role in strengthening regional security cooperation and interoperability. The Ministers noted the importance of the first trilateral C-SIPA Defence Working Group between the UK, Bahrain and US, which agreed to establishing a technical implementation team to consider areas of future cooperation including maritime, cyber and air defence - noting the UK will host the next Working Group in 2026. Looking towards future cooperation, Ministers underlined the central importance of promoting mutual growth and security. Key areas of focus include green transition, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity and tourism. Ministers reaffirmed their shared commitment to concluding the United Kingdom-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement negotiations. This commitment reflects the depth of the longstanding strategic partnership and the strong economic ties between the UK and the Gulf states. Looking ahead to Bahrain's upcoming membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2026-2027 term, Ministers discussed opportunities for enhanced cooperation to support international peace and security and the multilateral system. Both sides agreed to coordinate closely on UNSC matters and signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this regard. Ministers exchanged views on pressing regional and global issues. On the crisis in Gaza, they welcomed United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803, endorsed President Trump's peace plan for Gaza and reiterated the urgent need for immediate and sustained humanitarian access. Welcoming the UK's recognition of a Palestinian state, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to a two-state solution that delivers justice, security, and dignity for both Palestinians and Israelis. On Ukraine, the Ministers reaffirmed the importance of reaching a just and sustainable peace, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. They further agreed to support efforts to mitigate the global repercussions of the war, including its humanitarian, economic, and security impacts. On Sudan, the Ministers discussed the recent atrocities against civilians in Darfur. They discussed political efforts to end the conflict and agreed that the international community must redouble its efforts to reach an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, including by supporting the work of the Quad countries. They also agreed that all parties must ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. Ministers expressed their appreciation for the continued progress in the bilateral relationship and committed to maintaining regular high-level engagement to advance shared strategic interests. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal and NATO Deputy Secretary General discuss ways to support Ukraine's Defence Forces Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 25 November, 2025, 9:29 PM EET Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal held a meeting in Kyiv with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Sekerinska. The Minister of Defence briefed the foreign delegation on the consequences of the recent russian attack, in which Kyiv was the principal target. The parties discussed the key needs of Ukrainian warriors and explored avenues to ensure sustained support for the Defense Forces. "NATO's support is of critical importance for Ukraine. I expressed gratitude for the effective mechanisms, including the PURL initiative, that reinforce our defense capability and help us repel russian attacks," said Denys Shmyhal. He also thanked NATO for its constructive role in the Ramstein-format meetings, in training Ukrainian service members, and in advancing the development of a network of rehabilitation centers. Furthermore, the delegations reviewed the reforms that the Ukrainian MoD is implementing to deepen interoperability and cooperation with NATO member states. "I am grateful for the effective support extended to Ukrainian warriors and for the willingness to further deepen our cooperation," Denys Shmyhal concluded. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Council of Europe brings unique expertise in the field to any peace process Council of Europe Statement of Secretary General to Committee of Ministers on a potential peace settlement for Ukraine Secretary General Strasbourg 26 November 2025 Secretary General Alain Berset addressed the Ministers Deputies today, focusing on the ongoing peace talks around Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. In it, Mr Berset detailed the Council of Europe's ongoing efforts to support Ukraine and what the organisation can bring to reinforce peace in a potential post-war scenario, calling on member and observer states and the European Union to include this is any peace process. " Like all of us, I have paid close attention to the recent developments around the prospect of a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. While it is too early to assess the outcome of the discussions taking place in Geneva, the fact that a somehow articulated proposal is on the table is in itself a positive thing. But let's not forget the context. As these discussions go on and as I speak in front of you right now, soldiers are dying on the frontlines and civilians are being killed in their homes. The brutal Russian aerial attacks on 19 November in the city of Ternopil were particularly shocking. The civilian death toll has now risen to 34, six of whom were children, marking one of the deadliest strikes of the entire war. The Council of Europe has been supporting Ukraine in resisting the full-scale aggression since day one. We have been supporting our member state with all our energy, in the areas where we make a difference. We must now be ready to support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. And we will do it where we have the most added value. Although we are not at the negotiating table, if you look at the substance, our work is clearly central in many areas covered by the proposed plan. Think about elections; reparations; minority rights, including minority languages; religious tolerance; the path towards EU accession; humanitarian issues; not leaving aside the possible assistance of the Venice Commission in any constitutional reform which may be triggered by a peace agreement. Think also about restoring functioning and democratic local institutions, including judicial, in de-occupied areas. The Council of Europe has a unique expertise in these fields. Any provisions of any peace agreement will have to produce ECHR compliant effects in post-war Ukraine. And it is the Strasbourg Court, our Court, which will ultimately assess those effects. And it is the Council of Europe Register of Damage and future Claims Commission which will be the independent international tools to address reparations. The Hague Diplomatic Conference on 16 December will be the first fully-fledged diplomatic event addressing the implementation of one of the main elements of the peace process. It has been organised at ministerial level but it could very well be that the level will be higher. In all my high-level meetings, starting from my official visit to Finland tomorrow, I will continue to stress our commitment to Ukraine and our ability to deploy unique expertise in the field. I encourage all our member states, as well as our observer states and EU partners, to include these elements in their respective contributions to the peace process. Last but not least, I welcome the respective initiatives of our member states, Switzerland and Turkiye, in facilitating the negotiations. " NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ratnik in Kyiv: even in the most difficult moments Ukraine can rely on the support of Estonia and other allies Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26.11.2025 | 18:28 On 24 and 25 November, Foreign Ministry's Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs Mariin Ratnik visited Kyiv, Ukraine, where she took part in a meeting of the Ukraine Donor Platform and met with Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, Minister of Economy Oleksii Sobolev, Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, and Deputy Minister for Communities and Territories Development Artem Rybchenko. Ratnik also delivered a speech at the closing event of Estonia's development cooperation project IMPACT-Zhytomyr 2.0, aimed at strengthening the capacity of EU cooperation projects to support the development of local governments in Zhytomyr region. At the meeting, the state of Ukraine's reform process and opportunities to improve the business climate were discussed, where Estonia can share its reform experience. Ratnik stressed that restoring the confidence of donors and investors is crucial. Speaking with Deputy Prime Minister Kachka about opening negotiation clusters in Ukraine's EU accession talks, Ratnik said that Estonia supports the opening of the first cluster for Ukraine. "We expect Ukraine to show even greater commitment to fighting corruption and implementing rule of law reforms, which are prerequisites for future EU and NATO membership," Ratnik said. In her meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, Ratnik stated: "Russia's goal of destroying Ukraine and reshaping Europe's security architecture has not changed, and therefore neither has our position: Ukraine must be helped to a position of strength and Russia must be pressured to change course." Ratnik emphasised that the European Union has the tools and means to increase pressure on Russia. The EU is working on its 20th sanctions package, seeks more effective ways to deter Russia's shadow fleet, and continues discussions on the use of Russia's frozen assets and the imposition of tariffs. In her meeting with Minister of Economy Oleksii Sobolev, Ratnik noted that Estonian defence industry companies as well as several firms in digitalisation, construction, educational technology and renewable energy are already active in Ukraine and wish to expand their presence, including in cooperation with Ukraine's regional and local authorities. In addition, Estonia is preparing to host a Ukraine reconstruction conference in Tallinn in 2027 and stands ready to continue both practical and political support for strengthening Ukraine's European-style and transparent business environment. Ratnik also took part in the closing event of Estonia's development cooperation project IMPACT-Zhytomyr 2.0, where she said that Ukraine's reconstruction must be based on strengthening local governments. "Estonia supports Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction through experience, partnerships and concrete actions, helping local governments to develop skills in project management, funding applications and strategic planning," Ratnik said in her opening remarks. "Transparent governance and the use of digital solutions are the cornerstones of Ukraine's European path and sustainable recovery. The experience created together in Zhytomyr will grow into a model that can be applied across Ukraine, strengthening both the country's resilience and its ability to build its own future." Through the IMPACT-Zhytomyr programmes, more than 280 participants from 65 municipalities have gained knowledge and expertise to design and implement projects that meet European standards. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tsahkna to EU foreign ministers: negotiations must start with firm conditions for the aggressor, not the victim Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 26.11.2025 | 16:39 Today 26 November, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna took part via video link in an extraordinary meeting of the European Union's foreign ministers, where the agenda focused on Russia's aggression, and on achieving a lasting and just peace in Ukraine. At the meeting, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also gave an overview of developments over the past week. Tsahkna told the meeting that when launching peace negotiations, firm conditions must be set for the aggressor, not the victim. "The two most important of these are accountability for the crimes committed and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory." "If the aggressor gets what it wants, its appetite will only grow," Tsahkna said. "We must not reward aggression. Estonia will never accept borders changed by force. Russia's aggression and the subsequent peace will shape European security for decades to come and will have an existential impact on all Europeans. We have no room for error. That is why it is crucial that the European Union does everything in its power to support Ukraine and to put pressure on Russia." Tsahkna stressed that nothing can be agreed about Ukraine without Ukraine, and the same applies to Europe. "I expect the European Commission to put forward without delay concrete proposals on the basis of which heads of state and government can decide on the use of Russia's frozen assets for the benefit of Ukraine. At stake are Europe's credibility and Ukraine's resilience against an aggressor whose daily military attacks on Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure continue relentlessly," Tsahkna emphasised. He added that Ukraine's security is Europe's security, and therefore as early as this spring, Estonia decided to contribute to the coalition of the willing led by the United Kingdom and France, which provides Ukraine with security guarantees, giving Ukraine effective deterrence and defence measures from its allies. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Speech by President von der Leyen at the EP plenary debate on the EU position on the proposed plan and EU engagement towards a just and lasting peace for Ukraine European Commission Speech Nov 26, 2025 Brussels President Metsola, Minister Bjerre, Honourable Members, I want to start this debate not in Geneva but in Ternopil - a city in Western Ukraine nearer to the Polish border than it is to Kyiv. In the early hours of one morning last week, a storm of Russian drones and missiles rained down. The sheer force of the attacks leading to an inferno erupting. In the burning wreckage laid injured victims and more than 30 dead - innocent men, women and children. Children like Amelka. A seven-year-old girl from Poland who was in second grade at the local school. Amelka died in her mother's arms. Both of them killed in a mindless and callous act of brutality. On behalf of the Commission and - I am sure - all of us in this House today, I want to start by paying my respect and deepest condolences to all those mourning the victims of Ternopil - and right across Ukraine. Over more than three and a half years into this war of aggression, this is the daily reality on the ground. And it shows that we can never lose sight of what Ukraine is sacrificing. What Ukraine is fighting for - its security, its freedom, its independence. Because ultimately this is what is at stake in these crucial days for Ukraine and for Europe. Basically, the core and values of the UN Charter. This is why Europe must keep up the pressure on Russia - until there is a just and lasting peace. And I want to be clear from the very outset: Europe will stand with Ukraine and support Ukraine every step of the way. Honourable Members, Russia's playbook has not changed. From the start Russia has always believed that they can outlast Ukraine, Europe and all of its allies. And it is why every time there is serious progress towards negotiations that can bring about a real peace - the violence escalates. We have seen this before. This is a pattern. And the noises from the Kremlin in the last few days say a lot about its real intentions. For them, Ukraine remains a first step in a much bigger game. For Russia, any peace deal is about permanently redrawing maps. It is about returning to great power relations and spheres of influence. But for Ukraine - and for Europe - any peace agreement is about creating a just and lasting peace. Peace that stops this conflict and does not sow the seeds for new future conflicts. And it is about ensuring a strong and sustainable security architecture for our continent. One that is underpinned by a strong Europe, a strong NATO and a strong transatlantic partnership. And that is what we will defend alongside Ukraine and our allies every step of the way. Honourable Members, A just and lasting peace. This is what we all want. And this is why Europe supports all efforts to build that peace for Ukraine. A peace that stops the killing. One that avoids setting a dangerous precedent. One that guarantees Ukraine's security and its sovereign rights in the long term. And that ensures a robust security architecture for Europe. This is why we welcome the efforts led by President Trump. After months of discussions, it is important that the work on an actual text started. Of course, we know that more effort is needed. But I believe - thanks to the work of Ukraine, the United States and us Europeans over the last few days in Geneva - we now have a starting point. Our united front, our single voice and our shared sense of purpose must continue to guide the work at European level. And I would like to outline some of the core priorities for Europe as we work with Ukraine, the United States and the Coalition of the Willing on the way forward. The first priority is that any agreement should deliver a just and lasting peace. And it should ensure real security for Ukraine and Europe. As a sovereign nation, there can be no limitations on Ukraine's armed forces that would leave the country vulnerable to future attacks. And this is as much about deterrence as it is about Europe's security. Because Ukraine's security is Europe's security. So Ukraine needs robust, long-term and credible security guarantees as part of a wider package to dissuade and deter any future attacks from Russia. And it is equally clear that any peace agreement needs to ensure that European security is guaranteed for the long-term. Second priority - upholding Ukraine's sovereignty. We know that Russia's mindset has not changed since the days of Yalta. Seeing our continent in terms of spheres of influence. So we need to be clear that there cannot be unilateral carving up of a sovereign European nation. And that borders cannot be changed by force. If today we legitimise and formalise the undermining of borders - we open the doors for more wars tomorrow. And we cannot let his happen. Sovereignty also means being able to choose your own future. Ukraine has chosen a European destiny. That has already led to partial integration in our Single Market and our defence industrial base. And this is only the start of a journey. Europe's future is bound to Ukraine's future. And therefore, Ukraine's future lies in the European Union. This is not only a matter of destiny. This is a core and essential part of any security guarantee framework. And we will do everything we can to deliver on it together. Third priority - securing Ukraine's financial needs. In the absence of any real intent of Russia to engage in peace talks, it is clear that we need to support Ukraine to defend itself. And that starts by ensuring that they have the necessary financial means. In the last European Council, we committed ourselves to cover the financial needs of Ukraine for 2026 and 2027. On this topic we, the Commission, have presented an options paper. This includes an option on immobilized Russian assets. The next step is that the Commission is ready to present the legal text. And, Honourable Members, to be very clear - I cannot see any scenario in which the European taxpayers alone will pay the bill. This is also not acceptable. And another thing must also be clear - any decision on this needs to be taken in line with the rules of the responsible jurisdictions and will respect European and international law. The fourth priority - whatever the design of a future peace treaty, it is clear that much of the implementation will come down to the European Union and the NATO partners. Whether on security guarantees, sanctions, financing of Ukraine's reconstruction, integration in the Single Market, or EU membership. One principle has been accepted: Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. Nothing about Europe without Europe. Nothing about NATO without NATO. The last priority I would like to focus on is one that cannot be forgotten - and that is the return of each and every Ukrainian child abducted by Russia. There are tens of thousands of boys and girls whose fate is unknown. Trapped by Russia in Russia. We will not forget them. There are thousands of mothers and fathers who have never stopped hoping and never stopped fighting to bring their children back. And Europe will never give up in helping to make that happen. Honourable Members, The days ahead are fraught with danger - first and foremost for the people of Ukraine who continue to face the daily barrage of attacks. Yes, the situation is complex. Yes, the situation is volatile. Yes, the situation is dangerous. But I believe there is also an opportunity here to make real progress. So far, we have seen no signs from Russia of true willingness to end this conflict. So we have to keep up the pressure on Russia. But it is also our duty to engage with any and all efforts that can bring about a just and lasting peace. We know it will not be easy. But we have to find a way to move forward. To find a way to stop the killing. To help Ukraine rebuild and reconstruct. To return the children and reunite families. We have to find a way to provide lasting security for Ukraine - and for our Continent as a whole. And above all, Honourable Members, to forge a better future - a European future and for Ukraine. Long live Europe. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys: This is one of the most difficult moments in the history of Ukraine, but also one of the most important for Europe Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-11-26 On November 26, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kestutis Budrys, participated in an extraordinary online meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council where discussions focused on negotiations to end Russia's war in Ukraine and the necessary steps the EU must take in this process. Lithuania's Foreign Minister stressed that the EU must continue its comprehensive support to Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. The Minister emphasized that the main strategic objective of the EU must be to ensure that Russia and its accomplice Belarus could no longer pose a threat to European security. The EU must therefore do its utmost to significantly strengthen Ukraine's negotiating position and proposals that would lead to a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace agreement. The Minister stressed that the EU must urgently make decisions on the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's needs and agree on the date for Ukraine's accession to the EU. "If the EU is not able to mobilise political will and make the necessary decisions on Russia's frozen assets and Ukraine's EU membership, we will not have the leverage. It is important for Europe to have it in order not only to help Ukraine, but also to ensure the EU's security and stability," the Minister said. In an online meeting of foreign affairs ministers, Budrys also stressed the need to ensure unconditional support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "This is one of the most difficult moments in the history of Ukraine. But let us not be deceived, because this is also one of the most important moments for Europe. If we allow Russia to redraw borders in Ukraine by force, we can forget about the existence of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity on a global scale. This will have long-term consequences for Europe's security and future", said the Minister. He also urged the EU member states to join the Special Tribunal and stressed the need to seek Russia's accountability for war crimes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Deputy Secretary General visits Ukraine NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 26 November 2025 NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska conducted a two-day visit to Kyiv on Monday and Tuesday (24-25 November 2025), where she met with President Zelenskyy and senior members of the Ukrainian government. In her meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, the Deputy Secretary General underlined that as Russia increases its brutal attacks on Ukraine's critical and energy infrastructure, it is essential that Ukraine has what it needs defend itself today and to deter future aggression. During her meetings with Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defence Minister Denys Shmyhal, she reiterated to NATO's unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting the substantial assistance provided through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, as well as NATO's continued engagement and cooperation with Ukraine through the NATO Representation to Ukraine (NRU) Office, the NATO-Ukraine Council (NUC), the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) command, and the Joint Analysis, Training, and Education Centre (JATEC). Together with Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov, the Deputy Secretary General announced the launch of the new joint NATO-Ukraine initiative to accelerate defence innovation: UNITE - Brave NATO. The programme will help innovators from NATO and Ukraine work together to tackle urgent battlefield challenges, and learn valuable lessons in real time. While in Kyiv, the Deputy Secretary General visited the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament, meeting with Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Korniyenko. She met with the Minister for Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova together with Ukrainian veterans, commending them for their strength and resilience and discussing NATO's support to the Ministry. To conclude her visit, the Deputy Secretary General met with President Zelenskyy and joined him at the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. She welcomed the ongoing efforts to end the war, emphasising that it is crucial to ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO and Ukraine announce new joint-initiative to accelerate defence innovation: UNITE - Brave NATO NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 26 November 2025 Ukraine and NATO announced the launch of UNITE - Brave NATO, the Ukraine-NATO Innovation, Technology and Engineering programme on 25 November 2025. UNITE - Brave NATO is the first joint NATO-Ukraine programme on scaling prototyped and tested innovative technologies that help meet interoperability requirements. Ukraine's defence tech cluster Brave1 will coordinate from Ukraine's side. NATO has chosen the NATO Communications and Information Agency (NCIA) to execute the first competition. The first competition will focus on bringing to the frontline new innovative products aiming to counter unmanned aerial systems, strengthen air defence and secure frontline communications. Teams of Allied and Ukrainian companies will be eligible for joint grants worth a total value of EUR 10 million, allocated equally by NATO and Ukraine. Companies will be able to register interest online in the near future and subsequently submit their joint bids in February 2026. After a successful pilot competition, NATO and Ukraine are prepared to scale funding further, up to EUR 50 million for UNITE - Brave NATO for 2026. NATO will fund its contribution through its Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine (CAP) and Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation will match that amount. During her meeting in Kyiv, Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska highlighted how the programme will be beneficial for both NATO and Ukraine, where innovators from both sides will work together to tackle urgent battlefield challenges, while also helping the Alliance learn invaluable lessons in real-time. First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov also said, "we do appreciate that NATO is fostering this brand new partnership with Ukraine in the field of innovations. This cooperation will accelerate the development of cutting-edge defence technologies and strengthen interoperability. Together, we are building a more resilient, adaptive, and technologically advanced defence architecture for the entire Euro-Atlantic community." Future UNITE - Brave NATO activities will focus on areas such as: Counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) SIGINT systems Robust navigation in contested electromagnetic environments Unmanned ground systems Winners of the first UNITE - Brave NATO competition will be announced in spring 2026 at the second NATO-Ukraine Defence Innovators Forum. More information about future phases of this groundbreaking effort will follow in 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address OSCE provides platform for dialogue to strengthen Ukraine's response to illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives OSCE | Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe 26 November 2025 The OSCE hosted the Third National Conference on Preventing and Combating Illicit Trafficking of Weapons, Ammunition and Explosives (WAE), which took place on 15 November in Kyiv. Organised in co-operation with the European Union Advisory Mission (EUAM) Ukraine, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the event gathered over 100 representatives from Ukrainian authorities, international organisations, and diplomatic missions to strengthen national capacities to prevent and respond to the illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives (WAE) amid ongoing security challenges caused by the war. "Almost four years of war have completely transformed the context for preventing and combating the illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives, creating new risks and amplifying existing ones," said OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre and Deputy Head of the OSCE Secretariat in her opening speech. "Even under these challenging conditions, significant progress has been achieved, reflecting strong national ownership and the effectiveness of multilateral co-operation. Today's conference provides an important opportunity to share and discuss these achievements, both at strategic and operational levels." The conference served as a platform for dialogue and exchange between Ukrainian and international experts. Participants discussed a comprehensive, state-centred approach to preventing illicit trafficking, focusing on improving national coordination, inter-agency co-operation, and international support. Discussions also addressed current threats, emerging trends, and practical challenges, while highlighting best practices shared by European institutions and international partners to support the Ukrainian authorities in strengthening control measures. "Current statistics indicate that law enforcement efforts to remove small arms from illicit circulation remain consistently strong. The number of crimes involving small arms, ammunition and explosives unrelated to the war has not increased, and partners in neighbouring countries report no detected channels of organised weapons trafficking across the EU border," said Oleksii Serhieiev, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine. "These indicators demonstrate that Ukraine's system for preventing, detecting and investigating offences in this area is functioning well and that the situation remains under control. At the same time, strong coordination is essential. The recently established Coordination Centre for Combating Illicit Arms Trafficking, led by the National Police of Ukraine and involving multiple law enforcement bodies, ensures continuous co-operation and information exchange at both national and international levels. Further legislative regulation is still necessary to establish clear legal frameworks and procedures nationwide." The event was organised as part of the OSCE extra-budgetary project "In support of strengthening the capacities of Ukrainian authorities in preventing and combating illicit trafficking of weapons, ammunition and explosives in all its aspects", financed by the European Union, Finland, France, Germany and Poland. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police, the State Border Guards Service, the State Customs Service of Ukraine, and the Security Service of Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Witkoff To Moscow. Zelenskyy Is Wary. A Phone Call Leaks. A Ukraine Peace Plan Coalesces. By Mike Eckel November 26, 2025 Summary White House envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Moscow for peace talks, amid concerns Ukraine may face unfavorable terms. A draft US peace proposal sparked controversy, including concessions on NATO and military limits for Ukraine. Concerns grow over Witkoff's diplomacy, including reliance on Kremlin translators and leaked calls. The White House's lead envoy is heading to Russia for a sixth time. Ukraine fears a peace that heavily favors Moscow. A leaked phone call shows the US envoy advising a Kremlin official on how to sweet talk the White House. And Russia's invasion -- now in its 46th month -- has pushed Ukraine's beleaguered armed forces closer to the breaking point. There's a lot that happened in the six days since a US-drafted peace proposal first leaked - not to mention the circumstances under which it was drafted. The 28-point plan jolted what until recently had been sputtering efforts to halt the Russian war, something that Trump had pledged to do within 24 hours of taking office in January. Here's what you need to know as of November 26, as diplomats and negotiators from Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and many other European capitals wrangle over details over a concrete, and controversial plan. The Main Sticking Points? After the US plan leaked, and then was given to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader sent his chief of staff and other officials to Geneva for urgent talks with US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Zelenskyy reportedly was blindsided by the plan, which echoed most of the hard-line positions that Russia has held before the invasion. The Geneva talks, however, produced an "updated and refined" framework - a reworked 19-point plan -- that would deliver a "sustainable and just peace," both the White House and Zelenskyy's office said. But Zelenskyy's comments suggested the thorniest issues might still be on the table. That includes the fate of a chunk of the Donetsk region that the Kremlin has been hellbent on seizing. Moscow has repeatedly said it must control all of Donetsk, one of five Ukrainian regions Putin baselessly claims are Russian. Ceding land that Ukraine's forces have kept out of Russia's clutches, at great cost, would be a massive concession by Kyiv and could have political repercussions for Zelenskyy. Other pitfalls include the Kremlin's insistence that Ukraine be forever barred from joining NATO and a potential cap on the size of Kyiv's military. The US draft would require Ukraine to "enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO" and the alliance to formalize a pledge that Ukraine will never be admitted. That approach may be unpalatable for Ukraine, which wants freedom to choose its geopolitical partners - and currently has its NATO aspirations codified in its constitution. Ukraine also wants to be able to defend itself from any potential future Russian attack. In previous negotiations, Russia called for Ukraine's military to be under 100,000 personnel. The initial US draft would cap it at 600,000. A European counterproposal would raise that to 800,000 "in peacetime." Several top Republican senators have criticized the initial US plan,including former Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "A deal that rewards aggression wouldn't be worth the paper it's written on. America isn't a neutral arbiter, and we shouldn't act like one," he said in a post to X. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt claimed there had been tangible progress, saying there were only "a few delicate, but not insurmountable, details that must be sorted out." Sixth Time's A Charm? A real estate developer with no diplomatic background, Steve Witkoff is the man tapped by Trump to lead efforts to find an end to Russia's war. He's met with Putin five times already, traveling to Moscow on his private jet. Some of Witkoff's prior actions have raised alarm bells to outside observers, who fear he is being manipulated or that he misunderstands the war's deeply intractable historical contours. Witkoff has relied on translators provided by the Kremlin for his conversations with Putin and other officials, rather than using translators authorized by the US Embassy. After Witkoff's last meeting with Putin in August, US and European officials said the envoy misunderstood the geography of Ukrainian territory Putin was claiming. Representative Don Bacon, a Republican who has criticized the Trump administration's engagement with Russia, called for Witkoff to be fired. Sending Witkoff back to Moscow, a visit Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov confirmed would happen next week, is a sign that the White House is eager to cement some or all of the points that were set in Geneva and Abu Dhabi. Another wild-card: Trump mentioned his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, might accompany Witkoff, something neither Ushakov nor Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on. Kushner was reportedly present for previously undisclosed US meeting involving Witkoff and Russian who is also not a diplomat but who has played a starring, unconventional role in negotiations with the Americans: Kirill Dmitriev. Wait, A Leaked Phone Call? In late October, Dmitriev, a sharp-tongued, Harvard-trained businessman who heads Russia's sovereign wealth fund, traveled to Miami, Florida. He met with Republican Representative Anna Luna, giving her what he said were undisclosed Russian files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He also gave her a box of chocolates and a book of Putin quotes. Dmitriev had been blacklisted in 2022, along with other Russian officials, in punishment for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Trump's Treasury secretary has called him a "Kremlin propagandist." It later emerged that Dmitriev, who was given an exemption by US authorities to travel, had secret meetings with Witkoff and Kushner while in Miami reportedly leaving some White House and State Department officials in the dark. After news of the US proposal emerged last week,several US senators saidthat Rubio told them the draft was Russian in nature, influenced by a Russian, though Dmitriev was not named. Rubio, who was in Geneva, insisted it was a US draft. On November 25, not long before Trump announced Witkoff would travel to Moscow, Bloomberg News published a transcript of what it said was telephone call between Witkoff and Ushakov. The call took place on October 14, two days before Trump and Putin held their own call, on October 16 -- and about two weeks before Witkoff met Dmitriev in Miami. According to the transcript, Witkoff advised Ushakov on how to charm Trump on a possible peace deal. "I would make the call and just reiterate that you congratulate the president on this achievement, that you supported it, you supported it, that you respect that he is a man of peace and you're just, you're really glad to have seen it happen. So I would say that," Witkoff was quoted as saying. "I know what it's going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere," Witkoff reportedly said. Bloomberg did not say how it obtained the recording, which was likely made by US intelligence agencies who routinely monitor and eavesdrop on foreign officials' conversations. RFE/RL could not independently verify the transcript. Trump partially confirmed the fact of the call, though not its content: "He's got to sell this to Ukraine. He's going to sell Ukraine to Russia. That's what a dealmaker does." Ushakov also appeared to confirm the fact of the call, telling a Russian state TV reporter that it was leaked to undermine the backchannel negotiations. He later told the newspaper Kommersant that his conversation with Witkoff had occurred via the WhatsApp messaging app. "It is unlikely that such a leak could have come from the participants in the conversation," he was quoted as saying. RFE/RL Russia/Ukraine editor Steven Gutterman contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-witkoff- dmitriev-peace-ushakov/33606177.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 Donald Trump Jr. Accuses Witkoff's Critics of Trying to Disrupt Peace Deal In Ukraine Sputnik News 20251126 WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., said on Wednesday that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's critics are trying to derail the US-proposed peace plan on Ukraine. Bloomberg has published transcripts of alleged telephone conversations between Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, Witkoff and the Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries, Kirill Dmitriev. Dmitriev called the agency's publication fake. Bloomberg claims to have reviewed the recording of the conversation on October 29. During the call, they allegedly discussed ways to interact with the United States on a plan for a Ukrainian settlement. "It's pretty obvious that nearly all of Witkoff's critics want any sort of Ukraine peace deal to fail so they can continue this war endlessly, Trump Jr. said on X. He called those people "media and Deep State morons" and said that they never successfully negotiated a deal in the real world. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Witkoff would meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week and that the US president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, might also be there. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Wednesday that Moscow expects the visit of US special envoy and his detailed contacts with Putin. Over the weekend, negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials took place in Geneva, where they discussed the US-proposed plan to resolve the Ukraine conflict. The original 28-point peace plan was reportedly revised down to 19 points following the Geneva talks. Putin said last week that Trump's 28-point 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 Kremlin: Nothing Bad in Transcripts of Alleged Ushakov-Witkoff Talk Leaked by Media Sputnik News 20251126 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - There is nothing terrible in the content of the transcripts of alleged conversations between Russian and US officials published in the media, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. "First of all, there's nothing terrible in the contents," Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. Those calling for Witkoff's dismissal want to disrupt the still modest trends towards peaceful settlement in Ukraine, Peskov added. "I would not exaggerate, let us say, the destructive significance of these leaks," Peskov said. US President Donald Trump himself indirectly spoke out in defense of Witkoff in this situation, Peskov added. "Listen, now the word 'respectability' should probably not be used in relation to the Western media anymore, because no one disdains anything and no longer feels a sense of professional shame," Peskov concluded. Earlier in the day, Bloomberg published transcripts of alleged telephone conversations between Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and Russian special presidential envoy for economic cooperation with foreign countries, Kirill Dmitriev. Dmitriev called the agency's publication fake. Bloomberg claims to have reviewed the recording of the conversation on October 29. During the call, they allegedly discussed ways to interact with the United States on a plan for a Ukrainian settlement. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Ammunition Contracts for Ukraine Delayed for Up to 18 Months - Pentagon Report Sputnik News 20251126 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US Army's procurement process resulted in delays of up to 18 months in delivering ammunition to Ukraine under the specific contracts reviewed through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), according to a Sputnik correspondent's analysis of a report from the US Department of War Office of Inspector General (OIG). "For the five ammunition delivery orders, the contractors delivered the ammunition between 1 and 18 months late, and the contractors did not deliver the full contracted quantities," the OIG report released earlier this month said. The audit found that as of November 30, 2024, the US Army had failed to ensure the delivery of more than 336,000 rounds, exceeding 55% of the total quantity ordered, across the five specific USAI-funded contracts reviewed. The OIG audit covered seven US Army contracts in total, valued at $1.9 billion, with the five ammunition contracts representing $1.6 billion of that amount. The report found that US Army personnel executed the delivery orders despite being aware of supplier constraints that would hinder the contractors' ability to deliver the ammunition on schedule. According to the OIG, Army personnel admitted that the delivery schedules for the orders may have been "unrealistic" from the start. However, the report mentioned an update from the US Army, stating that contractors delivered over 328,000 additional rounds across the five contracts as of June 13, 2025. This delivery surge substantially closed the original gap, bringing the total delivered quantity to over 98% of the original orders. At the time of the review, the report noted that contractors could not provide firm estimated delivery dates for the late items for the remaining outstanding deliveries. US Army personnel cited in the report stated that the conflict between Russia and Ukraine had significantly increased global demand for ammunition, a factor that was not anticipated when the Army's base contracts were first awarded. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia Did Not Discuss US's Ukraine Plan Received Unofficially With Anyone - Kremlin Aide Sputnik News 20251126 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia has not yet discussed the US's plan for Ukraine, which it received through unofficial channels, with anyone, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said on Wednesday. "The peace plan was not discussed in Abu Dhabi. The peace plan has not even been discussed in detail with anyone yet," Ushakov told the Rossiya 1 broadcaster. A number of points in the US plan for Ukraine require serious analysis, the official said, noting that some aspects of the plan can be viewed positively, but many require expert discussion. The situation around the peace plan is rapidly developing, Ushakov added. Media reported on Tuesday, citing an unnamed source, that a Ukrainian delegation led by Ukrainian Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov (listed in Russia as a terrorist and extremist) had been holding talks with both the Russian and the US sides in Abu Dhabi. Yury Ushakov said that he frequently speaks with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, but does not comment on the content of these conversations. "I talk to Witkoff often, but I do not comment on the content," Ushakov told the Rossiya 1 broadcaster. The essence of these conversations is confidential, the official said. When asked where US media got information about his telephone conversations, Ushakov said that he does not know, noting that "someone is leaking them," but not the Russian side. Ushakov also expressed surprise regarding the interest in his conversation with Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and special representative of the Russian president for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries. "What about Dmitriev? I can talk to you, I can talk to anyone on the phone, and I can talk to Dmitriev as well, " Ushakov said. Representatives of the relevant services dealing with the Ukrainian issue participated in the negotiations between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi, Ushakov said. "On our side, it was not [Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Director Sergei] Naryshkin, but representatives of the relevant lower-level services, who deal with practical issues that are, as I said, very complex, sensitive, and so on," Ushakov said. Representatives of Russian and Ukrainian intelligence agencies meet periodically to discuss prisoner exchanges, the Kremlin aide added. The talks in Abu Dhabi did not touch upon the US's plan for Ukraine, Ushakov also said. The new US Special Representative for Ukraine met with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi, the Kremlin aide also said. Europeans are completely unnecessarily interfering in the US's plan for Ukraine, Yury Ushakov said. "We are not the only participants in this process. While it is understandable why we are, Ukrainians and Europeans are also getting involved in all these matters, which is completely unnecessary, as it seems to me," Ushakov said. There has not been serious discussion between Russia and the United States about a plan for Ukraine yet, Ushakov said. "Let me emphasize once again that there has not yet been a serious discussion between the teams of the two countries [Russia and the US]," Ushakov told the Rossiya 1 broadcaster, noting that contacts are ongoing. Moscow has seen the US peace plan for Ukraine, but has not yet received it officially, Kremlin aide Yury Ushakov said. "We saw it, it was handed over to us, but there has not been a discussion yet," Ushakov said. There are several versions of the plan, and some options can even be confusing, the Kremlin aide added. Russian President Vladimir Putin will likely receive US special envoy Steve Witkoff if he visits Moscow, Yury Ushakov said. "If Witkoff comes, he will likely be received by the Russian president," Ushakov told reporters. Yury Ushakov said that leaks to the media about contacts regarding a settlement in Ukraine were unacceptable, as the issue under discussion is extremely serious. "This is unacceptable, of course, in such relations, when a truly serious, extremely serious issue is being discussed," Ushakov told reporters. Some media leaks regarding telephone contacts are fake, the Kremlin aide said, adding that he would not comment on others. Ushakov also did not rule out that he would discuss with US special envoy Steve Witkoff the leak of their alleged conversation to the media. Sputnik 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 26 November 2025 19:05 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I spoke with Anita Anand to thank Canada for its support and to Prime Minister Carney for his yesterday's participation in the Coalition of the Willing meeting. We spoke about peace efforts, the outcomes of our most recent work with the U.S., and next steps. We are in the momentum and we will use every opportunity to bring peace closer. We are grateful to Canada and all partners who support our peace efforts. I expressed our gratitude for Canada's excellent leadership within the Group of Seven and the Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. We coordinated next steps to increase pressure on Russia, including new sanctions, resolutions within the UN, and decisions to enable the full use of immobilised Russian assets for our defense and recovery. I am grateful to Minister Annand for her personal engagement and solidarity with Ukraine." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Yevhen Perebyinis held a meeting with Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Audra Plepyte Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 26 November 2025 16:40 On 26 November, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania Audra Plepyte. They discussed in detail the agenda of bilateral relations, the priority areas of multilateral cooperation, and exchanged assessments of the negotiation process regarding the peace plan proposed by the United States. The Ukrainian diplomat highly appreciated Lithuania's clear position on the need for an unconditional ceasefire and the introduction of strict restrictions on Russia in order to achieve sustainable peace. The participants agreed on the need for further joint defence of the principles of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" and "nothing about Europe without Europe" in international communication. Particular attention was paid to Ukraine's path toward European integration. Yevhen Perebyinis thanked Lithuania for its consistent support for opening the negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU. The participants also discussed the need to adopt the 20th package of EU sanctions, mechanisms for the use of immobilized Russian assets, and further military, humanitarian, and financial assistance to Ukraine. Lithuania confirmed its readiness to support the strengthening of Ukraine's defence capability, to take an active part in forming real security guarantees, and to continue contributing to the restoration and strengthening of the resilience of the Ukrainian energy system and the reconstruction of affected regions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Oil Exports Have Already Decreased by 15-20% Due to Sanctions - Vladyslav Vlasiuk President of Ukraine 26 November 2025 - 21:45 Advisor - Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Sanctions Policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, held meetings with delegations from the United States and Denmark. During the meeting with Cyrus Newlin, Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, they discussed the impact of recent U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies and the strengthened monitoring of G7 export restrictions on supplies of components critical for Russian weapons production. According to Vladyslav Vlasiuk, due to the restrictions already in place, crude oil production in the Russian Federation is expected to decrease by 5% by the end of the year, while exports have already fallen by 15-20%. In addition, local budgets in Russian regions are facing increasing deficits. Joint work on the next European Union sanctions package was one of the key topics during the meeting with Michael Lund Jeppesen, Director for Economic Security at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark; Simon Fasterkjr Kjeldsen, Sanctions Coordinator at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark; and Thomas Lund-Srensen, Ambassador of Denmark to Ukraine. The participants noted that the 20th sanctions package should include further restrictions on the financial sector, personal sanctions, measures targeting the shadow fleet infrastructure, and additional limitations on Western components used by Russia in the military-industrial complex. Ukraine has already submitted relevant proposals to the European Union. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Volodymyr Zelenskyy Had a Phone Call with Ursula von der Leyen President of Ukraine 26 November 2025 - 15:39 President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone call with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The Head of State thanked the President of the European Commission for her clear position and her messages of support for Ukraine during her address at the European Parliament today. The leaders see eye to eye: as long as Russia continues to rebuff all peace efforts, sanctions against it must be tightened, and defense and financial assistance for Ukraine must continue. Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ursula von der Leyen discussed the current diplomatic situation and the European Union's work on a decision regarding the use of frozen Russian assets for Ukraine's defense. The parties also coordinated their contacts for the near future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More than 340 educational facilities damaged or destroyed in Ukraine this year UNICEF Press release Education continues to come under attack, as the growing toll of the war on children's learning and development places their future at risk 26 November 2025 KYIV, 26 November 2025 -- More than 340 educational facilities in Ukraine have been damaged or destroyed this year as the full-scale war rages, disrupting children's learning and depriving them of their right to education. This brings the total number of schools damaged or destroyed to 2,800 since the escalation of the war in February 2022. As these are only UN-verified incidents, the true number is likely higher. "Schools must be protected spaces where children can learn safely, even during war. In times of crises, education provides a lifeline and sense of normalcy to children," said UNICEF Representative to Ukraine Munir Mammadzade. "Schools are places to learn that also support children's holistic development through socialization with their peers and teachers, as well as enabling access to other social services." This schoolyear, 4.6 million children in Ukraine face educational barriers as they persist through a fourth academic year during the full-scale war. Continued attacks damage or destroy schools and threaten children's lives. Air raid alarms disrupt classes. Many schools, especially in frontline areas, remain closed because of hostilities or the lack of adequate shelters, forcing almost 1 million children to study online. For those who study in mixed modality or fully online, the lack of in-person interaction with their teachers and peers affects their ability to learn and exacerbates the emotional toll of the war. "Despite the challenges, children in Ukraine are determined to continue learning - whether in school or online, in classrooms or in shelters. They are hopeful for a future where they can achieve their dreams," said Mammadzade. UNICEF's response, alongside government and local partners, has enabled more than half a million children to access inclusive formal or non-formal education, including in-person safe learning, which is the most impactful, and help them catch up lost learning through remedial education. This year marks 10 years since the adoption of the Safe Schools Declaration, a global commitment to protect children's right to education during war, support the continuation of education, and prevent the military use of schools. At the International Conference on the Safe Schools Declaration in Nairobi, 25-26 November, UNICEF is joining governments, children, youth advocates and many others to discuss how to better protect children's education in armed conflict and to renew this global commitment. Protecting schools and children's right to education is not optional during war; it is imperative. UNICEF urges international partners to continue their support to Ukraine's education sector as a non-negotiable investment in children and the country's future. ##### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ukraine's children enter fourth school year under invasion as 4.6 million face education barriers 26 November 2025 - This year alone, 4.6 million children in Ukraine are struggling to access education as they endure a fourth academic year under full-scale war. Since Russian forces invaded Ukraine in 2022, children have continued to bear the brunt of the crisis - unable to attend school regularly, learn safely or experience a sense of normalcy. Air raid alarms disrupt classes. Many schools, especially in frontline areas, remain closed because of hostilities or the lack of adequate shelters, forcing almost one million children to study online, according to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). In 2025 alone, more than 340 educational facilities were damaged or destroyed, further disrupting children's lives and their right to education. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the UN has verified that around 2,800 schools have been damaged, though the actual number is likely much higher. "Schools must be protected spaces where children can learn safely, even during war. In times of crises, education provides a lifeline and sense of normalcy to children," said Munir Mammadzade, UNICEF Representative in Ukraine. A critical lifeline "Despite the challenges, children in Ukraine are determined to continue learning - whether in school or online, in classrooms or in shelters. They are hopeful for a future where they can achieve their dreams," he added. UNICEF's response, alongside government and local partners, has enabled more than half a million children to access inclusive formal or non-formal education, including in-person safe learning, helping them catch up on lost learning through remedial education. As Ukraine enters another winter of war, UNICEF continues to provide vital cash assistance to help families prepare for the cold months. In October alone, 22,557 households received winter cash support. So far in the 2024-2025 winter season, UNICEF has assisted a total of 43,337 households reaching 140,234 people, including 63,416 children, 30,738 of them girls. Protecting schools and children's right to education is not optional during war - it is imperative, UNICEF stressed, urging international partners to continue supporting Ukraine's education sector as a "non-negotiable investment" in children and the country's future. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, Nov. 26, 2025 - American Lithium Corp. ("American Lithium" or the "Company") (TSX-V:LI | OTCQX:AMLIF | Frankfurt:5LA1) is pleased to report the voting results for the Company's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") held today in Vancouver, British Columbia. Detailed voting results of the election of the Company's board of directors (the "Board of Directors") are set out below: Nominee Votes For % For Votes Withheld % Withheld Andrew Bowering 46,450,215 98.77% 576,647 1.23% Claudia Tornquist 43,857,642 93.26% 3,169,220 6.74% Laurence Stefan 45,140,728 95.99% 1,886,134 4.01% G.A. (Ben) Binninger 45,465,396 96.68% 1,561,466 3.32% Alex Tsakumis 46,424,571 98.72% 602,291 1.28% Rona Sellers 46,420,022 98.71% 606,840 1.29% All nominees, as set forth in the Company's Management Information Circular dated October 24, 2025 (the "Circular"), were elected as directors of American Lithium at the Meeting. At the Meeting, shareholders also approved: (1) the number of directors to fixed at six, (2) the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and authorizing the Board of Directors to fix the remuneration of the auditor and (3) the re-approval of the Company's omnibus incentive plan, as more particularly described in the Circular. Votes For % For Votes Against - Withheld % Against - Withheld Number of directors 71,296,680 97.72% 1,665,169 2.28% Appointment of auditors 71,110,182 97.46% 1,851,669 2.54% Omnibus incentive plan 45,624,748 97.02% 1,402,113 2.98% For further information regarding the matters considered at the Meeting, readers are encouraged to review the Circular, a copy of which is available under the profile for the Company on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). About American Lithium American Lithium is developing two of the world's largest, advanced-stage lithium projects, along with the largest undeveloped uranium project in Latin America. They include the TLC claystone lithium project in Nevada, the Falchani hard rock lithium project and the Macusani uranium deposit, both in southern Peru. All three projects have been through robust preliminary economic assessments, exhibit significant expansion potential and enjoy strong community support. For more information, please contact the Company at info@americanlithiumcorp.com or visit our website at www.americanlithiumcorp.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. On behalf of the Board of Directors of American Lithium Corp. "Alex Tsakumis" Interim Chief Executive Officer Tel: 604 428 6128 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 press release. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward Looking Information This news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the business plans, expectations and objectives of American Lithium. Forward-looking statements are frequently identified by such words as "may", "will", "plan", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "intend", "indicate", "scheduled", "target", "goal", "potential", "subject", "efforts", "option" and similar words, or the negative connotations thereof, referring to future events and results. Forward-looking statements are based on the current opinions and expectations of management and are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Although American Lithium believes that the current opinions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available at the time, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since American Lithium can provide no assurance that such opinions and expectations will prove to be correct. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and subject to a variety of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, including risks, uncertainties and assumptions related to: American Lithium's ability to achieve its stated goals;, which could have a material adverse impact on many aspects of American Lithium's businesses including but not limited to: the ability to access mineral properties for indeterminate amounts of time, the health of the employees or consultants resulting in delays or diminished capacity, social or political instability in Peru which in turn could impact American Lithium's ability to maintain the continuity of its business operating requirements, may result in the reduced availability or failures of various local administration and critical infrastructure, reduced demand for the American Lithium's potential products, availability of materials, global travel restrictions, and the availability of insurance and the associated costs; the ongoing ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders, including but not limited to local communities and all levels of government; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities; the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the possibility that any future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with our expectations; risks that permits will not be obtained as planned or delays in obtaining permits; mining and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes (including work stoppages, strikes and loss of personnel) or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; risks related to commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations; risks related to foreign operations; the cyclical nature of the industry in which American Lithium operates; risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms or delays in obtaining governmental approvals; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the uncertain global economic environment and the effects upon the global market generally, any of which could continue to negatively affect global financial markets, including the trading price of American Lithium's shares and could negatively affect American Lithium's ability to raise capital and may also result in additional and unknown risks or liabilities to American Lithium. Other risks and uncertainties related to prospects, properties and business strategy of American Lithium are identified in the "Risk Factors" section of American Lithium's Management's Discussion and Analysis filed on October 30, 2025, and in recent securities filings available at www.sedarplus.ca. Actual events or results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. American Lithium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Vancouver, November 26, 2025 - World Copper Ltd. (TSXV: WCU) (OTCQB: WCUFF) (FSE: 7LY0) ("World Copper" or the "Company") announces the appointment of Mark Lotz as the Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, effective November 24, 2025. Mr. Lotz, CPA, CA, BBA, is a licenced member of both CPA BC and CPA Ontario and brings 30 years of public practice experience with a focus on financial reporting, securities filings, mergers, corporate finance and tax consulting. Mr. Lotz has senior management experience in the mining, manufacturing, chemical, digital media, software and construction industries in Canada, the United States, Belgium, South Africa, Mexico and Guyana. Having served as a director or officer of more than 30 reporting issuers, he has a wealth of governance and capital markets experience. Mr. Lotz also has extensive brokerage industry experience, both in management and as a former regulator, and he previously worked in the mining and tax practice of Coopers & Lybrand, a predecessor firm to PWC. About World Copper Ltd. World Copper Ltd., headquartered in Vancouver, BC, is a Canadian resource company. Detailed information is available at World Copper's website at www.worldcopperltd.com, and for general Company updates you may follow us on our social media pages via Facebook, X & LinkedIn. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of WORLD COPPER LTD. Sead Hamzagic Chief Financial Officer For further information, please contact: Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company's future plans, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "would", "will", "potential", "scheduled" or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, requirements for additional capital, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, future prices of copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals (including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance), permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as the risk factors described in the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis and in other filings made by the Company with Canadian securities regulatory authorities under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276122 VANCOUVER, Nov. 26, 2025 - Liberty Gold Corp. (TSX:LGD; OTCQX:LGDTF) ("Liberty Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the United States Forest Service ("USFS") and the United States Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") have determined that the Mine Plan of Operations ("MPO") for the Company's flagship Black Pine Oxide Gold Project ("Black Pine" or the "Project") in southern Idaho has met federal content standards and is deemed "Administratively Complete" under Title 36, Subpart 228 and Title 43, Subpart 3809 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. Highlights Key permitting milestone achieved: The USFS and BLM's completeness determination confirms that the Black Pine MPO meets applicable requirements to advance through the US federal permitting process to the next stage; Foundation for the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") review: The MPO outlines proposed mining, processing, environmental protection measures and reclamation activities based on Liberty Gold's Preliminary Feasibility Study 1 (see press release October 10, 2024) and serves as the basis for the forthcoming federal environmental analysis; (see press release October 10, 2024) and serves as the basis for the forthcoming federal environmental analysis; Collaborative, multi-agency permitting approach: The MPO was prepared in close coordination with the USFS, BLM, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality ("IDEQ"), Idaho Department of Lands ("IDL"), and the Idaho Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources ("OEMR") under an interagency Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") executed in February 2025. This MOU formalized agency roles and timelines for efficient coordination through the NEPA process. The MPO was submitted in February 2025 and underwent an extensive initial completeness review by the USFS and BLM. The Company has worked closely and diligently with federal and state agencies to address comments provided and is pleased to have achieved this foundational milestone for Black Pine. Stantec Appointed as Independent Third-Party EIS Contractor: Stantec, a US-based, global leader in sustainable engineering and environmental consulting, has been retained by the USFS and BLM to prepare the Black Pine Environmental Impact Study ("EIS") and related documentation under federal oversight. Preparations are well-advanced for streamlined initiation of the EIS process, and extensive environmental baseline studies have been completed that will inform key sections of the EIS document. Next steps: The USFS and BLM will publish the Notice of Intent ("NOI") in the Federal Register, initiating the prescribed part of the NEPA review commencing with formal stakeholder engagement and drafting of the EIS. Public scoping meetings will engage with federal, state, and local agencies, Tribal Nations, and community stakeholders to identify issues and alternatives for the EIS over a 24-month period leading to a draft Decision Notice (USFS) and Record of Decision (BLM). The EIS will evaluate potential environmental and socio-economic effects of the Project, including water resources, air quality, wildlife, vegetation, cultural resources, and reclamation planning, as well as alternatives and mitigation measures. The Company continues to advance Idaho state-level permits in parallel, including key subject areas of water rights, air quality, mine reclamation, and cyanidation permits. These efforts and timing align with Idaho's Strategic Permitting, Efficiency, and Economic Development ("SPEED") Act, which aims to enhance coordination and efficiency in project permitting. ___________________________________________ 1 See technical report "Black Pine Project NI 43-101 Technical Report, Oneida County, Idaho, USA", effective June 1, 2024, and dated November 21, 2024, prepared by Valerie Wilson, P.Geo. SLR Consulting Ltd.; Todd Carstensen, RM-SME AGP Mining Consultants Inc.; Gary Simmons, MMSA GL Simmons Consulting, LLC; Nicholas T. Rocco, Ph.D., P.E. NewFields Companies LLC; Benjamin Bermudez, P.E. M3 Engineering & Technology Corp.; Matthew Sletten, P.E. M3 Engineering & Technology Corp.; John Rupp, P.E. Piteau Associates Ltd. ; Daniel Yang, P.Eng., P.E. Knight Piesold Ltd.; Richard DeLong, M.Sc. Westland Engineering & Environmental Services Inc. on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and press release dated October 10, 2024. Jon Gilligan, President and CEO of Liberty Gold, stated: "Acceptance of our Mine Plan of Operations is a major permitting achievement for Liberty Gold and for Idaho. It is the product of years of technical, environmental and community work culminating in a high-quality submittal that meets the rigorous federal standards for mine development. We are proud to advance Black Pine mine permitting under the strong collaborative framework established with our federal agency partners and with the State of Idaho. This milestone brings us one step closer to a construction decision as we continue to demonstrate that Black Pine is one of the most significant oxide gold development opportunities in the Great Basin." ABOUT LIBERTY GOLD Liberty Gold is focused on developing open pit oxide deposits in the Great Basin of the United States, home to large-scale gold projects that are ideal for open-pit mining. This region is one of the most prolific gold-producing regions in the world and stretches across Nevada and into Idaho and Utah. The Company is advancing the Black Pine Project in southeastern Idaho, a past-producing, Carlin-style gold system with a large, growing resource and strong economic potential. We know the Great Basin and are driven to discover and advance big gold deposits that can be mined profitably in open-pit scenarios and in an environmentally responsible manner. For more information, visit www.libertygold.ca or contact: Susie Bell, Manager, Investor Relations Phone: 604-632-4677 or Toll Free 1-877-632-4677 info@libertygold.ca All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to Liberty Gold within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements that address potential quantity and/or grade of minerals, potential size and expansion of a mineralized zone, proposed timing of exploration plans, development plans and construction decisions, expected capital costs at Black Pine, expected gold and silver recoveries from the Black Pine mineralized material, potential additions to the resource through additional drill testing, potential upgrade of inferred mineral resources to measured and indicated mineral resources, the timing and receipt of necessary permitting and approval of the final mine plan of operations. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "planned", "expect", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intends", "believe", "potential", and similar expressions, or describes a "goal", or variation of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "should", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made including, among others, assumptions about future prices of gold, and other metal prices, currency exchange rates and interest rates, favourable operating conditions, political stability, obtaining governmental approvals and financing on time, obtaining renewals for existing licenses and permits and obtaining required licenses and permits, labour stability, stability in market conditions, availability of equipment, accuracy of any mineral resources and mineral reserves, the availability of drill rigs, the accuracy of the preliminary feasibility study, successful resolution of disputes and anticipated costs and expenditures. Many assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Liberty Gold and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking information, involves known and unknown risks, which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including, risks related to the interpretation of results and/or the reliance on technical information provided by third parties as related to the Company's mineral property interests; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; current economic conditions; future prices of commodities; possible variations in grade or recovery rates; the costs and timing of the development of new deposits; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the failure of contracted parties to perform; the timing and success of exploration activities generally; delays in permitting; possible claims against the Company; labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or in the completion of exploration as well as those factors discussed in the Annual Information Form of the Company dated March 25, 2025 in the section entitled "Risk Factors", under Liberty Gold's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although Liberty Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Liberty Gold disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. Toronto, November 26, 2025 - Arizona Copper and Gold Ltd. (the "Company" or "ACG") and Core Nickel Corp. (TSXV: CNCO) ("Core Nickel", and together with ACG, the "parties") are pleased to announce the closing of their previously announced concurrent brokered private placements (the "Concurrent Offerings") of Subscription Receipts (as defined below). Together, the parties issued an aggregate of 2,659,421 Subscription Receipts at a price of $1.20 per Subscription Receipt (the "Offering Price") for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,191,450. Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, said: "We are pleased to announce the successful closing of the financings related to our go-public transaction. This round saw exceptionally strong participation from insiders, with management and the board of ACG committing more than $1 million in the Concurrent Offerings alone. Combined with their prior investments, insiders have now invested over $4 million into the Company, alongside arm's-length shareholders, demonstrating strong alignment and confidence in the Company's future. This capital will strengthen our balance sheet and positions us very well for a proposed exchange listing expected in early 2026, which will coincide with the commencement of our Phase 1 drill program at the high-grade, past-producing McCabe gold mine at the Company's Eagle Project. We are entering this pivotal year with tremendous momentum and look forward to delivering significant value to all stakeholders as we transition to the next stage of the Company's development." Management and the board of ACG subscribed for an aggregate of 857,273 Subscription Receipts for a total purchase price of $1,028,727.60, representing approximately 32% of the Subscription Receipts issued in the Concurrent Offerings. The Concurrent Offerings were completed in connection with the proposed business combination pursuant to which Core Nickel will acquire all of the issued and outstanding securities of ACG resulting in a reverse takeover of Core Nickel by ACG's shareholders (the "Proposed Transaction"), and were led by Stifel Canada and Clarus Securities Inc. (together, the "Co-Lead Agents") as co-lead agents and joint bookrunners on behalf of a syndicate of agents which included PowerOne Capital Markets Limited (together with the Co-Lead Agents, the "Agents"). Further to the parties' press releases dated October 2, 2025, October 20, 2025 and November 24, 2025, the Concurrent Offerings consisted of concurrent brokered private placements of Core Nickel (the "Core Nickel Offering") and ACG, pursuant to which ACG issued 1,297,168 subscription receipts (the "ACG Subscription Receipts") at the Offering Price for gross proceeds of $1,556,601 and Core Nickel issued 1,362,374 subscription receipts (the "Core Nickel Subscription Receipts" and, together with the ACG Subscription Receipts, the "Subscription Receipts") at the Offering Price for gross proceeds of $1,634,849. Each Subscription Receipt entitles the holders thereof to receive, upon completion of the Proposed Transaction, and for no additional consideration and without further action on the part of the holder thereof, (i) one common share of Core Nickel (after taking into account the expected 8.5:1 consolidation of the Core Nickel common shares prior to completion of the Proposed Transaction (the "Consolidation"), such shares being referred to as the "Resulting Issuer Shares"), and (ii) one Resulting Issuer Share purchase warrant (the "Resulting Issuer Warrants") issued on a post-Consolidation basis. Each Resulting Issuer Warrant will be exercisable for one Resulting Issuer Share for a period of three years from the closing date of the Concurrent Offerings at an exercise price of $1.50 per Resulting Issuer Share. Subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, Core Nickel, as it will be constituted after giving effect to the Consolidation and the Proposed Transaction, is referred to herein as the "Resulting Issuer". The Core Nickel Subscription Receipts and the underlying Resulting Issuer Shares and Resulting Issuer Warrants (and the Resulting Issuer Shares issuable upon exercise of such Resulting Issuer Warrants) are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance of the Subscription Receipts. Closing of the Core Nickel Offering remains subject to final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The ACG Subscription Receipts are currently subject to an indefinite statutory hold period however, upon conversion of the ACG Subscription Receipts immediately prior to completion of the Proposed Transaction, the Resulting Issuer Shares and Resulting Issuer Warrants to be issued to holders of ACG Subscription Receipts will not be subject to a statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws once issued in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Further information regarding Concurrent Offerings, including additional details regarding the conversion of the Subscription Receipts, can be found in the press release of the parties dated November 24, 2025. In consideration for their services in connection with the Concurrent Offerings, the parties have agreed to pay the Agents a cash fee (the "Agents' Fee") of $151,623, being 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the sale of the Subscription Receipts (reduced to 3% in respect of Subscription Receipts sold to purchasers on the parties' "president's list"), of which 50% of the Agents' Fee was paid on closing of the Concurrent Offerings and the remaining 50% of the Agents' Fee was deposited in escrow and will be released to the Agents in connection with the conversion of the Subscription Receipts upon the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions. As additional consideration for the services of the Agents, the Agents will be granted an aggregate of 126,352 broker warrants (the "Broker Warrants") of the Resulting Issuer, being equal to 6.0% of the number of Subscription Receipts sold in the Concurrent Offerings (and reduced to 3% in respect of Subscription Receipts sold to "president's list" purchasers). Each Broker Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Resulting Issuer Share (on a post-Consolidation basis) at the Offering Price for a period of 12 months following the escrow release and conversion of the Subscription Receipts. The Broker Warrants will be issued to the Agents upon release of the escrowed funds and conversion of the Subscription Receipts upon the satisfaction of certain escrow release conditions. The net proceeds of the Concurrent Offerings are expected to be used by the Resulting Issuer to fund exploration activity at its Eagle Project as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. Approval of the Proposed Transaction remains subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory, court and shareholder approvals. Board and management of ACG participated for approximately 32% of the ACG Subscription Receipts issued in the Concurrent Offerings. Kevin Reid, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, subscribed for 277,373 Core Nickel Subscription Receipts for $332,847.60; Marc Pais, a director of both ACG and Core Nickel, subscribed for 250,000 ACG Subscription Receipts for $300,000; Paul Reid, a director of both ACG and Core Nickel subscribed for 250,000 ACG Subscription Receipts for $300,000; and Rick Vernon, a director of ACG, subscribed for 80,000 Core Nickel Subscription Receipts for $96,000. As of the date hereof there are 39,868,950 common shares of ACG (the "ACG Shares") issued and outstanding. In their November 24, 2025 press release the parties disclosed the number of outstanding securities of ACG held by persons who own, control or direct 10% or more of the outstanding ACG shares on a fully-diluted basis. Though the holdings and percentages for each individual were correct, the table incorrectly summed the aggregate number of shares held by all three individuals on a fully-diluted basis. The following table sets out the correct number of aggregate shares of ACG held by the following individuals: Name Number of ACG Shares (on a fully-diluted basis) Percentage of Outstanding ACG Shares (on a fully-diluted basis) Paul Reid 8,500,100 20.1% Marc Pais 8,500,100 20.1% Kevin Reid 7,750,000 18.3% 24,750,200 58.4% For further information on Arizona, please contact: Cautionary Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "will", "estimates", "believes", "intends" "expects" and similar expressions which are intended to identify forward-looking statements. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements, including statements concerning the Proposed Transaction (including the Consolidation), the use of proceeds of the Concurrent Offerings, the requisite approval of Core Nickel shareholders and ACG shareholders and final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange for the offering of Core Nickel Subscription Receipts. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and the actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, assumptions and expectations, many of which are beyond the control of the parties, including expectations and assumptions concerning (i) the Company, Core Nickel, the Resulting Issuer, and the Proposed Transaction, (ii) the timely receipt of all required shareholder, court and regulatory approvals (as applicable), including the approval of the TSXV, (iii) the ability of the parties (as applicable) to satisfy escrow release conditions in respect of the Subscription Receipts and complete the Proposed Transaction on the terms outlined in this news release (or at all), and (iv) if the Proposed Transaction is completed, the ability of the Resulting Issuer to execute on the proposed exploration program at the Eagle Project. Readers are cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the parties. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of the parties at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statement. Except as expressly required by securities law, neither party undertakes 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. Completion of the Proposed Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to the requirements of the TSXV and disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the Proposed Transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Proposed Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the Proposed Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Proposed Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Core Nickel or ACG should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the Proposed Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States or in any other jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act, or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. 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. Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or for dissemination in the United States. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276128 VANCOUVER - REV Exploration Corp. ("REV" or the "Company") (TSXV: REVX) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a mineral property purchase agreement (the "Agreement") with an arm's-length third party (the "Vendor") to acquire a 100% interest in certain mineral claims and associated rights (the "Property") in Ontario and Quebec. Under the terms of the Agreement, on the closing date (the "Closing Date") REV will issue to the Vendor 500,000 common shares of REV (the "Consideration Shares") in consideration for the transfer of the Property. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the Closing Date in accordance with applicable securities laws. The Property is subject to a 1.5% net smelter returns royalty, being a production royalty calculated as 1.5% of the net proceeds realised from the sale of minerals produced from the Property after customary deductions for transportation, insurance, smelting and refining charges and metallurgical penalties, payable to the royalty holder. Closing is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of all required regulatory approvals and acceptance of the Agreement by the TSX Venture Exchange, as applicable. Options Grant REV also announces that it has granted 600,000 incentive stock options (the "Options") and 150,000 restricted share units (the "RSUs") to certain directors, and consultants to the Company. Each Option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company (a "Share") at a price of C$0.40, for a period of five years from the date of grant. The RSUs shall vest in three equal tranches, with one-third vesting on each of the first, second, and third anniversaries of the date of grant. Upon vesting, each RSU shall entitle the holder to receive one Share. All grants of Options and RSUs are subject to the Company's Stock Option and Incentive plans. All of the Options and RSUs (and any Shares issuable upon exercise or settlement thereof) will be subject to a four month and one day hold period from the date of grant pursuant to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange). About REV Exploration Corp. REV is a mineral exploration company that owns a suite of gold and battery metal properties in Quebec highlighted by JMW and Maxwell in the Chapais-Chibougamau area, while the Company also has strong exposure to the Natural Hydrogen sector in Alberta and Saskatchewan. REV has acquired 100% of a series of PNG leases along the Alberta-Montana border, including the drill-ready Aden Dome, while it also has a significant equity position in MAX Power Mining Corp. which owns Canada's largest permitted land package for Natural Hydrogen in Saskatchewan. For further information on the Company, readers are referred to the Company's website at www.REVexploration.com and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. REV Exploration Corp. Suite 410 -325 Howe Street, B.C. V6C 1Z7 Tel: 604-682-7970 info@revexploration.com REVexploration.com Jordan Potts CEO, Director For further information, please contact:? Chad Levesque Investor Relations 1-306-981-4753 info@revexploration.com Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements regarding the future business plans of the Company, the use of the NSR Agreement, the anticipated staking of additional mining claims, the potential the claims and the value of the Purchased Assets. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "intends," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," "strategy," "budget," "scheduled," "may," "will," "should," or similar expressions. Forward-looking information is based on management's reasonable assumptions as of the date such statements are made, including assumptions regarding the Company's ability to obtain necessary approvals, general business and economic conditions, financial market stability, the availability of financing on reasonable terms, and the Company's ability to carry out its planned exploration activities. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks relating to exploration activities, including operational risks, cost overruns, equipment failures, permitting delays, or accidents; risks associated with early-stage mineral projects and the absence of mineral resources or reserves defined under NI 43-101 on the JMW Gold Property; commodity price volatility; changes in financial markets and investor sentiment; general economic, political, and social uncertainties; reliance on key personnel; environmental, permitting, and community risks; and other risks inherent in the mining and exploration industry. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that could cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information speaks only as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise such information except as required by applicable securities laws. REV disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States. The securities referenced herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration. 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. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. Vancouver, November 27, 2025 - iMetal Resources Inc. (TSXV: IMR) (OTCQB: IMRFF) (FSE: A7VA) ("iMetal" or the "Company") has completed 2025 Phase I drilling at the Company's Gowganda West ("GW") project. Core logging and sampling is in progress and samples will be sent to the ALS Minerals laboratory in Val D'or, Quebec. The drill program focused in the area of IMGW23-04, at the location of the spring 2023 discovery hole of 48.5m of 0.85 g/t Au starting at 316.5m (see News Release dated 2023-Jun-06). Highlights: A total of 2,640 metres were completed in 6 holes to expand the mineralized footprint of IMGW23-04 along strike and up and down dip. The original plan to drill 2,500 metres was expanded to 2,640 metres based on recommendations of the onsite geological team. McFarlane Lake Mining Ltd., contiguous to the northwest has identifed a parallel zone to it's Juby Zone within the regional Ridout-Tyrrell Deformation Zone, the 826 Zone, which appears to trend into the area of the 2025 drilling. "We are happy with the progress we have made during this drill program." commented iMetal President & CEO Saf Dhillon. "With the runup in the price of gold over the past two years, the increased liquidity in the overall metals and mining markets in general and the developments with our bordering neighbours, we anxiously anticipate the return of the assays from the lab!" The drilling intersected the targeted host rocks that exhibited alteration patterns and mineralization similar to that which was intersected in the 2023 drill program. The dominant lithology intersected was polymictic conglomerate of Indin Lake Group previously intersected in IMGW23-04, as well as local mafic and felsic dykes. Zones of moderate to pervasive hematization /potassic alteration, sericitization and silicification were noted in the drill holes. Mineralization included disseminated and clast-replacement controlled pyrite, while a few holes also intersected local chalcopyrite vein fractures or plurimillimetric clusters. Core logging is wrapping up and core saw sampling is well underway. Samples will be sent to the lab as each hole is completed. QA/QC A rigorous QA/QC program is underway as well. A certified standard and a blank is inserted at an interval of every thirty samples. Each 30th sample is also be duplicated. All samples will be shipped to ALS Minerals Val D'Or and undergo the standard preparation procedures of CRU-21 and PREP-31. All samples will be analyzed utilizing the Au-AA24 procedure, a 50-gram gold fire assay with an AAS finish. Intervals of visible chalcopyrite will also undergo an ME-ICP41 procedure. Figure 1. 2026 Drill Hole Locations To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7946/276159_fb527553a46b4b42_002full.jpg Table. 2025 Drill Holes Hole_ID 83Z17E 83Z17N Azimuth Dip Length IMGW-25-06 502468 5270029 225 -45 336 IMGW-25-04 502443 5270069 225 -45 393 IMGW-25-01 502535 5269969 225 -45 411 IMGW-25-02 502574 5269916 225 -45 486 IMGW-25-05 502557 5270046 225 -45 543 IMGW-25-04 502454 5269956 225 -45 471 The Gowganda West property hosts a large package of gold prospective Timiskaming metasediments, approximately 7 km in strike and up to 5 km in width, that hosts all the gold mineralization thus far discovered on the property. Successive drill programs advancing to the southwest continued to intersect increasing alteration and gold values in suspected NW trending zones and lead directly to the IMGW23-04 discovery hole. The 48.5m gold interval is characterized by a coarse-grained to boulder-sized conglomerate, with moderate to pervasive silica alteration associated with a large intermediate-mafic dyke. Ther 2022 and 2023 drill programs appear to suggest a strong correlation between the intensity of the silica alteration and increased gold grades. Gowganda West is an exploration-stage gold project about 100 km south-southeast of Timmins, Ontario; contiguous to McFarlane Lake Mining's Juby Deposits Project in the Shining Tree Camp of the southern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt; and also contiguous to the Knight project that is part of the Strategic Partnership between Orecap Invest Corp. and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. iMetal's fall 2022 and spring 2023 drill program were successful in intersecting new gold trends in the SW section of the property. The Property also has multiple-ounce grab samples from trends that have yet to be drill tested. Qualified Person The technical content of the New Release has been reviewed and approved by R.Tim Henneberry, P.Geo. (BC), a director of the Company and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101. About iMetal Resources Inc. iMetal is a Canadian-based junior exploration company focused on the exploration and development of its portfolio of resource properties in Ontario and Quebec. The flagship property Gowganda West is an exploration-stage gold project with a recent discovery hole of 48.5m at 0.85 g/t gold that borders the Juby Deposit and is located within the Shining Tree Camp area in the southern part of the Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt about 100 km south-southeast of the Timmins Gold Camp. The 220-hectare Ghost Mountain property, 42 kilometres NE of Kirkland Lake, lies 5 kilometres W of Agnico Eagle's Holt and Holloway Mine. Carheil is an exploration stage project with multi-metal potential and previous graphite results. The project is about 170 km north of Rouyn-Noranda in the Northern Abitibi Greenstone Belt. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Saf Dhillon President & CEO https://imetalresources.ca 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. This release may contain forward-looking statements or forward-looking information under applicable Canadian securities legislation that may not be based on historical fact, including, without limitation, statements containing the words "believe", "may", "plan", "will", "estimate", "continue", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "potential", and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of iMetal to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements or information in this release relates to, among other things, the potential to complete a transaction with the Vendor and the outstanding conditions to such a transaction. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and assume, among other things, the ability of the Company to successfully pursue its current development plans, that future sources of funding will be available to the company, that relevant commodity prices will remain at levels that are economically viable for the Company and that the Company will receive relevant permits in a timely manner in order to enable its operations, but given the uncertainties, assumptions and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements or information. The Company disclaims any obligation to update, or to publicly announce, any such statements, events or developments except as required by law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276159 Vancouver, November 27, 2025 - Armory Mining Corp. (CSE: ARMY) (OTC: RMRYF) (FRA: 2JS) (the "Company" or "Armory") a resource exploration company focused on the discovery and development of minerals critical to the energy, security and defense sectors, is pleased to announce the addition of geologist Tom Clarke to its Advisory Committee. Mr. Clarke is a professionally registered geoscientist in Alberta and South Africa making him a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. He completed a Master of Science degree by dissertation from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg as an international student. Mr. Clarke has been a Director of public companies since 2011. Mr. Clarke also formed two private companies. These entities acquired an old mine and Canadian mineral claims. These assets were then sold to public companies to the benefit of shareholders. Thomas has 21 years of experience as a geologist working on gold, platinum group metals and base metal projects in North America, Africa, South America and Russia. When a Director of Bonterra Resources, he coordinated all exploration which led to the definition of the first NI 43-101 compliant resource on the Gladiator gold deposit by Snowden. Thomas is also credited with identifying a marker at a palladium project in Russia which defined the target. Recently, Mr. Clarke supervised the discovery of a lithium-in-clay project in Arizona. Most recently, he identified the seemingly untapped hydrogen potential of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin and pivoted a company into the basin. Mr. Clarke has comprehensive experience in oil and gas by drilling one hundred lateral wells, often multi laterals as a well-site geologist. He has drilled wells focusing on many pools and formations from sites in northeastern British Columbia, Alberta and western Saskatchewan. "We're pleased to add Tom to our advisory committee," said Alex Klenman, CEO. "His expertise will assist greatly in evaluating potential acquisitions and in designing and implementing efficient and impactful exploration programs," continued Mr. Klenman. Armory Joins CMI The Company is also pleased to announce it has become a member of the Critical Minerals Institute. The CMI is a global organization committed to addressing the challenges and opportunities within the critical minerals sector. CMI equips businesses, governments, and stakeholders with comprehensive resources, offering deep insights into the value, sustainability, and strategic significance of critical materials essential for technological and industrial advancement. CMI serves as a central hub connecting companies, capital markets, and experts in the critical minerals industry. The institute emphasizes education, collaboration, and thought leadership and also facilitates robust networking opportunities such as conferences and summits, helping members drive innovation and build resilient supply chains in a rapidly evolving global marketplace. About Armory Mining Corp Armory Mining Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on minerals critical to the energy, security and defense sectors. The Company controls a 100% interest in the Ammo antimony-gold project located in Nova Scotia; an 80% interest in the Candela II lithium brine project located in the Incahuasi Salar, Salta Province, Argentina; and an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Riley Creek antimony-gold project located in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia. Contact Information Alex Klenman CEO & Director alex@armorymining.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the Company's securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The Company's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Forward-looking statements: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the intended use of funds. The words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "plans," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, political and regulatory risks in Canada, operational and exploration risks, market conditions, and the availability of financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. CALGARY - Ashley Gold Corp. (CSE: "ASHL") ("Ashley" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has closed a first tranche of the proposed financing for gross proceeds of $265,237.56. On November 13th, 2025, the company opened the financing for proceeds of $530,000. The closing of the first tranche consists of the following issuance non-flow through (NFT) units and flow through (FT) units, with pricing and breakdown as follows: 1,578,922 units of FT at $0.095 with a 2 year half warrant at $0.15 for gross proceeds of $149,795.09; and 1,536,833 units of NFT at $0.075 with a 2 year half warrant at $0.12 for gross proceeds of $115,262.47; Management funded $78,750 of the tranche. Flow-through funds are expected to be used for eligible exploration expenses, including drilling at the company's permitted projects and will be renounced by the company December 31, 2025. Hard dollar gross proceeds are expected to be used for exploration costs as well as corporate G&A costs. President Noah Komavli on the raise; "I want to thank shareholders for their interest and support of the company vision. Ashley has the right ingredients for a discovery across a strong portfolio of projects in an archean greenstone setting. The first tranche will allow for execution of the planned scout drill program at the company's Howie project, with rapid turn around on activity; drilling is expected to occur in early December. With road access and sufficient surface work completed, we look forward to expanding our model with additional data collection. This exploration season at Howie was very busy, with the largest percentage of labor being diverted to the Howie Project. Moving from historical occurrences to validated targets to scout drilling in one year represents our drive for discovery. Management has further aligned with shareholders, following up with another significant investment in this tranche. I look forward to securing the last tranche and allocating funds towards additional drilling!" Howie Program Update Over the spring and summer, the company executed a small stripping campaign on the Main Katisha zone, channeling a high of 20.2 g/t Au over 0.8m. Later, the company channeled the Twilight Zone, returning a weighted average of 0.624 g/t Au over 22.9m. In early fall, the historic core from 1987 was located, cut and assayed, returning 0.33 g/t Au over 25.74m in proximity to the Twilight Zone. Due to the complex mineralization and wide spread gold occurrences, the company has proposed a low cost drill program for additional data collection using oriented core. With a max proposed meterage of 550m, this program is highly capital effective at a projected cost of $137,500. The main target of this exploration program will be the Gap Zone; this linear anomaly is situated along the East Fault between the Howie and Twilight Zones. The gap zone is host to strong coinciding chargeability and resistivity anomalies. This area has not seen any historical drilling. A proposed shallow fence will be executed over the target. The drill rig will be rotated or re-located, with two scissored holes to follow, targeting the plunge of the Twilight Zone. Final pad locations will be determined based on an upcoming site visit. Click Image To View Full Size Image 1: Proposed Pad Location for Fence and Scout Drilling - Relative to IP The drilling rig will then be moved to another site in proximity to the Howie, and the company expects low de-mobilization costs. Additionally, the company may be able to utilize this rig in the early new year for the proposed Alto-Gardnar program, pending permit and additional funding from tranche 2, again cutting costs on the mobilization fees. FINANCING TERMS AND USE OF PROCEEDS The Company announced on November 13, 2025, a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Offering") for aggregate proceeds of up to $530,000 (CDN) to advance exploration on Ashley's Ontario and British Columbia gold properties, as well as for general working capital. The Offering consists of a Non-Flow-Through (NFT) Unit at a price of $0.075. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each full warrant is exercisable for one non-flow through common share, at an exercise price of $0.12 for a term of 24 months after the closing ("Closing Date"). The Offering also consists of a Flow-Through (FT) Unit at a price of $0.095. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one share purchase warrant. Each full warrant is exercisable for one non-flow through common share, at an exercise price of $0.15 for a term of 24 months after the closing ("Closing Date"). In connection with the Offering, the Company has agreed to pay finder's fees totalling $12,521.00 and issue 137,753 finder's warrants (the "Finder's Warrants"). Each Finder's Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share of the Company at a price of C$0.075 for a period of 24 months following issuance. Mr. Darcy Christian, director and CEO of the company purchased 200,000 Units at a cost of $15,000. Mr. Noah Komavli, director and President of the company purchased 100,000 Units at a cost of $7,500, and 1000903966 Ontario Inc., a company under the control and direction of Mr. Komavli, purchased 550,000 Units at a cost of $41,250. Mr. Paul Rozek, CFO of the company purchased 200,000 Units at a cost of $15,000. These participations constitute a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") which would normally be subject to formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements but is exempt pursuant to subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(a) of MI 61-101 as the value of these purchases does not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Common Shares, Warrants and Finder's Warrants are subject to a statutory hold period expiring on the date that is four months and one day upon issuance. The Offering is subject to final CSE Exchange acceptance. THE EXISTING SHAREHOLDER EXEMPTION AND INVESTMENT DEALER EXEMPTION The Offering will be made available to existing shareholders of the Company who, as of the close of business on November 13, 2025, held common shares of the Company (and who continue to hold such common shares as of the closing date), pursuant to the prospectus exemption set out in B.C. Instrument 45-534 - Exemption From Prospectus Requirement for Certain Trades to Existing Security Holders and in similar instruments in other jurisdictions in Canada. The existing shareholder exemption limits a shareholder to a maximum investment of $15,000 in a 12-month period unless the shareholder has obtained advice regarding the suitability of the investment and, if the shareholder is resident in a jurisdiction of Canada, that advice has been obtained from a person that is registered as an investment dealer in the jurisdiction. If the Company receives subscriptions from investors relying on the existing shareholder exemption exceeding the maximum amount of the financing, the Company intends to adjust the subscriptions received on a pro rata basis. The Company has also made the Offering available to certain subscribers pursuant to B.C. Instrument 45-536 - Exemption Form Prospectus Requirement for Certain Distributions Through an Investment Dealer. In accordance with the requirements of the investment dealer exemption, the Company confirms that there is no material fact or material change about the Company that has not been generally disclosed. The Offering is subject to all necessary regulatory approvals including acceptance from the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date under applicable Canadian securities laws, in addition to such other restrictions as may apply under applicable securities laws of jurisdictions outside Canada. Project History - Howie Property May 1987: Esso Minerals conducts a two year program on Howie (known as Snake Bay). Historic drilling logs from 1987 detail wide zones of mineralization. Assays redacted. Data Link November 2022: Initial surface prospecting and sampling at Main Katisha Shear Zone yielded assay results up to 52.80 g/t Au, validating the zone's gold potential*. News Link January 2023: Planned high-resolution drone magnetics survey to target deeper mineralized zones, inspired by Dynasty Gold's Thundercloud Project results. News Link April 2024: Secured exploration permit and Ontario Junior Exploration Program funding, enabling advanced geophysical surveys and sampling. Junior Mining Network, April 2, 2024 October 2024: Completed induced polarization (IP) survey over 2 km of lines to define 2025 drill targets for subsurface mineralization. News Link March 2025: Reviewed IP survey data, expanded the project by two claims, and identified new targets along strike for further exploration. News Link May 2025: Conducted mechanical stripping, outcrop washing, and channel sampling at Katisha Zone, with channel cut assay results up to 20.2 g/t Au, confirming continuity of gold mineralization in a 5-10m-wide deformation zone. Expanded strike with discovery of 1.6 g/t Au sample based on IP data*. News Link September 2025: Located the historic Esso core, channel sampling completed at the Twilight Zone outcrop. News Link Project History - Alto Project 1937: Gold discovered at Alto-Gardnar by l.W. Alto and W. Gardnar (Berger, 1989). 1940: Sandybeach Lake Syndicate; stripping, trenching, bulk sampling, including 125-ton bulk sample from an open cut with a reported grade of 0.231 ounces per ton (opt). In 1943, Satterly (in Berger, op.cit.) reported the bulk sample ran 0.081 opt, although the discrepancy between the two values is unresolved. 1982: Ground restaked by K. and M. Bernier, who cut a grid and conducted a ground VLF survey, in addition to resampling historic trenches. (in Berger, op.cit.) 1983: Report highlighting a strong northeast-southwest striking quartz vein system in Keewatin greenstone intruded by quartz porphyry, with favorable geology for gold mineralization similar to nearby deposits. The main vein extends over 1,000 feet with widths up to 24 feet, showing visible gold, pyrite, chalcopyrite, and commercial assays up to 0.37 oz/ton gold. (Report, 1983) 1986: Loydex Resources Inc. flew airborne magnetometer and EM survey over the area including the Alto-Gardnar shear zone (Terraquest, 1987) 1995: Champion Bear Resources drilled four diamond drill holes on the Alto-Gardnar property, no data is available (Pryslak and Sears, 1995). 2006: Gossan Resources conducted a field program involving 340 meters of mechanical stripping, detailed geologic mapping, channel sampling of 273 samples, prospecting, and MMI soil sampling to define the structural controls and extend the shear zone. Results revealed anomalous gold values up to 9.69 g/t primarily in sheared mafic volcanics with quartz stringers and alteration, alongside identification of potential shear extensions up to 2.3 km northeast. Conclusions highlight two styles of gold mineralization-in quartz veins and shear zones-recommending re-assaying for nugget effects, petrographic analysis, and drilling to further evaluate the property's potential. October 2022: Ashley acquires the Alto-Gardnar project. May 2024: Ashley Gold Discovers New Vein at Alto-Gardnar Assaying 106 g/t Au. (News Link) NI 43-101 Disclosure The technical information in this news release was prepared and reviewed by Darcy Christian, CEO, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Christian is registered as a Professional Geoscientist with Engineers Geoscientists of Alberta. Mr. Christian is non-independent of Ashley Gold Corp. Some results discussed in this document are historical. Ashley nor the qualified person have performed sufficient work or data verification of the historical data. Although the historical results may not be reliable, the Company nevertheless believes that they provide an indication of the Project's potential and are relevant for any future exploration program. *Management cautions that grab samples are selective in nature, and the assay results may not necessarily represent true underlying mineralization. ABOUT ASHLEY GOLD CORP. Ashley Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focussed on acquiring and developing highly prospective gold and polymetallic deposits in Canada's top mining regions. The Company's flagship assets are in the Dryden Area in Ontario with a 100% ownership in Burnthut, Howie, Alto-Gardnar and Santa-Maria claims as well as in British Columbia with the Icefield Portfolio having two highly prospective claim packages. For more information, please refer to the Company's information available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), or visit us at www.ashleygoldcorp.com. Contact Information On behalf of the Board of Directors, Noah J. Komavli, P.Eng, President & Director C: (647) 567-9840 E: info@ashleygoldcorp.com X: KKomavli -Or- Darcy Christian, P.Geo, CEO C: (587) 777-9072 E: dchristian@ashleygoldcorp.com Connect With Ashley: www.ashleygoldcorp.com X: https://x.com/AshleyGoldCorp Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, and by their very nature involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on currently available information, Ashley Gold Corp. provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Factors which cause results to differ materially are set out in the Company's documents filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) (www.sedarplus.ca). Undue reliance should not be placed on "forward-looking statements." Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. While I was in Taiwan earlier this maonth, I was fortunate enough to participate in a great number of amazing activities. But the first event, as soon as I arrived in Taitung, in the southeastern part of the country, was attending the Tattoo Waves Festival organized by the National Museum of Prehistory. Tattoo artists that use traditional tapping methods were invited from Borneo, the Philippines, Aotearoa, Hawaii and the Paiwan community in Taiwan. I have a number of tattoos, across my arms, but also on my chest and back. All of them were made using the machine method, none using more traditional means. As a CHamoru, where tattooing is very popular nowadays but, as far as we know today, we dont have a history of it prior to colonization, it was fascinating to be in this space. For the first few days at the National Museum of Prehistory, the artists were all busy with those who had scheduled ahead of time or gone through certain ceremonies with the artists and talked about why they wanted certain designs. Over the weekend, we moved to the 2025 Amis Music Festival in Dolan Township, north of Taitung, the schedule for the tattoo artists freed up and so there was more of a chance for people to walk in and show up and get tattoos even if they hadnt made prior arrangements. One of the artists there was Keone Nunes, a Native Hawaiian tattoo artist who has been a pioneer in reintroducing the traditional tapping method to Hawaiian culture over the past few decades. Many in the Marianas are already familiar with Keone as he has worked on grant and community development and training over the years, especially the ANA. That was how I first met him years ago. During a lull in the music festival, we began talking about things back in Hawaii and on Guam. I had updated him on the exciting news about the repatriation of the 10,000-plus pieces from the Bishop Museum in Hawaii back to Guam that had already begun and that just last month, the latte had made it home. I mentioned maybe I might want to get a tattoo to commemorate this. He said that this was something big for your people, your island, and that a tattoo for the occasion was right and so send him an idea that felt right for this auspicious event. The first wave of artifacts that were brought back to the Marianas included a cave drawing that Hans Hornbostel had carved out of a wall in As Quiroga, Talofofo in the 1920s and sent off to Hawaii. The case that I had the honor of carrying home in June of this year, included that pictograph. I sent Keone that image. We talked for a while about what the image meant. That this was likely an aniti, a symbol meant to represent an ancestral spirit. CHamorus before colonization had kept some of the bones of their ancestors, such as the skulls and so these drawings are believed to be ancestral spirits, without heads, since their skulls remain safely with the family. The tattoo was quick and compared to machine tattoos, less painful. After Keoni finished, his spreader (who held my skin tight while the master worked and tapped) gave me bandages with my blood and gloves they had worn and told me to dispose of them however I would like, but it is my responsibility to dispose of them. I carried them back to Guam and then buried them on land in Talofofo near where the pictograph came from. Then they gave me kava to drink and to offer to the ancestors. To get a tattoo for someone as esteemed as Keone was an honor. But in this moment for me when CHamorus and Native Hawaiians are building new relationships through rematriation and repatriation over the return of artifacts, this symbol and this tattoo meant even more to me. Things have been so busy this year, between a new child in the family, a half dozen exhibits at the Guam Museum, the Bishop Museum collection being returned and the latte making their way home. There is not as much time as I would like to reflect on things. Upon returning to Guam, I went to visit the pictograph at the Guam Cultural Repository, with my brand-new tattoo. I took some time to just sit and contemplate things for a while, with the pictograph beside me. The Bishop Museum return this year was just one of the amazing things this year through the Guam Museum, whether in terms of other artifact returns, exhibits and performances like the Hinanao-ta show created by Master of CHamoru Performance Vince Reyes. It felt nice, to take a moment, to feel pride in all that weve done. And to also feel connected to those generations past through this museum work, now symbolized by the aniti, freshly inked on my arm. But also what the museum is doing in terms of connecting the present and future generations to their past. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Haiti - Diplomacy : Towards the opening of a Haitian Embassy in Ethiopia As part of the expansion of Haitian diplomatic and consular posts abroad, particularly on the African continent, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched Ms. Marie-Helene Calvin, a senior official, to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to finalize discussions and preparations for the opening of a Haitian Embassy in Ethiopia. Marie-Helene Calvin had a fruitful meeting with Berhanu Tsegaye, Ethiopian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, who asked the envoy to convey to her Haitian counterpart the renewal of the long-standing ties of friendship between the two countries. The Ethiopian government warmly welcomed the Haitian government's decision to open an embassy in Ethiopia and pledged to support the Haitian authorities throughout the entire process. Furthermore, Marie-Helene Calvin held other meetings with authorities and prominent figures to expedite the process for the upcoming opening of the Haitian Embassy in Ethiopia. Let's recall that Addis Ababa is home to several UN and pan-African agencies, making it the third-largest diplomatic capital in the world. HL/ HaitiLibre The Conference of Swiss Data Protection Officers, Privatim, has severely restricted the usability of international cloud services particularly hyperscalers like AWS, Google, or Microsoft for federal authorities in a resolution. At its core, the resolution from Monday amounts to a de facto ban on the use of these services as comprehensive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions whenever particularly sensitive or legally confidential personal data is involved. For the most part, authorities will likely only be able to use applications like the widespread Microsoft 365 as online storage. Continue after ad The background to the position is the special responsibility of public bodies for the data of their citizens. While cloud services appear extremely attractive due to their economies of scale and dynamic resource allocation, data protection officers see significant risks in outsourcing sensitive data to international public clouds. Regardless of the sensitivity of the information, authorities must always analyze and mitigate such risks, but for particularly sensitive or confidential data in SaaS solutions from large international providers, Privatim considers outsourcing inadmissible in most cases. The experts cite a lack of protection due to insufficient encryption and the associated loss of control as the main reasons. Most SaaS solutions do not yet offer true end-to-end encryption that would exclude the cloud provider's access to plaintext data. However, this is the central demand: The use is therefore only permissible if the data is encrypted by the public body itself and the cloud provider has no access to the key. Concerns about Cloud Act Another point is the low transparency of globally operating companies. Swiss authorities can hardly verify compliance with contractual obligations regarding data protection and security, it is stated. This concerns both the implementation of technical measures and the control of employees and subcontractors, who sometimes form long chains of external service providers. Compounding this is the fact that software providers periodically unilaterally adjust contract terms. Privatim is particularly concerned about the US Cloud Act. This can obligate providers there to hand over customer data to national authorities, even if the data is stored in Swiss data centers. Rules of international legal assistance do not have to be observed, the controllers complain. This creates considerable legal uncertainty, especially for data subject to a duty of confidentiality. According to lawyer Martin Steiger most authority data is subject to a duty of confidentiality. Furthermore, meaningful use of many cloud services with continuous encryption is hardly possible. However, it remains to be seen whether the supervisory authorities will follow their words with actions this time. Cantonal controllers had already declared the use of Microsoft 365 generally inadmissible in the past, which had hardly any consequences. Nevertheless, the resolution presents authorities with challenges regarding their IT strategy. Continue after ad A spokesperson for the Swiss Federal Chancellery emphasized that Privatim's statement was not legally binding for the federal administration. Particularly sensitive personal data and classified information would not be processed in a public cloud not even via Microsoft 365. Information security and data protection played a central role in all applications used by the federal administration, the spokesperson added. (vbr) 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. A group of serial entrepreneurs is suspected of illegally securing more than 170,000 in COVID-era business development funding from Business Finland between 2020 and 2021. The Helsinki Police Department concluded its investigation this month and submitted the case to prosecutors in the Southern Finland district for consideration of charges. According to police, the suspects applied for funding using nine different companies. A person crossed the border from Russia into Finland without authorisation on Thursday morning, prompting an ongoing search operation by the Southeast Finland Border Guard in the Imatra region. The incident took place during the morning hours. According to a statement issued by the Border Guard, the person crossed from the direction of Russia into Imatra in South Karelia, near the recently completed border fence in Raikkola. The Border Guard deployed both vehicles and a helicopter to search the area. Units have been moving across the region throughout the day. Authorities said seven of the estates eight towers were affected. The blaze broke out on Wednesday afternoon and engulfed multiple 32-storey towers in the Tai Po district. Firefighters struggled to contain the fire, which spread rapidly through bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that covered the buildings under renovation. A fire in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in northern Hong Kong has killed at least 44 people and left 279 others unaccounted for. The estate contains around 2,000 flats and houses more than 4,600 residents, many of them elderly. The fire was declared a five-alarm incident, the highest on Hong Kongs emergency scale. It is the most deadly fire in the city since 1962. Emergency crews dispatched over 1,200 personnel, including 760 firefighters, 57 ambulances and 128 fire engines. Despite the scale of the response, rescue efforts were hampered by falling debris, high temperatures, and the limited reach of fire truck ladders. Ho Wai-ho, a 37-year-old firefighter from Sha Tin station, died while attempting to reach trapped residents. Another firefighter remains in hospital. Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of the Fire Services Department, said access to upper floors remained dangerous due to heat and structural collapse. Four buildings were brought under control by early Thursday, but two towers were still inaccessible. John Lee, Hong Kongs chief executive, confirmed the arrest of three men aged between 52 and 68. The suspects include two directors of a construction firm and a consultant. They are being investigated for manslaughter. The company in charge showed gross negligence, said Eileen Chung, another police official. The materials used were not fire-resistant and directly led to the scale of casualties. The Hong Kong government said it would inspect other construction sites for similar hazards. Officials had previously considered phasing out bamboo scaffolding due to safety risks but stopped short of a full ban. Bamboo scaffolding, widely used in the city, is lightweight and cheap but combustible. Chinas President Xi Jinping offered condolences and called for full rescue efforts. Tai Po, near the mainland border, has about 300,000 residents and serves as a key link to Shenzhen. The fire has forced the closure of six schools and disrupted transport across the area. Hong Kongs last major fire of this scale occurred in 1996, when 41 people died in a commercial building. The current death toll has surpassed that, making it the worst in nearly 70 years. HT Investigators charge registered sex offenders Investigators charged eight registered sex offenders in Henderson County with violating the conditions of their supervised probation and parole, the Henderson County Sheriffs Office said. The arrests were made on Monday and Tuesday as part of Operation Fowl Play, an operation led by the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections to ensure compliance of conditions for registered sex offenders currently on supervised probation and parole. As a result of the operation, eight registered sex offenders were charged with violating not only conditions of their supervised probation and parole but also failing to comply with legal requirements of being on the sex offender registry, the sheriffs office said. The people arrested in the operation include: Darryl Lenard Armand Sr. was charged with two counts of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender and one count of a probation violation. Shonda Beheler was charged with two counts of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender. Matthew Blumm was charged with one count of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender. Andrew Brock was charged with one count of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender and one count of a probation violation. Paul Hespelt was charged with five counts of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender and one count of a probation violation. Brandon Miller was charged with one count of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender, one count of a felony probation violation and one count of a parole violation. Johnny Rowe was charged with one count of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender and one count of a parole violation. Michael McGrade was charged with one count of failure to register an online identifier as a sex offender and one count of a parole violation. An online identifier is defined as an electronic mail address, instant message screen name, user ID, chat or other Internet communication name that could be used in the transmission of information or communication by use of the internet, a computer, a facsimile machine, a pager, a cellular phone, a video recorder or other electronic means by a person identified by a unique address or address number. Under North Carolina law, a person fails to register as a sex offender if they do any of the following: (1) Fails to register as required by this Article, including failure to register with the sheriff in the county designated by the person, pursuant to G.S. 14-208.8, as their expected county of residence. (2) Fails to notify the last registering sheriff of a change of address as required by this Article. (3) Fails to return a verification notice as required under G.S. 14-208.9A. (4) Forges or submits under false pretenses the information or verification notices required under this Article. (5) Fails to inform the registering sheriff of enrollment or termination of enrollment as a student. (6) Fails to inform the registering sheriff of employment at an institution of higher education or termination of employment at an institution of higher education. (7) Fails to report in person to the sheriff's office as required by G.S. 14-208.7, 14-208.9, and 14-208.9A. (8) Reports his or her intent to reside in another state or jurisdiction but remains in this State without reporting to the sheriff in the manner required by G.S. 14-208.9. (9) Fails to notify the registering sheriff of out-of-county employment if temporary residence is established as required under G.S. 14-208.8A. (10) Fails to inform the register ring sheriff of any new or changes to existing online identifiers that the person uses or intends to use. For more information or case updates, please visit www.nccourts.gov. 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. Radisson Hotel Group has expanded its Polish portfolio with the opening of Baltic View Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals, located in Miedzyzdroje on the Baltic coast. Set along the seaside promenade and only steps from the town's iconic pier, the new resort features 60 rooms, a swimming pool, sauna and relaxation room and kids club. Coastal-inspired rooms and suites with space to unwind The resort offers 60 spacious rooms and suites tailored to the needs of both short-term guests and extended-stay travelers. Many accommodations boast sweeping views of the Baltic Sea, showcasing the resort's prime beachfront setting. Inside, guests will find amenities like smart TVs with streaming access, coffee and tea facilities, and high-speed Wi-Fi. For ultimate flexibility, every room includes a convenient kitchenette, ideal for preparing family meals or enjoying the freedom of a longer stay. Select categories feature a sofa bed, comfortably hosting up to four adults. Guests seeking more space can opt for one of the resort's expansive suites, ranging from 65 to 78 square meters. These elegant rooms accommodate up to six adults and combine generous living areas with elegant interiors and breathtaking sea panoramas. Wellness by the sea Wellness takes center stage at the resort, where a 460-square-meter sanctuary spans two levels and invites guests to recharge in style. The wellness center features an indoor pool and sauna, for ultimate relaxation, complemented by a modern fitness area for those who like to stay active. Families are equally catered for with a dedicated kids' club, ensuring younger guests are entertained whilst parents unwind. Each day begins with a generous breakfast buffet served in an intimate dining space, setting the tone for a stay that blends coastal tranquility with holistic well-being. Gateway to the Baltic's cool-summer coast Miedzyzdroje and the surrounding Wolin Island have become one of the Baltic's most desirable seaside escapes, attracting discerning travelers from Poland, Germany, and Scandinavia. The area's proximity to Berlin and northern Germany, combined with direct ferry routes from Sweden to nearby Swinoujscie, makes it an easily accessible retreat. With rising summer temperatures across southern Europe, Poland's Baltic coast is fast emerging as a "cool summer" destination: a place where pristine beaches, lush national parks, and refined resorts offer space, serenity, and understated elegance. From here, guests can easily explore regional highlights such as Swinoujscie, Usedom, Koobrzeg, and Sopot, each contributing to the growing allure of the Polish seaside as a high-end coastal destination. Explore Poland's Baltic Riviera Baltic View Resort & Spa, a member of Radisson Individuals, is an exciting new option along Poland's spectacular Baltic coastline, with Radisson Hotels giving travelers a curated selection of seaside escapes, from Radisson Blu Resort, Swinoujscie, and Radisson Resort Koobrzeg to Radisson Blu Hotel, Sopot, with new openings soon in Ustronie Morskie and Miedzywodzie. Together, these destinations invite guests to experience the charm of Europe's emerging northern riviera where Baltic light, modern design, and relaxed sophistication meet. For more information and to book, visit radissonhotels.com. Hotel website UN Tourism has spotlighted French tech start-ups leading the adoption of technology to shape a more efficient and resilient tourism. The French Open Innovation Challenge, a national initiative launched in partnership with the Directorate of Entrepreneurship of the French Ministry of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power, mobilized innovators from across all regions of the countrys dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Challenge identified the most impactful collaborations between tourism-tech start-ups, major companies, and public-sector stakeholders. Ahead of the final event a renowned jury of leaders from Frances tourism tech ecosystem, together with international experts, evaluated the six finalist duos were: Buddy Lyon Airport, Karacal Renault, Genial Atout France, Aquatech Veolia, Luniwave B&B Hotels, and Moovert Clef Verte. At the final pitch event in Paris, the partnership of Karacal and Renault won the Efficiency Through Technology category for its geolocated audio bubbles, delivering immersive, location-based cultural storytelling. The collaboration between Aquatech and Veolia won the Better Enhancing Tourism Services category for its modular green-technology system that collects, treats, recycles, and monitors wastewater in tourist areas. To date, our start-up and innovation challenges have attracted over 20,000 participants and directed more than USD 2 billion of funding to help the best solutions grow. This time, we have put the spotlight on France, a leading destination for tourism tech, highlighting the immense talent found here as well as the power of public-private collaborations. France is home to more than 25,000 start-ups, demonstrating the countrys extraordinary innovation ecosystem and its capacity to drive transformation in tourism. UN Tourism Executive Director Natalia Bayona UN Tourism is proud to be recognizing and supporting Frances top tourism tech innovators as they deliver sustainable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our sector. This Challenge has highlighted the importance of collaboration within the private sector and between the public and private spheres, and offers an example for other countries to follow. As the number one tourism destination in the world, with more than 100 million tourist arrivals, France is a key partner for us, and we look forward to continuing our work together. UN Tourism Executive Director Zoritsa Urosevic The Minister of Small and Medium Enterprises, Trade, Crafts, Tourism and Purchasing Power, Serge Papin concluded: I congratulate the winners of the UN Tourism Open Innovation Challenge. Their solutions demonstrate how technology can very concretely transform the way we imagine and develop tourism in France. They provide operational responses to the challenges of transition, competitiveness and the sectors move upmarket, confirming that innovation is now one of the driving forces behind structuring the industry. Together, I hope we will continue to pursue this ambition, innovate in tourism, and showcase the talents of French tourism tech. All finalist start-ups were awarded with scholarships of the UN Tourism Online Academy, adherence to the UN Tourism Global Innovation Network, and opportunities for internationalization and investment. About UN Tourism The World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), a United Nations specialised agency, is the leading international organisation with the decisive and central role in promoting the development of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. It serves as a global forum for tourism policy issues and a practical source of tourism know-how. Its membership includes 166 countries, 6 territories, 2 permanent observers and over 500 Affiliate Members from the private sector. Media enquires: [email protected] UN Tourism Communications Department +34 91 567 8100 UN Tourism View source BANGKOK The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is partnering with Content With Purpose (CWP) to produce Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose - an inspiring new digital series celebrating how tourism across the Asia Pacific region can drive a more responsible, inclusive, and sustainable future. Tourism is one of the worlds most powerful forces for connection - linking people, economies, and cultures across an extraordinary diversity of places. Throughout the Asia Pacific region, tourism supports livelihoods, strengthens communities, and fuels innovation across industries. Yet as the sector evolves, its true value extends far beyond visitor arrivals and receipts. Reflecting on PATAs renewed mission and holistic vision, Tourism with Purpose will explore tourisms wider impact on people and places, on well-being and the environment, and on the many sectors it touches beyond the visitor economy. As travel across the region continues to grow, the need for a sustainable and resilient approach has never been greater. Through destination stewardship, skills development, and cross-sector collaboration, tourism can ensure that growth is inclusive and that its benefits are shared widely to create opportunity and prosperity for all. Launching in the year of PATAs 75th anniversary, Pacific Asia: Tourism with Purpose will showcase the stories, innovations, and partnerships leading this transformation. Through short form films, expert interviews, and character-led storytelling, the series will highlight pioneering initiatives in sustainable tourism, climate action, community empowerment, and regional connectivity - revealing how purpose-driven tourism can uplift both societies and ecosystems. Aligned with PATAs commitment to be a catalyst for meaningful impact, Tourism with Purpose will amplify diverse voices from across the Asia Pacific and share a distinctly regional perspective with the world, celebrating the power of tourism to connect, protect, and inspire. Tourism acts as a bridge between cultures, communities, and economies. Through Tourism with Purpose, we want to highlight how our region is leading the way toward a more responsible and resilient tourism future. This series will showcase the people and partnerships driving that change, demonstrating how purposeful travel can create lasting benefits for our environment, our societies, and generations to come. We also extend our appreciation to Content With Purpose for their help in bringing these previously untold stories to life. PATA CEO Noor Ahmad Hamid Max Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Content With Purpose, added: Were delighted to be partnering with PATA to create a series that celebrates the transformative potential of tourism. The series is an opportunity to celebrate the vision and leadership across the Asia-Pacific, and to show how tourism, when guided by purpose and collaboration, can strengthen communities, protect the planet, and inspire a more connected world. The series will launch with a preview screening at the PATA Annual Summit 2026, to be organised from May 11 - 13 in Gyeongju and Pohang, Korea (ROK). The screening will be followed by a full series launch at the PATA Travel Mart 2026, in Sarawak, Malaysia, from August 18 - 20. An extensive digital campaign will then extend its reach across PATAs network and beyondengaging policymakers, businesses, NGOs, academia, travellers, and the public in driving collective action toward a more inclusive, resilient, and purpose-driven future for tourism. Organisations within the tourism industryboth public and privateinterested in contributing to the series are encouraged to contact Sophie Newboult, Series Development Manager at CWP, to learn more: [email protected]. About CWP Content With Purpose (CWP) is a B Corp certified strategic content creator that works in partnership with leading member bodies and associations, engaging professionals in their industries role in building a better tomorrow. About PATA Founded in 1951, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is a not-for-profit membership association that acts as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. The Association provides aligned advocacy, insightful research, and innovative events to its member organisations, which include government, state and city tourism bodies; international airlines and airports; hospitality organisations, educational institutions, and thousands of young tourism professional (YTP) members across the world. The PATA network also embraces grassroots activism of PATA Chapters and Student Chapters, which organise travel industry training programmes and business development events around the world. Thousands of travel professionals belong to 32 local PATA Chapters worldwide. Hundreds of students are members of 28 PATA Student Chapters globally. The PATAmPOWER platform delivers unrivalled data, forecasts, and insights from the PATA Strategic Intelligence Centre to members' desktops and mobile devices around the world. PATA's Head Office has been in Bangkok since 1998. The Association also has an office in Beijing. Visit www.PATA.org. Wait! Before you go Please sign up for our Evening Digest and Breaking Newsletters Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. The Retired Investor: Venezuela's Oil Wealth Is s Tempting Target. Fifteen thousand U.S. troops mass on land and sea. Facing them, the beleaguered president of a nation 11 times smaller than the U.S. Will we invade and why? "I don't rule out anything," answers the president of the United States. A near naval blockade surrounds tiny Venezuela. President Trump has accused his counterpart, Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, of leading the Cartel de Los Soles, a designated foreign terrorist organization. Maduro denies it, claiming Trump is simply using that pretext to effect regime change. But before you start lambasting Donald Trump for going off the deep end, consider the following. We are witnessing Gunboat Diplomacy, a tried-and-true American tactic that dates back several centuries. For example, one of the first things a Parris Island Marine recruit like me memorizes in boot camp is the Marine Corps Hymn. It starts with "From the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli; We fight our country's battles " Want to know where that comes from? In June 1815, the Navy, still in its infancy, blockaded the nations along the North African coastline, bombarding Tripoli until it signed a treaty promising not to attack American trade ships. The capture of Mexico City was next in 1847. A couple of decades later, in 1853, Commodore Matthew Perry's naval expedition steamed into Japan's ports. He was hellbent on asserting U.S. interests and trade by force, if necessary, against the Japanese, which had a long-standing policy of isolation. The following year, we participated in similar exercises in China along the Yangtze River. Skip a few years, and then again, an invasion of Panama in 1903. I could go on, but the point is that America has exercised a lot of foreign policy over the years by using the threat or the use of force, most often through the Navy and the Marines on board. In my last column , I outlined some of our history with Venezuela and its current economic, political, and military relationship with both China and Russia. I wrote that our domestic energy production is peaking. Trump's "Drill, Baby, Drill" policy involves a significant expansion of lease sales to drill for oil off the coasts of Alaska, California, and the Gulf of Mexico. Lease sales do not guarantee buyers will drill. To do so requires a higher oil price than we have now, and the president wants energy prices to fall further. Given that conundrum and America's need to procure additional energy reserves, Venezuela's 303 billion barrels of proven reserves are a tempting target. The problem is that Venezuela, under President Nicolas Maduro, is no friend of the U.S. After years of U.S.-imposed sanctions, Venezuela's economy continues to decline, with the only hard money the country earns coming from its role as a transit country for drug smuggling. Despite having the world's largest oil reserves, Venezuela's oil production has been declining for years, from 3.2 million barrels per day in 2000 to roughly 800,000 barrels per day in 2025. The decline is attributed to years of underinvestment and mismanagement, limited access to capital, and little to no maintenance. Maduro, and before him Chavez, drove the industry into bankruptcy. They expropriated foreign oil companies, drove investors and technology away, and engineered an almost complete collapse of infrastructure and refineries. To turn around Venezuela's oil industry would require $20 billion per year over two to three years. Once completed, it would require another four to five years to yield additional production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. At that point, the country could sustain an additional 1 million barrels per day. Another challenge is in the complexion of Venezuela's oil. The Orinoco heavy oil is the largest accumulation of heavy and ultra-heavy crude in the world. About 77 percent of the country's oil reserves are in that region. This oil requires specialized refineries to process this high-density fuel. Extracting this material is difficult and involves high greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the more carbon-intensive oil sources in the world. Believe me, I have been there. It's a complex extraction process in a remote, treacherous jungle environment that requires substantial energy and water and generates significant waste. There are about 125 operational oil refineries located primarily along the Gulf Coast in Texas, Louisiana, California, and the Midwest, that already process a significant amount of heavy oil. The supply of heavy crude has been shrinking, however, due to prolonged OPEC supply cuts and sanctions on Venezuela, Iran, and Russia. A lifting of sanctions on Venezuela would be a welcome development for refineries struggling to find cheap supplies. Trump's gunboat policy might succeed in ousting the present government through the threat of force or an actual invasion. That would be dangerous but doable. A ready replacement, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado, who is widely popular in her country, would quickly embrace the U.S. and, presumably, an oil-friendly policy along with it. A harder sell is convincing Maduro to step down and/or abandon his allies, and to embrace the U.S. once again after years of bad blood. It could happen, but it is unlikely. And even if that were to happen, the road ahead would require years of effort and money. The United States would have a hard row to hoe to secure this Latin American country's energy wealth without Machado or someone like her in office. Many critics of the president and administration believe that Trump's Venezuela invasion tactics are a domestically motivated diversionary tactic. If so, the tactic has yet to play out. Clearly, in the short term, Trump's focus is on becoming the "peace president." His reputation as a consummate deal maker is currently fully occupied with accomplishing peace between Russia and Ukraine, while holding together a fragile agreement between Israel and Hamas. It also appears the president is changing his justification for regime change from fentanyl smuggling (which was a mirage in the first place) to ejecting Russia, Iran, and China from the western hemisphere. To some, Venezuela may be a bridge too far for now, but I wouldn't put anything past this guy in the months ahead. MountainOne Donates $25,000 to Food and Fuel Assistance Organizations NORTH ADAMS, Mass. MountainOne announced it will donate $25,000 to local community organizations across the Berkshire County and South Shore regions to assist with combating food insecurity and providing winter fuel assistance. This financial commitment arrives at a moment when many local partners are seeing record need. MountainOne is stepping in with funding that will help keep homes warm and ensure families have access to healthy meals. "As the need around us grows, our commitment has only become stronger. The organizations we are supporting are lifelines for local families, and we are grateful for the work they do every single day," said Brenda Petell, Vice President, Community Engagement Officer at MountainOne. It is a privilege to stand with them and help provide food, warmth, and relief for our neighbors across Berkshire County and the South Shore." In Berkshire County, MountainOne will contribute $10,000 to local food pantries. Recipient organizations include Thanksgiving Angels, Inc., Berkshire Grown, Inc., Berkshire Food Project, Inc., Al Nelson Food Pantry, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Lastly, MountainOne is excited to direct its $10,000 donation for fuel assistance to the Pittsfield Area Council of Congregations (PACC) Hearth and Home Fuel Fund. "I am moved to commend MountainOne for supporting the needy in our community through the PACC fuel fund with this generous gift. $10,000 will keep quite a few households warm in what is already shaping up to be a very difficult season," said PACC Past President Rabbi David Weiner. "Funded by gifts from many congregations, corporations and individuals and administered directly through the Salvation Army, the PACC fuel is a last-resort resource for Pittsfield residents who will be left in the cold without another oil delivery. This gift will make a difference." In addition to these donations, MountainOne Cares, an employee-led group, held a special Thanksgiving Basket raffle to raise employee donations and hosted local canned food drives for employees and customers across all locations. Proceeds from the raffle and items collected at the food drives will be donated to seven different food pantries across our communities. VTF&W photo by John Hall The Thanksgiving turkeys on our tables this holiday originated from native wild turkeys whose populations have been restored across much of North America thanks to scientific wildlife management by state fish and wildlife agencies. The Wild Turkey's Contribution to Thanksgiving MONTPELIER, Vt. One of our native wildlife species historically played an important role on Thanksgiving Day. North America's native wild turkeys were the ancestors of the Thanksgiving turkey on our dinner table. Originally found only in the wild, turkeys now exist as meat-producing domesticated varieties -- the broad breasted white, broad breasted bronze, white Holland, bourbon red, and a host of other breeds all of them descended from our native wild turkey. More than 140,000 servings of Vermont wild turkeys are harvested each year that's 140,000 servings of free-ranging, wild and sustainably harvested protein. Wild turkeys exist throughout Vermont today, but that was not always the case. Wild turkeys disappeared from Vermont in the mid-to-late 1800s due to habitat destruction when land was cleared for farming and only 25 percent of the state was covered by forest. The wild turkeys we see in Vermont today originated from just 31 wild turkeys stocked in Southwestern Vermont by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in 1969 and 1970 when Vermont's forest habitat was once again capable of supporting turkeys. State wildlife biologists moved groups of these birds northward, and today Vermont's population of turkeys is estimated at close to 50,000. This is just one of many wildlife restoration success stories we can be thankful for in 2025. Funding for Vermont's wild turkey restoration was derived from the sale of hunting licenses and a federal tax on hunting equipment. Upholding the Pacifist Constitution: the foundation of Japan's standing in the world 17:34, November 26, 2025 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily Amid mounting domestic and international criticism of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks on China's Taiwan, Japan has once again taken a series of provocative steps that raise serious concerns. These include its first export of lethal weapons since relaxing restrictions on arms exports in 2023, the Liberal Democratic Party's move to initiate discussions on revising its three key national security documents, and the plan to deploy offensive weapons near China's Taiwan region. These actions further reveal Japan's political attempt to deviate from the post-war international order. As a defeated country in World War II, Japan bears explicit legal responsibilities under international law. Its recent moves constitute a flagrant violation of its obligations, pose a grave challenge to the post-war order recognized by the international community, and create serious risks to peace and stability in Asia and the wider world. Eighty years ago, the Potsdam Proclamation declared unequivocally that the forces responsible for Japan's wartime aggression must be dismantled without compromise: "There must be eliminated for all time the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest, for we insist that a new order of peace, security and justice will be impossible until irresponsible militarism is driven from the world." The establishment of such a new order rooted in peace, security, and justice required the imposition of political constraints on Japan's capacity to wage war and the thorough removal of the ideological foundations of its militarism. A series of international instruments, including the UN Charter, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Instrument of Surrender, clearly stipulate Japan's obligations as a defeated country. The concept of "collective self-defense" in the UN Charter was created to safeguard collective security and prevent the resurgence of fascism; Japan is restricted from exercising this right. The Potsdam Proclamation mandated Japan's complete disarmament and forbade the development of industries that could support rearmament. The Instrument of Surrender, which declared the final defeat of Japanese militarism, commits Japan to "faithfully carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation." These legally binding documents form an important cornerstone of the post-war international order and represent the political and legal foundation for Japan's return to the international community. The four China-Japan political documents and Article 9 of Japan's Pacifist Constitution further underscore its commitment to peaceful development. In the 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, Japan explicitly expresses deep remorse for its wartime aggression and pledges to resolve disputes by peaceful means. The "exclusively defense-oriented policy," enshrined in Japan's constitution, has served as a fundamental assurance of Japan's pursuit of peaceful development since the war. These are Japan's solemn commitments to its own people, to the Chinese people, and to people around the world. They are serious and binding, and brook no ambiguity or backsliding. National credibility is the cornerstone of a country's standing in the international community. It is deeply concerning that in recent years, right-wing forces in Japan have increasingly challenged the core principles of its post-war pacifist trajectory. Proposals for armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait, discussions around abandoning the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles," efforts to revise Article 9 of the Pacifist Constitution, and calls for acquiring "counterstrike capability" all signal a troubling departure from Japan's long-standing commitment to peaceful development. These actions contravene international law, run counter to Japan's own constitutional provisions and political commitments, and signal Japan's attempt to escape the constraints imposed by the Potsdam Proclamation and the Instrument of Surrender. The reemergence of militaristic tendencies is increasingly evident in Japan, and the pacifist foundation that has underpinned Japan's post-war international standing is showing signs of erosion. The international community has already voiced serious concerns. A Malaysian expert criticized Japanese leaders for their distorted interpretation of World War II history. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry posted a video clip of Japan's surrender on social media, urging Japan to draw lessons from history and comply with the enduring pacifist provisions of its Constitution. Within Japan, public opposition has also been evident. Protesters gathered in front of the Prime Minister's Office, demanding that Takaichi retract her erroneous remarks. In an editorial, Japanese newspaper Tokyo Shimbun condemned any attempt by a short-sighted administration to revise the "Three Non-Nuclear Principles" for its own political agenda as unacceptable. These rational voices represent clear warnings against the resurgence of right-wing militarism and reinforce the call to uphold international law and the post-war international order. History proves that a nation unwilling to confront its past cannot shape a responsible future. The tragedies of history must never be repeated. Only by learning from history, abiding by international law, and upholding the principles of its Pacifist Constitution can Japan regain and sustain the trust of its Asian neighbors and the international community. This is a responsibility Japan owes both to itself and to the world. All countries committed to justice have the right and the responsibility to safeguard the international order based on international law and ensure that the hard-won peace of the post-war era is preserved. Should Japan continue on its erroneous course, all nations and peoples upholding justice have the right to re-examine Japan's historical wrongdoing and the responsibility to take firm action against any resurgence of Japanese militarism. (Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on foreign policy and international affairs.) (Web editor: Hongyu, Du Mingming) After a successful coastal cleanup in Calatagan earlier this year, Brother International Philippines Corporation once again reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by participating in a Mangrove Tree Planting activity led by its affiliate company, Brother Industries (Philippines), Inc. Held on August 16, 2025 in Brgy. Poctol, San Juan, Batangas. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the San Juan local government and the Philippine Coast Guard, resulting in 1,200 mangrove propagules planted along the towns coastline. The mangrove forest in San Juan is more than just a tourist attraction. It serves as a crucial natural defense for coastal communities, protecting against erosion, storms, and flooding. Mangrove ecosystems also provide shelter and breeding grounds for fish, crabs, birds, and other wildlife to ensure a thriving biodiversity. Beyond these ecological benefits, mangroves filter pollutants, improve water quality, and act as powerful carbon sinks, storing large amounts of carbon that help mitigate the effects of climate change. Brother Philippines recent mangrove tree planting activity contributes to expanding and reinforcing this natural barrier over the years. For the residents of San Juan, this means stronger protection against climate-related risks, improved fisheries that sustain livelihoods, and cleaner waters that benefit both people and wildlife. Healthy ecosystems are the backbone of resilient communities, said Glenn Hocson, President of Brother Philippines. Through this Mangrove Tree Planting initiative, were supporting the restoration of a vital natural resource and strengthening the protection of coastal families who depend on these ecosystems for food, livelihood, and safety. This project reflects our belief that true sustainability goes beyond business. It's about working with partners and local communities to create lasting environmental impact. This initiative also supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By working hand-in-hand with Brother Industries (Philippines) Inc., San Juan LGU and the Philippine Coast Guard, Brother Philippines reinforces the importance of collaboration in addressing complex environmental challenges. This collective action demonstrates that meaningful partnerships are key to driving long-term impact and ensuring that sustainability programs deliver results that benefit both people and the planet. The Mangrove tree planting activity is part of Brother Philippines broader sustainability roadmap. Over the years, the company has launched various corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, including the Green Project, which encourages customers to return empty Brother ink bottles for responsible disposal; its annual Coastal Cleanup event where employee volunteers collect and segregate coastal waste; Brigada Eskwela, which supports educational infrastructure in schools; and the Lakbay Aral Program, which provides students with enriching learning experiences outside the classroom. To learn more about Brother Philippines CSR initiatives and sustainability programs, visit www.brother.com.ph and follow Brother Philippines on its official social media pages. Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC) reaffirmed its commitment to accessibility and inclusion by supporting the ADHD Society of the Philippines. As part of the partnership, Epson sponsored a business projector, two scanners, and a multifunction printer with inks to help the organization improve its communication materials for advocacy, training, and outreach activities. These tools will strengthen the Societys efforts to connect with educators, families, and professionals supporting neurodiverse individuals. The Society has long been at the forefront of advocating for greater understanding and acceptance of people with ADHD. With the help of Epsons trusted and reliable technology, the organization is better equipped to deliver its campaigns, workshops, and events that promote inclusion and support the neurodiverse community. Through this collaboration, both organizations highlight how shared purpose and practical tools can work together to drive awareness and meaningful change. Epsons partnership with ADHD Society of the Philippines reflects its broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. As part of its ongoing efforts, Epson previously conducted an internal awareness seminar for employees, featuring invited speakers from Philippine Neurodivergent Self Advocates (PhiNSA) who discussed neurodiversity and ways to foster more inclusive workplaces. By creating opportunities for learning and collaboration, Epson continues to strengthen understanding and empathy within and beyond its organization. For Epson, supporting the ADHD Society of the Philippines reinforces a legacy of creating technology that enables people from all walks of life to thrive. This initiative is part of Epsons enduring heritage of innovation with purposeone that spans decades of developing solutions that not only drive productivity but also foster connection, creativity, and empowerment. By aligning with organizations that champion inclusion, Epson continues to honor its roots in socially responsible innovation, while advancing its vision of technology that serves humanity and supports sustainable progress. Epson believes that technology should help break barriers and empower people, said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation. Our support for the ADHD Society of the Philippines reflects our shared goal of building a more inclusive society, one that recognizes and celebrates every individuals potential. Our work is rooted in helping individuals with ADHD and their families feel understood, supported, and included. Epsons contribution allows us to strengthen our outreach and engagement, especially in communities where awareness and access to information are most needed. Partnerships like this remind us that inclusion is a collective effort and that when organizations come together with empathy and purpose, real change happens, said Patis Famador, Board of Trustees Treasurer of the ADHD Society of the Philippines. Through initiatives like this, Epson continues to use innovation and collaboration to create lasting, positive change in communities. Across the region, the company works with partners and organizations that share its vision of accessibility, empowerment, and sustainable progress for all. For more information, visit www.epson.com.ph 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 11 people have been killed in China after a train ran over a group of railway workers, in one of the deadliest incidents on the countrys rail network in years. The train, testing earthquake detection equipment, collided with construction workers at the Luoyang Town Railway Station in Kunming, the capital city of Southwest Chinas Yunnan Province. At least two others were rushed to hospital with injuries. The test train was "passing normally through a curve inside Kunming Luoyang Town Station when a collision happened with construction workers who had entered the track area", the Kunming Railway Bureau said. After the accident, the railway authorities and the local administration "immediately activated the emergency response plan", according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. The station in Yunnan province has since resumed normal services, while the cause of the accident is being investigated, railway officials added. open image in gallery File: Chinese armed police patrol the scene of the terror attack at the main train station in Kunming, Yunnan Province on March 2, 2014 ( AFP via Getty Images ) State media reported that the railway authorities will hold relevant responsible persons accountable in accordance with laws and regulations and "draw profound lessons from the accident". It added that the railway authorities will make every effort to ensure the safety and stability of railway transportation. The Kunming railway authority on social media expressed condolences to the victims and their families. China's rail network is the world's largest, spanning more than 160,000km and racking up billions of trips each year. Though praised for its efficiency, it has drawn scrutiny after several high-profile incidents, such as a 2011 crash in the eastern province of Zhejiang that killed 40 and injured 200. In 2022, a high-speed train derailed near Rongjiang county in Guizhou province, killing a conductor and injuring eight other people. A year before, nine people were killed when a train in the northwestern province of Gansu ran into workers on a section of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang railway. In 2020, one person was killed and 127 others were injured in a train derailment in Chenzhou. The worst recent rail disaster was recorded in 2008, when 66 people were killed after two passenger trains collided near Zibo in eastern Chinas Shandong province. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The death toll in Hong Kongs deadliest fire in nearly seven decades climbed to 55 as the inferno was brought under control after more than 24 hours. Nearly 280 people were still unreachable or believed to be trapped in the Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district, with authorities sharing pictures of the dead to help families identify their loved ones. More than 70 people were injured. Hong Kong chief executive John Lee told a news conference that the fire across seven buildings in the complex was basically under control. Follow live updates from the Hong Kong fire here The fire that began at around 2.50pm local time on Wednesday continued to blaze through the night and throughout the day on Thursday. The fire in the last of the three buildings was controlled by evening. Authorities said the fire began in an external bamboo scaffolding, which was being removed for safety reasons, before spreading inside the 32-storey towers. open image in gallery Birds fly over the burned buildings at the Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po district ( AP ) Rescue work was hampered by extreme heat, falling debris and strong winds fanning the flames across the highly flammable bamboo scaffolding and plastic netting. Nearly 800 firefighters and 57 ambulances were mobilised, with president Xi Jinping calling for an all-out effort to tackle the blaze. Footage of the housing complex still showed isolated flames flickering through apartment windows. open image in gallery Firemen get ready after a major fire swept through several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district ( AFP via Getty ) Police arrested three construction executives, aged 52 to 68, on suspicion of murder, citing gross negligence by the company responsible for the scaffolding. Authorities said the exact cause of the fire remained under investigation. Mr Lee announced emergency measures, setting up a HK$300m (29m) assistance fund, providing nearly 1,800 housing units for displaced residents and cash relief of HK$10,000 (920) per household. Mr Lee also said all government-organised celebrations would be cancelled or postponed. All remaining Legislative Council election forums and campaign events have been suspended, although no decision has yet been made on whether the 7 December election will be delayed. open image in gallery ( AP ) Residents described scenes of chaos as the fire ripped through the apartment blocks. Harry Cheung, 66, who lived at Block Two in one of the complexes for about 40 years, said that he heard a loud noise about 2.45pm local time and saw fire erupt in a nearby block. "I immediately went back to pack up my things," he said. "I don't even know how I feel right now. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight." open image in gallery Several people are still missing or believed trapped inside the buildings, which caught fire on Wednesday afternoon ( Reuters ) One 71-year-old resident surnamed Wong broke down in tears, saying his wife was trapped inside. Some 4,600 people lived in flats across the complex. The dead included a firefighter, identified as 37-year-old Ho Wai Ho, who was found collapsed after losing contact with his crew. Director of fire services Andy Yeung described Ho as a dedicated and gallant firefighter. Indonesia's foreign ministry said on Thursday two migrant workers from the country "in the domestic sector" died in the fire while others were injured. Some 900 people had to be evacuated to nine temporary shelters. Residents told the local media that fire alarms had not sounded, potentially delaying the response. open image in gallery A woman reacts after learning her pet died in the Wang Fuk Court housing estate fire in Tai Po ( Reuters ) Lo Hiu Fung, a Tai Po District Council member, told a local TV station that most of the residents trapped were believed to be elderly people. "I've given up thinking about my property," one resident who only provided his surname, Wu, told TVB. "Watching it burn like that was really frustrating." open image in gallery People look at flames engulfing a building in Hong Kong ( AP ) Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of fire services, said rescue efforts were being hampered by debris and scaffolding still falling from the burning buildings. The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high, he said. Its difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations. The blaze was upgraded to level 5 severity, the highest, as night fell. It was the first time in 17 years that a level 5 fire had hit Hong Kong. Thirteen schools in the area remained closed on Thursday, with authorities warning it could take all day to get the fire completely under control. open image in gallery Firefighters battled the inferno into the evening on Wednesday ( AFP via Getty ) The buildings, erected in 1983, were undergoing renovations when the fire broke out. Hong Kong is one of the last places in the world to still use bamboo scaffolding in construction. Tai Po is a suburban area in the New Territories, in the northern part of Hong Kong and near the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. Wednesdays fire was the deadliest in Hong Kong since 1948, when 176 people were killed following an explosion on the ground floor of a five-storey warehouse containing dangerous goods like film, asphalt and other combustibles. 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 128 people have now been confirmed dead and dozens more are injured in the massive fire that tore through a Hong Kong apartment complex on Wednesday, with hundreds still listed as missing. Seven of the eight residential towers at Wang Fuk Court in the Tai Po district caught fire in the Chinese citys deadliest blaze in almost 80 years, forcing nearly 900 of the 4,800 residents to stay in temporary shelters overnight. Hong Kongs security chief Chris Tang told a press conference on Friday afternoon that the operation to search for survivors had ended and the toll now stood at 128. A unit of the complex burst into flames again at around 5am local time with fire tongues visible through windows, accompanied by heavy smoke, The Standard reported, though that has now also been brought under control. Mr Tang said the injured included 12 firefighters, and that more than 1,000 police officers had been pressed into action as part of the emergency response. Firefighters had mostly contained the fire by Thursday afternoon, allowing rescue workers to begin scouring the complexs smouldering remains for survivors. open image in gallery Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang, third from left at rear, speaks to the members of media after the deadly fires at Wang Fuk Court ( AP ) Hope they can find more survivors. I think they have tried their best. The firefighters have done a lot, resident Jacky Kwok said. Its a terrible disaster that no one wanted to happen." Rescuers battled intense heat, thick smoke and collapsing scaffolding and debris as they fought to reach residents feared trapped on the upper floors of the complex. The blaze was expected to be fully extinguished by Friday evening, fire services deputy director Derek Armstrong Chan said, adding that firefighters had located multiple survivors in the destroyed buildings. open image in gallery Around 900 residents were forced to stay in temporary shelters after a Hong Kong residential complex caught fire ( AFP via Getty ) Most of the victims were found in two towers of the complex, the deputy director said. As many as 279 people were listed as missing on Thursday and that figure was yet to be updated. Mr Chan said 25 calls for help to the fire services remained unresolved, including three in recent hours, which would be prioritised. A distraught woman carrying her daughter's graduation photograph searched for her child outside a shelter, one of eight that authorities said were housing the nearly 900 displaced residents. She and her father are still not out, said the woman, who gave only her surname, Ng, as she sobbed. "They didnt have water to save our building." open image in gallery At least 94 people are confirmed dead in the Hong Kong fire ( AP ) The fire has put a spotlight on the use of bamboo scaffolding in the city, a decades-long practice, after bamboo lattices came crashing down in flames. Police said that the buildings exterior walls had protective nets, membranes, waterproof tarpaulins, and plastic sheets suspected of not meeting fire safety standards. The blaze started on the external scaffolding of a 31-storey tower, engulfed its bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, moved inside the building, and eventually leapt to nearby highrises, likely aided by windy conditions. In the wake of the fire, police arrested two directors and an engineering consultant of Prestige Construction, which was contracted to perform maintenance on the building, on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities accused the grossly negligent firm of using unsafe building material. Police superintendent Eileen Chung said authorities had reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent in their use of materials that allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably. Authorities also raided the companys office and seized bidding documents, a list of its employees, 14 computers and three mobile phones. open image in gallery Firefighters on the scene ( AFP via Getty ) Hong Kong chief executive John Lee said that his development bureau had met with construction industry representatives to discuss replacing bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives. Meanwhile, the displaced residents hunkered down in temporary shelters, including in a nearby school where they were provided bottled water, food and other necessities overnight, with volunteers bringing further supplies. The Hong Kong government said it would provide 1,000 units of youth hostels or hotel rooms for residents to stay in for up to two weeks. open image in gallery Residents rest at a temporary shelter near the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court ( AP ) Among the dead was hero firefighter Ho Wai Ho, 37, who died while rescuing residents from one of the buildings. He was found collapsed at the scene of the fire and immediately taken to the Prince of Wales Hospital, the fire department said. Despite efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at 4.41pm local time, according to the city administration. Ho served with the department for nine years. Authorities and his friends paid tribute to his gallantry and selfless devotion to duty. open image in gallery Firefighter Ho Wai Ho died while rescuing residents of a Hong Kong residential complex ( Shanghai Daily/X ) Fire services director Andy Yeung called Hos performance valiant. I am profoundly grieved at the loss of this dedicated and gallant fireman, he said. All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade. On behalf of all our colleagues, I have offered the deepest condolences to his family. An identification centre was set up at Kwong Fuk Estate Community Hall to allow family members to identify their missing relatives. The city administration would hold a memorial service for the dead and cancel all government-organised celebration events, Mr Lee said. Chinese leader Xi Jinping extended sympathies to relatives of the victims, CCTV said. Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed condolences to Mr Xi over the fire, state news agency TASS reported on Thursday. 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 Global banking giant JPMorgan Chase has announced plans for a new tower in Londons Canary Wharf, a move it is estimated will inject 10bn into the Citys economy. This significant investment coincides with rival US investment bank Goldman Sachs declaration that it will double the workforce at its Birmingham office. These substantial commitments to UK operations follow closely on the heels of this weeks Budget, where the banking sector notably avoided anticipated tax increases. Chancellor Rachel Reeves commented that banks are choosing Britain because they like what they heard in the Budget. JPMorgan Chase, recognised as one of the worlds largest financial institutions, confirmed that the new structure will offer 3 million sq ft of floorspace and accommodate 12,000 employees. The planned building will have more than double the floorspace of Britains current tallest building, the Shard in the City of London, whose floorspace measures around 1.3 million sq ft. It would also cover more space than JPMorgans recently-completed 2.5 million sq ft global headquarters on New Yorks Park Avenue. open image in gallery JPMorgan Chase has unveiled plans to build a new tower in Londons Canary Wharf ( JP Morgan Chase/PA ) The development will be the firms UK headquarters, and will represent its most substantial footprint across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). Construction is projected to take six years, commencing once all requisite approvals are secured, according to JPMorgan. The firms chair and CEO Jamie Dimon publicly supported Ms Reevess Budget on Wednesday, which spared banks from fresh taxes. Mr Dimon said: The UK governments priority of economic growth has been a critical factor in helping us make this decision. This building will represent our lasting commitment to the City, the UK, our clients and our people. JPMorgan said an independent study had estimated that the project could contribute about 9.9bn to the UK economy over the next six years taking into account the building work for the development. open image in gallery JPMorgans decision to remain in Canary Wharf is a big win for the financial district ( PA Archive ) The bank said its London-based staff would work from the new tower once it is complete, and from its office in the City while it plans to consider its options in respect of an existing Canary Wharf office. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs announced plans to grow its Birmingham office and double its workforce from 500 to more than 1,000 in the coming years. The banking group said this forms part of its efforts to deepen our commitment to the UK economy. Ms Reeves told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that the Budget that I delivered yesterday is getting investments from some of the biggest companies in the world, here in the UK. open image in gallery Goldman Sachs announced plans to grow its Birmingham office and double its workforce from 500 to more than 1,000 in the coming years ( PA ) Those companies can invest anywhere. They are choosing Britain because they like what they heard in the Budget yesterday, she said. The banking sector was spared an increase in taxes in Wednesdays Budget, after speculation that the industry was possibly in the firing line as Ms Reeves looked for ways to raise revenue. Reports earlier this week suggested that Ms Reeves had instead asked the banks to express their commitment to the UK and the Budget. 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 Bangladesh's ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced Thursday to 21 years in prison in three corruption cases related to allocations of land in a government project. She was sentenced to death earlier this month for crimes against humanity involving the crackdown on the mass uprising that ended her 15-year rule last year. She is in exile in India, and all of the trials have been conducted in absentia. The three verdicts found Hasina guilty of illegally securing plots in the Purbachal New Town project for herself and her family despite their ineligibility. Each sentence was seven years in prison, and Dhaka Special Court Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun said Hasina would need to serve them consecutively. Her son Sajeeb Wazed and daughter Saima Wazed were each sentenced to five years in prison in one of the three cases. Other details of the verdict were not available immediately. Hasina and her former ruling Awami League party have denounced the trials against her. She did not appoint a defense lawyer, and global human rights groups have questioned the credibility and fairness of the trial process against Hasina. The Anti-corruption Commission filed the three cases against Hasina and her son and daughter and others after her ouster. Other cases also involve the land project, and another verdict is expected Dec. 1 in a separate case. Bangladesh has been going through a difficult political transition under an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, and new elections are planned in February. 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 man convicted of throwing a six-year-old boy off a balcony at the Tate Modern art gallery has now been found guilty of attacking two nurses. Jonty Bravery, 24, was jailed for life, with a minimum term of 15 years, for throwing the boy from the London gallerys 10th storey in 2019. The boy survived the fall but suffered a bleed on the brain and multiple broken bones. In October, his family said he had only recently been able to run, jump and swim again. Bravery, who is autistic, is being held at Broadmoor, a high-security psychiatric hospital. During a trial at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday which he chose not to attend he was found guilty of assaulting nurses Linda McKinlay and Kate Mastalerz in September 2024. The court heard he had kicked one nurse in the thigh and had clawed at the face of another, leaving her with blood dripping down her cheek. open image in gallery Bravery is being held at Broadmoor Hospital in Berkshire ( Metropolitan Police ) Prosecutor Tom Heslop said Bravery has to be monitored by three members of staff 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is kept in a room with only a mattress in it. At around 9.30 at night, Mr Bravery asked to go to the toilet, he said. Afterwards, Bravery tried to harm himself, Mr Heslop said. The nurses tried to restrain him, putting him on his mattress before turning him onto his back, Mr Heslop said. Bravery kicked out towards Ms Mastalerz, hitting her in the thigh, the court heard. He also clawed across Ms McKinlays face, leaving her with blood dripping down her cheek, the prosecutor said. Body-worn footage played to the court showed the nurses struggling on the floor with Bravery before other staff rush into the room to help. open image in gallery Broadmoor is a high-security psychiatric hospital ( Getty ) A panicked staff member can be heard shouting: Jesus Christ, do something. Ms McKinlay told the court that it was the first time she had been attacked at Broadmoor in her long career. She said she had restrained Bravery because we didnt want him to hurt himself. She continued: He was screaming and shouting and kicking. We shouted for assistance. Asked about her injuries, the grandmother said: He attacked my face, he was clawing at my face. My eye and my face were all scratched. In the aftermath I was very shaken. Ms McKinlay was taken to hospital for treatment. Fellow nurse Ms Mastalerz said she started shouting for help when Bravery began kicking and scratching. She was left with a bruised thigh, and said it had been a very stressful situation. Finding Bravery guilty of both charges, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said that Bravery went too far. He adjourned sentencing until 8 January, and asked for an update on Braverys current mental health condition. In 2020, Bravery was jailed for another 14 weeks after admitting attacking Broadmoor Hospital staff. He punched nursing assistant Sarah Edwards in the head and face before pulling her hair, and bit Maxwell King, a rehabilitation therapist assistant, on his finger after he came to his colleagues aid. 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 man has been arrested in connection with the Heaton Park synagogue attack after arriving on a flight at Manchester airport, police said. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said the man, aged 31, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. He is the seventh person to be arrested in connection with the terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on 2 October. Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed after Jihad Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of the synagogue and then began attacking with a knife, wearing a fake suicide belt. Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by armed police. Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries following the attack. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: At around midday today, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the appalling terrorist attack that took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. The man is now the seventh person to be arrested in connection with the terrorist attack ( Peter Byrne/PA ) The man was arrested at Manchester airport after arriving on an inbound flight and has been taking into custody for questioning. The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz have been updated on this development, as have those who were seriously injured in the attack. Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again appeal for anyone with information that they think could assist our enquiries to please come forward. We are also still seeking to identify and speak to anyone who was present at the time of the incident or the immediate aftermath so that we can ensure they have access to all the welfare support options that are available to witnesses. A 30-year-old man arrested on 9 October on suspicion of failing to disclose information contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000 remains on bail, police said. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact police via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 0161 856 3946. 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 More than 36,000 asylum seekers were being housed in Home Office hotels in September, a rise of two per cent year-on-year despite a pledge by Labour to curb their use, new data shows. Data published by the Home Office on Thursday showed there were 36,273 asylum seekers being housed temporarily in UK hotels by the end of September. Three months earlier, the figure was 32,041, demonstrating a 13 per cent rise since June. The latest figure is also up on the same point in September 2024, when there were 35,628 asylum seekers in hotels. The number of asylum seekers in hotels peaked at 56,018 at the end of September 2023 under the Conservatives, but fell to 29,561 at the end of June 2024. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood recently announced sweeping reforms to the asylum system, which would see refugees having their sanctuary grants reviewed every 30 months. Charity Refugee Council warned on Thursday that the changes would place even greater strain on the overstretched system. In the year up to September, 51,000 people arrived by irregular routes, such as small boats or lorries. 89 per cent of these were small boat arrivals, with around 46,000 people making the perilous journey across the Channel, up 53 per cent on the previous year. There was also a record number of asylum claims in the past year, with 110,000 people claiming sanctuary. This is higher than the previous recorded peak of 103,000 in 2002. open image in gallery A view of small boats and outboard motors used by people thought to be migrants to cross the Channel from France at a warehouse facility in Dover, Kent. Small boat arrivals are up 53 per cent year on year ( PA ) The total number of people in receipt of asylum support from the government is also up two per cent year-on-year, with 111,651 individuals getting help at the end of September. Immigration of asylum seekers to the UK made up 11 per cent of all immigration in the year ending June 2025, according to analysis by the Migration Observatory, double the five per cent share in 2019. Experts at the Observatory said that, while the Home Office has managed to reduce the backlog of asylum seekers waiting on a decision, this has resulted in a new backlog of appeals. open image in gallery Police form a barrier in front of masked protesters outside the Thistle City Barbican Hotel in central London, which houses asylum seekers, in summer 2025. The number of people housed in asylum hotels is on the rise ( PA ) With people waiting in the appeals system, Labour have been making slow progress on its pledge to end the use of asylum hotels. Dr Peter Walsh, senior research at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said: While the government has managed to reduce the main asylum backlog significantly, todays data shows just how hard it is to relieve pressure on the asylum system when applications remain high, and the appeals backlog continues to grow. Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: Thousands of families and individuals are still waiting months or even years for a decision unable to rebuild their lives, find work or education, or give their children the stability they so desperately need. Instead of bringing certainty, the governments new plans risk pushing people into a whole new backlog. Layering review after review will create further chaos: more bureaucracy, more delays and more families trapped in limbo for years to come. A Home Office spokesperson said: We are furious at the levels of illegal migrants and asylum hotels. There are now fewer than 200 in use, and we will close every single one. Work is well underway to move illegal migrants into military bases to ease pressure on communities across the country. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Dara O Briain has become the latest star to back The Independents campaign to launch SafeCall, the vital lifeline for missing young people in crisis. The comedian and TV presenter urged the public to donate to the appeal, which reached more than 75,000 in donations over the weekend, as momentum builds behind efforts to set up the free, round-the-clock service. Alongside the charity Missing People, this publication is aiming to raise 165,000 to fund a service designed by young people, for young people, to help reach the 70,000 children who disappear every year in the UK. Throwing his support behind the campaign, Mr O Briain said: Im proud to join The Independent and Missing People to support SafeCall, an urgently needed lifeline which will get children off the streets and into safety. That 70,000 young people go missing every year in the UK is a shocking fact and one that we can come together to change. With your help, children will no longer be alone, out of immediate danger and helped into safer futures. Donate here or text SAFE to 70577 to give 10 to Missing People enough for one child to get help. open image in gallery Dara O Briain has become the latest star to back The Independent s campaign to launch the desperately needed lifeline SafeCall for missing young people in crisis ( BBC ) The charity currently reaches about one in four of the 70,000 children reported missing each year and with readers support, SafeCall aims to reach many more. The new service will provide advice, guidance and a route to safety for children in danger of disappearing or already missing, who are at risk of exploitation or harm. Many disappear repeatedly or because of issues linked to exploitation, family breakdown, or mental health. SafeCall will offer them a dedicated helpline, WhatsApp channel, chatbot and website. Mr O Briains call to action comes after Sir Keir Starmer hailed the campaign over the weekend. The prime minister said that all young people deserve safety as he urged the public to donate to the cause. They have both joined actor and writer Sir Stephen Fry, campaigner Dame Esther Rantzen, former England captain Sir David Beckham and the crime writer Sir Ian Rankin, who are among the other prominent figures backing the appeal. Mr O Briain is an Irish stand-up comedian, as well as a writer and popular TV presenter, famous in both Irish and British comedy and TV. He is beloved for his witty, observational humour delivered in a quick-fire manner, and many will know him as the former long-standing host of the topical panel show Mock the Week. The comedians support for SafeCall comes as part of a long history of his backing various important causes, including homelessness, medical charities, and Irish community support. He is an ambassador for The Passage, a UK charity that supports homeless people, and he set a new Guinness World Records title for highest stand-up comedy gig in the world in support of Comic Relief in 2011. open image in gallery The charity currently reaches about one in four of the 70,000 children reported missing each year with readers support, SafeCall aims to reach many more ( Missing People ) Jo Youle, chief executive of Missing People, said: Children facing harm or exploitation often feel invisible. SafeCall will be shaped by their voices offering a safe, confidential space where theyre heard, supported and protected. Built on over 30 years of experience, this new service is designed by young people for the challenges they face today. Together, were building a legacy of care, protection and hope. Together, we will change young lives. Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, said: I am so proud to launch this campaign with Missing People. With the help of our readers and supporters, we can make a real difference in tackling the crisis of missing children in this country. Please donate now to The Independent and Missing Peoples SafeCall campaign, which aims to raise 165,000 to create a free, nationwide service helping vulnerable children find safety and support. For advice, support and options if you or someone you love goes missing, text or call the charity Missing People on 116 000. Its free, confidential and non-judgemental. Or visit www.missingpeople.org.uk/get-help Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A rare crystal and diamond Faberge egg, created for Russias ruling family before its revolutionary overthrow, is set for auction, with an estimated value exceeding 20 million ($26.4 million). Christies auction house confirms the Winter Egg is just one of seven such opulent ovoids still in private hands. It will be offered for sale at Christies London headquarters on Tuesday. The 4-inch (10-centimetre) tall egg is made from finely carved rock crystal, covered in a delicate snowflake motif wrought in platinum and 4,500 tiny diamonds. It opens to reveal a removable tiny basket of bejewelled quartz flowers symbolising spring. Margo Oganesian, head of Christie's Russian art department, likened it to a "luxurious Kinder Surprise chocolate." The Winter Egg is a superb example of craft and design, "the Mona Lisa for decorative arts," Oganesian said. One of just two created by female designer Alma Pihl, the egg was commissioned by Czar Nicholas II for his mother Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna as an Easter present in 1913. Pihl's other egg is owned by Britains royal family. open image in gallery The Winter Egg was a lavish Easter gift for his mother, Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna ( Associated Press/Kirsty Wigglesworth ) Craftsman Peter Carl Faberge and his company created more than 50 of the eggs for Russias imperial family between 1885 and 1917, each elaborately unique and containing a hidden surprise. Czar Alexander III started the tradition by presenting an egg to his wife each Easter. His successor, Nicholas II, extended the gift to his wife and mother. The Romanov royal family ruled Russia for 300 years before it was ousted by the 1917 revolution. Nicholas and his family were executed in 1918. Bought by a London dealer for 450 when the cash-strapped Communist authorities sold off some of Russias artistic treasures in the 1920s, the egg changed hands several times. open image in gallery The Winter Egg by Faberge is expected to sell for in excess of 20 million when it is auctioned ( Associated Press/Kirsty Wigglesworth ) It was believed lost for two decades until it was auctioned by Christies in 1994 for more than 7 million Swiss francs ($5.6 million at the time). It sold again in 2002 for $9.6 million. Now it is expected to surpass the record $18.5 million paid at a 2007 Christies auction for another Faberge egg created for the Rothschild banking family. There are 43 surviving imperial Faberge eggs, most in museums. 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 son of a British couple who have been detained in Iran on espionage charges has accused the UK government of failing to do enough to secure their release. Craig and Lindsay Foreman were arrested and incarcerated in Kerman in January while undertaking a motorcycle tour around the world. The couple, from East Sussex, have denied the spying allegations. Speaking to Sky News, their son Joe Bennett said there were too many similarities with British-Iranian national Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffes case, after she was incarcerated by the regime between 2016 and 2022. open image in gallery The couple had embarked on a round-the-world motorcycle tour ( Family handout ) They themselves are being very passive, he said of the UK government. Theyve got two UK citizens that are accused of spying for the British state, but theyre not coming out and defending them and calling [it out] for what it is. You need to stand up for your citizens and call it out. He dismissed Irans accusation that his mother and her partner had been partaking in espionage and accused the regime of hostage-taking. open image in gallery Joe Bennett and Richard Ratcliffe appeared together to call for support ( Sky News ) If theyre on charges of shoplifting, potentially thats understandable, lets see the court of law, let's go through it if theyve been caught of some wrongdoing, he said. They havent, and theyve been accused of espionage, which is state-level political charges, right? Theyre not spies, its quite simple. open image in gallery Richard Ratcliffe said he hopes the governments response is quicker than it was when his wife, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, was arrested and detained ( PA ) Richard, Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffes husband, is also supporting Mr Bennetts case. He told Sky News: It does feel to me that Im hearing too many echoes of our experience in the experience of Joes family and others. In October, Mr Bennett said he had spoken to his mother for the second time since she was detained, after she was permitted a 20-minute call from prison. There was very little my mother could say. Her spirits were low. She told me that a further recent court appearance last week had not gone well. We had been told to expect a verdict rather than another appearance. I dont know exactly what that means, but I could feel shes losing hope, he said. The couple had been separated and moved to different jails in Tehran in August, before being reunited in October in the notorious Evin prison, where Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe had also been held. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: We are deeply concerned by reports that Craig and Lindsay Foreman have been charged with espionage in Iran. We continue to raise this case directly with the Iranian authorities. The FCDO are providing them with consular assistance and remain in close contact with their family members. 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 Net migration to the UK has dropped by two-thirds in a single year, driven by a huge drop in people coming to Britain for work or study, new figures show. The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show that, in the 12 months to June, net migration was an estimated 204,000 down 69 per cent from 649,000 a year earlier and the lowest annual figure since 2021. Net migration the difference between the number of people moving long-term to the country and the number of people leaving peaked at 944,000 in 2023 but has fallen sharply since then, newly revised figures released last week revealed. The decline has been driven by fewer non-EU nationals coming to the UK, as well as more EU and British nationals leaving the UK than arriving. There is also a higher share of migrants coming through the asylum system, experts said. open image in gallery The number of international workers coming to the UK is falling, net migration figures show ( PA ) Around 70,000 EU nationals are predicted to have left the UK in the year up to June, continuing a downward trend since the Brexit referendum. Meanwhile, some 109,000 British nationals are thought to have left the UK in this time, projections from the ONS found. Mary Gregory, ONS executive director for population and census, said: Net migration is at the lowest level seen since 2021, when pandemic lockdown restrictions were lifted, and the new immigration system was introduced following the UKs EU exit. She pointed to fewer people from outside the EU arriving for work and study, driving the fall, as well as a decline in the number of dependants and a gradual increase in the number of Brits leaving the UK. She said that Indian and Chinese nationals, who originally arrived on study visas, were leaving the UK and 90 per cent of the British people emigrating were of working age. Analysis of the latest figures by the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford pointed to changes made under the Conservatives to restrict foreign students ability to bring family members to the UK as a reason for falling migration. open image in gallery Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said the pace of migration was placing immense pressure on local communities ( PA ) The number of study dependants coming to the UK has fallen from some 123,000 arriving on this visa in 2023, to 13,000 people actually leaving the UK in 2025. The number of work visa grants is also falling following the closure of the health and social care visa route to overseas workers in July this year. Some 133,000 skilled worker visas, including health and social care, were granted in the year ending September 2025 down 57 per cent compared to the same period a year earlier. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said: Net migration is at its lowest level in half a decade and has fallen by more than two-thirds under this government. But we are going further because the pace and scale of migration has placed immense pressure on local communities. Last week, I announced reforms to our migration system to ensure that those who come here must contribute and put in more than they take out. Reacting to the fall, Sir Keir Starmer said it is a step in the right direction after the Boriswave - a reference to a surge of foreign workers encouraged to come to the UK under Boris Johnsons government after the pandemic. Dr Madeleine Sumption, director of the Migration Observatory, said: While net migration has returned to pre-Brexit levels, the composition is now quite different: non-EU net migration is still much larger than it was pre-Brexit, EU much lower, and a higher share of migrants are coming through the asylum system. Net migration has fallen substantially, but this will not necessarily be sustained long term. In particular, negative net migration of EU citizens who arrived before Brexit is currently still subtracting quite a lot from the figures, and this wont go on forever. Dr Ben Brindle, researcher at the Migration Observatory, said the economic impact of the falling net migration was likely to be relatively small because it came from care workers and family members of students. He added that the type of migration to the UK was becoming less favourable from an economic perspective, with fewer people getting skilled worker visas and a higher share of refugees, who often need a lot of support. Sunder Katwala, director of immigration think tank British Future, said, while there has been a significant drop in net migration, this has not cut through to the public, who still think immigration is going up. Net migration has now dropped by two-thirds in the last year, and by three-quarters since its post-Covid peak. It is time that our immigration debate caught up with reality, he said. Labour has announced further plans aimed at reducing migration to the UK, including for earned settlement and a doubling of the wait time for migrants to be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain from five to 10 years. There would also be conditions migrants need to meet, such as having a clean criminal record and speaking English to A-level standard, and they could be fast-tracked or forced to wait longer depending on their contributions to the UK. Think tank the Institute for Public Policy Researchs Marley Morris said the governments new reforms are expected to lead to a further fall, but warned: The government will need to be careful to balance the need to manage migration with its other priorities on boosting economic growth, supporting housebuilding, and protecting public services. Reacting to the figures, shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the fall was driven by Conservative reforms, but we need to go much further. He said: Under a future Conservative government, only those who make a real contribution can stay permanently, and only British citizens will be eligible for benefits funded by British taxpayers. 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 Normal People author Sally Rooney has claimed she will be unable to publish any new work in the UK while protest group Palestine Action faces a terror ban. The Irish author, who has two of her novels adapted for TV by the BBC, has been supportive of the activists, saying they are plainly not a terrorist organisation and condemned the governments decision to proscribe them. She said in August that she intended to use the earnings from her work and her public platform to continue to support Palestine Action. Now, in a witness statement submitted to the High Court, Ms Rooney said that it is almost certain that I can no longer publish or produce any new work within the UK while this proscription remains in effect. She claimed: If Palestine Action is still proscribed by the time my next book is due for publication, then that book will be available to readers all over the world and in dozens of languages, but will be unavailable to readers in the United Kingdom simply because no one will be permitted to publish it (unless I am consent to give it away for free). Ms Rooney said this would be because her UK publishers are unsure whether they will be able to pay her for her work, due to the risk that she could use this money to support Palestine Action. She also said that her books may have to be withdrawn from sale as their publication is based on royalties on sales, and the non-payment of the royalties would mean she could terminate the contract. open image in gallery Sally Rooney speaks onstage in Pasadena, California. She has said that her work may have to be withdrawn from sale in the UK due to her support for Palestine Action ( Getty ) Ms Rooneys best-selling work includes Conversations with Friends and Intermezzo. She added: "If, therefore, [her publisher] Faber and Faber Limited are legally prohibited from paying me the royalties I am owed, my existing works may have to be withdrawn from sale and would therefore no longer be available to readers in the UK. Following her pledge to donate money to the group, Downing Street said that any support for a proscribed organisation was a criminal offence. Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori has taken the government to court over the terror ban, arguing that the impact of the proscription was dramatic, severe, widespread and potentially lifelong. Raza Husain KC, for the claimant, said that the decision by then-home secretary Yvette Cooper to proscribe the organisation in June 2025 was novel and unprecedented. He told the High Court: This is the first direct action civil disobedience organisation that does not advocate for violence ever to be proscribed as terrorism. He added that the decision, which Ms Cooper faltered over, was so extreme as to render the UK an international outlier. open image in gallery People take part in a Lift the Ban on Palestine Action protest in September ( PA ) Mr Husain also told the court that there had been more than 2,000 arrests following Palestine Actions proscription, which included priests, teachers, pensioners, retired British Army officers and an 81-year-old former magistrate. During a hearing on Wednesday, scores of people assembled outside the Royal Courts of Justice holding placards which read I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. Several demonstrators were carried away by police officers. Sir James Eadie, for the government, told the court on Thursday that it was for parliament to decide what acts constituted terrorism. He explained that the home secretary had been advised by a group of security experts that certain actions of Palestine Action did qualify as terrorist acts. Sir James said the ban "strikes a fair balance between interference with the rights of the individuals affected and the interests of the community". The barrister also emphasised that the ban has not prevented people from protesting against Israel's actions in Gaza or in support of Palestinians. 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 Ministers have expressed their opposition to efforts to reflect more of the suns rays back into space, noting they are not in favour. Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell warned that solar radiation modification could expose the climate and environment to "risks", after a Labour MP called for a debate on geoengineering experiment rules. Talking about solar geoengineering, Sarah Coombes, the West Bromwich MP, said: Solar geoengineering is the idea of injecting particles into the Earths atmosphere to dim or reflect the light of the sun and cool the planet. It is something thats been the subject of science fiction and conspiracy theories for many years. Ms Coombes asked: Given the potential risks of this technology, could we have a debate on how Britain will work with other countries to regulate experiments with the Earths atmosphere, and ensure we co-operate with other countries on solutions that actually tackle the root cause of climate change? Sir Alan replied: Were not in favour of solar radiation modification, given the uncertainty around the potential risks it poses to the climate and environment. We do work closely with the international research community to evaluate the latest scientific evidence. Commons Leader Sir Alan Campbell warned solar radiation modification could expose the climate and environment to risks, after a Labour MP called for a debate about rules for geoengineering experiments ( PA Wire ) Solar radiation is already reflected back into space naturally, including by particles in the atmosphere and clouds. Efforts to develop artificial methods in real life have come up against opposition, including from Greenpeace UK, which has warned the technology will not remove carbon from the air, could disrupt weather patterns, and comes with no off-switch. Mary Church, of the Geneva and Washington-based Centre for International Environmental Law, last month warned that this type of intervention is inherently unpredictable and risks further breaking an already broken climate system. She said: With uneven global impacts predicted, deployment would create winners and losers, undermining the rights of billions of people and raising the central question of who gets to control the global thermostat. 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 decision to extend the freeze on tax thresholds will hit lower earners, a leading think tank has warned. The Resolution Foundations analysis of Wednesdays Budget says that by 2030-31 people earning less than 35,000 a year will pay more than if the chancellor had raised the basic rate by 1p. Millions more people will be dragged into paying higher income tax after Ms Reeves bet her political future on a 26bn tax raid on the middle classes in her make-or-break second Budget, after weaker economic forecasts left holes in her previous spending plans. The tax hikes are also needed to pay for increased welfare spending, with Ms Reeves announcing the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, which is expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said youre not going to write my obituary after the Budget (Adrian Dennis/PA) ( PA Wire ) Having abandoned plans for a manifesto-busting income tax rise, the chancellor opted for a range of smaller tax increases to pay for government spending and build a larger buffer against her borrowing rules. These include a new pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles, increased taxes on online betting and a so-called mansion tax on homes worth more than 2m. But she continued to face accusations of breaching Labours election promise not to raise taxes on working people after deciding to keep tax thresholds frozen until 2030/31 and levying national insurance on some pension contributions - a move the Resolution Foundation says is undoubtedly a measure that asks working people to pay more. The decision to freeze tax thresholds to help fill a 20bn black hole in public finances will raise 8bn in 2029-30 and drag one in four workers into the highest tax band. A further 780,000 people will pay tax for the first time. A typical employee will face a 220 higher tax bill in 2030-31 as a result of the freeze extension, the think tank said. It is a somewhat less progressive way to raise personal taxes than a manifesto-breaking rise in Income Tax rates, which would have cost less for anyone earnings under 35,000 a year." The Resolution Foundation argued that Ms Reevess decision to stick to her manifesto tax pledge has cost millions of low-to-middle earners, who would have been better off with their tax rates rising than their thresholds being frozen. Indeed, all but the top 10 per cent of the income distribution are worse off because of opting for threshold freezes over rate rises (which raise similar amounts of revenue), it said. It comes despite the chancellors insistence that taxes have been kept at an absolute minimum on ordinary working people. The defiant-sounding chancellor also defended her position, saying: Youre not going to write my obituary today, after delivering a Budget she was incredibly proud of. She told Sky News: I do recognise that that will mean that working people pay a bit more. But Ive kept that contribution to an absolute minimum by closing a number of tax loopholes and also bearing down on government spending, on waste and inefficiency. Resolution Foundation chief executive Ruth Curtice warned that most of the Budgets impact would be felt in three years. Those threshold freezes kick in in 2028. Some of the other measures also not coming in for example the mansion tax and the salary sacrifice until 2028, so thats when most of the pain from this Budget will be felt, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. This Parliament is set to be second only to the last parliament for (living) standards This decade continues to look really, really tough. In what she branded a Labour values Budget, the chancellor moved to appease the left in her party with a package of measures that included 43 separate tax rises according to shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride taking the tax burden in the UK to its highest level in history. But she finally brought an end to the much-criticised two-child benefit cap, which campaigners say will help lift thousands of children out of poverty, and announced a 73bn splurge in welfare spending. But the plans were not enough to generate the economic boost the chancellor had hoped for, with the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) watchdog downgrading her economic growth projections by 0.3 per cent and saying none of her measures helped improve the figure. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Campbells Company has fired an executive after he allegedly claimed the brands food was for poor people in a rant against its own products. Martin Bally, the companys vice president for information technology, was allegedly caught on tape by a former employee who had met with him to discuss his salary. We have s**t for f***ing poor people, a man is heard saying in the leaked audio recording, shared by Click on Detroit. Who buys our s**t? I dont buy Campbells products barely anymore. Its not healthy now that I know what the f***s in it. Bioengineered meat - I dont wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer. Campbells said having reviewed the audio clip, the company concluded it was Bally speaking and fired him Tuesday. The recording is part of lawsuit filed by another former Campbells employee, Robert Garza. open image in gallery The Campbells Company fired an executive after the recording was made public ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) In the lawsuit, Garza claimed he met with Bally in November 2024. During the meeting, Bally described Campbells as highly process(ed) food and said it was for poor people, the suit says. Garza further claims Bally made racist remarks about Indian workers, whom he allegedly called idiots. He also claims Bally told him that he often went to work high after consuming marijuana edibles. Garza says he was fired January 30 after informing his supervisor about the incident. He reached out to his supervisor and told the supervisor what Martin was saying, and then out of nowhere, my client was fired, Zachary Runyan, Garzas attorney, told Click On Detroit. He was really sticking up for other people. He went to his boss and said, Martin is saying this about Indian coworkers we have, hes saying this about people who buy our food - who keep our company open, and I dont think that should be allowed. And the response to Robert sticking up for other people is he gets fired, which is ridiculous. open image in gallery Campbells has also hit back at questions over the quality of its food ( Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Campbells said Wednesday it first learned of Garzas lawsuit last week. The comments were vulgar, offensive and false, and we apologize for the hurt they have caused, the company said in a statement. This behavior does not reflect our values and the culture of our company, and we will not tolerate that kind of language under any circumstances. In the brands statement, Campbells confirmed that Mr. Bally is no longer employed by the company but claims that Garza never informed the firm about the existence of an audio recording before he made it public. Bally has yet to comment on the matter. Campbells also defended its chicken, saying it comes from long-trusted U.S. suppliers, is raised without antibiotics and meets high quality standards. The chicken meat in our soups comes from long-trusted, USDA approved U.S. suppliers and meets our high quality standards, a spokesperson for the company wrote. All our soups are made with No Antibiotics Ever chicken meat. Any claims to the contrary are completely false. Garza is seeking monetary damages from Campbells, Bally and from his former manager, who remains employed by the company. 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 Over half of Americans blame Donald Trump for the soaring cost of groceries which experts have warned will continue to rise. A survey, conducted by Politico and Public First, found Americans are more worried about their grocery prices than the rising costs of health care and housing, with 55 percent laying the blame at Trumps door. The poll also revealed that 20 percent of people who voted for Trump in 2024 have turned on the president overt he issue, blaming him directly for their ballooning grocery bills. Trump, meanwhile, has bragged about a fall in the cost of a Thanksgiving meal as millions of Americans sit down for the annual family meal Thursday. Some figures, including those from the American Farm Bureau Federation, support the presidents claims. The AFBF statistics revealed a 16 percent drop in the price of turkey, with Target and Aldi also slapping huge discounts on Thanksgiving side dishes. open image in gallery Donald Trump has repeatedly bragged about the low cost of turkey, as experts warn that prices are about to soar ( AFP/Getty ) However, analysis of the soaring cost of groceries by Purdue Universitys Center for Food Demand Analysis and Sustainability found that the wholesale price for Turkey has risen by 75 percent since October 2024, a cost that is passed onto consumers. The price of an average 15-pound turkey has increased by 25 percent since last year, costing as much as $31. The same study found that beef has increased by 14 percent, while potatoes bucked the trend with prices falling by 0.5 percent since last year. Nick Levendofsky, the executive director of Kansas Farmers Union, warned the fall in some Thanksgiving costs is simply because of the discounts that big chains have put on festive foods. They are more than likely looking at the fact that a lot of the national retailers are running sales right now, he told Politico. Folks are struggling, and those misleading statements dont help. Raymond Robertson, a professor of economics at Texas A&M University, also told the publication that all signs point to sharper price increases in food prices to come. open image in gallery Experts have warned that shoppers should brace for sharper price increases ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Trumps presidential pitch in 2024 was centered on bringing prices down, something which he claimed he would be able to do by day 1 of his term. The president told reporters that the United States is doing really well economically, like weve never done before, during a turkey pardoning ceremony on Tuesday. However, as many as four in 10 Republicans, Trumps own party, think that the president is making affordability sound better than it actually is. The feud over rocketing food costs is tearing apart Trumps formerly rock-solid MAGA base, with former loyalists, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, shredding his record. I go to the grocery store myself. Grocery prices remain high, she seethed. Energy prices are high. My electricity bills are higher here in Washington, D.C., at my apartment, and they're also higher at my house in Rome, Georgia higher than they were a year ago. So, affordability is a problem. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The CEO of Cracker Barrel has bemoaned feeling as though she was fired by America over the companys disastrous rebrand earlier this year. Julie Felss Masino presided over the proposed renovations of Cracker Barrels stores, which would have seen the firms iconic Southern-style being ripped out for a modern, minimalist look. After critics slammed the redesign as being woke and the company lost $98 million in a day, the firm retreated on its plans and axed the renovations. During an interview on The Glenn Beck Podcast, which aired on Sunday, Masino opened up about the backlash that she received as a result of Cracker Barrels botched rebranding efforts. open image in gallery Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino said that she felt fired by America for the failed rebrand of the Southern food chain ( REUTERS ) 'Um, I feel like I've been fired by America,' Masino said, before claiming that nothing could be further from the truth than the idea that she wanted to rebrand the company for the sake of simply giving it a new look. The notion for some of that truly came out of a lot of the work that we were doing on how do we improve food and experience, she continued. When we were talking to our guests, they said, "Stores could be a little bit more comfortable. They're real dark. I can't read the menu. She also said that the criticism hurts me, because I dont want people to be mad at Cracker Barrel. Masino was hired as the companys president and CEO in 2023, after working at Taco Bell and several other major brands. Last week, the companys board voted to keep her in post following months of chaos caused by the rebrand. open image in gallery The backlash to the rebrand was swift ( Benny Johnson/X ) The doomed rebrand was first unveiled earlier this year, with the huge overhaul including the scrubbing of Uncle Herschel from the companys logo. The firms font was stripped back too, instead using a simplified, modern print. MAGA politicians, including Congressman Byron Donalds, blasted the move as woke and issued calls to Make Cracker Barrel Great Again. Even Donald Trump called on Cracker Barrel to go back to the old logo and floated the idea of using the backlash to get a Billion Dollars worth of free publicity. Cracker Barrel has ditched the rebrand and terminated its relationship with Prophet, the consulting firm behind the rebrand. During the online backlash, Cracker Barrel lost $94 million in a single day as its stock value plunged dramatically by 7.15 percent, rebounding slightly from 15 percent. open image in gallery The doomed rebrand caused the company to lose a staggering $98 million in a single day ( Joe Raedle/Getty Images ) At the time, Tommy Lowe, the brands 93-year-old co-founder, criticised Masino for pushing ahead with the revamp in a furious statement given to WTVF. They're trying to modernize to be like the competition. Cracker Barrel doesn't have any competition, he raged. I heard she was at Taco Bell. What's Taco Bell know about Cracker Barrel and country food? They need to work on the food and service and leave the barrel, the logo, alone. 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 On Thursday, Nov. 26, 1789, George Washington woke early. Assisted by his enslaved valets William Billy Lee and the young Christopher Sheels he powdered his hair, put on his favorite black velvet suit, tied his white neckwear and donned his yellow gloves. Finally ready, he set out to travel the short distance from the Presidents House, at what used to be 3 Cherry Street, New York, and St. Pauls Chapel, which still stands at 209 Broadway. He had an important aim that day: to celebrate Thanksgiving. Washington had thought carefully about this Thanksgiving, the first of his presidency. On Oct. 3, 1789, following the recommendation of a joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives, Washington had issued a proclamation. He urged the people of the United States to celebrate a day of public thanksgiving and prayer. But Washington believed that particular Thanksgiving in 1789 was a crucial occasion. He would use it to call on the people he now led to hold their new country together in the face of forces that he knew could pull it apart. It was not the first Thanksgiving Americans celebrated. The first took place at Plymouth colony in the autumn of 1621 Pilgrims held a feast to thank God for their first harvest and invited members of the neighboring Wampanoag tribe. It was not even the first national Thanksgiving which was held on Dec. 18, 1777, at then-General Washingtons behest. Nor was Thanksgiving yet a federal holiday to be observed every last Thursday of November it became so with the 1863 proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln. November 26, 1789, was a Thursday, and the weather was miserable. Few New Yorkers showed up at St. Pauls Chapel to see the president: I went to St. Pauls Chapel, Washington wrote in his diary, though it was most inclement and stormy. There were but few people at Church. Indulging in the Thanksgiving spread ( Getty/iStock ) The president had prepared for the occasion. He also contributed a sizable sum of his own money to buy beer and food for prisoners confined for debt in the New York City jail. The donation was deemed to be a magnanimous and moving gesture, suitable to the spirit of the holiday. A week later, in an advertisement in the Dec. 3 issue of the New York Journal, those very prisoners returned their grateful thanks to their president for his very acceptable donation on Thursday last. Washingtons first Thanksgiving as a president may have not been tremendously successful, given the scarce attendance at the church service. Yet, as a scholar writing a biography about Washington, I believe it was an important step in his much larger political plan to bring the executive branch to the peoples doorstep. What Washington wanted was a virtuous kind of populism in the new country he led. Washingtons populism wasnt about inciting an angry mob; it was about sharing in their rituals, worshiping their God, speaking their own language. And he did so in the sole interest of the American people. Thanksgiving 1789, for Washington, was at once religious and more than religious. Washingtons proclamation invoked devotional language, literally. The upcoming festivity, in his words, could be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. But Washingtons main concern was political. The nation was recently formed, and he feared that it could easily collapse. Its many internal divisions and separate interests could be lethal. Consequently, the president wanted this holiday to be a civic celebration in which we may then all unite. As its first president, Washington recognized that the United States was born out of slavery, conquest and violence as much as of sacred principle. Civic unification required acknowledgment of these flaws. Thus, in the proclamation, Washington asked God to pardon our national and other transgressions. A tremendously self-aware man, Washington knew that he was a deeply flawed person himself. About the author Maurizio Valsania is a Professor of American History at Universita di Torino. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. He was a slave owner, a relentless pursuer of African American fugitives and a destroyer of Native American villages. He was also a warrior who deployed brutality against enemies. He was a commander who resorted to corporal punishment with his own soldiers. Washington believed that he was not a saint to be mindlessly imitated. This made him humble in his duties. More importantly, Washington also grasped the power of his symbolic position as president. He sought to leverage that for the good of the nation. As president, Washington could not advertise his actions effectively via Twitter and social media. He had to show himself around constantly, no matter the weather. He had to painstakingly attend balls, plays, dinners, public receptions and of course the church. Every occasion, every Thanksgiving counted. Through his outings, Washington met with a diversity of people, including those who were second-class citizens or were not citizens at all. Women, for example, greeted Washington at nearly every stop of the extended presidential trips he took between 1789 and 1791. Textile workers in New England, Jewish leaders in Newport, many enslaved persons in the South and churchgoers everywhere did the same. These women and men, in bondage or free, believers or skeptics, played a part in the invention of a new political theater. Maybe, it was just a theatrical illusion. But these individuals just like the prisoners in the New York City jail thanked President Washington because they felt they were voices in a larger political culture. Washington made sure his Thanksgiving message not simply a message, but a proclamation sounded clear and strong: May God render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The promise of a new beginning and a celebratory Thanksgiving meal has been overshadowed by lingering financial insecurity for families like Shelby Williams, whose meticulously planned budget was thrown into disarray by the recent government shutdown. Williams, a mother of two from Reeds Spring, Missouri, had carefully calculated every dollar, balancing an impending insurance payment against her hard-earned wages and government SNAP assistance. After more than two years living with her parents, she was finally set to move into her own apartment, envisioning a Thanksgiving feast prepared by her children, joined by their grandparents. However, the funds earmarked for groceries vanished when the federal government ceased operations on October 1. While Washington has since resumed normal function, the relief felt by families in Williams community and countless others recovering from the 43-day suspension of government wages and food aid is now tempered by persistent stress and economic uncertainty, casting a shadow over the upcoming holiday season. open image in gallery The anxiety stirred by the shutdown persists in the lines at food pantries in this southwestern Missouri county and echoes through households nationwide. ( AP Photo/Jeff Roberson ) Im thankful for my children and my job, and Im thankful for SNAP because it supplies food, said Williams, 32, who works as a paraprofessional in an elementary school. But with the way the world is, with the financial strain, it is hard to be thankful. The anxiety stirred by the shutdown persists in the lines at food pantries in this southwestern Missouri county and echoes through households nationwide. Dealing with the shutdowns fallout In South Florida, Darlene Castillo is still struggling to prop up her familys fragile finances after working without pay for seven weeks at the U.S. Customs Service. To get by, she lined up at a mobile food bank, a first for her. She held off paying bills and canceled subscriptions. Family members sent money, and when one extended an invitation for Thanksgiving, she and her husband gratefully accepted, knowing that theyd be hard-pressed to host the holiday meal. Its a thankful time, Castillo said last week. Ill bring a dish because hopefully this week well get paid. And then well worry about Jan. 30. Thats when the funds just approved by Congress to reopen the government are set to run out, threatening yet another shutdown. In New Jersey, Kelvin McNeil is equally mindful that restored Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits could again be taken away. During the shutdown, McNeil said he got by on the modest stipend he receives as a trainee in a culinary program run by the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. But attending classes meant missing the hours food pantries were open. His wife, who is disabled and counts on him to bring home SNAP-funded groceries, grew distraught. If it was any longer, I dont know what I wouldve done, said McNeil, whose relief is compounded by news that after months of radiation treatment, his prostate cancer is in remission. I got a lot to be thankful for right now. Community support for stretched resources In Williams Missouri community, a haven for retirees on modest fixed incomes, the lapse in SNAP funds has added to the pressures on families who stretch to buy daily necessities. In early November, a startling 428 families lined up at a drive-through food pantry run by Carrie Padilla and church volunteers, in a county with about 32,000 residents. About 12 percent of households in the county rely on SNAP benefits, but it is closer to 17 percent in rural areas. Though SNAP has been restored, many families registering for a Christmas toy drive run by Padillas nonprofit indicate that they are entering the holiday season without enough food. Almost everybody is antsy, Padilla said. Just because the government reopened, it doesnt mean that somebody has waved a wand and suddenly everythings all hunky-dory. That uncertainty has figured into Shirley Meases planning, as she prepares to host a free Thanksgiving feast at Reeds Spring High School. Mease and her family anticipate serving and delivering 700 meals, up from about 625 last year, to account for food insecurity worsened by the shutdown. I know (SNAP) is back in working order, but it will take time for that to really help people out, said Mease, 73, a semi-retired school cafeteria worker who has been providing the feast since 2009, drawing on community donations and volunteers. Especially in this area, the food banks are being hit very hard, so I just feel like this is a time to step it up a little bit, she said. Feeling the pressure without SNAP The pressure of trying to get through November without SNAP weighed on Williams in the weeks leading up to the holiday. She had planned the move to the new apartment for months, carefully balancing income and expenses to account for the $600 rent. The math worked thanks in no small part to $450 in monthly benefits her family receives from SNAP. That covers their food bill after the two free meals served each school day. As the shutdown stretched on, the Trump administration announced it would suspend November SNAP payments, despite judges orders to use available emergency funds. With her move days away, Williams started November with just $25 left in her SNAP account. She used the funds to buy bread, peanut butter, jelly and milk, and a friend with chickens gave her eggs. The fixings lasted through four nights of sandwich dinners. Then her parents stepped in to help. Williams tried to keep her stress hidden from her 11-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. But it was hard to avoid tearing up or getting angry. What bills do I not pay so I can feed my children, because thats the priority, she said. Faced with a difficult choice There were other factors to consider, too. Williams said she loves her job, working with students in a special education classroom. In her off-hours she is studying to become a teacher, a pursuit that required taking out a student loan. The suspension of SNAP confronted her with a difficult choice. She knew she could earn more at Walmart than doing the classroom job she treasures. But then Im giving up a part of my dream, she said. It never came to that. Three days after the shutdown ended, Missouri officials sent $217 to Williams SNAP account, just under half what she receives in an ordinary month. That helped refill her familys refrigerator, but it was not enough to afford the luxury of a Thanksgiving celebration. Williams held off paying a bill for car insurance, due at months end, reserving the money in case it was needed for food. Then, last Friday morning, the remainder of the SNAP funds for November showed up in Williams account. Finally, she could exhale. She paid the insurance bill. Then she treated her children to ice cream. The anxiety that had weighed on Williams for weeks lingered. But it was still November,and her family had so much to be thankful for. 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 Disagreements in Congress about abortion could derail the Republican Partys ability to come up with a grand deal on healthcare. Any delay could prove politically toxic, as the GOP faces pressure from voters over spiking health care costs and Affordable Care Act subsidies that are expiring at the end of the year, while President Trump is pushing hard to scrap Obamacare altogether for a vaguely defined Trumpcare replacement. Thus far, much of the drama has played out behind the scenes or by implication. A White House plan reportedly circulating on Capitol Hill called for a two-year extension of the subsidies, though President Trump never carried out an expected Monday announcement of the plan, and the supposed proposal avoided the abortion issue entirely. This came as a shock to some in Congress, where Republicans and lobby groups have pushed to extend the ACAs existing abortion funding limits and cut off subsidies entirely to plans that cover abortion. The current system is not working to deliver healthcare at reasonable prices for everyday Americans, White House Spokesman Kush Desai told The Independent when asked about the state of White House plans and the presidents stance on the abortion question. Democrats push to maintain these high prices by giving more money to insurance companies is not a real solution for President Trump. open image in gallery The issue of abortion could prevent Republicans from getting enough support to reach a deal on the future of expiring Obamacare subsidies and Trumps larger goal of ending the ACA ( AFP via Getty Images ) Sen. Mike Rounds of South Dakota has said there wont be any Republican votes to extend the subsidies without new abortion restrictions on Obamacare, which already prevents federal funds from being spent on abortions, though some states use separate funds to cover the procedure in plans on the ACA marketplace. We believe strongly taxpayer dollars should not go to fund abortions, Rounds said earlier this month. [Democrats] have a different point of view, but its pretty clear that Republicans are solid on that particular issue. The abortion issue is reportedly a quiet red line for many Republicans who the president might ask to support an unpleasant vote on extending part of Obamacare, a longtime rivals signature legislation that the GOP has been trying to repeal for 15 years. Look, its no secret that this administration is not rushing to put a lot of political capital on the issue of abortion if they can avoid it, Patrick Brown, a fellow with the conservative think tank Ethics and Public Policy Center, told Politico. Its not something I think they have any interest in highlighting. open image in gallery Senate Republicans including Majority Leader John Thune have suggested provisions in a future health deal that would bar federal funds from going to plans that cover abortion ( AFP via Getty Images ) The administration may need to wield some influence to get the abortion restrictions into the deal, as a choice either way will enrage someone. The advocacy group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has warned it will penalize anyone who votes to continue the subsidies without the abortion limits. We oppose any health care plan that fails to include this safeguard, Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of the group, told Politico. Our position is consistent and will not change. Meanwhile, virtually no Democrats in Congress would agree to a proposal extending abortion restrictions beyond those purposefully built into the original ACA to comply with the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of federal funds for abortions in most cases. open image in gallery Democrats consider the abortion restrictions a nonstarter in health care negotiations ( AP ) Sen. Brian Schatz, Democrat of Hawaii, has suggested the abortion discussion itself is an attempt by Republicans to find political cover as they remain divided on what to do over healthcare, an issue thats bedeviled the party for years. At that point, theyre just unserious about extending the ACA [funds], he told NBC News. Once they get into restrictions on abortion, everyone knows what that means. It means that they would like to say theyre for extending ACA, but that they dont have the votes to do it right now. Even without the abortion issue on the table, Republicans remain divided about how to move forward on healthcare, as they face a mid-December deadline to vote on the subsidies that was offered to Democrats as part of the deal to reopen the government earlier this month. Republicans in the Senate, following President Trumps lead, have proposed replacing the ACA subsidies with federally funded, HSA-style Trump Health Freedom accounts and new provisions allowing Americans to shop for health plans across state lines. open image in gallery President Trump has said he favors a deal that would replace subsidies with health savings accounts, but has suggested hed be open to potentially extending the ACA supports ( Reuters ) The pro-business Republican Main Street Caucus, meanwhile, has suggested extending the subsidies with new income and premium requirements the GOP says will reduce costs and cut down on fraud. The president has previously said the only plan he will support is one that ends subsidies to insurers and gives funds directly to Americans, though this week he suggested he would be open to extending the ACA supports if it helps get Republicans toward a larger healthcare deal. Whatever the party decides, it is facing clear political pressure to do something about health costs, which are set to continue rising in 2026. Thanks to the beginning of open enrolment season this month, many are already factoring in expected higher premiums, and affordability issues look set to dominate the 2026 midterm elections. 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 Bruna Ferreira was driving to pick up her 11-year-old son from school earlier this month when she was suddenly surrounded by federal officers. Since then, the 33-year-old Brazilian mother has been detained inside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Louisiana, hundreds of miles from her home in Massachusetts. The story of her November 12 arrest and detention is deeply familiar to hundreds of immigrant families embroiled in legal battles and deportation threats under Donald Trumps administration, but new reporting from Ferreiras case has revealed her ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose brother is the father of Ferreiras child. Theres an irony here, said attorney Jeffrey Rubin, whose firm is representing Ferreira. Shes somebody that has generated publicity because of her relationship to somebody who is part of the inner circle of the White House, but at the end of the day, that shes just one of many thousands and thousands of people that are getting this treatment on a daily basis in this administration, he told The Independent. open image in gallery Bruna Ferreira, 33, is the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitts nephew. She was arrested by federal agents and remains in ICE custody as the Trump administration threatens to remove her from the country ( GoFundMe/Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues ) Ferreiras parents emigrated from Brazil and brought their young daughter with them in 1998 when she was roughly 6 years old. Her two younger siblings were born in the United States. She received temporary legal protections under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, the Obama-era program that has shielded tens of thousands of people who arrived in the country as children without legal status, and she was in the process of obtaining a green card, according to her legal team. That would place Ferreira among more than 20 DACA recipients and dozens of young immigrants who have been arrested or detained by immigration authorities since January, according to advocacy campaign Home Is Here. Her arrest is among many in a random and cruel mass deportation campaign under an administration that has performed warrantless searches, arrested and deported immigrants without due process, and stripped legal protections for tens of thousands of people who were allowed to live and work in the country, according to Rubin. It's outrageous and abhorrent, and the rhetoric alone is disgusting, he said. Trumps government-wide anti-immigration agenda has sought to dramatically reshape DACA, which Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin recently stressed does not confer any form of legal status in this country. DACA is not necessarily a path to permanent legal status, and new applications have been suspended for nearly a decade since the first Trump administration unsuccessfully sought to end the program altogether. But there is a strong bipartisan consensus that people like her should have a path to stay, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow with immigration advocacy and policy group the American Immigration Council. open image in gallery Leavitts brother Michael was previously engaged to Ferreira, who emigrated to the United States from Brazil when she was six years old. The Trump administration has labeled her a criminal illegal alien ( REUTERS ) Ferreira was previously engaged to Michael Leavitt, the brother of Karoline Leavitt, but they broke up more than 10 years ago, according to the family. Ferreira and Leavitt share custody of their son, who lives with Michael and his wife in New Hampshire. When Michael won $1 million from a DraftKings contest eight months after their son was born, Ferreira said the couple was not in want of anything. I need the lights fixed on the back of my car, she told The Cullman Times in 2014. And we need a lamp for my sons room. Other than that we dont really need much. We have our health. We have a nice condo. We really are blessed. They separated shortly after. Her younger sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, launched a GoFundMe to raise money for her legal defense. Anyone who knows Bruna knows the kind of person she is, Dos Santos Rodrigues wrote. She is hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether its supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself. She told the Boston Globe that Michael Leavitt and his father, Bob Leavitt, had urged Ferreira to self-deport after her arrest. Brazil is not her home, Dos Santos Rodrigues said. Theyre trying to push it off as a vacation. Thats not a vacation. Bruna barely speaks the language. Karoline Leavitt, who has posted several photos with her nephew on social media, has not reached out to Dos Santos Rodrigues or her family, she said. Her nephew also met Trump earlier this year inside the White House, according to photographs shared by the Leavitts on social media. If she were to help in any way, if she were willing to do anything to help us, she would have reached out by now, Dos Santos Rodrigues told the Boston Globe. I understand the policies and how it looks. But I also think when it comes to family, you put certain things aside. I dont care who you work for. In a message to reporters, Michael Leavitt said, My only concern has always been the safety, well being, and privacy of my son. open image in gallery The Trump administration has radically reshaped immigration enforcement and has threatened to rapidly deport DACA recipients and hundreds of young immigrants who arrived in the country without parents and guardians ( AFP via Getty Images ) Homeland Security, meanwhile, has described the mother of Karoline Leavitts nephew as a criminal illegal alien who has been accused of battery. Her lawyers said they have found nothing to support those allegations. Officials also accused Ferreira of overstaying a tourist visa that required her to leave the country in 1999, when she was seven years old. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation, a spokesperson for Homeland Security said in a statement Wednesday. This is all just rhetoric and turning the law on its head, Rubin told The Independent. Ferreiras legal team is requesting a bond hearing in immigration court to secure her release from ICE custody. This week, a federal judge in California struck down the Trump administrations policy that blocked most immigrants who entered the country without legal permission from remaining in detention throughout their removal proceedings. That decision could potentially allow thousands of immigrants who have been locked up through the course of their removal cases to be released. The Independent has requested comment from the White House. 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 Mike Johnson described his speakership as a constant battle in a recent interview that offered a revealing look into the internal dynamics of the unruly House Republican caucus, which recently gave the president headaches over a vote to release the Jeffrey Epstein files. The GOP speaker was interviewed by Katie Miller, wife of the architect of Donald Trumps mass deportation strategy, Stephen Miller, who herself was formerly a close adviser to Elon Musk. Now a podcast host, Johnson and his wife, Kelly, were Millers guests on an episode that dropped Saturday. During the episode, he described his work managing an often unhappy and increasingly rebellious House Republican caucus as a never-ending struggle, with new crises and fires breaking out every day. I havent had a vacation day in two years. I havent been off in two years, literally, said Johnson. Last Christmas, I was taking calls from members with their drama. It takes everything out of whomever serves in the position, and by extension, their family. Johnson went on to add: Youre sort of like a firefighter, in a way. You put out fires every hour. open image in gallery Mike Johnson described his job as speaker as constantly putting out fires within his caucus ( YouTube - The Katie Miller Podcast ) Even when you think the work of the day is done and you put the phone down, it can be 11:30 at night. Ring ring, another crisis, Johnson described. His wife agreed, explaining that her greatest annoyance with her husbands position was the complete lack of downtime it provided. Johnson added that, with the security detail he was forced to take on upon becoming speaker, he very seldom makes it out himself to do everyday activities in public, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy. His remarks about his job come at a particularly stressful time for the Republican speaker. In July, the Department of Justice and FBI issued a joint statement that amounted to a U-turn for the Trump administration as it pertained to releasing the files and evidence gathered by federal law enforcement about the 2019 investigation of Jeffrey Epstein, which resulted in the convicted pedophile and sex trafficker dying in a Manhattan detention facility while under guard. The agencies said that no more releases would occur and that the investigation had turned up no evidence linking other powerful men with known associations with Epstein to his criminal activities. Many Americans found this hard to believe, and it set off a firestorm on Capitol Hill as a bipartisan cohort of Democrats and a few rogue Republican members vowed to force a vote in the chamber on legislation compelling the government to cooperate and release the files publicly. They were successful earlier in November after Johnson held the chamber in recess for weeks and delayed the swearing-in of a Democratic representative, thereby postponing the vote. That vote in Johnsons chamber put the screws to the president, who was forced then to make another U-turn. In a Truth Social post, he came out in favor of the House bill to compel the release of the files despite threatening members who signed on to the discharge petition in public and not actually needing Congresss permission or directive to take action on the files himself. open image in gallery Mike Johnsons caucus created major headaches for Donald Trump over a vote to release the Epstein files ( AFP via Getty Images ) Johnson was possibly the biggest loser in the scenario, which played out around the margins of a government shutdown fight instigated over expiring federal subsidies for Obamacare health insurance plans. The GOP speaker is now faced with a multi-pronged crisis in his chamber: The barely-averted full scale rebellion against the president which nearly played out on the final vote on the Epstein files; the imminent resignation of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, which will push the GOPs majority in the chamber to an even smaller number; and another brewing battle over those expiring Obamacare subsidies. The House GOP caucus appears, at this moment, hopelessly divided over a plan which the White House was set to unveil at the beginning of this week to extend those subsidies for two years, averting monthly premium hikes totalling hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars which are set to affect millions of Americans at the end of the year when the current legislation expires. Conservatives are against the plan and remain supportive of efforts to try and repeal the Affordable Care Act, while the partys frontline members are fearful of midterm losses turning into a Democratic-led blowout if those price hikes are allowed to hit consumers. Johnson reportedly informed the president that a majority of his members were opposed to the White House plan, forcing the administration to back off this week from the plan. Even so, the chambers members are reportedly furious with Johnson and the White House as the deadline barrels down on Congress and the administration has largely failed to engage congressional Republicans to find a solution. open image in gallery Rep. Thomas Massie is one of many Republicans, reportedly a majority of Mike Johnsons caucus, who oppose a two-year extension of Obamacare subsidies to avert premium spikes for millions of Americans ( Getty Images ) One House Republican described as a senior member of the caucus by Punchbowls Jake Sherman, excoriated the White House in a text to the outlet on Monday. 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. That is the sentiment of nearly all appropriators, authorizers, hawks, doves, rank and file, wrote the senior member. The arrogance of this White House team is off putting to members who are run roughshod and threatened. 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, they continued. The member went on to predict: 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. 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 man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House Wednesday night entered the country through Operation Allies Welcome, a resettlement program to assist Afghan nationals. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the suspect an Afghan man identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in 2021. He later applied for asylum in 2024, which was approved this year under the Trump administration. The U.S. has now suspended all Afghan immigration requests in response to the shooting outside a metro station in downtown Washington D.C., which officials described as a targeted ambush. The two guard members are still in critical condition. In a televised address from Mar-a-Lago, Trump condemned the attack the day before Thanksgiving celebrations get underway as a crime against humanity. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the shooter an animal, warning that he would pay the steepest possible price. On Wednesday, Trump lashed out at former president Joe Bidens administration for letting in 20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners to the US through the Operation Allies Welcome program. However, this figure appears to be an enormous exaggeration. open image in gallery Two National Guard members were shot during the incident in DC ( Reuters ) What was Operation Allies Welcome? The scheme was launched in August 2021 during Bidens presidency, following the chaos of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Talibans return to power. The programs goal was to provide protection and relocation for vulnerable Afghans, including a significant proportion eligible for Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) because they took major risks to help US operations in Afghanistan, or were related to someone who did. At the time, the Biden administration said the U.S. government is working around the clock to conduct the security screening and vetting of vulnerable Afghans before they are permitted entry into the United States consistent with the dual goals of protecting national security and providing protection for our Afghan allies. As with any population entering the United States, DHS, in coordination with interagency vetting partners, takes multiple steps to ensure that those seeking entry do not pose a national security or public safety risk. open image in gallery Afghan people climb on top of a plane at Afghanistans Kabul airport on August 16, 2021, as thousands tried to flee the Taliban ( AFP/Getty ) A year later the program was renamed Operation Enduring Welcome, as the scheme shifted to a more long term approach and focused increasingly on assisting Afghans with SIVs, or helping others utilise other refugee and immigration programs. Since August 2021, over 190,000 Afghans have settled in the United States through Enduring Welcome and Operation Allies Welcome, according to the State Department. A further 260,000 have applied through the programs and are still waiting, according to estimates by AfghanEvac, an organization which relocates and resettles Afghan people. Enduring Welcome is due to be shut down by the end of 2025, however processing has slowed down, leaving many Afghans with active applications for relocation stuck in Afghanistan where they may face reprisals, or in third countries such as Pakistan where their security is not guaranteed. How was the suspect involved in the scheme? Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. on September 8, 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome scheme. The majority of those who arrived in the U.S. via Operation Allies Welcome were given permission to enter and then remain in the country for two years, but were given no permanent immigration status. Lakanwal then applied for asylum in 2024, which was approved the following year under the Trump administration. Following the D.C. shooting, Trump has called for a total re-examination of every Afghan immigrant who has entered the U.S. through the programs. open image in gallery Investigations into the suspects motives are ongoing ( AP ) The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said immigration requests have been stopped indefinitely with the decision made pending a review of "security and vetting protocols". "The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a post on X. One of the two troops shot has been named as Andrew Wolfe of West Virginia, who is reportedly undergoing surgery and remains in a critical condition. Ahead of Thanksgiving the Trump administration has ordered 500 more National Guardsmen to 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 A Massachusetts college student has been deported to Honduras after attempting to fly down to Austin, Texas, to surprise her family for Thanksgiving. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, a 19 year-old business major at Babson College in Wellesley who came to the U.S. in 2014 when she was eight years old, was detained at Boston Logan International Airport last Thursday as she was about to board her flight, having already successfully passed through security without incident. Todd Pomerleau, her attorney, explained that Lopez Belloza had been told there was a problem with her ticket when she scanned her boarding pass and referred to a customer service desk, whereupon she was taken into federal custody. open image in gallery College student Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, pictured after graduating from high school, was detained and deported to Honduras after attempting to fly from Massachusetts to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with her family ( Family Photo ) They wouldnt tell her why she was being detained, Pomerleau told The Boston Globe. She didnt understand it at all. Lopez Belloza was taken to ICEs Burlington field office in an unmarked car, according to the lawyer. Then, in a bitter irony, she was flown to Texas on Saturday after all, only to subsequently find herself deported to Honduras, a country to which she has not returned since childhood. Only after 48 hours was she able to call her frantic parents from her grandparents home in San Pedro Sula to let them know what had happened, heartbroken to miss the holidays with her young sisters and fearful for the future. Speaking to CBS Austin, Pomerleau scathingly characterized the tactics used to detain his client as an unconstitutional bag job and Lopez Belloza as a Dreamer living a draconian nightmare right now. A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told The Independent: On November 20, Customs and Border Protection arrested Any Lopez-Belloza, an illegal alien from Honduras, as she was attempting to board a flight at Boston Logan International Airport. This illegal alien entered the country in 2014 and an immigration judge ordered her removed from the country in 2015, over 10 years ago. She has illegally stayed in the country since. Lopez-Belloza will remain in ICE custody pending removal. The Independent also reached out to ICE for comment. open image in gallery ICEs immigration crackdown this year, primarily in Democrat-run cities, has attracted increasingly vocal protests ( Getty ) I have worked so hard to be able to be at Babson my first semester, that was my dream, Lopez Belloza told the Globe from Honduras, recounting her frightening experience. Im losing everything. Nayna Gupta, policy director at the American Immigration Council, has been helping the students family since her plight became known and said Lopez Belloza had been the subject of an outstanding removal order since 2017, although she had not been aware of it. [Her family] didnt know to show up somewhere, and she certainly had no idea of any of this, Gupta said, explaining that immigration courts can issue such orders without the subject being present and that notifications are all too frequently mailed to incorrect addresses. People with final orders of removal, like this young college freshman from Babson College, are highly vulnerable under an administration that is pursuing such a cruel and indiscriminate deportation agenda, she added, alluding to President Donald Trumps second term crackdown on illegal immigration. According to court documents ABC News, a federal judge had ordered the government not to remove Lopez Belloza from the U.S. and not to transfer her outside of Massachusetts, instructions that appear to have been ignored. She was in a court process that she thought ended favorably, she was then nine or 10-years-old, Pomerleau told 7 News Boston. Shes a child under the immigration law. Shes under the age of 21. Shes going to college. She has zero record. We believe her constitutional rights were violated, the way she was arrested, not having any notice why shes arrested, not shown any documents to justify her abrupt, egregious removal from the United States of America. Youre supposed to be thankful this time of the year. Just be thankful ICE hasnt destroyed your family. Ricky Soto, a family friend who works with the students father Francis at a Texas tailoring business, said that he had arranged the fateful ticket for Lopez Belloza to return to her parents and subsequently helped them to find legal backing. It really didnt feel like it was real life because nothing made sense, he told the Globe. I can only imagine how terrifying that was for her She was so excited, because she wasnt expecting to come home. He added that the family had endured a tough time since settling in the U.S. but were really proud when their eldest daughter had been accepted into Babson on a scholarship. Pomerleau said his client was really sad about what had happened to her, missed her family and was concerned that she may never be able to complete her finals, which are scheduled in a matter of weeks. I told her, Were going to fight like hell until we bring you back, he 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 State Department will no longer commemorate World AIDS Day with public messaging, ending a decades-long tradition of the administration recognizing those who have died of the disease and raising awareness on December 1. Earlier this month, the State Department reportedly instructed employees and grantees not to use federal funding to commemorate the day as part of a federal government policy to refrain from messaging on any commemorative days, the New York Times reported Wednesday. That includes refraining from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communication channels, including social media, media engagements, speeches, or other public-facing messaging, according to an email seen by NYT and the Substack To End a Plague Again. Personnel are still permitted to attend external, locally organized events but may not speak at the events or promote their attendance online, the email added. In a statement to the NYT, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, An awareness day is not a strategy. Under the leadership of President Trump, the State Department is working directly with foreign governments to save lives and increase their responsibility and burden sharing. open image in gallery The White House, pictured in 2017, has previously commemorated World AIDS Day on December 1 every year ( AFP/Getty ) The Independent has asked the White House and State Department for comment. Since 1988, World AIDS Day has been recognized internationally as a day to raise awareness for the AIDS pandemic and mourn those who have died from the life-threatening disease, which is caused by HIV. Though former President Ronald Reagan was the first to publicly mention AIDS in a 1985 speech, former President Bill Clinton became the first U.S. president to mark the day with a Presidential Proclamation in 1993. Its unclear if President Donald Trump plans to make a presidential proclamation for World AIDS Day on December 1. Each year on World AIDS Day, the State Department highlights the work of the U.S. Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR the U.S.s global funding to combat HIV/AIDS that began in 2003. open image in gallery President Joe Biden recognized World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024 potentially the last time the White House will mark a public display of commemoration ( Getty Images ) Through PEPFAR, the government has invested more than $120 billion into HIV/AIDS response all across the globe, saving an estimated 26 million lives by preventing infection and supporting countries' efforts to control the epidemic. The program, which falls under the State Department, faced steep cutbacks this year after Trump temporarily halted all HIV-related funding. Although the administration resumed funding, it has proposed cutting PEPFAR funding by $1.9 billion in the 2026 fiscal year though that has not been finalized by Congress. The U.S. is the largest donor to the global AIDS response, according to the United Nations. Even small cuts have a tangible impact on the worlds effort to combat HIV/AIDS. The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS released a report this month indicating an unknown number of people have died and millions have lost access to medicine due to global funding cuts. 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 Even before Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to shut down immigration processing for Afghan migrants in the wake of a horrific shooting near the White House, the State Department was reportedly taking steps to push governments around the world to restrict migration on the grounds that it supposedly caused violent crime to flourish. A New York Times report on Wednesday revealed a diplomatic cable sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio a week earlier directing U.S. diplomats around the world to pressure the governments of countries in Europe as well as Canada, New Zealand and Australia to heavily restrict migration. The November 21 cable, obtained by the Times, directs those ambassadors and their staffs to highlight crimes, especially violent acts, committed by migrants in their respective countries to make the Trump administrations case. The text claimed that violent crimes committed by immigrants were widespread disruptors of social cohesion, an accusation that rings true in no small part due to the immediate impulse of the Trump administration and its far-right allies to highlight and supercharge political discourse around such instances of violence. U.S. diplomats were directed in the cable to regularly engage host governments and their respective authorities to raise U.S. concerns about violent crimes associated with people of a migration background, according to the Times. The cables existence was not previously reported until Wednesday, when a man identified as an Afghan national was named as the suspect in the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members just blocks from the White House. The two Guard troops were reported to be in critical condition as of Thursday morning. National Guard soldiers respond to a shooting near the White House on November 26, 2025 in Washington, DC ( Getty Images ) The suspect in Wednesdays shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is thought to have served with U.S. forces including the CIA in his native country of Afghanistan before he came to the U.S. with the fall of Afghanistans government to the Taliban in 2021. The suspect is hospitalized after being shot by a Guard member during the attack. Donald Trump issued a furious response on Wednesday after the shooting, vowing that the suspect would pay the steepest possible price. He directed federal agencies to immediately suspend immigration requests from Afghanistan, which has been under the control of the Taliban for four years. The suspect was brought to the U.S. initially under the Biden administration, which began a program to evacuate Afghans who feared retaliation from the Taliban due to their cooperation with the U.S. in 2021. Reports citing the Department of Homeland Security indicate that Lakanwal applied for asylum during Bidens last year in office and had his request approved earlier in 2025. He was waiting on a green card application to be accepted at the time of the shooting. Trump, in a video message Wednesday evening, demanded new vetting for all Afghan refugees brought to the U.S. after 2021. We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, the president said. He also added that attacks from such migrants represented the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. Tens of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis have resettled in the United States on special immigrant visas over the last four years, many fleeing ongoing instability in the two nations invaded by the United States after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Many fear retaliation for serving as translators, fixers or in other roles in services to U.S. forces active in the two countries in conflicts against the Taliban, Islamic State, and other groups in the region in support of the Afghan and Iraqi governments. The fall of Afghanistans democratic government in 2021 accelerated the pace of those visas being issued after former President Joe Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security to extend protections for vulnerable Afghan citizens, a program known as Operation Allies Welcome. The agency also extended temporary protected status for other Afghan refugees at that time, protecting them from deportation with temporary protected status, but that was halted by the Trump administration earlier in 2025. Migrants who commit violent crimes became a major focus of the presidents third campaign for office in 2024, and Trump used the murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley in February of that year to hammer then-President Biden over immigration policies. Since taking office, Trump has wrongly claimed that illegal border crossings dropped to zero under his watch; those numbers are actually publicly available on the DHS website, and indicate that while illegal migration has sharply fallen there are still thousands of encounters with migrants seeking to entry the country illegally every month at ports of entry and along the U.S. border. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A group of six Democratic lawmakers who filmed a widely seen video urging troops to refuse illegal orders have seen a spike in fundraising since Donald Trump accused them of sedition and federal agencies began probing their efforts. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut involved in the video effort, was for a time the top fundraiser on the ActBlue platform on Tuesday, a person familiar with platform metrics told Newsweek. Kelly, who is facing a potential court martial for his involvement in the video, has explicitly fundraised off the threats from the Trump administration. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than about protecting the Constitution, Kelly wrote in a message from the Democratic National Committee. Call this what it is: Political persecution. All told, Kelly and his allies have offered at least a dozen text or email fundraising pitches mentioning his role in the controversy, according to an analysis from the Washington Examiner. open image in gallery Sen. Mark Kelly and Sen. Elissa Slotkin have issued fundraising appeals referencing the recent controversy over their participation in a video this month urging military members to uphold their oaths to the Constitution and refuse illegal orders, an effort that infuriated the Trump administration ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst who is among the group of lawmakers facing a potential FBI interview over the video, had a similar message in a fundraising effort of her own. In the message, Slotkin claimed such threats were exactly why we made that video in the first place. President Trump believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet, the appeal added. The video clip, which featured Kelly and Slotkin, as well as Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, immediately touched a nerve with the Trump administration, prompting the president to make violent comments about the lawmakers involved. open image in gallery The president has accused the six lawmakers who participated in the video of carrying out sedition that could be punishable by death ( Getty ) President Trump claimed the video amounted to seditious behavior, punishable by death and reshared a post that read, HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD. Those involved have defended their participation. I refuse to be intimidated out of defending the country I love, Slotkin wrote on X. The Michigan lawmaker has said her office faced a wave of death threats over the ongoing controversy. In the video, the legislators, all former members of the military or intelligence community, claimed threats to our Constitution arent just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. 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 Two teenagers have launched a legal challenge over Australias ban on social media for children under 16s. Noah Jones and Macy Neyland argue the forthcoming ban is unconstitutional because it takes away their right to free communication. The two 15 year-olds are named as plaintiffs in a High Court challenge lodged by the Digital Freedom Project on Wednesday. Australia is the first country in the world to ban social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram for children under 16. The ban, passed into law last November, comes into force on 10 December. The Digital Freedom Project said it would argue that the law imposing the ban was "grossly excessive" and infringed on the "constitutional right of freedom of political communication". open image in gallery Noah Jones and Macy Neyland ( Digital Freedom Project ) The two teenagers were representative members of the group affected by the ban, the advocacy group said. Noah said the young generation was the "true digital natives and they wanted to remain educated, robust, and savvy in our digital world". We're disappointed in a lazy government that blanket bans under-16s rather than investing in programs to help kids be safe on social media," he said. "They should protect kids with safeguards, not silence." Macy said voters of tomorrow should not be banned from expressing their views. "If you personally think that kids shouldn't be on social media, stay off it yourself, but don't impose it on me and my peers," she said. "We shouldn't be silenced. It's like Orwell's book 1984, and that scares me. open image in gallery Australian influencer family with teenagers moves overseas to avoid impending social media ban ( YouTube/EMPIRE Family ) One Australian family has even said it will relocate to the UK to avoid the ban. The Emily Family have millions of fans online, documenting their every day lives. After the news of the lawsuit broke, communications minister Anika Wells seemed to reference it during Question Time in the parliament on Wednesday, insisting that the federal government was firm in its commitment to roll out the new law. Despite the fact that we are receiving threats and legal challenges by people with ulterior motives, the Albanese Labor government remains steadfastly on the side of parents and not platforms," she said. "We will not be intimidated by threats. We will not be intimidated by big tech on behalf of Australian parents. We stand firm." The Digital Freedom Project said a blanket ban disproportionately harmed teenagers who relied on social media for information, connection and support. It said the impact would be the heaviest on vulnerable young people, such as those with disabilities, First Nations teenagers, LGBTIQ youth, and those living in rural or remote areas. The advocacy group, led by New South Wales MP John Ruddick, said the case centred on whether the ban put an unconstitutional burden on young peoples ability to engage in political communication and whether such a restriction was proportionate to the governments aims. This ban is a direct assault on young people's right to freedom of political communication," he said in a statement. Rather than exclude all under-16s from major social media platforms, the group said the government should focus on alternative safety measures like digital-literacy programmes, mandatory age-appropriate platform features, and age-assurance technologies with stronger privacy protections. Google claims the ban will prevent young adults from operating accounts on the video streaming platform. It will also limit their ability to contribute to political communication by posting videos on YouTube and by making comments on those videos, the company argues. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The New Zealand government has launched a public inquiry into the case of Tom Phillips, who disappeared with his three children into a remote forest for years. The countrys Attorney-General Judith Collins said the independent investigation will examine whether government agencies took all practicable steps to protect the safety and welfare of the children. Phillips vanished from the rural township of Marokopa with his three children, then aged 5, 7, and 8, in December 2021. He was involved in court proceedings at the time regarding an earlier disappearance. For years, he forced the children to live in campsites in the bush, without access to education or healthcare. In September this year, Phillips was shot dead by police following a robbery. A police officer was shot in the head and critically injured during the confrontation. One of Phillips children was with him at the time, and the other two were found at a makeshift campsite following the shooting. open image in gallery Tom Phillips came from a farming family in the small rural town of Marokopa ( NZ Police ) Saga began years before The saga began long before the family first became known to the public in 2021. The Phillips children had been the subject of Family Court proceedings about their care since 2018, according to a government document outlining the terms of the new inquiry. The period before the family vanished will be scrutinised by the inquiry, which must decide if officials did all they could to prevent the children's disappearance. Sightings of Phillips, who carried out robberies while he hid with the children, continually placed him near where he had vanished. That has provoked questions in New Zealand about the scale and rigour of law enforcement search efforts during the three-and-a-half year disappearance. It was clear that the childrens safety and welfare remained at risk, especially given the time that had elapsed since they had first disappeared, the document establishing the inquiry said. The investigation will be headed by Simon Moore, a high-profile lawyer and a former High Court judge. It is due to deliver a final report by July 2026, in which Moore must decide if government agencies engaged appropriately with the Family Court and took all practicable steps to find and recover the children. open image in gallery The main campsite where Tom Phillips and his three children lived Not the first disappearance Scrutiny of officials' actions was prompted partly because Phillips had vanished with his children before. Three months before the family's December 2021 disappearance, Phillips triggered a massive search and national headlines when his truck was found on a beach with no trace of him or the children. Authorities concluded the family had died by drowning when Phillips reappeared from the forest three weeks later with the children, saying they had been camping. He was due to face charges in court for wasting police resources when he disappeared again. This time, he did not return. Phillips died in shoot-out An early morning shoot-out in September brought the lengthy ordeal to a close of sorts. Phillips and one of his children were stopped by a police officer as they fled a robbery at a farming supplies store in the small town of Waitomo. The officer was shot at close range. He survived but would require a series of surgeries, officials said. More officers arrived and Phillips was fatally shot. The child with him was taken into custody and later helped law enforcement to find the campsite where the remaining children waited. open image in gallery A police officer near the scene where Phillips died ( AFP via Getty Images ) The cache of belongings there included guns, officials said. Law enforcement photos released of campsites the family had used showed grim and squalid encampments. Officials have not disclosed details about the current whereabouts of the children, citing their need for privacy. Judges' orders imposed since the children were recovered have barred news outlets from reporting certain details of the case. Some national outlets are challenging the rulings in court. Secrecy about what the authorities knew and what actions they took has produced growing calls for an inquiry. Case prompts debate The questions about officials actions have prompted heated debate in New Zealand and drawn global news headlines. A documentary about the case is in production and reporters have converged on the tiny township where the family lived. News outlets have questioned why calls from the police for the public's help in locating the family only began well after they disappeared, when Phillips was accused of committing an armed robbery. After that, officials regularly urged people who knew of the family's whereabouts to come forward, including by offering a sizable reward that was never collected. The police believed Phillips was being helped by others in the area and efforts continue to identify his possible accomplices. 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 Sydney taekwondo instructor who murdered a family of three, was reportedly consumed by fantasies of Olympic glory and billionaire encounters, a court heard on Thursday. Prosecutors argued Kwang Kyung Yoo, 51, who pleaded guilty to killing a seven-year-old student and his parents last February, should never be released. A New South Wales Supreme Court judge will sentence him on 16 December. State law prevents child victims of crime from being identified, so his parents also cant be named. The killer and his three victims were all born in South Korea. Yoo had lied about meeting the wealthiest Australian, Gina Rinehart, qualifying for the Sydney Olympics and owning a Lamborghini luxury car, according to evidence tendered to the court Thursday. To impress his own wife, he would send emails to himself, pretending to be important people. He sometimes called himself professor Yoo. These are a form of fantasy, essentially a grandiose or self-important fantasy that hes richer, has more social status, has more success in life in different domains than he actually does, forensic psychiatrist Andrew Ellis told the court. In reality, Yoo was in debt and behind in his rent on the Lions Taekwondo and Martial Arts Academy where he murdered the boy and his mother after a class. Prosecutors said Yoo began thinking of murder after seeing the students father become successful and wealthy. His mind turned to how he could kill the family to get their money, the court was told. Yoo strangled the mother and son in his academy before driving the womans BMW luxury sedan to the family home where he fatally stabbed the father. open image in gallery Police investigate a crime scene at a Taekwondo school in Sydney, Australia, Feb. 21, 2024. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) ( AAP IMAGE ) The father also stabbed Yoo in the struggle. Yoo drove the BMW to a hospital where he told medical staff he had been attacked in a supermarket carpark. Police arrested him at the hospital the next day. After his arrest, Yoo could not explain how he was going to get the familys money and later detailed his remorse. I was ... good ... two months ago. Now Im a murderer, he told prison authorities. I feel shame, guilt and sorrow. Yoos lawyer Richard Wilson refuted prosecutors argument that his client was motivated by jealousy and hatred toward the family. There is some evidence that he had perhaps envy of what they had, but in terms of jealousy and hatred that doesnt appear to be a motivator here, Wilson said. Wilson argued that Yoo should be given a minimum non-parole period rather than a life sentence without possibility of release. The maximum penalty for someone convicted of murder in New South Wales is life imprisonment, with a standard non-parole period of 20 years for the murder of an adult and 25 years for the murder of a child. 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 Across Germany, the festive period is traditionally brightened by a myriad of Christmas stars, yet none command such widespread recognition and affection as the Moravian stars originating from the eastern village of Herrnhut. These distinctive illuminations, crafted in various sizes and hues, are a ubiquitous sight, gracing everything from church steeples and apartment windows to the chancellery in Berlin during Advent. Their profound symbolism is rooted in Christian tradition. Katja Ruppert, managing director of the Herrnhuter Sterne manufacturing company, explains: "It's the symbol of the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three wise men to the Christ Child in the manger." The intricate stars have been handmade in Herrnhut for more than 180 years, a village itself founded by refugees. Members of the Moravian Church, one of the worlds oldest Protestant denominations, sought refuge in the German region in 1722, fleeing persecution from the historical provinces of Bohemia and Moravia, now part of the Czech Republic. open image in gallery The stars have been handmade for over 180 years in Herrnhut, which was founded by refugees of the Moravian Church fleeing from the historical provinces of Bohemia and Moravia in what is now the Czech Republic. ( Associated Press ) Count Nikolaus von Zinzendorf granted them asylum, providing land where the believers established Herrnhut, a name that translates roughly to "Under the Protection of the Lord." The famous Christmas star was created during a geometry lesson The church members were very active in education. In one of the schools they founded, the famous Moravian star was created when a math teacher trying to descriptively explain geometry asked his students to create a truncated cuboctahedron with 17 four-corner based points and eight three-corner based points. That initial cardboard star was patented in 1925, in a way that its points could be dismantled for shipping and later be clamped together again. The smallest star has a diameter of 8 centimeters (3.14 inches) and sells from 19 ($22), while the biggest one measures 130 centimeters and costs 205. Special orders are more expensive and can measure up to 250 cm. open image in gallery The smallest star has a diameter of 8 centimeters (3.14 inches) and sells from 19 ($22), while the biggest one measures 130 centimeters and costs 205 ( Associated Press ) Originally, the points of the Moravian star were white and red, symbolizing both purity and the blood of Jesus Christ," Ruppert explained in an interview with The Associated Press. As the production of the stars expanded, so did the range of colors. Today they are made out of paper or plastic and come monochrome, varicolored, or with patterns including some made out of the pages of old books that are dubbed literary stars." There are even stars with floral spring motives for those who want to keep the decorative ornaments up in their homes all year, not just during Christmas season. People can make their own stars at a workshop in Herrnhut Recently, the company also opened a handicrafts workshop in Herrnhut where people can make their own stars. In addition, there's a big showroom presenting and selling all different varieties. White, yellow and red are among the most popular creations, but the company's annual special edition this year its a shiny, purple star has also become a sought-after collectible item. We are now taking part in many Christmas markets. We have gone to trade fairs. We have found many retailers who would like to work with us there, Ruppert said, explaining how the Moravian star's popularity has spread widely within Germany in the past 20 years. open image in gallery Katja Ruppert, managing director of the Herrnhuter Sterne manufacturing company, explained how the Moravian star's popularity has spread widely within Germany in the past 20 years ( Associated Press ) Nowadays, about 230 employees make more than 820,000 stars every year and more than 60,000 people visit the store and workshop annually, mostly during the weeks before Christmas. So far, the star is not being exported extensively to other countries, Ruppert said. But other communities of the Moravian Church such as the one in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or Christiansfeld in Denmark, also are featuring the star as a symbol of their faith during Advent. Silk Schmidt, a hairdresser from Neueibau in southeastern Saxony, had come to Herrnhut with her sister-in-law in mid-November to make three stars as Christmas gifts for her two sons and mother. I myself have at least ten stars at home, she said, adding that she usually puts them up on the first weekend of Advent. When its so dark outside and not nice anymore, then the stars hang in the window, which is actually really beautiful, she said. "Lights everywhere. 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 forces have surrounded the embattled Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk and control 70 per cent of it, President Vladimir Putin claimed on Thursday, though Kyiv's top general insisted Ukrainian defenders were pushing back hard amid fierce fighting in the city centre. Moscow has sought full control of Pokrovsk known to Russians by its Soviet-era name, Krasnoarmeysk since mid-2024, as part of its broader objective to seize the entire Donbas industrial region. Instead of a direct frontal assault on the city, a former home to over 60,000 and a key Ukrainian military logistics hub, Russian forces have employed a pincer movement. This tactic aims to steadily encircle Pokrovsk, infiltrating with small and then larger assault groups. Moscow says taking Pokrovsk, dubbed "the gateway to Donetsk" by Russian media, would give it a platform to drive north towards the two biggest remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities in the Donetsk region - Kramatorsk and Sloviansk. open image in gallery A Ukrainian soldier walks past damaged buildings in central Pokrovsk, in the Donetsk region of Ukraine, April 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Shtekel, File) ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Pressure on the city comes at a time when the United States is trying to broker a possible peace plan to end the deadliest European conflict since World War Two with both sides eager to show they have the upper hand on the battlefield. Map of Pokrovsk: Speaking at a news conference in Kyrgyzstan on Thursday, Putin said that Ukrainian forces in Pokrovsk and the neighbouring town of Myrnohrad, which Russians calls Dimitrov, were in deep trouble and that Ukraine might face a collapse of its frontline in certain places. "Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) and Dimitrov (Myrnohrad) are completely surrounded," Putin told reporters, saying that some of Kyiv's most combat-ready troops were being destroyed in the process. "Seventy percent of Krasnoarmeysk's territory is in the hands of the Russian armed forces. In the south of the city of Dimitrov, the enemy group has been cut off. It is scattered throughout the city. And our troops are moving onto its systematic destruction," said Putin. The Russian Defence Ministry said earlier on Thursday that its assault units were advancing in central and northern Pokrovsk and that its forces had advanced to the east, west and south of Myrnohrad. Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraine's top commander, painted a different picture however, and said on social media that Ukrainian troops had been blocking attempts by Russian forces to stage new assaults on Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. open image in gallery A satellite image shows armored vehicles amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in the eastern Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, November 3, 2025 ( via REUTERS ) Syrskyi said that Russia had been forced to bring reserves forces into the area. Ukraine's Operational Task Force "East" said separately that its troops had also been staging raids south of Pokrovsk's train station and that fighting was raging in the city centre. Reuters could not independently verify the contrasting battlefield claims and maps from both sides contradicted each other too. Russian maps show Pokrovsk under Moscow's control and Ukrainian troops encircled in neighbouring Myrnohrad. Ukrainian maps show Pokrovsk as a grey zone under no side's control and Myrnohrad as not being fully surrounded. 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 Pope Leo XIV embarks on his first foreign trip this Thursday to Turkey, fulfilling late Pope Francis plans to mark a key Orthodox anniversary and bring peace amid crucial efforts for Ukraine and Mideast. Arriving first in Ankara, he will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and address the diplomatic corps. He then moves to Istanbul for three days of ecumenical and interfaith meetings, ahead of the Lebanese leg of his trip. The pontiffs visit comes as Turkey, a nation of over 85 million predominantly Sunni Muslims, acts as a key intermediary in Ukraine and Gaza peace negotiations. Ankara has hosted Russia-Ukraine talks and offered to join a Gaza stabilisation force to uphold the fragile ceasefire, efforts Pope Leo may applaud. Reaction in Turkey Turkey's increasing military might, boasting NATO's second-largest army after the US, is drawing Western leaders closer to President Erdogan. This engagement persists despite critics raising alarms over his government's suppression of the country's main opposition party. While support for Palestinians and an end to the conflict in Ukraine is prevalent across Turkey, the nation's citizens are primarily focused on a severe cost-of-living crisis. open image in gallery Many residents are looking forward to seeing Pope Leo visit Turkey ( Associated Press/Francisco Seco ) This economic turmoil, largely stemming from domestic political instability, means international affairs remain a secondary concern for many Turks. That could explain why Leo's visit has largely escaped the attention of many in Turkey, at least outside the countrys small Christian community. I didnt know he was coming. He is welcome, said Sukran Celebi. It would be good if he called for peace in the world, but I dont think it will change anything." Some said they thought the visit by historys first American pope was about advancing the interests of the United States, or perhaps to press for the reopening of a Greek Orthodox religious seminary that has become a focal point in the push for religious freedoms in Turkey. If the pope is visiting, that means America wants something from Turkey, said Metin Erdem, a musical instruments shop owner in the touristic Galata district of Istanbul. Historic anniversary The main impetus for Leo to travel to Turkey is to mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianitys first ecumenical council. Leo will pray with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians, at the site of the 325 AD gathering, todays Iznik in northwestern Turkey, and sign a joint declaration in a visible sign of Christian unity. open image in gallery Muslims pray at the Ottoman-era Sultan Ahmed or Blue Mosque, in Istanbul ahead of the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Turkey ( Associated Press/Francisco Seco ) Eastern and Western churches were united until the Great Schism of 1054, a divide precipitated largely by disagreements over the primacy of the pope. While the visit is timed for the important Catholic-Orthodox anniversary, it will also allow Leo to reinforce the churchs relations with Muslims. Leo is due to visit the Blue Mosque and preside over an interfaith meeting in Istanbul. Asgn Tunca, a Blue Mosque imam who will be receiving the pope, said the visit would help advance Christian-Muslim ties and dispel popular prejudices about Islam. We want to reflect that image by showing the beauty of our religion through our hospitality that is Gods command, Tunca said. Religious freedom in Turkey Since coming to power in 2002, Erdogans government has enacted reforms to improve the rights of religious groups, including opening places of worship and returning property that were confiscated. Still, some Christian groups face legal and bureaucratic problems when trying to register churches, according to a US State Department report on religious freedoms. open image in gallery Turkey Pope Leo Visit ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) The Catholic Church, which counts around 33,000 members in Turkey, has no formal legal recognition in the country and this is the source of many problems, said the Rev. Paolo Pugliese, superior of the Capuchin Catholic friars in Turkey. But the Catholic Church enjoys a rather notable importance because we have an international profile ... and we have the pope holding our backs, he said. Possible tensions One of the more delicate moments of Leo's visit will come Sunday, when he visits the Armenian Apostolic Cathedral in Istanbul. The cathedral has hosted all popes who have visited Turkey since Paul VI, with the exception of Francis who visited Turkey in 2014 when its patriarch was sick. Francis visited him at the hospital, and a few months later he greatly angered Turkey in 2015 when he declared that the slaughter of Armenians by Ottoman Turks was the first genocide of the 20th century. Turkey, which has long denied a genocide took place, recalled its ambassador to the Holy See in protest. Leo has tended to be far more prudent than Francis in his public comments, and using such terms on Turkish soil would spark a diplomatic incident. But the Vatican is also navigating a difficult moment in its ties with Armenia, after its interfaith overtures to Azerbaijan have been criticised. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia has released a 2026 calendar glorifying its leader Vladimir Putin. The 12-page spread features flattering images of the 73-year-old doing a variety of activities showcasing his machismo including flipping a man in judo, walking through mountains while looking rugged, and playing the piano. This years publication is also accompanied by a series of inspirational quotes including his advice for August, which reads: My recipe for energy: Sleep little, work a lot and dont whine. open image in gallery The calendar features flattering pictures of the 73 year-old Vladimir Putin ( Social media ) open image in gallery Putin flips a man in judo in on of the monthly images ( Sputnik ) His January quote declares: Russias border never ends in a possible allusion to Ukraine, upon which Putin inflicted a deadly war nearly four years ago. February, which shows the leader flipping a man in judo, says: I am a dove, but I have very powerful iron wings. While there is no direct mention of the countrys invasion of Ukraine, which has reportedly led to over one million casualties since February 2022, there appear to be other potential references to the conflict. I think Russia has become much stronger in the last two or three years because we are becoming a truly sovereign country, he has said in one. open image in gallery Another picture shows Putin playing the piano ( AFP/Getty ) open image in gallery The Russian president posing on the ski slopes ( AFP/Getty ) Other pictures feature Putin astride an automobile while wearing a parka, while the rest show him lighting candles, taking telephone calls, and giving speeches. The calendars are sold for $3.50 (2.65) and hang in government facilities and homes, as well as schools, post offices and other public buildings. Putin became leader of Russia over 26 years ago and has since been accused of war crimes. However, his image is carefully maintained within Russia, where his health and vitality are celebrated as extensions of his powerful leadership. This genre is its own kind of art, Maxim Trudolyubov told the New York Times. Its an empire with this ancient emperor whos been around for decades, so it is supposed to be boring; it is supposed to signal stability, predictability, even if the reality is nothing of the kind. 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 They've been hard at work at Disneyland Paris, building a vast, multi-billion-euro extension to Walt Disney Studios Park. On March 29, 2026, this name will cease to exist, with the newly expanded area relaunched as Disney Adventure World. I visited the site for a sneak peek at whats in store, and judging by what the Disney team showed me behind the hoardings, visitors are in for a treat. The marquee new attraction is a land called World of Frozen and, with highlights that include an adorable robotic Olaf to spellbinding buildings, I predict that fans are going to be impressed. The centrepiece is a life-size recreation of the kingdom of Arendelle, which in the movie is where we meet beloved characters including princesses Elsa and Anna, Kristoff and his reindeer Sven, cute rock trolls, and, of course, Olaf the snowman. open image in gallery Ted describes the buildings in the Arendelle recreation as beautifully storybook ( Disneyland Paris ) Ive watched the movie at least 10 times at the behest of my daughter, and can safely say that as far as the look of the world goes, Disney has nailed it. There are beautifully storybook buildings in various pastel shades, along with an eye-catching snowflake-shaped fountain and a town square complete with clock tower. Beneath this, Elsa and Anna appeared with an almost magically realistic talking Olaf animatronic designed for interactive encounters who could well be the star of the entire show. Framing the town square is the North Mountain standing 118 feet in height (36m) and blanketed in fake snow so realistic I did a double take Elsas ice palace, and beyond, the castle she grew up in with her sister, Anna. Its good enough for a real-life movie version of the animation. My tour included a look around a kiosk called Fjord View Shop. Parents, brace yourselves for a spend, because this is full of Frozen merchandise that children are going to find irresistible. open image in gallery Pictured is Arendelle Bay and a Viking-style boat that'll be used as a show barge for a daily performance featuring songs composed by Let it Go writers Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez ( Disneyland Paris ) open image in gallery This picture shows Arendelle village twinkling beneath North Mountain and Elsas Ice Palace ( Disneyland Paris ) Theres a clothing line with motifs inspired by the movie, princess dresses, bags, caps, woolly hats, and Runa, an interactive troll doll unavailable online or at other Disney parks that costs 70 euros (61/$80). I learned that there are trigger points around the park that will prompt Runa to start conversations. A cute idea. After perusing the merch, I visited quick-service restaurant Nordic Crowns Tavern, which is colourful on the outside and has a pleasant dark-wood interior. Next, I sauntered alongside Arendelle Bay, a lake next to the village where two very realistic wooden-masted Viking-style boats were moored to a jetty. open image in gallery Merchandise on sale at World of Frozens Fjord View Shop ( Ted Thornhill ) open image in gallery New restaurant Regal View, which overlooks an immense new lake called Adventure Bay ( Disneyland Paris ) Theyll be used as show barges for a four-times-daily, sing-a-long Celebration in Arendelle performance. Excitingly, this will feature a new song composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the multi-award-winning songwriting duo behind some of the iconic songs from the Frozen movie, including Let It Go. A spokesperson described the composition, to be recorded at Abbey Road in London next year, as festive and lively and everything youd want a Frozen song to be. Opposite Arendelle Bay, an even bigger lake is making its debut at 7.5-acre Adventure Bay, guests will be treated to nighttime drone light shows Disney claimed will be breathtaking. open image in gallery Ted pictured in World of Frozen's Arendelle town square, with the North Mountain in the background ( Ted Thornhill ) open image in gallery The entrance to World of Frozen is along thoroughfare Adventure Way ( Disneyland Paris ) Read more: Is it possible to do Disneyland Paris on the cheap? Heres how I cut costs This probably isn't hyperbole. While this show wasn't demonstrated, Disney did use the drones to announce the opening date of Disney Adventure World, writing March 29 2026 in the sky in spectacular style. Overlooking Adventure Bay is a new restaurant called Regal View, which was almost finished during my look around. Its pretty as a picture on the outside, and inside are impressive murals incorporating much-loved Disney characters, including Moana and Snow White, carpets with attractive floral patterning, elegant lampshades and plenty of space for the character meet-and-greets Disney said would take place here. A few of the dishes guests can expect were on display they looked delicious and the chocolate dessert that resembles a book promises to be a firm favourite. The entrance to the extension which will eventually incorporate a Lion King land is along thoroughfare Adventure Way, home to the Raiponce Tangled Spin ride. open image in gallery The Raiponce Tangled Spin ride, which will whirl guests around beneath eye-catching frescoes ( Disneyland Paris ) This will whirl guests around in gondolas beneath eye-catching frescoes depicting Rapunzels adventures in animationTangled. Its enchanting. However, Adventure Ways grand lampposts cleverly frame the mountains and rooftops of Arendelle beyond, and I suspect the sight will encourage many to rush past to the World of Frozen, a land that promises to be a North Mountain-sized hit. Ted visited Disney Adventure World as a guest of Disneyland Paris Read more: Popular Lapland-themed attraction opens second site in Manchester 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 Are you dressing with respect? That is the question posed by Sean Duffy, the US transportation secretary. This week, he launched a new civility campaign for airline passengers, named The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You. While few people mistake me for a fashion icon these days, I donned a slightly jaded navy Hugo Boss jacket and pale blue, mid-market Next shirt and set off for Heathrow to assess the dress standards of the travelling public. I chose Terminal 3 arrivals: inbound flights from Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong and Los Angeles provided a wide range of origins and, I imagined, an equally broad spectrum of dress. Though, to be fair, no one is going to look their best after a 10-hour flight. The fashion choices emerging from customs through the arrivals were narrow: more often than not, a loose top, leggings and trainers for women; for men, a fleece or hoodie, jeans and trainers. In some cases, people appeared to care more about the appearance of their luggage than themselves I saw a lot of Louis Vuitton in mint condition. In the olden days, to which Duffy would apparently like us to return, flying was either a once-in-a-lifetime experience for which you saved for years or your employer was paying. Either way, you dressed up. Now, thankfully, flying has been thoroughly democratised. Flights have got much longer, too, which is why you will find few folk wearing a jacket and tie throughout the 18-hour trip between Perth in Western Australia and Heathrow. On Tuesday afternoon at Heathrow, I waited in vain for an hour to identify any passengers wearing a jacket and a tie. In the immediate vicinity of arrivals, the only smart people were chauffeurs waiting for their passengers. So I went across to departures and sought out the most finely dressed man I could. He was dressed from top to toe, or so it seemed, in the best that Jermyn Street could offer greeting passengers at the entrance to the Virgin Atlantic premium economy check-in. Were travellers letting themselves down, I wondered? People are going on holiday, so its fine they want to feel casual, he said. But there are limits: while singlets, ripped jeans and flip-flops may be de rigueur on Australian domestic flights, they are inappropriate on international flights to and from the UK. Fellow passengers may find themselves in uncomfortable proximity to the underdressed guest, or having to take the same malodorous seat an hour after a poorly clad traveller has vacated it. The next clothing conundrum: pyjamas. Many airlines supply business and first-class passengers with these nocturnal garments though by all accounts changing into them within the confines of an in-flight loo is not a dignified experience, and changing out of them into civilian clothes the next morning can cause some long queues. But one Australian passenger I met said: If I can wear pyjamas on the plane, why cant I wear them at Bangkok airport while Im connecting between flights? I gained the impression that she had indeed toured the terminal in nightwear. So where will you find smartly dressed fellow passengers? My research suggests that they will mainly be in premium economy, which perhaps explains the sartorial splendour of my Virgin Atlantic friend. The thesis is that economy passengers are in the cheap seats and frankly dont care how the world (or at least fellow travellers and crew) see them. In the business and first class cabins, you know you have made it and need not try to impress anyone. But in premium economy, you are upwardly mobile and consider yourself sartorially special. There is one extra category of elegance on board planes: the family and friends of the flight crew. They are the only people in business and first who must conform to a business casual dress code. In return for free or heavily discounted flights, they must dress for the occasion. Next time you plod through business on the way to the back of the plane, see if you can spot the men wearing ill-fitting blazers and women with elegant frocks; the chances are they are non-rev passengers who are obliged to dress more formally than everyone else in the posh seats. A golden age of the kind Sean Duffy envisages demands stylish people. But these days, passengers dress to destress rather than impress. Read more Plane and Train Talk from Simon Calder The best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice It is hard to imagine a world city that would be more devastated by a highrise inferno like the one that struck Hong Kong on Wednesday, with the fire still yet to be brought under control. The images of Wang Fuk Courts eight residential blocks lit up like tinderboxes have been met with shock around the world, but have sent a particular chill through homes in the Asian financial powerhouse. The fire strikes at the citys core: Hong Kong is its skyscrapers, from the giant office tower blocks in central that bring in its fortune to the residential developments that cover every inch of buildable land in this compact metropolis. Follow live updates from the Hong Kong fire here Everyone I know in Hong Kong lives in a highrise building the soaring cost of rent makes it impossible to do otherwise, unless you base yourself on a remote island. This morning, they are looking out of their own 30th-floor windows, wondering could my home be next? And how would I escape from up here if it were? open image in gallery Wang Fuk Courts eight residential blocks lit up like tinderboxes ( AFP/Getty ) At least 55 people have died so far, and more are feared trapped, with the authorities warning it could take the whole of Thursday to get the fire completely extinguished. This is the first fire in 17 years to be declared a top-tier level 5 emergency by Hong Kongs authorities, and it has triggered a massive emergency services response, drawing firefighters from all over the city. One of the first people confirmed killed was a firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, who is being hailed as a gallant and dedicated public servant. open image in gallery People look at flames engulfing a building after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court ( AP ) When such an incident takes place in a Hong Kong highrise, residents are told not to use the lifts and instead evacuate the building via the stairs. For those on higher floors, this is no mean feat, and it puts those who are elderly or have disabilities at greater risk. Lo Hiu-fung, a Tai Po District Council member, said late on Wednesday that most of those trapped were believed to be elderly people. In short, the fire represents a failure in the citys duty to protect the most vulnerable. It needs to be stressed that Hong Kong is a modern city with generally very high safety standards this is only the second level 5 incident since the citys handover from Britain in 1997. The other was in 2008, when a fire broke out in a nightclub at Cornwall Court in the commercial district of Mong Kok. Four died in that blaze, including two firefighters. open image in gallery Smoke continues to rise on Thursday from the fire at Wang Fuk Court ( AP ) That also contributes to what makes Wednesdays fire so shocking. Hong Kong is a safe place to live for families on almost all metrics and that reputation is vital to the citys financial wellbeing because it allows it to attract top workers from all over the world. As a result, it takes disaster preparedness very seriously. It has invested huge amounts in typhoon protection, for instance, and has a clear and well-drilled early warning system for them. We dont yet know what caused the fire to break out early on Wednesday afternoon. The Wang Fuk Court complex was undergoing renovations across its eight 31-storey blocks at the time, and witnesses have described hearing a loud noise when the fire started at around 2.45pm. But we do know that some of those blocks were clad in bamboo scaffolding, which experts have said appears to have contributed to the fire quickly spreading from one block to the next. Hong Kong is the only major city in Asia to still use bamboo in this way in other times, it comes across as a quirky throwback, a sustainable and natural solution to a very modern challenge. Workers can be seen hauling huge stacks of bamboo through the citys streets, the trucks that move them around have iconic status and the sight of them being installed at great heights is something to behold. open image in gallery The government has committed to switching to metal scaffolding for at least half of all new public construction projects ( Reuters ) Historic buildings can spend years covered in scaffolding while works take place, with bamboo stretching down to street level, plywood platforms and white mesh or plastic netting to cover it all up. Residents waking up on Thursday will be looking at this combination in a new light on Thursday morning as a disaster waiting to happen on their doorstep. In truth, Hong Kongs government was already looking at phasing out this use of bamboo. At least 23 people have died since 2018 in industrial accidents involving such scaffolding, according to official figures, and city official Terence Lam explicitly warned about the materials high combustibility and safety concerns in a memo in March just this year. The government has committed to switching to metal scaffolding for at least half of all new public construction projects, a move welcomed by an association for industrial accident victims. open image in gallery Residents rest at the scene of the fire at Wang Fuk Court on Thursday ( AP ) There will now be huge pressure on the local government to take quicker action to prevent a repeat of this fire. Chinese president Xi Jinping has already demanded an all-out effort to tackle the blaze and help those affected, and will be closely involved in the response going forward. It may mean another element of Hong Kongs unique character being chipped away, but for the sake of those who have to keep living alongside construction projects in the city, there can be only one outcome the bamboo has to go. Workers urged to carefully examine alternative pension offers made ahead of auto-enrolment deadline Financial advisers say taking time to make the right decision is crucial Some businesses are enrolling employees in in-house pension schemes to avoid the cost of My Future Fund. Photo: Stock image Charlie Weston Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 01:00 Workers have been warned to carefully consider any alternative to the new auto-enrolment pension being put to them by their employer. Poll shows most see judicial reviews as tactic to stall development CEO of Glenveagh says Ireland needs to break down barriers to progress This rebar infrastructure will form the support for the concrete floor. This high rise will eventually be 35 stories high; the picture was taken on the ninth floor. John Mulligan Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Ireland needs to break down the barriers to progress in building, or else we risk exacerbating huge economic and social problems according to the CEO of homebuilder Glenveagh. Publican says 2m Talbot St deal part of plan for a mini Temple Bar Developer Noel Tynan plans to turn the site into an American-themed pub Noel Tynan also owns The Celt and Electric Circus on Talbot Street John Burns Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Property developer Noel Tynan has bought the last wallpaper shop in Dublin city centre, and is planning to turn it into an American-themed bar. From counting sheep to crafting sleep How this Galway farmer is using wool to help the world rest easier Michael Burke swapped pharmaceuticals for farming and found a way to blend both. His natural wool pillows and duvets are now helping customers breathe easier, sleep deeper and rethink the materials they bring into their bedrooms Galway native and Woolow founder Michael Burke Erika Sassone Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Counting sheep is a familiar tactic for drifting off to sleep but for one Galway farmer, those sheep ended up inspiring an entirely different route to rest. Not by leaping over fences, but by providing the raw material for a business dedicated to helping people sleep better. Martin Heydon says families wont put farm transfers on hold for one grant as major succession supports may be delayed until next CAP after 2027. Photo: Martin Bertrand/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has confirmed that the European Commission has agreed to put forward a three-year extension of Irelands nitrates derogation, following what he described as very sensitive negotiations that included major new requirements under the Habitats Directive. Addressing the Dail today, Minister Heydon said the Commissions June correspondence had introduced a significant extra burden, requiring Ireland to carry out detailed environmental assessments at catchment level to demonstrate compliance with the Habitats Directive as part of any renewed derogation. Obviously, the Commission wrote to us in June, highlighting their need for us to address the Habitats Directive as part of this process that was a significant extra burden for us, he said. I can confirm to the House today that the Commission have finally agreed to put a proposal to the nitrates committee for an extension of the existing derogation. It is not a new derogation. It has different terms and conditions. It is around time and around conditions. He said the proposal now on the table would extend the derogation for three years and come with new conditionality, stressing that Ireland will not have a derogation from January 1st unless the EU Nitrates Committee votes to approve it. This is a very sensitive issue because there still is only a proposal and we still dont have a derogation on the first of January unless that committee votes to approve this proposal, he said. So my focus has been to continue to work with member states to make sure that we get the result we need. The Minister said the three-year timeframe was secured following sustained efforts to demonstrate the scale of the environmental assessments required. These assessments for all 583 catchments are a massive undertaking, he said. It will require significant investment of time and resources that is why the Commission have agreed to propose a three-year derogation to facilitate the completion of this work. Four years is the maximum time allowable. We looked for the maximum. There was very much a desire for much less time to be given. But we had to clearly outline, based on the science, how much time that process takes to be fair to our farmers and to the department. He added that other conditionality would also apply and said he wanted to brief Cabinet, Government colleagues and stakeholders before outlining the full picture, describing industry engagement as very constructive. Earlier on RTEs Morning Ireland, Irelands EU Commissioner Michael McGrath said the Commission had recommended that the derogation be extended and acknowledged the extensive engagement and co-operation between Irish authorities and Brussels. He said Commissioner Jessika Roswalls recent visit to Ireland, including meetings with Minister Heydon and key stakeholders, helped pave the way for the agreement to bring the proposal to the EU Nitrates Committee. We have proposed to extend the derogation under the Nitrates Directive for Ireland. Thats not the final step, but it is a significant step, Mr McGrath said. Martin Heydon says families wont put farm transfers on hold for one grant as major succession supports may be delayed until next CAP after 2027. Photo: Martin Bertrand/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Today's News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, November 27 The committee, made up of representatives from the 27 member states, is expected to consider the proposal in mid-December, after which the Commission could formally adopt the decision before Christmas. However, Fianna Fail MEP Barry Cowen has warned colleagues that while a deal is now almost certain, the emerging conditionality could make it unworkable for virtually 100pc of farmers. Addressing a recent Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting, Mr Cowen said a senior Brussels source had told him: Im 100pc sure we will secure a deal at this stage, but Im also 100pc sure that, in the long run, the conditionality will make the deal unworkable for virtually 100pc of farmers. He urged that the parliamentary party be given the opportunity to scrutinise the details before the deal is publicly celebrated. Inside the house of crime boss Fat Andy Connors sold today by Cab for six figures The slain gangster had built a property portfolio worth millions before he was assassinated in August 2014. Fat Andy Connors former home, The Villa, in Tallaght Eamon Dillon Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 11:38 Twenty years after the Criminal Assets Bureau first set their eyes on the trophy home of Fat Andy Connors, The Villa sold at auction today for 420,000. Date announced for reopening of Luas Red Line services following three-month closure caused by fire An extensive fire at Georges Dock bridge in August caused it to become structurally compromised, requiring reconstruction Luas Keith Kelly Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 11:00 The Luas Red Line will fully reopen tomorrow after a three-month closure which disrupted service to several stops along Dublins quays, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has confirmed. Workers at a North Dublin parklands have said they are shocked after finding the beheaded and dismembered body of a stag on Thursday morning. Fingal County Council said the headless body of a stag, that was part of the Irish Red Deer herd at Newbridge Demesne, Donabate, was found this morning by staff when they went to feed the animals. The founder of Ireland's first toy-sharing platform has appealed to families to keep pre-loved toys in play with children this Christmas. Giorgia Anile, founder of Irish toy sharing platform The Toy Library, has urged families to support the initiative as a way of being environmentally-friendly by reducing waste and also of being financially prudent over the cash-challenging festive season. The collision happened on the R132 at Gormanston at around 6.30am on Monday (Grainne Ni Aodha/PA) Passengers who were on a bus involved in a crash with a car and a lorry in Co Meath have been urged to come forward. Two people were killed and two others remain in a serious condition in hospital after the three-vehicle crash on the R132 at Gormanston at around 6.30am on Monday morning. Sally Rooney says shes almost certain UK ban could force her books off shelves Ms Rooney claims she cannot publish or produce new work in the UK while the ban on Palestine Action remains in force Sally Rooney Jess Glass Press Association Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 16:31 Normal People author Sally Rooneys books may have to be withdrawn from sale in the UK and none of her new works published there due to uncertainty caused by the ban on Palestine Action, the High Court in London has been told. Stuck for Christmas present ideas for moody teens and tricky mothers-in-law? We asked Irelands personal shoppers for their trusty go-to gifts From books to wines, these personal shopping and gifting experts have some clever ideas in some of the most tricky-to-buy-for categories How do you express your gratitude for the hard-to-please mother-in-law who did after all raise your beloved? Image: Clare Meredith Meadhbh McGrath Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Theres usually at least one person on your Christmas list that you really have to wrack your brains to find a good present for. It only gets harder every year, so to ease the challenge, we asked a selection of personal shopping and gifting experts for clever ideas in some of the most tricky-to-buy-for categories. The Palace of Westminster, home of the UK's Houses of Parliament. Photo: AP On a recent trip to London, I enjoyed an excellent guided tour of the Palace of Westminster. The friendly guide brought our group through the building in its entirety, including on to the floors of both the Houses of Commons and Lords. While crossing the Central Lobby linking the two chambers, we were informed that any UK resident can access the heart of their parliament to lobby their MP if they want to. The only restriction is the reasonable requirement to pass through an airport-style security checkpoint. At the end of the tour, we were set loose in the ancient expanse of Westminster Hall to explore the publicly accessible areas of the building on our own. The UKs democratic transparency sits in stark contrast to ours in Ireland, which is stuffy and pretentious by comparison. If an Irish person wants to access Leinster House, they must first obtain the grace of a politicians invitation. If that requirement does not immediately disqualify us from entering, we find ourselves escorted around the premises; from viewing gallery to viewing gallery, with no possibility of sullying the carpets of either the Dail or the Seanad. If we happen to stray from the wardens sight, we are detained and returned to the front door to await collection by our host. The Oireachtas authorities could learn much from their UK counterparts. Killian Foley-Walsh, Kilkenny Delays to the Occupied Territories Bill harm our international reputation In the Dail last week, the Occupied Territories Bill 2018 (OTB) was discussed, but the minister overseeing the issue did not attend the debate. A statement outlined that the Government did not oppose any aspect of the OTB, but they could not give a timeline for its implementation. No explanation was offered for the government parties failure to honour their 2024 electoral pledge to enact the bill. On that Wednesday, air, drone and artillery attacks killed 32 Palestinians in Gaza alone, including 12 children and eight women. Everyone understands that a minister can be absent, but on such a momentous and protracted issue, one might expect a politically senior colleague to deputise. No such minister is recorded as contributing to the debate. Irelands reputation over centuries has been one of having fearless, independent viewpoints on matters of human oppression and deprivation, which has underpinned our neutrality and sovereignty. This standing has been internationally undermined by the OTBs sad six-year saga. Philip Powell, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Sadly, a ceasefire in Gaza does not mean Israel has stopped killing civilians People of conscience throughout the world welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza declared on October 10, hoping it would lead to a new start for the battered and bombed civilians there. All of the living Israeli hostages and almost all of the dead have been returned to Israel, yet the ceasefire has been breached daily by Israeli forces. In the subsequent 45 days, according to Israeli human rights organisation BTselem, there have been 500 breaches by Israel, leading to the deaths of 345 people 119 of these were children. We must keep our eyes on Gaza. The Irish Governments continued foot-dragging on the Occupied Territories Bill is unconscionable. Betty Purcell, Mount Argus Road, Dublin 6 Linnanes heartwarming adventures in fatherhood are always a joy to read I must congratulate Bill Linnane on his article about his trip to London with his soon-to-be adult son (Irish Independent, November 26). It was filled with warmth, love, humour and also sadness as he realised his son is growing up and independent. He has a wonderful way of writing about modern family life, and I never miss his column. Debbie Byrne, Dublin 8 Politicians could learn much from Kennys fine record of public service It is 50 years this month since Enda Kenny was first elected to Leinster House, replacing his late father, Henry. During that time, he filled every political role to the most powerful office in the land. He always served with distinction, including as taoiseach. The recent award from Trinity College was well deserved (Irish Independent, November 26). In his speech, he talked a great deal of common sense about Europe and many other issues. He may have left the political stage in 2017, but I feel the country and the body politic could still benefit from the wisdom he accumulated in his long career. Thomas Garvey, Claremorris, Co Mayo Ukraines future is being put at risk as US president chases Nobel Prize dream Andreas Kluths account of Washingtons contortions over Ukraine highlights a truth that many prefer to tiptoe around (Shameless plan for Ukraine splits rudderless Republicans, Irish Independent, November 26). The US does not have a coherent foreign policy at present. It has Donald Trumps personal timetable. The rush to produce a peace plan that looks suspiciously like it was drafted in Moscow makes little sense in geopolitical terms, but it makes perfect sense in one context. The Nobel Committee closes nominations on January 31. That leaves the president barely two months to conjure a settlement in Ukraine grand enough to justify his own name being included on the list. This is not strategy. It is theatre with a deadline. The result is the spectacle of US officials disowning their own proposals, European allies bewildered by the mixed messages and Kyiv asked to swallow terms no self-respecting state could accept. Foreign policy becomes unstable when it bends around the personal ambitions of one man. The tragedy is that Ukraine, already fighting for its sovereignty, must now brace for the consequences of someone else fighting for a prize. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Trump ruffles feathers with his latest rant on the White House lawn Looking at the photo of the pardoned White House turkey in Wednesdays Irish Independent, does it appear it is listening to gobbledegook? Noel Kelly, Doonbeg, Co Clare A Macroom business was chosen as one of 10 winners of the Three Business Grant worth 10,000 per winner. Fzin Coffee and Compostable Capsules, located in Macroom, will receive 5,000 funding and 5,000 in connectivity and device support, along with expert business mentoring from Three to grow the business. Co-owner of Fzin, Sofia Kalfa, said she is thrilled to receive the award from Three. We are thrilled to be one of the 10 winners from across Ireland. This is a very well-established grant and is very competitive. We are beyond proud, and I feel the purpose behind the business has been recognised through this award, she said. Fzin is committed to reduce waste caused by single-use coffee capsules by providing a sustainable alternative in the form of eco-conscious coffee capsules. The overall goal for the company is to become a trusted name synonymous with innovation, quality and environmental stewardship within the coffee industry, Ms Kalfa said. I can only presume that Three liked what we do and that makes me very happy because they are recognising responsible business models, and I always want to gain ground on that particular aspect. It is great to see an organisation the size of Three backing companies like Fzin Coffee to try and solve real problems, she explained. Fzin was founded in 2021 by Sofias husband Anestis Spanos, who was focused on sourcing quality coffee beans for their product, and Sofia joined the force to help grow the business. My husband asked me to help grow the business and I brought my own set of values and direction to the company. I introduced the sustainability aspect and the social responsibility aspect, which has led to us becoming Irelands first four star OK biobased and home compostable coffee pod, she said. Fzins Aromatico Home Compostable, which is compatible with Nespresso, is the first 4-star OK bio based compostable capsule in Ireland and is certified by TUV Austria. We are beyond proud that our purpose has been recognised through this grant and I would like to thank our customers for their support and Three for the recognition, she said. A Newmarket businessman has urged Christmas shoppers to consider shopping local for the festive season. Paul Linehan, the owner of Linehans Fashions in Newmarket said choosing local this Christmas will be a huge benefit to businesses that serve their local community. It is very important because we do depend on locals and their support is vital, he said. Mr Linehan said the rise of fast fashion and cheap clothing websites has made the industry more competitive but said that quality of clothing should always prevail. You must have quality pieces at attractive prices to encourage people to come in and choose you, and thats both mens and womens fashion. That is the most important thing, he said. Mr Linehan admitted that the fashion industry can be challenging at times, but you must work around it. It can be [challenging], but you have to work around it and keep working the business all the time so the extra effort you put in pays off, he said. Linehans Fashions is a massive cog in the North Cork fashion machine as they have supported local fashion shows for years, even as recently as October in Rockchapel. It was a huge success, and they are very beneficial to the business, he explained. Cork Rose Nancy Lehane has modelled for Mr Linehan throughout the years and the Meelin woman wore some of his pieces in the lead up to the Rose of Tralee International Festival over the summer. Mr Linehan said staying on top of fashion trends is key to surviving in this current economic climate. You have to see what is out there and what is suitable for your customers. It could lead to getting new suppliers and such, but you must keep your customers in mind all the time, he said. Linehans Fashions has both mens and womens fashion available at a reasonable price, according to Mr Linehan with ladies clothing ranging from size eight to size 20. We have a good selection of vocation wear to casual wear, he added. Weve compiled the best Christmas sambos on offer in the capital Hungry and in the festive spirit? Youre in the right place as we have curated a list of some of the best festive sandwiches on offer in the capital. If you feel like having a taste of Christmas early and simply cannot wait for December 26 to make your own turkey sandwiches here are this years runners and riders. 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 Griolladh For its festive Crambo, Griolladh (branches in Temple Bar, Thomas Street, Heuston Station and Arnotts) has pimped its signature cheese toastie on malted sourdough with cranberry sauce, vintage cheddar, Irish mozzarella, shredded ham, roast turkey breast, McDonells gravy, Griolladh sauce, sage & onion stuffing, crunchy crisps served with gravy dip on the side. Eat in or take away. 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 Carved Sandwiches The Carved Christmas Special is another winner packed full with roast turkey, carved ham, sausage stuffing, brie cheese, garlic aioli, pickled red cabbage, cranberry sauce and a pot of gravy. Available in both locations, on catering and on delivery, so many ways to get your hands of this festive sambo. 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 Saucy Cow For the vegans and veggie friends, we have you covered on a Christmas sandwich spot. Visit the Saucy Cow in Temple Bar to enjoy a Christmas sandwich with a veggie twist packed with crunchy fried oyster mushrooms, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce, mayo, caramelised onions and a KFC style gravy on toasted Bretzel bakery sourdough. 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 Tir deli Tir deli known for its seasonal Irish sambos have their very own Nollaig special. The massive sambo is packed with roast turkey breast, turkey sausage stuffing, smoked ham, master stock gravy, Xmas tree mayo (using pine foraged by Tir from the dublin mountains, Irish cheddar, cranberry sauce on ciabatta and toasted. M&S M&S Turkey Feast, M&S use roast Irish turkey breast (rather than formed turkey) and combining it with sage and onion stuffing, onion mayonnaise, cranberry chutney and smoked bacon on malted brown bread. 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 Pog Famous for their breakfast, brunch and protein pancakes, Pog is also known for bringing its signature Christmas sambo back each year. The signature sambo includes sourdough, turkey, ham, brie, homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo. Locations in Malahide, Tara Street, Malahide, Clontarf, Howth and Bachelors Walk you can dine in or take away with some locations offering delivery. 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 F.X. Buckley The Christmas sandwich has also landed at F.X. Buckleys Victualler and Grocer. Made with locally-sourced Irish ingredients, its made with firehouse bakery bread, Janets Country Fayre sauce, homemade herb stuffing, turkey from John Fitzgerald Co. Carlow, F.X. Buckley ham, homemade mustard mayonnaise and served with Keoghs crisps. This festive favourite is available Monday to Friday, starting Monday, December 2. 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 Bakehouse Bakehouse on Bachelors Walk are doing their own Christmas sandwiches packed with roast turkey, glazed ham, cranberry sauce, mayonnaise and mixed leaf lettuce and, for the veggies, they offer a sandwich with brie, onion, mixed leaf lettuce, local honey and crushed walnuts. 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 Little Genos Little Genos at Stephens Green has partnered with Jameson to to bring a festive sandwich for the festive period. The sandwich is on sourdough bread with roast turkey, ham cooked with Jameson, stuffing, brie and some gravy for dipping. 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 Tram Cafe Tram Cafe found in Wolfe Tone Park on Jervis Street is serving up a Christmas sandwich with turkey, gammon, brie, stuffing, cranberry sauce and mayo on soft white bloomer bread. Cases come fast at Tralee District Court On a typical day in District Court, dozens of cases go through the critical administration. Dates are set, bail and legal granted, interpreters requested. A handful of cases are done and dusted on the day. But at a crime special sitting there are back-to-back pleas, hearings and sentencings. At a recent special sitting in Tralee, Fraech McGrath (26) of Ballinraha, Ballyhooly, Cork and Harolds Bridge Court, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6 was in court for allegedly throwing a pint glass onto a stage during a band performance on July 6, 2024. Mr McGrath was arrested on July 16 and charged with public intoxication, assault and assault causing harm at Reidys Shop and Pub at Main Street, Killarney on July 6, 2024. The injured party had a small cut over his left eyebrow, the court heard. No victim impacted statement was given. Mr McGrath maintained it was a plastic bottle and not a pint glass that was thrown, and he had never intended to hit anyone, his solicitor Padraig OConnell told the court. But, in recognition of the wrong, Mr McGrath had paid 8,000 to the injured party. I think theres a little bit of an altar boy look about him but, unfortunately, on that night he was more devil than altar boy, said the solicitor. He noted his client was a professional who would likely need to travel for work and a criminal record could prevent this. The case was struck out. Mandy Browne (39) of Main Street, Castlegregory, faced a charge for drugs possession dating from February 24, 2017. On Monday, nearly nine years later, her case was struck out. Her solicitor, Pat Mann, told the court she had moved to Canada with her Canadian partner, where she underwent addiction treatment. She now lives in Skibbereen, works with Saint Vincent de Paul and mobility impaired elderly people, said her solicitor. I have a raft of references, he told Judge David Waters. She really has done Trojan work since all this happened. He noted she had no further trouble with authorities and struck out the case. Gary Martin (30) of Knocklebede, Kilcummin, was sentenced for assault on October, 20, 2024. The judge said he appeared completely unrepentant and unremorseful at his hearing. He held no previous convictions apart from road traffic violations but his lack of remorse was a deciding factor in the sentencing. The judge gave a two-month sentence suspended for two years, taking into account a related charge for threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. Funded By the Courts Reporting Scheme A judge has granted bail to a man charged with stabbing a co-resident at a Killarney centre for asylum-seekers. The man appeared at Tralee District Court yesterday charged with assault causing harm. He is alleged to have stabbed a co-resident on the back of their upper right thigh on Tuesday, November 25, at the centre for people seeking international protection. His solicitor, Brendan Ahern, agreed there was an altercation but said his client denied stabbing the other man. The State objected to bail, raising concerns that the accused was a flight risk with no ties to the locality and extremely unlikely to come to court. Garda Jason Sheehan testified that evidence in the case included CCTV footage, eyewitness testimony and admissions made in custody. The court heard the accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, left his home country in 2015 and came to Ireland in 2022. He had lived in a number of other European countries prior to his arrival in the State. The court heard he had applied for asylum in multiple countries, as confirmed by his statements and garda inquiries. Theres a possibility, still being investigated at the moment, that theres an alias that was used, Gda Sheehan told the court. When Judge David Waters asked about the nature of the alleged physical injury to determine jurisdiction, Sergeant Detective Chris Manton described it as a puncture wound to the rear of the upper right thigh. The State alleged he used an implement but Mr Ahern questioned this, noting the investigation was ongoing and that witnesses had not seen an implement used. My client has denied a stabbing incident, judge, in interviews last night, said Mr Ahern. In cross examination by the solicitor, Gda Sheehan confirmed nothing has yet been analysed by forensic analysis. He also said that CCTV covered residence halls but not bedrooms and no knife or weapon had been recorded on CCTV. Mr Ahern noted his client could face a long detainment while the case proceeded. He added that his clients ties to Ireland included an asylum application and employment in Killarney. The garda observed, however, that the accused had applied for asylum in other countries and had subsequently moved. He had not been away of his recent employment, he said. The judge adjourned the case until January 3, when he will decide jurisdiction. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme US president Donald Trump speaks at a trade announcement event at the White House last April. Photo: Getty A Kerry councillor has called on the government to support the countrys SMEs as the sector is hit with US tariffs. Councillor Breandan Fitzgerald said the removal of the de minimis rule threatens all of Kerrys SME, hindering their access to key US markets. Since August, the de minimis rule, which allows parcels under 685 exported to the US to go tax-free, has been ended by the Trump administration. While gift and small letters remain exempt, any goods worth more than 85 will face a 15 per cent tariff, payable by the US recipient before delivery. Cllr Fitzgerald believes this will reduce demand for Irish goods and called on the government to shoulder some of the burden. Many of our Kerry businesses selling products like clothing, arts & crafts, jewellery, pottery or specialty foods will see their margins squeezed as customers hesitate to pay extra duties, said Cllr Fitzgerald. Kerry SMEs that rely on online sales to US customers are disproportionately affected. They now must consider absorbing part of the tariff or offer bundled deals/discounts on goods and must now clearly state tariff obligations for all online sales to the US. Cllr Fitzgerald advocated for a combined government approach of grant assistance and advisory support. He also emphasised the importance of EU-level representation for Irish SMEs, urging the government to fight for the countrys small businesses in Europe. Without this our Kerry SMEs risk losing competitiveness and market share and this could seriously impact these businesses and their viability, he said. Hopefully with proactive measures, we can help Kerry SMEs and safeguard jobs in Kerry. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce vice president Carol Dempsey and president President Johnny McGuire at the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce executive meeting in The Killarney Park Hotel. Picture: Eamonn Keogh Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce vice president Carol Dempsey and president President Johnny McGuire at the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce executive meeting in The Killarney Park Hotel. Picture: Eamonn Keogh Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce vice president Carol Dempsey and president President Johnny McGuire with members of the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce executive in The Killarney Park Hotel. Second row from left are: Padraig Treacy, Bernadette Randles, Sarah Treacy, Claire Frawley and Michael Culloty. Back from left are: Niall Kelleher, Pat O'Leary, Diarmuid Leen, Conor Hennigan, Pat O'Sullivan Greene, John Foran and Finbarr Kennelly. Picture: Eamonn Keogh Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce vice president Carol Dempsey and president President Johnny McGuire at the Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce executive meeting in The Killarney Park Hotel. Picture: Eamonn Keogh The newly announced vice-president of Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce wants to give back to the local business community. Long-time Chamber member Carol Dempsey was named as vice-president of the business representative organisation after it held its end-of-year meeting in the Killarney Park Hotel on Wednesday. Ms Dempsey said she is really looking forward to working with the team at the Chamber. Killarney gives us so much in terms of vibrancy and vitality and I am looking forward to giving something back and playing a greater role going forward, she said. As vice-president, Ms Dempsey will work closely with Killarney Chamber president Johnny McGuire on several projects over the next year. Ms Dempsey is a native of Dungarvan in Waterford and has lived and worked in Killarney for the past 35 years. She owns and operates the Childrens House Montessori Schools in Killarney and Milltown. She has represented the Montessori community at an executive level both nationally and internationally. She was involved in the early days of the Christmas Killarney Festival and is also a member of the organising committee of the Wander Wild Festival. Rathmores five-way intersection has seen accidents rise, with traffic chaos at peak times Kerrys Russian roulette junction is in dire need of a roundabout, Kerry County Council (KCC) has heard, as lethal accidents loom ahead. A five-way intersection in Rathmore is posing a huge danger to school children and motorists according to local residents at a recent council meeting. Councillors unanimously supported them in calling for the establishment of a roundabout to reduce dangers and ease traffic flow. The busy junction at Shinnagh Cross, connecting into the N72 road between Killarney and Mallow, serves as the main access to two busy housing estates on either side of the road, as well as a significant regional road to Cork via Millstreet. Tim Herlihy, a resident of Rathmore, said the cross merged five extremely busy roads, with the attraction of nearby businesses adding to the congestion. Friday evening created particular chaos due to traders passing through, and other weekend traffic, often grinding the junction to a standstill. Further adding to the danger is the nearby school, Sliabh Luachra Montessori, whose pupils are often around the junction, as well as parents dropping off their children. Mr Herlihy stressed there was huge danger and warned the number of accidents would increase if nothing was done. Chair of the Rathmore Social Action Group, Donal OKeeffe, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the impact of the junction on elderly residents nearby. We promote independent living of our elderly. The junction prohibits people from drivingthere are people that are not driving because of fear of this junction, the meeting heard. From an elderly perspective, if we are to promote independent living for our elderly, I think our environment and roads need to be in line with that. Councillor Brendan Cronin supported the Rathmore residents in urging KCC to consider a roundabout, wading into the archives to point out this solution was far from new. According to Cllr Cronin, the council heard from a deputation from Rathmore 25 years ago, who pressed for a roundabout to be established at the same junction. The traffic has since quadrupled, he said, and thus the danger has significantly increased. He criticized Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for its failure to recognise the danger and proclaimed now was a golden opportunity with four TDs and one government minister representing Kerry. Councillor Maura Healy-Rae, who had invited the Rathmore residents to the meeting, and who had raised similar concerns over two years ago, called the junction a game of Russian roulette. She said motorists on the opposite side of the junction were being forced to second guess each others moves, creating confusion and accidents. As much as we know about it, ye know the most about it, said Cllr Heally-Rae to the Rathmore representatives, and as much as the engineers know about it, ye know as much about how its like to enter and exit the junction every day. Anyone using that junction its a pure game of Russian roulette, and Im not trying to be dramatic. Thats the truth of it and I stand to be corrected. I dont believe that theres a similar junctionanywhere in the county. If anything, its highly unique, but surely that tells us that its highly dangerous as well. Another junction on the N72, condemned as an incident blackspot by Cork County Councillor Bernard Moynihan, was recently upgraded to a roundabout. Works finished on the Ballymacquirke Cross junction in 2023, transforming the reputation of an interchange, once dubbed the most dangerous in the country. Cllr Healy-Rae expressed her frustration that similar works werent being done this side of the border. Its beyond me that theres a similar situation just a short distance away and we cant seem to impress on anyone from the National Road Design Office (NRDO) the need for something similar here, she said. While Cllr Healy-Rae said the lack of a NRDO representative at the meeting spoke volumes, the council argued it was not their decision and that there were adequate resources present to answer questions. Councillors rejected traffic lights as a potential solution despite concerns around the geometry of the junction, with two of the five links being very close together. Lights would generate huge backup at the cross reasoned Councillor John ODonoghue, adding with a little creativity this issue could be resolved. The council said it would consult TII procedures and look at both short-term and long-term solutions. While temporary solutions such as improved signage or extra road markings were in their gift, any work regarding a roundabout would have to be funded through a national scheme, meaning competing with other local authorities. Cllr Healy-Rae pressed the council for a commitment to produce a design for the roundabout and for a traffic count. Councillor Marie Moloney supported the motion, emphasising the danger of the crossing. People are taking their lives into their own hands, she said, I cant understand the reluctance intervene. There is going to be an accident. Theres no point in saying there has to be an accident before we can determine what to do. Thats not good enough for the locals or visitors going through Rathmore every day. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Gas Networks Ireland has selected Cahiracon, Co. Clare, as the location of the nations Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve (SGER), rather than the Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank which was also in the running. The move has prompted the Mayor of Kerry to express his deep disappointment after the county missed out on a key government project. The SGER is a state-led project which looks to provide a backup gas supply in the event of a disruption to the countrys primary gas supplies. Not only is Ireland heavily dependent on imported natural gas, with 80 per cent of total supply delivered from Great Britain, but the country is the only one in Europe with no domestic gas storage. The Ballylongford-native Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Michael Foley, said he was deeply disappointed by the missed opportunity for north Kerry and said he felt the area was neglected by the government. While I fully support the national objective of strengthening Irelands energy security, this announcement represents a significant missed opportunity for my area of North Kerry, he said. Hopefully decisions that are in the pipeline with the courts and with An Coimisiun Pleanala for the LNG project will be positive and the Landbank can at long last be utilised and developed. But yet again my area of North Kerry feels forgotten and neglected when it comes to Government decisions. The Shannon LNG project to build a power plant on the Tarbert/Ballylongford landbank is currently awaiting decision by An Coimisiun Pleanala, having been in the pipeline for the best part of two decades. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Danny Healy-Rae wants badger and deer kills to dramatically increase Reports of TB spread on farms leads to calls for increased culling Danny Healy-Rae has raised the issue of TB and badger culling. Stephen Fernane Kerryman Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 13:00 Independent Deputy Danny Healy-Rae has asked that culling deer and badgers be dramatically increased to limit the spread of tuberculosis (TB) which he said is impacting farmers and their ability to preserve cattle numbers. The Mayo Pyrite Action Group joined the protest, calling for 100pc redress, greater accountability, and for their voices to be part of the decision-making process Nicola Byrne and Margaret Walsh, members of the Mayo Pyrite Action Group and organisers of the protest. Photo: Mayo Pyrite Action Group. The Mayo Pyrite Action Group have travelled to Dublin on Wednesday to protest outside the Dail. Defective concrete block homeowners from Mayo joined householders from Donegal, Leitrim, and Sligo, Limerick, Fingal West and Wexford, gathered at Leinster House to call for 100pc redress. The group is also demanding a full public inquiry into the defective concrete crisis, aiming to shine a spotlight on what they describe as the Government's neglect and "administrative gaslighting" of homeowners. The Mayo Pyrite Action Group have also reaffirmed their call for a dedicated Defective Concrete Block Committee within Mayo County Council. Margaret Walsh from Belmullet was one of the organisers of the protest. She is a defective concrete block homeowner and a member of both the Mayo Pyrite Action Group and the 100% Redress Party. After a private test confirmed that her home contains framboidal pyrite and high sulphur levels in the blocks, Ms Walsh found herself locked out of the current Defective Concrete Block Grant Scheme. Despite extensive damage, including rising damp, electrical failures, black mould, and serious health complications for her family, her home still fails to meet the scheme's visual inspection threshold. Ms Walsh organised a public meeting for the Mayo Pyrite Action Group earlier this month. She was disappointed at the lack of engagement from her local representatives. "We expect them to advocate for us. I know they have limited power to change things nationally, but they can advocate for us at a local level to a national level," she said. Ms Walsh said she felt today's demonstration was "something worth doing", explaining that the protest had drawn significant attention and support from opposition figures. The Defective Concreate Block Protest outside Leinster House with opposition TDs and councillors. Photo: Mayo Pyrite Action Group. "We had a lot of opposition TDs speak to us today, and they are supportive. We are thankful that they are advocating for us, but we are still frustrated, and we need the legislation changed - we are still waiting for the review of the IS465," she said. She noted that Mayo TD Keira Keogh was the only Government representative to come out and meet protesters. "Nobody senior came out from Fianna Fail or Fine Gael to meet us. I don't think they should be that cowardly to be honest, "We would've welcomed the opportunity to shake their hands and say we are still here, and we still have these issues. It's a national scandal, it's disgraceful, and it's just so wrong," she said. While calls for 100pc redress dominated the protest, Ms Walsh said the group is also focused on fighting for an independent authority to oversee quarry standards. At present, the Market Surveillance and Building Control Office is the primary body responsible, but campaigners want an independent oversight body established alongside it. "We are really concerned about the independent oversight of quarries. As customers who might be rebuilding houses, we want to be confident in concrete going forward," she said and added that there has not been an inspection in any quarry in the last four years in Mayo. She also highlighted the presence of protesters from Wexford, where no grant scheme exists, despite homeowners there discovering Pyrrhotite in their homes - the same mineral causing homes in Donegal to crumble. "Nobody is raising their heads about it, and that is the housing minister's home county. We were in awe of the horrors going on down there, and there is no one speaking for them at all, "They are newly built houses, we were told if we visited Wexford, we would see [homes] that are just as bad as in Donegal," she said. Nicola Byrne, who also helped organise the protest, bought her home in Castlebar in 2021. She says all necessary checks were carried out before the purchase, but she later discovered the house had been built with defective concrete blocks. Her family had to flee their home when a rodent infestation broke out, with rodents getting in through cracks caused by crumbling concrete blocks that left gaps in their walls. Nicola Byrne from the Mayo Pyrite Action Group talking to Labour Senator Nessa Cosgrove from Sligo. Photo: Mayo Pyrite Action Group. Ms Byrne has already spent more than 45,000 on essential repairs, yet if the house ultimately has to be demolished, she will still face 1,800 in monthly mortgage repayments, around 2,000 in rent, and a 250,000 shortfall because the scheme's 462,000 cap would not cover the full rebuild. She said her "jaw was on the floor" for most of the day as she spoke to other homeowners and listened to their stories, "just as you think you've unearthed it all, there are so many layers to this." "There were people here from Wexford, it was interesting to hear how they have been impacted - and that is Minister Browne's constituency," Ms Byrne said. "It was news to us all, we were shocked to hear of Pyrrhotite found in Wexford. It just goes to prove it is a national scandal," she added. She said the protest was a "collaboration between all the counties", that productive conversations had taken place, and campaigners were now preparing to join forces to build a stronger 100pc redress movement. "The difference now is that Donegal aren't standing alone, we have all come to the realisation that together we will be heard," she said. Ms Byrne said she was angry at the Government for refusing to engage directly with homeowners affected by defective concrete blocks, arguing that, at the very least, they could invite them to the table and listen to "the lived experience of the people who are watching their homes crumble". "We went [to Dublin] today because they refuse to come to any of our meetings. Sinn Fein and the 100% Redress party were there, but none of the Government TDs came, and none of the county councillors did either". Nicola Byrne and Margaret Walsh, members of the Mayo Pyrite Action Group and organisers of the protest. Photo: Mayo Pyrite Action Group. Homeowners, she said, feel trapped in a bureaucratic loop, being pushed back and forth between the council and the Government. "We don't know who's in charge," Ms Byrne said, "The Government says it's the council and the council says it's the Government". Despite this, she said the protest had given many homeowners renewed momentum. "We have to be a multi-county collaboration. Next time, the protest will be much bigger and much stronger," Ms Byrne promised. "It is through the neglect and the failure of the Government that we managed to be pushed together today," she said, "The Government was not there with us today, they showed us no support - that just fuels us on even more." Ms Byrne said that each county represented at the protest will now form its own committee, with all groups working together to navigate the crisis they have found themselves in. She pointed to Donegal, where a grassroots movement developed into a political lobbying movement that ultimately saw the election of four councillors and one TD from the 100% Redress Party. "We all have one thing in common, and that is the frustration of the failure of our Government. Today we formed friendships and a plan," Ms Byrne said. "There is a new wave of tenacious people who are involved now who have a strong sense of social justice and will not let this rest." This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. This article was amended on Thursday, November 27 at 9.47am to clarify that the body responsible for overseeing quarries is the Market Surveillance and Building Control Office A Leitrim woman was left waiting for six hours in an ambulance at Sligo University Hospital. Stock image The Dail has heard that a Leitrim woman was forced to wait six hours outside Sligo University Hospital in an ambulance due to lack of space inside the hospital. The woman, from South Leitrim, was recently brought to the hospital in an ambulance after seeking medical assistance. However, upon arrival, she was made wait in the ambulance for six hours as there was no space inside the accident and emergency department. Sligo Leitrim TD Martin Kenny raised the incident in the Dail and said Sligo University Hospital was recently described as one of the most overcrowded hospitals in the country. He said he was recently informed that the ambulance service was at one stage notified not to bring patients to the hospital, such was the overcrowding in the accident and emergency department. Speaking in the Dail, the Sinn Fein TD said, It is the same all over the country. "In one case I had recently, a woman waited outside Sligo hospital in an ambulance for six hours because there was no space to bring her into the hospital. "That ambulance came from South Leitrim. "During the time the ambulance was waiting, there was no ambulance cover in the region. "That is happening everywhere all over the place. "It is small wonder, therefore, that people feel the service is so poor in the public system that they need to get insurance to be able to have a service provided, said Deputy Kenny. Deputy Martin Kenny canvassing in Carrick-On- Shannon at the week-end. Pic: Donal Hackett/ The issue was raised in the Dail during a debate on the Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2025. Deputy Kenny said almost 50pc of the population have health insurance and in some cases, the level of service they get is often not up to the standard they would expect. He called for a review of how the health service in the country works. "Having health insurance does not solve the problem for a lot of people. In fact, all it does is make them pay more and still get an inadequate service. "There needs to be a full review of how our system works. "I know SlainteCare was supposed to do that, but it has not delivered. There needs to be a re-examination of what we are going to do to get a proper health system in place that provides adequate services for all of our citizens, said Deputy Kenny. Green light for 99 homes in Waterford despite fears that construction will interfere with flights Other concerns centred on infrastructure, local amenities, light pollution and overshadowing, noise pollution, anti-social behaviour, privacy and security, and the potential environmental impact The mixed residential development of 99 houses and apartments at Knockboy, Waterford, was given the go ahead by the local authority on Thursday, November 20, subject to 30 conditions Eoin Kelleher Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 16:00 Waterfords local authority has given the green light for 99 homes in the south eastern outskirts of the city, despite concerns that construction could interfere with flights in to and out of Waterford Airport. Ballymurns David Scallan has been selected as one of five Irish agri leaders to receive a prestigious Nuffield Ireland Scholarship which will commence in 2026. Nuffield Irelands mission is to discover, inspire and support people to develop their capacity, character and confidence to promote positive change and world class leadership in agriculture, food and farming. It is part of Nuffield International, a valuable global network which includes Nuffield organisations in eight countries. Hailing from Ballymurn, Co. Wexford, David Scallan is a fourth-generation dairy farmer in partnership with his parents and brother. He graduated from Kildalton College in 2012 with a Level 6 in Dairy Herd Management before continuing to complete a Level 7 Professional Diploma in 2014. Since returning home full-time, David has expanded the herd and transitioned the enterprise fully to dairy production. Actively involved in his community, he is a member of Macra na Feirme, Irish Farmers Association (IFA), and his local GAA club. Davids chosen topic for his Nuffield Scholarship research will be How do we as an industry get more youth into farming. David was selected alongside John Donlon, veterinary surgeon specialising in cattle health and welfare from Tulla, Co. Clare; Conor Hogan, leader of the People in Dairy Programme from Lorrha, Co. Tipperary; Paula McCooey, a poultry specialist from Scotstown, Co. Monaghan; and Kenny McCauley, founder of McCauley Wood Fuels Ltd. in Mohill, Co. Leitrim. Grainne Dwyer, Nuffield Ireland Chair said: We are delighted to welcome these five new Scholars to Nuffield Irelands community of agricultural leaders. Their timely research topics will help us to identify yet more practical solutions to the many challenges in Irish agriculture. The 2026 Nuffield Scholars will conduct their research over the next two years before returning to present their findings at the 2027 Nuffield Ireland Conference. While there are a lot of people entering the spirit of Christmas and doing great work collecting donations for great causes, Wexford Gardai have had to issue a warning about scammers who are going door to door, claiming to be representing a charity. Coey has been working for Flogas and failed to return items issued in the companys starter pack Jamie Coey (21) with an address in Old Court Drive, Bray. A Bray man has been released on bail after Gardai uncovered company property and multiple bank cards during a search of his home. Jamie Coey (21), of Old Court Drive, Bray, pleaded guilty at Bray District Court to five offences. The charges include failing to provide Gardai with a phone access code, possession of stolen property, failure to appear, and theft. Sergeant Mick Canavan told the court that on March 19, 2025, Gardai received a complaint from a manager at FloGas. The manager reported that a former employee, Mr Coey, had been working under an alias as a door-to-door salesman. Mr Coey was using the name Alex and had failed to return items issued to him in the companys starter pack. These included a Samsung tablet valued at 400, a jacket worth 100, and an ID badge. On March 27, 2024, Gardai searched the home of Mr Coeys parents, where they discovered a Samsung tablet, an ID card in the name of Alex, a black wallet belonging to a man named Samu Huurre, and multiple credit cards. Jamie Coey (21) with an address in Old Court Drive, Bray. Today's News in 90 Seconds - Friday, November 28 The court was told that the wallet contained several cards, including a Santander chip-and-pin card and an American Express card belonging to a man named D.S. Smith. The court was informed that Coey has 30 previous convictions, including 14 for theft, and had previously received a four-month prison sentence which was suspended for 18 months. Mr Coey had been in custody for a little over a month before the hearing. Solicitor for Mr Coey, Brendan Maloney, told the court that his client comes from a hardworking family and has been hampered throughout his life by cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a chronic, lifelong condition that affects the lungs. Counsel for the defence said that Coey had a misunderstanding regarding the terms of his employment with FloGas. Mr Coey told the court he had recently been ordered to engage with the Probation Service. Judge David Kennedy directed that a probation report be prepared. An independent surety was paid by Coeys father due to the defendants bench warrant history. Coey was released on continuing bail until December 11, 2025. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme The festive season is the perfect chance to pick up a bargain or a mini-sized favourite Tis the season, pals the season for the capitalism olympics in which companies fight tooth and nail to acquire our hard-earned money in the name of gifting. Its vital to keep your eyes peeled at this time of year. If youre not careful, you could be taken in by a swizz and, blinded by gift-buying panic and time pressure, buy something thats not actually any use. However, there are also great opportunities to buy some of the genuinely great beauty gift sets, which often give you the opportunity to grab some existing favourites for a bargain or in a delightful mini, or the chance to try something new without buying the full-size version. Today Id like to highlight some sets Ill be grabbing this year, whether for myself or for someone I love. Diptyque Set of Five Eau De Parfum 1. Diptyque Set of Five Eau De Parfum (125 via brownthomas.com) Fragrance brand Diptyque is chic and sophisticated, and this set, which contains five of its most popular scents, is a great way for someone to figure out which one they resonate with. Aside from that, no one wants to carry around a large bottle of perfume, so smaller ones are always a delight to receive. Glossier Cloud Paint Trio 2. Glossier Cloud Paint Trio (25.60 via spacenk.com) These liquid blushes are beautiful and a little goes a long way, meaning itll take you ages to get through these three minis, which include a terracotta, berry and mauve shade. Whether you mix them, or wear them as is, youll have a healthy flush until next Christmas. Sol de Janeiro Spritz & Shine Set 3. Sol de Janeiro Spritz & Shine Set/Cheirosa Mist & Match Gift Set (34/140 via brownthomas.com) Sol de Janeiro continues to be a very desirable brand for pre-teens and young women. If you have a teen in your life, a set of the brands most popular perfume mists will be an enormous hit. Charlotte Tilbury Charlottes Mini Viral Beauty Icons Gift Set 4. Charlotte Tilbury Charlottes Mini Viral Beauty Icons Gift Set (54 via arnotts.ie) This set is worth 82 and a great example of how you can use Christmas sets to get a deal on products you already love or have wanted to try. This set includes some of Tilburys biggest hits: Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm, Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk, Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk and Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray. Each product is a decent-sized mini, making them ideal for travel. Laneige Dreamy Lip Kit 5. Laneige Dreamy Lip Kit (22.95 via lookfantastic.com) Laneiges lip masks are loved by teens and adults alike, and this set of four mini masks is a great option for a stocking stuffer or Kris Kindle. I always lose lip balms before I manage to finish them, so a mini is a great option for popping in your pocket, handbag or school bag. NARS Mini Multiple Gift Set 6. Nars Mini Multiple Gift Set (49 via arnotts.ie) Nars has reformulated its iconic pigment stick The Multiple, and the result is the new range of blush sticks, which are smoother to apply and last on the skin. This trio includes three shades: Orgasm, a peachy pink; Dolce Vita, a dusky rose; and Fling, a watermelon pink. Buying Irish Kash Beauty After Hours Collection Staying in the realm of beauty gifts, theres no getting away from the fact that there are some incredible Irish options, a few of which are already sold out. Kash Beauty is one of my favourite Irish brands, and the After Hours Collection (49 via boots.ie) would make a super present for you, or a make-up lover in your life. It includes the Muted Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, Gold Beam Skin Glaze, Femme Lip Liner, Brown Duoflex Liner, Sculpting Sponge and Sugar Cookie Lip Oil. Thats a lot of bang for your buck! Something old Simihaze Beautys Eclipse Lip Balm To be honest, I wouldnt have thought Id be into a sparkly lipstick. A lip gloss with a little shimmer, sure, but a lipstick flecked with sparkle in the same way an eyeshadow is? Too much, I would have thought. Then I discovered Simihaze Beautys Eclipse Lip Balm in Neo (27.45 via cultbeauty.com), and everything changed. This little oil-balm lipstick is a gorgeous brown packed with flecks of blue glitter. While I accept that this sounds a little mad, what it actually delivers is a super-cool (both in tone and effect) lip, which elevates a neutral look to something special. It doesnt look glittery, per se, more shimmery, in an edgy but wearable way. Something new MAC Dazzlelips Crayon Macs new sparkly lip products, Dazzlelips Crayons, are available in 12 pearly shades, from baby pink to vivid fuchsia. Cosmic Plum, a purply brown flecked with blue glitter is very similar to the aforementioned Simihaze product (which also reminds me of similar eyeshadows, like Half Magics Blushing Lizard, for example). Dazzlelips Crayons can be worn on their own, or on top of other lip products (all over, or just tapped in the centre of the lip). I think they add a lovely moment of drama or festivity at this time of year, although as you probably know if you are a regular reader, I think sparkle is for life, not just for Christmas. Mentalist Keith Barry tells how he is fulfilling his father Kens death-bed request and bring his ashes on the road Hypnotist and entertainer Keith Barry has revealed his fathers death-bed request to bring him back from the dead on his new tour in January. The Irish mentalist has staged a string of mind-blowing feats in his glittering career and now hes set to honour his dad Kens bizarre challenge. Keith (49), who will have Kens ashes on stage at every show around the country, was left devastated on January 25 of this year when his beloved father, who he described as the best dad and my best friend, lost his battle with lung cancer. Ken Barry, who was 76, had achieved notoriety in his own life as one of the co-founders of Tipperary Crystal, as well as Smart Telecom. He featured on The Late Late Show a number of times and was also a judge in the Rose of Tralee for a number of years. My dad was a very dark, sarcastic type of guy and he loved the darker shows that I did. I havent done one in 18 or 19 years, since before my kids were born, Keith said. Before he passed he said, I want you to bring me on tour. I said, What do you mean bring me on tour? You know where youre at? Youre in a hospice, Dad. He was like, Yeah, but when I die bring me on tour, bring the ashes on tour and do a seance and try and contact me. Now he knew I dont believe in psychics and that I dont believe in contacting the dead. I dont believe that anybody can contact the dead and I will make that clear in the show, but then were going to do it anyway. Keith said his father did not believe in the after-life; Right to the end he didnt want any blessing from any priest. Even when he was very, very sick he didnt turn to religion nothing. He didnt believe at all. Thats why he loved the idea of me trying to contact him because he didnt believe it was possible and I dont believe its possible. But his context was bring me on tour, and I think the real reason is to try to show people his personality. Im not just going to bring out his ashes and do a seance Im going to talk about him a bit and give people a bit of an insight into my life in ways that they wouldnt have seen me before. Keith Barry and his late dad, Ken So Ill be vulnerable at times on stage. Itll only be a year since his passing, so itll be raw. Its raw now. But I did like the idea of it, continues Keith, who previously told Miriam OCallaghan on her radio show that he cried for two days after Ken died. And I was actually thinking, do people wonder what is originality? I would say there is nobody in history who has brought their dead dad on tour and done a seance to contact him. Certainly in the mentalist world or brain hacking world Ive never heard of anything like it. So when people are asking, what are you going to do thats new? Well f**k me, thats new! I love the hoo-ha of it all, the madness of it all. Ken was one of his sons biggest fans and loved the fact he became a star in Las Vegas. His favourite show ever, or thing of mine that I ever did, was going to Vegas. He came and saw the show in Vegas and he loved Vegas. My dad was built for Vegas. He was partying 24/7, having the craic, staying out longer than he should and Mum giving out to him the next dayall that kind of stuff. He always wanted me to go back. I never really wanted to go back, but he wanted me to go back so he could go back to Vegas. So its a bit sad that I never got to go back for him, but there you go. We have a ouija board. I ask people to think of dead loved ones. I say it once that what we are about to do is an illusion And then Im going to do it anyway. Its almost like a public service announcement for people, Dont go to psychics, dont believe what theyre telling you. If theyre telling you theyre real, I believe its not real. If you want to be involved think of dead loved ones. Ill think of my Dad and lets see what happens. And, of course, stuff is going to happen. They wont understand how its happening, but Im going to make it happen. And that part of the show is to make people feel unhinged. The name of the show is Unhinged. So its to make people feel on edge and weirded out. Thats what I do. I want to create mystery for people, but I want it to be a rollercoaster, so I want them to be scared one moment and laughing their heads off the next minute. Skits I havent done hypnosis for many years on stage. Now I realise that anyone in their 20s and 30s in Ireland for the most part havent seen one, let alone me doing it. So Ive put hypnosis back in. People need a laugh these days. The world has gone so serious. So its all brand new skits, brand new routines. You go along with your wife and 20 minutes later shes up on stage and shes Ronan Keating in Boyzone. And Boyzone will be having a sing-off with the Spice Girls. So all of a sudden your brother Johnny ends up on stage and hes Mel B out of the Spice Girls. And then a Chinese rap star called Ying-Yang is rapping in Chinese. And theres aliens on stage. I want people to laugh so hard theyll be crying. Tickets are now on sale for Keith Barry Unhinged 25 Years Inside Your Minds nationwide tour. See ticketmaster.ie This years competition was marred by various problems, including a sharp-tongued scolding by a Thai organiser of Fatima Bosch Fernandez of Mexico Contestants take part in the final round of the 74th Miss Universe Beauty Pageant earlier this month (Sakchai LalitAP) A court in Thailand has issued an arrest warrant for a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organisation in connection with a fraud case. Jakkaphong Anne Jakrajutatip was charged with fraud then released on bail in 2023. She failed to appear as required in a Bangkok court on Tuesday. Since she did not notify the court about her absence, she was deemed to be a flight risk, according to a statement from the Bangkok South District Court. The court rescheduled the hearing for December 26. According to the courts statement, Jakkaphong and her company, JKN Global Group Public Co Ltd, were sued for allegedly defrauding Raweewat Maschamadol in selling him the companys corporate bonds in 2023. Mr Raweewat says the investment caused him to lose 30 million baht (700,000). Financially troubled JKN defaulted on payments to investors beginning in 2023 and began debt rehabilitation procedures with the Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024. The company says it has debts totalling about three billion baht (70 million). JKN acquired the rights to the Miss Universe pageant from IMG Worldwide LLC in 2022. In 2023, it sold 50pc of its Miss Universe shares to Legacy Holding Group USA, which is owned by a Mexican businessman, Raul Rocha Cantu. Contestants take part in the final round of the 74th Miss Universe Beauty Pageant earlier this month (Sakchai LalitAP) Jakkaphong resigned from all of the companys positions in June after being accused by Thailands Securities and Exchange Commission of falsifying the companys 2023 financial statements. She remains its largest shareholder. Her whereabouts remain unclear. She did not appear at the 74th Miss Universe competition, which was held in Bangkok earlier this month. This years competition was marred by various problems, including a sharp-tongued scolding by a Thai organiser of Fatima Bosch Fernandez of Mexico, who was crowned Miss Universe 2025. Thai business tycoon Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip (Sakchai Lalit/AP) Today's News in 90 Seconds - Thursday, November 27 Two judges reportedly dropped out, with one suggesting that there was an element of rigging to the contest. Separately, Thai police investigated allegations that publicity for the event included illegal promotion of online casinos. On Monday, JKN denied rumours that Jakkaphong had liquidated the companys assets and fled the country, but there has been no immediate reaction regarding the arrest warrant. She could not be reached for comment. Jakkaphong is a well-known celebrity in Thailand who has starred in reality shows and is outspoken about her identity as a transgender woman. Thailand floods kill 33 as military joins relief efforts Parts of the country have experienced record-breaking rains in recent days A man clings to a street sign pole in a flooded street after being swept there while going out to get food supplies in Hat Yai district. Photo: Reuters Thomas Suen Reuters Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Thailand airlifted patients and flew critical supplies, including oxygen tanks, into a submerged southern city yesterday, as the death toll from some of the regions worst floods in years climbed to 33. British Chancellor to face more questions after UK budget overshadowed by major leak The Chancellors decisions put Britain on course for a record tax burden as she hiked levies UK Budget at a glance: What has Rachel Reeves announced? Christopher McKeon Press Association Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 07:30 Rachel Reeves will face further questions after delivering a Budget that raised tax by 26 billion but was overshadowed by an unprecedented leak. Sophie White: Its almost Christmas and my husband and I are at each others throats. But if were arguing at least it means were not Quiet Divorcing Israeli soldiers are seen during an army raid in the West Bank town of Tubas, yesterday. Photo: AP Israeli security forces took up positions inside the West Bank city of Tubas yesterday and ordered some Palestinian residents from their homes, the latest assault in a months-long campaign across cities of the northern West Bank. US president Donald Trump has appeared in public almost 40pc less than he did during his first term and the time he begins the day on average is getting later, according to analysis of his schedule. At 79, Mr Trump is the oldest person to be elected president and while his aides have pushed the idea that he is the picture of vitality, with an unrelenting work ethic, analysis by The New York Times suggests that he is slowing down compared to his first term. LATEST | Trump calls for all Afghan refugees to be investigated after shooting of two National Guard members Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser described the attack on two National Guard members as a targeted shooting Trump calls for Afghan refugees to be investigated after shooting Alanna Durkin Richer and Gary Fields Press Association Thu 27 Nov 2025 at 08:38 President Donald Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration after the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington DC. Forensic Accounting in India: Fraud Prevention and Risk Management for Businesses Modern businesses operate within increasingly complex financial ecosystems, making fraud prevention and investigative clarity more critical than ever. Forensic accounting now plays a strategic role in enhancing governance, managing risk, and ensuring resilient operations, especially as Indias digital economy expands and cyber-enabled misconduct rises. Organizations globally deal with increasingly complex financial systems and rising incidents of fraud, in which forensic accounting has become a critical tool for strengthening financial integrity. It supports risk management, enhances transparency, and helps organizations stay compliant and resilient. As Indias digital economy grows, several of its niche sectors, such as e-commerce and technology, depend on forensic specialists to trace cyber-enabled fraud, misuse of online payments, and manipulation of digital financial records. Types of forensic accounting Forensic accounting covers a wide range of investigative activities, each aligned to specific kinds of financial misconduct. While methods differ depending on the nature of the fraud, several types of forensic accounting engagements are commonly encountered. Financial theft Financial theft may be committed by employees, vendors, customers, or external parties. Although basic irregularities may surface during routine audits, forensic accountants carry out deeper examinations to identify how the fraud occurred, quantify the loss, and gather supporting evidence. Securities fraud Securities fraud involves manipulation or misrepresentation related to stocks or investments. This includes insider trading and misconduct by brokers, traders, or even corporations. Such cases frequently lead to litigation and public scrutiny, requiring forensic experts to trace transactions and reconstruct events. Bankruptcy examination When companies declare bankruptcy, forensic accountants analyze financial records to understand the sequence of events that led to insolvency. They verify whether the submitted statements are accurate and evaluate if any misrepresentation or fraudulent activity contributed to the bankruptcy. Loan default and debt recovery In cases where borrowers default, forensic accountants help identify assets or financial trails that can be used to recover outstanding dues. Their findings support lenders in evaluating recovery strategies or initiating legal action. Assessment of economic damages If an organization suffers financial loss due to misconduct or malpractice, forensic accountants investigate the incident, estimate the impact, and assist in recovering losses through litigation or negotiation. Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) During M&A transactions, acquiring companies rely on forensic accountants to assess the true financial health of a target company. They examine valuations, returns, liabilities, and undisclosed risks. If disputes arise, forensic professionals provide evidence of misrepresentation or fraud. Tax fraud or evasion Individuals and businesses may attempt to avoid taxes by concealing income or assets. Forensic accountants review financial records to identify inconsistencies, uncover hidden income, and determine whether fraudulent reporting has occurred. Corporate valuation disputes Misrepresenting a companys value, through manipulated financial statements or misleading disclosures, can deceive investors or buyers. Forensic accountants analyze records, identify inflated valuations, and determine the companys true financial position. Professional negligence claims When a professionals negligence allegedly causes financial loss, forensic accountants evaluate financial data to confirm whether the claimed damages are legitimate and quantify the actual loss suffered. Money laundering investigations Forensic accountants trace suspicious financial transactions to detect the movement of illicit funds. They identify how unlawful money enters legitimate systems and track its origin and end use. Breach of financial or data privacy Unauthorized access or misuse of confidential financial information can significantly harm individuals or organizations. Forensic accountants investigate data breaches, identify the source, and assess the extent of the compromise. Forensic accounting in India: Emerging trends Forensic accounting is becoming increasingly important within Indias evolving business and regulatory landscape. As financial operations grow more digitized and interconnected, it is now central to safeguarding business integrity and responding to the rising risks associated with sophisticated financial and digital crimes. A clear shift is evident in the nature of forensic work. Cyber-related financial fraud has accelerated with the expansion of digital payments and online financial services, prompting forensic accountants to adopt advanced tools such as data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) driven pattern recognition, and blockchain tracing to identify and reconstruct fraudulent transactions. At the same time, stricter regulatory frameworks, including goods and services tax (GST), Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and sector-specific compliance requirements, have increased scrutiny on financial reporting. Forensic experts now support businesses in detecting irregularities, strengthening internal controls, and ensuring adherence to these regulatory obligations. Corporate governance has also become a priority for both regulators and investors. Forensic accounting contributes to improved governance by identifying lapses, preventing financial misstatements, and promoting greater accountability across management and operational functions. CLICK HERE: Managing Financial Risks: A How-to Guide for Businesses in India FAIS in India: Key principles and engagement classifications In 2023, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) introduced the worlds first Forensic Accounting and Investigation Standards (FAIS) to enhance the reliability of digital financial reporting. the move also aims to promote forensic accounting guidelines for their global adoption, positioning India as a leader in AI-enabled accounting and forensic practices. FAIS 110 (Nature of Engagement) sets out the foundational principles that forensic professionals must follow before beginning any assignment. The standard requires practitioners to clearly define the scope, objectives, and expected outcomes of the engagement. The standard also classifies engagements into three distinct categories: Forensic accounting engagement, focused on examining financial information using forensic accounting techniques. Investigation engagement, aimed at fact-finding related to suspected misconduct, fraud, or irregularity. Litigation support engagement, performed to assist legal proceedings, including expert reports or testimony. FAIS 110 emphasizes that these engagements are not the same as audits, and the standards are not applicable to statutory audit assignments. This distinction is crucial because audit engagements are governed by the Standards on Auditing (SAs), where auditors provide an independent opinion on financial statements something outside the scope of forensic assignments. Please note that the FAIS 110 applies to forensic accounting and investigation professionals, not to statutory auditors. Common scenarios treated as investigation engagements FAIS 110 provides guidance on determining when an assignment should be treated as an investigation. Below are examples of mandates where the nature of the work aligns with an investigation, making FAIS applicable: Procurement irregularities Examining suspected fraud or unusual patterns in the purchase of raw materials. Corroborating findings with potentially suspicious behavior by procurement staff. Whistleblower allegations Reviewing complaints against the Procurement Head or other employees relating to inflated raw material prices or kickback payments for awarding business Loan defaults and fund misutilization Assessing whether a borrower has diverted or misused loan proceeds. This also includes tracing fund flow to detect unauthorized transactions. Employee or corporate fraud Employee theft, securities fraud, identity theft, falsified financial information, or insurance-related fraud. Any examination involving internal misconduct requiring forensic analysis. Misappropriation and manipulation in listed companies Investigating diversion, siphoning, or concealment of assets or earnings. Identifying schemes designed to manipulate financial reporting or influence stock prices. Market abuse and trading manipulation Analyzing synchronized or coordinated trades suspected to manipulate share prices. Reviewing potential front-running or churning activities by portfolio managers or intermediaries. Industry-wide scope of forensic accounting in India Forensic accounting has become a critical tool for investors and businesses operating in India, offering both preventive safeguards and investigative support across key sectors. In the corporate environment, it plays a central role in uncovering embezzlement, fund diversion, asset misuse, and financial misstatements. It also strengthens the integrity of mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic transactions through detailed forensic due diligence that helps confirm a targets true financial position and detect hidden liabilities. Within the banking and financial services sector, forensic accountants help institutions identify money laundering activities, loan-related fraud, and internal misconduct. Their expertise also contributes to improved internal controls and more robust fraud-risk frameworks. The legal system increasingly relies on forensic accountants as expert witnesses who provide technical analysis and evidence in litigation, arbitration, and regulatory proceedings. Their work is instrumental in settling commercial disputes, shareholder disagreements, and family business conflicts. In the insurance industry, forensic accounting helps validate the authenticity of claims, investigate inflated or fabricated losses, and detect structured fraud schemes. Healthcare organizations benefit from forensic interventions that expose fraudulent billing, kickback arrangements, and misreported operational data. Non-profit organizations (NGOs) similarly rely on forensic accountants to ensure transparent use of donor funds and to detect any instances of misappropriation or diversion. Challenges in Indias forensic accounting landscape The practice of forensic accounting in India face several operational, regulatory, and capability-building challenges. One of the most persistent issues is the limited awareness among organisations about when and how forensic accounting should be applied. Many companies still view forensic reviews as a reactive exercise, initiated only after a fraud has surfaced, rather than a strategic tool for prevention, governance enhancement, and risk monitoring. This reactive approach often leads to delayed detection, larger financial losses, and weakened internal control systems. Another challenge lies in the acute shortage of skilled forensic professionals equipped to handle modern financial crimes. The rise of cyber-enabled fraud, digital payment misuse, and complex money-laundering structures has increased the demand for expertise in advanced analytics, blockchain tracing, and digital forensics. However, Indias talent pool in these niche areas remains limited. This skills gap often results in extended investigation timelines, dependence on external specialists, and inconsistent quality of forensic engagements. Business advisory tips for strengthening forensic preparedness To navigate these challenges, businesses and investors can adopt several proactive measures to strengthen fraud resilience and enhance governance: 1. Treat forensic accounting as a preventive strategy, not merely an investigative tool. Periodic forensic reviewsespecially in high-risk functions like procurement, treasury, and sales, help detect anomalies early and reinforce ethical conduct. 2. Invest in digital fraud detection capabilities. Deploy tools such as continuous transaction monitoring, data analytics dashboards, and automated red-flag identification. These systems create real-time visibility over financial operations and reduce dependency on manual checks. 3. Strengthen internal controls and documentation practices. Companies should integrate forensic considerations into internal audits, compliance frameworks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). Clear record-keeping and auditable trails significantly improve the speed and accuracy of forensic investigations. 4. Build a skilled forensic response ecosystem. This includes training internal teams, partnering with accredited forensic professionals, and accessing expertise in areas like cybersecurity, e-discovery, and blockchain analysis. 5. Implement robust whistleblower and fraud-reporting mechanisms. Anonymous reporting channels encourage early disclosure of misconduct and provide valuable leads for proactive investigations. 6. Conduct forensic due diligence in all major transactions. Whether in M&A, vendor onboarding, joint ventures, or large funding rounds, forensic due diligence helps identify hidden liabilities, inflated valuations, and compliance risks that traditional financial due diligence may overlook. 7. Align business practices with FAIS and global forensic standards. Adhering to forensic standards, such as ICAIs FAIS, helps companies demonstrate good governance, improves the credibility of investigations, and ensures that reports hold up in regulatory or legal proceedings. 8. Prepare for multi-jurisdictional compliance. Companies with cross-border operations should map legal requirements relating to data privacy, reporting obligations, and evidence handling to avoid delays or complications during forensic engagement. ( Image credit : Instagram| @raulrocha777| Raul Rocha spotted attending a public event. ) How Raul Rocha became a focus for investigators ( Image credit : Instagram| @raulrocha777| Miss Universe chief Raul Rocha seen in attendance ) Controversy clouds the 2025 Miss Universe event ( Image credit : X| @MissUniverse| Miss Universe 2025 crowned at the grand finale ) Uncertain future for the organisation ( Image credit : Instagram| @raulrocha777| Miss Universe president Raul Rocha pose for a picture! ) What was supposed to be a triumphant chapter for Miss Universe has instead spiralled into one of the most unsettling episodes in the pageants history. Days after the 2025 competition wrapped up, Raul Rocha, the president and co-owner steering the organisations new era- found himself at the centre of grave criminal accusations emerging from Mexicos Attorney Generals Office (FGR).The revelations, first brought to light by, allege that Rocha has been linked to a sophisticated smuggling network involving illicit fuel, narcotics, and weapons moved between Guatemala and Mexico. For an organisation already struggling to steady itself amid internal disputes and public scepticism, the timing could not be worse.Rather than framing Rocha as a mere business figure, Mexican authorities reportedly consider him an influential operator within a cross-border trafficking ring. Rocha, who also serves as Guatemalas honorary consul in Mexico, is alleged to have played a strategic role in moving smuggled fuel along the Usumacinta River before it continued overland to central Mexico.According to, the FGRs case is built on months of intelligence work, including raids on several properties believed to be tied to the networks finances. Investigators reportedly uncovered records showing large monetary contributions attributed to Rocha, one amounting to 2.1 million pesos, which they claim helped sustain the criminal operation.The arrest warrant request, filed on 6 August by prosecutor Yazmin Mayoral Marin, reportedly details how the alleged syndicate maintained relationships with political figures and officials at all three levels of government to ensure the smooth movement of illegal fuel, narcotics, and military-grade weapons. Sources cited by the outlet also claim Rocha attempted to open talks with the FGR in October, hoping to negotiate immunity in return for insider information, a move suggesting increasing pressure behind the scenes.Representatives for Rocha and the Miss Universe Organisation have so far declined to comment publicly.Rochas legal predicament lands atop a pile of existing controversies that have weighed down the Miss Universe brand in recent months. Instead of projecting glamour and global unity, the 2025 pageant was overshadowed by backstage rifts, disputed decision-making, and resignations.A pre-event clash involving a senior pageant executive publicly criticising Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch- who ultimately secured the crown- set an uneasy tone early on. Several contestants reportedly walked out in protest. Days later came the high-profile exit of musician Omar Harfouch from the judging panel, who accused the organisation of pre-selecting finalists before the preliminary round. Although Miss Universe dismissed the claim, Harfouch later said he stepped down after seeking greater transparency from Rocha and receiving no reassurance.In a recent interview, Rocha admitted he is fed up with the role he took on in early 2024 and suggested he may hand over control soon. Whether that choice is his own or pushed by the escalating legal troubles remains uncertain, but its clear the Miss Universe Organisation is entering one of the most challenging periods in its long history. Nicole Kidman's tell-all plans RadarOnline.com ( Image credit : Instagram @nicolekidman | Nicole Kidman reportedly wants to bare her soul in a memoir. ) Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruises divorce story ( Image credit : X @ikaveri | Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban ) Nicole Kidmans life with her daughters ( Image credit : Instagram @nicolekdiman | Nicole Kidmans children are said to be one of her biggest reasons for wanting to write her memoir. ) Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's split Actress Nicole Kidman is facing a painful period in her personal life, but she is also looking toward a bold new chapter. The 58-year-old actress is picking up the pieces after her marriage to country star Keith Urban collapsed, and she is now preparing to tell her story in a powerful, no-holds-barred memoir. The idea has been in her heart for years, and the time reportedly feels right for Nicole to share everything she has lived through.According to the latest report by, Nicole wants to bare her soul and share the full truth about her rise in Hollywood and her difficult relationships. The insider explained she has been longing for years to blow the lid off her impressive journey to the top of the Hollywood ladder and drop bombshells about her turbulent love life.Her upcoming book is expected to include emotional details about her marriage to Keith Urban, whom she married in 2006. The insider said their relationship was a rollercoaster, especially as Nicole helped him through struggles with drink and drugs before she was betrayed and booted by him almost two decades later.This emotional chapter leads directly into another part of her life story, her past marriage to actor Tom Cruise.Nicoles marriage to Tom Cruise, which lasted from 1990 until their split in 2001, remains one of Hollywoods most talked-about breakups. The source said, Whatever the particulars of Nicole and Toms divorce 24 years ago were, she knew at the time it would have been a horrible idea to write a tell-all about her time with him.According to the insider, she believed releasing a memoir back then would have been a huge distraction and could have overshadowed her rise as an A-list actress. But now, years later, her life looks very different.She has built a long career, created major projects, and raised her daughters, Sunday, 17, and Faith, 14. The insider added, Nicole has lived a lot of life since 2001. Shes won awards and made major hit projects that she helped create. That personal and professional growth is what leads her to feel ready to share her truth today.Nicoles children are said to be one of her biggest reasons for wanting to write her memoir. According to the insider, Shes raised an entire other family, and her daughters are a huge point of pride for her.The source added that Nicole believes her book will be a meaningful legacy: What better gift can she leave them than her own authentic story, immortalised in print for all time?Nicoles family life connects directly to the collapse of her marriage to Keith Urban, which has reportedly been weighing heavily on her.Nicole and Keiths nearly 20-year marriage had already unravelled long before the paperwork. By the time Nicole filed for divorce on September 30, the two had reportedly been living apart and leading separate lives for months. Kateryna Sobolevskas life is full: classes, homework, and activities at George Washington High School, managing an ambitious college search, serving as her mothers English translator, sometimes picking her younger brother up from school. But part of the 17-year-olds mind is often 4,500 miles from Philadelphia in her former home along the Stryi River in Western Ukraine, in Zhydachiv, where Sobolevskas father and extended family still cope with the realities of a yearslong war. Advertisement She speaks to her father daily. Hes at risk every single day, said Sobolevska, now a 12th grader. They keep bombing the power plant, so he doesnt have electricity all the time. He has to do laundry at a certain time. He has difficulties with work; its really overwhelming. Theres sirens every day. Still, Sobolevska is more than managing in her new home. Less than four years after arriving in the United States, Sobolevska is at the top of her class at George Washington, with an Ivy League summer program under her belt, waiting to hear from a bevy of stellar colleges and recently named to a select list of Philadelphia School District students. When Sobolevska arrived in the U.S. at 14, American traditions were unfamiliar something from a story or a book. She had never celebrated Thanksgiving. This year, shell be sitting down to a turkey dinner with family, a little incredulous at the recognition that is beginning to come her way. But, she said, I am very thankful. Everything is so different In 2022, as war closed in, Sobolevskas parents made a quick decision: Things were too dangerous in Ukraine. Sobolevska, her mother, Oleksandra, and her brother, Oleh, had to flee. Her father, Rostyslav, could not join them men between the ages of 18 and 60 were forbidden from leaving the country. All of us hoped that it would only be a couple of months, Sobolevska said. The three traveled first to Prague, then to New York, then on to Philadelphia. Every move felt unsettling, Sobolevska said. Sobolevska had been a strong student in Zhydachiv class president three times, a member of her student government, chosen to represent her school at language competitions. But she had to start over at age 14. She began ninth grade at George Washington High in sheltered English classes, learning the language with other newcomers. With more than 1,800 students, George Washington is imposing; it felt forbidding. It was tough to navigate, and her class schedule was changed three times. Everything is so different here, Sobolevska said. In ninth grade, it was really hard to get used to the language, to expectations, to all those processes. Ninth and 10th grade were really difficult for me. One of her teachers flagged Sobolevska to Billy Marchio, the coordinator of George Washingtons International Baccalaureate program, a rigorous academic course of study. She told me, Shes really bright, shes really improved her English. Give her a shot, I think she can do it, said Marchio, who agreed. Making an impression Entering IB in her 11th-grade year was a revelation for Sobolevska. I was excited, she said. IB is more close to what is expected from students in my country. It just gives me more stability its very difficult courses, and a lot of expectations. Sobolevska met the expectations and then some. She was one of just 14 students nationwide chosen from a pool of hundreds who won a place in a summer journalism program at Princeton University. Living on a college campus and learning from top professionals and peers from around the country provided more challenges that Sobolevska slayed. She published two stories, one about her frustration with comparisons between the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, a call for global solidarity. She felt at home in the Ivy League environment. Senior year has been a blur applying to a laundry list of colleges, including Harvard, a top choice, and, most recently, being honored as one of the districts seniors of the month, singled out for her courage, perseverance, and quiet strength as well as for her academic skills. Marchio has been wowed by Sobolevska both as a student and as a leader, serving as an IB officer, tutoring peers in the National Honor Society. Through all of her anxieties and all of her stress, she produces spectacular work, Marchio said. Shes so critical and analytical. She makes an impression on everyone. Shouldering significant responsibility Sobolevska is quiet, unassuming. When she talks about her college search, she mentions that shes applying to schools in Boston, Connecticut, New York, not Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. She grows more animated when she talks about her family: her father, who works in sales management, her mother, who works at a grocery store, and even her brother they argue, as siblings do, but are still very close. Were really close with my mom, especially since she moved here, said Sobolevska, who has significant responsibility on her shoulders. Im the main translator in the family. I help her with English; all the doctors appointments are on me. When she won the districts Senior of the Month honor, her mother bragged to relatives and coworkers. Thousands of miles away, her father was really excited. He was just so proud. But it was weird for him, difficult to understand because Im very far away. Sobolevska, who now goes by Kate, longs to be reunited with her father, the rest of her family, and the friends she left behind, but living and learning in the U.S. have changed her, she said. Here, I think people here are not as stressed, Sobolevska said. Theyre just more easygoing. Its really warming to see how people can listen to music outside or talk loudly outside, or just say hi to everyone. In Ukraine, we dont really have that. Its nice to see how people are really friendly here. Her father doesnt want us to go back home now, she said. Its not safe; its really stressful. Looking ahead to her future, I would like to visit Ukraine, Sobolevska said. Im not sure if I would want to live there. When I grow up, I would love to travel a lot I dont want to stay in place. Sobolevskas rise is remarkable, but thats who she is, Marchio said. Shes just trying to make her father proud, to make her fathers sacrifice worth it, Marchio said. Shes putting a lot on her plate to make everyone happy and proud of her, and I couldnt respect that more. FOX29 at 4th and Market St. in Phila., Pa. on Jan. 9, 2022. Read more A former Fox broadcasting executive submitted a letter to the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday asking the agency to reconsider a petition seeking to terminate the license of the networks Philadelphia-area affiliate, Fox29. Preston Padden, who worked as a senior executive at the broadcasting network controlled by Rupert Murdoch and his family in the 1990s, has been a vocal critic of Fox News and its coverage of the 2020 election and an early supporter of the petition. Advertisement In his letter to the FCC, Padden writes that Fox and the Murdochs lied to the American people by reporting that the 2020 election was stolen, despite knowing that it was untrue. He cites court findings in the defamation case brought against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, which resulted in a $787 million settlement. Fox and the Murdochs lies to the American people had consequences, Padden wrote. Those lies undermined public confidence in the electoral process." Neither Padden nor Foxs attorneys responded to requests for comment. Paddens letter urged the FCC to respond to an appeal of the order denying the challenge to Fox29s license. The FCC dismissed in January a challenge to Fox29s license renewal that was brought by the Media and Democracy Project, a self-described nonpartisan nonprofit. The petition, originally filed in July 2023, accused Fox of broadcasting knowingly false narratives about the 2020 election on the cable-based Fox News Channel. Former FCC chairperson Jessica Rosenworcel, who was appointed by President Joe Biden, said in a statement accompanying the dismissal of the petition, alongside three other complaints targeting local TV stations, that the order was intended to direct the agency to take a stand on behalf of the First Amendment. We draw a bright line at a moment when clarity about government interference with the free press is needed more than ever, she said. The challenge is not based on materials broadcast on Fox29, or the local channels journalism. Instead, character requirements for broadcast license owners that include a prohibition on broadcasting false information that causes substantial public harm.' The examples in the FCCs consumer guide are related to a crime or a catastrophe. Fox said in its filings with the FCC that revoking Fox29s license would be fundamentally incompatible with the First Amendment. The Media and Democracy Projects appeal is still pending, and is now in the hands of FCC chair Brendan Carr, a President Donald Trump appointee who has been criticized for interfering in broadcasters editorial decisions. In September, ABC temporarily removed Jimmy Kimmels late-night show from broadcast after a threat Carr made on a conservative podcast. We can do this the easy way or the hard way, Carr said following remarks Kimmel made about the assassination of conservative commentator and activist Charlie Kirk. These companies can find ways to change conduct, to take action, frankly, on Kimmel, or there is going to be additional work for the FCC ahead. Carr also reopened previously dismissed complaints of ABCs moderation of a 2020 presidential debate and CBSs 60 Minutes interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris. He also blasted news organizations over their coverage of the deportation of the immigrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Arthur Belendiuk, the attorney for the Media and Democracy Project, said he expects to grow old and die before Carr issues a response. Even if Carr denies the appeal, he would open the possibility of an appeal to court. Belendiuk believes thats a risk the FCC chair will not take. If you, Brendan Carr, think you are right, issue a decision and defend it in court, the attorney said. Be a man. Staff writers Rob Tornoe and Nick Vadala contributed to this article. National Guard members stand together after two of their fellow guardsmen were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Read more WASHINGTON - The FBI searched multiple properties in Washington state and San Diego on Thursday in what officials said was a terrorism probe into an Afghan national suspected of shooting two National Guard members, who remained in critical condition. Investigators seized numerous electronic devices from the suspects house in Washington state, including cellphones, laptops, and iPads, and interviewed the suspects relatives, FBI Director Kash Patel told a news conference in Washington, D.C. Advertisement U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro identified the two wounded Guard members as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. Pirro said the suspect ambushed the Guard members while they were patrolling near the White House on Wednesday afternoon. Armed with a powerful revolver, a .357 Magnum, he shot one member who fell and then shot again before firing multiple times at the second member. Suspect worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News the U.S. government planned to bring terrorism charges against the gunman and seek a sentence of life in prison at a minimum. At her briefing, Pirro said the gunman faces three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and a charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He could be charged with murder in the first degree if either of the Guard members does not survive their injuries, she said. Patel described the shootings as a heinous act of terrorism, but neither he nor Pirro offered a possible motive. The assailant appeared to have acted alone, said Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department. The suspect has been identified by authorities as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who lived in Washington state with his wife and five children. Lakanwal, who was wounded in an exchange of gunfire before he was arrested, had been involved with U.S. partner forces during the war in Afghanistan, Patel said. CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News and the New York Times that Lakanwal had worked with CIA-backed local units in Afghanistan. He drove his vehicle cross-country from the state of Washington with the intended target of coming to our nations capital, Pirro told the news conference. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program to resettle thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the Afghanistan war and feared reprisals from Taliban forces who seized control after the U.S. withdrawal there. President Donald Trump, who was at his Florida resort at the time of the attack, released a video statement late on Wednesday calling the shooting an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was unclear if the shooting would lead to changes to how the Guard operates in cities. Members typically patrol in small groups, including on foot, mostly armed with pistols. Lakanwal approved for U.S. asylum this year Trump said his administration would re-examine all Afghans who came to the U.S. during Joe Bidens presidency. Pirro and Patel blamed the Biden administration for improperly vetting Lakanwal, although they offered no evidence to support this assertion. A Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and was approved on April 23 this year, three months after Trump took office. Lakanwal, who resided in Washington state, had no known criminal history, the official said. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said on Wednesday it had halted processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals indefinitely, pending further review of security and vetting protocols. Vance defends immigration policy Vice President JD Vance, who was in Kentucky on Wednesday, said on social media that the shooting proved the Trump administrations immigration policy was justified. We must redouble our efforts to deport people with no right to be in our country, he said. Critics of the administrations immigration policy say it has employed harsh and illegal tactics and swept up immigrants indiscriminately, including many with no criminal history and others in the U.S. legally. The two Guard members from West Virginia were part of a militarized law enforcement mission ordered by Trump in August and challenged in court by Washington, D.C., officials. Trump ordered 500 more troops to be deployed in the capital in the wake of the shooting, joining about 2,200 already in the city as part of the presidents immigration and crime crackdown targeting Democratic-led cities. Trump, a Republican, has suggested repeatedly that crime has disappeared from the capital as a result of the deployment, an assertion at odds with the police departments official crime statistics. (Reporting by Leah Douglas, Jana Winter, Phil Stewart, Ted Hesson, Lucia Mutikani, Jasper Ward and Tim Reid; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali, Jeff Mason, Steve Gorman; Writing by Julia Harte and Rod Nickel; Editing by Ross Colvin and Deepa Babington) Philadelphia role in Afghan resettlements The Philadelphia region played a crucial role in supporting the largest resettlement effort since the end of the Vietnam War. Philadelphia International Airport served as the nations main arrival point for more than 25,000 evacuees, about 1,500 of whom needed immediate medical attention for everything from diabetes to gunshot wounds. The flights to Philadelphia came from first-stop, emergency evacuation centers in Germany, Bahrain, Qatar, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and elsewhere. Most arrivals to Philadelphia were bused from the airport to temporary living quarters at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in South Jersey. At one point more than 11,000 Afghans were living in a tent city, christened Liberty Village, on the South Jersey base. The Trump administration recently designated the base as one of two military sites where it intends to holds immigration detainees. Ultimately at least 600 evacuees were resettled in the Philadelphia area, many of them living in the Northeast, which already had a significant Afghan population. Almost everyone who came to Philadelphia and to this country served the United States in a military, diplomatic, or development capacity, or was the family member of someone who did. Others worked in media, womens organizations, or humanitarian groups that faced Taliban retaliation. Inquirer staff writer Jeff Gammage contributed to this article. Christa Barfield, the owner and operator of FarmerJawn Agriculture, walks through fields in West Chester in 2022. She is a vocal advocate for localized farming and distribution. Read more In September, I traveled from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., for the National Farmers Unions legislative convention. Over the course of three days, I met with 13 congressional legislators or their staffers, spoke to representatives of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the White House, as well as fellow farmers, to discuss a very real threat impacting our nation: the instability of our food system. Advertisement Across the United States, food system organizations from regenerative farms and gleaning networks, to food access nonprofits and community grocers are all under immense pressure because of federal funding cuts, rising tariffs, and labor shortages. The entire food chain is strained, and the effects are compounding. Recently, during the government shutdown, families across the country were not receiving SNAP benefits. American farms and families are still struggling and need relief now. Farmers suffer even as food prices rise While food prices continue to rise, farmers make less than 16 cents on every food dollar spent, according to the National Farmers Union. Even worse, there has been a severe labor shortage because of outdated agricultural workforce policies, while large corporate farms are making record profits. Suicide among farmers is at an all-time high, and the sixth highest among all occupational groups. As the largest Black food grower in Pennsylvania, I am seeing these challenges each and every day. Earlier this year, the Trump administration, without congressional approval, canceled the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program: a $1 billion federal spending initiative that provided schools and food banks with funding to purchase food from local farms and ranchers. When food is unstable, so is health, education, safety, economic opportunity, and environmental well-being. In addition to the impact this will have on our children and our most vulnerable communities, the killing of this program is having a direct impact on small and first-generation farmers like me. My produce farm lost upwards of $150,000 between contracts with local food banks that were supported by the LFPA Program and the loss of the Agriculture Departments Climate Smart Partnerships. These drastic cuts have strained our operations and have impacted our ability to promptly pay our workers and ensure our communities have access to food that is not only locally and regeneratively grown, but also 100% chemical-free. Food anchors social drivers At the heart of this challenge is a simple truth: Food is the anchor to all social drivers of health. When food is unstable, so is health, education, safety, economic opportunity, and environmental well-being. This is evident in North Philadelphias Kensington neighborhood, which is plagued by an opioid epidemic, crime, food apartheid, and nutrition insecurity. According to a 2019 report released by the city of Philadelphia and Drexel Universitys Dornsife School of Public Health, Upper Kensington ranked last out of 46 Philadelphia neighborhoods in terms of health factors and health outcomes. Addressing food access through a regenerative and localized lens is not just a response it is a long-term strategy for national security. In my September conversations with members of Congress, it became abundantly clear that an updated Farm Bill would not be passed into law by the Sept. 30 deadline. And it wasnt. Due to this failure to prioritize the needs of small family farmers, we must now turn inward and rely on our communities to design and implement a scalable, regionally coordinated food system. This is possible by supporting local farmers and workers through fair, reliable markets, reducing food waste via efficient, community-based recovery, and empowering neighborhoods with increased food sovereignty and local ownership. I founded FarmerJawn Agriculture seven years ago, and I know that for a community or nation to be healthy, it must be well-fed. Food is medicine. Good food means good health. Despite the challenges we face, this idea is more relevant now than ever. I am eager to launch CornerJawn, a farm-to-store operation that will reimagine the corner store as a preventative healthcare hub. CornerJawn will increase access to fresh and nutrient-dense food that is both convenient and affordable through a dignified pricing model. It will enhance urban living for the strategically forgotten communities that are now seeing record development in hopes of creating, what? Wealth? True wealth is measured in longer lives with beautified communities and healthier families. We must treat food like medicine, invest in those specialty farms that feed us, and watch our country thrive. Remember: Agriculture is the Culture. Christa Barfield, a.k.a. FarmerJawn, is a healthcare professional turned regenerative farmer, an entrepreneur, an advocate for food justice, and a James Beard Award winner. As the founder of FarmerJawn Agriculture, she manages 128 acres across three counties in Pennsylvania, making her the largest Black food grower in the state. Nephtali Andujar, 61, shows off some of his art work in a room provided by Project HOME. "You are not just helping the homeless, he said of those who donate to the group. You are helping the city. You are helping humanity. Read more As charming and ebullient as Nephtali Andujar is (lots of hugs, compliments, and gifts of his homemade pottery), the 61-year-old is also pretty blunt about why people should give to Project HOME, one of the citys largest nonprofit housing agencies. Advertisement Because of Project HOME, said Andujar, who spent years living on the streets, he is no longer desperate desperate to get money to feed a heroin addiction, desperate to scrape $5 together to pay someone to let him drag a discarded mattress into an abandoned house for a nights sleep out of the rain. Its not just giving someone an apartment, said Andujar, who sheepishly described a past that included stealing cars and selling drugs. Its the snowball effect. You are not just helping the homeless, he said. You are helping the city. You are helping humanity. In the agencys name, the letters HOME are capitalized, because each letter stands for part of the multipronged approach that Project HOME takes in addressing homelessness and combating poverty for the 15,000-plus people it serves each year. Theres H, for Housing not only housing in the literal sense, but also in the teams of outreach workers who comb through the citys neighborhoods looking for people like Andujar. One outreach worker found Andujar in 2021 at a critical moment in his life clean, just out of the hospital for liver treatment, and back on the streets of Kensington ready to begin anew. For Andujar, it was a race. What would find him first? Would it be heroin, as it had so often been in the past? It was tempting. Its painful being on the street cold, hungry and dirty, ashamed and alone. When you do heroin, you dont feel the cold. It kills the hunger, he said. When you use the drugs, you dont have to suffer for hours. Heroin numbs you. Instead, though, it was the outreach worker someone who had been through Project HOMEs recovery program who plucked Andujar off the street in the nick of time and took him to a shelter. A year later, that same outreach worker helped Andujar move to his own room at Project HOMEs Hope Haven shelter in North Philadelphia. You get tired of the streets. They were killing me, Andujar said. Next Andujar found Project HOME manager JJ Fox, who helped him get a birth certificate and other documents, and arranged for him to stay. But he needed more than a warm bed. The problem with getting straight after a heroin addiction, Andujar explained, is finding a new purpose and direction. For so long, life was focused on a repeat cycle of getting the next fix and then becoming numb to pain while it was working. So when he got to Project HOME, he needed a new direction, which is where both the O and E in HOME came in for Andujar. JJ Fox gave me direction, he said, and so did Project HOME employment specialist Jamie Deni. The O in HOME has to do with Opportunities for employment. Certificates cover one wall in Andujars studio apartment in Project HOMEs Inn of Amazing Mercy, a 62-unit apartment building and offices in a former nursing school dormitory in Kensington. He can point to his accomplishments in computer skills, barbering, and training as a peer specialist to help others the way the outreach worker helped him. But Andujar is not in good health, as vigorous as he appears. His addictions will someday exact their price, even though with cirrhosis of the liver, he is already living years beyond what his doctor predicted. Full-time work is not an option. So Andujar is part of the E, as in Education. Deni helped him get a grant to take art classes at Community College of Philadelphia. She helped him understand CCPs education software so he could turn in his homework. Project HOME offers classes in graphic design, music production training, ServSafe food handling, forklift and powered industrial trucks certification, and website building, among other courses. The M stands for Medical. Project HOME doctors, nurses, and other health practitioners treat 5,000 people a year, both in a fully equipped health center and by sending medical teams into the streets, caring for people, literally, where they live. Project HOME offers classes in graphic design, music production training, ServSafe food handling, forklift and powered industrial trucks certification, and website building. My dad always told me that you need three things housing, food, and love. You get all that here, Andujar said. And for him, it goes beyond that. During a stable period in his life, Andujar had a partner and a child. His daughter is now 14 and living with her aunt in New Jersey. Her mother, who was also stable for many years, fell into addiction but is clean now. She is living in another Project HOME apartment. Like Andujar, Omayru Villanueva, 49, another resident at the Inn of Amazing Mercy, recalls her first night of homelessness. She remembered a cold slushy rain. She remembered sweeping every corner of her house, determined to leave it clean, no matter what. Her husband had been convicted and jailed for a federal crime. She couldnt make the payments on the house, so she sold or stored all of her belongings and prepared to leave. On her last morning at home, she and her school-age twin sons walked out the door before the sheriff came. Her older daughter was able to find a place in a shelter. Her second daughter, just under 18, said she was living with a boyfriend, but it turned out that she had been trafficked. By that evening, Villanueva was desperate. She took her boys to a hospital emergency room. At least they could sit indoors while she figured out something. I was crying inside. Finally, she called a friend from church who took her and her sons in. From there, they moved from shelter to shelter, and ultimately to a Project HOME apartment with two bedrooms. That night we had a pizza party. We were so happy, she said. Theres a sense of dignity and respect when you have your own place. You can take your worries away from having a place to live, and you can focus on other things. She remembered lying in her new bed, thanking God and rubbing my feet against the mattress. The next day, she woke up, opened the window, and listened to the birds. Then she asked her sons what they wanted for breakfast. When you are in a shelter, you eat what they give you. The simple pleasures. READ MORE: The new head of Phillys Project HOME brings a lived experience of housing insecurity Three of her four children, scarred from the experience, have also been homeless and living on the street. Her two sons, now 23, are in Project HOME apartments. Both daughters are now fairly well-established. Villanueva appreciates the medical help she has been given at Project HOME, particularly for mental illness stemming from the trauma she has experienced with her ex-husbands arrest and homelessness. Anybody can end up being homeless, she said. I wasnt a drug addict. I wasnt an alcoholic. It can happen to anybody. She thinks of her daughter, who has a house, a job, and a car. But if something happens to the car, her daughter wont be able to get to work. She wont be able to pay her mortgage, and she could wind up homeless. Its that simple. Its important to donate because people can help break the cycle of homelessness, Villanueva said. Its about housing and education. Its about medical help. Its about employment, she said. Project HOME helped me a lot. The truth is that every person in Project HOME has a story. Those stories keep Donna Bullock, president and chief executive, motivated to preserve and protect the agency founded just over 35 years ago by Sister Mary Scullion and Joan Dawson McConnon. She worries about how the city will respond to federal executive orders amounting to the criminalization of homelessness. Will there be tightened requirements for agencies that provide shelter? Project HOME is reimbursed for some of the medical care it provides, but Bullock worries that new rules involving Medicaid reimbursement will impact the agencys budget, while cutbacks in services increase demand. Its terrifying, she said. We know we have to do the most we can to preserve these resources that weve come to rely on. In this job, Ive learned to appreciate the humanity of folks the residents and the stories they tell and the contributions they make to our community. Sometimes, she said, Project HOME residents walking the path of recovery slip and fall away. Sometimes the results are tragic, the losses devastating. Were experiencing all these moments communal grief and communal celebrations as well. We talk a lot about how every journey of recovery is unique. Everyone walks their own journey. We cant do the walk for you, but we can walk with you, she said. Bullock invites others to the journey, promising that when people give to Project HOME, they can be assured that their money is carefully managed. Were good stewards of the resources entrusted in our care. We know how to leverage the resources given to us. Folks expect a return on their investment, and the return is the difference in individual lives and also building a community, she said. Your investment is magnified 10 times over. This article is part of a series about Philly Gives a community fund to support nonprofits through end-of-year giving. To learn more about Philly Gives, including how to donate, visit phillygives.org. About Project HOME Mission: To empower adults, children, and families to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, to alleviate the underlying causes of poverty, and to enable all of us to attain our fullest potential. People served: More than 15,000 annually with street outreach, housing, opportunities for employment, medical care, and education. Annual spend: $49.06 million Point of pride: Project HOME, which operates 1,038 housing units, broke ground in October for construction of 45 new apartments; also under construction are 20 respite beds. In the pipeline are an additional 44 apartments. Project HOME also operates the Honickman Learning Center Comcast Technology Labs, Stephen Klein Wellness Center, Helen Brown Community Center, and Hub of Hope. You can help: Volunteers tutor students, serve meals, participate in neighborhood cleanups, and organize donation drives at their organizations for household items or other items useful to families or people still experiencing street homelessness. Support: phillygives.org What your Project HOME donation can do Here are some ways that a gift can help the people we serve: $25 provides warm clothing and new socks for a visitor at the Hub of Hope. $50 supports a behavioral health counseling visit. $100 provides a months worth of hygiene products and toiletries for a family. $250 provides a welcome basket for a new resident complete with sheets, towels, and cooking supplies. $500 supports five dental visits at the Stephen Klein Wellness Center. $1,000 funds six weeks of summer camp at the Honickman Learning Center Comcast Technology Labs, keeping a childs mind active during the summer and supporting moms who work. $1,500 funds a certification program through the Adult Education and Employment program leading to employment readiness. Whats in your wallet? Are you experiencing the Donald Trump/JD Vance boom? Vance recently said, Its gonna take a little bit of time for every American to feel that economic boom which we really do believe is coming. How long does every American need to wait? Do you know who doesnt have to wait? Do you know who is feeling a boom you or I will never see? The Trump family. Since Trump has taken office, the family has made over a billion dollars. No waiting there. No deciding how they are going to pay bills. But the everyday American who cant afford rent, groceries, or healthcare needs to wait. Advertisement How many vacations have you taken since this regime took office? Vance has taken how many? Last I saw was eight. Thats almost one a month. Hes not waiting for a boom. Does this administration even know what affordability means? Trump and Vance imposed tariffs the most beautiful word that raised prices on everyday goods and services. Now they are retracting them to make life affordable again. Thats the only boom you and I will see. And they will expect you to be humble and ever grateful for their willingness to put out the very fire they started. This is your economy. This is your mess. This administration is so out of touch with the everyday Americans they swore to serve. They ran on making life affordable, and the only ones who seem to be able to afford basic life needs are they and their oligarch cronies. Ellen McGuigan, Clarks Summit . . . In 1992, James Carville coined the phrase, Its the economy, stupid. Its still a priority today, but Donald Trumps solutions to the pesky economic challenges are little more than trumped-up pigs in a poke to sell us a bill of goods. Cant buy a first home? How about a 50-year mortgage? Lower monthly payments, but pay no attention to the fact that banks will likely charge higher interest, the total cost will increase 86%, and the first 10 years of payments cover interest and no equity. Need affordable healthcare? The Affordable Care Act is now offering catastrophic coverage (plans once limited to people under 30). Lower monthly payments (sound familiar?) but with a whopping $10,000 deductible. Its gonna cost ya! Chris Bond, a spokesperson for AHIP, an insurance lobbying firm, cautions that catastrophic plans are not a replacement for affordable comprehensive coverage. And lets not even get started on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s miasma theory, his blast us back into the past approach to medicine that Amesh Adalja, of the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, said is all just obfuscation to support his idea that vaccines are not valuable. Pigs in a poke. A bill of goods. Dont do us any favors. And the final insult? JD Vance, sensing Trumps lame-duck status, is suddenly in the picture, all unctuous empathy, addressing our concerns about the high cost of living, assuring us, We hear you, and we just need to have a little patience. Yeah, right. They might hear us, but they are not listening. Its still the economy, but its their lame brain solutions that are the epitome of stupid. Deborah DiMicco, Newtown Loss of HUD funding The announcement that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development will no longer fund permanent supportive housing is a disaster for homeless service providers like the Bethesda Project, Project HOME, and the women and men who live in HUD-supported rooms or apartments. The Bethesda Project operates 150 units of permanent, supportive housing for formerly homeless men and women. Most, if not all, of those units are supported by HUD subsidies that make up the difference between one-third of a residents income and the market rate for a permanent room or apartment. Absent the HUD subsidy, most residents cannot pay the market rate. Those residents will likely end up back on the streets of Philadelphia. This Trump administration policy is misguided, counterproductive, and stupid. Angelo Sgro, Philadelphia Restore viable vacancies In another world, the demolition of the former Admiral Court apartment building at 237 S. 48th St. would never have happened. A sturdy four-story apartment building with 46 units, in a city that is in need of affordable housing, should have been a prime target for rehabilitation and reuse. Instead, the building is lost. Even after a devastating fire that investigators are treating as arson, there was still enough of the structure left that this building could have been saved. Now, the neighborhood will get an empty lot to look at, despite pleas from neighbors and from a member of City Council to see this building put back into service. The current owners of Admiral Court also control 4710 Locust St., which is listed as having 56 apartments and has been vacant for many years. Hopefully, the city can intervene before another arson fire destroys this building, as well. Katherine Dowdell, Philadelphia No promises New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with President Donald Trump. I hope no one thinks Trump promised Mamdani anything. President Trump talked only in generalities. President Trump said he agrees that it would be great if Mamdani could make NYC more safe. He said it would be great if Mamdani could make things more affordable, and great if he could help the housing shortage. That means ab-so-lute-ly nothing. Trump just wished him well. President Trump did not promise to do or finance anything specific to help, for sure. Mayor-elect Mamdanis methods may be way, way different from President Trumps methods to help anything, and we will all wait with bated breath to see what the future brings. Also, Mamdani is not a dictator. He can only pass laws with the majority agreement of himself and of 51 city council members from the five boroughs. That has never even been mentioned. How will the 51 members vote? All President Trump really did was to say hello and good luck. David F. Lipton, Toms River Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 150 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online. The Government is being urged to consider designating the Curragh as a national park to protect its unique ecological, historical and cultural significance. Covering almost 5,000 acres of unfenced flat land between Newbridge and Kildare, the Curragh has remained uncultivated for over 2,000 years. The main training centre the Irish Defence Forces, it also has a military museum and is known worldwide for horse racing and bloodstock breeding. An open plain of grassland and heath, it is 5km wide at its widest point and extend for 10kms with a sandy soil that grows unique plants and is associated with St Brigid, one of Irelands three national saints. The Curragh is also Ireland's largest, finest, and possibly only, example of a surviving ancient unenclosed low grassland and is surrounded by good, fertile lands. It is home to Irelands five most important flat races each year, including the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. An estimated 1,000 racehorses are trained in local stables and there are many stud farms in the vicinity. The Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens are nearby too. Controlling grass and vegetation Farmers have a legal right to graze sheep on the distinctive landscape, a practice that helps keep grass and other vegetation under control without damaging the unique environment. Newbridge-based Fianna Fail senator Fiona OLoughlin has now urged the Government to designate the Curragh as a national park. She told the Seanad it was agreed in the programme for government that a conservation plan for the Curragh would be implemented. As part of that, there would be a management plan to ensure preservation, with careful consideration in relation to which agency would be best suited to this historic landscape. The State has had to purchase areas to become national parks in the past. In this case, the land is already in the ownership of the State, albeit under the management of the Department of Defence at this point, she said. Ms OLoughlin said the Curragh is Ireland's largest inland open plain and one of the largest in Europe. It is one of the largest areas with ancient grassland, and it is important to conserve and preserve it. It has rare flora and fauna, and is important for archaeological purposes. It is a fabulous area for people to walk and explore. Designating it as a national park would encourage responsible tourism and community involvement and unlock resources for trails, signage, and proper parking. 'Jewels in Kildare's crown' It is not just about preserving land; it is about honouring Ireland's natural and cultural heritage, as well as ensuring its future legacy," Ms O'Loughlin added. I would welcome the minister of state, Deputy Christy O'Sullivan, to come Kildare. I know he passes the Curragh on a regular basis. I ask him to stop off. We would be delighted to show him some of the jewels in Kildare's crown, she said. Mr O Sullivan said he will come to visit the Curragh, which he passes every single week. He completely appreciates the nature, value, and heritage of it. We will do a trip around to see all aspects of what makes it the special place it is," he said. "It is amazing in many ways, but it is a shame in other ways because we have seen the habitat there really being degraded. I would love to see a management plan kick in so that we can see it come back, he said. Lovers of Italian cuisine have been waiting in anticipation for the opening of Gloria Osteria, a new elegant Italian restaurant offering in the heart of Dublin. Nestled in a restored 19th-century bank on Westmoreland Street in the city centre, Gloria Osteria offers a menu of fresh homemade pasta, classic Italian secondo, grilled steaks and seasonal cocktails. Ran by restaurant group Big Mamma, Gloria Osteria Dublin is the third restaurant of its kind to open, after Milan and Barcelona. The restaurant group, which also includes pizzerias, food courts, and experiences based around authentic Italian cuisine with a twist, is the brainchild of Victor Lugger and Tigrane Seydoux. Born in France, out of the desire to transport people to Italy through its unique and atmospheric trattorias (Italian restaurants), Big Mamma talks of putting people at the heart of everything they do, from their producers to their team and guests. Back in October, I visited Italy with Big Mamma for a glimpse into the groups ethos and farm-to-table approach, which included visits to two of their producers, Caseificio Gennari in Parma and Tenuta Mazzolino winery in Oltrepo Pavese, and a beautiful meal at the impressive Gloria Osteria Milano. Dj's Federico and Sole Dosi, pictured at the opening night of Gloria Osteria Dublin, the first restaurant to open in Ireland from the Paris-born Big Mamma Group. Picture: Allen Kiely Photography Since then, Ive been anticipating the launch party of the restaurant, which was celebrated this week, ahead of the restaurants grand opening on Thursday. The sight of the queues on Westmoreland Street wrapping around to College Street on the night proved the restaurant to be one of the hottest openings in Dublin this side of Christmas. But what can people expect when they visit? Food The anti-pasta spread available at Gloria Osteria. Picture: Joann Pai. The bold Milanese palazzo in the heart of Dublin offers an authentic Italian menu curated by Chef Davide Migallo, featuring beloved classics with a few playful twists. The dishes are made with the finest produce sourced directly from Big Mammas 170 Italian artisans, such as Puglian burrata and 22-month aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Some of the highlights on the menu include the veal Ossobuco cooked in Guinness served with creamy polenta and velvety Taleggio fondue, extra-long Spaghettoni al Tartufo with creamy truffle sauce and a twisted take on the classic Lasagna, all served up on Big Mammas signature quirky painted plates. The Gloria Osteria six-inch high lemon pie. For dessert, the much-loved six-inch high lemon pie, Souffle al Cioccolato with pistachio gelato, and tiramisu spooned out from a dish tableside will be a hit with those who have a sweet tooth. Reservations and walk-ins When making a reservation online, if the website doesnt show a specific time slot as available, it means the restaurant is fully booked. Walk-ins are accepted, but are subject to availability. Group bookings Bookings of up to 20 guests are accepted at Gloria Osteria Dublin for festive gatherings, and will include the prodotti-focused set menu featuring all the Gloria favourites. Head chef of Gloria Osteria Milano Manuel Prota and executive chef of Big Mamma Group Filippo La Gattuta. Picture: Breda Graham. Speaking to the Irish Examiner,head chef of Gloria Osteria Milano, Manuel Prota, and executive chef of the Big Mamma group, Filippo La Gattuta, shared their excitement to see Gloria Osteria open in Dublin. Speaking about the restaurant groups roots and journey from its beginnings in Paris to where it is now, Prota said: Big Mamma was born 10 years ago. It was born thanks to the passion of these two guys who built this incredible company, Tigrane and Victor, our founders. They are two French guys who fell in love with Italy and have a huge passion for Italy. They travelled around Italy to find our first batch of suppliers, and they did it by themselves. It was an incredible experience for them, and they discovered the first idea of Big Mamma, so bring small producers instead of big chains of production, to bring into, at the time, Paris, because the first restaurant we opened is in Paris. "So the idea is to bring the best product into our beautiful environment that Studio Kiki builds, and at an affordable price. That allows us to use the best products from all around Italy, and we are really proud of this, and this is since day one, and it continues after 10 years. La Gattuta said that the recipes dont veer far from traditional Italian kitchens but have what he described as the Big Mamma twist that makes the dishes unique and special. Prota said he is very excited to see Gloria Osteria Dublin open its doors in what he described as an incredibly beautiful place in Westmoreland Street. The location is amazing, the restaurant is amazing. Its full of historical feeling, he said. Speaking about the menu on offer at the Dublin restaurant, he said that while the concept of Big Mamma has not changed, there are some new twists in every recipe. Interior The Gloria Osteria Dublin interior pays homage to the height of 1970s Italian glamour dreamt up by Studio Kiki, the Big Mammas in-house design team, and features some subtle touches of Irish heritage, with meticulous attention to detail by interior designer Chloe Townsend. Upon entry into the restaurant, the atmosphere is warm and elegant, and the interior is eclectic and colourful. The interior pays homage to the height of 1970s Italian glamour dreamt up by Studio Kiki, the Big Mammas in-house design team, and features some subtle touches of Irish heritage, with meticulous attention to detail by interior designer Chloe Townsend. The restaurant is decorated in decadent tones and features Glorias trademark Jacopo Foggini chandeliers, a sweeping 10-metre-long Rosso Levanto marble bar, specially sourced Italian antiques and art, fawn coloured seating, which Townsend says is a nod to the deer in the Phoenix Park, and still has elements of the 19th-century bank, including the original wood panelling and brickwork, shining through. The Gloria Osteria Dublin interior pays homage to the height of 1970s Italian glamour dreamt up by Studio Kiki, the Big Mammas in-house design team, and features some subtle touches of Irish heritage, with meticulous attention to detail by interior designer Chloe Townsend. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Townsend touched on the work that has gone into the year-long restaurant project which she said has been a real team-collective. Its been really wonderful to see the team come over here, and get to explore Dublin and Ireland and thats also instigated into our design. Especially during install, we get to work with all the different teams. But the design team in particular, we come for the whole year through different stages, and its been so nice that they get to see this city and take parts of it too for inspiration. It builds a brand with the area youre designing a restaurant for. Its been really nice for them and theyre very excited about seeing it come alive. Speaking about the vibe of the restaurants design, she said: There is a story behind the Gloria restaurants. I worked on the Barcelona one as well, so I was quite familiar with that story, and the persona of the person who is supposed to be eating here shes a fashionista so it was how to embody that, make it feel unique, make it feel of the area but also be true to that story, that person and that idea. There are definitely elements from Milan and Barcelona that we see come through, like the beautiful arches in here with the metalwork around it, thats very Gloria-feeling and then with the artwork as well, theres a storyline that goes through all the different Glorias as well through the artwork. This time around, we altered the colour-scheme a good bit and its a bit moodier for the country that its in with our weather. We also picked some beautiful fabrics that, when we saw them, we thought were perfect for Ireland. Theres the Bambi fabric that makes us think the Phoenix Park. Whats also wonderful is the carpet as well, which is in the original Gloria in Milan but the design of it is actually quite Celtic, so it actually works really well here. Speaking about the response to the opening of Gloria Osteria Dublin, Townsend said: The response has been so nice and Ive been getting loads of lovely messages. Each of these projects takes so long to create, so then to feel that people get to sit in it and enjoy it its the reason you work on these kinds of projects. Especially with the time of year, I think everyone is in the mood to be going out so its been a really big response and whats really lovely is that it feels quite different for Dublin and I think people want to see something new and I do feel like thats what this space is. The price The best thing about Gloria Osteria is that you can choose how you want to experience the restaurant. There is a choice of menu, lunch and dinner, so you can keep things a little more low-key, or decide to dress up, and go all out by trying some of the Italian-leaning cocktails, such as a Sicilian margarita or negroni. To give you an idea of the menu prices, here is just a taste of what's on the menu: The sideways lasagna is priced at 27, the slow-cooked pulled veal is 18, the lobster and caviar spaghettoni is 45, the veal ossobuco in Guinness is 34, Gloria's salmon wellington is 32 and the Kildare beef tagliata with shallot sauce is 28. House cocktails start from 14, while virgin cocktails start from 8.50. Doors are now open, and bookings can be made online by visiting the Gloria Osteria Dublin website. The chief executive of Tusla has apologised for the wording of a statement issued after the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. Kate Duggan told the Oireachtas Children's Committee she understood the concerns of the wider public after "significant" incidents involving young people who had received State care, but emphasised most children in care are "thriving". She said several children in care go missing every day, either from school or while on a trip. Criticisms have been made of Ireland's child and family agency, Tusla, after recent incidents involving children. A young boy, Daniel Aruebose, was reported missing from Dublin after Irish authorities discovered in August he had not been seen for several years. The agency had previously engaged with the family of the boy, who would be aged seven this year. His case prompted a series of "wellbeing checks" carried out on thousands of Tusla cases that were closed during the pandemic, from March 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022, and a rapid review of the boy's case. It came a year after Kyran Durnin, who would be nine years old this year if still alive, was reported missing from Co Louth. In October, Ukrainian teenager Vadym Davydenko died, and two others were taken to hospital following an incident at Tusla emergency accommodation in Dublin. Further questions were raised of Tusla last month after a 10-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in West Dublin after being in State care earlier that day. A statement issued by Tusla following the incident in West Dublin, which said the girl had "absconded" while on a recreational trip with staff in the city centre, "verged on victim blaming", the Dail heard at the time. "We've certainly taken that on board, and I know people have contacted us about that," Ms Duggan told the committee. "We do apologise for that statement and the way it was released, and the impact of it, and the wording around it." "While I cannot comment on the specifics of these cases, as there are ongoing investigations by An Garda Siochana, I can assure you that we are working with An Garda Siochana in relation to these investigations, and all of these cases are being reviewed by the national review panel." She said several children abscond from Tusla's care every day. "They're supposed to be in school, they left school, they were on a trip, and they bolted and ran. "So we do have, on any particular day, three or four young people that may have gone on a trip, may have gone to school and don't come back when they're supposed to come back, either in terms of their curfew or after their activity." She said they then work with the gardai to locate "those children as quickly as possible". Asked by Senator Margaret Murphy O'Mahony if they had considered being reviewed by an external body, Ms Duggan said they were already externally examined by health watchdog Hiqa. "Those reports are available and are published on the Hiqa website and are available for anyone to see. "So as we sit here, and as I set out in my opening statement, we know the really good work that's been done, and we do need stakeholders like yourselves and other stakeholders to actually talk about some of the good work while challenging us on the very significant problems that we face." To launch The Examiners 2025 Little Acts of Kindness Christmas campaign, Saint Vincent De Paul staff talk about some of the kind gestures made by Children that they remember. Read More SVP prepares Christmas hampers as charity launches fundraising drive Jailed schoolteacher Enoch Burke will attend the High Court on Friday by video link from prison. The High Court on Thursday granted an order allowing Enoch Burke to attend court remotely when a judgment will be delivered relating to his repeated breach of court orders. Mr Justice Brian Cregan last week ordered that Mr Burke be imprisoned for his contempt of court orders directing him not to trespass at Wilsons Hospital School, where he previously taught German and history. Mr Burke was on Tuesday arrested by gardai at the Co Westmeath school and committed to Mountjoy Prison. Mr Burke is now serving his fourth term in prison, having already spent more than 500 days over three years incarcerated arising from his contempt of the court orders. Mr Justice Cregan is on Friday due to deliver a second judgment relating to other matters pertaining to Mr Burkes breach of orders, including the potential seizing of cars that were used to drive him on to the school grounds. In the High Court on Thursday, barrister Rosemary Mallon, appearing for the board of Wilsons Hospital School, informed Mr Justice Cregan Mr Burke had been arrested and returned to Mountjoy. Ms Mallon said she was making an application for Mr Burke to be produced at Fridays hearing, and said he could attend virtually. The judge made the order allowing Mr Burke to attend remotely by videolink. Mr Burke was a teacher at the school until his suspension three years ago, arising from his behaviour in reaction to a direction from the then principal to address a transitioning student with they/them pronouns. Soon after Mr Burkes suspension, the school obtained an order restraining his attendance at the school premises. Mr Burke has continually breached this order. Mr Burke has claimed his jailing is over his standing up for his Christian beliefs under the Constitution. In addition to being jailed, several judges of the High Court have imposed other penalties on Mr Burke over his contempt of orders, including fines. Mr Burke currently owes in excess of 225,000 in fines to the Courts Office. In his judgment last week, Mr Justice Cregan said it served no useful purpose to impose further fines on him because he had continued to breach the court orders and had not voluntarily paid a euro towards the fines. Other measures to prevent Mr Burkes trespassing at the school had also failed, the judge noted. There is now, in my view, no longer any option left to enforce the order of the court other than to imprison Mr Burke again for contempt of court for repeated and flagrant breaches of the court order, he said. The judge also said he intended to invoke criminal contempt of court. This type of contempt differs from civil contempt, and is contempt for disrupting the court. He asked that the Attorney General also bring criminal contempt proceedings against other members of the family his mother Martina, his brother Isaac and sister Ammi as well as against Enoch himself. Lawyers for a woman who killed her three children while suffering from a mental disorder will bring a High Court action next month seeking to challenge a coroner's decision to limit medical evidence in the inquests into their deaths. Deirdre Morley, who was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the killings, is seeking a judicial review of the decision of Dublin District Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane on October 7. Dr Cullinane decided not to allow medical professionals who treated Ms Morley before the killings to give evidence about her mental state at the time. Ms Morley, a paediatric nurse, killed Conor, 9, Darragh, 7, and Carla McGinley, 3, at their home in Newcastle, Co Dublin, in 2020. She was found not guilty by reason of insanity in 2021 following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. An autopsy found the three children died by suffocation. Ms Morley's lawyers have argued the inquest would be "insufficient and inadequate" if it did not assess the state of her mental health at the time of the killings through evidence from those who treated her in the six months before the tragedies. Dr Cullinane intends instead to rely on expert witness testimony from consultant psychiatrists Dr Brenda Wright and Dr Mary Davoren, who gave evidence at Ms Morley's trial. At the High Court on Thursday, Fiona Gallagher BL, for Ms Morley, told Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty her client had been committed to the Central Mental Hospital after the verdict. She said it was in "everyone's interest" that the inquest could come to a conclusion in a timely manner.. Ms Gallagher applied to have the High Court ex parte application where only one side is represented heard earlier than the date fixed, January 19, 2026. Counsel said it was coming up to six years since the January 2020 deaths and there were other parties involved that had to be taken into account, including the children's father, Andrew McGinley, and medical professionals. Ms Justice Gearty granted Ms Gallagher's application for an earlier date and adjourned the matter to December 8. After a three-day trial, the jury accepted the evidence given by Dr Davoren and Dr Wright that the accused was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killings and fulfilled the criteria for the special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster found the children had died by asphyxia from compressions of the chest area and airways. Ms Morley told gardai at the time she was overwhelmed and her thoughts had been getting darker. The court heard Ms Morley wanted to save her children from the pain and suffering she felt lay before them because of her parental shortcomings. She believed she had to take their lives as they were more damaged by her parenting skills and they had to go together. The Irish Refugee Council this week described government plans to place new obstacles in the path of refugees seeking permanent asylum in Ireland as deeply alarming. These moves, flagged by justice minister Jim OCallaghan are in the wake of the UKs newly-announced crackdown on asylum applications. In recent weeks, both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste have also dialled up the rhetoric on the need to make Ireland a less attractive destination for refugees and asylum seekers, with Micheal Martin stressing that Ireland could not be an outlier within Europe on this issue. The unspoken assumption underpinning all these statements is that the flow of refugees and asylum seekers is and always will be inwards in other words, involving people from abroad seeking safe harbour in Ireland. But how safe is this assumption? Irelands own history is deeply scarred by forced mass migration, with around 2m Irish people emigrating to the US in just the decade after 1845 to escape famine and destitution on this island. Of course, something like that could never happen again or could it? Compare Iceland and Ireland Earlier this month, the government of Iceland formally designated the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (Amoc) as an existential threat to the nation. What Iceland and Ireland have in common is that both islands benefit enormously from being directly on the northward path of the Amoc, a massive system of submarine currents that transfer vast amounts of heat energy from around the Equator and carry it northwards, in the process warming the climate of north-western Europe. Ulf Kristersson, Mette Frederiksen, Kristrun Frostadottir, the prime ministers of Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland. The Nordic Council discussed Amoc last month, and Iceland has designated its potential collapse as an existential threat. Contrast that with Ireland's response where the threat is literally a footnote in the Future Forty planning document. Picture: Jonathan Nackstrand/AFP/Getty A clear warning signal of such a shutdown has been in the recent expansion of a vast patch of fresh water, known as the cold blob, which has been growing in a region of the North Atlantic between the massive Greenland ice shelf and Ireland. This is the only area on the planet that is cooling rather than warming, and is at least in part the reason Ireland has been spared the devastating heatwaves that have wracked much of Europe in the last few years. The cold blob has developed largely as a result of vast amounts of ice melting from Greenlands giant glaciers. Since the 1980s, more than 1,000bn tonnes of Greenland ice has melted and, in the past decade, the rate of ice melt has increased sixfold. As enormous rivers of this extremely cold fresh glacial water pour into the North Atlantic, it appears to be disrupting the Atlantic conveyor that pumps warm waters northwards from the tropics. An Amoc tipping point Scientists have been warning for decades that climate change risked destabilising or even shutting down this current, with devastating consequences for the entire North Atlantic region. The strength of the current has already dropped by around 15%, but recent studies have suggested we may be fast approaching a tipping point whereby the entire ocean circulation system shuts down. Such a scenario is a direct threat to our national resilience and security, Icelands climate minister Johann Pall Johannsson told Reuters. This is the first time a climate-related phenomenon has been brought before Icelands National Security Council as a potential existential threat. In October, the Nordic Council of Ministers, representing governments in the region, brought together a panel of experts to examine the grave implications of an Amoc shutdown. The very existence of Ireland's grass-based agriculture model could be at risk if temperatures plunge. Picture: iStock A rapid regional cooling event in the North Atlantic could see the Arctic ice sheet spread much further south during winters, leading to giant icebergs posing a threat to shipping and sea lanes, with the possibility of islands such as Ireland and Iceland being effectively ice-bound for extended periods, with profound risks for food security. Dutch research modelling last year concluded that the present-day Amoc is on route to tipping. Such a shutdown would have devastating and irreversible impacts for the entire northern hemisphere, according to a letter signed by more than 40 international climate experts. Big freeze and stormy weather In this scenario, a bitter irony of global warming leading to regional cooling would see Irelands climate rapidly cooling, with mean temperatures dropping by several degrees in as little as a decade or two. This would be devastating for our grass-based agriculture system, as grass growth stops below 5-7C. For Ireland, a collapse in food production and exports would lead to an even greater dependence on food imports and the likely culling of millions of livestock, as there would not be enough fodder to maintain them. We would likely be left scrambling to produce food in heated greenhouses but, without years of advance planning and investment, this would be impossible to do at scale. A sharply increased temperature gradient between north western Europe and the tropics would generate more frequent and more powerful storms in Ireland. Stock picture: Denis Minihane Increased storminess is another expected consequence of an Amoc shutdown. Air flows are largely powered by the difference in temperature between one location or another, known as the temperature gradient. The cooling of north-western Europe would be matched by sharp increases in temperatures in the tropics, as excess heat is no longer being drawn away. This sudden increase in the temperature gradient would, according to former Nasa director James Hansen, drive superstorms stronger than any in modern times". All hell would break loose in the North Atlantic and neighbouring lands, he warned. An Ireland later this century wracked by powerful storms and locked in semi-frozen conditions for months at a time seems hard to contemplate, yet the current best-guess scientific estimate is that there is an evens chance of the Amoc shutting down before the end of this century. Amoc: Literally a footnote in Irish plans Given the gravity of the risks involved, small wonder Icelands government is now going onto an emergency footing to prepare for this eventuality. And Ireland? The Department of Finance recently published 'Future Forty', to help guide Ireland in planning all the way to 2065. The only passing reference to an Amoc collapse in this entire 240-page document is buried in the footnotes. Yet its not like we havent been warned. Then climate minister, Eamon Ryan, told the Cop29 conference in Baku last November that an Amoc shutdown would mean our temperate climate would disappear, and we would be faced with freezing temperatures, affecting our agriculture, our food security, and our entire way of life. Decades hence, Irish people needing to flee the big freeze a distinct possibility, given the pressures on Amoc may muse on justice minister Jim OCallaghans tightening up of inward migration. Brian Lawless/PA Should this scenario come to pass, life will get immeasurably more difficult in the decades ahead, with millions of Irish people likely to be trying to migrate to warmer climes. Freedom of movement for EU citizens would be one of the earliest casualties in such a world. Where would we go, and who exactly is going to welcome in an exodus of desperate Irish climate refugees? These are issues we as a society need to reflect on carefully, especially as our own politicians are now shaping up to get tough on migrants. Investigators led by the FBI's joint terrorism task force sought clues on Thursday to what drove an Afghan immigrant to open fire on two National Guard soldiers mere blocks from the White House in what officials called an "ambush" attack on Thanksgiving eve. The two soldiers, part of a militarized law enforcement mission ordered by US President Donald Trump months ago and challenged in court by officials of the District of Columbia, were hospitalized in critical condition. The suspect, who was wounded in an exchange of gunfire before he was arrested, was identified by the Department of Homeland Security as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. Mr Trump, who was at his resort in Florida at the time of the attack, released a prerecorded video statement late on Wednesday calling the shooting "an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror." He said his administration would "re-examine" all Afghans who came to the U.S. during Joe Biden's presidency. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services agency later said that it has halted processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals indefinitely, "pending further review of security and vetting protocols." According to the DHS, Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program to resettle thousands of Afghans who assisted the US during the Afghanistan war and feared reprisals from Taliban forces who seized control of their homeland after the US withdrawal. NBC News, citing an interview with an unnamed relative of the suspect, reported early on Thursday that Lakanwal served in the Afghan army for 10 years alongside US Special Forces troops and was stationed in Kandahar for part of that time. The relative also said Lakanwal was working for online retail giant Amazon.com (AMZN.O), opens new tab the last time they spoke several months ago, according to NBC News. The DHS did not include other details of his immigration record, but a Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and was approved on April 23 of this year, three months after Trump took office. Lakanwal, 29, who resided in Washington state, had no known criminal history, the official said. The shooting unfolded at midday outside a subway station in a bustling commercial area within a few blocks of the White House. Secret Service agents placed the presidential mansion under a security lockdown immediately after the shooting as a precaution. In response to Wednesday's shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the president had asked to send another 500 National Guard troops to join the more than 2,000 Guard soldiers previously mobilized in the nation's capital. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Kentucky on Wednesday, said in a post on X that the shooting proved that the Trump administration's immigration policy was justified. "We must redouble our efforts to deport people with no right to be in our country," he said. Critics of the Trump administration's immigration policy say it has employed illegally harsh tactics and swept up immigrants indiscriminately, including some with no criminal history and others here legally. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has clashed openly with Trump over the deployment of Guard troops in her city, told reporters hours after the incident, "this is a targeted shooting." At the same news briefing, Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, said the two Guard soldiers were "ambushed" and that the known assailant appeared to have acted alone. The two soldiers, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were on a "high-visibility patrol" outside the entrance to a subway station when the suspect "came around the corner," drew a weapon and immediately fired at the pair, Carroll said. After an exchange of gunfire, other National Guard troops subdued the suspect, he said. Mr Trump said in August he was ordering the National Guard deployment to fight crime in a city he said had become unsafe, despite objections from District of Columbia officials who challenged the move in court as an infringement on local government control. Wednesday's shooting came five days after a federal judge issued a ruling to temporarily block National Guard troops from performing law enforcement duties in the district without the mayor's approval, but the judge paused the effect of her order until December to allow an appeal from the Trump administration. Mr Trump, a Republican, has deployed troops in several other Democratic-led cities - Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and Memphis, Tennessee - to combat what he has described as lawlessness and violent unrest over his crackdown on illegal immigration. Democratic leaders of those cities have accused Trump of manufacturing pretexts for militarized shows of force to punish political foes. Hong Kong police have alleged unsafe scaffolding and foam materials used during maintenance work may have been behind the rapid spread of a devastating fire at a group of residential tower blocks that has killed at least 83 people and left more than 250 missing. Firefighters were still battling to reach people who could be trapped on the upper floors of the Wang Fuk Court housing complex on Thursday due to the intense heat and thick smoke generated by the fire. Late in the day, a survivor was rescued from a stairway on the 16th floor of one of the towers, the South China Morning Post reported. Just after midnight local time on Friday, authorities said the death toll had reached 83. Officials have also reported 76 people injured, including 11 firefighters, making it the deadliest Hong Kong fire in decades. Fire service officials said blazes in four of the eight apartment blocks in the estate had been extinguished and that three fires were under control. One building was not affected. Hong Kongs chief executive, John Lee, said in the early hours of Thursday that 279 people were unaccounted for, though firefighters said later that they had established contact with some of those people. Authorities have not updated the figure since. Lee said more than 900 people had sought refuge at temporary shelters overnight. Eileen Chung, a Hong Kong police superintendent, alleged: We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties. Three men from the construction company, two directors and one engineering consultant, had been arrested, Chung added, without giving further details. Chung did not name the company but police later on Thursday searched the office of Prestige Construction and Engineering Company. Officers seized boxes of documents as evidence, according to local media. The government separately identified the registered contractor for the building complex as Prestige. Noting the requirement for use of fire-retardant netting and screens on scaffolding, it said in a statement: If any violations of the requirements of the Buildings Ordinance are found, the case will be referred to the BD [Buildings Department] for handling in accordance with the ordinance, including prosecution or disciplinary proceedings. Prestige has not yet publicly commented. The Tai Po district is made up of eight 31-storey towers containing about 2,000 flats, which house about 4,800 people. The site was undergoing renovation work at the time. Fire trucks parked at the scene of a fire which broke out Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) Police alleged the buildings had been covered with protective mesh sheets and plastic that may not have met fire standards, and discovered some windows on one unaffected building were sealed with a foam material, installed by a construction company carrying out maintenance work. The fire is thought to have spread on bamboo scaffolding around the building, and was likely aided by windy conditions. Bamboo scaffolding is a ubiquitous sight across Hong Kong building sites, though the government has said it is being phased out for safety reasons. Health workers evacuate a woman from a fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) The latest fire has prompted comparisons to the Grenfell Tower inferno that killed 72 people in London in 2017. That fire was blamed on firms fitting the exterior with flammable cladding, as well as failings by the government and the construction industry. Three companies that were heavily criticised in the findings of the Grenfell inquiry last year have all continued to deny wrongdoing. The Tai Po district authorities have opened shelters in local community halls, at least one of which local media reported was full by Wednesday night, and police have set up a casualty hotline. Several forums and campaign events related to 7 December elections that had been scheduled for the coming days have also been cancelled. On Wednesday night, dozens of shocked residents, many sobbing, watched from nearby pavements as smoke funnelled up from the complex. One 71-year-old resident surnamed Wong broke down in tears, saying his wife was trapped inside. A pet dog with its owner rest at a temporary shelter near the fire scene at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) Another longtime resident, a woman surnamed Chu, said she still had not been able to contact her friends who live in the next block. After staying at a friends place on Wednesday night, the 70-year-old came back to see her home still burning. We dont know what to do, she said. Harry Cheung, 66, who has lived at Block 2 in one of the complexes for more than 40 years, said he heard a loud noise about 2.45pm (6.45am UK time) and saw fire erupt in a nearby block. I dont even know how I feel right now, he said. Im just thinking about where Im going to sleep tonight because I probably wont be able to go back home. Chinas leader, Xi Jinping, urged an all-out effort to extinguish the fire and to minimise casualties and losses, as residents voiced anger online at possible causes of the fire. One video appeared to show several construction workers smoking on the bamboo scaffolding surrounding one of the complexs blocks during the renovation process. Building standards in Hong Kong are relatively high and vastly improved in recent decades, but the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, a local advocacy group, expressed deep concern about fires associated with scaffolding, noting similar incidents in April, May and October. Residents rest at a temporary shelter after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) Though fire hazard was not cited as a reason for the phasing-out of bamboo scaffolding, there have been at least three fires involving bamboo scaffolding this year, according to the association. Wang Fuk Court is one of many high-rise housing complexes in Hong Kong, one of the most densely populated areas in the world. Tai Po, located near the border with mainland China, is an established suburban district with some 300,000 residents. Occupied since 1983, the complex is under the governments subsidised home ownership scheme, according to property agency websites. According to online posts, it has been undergoing renovations for a year at a cost of HK$330m ($42.4m), with each unit paying between HK$160,000 and HK$180,000. Smoke rises after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories on Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. (AP Photo/Chan Long Hei) The Guardian with Reuters Pope Leo XIV has arrived in Turkey on his first foreign trip. The journey fulfils the late Pope Francis plans to mark an important Orthodox anniversary and bring a message of peace to the region at a crucial time in efforts to end the war in Ukraine and ease Middle East tensions. Leos charter plane landed at Ankaras international airport ahead of a meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan and a speech to the countrys diplomatic corps. The Pope spoke to reporters aboard a flight on his way to Ankara (AP) He will then move on to Istanbul for three days of ecumenical and interfaith meetings that will be followed by the Lebanese leg of his trip. The Pope was welcomed on the tarmac of Ankaras Esenboga Airport by a military guard of honour. Strolling along a turquoise carpet, he shook hands with tourism minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, other officials and senior church figures from Turkey. Speaking to reporters on board his plane, Leo acknowledged the historic nature of his first foreign trip as pontiff and said he has been looking forward to it because of what it means for Christians and for peace in the world. Leo is preparing to meet the Turkish president (AP) Leo said he knows the visit to commemorate a key ecumenical anniversary was important for Christians. But he said he hoped his broader message of peace would resonate worldwide. He added: We hope to also announce, transmit and proclaim how important peace is throughout the world. And to invite all people to come together to search for greater unity, greater harmony, and to look for the ways that all men and women can truly be brothers and sisters in spite of differences, in spite of different religions, in spite of different beliefs. Leos visit comes as Turkey, a country of more than 85 million predominantly Sunni Muslims, has cast itself as a key intermediary in peace negotiations for the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Ankara has hosted rounds of low-level talks between Russia and Ukraine and has offered to take part in the stabilisation force in Gaza to help uphold the fragile ceasefire, engagements Leo may applaud in his arrival speech. Leo is taking part in a six-day trip to Turkey and Lebanon (AP) Turkeys growing military weight, as Natos largest army after the US, has been drawing Western leaders closer to Erdogan even as critics warn of his crackdown on the countrys main opposition party. Though support for Palestinians and an end to the war in Ukraine is widespread in Turkey, for Turks who face an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, owing to market turmoil induced by shake-ups in domestic politics, international politics is a secondary concern. That could explain why Leos visit has largely escaped the attention of many in Turkey, at least outside the countrys small Christian community. Greenfield, Mass. (Special to Informed Comment; Feature) Contradictions pervaded the latest UN climate conference (COP30) held in Belem, Brazil. Progressive President Lula da Silva of Brazil proclaimed it would a positive turning point in progress, while he authorized his state-owned oil producer to do exploratory drilling for oil near the Great Amazon Reef System. For ninety species of reef fish this is their home and habitat and for 120,000 Indigenous and tribal fishing communities on Brazils Amazon coast, their survival and livelihoods depends on fishing. Lula da Silvas commitment to slow and reverse climate crisis rings hollow in deferring his pledge to a sustainable environment until 2030. Five years is a luxury we cannot afford, given our planets plants and soils reached their peak ability to absorb climate-heating carbon dioxide in 2008, which ability has been diminishing since, causing climate warming to accelerate. Many seasoned participants and observers have stated that this conference, like all before it, has no urgency to it, providing at best a process and sometimes diplomacy but it has failed to turn promises made into critically needed action. The BBC reported that two weeks of tough talking produced nothing new, only re-hashed agreements as petrostates blocked any deals on phasing out fossil fuels.. Or by check: Juan Cole P. O. Box 4218, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-2548 USA (Remember, make the checks out to Juan Cole or they cant be cashed) Some have argued that the annual COP process has established ambitious goals, keeping 1.5 degrees Centigrade as goal (a goal we are predicted to surpass in the next five years), and creating a loss and damage fund in which rich nations that caused the climate crisis can fund poorer nations which suffer disproportionally from the damage. But process lags behind more rapid climate change and worsening inequality across the world. This political and socio-economic inequality means that a poor African country can send a few delegates to the conference while wealthy fossil fuel companies sent thousands of lobbyists who turn the COP into an oil business fair. A huge fire broke out near the end of the conference, sending tons of smoke through the conference center ceiling. It seemed like Someone was trying to tell us Something, as one reporter commented. Climate scientists consider reducing methane drastically is the only critical method by which we could restore the atmosphere in a lifetime. Recently Western countries made a pledge to reduce the most potent greenhouse gas methane by 30% by 2030; yet methane is now forecast to increase by 5% by 2030. again, developed countries have failed the world, especially Africa, Indigenous peoples, and the urban poor of the world. Nor did China, India, and Russia three of the largest emitters commit to the pledge. And the US, under Trump, is driven by his solipsistic goal to achieve energy dominance through expanding the natural gas sector gas exports (methane being the primary component of natural gas). Never miss an issue of Informed Comment: Click here to subscribe to our email newsletter! Social media will pretend to let you subscribe but then use algorithms to suppress the postings and show you their ads instead. And please, if you see an essay you like, paste it into an email and share with friends. Faith leaders formed a strong presence at the climate conference, outspoken about the symbolic and sobering setting in the Amazon forests, the vital carbon sinks of the Earth. While temperatures rise and the Earth burns, global governments response, religious leaders asserted, remains dangerously timid. They called out the moral cowardice and ethical breakdown of governments of the largest polluting countries in the West and East, North and South. The fossil fuel industry, which garners annual subsidies worth $7 trillion, has an outsized presence at the conference; only Brazil has a larger number of delegates than oil, gas and coal industries. But these faith leaders also point out that Brazil, in choosing to drill in the Amazon while espousing climate action goals is no different from many countries: Britain tapping into the North Sea, China leading the world in solar and wind, approving new coal power, to name a few. Itss not that leaders dont understand the science. Its that they dont want to bear the political cost of acting on it. Rev. Fletcher Harper. Photo of CARUARU, BRAZIL JUNHO 26, 2016:by Karla Vidal on Unsplash And now to the kernel of hope found in COP30: Indigenous peoples. A recent report analyzed the findings of 300 research papers and found that when Indigenous peoples and local communities in the region have strong land rights, their lands hold more carbon, their forests are denser, and the biodiversity in their forests is greater than in forests managed by others. This evidence makes the indisputable case that the countries cannot achieve their climate and biodiversity goals unless they partner with and support Indigenous people. Indigenous people protect almost 40 % of the remaining forests and 80% of the worlds biodiversity may be found on Indigenous lands. Indigenous Amazonian people were the most colorful, strong protestors, marched through the conference announcing their forests were not for sale to agribusiness, for oil exploration, illegal mining and illegal deforestation Tribes have employed all kinds of direct action to keep loggers our and restore degraded logging sites, creating protection areas around the perimeter of their forest. Their tactics also include closing roads, retaking lands by force when government not honoring it own laws. Their goal is to lift Indigenous people, out of poverty while revitalizing culture, re-establishing traditional agroforestry, and drawing carbon out of the atmosphere with re-planted forests using Indigenous methods. They are the Earths true daughters and sons. By Federico Donelli, University of Trieste (The Conversation) The competition for global influence and control is shifting. One of the places where this dynamic is playing out is the Red Sea region, which encompasses Egypt, Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Here, international rivalries, regional ambitions and local politics collide. Federico Donelli, who has studied these political dynamics and recently published Power Competition in the Red Sea, explains whats driving the regions geopolitical significance. What defines the Red Sea as a region? The region stretches from the Suez Canal to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, covering approximately 438,000km. The Red Sea borders some of the worlds most volatile regions: the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and the western shore of the Indo-Pacific area. The Red Sea region The Red Sea is rapidly becoming a highly contested zone, where traditional and emerging global powers are vying for influence and control. The decline of western geopolitical centrality, the rise of alternative powers and the increasing assertiveness of regional actors converge in the Red Sea. This has created a complex and dynamic arena in which to test future global power hierarchies. The Red Sea region is challenging the liberal international order that emerged at the end of the cold war in 1989. That order is based on: multilateralism cooperation among multiple states a free market limited state intervention in the economy liberal democracy political pluralism and individual rights. These tenets have been eroded by a combination of internal weaknesses and external challenges over the past 20 years. While competition for global power between the United States and China tends to dominate the headlines, the true laboratories of the post-liberal world order are found in regions where international, regional and local dynamics collide. The broader Red Sea region is one of them. Others are the Arctic, the South Indo-Pacific and the Balkans. Why is the Red Sea region a stage for global power competition? The region lacks a clear dominant power that is capable of imposing order. This makes it an open arena of competition among states with overlapping interests. The Red Sea has great strategic value. It connects the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific, and is a maritime route for global trade and energy. It also borders several fragile states like Sudan, Eritrea and Yemen. This combination on the one hand, limited or contested authority that leaves the area exposed to external penetration, and on the other, its significant strategic value has turned the region into a magnet for external involvement. The United States and China both have military facilities in Djibouti. Russia has sought access to Port Sudan. Gulf powers, notably Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, have expanded their presence across the Horn of Africa. Theyve done this by investing in ports, infrastructure and military cooperation especially in Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia. Turkey, Iran and Israel have also established political, economic and security ties. This links the Red Sea to the eastern Mediterranean and the Persian Gulf. However, external powers are not the only drivers of change in the region. Local actors, from Ethiopia to Sudan, Eritrea, Egypt and Somalia, are exploiting global rivalries to advance their strategic objectives. They are courting competing external powers by trading military access for security guarantees, or seeking investment in strategic infrastructure. They are also using diplomatic alignment with the US, China, Gulf states or Turkey to strengthen domestic and regional positions. These actions create a complex web of overlapping interests. These blur the line between regional and global politics. Governments and non-state actors now have multiple external patrons to choose from. They can play one power against another. This multi-alignment gives regional players leverage. It also increases volatility and uncertainty. For example, rival factions in the ongoing Sudanese civil war have sought support from external players, ranging from Saudi Arabia to the UAE. This has transformed an internal conflict into a proxy battlefield. In Somalia, local and clan authorities negotiate security and economic deals directly with foreign powers like Turkey and Gulf states, often bypassing weak local institutions. Meanwhile, landlocked Ethiopias search for sea access has drawn it into new diplomatic and security entanglements with Somaliland, Somalia, Eritrea, Egypt and Gulf countries. These examples reveal how the Red Sea arena has become a microcosm of the post-liberal order: fragmented, transactional and deeply interconnected. What are the main outcomes and lessons from this alignment? The Red Sea region reflects the broader transformation of global politics. Rather than producing a new balance, the decline of western influence has created a decentralised and competitive system. In this environment, regional areas serve as testing grounds for new patterns of interaction between global and local powers, state and non-state actors, and formal alliances and informal partnerships. While western-centric universal rules and institutions defined the liberal international order, the post-liberal order is characterised by selective engagement, bilateral bargains and flexible alignments. The Red Sea, Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division. Slightly modified. Public Domain. The result is a world where order emerges from competition rather than consensus. Competition among great powers now occurs less through international institutions and more through regional arenas. Military presence, infrastructure investment and political alliances now serve as instruments of influence. What conclusions do you draw? The Red Sea region is a reminder to scholars and policymakers that the future of international politics will not be defined solely in Washington, Beijing, Brussels or Moscow. It will also be defined in places like Port Sudan, Aden and Djibouti, where the new global order is being shaped. Regions have become true laboratories of international change. They are places where global competition interacts with local conflicts, and new models of governance and influence emerge. Local actors, state and non-state, are no longer passive recipients of external interference. They are active participants in shaping their own security environments. Federico Donelli, Associate Professor of International Relations, University of Trieste This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. by Anna Kaminski, Michigan Advance TOPEKA Collin Tuthill, president of one of the countrys largest canned and frozen food importers and distributors, said the current state of the U.S. food industry is like we live in some kind of alternate universe. The most efficient industry is being hit the hardest by tariff policies and rising costs, he said Tuesday during a video call with reporters. The folks that are taking the punches are the ones that cant really afford to take the punches, said Tuthill, president of Royal Food Import, a North Carolina-based company that distributes food to hospitals, food banks, schools and prisons. Tuthill was part of a group brought together by Tariffs Cost US, a campaign highlighting the detrimental effects of Trump administration tariff policies. Nick Levendofsky, executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union, said costs were already rising for consumers and farmers before President Donald Trump implemented tariffs. With tariffs, they are going up more, he said. Families see the effects in the cost of their Thanksgiving meals, he said. Tariffs on imported steel have increased the overall cost of canned goods. Cheeses, spices and chocolates also have become more expensive. The tariffs, which have reached the highest average rate since 1935, stack on top of higher fuel, seed, fertilizer, equipment and transportation costs, Levendofsky said. Then farmers see an even smaller share of profits. For a turkey that costs $2.40 per pound, a farmer receives 6 cents, Levendofsky said. For a $6.99, 8-pound bag of potatoes, farmers receive 94 cents. A $4.49, 18-ounce package of dinner rolls gets a farmer 9 cents. A 12-ounce bag of green beans sold for $2.49 earns a farmer 62 cents. So when we talk about tariffs, were not talking about an abstract policy. Were talking about real price increases on the foods that make up a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, Levendofsky said. Every added cost in the supply chain eventually shows up at the checkout line. The bottom line, he said, is tariffs dont protect families or farmers. Mary Carroll Dodd, owner of Red Scout Farm in western North Carolina, grows crops to sell through community-supported agriculture, at farmers markets and to local restaurants. Many of the supplies she depends upon greenhouse materials, potting soil, tools, insect netting and produce bags come from Canada, Mexico and China. Costs add up quickly and profit margins are thin, she said. Every increase means tough choices, Dodd said. That can include price hikes for customers or other cost-cutting measures, which often come at the expense of fair worker pay, she said. Because of the increase in her farms costs, she has raised the price of collard greens, kale and lettuce mix bags. We should be making it easier for family farms to survive, Dodd said, not harder. Nick Levendofsky (right), executive director of the Kansas Farmers Union, asks a question of former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman during a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition meeting on Aug. 28, 2025, in Overland Park. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector). The Trump administration has touted trade deals and proposed bailout payments to mitigate low crop prices and high production costs. The administration also has claimed Thanksgiving food prices are lower this year than in past years, which the panelists said was misleading and inaccurate. A bailout is a Band-Aid on a bullet wound, Levendofsky said. Policy shifts throughout the agriculture industry are needed, he said. Kansas has piles of sorghum that are growing by the minute, but theres no market for the farmers that grow it, he said. Farmers also need antitrust law enforcement that targets massive companies that have outsized control of markets, particularly meatpackers, Levendofsky said. I can honestly say farmers dont want a bailout, he said. They want trade, not aid. Dodd said farms need long-term, sustainable solutions that are not one-size-fits-all. Existing programs within the U.S. Department of Agricultures Natural Resources Conservation Service, such as its conservation stewardship program and cropshare programs, can provide farmers with sustainability. Tuthill said a bailout is not going to solve farmers issues. The food industry needs customers outside of the country to draw dollars back into the country, he said. For his company, tariffs and rising costs have meant fewer items going to food banks, smaller portions in school cafeterias and lower quality products in hospitals and prisons. Tariffs or taxes on food make no sense, he said. Were at a pretty sad state of affairs to see that were raising the price of food for the most in need, Tuthill said. We see it every day. This story was originally produced by Kansas Reflector, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Michigan Advance, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Michigan Advance maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jon King for questions: info@michiganadvance.com. Via Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Flin Flon, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Canadian Gold Corp. (TSXV: CGC) ("Canadian Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce ongoing results from its Phase 4 drill program at the 100%-owned Tartan Mine, near Flin Flon, Manitoba. Encouraging results, especially along the Main Zone's Western Flank, continue to support the plan to move toward a potential mine restart. Highlights include 12.3 gpt gold over 14.0 metres, 8.2 gpt gold over 9.9 metres, and 10.7 gpt gold over 4.5 metres. Canadian Gold is currently in the process of being acquired by McEwen Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX), with closing expected in early 2026. Results contained in this news release include the following areas: 1) Main Zone's Western Flank, 2) South Zone (which is parallel to the Main Zone), and 3) prospecting near the Tartan Mine (See Fig. 1, 2, 3 and 4). The continued objective of this drilling has been to increase the number of ounces per vertical metre, which could allow for higher annual gold production in a potential mine restart while driving economies of scale to lower production and development costs. Tartan Mine: Recent Highlights Main Zone - Western Flank Five new holes were drilled along the Main Zone's Western Flank. These holes successfully expanded the mineralization approximately 30 metres west, over a vertical extent of 80 metres (Fig. 2) (from 440 to 520 metres below surface). Highlights include 12.3 gpt gold over 14.0 metres, 8.2 gpt gold over 9.9 metres and 10.7 gpt gold over 4.5 metres. Canadian Gold's exploration team believes there is excellent potential to expand this area further to the west, at depth, and closer to surface. In addition to discovering additional resources to the west, there remains a good opportunity along the Eastern Flank, which has seen limited drilling at depth. Since beginning this multi-phase drill program, a total of 31 of 35 holes (89%) have successfully intersected what the Company believes to be potentially economic mineralization within the Main Zone. South Zone The objective of the ongoing drilling at the South Zone has been to expand the resource size, allowing for a higher production on a potential mine restart. Notable drilling results at the South Zone include 5.2 gpt gold over 5.0 metres in TLSZ25-38W1 and 4.4 gpt gold over 4.0 metres TLSZ25-40, each supported by internal high-grade intervals up to 12.5 gpt Au over 1.0 metre and 8.9 gpt gold over 1.6 metres, respectively (Fig. 3). TLSZ25-41 delivered a particularly significant intercept of 82.0 metres of 1.3 gpt Au, which contained multiple higher-grade sections. Collectively, these intercepts demonstrate the consistent presence of higher-grade lenses within broader mineralized envelopes. The results confirm that the South Zone remains an excellent growth opportunity requiring continued drilling and refinement of the structural controls governing gold distribution to fully evaluate its potential. Near Mine Target Generation Confirms High-Grade Gold at Surface Drill target generation on the Tartan West property, which adjoins the Tartan Mine (Fig. 4), commenced in the summer and has confirmed the presence of multiple areas of high-grade gold mineralization. Canadian Gold has an option to acquire 100% of the Tartan West property as detailed in its news release May 16, 2025. Initial work consisted of geological mapping, prospecting, and surface sampling to prioritize areas for trenching and drilling in 2026. Highlights from this work include grab samples that assays up to 28.9 gpt gold and channel samples that assayed up to 28.5 gpt gold. See Fig. 3 for target locations relative to the Tartan Mine. Canadian Gold has optioned this property on the basis that it offers strong potential to expand the resource base and align with future infrastructure investments. The Tartan Shear extends westward from the Tartan Mine and presents significant exploration potential for hosting similar gold mineralization. A consolidated development strategy with a single processing facility at the Tartan Mine sourcing ore from multiple zones, including potential discoveries along the Tartan Shear Zone, could materially reduce capital intensity on a per-ounce basis while enabling access through existing and planned underground infrastructure. Table 1. Drilling Assay Highlights Drill Hole From (metres) To (metres) Interval1 (metres) Gold Grade (gpt) Zone2 TLMZ21-03W4 780.95 784.75 3.80 8.1 MZ Including 780.95 782.00 1.05 13.4 TLMZ25-49 621.00 635.00 14.00 12.3 MZ Including 631.05 635.00 3.95 22.7 Including 634.50 635.00 0.50 118.2 TLMZ25-49W1 623.50 628.00 4.50 10.7 MZ Including 626.40 627.00 0.60 34.4 TLMZ25-49W2 627.10 637.00 9.90 8.2 MZ Including 636.20 637.00 0.80 31.6 TLMZ25-49W3 556.80 566.10 9.30 2.3 MZ Including 564.00 565.00 1.00 6.6 TLSZ25-38W1 223.00 228.00 5.00 5.2 SZ Including 227.00 228.00 1.00 12.5 TLSZ25-39 242.00 244.00 2.00 4.8 SZ TLSZ25-40 352.00 356.00 4.00 4.4 SZ Including 354.40 365.00 1.60 8.9 TLSZ25-41 343.00 425.00 82.00 1.3 SZ Including 373.00 374.00 1.00 7.2 Including 388.00 389.00 1.00 6.5 Including 417.30 418.05 0.75 6.4 TLSZ25-42 350.15 355.00 4.85 3.8 SZ Including 350.15 351.07 0.92 12.1 TLSZ25-44 371.80 376.00 4.20 2.7 SZ Including 375.00 376.00 1.00 5.5 TLSZ25-46 217.00 225.00 8.00 2.4 SZ Including 223.00 224.00 1.00 6.2 TLSZ25-47 255.00 258.00 3.00 4.2 SZ Including 257.00 258.00 1.00 9.1 1Interval widths reported; true widths of the system are not yet known due to lack of drilling. 2SZ and HWZ refers to the South Zone and Hanging Wall Zone. NSA* No significant assay Table 2. Details of Drill Holes Reported in This News Release Drill Hole Azimuth (Degrees) Dip (Degrees) Length (metres) Easting (UTM) Northing (UTM) TLMZ21-03W4 225 -65 821 324450 6082401 TLMZ25-49 205 -68 671 324450 6082401 TLMZ25-49W1 205 -68 683 324450 6082401 TLMZ25-49W2 205 -68 686 324450 6082401 TLMZ25-49W3 205 -38 626 324450 6082401 TLSZ25-38W1 011 -56 280 324785 6081959 TLSZ25-39 335 -58 299 324943 6082011 TLSZ25-40 358 -51 380 324863 6081922 TLSZ25-41 008 -58 476 324863 6081922 TLSZ25-42 013 -54 464 324863 6081922 TLSZ25-43 013 -51 458 324863 6081922 TLSZ25-44 003 -56 408 324863 6081922 TLSZ25-45 003 -61 437 324863 6081922 TLSZ25-46 335 -45 241 324943 6082011 TLSZ25-47 345 -55 275 324786 6081955 TLSZ25-48 344 -50 230 324786 6081955 Social Media Accounts: X (Twitter) Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Qualified Person The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Wesley Whymark, P. Geo., Consulting Geologist for the Company, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101. Technical Information The drill core samples collected by Canadian Gold Corp. and described in this news release were transported in secure sealed bags for preparation and assay by either Paragon Geochemical in Surrey, BC or ALS Labs in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The drill core samples reported are NQ size core samples crushed in their entirety to 80% passing -10 mesh, with one 500 g subsample split and analysed for gold by PhotonAssay. The surface samples reported were either field grab and channel samples that were bagged and transported to Paragon Geochemical in Surrey, BC. The entire sample was crushed in their entirety to 80% passing -10 mesh, with one 500 g subsample split and analysed for gold by PhotonAssay. About Canadian Gold Corp. Canadian Gold Corp. is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company whose objective is to expand the high-grade gold resource at the past producing Tartan Mine, located in Flin Flon, Manitoba. The historic Tartan Mine currently has a 2017 indicated mineral resource estimate of 240,000 oz gold (1,180,000 tonnes at 6.32 g/t gold) and an inferred estimate of 37,000 oz gold (240,000 tonnes at 4.89 g/t gold). (Tartan Lake Project Technical Report, Manitoba, Canada, April 2017 authored by Mining Plus Canada Consulting Ltd.). The Company also holds a 100% interest in greenfields exploration properties in Ontario and Quebec adjacent to some of Canada's largest gold mines and development projects, specifically, the Canadian Malartic Mine (QC), the Hemlo Mine (ON) and Hammond Reef Project (ON). McEwen Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) holds a 5.6% interest in Canadian Gold, and Robert McEwen, the founder and former CEO of Goldcorp, and Chairman and CEO of McEwen Inc., holds a 32.5% interest in Canadian Gold. CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This news release of the Company contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Canadian Gold's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Figure 1. Tartan Mine plan map illustrating the location of the Main and South Zones Figure 2. Tartan Mine - Main Zone Longitudinal Section Figure 3. Tartan Mine - South Zone Longitudinal Section Figure 4. Tartan West property illustrating location of grab and channel sample assay highlights VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / ESGold Corp. ("ESGold" or the "Company") (CSE:ESAU) (Frankfurt:Z7D) (OTCQB:ESAUF) is pleased to announce that the Company intends to proceed with a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,500,000 flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares") at a price of C$0.85 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $2,975,000 (the "Offering"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. will be acting as a finder in connection with the Offering. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering to fund the exploration on the Company's Montauban Property in Quebec. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as defined in paragraph (f) of the definition of "Canadian exploration expense" in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in section 359.1 of the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026 and renounced to the purchasers of FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares. The Company may pay finder's fees to eligible finders in connection with the Offering. The Offering is expected to close on or about December 8, 2025. Closing of the Offering is subject to various conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation. About ESGold Corp. ESGold Corp. (CSE:ESAU)(OTCQB:ESAUF)(FSE:Z7D) is a fully permitted, fully funded, pre-production mining company advancing a scalable clean mining model across North and South America. The Company's flagship Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec is under construction with production anticipated in 2026. ESGold is also advancing a joint venture in Colombia, validating one of South America's most prolific gold regions for tailings reprocessing and systematic exploration. With a dual-track strategy of cash flow today and discovery tomorrow, ESGold is building a platform for clean, sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value. For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces. Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel. For further information or to connect directly, please reach out to Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold Corp. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 250-217-2321. On behalf of the Board of Directors ESGold Corp. Paul Mastantuono Chairman & COO This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +1-888-370-1059 Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the proceeds from the Offering and the intended use thereof; the intention and timing related to incurring Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation thereof; and the payment of possible finders fees. These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company's operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive. The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. La Verde Porphyry Discovery Exceeds Expectations Highlights First diamond drillhole DKD032 records 529 m grading 0.41% Cu and 0.21 g/t Au from 41m to end of hole including 148 m grading 0.60% Cu and 0.30 g/t Au from 70 m depth and including 66 m grading 0.45% Cu and 0.31 g/t Au from 295 m depth Twin diamond drillhole DKD032 significantly extends discovery drill result from DKP002, which previously recorded 308m grading 0.5% Cu and 0.3g/t Au from 46m depth to end of hole. Copper-gold mineralisation extended both laterally and vertically, with end of hole recording 14 m grading 0.35% Cu and 0.12 g/t Au. 2,700m of drilling complete, with assays pending for five diamond drillholes, all of which intersected broad widths of copper porphyry style mineralisation. PERTH, Australia, Nov. 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Hot Chili Limited (ASX: HCH) (TSXV: HCH) (OTCQX: HHLKF) ("Hot Chili" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a drilling update from its La Verde coppergold (Cu-Au) discovery, located roughly 30 km south of the Company's Costa Fuego Copper-Gold (Cu-Au) Project ("Costa Fuego" or "the Project") planned central processing hub in Chile's coastal Atacama region. Phase two diamond drilling began on 22 September 2025 with one rig operating on a double-shift basis, with six drillholes now complete. This program aims to extend the initial +0.2% Cu discovery footprint of 1,000 m by 750 m by 400 m depth, while also extending the +0.3 g/t Au distribution identified during Phase one. Initial assays from twin diamond drillhole DKD032 have exceeded expectations, delivering a standout result of 529 m grading 0.41% Cu and 0.21 g/t Au from 41m to end of hole. Importantly the new drill result: Confirms convergence of higher-grade Cu-Au mineralisation centres at depth (Figure 2) Significantly expands both vertical and lateral extent of the northeastern higher-grade mineralisation centre, characterised by a high gold-to-copper ratio (Figure 3) Materially extends the original 308 m intercept (RC hole DKP002) by a further 221 m to end of hole (570 m) (Figure 4) These latest results have significant implications for the growth of Hot Chili's Costa Fuego Mineral Resource base and scale of planned future operations. DKD032 was terminated early due to mechanical issues and there are plans to re-enter the hole following completion of the Phase two program, with the final sample recording 0.53% Cu and 0.20 g/t Au. Remaining drillholes are predominantly diamond tails of Phase one RC drillholes, which like discovery drillhole DKP002 - ended in mineralisation. All six drillholes completed to date have intersected porphyry-style copper mineralisation beyond the previous RC drill limit, pushing the vertical extent of the system to approximately 600 m deep with further lateral growth to the east and west. Three of the holes twinned earlier RC drilling and continued deeper, while three were drilled as diamond tails to further extend mineralisation at depth. Assay results for the remaining holes are pending, with laboratory turnaround times extended due to high seasonal sample volumes across Chile. Further results will be released to the ASX in the coming weeks. Impact modelling by Hot Chili has outlined the potential for significant additional open pit material to be added to the front-end of Coast Fuego's 20 year mine schedule, providing both mine life growth and materially enhanced financial metrics to Hot Chili's March 2025 Pre-feasibility Study for Costa Fuego. The Company looks forward to providing further updates on the results from drilling activities at La Verde. This announcement is authorised by the Board of Directors for release to ASX and TSXV. For more information please contact: Christian Easterday Managing Director & CEO Hot Chili Tel: +61 8 9315 9009 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Carol Marinkovich Company Secretary Hot Chili Tel: +61 8 9315 9009 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Graham Farrell Investor & Public Relations Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit Hot Chili's website at www.hotchili.net.au Table 1. New Significant Drilling Intersections from La Verde Hole ID Coordinates Azim. Dip Hole Depth Intersection Interval Copper Gold Silver Molybdenum. North East RL From To (m) (% Cu) (g/t Au) (ppm Ag) (ppm Mo) DKP0032 6,785,967 324,835 1,202 270 -60 569.9 41 569.9 528.9 0.41 0.21 0.85 13 And incl 70 218 148 0.60 0.30 0.84 13 And incl 295 361 66 0.45 0.31 0.96 10 And incl (to EOH) 556 569.9 13.9 0.35 0.12 0.79 13 Notes to Table 1: Significant intercepts for La Verde are calculated above a nominal cut-off grade of 0.2% Cu. Where appropriate, significant intersections may contain up to 30m down-hole distance of internal dilution (less than 0.2% Cu). Significant intersections are separated where internal dilution is greater than 30m down-hole distance. The selection of 0.2% Cu for significant intersection cut-off grade is aligned with marginal economic cut-off grade for bulk tonnage polymetallic copper deposits of similar grade in Chile and elsewhere in the world. 1 See Page 7 of this announcement for detail on the US$3.50 Cu and US$6.00 Cu conceptual open pit shells (Exploration Targets). Any potential tonnage and grade of the Exploration Target shown is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource within the target area, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource. Qualifying Statements Conceptual Open Pit Shells Conceptual open pit shells represent Exploration Targets as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC Code). They are based on completed exploration activities reported in the announcement released 19 May 2025 ('Hot Chili Announces Latest Drill Results for La Verde, Doubling Porphyry Discovery Footprint'). The conceptual open pit shells were generated using copper (Cu) prices of US$3.50/lb Cu and US$6.00/lb Cu on a series of nested Cu grade shells. Other input parameters informing the conceptual open-pit shells (pit slope angles, mining cost, processing cost, etc.) were derived from values reported in the March 2025 Costa Fuego Pre-feasibility Study and are considered appropriate for the style of mineralisation encountered at the La Verde Cu-Au porphyry discovery. Any potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target shown is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource within the target area, and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource. Further exploration activities are detailed in this announcement and include (but may not necessarily be limited to) a program of diamond drillholes aiming to extend the mineralised footprint at La Verde. Drilling commenced on 22 September 2025, with the length of the program dependent on a number of considerations including (but not limited to) the results of the exploration activities and regulatory applications and approvals. Qualified Person NI 43-101 The technical information in this announcement has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Christian Easterday, MAIG, Hot Chili's Managing Director and a qualified person within the meaning of NI43-101. Competent Person JORC The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Targets for the La Verde project is based upon information compiled by Mr Christian Easterday, the Managing Director and a full-time employee of Hot Chili Limited, who is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG). Mr Easterday has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a 'Competent Person' as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC Code). Mr Easterday consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based on their information in the form and context in which it appears. Disclaimer The information in this announcement relating to the Exploration Results for La Verde was previously reported in the Company's announcements 'Hot Chili Confirms Major Cu-Au Porphyry Discovery at La Verde', 'Hot Chili Announces Latest Drill Results for La Verde, Doubling Porphyry Discovery Footprint' and 'District-Scale Porphyry Cluster Potential Emerging at La Verde Cu-Au Discovery' released to ASX on 26 February 2024, 19 May 2025 and 29 May 2025 respectively, which are available to view on the Company's website at www.hotchili.net.au/investors/investor-centre/market-announcements. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements. 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 announcement. Forward Looking Statements This announcement contains certain statements that are "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and Australian securities legislation (each, a "forward-looking statement"). Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current expectations, forecasts, and projections with respect to future events, many of which are beyond the Company's control, and are based on certain assumptions. No assurance can be given that these expectations, forecasts, or projections will prove to be correct, and such forward-looking statements included in this announcement should not be unduly relied upon. Forward-looking information is by its nature prospective and requires the Company to make certain assumptions and is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "estimate", "expectations", "may", "plan", "potential", "project", "reinforce", "unlock", "large-scale", "could", "should", "will", "would", variants of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements within this announcement are based on information currently available and what management believes are reasonable assumptions. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this announcement. In this announcement, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the potential of the La Verde discovery; regulatory applications and approvals; the timing and results of future economic studies; and the Company's future exploration and other business plans. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from a conclusion, forecast or projection contained in the forward-looking statements in this announcement, including, but not limited to, the following material factors: the ability of drilling and other exploration activities to accurately predict mineralisation; operational risks; risks related to the cost estimates of exploration; sovereign risks associated with the Company's operations in Chile; changes in estimates of mineral resources or mineral reserves of properties where the Company holds interests; recruiting qualified personnel and retaining key personnel; future financial needs and availability of adequate financing; fluctuations in mineral prices; market volatility; exchange rate fluctuations; ability to exploit successful discoveries; the production at or performance of properties where the Company holds interests; ability to retain title to mining concessions; environmental risks; financial failure or default of joint venture partners, contractors or service providers; competition risks; economic and market conditions; and other risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this announcement and elsewhere in the Company's public disclosure record. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are based upon assumptions which the Company believes to be reasonable, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. With respect to forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, the Company has made assumptions regarding: future commodity prices and demand; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; future currency exchange and interest rates; the impact of increasing competition; general conditions in economic and financial markets; availability of drilling and related equipment; effects of regulation by governmental agencies; future tax rates; future operating costs; availability of future sources of funding; ability to obtain financing; and assumptions underlying estimates related to adjusted funds from operations. The Company has included the above summary of assumptions and risks related to forward-looking information provided in this announcement to provide investors with a more complete perspective on the Company's future operations, and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive therefrom. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made herein, please refer to the public disclosure record of the Company, including the Company's most recent Annual Report, which is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all those factors or to assess in advance the impact of each such factor on the Company's business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements and are made as of the date of this announcement. Except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this announcement or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise. Investors should read this entire announcement and consult their own professional advisors to ascertain and assess the income tax and legal risks and other aspects of an investment in the Company. Key Highlights Channel sampling at Reliquias Ayayay vein: 1.07m @ 336 g/t Ag, 10.7 % Pb, 11.7 % Zn, 2.7 % Cu and 0.34 g/t Au Ayayay vein: 1.04m @ 414 g/t Ag, 17.3 % Pb, 8.5 % Zn, 3.1 % Cu and 0.28 g/t Au Tensional Ayayay vein: 0.82m @ 510 g/t Ag, 7.4% Pb, 13.3% Zn, 1.0% Cu and 0.31 g/t Au Tensional Ayayay vein: 1.17m @ 168 g/t Ag, 5.3% Pb, 10.1% Zn, 0.4% Cu and 0.15 g/t Au TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2025 /CNW/ - Silver Mountain Resources Inc. ("Silver Mountain" or the "Company") (TSXV: AGMR) (OTCQB: AGMRF) is pleased to provide an update on ongoing underground channel sampling and early-stage stockpiling of mineralized material at its Reliquias Project, located in Huancavelica, Peru. These activities are part of the Company's planned mine-readiness work aimed at starting commercial production at its Reliquias Project during Q3 of 2026. Alvaro Espinoza, President and CEO of Silver Mountain, said: "We are encouraged by the consistent strong grades from the Ayayay vein and associated structures reinforcing the high-grade quality of the Reliquias deposit. The commencement of stockpiling adds to the substantial progress that we have been making at Reliquias, now visible on site. We are advancing the project with purpose as we work toward our targeted commercial production in Q3 2026. Our shareholders can expect continued delivery on the milestones that support that timeline. I am proud to highlight the outstanding performance of our team underground." Recent channel samples collected by the Company's technical team from the Ayayay and Matacaballo vein systems, which include conjugate or "Tensional" veins, on Level 340 have returned high grades of silver, lead, zinc, and copper. The silver equivalent grades obtained during this round of sampling often exceed those reported in the mineral resource estimate (see https://agmr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Final_-_7_-_AR_Tech_Report.pdf), confirming the existence of readily accessible high grade polymetallic veins at various mine levels. All samples were collected perpendicular to the veins using portable rock saws. Table 1 shows a summary of the results from the eight recently sampled channels. Table 1: Underground channel samples reported in this news release Level Vein Channel Sample Type Width Silver Lead Zinc Copper Gold Ag_Eq1 m g/t % % % g/t Oz/t 340 Ayayay CN-07 SMR-025269 Vein 1.07 336 10.70 11.70 2.70 0.34 27.34 CN-08 SMR-025272 Vein 1.04 414 17.30 8.50 3.06 0.28 32.08 Tensional Ayay_1 CN-05 SMR-025262 Vein 0.82 510 7.40 13.30 0.98 0.31 30.11 CN-06 SMR-025265 Vein 1.17 168 5.30 10.10 0.38 0.15 15.07 Tensional Ayay_2 CN-01 SMR-025248 Vein 0.65 82 3.20 4.10 0.24 0.26 7.69 CN-04 SMR-025259 Vein 0.97 114 2.43 4.10 0.32 0.09 8.00 Matacaballo CN-02 SMR-025251 Vein 0.90 16 0.33 0.53 0.03 0.04 1.13 CN-03 SMR-025255 Vein 0.44 29 0.11 0.75 0.04 0.07 1.61 Note: 1. Silver equivalent (Ag_Eq) grades are calculated using metal prices of: Ag US$32.40/oz., Au US$3,188/oz, Cu US$9,502/tm, Pb US$1,984/tm and Zn US$2,756/tm. Silver equivalent grade is calculated as Ag_Eq (oz/t) = (Ag (oz/t) + (Au (g/t) * 2.15) + (Cu (%) * 1.03) + (Pb (%) * 0.58) + (Zn (%) * 0.58), using metallurgical recoveries of 94.5% Ag, 81.2% Au, 89.6% Pb, 85% Zn, and 93.6% Cu. Figure 1 below presents a level plan of Level 340 at the Reliquias mine, where Company crews are continuing to upgrade underground workings in preparation for upcoming commercial production. The Company also announces that it has now stockpiled approximately 525 metric tonnes of strongly mineralized material from ongoing rehabilitation and development activities at Reliquias, sourced entirely from the Ayayay vein system. This material was collected from 22 metres of new underground development, with initial extraction focused on levels 340 and 390, contributing roughly 150 and 375 tonnes respectively, all of which have been transported to the stockpile at the nearby Caudalosa plant. Building this stockpile is a key step in ensuring a smooth and efficient ramp-up once commercial mining operations begin. With underground work advancing steadily, the Company remains on track to meet its commitment to commence commercial production at the Reliquias mine in Q3 2026. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Silver Mountain Resources Inc. Alvaro Espinoza, Chief Executive Officer Qualified Person The scientific and technical content in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Antonio Cruz Bermudez, P. Geo. and Registered Member FAIG, who is a "qualified person" (as defined in National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects) and independent of the Company for purposes of Section 1.5 of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Silver Mountain Silver Mountain Resources Inc. is a Canadian mining company focused on the exploration and development of silver projects in Peru. The Company's principal asset is the Reliquias Project, a past-producing silver mine located in the Castrovirreyna district of Huancavelica. Silver Mountain is committed to creating long-term value for its shareholders through responsible mining, strong community engagement, and sustainable development practices. For additional information on the Reliquias Project, please refer to the technical report titled "Amended and Restated NI 43-101 Technical Report: Preliminary Economic Assessment, Reliquias Mine, Department of Huancavelica, Peru" dated October 28, 2024 (with an effective date of May 15, 2024), which was prepared for the Company by Steven L. Park, Antonio Cruz Bermudez and Gerardo Acuna (the "Reliquias PEA"). Readers are encouraged to read the Reliquias PEA in its entirety, including all assumptions, parameters, qualifications, limitations and methods therein. The Reliquias PEA is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context. The Reliquias PEA was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and is available electronically on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silver Mountain's issuer profile. For further information about our drill program, including cross sections of the main veins with drill hole locations, please refer to our corporate presentation, available on our website at www.agmr.ca. Sampling, QA/QC, and Analytical Procedures Silver Mountain follows systematic and rigorous sampling and analytical protocols which meet industry standards. These protocols are summarized below. Rock channel samples were collected with an electric percussion hammer and do not exceed 1.0 m in length. Channels are broken at obvious geologic boundaries to correctly separate rock types and mineralization styles. The sample bags were sealed with a plastic zip tie and identified with a unique sample number, pending shipment to a certified laboratory sample preparation facility. Samples are sent by batch to the ALS and Certimin laboratories in Lima, Peru for assaying. Silver Mountain independently inserts certified control standards, fine and coarse blanks, and duplicates into the sample stream to monitor data quality. These standards are inserted "blindly" to the laboratory in the sample sequence prior to departure from the core storage facilities. At the laboratory, samples are dried, crushed, and pulverized and then analyzed using a fire assay-AA finish analysis for gold and a full multi-acid digestion with ICP-AES analysis for other elements. Samples with results that exceed maximum detection values for the main elements of interest (Ag, Zn, Pb, Cu) are re-analyzed using precise ore-grade ICP analytical techniques, while high gold values are re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (together, "forward-looking statements").These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require Silver Mountain to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. Words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "continue", "objective", "strategy", variants of these words or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and the conditional, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements include statements pertaining to: the significance of the channel sampling at Reliquias and early-stage stockpiling of mineralized material; the Company's planned mine readiness work; the timing and ability of the Company to recommence commercial production at its Reliquias Project during Q3 of 2026 (if at all); management's belief of the strong grade from the Ayayay vein; the ability of the Company to achieve stated milestones; expectations regarding having access to sufficient funding to achieve stated milestones; the assumptions, qualifications and limitations in the Reliquias PEA; the capital resources available to the Company; the ability of the Company to access capital as and when required and on terms acceptable to the Company; the ability of the Company to execute its planned activities; management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments; future mining activities. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Silver Mountain's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors identified in the Company's continuous disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silver Mountain's issuer profile, including under the headings (i) "Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk Factors" in the Annual Information Form of the Company dated July 17, 2025 for the year ended December 31, 2024; (ii) "Risk Factors" in the final base shelf prospectus of the Company dated October 16, 2025; and (iii) "Risk Factors" in the prospectus supplement of the Company dated November 12, 2025. Silver Mountain undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for Silver Mountain to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Teako Minerals Corp. (CSE: TMIN) (the "Company" or "Teako") is pleased to announce the successful completion of its 2025 field program on four (4) 100%-owned uranium ("U") projects in northern Norway (the "Projects"). The field mapping/sampling program has confirmed the prospectivity of these Projects for uranium deposits associated with felsic intrusions / pegmatites, and was complemented by a ground gamma-ray spectrometry survey which returned elevated U concentrations (up to 7,114 ppm1) at the Svarthola project. The northern Norway U Projects form part of the energy metals portfolio within the Company's Project Hub model, and complement the Company's ongoing exploration focus on its base metals projects in the County of Trndelag. 2025 Uranium Field Program Field work conducted at the Svarthola, Tverrlandet, Lavangen, and Kvfjord Projects (or each a "Project") in northern Norway (Figure 1) comprised detailed geological mapping and sampling of uranium mineralization across all four projects, complemented by ground-based gamma-ray spectrometry surveys conducted with a Georadis GT40 spectrometry unit ("GT40") to acquire uranium concentrations. Figure 1: Location map of the Svarthola, Tverrlandet, Lavangen and Kvfjord Projects 1 Spectrometer analyses were performed on select samples which may not be representative of all mineralization hosted within the Projects. The Svarthola Project The Svarthola Project is situated approximately 10 km north of the town and port of Fauske in Nordland and contains the Harelifjell occurrence ("Harelifjell"). Mineralization at Harelifjell has been identified as zones of uraninite mineralization within an aplite body. This aplite can be traced up to 1.4 km NE-SW with historic rock-chip grades confirmed up to 5% U (Lindhal 1984)2. The target was to characterize the Harelifjell mineralization, sample the known mineralized areas and map out radiometric anomalies associated with the occurrence, via a high-resolution survey with the GT40. Mineralization consists of fracture zones and dark black biotite-uraninite within the aplite body, with U grades from the Company's survey reaching 7,114 ppm (Figure 2). Historical drilling failed to replicate surface grades and raised questions about depth continuity. However, to the northeast of Harelifjell the GT40 also identified areas with U enrichment at significantly lower topographical elevation, suggesting greater potential depth continuity of mineralization than previously thought at Harelifjell. This second area of enrichment highlights the strike potential of the Svarthola Project, with initial exploration confirming U potential over a minimum 1 km strike length. Figure 2: Svarthola Project map highlighting the potential strike length of mineralization at Harelifjell. The inset map shows the radiometric data across the Svarthola Project highlighting further potential across the region (radiometric data edited to present only highest data). The Tverrlandet Project At the Tverrlandet Project, which is situated approximately 45 km southwest of Narvik, the focus was to assess the rare earth elements ("REE") and U potential of the northern Tysfjord basement window, within the TIB-2 granites. Historical soil geochemistry data collected by the Norwegian Geological Survey (the "NGU") identified local soil anomalies reading up to 19.2 ppm U2, recorded around the area the Teako field crew focussed its exploration efforts. The results of the GT40 survey of the area showed U enrichment in and around pegmatites, with elevated gamma readings identified around the new Kulhornet target (Figure 3). The general locations and elevated values of the uranium in the soil data provided by the NGU raises questions regarding the source of these elevated values, if they are also linked to pegmatites, or if there is a second source of uranium in this region. Figure 3: Tverrlandet Project map with NGU soil sampling data (Finne & Eggen, 2013) overlain, with select GT40 survey readings across the area of investigation (inset) The Lavangen Project The Lavangen Project is situated 37 km north of the major port of Narvik and hosts the pegmatite hosted Spansdalen uranium occurrence, the focus base of this initial investigation. Radiometric studies of this area in the 1980's highlighted the Spansdalen occurrence to contain values reaching 2543 ppm U (Lindhal 1983)2. Rock samples taken by the NGU in the 1990's also revealed uranium grades up to 1155 ppm2. The goal was to assess the historical Spansdalen occurrence with the GT40 and extend this survey over select areas of interest. The GT40 results showed readings of mineralization (up to 930 ppm U1) (Figure 4). Figure 4: Lavangen Project overview highlighting the granitic gneiss inlier over the project area. Radiometric data from the NGU has been altered to show the highest values. Within the Spansdalen occurrence uranium and molybdenum mineralization was identified by field crews within fracture zones (Figure 5). This enrichment may suggest that the pegmatites at the Lavangen Project are part of a system of later phase or evolved pegmatitic intrusions with structures present across the project area. The orientation of this outcropping mineralization indicates the potential for strike extension to the northeast. Figure 5: Outcropping molybdenite and secondary uranium mineralization within the Spansdalen pegmatite The Kvfjord Project At the Kvfjord Project, which lies approximately 10 km west of the town of Harstad, exploration efforts concentrated around the historical Berg disseminated sulphide deposit, with a renewed focus on its uranium potential. Historic work around the old workings was focussed on base metal extraction with chalcopyrite and pyrrhotite being the main sulphides present. Uraninite mineralization has been found around the Berg deposit itself with the NGU reporting mineralization up to 9181 ppm U and with work in 1982 reporting grades of 0.3% U (Often, 1982)2. The GT40 survey over the area identified uranium with assay function data (reaching 24 ppm1). These data were compared to regional and historical data which highlights untested areas with promising radiometric data, with the largest anomaly being in the northern part of the Project (Figure 6). Figure 6: Overview of the Kvfjord project with inset of the area of investigation with the GT40. The background radiometric map has been edited to highlight the highest U values, indicating multiple areas of interest over the project. 2 The Company has not undertaken sufficient analytical work to confirm reported historical assay results, but believes these to be reliable and relevant to the discussion on known mineralization at the Projects. Qualified Persons and Disclosure Statement The technical information presented in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements as set out in National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and reviewed and approved by Eric Roth, a Non-Executive Director of Teako and Qualified Person under NI 43- 101. Mr. Roth holds a Ph.D. in Economic Geology from the University of Western Australia, is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), and is a Fellow of the Society of Economic Geologists. Mr. Roth has over 35 years of experience in international minerals exploration and mining project evaluation. About Teako Minerals Corp.: Teako Minerals Corp. is a Vancouver-based mineral exploration company committed to acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral properties in Norway, focusing on critical metals such as copper, cobalt, zinc and molybdenum. By leveraging leading-edge exploration technologies and strategic partnerships, Teako aims to address the growing demand for essential minerals while generating value for shareholders and stakeholders alike. Teako's Project Hub, including the Lkken and Venna main projects, covers an extensive land package prospective for copper, cobalt, zinc, gold, platinum group elements (or "PGE"), uranium, antimony, molybdenum and rare-earth-elements. The Project Hub strategy was initially developed from the Company's first-mover advantage in-country, leveraging both technical skill and strong local community engagement to acquire and advance groups of both core and non-core assets. Core assets such as the Lkken-Venna district remain integral to the Company's self-funded exploration programs, whereas the Company aims to retain exposure to exploration success on non-core assets through securing deals with strong partners. These deals, if secured, are intended to potentially bring in capital and/or ongoing cash flow, retain upside exposure, and reduce overall risk, thereby strengthening Teako's foundation. Teako holds a 10% economic interest in the Hulderdalen, Moelva, Kvelde and Skarafjell projects owned by Fritze Skoger AS. Forward-Looking Information This press release may include forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, concerning the business of Teako. Forward-looking information is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the management of Teako. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "will," "may," "would," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "could" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements related to (i) the Company's expectations and views with respect to certain mining jurisdictions, future transactions and the Company's plans. Although Teako believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Teako 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. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include but are not limited to, risks associated with the mineral exploration industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; the uncertainty of mineral resource estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, and health, safety and environmental risks), constraint in the availability of services, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, changes in legislation impacting the mining industry, adverse weather conditions and uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures. These and other risks are set out in more detail in Teako's interim Management's Discussion and Analysis, July 31, 2025. All dollar figures included herein are presented in Canadian dollars, unless otherwise noted. Neither the CSE nor its market regulator accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. References Lindahl, I. (1983) Radiometriske bilmalinger i Troms 1983. NGU Rapport 84.062. Trondheim: Norges Geologiske Underskelse. Often, M. (1982) Geologiske underskelser og diamantboring ved Berg Gruve, Borkenes. NGU Rapport BV1151 Trondheim: Norges geologiske underskelse. Finne, T.-E. & Eggen, O. A. (2013) Soil geochemical data from Nord-Salten, Nordland. NGU Rapport 2013.015. Trondheim: Geological Survey of Norway (for data used in figures) Lindahl, I. (1984) Rishaugfjellvinduet og Harelifjell uranmineralisering. NGU Rapport 84.057. Trondheim: Norges geologiske underskelse Milestone advances underground exploration while maintaining commitment to environmental protection and community engagement Vancouver, British Columbia and Melbourne, Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 27, 2025) - Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) (FSE: MV3) ("SXGC", "SX2" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has received approval of its Work Plan for the exploration tunnel at its Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project in Victoria, Australia. This approval marks a significant milestone in the Company's progression from exploration success towards mine development. Over the past three years, Southern Cross Gold has systematically demonstrated one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries. Purpose and Benefits of the Exploration Tunnel The exploration tunnel (also known as an exploration decline) will provide underground access to high-grade mineralization at Sunday Creek (Figures 1 and 2). This will enable the Company to: Conduct detailed geological mapping and sampling of mineralized structures Execute precision underground drilling to expand and define the resource along strike and at depth Gather geotechnical data essential for future mine design Assess various mining methods and equipment selection for potential future operations Underground access represents a significant advancement over surface drilling alone, enabling the Company to more efficiently delineate high-grade mineralization across multiple areas. Community and Environmental Commitment Southern Cross Gold remains committed to the highest standards of environmental management and community engagement. Following extensive consultation, the tunnel design was refined to minimize impacts on the environment, cultural heritage areas, and the community. Key benefits include: Reduced impacts from 24-hour surface drilling operations Fewer surface drill pads required, protecting neighbours, native vegetation and heritage features Further information, including FAQs and fact sheets are available at www.southerncrossgoldcommunity.com.au. Community enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 1800 717 638 or Media contact: Seamus Bradley | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | +61 410 256 902 Michael Hudson, President & CEO, stated: "This Work Plan approval is a pivotal milestone in Sunday Creek's evolution from exploration discovery to future potential mine development. We are assembling the pieces needed for a commercially viable operation: an exceptional high-grade discovery with demonstrated depth continuity, strategic freehold land ownership, proven metallurgy, and now approval for underground access. "The exploration tunnel will allow us access to drill and better understand the high-grade mineralization, significantly enhancing our ability to define and expand the resource and advance technical studies. With 10 surface drill rigs operating today, the Company plans to add an additional 12 drill rigs underground after the decline completion for 22 rigs in total, making it the largest pre-development drill program in Australia. "We are grateful for the professionalism shown by Victorian government agencies throughout the approvals process. Southern Cross Gold commenced in-house engineering and environmental work in late 2024, submitted our Work Plan in late July 2025, and received approval in November 2025. "This timeline demonstrates Victoria is open for business while maintaining rigorous environmental and community standards. "We remain committed to working constructively with all stakeholders - government, community and the Taungurung people - as we advance this globally significant discovery responsibly. "This approval, combined with our strong balance sheet, and outstanding drilling results, positions Southern Cross Gold to advance Sunday Creek toward its potential as a globally significant Victorian gold producer with a strategic antimony supply that opens the door for wider made-in-Victoria opportunities." Next Steps Site establishment activities are scheduled to commence within the next month. The Company will notify nearby residents of this approval and provide ongoing updates as construction progresses. The Company is also progressing secondary approvals under the Water Act and Environment Protection Act, working closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Resources Victoria, and other relevant agencies before underground work commences. Underground construction will take 6-9 months and comply with strict operational controls to protect people, environment and infrastructure. The Company will continue to: Maintain ongoing community engagement throughout the construction process Continue the expanded drilling program across Sunday Creek's multiple high-grade prospects Advance engineering and technical studies supporting future development decisions About Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF) Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. (TSX: SXGC) (ASX: SX2) (OTCQX: SXGCF), controls the Sunday Creek Gold-Antimony Project located 60 km north of Melbourne, Australia. Sunday Creek has emerged as one of the Western world's most significant gold and antimony discoveries, with exceptional drilling results. The mineralization follows a "Golden Ladder" structure over 1.2 km of strike length, with confirmed continuity from surface to 1,100 m depth. Sunday Creek's strategic value is enhanced by its dual-metal profile, with antimony contributing approximately 20% of the in-situ value alongside gold, meaning Importantly, Sunday Creek can be developed primarily based on gold economics, which reduces antimony-related risks while maintaining strategic supply potential. This has gained increased significance following China's export restrictions on antimony, a critical metal for defence and semiconductor applications. Southern Cross' inclusion in the US Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) and Australia's AUKUS-related legislative changes position it as a potential key Western antimony supplier. Technical fundamentals further strengthen the investment case, with preliminary metallurgical work showing non-refractory mineralization suitable for conventional processing and gold recoveries of 93-98% through gravity and flotation. With a strong cash position, over 1,000 Ha of strategic freehold land ownership, and a large 200 km drill program planned through Q1 2027, SXGC is well-positioned to advance this globally significant gold-antimony discovery in a tier-one jurisdiction. This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd. Forward-Looking Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in the Company's documents filed with Canadian or Australian (under code SX2) securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia (under code SX2), as applicable, and available for the Company in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca or in Australia at www.asx.com.au (under code SX2). Documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com. The Company disclaims any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. Figure 1: Sunday Creek plan view showing conceptual surface and underground tunnel layout. Figure 2: Sunday Creek longitudinal cross section of exploration tunnel. TORONTO, Nov. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NorthWest Copper Corp. (NorthWest or the Company) (TSX-V: NWST) is pleased to announce additional positive drill results from two holes from its 2025 program at the Companys 100% owned Kwanika project in British Columbia. Drill hole K-25-281 delivered an excellent result highlighted by an intercept of 26 metres grading 0.72% Cu, 1.30 g/t Au (1.91% copper equivalent1, CuEq) confirming the Companys understanding and expectations of higher-grade zones within the Kwanika Central Zone. Both drill holes also delivered broad intervals of near-surface copper-gold mineralization, strengthening the Companys confidence in the initial phase of the projects open pit potential. The two drill holes achieved several key objectives including: K-25-281 extended the upper Central Zone by 30 metres to the northeast, in an area that is significantly wider than expected, with the Central Zone remaining open to the northeast, K-25-281 confirmed the presence of higher-grade mineralization in the lower Central Zone over substantial thicknesses, Increased understanding of a potential link between the Central Zone and Pit Zone, and Improved confidence in the continuity of near-surface mineralization over significant widths. By successfully achieving these objectives, the results underscore the potential to define and expand on the size of higher-grade mineralization within the Central Zone. This supports the Companys strategy of focusing on high-grade domains within the existing mineral resource to enhance the economics of a future Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). In parallel, the consistent near-surface mineralization encountered in the Pit Zone reinforces the opportunity for a high-grade starter pit, which could provide a strong foundation for further improvements in the economics of a future PEA. Paul Olmsted, CEO of NorthWest stated: In 2025, the Company changed its strategy to prioritize higher-grade zones within the existing mineralization at Kwanika. Results from the first seven holes of the 2025 exploration program have largely met or exceeded expectations, reinforcing the potential for meaningful grade improvements by focusing on higher-grade domains. The program to define these higher-grade zones is progressing exceptionally well, metallurgical test work is advancing rapidly, and we anticipate announcing initial results before the end of the year. This information will be used to support an updated mineral resource estimate, which will form the basis for evaluating alternative top-down underground mining methods. Our objective is clear: to deliver a more capital-efficient and economically robust open pit and underground development plan in an updated PEA compared to the 2023 PEA2. Drill Hole Highlights: K-25-281 Pit Zone: 38 metres of 0.48% Cu, 0.12g/t Au (0.61% CuEq) from 44 metres 26 metres of 0.51% Cu, 0.36g/t Au (0.85% CuEq) from 150 metres Central Zone: 40 metres of 0.63% Cu, 0.95 g/t Au (1.50% CuEq) from 254 metres including: 26 metres of 0.72% Cu, 1.30 g/t Au (1.91% CuEq) from 268 metres. K-25-282 Pit Zone: 75.7 metres of 0.93% Cu, 0.30g/t Au (1.23% CuEq) from 22.3 metres including: 43.7 metres of 1.26% Cu, 0.41g/t Au (1.66% CuEq) from 22.3 metres Geoff Chinn, VP Business Development and Exploration of NorthWest added: It is encouraging to see both holes intersect higher-grade, near-surface mineralization over significant widths, well suited to support a potential starter pit. In addition, a previously unmodelled higher-grade copper zone is emerging immediately south of Pit Zone 5, potentially improving on our understanding of mineralization within the broader Pit Zone. Hole K-25-281 supports our interpretation of two wide, continuous higher-grade mineralized intervals in the Central Zone grading between 1.5% and 2.5% CuEq over combined true thicknesses between 30 and 45 metres separated by late dykes. This hole also intersected a wide upper Central Zone interval that extends the zone by at least 30 meters towards the northeast. We also observe a clear trend of increasing gold-to-copper ratios from east to west in the Central Zone, with the Pit Zone showing a similar pattern, although rotated from south to north. This progression suggests a potential link between the two zones, and we expect that additional drill results in the coming weeks should help clarify this relationship. Kwanika Exploration Program On April 10, 2025, NorthWest announced a refined model for its flagship Kwanika project (Target Model), highlighting three key higher-grade zones: the Pit, Central and Western Zones. These zones target grades of 1.5% to 2.5% CuEq over combined true thicknesses of 30 to 45 metres, to be assessed against a more selective top-down bulk underground mining method. The 2025 exploration program is designed to confirm, define and expand on the Companys understanding of higher-grade copper-gold mineralization within the current mineral resource, with the aim of supporting alternative bulk mining methods. Early results from the first seven holes, including hole K-25-281 and K-25-282, confirm significant progress toward these objectives. Hole locations for the program are presented in Figure 1 below. Figure 2 illustrates a cross section of the position of holes K-25-281 and K-25-281 relative to the Target Model Central and Pit Zones. Continuous mineralized intercepts and collar locations are summarized in Table 1 and Table 2. Figure 1: Plan View of 2025 Program Drill Hole Location Figure 2: Cross Section of Target Model at K-25-281 and K-25-282 Drill Locations A summary of the geological aspects of the hole is presented below. Hole K-25-281: The hole was drilled with HQ core size and sampled on approximately 2-metre intervals from sawn half core material. The hole was drilled on 265 azimuth with a -70 dip to a depth of 354 metres. The primary objective of the hole was to test northeast extensions of the Central Zone in an area poorly defined by historical low-angle holes. Before entering the Central Zone, the hole intersected two near-surface zones within the Pit Zone. The first interval was a 38 metre (24 metre true width) consisting of finely disseminated sulphides in potassic-altered (monzonite), correlating with Pit Zone 8 beginning at 44 metres. The second interval, starting at 150 metres, returned 26 metres (true width unknown) of higher grades with an increasing gold-to copper ratio. This interval consisted of magnetite-hematite alteration within fine-grained porphyritic diorite with disseminated pyrite. The interval also correlates with Pit Zone 8. At 254 metres, the hole intersected a broad upper Central Zone (Zone 4) interval over 40 metres (33 metre true width) of monzonite cut by dismembered quartz stockwork. This interval was significantly wider than expected and extends the upper Central Zone approximately 30 meters to the northeast, where it remains open. Further down the hole mineralization is terminated by late dykes, then resumes on the opposite side in highly tectonized potassic alteration crosscut by dismembered quartz stockwork over 24 metres (20 metre true width). This interval correlates with the lower Central Zone (Zone 6) and similarly extends the zone 30 metres toward the northeast, where it also remains open. In summary, hole K-25-281 was successful in extending the Central Zone by approximately 30 metres toward the northeast. Hole K-25-282: The hole was drilled using HQ core size sampled on approximately 2-metre intervals from sawn half core. The hole was drilled on 140 azimuth with a -75 dip to a depth of 401 metres. The primary objective of the hole was to test the closure (intersection) of Central Zone (Zone 4) and the Western Zone (Zone 2). At 22 metres, the hole intersected a broad interval of high-grade, copper-dominant mineralization over 76 metres (54 metre true width) hosted in monzonite crosscut by quartz stockwork. This intersection helps to define the grade, geometry and orientation of a distinct high-grade copper zone immediately south of Pit Zone 5. Metal zonation in this area also shows a rotation, with high copper-to-gold ratios transitioning to high gold-to-copper ratios towards the north. This shift in metal zonation from east-west in the Central Zone to south-north in the Pit Zone provides additional support that these zones are related. In summary, hole K-25-282 successfully confirmed the presence of a separate, copper-dominant high-grade mineralized zone within the Pit Zone that may extend toward the Central Zone. This potential connection will be tested with results from holes K-25-273 and K-25-287. Otherwise, the hole was drilled too far to the east to have tested the intersection between the Central and the Western Zones. Table 1: Drill Results in this News Release3 4 Hole From To Length Zone Cu Au Ag CuEq True Width Description (m) (m) (m) (%) (g/t) (g/t) (%) Est. (m) Target Model Zone Reference K-25-281 44.0 82.0 38.0 Pit 0.48 0.12 1.68 0.61 24.4 Lower-Grade Pit Zone 8 K-25-281 150.0 176.0 26.0 Pit 0.51 0.36 2.41 0.85 Unknown Lower-Grade Pit Zone 8 Including 150.0 154.0 4.0 Pit 0.60 0.87 2.55 1.40 Unknown Lower-Grade Pit Zone 8 And 158.0 170.0 12.0 Pit 0.57 0.38 3.02 0.95 Unknown Lower-Grade Pit Zone 8 K-25-281 254.0 294.0 40.0 Central 0.63 0.95 2.75 1.50 32.8 Higher-Grade Gold Zone 4 Including 268.0 294.0 26.0 Central 0.72 1.30 3.22 1.91 21.3 Higher-Grade Gold Zone 4 K-25-281 316.0 340.0 24.0 Central 0.41 1.28 2.19 1.57 19.7 Higher-Grade Gold Zone 6 K-25-282 22.3 98.0 75.7 Pit 0.93 0.30 2.74 1.23 53.5 Unmodelled Cu Higher-Grade Pit Zone Including 22.3 66.0 43.7 Pit 1.26 0.41 3.65 1.66 19.2 Unmodelled Cu Higher-Grade Pit Zone K-25-282 134.0 160.0 26.0 Pit 0.34 0.12 1.05 0.46 19.9 Lower-Grade Pit Zone 8 Table 2: Drill Collar Information5 Hole Collar X Collar Y Collar Z Collar Azimuth Collar Dip Final Length K-25-281 351623 6156253 974 265 -70 354 K-25-282 351492 6156251 989 140 -75 401 Quality Assurance / Quality Control Drilling at Kwanika in 2025 was designed and supervised by NorthWest, implemented by InData Geoscience with assay QA/QC checks by Explore Geosolutions. Samples were collected, tracked and an external QA/QC program was implemented using blanks and standards to monitor analytical accuracy and precision. The samples were sealed on site and shipped to Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Actlabs) in Kamloops BC. The laboratorys internal quality control system complies with global certifications for quality ISO 17025. Drill core samples were analyzed using a combination of Actlabs multi-element 1F2 analysis for low level concentrations (4-Acid Digestion, ICP-OES) and the 8-4 Acid ICP-OES analysis for higher level concentrations (4-Acid Digestion, ICP-OES with automatic over limits for base metals and silver). Gold, platinum and palladium assaying was completed with 1C-OES method, using a 30-gram fire assay with ICP finish analysis. In addition, about 5% of the sample pulps are re-assayed at a secondary laboratory to confirm reproducibility and check for bias. Technical aspects of this news release have been reviewed, verified, and approved by Geoff Chinn, P.Geo., VP Business Development and Exploration for NorthWest, who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects. About NorthWest: NorthWest is a copper-gold exploration and development company with a pipeline of advanced and early-stage projects in British Columbia, including Kwanika-Stardust, Lorraine-Top Cat and East Niv. With a robust portfolio in an established mining jurisdiction, NorthWest is well positioned to participate fully in strengthening global copper and gold markets. We are committed to responsible mineral exploration which involves working collaboratively with First Nations to ensure future development incorporates stewardship best practices and traditional land use. Additional information can be found on the Companys website at www.northwestcopper.ca. On Behalf of NorthWest Paul Olmsted CEO, NorthWest Copper For further information, please contact: 416-457-3333 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Neither the TSXV 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 news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, or believes or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to statements with respect to; plans and intentions of the Company; proposed exploration and development of NorthWests exploration property interests; the Companys ability to finance future operations; mine plans; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; the development, operational and economic results of current and future potential economic studies; adding the Lorraine resource to the Kwanika-Stardust Project; the Companys goals for 2025; geological interpretations; the estimation of Mineral Resources; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future exploration prospects; the completion and timing of technical reports; future growth potential of NorthWest; and future development plans All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, constitutes forward-looking information. Although NorthWest believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information since NorthWest can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWests periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWests expectations include risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Companys mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWests filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.com). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information is made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. _______________________________________ 1 CuEq assumes consensus metal prices of $2646/oz gold, $4.34/lbs copper, $29.73/oz silver and 80% recovery for all metals, calculated as follows: [Cu+100*((Au/31.1035*Au Price*80%)/(Cu Price*2204.62*80%)+(Ag/31.1035*Ag Price*80%)/(Cu Price*2204.62*80%))]. The New Afton mine was considered as a comparable deposit and reductions to realized recoveries for New Afton were applied for the purpose of Kwanika recoveries. 2 NI 43-101 technical report titled Kwanika-Stardust Project NI 43-101 Technical Report on Preliminary Economic Assessment dated February 17, 2023, with an effective date of January 4, 2023, filed under the Companys SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.com. 3 Estimated true widths based on collar azimuth and dip and the average dip of the mineralized zone 4 CuEq assumes consensus metal prices of $2646/oz gold, $4.34/lbs copper, $29.73/oz silver and 80% recovery for all metals, calculated as follows: [Cu+100*((Au/31.1035*Au Price*80%)/(Cu Price*2204.62*80%)+(Ag/31.1035*Ag Price*80%)/(Cu Price*2204.62*80%))]. The New Afton mine was considered as a comparable deposit and reductions to realized recoveries for New Afton were applied for the purpose of Kwanika recoveries. 5 Collar coordinates reference UTM Zone 10N NAD83. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortuna Mining Corp. (NYSE: FSM | TSX: FVI) is pleased to announce that, in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, it has filed the technical report entitled Diamba Sud Gold Project, Kedougou Region, Senegal, with an effective date of October 15, 2025 (the Technical Report), supporting the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) previously announced in Fortunas news release dated October 15, 2025. The Technical Report is available on the Companys website, on SEDAR+ and on EDGAR under the Companys profile. About Fortuna Mining Corp. Fortuna Mining Corp. is a Canadian precious metals mining company with three operating mines and a portfolio of exploration projects in Argentina, Cote d'Ivoire, Mexico, and Peru, as well as the Diamba Sud Gold Project in Senegal. Sustainability is at the core of our operations and stakeholder relationships. We produce gold and silver while creating long-term shared value through efficient production, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. For more information, please visit our website at www.fortunamining.com ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD Jorge A. Ganoza President, CEO, and Director Fortuna Mining Corp. Investor Relations: Carlos Baca | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | fortunamining.com | X | LinkedIn | YouTube As his comrades died of starvation and thirst around him, Mbale Hafashimana Amos finally decided to flee the Congolese bush for a country he had always been told would butcher him on arrival. Mbale, an ethnic Hutu, was part of a militia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo called the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), initially formed by those who fled across the border after committing the Rwandan genocide in 1994. But the FDLR has been pushed to the brink of annihilation this year as a Rwanda-backed armed group, the M23, seized large parts of the region. By April, "M23 pushed us to a place where we couldn't get anything to eat," said Mbale, 37. "I saw over 150 soldiers die of starvation and dehydration. It was horrifying. This is a story I will tell anyone I meet for the rest of my days." Rwanda denies backing the M23, despite evidence from multiple international agencies, partly because the group has been accused of crimes against humanity. But Rwanda has also earned praise for welcoming and rehabilitating FDLR members who surrender. They are all ethnic Hutus, and include recent recruits as well as those who directly participated in the 1994 genocide, in which around 800,000 people, mostly ethnic Tutsis, were slaughtered. When Mbale surrendered this year, he expected to be shot. Instead, he found himself in a rehabilitation camp back in Rwanda. - 'Fearful' - Rwanda is no paradise. Dissent is ruthlessly crushed and a quarter of the population still lives in poverty, albeit down from 40 percent a decade ago, according to the World Bank. Critics argue its government exaggerates the threat of the FDLR -- whose numbers experts say are in the low thousands -- to justify taking control of eastern Congo. But few deny Rwanda has made a genuine effort to heal the ethnic divisions between Hutus and Tutsis that led to the genocide. The government gave AFP access to its rehabilitation camp at Mutobo to show off the work it does. Set among lush mountainous vegetation, it has seen tens of thousands of Hutu fighters and their families pass through since it was established in 1997. New arrivals are first given a three-week "cooling off" period, said Cyprien Mudeyi, a retired army major who runs the camp. "They are very fearful because of the ideology they have been given. Progressively the fear is removed," he said. AFP watched around 200 "beneficiaries", as they are known, sharing frank experiences with visiting peace studies students from Zambia, and singing songs with words like: "There's a secret behind the security in my country Rwanda, which has baffled the world". The arrivals spend around three months in the camp, receiving history lessons, psychological support, and training in professions like plumbing, tailoring and hair-dressing. Reaching out to the enemy was terrifying, said Nzayisenga Evariste, 33, a former FDLR corporal who arrived in September. The FDLR told him Rwandans would make him record upbeat videos about his surrender, only to then execute him. "They told us Rwanda is a country of Tutsis, where Hutus have no voice at all, and if you go there, they kill you," he told AFP. "What we were told about Rwanda was all lies." - 'Pride' - The transition back to Rwanda is not always easy. Many come home to find ancestral lands occupied by others, leading to violent confrontations. Others carry deep trauma into their new lives. "I personally didn't face any reintegration challenges, but many fellow FDLR ex-combatants have had it rough," said Nzeyimana Wenceslas, 60, who fled the Congolese jungle in 2011. He knows he was lucky. The training and support he received at Mutobo allowed him to set up a successful security firm which he said employed both Hutu and Tutsi ex-fighters, and eventually his own farm. "At one point I had more than 70 pigs," he told AFP. "It fills me with pride that I am not a burden to my country." Back at the camp, Mbale -- who was six at the time of the genocide -- hopes hard work can similarly help him build a new life from the ruins of a violent past. "I will try to catch up, because we were left far behind," he said. The Israeli army and police said Thursday they were reviewing an incident in the occupied West Bank in which two Palestinians were shot after apparently surrendering to Israeli forces. The Palestinian Authority said two men aged 26 and 37 were killed by Israeli fire, and condemned the incident in Jenin as a "war crime" and a "brutal" summary execution. Videos circulating on social media and broadcast by television channels -- including Israeli ones -- show two men advancing toward Israeli forces with their hands raised before shots ring out and the men collapse to the ground. AFP filmed part of the incident. Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir swiftly backed the forces who opened fire, saying: "terrorists must die!" Jenin is in the north of the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967. In a joint statement, the Israeli military and police said they attempted to apprehend "wanted individuals who had carried out terror activities, including hurling explosives and firing at security forces". "The forces entered the area, enclosed the structure in which the suspects were located, and initiated a surrender procedure that lasted several hours. Following the use of engineering tools on the structure, the two suspects exited. "Following their exit, fire was directed toward the suspects. "The incident is under review by the commanders on the ground, and will be transferred to the relevant professional bodies." - 'Brutal field execution' - The Palestinian Authority's health ministry named the two men killed as Yussef Ali Asa'sa, 37, and 26-year-old Al-Muntasir Billah Mahmud Abdullah. They "were shot dead by Israeli forces in the Jabal Abu Dhahir area in the city of Jenin", the ministry said, adding that their bodies were being held by Israeli forces. The foreign ministry in Ramallah said it "strongly condemns the brutal field execution carried out by the Israeli occupation army against two Palestinian youths", calling it a "deliberate Israeli war crime". It urged the international community to take "immediate action to stop the Israeli killing machine, deter these crimes, and impose urgent international protection mechanisms for the Palestinian people". The Palestinian militant group Hamas called it a "cold-blooded execution of two unarmed Palestinian youths". Meanwhile, Ben Gvir offered his total backing to the Israeli forces involved. "I fully support the border guard members and Israeli army soldiers who shot at wanted terrorists who emerged from a building in Jenin," he said on X. "The forces acted exactly as expected of them -- terrorists must die!" Violence in the West Bank has soared since Palestinian militant group Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war. It has not ceased despite the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas coming into effect last month. Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Former Machakos First Lady Lilian Nganga has voiced her concern over the rising number of young Kenyan women turning to cosmetic surgery to enhance beauty. In a post on Instagram on Thursday, November 27th, 2025, the mother of one reflected on her own youth, noting that in her 20s she and her friends were simply skinny, young girls just enjoying life. In our 20s, we were skinny, young girls just enjoying life. Idk. What changed? she asked. She warned that many young women today dislike their bodies to the point of endangering their health. Now we have 20-year-olds who hate their bodies so much to the point of endangering their lives, she said. She urged young women to embrace healthier habits such as eating well and exercising, stressing that these remain the safest and most effective ways to stay fit. and yes, to each their own But nothing tops healthy eating and exercise. Its also cheaper, even if you have the money to spend, she added. Her remarks come amid a growing social media trend where influencers openly admit spending millions on surgeries to alter their appearance. Lilian concluded by encouraging young women to appreciate their natural bodies and prioritize self-care over dangerous shortcuts. The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Homa Bay Town MP, Peter Kaluma, was forced to seek help from Kasipul MP aspirant, Philip Aroko, after he was confronted by a group of rowdy individuals at a polling station in Kasipul. In a video circulating widely on social media, Kaluma is seen holding Arokos hand and appealing to him to intervene as the tense crowd pressed toward him. The visibly shaken legislator appeared to be asking Aroko to calm the situation as the goons threatened to eject him from the station. Kaluma, who is serving as the chief agent for ODM candidate, Boyd Were, had visited the polling station to check on the progress of voting when chaos broke out. He was forced to leave the polling station before the situation escalated. Watch the video. "Kaluma this is not Homa Bay, what are you doing here..Kaluma toka hapa" pic.twitter.com/yQcnWome5k PropesaTV (@PropesaTV) November 27, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has once again caused a buzz on social media after a video of her stepping out in a striking, figure-hugging outfit during a public function emerged, leaving many heads turning. The controversial lawmaker, known for her bold fashion choices and unapologetic confidence, arrived at the event in a stylish, body-snatching dress that effortlessly highlighted her curves. As soon as she walked in, murmurs, camera flashes, and excited whispers filled the venue. A short video capturing the moment has since gone viral on social media, with netizens praising her fashion sense while others joked that she had stolen the show from the main event. From the desk of a natural Nyash enthusiast, this one is NOT nyashing. pic.twitter.com/XPSLH95RtW PropesaTV (@PropesaTV) November 26, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Thursday, November 27, 2025 - A dramatic scene unfolded at the Kanyuambora polling centre in Mbeere North when Public Service Cabinet Secretary, Geoffrey Ruku, was forced to leave the premises after being confronted by angry residents. According to witnesses, tensions flared as locals accused the CS of involvement in voter bribery during the ongoing by-election. Wajinga waliisha hii Kenya, the locals were heard shouting as they confronted the CS. Fearing for his safety, Ruku was quickly escorted out by his security team as the situation escalated. Ruku has been actively supporting UDA candidate, Leo Wamuthende, who is in a tight contest against DP party candidate, Newton Karish. How CS Geoffrey Ruku was chased from Kanyuambora polling centre in Mbeere North by angry residents following claims of voter intimidation and electoral interference. https://t.co/bMtMO7wt7K pic.twitter.com/I6XaGdMeVK Nyakundi Report (@NyakundiReport) November 27, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST High Court Reporters The High Court has cleared the way for the awarding of a 650 million contract to replace the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise Service train rolling stock. Mr Justice Michael Twomey found the balance of justice favoured the lifting of an automatic suspension which came into effect when a disappointed bidder launched a challenge to the award. Iarnrod Eireann-Irish Rail and Northern Ireland Railways Co Ltd, who operate the service, asked the court to lift the suspension after the challenge by unsuccessful Spanish tenderer, global transportation systems company, Construcciones Y Auxiliar De Ferrocarriles (CAF) SA. The rail companies claimed the suspension could mean the loss of up to 165 million of EU funding towards the project. The contract was awarded to Switzerland-headquartered Stadler Busnang AG on September 18th. In his decision, Mr Justice Twomey said that lifting the suspension leads to the least risk of injustice to the parties because of the risk that the contract will be extinguished and that the EU Funding of 165 million for the Dublin-Belfast rail line will be lost if the suspension is continued. This was a unique factor as the continuation of the suspension is likely to lead to the extinguishment of the contract with Stadler and not simply a delay in its execution and with the possibility that it might be executed with CAF, he said. This fact and the likely loss of 165 million in EU funding was, in the courts view, a significant factor in the balance of justice in favour of the lifting of the suspension. He said it was clear this case involved a detailed investigation of facts and law before one can determine how strong CAFs claim is, regarding the unlawfulness of the tender process. There is a very significant public interest in not unnecessarily delaying publicly-funded projects which reduce emission levels, he said. Another public interest attaching to the project are the significant benefits of the new trains, particularly regarding access for people with disabilities,over and above those provided by the existing trains, he said. There was also the issue of the reduction of emissions by the new trains which might be regarded as "badly needed", he said. Itr should also be noted that CAFs claim, that damages are an inadequate remedy for it - if it wins at trial - would carry more weight if it had given an undertaking to pay damages itself, which would ensure that damages would be an adequate remedy for IR/NI Rail if they win, he said. The court did not accept that if damages are awarded to CAF, it will be a difficult task to calculate those damages for loss of opportunity in respect of a re-run competition. Irish Rail and NI Railways said, that despite an overall and refurbishment in 2015 of the current locomotives and carriages on the northern line, the fleet is reaching the end of its 30-year design life at the end of 2027. It will then require significant work and investment to ensure continued safe service beyond this date. Some 3.3m people live within a 40-mile commute distance from the Dublin-Belfast line and fast and reliable services are vital to the economic life of the island. The planned investment in the service will see an hourly service between the two cities, doubling the current eight services per day to 16. It will also mean the replacement of "non-Enterprise sets" of rolling stock which do not have the same feel and kit-out as Enterprise trains. Passengers are also unhappy with them and they are more expensive to operate and inefficient. The new service will create a capacity to provide four million passenger journeys a year by 2030 with 2.4m passenger journeys expected to be taken by 2033. It will also achieve higher speeds than the current service which has a maximum speed of 90mph. A Limerick man who won 250,000 in a radio show competition last December has claimed he does not have the money to pay a 500 fine that he has owed since 2016. When Les Markham - with an address at Askeaton, County Limerick - was brought before Newcastle West District Court on foot of a bench warrant this week, he said he did not have the funds to pay the fine that was imposed on him almost ten years ago. Prosecuting Inspector Gearoid Thompson questioned Mr Markhams inability to pay, considering he a won a sizeable sum of money in the cash machine competition 12 months ago. The Inspector said he found it hard to believe that Mr Markham does not have the funds, having won a wad of money earlier. Read More: Ireland still has Covid-19 isolation rules including when to stay home for FIVE DAYS Judge Carol Anne Coolican suggested that Mr Markham go to an ATM and the case was adjourned for a short time. Mr. Markham later returned to the court with 100 in cash. Appearing before the judge wearing a black tracksuit and gold rings, he admitted he did indeed win the Today FM cash machine prize but said the money is spent and gone now. He said he used the quarter of a million tax-free winnings to do up the house and that he is not in a position to pay the fine. As you know houses are expensive, he offered by way of an explanation. Judge Coolican directed Mr Markham to pay over the 100 to his solicitor Michael O'Donnell and to appear before the court again on Thursday, November 27 to pay back the remaining balance of 400. Mr O'Donnell told the court he was reserving his position regarding legal aid. Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme. The development of a national science centre has been an absolutely unmitigated disaster and an omnishambles, a committee has heard. Fianna Fails Seamus McGrath said theres been a catalogue of mismanagement, of failed governance, of failed oversight, of failed proper procedures in relation to this project. Sinn Feins Joanna Byrne said it has been an omnishambles from beginning to end. #OireachtasTV Watch LIVE as the Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) meets to examine the 2024 Appropriation Accounts and 2024 Comptroller and Auditor General reports of @opwireland. #SeeForYourself https://t.co/gJofvpiU1g https://t.co/QOEONul2Vh Houses of the Oireachtas Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) November 27, 2025 The Committee of Public Accounts (PAC) heard on Thursday that more than four million euro of public money has been spent over 22 years on the project, which Mr McGrath said may or may never happen. The figure includes around a million euro in legal costs which arose because of two separate arbitration processes incurred by the Office of Public Works (OPW) in relation to the project. The estimated cost of the project has risen from 14.3 million euro in 2003 to more than 70 million in 2024, which does not include the value of the site. A national science and technology museum was first proposed in 2000 and the OPW first entered into an agreement with a charity called the Irish Childrens Museum Ltd (ICML) to provide a premises for a science centre in 2003. Initially it was due to be constructed on a site owned by the OPW in Kilmainham, near Heuston railway station in Dublin. In February 2007, then taoiseach Bertie Ahearn unveiled the architectural design for the science centre, but the project stalled during the economic crash. In 2013, ICML indicated it would start an arbitration process in a bid to compel the OPW to fulfil its contractual obligations under the 2003 agreement. The lease for the Kilmainham site was terminated and a new agreement was reached for a building on an OPW-owned site at Earlsfort Terrace, beside the National Concert Hall, in Dublin. Since then little progress has been made. In 2021, ICML began arbitration proceedings against the OPW again. On Thursday, the PAC heard a timeline for the project should become available when that process finalises in the next few weeks. However no Government department has sought funding for the project and OPW chairman John Conlon said: It is not a priority of any other sponsoring department who were previously involved in this, so that remains a fundamental issue. As part of the 2013 arbitration agreement, ICML has had access to two offices, for free, in the Earlsfort Terrace site, but the rest of the 9,580sq metre building remains empty. Mr Conlon described ICML as a charity which is self-financed from philanthropy which promotes Stem education. In a statement, the board of the Irish Childrens Museum Ltd, trading as the National Childrens Science Centre, said: Ireland is the only OECD country without a national science centre for children. That is the vision for the NCSC to inspire young minds with the wonder of Stem. The board has consistently sought to proactively and collaboratively engage with the OPW, various government departments and successive governments in order to identify a sponsoring department. The provision of a national science centre for children in Ireland aligns wholly with government policy to increase interest in Stem education and careers, generally and particularly amongst girls and women, and to invest in infrastructure that supports education, innovation and long-term national development. As a board, we have committed to raising 25 million euros as part of a comprehensive philanthropic programme to support the NCSC, and to co-operating with government on its requirements to get this much needed science centre for children up and running. Kilkenny Volunteer Centre has once again been recognised nationally for excellence in governance, transparency and accountability, winning the top prize in their category at the 2025 Good Governance Awards, held on Wednesday, November 19, at Chartered Accountants House in Dublin. The Centre was named the Overall Winner of Category 2, which celebrates non-profits with an annual turnover of 100,000250,000. This is the organisations second major governance achievement, having previously secured the same award in 2023. The Good Governance Awards now in their 10th year were established by Carmichael to honour charities and community organisations that demonstrate outstanding leadership and best practice in their annual reporting. More than 120 organisations from across Ireland entered the 2025 awards, with their reports assessed by a panel of experts from the nonprofit, legal, financial and academic sectors. Other charitable organisations honoured on the night included Chronic Pain Ireland, IDEA, Belong To, Womens Aid, Oxfam and the Rehab Group. Announcing the winners, the judging panel praised Kilkenny Volunteer Centre for continuing to strengthen and refine its governance structures. They noted that the organisations recent annual report showed further maturity and clarity and commended the report for the honest discussion of challenges, the robust financial statements and for demonstrating an exceptional commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. Salena Grace, Manager of Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, said the team was thrilled to be recognised once again: Winning a Good Governance Award for the second time is a tremendous honour for our organisation. It reflects the hard work and dedication of our board, staff and volunteers who strive every day to ensure that Kilkenny Volunteer Centre operates to the highest standards. Governance isnt something you achieve once it is something you build, maintain and constantly strengthen. We are proud that our efforts have been acknowledged at a national level. Newly appointed Chairperson Alan Curtis highlighted the organisations commitment to ongoing development: This award is a testament to our belief in always striving to do better. Good governance is not a static goal its an evolving process that requires reflection, learning and improvement. As a board, we are continually working to enhance our practices so that we can be the strongest organisation possible for the people and communities we serve. Being recognised again this year confirms that we are moving in the right direction. The achievement comes during a period of continued growth for Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, which supports volunteering and community engagement throughout County Kilkenny. Further details on the Good Governance Awards can be found at goodgovernanceawards.ie. To learn more about Kilkenny Volunteer Centre, visit volunteerkilkenny.ie. Hoping others could spend Thanksgiving home, Beckstrom had volunteered to work in DC over the holiday. Ryan Dunne A Limerick man is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge which alleges that he attempted to facilitate by speedboat the transportation of 66 people from Greece to Italy. Before the High Court on Thursday morning was Jeremiah OBrien (55), of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick. Detective Garda Tony Keane gave evidence that on November 26th, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant. Det Gda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9th 2017, and November 16th, 2017, by renting a car, and between November 11th, 2017, and November 23rd, 2017, by renting a 12m long speedboat. It is further alleged that in the early morning of November 22nd, the respondent facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece towards Italy. That evening, it was discovered that the boat had stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece. Det Gda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran). Det Gda Keane said that these 66 human beings paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each. The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece. Det Gda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that. The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and had rented a car. Counsel for the State, Brian Gageby BL said there was no consent to bail and asked that Mr O'Brien be remanded in custody. Ms Justice Karen OConnor said she was satisfied that the respondent was the person named on the arrest warrant, based on Det Gda Keanes evidence. She remanded Mr OBrien in custody to appear before the court on December 9th. FIVE members of the same family were jailed periods between six and 15 months each over an attempt to pull a 150,000 insurance scam by staging a fake crash in Athy over 10 years ago. The crash - which barely damaged the front registration plate was into an Armcor barrier at Fort Barrington on 19 June 2015, which saw all five members of the Carthy family feign unconsciousness and injury within the vehicle. However, it did not prevent one of the rear seat females from climbing out the crashed vehicle to visit a nearby field for a call of nature, and then climb back to the scene of her alleged injury to demand from the attending emergency responders that she be cut from the wreckage by the Fire Brigade. In all, the incident required five ambulances, two units of the Kildare Fire Brigade, two squad cars and four gardai, while at some point before the impact the occupants disengaged a contact wire with the cars battery to ensure non-deployment of the air bags. The five were driver Joseph Carthy (32), and his partner Rebecca Martin (31) both of Ardrew Halting Site; brother Michael Carthy (48) Sunnyside Lawns, Athy; their father Edward (73), and mother Mary Carthy (72), both also of Ardrew Halting Site. They appeared before Judge Elva Duffy on Wednesday 19 November in the Circuit Court in Naas for sentencing after being found guilty the previous Friday on conspiracy to defraud Liberty Insurance after a five-day trial. In her summation, Judge Duffy did not hold back with her criticism of the attitudes of the representatives of the insurance company who gave evidence in the trial. There were some suggestions some witnesses made evaluations based on judgements of prejudice, and I wonder if this would have happened if it was a regular family out on a Friday evening? she asked rhetorically. Perhaps witnesses presented to the jury from Liberty Insurance were acting out of a sense of prejudice, and the jury disregarded this, she said. On the day of the sentencing, Garda Amanda Kirwan re-took to stand to confirm an outline of the facts for prosecuting barrister Saoirse ODualaing BL. She explained how on the day in question she was first on scene, and when she got there she noted all five occupants still in the car and she took evidentiary pictures, but with the minor damage to the front of the vehicle, my suspicions were raised. Each occupant was removed by ambulance to Naas General Hospital and the claims were made against Liberty Insurance, she said. My suspicions were raised because of the number of injuries relative to the damage, she said. She reported that after initial investigations of the vehicle, the battery had been disconnected, some damage had been done previously to the rear hub, and none of the rear seat belts had been used as all three were still tucked between the seats. All five were interviewed, and all five said that on the day they all went from Athy to Carlow to look at a car, and crashed a half mile from their homes, she said. She confirmed that Joseph Carthy a father of seven gave no trouble, and was co-operative, and that he has appeared at every court appearance since proceedings began in 2020. As they all had now been convicted, Judge Duffy could now hear of their previous convictions. Joseph Carthy had nine, mostly for road traffic offences, and most recently on 28 February 2021 for no tax, NCT, or insurance, and two for not wearing a seatbelt. Edward Carthy had 24, including failure to have a child restrained in a vehicle, parking in a disabled bay, carrying an adult unrestrained in a vehicle, and animal cruelty. Rebecca Martin also had 24 previous convictions, Michael had 18, while their mother Mary had no previous convictions. This is not at the farther level of events, said Josephs barrister Mr Fitzpatrick. There is a question of custody for the (seven children) if both parents get sentenced there will have to be a new level of organisation." Joseph is very proud of his children, and that all of them are in school, he added. Edward accepts the verdict and conviction, and there is a discontinuance with his personal injury claim, but this will be a stain on his character as a grandfather, said Mark Gibbons BL. He handed in a doctors cert confirming his clients heart condition and diabetes. He is in his winter years, but he is accepting responsibility, and holding his hands up, said Mr Gibbons. Mary has suffered significant loss of life around her, said her barrister, claiming four brothers, a niece, a sister-in-law, and two of her 14 children. Mary was reared on the side of the road, and was married nearly 60 years ago, she said. The court was told Michael had a heart attack and a stent fitted earlier this year, according to Donnacha Craddock BL, and lives in a council house obtained to facilitate the care of their daughter with learning difficulties. Rebecca Martins grew up in Clondalkin and did the Junior Cert, and her barrister confirmed that her kids are now in the care of both sides. Is that in preparation for a sentence? asked Judge Duffy. That is my understanding, was the reply. The jury reached a unanimous decision, noted the judge in summation. The damage was very minor, with nothing damaged except a licence plate. There was evidence of them seeming to be unconscious, but the guards were sceptical, especially with the evidence of the woman (Rebecca) getting out of the car to go to the toilet. The claims raised red flags and wouldve cost Liberty 150,000. Investigating gardai spent five days on the car, and though the roof was removed to take out the five people, Mr Cotter said the car was still driveable, she said. Every opportunity was given to the accused to have pleaded guilty before the trial, and that would have increased possible mitigation, she concluded before handing down her sentences. All five were sent to jail for two years but received partly suspended sentence. Joseph Carthy had nine months suspended, Michael Carthy received 12 months suspended, while Rebecca Martins had 15 months of the sentence suspended and Mary and Edward both had their sentences suspended by 18 months. LAOIS farmer and lifelong vintage enthusiast Charley OConnor from Ballyroan has completed the legendary Malin to Mizen route in his vintage Mercedes MB Trac, raising an extraordinary 20,000 plus for two charities The Irish Heart Foundation and The Cuisle Centre, Portlaoise. The challenge, completed over the busy bank holiday weekend, saw Charley and his family travel the full length of Ireland, navigating heavy traffic, long days, and tough stretches of road. Charley dedicated the journey to his late sister Bride and to all families affected by cancer, acknowledging how many across Ireland face similar battles every day. His own health journey also fuelled his determination. In 2018, Charley underwent a triple bypass. After receiving what he describes as exceptional aftercare, he promised his surgeon that he would one day raise money to give back to the Irish Heart Foundation. Charley, known for his strong family values, emphasised that the achievement was far from a solo effort. He was accompanied along the route by his wife and family including his daughter, TikTok sensation Doireann OConnor, who helped spread awareness and support. I have a great family Charley said. I couldnt have done this without them. My wife Hilda is my absolute rock, and every single person who helped, donated, or waved us on made the journey worthwhile. He extended heartfelt thanks to individuals, local businesses, and communities across Ireland who supported the fundraiser, contributed along the route, and helped push the total past 20,000. The funds raised will directly support the Irish Heart Foundations patient aftercare services and The Cuisle Centres essential cancer support work in the midlands. A remarkable journey. A remarkable man. A remarkable result. THREE wise students from Laois got a taste of political life when they took part in the second Seanad na nOg at Leinster House. Rori Keane, Chloe Kavanagh and Kacie Constantinou were among 60 delegates aged under 18 from across the country at the event, when they discussed what government priorities should be ahead of Irelands EU Presidency in 2026. The group met Seanad Eireann cathaoirleach Senator Mark Daly, leas-cathaoirleach Senator Maria Byrne and Minister Norma Foley during an action-packed visit to the upper house on 14 November. Welcoming the delegates, Senator 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. Senator Byrne added: 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 reading their recommendations. The priorities identified by the young delegates were: *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 manner to tackle the climate crisis. *Education and 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. *Equality: The need to continue to strengthen rights for all and to stand with those who feel the fear of inequality. The recommendations were given to the government to be considered for inclusion in national priorities for the EU Presidency next year. The Word of the Day for Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, is "phlegmatic." Canva Imagine a person who remains cool and collected while everyone else is rushing, panicking or arguing. That unflappable calm is exactly what the word phlegmatic captures. Phlegmatic describes someone who stays calm, composed, and unbothered even in stressful situations. Its a personality type marked by steadiness rather than excitement. Heres what you need to know about the word phlegmatic so you can start using it today. What is the definition of phlegmatic? The word phlegmatic is an adjective that describes someone who has an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition. How is the word phlegmatic pronounced? The word phlegmatic is pronounced /fleg-MA-tuhk/. How can you use phlegmatic in a sentence? Despite the chaos around her, Maria remained phlegmatic, answering each question with calm certainty. Even when the fire alarm went off, the cat stayed phlegmatic, blinking slowly from the windowsill. The study suggested that individuals with a phlegmatic temperament exhibit consistent emotional stability. What is the origin of the word phlegmatic? The word phlegmatic comes from the Greek ideals of having four humors: blood, black bile, yellow bile and phlegm, according to Merriam-Webster. The humors were each associated with one of the elements: air, earth, fire and water. Phlegm was associated with water; a cool, moist element, which explains why the modern definition of the word refers to people with cool, calm demeanors. However, the terms root derives from the Greek phlegma, which literally translates to flame. According to Merriam-Webster, its first known usage in the English language was in the 14th century. What famous book or movie uses the term phlegmatic? Those familiar with Stephen Hawkings 1988 book A Brief History of Time will notice Hawking used the term to describe Albert Einsteins personality. But Einstein was phlegmatic: when a book was published entitled 100 Authors Against Einstein, he retorted, If I were wrong, then one would have been enough! the passage reads. BERNALILLO, N.M. (AP) Unconditional love. Thats what Vangie Randall-Shorty felt the moment she first held her son. She still feels it even though Zachariah Shorty is now gone. I carry him in my heart every day, she said, while trying to find the words to describe the wave of emotions that washed over her Monday when she learned that federal authorities had charged three people in connection with her sons killing on the Navajo Nation in 2020. She had waited so long for answers, telling herself with each new year that she would finally see justice for her 23-year-old son. Her wait ended as the U.S. Department of Justice announced the results of the latest deployment under Operation Not Forgotten. Under the operation this year, more than 60 extra FBI agents, analysts and other personnel were temporarily assigned to field offices in 10 states, ranging from Albuquerque and Phoenix to Seattle, Salt Lake City, Detroit, Minneapolis and Jackson, Mississippi. Over six months, they investigated unsolved violent crimes in Indian Country with the goal of addressing a crisis of disappearances and killings that have left Native American communities frustrated and heartbroken. Federal statistics show that Native Americans experience some of the highest per capita rates of violent victimization of any racial or ethnic group in the United States. At the beginning of the 2025 fiscal year, the FBIs Indian Country program had about 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations. As part of its intensified operations this year, the FBIs Indian Country initiatives netted 1,123 arrests, along with the recovery of over 300 weapons. More than 450 children who were victims of crimes were identified or located. FBI Director Kash Patel acknowledged Monday that the challenge of covering such large jurisdictions is complicated by a lack of resources. He described Operation Not Forgotten as a major step forward in giving tribal communities the justice that they deserve. Work to bring more attention to the crisis has spanned decades. President Donald Trump was the first president to formally recognize the issue when he signed an executive order during his first term, establishing a task force to tackle the high rate of killings and disappearances among Native Americans and Alaska Natives. Former U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland during her tenure created a national commission to explore ways to bridge jurisdictional gaps and other challenges to curbing crime in tribal communities. Officials said this years operation marked the longest and most intense deployment of FBI resources to date to address Indian Country crime. Advocates say the investment should be made permanent. They fear now that cases will continue to sit on the back burner with fewer federal resources in the field. Randall-Shorty believes the extra resources helped in her sons case. She cant help but wonder what her son could have accomplished had his life not been taken. A father himself, Zachariah Shorty loved art and music and aspired to be a tattoo artist. She showed off some of his work, pointing to the inked treble clef on her left hand. Vangie Randall-Shorty shows a tattoo on her hand that was created by her son, Zachariah Shorty, while she spoke during an interview in Bernalillo, N.M., Nov. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) AP Shorty was last seen at the Journey Inn Motel in the northwestern New Mexico city of Farmington, where he was out with friends to make music, his mom said. He was found days later in a field near the Navajo community of Nenahnezad. He had been shot multiple times. The indictments provide no details about what might have let to the shooting or how Shorty was connected to the people charged in his death. Defense attorneys say they have yet to be provided with any discovery related to the case. Austin Begay, 31, is charged with first-degree murder, while Jaymes Fage, 38, is accused of aiding and abetting. Both Navajo men and a third defendant, 40-year-old Joshua Watkins, also face charges for lying to investigators to conceal the killing. Vangie Randall-Shorty wears a button in memory of her son Zachariah Shorty in Bernalillo, New Mexico, Nov. 24, 2025. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan) AP Shortys mom has spent the last five years attending town halls, task force meetings, prayer circles and community marches to keep the case in the spotlight and to advocate for other families. While shes pleased that charges have been brought, she knows the next step will stir more emotions because she still misses her son. My heart is heavy, she said. But I will continue advocating for Zach and continue being his voice. A Councillor wants a Blueway path from Athy to Graiguecullen and the possibility of an attraction like Center Parcs resort explored at the old sugar factory in Carlow. Independent Cllr Aisling Moran raised the issue when she asked in a motion that Laois County Council give an update of the progress regarding the Blueway from Athy to Graiguecullen. In response, Senior Executive Engineer, Tom Drennan, said: Waterways Ireland sought planning permission for a Blueway between Lowtown Co Kildare and St Mullins Co Carlow in 2017. Permission was granted for the section of Blueway along the Grand Canal Barrow Line only. Waterways Ireland currently have no plans for the delivery of a Blueway from Athy to Graiguecullen. Waterway Ireland, along with Failte Ireland and the Local Authorities are developing a Barrow Tourism Masterplan for the river Barrow and its environs. Work on this plan will commence by year end. Cllr Moran said she wasnt happy with the response. She told Mr Drennan that she had been looking for the Blueway for the past six years. She said there had been objections from the Carlow side that said they didnt want it and stated that there is already a bound surface along the track. She described the walk along the track by Knockbeg and the old sugar factory as one of the nicest walks that you can do and she reminded the meeting that she had previously suggested attracting a Center Parcs style resort to the sugar factory. She said having a walkway and resort would bring huge benefits to the area and she said she believes Laois County Council are not doing enough to promote Blueways. Kildare has five blueways now, she pointed out. I just dont think we are taking the initiative on boardI am saying now we really need to be fighting hard for this, said Cllr Moran. She took issue with recent comments like those of Fine Gael TD Willie Aird, who had criticised the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders(CPO) for Blueway and Greenway projects. She said she didnt agree with the politicians statement and she pointed out the benefits for health and mental health from outdoor facilities. READ ALSO: Substandard Laois health centres stuck in the 1980s She asked Laois County Council to actively pursue the Blueway and to talk to Greencore about the sugar factory site. She said there was a big site left idle when they closed. We should be looking to do something from a tourism point of view, said Cllr Moran. The motion was seconded by Fine Gael Cllr Vivienne Phelan at the monthly meeting of Portarlington Graiguecullen Municipal District. A Laois town square is set to receive a massive revamp, with the creation of a new pedestrianised plaza. Rathdowney's town square has remained relatively unchanged over the last 100 years, excluding the installation of road signs and planters. The proposed plaza is set to be the biggest change to Rathdowney's square in the last century. Pictured: A new plaza will be created from Unique Hair studio to Ossory street At the bottom of the square, from Unique Hair studio to Kirwan and Bain's solicitors, a new plaza featuring a permanent canopy structure, a casual trading stand and public seating will replace the car parking area. Ten parking spots will remain in front of the former Bank of Ireland, with one disabled parking space. Concrete footpaths at the end of the square will be removed and replaced, and hard and soft landscaping will be introduced, featuring native plants that promote biodiversity in the area. Ossory street will remain accessible to vehicles, along with an access point to Supervalu through the square. Pictured: The plans for Rathdowney's town square. The canopy structure will be similar to one in Dublin's Fairview Park, which will allow for public performances, markets and gatherings to take place. Bollards will be erected surrounding the new plaza. To allow for the creation of this plaza, available parking spaces in the square will be reduced. Rathdowney Fine Gael Cllr John King welcomed the creation of this plaza, highlighting that the works will retain some of the original parking spaces, along with the introduction of a new amenity for the town. "These works are shovel ready, and it will be a great thing for the town," he told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. "We want to make the square a place people will want to spend their time, not to just park their car for the day. We want to create a nice ambience with more seating, while keeping the existing amount of parking. We want Rathdowney to be a friendly place for all," Cllr King explained. Pictured: plans for the proposed plaza area "We used to have markets and meetings in the square, it is now used as a car park. People aren't always in favour of change, but we need a recreational area in the town, somewhere for people to meet and relax, and watch the world go by," he said. This project is being carried out by Laois County Councils area office in collaboration with the town's Regeneration Team. Rathdowney's Town First Plan was published in 2023, which detailed the widening of footpaths, the introduction of more streetlighting, increased landscaping areas, traffic calming measures, and the reduction of vacant properties in the town. Two electric vehicle charging points were also installed in the square in November of 2024. August saw the town's main street close for five weeks to allow for the replacement of road and the installation of footpaths. The town was previously granted 213,000 in funding to allow for these works. Simultaneously, Rathdowney's playground is undergoing major renovations. Read more here. A Laois student has been named the 2025 Young Engineer of the Year, beating over 5,000 other students for the award. Portlaoise College student Mikolaj Bielecki was presented with this award at the Engineering Teachers Technology Association (ETTA)'s award ceremony in Athenry on Saturday November 22. This award was in recognition of his Leaving Certificate engineering project, which he completed in his final year of school. Over 5,000 Irish students designed and manufactured a project for the 2025 engineering Leaving Cert exam. Pictured: Portlaoise College student Mikolaj Bielecki with principal Noel Daly Mr Bielecki's project was a model vertical take off and landing aircraft, with four rotors and an automatic door. Staff at Portlaoise College applauded the former student for emerging as the top student in the country, hailing his project as a 'tremendous achievement'. "As a former engineering teacher, I understand firsthand the level of commitment and skill these students put into their projects," Principal Noel Daly said on the achievement. "It was great to see Mikolajs hard work recognised at a national level." Following on from this success, Mr Bielecki is now studying Precision Engineering in Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) since completing his Leaving Cert exams. "This highlights the importance of the technology subjects such as engineering, construction studies, technology and design communication graphics, in our education system," Mr Daly said. "These subjects were once solely seen as a path into technical trades. They are now a pathway for students to go on and engage in STEM careers, serving both the student who wants to work in a trade and the student who wishes to progress to third level education. "With the opening of the new, state-of-the-art STEM building in Portlaoise College, students with an interest in these areas have never been better supported," the school finished. The Irish Racing Yearbook 2026, which includes an interview with Kildare jockey turned trainer Johnny Murtagh - will be officially launched at Punchestown Racecourse on Tuesday, December 9. This years edition includes a feature interview with Patrick Mullins, last years winner of the award and the amateur jockey who captured the Grand National in April. Mullins, assistant trainer to his father Willie, speaks about Aintree, his ambitions, and what publishers describe as the relentless appetite of the boss of Closutton. Mullins will also attend the official launch at Punchestown. A regular contributor to the Yearbook, Mullins also pens a piece on Sean Flanagan, the man with the pilots licence and the valeting business that rode Marine Nationale to win the Champion Chase in March. Rachael Blackmore grants her first in-depth interview since her retirement in May to editor Daragh O Conchuir, discussing the reasoning behind her decision, how much she misses race riding, and her current views on the role of gender in the sport. Alan OSullivan speaks about the influence of his late brother Michael after his death in February, while Johnny Murtagh tells of his ambition to match his success as a jockey in his training career, and of his belief in promoting racings positive stories. Paul Townend discusses achieving the rare calendar-year Grand SlamCheltenham Gold Cup, Champion Hurdle, Grand National and King George - while acknowledging while noting that results a year later were a reminder to enjoy the highs when they come. READ MORE: Call to removed cycle lanes in Newbridge town. Other contributors include Gold Cup winner Gavin Cromwell, Derby-winning jockey Wayne Lordan, Group 1-winning trainer Joe Murphy and his son Joseph, and figures such as Pat Doyle, Dylan Browne McMonagle, Billy Loughnane, Sam Ewing, Danny Gilligan, Robson Aguiar, Cian Collins, Gary Carroll, Jody Townend, Richie McLernon, Nicola Burns, Declan Queally, Eoin McCarthy, Andy Slattery, Eric McNamara, Toni Quail, Barry Stone and Pat Downes of Aga Khan Studs. Marking major anniversaries in 2026, the Yearbook reflects on Imperial Calls Cheltenham Gold Cup victory 30 years ago and Galileos Derby Double 25 years on. It also pays tribute to those lost during the year, including Michael OSullivan, Kevin Prendergast, Edward OGrady and Mikey OConnor, and features coverage of international achievements by Willie Mullins, Aidan OBrien, Gordon Elliott and Henry de Bromhead. Regular sections on sales, stallion analysis and horses to follow return, alongside an expanded breeding section and additional digital content on G1. Fans will again find GO RACING vouchersworth over 3,000 in free racecourse admissionoffered in partnership with Irish racecourses. Irish Racing Yearbook 2026 (49.50/42.50) is available now in bookshops and newsagents, and can be ordered online or by phone. People on the Autism Spectrum (AS) in Ireland often face a variety of hurdles and challenges. In fact, the AS awareness and advocacy group AsIAm found earlier this year that there are still a number of "deep inequalities" that those with AS face on a day-to-day basis in Ireland. And although the world is more progressive now more than ever when it comes to understanding and supporting those with AS, the findings from AsIAm indicate that more work is needed to accommodate those with AS. Echoing this sentiment, Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender has called on those living in Newbridge and beyond to make the town more Autism-friendly town. Taking to Facebook, Cllr Pender revealed that an AS awareness group, Newbridge Autism Friendly Town, has been established. He added that the new group recently met for the first time in order to set out "the way forward toward the AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Award for Newbridge". READ NEXT: Kildare County Council urged to remove cycle lanes in Newbridge Speaking further on the establishment of the group, Cllr Pender said: "I am delighted to be involved and to support this group in every way I can. "There is a lot of work to do, but the commitment in the room [on the day] was clear." He concluded: "If you want to get involved in making Newbridge a more Autism-friendly town, give us a shout; we would love to have you on board." ACCEPTANCE OF AUTISM In addition, the Chairperson of the group, Jennifer O'Dowd, told the Leader: "According to the Department of Education, one in 20 children have been identifed as Autistic in Ireland. "Our goal is to raise awareness, increase understanding and acceptance of autism within our community." She continued: "We are working to make Newbridge a place where everyone can live, work and play, happily and safely; where everyone has the same chance to be accepted as they are. "We invite all businesses, voluntary and sporting organisations, and public services to become champions and to help make Newbridge more inclusive for all." She also said that every organisation that does get in touch with the group "will be supported and empowered by the Committee and by AsIAm to become Autism-friendly". "We are currently engaging with organisations who wish to become champions, with a view to offering free training and support to all in early 2026," Ms O'Dowd added. "To find out more, email us on newbridgeaft@gmail.com." Further information about AS can be found on the official AsIAm website. Social Democrats Cllr Chris Pender. File photograph READ NEXT: How to stay jolly and also safe: Kildare garda outlines safety tips ahead of Christmas 2025 Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Co Kildare changemaker Terri Coonan is one of 21 people from across the island of Ireland selected to take part in the Alice Academy for Activists a free residential bootcamp that equips emerging activists with strategic campaigning skills, taking place in Dublin in January 2026. Alice the award-winning, all-island public relations agency which hosts the Academy this week announced Terri as one of the emerging activists selected to take part and details about the campaign she is spearheading. By taking part in the Academy which is supported by Community Foundation Ireland Terri, a community peace activist, wants to develop her idea to develop a 'Hands of Friendship' initiative in her own village of Clane, which she says is seeing hundreds of new families moving into new homes. Terris aim is to encourage peace, friendship, and community support for all in her community, in response to the current rise in anti-immigration sentiment and associated misinformation. She hopes the initiative could spread to other towns and villages across Ireland, too. Her project is rooted in the values of mindfulness, compassion and community service, with the aim of ensuring Clane remains an open and welcoming community for all, irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity or circumstances. Terri has been deeply embedded in her local community for many years, as a drama teacher and chairperson of the Clane Project Centre. Over the course of the four-day Academy, Terri will be immersed in topics such as strategy and planning; community organising and coalition-building; fundraising; political engagement; and media relations. READ NEXT: Dublin Simon Community officially opens new women-only service in Kildare Terri will get to attend workshops delivered by campaign and communications experts along with lifelong activists, including Ailbhe Smyth, feminist and LGBTQ+ activist and leader of Irelands successful campaign to Repeal the Eighth Amendment, and veteran former RTE newscaster Eileen Dunne. Announcing the successful applicants, Martina Quinn, the founder and CEO of Alice Public Relations, said: With increasing polarisation across society and far right narratives often dominating public debate, it is more important than ever before that we have well-resourced and highly-skilled activists who have all the tools and expertise they need to champion progressive causes. Thats what the Alice Academy for Activists is all about. The calibre and breadth of activists we have involved this year, including Terri, is uplifting. They are committed to making the island of Ireland and the world a better place by challenging racism, promoting better health solutions, increasing political participation, and celebrating the wonderful diversity that exists across this island. Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland, said: Community Foundation Ireland supports the Alice Academy for Activists because we believe in the power of voices to create change. At a time when communities are facing deep challenges, we must invest in the people who are standing up and speaking out for positive change. The Academy is our philanthropic response to that need to equip activists. We listen to the voices of grassroots organisers and frontline advocates and help amplify those voices and actions, not just for today, but for the future we all deserve. The Alice Academy for Activists is taking place in Dublin from January 15-18 2026. Alice is a PR agency with a team of 25 working across the island of Ireland, with offices in both Dublin and Belfast. Further information is available at www.alicepr.com. Africa is not silent. Africa is speaking. Africa is not waiting. Africa is moving. Africa is not behind. Africa is rising, President Boakai affirmed. We have the people, the resources, the creativity, and the determination to shape a global equation that is fair, peaceful, and inclusive. What we need now is unity of purpose, strength of leadership, and courage in action. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close ONE of Limericks most cherished festive traditions is set to return as Tony Noonan prepares to switch on his famous Christmas lights in Templeglantine. The annual event, which has been running for more than 25 years, will take place on Sunday at 5pm, marking the official start of the 2025 Christmas season. Ambassador and Limerick hurler Nickie Quaid will switch on the Christmas lights and he will be joined by other local sporting icons, as well as Santa Claus himself. Brew & Banter Coffee will be there on the evening keeping attendees fuelled and warm with hot chocolates and treats. Mr Noonans lights for charity has been running for over 25 years in Templeglantine and raising thousands of euro for some worthy charities. This year, the money raised from Mr Noonan's lights will go to four worthy charities: Milford Hospice, Sli Eile Mental Health Services, North Cork, Recovery Haven, Tralee and Limerick Suicide Watch. They will also make a donation to Dromcollogher 26 this year. READ MORE: Circus thrills and Christmas stalls to light up the streets of Limerick Mr Noonan lights up the sky of West Limerick over the Christmas season every year to bring joy to the thousands of visitors at his family home in Tullig North, Templeglantine. The Limerick man said he was the first person in Ireland to organise a Christmas lights display for charity. Mr Noonan has a special needs daughter who enjoys Christmas lights so he decided to establish the annual festive event. He marked 25 years lighting up faces in 2024 with his wide array of festive light ornaments. A LIMERICK man is wanted in Europe on a human trafficking charge which alleges that he attempted to facilitate by speedboat the transportation of 66 people from Greece to Italy. Before the High Court this Thursday was Jeremiah OBrien, aged 55, of Yellow Brick House, Roches Road, Rathkeale, Limerick. READ NEXT: The money is spent: Limerick man who won 250K last year says he can't pay 500 fine Detective Garda Tony Keane gave evidence that on November 26, he was on duty in the Rathkeale area when he became aware of a Schengen Information System (SIS) alert for the arrest of Mr OBrien, which related to a European arrest warrant. Det Garda Keane said it is alleged that Jeremiah OBrien and two other named persons acted jointly between November 9, 2017, and November 16, 2017, by renting a car and between November 11, 2017, and November 23, 2017, by renting a 12m long speedboat. It is further alleged that in the early morning of November 22, the respondent facilitated the transportation of 66 human beings, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece towards Italy. That evening it was discovered that the boat had stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece. Det Garda Keane said the 66 people were 30 adult men (24 from Iraq, four from Syria, and two from Iran), 14 adult women (12 from Iraq, one from Syria, and one from Iran), and 22 children (12 boys from Iraq, one boy from Iran, five girls from Iraq, two girls from Syria, and two girls from Iran). Det Garda Keane said that these 66 human beings paid between 4,000 and 6,000 US dollars each. The detective said that after he informed Mr OBrien that he was the subject of the SIS alert for the purpose of arrest, the respondent replied: I was never in Greece. Det Garda Keane went on to say that after being brought to Henry Street Garda Station and given the details of the charge, the respondent said: I dont know anything about that. The detective gave evidence that Mr O'Brien then said that he had been in Greece and did rent a car. Counsel for the State, Brian Gageby BL said there was no consent to bail and asked that Mr O'Brien be remanded in custody. Ms Justice Karen OConnor said she was satisfied that the respondent was the person named on the arrest warrant, based on Det Garda Keanes evidence. She remanded Mr OBrien in custody to appear back before the court on December 9. MINISTER for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill looks to have selected which of the options presented in the HIQA review into healthcare in the Mid-West that she will propose to Cabinet. The HIQA report outlined three options and it now appears that Options A and B are to be brought forward. Deputy Willie O'Dea has confirmed to Limerick Live that the Minister is to recommend a new build hospital in Limerick. Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has confirmed to me that she intends to pursue both Option A and Option B of the HIQA report, which would mean further expansion at the current UHL site in addition to a second hospital campus in close proximity of Dooradoyle, which will share governance," outlined Deputy O'Dea. READ MORE: Limerick and Clare Education and Training Board apprentices conferred at graduation ceremony It is understood there are also plans for expanded services at St Johns, Ennis and Nenagh hospitals, including more bed capacity, as well as an improved ambulance service. It is hoped the memo will be brought to Cabinet within weeks. This is good news for the Mid-West region, which has been paying the price of the closure of the three A&E departments at Ennis, St Johns in Limerick, and Nenagh since 2009. The Minister is to bring her proposal to Cabinet before Christmas and I will be fighting to ensure that her proposal is accepted and we can get construction on the new hospital underway as soon as possible. It looks likely that the proposed model that a new hospital site will have to be identified in an area that is commutable for medical staff and patients," outlined Mr O'Dea. Ultimately, this will all have to go to Cabinet before Christmas for sign-off by Government but I am confident that we will have good news for the region and hopefully, in the new year, dialogue about where a new hospital could be built and how quickly beds that are needed in the very short term can be delivered. This evening's news comes after the long-awaited HIQA review into healthcare in the Mid-West was published in October and identified three options: expanding current capacity at University Hospital Limerick (UHL)s site in Dooradoyle (Option A); extending the campus to a second site in close proximity under a shared governance and resourcing model (Option B); or developing a new Model 3 hospital in the Mid-West region which would provide a second ED for the region (Option C). In the last Government, I, along with Deputy Cathal Crowe and Deputy Jackie Cahill, went to then Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and made it clear that the practice of funnelling half a million people through one A&E in Limerick was a failed experiment and that the healthcare provision in the region needed to be expanded. In response, he ordered HIQA to examine the healthcare needs of the Mid-West and it is as a result of that report that we have the Ministers decision today." A QUERY about long-delayed road safety upgrades on two busy rural routes in east Limerick has revealed that more than 30,000 has already been spent installing cats eyes, yet works are still unlikely to be fully completed until at least 2026. At the November meeting of the CappamoreKilmallock Municipal District, Cllr Bridgid Teefy sought an update on the installation of cat's eyes on sections of the R512 and R513 where reflective road studs have not yet been fitted. She stressed that the markers play an important role in night-time visibility and general road safety. The cost of installing a single road stud is 30, meaning completion of long sections of regional road requires significant budget allocation. In response, acting senior executive engineer Diarmuid Sheehy confirmed that installation works are ongoing on a phased basis, with progress dependant on the availability of funding. Read More: Veteran retailer issues stark warning over Limerick city trading Figures provided show that in 2024, a total of 468 road studs were fitted on the R513 and 344 on the R512. This year, 220 studs were installed on the R513 and a further 102 on the R512. While these numbers represent steady progress, officials have acknowledged that not all required sections have been addressed. The council says it anticipates that installation will continue throughout 2026, again subject to funding streams. The phased approach aims to gradually improve safety conditions for motorists, though councillors are expected to continue seeking clarity and pushing for faster delivery as demand for rural road improvements grows. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme Minister for Children Norma Foley has said she is working with Tusla to provide a clearer definition of children in care who go missing. She was responding after the chief executive of Tusla Kate Duggan said that several children went missing from the agencys care every day. Ms Duggan told a committee on Thursday that children in care might leave school or be on a recreational trip and they bolted and ran. She said the agency then worked with gardai to locate the children as quickly as possible. Asked about the comments, Ms Foley said she had discussed the issue of how many children went missing from State care, and how they were reported, with Ms Duggan and Tuslas board of management. Any child that is absent for 15 minutes is regarded as a child that has gone missing, she said at Government Buildings in Dublin. So they are reported as gone missing if they dont return to a point that theyre meant to be at within 15 minutes. Many of those children return. Obviously, if its for a longer period, An Garda Siochana are consulted. She said: Theres two cohorts of children (who go missing), there are children and young people because theyre generally young people, 16-17 years of age who present seeking international protection. Many of them indicate at the outset that it is not their intention to remain here, it is their intention to move on, but they are still listed as missing. And then there are children and young people in mainstream. So I can say that the children in mainstream, all of those children were returned to 2024, for example. But I have, and I am engaging for Tusla to give a clearer definition and a clearer understanding, so that I would have a clear understanding, the wider public would have a clear understanding, of how the reporting system works, in terms of the 15-minute period, in terms of a greater period, in terms of young people who actually say at the outset it is our intention to move to another country, and that we would have greater oversight of all of that information, so that there would be clarity around what we mean when we say children are not present or young people are not present. She also said she would bring forward legislation to put the National Review Panel (NRP), which reviews child deaths and serious incidents, on a statutory footing. She said this would be done before the Dail concluded for the Christmas break. It will put the National Review Panel on a statutory footing, and second, it will introduce the concept of duty to co-operate among State agencies and organisations, (on the) sharing of information in relation to a child who might be in the care of the organisation, she said. Two very significant advances that we will be making under that and I will be bringing that to Cabinet before the conclusion of this (Dail) term. Dr Helen Buckley, chairwoman of the NRP, said previously that their process would benefit from being on a statutory footing. Milford Care Centre warmly invites you to join us for our annual Light Up a Memory ceremony on Sunday, December 7th, 2025, taking place this year at the earlier time of 4pm. For the first time, this special event will be held outdoors on the grounds of Milford Care Centre, adjacent to the Reception area. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for winter conditions. For over 25 years, Light Up a Memory remains one of the Centres most meaningful traditions - an opportunity for families, friends and neighbours to come together in remembrance. We invite you to sponsor a light on the Memory Tree in honour of a loved one. The tree will shine brightly from the conclusion of the ceremony on December 7th, 2025, through January 1st, 2026, each light symbolising the enduring bonds that are especially treasured during the Christmas season. Mary OBrien, CEO of Milford Care Centre, extends a heartfelt invitation to all: Wed be delighted to welcome you to Milford Care Centre on December 7th for our Light Up a Memory ceremony. This special tradition is about coming together, remembering those we love, and celebrating their lives in a meaningful way. Its a moment of reflection and connection that means so much to our community and to us. We hope you can join us. Milford Care Centre also extends sincere appreciation to Cook Medical, the event's long- standing sponsor. Bill Doherty, Executive Vice President EMEA at Cook Medical, reaffirmed the companys commitment to supporting Light Up a Memory and acknowledged Milford Care Centres special place in the community. You can sponsor a light on the Memory Tree for 5, and each sponsorship comes with a commemorative Light Up a Memory card to honour a loved ones memory. To sponsor a light, please visit www.milfordcarecentre.ie or call the Fundraising Department at 061 485859. *Sponsored Content Alibaba Chief Executive Eddie Wu has forcefully dismissed market fears regarding an artificial intelligence (AI) bubble. Wu stated that the company "doesn't really see much of an issue in terms of a so-called AI bubble" and plans to invest aggressively in the sector, despite recent warnings from Google CEO Sundar Pichai about "elements of irrationality" in the booming market. Wu informed investors that Alibaba is currently struggling to keep pace with surging customer demand and predicted that AI resources would remain in short supply for at least the next three years. This confident outlook appears to be underpinned by tangible results: the companys Qwen application, for instance, exceeded 10 million downloads within a week of its launch. "We're not even able to keep pace with the growth in customer demand," Wu said, arguing that adoption is driven by real business needs across manufacturing and product development rather than speculation. Sundar Pichais warning on AI bubble In stark contrast, Google CEO Sundar Pichai cautioned that if an AI bubble were to burst, no organisation would be immune, including Google itself. Drawing parallels with the dot-com era, Pichai acknowledged that investment cycles often "overshoot" and predicted that the AI sector would follow a similar pattern. The Google chiefs core concerns revolve around whether the enormous capital expenditure on infrastructure can deliver sufficient returns quickly enough to justify the current high market valuations. He specifically highlighted AIs "immense" energy requirements, which accounted for 1.5% of global electricity consumption last year, and conceded that the company faces challenges in meeting its 2030 net-zero climate targets. This divergence between optimists like Wu and sceptics like Pichai reflects a broader uncertainty across Silicon Valley. Big Tech firms are expected to spend $320 billion on AI infrastructure this year alone, all whilst grappling with crucial questions about when, and indeed if, these substantial investments will ultimately pay off. Alibaba recently posted $34.8 billion in revenue for its September quarter, marking a 5% year-on-year increase. However, net income plummeted by 53% due to heavy spending on both AI development and commerce initiatives. The companys cloud division spearheaded growth with a 34% increase, primarily driven by its AI-related products. Given this demand, Wu suggested that the companys previously announced 380 billion yuan AI investment over three years "might be on the small side." Bengaluru: Indias electric vehicle (EV) playbook is being rewritten around larger and more aspirational sports utility vehicles (SUVs), and Mahindra and Mahindrawith its third electric launch in the segment within a yearplans to be at the centre of it. The company has introduced a new electric SUV, XEV 9s, its first seven-seater with base price tag of just under 20 lakh, with higher variants touching 30 lakh. The company seeks to reinforce its lead in revenue market share after briefly falling behind Tata Motors during the September quarter, even as it emerged as the leader in the first half of FY26. Its two earlier SUVs were five-seaters, with the BE 6 priced at 18-28 lakh and XEV 9e at 21-31 lakh. With fresh competition from Maruti Suzukis e-Vitara next week and Tata Motors Sierra EV in the pipeline for next fiscal, Mahindra is widening its portfolio to seven-seaters to capture higher-ticket customers in a segment that accounts for nearly half the utility vehicle markets revenue. The push comes as Mahindra and Tata battle for EV supremacy, as well as for the number two position in Indias overall passenger vehicle market. Also Read | A passage to India: Why Suzuki chose to unveil the e Vitara in Europe We are back on top in October in revenue market leadership. Between April to October, we were the number one player," Rajesh Jejurikar, executive director and chief executive (auto and farm sectors) told reporters on the sidelines of the launch in Bengaluru. Unlike traditional sales market share where firms track their sales volume against competitors, Mahindra is tracking the amount of money it makes from its SUVs as against competitors revenue market share. Mahindra has added a third electric vehicle, the XEV 9s, to its stable to take on cars like Tata Harrier EV and Kia Carens Clavis EV. The maker of popular passenger vehicles Scorpio and Bolero said it wants to stick to its core DNA of SUV and offer large family vehicles to customers to drive EV penetration. In the last seven months, Mahindra has sold over 30,000 electric SUVs, competing with the likes of Tata Motors, MG Motor India and Hyundai Motor India. Also Read | Industry lobby pushes government to slash GST on range-extended EVs It recorded revenue of more than 8,000 crore from EV sales in April-September, constituting nearly 9% of the total revenue of 91,635 crore for the period. As per its investor presentation for the September quarter, the company had 33.1% revenue market share as against 34.3% with the leading OEM (original equipment manufacturer). The presentation doesn't name the OEM, but executives in the know suggest it is Tata Motors. During April-September, the first half of the fiscal year, its revenue market share was at 37.9% as against Tata Motors 29%. While the company did not reveal the expectation of monthly sales from the new model XEV 9s, it is looking to increase the total monthly production of EVs from 5,000 to 7,000 units by the start of the next financial year. In an interview with Mint, Nalinikanth Gollagunta, chief executive of Mahindras auto division, said the seven-seater market has an EV opportunity but the extent will only be known after the cars are sold to consumers in the January-March quarter. It is anybody guess, is it 20% (of overall 7-seater SUV segment), is it 30%, is it 40%, but I know it is not going to be 90% and I know it is not going to be 10%," Gollagunta said. He said another opportunity for the vehicle will come from consumers looking to upgrade from five-seater SUVs to seven-seater ones. While Mahindra is locked in competition with other OEMs on retaining revenue leadership in the eSUV segment, Gollagunta said the company is not always looking to react to competition. "Fundamental philosophy within the organization is that we are not looking down my shoulder or on the sideways, we focus on the customer; this is not a myth, that is the only way we work," he said, adding, What we measure internally is something called brand power, how strong is my brand compared to competition." Also Read | Automakers unite on emission relief for small trucks, split on small cars As per Mahindra's analysis, the addressable market for seven-seaters is 30% of the total 2.7 million utility vehicle market, with about 50% of the revenue share. EV seven-seaters are seen boosting the company's revenues as EV models are already in the pricier segment, and within that the seven-seaters will bring a bigger revenue opportunity, company executives said. Having started out with EVs only last year, Mahindra is eyeing a 20-25% share of the green vehicles in its overall portfolio by 2028. Jejurikar told reporters that the company is happy with the pace of EV adoption in the country and remains confident that GST cut for ICE (internal combustion engine), or traditional fossil fuel, vehicles will not hurt the prospects for EVs. India's EV penetration, which was 2.5% in FY25, has touched the 5% mark in FY26. "Forget about price parity with internal combustion vehicles, we have managed to bring the cost of the vehicle even lower than many of the ICE seven-seaters. This is in addition to the number of new features we have been able to get for consumers," Gollagunta said. Another key advantage in the battle against other carmakers is how the company has been able to derisk its supply chain and crack good cost structures, Jejurikar said. "How we have managed to do it is a competitive input. But the fact is our production did not suffer any disruption over the last few months," he said. On the question of whether the company is taking losses on its balance sheet to offer these new SUVs at competitive prices, Jejurikar said the company has been able to build good enough cost structures to not lose money on its advanced SUVs despite offering range of new features at a low price. The seven-seater Tata Harrier EV is priced at 21-30 lakh, while the similar seating capacity Kia Carens Clavis EV is for 18-25 lakh, as against the 19.9-29.9 lakh tag for Mahindra's XEV 9S. Mahindra's push to win in the EV market comes at a time when it is looking to cement its position as the new number two in the country's passenger vehicle market, dethroning Hyundai Motor India. In the first nine months of 2025, Mahindra sold over 446,697 passenger vehicles as against 425,330 by Hyundai. Tata Motors sold 410,155 in the same period. Maruti Suzuki is number 1, with 1.4 million vvehicle sales in the same period. Only Tata Motors has a more comprehensive EV portfolio than Mahindra among the top carmakers, with both the automakers hoping to establish themselves as the number two in country's growing car market. A bruising market-share battle is escalating in India's 70,000-crore paints sector, forcing companies to look beyond aggressive discounting and instead strengthen their foothold in key geographical areas while sharpening their product portfolios. Indias third-largest paintmaker, Kansai Nerolac, is strengthening its presence in markets where it already commands scale, while smaller rival Nippon Paint is leveraging its dominance in South India. Kansais managing director, Pravin Chaudhari, during a post-earnings interaction with analysts in October, said that they face heavy competition in the decorative paints segment. We will be making calculated investments in our strong markets and also improving our product mix and not getting into products which are actually low or almost zero profits. So that's a clear strategy," Chaudhari said. Nippon Paints India has adopted a similar approach, and is also exploring expansion beyond decorative paints into sealants, powder coatings and other adjacencies. Also Read | Tata Motors PV brings back the beast from the past to take on SUV rivals In decorative paints, we are doubling down on the Southern market, where our brand recall and distribution are strongest," said Sharad Malhotra, the newly-appointed CEO of Nippon Paints India. He added, For us, the battlefield is no longer limited to paint. Were looking to expand into adjacencies such as sealants, films and other categories as these offer strong growth potential, while being adjacent spaces to paints. At the same time, expanding significantly into other geographic areas remains high on our agenda." Market leader Asian Paints MD, Amit Syngle, told analysts this month that the company will continue to focus on its core strengths, which include tailoring products to meet the specific needs of different regions. Analysts feel that regional economics may be vital for companies. For several companies, this is turning into an existential challenge. In the case of Southern India, Asian Paints may have taken a hit due to competition, but it was never in danger of being pushed out. But for players like Nippon, where a large share of revenue comes from Tamil Nadu alone, the impact can be disproportionately high," said Manoj Menon, head of research at ICICI Securities. Elara Securities senior vice president Amit Purohit echoed similar sentiments. They (paint companies ) are focusing on markets where they already have an advantage because for them, competing meaningfully outside their stronghold remains a challenge," said Purohit. Springing back Shalimar Paints, one of the countrys oldest manufacturers, is attempting a comeback after nearly a decade of losses. The brand expects to become Ebitda positive by the end of this fiscal and return to net profit in FY27, Kuldip Raina, MD and CEO, told Mint. At the heart of Shalimars turnaround plan is avoiding direct competition with larger players in metro and tier I markets, where aggressive discounting influences customer decisions. Instead, the company is deepening its presence in tier II, tier III and tier IV towns, which are significantly underpenetrated and offer runway for growth, Raina said. Analysts believe the pecking order is Asian Paints, Berger Paints, Kansai Nerolac, JSW Paints (including Akzo Nobel), Indigo Paints and Birla Opus. The remaining 4-5% is shared by smaller players such as Nippon, and Shalimar Paints. At least one analyst agrees that the strategy of giving discounts is not sustainable. Given the capital-intensive nature of the sector, the current penetration-led pricing strategy is not sustainable and is expected to weigh on the earnings growth trajectory. Consequently, we foresee competitive pressures easing only by FY2728, as Birla Opus begins to scale back its rebate offerings," said Antu Eapen Thomas, research analyst at Geojit Investments Ltd. Some analysts believe that the survival instinct is kicking in for paintmakers. Focusing on their stronger markets for many of them is a matter of survival, ICICI Secs Menon said, adding, when they say theyre getting aggressive, its because they dont really have a choice." Elara Securities senior vice president Amit Purohit echoed similar sentiments on these strategies. These are sensible strategies to protect their market share, but also forced ones as no smaller player today can claim theyll take on market leaders in the major urban markets," said Purohit. Also Read | Jio Payments Bank goes big: Inside the push that quadrupled its footprint Key Takeaways Competition is forcing paint companies to move away from aggressive discounting and adopt more calculated, targeted strategies focused on existing strengths. Mid-sized players like Kansai Nerolac and Nippon Paint are strengthening their presence in specific geographical markets to protect their existing scale. Companies are broadening their scope beyond traditional decorative paints, exploring adjacencies and focusing on differentiation and brand-building over price. For companies outside the top tier, this strategy of focusing on niche markets is largely viewed by analysts as a survival instinct or a forced move against new, deep-pocketed entrants like Birla Opus. The entry of Birla Opus and JSW Paints has permanently raised competitive intensity. Surviving competition According to ICICI Secs Menon, in the end the smaller companies will eventually give up ultimately depending on how much loss they can absorb and for mid sized companies competing directly in emulsions and enamels, consolidation is inevitable. Some may not survive, others may end up selling out," he said. The competitive landscape has shifted dramatically since the entry of Birla Opus in 2024 and JSW Paints acquisition of Akzo Nobel Indias paint business in 2025. Both are aggressively chasing scale, and Opus is targeting the No. 2 position, while JSW is aiming for No. 3, challenging long-established players and unsettling industry dynamics. ICICI Secs Menon pointed out that Its reasonable to expect Birla Opus to double down due to competition. They arent going anywhere and theyre backed by a large conglomerate with deep pockets. Competition will stay intense, but if industry growth improves, it wont be as disruptive," he said. Elaras Purohit also agreed. Some believe competition will ease but I see that competition is unlikely to be over so soon as new entrants will continue to focus on market share," he said. These strategies are in contrast to larger paintmakers like Berger Paints, which has said it is prepared to choose market share over margins if required, and separately, JSW Paints MD Parth Jindal had said, after the Akzo Nobel acquisition in July, that they will fight back with everything they have in the decorative segment to compete with rivals. Analysts, despite the turbulence, expect a cyclical recovery. Paint industry revenues are likely to rebound this financial year, after two years of muted growth, according to an ICICI Securities report on 30 June. The note highlights a two-decade pattern: the sector typically bounces back strongly after consecutive slow years. Geojits Thomas expects a degree of volume recovery to happen in H2FY26. Incubate Fund Asia, backer of firms such as M2P and Captain Fresh, is kicking off a fundraising spree with its fourth India-focused seed fund. It will launch with an initial corpus of $60 million, up from $30 million in the last fund, and the fundraising process is slated to begin next month, founder and general partner Nao Murakami told Mint . In parallel, the firm is evaluating a second vehicle with Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc, targeting a corpus equal to or slightly higher than its previous $200 million fund. This vehicle is expected to hit the market in six to nine months. The flurry of activity comes at a time when multiple private equity and venture capital firms have hit the market to raise capital. Private equity players such as ChrysCapital, Kedaara Capital and Multiples Alternate Asset Management, as well as venture capital firms, including Blume Ventures and India Quotient, have recently closed new funds. India has become a huge area of interest for overseas LPs, especially because the IPO market is now wide open," Murakami said. There is no other such market in South-East Asia with such phenomenal exit opportunities." Incubate Fund Asia is part of the larger Incubate Fund group headquartered in Tokyo. The group operates through independent sister funds across Brazil, the US, and India, and has built a global presence with offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Sao Paulo and Mountain View. Also Read | Ed tech startup WizKlub raises 6 crore led by Incubate Fund India The Japanese parent fund has backed over 200 startups, while the Asia/India arm has been actively investing in early-stage companies since 2016. Across its first three funds, Incubate Fund Asia has invested in companies such as Captain Fresh, Yulu, ShopKirana and Plum. Murakami said the firm is now looking to diversify its LP base in terms of both geography and type of investor profile", with a focus on attracting more institutional investors from Europe, the UK and the US. While Japan will continue to make up more than 50% of the LP base, South Korea is also catching up", he added. A growing number of Japanese VC and PE firms have been redirecting capital to India, drawn by a healthier exit environment and stronger portfolio outcomes relative to both Japan and the broader APAC region. Fundraising is undoubtedly more crowded and, while the capital is still there, LPs are deploying more selectively. Managers today need a clearer track record, stronger governance and sharper positioning to break through the noise," said Shreevardhan Sinha, senior partner at Desai & Diwanji. Diversifying the LP base reduces reliance on any one geography or economic cycle and improves capital stability across fund cycles. US, UK and European LPs continue to see India as a structural growth story." Indias cross-border payments space, long constrained by clunky bank processes and SWIFT rails, is being rewired. A year after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced its payment aggregator-cross border (PA-CB) licence, fintechs such as BriskPe, Xflow and Skydo are building regulated pipes for export and import flows. And their growth prospects have funders lining up fresh capital to grow that business. The shift could be decisive, as small businesses seek faster, cheaper and more predictable settlements. Fintechs could intermediate 15-20% of Indias estimated $1.6 trillion cross-border flows within five years, up from low single-digits today, say the founders and analysts Mint spoke with. While a handful of large payment gateways, including Cashfree Payments, Razorpay and PayU, have secured or applied for PACB approvals, a parallel cohort of specialist startups backed by venture capitalists and even global companies such as Stripe are emerging as newer players. The problem that was Before RBI created a formal licensing regime, most small-ticket cross-border flows ran through the OPGSP model dominated by PayPal and a few global banks. It was not a true regulated frameworkany payment provider with a tie-up to an authorised dealer bank could route export or import receipts, but with low transaction limits ($10,000 for exports and $2,000 for imports), heavy paperwork and inconsistent bank interpretations. This led to delays and frequent documentation issues. As Indunath Chaudhary, co-founder of BriskPe, put it: They saw us as distribution arms for other banks, so exporters often struggled to get payments recognized smoothly even when everything was in order." Xflow co-founder Anand Balaji said the model also created visibility gaps for banks. When RBI turned up for an audit, they had a lot of questions that banks found hard to answer," he said. Setting the regulatory scanner A major push for reform came in July 2023, when the Delhi high court, in a case involving PayPal Payments, held that such platforms were effectively operating a payment system and had to meet licensing and anti-money laundering norms. By October 2023, RBI replaced the OPGSP construct with the PA-CB framework, bringing all intermediaries under direct supervision. The rules raised per-transaction limits to 25 lakh, required a net worth of 15 crore (to rise to 25 crore in three years), and mandated registration with the Financial Intelligence UnitIndia. In 2025, these norms were rolled into consolidated payment aggregator directions covering online, offline and cross-border aggregators under one rulebook. Seizing the opportunity Vivek Ramji Iyer, partner and national leader, financial services at Grant Thornton Bharat said that crossborder remittances remain heavily paperdriven even as India builds out digital public infrastructure. With PA-CB reforms, he now believes there is a huge opportunity" to digitize cross-border payments. Banks have not moved fast enough to reengineer endtoend documentation and workflows for exporters and importers for solving for faster cross border settlements, and the new framework is the RBIs way of shaking up an ecosystem that had grown too comfortable with legacy processes and narrow trade and treasury businesses," Iyer added. Indias crossborder payment opportunity is already large. In 2023, the country exported about $432-455 billion worth of goods and roughly $340-345 billion of services, while importing around $670 billion of goods and $248 billion of services, taking the total underlying crossborder trade flows well past $1.6 trillion in value, according to World Bank and WTObased estimates compiled by Santander and WITS. Also Read | Why banks are letting fintechs launch your credit card Chaudhary of BriskPe sees room for regulated players to handle a meaningful slice of Indias future export flows. The government aims for around $2 trillion in combined goods and services exports over the medium term, and MSMEs account for roughly 4550% of exports by value. If MSMEs contribute about half of the $2 trillion, close to $1 trillion of MSMEled export flows will need better, cheaper crossborder rails, he said adding that fintechs and PACBlicensed intermediaries can realistically capture about a fifth of that MSME opportunity over time. Funds tracking growth trail Such prospects are drawing investor interest in these intermediaries. BriskPe, founded by former HDFC Life executive Sanjay Tripathy, exNium CTO Nilesh Pathak and bankerturnedoperator Chaudhary, has so far raised about $5 million in seed funding from PayU and other backers, and focuses on MSME exporters and small businesses. Chaudhary said the company is in discussions for a larger funding round, with more serious interest" coming from international and AsiaPacific investors than from traditional domestic venture funds. He, however, declined to disclose the amount BriskPe is looking to mop up. Bengalurubased Skydo is also in early talks to raise around $1520 million from a mix of domestic and global venture capital funds, while Xflow has discussed a possible $10-15 million round with existing and new international investors, said people in the know. Mint could not independently verify the details. Xflow cofounder Balaji confirmed the company is in conversations with investors and has enough money in the bank" for now, but declined to comment on any specific round or valuation. Several larger payment firms have also moved to secure their place in the PACB regime. Cashfree Payments was among the first to receive a full crossborder payment aggregator licence, while Razorpay and PayU have got approvals to operate as payment aggregators across online, offline and crossborder flows. Other players such as PayGlocal, EximPe and global majors such as PayPal and Wise have either received inprinciple clearance or final authorization to run PACB businesses in India, creating a small but fastgrowing club of regulated entities that can legally intermediate foreign exchange for Indian exporters. Also Read | RBI announces relief for export sectors facing trade disruption Movin Jain, cofounder of Skydo, said investors now see crossborder payments as a market with massive global potential", helped by clearer regulation and higher entry barriers under the PACB regime. The growth tailwinds are equally strong. Indias exports are shifting rapidly toward digital services, and that segment is booming. Over 60% of our volume comes from services exporters and freelancers, and that demand is only accelerating with AIdriven outsourcing and global remote work," he said. Call for import payments boost Founders and analysts say the early opportunity for PACB players is still heavily skewed towards export receipts, rather than import payments. In simple terms, export payments are dollars or other foreign currencies coming into India when an Indian firm sells goods or services abroadfor example, a SaaS startup in Bengaluru billing a US client in $1,000 and receiving the money in rupees after FX conversion through a PACB platform. These flows fit into the current rules because the PACB framework is explicitly designed around facilitating export proceeds, while putting tighter conditions around imports. PACBs can now directly onboard Indian exporters and handle their inward remittances, but import usecases are more constrained. Chaudhary of BriskPe said the regulatory construct nudges players in that direction. Merchants importing cannot tie up with any crossborder payments operator because the RBI has encouraged overseas sellers and marketplaces to open rupee accounts or work with Indian intermediaries, he said. He argued that this leaves a gap for Indian SMEs that want to pay overseas vendors more efficiently and suggested that imports could be opened up in a phased manner, similar to how fintechs today handle payments under the liberalized remittance scheme. Balaji of Xflow also described his companys business as mainly exportled, even though it sees clear demand from Indian companies looking to pay foreign suppliers. Current PACB import rules, he said, typically allow onboarding of the overseas merchant or marketplace, not the Indian buyer, which constrains how much of the import journey a player like Xflow can control. Skydo is also seeing pull on the import side in purchases of digital goods and services and B2B vendor payments, said Jain. The first involves online payments to large global platforms, where failure rates are high due to differences in card security protocols, while B2B imports to markets such as China and Vietnam suffer from slow settlements, hidden fees and manual compliance. This is a rapidly growing opportunity and were scaling our product build for these usecases," he added. Hong Kong fire: Alibaba Group, Ant Group are among other companies like Tencent Holdings, Xiaomi Corp and TikTok's parent company ByteDance, which have pledged millions towards the fire relief funds after a deadly residential fire claimed the lives of at least 55 people in Hong Kong, reported the news agency Reuters on Thursday, 27 November 2025. Top donors like Alibaba Group and its affiliate Ant Group have together donated 30 million Hong Kong dollars, while Alibaba Founder Jack Ma has pledged $30 million through his charity foundation. Others, like Anta Group and Tencent Holdings, have also donated 30 million Hong Kong dollars for the fire relief funds. Xi Jinping's plea Donations from the corporate giants soon started to flow after Chinese President Xi Jinping urged all-out efforts towards minimising the casualties and losses due to the deadly fire. Xi Jinping also extended his condolences to the victims and firefighters who lost their lives in the fire in the Tai Po District residential building. He also shared his sympathies with the families of the victims and the people affected by the incident. Also Read | Hong Kong Fire Liability Triggers Drop at Taiping Insurance Xi Jinping expressed his condolences to the victims and firefighters who died in the major fire in a residential building in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong, and extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and the affected people. He also urged all-out efforts to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses, according to the Chinese State Media's official announcement. Here's how much companies have donated Alibaba Group and Ant Group 30 million Hong Kong dollars Anta Group 30 million Hong Kong dollars Tencent Holdings 30 million Hong Kong dollars Xiaomi Corp 10 million Hong Kong dollars ByteDance 10 million Hong Kong dollars Mixue Bingcheng Co 20 million Hong Kong dollars China Merchants Group 20 million Hong Kong dollars Shangri-La Group 10 million Hong Kong dollars PPD Holdings 10 million Hong Kong dollars Baidu 10 million Hong Kong dollars Geely (Zhejiang Geely Holding Group) 10 million Hong Kong dollars Lenovo 10 million Hong Kong dollars Xtep Group 20 million Hong Kong dollars Du Xiaoman 10 million Hong Kong dollars Midea Group 10 million Hong Kong dollars Wens Foodstuff 40 million Hong Kong dollars Trip.com Group Ltd 10 million Hong Kong dollars NetEase 10 million Hong Kong dollars BYD 10 million Hong Kong dollars Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors (XPeng) 5 million Hong Kong dollars Be Friends Holdings 1 million Hong Kong dollars Fuguiniao Group 5 million Hong Kong dollars China Red Cross 2 million Yuan. Hong Kong fire According to a CNBC report, the fire, which blazed through the Wang Fuk Court building in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, is the deadliest fire since the year 1948. Back then, a warehouse fire killed 176 people on the site. The recent fire at the Wang Fuk Court was at an eight-tower public housing complex in northern Hong Kong, which was home to 4,600 people living in 2,000 apartments, as per the agency report. The agency report also highlighted that the fire started from a bamboo section scaffolding, which was around the complex, which eventually spread to other buildings through the wooden poles and the protective netting. Apples 545-page petition to the Delhi High Court on 26 November, which Mint has reviewed, brings into sharp focus a 2023 amendment to Indias Competition Act, 2002, that allows the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to impose penalties based on a companys global turnover. The amendment dramatically increases the stakes for multinational technology firms, as fines calculated on global turnover can run into tens of billions of dollars. Apple, for instance, faces a potential fine of nearly $38 billion if found guilty of abusing its market dominance in India. Unsurprisingly, the company has approached the court, calling the law arbitrary, unconstitutional, grossly disproportionate, unjust". Apples Constitutional challenge is the first major legal test of this sweeping new power. Delhi High Court advocate Ekta Rai said, This Apple case can easily become the first real stress test of the CCIs new penalty powers." The outcome could determine how Big Tech is regulated in one of the worlds fastest-growing digital markets. Let's take a closer look. Also Read | How Apple is reinventing the iPhone with new materials and record R&D spending What does the amended rule say, exactly? The issue at the heart of Apples legal challenge is the method by which the CCI computes fines. Under the amended Section 27(b) of the Competition Act (revamped in 2023) and the CCIs 2024 monetary penalty guidelines, the regulator can, in certain cases, use a companys global turnover as the basis for calculating fines. The guidelines set out a multi-step approach. Typically, the CCI begins with the relevant turnover the revenue derived from the product or business vertical where the alleged anti-competitive conduct occurred, or the revenue earned by the companys India entity. It can levy up to 30% of this amount as the base penalty, with adjustments for aggravating or mitigating circumstances. However, it may invoke the statutory maximum of up to 10% of the companys average global turnover for the previous three financial years in cases where it believes that a fine based on the turnover figure would not create sufficient deterrence, particularly in digital markets, where India-specific revenues are difficult to isolate or represent a minuscule slice of global earnings. This significantly increases the potential liability for global firms operating in India. What led to this change? An April 2023 analysis in Moneycontrol by partners at Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas noted that the concept of relevant turnover" was never explicitly defined in the original Competition Act. The CCI initially interpreted turnover to mean total turnover, which resulted in large fines. In 2012, the CCI fined Excel Crop Care 9% of its total turnover, or 63.9 crore, instead of basing it on just the turnover in aluminium phosphide, the subject of the issue. Excel Crop Care approached the Supreme Court for relief, and in 2017 the court ruled that penalties should ordinarily be linked to the relevant turnover. However, this relevant turnover is hard to determine in cases involving modern digital platforms and global businesses, where zeroing in on the revenue of a specific offending product is next to impossible. The 2023 amendment and 2024 guidelines were introduced to give the CCI additional tools for cases in which the relevant turnover was impractical to calculate or ineffective as a deterrent. In doing so, they reverse the practical effect of the Excel Crop Care precedent. Deterrence was a major factor that contributed to this change, as using the relevant turnover often resulted in modest fines that were unlikely to prevent misconduct by large firms with deep pockets. Apples India revenue in FY25, for instance, was about $8.9 billion ( 79,378 crore), a fraction of its $416 billion global revenue. Match Groups private submission to the CCI in October (more details below) also explicitly argued that a penalty based solely on India revenue would be too small to change the behaviour of dominant firms. How do these rules rule compare with similar ones worldwide? Approaches to antitrust vary across the world. The US does not operate an antitrust regime centred around fines. Instead, enforcement focuses on structural remedies such as divestitures, breaking up monopolistic companies, and enforcing behavioural restrictions. On the other hand, EU law allows for fines of up to 10% of global turnover. In practice, however, the European Commission (EC) usually starts with relevant market turnover and then applies adjustments. For example, the ECs 4.34-billion fine against Google in 2018 (Android case) was calculated based on revenue from Googles search services on Android devices within the European Economic Area, and not the companys global revenue. Similarly, when the EC fined Apple 1.84 billion in 2024 for restrictions affecting music-streaming apps, it noted that the amount represented 0.5% of Apples global turnover, well below the 10% cap. Indias model is similar to that of the EU, but for companies such as Google and Apple, EU revenues are much higher and Indian revenues. Apples Europe revenue amounted to $101.33 billion in FY24 (October 2023 to September 2024), while its India revenue was around $8 billion ( 67,121 crore) from April 2023 to March 2024. Apple follows the October-to-September financial year for its global revenue filing, while in India it follows the April-to-March fiscal year. Also Read | iPhone 17 breaks another record in Apple's India surge What is Apples argument against the law? And why is it acting now? Apples petition argues that relying on worldwide revenue for India-specific conduct is arbitrary" and grossly disproportionate", especially when the alleged misconduct involves only a small part of its global business. The petition also raises concerns about retrospective impact as the law uses the average turnover of the preceding three years even for conduct that predates the amendment. Crucially, Apple argues that the amendment conflicts with the Supreme Courts Excel Crop Care judgment, which held that penalties should ordinarily be based on relevant turnover. Apple says the new provisions purport to reverse the letter and spirit" of that ruling. The timing of the challenge is linked to the ongoing CCI investigation into Apples App Store practices. Between 2021 and 2022, NGOs, Indian startups and Match Group (owner of dating app Tinder) approached the CCI, accusing Apple of abusing its dominance by mandating the use of its in-app payment system and charging a commission of up to 30%. The CCI clubbed all the cases together and found prima facie evidence of abuse, but Apple denied wrongdoing. In a private submission to the CCI in October 2025, reported by Reuters, Match Group argued that a fine based on global turnover would serve as a significant deterrent against recidivism". Facing a potential fine as high as $38 billion, Apple has moved to challenge the very basis on which such a penalty could be imposed. What are the stakes and who else will be affected? The implications of this case extend far beyond Apple. Any multinational firm whose conduct in India can be construed as abuse under competition law now faces fines far larger than could be derived from India revenue. According to B. Shravanth Shanker, advocate-on-record, Supreme Court of India, even a partial win (for example, if the court upholds global turnover in principle but reads in proportionality, productlinkage and strict nonretrospectivity) would still give other tech companies such as Meta, Google and Amazon powerful grounds to challenge the CCIs overly broad penalty computations. However, Shanker warned that if Apple loses, the CCI could start imposing penalties based on global turnover, greatly increasing the financial risk for Big Tech. Indian startups and developers, on the other hand, have long argued that dominant platforms impose restrictive practices that affect earnings and competition, and the result of this case will have a direct bearing on these companies. For global tech companies, this case is a signal of how serious India is about policing digital markets," said Rai. If the governments position is upheld, India moves firmly into the high-regulation, high-stakes club alongside the EU. If Apple manages to narrow the law, Big Tech will still see India as strict, but also as a place where courts step in to keep penalties proportional." The Delhi High Court is set to hear Apples petition on 3 December. The case will determine whether Indias newly strengthened antitrust penalty framework can withstand Constitutional scrutiny, and its outcome will be closely watched by global technology companies, investors, and regulators seeking clarity on enforcement in Indias digital economy. (Bloomberg) -- Bodil Nyboe Andersen, Denmarks first female central bank governor, has died. She passed away Thursday at the age of 85, her two sons told Danish newswire Ritzau. Nyboe Andersen was governor of Nationalbanken from 1990 to 2005, making her one of the first women in the world to head a central bank. She described her term as some of the most dramatic years in Danish monetary policy, including defending the fixed exchange rate policy in 1992 and 1993 and handling a banking crisis. She has been praised for exhibiting rigorous logic and pedagogical clarity in the role at Nationalbanken, skills she acquired through her years in academia. As a trailblazer in Denmarks financial industry, Nyboe Andersen typically had few or no female colleagues, but she never considered this an issue. I have led a life as a woman in a distinctly male world, and often on mens terms, but it has not been a problem for me, she said in a 2019 speech. Nyboe Andersen was born Oct. 9, 1940, as the daughter of a late politician and a teacher. She was the eldest of four siblings. Nyboe Andersen graduated with a masters degree in economics from the University of Copenhagen in 1966. During her early career, she worked as an economist for the Danish Economic Secretariat, then as a university lecturer. In 1981, Nyboe Andersen joined the executive team at Andelsbanken, a Danish lender which later became part of Nordic giant Nordea Bank Abp. In an interview with Kristeligt Dagblad, she described the move from academia to banking as something that took great courage, as she would enter a more formal and hierarchical world. The fact that Nyboe Andersen cycled to work was at the time unheard of and something that colleagues would make jokes about. In what she has described as her dream job, Nyboe Andersen joined the Danish central bank in 1990, first as a deputy governor, and five years later succeeding Erik Hoffmeyer as the head of the bank. She retired at 65 in 2005, and since took on a number of board positions, including at the Danish Red Cross and the University of Copenhagen. Nyboe Andersen was often asked how it felt to be the first female central bank governor in the Nordic country. That has always struck me as a rather silly question, she said in 2019. I would have been just as happy with the job if one of the predecessors had been a woman. Its the job thats important. Nyboe Andersen had two sons with the late Henning Holten, whom she divorced in 1985. --With assistance from Sam Hall. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Edtech platform Byju's founder Byju Raveendran is on the way to file a lawsuit worth $2.5 billion against GLAS Trust, while also saying he will submit new evidence at courts in the US to counter claims alleging $533 million was diverted from Byjus Alpha, the company's American financing entity. The development comes less than a week after a Delaware bankruptcy ordered Byju Raveendran to pay over $1.07 billion in a default judgment. In its ruling last week, the US court had said that Byju's founders had refused to cooperate with legal efforts to locate almost half the proceeds from a $1.2 billion US term loan issued in 2021. What did Byju Raveendran say? Byju Raveendran has contested the grounds on which the order was based. He said that the Delaware court did not give him sufficient time to arrange an attorney to contest the case. The online tutor platform founder had earlier asked for 30 days for the same. Along with challenging the order, he vowed to file a parallel $2.5 billion damage suit against GLAS Trust and entities assisting it in another US court. He claimed that the entire money in question, $533 million, was accounted for. The majority of the amount, $479.62 million, was routed from the loan manager OCI to Revere Capital. It was then transferred to Byju's entities and finally to the parent company Think & Learn Pvt Ltd (TLPL). That year, TLPL used the money to pay for acquisitons worth $3 billion, including that of Aakash Educational Services. Byju Raveendran further argued that the documents GLAS Trust served during the legal proceedings establish the money trail. He said in a statement that he has submitted a motion as well in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, where he sought correction of a so-called premature damages determination. He argues that the court mistakenly included a damages award as part of a sanction order for delayed document production, even though GLAS Trust withdrew its request for a damages ruling in September and no liability was decided on the merits. The Court determined no liability on the merits of any of the claims of GLAS Trust and Byju Raveendran provided no defence against those claims, the statement reads. It is simply outrageous that I have been attacked in this manner and, more importantly, that BYJU's customers and employees have been impacted by this attack based on the pure greed of these Lenders and GLAS Trust. These parties will now be brought before the courts and be required to answer some very tough questions, Raveendran said. It is simply outrageous that I have been attacked in this manner and, more importantly, that BYJU's customers and employees have been impacted by this attack based on the pure greed of these Lenders and GLAS Trust What are the evidences? Will they be submitted in India? Byju's said that the evidence it plans to submit includes bank records, email correspondence, and transfer trails that were obtained in US proceedings but have not been disclosed fully. Raveendran said he will submit clinching evidence before the US Courts, proving that GLAS Trust and the Resolution Professional (now managing BYJU's) repeatedly misled the Delaware Court, Indian & other Courts, and the public by falsely alleging that $533 million (Alpha Funds) was diverted by the founders. A litigation advisor for Byju Raveendran alleged that since early June of this year, the Delaware Court has been advised that GLAS Trust was misleading the Court in its submissions by claiming that it did not know how the Alpha Loan proceeds were used. These same allegations have been made by the RP of Think & Learn in Court submissions in India. The RP refused to provide information to Byju Raveendran that was requested by Byju Raveendran as ordered by the Delaware Court, the advisor said. GLAS Trust & Alpha did not inform the Delaware Court that the alleged 'missing' funds were not missing at all but instead were used by Alpha and Think & Learn through an investment in shares of Think & Learn, the advisor added. (Bloomberg) -- China Taiping Insurance Holdings Co. shares fell Thursday on concerns over the insurers estimated HK$2.6 billion ($334 million) exposure to a Hong Kong residential project at the center of a deadly fire. The companys shares fell as much as 8.1% in early trading before paring losses to less than 1% as of 1:58 p.m. in Hong Kong. China Taiping underwrote third-party liability and employee compensation for mandatory building and window inspection work at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The HK$316 million construction project, which relied on bamboo scaffolding and protective netting, is under investigation for its role in a blaze that erupted 18 hours ago and has yet to be extinguished. China Taipings policy covers the full contract sum plus an additional HK$50 million ($6.4 million) for accidents. The insurer also provides HK$200 million in employee compensation for the project. Separately, China Taiping holds a general property-all-risk policy with coverage of HK$2 billion. A representative for the company declined to comment. The general property-all-risk policy and the specific construction coverage are both seriously underinsured given the scale of work on the roughly 2,000-unit complex, Hong Kong Insurance Professionals Federation Chairman Philip Mak said in a phone interview. Rebuilding costs for communal areas and elevator steel cables will almost certainly exceed the insured amount, Mak said. Individual owners can claim death and injury benefits under the HK$50 million accident portion of the policy, but that sum is nowhere near enough given the fatalities and hundreds still unaccounted for, he added. China Taipings exposure to the complex could be HK$2.6 billion before reinsurance about 9.3% of consensus earnings this year or 1.5% of shareholder equity as of June, assuming 50% reinsurance recovery, according to a Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Steven Lam and Joyce Ho. --With assistance from Kelly Li, Felix Tam, Jiyeun Lee and Zhang Dingmin. (Updates with comments from Bloomberg Intelligence.) More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com By Wen-Yee Lee TAIPEI (Reuters) -Intel on Thursday denied allegations by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing that one of its executives, Wei-Jen Lo, who formerly worked at the Taiwanese chipmaker, had leaked trade secrets. "Based on everything we know, we have no reason to believe there is any merit to the allegations involving Mr Lo," Intel said in an emailed statement. Lo did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Intel said the company maintains rigorous policies and controls that strictly prohibit the use or transfer of any third-party confidential information or intellectual property. "We take these commitments seriously," Intel said. The U.S. chipmaker said it has welcomed back Lo and that he is widely respected across the semiconductor industry for his integrity, leadership and technical expertise. "Talent movement across companies is a common and healthy part of our industry, and this situation is no different," the company added. TSMC said on Tuesday it had filed a lawsuit in Taiwan's Intellectual Property and Commercial Court against Lo, its former senior vice president. Lo, who helped drive TSMC's mass production of cutting edge 5-nanometre, 3-nm and 2-nm chips, joined Intel in October after retiring from TSMC following a 21-year-long career there. Before joining TSMC in 2004, Lo worked at Intel for 18 years. TSMC had said in a statement that "there is a high probability that Lo uses, leaks, discloses or transfers TSMC's trade secrets and confidential information to Intel, thus making legal actions necessary Taiwan's economy ministry said this week that it will cooperate to determine whether the case involves the infringement of core technologies or violations of Taiwan's National Security Act. Life Insurance Corp. of India Ltd, or LIC, consistently approved or never opposed resolutions proposed before shareholders of Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) or any Adani Group company since 1 April 2022, even as it rejected several similar proposals at other large companies, some even part of other conglomerates, a Mint review of about 9,000 voting decisions by the government-run insurer showed. This raises questions of how decisions are made at the country's largest money manager and whether it has different voting standards for businesses controlled by the countrys wealthiest tycoons versus other companies, experts said. LIC, as the largest public shareholder in RIL and Jio Financial Services, approved all 63 shareholder resolutions put forth by the two companies over the last 14 quarters, a period when it rejected or abstained from voting on similar proposals at other firms. At Adani-owned companies, LIC approved 351 of 368 resolutions and abstained from voting on the remaining 17. It didnt reject a single Adani Group shareholder resolution even as it rejected comparable proposals more frequently at non-conglomerate companies. There have been at least five instances with RIL, India's most valued company, where LICs voting has raised questions about inconsistencies in its policy. The insurer holds a 6.94% stake in the refining-to-retail giant valued at around 1.47 trillion as of Wednesday and accounting for nearly 3% of its assets, Mint calculations show. None of the other large Indian conglomerates have received complete approval for all their shareholder resolutions from LIC during this time. In all, of the about 9,000 resolutions since the beginning of FY23, LIC voted in favour of over 92% of them and abstained from voting on another 6%. It rejected just under 2% of the resolutions. The insurer owns more than 1% stake in over 300 companies as per a review of its voting disclosures. At least on one occasion, there was a violation of guidelines in LIC's voting policy document that bars the insurer from supporting auditor-qualified accounts as it did with the FY25 financials of Adani Enterprises LIC's voting record highlights a potential risk: inconsistent standards, as detailed in this story, have an impact on how the insurer manages its 57.23 trillion ($645 billion) in assets under management as of September. The fiduciary duty it has to its crores of policy holders and investors whose money it invests in stocks, mutual funds, and government securities is detailed in its stewardship code. Among other goals, the code states: Stewardship aims to promote the long-term success of investee companies in such a way that the ultimate providers of capital also prosper. Effective stewardship benefits investee companies, investors and enhances the quality of capital markets." At least on one occasion, there was a violation of the guidelines laid out in LIC's voting policy document regarding discipline at its investee companies. This was on the approval of the fiscal 2025 standalone and consolidated accounts of Adani Enterprises and is detailed later in this story. Mint had sent LIC questions on this story more than a week ago on 20 November and had not received any response at the time of publishing. After publication of the story online Thursday morning and in print Friday morning, a communications agency responded on behalf of LIC. Corporate governance and voting issues are diverse and constantly evolving and LIC always believes and follows good corporate governance in taking an informed stand on such voting issues, without any element of favour or bias," the response read. Our voting decisions are based on our Internal Voting Guidelines and LIC always takes a considered view while voting on resolutions of companies on the basis of our voting policy and other available information," it continued, adding it seeks clarifications from companies at times. LIC takes into account factors such as overall economic and strategic considerations, our holding in the companies and our stakeholders interest at large, before taking a voting decision," it said. RIL and Adani did not respond to emails seeking comment sent on Monday, 24 November. Ambani reappointment More than two years ago, in August 2023, LIC voted in favour of the reappointment of Mukesh Ambani as RILs managing director. Ambani is also the company's chairperson. But this March, LIC abstained from voting on Venu Srinivasans re-appointment as chairman emeritus and managing director of TVS Motor Company, stating only that the abstention was "as per our internal guidelines", without elaborating. The separation of the roles of chairperson and managing director or chief executive officer is a sound governance practice adopted by leading institutional investors. Even the markets regulator, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, has recommended that the top 500 listed companies by market capitalization should consider separating these two positions, although it has not made it mandatory. If LIC votes against the recommendations of the regulator, how can anyone else take these matters seriously," asked Sharmila Gopinath, an independent corporate governance consultant. View Full Image RIL chairman and managing director. (File Photo: PTI) Three other instances highlight the inconsistency in how the insurer votes on governance matters across the more than 300 listed companies in which it is a shareholder: In June 2024, when RIL sought shareholder approval to ratify the appointment of prominent lawyer Haigreve Khaitan as an independent director on its board, LIC voted in favour. According to public records, Khaitan currently sits on the boards of eight companies. Soon after, in August 2024, however, LIC abstained from voting on the re-appointment of independent director Rajeev Gupta to the board of Indian Energy Exchange Ltd, citing that Gupta had excessive time commitments", according to voting disclosures made by the insurer. Gupta sits on the boards of nine companies. Oddly, in the same week, LIC approved the appointment of Gupta as an independent director on the board of Pidilite Industries Ltd. Different approaches The inconsistency doesnt end there. LIC abstained from voting on ratifying the appointments of other independent directors, too, due to concerns about over-commitment some of them at large companies. These include the appointment of Pallavi Bakhru (eight directorships currently) to the board of Hindustan Zinc Ltd in October 2023, Anami Roy (11 directorships) to the board of Bajaj Finserv Ltd in December 2023, and Arvind Newar (20 directorships) to the board of HGI Industries Ltd in September 2024. The Aditya Birla Group owns HGI Industries. At the same shareholder meeting where LIC approved of Khaitans appointment on the RIL board last June, it also ratified the reappointment of Yasir Othman H. Al Rumayyan as an independent director. The chairperson of Saudi Aramco attended five of the seven board meetings in the preceding year, below the 75% attendance threshold set by most proxy advisory firms. Proxy advisory firms, including Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS), and marquee global fund managers such as Norges and Vanguard, opposed his reappointment due to his low attendance. Board members should contribute to effective discussions and decision-making by attending all meetings," Norways sovereign wealth fund, Norges, reasoned. LIC did not challenge Al Rumayyan's low attendance. In contrast, over two years, LIC opposed three director re-appointments and abstained from voting on two others due to poor attendance. The rejections were at Page Industries Ltd and Lux Industries Ltd, while the abstentions were at Titan Company Ltd and Torrent Power Ltd. While these directors had attended fewer than half the board meetings in the preceding year, LIC did not clarify why poor attendance merited different actions at different companies. Adani decisions The inconsistencies in LICs voting patterns extend to the Adani Group, controlled by billionaire Gautam Adani, as well. LIC is the largest public shareholder in six of the seven Adani-owned companies, including Adani Enterprises, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone, Adani Energy Solutions, Adani Total Gas, Adani Green Energy, ACC, and Ambuja Cement. In June last year, Adani Enterprises sought shareholder approval to reappoint Gautam Adani's brother Rajesh Adani as managing director for five years and to fix his remuneration. The flagship company of the Adani Group also sought shareholders' nod to reappoint Pranav Adani, a nephew of the group chairman, as executive director for five years and to fix his remuneration. LIC abstained from voting on both the resolutions, noting that they were compliant with law but no absolute cap on variable pay", according to its disclosures. Around the same time, Coromandel International Ltd proposed two resolutions: to appoint the late Arunachalam Vellayan as a director and fix his remuneration and to appoint Narayanan Vellayan as executive director and fix his remuneration. (The former passed away on 17 November this year.) LIC voted against both the resolutions at the Murugappa Group-owned company citing governance concern. No absolute cap on variable pay". In June 2024, LIC abstained from voting on the reappointment of Rajesh Adani as managing director and Pranav Adani as executive director of Adani Enterprises and to fix their compensations. But, it voted against similar resolutions at Coromandel International. The insurer did not clarify why these concerns led to a rejection in the Coromandel instance, whereas similar concerns at Adani Enterprises led to abstention rather than a vote against. There were other similar rejections as well. In June this year, LIC opposed Bajaj Finance Ltd's two resolutions: the reappointment of Rajeev Jain as executive director and re-designation of Anup Saha as managing director. "No cap on remuneration. Absence of performance metrics determining variable pay. Lack of clarity on stock options to be issued," LIC reasoned when it rejected both the resolutions. While abstaining from voting on a proposal doesnt equate to giving it a thumbs up, it also falls short of being an outright opposition to it, according to two corporate governance experts. It typically means that LIC doesnt fully approve of the resolution, but it will still let it pass. When a large institutional shareholder like LIC abstains from voting on a resolution, it sends a message to the company management that they are not happy with the proposal without derailing it," said Shriram Subramanian, the managing director of proxy advisory firm InGovern and an expert on corporate governance. Also Read | Bajaj Finance trims FY26 loan growth target as stress in MSME business pinches Resolutions in contrast In June 2024, when Adani Gas sought approval to appoint Mukesh M. Shah as an independent director, LIC abstained from voting citing lack of clarity about the tenure of association of the Director with the group companies". Shahs neutrality was questioned in January 2023 by the now shuttered short-seller Hindenburg and investors, as he is the founder and managing partner of Mukesh M Shah and Co., which serves as the auditor of Adicorp Enterprises, an Ahmedabad-based, privately held firm that has been involved in complex transactions, including lending 608.5 crore to Adani Power Ltd. This June, RIL sought to appoint Dinesh Kanabar as an independent director for a term of five years. Proxy advisory firm IiAS objected to this appointment, citing a conflict of interest: Kanabar heads Dhruva Advisors, which is an auditor for several Reliance group firms. LIC approved the appointment of Kanabar at RIL, despite proxy advisor objections regarding a conflict of interest. The abstention at Adani Gas and the approval at RIL are in sharp contrast with LIC's rejection of the re-appointment of late Piyush Pandey as an independent director at Pidilite Industries in June 2023, when it questioned his neutrality due to his long professional association with the adhesives maker. He is the Executive Chairman and Creative Director of Ogilvy & Mather South Asia. The Company regularly obtains services from Ogilvy and Mather Pvt. Ltd., in which Shri Pandey, Independent Director of the Company, is a Whole-Time Director. This could lead to conflict of interest," LIC reasoned in its voting disclosure. View Full Image Graphics: Mint View Full Image Graphics: Mint Unqualified financial statements" In yet another case, LIC approved a resolution it had abstained from voting on in previous years. When Adani Enterprises sought shareholder nod to adopt its audited standalone and consolidated financial statements for FY25, LIC voted aye, breaching one of its most consistent voting patterns: not approving financial statements with a qualified auditor opinion. A qualified audit opinion indicates that the auditor believes a company's financial statements has specific issues even if they are presented fairly. Several foreign investors, including Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM), the UKs largest fund manager, which manages $1.5 trillion in assets, continued to reject the resolutions citing objections raised by Adani Enterprises' auditors. (The qualified opinion was for the consolidated financials of the company and pertains to ongoing investigations and legal proceedings at Mumbai International Airport Ltd that began under the company's previous owners.) "A vote against is applied as the auditors have expressed concerns regarding the company's accounts," said LGIM when it rejected the adoption of financials at Adani Enterprises. Curiously, LIC had abstained from voting on Adani Enterprises qualified financial statements in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. But for FY25, the insurer approved of the financial statements, calling them unqualified financial statements" and compliant with Indian Accounting Standards" in its voting disclosures. This unexplained volte face in accepting qualified accounts seems to be in violation of both language and spirit of financial discipline guidelines in LIC's voting policy document that lays out expectations of sound financial management and discipline at its investee companies. "Resolution regarding adoption of accounts which has been qualified by the auditors and has doubtful related party transactions shall not be supported," a guideline in the document read. View Full Image Adani Group chairman Gautam Adani. (AP) Fiduciary question LIC hasn't kept pace with the best of global governance or proxy voting practices, a governance expert quoted earlier stressed. People look at LIC when it comes to governance practices. If you are going to vote one way, then you must be willing to keep the same stance across the board, whether it is an Ambani-led company or a small enterprise," said Gopinath. It is unclear if LIC voting against any Reliance Industries or Adani Group resolutions would have changed the outcome. However, LICs position as the largest public investor means its voting practices set benchmarks for other institutional investors and frame expectations for corporate governance in India, an expert said. Large institutional investors like LIC need to "adhere to the voting policy while voting on resolutions," said InGovern's Subramanian. Gopinath reiterated the question of LIC's fiduciary responsibility towards its policy holders. "When a company puts up a resolution to vote, they are asking shareholders if they are okay with it. If money managers like LIC cast inconsistent votes, they risk failing in their fiduciary duty to uphold the interests of their policyholders, potentially undermining trust and accountability," she said. In its response Friday evening after this story was first published, LIC reiterated that it is always prudent, consistent, and open minded in its voting decisions keeping in forefront the fiduciary responsibility to protect and enhance the interests of all our stakeholders". To be sure, the decisions taken in different instances were by various individuals, even if senior, at LIC may be reflective of individual judgements. Shares of LIC closed 0.3% higher at 895.7 on the National Stock Exchange on Wednesday with a market capitalization of 5.66 trillion the tenth most-valued listed company in India. (This story was updated to add comments from LIC that came after the story was published.) MUMBAI : Mumbai: A clutch of firms, including 360 One, Steadview Capital, WhiteOak Capital and Info Edge, is expected to invest in home-furnishings brand Wakefit Innovations Ltd just ahead of its initial public offering (IPO) next month, three people familiar with the matter said. They will collectively invest around 210-220 crore in the pre-IPO placement, the people said, adding that the company is targeting a listing in the middle of next month. All three people spoke on the condition of anonymity as the discussions are still private. Wakefit and 360 One declined to comment. Others did not immediately respond to Mint's emailed queries. Wakefit filed draft papers with the regulator in June, outlining plans to raise 468.2 crore in primary money or fresh issue of shares to more than double its store count. Including the secondary transactions or the sale of shares by existing investors, the total issue size now stands at 1,400 crore, Mint reported on 15 November, citing people familiar with the matter. Earlier this month, the company raised 56 crore in pre-IPO placement from DSP India Fund and 360 One Equity Opportunities Fund, valued at over 6,400 crore, Moneycontrol reported. Pre-IPO placements are becoming increasingly common as big investors swoop in on companies right before their IPOs, locking in shares at desirable valuations, something that would be harder once the subscriptions open. It differs from pre-IPO fundraises, where investors typically buy shares 12-18 months before the IPO, or anchor investments reserved for large institutions in IPOs. Moreover, after the regulator restricted mutual funds from participating in pre-IPO placements, the investment activity is likely shifting towards alternative investment funds and portfolio managers. Wakefit has appointed Axis Capital, IIFL Securities, and Nomura to help with the issue. The IPO will also see current owners, including founders and major private equity investors, collectively sell about 58.4 million shares in an offer for sale (OFS). Promoters Ankit Garg and Chaitanya Ramalingegowda, and investors including Peak XV, Investcorp, Verlinvest, Paramark KB, and SAI Global India Fund, among others, are expected to sell under the OFS. The company had raised multiple rounds of capital from these marquee investors from 2018 to 2023. In the last round in January 2023, Wakefit raised 320 crore from investors led by Investcorp, with participation from existing investors Sequoia Capital India, Verlinvest, and SIG. Founded in 2016, Wakefit sells mattresses, beds, sofas, and home furnishings under its flagship brand, largely through its own website and app. It has expanded sales to a mix of e-commerce, experience centres, and company-owned and operated stores. The home-furnishings brand reported an income of 994.3 crore and a net loss of 8.8 crore in the first nine months of FY25, according to the draft prospectus. In the previous fiscal, total income stood at 1,017.3 crore, up from 820 crore in FY23, while net loss narrowed to 15.05 crore from 145.68 crore. IPO pipeline strong The Bengaluru-headquartered company joins a growing list of startups looking to tap the public market. In recent weeks, Lenskart, Groww, PhysicsWallah, Meesho and Fractal Analytics are among firms that have either gone public or are in the process of launching IPOs, making the ongoing quarter one of the busiest periods in the capital markets this year. The first two quarters of 2025 (January-June) saw nine issues each, followed by 46 listings in July-September, according to data shared by Prime Database. Indias IPO market has been buoyant this year after a slower start. According to a Bernstein report, Indian companies have raised $14 billion in 2025 via IPOs, ranking fourth globally behind the US ($53 billion), Hong Kong ($23 billion) and China ($16 billion). According to Primedatabase, the total IPO fundraise stood at 1.59 trillion last year. This year has seen marquee listings from companies such as JSW Cement Ltd, Tata Capital Ltd, Ather Energy Ltd and LG Electronics India Ltd. Other prominent issues include HDB Financial Services Ltd, Indiqube Spaces Ltd, Bluestone Jewellery and Lifestyle Ltd, We Work India Ltd, Smartworks Ltd, Orkla India Ltd and Hexaware Technologies Ltd. At least 30 more companies, including Milky Mist Dairy Food Ltd, Curefoods India Ltd, Shiprocket, Capillary Technologies, Shadowfax Technologies Ltd and Gaja Capital Ltd, have received regulatory approval in the past six months, paving the way for a potential listing next year, the data showed. BENGALURU : The Indian unit of US-based Uber Technologies Inc. has seen the value of its privately held shares surge by more than 40% in the last two years as it cemented its position as Indias largest cab aggregator, ahead of Ola Consumer and Rapido. Shares of Uber India Systems Pvt. Ltd, the main operating entity of Uber in India, were valued by the parent at 2,022.85 apiece when it pumped in 200 crore through the equity route in November, according to a Mint review of its filings with the ministry of corporate affairs. That was nearly a 41% increase from the 1,438.9 per share value the company had considered when pumping in 82 crore in May 2023 through the equity route. Uber has edged ahead of Ola Consumer even as upstart Rapido is trying to gain share in Indias cab aggregator market. According to an industry executive privy to market share estimates, Uber hovers at around 45%, while Olas has dropped to 25-30% from 42-44% in FY24. Also Read | Uber is readying itself for the driverless ageagain Uber shares in India are mainly held through three entitiesUber BV and Uber International Holding BV and Uber International BVwhich owned about 98% of the company as of March 2024. The companys India revenue had surged by 41% to 3,761 crore in fiscal year 2024 (FY24), while its losses narrowed to 89 crore from 311 crore a year earlier. Uber India has yet to file results for the financial year 2025. The company did not respond to Mints query. Uber Indias growing valuation contrasts with a markdown in Ola Consumers valuations earlier this year. US-based asset management company Vanguard, an investor in Olas parent ANI Technologies, slashed its valuation to $1.25 billion, a steep decline from a peak of $7.3 billion. As Uber India has not raised money from external investors, its market-based valuation cannot be determined. Given the company's own valuation markup, it would likely seek to attract a significant premium from external investors if it were to raise funds from them. Also Read | Ola shrinks workforce in profit push even as Rapido gains ground Uber has benefited from a wide array of offerings in the Indian market, which includes mass-market Uber Go, as well as Uber Black for premium users, said Anurag Singh, an advisor at consulting firm Primus Partners. Its main competition, Ola, has got distracted in its EV foray, BluSmart has shut down, and platforms like Namma Yatri have not been able to go national," Singh said, adding that Rapidos rise is something to watch, given that the company is popular among price-conscious consumers. Uber launched its India services in 2013, competing mostly with Bhavish Aggarwal-led Ola Cabs, before Rapido entered the market with bike taxis in 2015. Both Uber and Ola Cabs remained neck-and-neck in the cab-aggregation market before Rapidos foray into the category in 2023. Also Read | Swiggy fully exits Rapido with 2.5x gains Ola used to be our main competition. Now the tougher competition in India is Rapido," Uber chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said on Zerodha co-founder Nikhil Kamaths podcast People by WTF earlier this year. While Uber India saw its registered employees on the EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) increase from 3,866 in April 2024 to 4,804 in August 2025, Ola Consumers parent saw the count fall from 886 to 376 in August this year. Nvidia has found itself in the unusual position of having to launch a charm offensive as its status as the worlds most valuable stock comes under increasing pressure from one of its biggest rivals in artificial intelligence. Were delighted by Googles success," Nvidia said in a statement shared with a broad range of media outlets, including Barrons, following Alphabets launch of its Gemini 3 chatbot. The company then posted the same remarks on its verified social media account. Google, which has developed its own AI chips, known as Tensor Processing Units, is also reportedly in talks to sell them to Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, for its Llama AI infrastructure. But Nvidia wasnt finished. Theyve made great advances in AI and we continue to supply to Google," the statement continued, before taking a turn from professional congratulations to self-promotion. Nvidia is a generation ahead of the industry [and] the only platform that runs every AI model and does it everywhere computing is done," the company said, before touting the superior performance, versatility and fungibility" of its AI systems. Nvidia has also privately pushed back against allegations of aggressive accounting practices levied by Big Short investor Michael Burry. Management referred to off the charts" sales of its Blackwell chips when the company reported its third-quarter earnings last week. Demand is certainly spectacular. CEO Jensen Huang told investors that demand for the Blackwell processors, and the soon-to-be-released Rubin chip, will reach $500 billion by the end of next year. And there is every chance we will hear hints of a more powerful, more efficient, and possibly more profitable iteration of Nvidias rack-and-server system at the companys next developers conference in March. But the braggadocio both in terms of the AI investment cycle and Nvidias place at the top of it, seems to belie a greater degree of concern than the company would likely admit. Tech investors have seemed skeptical about similar claims from other players in big tech. Palantir CEO Alex Karp told investors on Nov. 7 that his companys third-quarter earnings were arguably the best results that any software company has ever delivered." They werent, and the stock fell 20% before beginning a modest rebound this week. Not to be outdone, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, fresh from his victory in a Nov. 6 shareholder vote that could see him earn $1 trillion in stock over the next 10 years, declared the company had embarked upon not merely a new chapter of the future of Tesla, but a whole new book." The stock has fallen nearly 10% since then. Strategys Michael Saylor, whose stock has fallen 54% over the past six months, told a Yahoo Finance event on Nov. 15 that there was no doubt in my mind," that Bitcoin would be bigger than gold over the next decade. Strategy didnt buy any Bitcoin last week, despite the digital currencys 12% slump. Strategys stock market value is now trading south of what its Bitcoin holdings are worth. Nvidia is still the worlds biggest stock, and it still sits at the epicenter of the worlds biggest technological revolution. It has added more than $3 trillion in market value over the past two years and contributed directly to a growth boom that has kept the U.S. economy from sliding into recession. The company will likely generate $93 billion in free cash flow this year, according to Gimme Credits Dave Novosel, with a comfortable enough cushion on its balance sheet to buy back $50 billion in stock if it wanted to. In other words, Nvidia isnt going away soon. But maybe, for the first time in years, it is going to have company. Write to Martin Baccardax at martin.baccardax@barrons.com New Delhi: A year after launch, Bolt is emerging as Swiggys fastest-scaling bet. The 10-15 minute food delivery service has expanded to 700 citiesup from 500 in Maywith 20% of restaurants listed on Swiggy now registered on Bolt as consumers warm up to 10-12 minute delivery for their coffee and samosa. Bolt contributes over 10% to the overall orders for the food-delivery platform, with the share expected to further rise as availability improves, Rohit Kapoor, cheif executive officer of Swiggy Food Marketplace told Mint in an interview. While the company did not give growth projections for Bolt, Kapoor maintained an 18-20% growth guidance for the overall food delivery business. When consumers realize they can get a coffee or a biryani in 10 minutes, they come back. And once restaurants see the demand, they start curating menus specifically for it. Thats a unique advantage we have, he added. Swiggy has presence in 718 cities. Kapoor said more restaurants are tweaking their offerings for Bolt. It does not consume any significant cash from our side. Each order on Bolt is profitable. Its good for frequency and good for uptake, he said. Its 100% platform-driven everything comes from outside kitchens. In the September quarter, Swiggys food delivery business reported an 19% year-on-year growth in gross order value (GOV) to 8,542 crore, while its users grew 22% 17.2 million. In anticipation of demand Bolt was launched in October 2024, anticipating demand for quicker deliveries that have surged due to the rapid adoption of quick-commerce platforms. Consumers now seek faster delivery across food and fashion. Quick-commerce player Zepto offers swift deliveries of tea, coffee and snacks through Zepto Cafe, which has scaled back operations recently, citing weak demand and the need to allocate resources toward its core business. Eternal (formerly Zomato) launched Bistro, under its quick-commerce platform Blinkit last year to offer snacks, meals and beverages delivered in 10 minutes. It also wound down experiments for quick deliveries on its core food-ordering app to focus on Bistro. Also Read | Dine-out sees a facelift as Swiggy tastes profits while Zomato builds breadth In May, Swiggy said the demand for Bolt had surged across metros as well as in tier-2 and tier-3 towns. It had a network of 45,000 restaurants offering quick deliveries for burgers, poha, samosa, and other food items. Kapoor did not share the updated number of restaurants offering the service. Cities are well-covered, and we are focusing on higher use cases for our customers and greater availability of Bolt services. Whenever we show volumes to our restaurant partners and there is demand, they are able to curate menus for Bolt very fast, he said. Amid growth The numbers come as Indias food services industry is set to surpass $120-125 billion by 2030, marking around 60% absolute growth from $78 billion in 2025, per estimates by Kearney. On the regulatory front, Kapoor said the company welcomes the country's new labour rules announced last week. Under the recently announced Code on Social Security, 2020, platforms must contribute 1-2% of annual turnover, capped at 5% of payouts to gig workers, to a dedicated welfare fund. In a filing to the exchanges on 22 November, the food aggregator said that based on available information, it does not anticipate any material impact of the social security norms on its business sustainability, cost structure, or long-term financial performance. Also Read | Affordability first: Swiggy bets on new initiatives for food delivery growth Overall, it provides clarity and structure for an industry that is not a small part of the economy anymore. The guiding framework was very much needed. Its good to have a structure coming in from a central place," Kapoor said. "Were awaiting the finer details, so we dont know the exact impact yet, but structurally its a positive development. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said China's support for Thailand's high-speed rail development demonstrates the depth of cooperation in connectivity and will help both sides enhance industrial value chains and regional economic integration. BANGKOK, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The long-standing friendship and mutual support and goodwill between Thailand and China will extend far beyond the 50 years of diplomatic relations, said Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul in a recent interview with Xinhua. King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of the Kingdom of Thailand's recent state visit to China highlighted the deep trust and enduring friendship between the two countries, which was "another historic page worthy of remembrance," added the prime minister. Anutin, who accompanied the king on the visit from Nov. 13 to 17, said he personally witnessed the "exceptionally high-level reception" extended to the Thai monarch, which carries immeasurable significance for bilateral relations. The two heads of state treated each other like long-standing friends, and the two sides reached an important consensus on advancing bilateral cooperation, said the prime minister. Anutin said that centuries of cultural affinity and people-to-people exchanges continue to form the solid foundation of the China-Thailand relations. Bilateral cooperation, the prime minister said, is advancing across a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, technology, infrastructure and education. He highlighted progress in digital development, logistics cooperation, and regional connectivity, stressing that Thailand's strategic position in ASEAN enables it to play a constructive role in promoting regional integration alongside China. He noted that China's support for Thailand's high-speed rail development demonstrates the depth of cooperation in connectivity and will help both sides enhance industrial value chains and regional economic integration. As Thailand prepares to host the next Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Leaders' Meeting, Anutin said member countries continue to collaborate closely in industry, energy and agriculture, contributing significantly to regional food security. On security cooperation, Anutin reiterated Thailand's determination to work with other countries to combat online fraud and transnational crime. Thai authorities have taken firm action against criminal groups and repatriated offenders, he said, emphasizing that Thailand "will not serve as a safe haven for criminal activities." "Looking ahead, we remain confident that China-Thailand cooperation will continue to grow from strength to strength." Anutin said. NEW DELHI : Indias income tax base is growing faster than the number of those conscientiously filing returns, driven by the expanding reach of the tax deducted at source (TDS) system, according to latest data from the central board of direct taxes (CBDT). In assessment year 2024-25, covering income earned in FY23-24, the total taxpayer base jumped 17% year-on-year to 116.1 million, while the number of returns filed was at a low 8.08 million, up 5.9% y-o-y, CBDT data released earlier this week showed. The trend is consistent over the past four years and the gap has widened, CBDT data showed. Total taxpayer base refers to both return filers and those with TDS deducted. CBDT chairman Ravi Agrawal told the media on 17 November that the tax authority was hopeful of meeting its 25.2 trillion direct tax collection target this year and that it was connecting with taxpayers through emails wherever gaps have been noticed. In FY25, total TDS collection accounted for 35% of the 27 trillion gross direct collection, although it is not known what share of TDS collection is from those who did not file returns or their tax liability. Greater TDS coverage indicates greater oversight of economic activity, which enables the Income Tax department to pre-fill tax returns based on transactions it is aware of, inform tax payers about TDS deducted transactions so that they do not miss out any income while filing returns, and run campaigns by reaching out to assessees for greater voluntary compliance. Return filing is essential for claiming tax refunds. Experts point to various reasons why the gap is increasing. Reasons behind the increasing gap Riaz Thingna, partner at Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, said the trend reflects the governments success in leveraging digitization and advanced compliance tools. According to Thingna, tax being deducted at source may make some taxpayers feel that their taxes are paid and compliance obligation is over. Also, non-residents covered by certain provisions in the Income Tax Act are exempt from filing, subject to conditions. Some tax payers who miss the original deadline subsequently file belated returns, explained Thingna. Amit Maheshwari, tax partner at AKM Global, a tax and consulting firm, said an increasing number of individuals are now being categorised as taxpayers because tax is deducted at source on incomes such as interest, professional and contractual receipts, certain high-value transactions, and even in cases where their overall income does not require them to file an income-tax return. The expansion of reporting requirements through annual information statement (AIS) and form 26AS, coupled with enhanced compliance systems and stricter monitoring by the tax administration, has strengthened TDS-driven inclusion," said Maheshwari. Consequently, the taxpayer base is growing at a considerably faster pace than the number of actual ITR filers." Further, senior citizens who receive dividends or interest income below their taxable income may receive such income post TDS, but they may not file tax returns, explained Samir Kanabar, tax partner at EY India. Similarly, all individuals below taxable income limits may not be filling tax returns," he added. Also Read | US estate tax: A hidden risk for Indian investors with US stocks or ESOPs Clubbing of income of different persons in a family can also lead to a situation of taxpayer growth exceeding return filing growth. For example, the income of a spouse or children may be clubbed with that of the other spouse or the parent. In that case, while TDS may have happened in the PAN of either of the spouse or child(ren), but single return may file returns," said Kanabar of EY. Expanding TDS coverage The government has been consistently expanding the coverage of TDS on transactions in the economy, some applicable rates of which were reduced in FY25 to improve ease of doing business. For example, from 1 September 2019, the government introduced a 2% TDS on cash withdrawal exceeding 1 crore in a year from a bank account to discourage the practice of making business payments in cash. Also, from that date, the government introduced a 5% TDS on payments to a contractor or professional exceeding 50 lakh made by individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs). This has been lowered to 2% from 1 October 2024 as part of the TDS rationalisation effort. Also, effective from 1 July 2021, there is a 0.1% TDS on purchase transactions above 50 lakh in a year if a buyer has more than 10 crore annual sales. Also from 1 October 2020, a 1% TDS on certain payments from e-commerce platforms to platform participants was introduced, which has now been reduced to 0.1% from October last year. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in her Union budget speech on 1 February this year that the number of TDS rates were being lowered and the threshold for its applicability being raised in order to benefit small tax payers receiving small payments and for easing difficulties. Also Read | FM to seek Parliament nod for extra funds to cover income tax, GST reliefs The scope of TDS has been expanded to a large extent. CBDT should analyse the data and find a way to refund the TDS amounts received from individuals with income below the taxable threshold and have not filed tax returns," said Ved Jain, former president of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). Also, in cases where the individuals have a taxable income but have not filed returns, appropriate steps under the law should be taken," he added. Telangana on top CBDT data also showed that Telangana has emerged as the fastest growing state in terms of contribution of direct taxes to the exchequer, followed by Haryana and Uttar Pradesh among large state economies. Between FY19 and FY25, Telanganas direct tax collection has jumped eight-fold to 97,860 crore. In these years, its average direct tax collection growth was a spectacular 49%. Telanganas sharp rise in direct tax contributions is closely linked to Hyderabads emergence as a major IT and services hub," explained Maheshwari of AKM Global. The citys rapid expansion has boosted corporate profitability, increased the number of high-income professionals, and significantly enhanced TDS inflows." The states business-friendly policies and targeted incentives for the IT/ITeS sector have further attracted fresh investments, contributing to a wider and more robust tax base, he added. Jump scares are not scary any more because were doomscrolling reels every day. Stranger Things is set in the 80s, and every time they mention the name of the town, I hear the 80s jingle of a pressure cooker brand begin to play in my head. Netflix released four episodes of Stranger Things Season 5 at 6.30 am on Thanksgiving Thursday (still Wednesday in the US), and I watched them because I dont want you to skip work and watch this. You will be grateful this Thanksgiving that we got over the big hair of the 80s. Backcombing is thankfully not giving any more! Hawkins under quarantine Coming back to Hawkins, we know the town is under quarantine, and the army has cordoned off the entry to Vecnas world, which glows red and has funky tentacles. Secretly, I love Vecna - he starts out wanting to avenge the wrongs done to him, then wants to take over the world and wants to do beautiful things together. And I say, Aww! To see Betamax Applause tapes at the radio station, and the boys competing to get Robins (Maya Hawke) attention, is super snacc. But shes giving the team codes for the crawl over the radio, and the song by Diana Ross makes your heart turn Upside Down! Hopper's absence I do miss the drunk, alcoholic Hopper, but I like Linda Hamilton as the big, misguided adult, head of the military base inside the Upside Down! The SFX is so good, it makes me an almost believer, but after the super long, draggy Season 4, Im holding this seasons feet to the fire. I want to see Vecas heart on a platter seems like a great goal. But watching subtitles like Fleshy mass gurgling makes us laugh and brings us back to Earth. I think the dialogue, Im nuts. Im nuts. But Im not that nuts, deserves to become a mantra for all of us doomscroolers. Also Read | Millie Bobby Brown hid her wedding hair while filming key Stranger Things scene Demogorgon returns The Demogorgon, or flowerhead, is scarier than ever, and Hollys home so brilliantly wrecked the gates close slowly enough to give El enough time to go through. Fans of Back to the Future will love the reference to the flux capacitor, and I spewed tea all over the coffee table when Robin mentions it! After a while, you wonder, do you really want to save Dipshit Derek? The narrative gets exhausting halfway through the third episode, even though you want it to be a Christmas gift that Murray got for us all. Thats when Volume Two of the series will bring these adventures to a culmination. Hawkins never changes Sometimes, when years and years go by, and you are brought back to Hawkins, Indiana, you hope things have actually changed. That adults stop speaking in platitudes, Be yourself. That kids actually stop being dafter and dafter, yelling at one another, Its not a Bopper! Burns & McDonnell India marked GIS Day 2025 with a day-long programme that reflected a clear shift in how geospatial technology is viewed in Indias utilities and infrastructure sectors. What was once a specialist mapping tool is now emerging as a core intelligence engine, one capable of powering decisions across environmental stewardship, engineering design, operations, asset management, and long-term planning. Held at the companys India office in Mumbai, the event brought together senior industry leaders, academic experts, technology partners, and a large cohort of engineering students. Through technical presentations, live demonstrations, panel discussions, and student-led innovation showcases, GIS Day 2025 offered a comprehensive view of how spatial intelligence is moving from the margins to the centre of enterprise decision-making. A Shift From Maps to Intelligence The event opened with an office tour for students, followed by a series of strategic sessions outlining Burns & McDonnell Indias expanded GIS vision for 2025. The message was consistent across speakers: GIS is no longer a passive repository of maps but an integrated system linking environmental data, engineering models, financial estimates, field conditions, and future risk predictions. Summarising this industry shift, Breck McGary, CEO of Burns & McDonnell India, remarked: GIS Connect 2025 was a definitive statement on where our industry is heading. By bridging the gap between the raw potential of student innovators and the strategic vision of industry leaders, we proved that GIS is no longer just a support tool; it is the central nervous system of modern engineering. We aren't just mapping the future here; we are actively building the talent pipeline to engineer it. This focus on GIS as the central nervous system shaped the narrative of the entire day. Technical Depth: From LiDAR to BIM Twins The mid-morning GIS technical showcase featured Burns & McDonnells engineering teams demonstrating practical applications of high-resolution terrain modelling, LiDAR-based alignment studies, GIS-linked estimating workflows, and construction-ready asset visualisations. These presentations illustrated the growing demand for multi-layered geospatial intelligence, where tools such as LiDAR, BIM, and remote-sensing datasets operate in concert. In projects ranging from transmission corridor design to wetland protection and urban redevelopment, GIS is increasingly the platform through which disciplines converge. Sustainability and Community Integration A dedicated CSR segment introduced the work of Vatsalya Trust, highlighting their initiatives in child welfare and skills development. The segment drew attention to the need for technology ecosystems that benefit communities as much as they support infrastructure. This sentiment was echoed later in the day when panellists discussed how GIS integrates biodiversity indices, climate projections, and community feedback into planning. The underlying direction was evident: sustainable development today is impossible without spatial intelligence. Student Innovation: A Preview of the Next GIS Workforce One of the most dynamic segments of the event was the student showcase, featuring six teams across two rounds. Their projects spanned predictive analytics, smart mobility, neighbourhood safety modelling, green-cover accessibility, and cultural mapping. Many teams utilised open-source GIS platforms, AI-enhanced datasets, and custom-built spatial models reflecting the evolving skill sets entering the industry. Highlighting this shift, Shailesh Deshpande, Vice President, Environment Services, said: What stood out this year was the shift in conversation from simply capturing locations to solving complex problems. Witnessing the seamless integration of AI, sustainability, and data analytics in the student projects was inspiring. It confirmed that we are building an ecosystem where technology meets purpose, ensuring that we deliver relevant, comprehensive solutions that create an impact. The student presentations signalled a growing convergence of GIS with computer science, environmental engineering, and behavioural analytics. Industry Perspectives: ESRI and the GIS Ecosystem A special session featuring ESRI brought global trends into focus from real-time 3D modelling to geospatial twins, dynamic dashboards replacing static environmental reports, and automated pipelines supporting utility operations. ESRI emphasised the importance of interoperability, positioning GIS not as a standalone system but as a system of systems. The Panel: Integrating GIS for Holistic Decision-Making The afternoon panel discussion, Beyond the Map, brought together experts from biodiversity, geospatial analytics, T&D engineering, and academia. Their dialogue underscored the practical barriers and opportunities in making GIS the foundation of enterprise intelligence. The highlight of the afternoon was the multidisciplinary panel discussion featuring: Dr. Ninad Raut , Godrej & Boyce Dr Shrikant Gabale , Graphias Solutions Nikesh Regmi , Burns & McDonnell India Shailesh Deshpande , Burns & McDonnell India Prof. Anupama Kovi , IIT Bombay The panel tackled the central theme of the day: How can utilities unlock the full potential of GIS as an enterprise intelligence engine? Key insights included: Holistic environmental modelling: Using GIS to overlay biodiversity indices, hydrological flows, and climate projections for proactive site planning. Single-source-of-truth datasets: Overcoming organisational silos by standardising spatial data across engineering, finance, operations, and sustainability teams. Field expertise + AI: Ensuring that automation is strengthenednot replacedby on-ground understanding, especially in subsurface mapping and risk prediction. High-accuracy digital twins: Integrating LiDAR, BIM, and GPR into unified spatial models for redevelopment and utility modernisation. Academic alignment: Incorporating real-world spatial datasets into university curricula to strengthen India's future GIS talent pipeline. The panels consensus: the biggest shift utilities must embrace is treating GIS as an enterprise platform, not a peripheral support function. GIS as the Operating Framework of Modern Infrastructure GIS Day 2025 made one point unmistakably clear: Indias utilities and infrastructure sectors are entering an era where GIS is essential to strategy, sustainability, and execution. Whether used for predictive maintenance, ecological conservation, route optimisation, or long-term capacity planning, geospatial intelligence is becoming the operating framework through which modern infrastructure is designed, built, managed, and improved. As the industry becomes more interconnected technologically, operationally, and environmentally, GIS will continue to serve as the foundation that ties everything together. Companies are more willing to take a shot at deals that merge direct competitors, bankers and lawyers say, thanks in part to the Trump administrations more lax approach to enforcement. The Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission, which share antitrust authority, have sued to block only three mergers since Republican leaders took over at the two agencies earlier this year. They sued to block an average of six deals a year during former President Joe Bidens term. In the second half of his term, enforcers focused more on monopolization cases. People are encouraged and willing to take more risk, willing to entertain bigger deals," said Oliver Smith, co-head of mergers and acquisitions for law firm Davis Polk. That has prompted an increase in deal volume. Deal value in the U.S. so far this year is up more than 40% from the same period in 2024 to about $1.9 trillion, according to data from LSEG. And there have been roughly twice as many deals valued above $10 billion than in the same period in 2024. Dealmakers say several of the high-profile tie-ups proposed or announced likely wouldnt have been attempted under the prior administration. A $71.5 billion deal for railroad Union Pacific to buy Norfolk Southern would create the countrys first coast-to-coast rail operator. Nexstar Media Groups bid to buy rival broadcaster Tegna would create a combined company whose television stations reach more homes than federal rules currently allow. Novo Nordisk participated in a heated bidding war for obesity-drug developer Metsera despite already owning a blockbuster treatment (rival Pfizer prevailed). Nine Republican state attorneys general earlier this month asked the rail companies regulator, the Surface Transportation Board, to scrutinize the deal because it could lead to higher prices for industries that rely on freight rail. Three Republican state attorneys general separately sent a letter in support of the deal. President Trump said in September that he discussed the deal with the companies and that it sounds good to me, to be honest with you." The STB, which needs to bless the merger, is run by a Trump appointee. To allow the Tegna deal, the Federal Communications Commission would have to waive or change a rule that limits any one companys reach to 39% of the nations television homes. Combined with Tegna, which owns 64 stations, Nexstar would reach 60%. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has indicated support for loosening the rule, but Trump, ever unpredictable, recently suggested on Truth Social that he might oppose it. A major shift Dealmakers and executives initially worried that the Trump administrations populist bent could mean opposition to big deals, particularly in tech. But Trumps antitrust chiefsGail Slater at the Justice Department and Andrew Ferguson at the FTChave made clear they are most concerned about protecting competition in cost-of-living sectors, such as healthcare and housing. Dealmakers have been encouraged after several major acquisitions were easily cleared, including Google-parent Alphabets $32 billion deal for cybersecurity company Wiz. T-Mobiles $4.4 billion acquisition of most of U.S. Cellulars operations got clearance in July, even though Slater complained publicly about the rising concentration of mobile carriers. Many companies have gotten deals blessed by Trumps enforcers by offering settlements, which typically involve agreeing to sell pieces of a business to a third party that can compete with the combined company. The agencies have reached seven settlements that required divestitures or promises to refrain from anticompetitive behavior so far this year, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of federal data. The Justice Departments antitrust division views settlements as often providing a more effective remedy for consolidation, according to a senior Justice official. The divestitures that companies offer address the lost competition, while trials would add expense and time, the official said. An FTC spokesman said the agencys enforcement approach includes bringing lawsuits to lower the price of healthcare and housing, as well as providing regulatory clarity to markets." Some dealmakers and executives see paths to lobby the White House for their deals approval even when antitrust cops balk. Even senior officials inside the Justice Department operate on the maxim that Trump likes deals and wants to see them get done. The merger review process has shifted dramatically," said Robin Crauthers, a former Justice Department antitrust lawyer. Deals that might be seen as anticompetitive can now be fixed." The sole big deal the Trump administration has challenged was Hewlett Packard Enterprises planned $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, announced in January 2024. HPE hired Trump-affiliated lawyers or consultants such as Mike Davis and Arthur Schwartz to help advise it on the case. HPE later agreed to sell off a small piece of its business to settle the suit and acquire Juniper. The deal closed in July. A senior Justice Department official, Roger Alford, later said lobbyists had corrupted the merger-review process. Alford was fired in July along with the departments top merger-enforcement official. The FTC, which has challenged more deals than the Justice Department, recently lost its first trial challenging a deal, when a federal judge ruled it misjudged the threat to competition from merging two small companies that provide a coating for medical devices such as catheters. FTC lawyers were in court again recently trying to block Edwards Lifesciences from buying a much smaller rival developing a device for a heart condition. That trial was scheduled to wrap up this week. Write to Dave Michaels at dave.michaels@wsj.com and Ben Glickman at ben.glickman@wsj.com Dozens of Jeffrey Epstein victims names have been exposed in documents that were recently made public by Congress, setting off a legal dispute about the Justice Departments plans to release more materials about the late sex offender. Lawyers for the women have asked two federal judges who oversaw the prosecutions of Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell to ensure that the victims privacy is protected in any additional document releases by the Justice Department. Judge Richard Berman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on Wednesday evening ordered the government to provide him a detailed description of its privacy process, including redactions the government seeks to employ, to protect the rights of Epstein victims. He attached a copy of a letter from the victims lawyers. Berman handled proceedings in the governments 2019 case against Epstein, which was cut short when Epstein died in jail. Berman must approve requests to unseal documents from the case. Another federal judge in New York oversaw the prosecution of Maxwell and will decide the fate of sealed documents from that case. The Justice Department is reviewing its records and working on redactions after Congress overwhelmingly passed a law mandating the agency to release documents tied to Epstein. The measure passed over the initial objections of President Trump and top Justice Department officials, who had said earlier this year there were no additional records that warranted public release. Bradley Edwards and Brittany Henderson, lawyers who have represented hundreds of Epsteins accusers, said in the letter to the court that Epsteins estate and the Justice Department had failed to redact several of their clients in documents recently made public by the House Oversight Committee. Many of the victims believe this is being done intentionally," they wrote. A spokeswoman for the House Oversight Committee said its subpoena instructs the Justice Department to redact victims information. Representatives for the Justice Department and Epsteins estate didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. In one document provided by the Justice Department, there were at least 28 names of victims left unredacted, including individuals who were minor children at the time of their abuse, according to the letter. The victims lawyers and many of their clients have supported efforts to release more Epstein records. Our request is simply that the identity of all victims be protected," the attorneys wrote in the letter. These women are not political pawns. They are mothers, wives, and daughters." The Epstein estate exposed the names of some victims as a result of a software error, according to the letter, and the parties are working to ensure the mistake isnt repeated. The Justice Department hasnt disclosed its redaction process and is likely working from an incomplete list of victims, according to the letter. Edwards and Henderson said that prosecutors in 2007 included victims in Epsteins nonprosecution agreement without realizing Epstein was funding their lawyers to keep them quiet. They also said the Justice Departments 2019 investigation didnt focus on adult women Epstein trafficked after 2008, including many from Europe and Russia. The lawyers said they have a list of more than 300 victims that could be securely provided to the government to ensure that the women are protected. The issue of redactions created conflict earlier this month when the House Oversight Committee released a batch of Epstein emails. It began when Democrats released a selection of emails from Epstein. In one message, Epstein wrote about Trump spending hours with a woman whose name was redacted by Democrats. Republicans soon released the same email showing the unredacted name was Virginia Giuffre, who previously had said that she never saw Trump participate in any abuse. Republicans and the White House said Democrats were selectively leaking information to smear the president. Write to Khadeeja Safdar at khadeeja.safdar@wsj.com A few days before Thanksgiving, members of the West Virginia National Guard filmed cheerful videos about what they would miss while deployed to the nations capital over the holidays. The thing Ill miss most from home is my moms stuffing, its my favorite," said Clayton Stock-Friends, a young member of the West Virginia National Guard from Harpers Ferry, sporting a red beret and sunglasses. The video messages posted by the Pentagon were filmed outside the D.C. Armory, a building that has become the main staging ground for troops from eight states who have been deployed to the city since August. On Wednesday afternoon, members of the West Virginia National Guard were patrolling a busy intersection outside a Washington, D.C., subway station when a suspect came around the corner and shot two of them, according to local police. Sidewalks frequented by federal workers, lobbyists, journalists, and nonprofit workers became a chaotic crime scene. A bus stops glass was shattered, and Secret Service officers quickly huddled over one victim. As emergency vehicles swarmed the area, the White House, a few blocks from where the attack took place, and several embassies in the area went into lockdown, and busy holiday flights from Washingtons Reagan National Airport were briefly halted. The violent attack the day before Thanksgiving, as office workers rushed to airports and the train station with suitcases in tow, shocked a city that had become used to the presence of uniformed soldiers patrolling metro stations and restaurant districts. National Guard members had become a routine fixture in the nations capital since they were deployed in mid-August to crack down on what Trump called rampant crime, murder and death." As of Wednesday evening, the two unidentified victims remained in critical condition. Law enforcement sources identified the suspected shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, and said he was in the hospital in police custody. Aiyana Eirene, a 30-year-old regional manager for a spa company, was in a Lyft heading to a meeting at her companys Dupont Circle location when she heard shots ring out. She and a colleague had the windows down to enjoy the unseasonably warm afternoon when she said she heard four clear shots, followed by a brief lull and then several more. You could feel them, I could hear them perfectly. And then it was just silence, and we got the hell out of dodge," she said. President Trump vowed that the shooter, whom he called an animal," would pay a very steep price." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Trump administration would be deploying 500 more National Guard troops to the capital, saying the shooting would only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington DC safe and beautiful." The two victims were part of almost 2,200 National Guard members deployed to Washington under Trumps declaration of a crime emergency" there. This included 1,300 troops from other states whose governors volunteered them, including Mississippi, Georgia, Alabama, Ohio, Louisiana and South Carolina, in addition to West Virginia. A week before the shooting, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey had extended the deployment of roughly 180 West Virginia National Guard members to Dec. 31. When he first deployed his states National Guard to Washington in mid-August, Morrisey said he was proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nations capital." The American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia and the West Virginia Citizen Action Group moved to block the deployment by suing the state, saying that Morrisey had exceeded his constitutional authority by ordering troops to Washington in the absence of any qualifying emergency. While the presence of National Guard troops in D.C. was initially controversial, residents had grown accustomed to seeing uniformed troops on their commute or at dinner. Visitors snapped photos with them at Union Station or the National Mall. Troops were largely stationed around the citys downtown area, upscale corridors, metro stations, and tourist hubs. The National Guard troops almost always worked in groups of two or more, often standing on street corners or walking together, letting pedestrians go about their days. The deployment of National Guard troops coincided with a surge of federal agents who ramped up immigration enforcement efforts in the city. While masked federal agents were met with protests and jeers, residents who were uneasy about the deployment of military personnel in their city generally kept their distance. Some guard members were occasionally harassed by locals, who in at least one incident shouted, Traitors go home!" National Guard members, who are barred by law from engaging in law enforcement, were meant to serve as a visible deterrent, according to Defense Department officials. In recent months they have provided medical assistance, picked up trash, spread mulch, painted fences, and helped elderly locals who fell off their bicycles, according to National Guard officials. Brian Schwalb, the D.C. attorney general, sued over the deployment and won a court ruling last week in which a federal judge found that the presence of the Guard violated several laws. The attorney generals office said in a court filing made a month before the shooting that it had obtained documents suggesting that from the outset of the deployment, officials had worried it presents an opportunity for criminal, violent extremists, issue motivated groups and lone actors to advance their interests." By late August, officials had concerns about a heightened threat environment" for National Guard troops in the capital. D.C.s local police had also increased patrols in the areas where troops were staying and at times provided police escorts for them, the attorney generals office told the court. In a social-media post after the shooting, Schwalb described Wednesday as a heartbreaking day for DC and our nation." Write to Vera Bergengruen at vera.bergengruen@wsj.com, Mariah Timms at mariah.timms@wsj.com and Louise Radnofsky at louise.radnofsky@wsj.com Days after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi outraged China by suggesting a Chinese attack on Taiwan could mobilize a Tokyo military response, Xi spent half of an hourlong phone call with Trump, people briefed on the matter said, hammering home Chinas historic claim to the democratic self-governing island as well as Washington and Beijings joint responsibility to manage the world order. Later the same day, Trump set up a call with Takaichi and advised her not to provoke Beijing on the question of Taiwans sovereignty, said Japanese officials and an American briefed on the call. The advice from Trump was subtle and he didnt pressure Takaichi to walk back her comments, those briefed on the calls said. The Japanese officials said the message was worrying: the president didnt want friction over Taiwan to endanger a detente reached last month with Xi, which includes a promise to buy more agricultural products from American farmers hit hard by the trade war. Asked about the exchange with Takaichi, the White House issued a statement from Trump to The Wall Street Journal: The United States relationship with China is very good, and thats also very good for Japan, who is our dear and close ally. Getting along with China is a great thing for China and the U.S. In my opinion, President Xi will be substantially upping his purchase of soybean and other farm products, and anything good for our farmers is good for me." We signed wonderful trade deals with Japan, China, South Korea, and many other nations, and the world is at peace," Trump added. Lets keep it that way!" The Japanese prime ministers office declined to comment. The episode highlights a new reality in U.S.-China relations. The trade truce with China and the issue of Taiwan have become inextricably linked, as the president and Xi prepare for several meetings next year. While official U.S. policy acknowledges without endorsing Beijings claim over the island, Washington has provided Taiwan with defensive arms, ensuring its fate isnt determined by force from China. Trump has praised Takaichi for her tough stance on defense and held an event with her aboard a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Japanese city of Yokosuka in a strong display of the two countries alliance. But she has infuriated Xi at a bad time for Trump, as he cultivates a relationship with the Chinese leader. Speaking to lawmakers on Nov. 7, Takaichi warned that Japan could deploy its military with other nations if China were to attack Taiwan. The remarks prompted Beijing to take retaliatory economic and diplomatic measures against Japan. A Chinese diplomat posted on social media that her neck should be cut off. Trumps call to Takaichi reflected the intense focus on Taiwan in the official Chinese account of their Monday discussion, the people briefed on the matter said. Xi told Trump that Taiwans return to China is an important component of the postwar international order," the Chinese readout said. In their phone conversation, Trump suggested to Takaichi that she temper the tone of her comments about Taiwan, the American briefed on the matter said, adding that Trump had been briefed on her domestic political constraints and was aware she likely couldnt fully retract her comments that angered Beijing. Tokyos position is that Takaichi was talking hypothetically and articulating longstanding Japanese policy, though it was unusual for a sitting prime minister to be so explicit. Trump told reporters Tuesday night that he had a great talk" with Takaichi. We have a great relationship," he said. Shes very smart, shes very strong. And shes going to be a great leader." In a debate in Japans Parliament, Takaichi said Wednesday she hadnt planned to get specific on Taiwan contingency, comments that some analysts see as a softening signal. I didnt intend to mention any specifics," Takaichi said, when a lawmaker asked her about the remarks that irked Beijing. Analysts said the sequence of the callsChina first, then Japancould reflect a willingness by Trump to curb an allys controversial stance on a core geopolitical issue in service of the U.S. trade relationship with Beijing. Its not at all surprising for a U.S. president to talk to both the Chinese and Japanese leaders," said Matthew Goodman, a former Obama administration Asia specialist who focuses on geoeconomic studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. But the order of the calls is interesting and likely raised some eyebrows in Tokyo." The call between Trump and Xi highlighted what matters most to the two leaders. A person close to the White House said the call was about trade, adding that Washington is concerned over Chinas delaying implementation of its promised soybean purchases. Trump said Tuesday night he told Xi that Id like you to buy a little faster," referring to Chinas promised purchases of American farm products. Hes more or less agreed to do that," he said. Following Trumps late-October meeting with Xi in South Korea, Washington said China agreed to purchase 12 million metric tons of soybeans by the end of the year and 25 million metric tons annually for the next three years. Beijing hasnt issued an official statement confirming those numbers. Taiwan was Xis overriding focus. While Xi didnt name Japan or ask Trump to pressure Tokyo directly, the people said, his discussion of the post-World War II order was an implicit reference to Japan as the losing party, showing the depth of his concern over the recent tensions. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Xi is chasing the ultimate concession from Trump, a pledge to oppose" Taiwans independence. The State Department said at the time that the U.S. opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side" and that China presents the single greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." Write to Lingling Wei at Lingling.Wei@wsj.com, Brian Schwartz at brian.schwartz@wsj.com, Meridith McGraw at Meridith.McGraw@WSJ.com and Jason Douglas at jason.douglas@wsj.com Toronto, Canada: When Maulik Pandya, founder of Eatance, a food tech startup based in Toronto, posted on LinkedIn in October that after years of waiting, he was giving up on his Canadian dream and moving back to India, the message went viral across WhatsApp groups and founder circles in both countries. His note became a talking point for hundreds of immigrant entrepreneurs stuck in Canadas Start-up Visa (SUV) backlog. Pandyas emotional post captured a crisis unfolding across Canada: many Indians had reached the countrys shores, lured by the SUV programme, family in tow, with plans to start up and make it big. They now find themselves stuck, unable to raise funds, unable to travel, and in some cases, unable to stay. Gaurav Chauhan is a case in point. The co-founder of KonarkPro, a time-tracking platform for employees, and Jellyfish Technologies, a software company, moved to Canada in 2022 under the SUV programme. His co-founder, Amit, remains in India, because his permanent residency (PR) file is still being processed. When I applied, the processing time was around 18 months," Chauhan says. By the time I landed, it had crossed 30 months. Now, the tracker says more than 10 years." View Full Image Gaurav Chauhan (left) and Amit, co-founders of KonarkPro. Chauhans business is profitable. He pays himself a salary, employs 7080 people in India, and pays taxes in Canada. But his legal status is unstable and he cannot plan beyond a few months. The entrepreneur says his first work permit in Canada expired in June 2023. Renewal requests took months and came back with reduced validity. His wife has been unable to leave Canada for over a year because travelling would risk her immigration status and re-entry. The couples childrens study permits are tied to expiring passports and are renewed only with six-month expiry. To top it all, Chauhan has faced questioning at ports of entry. It feels like living in a mithiyan jailan (sweet jail)," he says. You can see everything Canada offersbut youre constantly waiting for someone to decide if you can stay." The promise The SUV programme was launched as a pilot in 2013. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the federal department responsible for immigration, says it was created to attract innovative entrepreneurs who will create jobs and compete globally." It became permanent in 2018, replacing Canadas old federal entrepreneur programme. To qualify, entrepreneurs must show they have a business, meet a minimum language requirement, and prove they have enough settlement funds. A single letter of support from a designated venture capital (VC) fund (minimum CAD 200,000 commitment), angel group (CAD 75,000), or admission in an incubator is enough to file for permanent residency (PR). While waiting for the decision, a founder can apply for a work permit to build their business, and their spouse and dependent children are included in the PR application. The initiative quickly became a hit, as Canada grants PR up front under the visa, allowing applicants to apply for citizenship after three years of residencyamong the quickest naturalization timelines in the Commonwealth. This mix of safety, stability and long-term security has made Canada an appealing choice for budding entrepreneurs, especially from India. For Indian entrepreneurs, Canada stands out over the US, the UK or Australia because it offers a quicker path to settlement and market access. The country is keen to regain the momentum of earlier years as it seeks to build global companies from the ground up. For Indian entrepreneurs, Canada stands out over the US, the UK or Australia because it offers a quicker path to settlement and market access. Over the last couple of decades, Canadas startup scene has grown from a few regional tech hubs into a nationally recognized innovation ecosystem supported by strong universities, public research institutions and a series of government incentives. A key driver was the Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) initiative, a long-running federal tax-credit programme that reimburses companies part of the money they spend on developing new technology, encouraging early-stage innovation. The early 2010s saw startups such as Shopify break out, helping position cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Waterloo and Calgary as global tech centres. As incubators and accelerators expanded and programmes such as the Global Skills Strategy and SUV opened doors to international talent, Canada drew in founders looking to test and scale new ideas. VC investment surged during the late 2010s and reached a high during the pandemic-era tech boom, before cooling in 2022-24 alongside global market shifts. Slowed by success IRCC data show that interest in the SUV programme has far outpaced its processing capacity. As of October 2025, Canadas immigration website shows that nearly 43,200 applicants are stuck in the SUV queue. Nishant Ahlawat entered Canada in 2021 as an entrepreneur under the programme. He now practises immigration law in Toronto. My background is in law and cybersecurity," he says. He launched a data protection startup in India and wanted to explore North America as a potential market. I applied in October 2021, and back then the official processing time was only around six months," he says. Ahlawat landed in Canada in September 2022 on a work permit. View Full Image Nishant Ahlawat practises immigration law in Toronto. By then, the processing time had already increased to about 24 months, and it kept going up," he says. He eventually received his PR in December 2023. Sometime later, he also got licensed and started practising as an immigration lawyer. Speaking as both a former founder and now as a lawyer, I see that while the ecosystem tries to help, founders find it extremely difficult to actually do business here. Many face challenges with sales, building local networks, or even understanding how to scale in the Canadian market," adds Ahlawat. The bigger problem, though, is structuralCanada brings in entrepreneurs, but doesnt do enough to help them contribute meaningfully to the economy." Those applying today face an estimated wait of more than 10 yearsup from the 12-18-month timeline advertised when many 2021 applicants filed their paperwork. The IRCC, in an emailed response, attributes the increase to available spaces relative to overall targets" under the Immigration Levels Plan, which limits how many economic-class migrants can be admitted each year. As a lawyer today, I dont recommend the Start-up Visa programme to any of my clients. Theres just too much uncertainty. The published timeline of 10 years sends the wrong messageno serious entrepreneur is going to wait a decade for residency," adds Ahlawat. Families affected For families such as Chauhans, the effects show up in day-to-day life. Their provincial health cardswhich are required to access Canadas public healthcare systemwere renewed for only six months instead of the 3-5 years granted to permanent residents and citizens. Other founders report similar situations. Many say their children, despite studying in Canadian schools for years, are now being classified as international students when they apply to universities because their parents hold temporary permits that do not qualify them for domestic tuition rates. Pandyas daughter, for instance, had to discontinue her admission to McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, according to his LinkedIn post. The family was told to pay CAD 29,000 in international tuition because of his temporary resident status. View Full Image A file photo of Maulik Pandya, founder of Eatance. Ahlawat says a recent policy change has added to the challenges. Until recently, the SUV programme granted closed work permits, which tied founders to their own startups. These permits often allowed spouses and children to be treated as domestic residents" for certain provincial services, including lower university tuition. That has now changed. Transitioning from a closed to an open work permit has created new challenges for SUV founders," says Ahlawat. Many founders who came on closed permits are now seeing their childrenwho grew up herebeing charged international-student fees because of how these permits are classified." The delays have created a sense of crisis, but not everyone is left in limbo. Carlos Secada, a Peruvian, and founder of artificial intelligence automation company Zagitas, applied for PR in July 2021 and arrived in March 2022. His PR was approved in February 2024. Compared to others, I consider myself lucky," he says. Secadas company has Canadian mid-market clients, won spots in leading incubators such as DMZ (Digital Media Zone) and Accelerator Centre, and is now expanding its AI supply-chain tools across North America. But even Secada describes the process as unclear, unstable, and stressful," with unpredictable timelines and heavy administrative demands. I genuinely think the core idea of the SUV programme is excellent. When it works, it really does open the door for founders to build meaningful companies in Canada," he says. View Full Image Carlos Secada, founder of AI automation company Zagitas. Sanjeev Verma, a former Canadian diplomat and now a Regulated Canadian immigration consultant (RCIC) for Avandra Immigration Service, says the system is under strain from a much larger-than-anticipated inventory of [SUV] applications." The inventory of outstanding cases has far exceeded the governments own immigration-level targets," says Verma, describing the 10-year wait as a pause in active processing" while IRCC decides how to manage the backlog. Once its clear what direction the programme will take and what the transition provisions will be for people already in the system, well have a better idea of what happens next," he says. Gaming the system The biggest problem is the flood of paper businessesstartups that exist only on paper, created solely to get a letter of support and apply for PR. This is where the system broke down," says Ahlawat. The designated entities were supposed to vet innovative businesses, but in many cases, they didnt. IRCC then had no way to tell who was genuine and who wasnt, so now every application is being scrutinized. The result is a massive backlog. IRCC in its email did not disclose how many such paper businesses exist and has not confirmed any figures on non-genuine cases. Asked about the rise of paper businesses, Verma says due diligence happens at multiple stagesboth when designated incubators screen founders and when IRCC verifies eligibility and admissibility. Its not a one-stop issue," he says. There are several layers of due diligence, and each party has a role in maintaining the integrity of the programme." In April 2024, Ottawa introduced a cap of 10 letters of support per incubator per year, a move Verma calls a necessary measure to slow intake and manage the existing backlog." IRCC says it is investigating allegations of misuse (of the SUV programme) and recognizes there is more to do to strengthen the integrity of the SUV program." The department confirms that designated incubators found to be violating programme rules could face suspension or revocation. As part of a technical briefing on 4 November, IRCC released details of the 2026-28 Immigration Levels Plan, which emphasises stabilizing permanent-resident admissions and reducing reliance on temporary residents. While the plan does not outline SUV-specific reforms, the overall tightening of admissions will affect how quickly the SUV backlog is cleared. Tense bilateral relations For Indian founders watching these policy shifts, the uncertainty overlaps with a period of diplomatic strain between the two countries after Canada accused Indian operatives of involvement in the 2023 killing of a Sikh person. But by the middle of 2025, the relationship had improved. Ahlawat says there is no evidence India is being singled out in SUV processing in the wake of the diplomatic fracas. Applications are treated independently of political relations at an institutional level," he says. However, he acknowledged that the reduction of Canadian staff in India amid the tensions may have impacted processing times. In October, Canadian foreign minister Anita Anand travelled to New Delhi to help restore stability in the relationship," as a joint statement put it. This diplomatic outreach does not directly address the SUV backlog, but it forms the backdrop against which many Indian founders are reassessing their future. As Ottawa prepares its next immigration-levels plan, the fate of the SUV programme will hinge on whether it can clear the backlogand convince entrepreneurs that its promise of opportunity still holds. Verma remains optimistic: Ill always advocate for Canada. Its one of the best countries in the world to live and build a business," he says. Canada still offers unmatched infrastructure, talent, and research support for startups." Gaurav Chauhan, however, is not so sure. Like Maulik Pandya, he is preparing to take a hard decision. By next summer, if nothing moves, we may leave Canada," he says. Maybe Europe. Maybe Dubai. I cant keep my family in this mental trauma." The initial public offering (IPO) of Mother Nutri Foods, which opened for subscription today, November 26, received a healthy response from investors. By the end of the day 02, the issue was subscribed 1.34 times, with 29.43 lakh shares bid for against the 22 lakh shares on offer. The NII portion was subscribed 2.54 times, while the retail investor segment was booked at 1.04 times. The QIB quota was subscribed 0.95 times, according to exchange data. Mother Nutri Foods Issue Details The 39.59 crore issue comprises a combination of a fresh issue of 0.27 crore shares aggregating 31.67 crore and an offer for sale of 0.07 crore shares aggregating 7.92 crore. The price band has been fixed at 111 117 per share, while the lot size is set at 2,400 shares, requiring a minimum investment of 2,80,800 for retail investors. The SME IPO is proposed to list on the BSE SME platform, tentatively on Wednesday, December 03. The company plans to utilize the proceeds from the issue for setting up a new manufacturing facility located at Mahuva, Bhavnagar in Gujarat, and for general corporate purposes. In other issue details, the Mother Nutri IPO allotment of shares is expected to be finalized on Monday, December 01. The company will initiate refunds on Tuesday, December 02, and the shares will be credited to the demat accounts of allottees on the same day following refunds. Marwadi Chandarana Intermediaries Brokers Pvt. Ltd. is the book running lead manager, and Bigshare Services Pvt. Ltd. is the registrar of the issue. The Market Maker of the company is Mansi Share & Stock Broking Pvt. Ltd. Meanwhile, as per market sources, the grey market premium (GMP) for Mother Nutri Foods is nil, indicating that the stock might debut on the exchanges at the IPO price or possibly at a discount. About Mother Nutri Foods The company is a B2B peanut butter manufacturer offering multiple flavors and variants, selling under its own brand in countries like Libya, Dubai, and Japan. It also provides private labelling for domestic and international clients across over 20 countries, handling production, supply, and quality control while clients sell under their own brand. Upcoming IPOs in December: A fabulous year for India's primary market is set to close on a high note as several marquee names are expected to float their initial public offerings (IPOs) in the month of December. Industry analysts project an IPO pipeline of 35,000 to 40,000 crore in December, assuming there are no significant declines in the secondary market. With 1.5 lakh crore already raised this year, the total for the full year could fall between 1.8 lakh crore and 1.9 lakh crore. According to data from Primedatabase, fundraising via IPOs stood at 59,302 crore in 2022 and 49,436 crore in 2023. The trend reversed dramatically in 2024 when 1.59 lakh crore was collected, marking a three-fold increase from the previous year. By November 21, 2025, the market has already achieved 1.54 lakh crore through 93 issues, nearly exceeding the total for the previous year. The projected December pipeline guarantees that 2025 will conclude significantly ahead of 2024. IPOs in the pipeline Approximately 10 firms that have obtained SEBI approvals are preparing to initiate IPOs in the last few weeks of the year, according to multiple media reports. Meesho E-commerce platform Meesho is looking to raise 6,000 crore. Of this amount, 4,250 crore will be generated from the IPO as new capital, while 1,750 crore will come from current stakeholders divesting their holdings. Meesho operates as the largest social commerce platform in India in terms of user base, boasting 21.3 crore users engaged in buying and selling products. Imagine Marketing (boAt) Imagine Marketing, the parent company of boAt, has announced an IPO valued at 1,500 crore. This offering consists of a 500 crore fresh issuance and a 1,000 crore offer for sale. Promoters Sameer Ashok Mehta and Aman Gupta are set to sell shares worth 75 crore and 225 crore, respectively. South Lake Investment is planning to offload shares valued at 500 crore. Fireside Ventures Investment Fund I will sell shares worth 150 crore, while Qualcomm Ventures intends to sell shares totalling 50 crore. Hero FinCorp The offering includes a new issuance of 2,100 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) amounting to 1,568 crore from current shareholders. The lender, which focuses on retail and MSME, is anticipated to generate significant interest due to the general increase in financial services listings. ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co The 10,000 crore initial public offering will involve UK-based Prudential divesting a 10% ownership stake via 17.65 million shares. This transaction values the asset management company at approximately $11 billion and is nearing the final approval from Sebi. As of June, the fund management firm oversaw assets worth 9.44 lakh crore and generated annual revenue of 4,977 crore, with a profit of 2,650 crore. Fractal Analytics The offering will comprise a new issue valued at 1279 crore alongside an offer for sale amounting to 3621 crore. The analytics company with a focus on AI intends to utilise the funds for repaying debt at its subsidiary in the US, expanding its offices in India, and boosting research efforts in generative AI. Approximately 75% of the IPO serves as a means for existing investors, such as TPG Fett Holdings and Apaxs Quinag Bidco, to exit their investments. Milky Mist Dairy Food The issue comprises a new issuance of 1,785 crore along with an offer for sale (OFS) of 250 crore. The funds raised will be allocated for settling debts, expanding and upgrading its Perundurai facility, installing retail infrastructure like visi-coolers and freezers, and fulfilling other corporate needs. CleanMax Enviro This IPO will feature a new issue amounting to 1,500 crore alongside an offer for sale of 3,700 crore from current shareholders, which includes private equity backers and founder Kuldeep Pratap Jain. The firm offers green energy and decarbonization services to large businesses throughout India and certain international markets. Juniper Green Energy The IPO will consist entirely of a fresh issue amounting to 3,000 crore, without any offer-for-sale segment. The funds raised will be allocated for the repayment or prepayment of borrowings at the company level, reduction of debt across key subsidiaries, such as Juniper Green Gamma One, Three, Field, Beam, Kite, and Ray Two, as well as for general corporate purposes. As of December 31, 2024, Juniper Green is listed among Indias top 10 renewable independent power producers (IPPs) based on total capacity. Park Medi World Park Medi World IPO, valued at 1,260 crore, consists of a fresh issue of shares worth 960 crore and an offer-for-sale of 300 crore. The funds raised from the IPO are intended to be allocated for settling debts and financing capital expenditures related to the construction of a new hospital and the expansion of an existing facility through its subsidiaries, Park Medicity (NCR) and Blue Heavens. Additionally, a portion of the capital will be dedicated to acquiring medical equipment for the company and its subsidiaries, Blue Heavens and Ratangiri. Innovatiview India Innovatiview India's initial public offering consists solely of an offer for sale worth 2,000 crore by its promoters, as stated in the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP). As the IPO is completely an OFS, the company will not obtain any capital from this offering, and the funds will instead be directed to the selling shareholder. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd (TCS) recently outlined an ambitious multi-year $6-7 billion investment plan to build AI-focused data centres and is already making progress in that area. Last week, it secured a $1 billion investment from private equity firm TPG Terabyte Bidco Pte Ltd for scaling its data centre platform HyperVault. But on the other hand, legal troubles are brewing. A long-standing legal dispute with US-based CSC (now part of DXC Technology) over an insurance platforms trade secrets, landed against TCS earlier this week. A US appeals court upheld the 2024 judgement by a US district court, levelling $194.2 million in damages on TCS. Calling it an adverse ruling, TCS, in an exchange filing, said it is evaluating various options, including review and appeal before appropriate courts, and intends to vigorously defend its position. The levelled damages stand at less than 2,000 crore, against 12,075 crore consolidated profit clocked by the company in the September quarter (Q2FY26). A fresh lawsuit has also landed on its plate. This time, its over the use and sale of technology allegedly patented by Albuquerque-based Calibrate Networks. While the monetary impact of the lawsuits is likely to be limited, the reputational damage can be significant, considering that North America is a key market for TCS, contributing 48% to its revenues. As far as its data centre entry is concerned, TCS is among the front-runners as India plans to expand its data centre capacity from 1.2GW to 10GW by 2030. Similar plans amounting to over $30 billion have been announced by Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Competition is rife, and given limited direct synergies with TCSs core services, its right-to-win is being scrutinized with a fine-toothed comb. TCS plans to add 100-200 MW in the next 18-24 months with about $1 billion investment. This is significant, considering Indias current capacity of 1.2 GW. The company also promises differentiation through liquid-cooling to support high rack densities. Data centre racks that house powerful IT equipment within a smaller physical space need more power and cooling than standard racks. TCS is also going for a technological partnership rather than just colocation services. The latest deal with TPG was the first step towards putting its plans into action. But further details on capital structure, capital expenditure timelines, and client agreements are awaited. Note that initial revenues from its data centre foray are not expected until FY28. TCSs data centre plans are aimed at strengthening partnerships with native AI players, rather than directly catching up on AI innovation. That said, the acquisition of ListEngage should help enhance TCSs agentic AI capabilities. The management also highlighted AI-led efficiency gains of 10-15% in Q2FY26, at par with the industry. AI puzzle Amid the mellowed IT spending, and with competition from GCCs and the ever-growing AI threat making matters worse, TCS plan to capture a piece of the AI infrastructure puzzle, seems promising on paper. But it is innovation in AI modelling where the real action is happening, and progress there would be appreciated more by the Street. Meanwhile, in this calendar year so far, the TCS stock has declined 23%, sharper than Nifty ITs 13% decline. The stock is trading at a FY27 price-to-earnings multiple of around 21x, showed Bloomberg data. Note that in Q2FY26, TCS delivered sequential constant currency revenue growth of 0.8%, ahead of the consensus estimate of 0.4%. Furloughs, wage hikes, redundancy-related costs, and a ramp-up of the BSNL deal could cap margin gains in a seasonally weak Q3FY26. Also, there are lingering concerns about margin outlook despite managements reaffirmation that its data centre plans wont dilute consolidated margins. Also Read | Indian IT services companies see AI impact on future hirings The alternative investment industry is divided on whether the Securities and Exchange Board of Indias (Sebi) latest rules will expand Indias base of accredited investors, a cohort of sophisticated investors that has the financial capacity and understanding to invest in high-risk instruments. Registration for accredited investors remains modest, according to Sebis September board meeting documents. While India has more than 72,000 unique AIF investors, the number of accredited investors (AIs) is below 1,000", the documents show. The count was 649 in Sebi's June meet documents. The regulator attributed the low count of such accredited investors (AIs) to recent relaxations and the existence of deemed AIs," whose participation does not appear in accreditation data. However, industry executives said demand for such products is still lacklustre. Accredited investors are not offered a lot in India," said Ranjit Jha, managing director & chief executive officer of Rurash Financials, an asset management company. Because India is yet to become a developed economy. Hence, we lack exclusive investment opportunity in India for the accredited investors." In 2021, Sebi defined an accredited investor as an individual, family trusts, sole proprietorships or partnership forms with an annual income of at least 2 crore, or net worth of 7.5 crore with minimum financial assets of 3.75 crore. Corporate bodies and non-family trusts with a net worth of 50 crore also qualify. On 19 November, the market regulator notified amendments that AIFs can now launch funds or schemes where all investors must be accredited. The norms also allow existing AIFs to convert into accredited-only schemes and shift trustee responsibilities to the fund manager for such schemes, among several other changes. The cap of 1,000 investors in an AIF will not apply to accredited investor-only funds. The only advantage of being an accredited investor is the removal of the minimum investment limit. Typically, AIFs only accept investments above 1 crore. In 2021, the market regulator removed the investment threshold for AIs, allowing them to diversify their risks by investing small amounts in various schemes. In the developed markets such as the US, many private capital vehicles, such as private equity, hedge funds, and venture capital, are typically sold only to accredited investors or they rely on limits that greatly favour accredited investors. AIs gain access to a wider menu of products, potentially higher returns and strategies that use leverage or complex derivatives. Such a framework does not exist in India. AIFs will eventually become an accredited investor-only product. But the path to get there would need coordination among Sebi, the AIF Industry, and investors," said Sidharth Pai, founding partner, chief financial officer and ESG officer at 3one4 Capital, a venture capital firm. It needs to be frictionless and fruitful for all parties involved, to ensure mass adoption." Others are more optimistic about the momentum the latest reforms could bring. Awareness was a big challenge earlier. But now that awareness is more, we are expecting accredited investor figures to pick up," said Rohit Gulati, chief executive officer at UTI Alternatives. There should be some critical mass in terms of the number of accredited investors as I believe that AIFs will be keen to launch accredited investor-only funds once the number of accredited investors goes up". Also Read | Mutual funds seek a middle ground with Sebi on brokerage fee cap Economies of scale could also play a part in helping boost accredited investors. The effort in aggregating the corpus for a fund will go down through the use of technology in investor outreach," said Asif Iqbal Khan, general counsel, Vivriti Asset Management. He said that the recent removal of the 1,000-investor cap for AIFs could combine with the lack of minimum investment requirements to create scale efficiencies. Earlier, investors had to invest at least 1 crore into a fund. But now, if they don't want that high exposure and wish to diversify, then they can allocate smaller amounts and take sophisticated bets," Khan said. He also expects accredited investors to transition from low ticket sizes to larger ones once they get acquainted with the products. AIFs expect a lot more to be done in the segment for accreditation to pick up. Industry wants the regulator to add more cost-effectiveness and expand benefits for investors and AIFs," said an AMC executive on the condition of anonymity. The lack of a minimum investment limit has also not sat well with AIFs." The absence of a minimum limit for accredited investors could affect inflows into an AIF as, otherwise, any investor is supposed to invest a minimum of 1 crore. Currently, other than AIFs, there are no specialized products for accredited investors. Sebi may open up other products in the future," said Khan. Im expecting the next change could be relaxation of private placement norms for accredited investor-only funds." By September 2025, gross capital raised by all registered AIFs crossed 6.36 lakh crore, with total investments made at 6.12 lakh crore, according to Sebi. Data for AIF inflows by AIs is not publicly available. Buy or sell stocks: Despite Gift Nifty indicating a positive start, the key benchmark indices of the Indian stock market opened lower on Wednesday. However, buying emerged right from the opening tick, forming an Open Low setup, and as the session progressed, prices continued to climb steadily. The Nifty 50 index ultimately closed with substantial gains of 320 points, surpassing the psychological 26,200 mark. With this move, the 50-stock index not only reversed the decline of the previous three sessions but also encompassed the entire corrective phase, marking the year's highest close and setting the December series on a firm footing. The all-time high now sits within striking distance and appears more like a near-term formality. The BSE Sensex surged over 1,000 points and closed at 85,609. The Bank Nifty index skyrocketed 707 points and closed at 59,528. Stock market today Vaishali Parekh, Vice President of Technical Research at Prabhudas Lilladher, believes the Indian stock market sentiment has turned positive as the Nifty 50 index witnessed a strong turnaround from 25,850 and surged up to 26,200. The key index is poised to reach 26,500 and 27,200 in the near term. Speaking on the outlook of the Nifty 50 index, Vaishali Parekh said, "The Nifty 50 index witnessed a strong and convincing turnaround from the 25,850 zone with a huge bullish engulfing candle to indicate a strong optimistic closing at the 26,200 level accompanied by a robust move from the broader markets to ease out the sentiment and to anticipate for further rise in the coming days. The index would have the important support near the 25,750-25,800 band, which needs to be sustained, and on the upside, with the undertone going strong, one can expect fresh higher targets of 26,500 and 27,200 levels in the coming days, as mentioned earlier." On the outlook of the Bank Nifty index, Parekh said, "The Bank Nifty index indicated a strong bullish candle formation on the daily chart to witness a breakout above the previous peak level of 59,400 zone and enter a new territory, triggering a fresh round of upward move in the coming days. The index would have the near-term support positioned near the 58,600 zone, which needs to be sustained, and on the upside, can expect fresh higher targets of 61,400 and 63,500 levels in the coming days." Parekh stated that immediate support for the Nifty 50 index is located at 26,100, while the resistance level is at 26,400. The Bank Nifty index is expected to have a daily range of 59,000 to 60,200. Vaishali Parekh's stock recommendations for today Regarding stocks to buy today, Vaishali Parekh recommended three buy-or-sell stocks for intraday trading: Bharat Electronics Ltd or BEL, Kalyan Jewellers India, and Morepen Laboratories. 1] BEL: Buy at 413, Target 430, Stop Loss 408; 2] Kalyan Jewellers India: Buy at 496, Target 510, Stop Loss 490; and 3] Morepen Laboratories: Buy at 44, Target 48, Stop Loss 42. Key Takeaways The Indian stock market shows a strong bullish sentiment with substantial gains in major indices. Vaishali Parekh identifies three stocks for intraday trading, highlighting potential targets and stop-loss levels. The Nifty 50 index is poised to reach higher targets in the coming days, with significant support and resistance levels noted. AVIC Chengdu share price: Despite simmering tensions between neighbouring countries Pakistan and Afghanistan, shares of Chinese defence stock AVIC Chengdu have been in a downtrend a reflection of investor fatigue. AVIC Chengdu's stock is seeing a pullback following a sharp run-up in the earlier part of 2025 as the J-10 was used in a recent conflict between Pakistan China's close defence partner and India. In the month of May, amid the India-Pakistan conflict, J-10 fighter jet maker's stock had gained as much as 31% followed by a 15% rise in June and a 20% rally in August to its peak of 108.93 yuan. However, the stock is currently trading lower for the third month in a row, down 5.5%. In the previous two months, it has lost almost 18% of its value. For the year, the scrip remains 25% higher, suggesting strong gains for its investors. Harshal Dasani, Business Head, INVAsset PMS, said, Technically, AVIC Chengdu trades in a wide consolidation band between CNY 78108, with volumes tapering post the September spike. The CNY 108110 zone acts as a supply ceiling, repeatedly rejecting rallies since May, while CNY 7779 remains a well-tested demand floor, marked by strong absorption and low-volume declines. The 50-day moving average has flattened near CNY 85, suggesting neutral momentum, while RSI oscillates in the 4045 range, reflecting fatigue without capitulation, he said. "Short-term structure leans corrective rather than bearish; unless the CNY 77 support decisively breaks, market makers appear to be rotating inventory rather than exiting positions." AVIC Chengdu share price ended unchanged at 80.06 yuan on Thursday, November 27. Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict Now, as tensions flare up between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the spotlight is once again back on the Chinese defence stocks, especially AVIC Chengdu. Fresh tensions erupted between Afghanistan and Pakistan on Tuesday after the Taliban accused Pakistani forces of carrying out a bomb attack in Khost province that killed nine children and a woman. This comes on the heels of last months deadly clashes airstrikes and ground fighting that left dozens dead, marking the worst confrontation since the Talibans takeover of Kabul in 2021. Relations have remained strained as Pakistan accuses the Taliban of sheltering militants responsible for attacks on its soil. The neighbours also failed to renew a fragile truce brokered by Qatar and Turkey in October. Apollo Micro Systems, a small-cap defence company, has increased its capital base through a warrant conversion. The company allotted 1,21,47,964 equity shares to six investors, including select promoters, a whole-time director and non-promoter groups, following the conversion of warrants issued on a preferential basis. In an exchange filing on November 26, the company said the companys paid-up equity capital has increased to 35.43 crore, comprising 35,43,91,700 shares of face value 1 each after the conversion of warrants to equities. The conversion price for each share was 114, with 85.50, or 75% of the issue price, paid at the time of conversion. This allotment is part of the larger preferential issue approved earlier, involving 3.80 crore warrants, each convertible into one equity share. As of this tranche, as many as 2,08,59,246 warrants, out of 3,80,67,058 due for conversion, have been converted into equity shares of face value of 1 each. Warrants remaining unexercised after 13 months from the date of allotment will lapse, and the amount paid by the warrant holders on such warrants will stand forfeited by the company. Apollo Micro Systems in June 2025 had allotted 3,80,67,058 warrants, each convertible into one equity share of face value of 1 each on a preferential basis to 30 allottees. Meanwhile, on November 25, Apollo Micro Systems said it had received two orders totalling 27.37 crore. The first order is worth 5.77 crore from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), while the second order of 21.6 crore was from a private company. Apollo Micro Systems share price trend The small-cap defence stock has given multibagger returns of over 980% over the last three years. In the last one year, the stock has surged 180% despite stock market volatility. It hit a 52-week low of 92.50 on December 23 last year and a 52-week high of 354.65 on September 17 this year. On Thursday, November 27, Apollo Micro Systems share price dropped by nearly 2% in intraday trade on the BSE. Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar Shares of Refex Industries, which specializes in trading eco-friendly refrigerant gases, are likely to attract investors interest during Friday's session, November 28, as the company has secured another fresh order. The company informed investors through an exchange filing post-market hours today that it had secured an order worth 100 crore. The company did not disclose the name of the entity awarding the order; instead, it stated that the order is from a large business conglomerate. According to the company, the order is for the excavation, loading, and transportation of pond ash/bottom ash. It also informed that neither the promoter nor the promoter group companies have any interest in the entity that awarded the order. The company further clarified that the order does not fall under related-party transactions. This marks the company's fourth order win in November, as it had previously secured three orders with a cumulative value of 76.5 crore, further strengthening its order book. Refex Industries Q2 Performance For the September-ending quarter, the company reported a 16% YoY improvement in its consolidated net profit at 36 crore. It had posted a net profit of 31 crore in the same period last year. The revenue from operations, however, came in flat at 431 crore. At the operating level, EBITDA came in higher at 74 crore, as against 43 crore delivered in the year-ago quarter, with margins expanding 746 basis points to 17.44%. The company, in its earnings filing, stated that its Ash & Coal Handling segment recovered despite the above-average rains this year, supported by new project ramp-ups. The company remains focused on disciplined execution, cost efficiency, and sustainable growth as it builds on this performance in the second half of the year. Commenting on the performance, Mr. Anil Jain, Chairman & Managing Director of Refex Industries Limited, said, "Q2 FY26 reflected a steady improvement across our business, as operations were impacted following the early monsoon-led slowdown in Q1 and the continuation of monsoon-related challenges in Q2. Total revenue grew sequentially by nearly 15% to INR 431 crore, and profitability strengthened, with EBITDA margins expanding from 10.9% to 17.4%." Refex Industries share price history After delivering multibagger returns for three consecutive years, Refex Industries shares failed to extend their remarkable rally in 2025, tanking 33.36% so far. To be precise, the stock began its weak trend in September 2024 after hitting a new record high and has closed in the red in nine out of the following 14 months, losing a cumulative 46%. Although the short-term performance looks painful, the stocks long-term trend remains impressive, as it still trades 532% higher over three years and has gained 1,900% over five years. The benchmark indices of the Indian stock market, the Sensex and Nifty 50, are expected to open higher on Thursday, following gains in global markets. The trends on Gift Nifty also indicate a positive start for the Indian benchmark index. The Gift Nifty was trading around the 26,447 level, a premium of nearly 66 points from the Nifty futures previous close. On Wednesday, the Indian stock market ended sharply higher, with the benchmark Nifty 50 closing above the 26,200 level. The Sensex surged 1,022.50 points, or 1.21%, to close at 85,609.51, while the Nifty 50 settled 320.50 points, or 1.24%, higher at 26,205.30. The Bank Nifty index hit a record high of 59,554.95 in the previous session. Sensex and Nifty 50 are also trading near to their record high levels. Will Sensex and Nifty 50 touch their life-time high today? Heres what to expect from Sensex, Nifty 50, and Bank Nifty today: Sensex Prediction Sensex has formed a promising reversal pattern on the daily charts, and a long bullish candle has appeared, which is largely positive. For trend-following traders now, 85,000 and 85,300 would act as key support zones. As long as Sensex is trading above these levels, the bullish formation is likely to continue. On the higher side, 86,000 - 86,200 would act as immediate resistance levels for the bulls. However, below 85,000, the uptrend would become vulnerable, said Shrikant Chouhan, Head Equity Research, Kotak Securities. Also Read | Stock market today: Eight stocks to buy and sell on Thursday Mayank Jain, Market Analyst, Share.Market said that the 85,800 86,000 region acts as the next major resistance, and a breakout above this zone may open the door to fresh record highs. Support is seen near 85,100 85,000. Nifty OI Data Nifty derivatives data pointed to strong call writing at the 26,000 strike, while maximum put open interest at 25,800 indicated firm demand at lower levels. While the broader sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, a sustained close above the 26,000 mark will be essential to revive bullish momentum and unlock further upside potential in the coming sessions, said Hitesh Tailor, Research Analyst, Choice Equity Broking. Nifty 50 Prediction Nifty 50 formed a long bull candle on the daily chart that has almost engulfed the last four sessions range on the upside in one session. This is a positive indication and signals that the market is likely to zoom into new all-time highs soon. The larger degree positive pattern like higher tops and bottoms is intact on the daily chart and Wednesdays dip at 25,842 could now be considered as a new higher bottom of the pattern, said Nagaraj Shetti, Senior Technical Research Analyst at HDFC Securities. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy According to him, from here, Nifty 50 could reach up to 26,300 and 26,500 levels in the next few sessions. Immediate support is placed at 26,050 levels. Looking at key levels, Sudeep Shah, Head - Technical and Derivatives Research at SBI Securities said that the zone of 26,270 26,300 zone is likely to act as an important resistance zone for the Nifty 50 index. Any sustained move above 26,300 could drive a fresh leg of rally in the Nifty 50 index, potentially taking it higher towards 26,500, followed by 26,700. On the downside, the support has shifted higher in the zone of 26,050 - 26,000, said Shah. Mayank Jain said that the 26,250 26,300 zone now serves as a crucial resistance-turned trigger, and a sustained close above this band could pave the way towards 26,500+. Immediate support remains at 25,900 26,000. Bank Nifty Prediction Bank Nifty rallied 707.75 points, or 1.20%, to close at 59,528.05 on Wednesday, forming a big bullish candle on the daily chart, indicating strength. As long as the Bank Nifty index holds above 59,400, the current rally could extend toward the 60,000 mark. Thus, short term traders are advised to follow a buy-on-dips strategy in the short term, said Hrishikesh Yedve, AVP Technical and Derivative Research, Asit C. Mehta Investment Intermediates Ltd. Ponmudi R, CEO of Enrich Money, noted that the Bank Nifty index maintained strength while consistently holding 59,400 as intraday support. A decisive close above 60,000 can unlock the next rally toward 61,000 and higher levels. On the downside, 59,000 58,841 remains a solid support zone, said Ponmudi R. Stock market today: The Indian stock market delivered impressive gains on Wednesday, November 26, driven by robust buying across sectors and supportive global market cues. After three consecutive sessions of losses, the Sensex rebounded sharply, rising 1,023 points (1.21%) to finish at 85,609.51. The Nifty 50 also advanced, closing at 26,205.30 with a gain of 321 points (1.24%). Meanwhile, the BSE Midcap index climbed 1.32%, and the Smallcap index closed 1.23% higher. Also Read | Stock market today: Eight stocks to buy and sell on Thursday "Markets opened sharply higher on the first day of the new expiry and gained over a percent, fully engulfing the recent decline. The index remained upbeat from the start, with momentum strengthening as the session progressed. As a result, the Nifty settled near the days high around the 26,205 mark. Market participation was broad-based, with metals, energy and IT leading the gains. Mid-cap and small-cap indices also advanced over 1%, adding to the overall positive market breadth. The rally was supported by a mix of domestic and global cues. Renewed optimism over a potential rate cut by the US Federal Reserve in December, along with expectations of a 25-basis-point repo rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India early next month, improved investor sentiment. Additionally, easing crude oil pricesdriven by hopes of progress toward peace between Ukraine and Russiaprovided further support," said Ajit Mishra, SVP, Research, Religare Broking Ltd. Stocks to Watch Paytm The Reserve Bank of India has issued a Certificate of Authorization to Paytm Payments Services (PPSL), a fully owned unit of One 97 Communications, allowing it to function as a payment aggregator under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act. Mahindra & Mahindra M&M said that it has delivered an impressive 30,000 electric SUV units in just seven months roughly one sale every ten minutes. Aiming to dominate Indias EV segment, the company introduced its XEV 9e and BE 6 models last November. Bajaj Auto Bajaj Auto has entered the e-rickshaw segment with the launch of its new model, Bajaj Riki. The e-rickshaw market has grown quickly since the pandemic, adding more than 45,000 vehicles each month as demand for low-cost last-mile transportation continues to rise. Asian Paints The paint manufacturer stated that its step-down subsidiary, Berger Paints Emirates Ltd Co (LLC), UAE, is planning to establish a second paint production facility in the UAE. Whirlpool of India The promoter is set to offload 95 lakh shares representing a 7.5% stake through block deals at a minimum price of 1,030 per share, amounting to roughly 965 crore. A 90-day lock-up period will apply after the sale, according to reports. Wipro The AI-driven technology services and consulting firm revealed a strategic partnership with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) to work together on advanced research and innovation in next-generation technologies. Jammu & Kashmir Bank The Board has given its approval to raise equity share capital of up to 750 crore through one or more Qualified Institutional Placements (QIP), and to raise an additional 500 crore by issuing non-convertible debentures through private placement. Axis Bank Anand Viswanathan has been named the banks Chief Risk Officer for a three-year term starting January 1, 2026. He takes over the role from Amit Talgeri and will join the senior management team. Also Read | Stock market today: Eight stocks to buy and sell on Thursday Ashoka Buildcon Ashoka Concessions (ACL), a key subsidiary of Ashoka Buildcon, has, effective November 26, completed the sale of its entire shareholding in the five SPVs listed below to Maple Infrastructure Trust. Oberoi Realty The company revealed that it has entered into a deal to redevelop 4,706 sq. m of land on Nepean Sea Road in Mumbai, which is expected to yield approximately 1.18 lakh sq. ft of free-sale area (as per RERA carpet measurements). On Wednesday, 26 November, the market showed strong upward momentum as the Nifty 50 gained 320.50 points or 1.24% to close at 26,205.30, while the Sensex surged 1,022.50 points or 1.21% to finish at 85,609.51. Banking stocks also joined the rise, with the Bank Nifty advancing 707.75 points (1.20%) to settle at 59,528.05, despite lingering concerns in the financial space. Three stocks to buy today by Ankush Bajaj for 27 November Buy: MCX India Ltd Current Price: 10,283.00 Why its recommended: MCX is showing renewed strength after reclaiming higher ground following a brief intraday dip. The stock is maintaining its uptrend and trading above key intraday moving averages. With RSI improving on short-term charts and volumes picking up, momentum appears poised for a test of the next resistance zone around 10,355. Key metrics: RSI (14-day): Rising on intraday charts indicates improving momentum MACD ( 12,26): Stable above signal line Support (stop loss): 10,248 Technical view: Holding above 10,248 keeps the intraday bullish bias intact. The stock has seen accumulation near 10,250 and is likely to stretch toward 10,355 in the near term. Risk factors: Short-term volatility in broader indices or weakness in commodity-linked counters could lead to profit booking. Buy at : 10,283.00 Stop loss : 10,248.00 Target price: 10,355.00 Buy: Coforge Ltd Current Price: 1,871.00 Why its recommended: Coforge is attempting a breakout from its recent range and has respected its immediate support at 1,861. The stock has shown stability in a weak broader tech space and is hinting at a near-term pullback. Indicators like RSI and MACD are beginning to turn in favor of bulls. Key metrics: RSI (14-day): Neutral to positive recovering from oversold zone MACD (12,26): Approaching crossover Support (stop loss): 1,861 Technical view: The stock needs to stay above 1,861 to maintain the breakout structure. If it does, a quick move toward 1,890 is likely in the short term. Risk factors: Being an IT stock, it remains vulnerable to global tech sentiment and USD-INR movement. Buy at : 1,871.00 Stop loss : 1,861.00 Target price: 1,890.00 Buy: Larsen & Toubro Ltd (L&T) Current Price: 4,062.00 Why its recommended: L&T continues to ride on strong order book visibility and sectoral tailwinds in infrastructure. The stock is consolidating near highs and has taken fresh support at 4,043. With rising RSI and positive MACD structure, another leg higher looks probable toward 4,102. Key metrics: RSI (14-day): ~64 bullish momentum MACD (12,26): Positive and rising Support (stop loss): 4,043 Technical view: The price action remains constructive, with minor dips being bought into. A sustained move above 4,050 could quickly push the stock toward 4,102. Risk factors: Sensitive to infra spending data and global macro headlines. Any sector-wide pullback may cause short-term volatility. Buy at : 4,062.00 Stop loss : 4,043.00 Target price: 4,102.00 Also Read | Derivative bets fall as markets await potential India-US trade deal Market Wrap On Wednesday, the market showed strong upward momentum as the Nifty 50 gained 320.50 points or 1.24% to close at 26,205.30, while the Sensex surged 1,022.50 points or 1.21% to finish at 85,609.51. Banking stocks also joined the rise, with the Bank Nifty advancing 707.75 points (1.20%) to settle at 59,528.05, despite lingering concerns in the financial space. Sectoral cues remained largely positive, highlighted by a strong rally in the Metal Index, which climbed 2.06%, followed by the Energy Index up 1.74% and the Oil & Gas Index gaining 1.72%. Notably, no sector closed in the red today, underscoring broad-based strength. On the stock-specific front, JSW Steel led the uptrend with a 3.81% jump, while HDFC Life Insurance advanced 2.74% and Bajaj Finserv added 2.70%, providing additional support to the benchmarks. Meanwhile, selective profit booking capped further upside as Bharti Airtel declined 1.61%, Adani Enterprises slipped 0.77%, and Eicher Motor edged lower by 0.28%, slightly trimming the days overall gains. Also Read | These two companies will sell shovels during Indias semaglutide gold rush Nifty Technical Outlook The Nifty 50 delivered a strong performance on Wednesday, surging by 320.50 points or 1.24% to close at 26,205.30, marking a decisive breakout above its recent consolidation range. This sharp rally reflects renewed bullish sentiment supported by positive global cues and strong domestic flows. View Full Image ... From a technical standpoint, the index is now comfortably trading above its key medium-term moving averages. The 20-day simple moving average (DMA) is placed at 25,861, while the 40-day exponential moving average (DEMA) stands at 25,668 both levels are now well below the current price, underscoring a strong uptrend. The daily RSI has risen to 63, indicating improving momentum without being overbought, and the MACD has increased to +157, maintaining a positive crossover, thereby confirming the continuation of upward momentum. View Full Image ... On the hourly chart, the bullish tone is further validated as the index holds above both the 20-hour moving average at 26,052 and the 40-hour EMA at 25,054. The hourly RSI has strengthened to 61, and the MACD is also in the green at +37, both suggesting that short-term momentum remains firmly with the bulls. The derivatives data strongly supports the bullish outlook. Total Put Open Interest (OI) has jumped to 16.58 crore, far exceeding Call OI at 10.69 crore, resulting in a positive differential of +5.89 crore, which confirms strong bullish positioning. The Put-Call Ratio (PCR) has climbed to 1.55, indicating aggressive put writing and confidence among traders in the markets stability above 26,000. The 26000 strike holds the highest Put OI and the most significant addition, marking it as strong near-term support. On the Call side, the 26,500 strike holds the maximum open interest, while fresh additions were seen at the 26,700 strike, hinting at optimistic targets by option writers in the near term. In summary, Nifty has broken out of its consolidation range with strong momentum and rising participation, both in price action and derivatives. The immediate support now shifts to the 26,00026,050 zone, while resistance is seen near 26,500, followed by 26,700. As long as the index sustains above 26,000, the bias remains bullish. Any dips toward the 26,05026,100 area could be seen as opportunities to add long positions. Ankush Bajaj is a Sebi-registered research analyst. His registration number is INH000010441. Investments in securities are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Registration granted by Sebi and certification from NISM in no way guarantee performance of the intermediary or provide any assurance of returns to investors. Disclaimer: The views and recommendations given in this article are those of individual analysts. These do not represent the views of Mint. We advise investors to check with certified experts before making any investment decisions. Register for Mint Extraclass for more tips and advice from Ankush Bajaj on how to trade in the stock markets. The sessions will be held on 27 November, 11 December and 18 December. NEW DELHI : The four new labour codesthe Code on Wages, the Industrial Relations Code, the Code on Social Security, and the Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Codeaim to bring greater uniformity and clarity to salary structures. However, the codes, notified on 21 November, also mean a mixed bag of outcomes for employees. While some statutory benefits, such as gratuity and leave encashment, are expected to increase, strengthening long-term financial security, certain allowances, including maternity benefit payouts, may shrink. Under the new codes, the definition of wages has been standardized to include basic pay, dearness allowance (DA), and all other allowances unless specifically exempted. More importantly, at least 50% of an employees total cost-to-company (CTC), including these components, must be used to calculate social security benefits. Also Read | How new labour codes impact your gratuity and PF A company doesn't need to increase basic pay to 50% of CTC to comply with the new definition of wages, according ot Preeti Chandrashekhar, an independent employee benefit consultant and actuary. The labour codes have introduced deemed wages for the calculation of social security provisions." The Code on Social Security also identifies exclusions such as house rent allowance, bonus, conveyance allowance and commissions, which will not be counted as wages for social security calculations. The new wage definition mainly impacts the calculation of gratuity and leave encashment. This is how you can expect payouts towards different social benefits to change. Calculation of gratuity While the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 (PG Act), has been repealed, the provisions from this law have been replicated in the Code on Social Security without any change, except in the definition of wages, said Atul Gupta, partner labour and employment practice, law firm Trilegal. So, the formula to calculate gratuity and tax rules on it is the same," he added. The formula to calculate gratuity is: last drawn wages x (15/26) x number of years of service. Akhil Chandna, partner, global people solutions leader, business consulting firm Grant Thornton Bharat, explained that last drawn wages refer to the wages as defined in the new labour codes, and 26 is the average number of working days in a month used to calculate 15 days of salary. For the number of years of service, completed years of service are rounded off to the nearest integer." Lets understand with an example. You leave a company after six years, with your CTC comprising basic pay of 3 lakh and special allowance of 7 lakh. Earlier, with only the basic pay of 3 lakh ( 25,000), you would get (25,000 x (15/26) x 6) or 86,538 as gratuity. Now, both basic and special allowance ( 50,000 per month) will be considered, considerably increasing the gratuity payout to (75,000 x (15/26) x 6) or 2.7 lakh. Moreover, for employees receiving a higher gratuity amount than the statutory minimum, the tax-free portion of the payout will also increase. There is a common misunderstanding that the entire gratuity amount up to the 20 lakh cap set by the government is automatically tax-free. Your tax-exempt gratuity amount is the lowest of a) the eligible gratuity calculated using the statutory formula b) actual gratuity paid to you, and c) 20 lakh. So, where the employer pays more gratuity than the eligible amount as part of its employee benefit policies, the excess amount over and above the eligible gratuity is not tax-free. The exemption is limited to the gratuity computed according to the statutory formula, subject to the overall cap of 20 lakh. Any gratuity paid in excess, whether due to CTC structuring, employer policy or any other reason, would be treated as ex-gratia and fully taxed at slab rates," said Sandeep Jhunjhunwala, partner, professional services firm Nangia & Co. Llp. In the above example, if a gratuity of 50,000 was also part of the fixed components in the CTC. Over six years, it adds up to 3 lakh. So, out of the 3 lakh, 2.7 lakh will be tax exempt, whereas the remaining 30,000 will be taxed at slab rates. If the same employee had received gratuity before 21 November, only 86,538 would have been tax-exempt, and the remaining 2.13 lakh would have been taxable. This means employees receiving gratuity after 21 November on a retrospective basis will benefit from both a higher payout and a larger tax-free portion. It should be noted that paying gratuity over 20 lakh is upto the discretion of the employer. Higher leave encashment Leave encashment allows an employee to receive monetary compensation in exchange for their unused, accrued paid leave days. Under the new labour codes, a uniform limit on the number of leaves that may be carried forward and encashed is introduced. A worker earns one day of leave for every 20 days of work, as long as they have worked at least 180 days in a year. They can now carry forward up to 30 days of unused leave and anything above this must now be paid out every year," said Jhunjhunwala. This brings in uniformity as compared to the current framework, where states prescribe varying thresholds and, in many cases, allow encashment only upon separation, said Vaibhav Bhardwaj, partner at corporate law firm Khaitan & Co. Leave encashment is usually calculated based on the employees last drawn wages. In line with the changed wage definition, the wage used for calculating leave encashment will increase for many workers. For example, if someone earlier had a wage base of 20,000 per month and encashed 10 days of extra leave, they would have received around 6,667. After their wage structure is updated to meet the new rules, if the wage base rises to 30,000, the next 10 days of leave will fetch about 10,000. This means workers will get a higher amount both during annual encashment and when they leave the company. Bhardwaj pointed out that these rules apply only to workers, that is people doing manual, technical, operational, clerical or sales-related jobs, and even journalists below a set wage level. Employees performing purely managerial or administrative functions or employed in supervisory capacity drawing monthly wages exceeding 18,000 do not qualify as worker," he said. Maternity benefits As an unintended consequence, the new wages definition could impact maternity benefit payout. As per the law, maternity payout is calculated on the average daily wage, and the wider list of exclusions, such as HRA, LTA, bonus, and certain other allowances, could reduce the net payout. Under the earlier Maternity Benefit Act (MBA), fewer components were excluded, resulting in a higher wage base for calculation, Jhunjhunwala pointed out. HRA, LTA, and Special Allowance were not part of specified exclusions under MBA 1961. With these excluded, the wage base and consequently, the maternity benefit amount compared to the earlier regime may decrease," he said. Despite technically being valid, experts believe it may not happen in practice. Tarun Garg, director, consulting firm Deloitte India, said there could be some legal debate over the interpretation of wages, but such arguments are unlikely to hold because the law clearly aims to preserve existing maternity protections. Theres a section from the erstwhile Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act that says that employers cannot restructure the compensation structure to reduce their own liability. This section has a wider implication under the Code on Social Security, including the maternity benefit payout as well. Reducing benefits would go against the intent of the law," he said. Jhunjhunwala added that the impact is subject to the final rules to be released by the Centre and the state governments. Given the spirit of the code and also the calculations of statutory benefits thats on at least 50%, it remains to be seen if the benefits would indeed go down. Provident fund contributions Provident fund contributions will not change for most employees under the new labour codes. Garg explained though the Code on Social Security links PF contributions to the new definition of wages, the government has not yet notified the relevant section, which means the existing EPF Act remains operational. Also Read | Centre, states work to finalize new labour regime The current salary ceiling of 15,000 remains in force. Even employees with a basic salary above this limit will continue contributing 12% of their basic pay, according to Puneet Gupta, partner, people advisory services-tax, consulting firm EY India. For example, if someone earns a basic salary of 25,000, both the employer and employee will still contribute 3,000 each. Any change can occur only if the government issues new rules, and for now the only potential impact is on employees earning below 15,000, where PF must be calculated on wages beyond basic pay, as clarified by the Supreme Court in the Vivekananda Vidyamandir ruling," said Garg. The actual impact, however, on your in-hand salaryand PF, leave encashment, and maternity benefitswill be clear once the government notifies new rules to clarify ambiguities. Two motorcycle-borne men opened fire at the house of a ruling AAP leader near Darvesh Pind village on the Phagwara-Jandiala road early Thursday, police said. No one was injured in the incident. Phagwara coordinator of ruling AAP's 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' drive (drive against drugs) Daljit Singh Raju told reporters that 23 rounds were fired at his house around 1.13 am, shattering window and door panes. Raju is considered a close confidante of Hoshiarpur MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal. Also Read | Explained: Why is Chandigarh an emotive issue for Punjab Phagwara Sub divisional Superintendent of Police (SP) Madhvi Sharma told reporters that approximately 23 rounds were fired at the house. CCTV footage was being viewed and police force deployed at the site, she said, adding raids are being conducted and all angles of the incident are being investigated thoroughly. "We are taking full stock of the situation and will soon nab the miscreants," she said. Giving details of the incident, Raju said two armed men came on a motorcycle. After parking the bike at a distance, they walked up to the house and started firing. "First I thought that some firecrackers were being burst but then my wife saw that two men were firing at the house," he said, adding, he immediately rang up the police. A hand-written slip was found at the site, sources said. Written in English, it mentioned the name of a certain group as well as an amount of 5 crore, they said. When asked if anyone had made a ransom demand earlier, Raju asserted that he has neither any enmity with anybody nor has he got any ransom call. Following the movement of Cyclone Senyar away from the Indian coastline, a new low-pressure system over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is turning into a cyclonic storm. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warned that the system is "very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within 12 hours", and once it does, it will be named Cyclone Ditwah. The IMD said the developing cyclonic storm could potentially impact the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the southern part of Andhra Pradesh. According to the IMD, the weather system was consolidating over the southwest Bay of Bengal, the adjacent areas of southeast Sri Lanka, and the Equatorial Indian Ocean. Earlier, the Met department reported that Cyclone Senyar was situated 850 km southeast of Car Nicobar the northernmost island of the Nicobar chain and was expected to diminish into a depression by that evening. What is Cyclone Ditwah? In a social media update on platform X on Thursday, the IMD forecast that the deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining Sri Lankan coastline was highly likely to continue tracking roughly north-northwestwards and further intensify into a full cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours. The weather department classifies low-pressure systems in the Indian region based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. A system is designated a cyclonic storm when its maximum sustained three-minute surface winds reach 34 knots or more. According to the IMD roster, which lists the names of tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean, the latest depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal will be named Cyclone Ditwah once it achieves cyclonic storm intensity. What Cyclone Ditwah means? The name was suggested by Yemen. Ditwah is the name of a famous lagoon on the island of Socotra, known for its distinct coastal ecosystem. It is also known as Detwah Lagoon. The depression over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka coast moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 8 kmph during past 6 hours, intensified into a deep depression and lay centered at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 27th November 2025 over the same region near latitude 6.3N and longitude 82.4E,about 150 km east of Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and 170 km south-southeast of Batticaloa (Sri Lanka). It is very likely to continue to move nearly north-northwestwards across southwest Bay of Bengal & adjoining Sri Lanka and intensify further into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours, IMD said in its X post. Thereafter, the IMD added that the storm is very likely to maintain its north-northwestward track, moving across the southwest Bay of Bengal and adjacent Sri Lankan coastline towards the northern Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts during the subsequent 48 hours. Yellow and Orange Alerts In Tamil Nadu, several districts, including Chennai, Nagapattinam, Thiruvallur, and Thanjavur, were put under yellow and orange alerts by the IMD for 27, 28, and 29 November. Nepal on Thursday issued new 100 currency notes, featuring a new map that includes Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura territories. The territories, featured in the currency notes by the country's central bank, belong to India, New Delhi has maintained time and again. The move reignites a years-long border dispute, with Nepal making a similar move in May 2020 when the KP Sharma Oli-led government unveiled a new political map, showing Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura areas as Nepal's territory. India had at that time strongly rejected the move, calling it a unilateral act lacking historical evidence. Also Read | India pushes back against Nepals Lipulekh remarks amid China trade revival "This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India, New Delhi had said in a statement at the time. Nepal's new 100 note The new 100 currency note of Nepal issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) bears the signature of previous Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari. The date of issuance of the note is 2081 BS, which denotes the previous year, 2024. According to a PTI report quoting an NRB official on Thursday, the map was already previously there in the old 100 note. He said that the note had been updated in accordance with the government's orders. The 100 bank note of Nepal has an image of Mt. Everest on the left side, while a watermark of Nepal's national flower, Rhododendron, is on the right. Also Read | Nepal PM Oli raises objection to India-China deal to use Lipulekh as trade route A green colour faint map of Nepal features the alleged map and forms its background at the centre. The Ashoka Pillar is printed near the map with the text Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. On the back side of the currency, there is a picture of a horned rhino. The bank note also has a security thread and an embossed black dot, which helps visually impaired people to tell it apart. India's border controversy with Nepal Nepal and India have been engaged in a border controversy for years, with both the countries claiming that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to them. Also Read | Nepal summons Indian ambassador to protest construction of road in Lipulekh This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. The Lipulekh Pass, an imporant trade route between China and India, lies in the region near Kalapani. While India has maintained that the Kalapani area lies in Uttarakhand's Pithorgarh district, Nepal has claimed that it belongs to the Dharachula region. New Delhi: Indias nine-year-old Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) is set to see its biggest reform yet in the upcoming parliament session, with a select committee of the Lok Sabha holding consultations with government ministries on Thursday before finalising its report, three persons familiar with the development said. The Union ministries of corporate affairs, and housing and urban affairs were part of Thursdays meeting with the parliamentary committee, led by Bharatiya Janata Party's Lok Sabha member Baijayant Panda. A revised bill based on the select committees report is likely to be tabled in Lok Sabha either in the second or third week of December, after the government secures cabinet approval, paving the way for the reform, said the first of the two persons cited earlier, both of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity. The parliament session will commence on 1 December, and run till 19 December. Also Read | FM to seek Parliament nod for extra funds to cover income tax, GST reliefs The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 seeks to introduce a cross-border insolvency regime, allow partial asset sale of bankrupt businesses, permit a largely out-of-court debt resolution for well-regulated financial creditors, and facilitate early debt settlement with lenders by distressed businesses. The bill also proposes to allow tribunals to first approve a companys debt resolution plan and take up disagreements among creditors on distribution of proceeds later, so that corporate turnaround plans move ahead without delays. Thursdays meetings covered a clause-by-clause analysis of the bill, said the second person. Speeding up, streamlining Reforms in IBC are expected to speed up and streamline the debt resolution ecosystem in the country, enabling sinking companies to quickly regain health and creditors to salvage their investments and enhance the economys productivity. Queries emailed to Pandas office and to the ministries of corporate affairs and housing and urban affairs remained unanswered. The bill was discussed at Thursdays meeting as had been scheduled, the third person said. While the proposed amendments seek to address a number of issues based on feedback from various stakeholders, they can still not be considered a comprehensive step forward by way of structural reforms, according to Jyoti Prakash Gadia, manging director at Resurgent India, a merchant bank. Also Read | Parliamentary panel to recommend fresh set of changes to insolvency code The issues regarding the time-bound redressal of the resolution process are still open, as the delays are still visible. The real need is to strengthen the tribunals to ensure timely and systematic handling of cases with strict compliance with the set guidelines by all parties, said Gadia. As per official data from Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI), of the over 8,600 companies admitted for bankruptcy resolution in tribunals, 1,300 have been rescued and proceedings are on in 1,898 cases. More than three-fourths of the ongoing cases have been pending for more 270 days. Creditors have so far realised nearly 4 trillion from the resolved cases, about a third of their admitted claims. Attention to flagged issues The amendment proposals in the bill pay particular attention to issues flagged by courts and practitioners, the complexities arising in group and cross-border insolvency, and the misuse of withdrawal and moratorium provisions by promoters and other stakeholders, said Atul Tandon, Director, NPV Insolvency Professionals Pvt. Ltd. The key amendments proposed include aspects such as mandatory admission timeline, withdrawal restrictions, insolvency resolution professional selection independence, creditors oversight in liquidation, liquidation timelines and look back period for avoidance transactions. Besides the amendments, the government is proposing to bring in key frameworks such as creditor-initiated insolvency resolution process, group insolvency process and cross-border insolvency process, said Tandon. The gaps in procedures and processes need to be handled in a broader way rather than mere cosmetic changes. Scope of differences in interpretation needs to be addressed to reduce subsequent litigation in higher courts, which not only drags matters but is sometimes mis-utilised by errant parties, Resurgent India's Gadia said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to attend the 60th edition of the All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police at Raipur between 29-30 November 2025, according to an official announcement from the PMO on Thursday, 27 November 2025. The police conference is scheduled to be held at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur, Chhattisgarh, from 28 to 30 November 2025. The conference aims to review the progress in addressing key policing challenges and to chart a forward outlook towards a Surakshit Bharat objective. What is the conference about? The three-day conference will discuss the theme of Viksit Bharat: Security Dimensions, where the police leaders, along with PM Modi, will have a detailed discussion on the key security issues. These key security issue topics will range from Left Wing Extremism, Counter terrorism, Disaster management, Womens Safety, and the use of forensic science and artificial intelligence (AI) in policing, according to the official announcement. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) also disclosed that PM Modi will also grant the Presidents Police Medals for Distinguished Service. The Conference provides a vital interactive platform for senior Police leaders and security administrators from across the country to engage in open and meaningful exchanges on a wide range of national security issues, said the PMO in its press statement. Who will attend the conference? Along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Home Minister, National Security Adviser, Ministers of State (Home Affairs), DGPs of States/UTs and Heads of Central Police Organisations will also be there for the key security conference. The annual conference aims to provide an environment encouraging candid discussions where fresh ideas on policing can be directly shared with PM Modi on matters of critical internal security and policy. According to the PMO statement, the Heads of the Home Departments of States/UTs and some DIG and SP-level police officers will also participate in the conference physically this year. Since 2014, the police conference has witnessed an upgrade while diversifying across various locations in the country. The data also highlights that the All India Conference of Director Generals/Inspector Generals of Police has been previously held in Guwahati, Rann of Kachchh, Hyderabad, Tekanpur, the Statue of Unity, Pune, Lucknow, New Delhi, Jaipur, and Bhubaneshwar. Continuing the annual tradition this year, the conference has been scheduled to be hosted at the IIM Raipur campus in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. SIR in West Bengal: Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal and other states, the Election Commission (EC) has, for the first time, made it mandatory for new voter applicants to furnish Annexure IV, according to a report by The Times of India quoting sources. The Annexure IV, as per the report, is a declaration similar to Annexure III. New voter applicants in West Bengal will also need to furnish additional documents along with Annexure IV. The Commission has introduced Annexure IV for the new applicants to include their names in the electoral roll. The lower half of the form is exactly similar to Annexure III, where an applicant will have to write his/her parental linkage as mentioned in the last 2002 SIR rolls of Bengal, a senior EC official was quoted as saying by the newspaper. After 7 February, it will be mandatory for new voter applicants to verify parental linkage as mentioned in the 2026 SIR roll. For the new voters who are turning 18 in January, they will have to write their parents'/grandparents' names as mentioned in the 2002 SIR roll with the name and number of the Assembly constituency, part number, and serial number, another official told TOI. If parents'/grandparents' names are included in the electoral lists of any other state, the applicants will have to mention those details as per the latest final SIR roll of that state," the official added. SIR in West Bengal: Documents needed for new applicants New applicants can apply for their voter ID only after 9 December due to the ongoing SIR in West Bengal. They must submit their application by 8 January to have their names included in the final SIR roll to be published on 7 February. New applicants will need to submit Annexure IV and the SIR form, along with Form 6. Also Read | Submitted SIR form? How to check if your BLO has uploaded it on EC website The EC has also made it mandatory to submit any of these 11 documents apart from Aadhaar for SIR of the electoral roll. 1. Identity card/ Pension Payment Order issued to regular employee/pensioner of Central/ State Govt/ PSU 2. Identity card/ Certificate/ Document issued in India by Govt/ local authorities/ Banks/ Post Office/ LIC/ PSUs before 01.07.1987 3. Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority 4. Passport 5. Matriculation/ Educational certificate from recognised Boards/ universities 6. Permanent Residence certificate issued by the competent State authority 7. Forest Right Certificate 8. OBC/ SC/ ST or any caste certificate issued by a competent authority 9. National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists) 10. Family Register prepared by State/Local authorities 11. Land/ house allotment certificate by the government The Supreme Court (SC) addressed issues related to India's Got Talent case on Thursday. The case had drawn attention to several YouTubers, including Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina. The court also commented on concerns about content labelled as anti-national. Justice Joymalya Bagchi, who was also on the bench, asked whether creators would accept responsibility when their content is viewed in that light. Where the content is perceived as anti-national. Will the content creator take responsibility for? Justice Bagchi asked. Also Read | SC tells Samay Raina to invite disabled people with success stories on shows He noted the difficulty in managing viral content: The difficulty we are facing is the response time, he said. "Once the scurrilous material is uploaded, by the time the authorities react, it has gone viral, to millions of viewers, so how do you control that? Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that the case involved not only obscenity but also perversion. He highlighted a gap in the regulation of user-generated content. He stated, Freedom of speech is a precious right, but it cannot extend to perversity. The Supreme Court stressed that someone must be held accountable for the content uploaded on social media, NDTV reported. Chief Justice Surya Kant said, This is the problem, so I create my own channel, I am not accountable to anyone... somebody has to be accountable. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, representing a disabled professor seeking to join the proceedings, cautioned that branding content as anti-national could do more harm than good. Justice Bagchi replied, Forget shreds of anti-national, supposing there is a video which shows that this part is not part of India, what do you do about that? According to a report by NDTV, the court questioned the Centre on why such cases continue to arise if a monitoring system already exists. It then gave the government four weeks to propose regulations for handling user-generated content on social media. Justice Bagchi said, There should be a warning for someone who may be shocked by such content. Not just above 18... To say that it has content not suitable for general consumption. The court said that an autonomous regulatory body can comprise a combination of different experts, including those from the judiciary and the media. Let something come up on a pilot basis, and if it clogs free speech and expression, it can be looked at then. We need to build a responsible society, and once that happens, most of the problems will be solved, it said. Also Read | Samay Raina says 40,000 tickets of India tour sold in just an hour Earlier this year, the Supreme Court came down heavily on Samay Raina for allegedly making insensitive remarks about people with disability. The court directed Raina and four other comedians--Vipul Goyal, Balraj Paramjeet Singh Ghai, Nishant Jagdish Tanwar, and Sonali Thakkar (aka Sonali Aditya Desai)--to issue an unconditional apology on their YouTube channels and other platforms. On 5 May, the bench had summoned the comedians to appear before it or face coercive action after a plea alleged that they ridiculed persons suffering from SMA, a rare disorder, as well as those suffering from other disabilities on their show. Earlier in October, stand-up comedian Samay Raina apologised for the insensitive remarks against people with disability in his YouTube show 'India's Got Latent'. Taking to his Instagram, comedian Samay Raina apologised for the pain caused by his show to people with disabilities. He shared the apology on behalf of the other comedians as well, which includes Vipul Goyal, Sonali Thakkar, Nishant Tanwar and Balraj Ghai. Winter Session of Parliament from Monday: A bill seeking to open up the civil nuclear sector to private players is among the 10 new proposed legislations listed by the government for introduction in the winter session of Parliament, which begins on Monday, 1 December. Besides the crucial 'The Atomic Energy Bill, 2025', which seeks to govern the use and regulation of atomic energy in India, a bill to establish a higher education regulator, which will replace existing bodies such as the UGC, is also listed for introduction in the winter session. According to a Lok Sabha bulletin, the proposed legislation has been christened the Higher Education Commission of India Bill. The proposed law aims to establish a Higher Education Commission of India, facilitating universities and other higher educational institutions to become independent and self-governing, and promoting excellence through a robust and transparent system of accreditation and autonomy. It has long been on the government's agenda. Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025? The Centre had also listed The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 in this session, but clarified later that it is still under consideration. The bill proposes to include Chandigarh in Article 240 of the Constitution to ensure uniform treatment with other union territories that lack a legislature. The National Highways (Amendment) Bill, also listed for introduction. Another proposed legislation is the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to tweak the Companies Act, 2013, and the LLP Act, 2008. The government also plans to bring in the Securities Markets Code Bill (SMC), 2025, which proposes to consolidate provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, Depositories Act, 1996, and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, into a rationalised single Securities Markets Code, in this session Two bills from the previous session are also listed for consideration and passing. The first supplementary Budget for the year is also on the agenda, according to the bulletin. The session, with 15 sittings, will conclude on 19 December. This will be the last session before the crucial budget session, which typically starts on January 31. Also Read | Explained: Why is Chandigarh an emotive issue for Punjab The opposition is expected to highlight a range of issues, including electoral process transparency, the economy, federalism, and the recently notified labour codes. 1-Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 -The bill proposes to deepen penetration, accelerate growth, and promote ease of doing business in the insurance sector, according to the Parliament bulletin. -This comes after the FY25 Union Budget proposed removing limits on foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector from the current 74%. The bill will likely review and simplify the existing conditions for FDI in the sector. 2-Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 - This bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 12 August 2025 before being referred to the select committee. - This bill provides for cross-border insolvency and group insolvency. Removes the fast-track insolvency process for small companies and startups 3-Atomic Energy Bill, 2025 -This bill aims to regulate the use of atomic energy. Also Read | Revisiting Dharmendra's tenure as a BJP Member of Parliament -The proposed reforms would allow non-government entities to operate atomic power generation plants alongside the Nuclear Power Corporation of India. This comes as India aims to achieve 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047. 4-The Securities Markets Code Bill, 2025 -This bill aims to consolidate the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, the Depositories Act, 1996, and the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956 into a single code. 5-The Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 -This bill aims to amend the Companies Act, 2013 and the Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008 to facilitate ease of doing business and remove certain gaps as per the report of the Company Law Committee (2022). 6- The Higher Education Commission of India Bill, 2025 This bill aims to constitute the Higher Education Commission of India for coordinating and determining standards in higher education, research, and scientific and technical institutions 7- The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2025 This bill proposes to align with the amendments to the Central GST Act introduced by the Finance (No.2) Act, 2024, and replaces an Ordinance. 8- The National Highways (Amendment) Bill, 2025 The bill amends the National Highways Act, 1956 to facilitate faster and transparent land acquisition for national highways. 9- The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 This bill proposes to amend the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. 10-The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 The proposed reforms would allow non-government entities to operate atomic power generation plants alongside the Nuclear Power Corporation of India. -This bill amends 17 Acts; removes imprisonment provisions for several minor offences and rationalises penalties for several violations. -This bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 18 August 20025 and then referred to a select committee. An Indian truck driver who had pled guilty to vehicular manslaughter in West Virginia has been held by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), multiple media reports said. According to a report by WBOY, the truck driver, named Sukhjinder Singh, was booked into the South Central Regional Jail by ICE on November 24 and 1.30 pm local time in West Virginia. However, it is unknown where exactly Singh was arrested from, and why he was taken into custody. WBOY reported that the driver is being held without bail. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Caller News Foundation that sought to clarify the immigration status of the arrested driver. A fatal crash The 37-year-old driver had previously been arrested in March this year over a fatal crash on the I-68 on 19 January, in which Kevin Lataille perished after Singh's truck hit his car and pushed it into the Cheat Lake. Lataille's body was recovered from the lake on 26 January after a multi-day search. Subsequently, police interviewed Singh on 28 February, following which he was charged with negligent homciide after investigators found that he was driving at an unsafe speed when the fatal I-68 crash happened. While Singh had fled West Virginia at the time, he was later nabbed from California. Also Read | US puts Afghan immigration requests on hold indefinitely The 37-year-old then pleaded guilty to the charges, and was sentenced to a year in prison, in addition to being fined $1,000 in October this year. "The Monongalia County Sheriffs Office has received confirmation from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office that Singh Sukhjinder has refused to waive extradition regarding the outstanding negligent homicide warrant for his arrest," a press release from the Monongalia County Sheriffs Office said, A day after two National Guards were critically injured in a shooting near the white House by an Afghan man, the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday said that the Trump administration is reviewing all asylum cases approved under former President Joe Biden "Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols," reported Reuters quoting a statement from the department spokesperson Tricia Mclaughlin. The Trump Administration is also reviewing all asylum cases approved under the Biden Administration, which failed to vet these applicants on a massive scale. On Wednesday, specialist Sarah Beckstrom (20 and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe (24) were shot by suspect a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal who entered the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, is currently facing three charges of intent to kill while armed. President Trump, who has described Afghanistan as a hellhole on earth, already planned to review every Afghan who entered the country under Operation Allies Welcome and reiterated that goal after Wednesday's shooting. If they cant love our country, we dont want them, Trump said in a message released on social media, adding that the shooting was a crime against our entire nation. Trump also used his message to attack refugees from Somalia who have settled in Minnesota, saying they are ripping apart that once-great state. The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington after the incident. FBI Director Kash Patel said the United States is treating the White House as a terrorism investigation. Earlier in the day, addressing a press meet, Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for DC said that a lone gunman opened fire without provocation, ambush style, armed with a 357 Smith and Wesson revolver. Also Read | US puts Afghan immigration requests on hold indefinitely White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's nephew's mother was detained by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) earlier this month and is slated for deportation, reports said. As per a report by CNN, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, a Brazilian native formerly engaged to Karoline Leavitt's brother Michael and the mother of her nephew, was arrested near Boston on 12 November. She was arrested while driving to pick up her 11-year-old son, whose custody she jointly shares with Michael. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson told the news outlet that Ferreira had been living in the US illegally since 1999, overstaying her tourist visa. DHS described her as "a criminal illegal alien from Brazil with a previous arrest for battery, and said that Ferreira is in the process of being deported from the US. Ferreira's camp contests illegal alien claim However, Ferreira's attorney, Todd Pomerleau, disputed DHS's characterisation of her client, telling CNN that the Brazilian native had no criminal record. We dispute that she has any criminal record. She is not a criminal illegal alien, was Pomerleau's assertion. The attorney added that Ferreira was a former recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which provides temporary protection from deportation for those who arrive in the US as children. Pomerleau said Ferreira is currently in the middle of a lawful immigration process for US citizenship, having failed to renew her status under DACA a few years back when Trump attempted to end the programme. As it stands, Ferreira is being detained at the South Louisiana ICE Processing Centre in Basile, about 80 miles from Baton Rouge and more than 1,500 miles from where she was arrested in Boston. Also Read | Trump weighing removal of Kash Patel as FBI Director? White House responds Meanwhile, Ferreira's sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, has set up a GoFundMe page to cover her legal expenses; as of the time of writing, over $30,000 had been raised on the page. Bruna was brought to the United States by our parents in December of 1998, when she was just a child Since then, she has done everything in her power to build a stable, honest life here, Rodrigues wrote on the GoFundMe page. She has maintained her legal status through DACA, followed every requirement, and has always strived to do the right thing, Ferreira's sister added. The suspected gunman in the shooting of two national guard members on Wednesday near the White House was identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in September 2021, law enforcement officials told the Associated Press and other outlets. US troops held a person for allegedly shooting at two National Guard members just blocks away from the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday. US President Donald Trump called the suspect an animal. Official confirmation of the identity of the gunman arrested after shooting two National Guard members in Washington is still awaited. Also Read | White House shooting LIVE: Afghan man reportedly behind attack that killed 2 The shooting in Washington DC happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station, the Associated Press reported. The suspect was arrested and taken into custody minutes after the incident. The identities of the two National Guardsmen have not yet been made public. Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal? Law enforcement sources told the New York Post that the crazed gunman who shot two National Guard troops near the White House on Wednesday was identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Rahmanullah Lakanwal came to the US during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, law enforcement sources told The Post. Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly lay in wait before rounding the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 pm (local time), then opened fire, striking a woman guard in the chest before shooting her in the head, according to law enforcement sources. Also Read | Two National Guard members shot in Washington near White House Lakanwal was then allegedly fired at and struck the second guard until a third guard stationed nearby rushed to the area and took him down, the sources added. The suspect was reportedly shot four times and was hauled away nearly naked in an ambulance and acted alone, the report added. Lakanwal had reportedly entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome and resettled in Bellingham, Washington. Troops held the suspect After hearing the gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the shooter after he was shot, Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, said. It appears to be a lone gunman who raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the Guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect. At this point, we have no other suspects, Carroll said at a news conference. 'Potential act of terrorism' Law enforcement sources told the Post that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is initially treating the shooting as a "potential act of terrorism." DC Mayor Muriel Bowser told reporters Wednesday afternoon it was a targeted shooting in which one individual appeared to target these guardsmen. The shooting, described as an ambush, erupted near Farragut Square in Northwest DC, a bustling area filled with retail stores and restaurants. Donald Trump calls suspect animal In a post on TRUTH social media, US President Donald Trump said, The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. The United States announced late Wednesday (local time) that it had indefinitely stopped processing all immigration requests from Afghan nationals, after two National Guard soldiers were shot and critically wounded near the White House in Washington earlier in the day. In a statement on X, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said, Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. This move comes after US President Donald Trump called the shooting an act of terror, saying the suspect came from Afghanistan in 2021. It aligns with Donald Trump's call for his administration to re-examine Afghan immigrants who entered the United States when Joe Biden was President. "The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission," the USCIS added. The suspect in the shooting is believed to be an Afghan national, according to Trump and two law enforcement officials. He entered the United States in September 2021, after the chaotic collapse of the government in Kabul, when Americans were frantically evacuating people as the Taliban took control. The 29-year-old suspect was part of Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era programme that resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the US withdrawal from the country, officials said. The initiative brought roughly 76,000 Afghans to the United States, many of whom had worked alongside American troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. Also Read | Two National Guard members shot in Washington near White House Trump described Afghanistan as a hellhole on earth, and he said his administration would review everyone who entered the country under President Joe Biden a measure his administration had already been planning before the incident. White House shooting: The officials on Thursday said that the suspect who shot the two National Guard members drove cross-country before the attack and faces assault and weapons charges. The injured National Guard members have been identified as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe (24). They had been sworn in less than 24 hours before they were attacked. Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for DC, said that they have undergone surgery and remained in critical condition. Also Read | Two National Guard members shot in Washington near White House "A lone gunman opened fire without provocation, ambush style, armed with a 357 Smith and Wesson revolver. She added that the suspect a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal drove across the country from his home near Bellingham. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, who entered the US in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, is currently facing three charges of intent to kill while armed. He drove his vehicle cross-country from the state of Washington with the intended target of coming to our nation's capital. The charges that are appropriate now are three counts of assaults with intent to kill while armed, and violation of the DC code. He will also be charged with possession of a firearm. We intend to monitor what the charges will be depending upon the conditions of the guards, Pirro said. The attorney stated that they have been in constant contact with the families of injured National Guards. Addressing the press meet, FBI Director Kash Patel said the United States is treating the White House as a terrorism investigation and added that they must come together on this Thanksgiving day. Also Read | US puts Afghan immigration requests on hold indefinitely Calling it a coast-to-coast investigation, Patel said that it is an ongoing investigation of terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi said separately that the US plans to charge him with terrorism and seek life in prison. Meanwhile, the FBI searched multiple properties in Washington state and San Diego. The person suspected of shooting two National Guard soldiers near the White House is an Afghan national who previously served alongside US forces in Afghanistan, AFP reported, citing US media. What are the Afghan suspect's alleged US Army links? NBC News, referencing a relative and multiple law enforcement sources, identified him as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. According to NBC, Lakanwal moved to the United States in September 2021 after spending a decade in the Afghan army assisting US Special Forces. Fox News, citing Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe, said Lakanwal worked with various US government entities, including the intelligence service. Wednesday's shooting left two US National Guard soldiers critically wounded. What did Trump say? US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday (local time) that an Afghan man who fled the Taliban was the suspect and had been taken into custody after the daylight shooting two blocks from the White House. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era programme to resettle thousands of Afghans who assisted the US during the Afghanistan war and feared reprisals from Taliban forces who seized control of their homeland after the US withdrawal. The DHS did not include other details of his immigration record, but a Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and was approved on 23 April of this year, three months after Trump took office, AP reported. Lakanwal, 29, who resided in Washington state, had no known criminal history, the official said. Trump, who was at his resort in Florida at the time of the attack, released a prerecorded video statement late on Wednesday calling the shooting an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. He said his administration would "re-examine" all Afghans who came to the US during Joe Biden's presidency. Taliban reacts Reacting to the recent attack in Washington, the Taliban has alleged that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) might be trying to tarnish the reputation of the Afghan government by linking it to the recent shooting, according to a report by CNN-News18. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen told CNN-News18 that the Taliban has a long-standing position that our policy is clear, we do not allow anyone to use Afghan soil to carry out attacks abroad. US suspends visa processing applications for Afghan nationals Following the incident, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced late Wednesday (local time) that it has indefinitely suspended processing applications for Afghan nationals. For Afghans sheltering in Pakistan, tens of thousands of whom are awaiting US resettlement decisions, the announcement felt like their last safe route had closed, according to a report by AP. Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, a volunteer group seeking to assist Afghans who helped US forces, said about 200,000 Afghans had arrived in the United States since 2021 through refugee and special visa programmes after vetting. During America's longest war, which concluded with the Talibans takeover in 2021, US forces and aid organisations employed thousands of Afghans as interpreters and local staff. Following the fall of Kabul, the Biden administration launched Operation Allies Welcome to provide refuge for Afghans facing an increased risk of persecution due to their ties with the United States. 500 more guard soldiers to be deployed in Washington In response to the shooting, Trump ordered 500 more guard soldiers deployed to Washington, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters. The additional troops will join about 2,200 already in the city as part of the president's contentious immigration and crime crackdown targeting Democratic-led cities. Meanwhile, one of the two West Virginia National Guard members wounded in the violent ambush is Andrew Wolfe, as confirmed by his former high school. Our Applemen community is deeply saddened to learn that Musselman High School alumnus, Andrew Wolfe, was one of the National Guardsmen injured in the shooting in Washington, D.C. today, Musselman High School in West Virginia posted on Facebook, as reported by the New York Post. As of early November, the DC National Guard had the largest number of personnel on the ground, with 949. West Virginia was next with 416 guardsmen. Wednesday's shooting came five days after a federal judge issued a ruling to temporarily block National Guard troops from performing law enforcement duties in the district without the mayor's approval, but the judge paused the effect of her order until December to allow an appeal from the Trump administration, Reuters reported. Trump, a Republican, has deployed troops in several other Democratic-led cities - Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and Memphis, Tennessee - to combat what he has described as lawlessness and violent unrest over his crackdown on illegal immigration. Democratic leaders of those cities have accused Trump of manufacturing pretexts for militarised shows of force to punish political foes. At least 83 people were killed and around 280 are still missing after the deadliest fire at a building in Hong Kong in over seven decades, as toll continues to rise on Thursday. So far, three people from a construction firm have been arrested. Police have said that the inferno could have been caused by the use of unsafe materials by a grossly negligent construction firm. The fire was believed to have started in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, before it spread to other buildings in the complex. Nearly 24 hours after the blaze started, rescuers also found a survivor, a man, from a stairway on the 16th floor of the building. Where did the fire take place? The fire broke out in the Wang Fuk Court housing complex in the northern district of Tai Po. It is one of many high-rise housing complexes in Hong Kong. The eight blocks of the tightly packed complex, which houses over 4,600 people, have 2,000 apartments. According to property agency websites, the complex, which has been occupied since 1983, is under the government's subsidised home ownership scheme, reported Reuters. View full Image Thick smoke billows from the upper floors of a residential block at Wang Fuk Court housing estate during a major fire. ( REUTERS ) What caused the fire? According to police, they believe that a construction company's responsible parties which were carrying out maintenance work were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably. "We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties," said Eileen Chung, a Hong Kong police superintendent. Police said that the buildings were covered with protective mesh sheets and plastic that may not meet fire standards. According to a Reuters report, police also discovered some windows on one unaffected building were sealed with a foam material, installed by a construction company carrying out maintenance work. View full Image Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories ( AP ) Who has been arrested? Three men from the construction company two directors and one engineering consultant have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the fire. Rescue a priority Hong Kong leader John Lee said that some 279 people were uncontactable and 900 were in eight shelters. Lee stated that the priority is to extinguish the fire and rescue the residents who are trapped. The second is to support the injured. The third is to support and recover. Then, we'll launch a thorough investigation, he added. Govt to set up fund John Lee said the government would set up a HK$300 million ($38.6 million) fund to help residents. The city's development bureau has also discussed gradually replacing bamboo scaffolding as a safety measure. Also Read | Hong Kong Fire Liability Triggers Drop at Taiping Insurance Xi Jinping urges all-out effort China's President Xi Jinping urged an "all-out effort" to extinguish the fire and minimise casualties and losses, state broadcaster CCTV said. All burned, nothing left A 51-year-old resident surnamed Wan told Reuters that they bought in (apartment) this building more than 20 years ago and now nothing is left. All of our belongings were in this building, and now that it has all burned like this, whats left? View full Image Residents impacted by the fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate rest at a temporary shelter in Tai Po district in Hong Kong, China, on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. ( Bloomberg ) HONG KONG (AP) Firefighters battled for a second day to extinguish a blaze at a high-rise apartment complex in Hong Kong on Thursday, as the death toll rose to 83 in one of the deadliest blazes in the city's modern history. Rescuers holding flashlights were going from apartment to apartment at the charred towers as thick smoke poured out from some windows at the Wang Fuk Court complex, a dense cluster of buildings housing thousands of people in Tai Po district, a northern suburb near Hong Kongs border with the mainland. Officials said firefighters were still working on a handful of apartments and trying to enter all of the units in the seven towers to ensure there were no further casualties. Our firefighting operation is almost complete, said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Services Operations. Firefighters were working hard to prevent the debris and embers from flaring up. Whats next is the search and rescue operation, he added. It was unclear how many people remained missing or trapped. Hong Kong leader John Lee said contact had been lost with 279 people early Thursday. Authorities did not provide updates on the missing people or how many were still inside the ravaged buildings Thursday during a press conference. Video showed rescuers searching in some apartments in the dark. Orange flames were still seen from inside several windows, though the whole complex was now largely a blackened ruin. Firefighters have been trying to control the flames since midafternoon Wednesday, when the fire was believed to have started in bamboo scaffolding and construction netting and then spread across seven of the complexs eight buildings. Chan said the blaze spread exceptionally fast across the towers, and emergency workers struggled to gain access inside. Debris and scaffolding were falling from upper floors," he told reporters. There are also other reasons like high temperature, darkness ... (and) emergency vehicle access was blocked by fallen scaffolding and debris, making our access to the building very difficult. More than 70 people were injured, including 11 firefighters, the Fire Services Department said. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters overnight. Pope Leo XIV sent a telegram to Hong Kongs bishop Thursday, saying he was saddened by the fire and offering prayers for the injured, their families and emergency workers. Resident Lawrence Lee was waiting for news about his wife, who he believed was still trapped in their apartment. When the fire started, I told her on the phone to escape. But once she left the flat, the corridor and stairs were all filled with smoke and it was all dark, so she had no choice but to go back to the flat, he said, as he waited in one of the shelters overnight. Winter and Sandy Chung, who lived in one of the towers, said they saw sparks fly around as they evacuated Wednesday afternoon. Although they were safe, they were worried about their home. I couldnt sleep the entire night, Winter Chung, 75, told The Associated Press on Thursday. Three men, the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police have not directly named the company where they work. "We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent, said Eileen Chung, a senior superintendent of police. Police on Thursday also searched the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, which the AP confirmed was in charge of renovations in the tower complex. Police seized boxes of documents as evidence, according to local media. Phones for Prestige rang unanswered. Authorities suspected some materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet fire resistance standards, allowing the unusually fast spread of the fire. Police also said they found plastic foam panels -- which are highly flammable -- attached to the windows on each floor near the elevator lobby of the one unaffected tower. It was believed to have been installed by the construction company but the purpose was not clear. Secretary for Security Chris Tang said they would investigate the materials further. The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments for about 4,800 residents, including many older people. It was built in the 1980s and had been undergoing a major renovation. Hong Kong's anti-corruption agency said on Thursday it was launching a probe into possible corruption relating to the renovation project. Officials said the fire started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower, then spread on the bamboo scaffolding and construction netting to the inside of the building and then to the other buildings, likely aided by windy conditions. Bamboo scaffolding is a common sight in Hong Kong at building construction and renovation projects, though Lee said officials will meet with industry representatives to discuss a switch to metal scaffolding amid safety concerns. While we know that bamboo scaffolding has a long history in Hong Kong, its flame retardancy is inferior to that of metal scaffolding. For safety reasons, the government believes that a complete switch to metal scaffolding should be implemented in suitable working environments, said Eric Chan, the Chief Secretary for Administration. Authorities will also be carrying out immediate inspections of all housing estates that are undergoing major renovation work to ensure scaffolding and construction materials meet safety standards. The fire was the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades. In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a fire that lasted for around 20 hours. ___ Eleven people were killed and two others injured after a test train hit a group of maintenance workers on the track early on Thursday in China's southwestern city of Kunming, media reports said. The train, conducting tests involving seismic equipment, struck the workers as it negotiated a curved section of the track. The accident took place at the Luoyangzhen station in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, according to the China Railway Kunming Group Co. The cause of the accident is under investigation, and the railway station has resumed operations, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported. Authorities have reportedly identified it as the countrys deadliest railway accident in more than a decade. Also Read | Several injured in Mumbai after being hit by train near Sandhurst Road station Following the accident, the railway authorities immediately triggered their emergency response protocols. Xinhua said that they have been collaborating with the local government to coordinate rescue efforts and provide medical treatment for the injured persons. China operates one of the world's largest rail networks, and while fatal incidents have become considerably less frequent over recent decades, the country has still experienced several serious rail accidents in recent years. Previous incidents include: In 2022, a train derailed near Rongjiang county in Guizhou province after hitting debris from a landslide, resulting in the death of a conductor and injuries to eight other people, according to state media. State media also reported that a derailment in Chenzhou, in the central province of Hunan, in 2020 left one person dead and 127 injured. China's most recent rail catastrophe involving mass fatalities took place in 2011, when a high-speed train collided with a stationary locomotive in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, killing 40 people and leaving nearly 200 injured. Prior to that, around 66 people were killed when two passenger trains collided near Zibo, in eastern Chinas Shandong province, in 2008. Several people injured in Slovakian train collision Several people were injured in a train collision on 9 November in Slovakia, reported news agency Associated Press. The incident occurred near the town of Pezinok, north of the capital, Bratislava, when an express train struck the rear of a passenger train. As many as 79 passengers out of approximately 800 people travelling on the trains were taken to hospitals. The majority sustained only minor injuries. Slovakian Health Minister Kamil Sasko said on 10 November that 13 people were still hospitalised, though none were in a life-threatening condition. Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico suggested that the collision was likely caused by human error. He went on to reject the resignation of Transport Minister Jozef Raz, stating that he would not accept it following the second such incident in a month. The Adiala jail administration has rejected rumours that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was moved out of the facility, confirming he remains in custody and is in good health. "There is no truth to reports about his transfer from Adiala jail," officials from the Rawalpindi prison said in a statement as quoted by Geo News. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had also claimed that Khan, the party founder, had been held in isolation for six weeks and denied all family visits. He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention, the jail statement said. Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023, faces multiple cases ranging from corruption to terrorism since his ouster from power via the opposition's no-trust motion in April 2022. Baseless speculation about his health: Jail Admin The officials further clarified that speculation about his health was "baseless", stressing that the PTI founder's well-being was being ensured. Amid rumours of Imran Khans death flooding social media, his three sisters allegedly suffered a brutal police assault outside Adiala Jail on Wednesday. The ageing sisters of Pakistans former prime minister have demanded an impartial probe. Noreen Niazi, Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khan were waiting outside the jail as they had been denied a meeting with Khan for a month. They said they were sitting peacefully when police suddenly attacked them without warning. What did the Pakistani minister say about Imran Khan? Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also stated that Khan was receiving comfort in prison compared to what he had faced while incarcerated. Check the menu of the food that comes for him it is not available even in a five-star hotel, he was quoted as saying in Geo News, adding that the PTI founder had access to a television and could watch any channel he chose. There are exercise machines for him as well, the minister said. He is fully healthy and receiving complete medical attention. The minister's denial came after PTI spokesman Syed Zulfiqar Bukhari issued a statement saying if reports of Khan being moved were accurate, the family must be granted immediate and unhindered access. Russian President Vladimir Putin projected confidence in Russias military operations, saying there is a positive dynamic everywhere on the front and adding that Russia is ready in principle to fight to the last Ukrainian. Ahead of the US delegation expected to visit Moscow next week to discuss the latest American proposal aimed at ending the Kremlins war in Ukraine, Putin said during a press conference in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday (November 27) that no draft peace agreement had been reached in recent talks between the US and Ukraine. Instead, only a list of discussion points exists. No draft peace agreement has been agreed to. Only a list of issues to be discussed, Putin said. No trust in Ukraines leadership Putin reiterated that signing any documents with Ukraines current leadership would be "pointless," alleging that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lacks legitimacy. Russian demands and ceasefire conditions The Russian president repeated Moscows demands, including that Ukrainian troops withdraw from occupied territory before any ceasefire can be signed. If Ukraines troops leave the territory occupied, then military action will stop. If they wont leave then we will achieve that by armed force, Putin stated. He also insisted that recognition of Russias occupation of Crimea, Donbas, and parts of eastern and southern Ukraine must be included in negotiations. US peace proposals as a starting point Ahead of the expected visit of Trump envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow, Putin said the latest American proposals could serve as a basis for future agreements. Overall, we see that the American side is taking into account our position In some areas, we definitely need to sit down and seriously discuss specific issues, he said, referencing prior talks in Anchorage and Alaska. Comments on leaked call Putin also addressed a leaked recording in which Witkoff appeared to advise top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov on how Moscow could present peace plans to Trump. This may be some kind of fake news Actually, this is a criminal offense; eavesdropping is illegal in our country. Its not about us. Its about the battle of opinions between the collective West and the U.S. over what needs to be done to end the hostilities, Putin said. Also Read | Trump administration reviewing all asylum cases approved under Biden, says DHS A Bangladesh court on Thursday sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years in jail in three corruption cases related to irregularities in the allocation of land in a government housing project. Judge Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun of Dhaka Special Judge Court-5 sentenced the 78-year-old former premier to seven years each in three cases of corruption related to the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachal, totalling 21 years, PTI reported. The judge said Hasina would serve them consecutively. The judge also fined Hasina Taka one lakh in each case, or 18 months more in prison if she failed to submit the amount. Judge Mamun also sentenced Hasina's son, Sajib Wajed Joy, and daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, to five years imprisonment each in the corruption cases filed against them over the housing project near the capital. Joy and Putul were fined Taka one lakh each, or one month more in case of default. The plot was allotted to Sheikh Hasina without any application and in a manner that exceeded the legally authorised jurisdiction, Judge Mamun said while delivering the judgment, PTI reported. The judgement came 10 days after Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a special tribunal for crimes against humanity over her government's brutal crackdown on student-led protests last year. Hasina maintains the charges against her are biased and politically motivated. Where is Hasina? Hasina has been living in India since 5 August last year, when she fled Bangladesh following a massive student-led protest that toppled her Awami League's 16-year regime. She was earlier declared a fugitive by a court. A day earlier, Foreign Affairs Adviser M Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh is awaiting a response from India regarding its earlier request to extradite Hasina, noting that the situation has changed now since the judicial process is complete and the former prime minister has been convicted. What did India say on Bangladesh's request to extradite Hasina? On Wednesday, India said it is reviewing the interim government's request for Hasinas extradition and emphasised that it remains committed to safeguarding the interests of the Bangladeshi people. Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that New Delhi had formally received Dhaka's communication over the matter, stressing that India remains committed to Bangladesh's stability and the well-being of its people as part of its ongoing judicial and internal legal processes. Yes, we have received the request, and this request is being examined. As part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, we remain committed to the best interest of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country, and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all state stakeholders, Jaiswal said. Since the fall of the Hasina administration, most Awami League leaders have either been detained or have fled the country. Will the death penalty be nullified? No, the 21-year prison sentence for Sheikh Hasina in the corruption cases does not nullify her death penalty. The death penalty was imposed by the International Crimes Tribunal (for international crimes), and the prison term was imposed by a regular anti-corruption court. Under Bangladeshi law, multiple convictions don't automatically cancel harsher penalties, and the death sentence takes precedence if enforced. The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (CrPC), and Section 35 of the Penal Code, 1860, separate convictions for different offences and do not automatically cancel a harsher sentence, such as the death penalty. The corruption ruling doesn't affect the crimes against humanity verdict, and no appeals or legal actions have overturned the death penalty as of now. However, Hasina's lawyers filed an appeal with the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, citing fair trial concerns, but no domestic appeal has been heard or decided. Bangladesh has been in political turmoil since the end of Hasina's rule, and violence has marred campaigning for elections slated for February 2026. The United Nations says up to 1,400 people were killed in crackdowns as Hasina tried to cling to power. Guinea-Bissau plunged into fresh political turmoil on Wednesday (November 26) as a group of army officers appeared on state television to announce they had seized power, suspended the electoral process and deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo just a day before provisional presidential election results were due. Gunfire rang out for nearly an hour around key government sites in the capital, including the presidential palace, the election commission and the interior ministry, triggering panic as people fled the streets. Hours later, President Embalo told France 24: I have been deposed. Military announces takeover, suspends institutions Reading a statement on state TV, spokesperson Diniz NTchama said the group calling itself the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order had assumed total control of the West African nation. The officers ordered the closure of all borders, the suspension of media activities and the halt of the electoral process. The High Military Command decides to immediately depose the President of the Republic and suspend, until new orders, all institutions of the Republic, NTchama said. He claimed the move was driven by the discovery of a plan by certain national politicians and well-known national and foreign drug barons to manipulate the election results and destabilise the country. Presidents whereabouts unclear; AFP source says he is detained A military source told AFP that Embalo had been arrested and was being well-treated at general-staff headquarters, though the army did not confirm this publicly. It remains unclear whether all branches of Guinea-Bissaus fractious military support the takeover. Election dispute fuels tension The coup attempt comes just days after Sundays presidential and legislative elections and before the electoral commission was due to release provisional results on Thursday. Both Embalo and main opposition challenger Fernando Dias da Costa had already claimed victory, raising fears of a contested outcome. A spokesperson for Embalo accused gunmen affiliated with Dias of attacking the election commission to block the announcement of results, but provided no evidence. Diass camp has denied any involvement. A country with a long coup history Guinea-Bissau, a nation of two million people, has endured repeated military upheavals at least nine coups or attempts since independence from Portugal in 1974. Embalo himself said he survived three plots during his tenure. Whats more, the non-profit identified a key trend: that half of the active ingredients used in the US came from just one source. China is the exclusive supplier of at least one chemical used in nearly 700 crucial medicines. For example, at first blush, the antibiotic amoxicillin, used to treat everything from bronchitis to urinary tract infections, appears to have a diverse array of sources from Spain to Singapore. But its four key inputs come almost entirely from just one: China. Its your ability to look at weak signals, outliers and Black-Swan possibilities that could shape the course of your career and quality of leadership. If you rely on data, keep in mind that data is democratic; if you have customer data, your competitors would have their own data. All the digital tools available to you are also accessible by others in your organization, not to mention those across the street. Drugs and pharmaceuticals are our fourth largest export and nearly a third of these go to the US, indicating high exposure. However, the 100% tariff imposed on drugs and pharmaceuticals is on patented and branded products, not on generics which account for the bulk of Indian exports. Gems and jewellery are our fifth largest export, of which 19% goes to the US. But exports of these products are quite diversified and the UAE accounts for nearly a third. Some of these do appear to dilute labour rights at a formal level. For example, earlier, a company with under 100 employees could undertake layoffs without a government nod; now that limit has gone up to 300. In practice, how easy it is to lay off workers often depends on how organized they are. Amid speculation about a leadership change in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has stated that the issue will be resolved after discussions with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. "The high command -- myself, Rahul ji and Sonia ji will together take a decision on the issue and resolve it," Kharge told PTI, when asked about the issue of leadership change in Karnataka. Speculation has been rife about a change in leadership in Karnataka, as the Congress government completed two and a half years of its term this month. Many have referred to the development as the November revolution, even as supporters of Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar have demanded that he should become the next Chief Minister. After the Congress victory in the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections, reports claimed that a compromise had been reached between Shivkumar and Siddaramaiah based on a rotational chief minister formula. According to this formula, Shivakumar would take the helm from Siddaramaiah after 2.5 years. The party had rejected these reports Siddaramaiah recently said he would continue in office for the full five-year term, subject to the Congress high command's decision. Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge dismissed as "irrelevant," a section of party leaders pitching his father, Mallikarjun Kharge, for the CM post amid the leadership issue. The fresh speculation about the leadership tussle in the Congress government in Karnataka intensified as party MLAs started seeking meetings with the leadership. Siddaramaiah has put the onus on the party high command to put a "full stop to the confusion". Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi appeared to support Siddaramaiah, stating that he has requested the high command to clarify the issue of leadership at the earliest. "There is no discussion about leadership change in the party. Once it comes up, then we will discuss but there is no discussion about it in the party right now," the minister said. Jarkiholi said he will seek time to meet Kharge and discuss this issue, sharing his opinion with him. Party is united: DK Shivakumar, however, claimed that the party is united and is focused on the 2028 assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections. He had earlier claimed that there is a "secret deal between five-six of us" in the party on the issue of the power-sharing formula evolved two-and-a-half years ago. Reluctant to comment on the alleged power-sharing agreement, he said he does not wish to speak about anything. "Whatever is there, party issues, we will discuss within four walls. I will not discuss any political issues in the media." On reports that Rahul Gandhi had sent a personal message to him, Shivakumar replied, "What Rahul Gandhi has communicated to me is not a matter to be discussed before the media." "Our goal is to win Karnataka in 2028 and to win at the national level in 2029, and to make Rahul Gandhi the prime minister. We will work towards this goal," he asserted. The BJP, on the other hand, has intensified its attack on Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah. The opposition party in Karnataka has been posting AI videos on X, taking a jibe at the two Congress leaders. Also Read | Shivakumar to become next Karnataka Chief Minister? State DyCM breaks silence BJP state president BY Vijayendra said Siddaramaiah should resign and declare an election if his party is unable to put an end to the ongoing power tussle. Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said the ruling Congress should convene in Belagavi for the legislative session starting from 8 December with greater clarity regarding who should be the state's chief minister. The high command -- myself, Rahul ji and Sonia ji will together take a decision on the issue and resolve it. "Let them postpone the session or if they are unable to handle the situation, resign and declare the election," he said. Expelled AIADMK leader and nine-time MLA K A Sengottaiyan on Thursday joined actor-politician Vijay-led TVK in Chennai, after spending 53 years in the M G Ramachandran-founded party. Sengottaiyan's induction into the TVK, which comes ahead of next year's Assembly Elections in Tamil Nadu, was led by the party's founder Vijay, who hailed Anna's (elder brother) half a century of political experience. Videos showed Vijay presenting the former AIADMK member with a yellow and red shawl. Sengottaiyan joined with MGR at the age of 20, having earned his trust. At such a young age, he assumed the significant responsibility of becoming an MLA. Within that movement, he was someone trusted by both the great leaders MGR and Jayalalithaa in the political arena, the TVK founder said in a video message after welcoming the 77-year-old to his party. After having remained in the same movement for 50 years, I warmly welcome brother Sengottaiyan along with everyone who has joined him to work with us, with the confidence that his political experience and decades of field work will be a great strength to our Tamil Nadu Vetri Kazhagam, Vijay added, signalling that the TVK would also welcome Sengottaiyan loyalists who were also expelled from the AIADMK. TVK insiders, meanwhile, told news agency PTI that Sengottaiyan's presence in the party would help to strengthen it in the Kongu region, especially in the eight Assembly constituencies in the Erode district from where he hails. Prior to joining the TVK, the nine-time legislator resigned from the post of MLA for the Gobichettipalayam constituency on 26 November. Also Read | Kharge says Karnataka issue will be resolved after discussions with Sonia, Rahul Why was Sengottaiyan expelled? The AIADMK veteran was expelled from the Edappadi K. Palaniswami-led party on 31 October last month. The reason behind his expulsion was that he met with sacked leaders O P Panneerselvam, T T V Dhinakaran, and Palansiwami's aunt V K Sasikala, seeking their re-induction into the party. Amid talks about who will be the next Karnataka Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday commented on the power tussle in the state. As reported by ANI, Shivakumar said, ...There is nothing there. I don't want to comment on it. Whatever the party says, we will work together. The power tussle within the ruling party has intensified amid speculation about the chief minister in the state after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20, in the backdrop of an alleged power-sharing agreement involving Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar in 2023. Also Read | Did Siddaramaiah take a dig at Shivakumar amid CM seat tussle? See cryptic post Asserting that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is running a good administration and has the backing of MLAs, his son and Congress MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah pointed out that there are no complaints against his father, nor is he involved in any scams, PTI reported. He said the Congress high command will decide on the demand from some sections for a change of CM. Whatever the high command decides is final. So it won't be right on our part to comment before the high command says anything, Yathindra told reporters in response to a question on CM change. Asked whether Siddaramaiah will be CM for five years, he said as a party worker and MLC, he doesn't see a situation for CM change, because there is no complaint against the chief minister, nor is he involved in any scam. Also Read | Karnataka High Court stays government order seen as move to curb RSS activities Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar both have said that the high command will decide. Mallikarjun Kharge has also said the same... Whatever the decision may be, the responsibility is to run the government, to keep fulfilling the promises made to the people, and that work should continue consistently. The BJP's strategy has been to change the entire cabinet overnight, but here at least there is a democratic process where discussions are happening and they will take the decision Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Federation of Backwards Class Communities (KSFBCC) has cautioned the Congress party that any move to remove Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amid internal conflicts within the state Congress could have consequences for the party, PTI reported. Speaking to reporters, KSFBCC president K M Ramachandrappa said that AHINDA (the Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalit communities) is deeply distressed by the ongoing developments. He also referred to a statement made by Karnataka Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha president L. Srinivas during a press conference on Thursday, in which Srinivas suggested that the Congress high command should consider giving a coolie (a token of reward) to Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for his hard work in helping bring the party to power. BJP reacts BJP leader Boora Narsaiah Goud slammed the Congress over the ongoing power struggle in Karnataka, claiming that the partys internal conflict is a tussle of power and paisa that is negatively impacting the states economy. He further alleged that Congress national leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi are pitting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar against each other to extract more money, under the pretext of promising the Chief Minister's post. Congress in Karnataka or anywhere in the country stands for power and paisa. The tussle between Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar is only a struggle between the paisa and power, the former MP told ANI. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah earlier said that the debate over the CM post is an "unnecessary debate", attributing recent discussions within the party to being about a cabinet reshuffle. The Chief Minister stated that the senior party leadership would have the final say on the cabinet reshuffle, noting that two of Karnataka's 34 ministerial positions are currently vacant and will be filled during the process. Shivakumar reaffirmed his loyalty to the Congress and dismissed rumours about his resignation as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President. Shivakumar has also requested a meeting with party leader Sonia Gandhi on November 29 to address the ongoing situation. Is there any reason why booth-level officers (BLOs) are receiving such negative attention, as the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls gains countrywide momentum? Booth-level officers, particularly in opposition-ruled states like West Bengal, which is poll-bound, and Tamil Nadu, are reportedly under pressure primarily due to the `inhuman workload and `unrealistic deadlines associated with the Election Commission (EC) ongoing SIR of electoral rolls. This situation has become a point of political contention, with ruling parties in these states accusing the ECI of creating chaos to potentially influence voter lists. Says Prashant Bhushan, author and veteran public interest lawyer: "The BJP has a detailed list of voters who vote against it. The SIR exercise aims to eliminate all areas of dissent. The BLOs are being asked to work at a frantic pace so that the exercise is completed before anyone realises the damage being inflicted. Deletion of nearly 47 lakh voters in Bihar Critics allege that the deletion of nearly 47 lakh voters in the recently concluded Bihar elections, described as the first round of voter cleanup, helped the NDA sweep the polls. They also say that while the deletion numbers in the Bihar voters' list were made available, the numbers of voters who were added were never notified by the EC. A political storm has erupted over the ongoing SIR of the electoral roll across 12 states and Union Territories, which was launched on November 4. Billed as the second round of voter clean-up, this exercise is scheduled to conclude on February 7, 2026, with the publication of the final electoral roll. Consider this: ** Multiple deaths of BLOs have been reported in the past few days in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Kerala. ** Booth-level officers, engaged in the ongoing SIR process in West Bengal, scuffled with police personnel on November 24, while trying to enter the CEO's office here during a demonstration to protest against alleged excessive work pressure. *** Two teacher-cum-BLOs died of `illness' in Raisen and Damoh districts of MP last week *** The Noida administration in UP has registered FIRs against over 60 BLOs and seven supervisors across three police stations for alleged negligence and disobedience during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls, while in Bahraich, two BLOs have been suspended on the same charges, and a third has been booked based on a BJP leaders complaint. Who is a BLO? A BLO, according to a 2014 statement by the Election Commission, is a ``local government/semi-government official, familiar with the local electors and generally a voter in the same polling area who assists in updating the roll using his local knowledge. Your average BLO could be a teacher, anganwadi worker, or local body employee, who is assigned the additional duty of assisting the EC with grassroots-level work. Importantly, it is not a standalone or permanent job, but a crucial responsibility added to their primary professional duties. A BLOs main functions include, maintaining the electoral roll, ensuring it is accurate and error-free; house-to-house verification, voter registration assistance, form distribution and collection, voter ID (EPIC) distribution; offer election day support by being present at the polling station with the electoral roll to help voters, manage a help desk, and ensure pickup/drop facilities for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD). Onerous responsibilities, to say the least, considering that they have a lot on their plate. BLO workers say excessive workload and tight deadlines - tasks that usually take several months or even years are reportedly being demanded within a few weeks - leading to `crushing pressure and employee protests. In addition, there are technical and operational issues with BLOs reporting difficulties with the official app provided for data entry, citing slow servers, unresponsiveness, and data mismatch problems. The intense pressure has led to reports of BLOs falling ill, and in some cases, multiple deaths by suicide have been reported, with suicide notes in some instances blaming the ECI for the `impossible situation. The timing of the SIR has also been cited as an issue, as it coincides with monsoon months, major festivals (like Christmas and Pongal), and harvesting seasons, making it difficult to find people at home for verification. Added to this are concerns that the rushed process and 'untraceable' voters, due to rapid migration or other reasons, might lead to the incorrect deletion of names from the electoral rolls. In response to these issues, BLO associations have staged protests and marches, demanding an extension of deadlines, a reduction in workload, and better support from the Election Commission. Two state governments, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, have approached the Supreme Court regarding the matter. According to the EC, for 50.97 crore voters in 12 states/UTs, it has deployed 5.32 lakh BLOs. This means one BLO has at least 956 electors to manage in a month. The BJP has a detailed list of voters who vote against it. The SIR exercise is aimed at eliminating all such areas of dissent. Former chief election commissioner TS Krishnamurthy says that part of the problem is that house-to-house verification a critical component of SIR - has not taken place in the last 20 years. Now it is being enforced. He, however, believes that genuine concerns of the BLOs must be addressed by the EC. ``It is true that during poll time, political parties tend to go overboard, and that tendency must be avoided. An X post by AI specialist Samruddhi Mokal went viral on Wednesday after she shared the 10 most powerful NanoBanana Pro prompts. Her examples demonstrate how Gemini Nano Banana Pro, Googles latest image-generation AI model, can create highly realistic images, clean up photos, design layouts, and even generate interior visuals. Here is a simple breakdown of each prompt and what it shows the AI can do. 1. Creating Hyper-Detailed 2000s-Style Selfies This prompt shows that Nano Banana Pro can recreate specific eras and aesthetics with amazing detail. It combines style, lighting, room decor, clothing, and hair to generate a realistic early-2000s mirror selfie complete with harsh flash, grain, and nostalgic bedroom items. She wrote in her prompt, "Create a 2000s Mirror Selfie of yourself using Gemini Nano Banana. "subject": { "description": "A young woman taking a mirror selfie with very long voluminous dark waves and soft wispy bangs", "age": "young adult", "expression": "confident and slightly playful", "hair": { "color": "dark", "style": "very long, voluminous waves with soft wispy bangs" }, "clothing": { "top": { "type": "fitted cropped t-shirt", "color": "cream white", "details": "features a large cute anime-style cat face graphic with big blue eyes, whiskers, and a small pink mouth" } }, "face": { "preserve_original": true, "makeup": "natural glam makeup with soft pink dewy blush and glossy red pouty lips" } }, "accessories": { "earrings": { "type": "gold geometric hoop earrings" }, "jewelry": { "waistchain": "silver waistchain" }, "device": { "type": "smartphone", "details": "patterned case" } }, "photography": { "camera_style": "early-2000s digital camera aesthetic", "lighting": "harsh super-flash with bright blown-out highlights but subject still visible", "angle": "mirror selfie", "shot_type": "tight selfie composition", "texture": "subtle grain, retro highlights, V6 realism, crisp details, soft shadows" }, "background": { "setting": "nostalgic early-2000s bedroom", "wall_color": "pastel tones", "elements": [ "chunky wooden dresser", "CD player", "posters of 2000s pop icons", "hanging beaded door curtain", "cluttered vanity with lip glosses" ], "atmosphere": "authentic 2000s nostalgic vibe", "lighting": retro" 2. Rebuilding Glamorous Fashion Photos With a Real Face This example proves Google's latest AI can keep a persons real face exactly the same from an uploaded photo while changing the entire scene. It builds a Victorias Secret-style backstage environment with feathers, crystals, makeup artists and dramatic lighting, showing strong face-preservation and scene-building ability. The prompt read, "Create a glamorous photoshoot in the style of Victoria's Secret. A young woman attached in the uploaded reference image ( Keep the face of the person 100% accurate from the reference image ) stands almost sideways, slightly bent forward, during the final preparation for the show. Makeup artists apply lipstick to her (only her hands are visible in the frame). She is wearing a corset decorated with beaded embroidery and crystals with a short fluffy skirt, as well as large feather wings. The image has a "backstage" effect. The background is a darkly lit room, probably under the podium. The main emphasis is on the girl's face and the details of her costume. Emphasise the expressiveness of the gaze and the luxurious look of the outfit. The photo is lit by a flash from the camera, which emphasises the shine of the beads and crystals on the corset, as well as the girl's shiny skin. Victoria's Secret style: sensuality, luxury, glamour. Very detailed. Important: do not change the face." 3. Making Cinematic Film-Style Portraits Nano Banana Pro can create emotional, film-like portraits with warm lighting and soft grain. This prompt shows how it understands film stock (Kodak Portra 400), golden-hour light, depth of field, and natural facial expressions, while still keeping the persons real face accurate. The prompt read, Keep the facial features of the person in the uploaded image exactly consistent. Style: A cinematic, emotional portrait shot on Kodak Portra 400 film. Setting: An urban street coffee shop window at Golden Hour (sunset). Warm, nostalgic lighting hitting the side of the face. Atmosphere: Apply a subtle film grain and soft focus to create a dreamy, storytelling vibe. Action: The subject is looking slightly away from the camera, holding a coffee cup, with a relaxed, candid expression. Details : High quality, depth of field, bokeh background of city lights. 4. Generating Fun, Complex Recursive Images This prompt highlights the models ability to create looping, repeated images. The cat holding an iPad that displays the same cat again and again shows how the model handles recursion, tiny details, and visual consistency across layers. The prompt read, recursive image of an orange cat sitting in an office chair holding up an iPad. On the iPad is the same cat in the same scene holding up the same iPad. Repeated on each iPad. View full Image Results of the generating fun and complex recursive images. ( X: samruddhi_mokal ) 5. Creating Scenes From Just Coordinates and Time NanoBanana Pro can convert GPS coordinates + a time of day into a realistic scene. The example (Tokyo Tower coordinates at 7 PM) proves the model understands location context, lighting conditions, city landmarks, and atmosphere based purely on numbers. The prompt read, 35.6586 N, 139.7454 E at 19:00. 6. Turning Regular Photos Into Clean Studio Product Shots This prompt shows Nano Banana Pros photo-editing power. It can remove hands, clutter, and background distractions, then recreate the product on a white studio backdrop with clean shadows, sharpness fixes, and colour correction, ideal for e-commerce. The prompt read, Identify the main product in the uploaded photo (automatically removing any hands holding it or messy background details). Recreate it as a premium e-commerce product shot. Subject Isolation: Cleanly extract the product, completely removing any fingers, hands, or clutter. Background: Place the product on a pure white studio background (RGB 255, 255, 255) with a subtle, natural contact shadow at the base to ground it. Lighting: Use soft, commercial studio lighting to highlight the product's texture and material. Ensure even illumination with no harsh glare. Retouching: Automatically fix any lens distortion, improve sharpness, and colour-correct to make the product look brand new and professional. 7. Removing Tourists and Filling Backgrounds Naturally Here, the model acts like a powerful smart-editing tool. It removes people from crowded areas and fills the space with realistic textures, buildings, or landscapes that match the lighting and depth of the original photo, without smudges or distortions. The prompt read, Remove all the tourists/people in the background behind the main subject. Intelligent Fill: Replace them with realistic background elements that logically fit the scene (e.g., extend the cobblestone pavement, empty park benches, or grass textures). Consistency: Ensure no blurry artefacts or 'smudges' remain. The filled area must have the same grain, focus depth, and lighting as the rest of the photo. View full Image Results of the removing tourists and filling backgrounds naturally prompt. ( X: samruddhi_mokal ) 8. Designing Viral YouTube-Style Thumbnails This prompt shows how Nano Banana Pro helps creators. It can keep a persons face accurate, change expressions, add bold arrows, bright text, and place food images producing a ready-to-use thumbnail with high contrast and strong colours. Design a viral video thumbnail using the person from Image 1. Face Consistency : Keep the person's facial features exactly the same as Image 1 , but change their expression to look excited and surprised . Action : Pose the person on the left side, pointing their finger towards the right side of the frame. Subject : On the right side, place a high-quality image of [a delicious avocado toast]. Graphics : Add a bold yellow arrow connecting the person's finger to the toast. Text : Overlay massive, pop-style text in the middle: '3!' (Done in 3 mins!). Use a thick white outline and drop shadow. Background : A blurred, bright kitchen background. High saturation and contrast, read the prompt. 9. Turning Plain Text Into a Glossy Magazine Layout NanoBanana Pro can convert long text into a complete magazine spread. It adds typography, photos, pull quotes, and page design, making it look like a real printed article placed on a desk useful for publishing previews and design mockups. The prompt read, Put this whole text, verbatim, into a photo of a glossy magazine article on a desk, with photos, beautiful typography design, pull quotes and brave formatting. The text: [...the unformatted article] 10. Building Full Interior Design Boards From Floor Plans This final prompt shows the models ability to turn 2D plans into 3D visuals. It produces: a wide living-room render bedroom and study views a 3D top-down layout All styled in a modern minimalist look with warm light and clean materials almost like a professional interior designers board. The prompt read, "Based on the uploaded 2D floor plan, generate a professional interior design presentation board in a single image. Layout : The final image should be a collage with one large main image at the top, and several smaller images below it. Content of Each Panel : 1. Main Image (Top) : A wide-angle perspective view of the main living area , showing the connection between the living room and dining area. 2. Small Image (Bottom Left) : A view of the Master Bedroom , focusing on the bed and window. 3. Small Image (Bottom Middle) : A view of the Home Office / Study room . 4. Small Image (Bottom Right) : A 3D top-down floor plan view showing the furniture layout. Overall Style : Apply a consistent Modern Minimalist style with warm oak wood flooring and off-white walls across ALL images. Quality : Photorealistic rendering, soft natural lighting." A Clear Look at How Powerful On-Device AI Has Become Mokals list highlights that Gemini Nano Banana Pro is not just for small tasks, it can create studio photos, cinematic portraits, interior designs, and viral content directly on a device. Thanksgiving 2025 has arrived, and while many restaurants and retailers close for the holiday, several major coffee chains will remain open though with reduced or modified hours. As Americans finalize their Thanksgiving meal prep on Thursday (November 27), some will still make quick runs for caffeine before hosting family and friends. Are Dunkin stores open on Thanksgiving? Yes Dunkin will be open on Thanksgiving Day 2025, but hours will vary by location. Many Dunkin stores operate with limited holiday schedules, so customers should check their nearest locations hours before heading out. Nothing pairs better with Thanksgiving cooking than an early-morning coffee run, but Dunkin recommends contacting local stores directly to confirm opening and closing times. Dunkin holiday beverages and seasonal donuts will also be served at participating locations. Key points: -Dunkin stores are open on November 27 -Holiday hours differ widely between franchises -Check the Dunkin mobile app or call your local store Is Starbucks open on Thanksgiving 2025? Yes Starbucks will also be open on Thanksgiving, though most stores will follow reduced holiday hours. While standard schedules run from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thanksgiving operating times depend on each stores management, staffing, and location. Some locations especially those inside supermarkets, airports, and shopping centers may operate with different hours than standalone cafes. What to know: -Starbucks Thanksgiving hours vary by store -Many locations reduce hours for the holiday -Use the Starbucks Store Locator to confirm exact times Holiday menu & special offerings Starbucks is not offering a Thanksgiving-exclusive drink, but customers can still enjoy the chains 2025 holiday menu, which debuted on November 6. Seasonal favorites including holiday lattes, mochas, and bakery items remain available for the long weekend. How to check your local stores hours Because both chains operate thousands of locations with varying schedules, the best way to confirm your stores hours is to: -Check Dunkins mobile app or website -Visit the Starbucks Store Locator A war of words has erupted between a Longford Oireachtas member and a a life-long animal rights campaigner over opinion on the closure of Longford greyhound track and the economic impact on the county town. Fine Gael Senator Paraic Brady said during a Seanad debate on Thursday on the funding of horse and greyhound racing in Budget 2026 that the closure of Longford greyhound track in 2020 has had a serious negative economic impact. Read more: Coming soon! Pick up the latest edition of Longford Life magazine However, Nuala Donlon, a spokesperson for Greyhound Action Ireland, has strongly disagreed with him and she challenged him to support his comments. Senator Brady has insisted that there was footfall of 150-to-300 people, including owners, trainers and spectators who would come into Longford town on a Friday night regularly for race meetings and he said they are sorely missed. "There were four bookie shops on the track and [before the recession] there was a restaurant upstairs overlooking the greyhound track. "We had trainers such as Robbie Mulleady, from Edgeworthstown and a lot of very good trainers in county Longford. "My late father Gerry kept a greyhound and a lot of people were involved as owners or trainers and attended race meetings. "It was a social event." Senator Brady stated people also 'forget the best racing track was in Longford' as the unique curved track was 'perfectly designed as a racing track', but now local owners and trainers are forced into travelling to Mullingar. "There was lots of people involved, it was a way of life." Read more: Community Employment vacancies available throughout county Longford Senator Brady said the racing every Friday provided an economic boost and today some people opposed to the industry are critical of the practice but 'forget about the amount of jobs it creates'. "In the first half of 2025 there were 692 greyhound racing fixtures around Ireland and more than 7,200 races ran during the first six months of 2025. "The total prizemoney was over 4.3 million and the number of active owners was 3,737, while there was around 300 trainers and the number of non-active owners was 526. "The total tote [betting into a pool of money, where all bets on a horse are pooled] outside the race track was 5.6 million and in terms of the betting in the racetrack it was 3.6 million, while the total attendance during the first six months was over 157,000 people (an average of 226 at each fixture)." Senator Brady insisted these figures show the power of greyhound racing, but 'unfortunately' the racing track in Longford 'cannot reopen now at the former site as there is a skate park' there. "What people forget is it was also a great way to fundraise for numerous fundraising events as well," he added. However, animal rights campaigner Ms Donlon strongly disagreed with the comments Senator Brady made during the debate and stated 'Longford track was one of four tracks identified as being economically unviable in the 2019 Indecon Report'. The document reviewed the sustainability of Irish greyhound tracks and she stated 'Longford track was singled out in the Indecon report as having the lowest attendance level of any greyhound track in the country'. The closure of a track which was so poorly attended that if had become uneconomically unviable is hardly likely to have had much of an impact one way or the other on the local economy. If Senator Brady is going to claim otherwise and use this claim to bolster his argument that the state should continue to hand over 20 million to the greyhound industry year after year, then he should be required to produce evidence to support this claim." Greyhound Action Ireland said since 2019, attendance at greyhound tracks has continued to decline and they claimed greyhound stadia were 70%-to-91% empty in 2023, while In 2024, attendance was down by a further 25,000. The site of Longford greyhound track was subsequently developed as a state of the art skatepark, and has become a popular community resource. Stadium management blamed falling attendances and rising insurance costs for the 2020 closure. A Longford TD said he is '100% confident' the upgrade of the N4 from Mullingar to Longford and on to Roosky will be included in the upcoming National Development Plan (NDP). Fine Gael's Micheal Carrigy, has insisted the route is absolutely vital for Longford and the wider region, as it is the main connection between Dublin, Mullingar, Longford, Sligo and the North-West. Read more: Community Employment vacancies available throughout county Longford The announcement of the listed road projects in the National Development Plan is expected to be announced imminently and the Ballinalee native said he has been emphasising the urgent need for the multi-million euro project. As the Government finalises the new National Development Plan, it is essential that the N4 upgrade stays in the plan and is properly funded. "This road is our main artery. Upgrading it would make travel safer, support local jobs and investment, and give Longford the infrastructure it deserves. Deputy Carrigy said he has been working closely with his Fine Gael colleagues to keep pressure on the issue Ive made the N4 a top priority for Longford. "Ive worked with my Fine Gael colleagues to make sure the project stays firmly on the agenda as the new NDP is being put together. "We all know how important this road is for commuters, for businesses, for emergency services and for attracting new investment. Its time to get it done. Asked by the Longford Leader how confident he is the project will be included and clearly reflected in the NDP, Deputy Carrigy replied '100%' and he said he will continue to engage with Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien and local authorities. Longford and the Midlands deserve proper connectivity. Ill keep pushing until we see real movement on the N4 MullingarLongfordRoosky upgrade. Read more: Permission granted to redevelop historic building in Longford town Deputy Carrigy said he regularly raised the N4 at national level, including through questions on policy or Legislation in the Dail. The preferred route option for the N4 Mullingar to Longford (Roosky) upgrade was announced last February and the former senator highlighted the need to secure the next phase of funding and ensure the project progressed. Deputy Carrigy, who outlined the importance of the project in the Dail, stated that it 'marked a significant step forward in improving this vital transport corridor'. He referred to how the N4 had previously had an emerging route announced in 2008 before it was taken off the NDP and he said people were anxious it moved forward in 2025. "The N4 recently announced an emerging preferred route from Mullingar to Roosky through county Longford, it's the only region that's not serviced with motorway or dual carriageway access," he said. "Funding is needed for Stage 3 of that project in 2025." Elected members of Longford County Council are in favour of a revised traffic calming policy which will impose new measures to make roads across the county safer. The plans were brought forward by Cllr Turlough McGovern, Cathaoirleach of Granard MD, at the November meeting of the local authority. Read more: Santa Claus to parade through Longford Town at 'Christmas on the Square' this Sunday Cllr McGovern, who is also chair of the Physical Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC), believes that more can be done to ensure road safety across the county and that the revised traffic calming policy can take major steps in achieving that target. The overall aim of the revised traffic calming policy will be to reduce speeds on the roads of Longford and make them safer for vulnerable road users. This policy will incorporate additional measures to reduce traffic speeds throughout the 'Active Travel' and 'Safe Routes to School' programmes. The updated policy will reflect the feedback which was given by the elected members and members of the physical development SPC. Cllr Mick Cahill voiced his support of the motion during the county council meeting saying, "I very much welcome this motion, there's plenty of areas locally we need to address and calm traffic. He continued, "This needs our attention and we now have the opportunity to visit the various locations and make them safer for road users. Cllr Seamus Butler also welcomed the motion but warned of the difficulty of the task ahead explaining, "It's a great motion but it's difficult to get speed checks and speed ramps done, there needs to be 30mph speed limits on housing estates but it's often a long process. Councillors have been advised that any revised traffic calming policy will have to take certain considerations into account before it can be implemented. Read more: Longford fundraiser Cycle for Alan reaches final figure during presentation These considerations include funding from national and local sources and the impact it may have on buses and emergency services in the county. There is also a requirement to maintain the capacity and efficiency of the strategic road network as well as the prioritisation of vulnerable road users and focal points for pedestrians including schools. The motion will have to take those considerations into account as they proceed. Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters participate in a military parade. (@EgyptNews_fr on X) Israels public broadcaster KAN reported on November 26 that Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Gaza-based terrorist group, has been increasingly strengthening its military wing in Syria in recent weeks, particularly around Palestinian refugee camps in Damascus. According to the report, PIJ views Syria as a convenient region to expand its military presence against Israel because of what it describes as an informal US restriction on Israeli strikes in Syria. The report also claims that Syrian President Ahmad al Sharaa has appointed a special envoy tasked with liaising with PIJs leadership, and that his government is fully aware of the groups ongoing military buildup. PIJ denied the Israeli media report, arguing that the information was entirely fabricated and aimed at inciting against the Palestinian people and the Palestinian refugee camps. Palestinian Islamic Jihad is a terrorist organization that originated in Gaza in 1979. The group managed to establish a headquarters in Damascus in 1990, which brought Islamic Jihad leaders into direct contact with Iranian officials for the first time. PIJ maintained an operational presence in Syria since then, utilizing links between Syrias former Bashar al Assad regime, Hezbollah, and Iran to support its terrorist activities in the West Bank and Gaza. Israeli strikes over the past decade have exposed PIJs efforts to build a deeper military infrastructure on Syrian soil. Israel first targeted PIJs military commander, Akram al Ajouri, in a 2019 strike in Damascus; he survived that attempt and two subsequent attempts on his life. Israel has also conducted broader attacks on PIJ-linked sites around Damascus and in southern Syria, operations that intensified after October 7, 2023, as part of Israels campaign against Iran-backed factions. Additionally, multiple reports indicate that Iran has used Syrian territory to channel weapons and transfer rocket technologies to its Palestinian proxies, including PIJ. Following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, Israel struck a PIJ command center in Damascus on March 13. The facility, located in the Dummar suburb, was reportedly being used to plan operations against Israel and deepen the groups entrenchment in Syria. After the strike, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a warning to the new Syrian government, stating, Anywhere that terror groups organize against Israel, the extremist Islamist leader Jolani [Ahmad al Sharaa] will find air force jets hovering above. At the same time, in April 2025, reports indicated that the Syrian government had arrested two leaders of PIJ. The group stated that Syrian authorities arrested Khaled Khaled, the head of PIJ in Syria, and Abu Ali Yasser, the head of the terror groups organizing committee in Syria. A PIJ official expressed his displeasure with the manner of the arrest, which was carried out by kidnapping off the street rather than through a formal notification or summons. The official noted that the movements offices in Damascus remained open and continued to operate. The United States has demanded that the Syrian government expel Palestinian terrorist groups as a condition for sanctions relief. However, despite a handful of symbolic arrests, Sharaas government has shown notable leniency toward Palestinian militants operating on Syrian soil. Most of the arrests have targeted factions that were loyal to and fought alongside the Assad regime, such as the Popular Front for the Liberation of PalestineGeneral Command. Ahmad Sharawi is a research analyst at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies focused on Iranian intervention in Arab affairs and the levant. Update narration The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is kicking off holiday cheer for the 99th year -- bringing 34 giant balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups and 11 marching bands to the streets of New York City. More than 3.5 million people are expected to line the Manhattan sidewalks, while over 50 million viewers will tune in from home -- all thanks to the thousands of volunteers who help the iconic celebration run smoothly. This year's parade will feature a long list of new performers, balloons and floats, including an opening performance by Wicked star Cynthia Erivo. What time does the parade start? The 99th annual edition begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until noon in all time zones, followed by an encore broadcast at 2 p.m. ET/PT. As always, the official broadcast airs exclusively on NBC and Peacock, hosted by TODAY anchors Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb and Al Roker. NBC will additionally provide a live audio description broadcast on the Secondary Audio Program for blind and visually impaired viewers. Telemundo will air a Spanish-language simulcast, hosted by Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow. Macy's will also share behind-the-scenes content on its social channels: @macys and #MacysParade on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and more. Parade route The 2.5-mile route starts at 77th Street and Eighth Avenue, moves down West 59th Street toward Sixth Avenue, and ends at Macy's Herald Square, where performers stop for their televised numbers. Certain areas -- like Central Park West between 59th and 60th -- are restricted. The full map is available at macys.com/parade. Weather forecast Good news: no rain, but expect a cold morning. "Clear skies are expected during tomorrow's parade, but temperatures will only reach the low 40s, with gusts up to 30 mph," said FOX Weather meteorologist Matt Shapiro. "Wind chills will feel much lower." As usual, the parade is packed with talent. In addition to Erivo, performers will include Conan Gray, Lainey Wilson, Ciara, Lil Jon, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton, Teyana Taylor, and more. K-pop stars Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami -- the voices behind Netflix's HUNTR/X -- will make their daytime parade debut. Broadway will be represented by the casts of Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time, and Ragtime. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Rockettes, who will once again take the stage. Other celebrity appearances include Hot Ones host Sean Evans, ballet star Tiler Peck, three-time U.S. figure skating champion Ilia Malinin, Paralympian Jack Wallace, and many more. Thanksgiving Weather Forecast 2025: How Will It Affect Travel Across the United States? New floats and balloons This year's parade includes six brand-new floats, such as: The Upside Down Invasion (Stranger Things) Labubu x Pop Mart The Land of Glaciers (Holland America Line) Brick-tastic Winter Mountain (LEGO) Master Chocolatier Ballroom (Lindt) The Counting Sheep's Dream Generator (Serta) And four new character balloons will debut: Global warming caused mainly by the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, that is, by human activity, is one of the main causes of melting ice. A process that, in the long term, could have irreversible consequences for our planet. Among the countries most concerned about this, and one of those that has raised the alarm about what is happening in the Atlantic, is Iceland. In fact, the European nation has declared a specific climate event as an existential threat to its security, as Xavi Fonseca, PhD in Environment and Natural Resources from the University of Santiago, explains."Iceland has just declared the possible collapse of the AMOC as a national security issue," he warns. AMOC stands for the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, "a system of ocean currents that transports warm water from the Gulf of Mexico to Europe". Massive blaze tears through Hong Kong towers The main consequence of Greenland's melting for Europe According to Fonseca, the AMOC "acts as a kind of natural heating system": "The point is that the water that starts from the Gulf of Mexico travels all over the North Atlantic and, when it reaches an area near Iceland, the water is colder, saltier, denser and therefore heavier, and sinks to the bottom, beginning a journey that ends in Antarctica". However, the main problem is that "the melting of Greenland is releasing huge amounts of fresh water into the North Atlantic, plugging this sinking. As a consequence, the current is weakening and now less heat is reaching Europe." If this continues, the effects for Europe will be drastic: "Much colder winters, much more severe storms, infrastructure under pressure, problems with food production and with the supply chain". A 24-year-old man from Yarmouth Port was killed in a car crash early Thursday morning, according to the Yarmouth Police Department. The Yarmouth Police Department received 911 calls at 1:13 a.m. about a two-vehicle crash on West Yarmouth Road north of Sheffield Road, the department wrote on Facebook. When officers arrived at the scene, they found two vehicles with significant damage. The vehicle driven by the Yarmouth Port man was off the roadway and against a tree. Officers began giving aid to the driver, who was still inside the vehicle. Yarmouth Fire Department officials arrived on scene and took over care of the driver. He was brought to Cape Cod Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The police department did not release the mans identity. The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene and was taken to the hospital to be evaluated. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, their loved ones, and all who are grieving during this very difficult time, the department wrote. The incident is being investigated by the Yarmouth Police Departments accident reconstruction team and the Barnstable County Sheriffs Division of Criminal Investigation. With no Powerball jackpot winners on Wednesday night though winning tickets worth $50,000 and $150,000 were sold in Massachusetts the prize has rolled to more than $700 million. The Powerball jackpot now sits at an estimated $719 million with a cash value of $333.3 million as of Nov. 27, according to powerball.com. The next drawing is Saturday. Two $50,000 tickets were purchased in Quincy at Hancock Tobacco. A $150,000 ticket was purchased in Lowell at the Lowell Food Mart. The winning numbers were 07-08-15-19-28, Powerball: 03, Power Play: 3X. Overall, at least 70 prizes worth $600 or more were won or claimed in Massachusetts on Wednesday, including 10 in Springfield, 21 in Worcester and 39 in Boston. The Massachusetts State Lottery releases a full list of winning tickets every day. The list only includes winning tickets worth more than $600. The largest lottery prize won so far in 2025 was worth $1 million a year for life, which came from a winning Lifetime Millions scratch ticket sold in Springfield and claimed in July. John Kerry, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, speaks during a news conference at the COP28 U.N. Climate Summit, Dec. 6, 2023, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Kerry was knighted by King Charles III on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File) Former Secretary of State and U.S. Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., was knighted by King Charles III on Wednesday. Kerry, 81, was given the Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George for his efforts to tackle climate change, according to the United Kingdoms government website. Because Kerry is not British, he did not receive the title sir. Kerry is not the only Massachusetts politician to be knighted by the crown. The late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was knighted in 2009. As Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, Kerry signed the Paris Climate Accords on behalf of the United States in 2016. The global agreements goal was to keep the average global temperature from rising. During President Donald Trumps first term in office, the United States withdrew from the accords but rejoined during President Joe Bidens administration. When Trump was reelected, he signed an executive order on Jan. 20 to withdraw the United States from the agreement again. During the Biden administration, Kerry served as the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. In this role, Kerry served as the countrys lead diplomat on climate-related issues. In a recent interview with the U.K. television station Channel 4, Kerry touted positive action regarding renewable energy, saying, innovators and entrepreneurs are moving rapidly with new batteries, better solar fields, unbelievable geothermal theres a revolution taking place. Like Kerry, King Charles III has been active in efforts to tackle climate change. In 1970, when he was Prince of Wales, Charles gave a speech warning about the effects of plastic pollution on the environment and the importance of environmental preservation. Conservation or problems about pollution should not be held up as separate concepts from housing or other social schemes, Charles said. Conservation means being aware of the total environment that we live in. It does not mean simply preserving every hedgerow, tree, field or insect in sight, but means thinking rationally and consciously just as much about the urban environment as about the countryside. The Sustainable Markets Initiative, an organization aimed at using the private sector to create a sustainable future, was launched in 2020 by Charles, then Prince of Wales. King Charles and I share the same point of view that theres an urgency to doing things, Kerry told the Boston Globe on Wednesday. Hes been ahead of most folks on this from the time I can remember. He always had a commitment to nature." Karen Reads civil lawsuit against Mass. State Police investigators and witnesses from her murder trial has been moved to federal court, according to court records. The case filed in the Bristol County Superior Court is now closed and was transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts on Nov. 25, records show. Read, who was acquitted in her high-profile murder trial this summer, sued lead investigator Michael Proctor, who was fired due to his conduct while investigating the death of Reads boyfriend John OKeefe. She also sued Proctors supervisors at the Massachusetts State Police, and five witnesses who were at the center of her murder trial: Brian Albert, Nicole Albert, Jennifer McCabe, Matthew McCabe and Brian Higgins. A jury found Read not guilty of murder in the death of OKeefe, a Boston police officer. She was convicted of driving while under the influence of alcohol. In her lawsuit, Read seeks to recover damages and address the actions of those actually involved in Mr. OKeefes death and the law enforcement officer who abjectly failed to ensure that justice was sought and served in the aftermath of Jan. 29, 2022. In a filing on Nov. 25, the five witnesses requested the civil case be moved from Bristol County to federal court. The witnesses argued that the venue needed to be changed because Reads lawsuit involves a federal civil rights claim involving the Fourth Amendment. The Fourth Amendment protects people against unreasonable searches and seizures. Because it is a federal civil rights claim, it must be argued in a federal court, the witnesses argued. The witnesses also went after Read in their filing, saying she is smearing and defaming witnesses who participated in the prosecution of her. The defendants, who asked that the case be moved to federal court, will explain at a future date why they think the suit is a vengeful abuse of the judicial process, according to court documents. Immigration attorneys are warning immigrants without full legal status to avoid crossing state lines, especially into New Hampshire and Maine, due to local law enforcement agencies collaborating with federal immigration agencies on arrests even of immigrants with valid work authorization. As the Trump administration has stepped up its mass deportation agenda this year, several attorneys are warning their clients to steer clear of the two states after incidents of immigrants with work authorization being taken into custody when traveling to and from job sites. Immigrants who lack full legal status, such as asylum seekers, should avoid states where local police departments might call federal immigration authorities, attorney Fernanda Marra Romeiro of Celedon Law in Marlborough told The Boston Globe. Thats basically the warning that weve been giving our clients or prospect clients: to avoid driving in New Hampshire, avoid going to New Hampshire ... because even if youre a passenger, the motor vehicle that youre in could get stopped, she told the outlet. In May, Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed a new law that banned sanctuary cities and supported cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Last week, activists in New Hampshire gathered at a church in Concord to announce their intention to respond to the Trump administrations mass deportations, according to NHPR. The effort is called sanctuary communities, and calls for the formation of informal groups of residents who declare that they will assist immigrants targeted by ICE. We will do whatever is necessary, legal and moral, to protect ourselves and fellow residents of New Hampshire, said Manchester resident and activist Philip Kaifer, NHPR reported. We will surveil ICE raids. We will record them. We will report them to state and national media, as well as to local law enforcement and to the institutions in our communities. Massachusetts lawmakers met this week for a hearing on the Safe Communities Act, a proposed law in response to the Trump administrations immigration crackdown. State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, D-Middlesex/Worcester, one of the lead sponsors, outlined four key provisions of the bill during his testimony. He said that the bill would make sure that state taxpayer resources and state and local law enforcement are not involved with collaborations that lead to the detention and the breaking apart of immigrant families. Communities across the state have enacted similar policies, but the bill would create a statewide standard, according to Eldridge. The bill would prohibit the questioning of people on their immigration status, Eldridge explained. It would protect access to justice in our courts ... It would require notice to that immigrant who happens to be arrested for a criminal offense that he or she can hire a lawyer to represent them on the immigration matter. And lastly, to prohibit 287 agreements, which in other states, local police, sheriffs actually being deputized to act as immigration agents. A Fall River man was arrested in Florida and faces charges in connection with the death of a 31-year-old man who was killed in a fight, according to Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn IIIs office. Kendrick Williams, 32, was arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday and was charged with assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury, and carrying a firearm and carrying a loaded firearm, the District Attorneys office announced. Around 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, a 911 call reported men fighting near Leonards Package Store located at 1331 Pleasant St. in Fall River. Police found Taiquan Teixeira, of Fall River, unresponsive with a gunshot wound, according to the district attorneys office. Teixeira was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead a few hours later. Williams also has warrants for armed home invasion and masked armed robbery with a firearm. He will be held without bail in Florida pending extradition to Massachusetts, according to the district attorneys office. A Thursday morning crash involving a vehicle and a tractor-trailer on Interstate 95 near North Attleborough left one person dead, according to the Massachusetts State Police. At 2:30 a.m., state troopers responded to the tractor-trailer crash on I-95 south at mile marker 8 in North Attleborough, a spokesperson for the state police told MassLive. The driver of the vehicle was unresponsive at the scene and succumbed to their injuries. The spokesperson said there was no additional information about the driver of the tractor-trailer and that police did not reveal the identities of either driver. We offer our condolences to their family and loved ones, the spokesperson told MassLive. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., left, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., speak to reporters outside the Senate chamber as they charge President Donald Trump and the Republicans with the government shutdown, at the Capitol in Washington, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) AP CNN Chief Data Analyst Harry Enten says that from a political angle, Democrats bested Republicans and President Donald Trump over the government shutdown fight. The federal government shut down from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, as Congress was unable to pass a continuing resolution to fund it. Senate Democrats continually voted against the resolution because it did not include an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits. Without subsidies, ACA insurance premiums are expected to spike in 2026. The stalemate in the Senate ended when 52 Republican senators, seven Democratic senators and Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, approved on a bill on Nov. 10. Some Democratic officials lambasted the move because the deal did not include extending the ACA tax credits. However, Enten said Democrats are now in a better political position. Before the shutdown, Democrats led by three points on the generic congressional ballot, according to Entens polling aggregate. Following the shutdown, the margin increased to five points. Their lead has widened! Enten said. While polling for Democrats has improved since the shutdown, Trumps polling has worsened, according to Enten. Before the shutdown, Trumps net approval was -10 points. Now that the shutdown is over, the presidents net approval has fallen to -15 points, according to Entens polling aggregate. Now its at -15 points. The lowest his net approval rating has been during his entire second term in office, Enten said. The net approval rating is the difference between the percentage of people who approve of the president and those who disapprove. As part of the deal made with Republicans to reopen the government, Senate Democrats were promised a vote in December to extend the ACA credits. The House of Representatives, however, has not made such a promise. Enten said even if the ACA credits dont get extended, that could still be good news for Democrats. The analyst cited data from a November poll by Marquette University, which found that 70% of respondents supported extending the tax credits. This really puts Republicans in a box, Enten said. Because if they dont extend the ACA subsidies, expect that Democrats are gonna hammer, hammer, hammer Republicans over and over again. The United States government is instructing its employees to refrain from messaging the commemoration of World AIDS Day, according to the New York Times. The outlet viewed an email from the State Department that instructed employees not to spread messages about commemorative days, including World AIDS Day, and not to use any funds to commemorate the day. World AIDS Day, which falls on Dec. 1, is a day when people mourn those who have died from the disease and raise awareness about AIDS. Since 1988, the United States government has commemorated World AIDS Day. This year will be the first that it will not. Tommy Pigott, a spokesperson for the State Department, told the New York Times that the Trump administration seeks to modernize its approach to tackling such diseases and said an awareness day is not a strategy. Even though the State Department is urging its employees not to spread messaging about commemorative days, President Donald Trump has issued proclamations for other commemorative observances, such as Anti-Communism Week and World Autism Awareness Day. Employees and grantees can still tout the work being done to fight AIDS and attend commemoration-related events, the New York Times reported. The email, however, reiterates that employees and grantees should refrain from publicly promoting World AIDS Day through any communication channels, including social media, media engagements, speeches or other public-facing messaging, according to the New York Times. A detail from stained-glass windows in the sanctuary of Congregation Sons of Zion in Holyoke. (The Republican / file photo) HOLYOKE Congregation Sons of Zion now meets in a former mill building, reusing a remnant of the industrial capacity that brought its immigrant founders to the Paper City at the dawn of the 20th century. The new worship space for the Jewish community stands in contrast to the 19,000-square-foot sanctuary and community center at 378 Maple St., with its soaring stained-glass windows, that Sons of Zion once occupied a few blocks away. The Congregation Sons of Zion building on Maple Street, Holyoke, was sold recently. (Jeanette DeForge/Republican staff) republican But if we dont have money. We dont have a choice, said the congregations president, Joanne Saltman. It was a difficult process. Many religious groups have gone through the same process, selling buildings and downsizing as congregations shrink. On Nov. 7, Congregation Sons of Zion of Holyoke Inc. sold the former synagogue and its property to a church, Templo Pentecostal La Hermosa, for $550,000, according to documents on file with the Hampden County Registry of Deeds. The synagogue moved its operations to 380D Dwight St. a few years ago. They are a wonderful Puerto Rican church, Saltman said. And they are working over there, fixing up this old building. The church plans to retain the stained-glass windows, one of which holds the likeness of a menorah, said Olaida Irizarry, wife of Templo Pentecostal La Hermosas pastor, Confesor Irizarry. Its a beautiful building, Olaida Irizarry said. The old synagogue occupies a central location in Holyokes downtown and is used sometimes for food distribution. It is a good place to help people, she said. Confesor Irizarry founded the church 17 years ago and has seen its membership grow to more than 100. Before the move, congregants met in a smaller church on Pine Street in Holyoke. Sons of Zion also started in rented space in South Holyoke in 1904, Saltman said. The Jewish population in Holyoke grew with immigration and expanding families. The congregation bought 378 Maple St. built in 1890 as a meeting hall for French-Canadian immigrants and converted it into a synagogue. In the late 1940s, as servicemen returned from World War II and a baby boom began, Sons of Zion and another synagogue, Congregation Rodphey Sholom, cooperated to build a 15,000-square-foot Jewish Community Center at 378 Maple St., opening it in 1950. Of course, over the years the kids grew up and moved away, Saltman said. The older people died. The manufacturers moved out of Holyoke. The congregation voted in 2022 to sell. For a time it looked like the alternative school Lighthouse Holyoke would buy the building. But Lighthouse instead bought and moved into the former Gateway City Arts. The synagogue started meeting at 380D Dwight St. a few years ago. The space has a social hall and a chapel. Its all we need, Saltman said. Today, the congregation has 60 to 70 members, down from 200 a few decades ago. Many are elderly. Sons of Zion draws about a dozen or so members to its Saturday shabbat services. The space sits at one end of the converted mill from Holyoke Cannabis. Which few of our older members objected to, Saltman said. Most of us find it whimsical. The living room of the 1905 former home of Dr. Philip Kilroy. Kilroy was a neurologist, dermatologist and psychiatrist who practiced medicine in the building. Restoration of the property on the Springfield Museums campus has been completed. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook SPRINGFIELD Christopher Albrecht spent the last year bringing 120-year-old windows back to their original glory. He restored a fleur de lis and shamrock in stained glass and made unusual discoveries. All the glass is a quarter-inch thick. I think it helped with sound proofing, said Albrecht, owner of Chris Carpentry, of Woodstock, Connecticut. In one office I fund two panes (sandwiched) together in an office probably used for psychiatry to deaden the sound. Typically, window glass is 1/8th to 1/16th inch thick, so the original windows were extraordinary, he said. The job was one of many done to restore the Kilroy House, located on the grounds of Springfield Museums. The year-long project also repaired and restored the buildings terracotta roof, fixed the stucco siding and reclaimed doors. This week, city officials gathered with museum executives and volunteers to celebrate the completion of the restoration and to thank the Community Preservation Act program for preserving a building with a long history. It is mission revival architecture which is not popular in the Northeast. This is one of just three or four mission revival homes in Springfield and inside is fabulous, said Robert McCarroll, a member of the Community Preservation Committee, as well as the Springfield Preservation Trust and the Springfield Historical Commission. The interior, which has an arts and crafts motif, is full of original oak woodwork that was never painted, hardwood floors, an ornate fireplace and plenty of details that make it a well-preserved building, he said. Like many historic buildings, it has been used in different ways and now is offices for the Springfield Museums, said Kay Simpson, president of the nonprofit. It was built by Dr. Phillip Kilroy, who lived there and practiced medicine. He was a teenager when his parents immigrated to Springfield from Ireland. He earned degrees at multiple universities including Harvard Medical School and the University of Vienna and became a specialist in neurology, dermatology and psychiatry. Christopher Albrecht of Chris Carpentry worked on the restoration of the 1905 home and office of Dr. Philip Kilroy, a neurologist, dermatologist, and psychiatrist. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook It was common for doctors to have offices in their homes, said Dr. Mark Keroack, the retired Baystate Health president and CEO, who grew up in 16 Acres, where his father, a general practitioner, operated his practice in an office attached to their home. In his retirement, Keroack is serving as the chairman of the Springfield Museums Board of Trustees. He said the $500,000 grant, awarded in several installments by the preservation committee, was invaluable in helping the museum preserve and protect the building. The entire project, which was focused on rehabbing the exterior, cost about $800,000. The Community Preservation Act actually funded $587,231.27 which made a huge difference in getting the work done, Simpson said. Its not the first project the Community Preservation Committee has funded on the grounds. The panel also helped replace the roof on the Science Museum, restored the valuable Tiffany stained-glass windows on the Smith Art Museum and now is helping revamp the Blake House, she said. Restoration projects are difficult, expensive and painstaking. The museums campus is home to other historic buildings, so the preservation money is a godsend, Simpson said. In addition, the money can sometimes be leveraged for the museum to receive larger federal grants that require a 50% match. Albrecht talked about the detailed work to restore the windows and doors. Every pane of glass had to be removed. Sills were repaired, restored and repainted before the glass was put back in. The sash weights and cords were replaced so the windows can be opened and interior storms were installed to give the building another layer of insulation, he said. There are several unique stained-glass windows, including a series of four that included the shamrock tribute to Kilroys home country, the fleur de lis, and two other flowers, he said. It was a real pleasure to really work on it, he said. A video tour of the house can be found on Focus Springfield https://youtu.be/jfaLxrQ7gAM. WESTFIELD Sue Figy, who has cochaired the Westfield Public Schools Thanksgiving meal drive with Ralph Figy and Jimmy and Eileen Jachym for at least 13 years, said the group ended up with meals for 232 families. It was a banner year for donations. People were so phenomenal this year; we never had as many donations as we did this year, Figy said. Monetary donations were used to purchase gift cards to be given out for Christmas and for families facing difficulties and emergency situations throughout the year. Those who were unable to cook due to their living situation were given gift cards, Figy said, adding through the drive, they learned of 45 homeless families in the district. All of the families are identified by their schools and kept confidential. We never know the names, she said. Among the standouts in giving to the drive was the Student Government Association at Westfield State University, who presented a check for $5,012.84 from two years of fundraising. Figy also mentioned retired teacher Ann-Marie Buell and her husband, Michael Buell, who answered the call and donated 50 turkeys this year. Also giving generously were Westfield Gas & Electric, Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, J.L. Raymaakers & Sons and ROAR, Advance Manufacturing, Westfield Bank, who sponsored 50 turkeys; Rick Sullivan and Lisa Oleksak Sullivan, who gave ingredients for 232 green bean casseroles; Janet and David Mayhew and Dr. Stanley Konefal, who provided a huge amount of gift cards and volunteers for packing and delivering. Many donors sponsored a part of the meal. Among them were Dr. Jane F. Martone DDS, Kristen and Rob Levesque, Judy Puer, Dr. Jim McCann, chiropractic, Kathy Wallis -McCann, Coldwell Banker Realtors Bobbi Pitkin, Kathy Mochak, Mary Ann Irwin, Rita Slaskinski, Maureen Tsatsos and Shirley Sbriscia; Attorney Richard Sullivan III of Lyon & Fitzpatrick LLP; Mary Quesnel, Mortgage Movement; and Linda Wortman, Coldwell Banker; and A Signature Fence. Bags were provided by Westeld Gas and Electric, Polish National Credit Union and The Westfeld Bank. Its been the same people for 14 years, Sue Figy said. Figy talked about the volunteers who came and helped put together the meals in bags, an effort which began on Thursday with picking up the food, and bagging on Friday. She said she went for the produce, picking up 1,250 pounds of potatoes, apples, and food from Shop Rite, with help from Brian Sullivan. On Friday, everything was made ready for delivery to the schools. We had great helpers. We were done packing all the bags and delivering the bags by 11 a.m., she said, singling out the students from Westfield High School. She also pointed to the effort by Josh Adams of Firtion-Adams, who picked up all the turkeys at North Elm Butcher Block, beginning at 7 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24, and delivered them all to the schools in time for the Thanksgiving meal. 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The Ballina native was a young reporter for the Sunday Business Post back then, just starting off in his career. Originally on a private trip to Kenya, Walsh ended up in neighbouring Sudan, doing a story on the war there. I was on the trail of an ex-Irish priest who had left the priesthood, had children with a Sudanese woman and was working for an aid organisation in southern Sudan, Walsh recalls, speaking to The Mayo News: So I went to chase that guy who was called Danny and ended up spending a couple of weeks in Sudan in an area that was affected by the civil war, which was in the south of the country at that point. The story had a profound impact on him. Walsh realised, that he wanted to work as a foreign correspondent in Africa. Back home in Dublin, he confided his editor into his plans. His first reaction towards Declan: Youre crazy! He then tried to talk him out of it: He called this a terrible idea, Walsh remembers: He said if you are going to go to Africa, youre going to become a gin alcoholic, youre going to get malaria, and youre going to end up falling in love with the local woman and getting married to her and never coming home. It was a time when the Celtic Tiger was just taking off and the Business Post was doing very well, Ireland was just starting to really develop economically. And there was more money going around. But Walsh had made up his mind. And as it turned out, my editor was right on two of those three counts. My wife is Sudanese and in fact, we got married right near Westport. And I have had malaria a couple of times. READ NEXT: GAA history: "This is the beginning of the rivalry between Galway and Mayo" Shockingly neglected WALSH set off for an eventful career. He reported from several countries in Africa, but also from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran, to name but a few. And since 2019, he has been Chief Africa Correspondent for the New York Times. Recently, he has written about politics in Kenya, went to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, for example. But for the past two years, most of his work has been focused on the conflict in Sudan. For extensive work on that issue, Walsh and his team were awarded the Pulitzer Prize in the category International Reporting in May this year. In October, Walsh received an honorary doctorate from Dublin City University, and afterwards, Georgetown University awarded Walsh with the Prize for Distinguished Reporting on Foreign Policy and Diplomacy. In his address at Georgetown University, Walsh had an opportunity to raise the profile of the current conflict in Sudan: I think its shockingly neglected, given the size of this war, the scale of it and the intensity of the suffering of ordinary Sudanese people. Walsh feel it is amazing how people are willing to talk to him, this foreigner who turns up into their lives, on the worst day of their lives, sometimes, and tell him whats going on. Its really thrilling to feel that you are on the leading edge of history being made, even if its history of a very distant country. Sudan may be far away, but the relationships Walsh develops with people on the ground, are extremely moving: About a month ago, I was reporting on the siege of the city called El Fasher in Western Sudan. And at the time, the city was surrounded by these paramilitary fighters. Theyd built this huge earthen wall that eventually stretched to about 40 miles long and surrounded the city, cutting off supplies of food and medicine. I was not able to get there, it was too hard, but I did manage to reach a doctor in the citys last functioning hospital, called Dr Omar Selik. Walsh reached Dr Selik on the phone. They turned on the cameras to see each other. And the doctor told him, that they were eating animal food, malnourished children and medical staff alike. It was a very emotional interview and Dr Selik thanked Walsh: He said, it is so wonderful to see the face of someone on the outside, and to know that its someone whos interested, and that whos going to take our story to the outside world about whats happening with them. They both stayed in touch, exchanging text messages. Days later, on a Friday, Dr Selik went to say his morning prayers at a mosque that was close to his house. And a drone came overhead and fired a missile into the mosque and killed about 75 people who were inside. And one of them was Dr Selik. It was hard for me. We reported on the drone strike and on his death. Into the snipers nest NOT that Declan Walshs work is without its own dangers at times. The most difficult thing very often is getting to a certain area of interest in a war zone or a country in turbulence. Most of the time, youre just dealing with the practical challenges of getting there, getting around, finding the right people, gathering the materials that you need for the stories, Walsh explains. He doesnt want to downplay it either. When they went to the Sudanese capital Khartoum last March, they just happened to get there, when the battle was turning, and the city had been controlled largely by this paramilitary group called the Rapid Support Forces for two years before that. And as Walsh and his team were approaching, the Sudanese military was launching an enormous push to get the RSF out of the city. And we witnessed that. We saw some quite heavy fighting. We were climbing into these snipers nests, overlooking the Nile River and the battle areas. And there was a constant danger from drones that were flying overhead. Thats really a big change we see on battlefields these days in Africa, is the arrival of drone technology from countries like Turkey, and China and Iran. Walsh explains, how these drones are a real gamechanger and make it a lot harder to work in some of these areas. In the past, when journalists were going to a war zone, or to a battle zone, you could identify where the frontline was, and go close, but not too close. Whereas when drones are flying in the sky, they deny a huge area because a drone can strike anywhere, and sometimes you dont even see it coming. Walsh and his team do take extra care and for some of the trips they did to Sudan, they had a security officer, a person experienced in combat zones. A smaller world WALSH witnesses himself how the world is getting smaller around us. On the one hand, technological advancements allow us to communicate seamlessly with people on the far side of the globe. But also, a higher degree of mobility brings us all closer together. Walsh tells a story, from when he was in Dublin a few weeks ago: Every time I come home, Im struck more and more by the diversity of the people I see around me, the immigrant faces that I see. You see people from many parts of the world, often parts of the world that Ive been reporting on, who have come to Ireland, and some of them are coming because of the conflicts that Im reporting on. He mentions there are a lot of Sudanese who work as medical staff in Ireland,. Theyve been coming for many years before the war. But just the other day, Walsh was interviewing a man, a doctor in Longford. And he was connected to another person who was caught in the middle of the war zone. So the worlds getting smaller, these stories from Sudan that can seem very distant, they do now increasingly have a connection with our own communities in Ireland as well. Walsh certainly hasnt distanced himself from his home county Mayo. His parents live outside Westport and him and his family are regular visitors here. Who knows, maybe one day he will come back to where his journey began. READ NEXT: 'A major breakthrough for Mayo' - Funding for western corridor railway confirmed A senior official with Mayo County Council has confirmed that no more hedgecutting will take place in the west of the county this year as the budget for 2025 is spent. Seamus O Mongain, Head of the Westport/Belmullet Municipal District told the monthly meeting of the municipal district that the budget for hedgecutting in 2025 is spent after calls were made for more hedges to be cut. Independent Ireland councillor Chris Maxwell and Achill-based councillor Paul McNamara but asked questions at the meeting asking if more hedges will be cut before the end of the year. Louisburgh-based Cllr Maxwell said that there were a number of roads in his area which needed to be addressed. A good job has been done with the hedgecutting but there is a lot more to do. If we get another three or four days extension it will solve a lot more problems back our way and leave roads safe, he said. Cllr McNamara questioned why the hedgecutter has not been seen in Achill in a number of weeks despite asking for a hedge along a local road to be cut for the last number of years. READ: Mayo Minister welcomes publication of Defective Concrete Blocks Scheme Amendment Bill I have had a road in Crumpaun which I have been trying to get done for two years where the school bus runs and it [hedgecutter] is way too late coming in. The hedgecutter should be deployed straight away but we seem to be the last in Achill to get the hedgecutter. I know we don't have a lot of trees but we have some and to get them cut back would be great, he said. Mr O Mongain replied that there would be no more hedges cut in 2025 because the budget has been spent but was hopeful that funding will be available in the 2026 budget. He said if there is, 'we will be straight out to deal with areas requested' and look to address them early in the new year before hedgecutting season comes to an end at the end of February. Cllr McNamara criticised the number of times the hedgecutter has come into Achill and the failure to cut along the Crumpaun road despite it being flagged by him a number of times. A mobile app highlights parent-child perceptual gap after liver transplant, fostering better communication and daily care within families. Trusted Source Patient-Caregiver Discrepancy Score: Multisite Evaluation of a Novel Pediatric Outcome Measure Go to source Trusted Source TOP INSIGHT Did You Know? The parent-child view discrepancies in post #liver_transplant care in kids are the magnitude that drive doctors to kick start attuned discussions, reshaping care across all #pediatric #chronic_illnesses. #pediatrictransplant #organdonation #childhealth #holistic_care #hepatology Advertisement Bridging Perspectives for Responsive Care Advertisement Reshaping Care Across Pediatric Chronic Illnesses Advertisement Elevating Patient and Family-Centered Care Improving Quality of Life for Thousands of Families Patient-Caregiver Discrepancy Score: Multisite Evaluation of a Novel Pediatric Outcome Measure - (https://www.jpeds.com/article/S0022-3476(25)00441-X/abstract) Beyond clinical medical tests,. The findings on child's well-being post liver transplant were made by researchers from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai..(The results driven by app. The findings were published inThey found that the greater the difference between how a parent and a child perceived the childs quality of life, the lower the childs 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 childs medical or liver health indicators., 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 childs well-being.By accessing 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.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.The implications for families are equally significant.about treatment and daily care.Children may feel more heard and understood, while parents gain a clearer view of their childs lived experience.The questionnaire used in this study puts a childs 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 (Paediatric Liver Transplant Quality of Life Questionnaire), Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of Paediatric Liver Transplantation at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.. 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, PhD, 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.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.Source-Eurekalert Back in 2020, casting director Honey Trehan turned filmmaker with the Netflix murder mystery Raat Akeli Hai starring Nawazuddin Siddiqui who played Inspector Jatil Yadav investigating a family suspected in the killing of their patriarch. Now, five years later, the small town cop is back and this time, the murder mystery case gets even murkier and more twisted. Netflix Nawazuddin Siddiquis Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders Teaser Out Now The sequel features the mass killing of an entire family in one night and Inspector Jatil Yadav will go to any length to unravel the mystery behind the deaths. Check out Raat Akeli Hai 2 teaser below: Talking about the sequel, filmmaker Honey Trehan said, With Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, weve gone deeper into the world we built with Raat Akeli Hai. This film explores the price of truth and the corruption of conscience, with the stakes higher than ever as Jatil now has to unravel a mass murder. Working with Netflix again allowed us to tell this story with complete honesty and scale, delivering a thriller that grips you emotionally as much as it shocks you. Netflix Nawazuddin Siddiqui stated, Returning as Jatil Yadav feels like revisiting a part of myself that never left. This film takes him to places hes never been, emotionally and morally. The official synopsis of the movie reads, Set in Kanpur, the story begins when the affluent and well-known Bansal family from the heart of Uttar Pradesh is found brutally murdered in their mansion. Jatil Yadav is drawn into a web of power, deception, blind faith, and long-buried secrets, where every suspect hides a motive and every revelation peels back another layer of darkness. Netflix Besides Nawazuddin Siddiqui, the sequel also marks the return of Radhika Apte from part one. The cast members include Chitrangda Singh, Deepti Naval, Rajat Kapoor, Revathy, Ila Arun, Sanjay Kapoor, and Akhilendra Mishra. On November 25, at the Wuhu Port International Container Terminal, over 300 Chery automobiles slowly drove into shipping containers under the supervision of customs officers, ready to be dispatched to overseas markets. Behind this routine operational scene lies a historic breakthrough: according to statistics from Hefei Customs, Anhui Province's annual automobile exports have exceeded the one-million-unit mark for the first time. From exporting 729,200 vehicles in 2023, to 954,000 vehicles in 2024, and further to 938,000 vehicles in the first ten months of 2025, the figure has now reached one million... Behind the accelerated growth in export volume lies the overall enhancement of Anhui's automotive industry strength. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the province's annual production of automobiles and new energy vehicles has increased by 2 times and 15 times respectively. In the first three quarters of this year, Anhui ranked first nationally in automobile production, new energy vehicle production, and automobile exports. The province has now gathered seven complete vehicle enterprisesChery Group, NIO, Volkswagen Anhui, BYD Hefei, JAC Group, Changan Hefei, and CAMCforming a product matrix that covers passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and specialized vehicles, and establishing a development pattern of "leading enterprisesindustrial chainindustrial cluster." The automotive industry has become Anhui's first industry with export value exceeding one hundred billion yuan. Data shows that Anhui has continuously advanced the open development of its automotive industry at a high level. The export value of automobiles and auto parts in the province has grown from 14.4 billion yuan in 2020 to 125.9 billion yuan in 2024, with its share of the province's total exports increasing from 5.1% to 21.7%. Currently, nearly a thousand enterprises in the automotive industry chain have engaged in import and export activities, including 20 enterprises with exports each exceeding 100 million USD. The automotive industry has undoubtedly become the "ballast stone" of Anhui's foreign trade. The rapid growth of automobile exports stems not only from the "hard support" of the industry but also relies on the "soft environment" of services. It is reported that Anhui has been deeply implementing the "Anhui Going Global" initiative, guiding enterprises to adapt to market demand changes and trade policy adjustments in key regions, while flexibly expanding into markets such as Russia, the EU, the Middle East, and Latin America. Multiple thematic exhibitions for Anhui's automobile and auto parts industry have been organized through international professional automotive exhibitions. Concurrently, the province is accelerating the construction of 4 national-level and 3 provincial-level foreign trade transformation and upgrading bases for automobiles and auto parts, promoting the export-oriented development of regional industrial clusters. Support has been provided for expanding open channels, including the local construction of three 7,000-vehicle-capacity roll-on/roll-off ships, boosting the province's ocean shipping capacity for automobiles to over 200,000 units. "We continue to implement 12 measures supporting 'Rapid Expansion of Anhui-made Vehicles' and 20 initiatives supporting the construction of the new energy vehicle industrial cluster," stated a relevant official from Hefei Customs. "We are actively expanding the supply of technical trade information and guiding enterprises to fully benefit from rules of origin policies." "Meanwhile, by leveraging smart customs initiatives, we are enhancing the intelligence level of water transport logistics support systems. The 'direct port entry' model has been implemented at Wuhu Port, while the 'railway express clearance' model has been comprehensively applied to China-Europe freight train services, further smoothing logistics channels and reducing customs clearance time and logistics costs for enterprises." The official emphasized that customs will continue to improve cross-border trade facilitation, enhance port opening capacity, and strive to create a more efficient and high-quality customs clearance environment. These efforts will further accelerate the export of Anhui-manufactured vehicles and contribute new momentum to Anhui's high-level opening-up and high-quality development. Source: Anhui Daily SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he has authorized the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean country to help in its fight against drug trafficking. For a limited time, the U.S. can refuel aircraft and transport equipment and technical personnel at restricted areas within the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport, said Abinader, who made the announcement with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side. Hegseth was in Santo Domingo Wednesday to meet with the countrys top leaders, including Abinader and Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre. It is the first major public agreement that the U.S. has struck with a Caribbean nation as it seeks friendly allies to support its attacks against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region and beyond. Since the strikes began in early September, at least 83 people have been killed. Hegseth said the Dominican Republic was a regional leader willing to take on hard challenges. Thats why Im here today. Thats why we decided to come here first, he said. The Dominican Republic has stepped up. Hegseth said the U.S. would respect the Caribbean countrys sovereignty and laws as U.S. service members and aircraft prepare to deploy to the Dominican Republic. He did not provide additional details. Meanwhile, Abinader said the scope of the agreement is technical, limited, and temporary. The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our Armed Forces, a decisive reinforcement to prevent the entry of narcotics and to strike a more decisive blow against transnational organized crime, he said. After a news conference where no questions were allowed, the office of the president issued a statement with more details, noting that several KC-135 tanker aircraft would be present to support air patrol missions, expanding monitoring and interdiction capabilities over a large portion of the maritime and air domains. They would also provide refueling services to aircraft from partner countries, thus ensuring sustained operations for monitoring, detecting, and tracking verified illicit smuggling activities, according to the statement. Additionally, C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft would facilitate aeromedical evacuations, firefighting, weather reconnaissance, and disaster relief, the office said. Abinader noted that the Dominican Republic has seized nearly 10 times more drugs per year in the past five years than in the previous decade thanks to close collaboration with the U.S. Our country faces a real threat, a threat that knows no borders, no flags, that destroys families, and that has been trying to use our territory for decades," he said. "That threat is drug trafficking, and no country can or should confront it without allies. Hegseth praised Abinader, saying that the Dominican Republic understands the importance of standing up to narco-terrorists and narco-traffickers who flood our countries with drugs and violence. Were deadly serious about this mission, Hegseth said, asserting that the U.S. has the best intelligence, lawyers and process. We knowwhere theyre leaving from, where theyre going, what theyre bringing, what their intentions are, who they represent. Some experts believe the ongoing strikes are a tactic to try and pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down given that the U.S. military has built up its largest presence in the region in generations. Hegseths visit comes a day after Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. President Donald Trumps primary military adviser, met with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The prime minister has praised the strikes, drawing criticism ever since stating in early September that she had no sympathy for drug traffickers and that the U.S. military should kill them all violently. On Wednesday, Persad-Bissessar told reporters that U.S. marines were recently in the twin-island nation to do some work at an airport roadway and to train with local soldiers. They are not here on the ground, she said. We are not about to launch any campaign against Venezuela. She said that Trinidad has not been asked to be a base for any attack against Venezuela, and that Venezuela was not mentioned in conversations with the U.S. on Tuesday. Trinidad and Tobago is just a few miles away from Venezuela. Prior to visiting Trinidad and Tobago, Caine stopped by the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico to visit American troops there and boarded at least one U.S. Navy ship. Caine and Hegseth had previously traveled to Puerto Rico in September. Earlier this year, the U.S. approached the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada with a request. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told Parliament earlier this month that any decision possibly allowing the Trump administration to install a temporary radar at the island's international airport will not be a secret, nor will it be one that violates domestic or international laws. No public announcement has been made since then. ___ Associated Press reporter Anselm Gibbs in Trinidad and Tobago contributed to this report. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america Gunfire is still echoing across parts of Sudan despite a newly declared humanitarian truce, as the countrys army chief flatly rejects a U.S.-backed ceasefire and pushes peace efforts further out of reach. Sudans two warring factions remain locked in conflict across Khartoum and Darfur after the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, rejected a U.S.-led ceasefire proposal while the Rapid Support Forces announced a unilateral pause in fightinga split that threatens to derail mediation efforts and leave millions of civilians at risk. United Nations officials have described the war as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis, with about 30 million people expected to need aid this year, roughly 16 million of them children. It is critical that diplomatic channels remain open, and in this regard we welcome the efforts of the U.S. and of the Quad. But our focus remains on the dire humanitarian situation. It is critical that civilians are protected and that aid workers are able to safely reach people in need with life-saving assistance, a spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs told Military.com. Military.com reached out to the Sudanese Armed Forces, the Rapid Support Forces, the White House, and the Department of Defense for comment. Transitional Prime Minister of Sudan Kamil El-Tayeb Idris addresses the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith) Diplomacy Splits The ceasefire proposal, backed by mediators including the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, centers on a three-month humanitarian truce followed by a political process. Sudans army leadership has publicly criticized the framework, arguing it would weaken the armed forces and state security institutions. Meanwhile, RSF leadership has announced what it describes as a three-month humanitarian ceasefire intended to allow aid to reach civilians. Human rights monitors and aid groups continue to document large-scale displacement, increasing food insecurity and severe disruptions in access to clean water, medical care and shelter, particularly in and around El Fasher. The conflict has already forced more than 14 million people from their homes and fueled outbreaks of preventable disease as overcrowded displacement sites and damaged infrastructure strain fragile health systems. Sudanese families displaced from El-Fasher line up to receive food aid at the newly established El-Afadh camp in Al Dabbah, in Sudan's Northern State, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Marwan Ali) Humanitarian Reality Overshadows Political Messaging United Nations officials continue to stress that humanitarian access must move forward regardless of political outcomes as violence isolates communities and restricts supply routes. It is critical that civilians are protected and that aid workers are able to safely reach people in need with life-saving assistance, the UN spokesperson told Military.com. Medical facilities in hard-hit areas report overwhelming caseloads. Water systems and other basic infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed in several regions. Aid workers say families in many affected communities are surviving on limited rations as prices rise and access to markets remains constrained. Smoke billows after drone strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the northern port in the Red Sea city of Port Sudan, Sudan, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (AP Photo/File) A Fragile Path Forward Diplomatic pressure is expected to increase as outreach intensifies with African Union partners and regional power brokers in a renewed push for talks. U.S. envoys and Quad representatives continue urging both sides to accept the humanitarian truce framework and focus on enabling sustained aid access. If the RSF-declared pause in fighting holds and the army engages with mediation efforts, a narrow window could open for more consistent humanitarian deliveries. If violence continues or expands, aid officials warn the crisis could worsen, further displace civilians, and deepen instability across neighboring areas. In the summer of 1942, the British Eighth Army was losing the war in North Africa. Erwin Rommels Afrika Korps had smashed through the Gazala line, captured Tobruk, and sent the British reeling back toward Egypt. Among the soldiers scrambling to retreat in the desert heat were three American tanks with American crews an improvised detachment that may have fired the first U.S. shots against German troops in World War II. The Senators Detachment of Tanks in Libya The Americans werent officially supposed to be there. Washington had not yet ordered U.S. ground forces into the theater. Operation Torch the invasion of French North Africa was still five months away. But the British desperately needed tanks. Through the Lend-Lease Act, hundreds of M3 medium tanks dubbed the Grant had been shipped across the Atlantic. Alongside them were several U.S. advisers and instructors, men from the 1st Armored Division tasked with training British crews to use and maintain the new machines. Officially, their role was to advise and instruct. Yet, the chaos of the desert war gave them an opportunity to test the machines in combat themselves. One of the senior officers attached to the mission was Maj. Henry Cabot Lodge Jr., a Republican senator from Massachusetts who had taken leave from Washington to serve in uniform. Lodge was ambitious, restless, and, like many Americans in 1942, eager to see real combat against the Axis. By June, as the battle of Gazala raged, Lodges tiny American unit three M3 Grants crewed by U.S. soldiers was folded into the British 2nd Armoured Brigade near Acroma, west of Tobruk. There, in the middle of Rommels offensive, they joined the fight against the Axis. Later reports stressed that Lodge himself was not inside one of the tanks when they went forward, but the fact remained: American soldiers and American steel were suddenly part of the desert war in North Africa. M3 Grant HQ variant tank and Daimler scout car, Libya, June 1942. The M3 would become the workhorse for Allied forces in North Africa early in the campaign. Although outclassed by later Axis tanks and the Sherman, they were the first American tanks in combat in the European Theater. (Wikimedia Commons) Baptism of Fire Against the Axis Details of the skirmish are scarce. The American-manned tanks advanced with their British counterparts, trading fire in the sand and smoke of the Gazala battlefield. Some sources suggest they knocked out several German and Italian vehicles before being pulled back; others emphasize the experiment was brief, more of a test than a sustained action. What isnt in doubt is how unusual the incident was. Here was an American detachment just three tanks operating under British command against the Wehrmacht five months before the United States had officially entered the ground war in the theater. The M3 Grant itself was an interesting design tall, clumsy, and with its main 75mm gun fixed in the hull rather than a turret. But in 1942, it gave British units something they desperately lacked: a weapon that could pierce through German tanks and match the firepower of the Panzer III. British officers quickly learned to pair the Grant with lighter Stuart tanks, creating mixed squadrons that were deadlier than anything they had fielded before. Lodge later praised the tanks and his mens actions in remarks reported by Time magazine: The men who went over from this force were the equal of anything they encountered in the desert. They came out with three tanks, and they left nine less to chase them. The tank that you call the M-3 is the match of anything in the world. The Grants proved their worth against most of Rommels armored vehicles. Even as the British and the American crews were pushed deep into Egypt, the arrival of more Grants and the new Shermans would help turn the tide at El Alamein. While the Grant would soon become outdated by more advanced German tanks, it helped secure victory in Libya. Massachusetts senator Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr., awards the Purple Heart to a wounded soldier during a tour of the military hospital in Port Moresby, New Guinea, September 11, 1943. (National Archives) America's Forgotten Mission Back in the United States, Time magazine hailed the Gazala action as the first time American troops had fought German soldiers on land. In reality, the line between combatant and observer was blurred. The Americans had gone to the desert as advisers, but the chaotic battle around them and Lodges eagerness allowed them to trade a few shots with the Axis. The unique incident was quickly overshadowed. Within months, Rommel was halted at El Alamein, and soon after, American troops arrived in force with Operation Torch. Lodge returned to politics after President Roosevelt ordered sitting members of Congress to give up their commissions, only to resign again later to rejoin the Army in Italy and France. The men who drove those three Grants at Gazala were lost to history, their advisor's mission little more than a small skirmish in the largest war in human history. However, their mission helped inspire the 1943 Humphrey Bogart film "Sahara"and later its 1995 remake starring Jim Belushiboth of which depicted an American tank crew stranded and fighting in the Libyan desert. For a brief, desperate moment in June 1942, America was already at war in the North African desert just three tanks against Hitlers forces. The yelling, the sweat, the thousand-yard stares these movies either nailed the chaos or missed it. Every service member has a story about navigating boot camp the sand, the blisters, the broken sleep, the recruit who couldnt stop laughing during inspection. Hollywoods chased that chaos of bootcamp training for decades, but only a few films get close to what real drill instructors see every cycle. We weighed the most iconic training sequences through the lens of actual cadre Marine DIs, Army drill sergeants, Navy instructors, and the veterans who, thanks to drill, still flinch at a whistle. We listened to military experts and former service members to rate each scene on accuracy and emotional resonance. So let's dive in. Full Metal Jacket (1987) R. Lee Ermeys Gunnery Sgt. Hartman doles out incentive training. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures. 1. Full Metal Jacket (1987) Parris Island, U.S. Marine Corps R. Lee Ermey doesnt play a drill instructor he was one. The late retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant improvised much of his dialogue, setting a realism benchmark that still stands. The snap of his cadence, economy of movement, and volume control track with Marine practice. Kubricks long, unbroken takes amplify inspection anxiety no cuts, no mercy while Ermeys posture and diction turn chaos into choreography. The Old Gunny Sergeant on YouTube put it best when he said: R. Lee Ermey was just hired in as a technical advisor because he was a former drill instructor, he was a Marine when asked to do a scene he gave his performance and Stanley liked it so much that he said oh you're you're the guy you are the Drone instructor you're the star of the show. Realism Score: (10/10) Why It Works: Posture, diction, and micro-control of chaos are textbook. It hurts because its true. An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) Louis Gossett Jr. as Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley inspects lockers. Credit: Paramount Pictures 2. An Officer and a Gentleman (1982) Aviation Officer Candidate School The late Louis Gossett Jr. delivers the rare Oscar-winning DI turn, and instructors still respect the bearing. The film gets the physical grind wind sprints, inspection stress, attrition and frames leadership through pressure. As Gunnery Sgt. Emil Foley, Gossett humbles candidates on day one, warns that many wont make it, and targets Mayos character as much as his fitness. The weekend smoke session ending with I got nowhere else to go! is the pivot from swagger to growth, followed by teamwork (helping Seeger over the 12-foot wall), resilience after loss, and the first-salute silver dollar mutual respect sealed. Realism Score: 8/10 Why It Works: Shows both sides the hammer and the forge. Jarhead (2005) A Marine drill instructor goes nose-to-nose with a recruit during inspection. Credit: Universal Pictures. 3. Jarhead (2005) Marine Corps Training, 1990s Adapted from Anthony Swoffords memoir, Jarhead dodges the cliche of nonstop screaming and zeros in on repetition, boredom, and the psychological squeeze. DIs use rhythm, distance, and manipulation as tools, capturing the slow grind many Marines describe. Former Marine Jameson Travels (YouTube) summed it up: This is about right the badgering, the constant questions. One note: we didnt have DIs with facial hair I never saw a DI wear one. On the ever-present Jody: Hes everywhere in boot camp lore I think I broke up with my girlfriend six times in my head because of Jody. Realism Score: 7/10 Why It Works: Nails mental attrition more than physical pain. G.I. Jane (1997) Demi Moores Jordan ONeil stares down the SEAL training cadre. Credit: Hollywood Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures. 4. G.I. Jane (1997) Navy SEAL Training Yes, dramatized, but many instructors say Ridley Scott nails the emotional warfare of elite selection. The physical gauntlet drown-proofing, surf torture, log PT tracks, and the portrayal of peer pressure and team loyalty largely hold up. Former Naval Academy grad, Surface Warfare Officer, and Navy SEAL Jake Sweig put it plainly: G.I. Jane was a ripper. One thing it got right was the absolute chaos of SEAL training. He calls BS on a specific fight beat (a SEAL chief passively taking a headbutt and kicks), but the larger point stands: willpower costs, and the movie shows the price. Realism Score: 6/10 Why It Works: Less about gender politics, more about sustained willpower. Stripes (1981) Bill Murray and the misfit platoon pose between drills. Credit: Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures. 5. Stripes (1981) Army Basic Training, Comedy Division Marine infantryman James Laporta notes the film gets some drill basics right: march off the left foot; spacing ~40 inches; badges/ribbons measured to the inch; and drill sergeants are judged on platoon precision, not just recruits. The goofiness (guys laughing, rubber-necking) would invite instant smoke, but the skeleton of real drill is there. When Harold Ramis launches Do Wah Diddy Diddy, Laporta calls foul singing happens in the military, but cadence belongs to the drill sergeant. Bill Murrays anti-authority bit shouldnt work, yet the film still lands a truth: teamwork built under duress. The finales cadence run, parody or not, captures esprit de corps better than many dramas. The base-as-backlot chaos is artistic license real bases are small cities but the morale vibe is honest. Realism Score: 3/10 for tactics, 10/10 for morale Why It Works: We laugh to survive the grind. Heartbreak Ridge (1986) Clint Eastwoods GySgt. Highway puts Recon through the paces. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures. 6. Heartbreak Ridge (1986) Marine Recon Indoctrination Moderately realistic at best. As former Army historian Gordon Rottman explains, the script started as an Army Rangers story about Grenada. The Army balked at portrayals and language, so producers pivoted to the Marines, retrofitting Clint Eastwoods character from the Army in Korea to later transfer into the Corps (a rarity). That swap scrambles history. On screen, Marine Force Recon executes marquee Grenada actions rescuing students, breaking roadblocks, firefights with Cuban troops, heliocast/swim insertions. In reality, those headline missions and the actual parachute assault were Ranger operations. Marines landed at the far end of the island and saw limited combat. The composite approach leaves many viewers thinking Marines led and the Army trailed largely the reverse. Realism Score: 5/10 tactics, 2/10 history Why It Works: Crisp leadership beats and gritty training rhythms; just dont treat it like a documentary. Renaissance Man (1994) Danny DeVitos civilian teacher faces a wall of camo. Credit: Touchstone Pictures / Buena Vista Pictures. 7. Renaissance Man (1994) Army Basic at Fort McClellan Theres no widely cited military-expert review of its boot camp accuracy, but critics and audiences landed in the same place: the military world is soft-focused. Reviews (e.g., The Baltimore Sun) called the environment unconvincing more cuddly 1990s armed forces than the abrasive realism of Full Metal Jacket. Penny Marshall leans into the teacher-saves-misfits arc, so basic becomes backdrop for inspiration, not a credible grind. Viewers with service backgrounds sometimes connect with the themes honor, duty, growth while acknowledging its about education and human connection, not procedure. Moments like an officer moved to tears by a Shakespeare recitation during a rainy drill read as crowd-pleasing, not plausible. Realism Score: 3/10 Why It Works: Warm, transformational vibes; accuracy yields to the feel-good lesson plan. Cadence (1990) Martin Sheens Sgt. McKinney confronts Charlie Sheens Pfc. Bean. Credit: Republic Pictures 8. Cadence (1990) Correctional Training Unit Formal military expert reviews are scarce, but veterans and longtime service watchers often say the film captures Army life pretty well. Set in a mid-60s West Germany work-camp stockade, it nails the everyday rhythm marching, discipline, chow lines, tedious busy work and the institutional pace that grinds people down. One viewer with a father stationed there at the time called the details pretty accurate. The story throws Private Franklin Bean (Charlie Sheen), a white rebellious inmate, into an all-Black barracks under Sergeant Otis McKinney (Martin Sheen), a bigoted lifer. It leans into racial tension and eventual camaraderie, showing how men close ranks against a tyrannical authority figure still relevant in todays cohesion conversations. Its also a critique of brittle authority: McKinney as a lifer who sacrificed family and perspective until the job became his identity. Often tagged underrated, Cadence stands apart by focusing on confinement, process, and the military justice system rather than combat. Service viewers praise its authenticity in the mundane and how bonds and frictions form inside that monotony. Realism Score: 7/10 Why It Works: Convincing stockade routine and unit dynamics; timely themes of race, authority, and hard-won camaraderie. Private Benjamin (1980) Eileen Brennan squares off with Goldie Hawn on the barracks floor. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures. 9. Private Benjamin (1980) Army Basic Training, Womens Corps Released as service comedies crept back post-Vietnam, Private Benjamin updated an old Hollywood template for a womans Army. Critics (e.g., NYT archive) praised Goldie Hawn and Eileen Brennan, noting director Howard Zieff keeps classic boot-camp gags latrine duty, war games, forced marches nimble and crowd-pleasing. Its funny by design, with a supporting cast (Robert Webber, Mary Kay Place, Albert Brooks, Armand Assante) built to land punchlines. Later military-perspective assessments (including NCO Journal) argue the film hasnt aged well in depictions of women, sexual harassment, and leadership distracting and dated. Still, the camaraderie forged under stress rings true. Context matters: the film arrived as the all-volunteer force and womens roles were evolving, so its a transitional snapshot rather than a procedural manual. Realism Score: 4/10 Why It Works: Star-driven comedy that captures esprit de corps, even as its cultural portrayals show their age. Major Payne (1995) Damon Wayans Maj. Payne delivers a lesson in motivation. Credit: Universal Pictures. 10. Major Payne (1995) ROTC-Style Discipline, Exaggerated but Familiar Not a military classic, but a crowd-pleasing family comedy with salty edges. Damon Wayans plays Maj. Benson Winifred Payne, a hard-charging Marine cut loose from active duty who lands as a JROTC instructor. The plot: whip a rambunctious cadet unit into shape and win a drill competition. Underneath the gags and quotables are usable lessons: career transitions are messy; mental toughness matters when no ones sympathetic; improvement is incremental; dont quit when training gets humiliating; teamwork beats talent; loyalty to your people outranks personal glory; self-confidence transforms the smallest cadet; even the toughest Marine can lighten up without losing standards. As a depiction, its broad and sitcom-clean more pep talk than procedure but as a values package for young leaders, the beats land, and the JROTC frame fits the scaled-down tactics and pageantry. Realism Score: 4/10 tactics, 8/10 leadership lessons Why It Works: Uses comedy to teach discipline, resilience, teamwork, and confidence less fieldcraft, more forging a squad. A U.S. Marine Corps Drill Instructor Marches a platoon of recruits. What Real DIs Say About Hollywood Boot Camps The yellings not random. Its calculated tempo, volume, and timing serve a purpose. Recruits arent broken. Theyre re-wired. The goal is confidence, not cruelty. No movie ever nails the smell or how sand gets everywhere. Transformation is the point. Cadence calls, 3 a.m. corrections, and impossible tasks exist to build automatic responses under stress. The best films even comedies get that boot camp isnt about pain. Its about change. Final Formation Great boot camp scenes dont just show yelling they show teaching through friction. Thats why Ermeys voice still echoes: the sound of chaos organized into discipline, the moment you learn pressure is a teacher, not a punishment. America's Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White celebrates its 99th year in Detroit DETROIT, MI It was a larger-than-life day in Detroit. Whether you braved the cold to witness it or grabbed a hot cup of cocoa to watch on television from the comfort of your home, an American tradition 99 years in the making brought joy to thousands on Thursday, Nov. 27. Americas Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White returned with a star-studded lineup of one-a-kind floats, colorful costumes, high soaring balloons, thunderous marching bands and dancing elves. The parade officially opened with Disneys The Lion King Can You Feel The Love Tonight, featuring Darian Sanders and Syndee Winters. Grand marshals included Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Devin Scillian, a Detroit-area television journalist for almost 30 years. Special celebrity appearances included: Dexter Bussey, former Detroit Lions running back from 1974-1984 Christopher McDonald, best known for his role as Shooter McGavin in Happy Gilmore Sam Richardson, Detroit native, actor and comedian best known for his roles in Veep, Detroiters and I Think You Should Leave Hooper of the Detroit Pistons Miss Michigan 2025, Hannah Palmer Nitro of the Motor City Cruise PAWS of the Detroit Tigers Roary of the Detroit Lions Santa Claus Nickelodeons SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star There were 29 award-winning floats presented by a large list of sponsors, including eight new designs by Delta Dental of Michigan, DTE Foundation, Ford Motor Company, Goodman Acker, Huntington Bank, Pet Supplies Plus, Rocket and The Skillman Foundation. Six giant balloons also soared sky high as nine thunderous high school marching bands were chosen to play in the parade, including: Cadillac Marching Vikings Chippewa Valley Big Reds Marching Band Dakota High School Detroit Public Schools Community District All-City Marching Band Rochester Falcon Marching Band Southfield A & T Marching Warriors Johns Redwing Marching Band Stevenson Titan Marching Band Sterling Heights Wayne Memorial Zebra Marching Band The two-hour broadcast of the parade was featured on WDIV-Local 4 including a one-hour nationally syndicated broadcast reaching more than 84 million households nationwide. 760 WJR and 104.3 WMOC also broadcasted live from the parade. ALPENA COUNTY, MI Michigan State Police are investigating a shooting involving a deputy from the Presque Isle County Sheriffs Department. According to MSP on social media, there were no injuries to law enforcement. However, the suspect has been taken to the hospital with unknown injuries. The incident took place at M-65 and Leer Road in Alpena County. That area will be closed for several hours and drivers are advised to seek an alternate route, per MSP. MSP released details on the incident just before 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27. Presque Isle County is just north of Alpena County in Northwest Lower Michigan. Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public. MSP officials could not confirm why police were after the suspect and couldnt confirm which of the parties took a shot during the incident. More information will be posted here when it becomes available. Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli presents Sean Sabo with aExcellence in Education check. Photo used with permision of the Michigan Lottery. ANN ARBOR, MI A teacher at Pioneer High School has received a state-level Excellence in Education award for work related to developing students writing and critical thinking skills. Sean Sabo, an advanced placement English and acting instructor, has taught at the Ann Arbor high school for 22 years, according to a news release. As part of the award from the Michigan Lottery, hell receive a $2,000 cash prize and be featured in news segments across the state. The award also makes him eligible for the Educator of the Year award, which carries a $10,000 prize. Mr. Sabos dedication as an educator for nearly 30 years is invaluable to Pioneer High School, Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli said in a statement. His ability to bring literature to life and teach acting by transforming real stories and experiences into productions has made him a beloved teacher. A parent of one of Sabos students nominated him for the recognition, citing his commitment to providing extensive feedback on student work. According to the nomination, Sabo graded 13 essays per student last year and wrote a paragraph of comments on each one. With 90 students, that work required hundreds of hours outside the classroom. Ive always loved stories whether books, plays, or movies. Ive also always loved engaging people in discussions of big topics, which I would do regularly as a teen and young adult, Sabo said in a statement. I got certified to teach with the hope of sharing my love for books and writing with students. The nominating parent noted that Sabo builds his classes around books, speeches, poems and essays he selects himself to expose students to diverse voices and styles. Each quarter, he asks students to present original work orally and provides written feedback on each presentation. The parent said Sabos efforts have resulted in stronger student writing, numerous competition awards and high AP scores. The Michigan Lottery established the Excellence in Education awards in 2014 to recognize outstanding public school educators during the school year. Weekly winners are evaluated on excellence, dedication, inspiration, leadership and effectiveness in advancing student achievement. Sabo has been an educator for 29 years overall. He earned a bachelors degree from Eastern Michigan University, a masters degree from Indiana University, and a teacher certification from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Travis Eskridge, 54, pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product after he was caught removing fentanyl from vials during his work as a registered nurse. File photo. LC- DETROIT, MI - A former registered nurse has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for stealing and using fentanyl. Travis Eskridge, 54, pleaded guilty to tampering with a consumer product after he was caught removing fentanyl from vials during his work as a registered nurse. He pleaded guilty in May and was sentenced Nov. 25 to two years in prison, court records show. Eskridge, of Grosse Pointe Park, admitted to tampering with vials of liquid fentanyl, a powerful pain reliever, while he was working in the emergency room at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit. On Aug. 9, 2022, a nurse who had started to administer fentanyl noticed the seal showed signs of tampering, according to Eskridges plea agreement. An audit of the hospitals Pyxis machines, used to automatically store and dispense medication, showed two other vials of fentanyl had been removed, tampered with, and returned to the machines. Eskridge had removed all three vials, court documents show. Further investigation showed Eskridge had removed 178 vials of fentanyl without authorization. Eskridge admitted to using the fentanyl and replacing it with a saline solution, according to court documents. He was fired from the hospital the day after the theft was discovered. He had worked at the hospital since July 2014. When nurse Eskridge placed tampered vials back into the hospitals medical supply, he exposed patients in desperate need of pain relief to continued suffering, U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon Jr. said in a statement. This is a reprehensible crime. No medical professional should torture a patient. Eskridges nursing license was suspended in December 2024, according to records from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. A Washtenaw County Sheriff's vehicle near Lake Lancer in Gladwin County as part of an investigation into a cold case on Nov. 26, 2025. Photo provided by Gladwin County Sheriff's Office Cole Waterman BUTMAN TWP., MI Members of the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Underwater Search and Recovery Team were up in mid-Michigan early Wednesday on the hunt for new evidence in connection to a 36-year-old murder case. The Gladwin County Sheriffs Office first reported that Ann Arbor-area authorities were in Butman Township on the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 26, and were spotted in the Sugar Springs area on Lake Lancer. Eugene Rush, a commander of community engagement for the sheriffs office in Washtenaw, later confirmed the dive team went to further investigate the long-unresolved killing of Beverly Ann Wivell just a couple months before the case is slated to go to trial early next year. The 31-year-old Wivell was found dead on Sept. 18, 1989, near Gotfredson and Ford roads in Superior Township, according to past testimony. Buster Robbins has been accused of kidnapping Wivell from a park in Canton, sexually assaulting her and taking her to Superior Township before shooting her. A local resident previously told authorities that they heard a gunshot and spotted someone matching Robbins description leaving the scene. Although a district court judge initially ruled there wasnt enough evidence to go to trial earlier this year, Washtenaw County Trial Court Judge Jinan Hamood reversed the ruling in May. Robbins is currently scheduled for a final pretrial Jan. 8 with a jury trial set for Feb. 9. He faces an open murder charge. Investigators originally suspected Wivells boyfriend in her murder, according to past reporting, before he was found to be at work at the time. Swabs of DNA taken from her body revealed matches for her boyfriend and another unidentified man. But with leads then exhausted, the case sat cold until January 2024. DNA evidence was reportedly later tested by a private laboratory in Texas, showing a potential match for Robbins. Other evidence included a gun magazine in Robbins home that referenced the same caliber bullet found in Wivells skull. FLINT, MI When Autumn Coulter first met her daughter, it was in a hospital room. Mora Wendel was 5 months old, a feeding tube coming out of her little body at Hurley Medical Center. I met her on a Friday, and I took her home on a Saturday, Coulter said of their first encounter on July 30, 2022. Mora weighed less than 2 pounds at the time. I think I fell in love with her the first time I held her, she said. Coulter had been licensed to adopt one child, but she noted, They immediately moved my license to two. A little over a month later, on Sept. 1, 2022, Zay entered the picture. I always wanted more children. I was told I couldnt have them, said Coulter, who also has a 13-year-old daughter. I always said if I can give one child a better life, Im doing something good in life. And I just won with two. The Lapeer mother shed tears as Genesee Probate Judge Jennie Barkey signed documents making her adoption of the pair official Tuesday, Nov. 25, during an Adoption Day in Michigan event. I know that they have landed in a loving and caring home, said Darious Baylock, an adoptions case worker in the countys Family Division. I know that youre concerned about them being raised correctly and properly. Im just so happy that this is the ending that they received. Jessica Braxton of Adoption and Foster Care Specialists helped Coulter through the process and had been witness to how much the kids have grown and are thriving. She pointed out Coulter would have to wake up at night to feed Mora and marveled at the bond forged. Theyve just come a long way, Braxton said. The two of them are inseparable. Zay Wendel, 5, looks to the judge as he waits to be adopted by his new mother Autumn Coulter as four families adopted eight children in Genesee County Probate Judge Jennie Barkey's courtroom on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in downtown Flint. The date is being recognized this year as Adoption Day in Michigan through a proclamation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. (Jake May | MLive.com) Braxton steps into the situation once parental rights are terminated and goes through the adoption process with applicants. Its just really heartwarming because I did do the foster care side of things for a while, where the kids were temporary court wards and the birth parents were involved, and its straining on the caregivers, she said. Its usually not easy. Its usually hard, so a day like today is definitely a happy day. Coulter called it a very emotional process, including the court dates, with Barkey thanking Judge Anthony McDowell for his help in processing this case. Zay, who has a fondness for chicken nuggets and fries, has grown the meaning of love for Coulter. Whether it was he got a new pair of boots and he always had to share, or he just was so humble and so thankful, thats true love, she said. Its the littlest things that you take for granted but they humble you in amazing ways. Mora Wendel, 3, and her brother Zay Wendel, 5, join Genesee County Probate Judge Jennie Barkey to formalize their adoption from behind the bench in her courtroom on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in downtown Flint. The date is being recognized this year as Adoption Day in Michigan through a proclamation by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. (Jake May | MLive.com) The moments that have happened in the days since she met her new children from the first they called her mom to cuddles are ones thatll last as core memories for Coulter. Just the look in (Moras) eyes, she knew she was safe, Coulter said. She knew that she would be taken care of. She also shared words of encouragement for other single people hoping to become parents to children in need. Dont let being single dictate foster care, because theres a million children that need help, Coulter said. Tom Hillen, co-host of WOOD-TV's "eightWest," in recovery after co-workers performed CPR when he suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. (Photo provided by Tom Hillen) Tom Hillen GRAND RAPIDS, MI Tom Hillen, co-host of WOOD-TVs lifestyle show, eightWest, is thankful for his co-workers who provided life-saving CPR after he suffered a seizure and stopped breathing. Hillen shared his story with viewers this week. In response, he has been overwhelmed by kindness and support. I just feel very loved right now, Hillen, 38, told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Hillen suffered the seizure Nov. 17 while at his computer in the eightWest office after the show. Co-workers Rachel Ruiz and Elisia Alonso heard a loud cry then helped Hillen to the ground. Staff called 911 immediately. And then it kind of got scary, Alonso said in a special feature that aired this week. Hillens body stiffened, his skin turned gray and he stopped breathing and convulsing. Ruiz said she and Alonso administered CPR before Hillen started breathing, though labored, Ruiz said. Ruiz, who is CPR-certified, said recent training at work provided a refresher course in CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator. And that refresher was just crucial in giving you hands-only CPR for about 40 to 45 seconds, Ruiz told Hillen. They had the AED ready to go when he started breathing. A guest, Julie Neuhaus of the American Heart Association, reinforced the importance of quick action: I will just say, just having the confidence to respond in an emergency situation, thats what we want everybody to have, because Tom is standing with us here today and hes doing extremely well. Hillen said he has never suffered a seizure before. The good news is I dont remember most of it. And the further good news is I was in the right place because we had all of the eightWest staff in that same office and they reacted so quickly, Hillen said. Hillen has been with TV-8 for nearly 16 years. He was supposed to be in Mexico this week with friends but followed his doctors suggestion that he rest. He really didnt want his friends to have to watch him for any sign of trouble. Hillen, a Grand Rapids Westsider who graduated from Kenowa Hills, said that family, friends, old classmates and viewers have reached out. He has heard of many others who suffered similar medical emergencies without the cause being found. Obviously, the whole incident is scary. Maybe even more scary is, right now, they werent able to pinpoint exactly what caused it, he said. He sees a neurologist in three weeks and is hoping to find answers. He will return to television on Thursday, Dec. 4, when his vacation ends. He returned this week to see his friends at WOOD-TV and explain, on air, his absence to viewers. He said that disappeared without explanation did not sound good. Because of the seizure, Hillen cannot drive for six months. His brother, Wade, has his car so, he joked, he wont be tempted to drive anywhere. His brother and others have volunteered rides, though his 4 a.m. start could be tricky. Hillen said he had so many to thank, starting with his co-workers, the staff at Trinity Health St. Marys Health Care, Grand Rapids firefighters and AMR paramedics and Michael McLeieer, founder of Education Showing Children and Adults Procedures for Evacuations (ESCAPE Inc.), who trained WOOD-TV staff. KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI Taylor Imus has worked as a server and host at 8972 East D Ave. in Richland since 2007. Now, she co-owns the breakfast and lunch spot. Parkview Perk, formerly Lizs Parkview Cafe, got a fresh start this November, as Imus and chef Jacob DeVous bought the restaurant. Theyve given the interior a fresh coat of paint, added new flooring and decor and expanded the menu. Owners Jacob DeVous and Taylor Imus pose for a portrait at Parkview Perk in Richland, Michigan, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. Both DeVous and Imus worked at Lizs before they took over ownership of the diner. Imus first job was at Lizs and she worked her way up over 18 years to ownership. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) But the soul of the place has remained the same. The entire staff stayed on, Imus said, and regulars have returned with positive reviews. Front of house manager Kaelin Biron carries out a smash burger to a table at Parkview Perk in Richland, Michigan, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Changing coffee vendors was one particularly big hurdle for regulars, DeVous said. We changed it because thats what we wanted to do, Imus said. Now theyre like, Were so happy you changed that, Im so proud of you. Imus has become close with regular customers over her 18-year tenure. I feel like she knows every single person, DeVous said. Now, shes getting to know the back of house, too. Inside the remodeled dining area at Parkview Perk in Richland, Michigan, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) The kitchens behind? She goes back there and helps, DeVous said. Shes sort of becoming a jack-of-all-trades, and thats sort of what we need from her. Breakfast offerings havent changed much beyond the behind-the-scenes quality improvements, DeVous said. Changes like opting to make waffles in an iron instead of using frozen ones have elevated the breakfast staples regulars love, Imus said. The Tuesday special, two eggs, toast and coffee for $3.99, at Parkview Perk in Richland, Michigan, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Theyve retained a popular Tuesday special, she said, of two eggs, toast and coffee for $3.99. Most things on the menu are now made from scratch, DeVous said. Its actually helped lower costs. We get our own brisket. We bake it, we slice it. Thats our Reuben. he said. Things like that ... we werent doing before. The fish basket, two beer-battered cod filets with coleslaw and a side, is fried to order for $12.50, DeVous said. The fish platter with tater tots and coleslaw at Parkview Perk in Richland, Michigan, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Theres also a smashburger with a pair of 1/3-pound patties for $9.50. Its served on a toasted bun with staple toppings and a side. The smash burger with fries at Parkview Perk in Richland, Michigan, on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025. (Devin Anderson-Torrez | MLive.com) Parkview Perk is as much a gathering place for Richland as it is for the owners own families, Imus said. What Im aiming for is being able to pass something down to my daughter, DeVous said. When she comes in every Saturday after her dance class, shes running around like she owns the place. Parkview Perk is open an hour later than Lizs, from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., seven days a week. DeVous and Imus are there every day arriving around 5:30 a.m. and leaving an hour or more after close. The kids go to bed at 7:45 p.m., DeVous said. Im not too far behind. Snow will continue through Friday morning across Michigan. Graphic provided by the National Weather Service Here are the latest forecast highlights from the National Weather Service offices across Michigan: A dangerous early-season winter storm is producing blizzard conditions across Michigans Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan, with additional snowfall of 12 to 18 inches expected through Thursday evening in the hardest-hit areas. Strong winds gusting to 50 mph combined with heavy snow are creating whiteout conditions and making travel extremely hazardous. Blizzard Warnings remain in effect for lakeshore counties of the western and north-central Upper Peninsula until Thursday evening, where snowfall rates of one inch per hour or more are combining with wind gusts greater than 45 mph to drastically reduce visibility. The Keweenaw, Ontonagon, Gogebic counties and the Michigamme Highlands of Baraga and Marquette counties north of U.S. 41 are expected to receive the heaviest accumulations. Winter Storm Warnings cover much of northern Lower Michigan, where 6 to 12 inches of snow is forecast through Friday, with localized amounts of 18 to 24 inches possible from southern Antrim to western Crawford County. The storm system, currently centered over the eastern Upper Peninsula, will continue moving northeast into Canada through Thursday. Behind the system, intense lake effect snow bands will develop Thursday morning and settle in by Thursday afternoon, particularly affecting areas from Traverse Bay southeast across the length of northern Michigan down to Saginaw Bay. The most dominant band appears focused on the I-75 and U.S. 131 corridors, where near-zero visibility under heavy bands will likely create rapidly changing and dangerous travel conditions. Significant impacts on I-75 may extend from Roscommon and West Branch north to Waters, while the U.S. 131 corridor between Elmira and Fife Lake is of particular concern on Thanksgiving Day. Strong winds will continue to be a major factor through Thursday morning, with gusts of 35 to 50 mph across much of the state. High Wind Warnings are in effect for lakeshore areas of western Lower Michigan until 7 a.m. Thursday, where gusts could reach 60 mph. Wind Advisories cover the remainder of Lower Michigan through early Thursday morning. The combination of heavy snow and strong winds may cause downed limbs and trees, leading to localized power outages. Wind chills will drop into the teens Thursday morning and remain in the low to mid 20s during the afternoon. On Lake Superior, Storm Warnings continue until midnight Wednesday for offshore waters from Keweenaw Bay to Grand Marais, where wind gusts of 57 mph and waves of 15 to 20 feet are occurring. Gale Warnings remain in effect for all Lake Superior waters through Thursday night, with waves persisting at 12 to 18 feet in the eastern half of the lake through Thursday evening. Minor lakeshore flooding and beach erosion are possible along the Lake Superior shoreline through Thursday. On Lake Michigan, Storm Warnings are in effect until 1 a.m. Thursday for nearshore waters, where wind gusts around 60 mph and waves of 14 to 20 feet are expected this evening. Lake effect snow will gradually diminish Friday as the storm system pulls farther away and surface high pressure briefly moves over the region. However, attention will quickly turn to another winter system approaching for the weekend. UPDATE AT 12:18 P.M. Thanksgiving- New Winter Storm Watches aimed right at Michigan, in effect for Chicago and states just to our west The next storm system is already becoming fairly consistent in all of the weather data. Heres an early look at the timing and potential snow. The next storm system is on the West Coast now, will drop down into the central Plains Friday and head toward the Great Lakes region for Saturday into Sunday. This next storm system appears to likely take a track that puts all of Lower Michigan in the steady snow area on the north, cold side of a storm system. Its not going to be a mega-storm, but Id call it a solid swath of snow. Heres the radar forecast from early Saturday to Sunday morning. This is as far out as I would trust now, but it covers over half of the snowy period. At this pace, the snow would end by early Sunday afternoon. Radar forecast of the next snowstorm from 7 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday. NOAA Id call it about an 18-hour snowy period anywhere in Lower Michigan, and maybe the far southern Upper Peninsula. This type of storm is usually a four inch to eight inch snow. Again- I wouldnt call it a big snowstorm for the middle of winter, but for late November its a notable snow. For now we only want to look at two snow forecasts to give you the idea of the scope of the snow. Lets start with the U.S. model as a low-end forecast. This model puts out a general four inches to six inches of snow across all of Lower Michigan. It indicates maybe a few inches more snow in the far southwest corner of Michigan, due to a short period of lake-effect snow after the storm passes. Total snowfall forecast for Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30 from the GFS Model. NOAA The European Model looks a little heavy, but is only a few inches different from the U.S. Model. Total snowfall forecast for Saturday and Sunday, November 29-30 from the European Model NOAA Those two models, and the general weather pattern is why I would very early call it a four to eight inch snow over most of Lower Michigan. North of Traverse City it may be only two or three inches. There is also the chance a touch warmer air could keep the snow amounts down in the very southeast corner of Lower Michigan, at Monroe, Lambertville, Detroit and St. Clair Shores. Its too early to really fine tune any snow forecast. I just wanted to give you a heads up for holiday travel plans. For travel plans, try to do your driving Saturday morning and early Saturday afternoon. The snow may end by noonish Sunday, but it will be cold after the storm. Roads will probably not improve quickly Sunday afternoon. This is a first look at the details of the next storm. Stay updated at MLive.com/weather. Compete with us on equal terms: Mahindra & Mahindra to global brands Compete with us on equal terms: Mahindra & Mahindra to global brands Swaraj Baggonkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Dhurandhar director Aditya Dhar issues official clarification, says the film is not based on Major Mohit Sharma M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom. The Mohit Sharma Memorial Trust later reposted Adityas statement, expressing gratitude for the clarification and confirming publicly that the film does not depict Major Mohits story. M Snehanjali 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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Whether smoking, drinking, or dreaming big, she embodied independence with effortless charm. The role highlighted her ability to lead a story with both heart and strength. Mumtaz says she was not allowed to meet Dharmendra in the hospital as he was on a ventilator Ragini Jaiswal 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 BLACKPINKs Jisoo, Stray Kids Hyunjin and Byeon Woo-Seok turn heads at Seoul event, fans call them 'royalty' as pics go viral M Snehanjali is a Sub Editor and journalist with over two years of experience covering general news and entertainment in digital newsroom. The rare moment featuring three of Koreas biggest heartthrobs quickly took over social media, with fans unable to contain their excitement over the unexpected trio. M Snehanjali USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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Experts say pasteurised milk is already safe and boiling may destroy nutrients (Image: Pinterest) Manjiri Patil 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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A spine surgeon explains how each supports long-term spinal health (Image: Pexels) Manjiri Patil 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 MC Exclusive-SEBI reviewing margin on cash segment, may bring down margin, issue discussed in key panel meet Brajesh 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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At Moneycontrol, I focus on decoding market trends, policy shifts and economic changes, driven by a constant passion to learn, analyse, and share knowledge with my readers. Paras Bisht 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 Zoya Springwala is a Senior Correspondent, writing on the markets, financial institutions, regulatory changes and everything else in between. Brajesh 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 Manisha Lal Khandpur is a News Editor at Moneycontrol where she works on the Desk and Special Projects. She pursued journalism at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Delhi, and has an extensive career spanning 17 years across Digital Media, Broadcast, and Radio. Previously, she was a News Editor at Editorji, managing the desk, and a Principal Content Producer at Times of India, leading news shifts. She has also been a Senior Correspondent at Bhaskar, P7, and Live India. She has briefly been a part of academia, bringing her industry expertise into the educational sphere. Manisha Lal Khandpur USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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 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 ED said its investigation found that WinZO was engaged in "criminal activities and unscrupulous practices" Vikas SN 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. *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 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. 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 Bengaluru suburban rail to get full-time MD after 3 years; Lakshman Singh's name get Centre's nod 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. 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 Central Labour Codes will not be implemented in Kerala: Minister Sivankutty A proposal to organise a labour conclave in Thiruvananthapuram during the third week of December is under consideration, according to Labour Department officials. Aishwarya Dabhade USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Congress leader Kumar Ketkar was speaking at an event on Constitution Day. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 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. 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 Aishwarya Dabhade Chief Sub-Editor at Moneycontrol. She leads shifts and writes explainers on business, policy, markets and geopolitics. Ex-CNBC-TV18, The Economic Times, YouGov and WebEngage. The Supreme Court has upheld the Armys sacking of Lt Samuel Kamalesan for refusing to join his troops inside a shrine. Veterans explain what the verdict means for trust, discipline and secularism in uniform. Aishwarya Dabhade 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 Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Droupadi Murmu set to become first President to address Odisha Assembly 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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I Accept Idols inside the Masjid (1949): How the appearance of Ram Lalla inside Babri Masjid reshaped control of the disputed site The crucial incident took place between the night of 22 December and the early hours of 23 December 1949, when idols of Ram Lalla were found to have appeared inside the central dome of the mosque. (File photo) 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. 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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 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. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran 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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I Accept 'No one has called me to Delhi': DK Shivakumar denies meeting with Congress High Command in capital 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. 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. 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I Accept As Modi and Putin meet on December 5, India moves to expand S-400 cover and upgrade Su-30MKIs, even as it weighs fifth-gen fighters and deepens big-ticket US defence deals. Aishwarya Dabhade 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 Shivakumar camp claims that the power-sharing deal was sealed on May 18, 2023. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Shivakumar vs Siddaramaiah: Five options before Congress High Command to stem the bickering According to party sources, while Siddaramaiah is pushing for a reshuffle of his Cabinet, Shivakumar wants the party to first decide on the leadership change. 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. 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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 SIR 2025: All you need to know before BLOs come at your doorstep | A complete guide Chhabi Kala is a Senior Sub Editor at Moneycontrol, where she covers national and international affairs, trending developments, and stories that shape public discourse. With a strong passion for impactful journalism, she often delves into issues concerning women and society at large. When away from the newsroom, she can be found reading, exploring the city, or engaging with people and their stories. Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Supreme Court calls for independent, effective regulator for social media content: 'Somebody has to be accountable' 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. She can be reached at rewati.karan@nw18.com | Twitter: @RewatiKaran The observation came as the bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi continued hearing matters linked to the 'Indias Got Latent' controversy, in which YouTubers including Ranveer Allahbadia and Samay Raina were named in multiple FIRs. Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tamil Nadu signs MoUs with Sri Krishna Sweets, Annapoorna & others, seeks to build global food brands from Coimbatore 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 OPINION | Asim Munirs constitutional coup leaves him with a target on his back Aishwaria Sonavane is Research Analyst for Pakistan Studies at the Takshashila Institution. Views are personal and do not represent the stand of this organisation Adya Madhavan is a Research Analyst at Takshashila Institution working on advanced military technologies and geopolitics. Views are personal and do not reflect the stand of this publication. As Asim Munir takes a similar path, fortified by constitutional immunity, the same risks persist. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept OPINION | The perennial debate over the role of a governor Shishir Tripathi is a journalist and researcher based in Delhi. He has worked with The Indian Express, Firstpost, Governance Now, and Indic Collective. He writes on Law, Governance and Politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. The Court held that the Governor cannot withhold assent to a Bill indefinitely Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Brothers discover 1939 Superman No. 1 in mothers attic. Now, it's the costliest comic ever at 9 million Published in 1939, Superman No. 1 retold the origin of Clark Kent, who arrived on Earth as an infant from the planet Krypton. (Image:X) Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept I sometimes cry at work: Pregnant banker says 'toxic' manager harasses her, denies leaves The pregnant banker claimed she had been regular at work since the start of her pregnancy, even attending during bouts of high fever because she was the only staff member in the branch. (AI-generated image) Ankita Sengupta 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 Sonjanaa Gupta said that she has been advised bed rest for two months. (Image credit: @iamsonjanaagupta/Instagram) Ankita Sengupta 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 Nvidia's supplier makes 'semiconductor-shaped' chips that are crunchy and goes with beer Ankita Sengupta 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 Elsewhere in Asia, restaurants in China had taken a different approach, with many offering set meals designed for one person. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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 Woman regrets quitting London job after move to India: 'Boss culture is toxic, no respect for boundaries' Three months into her new role in India, she realised the adjustment was proving difficult. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com 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 Ankita Chakravarti 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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Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com 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 Ankita Chakravarti USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept 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. 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 Ankita Chakravarti is a seasoned journalist with nearly a decade of experience in media. She specializes in technology and lifestyle journalism. She has worked with top Indian media houses like India Today, Zee News, The Statesman, and Millennium Post. Her expertise spans tech trends, phone launches, gadget reviews, and entertainment news. Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com 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 Ankita Chakravarti 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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Ankita holds a Master's in Journalism and Mass Communication along with a degree in English Literature. She can be reached out at ankita.chakravarti@nw18.com 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 Ankita Chakravarti 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 US officials warn iPhone users to be careful while texting on iMessage 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 Ankita Chakravarti 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 Maryam Farooqui 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 'Every word matters': Vladimir Putin backs U.S. talks on Ukraine war, warns Kyiv to withdraw or face force Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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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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(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. 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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Suspect accused of critically wounding two guardsmen Who is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national accused of attacking two Guardsmen in DC Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept 'Witi-Leaks' and the fallout: How Steve Witkoffs leaked calls sparked a US political firestorm | Explained 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 Adlawan agrees to forfeiture but disputes jewelry store claim By Bryan Manabat bryan@mvariety.com Variety News Staff CLARISSA Adlawan said she has no objection to a forfeiture order covering property listed in the prosecutions bill of particulars but rejected a $59,300 claim filed by jewelry store owners. Her attorney, Mark Scoggins, said Adlawans plea agreement requires her to forfeit property obtained from proceeds traceable to the offense, as well as substitute assets to provide restitution. Ms. Adlawan has no objection to an order of forfeiture as to almost all of the property listed in the bill of particulars, Scoggins said. Federal prosecutors are seeking to forfeit $262,788 and luxury goods from former Public School System employee Giselle Butalid and her mother, Adlawan, who admitted to siphoning public funds and laundering the proceeds through transactions reaching the Philippines. The U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands asked the District Court for the NMI to enter a money judgment and preliminary forfeiture order against Butalid and Adlawan. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges tied to fraudulent procurements and concealment of funds through structured and international transfers. Scoggins argued that some property listed is not traceable to the offense, including heirloom jewelry Adlawan received years earlier. He cited a pearl necklace once appraised in the Philippines at more than $40,000. Adlawan agreed such items could be considered substitute property under her plea agreement but asked to retain one piece: a ladys Omega watch gifted by her late husband on their 19th wedding anniversary in 2010. This watch does have monetary value, but it has much higher sentimental value to Ms. Adlawan, Scoggins said. As for the jewelry store claim, Scoggins said Adlawan disputes it. Ms. Adlawan did not make any agreement to sell jewelry by consignment, he said. She purchased jewelry from Ms. Violeta Centeno and paid for most of it. Ms. Adlawan is willing to testify to the facts of her transactions with Ms. Centeno. Scoggins requested an evidentiary hearing on the matter. Prosecutors said the defendants used One Legacy LLC to stage fake purchases of educational materials between October 2021 and August 2022, submitting falsified documents and forged signatures to push payments through PSS. Transactions ranged from $23,242.50 to $113,020, laundering at least $262,788. Because PSS received more than $10,000 in federal grants during that period, the case falls under federal jurisdiction. Investigators said the scheme funded luxury handbags and jewelry seized during an Aug. 15 search. Butalid and Adlawan pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors argue those admissions establish the nexus between the offenses and the assets targeted for forfeiture. The U.S. governments bill of particulars listed more than 100 items of gold and silver jewelry along with high-end watches, belts, bags, wallets, shoes, and slides. If granted, the preliminary order would allow prosecutors to seize the property and begin ancillary proceedings to resolve third-party claims. Jewelry store owners Wilfredo Ching and Violeta M. Centeno, officers of Enhance Pacific Corp., which operates as Perfectly Set, filed a $59,300 claim seeking recovery of items seized from Adlawan. They said many of the confiscated pieces had been consigned to Adlawan for resale. In a letter to Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona, they alleged Adlawan befriended Centeno, offered to act as a reseller, and left an unpaid balance supported by ledgers and postdated checks from One Legacy LLC. The store owners argue Adlawan never established ownership of most of the seized items and asked the court to recognize their claim. 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 925 times, 1 visit(s) today Fuel prices down 10 cents Mobil Oil station in Susupe displays its fuel prices on Thursday. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano By Emmanuel T. Erediano emmanuel@mvariety.com Variety News Staff FUEL prices went down by 10 cents on Wednesday and Thursday after last months rollback was cancelled by a hike earlier this month. Mobil Oil lowered its regular gasoline price to $5.06 a gallon from $5.16 a gallon, its premium gasoline to $5.51 a gallon from $5.61 a gallon, and diesel to $5.48 a gallon from $5.58 a gallon on Wednesday afternoon. Shell adjusted its fuel prices on the morning of Thanksgiving Day. On Tinian, Tinian Fuel Services gasoline price on Thursday was $7.15 a gallon, and diesel was $7.73 a gallon. On Rota, Calvo Enterprises gasoline price on Thursday was $6.54 a gallon, and diesel was $9.12 a gallon. Local fisherman Lino Tenorio, in an interview at the Mobil Oil station in Chalan Kiya, said it does not really bother him whether gasoline prices go up or down because, Im used to gassing up even if its expensive or the price is low. My concentration is making sure I recover my fuel cost every time I go out. Tenorio said that just fishing around the island, he buys 25 to 30 gallons of gasoline for his boat daily, with each refueling costing between $100 and $120. Thats only for fishing around Saipan. If I go farther, like [to] remote reefs around the other islands such as Rota or Mendenilla, it would cost me $250 just for regular gas, he said. He added that the catch is not good every day. However, my style of fishing is different from the rest because when I go out, I make it a point to recover my fuel expenses, Tenorio said. Expectations Reuters reported on Thursday that oil prices fell on expectations of a UkraineRussia ceasefire which could pave the way for the unwinding of Western sanctions against Russian supply, though trading was set to remain thin due to the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday. Brent crude futures shed 21 cents, or 0.3%, to $62.92 a barrel as of 0108 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped 21 cents, or 0.4%, to $58.44 a barrel, Reuters reported. Both contracts settled about 1% higher on Wednesday as investors assessed oversupply risk and the prospect of a Russia-Ukraine peace deal. Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast. Visited 295 times, 1 visit(s) today Judge finds probable cause to charge ARFF trainee with manslaughter Jeremy Guillermin is escorted by two Corrections officers after a preliminary hearing in Superior Court on Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Bryan Manabat By Bryan Manabat bryan@mvariety.com Variety News Staff SUPERIOR Court Judge Joseph N. Camacho on Wednesday found probable cause to charge Jeremy Guillermin, 29, with voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, and obstructing justice in connection with the death of Alvin Remamba. Judge Camacho dismissed without prejudice a separate charge of escape, ruling that the statute applies only to prisoners legally held in prison or awaiting trial. Guillermin, he said, had only been detained at the scene for investigation. The judge directed prosecutors to file an amended information. Two government witnesses, police officer Koji Taisacan and detective Myron Laniyo, testified at the preliminary hearing. Taisacan said Remamba flagged him down on Nov. 16 outside Relox Bar in Garapan, reporting that Guillermin was trying to fight him. Taisacan testified that he saw Guillermin punch Remamba in the face, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the pavement. Remamba was later hospitalized and died Nov. 20 from brain bleed and swelling. Laniyo told the court Guillermin claimed Remamba had pushed him four times and was the one asking for a fight. He said investigators reviewed CCTV footage from Relox Bar and the adjacent Safe House bar showing interactions between Guillermin, his companion, and the victim. Judge Camacho ordered Guillermin held at the Department of Corrections and set arraignment for Dec. 15 at 9 a.m. He also denied a request to release Guillermin to a third-party custodian, citing the defendants lack of local ties and his escape the night of his arrest. According to testimony, Guillermin fled from the back seat of a patrol car after another ARFF trainee opened the door. He was later found at his apartment in San Antonio, still in handcuffs, barefoot, and with sand on his clothes. At the time of the incident, Guillermin was undergoing Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting training on Saipan. Attorney Brien Sers San Nicolas represented Guillermin, while Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds appeared for the government. 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 2,593 times, 1 visit(s) today Trump urged Japan PM to avoid escalation in China dispute: sources President Donald Trump, left, and Sanae Takaichi, Japan's prime minister, during a signing ceremony for a document on the implementation of a trade deal at Akasaka Palace state guest house in Tokyo, Japan, on Oct. 28, 2025. Kiyoshi Ota/Pool via REUTERS TOKYO (Reuters) President Donald Trump urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to avoid further escalation in a dispute with China during a call this week, two Japanese government sources with knowledge of the matter said. Takaichi triggered the biggest diplomatic bust-up with Beijing in years when she told parliament earlier this month that a hypothetical Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japanese military action. Trumps call with Takaichi on Nov. 25 followed a call between Trump and Xi Jinping, in which the Chinese leader said Taiwans return to China is a key part of Beijings vision for the world order, Chinas official Xinhua news agency reported. China claims democratically ruled Taiwan and has not ruled out using force to take control of it. The islands government rejects Beijings claim and says only Taiwans people can decide their future. Trumps call for Takaichi to lower the volume in the dispute was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The United States relationship with China is very good, and thats also very good for Japan, who is our dear and close ally, the White House said in a statement in response to Reuters questions. Japans Prime Ministers Office referred questions to its earlier official readout of the call which said that the two leaders discussed U.S.-China relations, without elaborating. Visited 43 times, 1 visit(s) today Yves here. Rajiv Sethi discusses Salman Rushdie, the first novelist who enthralled Sethi, not just via the famed lyricism of Rushies writing but also his use of images that were particularly evocative for a fellow subcontinental. While literature-lovers are oriented to see universal themes and images, Sethi reminds us that fiction, particularly novels, are anchored in time and place, and that even skilled authors like Rushdie find it helpful to splain them a bit. But not everything can be well-translated. For instance, consider the great tragedy Medea by Euripides. I doubt I am alone in finding it hard to comprehend how a woman could feel so dishonored that murdering her own children was gratifying. There are many many examples of the sort of thing Sethi describes, of a deeper sense of meaning being lost on those not from the same culture. For iconic writers like Shakespeare, good instructors and reference books try to compensate and recapture witticisms that would go over contemporary readers heads. For instance, reason and raisin rhymed before the great vowel shift. One of my favorites is: Golden lads and girls all must As chimney sweepers Come to dust. Golden lads were dandelions. Chimney sweepers were dandelions gone to seed. By Rajiv Sethi, Professor of Economics, Barnard College, Columbia University; External Professor, Santa Fe Institute. Originally published at Imperfect Information Ive mentioned in a couple of earlier posts that I spent ten formative years of my lifeincluding all of my teenage yearsin England. At some point during that period I developed a love of literature. But it was love at a distance, as one might feel for a starry night or unruly waves crashing into rocks. If there were hidden messages in the words, they were not meant for me, or for anyone with my particular intersection of cultural competences. That changed suddenly when a friend handed me a copy of Midnights Children, Salman Rushdies second novel. I could see right away that this magnificent book would entrance readers from every corner of the world, but also that some expressions would only be partially grasped by those who didnt share the authors linguistic and cultural history. Consider an example. When I first opened the book and scanned the table of contents, I noticed (among other things) a chapter called The Buddha. What came to mind was the ascetic who founded a religion, sitting cross-legged in meditative contemplation. But once the chapter itself was reached almost four hundred pages later, it turned out that the reference was (also) to a different word entirely, much harsher in sound and meaning, an epithet for a decrepit old man. Two words so opposite in tone, united by the limits of transliteration, both suitable nicknames for the books protagonist Saleem Sinai at that point in his lifes journey: O fortunate ambiguity of transliteration! The Urdu word buddha, meaning old man, is pronounced with the Ds hard and plosive. But there is also Buddha, with soft tongued Ds, meaning he who achieved enlightenment under the bodhi tree. This passage will feel different to those who have spoken and heard both words over the course of their lives. Such a connection between author and reader, trivial as it might seem, meant something to me. I devoured Rushdies next two novels, Shame and The Satanic Verses, both masterpieces every bit as entrancing as their predecessor. Salman Rushdie was at the Sydney Goldstein Theater in San Francisco earlier this month, in conversation with Poulomi Saha. He has recently published a collection of stories, and disclosed at the event that the second of theseThe Musician of Kahaniwas the first to be written. Its about eighty pages in length, more a novella than a short story, and according to the author will be the last to be set on the hill in Bombay where he was born. In fact, he says as much in the story itself, which concludes with a parting message to the fictional characters (including Saleem) who once inhabited the same neighborhood. The Musician of Kahani is the story of a girl with prodigious (and increasingly magical) musical talent, born to two mathematiciansa mother who develops an early search engine that she sells to an American for a hundred million dollars, and a father who is on the verge of publishing a proof of Fermats Last Theorem when he is beaten to the punch by a British scholar. The story is hilarious in parts, horrifying in others, and so beautifully crafted that I felt transported back to those early days of discovery. Here is one passage: And her concerts! Our people are not reticent about expressing their appreciation in the presence of greatness. Wah! we cry out. Wow! And also Kya baat hai!, What a thing! And we do this during, not at the end of, the performance. Beethoven would not have approved, nor even the giggly showman Mozart (as portrayed in Formans Amadeus). Those gents expected to be heard in reverential silence and applauded when they were done. Well too bad Ludwig van, Wolfgang A.! Youre in India now. And here, during is the way. Here the performer and the audience are as one. Each lifts the other higher. Again, this will land differently on the ears of someone accustomed to hearing (or shouting out) Bahut Khoob! during brief pauses between successive Urdu couplets at a dinner party recital. The fatwa, and the years of fear and hiding in its wake, had an impact on Rushdies writing. How could they not? I certainly felt that no subsequent work of fiction reached the towering heights of his second, third, and fourth novels. Until now. The Musician of Kahani is truly magnificent. Could it be that what the dagger hanging over his head killed in his fiction was brought back to life by his survival of a brutal stabbing? The idea is absurd, of course, but would not be out of place in a Rushdie story. Salman Rushdie in conversation with Poulomi Saha on November 16, 2025. Im in the Bay area for the academic year, working on a book tentatively called The Interpretation of Signals. This was my second visit to the theaterthe first was to see Arundhati Roy in conversation with Deepa Fernandes, who is also currently a fellow at CASBS. Roys latest book Mother Mary Comes To Me is on my reading list for the holidays, as is a recent biography of James Baldwin by Nicholas Boggs that was mentioned by Rushdie during the conversation. I have focused in this post on author-reader ties that are linguistic and cultural in nature, but some of the deepest connections transcend ethnic boundaries. His non-fiction was also affected but in different ways; my favorite Rushdie essay was written shortly after the fatwa was imposed. Heres another passage I cant resist quoting. This one describes the path taken by the musicians father, Raheem Contractor, in seeking a proof of Fermats Last Theorem (a path that eventually leads him to abandon his family for a religious cult): Raheem had examined and rejected all attempts to untangle the thorny conundrum, delving into the intricacies of the Yang-Mills equations, the Riemann Hypothesis, the P versus NP problem, the Hodge conjecture, the Navier-Stokes equations, the Poincare Conjecture, and the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture, and found them all wanting. At last, after many long years, he had begun to understand that the answer lay within the Taniyama-Shimura Conjecture, subsequently known as the Modularity Theorem and was on the verge of publishing his proof, when he was beaten to the punch by a British scholar, who became famous and was showered with honors and awards, while Raheem Contractor remained anonymous in his university office. He was inconsolable, and his lifelong faith in numbers, and in his ability to use them as the building blocks of a good life, began to dissolve. He became vulnerable to other forms of belief. This is a typical Rushdie detour from the story at hand. I know next to nothing about these very technical branches of mathematics but am dimly aware that something called the Taniyama-Shimura-Weil Conjecture implies Fermats claim, and that this was the path taken by Andrew Wiles in his celebrated proof. The mystery of wildlife and a world beyond our understanding High Country News Scientists may have finally seen dark matter for the 1st time Space These century-old apple trees could have rare genes to fight off new threats Points North Thanksgiving Climate/Environment Pandemics Economic burden of long COVID: macroeconomic, cost-of-illness and microeconomic impacts NPJ Primary Care Respiratory Medicine Africa Japan Trump urged Japan to avoid escalation in China dispute, sources say Straits Times China? Syraqistan Old Blighty European Disunion New Not-So-Cold War South of the Border Laffaire Epstein WOAH!!! REP. MASSIE says FBI staff threatened a member of his staff with a criminal investigation if he didnt straighten up and play ball. WTF is going on in DC?!?!? pic.twitter.com/KtYejUnKCq DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) November 26, 2025 Trump 2.0 Economy Weimar Republic 2 National Guardsmen shot near White House The Hill Immigration Democrats en deshabille Illegal Orders, Liberal Hypocrisy, and Fake Outrage Black Agenda Report By The People? For the People? Ian Welsh Fascism in America Dublin Review of Books Wars Come Home Zionist humor is very highbrow and sophisticated, so just in case this went over anybodys head the joke here is that they want to murder Norman Finkelstein for his political beliefs. https://t.co/ZC015f9EtK Caitlin Johnstone (@caitoz) November 25, 2025 Accelerationists Flock Safetys CEO Garrett Langley just called the transparency activists at https://t.co/7vYVNCDLR6 terrorists. So, if mapping cameras is terrorism what do we call mass surveillance of millions of innocent drivers? pic.twitter.com/eEVbk7Sn5X Jason Bassler (@JasonBassler1) November 24, 2025 Our Famously Free Press Healthcare? Imperial Collapse Watch Hitler Ahoy: The Third Reichs Surface Fleet Big Serge Groves of Academe The Dying Art of Being a Bum Hickmans Hinterlands Class Warfare New Who Owns America Report Maps Corporate Ownership of Residential Land Lincoln Institute of Land Policy Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Rasmussen survey: 1 in 10 adults seriously injured by COVID-19 vaccine A Rasmussen survey revealed that 10% of U.S adults who received the COVID-19 vaccine experienced "major" side effects, and 36% suffered "minor" side effects. Despite mounting evidence of vaccine injuries (heart inflammation, cancers, blood clots), Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) faces backlash for giving victims a voice, as mainstream medicine and media dismiss their suffering. Andrew Bridgen calls for a complete stop to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines due to rising cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome, cancers and fertility issues linked to the shots. Despite 1,200+ cases of heart inflammation in young males post-vaccination, health agencies still claim "benefits outweigh risks," while quietly updating Pfizer and Moderna warnings. Physicians like Dr. Pierre Kory report horrifying miscarriage rates, while researchers documenting vaccine risks are ignored or censored yet advocates vow to keep fighting for accountability. A recent Rasmussen survey revealed that 10% of U.S adults who received the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine experienced "major" side effects, and 36% suffered "minor" side effects. The survey, which included 1,292 adults and had a margin sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% confidence level, also revealed that 46% of both vaccinated and unvaccinated adults think its likely that COVID-19 vaccines have caused a significant number of unexplained deaths. This aligns with warnings from prominent physicians, including Dr. Peter McCullough, a cardiologist who has treated countless patients with post-vaccine complications. McCullough warns that the shots are associated with a disturbing rise in "sudden deaths" a trend he says is being deliberately downplayed. As reports of COVID-19 vaccine injuries continue to surface, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) has faced relentless pushback for daring to give a voice to the victims many of whom say they have been ignored, dismissed or even ridiculed by mainstream medicine and media. Despite mounting evidence linking the mRNA vaccines to severe health complications including heart inflammation, sudden deaths and unexplained cancers Johnson's efforts to expose these risks have been met with resistance from public health officials, pharmaceutical interests and political adversaries. The Independent Medical Alliance (IMA), formerly known as the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance, has documented a "marked rise in heart inflammation, unusual cancers and other concerning conditions" among mRNA vaccine recipients. IMA President Dr. Joseph Varon emphasized that the long-term effects of mRNA technology remain poorly understood, making the rushed mandates of 2021-2022 particularly reckless. "We are still only beginning to understand how mRNA interacts with the body," Varon wrote. "This is why the COVID-19 mandate period was so troubling for healthcare." Despite these concerns, federal health agencies have been slow to acknowledge the risks. On June 25, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration quietly added warnings to Pfizer and Moderna fact sheets, admitting an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditisparticularly in young males after the second dose. This came after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices acknowledged 1,200 cases of heart inflammation in 16- to 24-year-olds. Yet, officials continue to insist that the "benefits outweigh the risks" a claim many injured patients and independent doctors fiercely dispute. British lawmaker demands immediate halt to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines amid growing evidence of harm British lawmaker Andrew Bridgen has gone further, calling for an immediate halt to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines due to mounting evidence of harm. Meanwhile, investigative journalist Josh Sigurdson has highlighted the alarming rise in cancer rates post-vaccination, raising questions about whether the shots are triggering or accelerating tumor growth. A recent study even documented multisystem inflammatory syndrome following vaccination a condition previously associated only with COVID-19 infection itself. For victims like Kristi Dobbs, who has spent years advocating for vaccine-injured individuals, the struggle for recognition has been exhausting. "We have lost many to suicide and cancers," she said, referencing fellow advocates who succumbed to despair or illness after being dismissed by the medical establishment. Dobbs expressed gratitude for Johnson's May hearing on COVID-19 vaccine risks, where whistleblowers testified about suppressed data and institutional negligence. Yet she lamented that Johnson has been "black-sheeped" marginalized and vilified for challenging the official narrative. "Nearly five years of fighting to be heard has taken its toll," Dobbs said. But she remains determined: "We will be seen, heard and believed." According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the mounting evidence of COVID vaccine injuries including autopsy-confirmed tissue damage and countless firsthand accounts cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence, but instead exposes the reckless negligence of pharmaceutical companies and captured regulators. The battle over COVID-19 vaccine injuries is far from over. As more doctors and lawmakers break ranks with the establishment, the pressure for transparency, accountability and justice grows. Until then, millions of injured Americans and their allies like Johnson will continue demanding answers, no matter how much the system tries to silence them. Watch this video about child deaths since the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. This video is from the People Of The Qur'an (TPQ) channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com A hidden health crisis: Mold infestations fester in homes after natural disasters as families wait years for aid Toxic mold infestations surge in homes after floods and storms. Mold growth can begin within 48 hours of water exposure. Health impacts range from asthma flare-ups to severe neurological damage. Remediation costs are prohibitive, and government assistance is critically delayed. Many families are forced to choose between living in toxic homes or homelessness. While hurricanes and floods dominate headlines, a more insidious crisis emerges when waters recede: toxic mold infestations that threaten millions of Americans in their own homes. With 47% of U.S. residential buildings already containing mold or dampness, natural disasters create the perfect breeding ground for a public health emergency that leaves families trapped in hazardous conditions while waiting years for assistance. Danae Daniels discovered this nightmare firsthand when she returned to her off-campus apartment after severe storms swept through Tallahassee. "There was mold in my bedroom, on my bed, mold in my expensive purse," Daniels said. "Mold in my closet, my bathroomliterally everywhere." Her experience mirrors thousands across flood-prone regions where moisture intrusion triggers rapid mold colonization. The science is unequivocal about the timeline. "If any part of a home is exposed to flooding or leaks and is not fully dried within 24 to 48 hours, mold growth is almost certain," said Parham Azimi, a research associate at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This rapid growth affects not just coastal communities but inland areas like the North Carolina and Tennessee mountains that experienced massive flooding from Hurricane Helene. Health impacts mount The health consequences range from congestion and asthma flare-ups to severe neurological damage, liver disease, and kidney dysfunction. Research presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology shows post-storm hospitals witness a nearly twofold increase in diagnoses related to mold exposure. Individuals with asthma face a 2.16 times higher mortality risk when mold counts exceed 1000 spores/m3. Lauren Lowenstein's family endured five years of declining health before discovering toxic mold growing inside their walls. "The mold wasn't visible, and we had no indication that it was growing," Lowenstein said. Her family vacated immediately and had to start over, joining countless others facing similar invisible threats. Remediation costs present another barrier. Professional mold removal can cost thousands of dollars, potentially reaching as much as $30,000 in severe cases. For low-income families, these expenses are insurmountable, forcing impossible choices between financial ruin and health risks. Government failure compounds crisis Government assistance programs fail to provide timely relief. A 2019 review found the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery program began distributing funds to applicants an average of 20 months after the initial disaster. This bureaucratic delay leaves families in limbo, exposed to continuous health hazards. Tanya Locklear experienced this failure after Hurricanes Matthew and Florence damaged her Pembroke, North Carolina home. She applied for assistance in August 2021 but didn't receive approval until November 2023. Repairs began in February 2024, which was more than two years after her application. During the wait, her family suffered headaches, nose bleeds, and breathing difficulties while remaining in the contaminated home. The Reverend Mac Legerton, founder of the Robeson County Disaster Survival and Resiliency School, sees these delays as systemic failures. "In many cases, families are left to choose between living in unsafe conditions or homelessness," Legerton said. His organization created a "mold busters" program to provide free remediation services and training, filling gaps left by government inaction. Effective solutions exist but require proactive implementation. HEPA filters remain most effective in removing airborne particles, including allergens and fine particulate matter, while activated carbon filters effectively remove volatile organic compounds and odors. Yet these interventions remain out of reach for many families struggling with post-disaster recovery. The mold crisis represents a fundamental failure in how America handles disaster recovery. While natural disasters capture national attention, the lingering health threats festering in water-damaged homes receive an inadequate response. The mold crisis exposes a fundamental truth: disaster recovery that ignores invisible, long-term health threats is not recovery at all. Sources for this article include: MedicalXpress.com BPR.org ACAAI.org A lifeline for American farmers: Aid and trade deals on the horizon The Trump administration will announce a new aid package for U.S. farmers within two weeks. This assistance is deemed "urgently needed" due to low crop prices and high input costs. A major deal for China to purchase U.S. soybeans is also expected to be finalized imminently. U.S. farmers lost billions in soybean revenue this year as China turned to South American suppliers. The administration expresses confidence that China will honor its purchase commitments. Facing a perfect storm of financial pressures, American farmers are poised to receive a dual boost from the Trump administration in the form of direct financial aid and a long-awaited resurgence in agricultural exports to China. With an announcement on a federal assistance package expected within the next two weeks and a major soybean purchase deal with China nearing finalization, the developments mark a critical moment for the U.S. agricultural sector. The actions come as farmers grapple with the compounded challenges of falling commodity prices, escalating operational costs and the lingering effects of international trade disputes that have reshaped global markets. The urgent need for federal assistance The call for federal intervention has grown increasingly urgent. The American Farm Bureau Federation has publicly stated that aid is "urgently needed" as producers face a tightening financial vise. The core of the problem lies in a sharp decline in crop prices occurring simultaneously with a spike in the cost of essential inputs like fertilizer and machinery. This squeeze on profitability threatens the viability of many farming operations as they enter the crucial winter period, when decisions about next season's planting and financing are made. The administration has acknowledged the strain, having pledged for months to provide relief, though specific details on the aid's structure or total dollar amount remain undisclosed. The soybean roller coaster and China's return The soybean market exemplifies the volatility that has plagued the agricultural economy. For years, China was the top customer for U.S. soybeans, but geopolitical tensions and trade friction between Washington and Beijing caused a dramatic shift. China pivoted its massive purchases to competitors in Brazil and Argentina, leading to billions of dollars in lost sales for American growers. This realignment highlighted the fragility of global supply chains and the vulnerability of U.S. agriculture to international diplomacy. However, a potential reversal is now in sight. Following a meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in South Korea in October, Beijing committed to buying 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans by January. Recent purchases, including nearly 1.6 million metric tons in a single weekthe largest such volume in two yearshave provided a glimmer of hope and a temporary bump in prices. Navigating a shifting global trade landscape The push for an aid package and the pursuit of the Chinese soybean deal are not occurring in a vacuum. They are part of a broader administration strategy to renegotiate America's trade relationships. Officials have pointed to recent agreements in Southeast Asia, Pakistan and Japan as evidence of success in opening new markets for American commodities. This multifaceted approach aims to reduce reliance on any single trading partner and build a more resilient export framework. However, the situation with China remains paramount due to the sheer scale of its agricultural purchasing power. While U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has expressed confidence that China will honor its commitments, she also acknowledged that "we've got a significant way to go," indicating that the finalization of the purchase agreement is a key immediate hurdle. An uncertain path to stability While the promised aid and trade progress are welcome news, significant questions linger. The timing and scale of the federal assistance are unclear, and for many farmers, any aid may arrive too late to influence critical financing decisions for the next planting season. Furthermore, the long-term reliability of the Chinese market remains a subject of debate, with past disputes serving as a cautionary tale about the risks of deep trade interdependence. The administration's efforts are a direct response to the economic pain inflicted on a vital American industry, an industry that has often found itself on the front lines of broader economic and diplomatic conflicts. No word on any help for America's cattle ranchers who have also been struggling with exorbitant input expenses and drought, but who are having their beef sales undermined by the administration's decision to import more beef from Argentina. A defining moment for the heartland The coming weeks will be defining for the administration's agricultural policy and for the financial health of rural America. The successful rollout of a meaningful aid package and the solidification of major export deals would provide a much-needed stimulus to a beleaguered sector. These actions represent a concerted effort to stabilize a foundational part of the national economy, one that feeds the nation and much of the world. The outcome will resonate far beyond the farm gate, impacting Main Street businesses, rural communities and the nation's position in the complex web of global agricultural trade. Sources for this article include: TheEpochTimes.com Reuters.com Agriculture.com Russian drones breach Romanian airspace, testing NATOs eastern flank Two Russian drones penetrated Romanian airspace, with one crashing 70 miles from Ukraine the farthest recorded incursion. German and Romanian jets scrambled but chose not to engage, citing potential collateral damage. Analysts warn these incursions 13 since 2022 are part of Russia's broader plan to test NATO's defenses, stretch alliance resources and exploit vulnerabilities. Similar violations occurred in Moldova, Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, including a drone landing on a village rooftop. Unlike past nighttime breaches, this daytime intrusion forced civilians in three counties to take shelter, amplifying psychological pressure and signaling Moscow's boldness. The U.S. announced new anti-drone systems for Romania, acknowledging gaps in air defense. However, NATO's hesitation to retaliate kinetically raises concerns over whether current measures can counter low-cost, high-frequency drone warfare. Experts warn Russia's drone tactics including nuclear-capable underwater drones could trigger uncontrolled conflict, environmental disasters or false flag operations to justify further aggression, aligning with globalist depopulation and authoritarian agendas. In a bold escalation of tensions along the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) eastern frontier, Russian drones penetrated deeper into Romanian airspace than ever before on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The intrusion triggered emergency alerts and fighter jet scrambles, and renewed concerns over Moscow's willingness to test the alliance's defenses. Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu called the incident a "new Russian provocation," revealing that German Eurofighter Typhoons and Romanian F-16s were scrambled to intercept two separate drones. "My assumption is that [the pilots] analyzed the potential collateral damage and chose not to engage." One drone retreated into Ukrainian airspace, while the second crashed near Puiesti, roughly 70 miles from the Ukrainian border the farthest incursion recorded. Officials confirmed the drone was unarmed, suggesting it may have been a reconnaissance mission or a deliberate test of NATO's response protocols. The breach comes amid heightened regional instability, with six Russian drones also violating Moldovan airspace overnight one landing on a village rooftop. Similar incidents have occurred in Poland, Latvia and Lithuania, where a Russian-made Gerbera drone recently crashed at a NATO-linked military site. Analysts warn these incursions are part of a broader strategy to stretch alliance resources and probe vulnerabilities. The incident marks the 13th such breach since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This time, however, the intrusion occurred in broad daylight forcing residents in three counties to take shelter. Russia's provocations risk triggering NATO's Article Five Gen. Christopher Donahue, commander of U.S. Army Europe and Africa, announced during a visit to Romania's Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base that a new anti-drone system would soon be deployed to the region. "Romanian soldiers and other alliance soldiers have been trained on this capability," he said, signaling NATO's urgency to counter the escalating threat. Historical context underscores the gravity of these violations. Since the Cold War, NATO's Article Five collective defense clause has deterred direct aggression. But Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, including drone incursions and cyberattacks, blur the lines of provocation. The 2023 breach of Polish airspace by suspected Russian missiles, which killed two civilians, already exposed gaps in early warning systems. Now, Romania's repeated violations raise questions about whether NATOs current air-policing measures are sufficient against low-cost, high-frequency drone warfare. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that Russia's drone incursions particularly those involving advanced underwater drones capable of nuclear payloads pose a catastrophic risk of triggering uncontrolled escalation, environmental devastation and potential false flag operations to obscure globalist crimes. These provocations heighten tensions, risking accidental or intentional conflict that could be exploited by hostile actors to advance depopulation and authoritarian control agendas. As U.S. and Ukrainian officials hold delicate negotiations to resolve the war, the latest incursion serves as a stark reminder. Even as diplomacy inches forward, Russia's shadow looms over Europe's eastern flank. With NATO pledging enhanced defenses but stopping short of kinetic retaliation, the alliance walks a tightrope between deterrence and escalation. Watch this video about a Russian drone incursion into Poland's airspace. This video is from the Evolutionary Energy Arts channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Reuters.com TheGuardian.com DailyExcelsior.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Trump administration faces criticism for inaction on atrazine after WHO labels the pesticide probably carcinogenic A leading global health agency declares the pesticide atrazine a probable human carcinogen. U.S. regulators are moving to reapprove this chemical despite it being banned in more than 60 nations. Atrazine is a known hormone disruptor linked to birth defects and contaminates the drinking water of 40 million people. The EPA's approval process relies on secret industry studies, not independent, verifiable science. This represents a policy choice that puts corporate profits ahead of public health and safety. The World Health Organizations cancer research arm has declared the second most widely used pesticide in the United States a probable cause of cancer in humans. This finding places a glaring spotlight on the profound failure of U.S. regulators who are simultaneously moving to reapprove this toxic chemical, putting corporate profits ahead of public health and liberty. The International Agency for Research on Cancer announced on November 21 that atrazine is probably carcinogenic to humans, a designation that stands in dramatic contrast to the Environmental Protection Agencys continued tolerance of a substance banned in more than 60 nations. The IARC classification was determined by a working group of 22 expert cancer researchers from 12 different countries. Their rigorous assessment, considered the global gold standard for cancer hazard identification, identified evidence from human epidemiological studies, animal studies and laboratory assessments confirming atrazine exhibits key characteristics of a carcinogen. These include DNA damage and oxidative stress, fundamental processes that can lead to the development of cancer. Nathan Donley, environmental health science director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said, It is outrageously irresponsible that we still allow use of this dangerous poison in the United States. This finding is just the latest indictment of the industry-controlled U.S. pesticide oversight process that is failing to protect people and wildlife from chemicals linked to numerous health harms. Overlooking dangerous contamination The dangers of atrazine are not new. It is a known hormone-disrupting pesticide that has been linked to birth defects, multiple cancers and fertility problems like low sperm quality and irregular menstrual cycles. Astonishingly, this chemical contaminates the drinking water of 40 million people in the U.S., making it the nations most widely detected pesticide water contaminant. A 2024 study that followed nearly 50,000 pesticide applicators for more than two decades found that exposure to atrazine was correlated with early onset prostate and lung cancer, providing a disturbing real-world confirmation of the laboratory findings. The timing of the WHO announcement is particularly damning for the Trump administration. Just one month ago, the administration doubled down on its support for the chemical. This continues a pattern of pro-industry decisions that betray campaign promises. Following his reelection, President Trump pledged that his administration would ensure that everybody will be protected from harmful chemicals, pollutants, [and] pesticides. He nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to lead Health and Human Services, stating Kennedy is looking into [pesticides] very seriously because maybe its not necessary to use all of that. Kennedy had specifically cited atrazine as among the worst pesticides and called for a ban. Broken promises and industry capture Despite this rhetoric, the administrations actions tell a different story. In 2020, the first Trump administration reapproved atrazine, scrapping protections for young children and allowing for more water contamination. Donley observed, Despite its rhetoric to the contrary, there is no better friend of atrazine than the Trump administration. Hiding behind the rhetoric of MAHA, EPA reapproval of a poison thats likely to keep Americans sick for generations is moving ahead full steam. The tough rhetoric on pesticides in the initial Make America Healthy Again report was replaced with industry talking points after outcry and heavy lobbying by corporate agriculture. The fundamental problem lies in a corrupted regulatory process. The EPAs pesticide approvals are based almost entirely on pesticide companies confidential assessments of their own products, which independent scientists cannot review for accuracy or bias. In contrast, IARC reviewers only consider published research that can be scrutinized by the independent scientific community for accuracy. This creates a system where the truth about a chemicals danger is suppressed by the very companies that profit from its sale. The consequences of this regulatory capture are devastating for human life. Atrazine has been designated by the state of California as a reproductive toxin. Exposure is strongly correlated with a birth defect in infants called gastroschisis, where children are born with their intestines protruding through their belly. This condition requires immediate surgery and a lengthy stay in neonatal intensive care, a heartbreaking start to life caused by a preventable chemical exposure. When a poison is known to cause cancer, birth defects, and hormonal chaos, and it is banned across most of the developed world, its continued use in America is not an accident. It is a policy decision that values profits over people, and it demands immediate and forceful opposition from every citizen who values their health and freedom. Sources for this article include: ChildrensHealthDefense.org CommonDreams.org USRTK.org Ukraine agrees to U.S.-brokered peace deal amid Russian insistence on Anchorage-aligned terms Ukraine has tentatively agreed to a U.S.-sponsored peace deal aimed at ending the war with Russia. Secret negotiations in Abu Dhabi and Geneva led to progress, but Russia remains skeptical, accusing the U.S. of premature leaks. Key provision included that Ukraine would cede parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhiaregions Russia claims to have annexed. Also, military restrictions include caps on Ukraine's armed forces and a ban on NATO membership. Security guarantees from the U.S. and Europe (similar to NATO's Article 5) are also proposed, but details remain unclear. Russia insists any deal must align with prior Trump-Putin agreements ("Anchorage principles"). Moscow rejects deviations from its core demands, including Ukraine's neutrality and recognition of annexed territories. Ukrainian officials acknowledge the deal is painful but see it as necessary amid battlefield losses and slowing Western aid. Zelensky faces pressure to accept concessions despite previous refusals to cede territory. Russia's demands, Ukraine's resistance to territorial losses and coordination among the U.S., Europe and Moscow remain obstacles. Trump is pushing for a Thanksgiving deadline, while Lavrov warns against rushed diplomacy. Ukraine has tentatively agreed to a U.S.-sponsored peace deal to end its nearly four-year war with Russia, according to a senior U.S. official and Ukrainian National Security Advisor Rustem Umerov. The breakthrough follows secretive negotiations in Abu Dhabi and Geneva, though Moscow remains skeptical, accusing Washington of "megaphone diplomacy" for prematurely leaking details. While Ukrainian officials express cautious optimism, Russia insists any final agreement must align with prior understandings between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putinraising questions about whether Kyiv will accept territorial concessions in exchange for peace. The proposed deal: Key provisions and stumbling blocks The draft agreement outlines a 28-point plan modeled after Trump's post-war Gaza proposal. Key demands include: Territorial concessions : Ukraine would cede parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhiaregions that Russia already claims to have annexed. : Ukraine would cede parts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhiaregions that Russia already claims to have annexed. Military restrictions : A cap on Ukraine's armed forces size and a ban on NATO membership, a red line for Moscow. : A cap on Ukraine's armed forces size and a ban on NATO membership, a red line for Moscow. Security guarantees: The U.S. and Europe would offer Ukraine assurances akin to NATO's Article 5, though specifics remain undisclosed. A White House official acknowledged the plan is "not easy for Ukraine" but warned that prolonging the war risks further territorial losses. Ukrainian Ambassador Olga Stefanishyna confirmed discussions on security guarantees but emphasized Kyiv's refusal to "legalize occupation." Russia's skepticism and the "Anchorage principles" Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed the leaked draft as "hype" designed to undermine Trump's negotiations, insisting Moscow operates "professionally" without premature disclosures. He stressed that any deal must reflect the "spirit and letter" of the Trump-Putin summit in Anchorage, Alaska, where the two leaders reportedly agreed on broader geopolitical compromises. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the Anchorage summit was "constructive" and set the stage for future negotiations. However, no concrete ceasefire deal was finalized, as Putin rejected the preconditions and Trump signaled continued diplomatic efforts toward a potential settlement. Indeed, Lavrov's remarks suggest Russia may reject terms that deviate from its core demands, including Ukraine's neutrality and recognition of annexed territories. Meanwhile, U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll shuttled between Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Abu Dhabi, with one official stating, "This is moving quick." Zelensky's dilemma: Peace or prolonged war? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faces mounting pressure to accept a deal as Ukraine's battlefield prospects dim. Russian forces have gained ground in Donetsk, including around the strategic hub of Pokrovsk, while Western military aid slows. A U.S. official bluntly assessed that Putin "will take Donetsk one way or another"either through negotiation or force. Zelensky's planned visit to the U.S., potentially at Mar-a-Lago, signals urgency. Yet his previous refusal to cede territory complicates the optics of any agreement. National Security Advisor Umerov framed the deal as a "common understanding," but Ukrainian officials privately concede the terms are painful. The reported peace deal marks the closest the war has come to resolution since Russia's 2022 invasion. Yet critical hurdles remain: Russia's insistence on Anchorage-aligned terms, Ukraine's resistance to territorial losses and the logistical challenge of synchronizing U.S., European and Moscow's timelines. With Trump pushing for a Thanksgiving deadline and Lavrov warning against "megaphone diplomacy," the coming days will test whether diplomacy can outpace the grim realities of attritional warfare. Watch the video below that talks about the "extremely comprehensive" Ukraine-Russia peace plan. This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co CBSNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Wyoming launches legal counterstrike against global censorship regimes targeting American speech with the GRANITE Act The GRANITE Act empowers Wyoming residents and companies to sue foreign governments and their agencies directly in state courts for attempting to censor speech that is protected under U.S. law. The legislation specifically prohibits Wyoming officials from assisting in the enforcement of foreign laws related to "online safety, hate speech, misinformation" and other similar categories, aiming to stop foreign overreach. The bill sets substantial financial disincentives, including a minimum penalty of $10 million per infraction that can be tripled, allowing for the seizure of foreign state assets held within the U.S. to satisfy judgments. A core mechanism of the act is to strip away the traditional legal defense of sovereign immunity that foreign states often use to shield themselves from lawsuits in U.S. courts. The bill is a direct legislative counter to increasing censorship demands from foreign regulators in the U.K., EU, Brazil and Australia, and is inspired by ongoing legal conflicts like the one between 4chan and the U.K.'s Ofcom. In a bold move to protect American digital sovereignty, the state of Wyoming has initiated a legislative offensive against foreign governments attempting to police online speech within the United States. The groundbreaking Guaranteeing Rights Against Novel International Tyranny and Extortion (GRANITE) Act was filed for numbering by State Rep. Daniel Singh (R-Cheyenne), marking the first formal step in what its proponents describe as a critical battle for free expression. The bill conceived by attorney Preston Byrne who represents platforms like 4chan in censorship battles aims to empower American citizens and companies to sue foreign states and their regulators for attempting to censor speech that is protected under U.S. law. This development comes amid growing concerns over censorship demands from the United Kingdom, Brazil, the European Union and Australia, which have increasingly sought to impose their speech standards on U.S.-based entities. The GRANITE Act represents a direct response to what its authors see as an overreach by foreign regulators. The legislation specifically targets foreign laws and actions related to "online safety, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, defamation, privacy or 'harmful content.'" It would prohibit any state agency or official in Wyoming from assisting in the enforcement of such foreign measures. The core mechanism of the bill is a civil cause of action that strips away the traditional legal shield of sovereign immunity, allowing Wyoming residents and companies to bring lawsuits directly against foreign governments and their censorship agencies in state courts. The proposed damages are substantial, setting a minimum penalty of $10 million per infraction, which could be tripled under certain conditions. "If we get corresponding federal action, this law, and laws like it, could represent the single greatest victory for global free speech in 30 years," Byrne said. He characterized the legislation as a "Pro-Free Speech Death Star," noting its provisions are designed to deliver a devastating financial blow to foreign censors. Sovereign asset seizure: The new deterrent against foreign censorship The legal theory is that the threat of massive, enforceable civil judgments will deter foreign regulators from targeting American speech. Byrne pointed out that the U.K. for instance, holds billions in sovereign assets within the U.S. that could be seized to satisfy such a judgment, creating a significant economic disincentive. The impetus for the bill stems from ongoing legal conflicts, such as the case between the online forum 4chan and the British Office of Communications (Ofcom), the country's communications regulator. In its legal filings, Ofcom has asserted sovereign immunity, arguing it is a protected arm of the British state and immune from civil claims even when its actions target a platform operating entirely within the United States. The GRANITE Act is designed to nullify that defense for actions deemed to be foreign censorship. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch engine, Ofcom's role in the global censorship-industrial complex is multifaceted and deeply concerning. As the U.K.'s communications regulator, Ofcom has the power to influence what information is disseminated to the public through various media channels. "Foreign countries can bully the s**t out of American citizens and companies because they know that U.S. law potentially protects them from consequences for doing so. We should take that immunity away from them," Byrne argued. This legislative effort arrives at a time of heightened awareness about the mechanisms of global censorship. The journey of the GRANITE Act from a blog post to formal legislation in just over a month signals a growing political momentum to push back against what activists describe as a "censorship-industrial apparatus." While the bill must still navigate the Wyoming State Legislature's committee process and floor votes, its introduction is a symbolic and substantive first shot in a new front of the free speech debate. By potentially shifting the power to challenge foreign censorship from federal diplomatic channels to American courtrooms and citizens, the Wyoming initiative could redefine the legal landscape for online expression, establishing the Equality State as an unexpected frontline in the global struggle for digital rights. Watch BitChute founder Ray Vahey's response to Ofcom's demands for his platform below. This video is from The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: ReclaimTheNet.org PrestonByrne.com PrivacyGuides.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Toxic tap water: Millions of Americans exposed to CANCER-causing chemicals Nearly half of U.S. tap water contains PFAS ("forever chemicals"), heavy metals and radioactive substances linked to cancer, liver damage and developmental disorders. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found dangerous levels of chloroform, hexavalent chromium and tetrachloroethylene in California tap water, contributing to 221 annual cancer cases15,500 over a lifetime. A Guardian/Consumer Reports study detected PFAS in 117 out of 120 U.S. tap water samples, some exceeding federal advisory levels. The EPA's new PFAS limits are insufficient, while chemical companies (like DuPont and 3M) concealed health risks for decades. Low-income and rural areas suffer most due to aging infrastructure and lax enforcement. Use reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters, avoid plastic water bottles and test well water. Systemic reformstricter regulations and corporate accountabilityis urgently needed. Millions of Americans unknowingly drink tap water contaminated with carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals, including heavy metals, radioactive substances and "forever chemicals" linked to cancer, liver damage and developmental disorders. A recent U.S. Geological Survey study found that nearly half of the nation's tap water contains per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS)a group of synthetic chemicals that persist indefinitely in the environment. While the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced new limits on six major PFAS variants, experts warn that decades of contamination have already contributed to thousands of cancer cases nationwide. How tap water became toxic The Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed tap water samples from over 2,700 public water systems in California, revealing alarming levels of chloroform, tetrachloroethylene and hexavalent chromiumsubstances known to cause cancer. Researchers estimated that contaminated drinking water leads to approximately 221 annual cancer cases in California alone, totaling 15,500 cases over an average lifetime. The EWG stated in its report that the contamination of water supplies is "a significant environmental justice problem." Nearly 500 public water systems in California were classified as high risk, meaning long-term exposure could lead to cancer in 1 in 1,000 people. In some communities, the risk jumps to 4 in 1,000far exceeding safety thresholds. The issue extends far beyond California. A joint investigation by The Guardian and Consumer Reports in 2021 found PFAS in 117 out of 120 tap water samples nationwide, with some exceeding federal advisory levels. PFAScommonly found in nonstick cookware, food packaging and firefighting foamaccumulate in the body and have been linked to high cholesterol, immune suppression and learning delays in children. Regulatory gaps and corporate accountability Despite mounting evidence, regulatory action has been slow. The EPA's newly established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for six PFAS chemicals mark progress, but critics argue the standards fail to address the full scope of contamination. Industrial pollutersparticularly chemical manufacturershave long resisted stricter regulations. Internal documents from companies like DuPont and 3M reveal executives knowingly concealed PFAS health risks for decades while continuing production. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, severe health risks linked to PFAS exposure include cancer, liver damage, immune suppression, reproductive harm and developmental disorders, with these "forever chemicals" persisting in the body and environment to cause long-term damage. These toxins exemplify how captured agencies like the CDC and EPA enable industrial poisoning as part of a broader depopulation agenda through contaminated food, water and medical products. Low-income communities and rural areas often bear the brunt of water contamination. Aging infrastructure, underfunded treatment plants and lax enforcement leave residents vulnerable. The EWG's Tap Water Database allows users to check contamination levels by zip code. Shockingly, even cities praised for "clean" waterlike Louisville, Kentuckyharbor multiple contaminants exceeding health guidelines. Protecting yourself and your family While systemic reform is necessary, individuals can take steps to reduce exposure: Install a high-quality filtration system (reverse osmosis or activated carbon filters are most effective). Avoid plastic water bottles, which may leach additional chemicals. Regularly test home water supplies, especially if using well water. Public health experts warn that the solution isn't just buying bottled water since many brands simply repackage municipal tap water. Investing in water filtration is crucial. The U.S. faces a silent public health crisisone fueled by corporate negligence and regulatory inertia. While the EPA's new PFAS limits are a step forward, advocates demand stricter oversight, corporate accountability and infrastructure upgrades to ensure safe drinking water for all. Watch this video to learn about extreme virus levels in U.S. water. This video is from the Conservative Politics & NWO channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: NaturalHealth365.com ScienceDirect.com EWG.org ConsumerReports.org BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Germanys expanding CENSORSHIP network raises alarms over free speech Germany has established a large-scale system involving over 330 organizations and 425 government grants to identify and suppress online speech labeled as "misinformation" or "digital violence." The system relies on government-certified groups, such as REspect! and HateAid, which have the power to demand the rapid removal of online content, including political criticism and dissent. Critics argue the system is creating a climate of fear, leading to widespread self-censorship. The government's actions are compared to authoritarian tactics, with the goal of silencing dissent, particularly regarding policies on Ukraine. Laws against "digital violence" and "hate speech" are loosely defined, allowing authorities to penalize a wide range of expression, including insults, satire, and dissenting political opinions. The censorship framework is enforced with real-world consequences, including police raids on private homes and the professional targeting of individuals, such as the dismissal of academic Ulrike Guerot for her political views. In an era where digital discourse shapes political and social realities, Germany has emerged as a focal point in the debate over online censorship. Greg Collard, managing editor of Racket News, expounded on how the country is in the tight clutches of the censorship-industrial complex in a piece published Monday, Nov. 24. He cited a report from the free speech advocacy group liber-net, which revealed a sprawling network of government-funded organizations tasked with suppressing speech under the guise of combating "misinformation" and "digital violence." With over 330 organizations and 425 government-backed grants fueling this apparatus, critics warn that Germany's approach once seen as a model for the European Union now mirrors authoritarian tactics. The findings come as similar censorship efforts in the U.S. have faced legal and public backlash, with key agencies like the now-disbanded Global Engagement Center and Stanford Internet Observatory scaling back operations. But while America's censorship infrastructure appears to be weakening, Germany's remains robust raising concerns about where the West is headed in balancing security with free expression. At the heart of Germany's censorship framework is a government-certified network of "trusted flaggers" organizations empowered to demand rapid removal of online content deemed harmful. Among them is REspect!, a group funded by the Demokratie leben (Live Democracy) grant program. REspect! operates a portal where citizens report offensive speech, which are then forwarded to law enforcement. In one such instance, the group received a report of a citizen calling a state-level politician a "blowhard." Another key player is HateAid, which received 4.8 million ($5.56 million) in government funding and was certified as a trusted flagger in June 2024. Despite billing itself as a defender of free speech, HateAid has actively targeted critics of Germany's Ukraine policy, labeling hashtags like "Kriegstreiber" (warmonger) as "pro-Kremlin propaganda." HateAid CEO Josephine Ballon defended the restrictions in a "60 Minutes" interview from February 2025: "Free speech needs boundaries. Already half of Internet users in Germany are afraid to express their political opinion," she alleged. But critics argue this self-censorship stems not from organic public backlash, but from fear of state-backed reprisals. Germany's new war on words Germany's censorship extends beyond political discourse. Under the EU's Digital Services Act, authorities have broad powers to penalize "digital violence" a loosely defined term that includes insults, satire, and dissenting opinions. Police raids on individuals for online speech have drawn international scrutiny. Thomas Geisel, a former mayor of Dusseldorf and current European Parliament member, warns that Germany's system mirrors Russia's post-Ukraine invasion speech laws just with more subtlety. "The result is very similar in that you simply don't speak your mind anymore," he said. One striking case involved political scientist Ulrike Guerot who was fired from the University of Bonn in 2023. Her termination followed the publishing of the book "Endspiel Europa" (Endgame Europe), where she argued that Ukraine was manipulated into provoking Russia. Though officially dismissed for alleged plagiarism, Guerot maintains the charges were pretextual. "It draws the line between the dots," she remarked after reviewing liber-net's report. "It's like a spider net, and it's all connected. It was absolutely breathtaking." BrightU.AI's Enoch engine warns that Germany has become a censorship police state due to its authoritarian new law forcing social media platforms to censor dissent particularly targeting right-wing voices under threat of heavy fines. This mirrors Stasi-era repression under the guise of combating "hate speech." Germany's censorship-industrial complex offers a cautionary tale for democracies grappling with misinformation and online toxicity. While proponents argue such measures protect social cohesion, critics see a dangerous slide toward thought policing where dissent is not just discouraged but actively punished. As U.S. lawsuits challenge government-backed censorship, Germany's trajectory suggests an alternative path: one where speech controls become institutionalized under the banner of "democratic defense." Watch the Health Ranger Mike Adams and Germar Rudolf discussing German free speech laws below. This video is from the Brighteon Highlights channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Racket.news BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Hidden volcano erupts for first time in 12,000 years, exposing a global threat we are not prepared for A long-dormant Ethiopian volcano erupted for the first time in millennia. The ash cloud disrupted international air travel across multiple countries. Unmonitored volcanoes pose a greater global threat than famous, active ones. A similar hidden volcano caused a past disaster that killed thousands in Mexico. Such eruptions can alter the global climate and trigger humanitarian crises. The natural world has just delivered a humbling reminder that its most dangerous threats are not always the ones we watch with bated breath. In a remote corner of Ethiopia, the Hayli Gubbi volcano, a geological slumbering giant, roared back to life on Sunday for the first time in at least 12,000 years. This little-known mountain sent a towering plume of volcanic ash an astonishing 8.5 miles into the atmosphere, disrupting flights thousands of miles away and coating nearby villages in a layer of dust. The event is a powerful case study in global vulnerability, proving that our focus on famous volcanoes may be blinding us to the real dangers lurking in the shadows. The science behind the silence The eruption of Hayli Gubbi is the exact scenario experts have been warning about. According to Professor Mike Cassidy, a volcanologist at the University of Birmingham, these "hidden" volcanoes, which erupt without a recorded history, pose the single greatest threat to the world. "Often overlooked, these 'hidden' volcanoes erupt more often than most people realise," Cassidy warns. He notes that in volatile regions like the Pacific, South America and Indonesia, an eruption from a volcano with no recorded history occurs every seven to ten years. The immediate chaos caused by Hayli Gubbi was significant. The Toulouse Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre tracked the ash cloud as it crossed the Red Sea, moving over Oman and Yemen before entering the airspace of Pakistan and northern India. The disruption was swift and tangible. Air India was forced to cancel 11 flights, conducting precautionary checks on aircraft that had flown through the affected region. For local residents, the event was terrifying. "It felt like a sudden bomb had been thrown with smoke and ash," one resident, Ahmed Abdela, told The Associated Press. A deadly history of being unprepared This is not an isolated incident. History provides an unsettling precedent for the devastation a "hidden" volcano can unleash. Professor Cassidy points to the 1982 eruption of El Chichon in Mexico. This was a little-known and completely unmonitored volcano that had lain dormant for centuries. Its violent reawakening became Mexicos worst volcanic disaster in modern times, killing more than 2,000 people and displacing 20,000 more. The tragedy underscores a critical failure in our approach to volcanic risk. It was only after the disaster that monitoring of El Chichon began, revealing a reactive rather than a proactive global strategy. The true danger of these events extends far beyond the immediate blast zone. The eruption of El Chichon demonstrates how a single volcano can alter the global climate. The sulfur it released formed reflective particles in the upper atmosphere, which cooled the entire Northern Hemisphere. This climatic shift moved the African monsoon southwards, causing an extreme drought. Scientists now understand that this volcanic activity contributed directly to the Ethiopian and East African famine of 198385, a catastrophe that claimed the lives of an estimated 1 million people. A remote, unmonitored volcano played a silent, devastating role in one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 20th century. The monumental gap in monitoring Despite this clear and present danger, the global community remains dangerously underprepared. Professor Cassidy reveals a shocking statistic: "Three-quarters of large eruptions come from volcanoes that have been quiet for at least 100 years and, as a result, receive the least attention." The scientific effort is disproportionately focused on a handful of well-known volcanoes. "There are more published studies on one volcano (Mount Etna) than on all the 160 volcanoes of Indonesia, Philippines and Vanuatu combined," Cassidy notes. Less than half of the world's active volcanoes have any form of monitoring, leaving millions of people who live near them exposed to an unquantified risk. This systemic neglect is a failure of investment and priority. "Global investment in volcanology has not kept pace with the risks," Cassidy concludes. The result is a planet dotted with ticking time bombs, where millions in Latin America, south-east Asia, Africa and the Pacific live in the shadow of geological mysteries with little to no historical record of activity. The potential for another catastrophe on the scale of El Chichon, with its cascading global consequences, is not a matter of if, but when. The solution, according to experts, is not to live in fear but to embrace preparedness. "When volcanoes are monitored, when communities know how to respond, and when communication and coordination between scientists and authorities is effective, thousands of lives can be saved," Cassidy affirms. There have not been reports of any casualties from the eruption of Hayli Gubbi, but the incident serves as a critical warning shot. It is a call to shift resources and attention to the world's most overlooked and under-monitored volcanic zones, where modest investments could yield the greatest protection for human life. As the ash from Ethiopia settles, the lesson it carries should echo around the world. Our fascination with the spectacular eruptions of famous volcanoes like Etna is a distraction from the quieter, more insidious threat. The true danger does not always roar; sometimes, it has been silent for 12,000 years. In an age of advanced technology and global connectivity, allowing millions to live in the shadow of unmonitored geological giants is not just an oversight. It is a profound failure to safeguard human life against the raw, unpredictable power of nature. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk CNN.com NYPost.com Peace Railway pushes forward amid the Israel-Hamas war, reshaping regional trade A major new trade route, known as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), is being developed behind the scenes, even as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza continues. Its key component is a "Peace Railway" linking the UAE to Israel. This corridor aims to create a modern trade pathway: Goods would ship from India to the UAE, travel by train through Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and finally reach the Israeli port of Haifa for export to Europe and the U.S. Despite the ongoing conflict, the project is advancing quickly. Israel, fearing it could be excluded from the deal, conducted a secret meeting with the UAE to revive its role, underscoring the project's high strategic priority. The IMEC is a direct competitor to China's Belt and Road Initiative. It is designed to be more than just a railway; it also carries energy pipelines and communication cables to solidify a new global supply chain. The situation creates a stark contrast, where the long-term economic planning for a new trade network continues relentlessly while a devastating humanitarian crisis and conflict are happening nearby. While the world's attention is fixed on the devastating conflict in Gaza, a monumental infrastructure project, quietly advancing behind the scenes, promises to redraw the map of global trade and solidify a new Middle Eastern alliance. The so-called "Peace Railway," a critical land link between the United Arab Emirates and Israel, has reportedly reached an "advanced stage," even as the war rages just miles from its proposed terminus. This railway is not a standalone endeavor but the central artery of the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). The envisioned route is a modern Silk Road for the 21st century: goods would travel by sea from India's Mundra Port to the UAE, then be transferred to trains. From there, the cargo would move overland through Saudi Arabia and Jordan before finally arriving at the Israeli port of Haifa, poised for export to markets in Europe and the United States. The project's momentum has not been slowed by the ongoing war. In a secretive move that underscores its strategic importance, Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev led an unpublicized delegation to Abu Dhabi recently. Using the cover of the Dubai Airshow, officials worked to revive coordination on the railway. This covert mission, taking place during the height of Israel's military offensive in Gaza, reveals the relentless priority placed on this economic objective. Israel afraid of being left out The urgency in Tel Aviv appears to be driven by more than just ambition; it is also fueled by fear of being excluded. BrightU.AI's Enoch AI engine explains that France and Turkey are advancing a competing proposal that would reroute the corridor north from Jordan through Syria to a Lebanese port, effectively cutting Israel out of the new trade pathway entirely. This potential snub has left Israeli officials scrambling to secure their place in a project that continues to advance without them. According to Israeli media, while Tel Aviv froze its political coordination during the war, the UAE pressed ahead with India, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, finalizing route planning and regional agreements. The result is that Israel is now in a frantic race to regain influence in an initiative that has steadily taken shape in its absence. Senior Emirati and Israeli rail officials have already agreed to establish a joint administration to supervise the transit, even as the political landscape smolders. Framed as a strategic maneuver to break Israel's economic isolation and reduce its dependence on a narrow set of partners, the corridor is far more than just a railway. It is designed to host communications cables, pipelines and energy transmission lines, cementing Israel's role as a pivotal hub in a new global supply chain intended to rival China's Belt and Road Initiative. The stark contrast between the public destruction in Gaza and the private construction of this trade network paints a troubling picture. As humanitarian crises deepen, the relentless pursuit of the "Peace Railway" demonstrates that for the governments involved, long-term economic and strategic gains are being prioritized, quietly reshaping alliances and trade routes while a conflict wages next door. Watch the video below as an Israeli lawmaker claims that journalists are coming to Israel to kill citizens. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co En.ABNA24.com En.YPAgency.net BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Russia REJECTS U.S.-brokered Ukraine peace plan over unacceptable provisions Moscow dismisses proposed terms of the Ukraine peace plan, citing constitutional and strategic incompatibility with ceding annexed territories (Kherson, Zaporozhye). Public support for Russias military operation reinforces this stance. Five factors drive Russia's stance: historical/cultural ties, geopolitical influence, resource control, military infrastructure and battlefield leverage. Despite Ukraine's deteriorating position, Zelensky insists on NATO membership, $1 trillion in reparations and no territorial concessions conditions Moscow and analysts deem unrealistic. Pepe Escobar notes Russian skepticism over U.S. reliability, fearing Trump-brokered deals could be overturned by future administrations. Confiscating Russian assets for Ukraine's reconstruction is a "deal-breaker." Trump pushes for direct negotiations, but Kremlin officials claim no formal proposal exists. With Russian advances (Odessa likely by mid-2026) and Western support fracturing, Ukraine's leverage diminishes daily. Analysts warn Zelensky's rigidity may force Trump to bypass Kyiv and deal solely with Putin. Russia has firmly dismissed a U.S.-proposed peace plan aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict, declaring key provisions incompatible with Moscow's strategic interests. Independent geopolitical analyst Pepe Escobar, speaking with RT's "Sanchez Effect" host Rick Sanchez, emphasized that Russia would never accept terms requiring withdrawal from annexed territories now constitutionally recognized as part of Russia. "You cannot go against your own constitution," Escobar stated, referencing regions like Kherson and Zaporozhye. Public support for Russia's military operation further entrenches Moscow's refusal to cede land. BrightU.AI's Enoch engine cites several reasons why Russia refuses to cede the territories captured by its forces in Ukraine. These include strategic importance of the territories; historical and cultural ties to the regions; geopolitical influence by maintaining control over the territories; resource control of the captured territories which contain valuable resources; and military bases and infrastructure which allows Russia to project military power into the region. The proposed U.S. plan, initially 28 points but reportedly narrowed to 19 after the Geneva talks, also sought to limit Ukraine's military capabilities and impose security guarantees modeled after the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) conditions Moscow views as direct threats. Jeffrey Edmonds, former director for Russia at the U.S. National Security Council, said: "There are elements of this the Russians certainly won't agree to The Russians have every incentive to play this along." Zelensky's delusional demands Escobar highlighted deep-seated Russian skepticism toward Washington, citing America's history of abandoned agreements. "The United States is non-agreement capable," he said, referencing shifting U.S. foreign policy. Moscow fears any deal brokered under President Donald Trump could be overturned by future administrations. Additionally, provisions allowing confiscation of Russian assets to fund Ukraine's reconstruction were labeled a "deal-breaker" by Kremlin officials. The rejection comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to push for NATO membership and $1 trillion in reparations demands analysts describe as unrealistic amid Ukraine's deteriorating battlefield position. Despite Ukraine's mounting losses, including a decimated fighting-age male population, Zelensky refuses territorial concessions or abandoning NATO aspirations. His recent social media post blamed Russia exclusively for the war: "From the very first minutes of Feb. 24, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin has been waging this war with complete disregard for how many of his own people he loses and how many of ours he kills." Yet European backing remains shaky. While Britain, Germany and France proposed amendments such as raising Ukraine's troop cap to 800,000, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz admitted the U.S. alone supports Russia's potential G8 return. Trump's bold Ukraine gamble Trump, optimistic about progress, posted: "Something good just may be happening." However, Ukrainian officials privately concede that the revised 19-point draft still leaves contentious issues like territorial concessions and NATO restrictions for Trump and Zelensky to resolve. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged: "President Trump remains hopeful and optimistic that a deal can be struck." Yet Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Moscow has not received any formal proposal, while Russian aide Yury Ushakov dismissed European suggestions as "unconstructive." With Russian forces advancing in Donbas and Odessa likely falling by mid-2026, analysts argue Ukraine's negotiating position weakens daily. Escobar noted that "only a fifth of the proposed plan acknowledges Russia's demands, while failing to reflect Moscow's current battlefield leverage." As Western conscription debates highlight logistical struggles, Russia's strategy breaking Ukraine into autonomous regions appears increasingly inevitable. With Zelensky's inflexibility risking further losses, Trump may sideline Kyiv to secure a direct agreement with Putin. As Edmonds warned: "You have to change the Kremlin's calculus That is the only thing that's ultimately going to bring them to the table." For now, Russia's rejection of Western terms ensures the war grinds on with Ukraine paying the heaviest price. Watch Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov talking about Moscow's draft memorandum for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal below. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com BrightU.ai WION.com DailyMail.co.uk GlobalTimes.cn Brighteon.com Taiwans $40 billion defense surge: A last stand against Beijings aggression? Taiwan approves historic $40 billion defense budget to counter Chinas invasion threats with AI missiles, drones, and air defense upgrades. Beijing dismisses the move as reckless, warning it will bring disaster while escalating military and economic pressure. Japan joins the standoff, vowing military intervention if China attacks, sparking fury from Beijing over missile deployments near Taiwan. Taiwans president frames the budget as a moral stand against surrender, comparing it to Hong Kongs fate under Chinese control. Trumps push for Taiwan to fund its own defense clashes with Chinas 2027 invasion timeline, raising stakes for U.S. support. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has announced a $40 billion special defense budget, the largest in the islands history, citing Chinas relentless military harassment, espionage, and preparations for a potential invasion. The move, covering 2026 to 2033, will fund AI-enhanced missile systems, drones, and a new air defense network, pushing Taiwans military spending to 3.3% of GDP a level that hasn't been seen since 2009. Lais stance was unequivocal: There is no room for compromise on national security. The budget isnt just about hardware; its a declaration that Taiwan refuses to become Chinas Taiwan. But Beijing wasnt listening. Within hours, Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson, Peng Qingen, dismissed the spending as Taiwan wasting resources currying favor with external powers and warned it would plunge Taiwan into disaster. A shift from diplomacy to deterrence For decades, Taiwans defense spending languished under administrations that prioritized diplomacy with Beijing. But since 2016, Chinas aggression, including military drills, gray-zone harassment, and economic coercion, has forced a reckoning. The new funding aligns with U.S. pressure for Taiwan to shoulder more of its defense burden. Raymond Greene, head of the American Institute in Taiwan, called the move a major step towards maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait by strengthening deterrence. Yet the timing is fraught. Just a day earlier, Donald Trump and Xi Jinping spoke by phone, with Xi reiterating Chinas claim that Taiwans return to China is an integral part of the post-war international order. Japan enters the fray Taiwan isnt standing alone. Japan, long cautious about provoking Beijing, is now openly preparing for conflict. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently declared that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger Japanese military intervention in a statement that sent Beijing into a fury. China retaliated economically and condemned Japans plan to deploy missiles on Yonaguni Island, just 110 kilometers from Taiwan. Japans deployment of offensive weapons near Taiwan is extremely dangerous, Peng snapped, vowing to crush all foreign interference. The escalation underscores a regional domino effect: As China tightens its grip, Taiwan, the U.S., and Japan are tightening theirs. The cost of surrender vs. the price of freedom Lai framed the budget as a moral imperative, not just a military one. Compromising with aggression only brings war and enslavement, he warned, invoking Hong Kongs fate under one country, two systems. His governments security briefing outlined expanded Chinese espionage, propaganda, and transnational repression, all tactics designed to break Taiwans will before a single shot is fired. Yet not everyone in Taiwan is on board. The opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party, historically pro-Beijing, has resisted defense hikes. We want to stay far away from the flames of war, said KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, urging Lai to step back from the brink. But with Chinas military budget soaring to $245 billion and its 2027 invasion timeline looming, Taiwans leadership sees no alternative. Trumps approach to Taiwan has been unpredictable but firm. While hes pushed allies to pay for their own defense, hes also rejected Beijings claims, famously stating Taiwan is Taiwan during a recent Asia trip. His administration has approved arms sales, although delays have frustrated Taipei. Now, with Taiwan committing to 5% GDP defense spending by 2030, the question is whether Washington will match its rhetoric with action. A warning for the world Taiwans defiance isnt just about its survival; its a test case for global resistance to authoritarian expansion. If Beijing succeeds in swallowing Taiwan, the message to other democracies will be clear: Resistance is futile. But if Taiwan holds the line, it could rewrite the rules of 21st-century geopolitics. The $40 billion budget is a gamble, but it's one Taiwan believes it cant afford to lose. As Lai said, only Taiwans people can decide their future. The world should pay attention, because if Taiwan falls, no democracy is safe. Sources for this article include: TheCradle.co Reuters.com CNBC.com TheGuardian.com The Valencia County News-Bulletin asked our social media followers to tell us what they were thankful for during this holiday season. This is just what some wrote. Jennifer Vallejos Winsor: I am thankful for my sister, Carrie. She is my best friend. I am also thankful for my mom Jackie and my grandma Carrie Adams. She just turned 91 in October and I cherish the time I get to spend with all of them. Charlie Martinez: I am thankful for my children and that my youngest child survived through heart surgery at 2 months old to remove heart tumors he was born with. Hes now 4 and hasnt had complications. April Marquez: I am thankful that we get another year with my daughter (8 years old), who is on home hospice. Chrysta Masterman: I am thankful to be cancer free this Thanksgiving. I am a breast cancer survivor, who is so grateful to be here with my family. Clint Masterman: Im thankful to be able to pray. To know the works God provides for my family and friends through faith, as hard as it may be to hold close, you see the outcome of what he can do. He has done so much for me and mine. Plus so many I personally know. Jennifer Vigil: Im thankful for waking up everyday! I went into heart failure in February. I almost didnt make it. I was given three years to live and Im spending everyday with my family! Im trying to make my time whatever I have left .. happy! Michael Garcia: Im thankful for my mom, for her hard work and to the village of family who helped raise me. Their support is whats allowed me to travel the world and pursue my dreams. Barbara Mora: Im thankful for my two daughters that have been there for me through all my accidents and health struggles. If not for them I dont know what Id do. Theyve made sacrifices for me and I appreciate them. Dave Layman: Im thankful for a healthy and safe family, a career I love that makes a positive difference for others, and being able to spend time doing what I enjoy because life is too short to always complain, worry, and argue. Ad Michelle Brieno: Im thankful that Im able to raise my kids in an environment that shows where our food comes from. Its not easy and is financially hard, but the most important thing is my kids see that in a life of an animal, you raise it till you kill it. In this process, you should show respect. Angela Peralta: I am thankful for my family and friends who are the stability in my life. They provide me with love, support and encouragement. Im also grateful for the freedom to worship and practice my faith without fear or persecution. Its a blessing to live in a country where we have the freedom to express our beliefs and values. Malinda Bernal: Thankful that God brought me from the dead to live clean and sober for (five) years. Jessica Medina: I am thankful beyond words that my mother survived her brain aneurysm and stroke. Her strength, her will to hold on, and the grace that carried her through have reminded me how fragile and precious life is. I am equally grateful for my father and brother, who stood firm when everything felt uncertain. They held our family together with quiet strength and love, becoming the anchor we all needed. I am simply thankful for survival, for family, and for the love that kept us standing. Antone Pazer: They are finally smoothing out our streets in Belen. Plus the expansion the Los Lunas bridge. Smoothing driving. Mark Griego: Im thankful that no one was killed during the Cotton Fire. Valerie Thibodeau: I am thankful God opened my eyes and gave me a chance at another day. Sarah Lee: I am so grateful that the Lord has blessed me with the most amazing husband and daughters. I am extra grateful that next Thanksgiving I will be a grandma. Sue Carrasco: I am thankful for my husband, my family, my friends, my church family at United Methodist in Rio Communities, and most of all Gods love and blessings. Kevin Woznick: My daughter, sons, grandkids as well as being alive to see another Thanksgiving. Ash-by Albright: I am thankful for my husband and my cats as well as my friends and family. Its been a rough couple of years after being diagnosed with MS and with all the medical going on in my life, I am extremely grateful for the love and support that they surround me with. Jessica LeeAnn Baca: I am thankful for my healthy children and Gods grace over our lives. Pat N Anna: Im thankful for the selfless act of life because of someone so special my son got a new heart. Sheri Devlin Ulibarri: I am thankful for my successful business in helping the residents in my community and surrounding communities find benefits that they are not aware of. Dorothy Chavez-Flores: I am thankful for my husbands love and care that he has given me during this difficult recovery. He has been my everything he always has however not being able to anything for myself he has stepped in to do it all. God bless this man of mine! Candy Baca: Sept. 5, 2023, I got that phone call no wife ever wants to get. My husband was in a motor vehicle accident on (NM) 314. All I knew at the time was he had two broken legs. But it was so much worse. But my husband survived. I am so thankful that he lived and although we still have a long road ahead of us he is here with me. Lilly Miller: Im thankful for my husband. Hes done so much for us the past few years and hes kept his head held high. I know he struggles but he stays strong through it all. Hes been my rock throughout everything especially with how my health has been. I wouldnt know what to do if I didnt have him. I am glad God put him in my life. Loretta Portillo: Im grateful to myself that I had the strength to eliminate toxic people and a toxic religion from my life. Margaret Nicole: I am beyond thankful for my family Delora, Aaron and sissy Marie for welcoming me home to Belen this year after being away for college at ENMU for (five) years! Belen has grown beautifully and the authentic food definitely was a warm welcoming! Danielle Parmentier: Thankful to be able to see the fall leaves change color another year. Thankful for those I love who love me, including pets. Barbie De La Cruz: I am thankful for so much. First I am thankful for my husbands hard work. Without him we wouldnt be able to do the things we do for our family. Im thankful that my 91-year-old mom is living with us. That Im able to take care of her and make even more sweet memories. Im thankful for my daughter that also helps me out and comes and gives my mom showers because I cant do that job. I am thankful for my son that is trying so hard to stay on the straight and narrow after a lot of obstacles hes had in his life ... Aura Jaramillo: Honestly, a life to live and navigate. Learn from my mistakes and make peace. Rebecca Rodriguez Pacheco: Im thankful for the family and friends I still got around me. Ive lost so many in the past years my baby girl to leukemia at (five). My dad to COPD a heart valve disease and other health issues and so on. Just glad to have the people I do around me ... Liz Gurule: Im thankful God died on the cross for me. TOME An Albuquerque man has been charged in a DWI-related homicide which left two young Valencia County children orphaned. Richard Gutierrez Molina, 37, of Albuquerque, is charged with homicide by vehicle (DWI), a second-degree felony; two counts of great bodily harm by vehicle (driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or any drug), third-degree felonies; and driving with a revoked license, a misdemeanor. According to the criminal complaint, Molina was driving southwest on South El Cerro Loop on Sunday, Nov. 16, at a high rate of speed. He crossed over into the oncoming lane of traffic, hitting a gray Honda sedan head on. The driver of the vehicle, Veronica Ferraro, 38, of Los Lunas, was killed in the crash and her two children, ages 12 and 7, sustained what were described as significant, life-threatening injuries in a Nov. 19 press release from the Valencia County Sheriffs Office. The children were transported to an Albuquerque hospital and, according to court documents filed on Nov. 21, the younger child was in critical condition. The childrens father passed away several years ago, leaving no immediate guardian following their mothers death. Deputies established contact with close relatives and arranged for a family member to act as a temporary guardian, the press release from VCSO reads. Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of El Cerro Loop and Sandhill Road in Tome at about 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 16, for a reported head-on crash. When deputies arrived, they found a white 2008 Ford F-250 pickup belonging to Molina and a gray 2022 Honda sedan, belonging to Ferraro, both with extensive front-end damage. The scene of a fatal DWI-crash that killed the mother of two young children on Nov. 16. Photo courtesy of Valencia County Sheriff's Office Court documents indicated Molina had slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes. He told officers he had three beers that day and three 25-ounce open containers of Dos Equis beers were found at the crash scene. A passenger in Molinas pick-up told investigators hed seen Molina drink two beers and take a shot of tequila prior to getting behind the wheel. According to the petition for pretrial detention filed by 13th Judicial District Deputy District Attorney Robyn Simms, Molina has continually been charged with new crimes since his first felony convictions in 2018. The defendant poses a significant danger to the public if he is released, Simms wrote in the motion. Since 2012 the defendant has been charged with DUI related offenses on three separate occasions both in the state and out of state, and has at least three prior convictions for DUI. This is the defendants fourth charge of DUI. Ad Simms continues, noting Molina has also pleaded guilty to charges involving operating a motor vehicle without an interlock device. Preliminary and pretrial detention hearings for Molina are scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 28, before 13th Judicial District Court Judge James Lawrence Sanchez, according to online court records. Witnesses described the Fords speed as excessively high, with one stating the victim never had a chance to react because of the curve, according to the VCSO press release. Molinas passenger told officers their speed was way too fast, comparing it to highway speeds. When he was arrested, deputies found Molina was driving on a revoked license related to a previous DWI. He admitted to drinking to the deputies on scene, and refused standardized field sobriety tests and a mandated breath test. A search warrant for a blood draw was obtained and a blood sample was collected. Molina was taken to an Albuquerque hospital for treatment. He was discharged from the hospital on Thursday, Nov. 20, and booked into the Valencia County Detention Center the same day. The driver of this 2008 Ford F-250 pickup, Richard Molina, has been charged in the death of a Los Lunas mother of two after he hit her head on earlier this month. Photo courtesy of Valencia County Sheriff's Office This tragedy was not an accident; it was the direct result of repeated decisions to drive impaired. Mr. Molinas long history of DWI related offenses underscores the devastating reality that habitual impaired driving is one of the most serious and preventable threats to public safety in our county, wrote VCSO Sheriff Denise Vigil in the Nov. 19 press release. One mother lost her life, and two children are now fighting for theirs. They have lost both parents, and their lives will never be the same. On behalf of the Valencia County Sheriffs Office, we extend our deepest condolences and unwavering support to these children and their family. Our deputies, investigators and law enforcement partners will continue to pursue justice and ensure every piece of evidence is thoroughly examined. We remain committed to protecting this community from repeat offenders who continue to endanger innocent lives, she continued The press release included part of Molinas criminal history, including 2024 charges of aggravated DWI with a minor in the vehicle in Colorado, 2022 charges for possession of a controlled substance, aggravated DWI and three probation violations in 2020, possession of a controlled substance charges in 2017 and 2018, two instances of driving with a suspended license in 2014, a contempt of court charge in 2013 and a DWI charge in 2011. Multiple warrants have been issued for Molina in the last decade for non-compliance with the courts, according to the release. UPDATE: The attorney for a Peralta family has clarified how a recent wrongful death suit was settled. During a phone interview on Nov. 29, Laura Ives, with Ives & Flores P.A., said there are four beneficiaries to the settlement in the wrongful death of Michael Gabaldon, who was shot and killed by a Valencia County Sheriffs Office deputy in September 2024. In an October 2024 petition for appointment of personal representative to pursue a wrongful death claim filed by Gabaldons widow, Patricia Gabaldon, there are four potential statutory beneficiaries listed - Patricia Gabaldon, the couples minor son, D.G., and two other children, Joshua Gabaldon and Megan Carrasco. When asked why all four potential beneficiaries werent named in the May 2025 complaint brought by Patricia Gabaldon on behalf of D.G., Ives said, thats how wrongful death suits workyou dont name everybody. The attorney said typically the money from a wrongful death settlement is sent to the law firm that brought the claim and is then distributed to the beneficiaries of the estate. Settlements with minors have to be court approved, generally, she said. Ives said the settlement payments to the three adult beneficiaries have been distributed but she could not provide documentation of the distributions because it was private information of the clients. Thats just how it works. If you look at any wrongful death, when a minor is not involved, the whole amount goes to the law firm, she said. Law firms typically retain 35 percent of the settlement payment, and that was the case for the Gabaldon settlement, Ives said. 35 percent of a $1.5 million settlement is $525,000. Ives asked the News-Bulletin where it got the settlement details from, during the Saturday interview. As reported in the Nov. 27 article, the settlement agreement between Valencia County and the New Mexico County Insurance Authority was released to the newspaper after an Inspection of Public Records Act request was filed with the authority. The document from the NMCIA indicated $1,266,810.49 is to be paid to the Ives & Flores law firm and $342,462.87 to D.G. in four payments. Ad According to Ives, the NMCIAs release of the agreement violates the court order sealing certain court records pertaining to the settlement that benefited D.G. She cited paragraph 3 of the order to seal, which reads, But for the courts duty to review and consider the terms of the proposed settlement, all matters related to these transactions and agreements would be confidential and outside the public view. Ives said she would take up the matter with the NMCIA . A Valencia County family has reached a $1.5 million settlement in the shooting death of their husband and father by a Valencia County Sheriffs Deputy. In May, Patricia Gabaldon, widow of Michael Gabaldon, 51, filed a wrongful death suit on behalf of the couples 16-year-old son against Valencia County. Gabaldon, 51, was shot and killed on Sept. 29, 2024, by a Valencia County Sheriffs Office deputy at his home on La Ladera Road after repeated 911 calls in regards to a neighbor, Thomas Rodriguez, who was reported to be shooting at houses and driving recklessly on the dirt road outside the homes in the area. The suit alleges Rodriguez, 46, was a long-standing problem in the neighborhood, after moving in with his mother in 2022, who lived next to the Gabaldon family. The lawsuit argued VCSO created the situation that caused the use of force against Michael Gabaldon and created a dangerous situation because they repeatedly refused to take action against Rodriguez, took no action to confiscate his guns under the states Red Flag law, repeatedly abandoned the dangerous scene created by Rodriguez that day, and told Patricia and Michael Gabaldon they could do anything they needed to protect their home and their family. Theres nothing in this world that can make it right. There never will be. I will live and die with this pain for the rest of my life. Nothing can fix this. The money? Nothing. Theres no real justice that we will ever, ever have in this world for what they did to us, Gabaldons widow Patricia, told KOAT in a Nov. 17 interview. The Oct. 8 settlement agreement between the New Mexico County Insurance Authority and Patricia Gabaldon, which was released to the News-Bulletin after a public records request was made, details the payout break down of the $1.5 million settlement. The Gabaldons son will receive a total of $342,462.87 starting with a lump sum of $25,000 when he turns 18, followed by three more payments at ages 20, 25 and 30. The remaining $1,266,810.49 will be paid to the Ives & Flores, PA law firm. Although a settlement was reached with the NMCIA, the final court documents in the case are sealed from public view. A motion was filed by Patricia Gabaldons attorney Laura Ives to seal the report of the guardian ad litem appointed to her son, as well as the order approving the settlement and the transcript of the proceedings to approve the settlement. In the motion, Ives argues the guardian ad litem a neutral person appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child had to disclose intimate details and facts about the Gabaldons son, identified only as D.G. in the suit, and his family to the court. The intimate details of the minor child and his family are not matters of public concern ..., Ives wrote in her motion. While the 16-year-old isnt identified in the lawsuit, Ives argues disclosure of details in the GALs report could identify him. Thirteenth Judicial District Court Judge Cindy Mercer granted the order sealing the report, order and transcripts. Disclosure of the facts of the childs claims, conditions, status and needs to the public would cause the minor child unwarranted embarrassment and other serious and significant injury, Mercer wrote in her order. The childs overriding interests support sealing the court record. VCSO Sheriff Denise Vigil said in a written statement in response to the settlement neither she or the county agreed with, authorized or participated in the settlement, expressing concern about the precedent the settlement sets for the future claims involving law enforcement officers and the broader implications for public trust. Vigil maintains the officers involved in the shooting acted lawfully and appropriately in defense of themselves and others. Settlements of this kind, while authorized solely by New Mexico County Insurance Authority under the coverage agreement, have consequences for member counties, including increased premiums that limit the ability to deliver essential public services. According to reports on the incident from New Mexico State Police, the agency tasked with investigating the shooting, the morning following the shooting, Patricia told state police officers her husband was attempting go protect his family. The system (law enforcement) failed ..., the officer wrote in the report. She mentioned that they begged law enforcement to intervene. In reports by NMSP officers on the night of the shooting, its indicated Rodriguez pointed a firearm at the couples teenage son, prompting Gabaldon to arm himself and go outside to confront Rodriguez. This happened immediately before VCSO deputies responded to the home on La Ladera for a third time that day for a call of shots fired. The night his father was killed, D.G. told NMSP Michael Gabaldon was pointing his gun at Rodriguez when deputies approached him from behind. He said deputies gave Gabaldon three seconds before they fired. Just before 10:30 p.m., body camera footage shows a deputy arriving at the Gabaldon home on La Ladera, and before exiting the unit he advises the dispatcher, neighbor has a gun. As he gets out of the car, there is the sound of a single gunshot. He points his patrol rifle toward the northeast corner of the property at 116 La Ladera, according to information provided by the sheriffs office at the time of the shooting, and yells, Hey! Drop it! Drop it! ... I am going to shoot! Drop it! Drop it! After seven seconds of yelling commands, he fires his rifle once. (D.G.) indicated Michael yelled something over shoulder back to the arriving deputies. At some point during those few seconds, Michael had fired several rounds from his weapon towards Thomas..., the NMSP report reads. Gabaldons son told officers he was unsure if they were warning shots or if he was trying to hit Rodriguez. He then demonstrated to officers that Gabaldon was still pointing his weapon towards Rodriguez while yelling over his shoulder at the deputies, the report reads. Gabaldon was shot once by a VCSO deputy. That night, deputies climbed a locked gate to get to Gabaldon in his yard and provide medical assistance. He died after being transported to the Albertsons parking lot on N.M. 6 to meet the Lifeguard helicopter. LOS LUNAS The Los Lunas Police Department is continuing its investigation into the suspicious death of a 35-year-old woman found lying in the street. Officers were dispatched for a welfare check to Coronado Lane at about 6 a.m., Friday, Nov. 21, after a witness called 911 to report a woman lying on the ground. We arrived shortly after the call and found her deceased, LLPD Chief Frank Lucero said. We are investigating this as a suspicious death and have partnered with the New Mexico State Police crime processing team. They are helping with a 3D reconstruction of the scene. Lucero said officers conducted a safety sweep of the womans home and found no risks. The womans next-of-kin have been contacted and are helping with the investigation, he said. In an interview Monday, Lucero said the investigation is ongoing and the department are awaiting autopsy results and toxicology reports, among others, from the New Mexico Office of Medical Investigator. Our investigators are still following up on leads and we are working to get access to her cell phone for more information, Lucero said. We obtained and served warrants at her home and processed the scene. Until we get results back from OMI, were in a bit of a holding pattern. As I said, we are following up on leads, the chief added. At this point, it is still a suspicious, and our investigation is very preliminary. The chief extended the departments sympathies to the womans family and friends. Our hearts go out to the family. This is such a tragic situation, especially right before the holidays, Lucero said. We want to thank the neighbors for being patient while we investigated and had the street closed. We want to do a quality investigation and give the family answers. Ill never forget Thanksgiving 1991. I was in school at Kent State and working the graveyard shift at a group home for developmentally challenged adult women. I volunteered to stay that morning until all the ladies had been picked up by their families or friends of families to spend a few hours of the holiday out of the group home. One by one, they left smiling until only Shirley was left. The two of us finished watching the parades on TV, and then started watching movies. We got some snacks as the afternoon began because we were getting hungry. I wasnt sure how much Shirley, who was 63 and our oldest resident, was actually aware of regarding the time, and that her friends were late, and of the possibility that they may not show up at all. I remember that she looked out the window often. Finally, at about 2 oclock they showed up and took a very excited Shirley away for the rest of the day. I drove home to my tiny apartment over an eye doctors clinic, heated up leftovers from my familys Thanksgiving, which wed celebrated the weekend before since I couldnt come home, lit a candle and watched Its a Wonderful Life on TV as the snow fell outside. Fast forward to 2005, Santa Fe, in school again as a grad student and working at the animal shelter. My work days often fell on holidays, and when they didnt I often volunteered so my coworkers could be home with their families and kids. There was always something special for me about working on holidays. Aside from the fact that the bosses and administration people werent there, and despite the fact that the animals likely had no concept of it being a holiday, there always seemed to be something poignant for me about being there for them on a day when others gathered in the warmth of homes with family and friends and laughter and love all around while these, the lonely, the forgotten, had no one no one except me that is. Some, especially the older ones, had memories of that warmth, of being part of a family. They suffered the most. You could see it in their eyes, and you could feel it when no matter how hard you tried to love on them and cheer them up, there was always just that sadness, like the way we feel when weve lost a friend, which is exactly what had happened to them. Adding to the weight of what we felt was watching all the kittens and puppies and younger animals get adopted first, leaving our elders behind a bittersweet feeling of joy and sadness all at once. Since shelters are consistently overcrowded, and because many older animals are relinquished due to health issues owners dont want to deal with, and because they get overlooked for the younger ones, the longer they wait the less chance they have of surviving. Janet Phillipson, founder and director of Junes Senior Cat Rescue, which takes in senior cats, mostly from shelters, knows this all too well. Ad Some dont live very long, she says. I can tell you that they do have feelings and I believe that many of them die of a broken heart Its true. Ive seen it, too. Animals can die from a broken heart; so can people. But if hearts can break, they can also be healed. Junes newsletters always include stories of their senior cats whove lived, loved, and thrived in their new homes or under the care of their forever fosters, their gratitude and devotion as palpable as the fur on their faces. When they pass, the grief of their caregivers is tempered knowing that these precious souls died surrounded by love, not heartbreak. The same is true in shelters. I clearly remember how that emptiness would disappear, and a spark return to a senior cat or dogs eyes when theyd get adopted. Dogs would walk with more confidence, and cats sometimes walked right into a carrier like, Lets go home! Animals know things on a level we dont, and somehow you could see it in their eyes when they knew they were once again going to be wanted and loved. We always celebrated when one of our seniors went home! If I had one wish, one request it would be this: dont forget the seniors the ones living with you, and the ones living in shelters waiting for that second chance to live and love again. For some patients with the most common type of lung cancer, known as lung adenocarcinoma, there's new hope. In a new study published in Cell Reports, Mayo Clinic researchers have found several previously unknown genetic and cellular processes that occur in lung adenocarcinoma tumors that respond well to immunotherapy. A recently approved group of drugs - immune checkpoint inhibitors - can boost the body's ability to eliminate a tumor and even keep the cancer from coming back. However, while the medications work well for some people, the drugs aren't effective for many other patients with the disease - and researchers are trying to determine why. Our study describes the events that occur when a patient's tumor harbors only one copy of a cancer-causing gene, which occurs in 20% of cases." Alan P. Fields, Ph.D., cancer biologist at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center and principal investigator of the study The research team found that the missing tumor-driving gene, known as PRKCI, results in tumors that are less aggressive. The missing gene also cultivates a more powerful immune response to tumors. Surprisingly, the research team found the improved immune response occurs with help from unexpected players: senescent tumor cells, also known as "zombie cells," which are typically associated with negative consequences of disease and aging. The study identified markers that may predict a positive response to immunotherapy and "ultimately may help clinicians stratify patients who are candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitors," says Joey Nguyen, a graduate student at Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and lead author of the publication. Addressing the nation's leading cause of cancer death Lung adenocarcinoma represents 40% of lung cancers in the U.S. and is the leading cause of cancer death. It's strongly associated with smoking, but it's also the most common type of lung cancer to occur in people who have never smoked, likely because of a combination of genetics and other environmental factors. Dr. Fields' lab at Mayo Clinic in Florida has long studied the effect of the PRKCI gene, which drives tumor growth. The gene also suppresses the immune system, keeping cancer-killing immune cells at bay. Because lung tumors depend on the gene to proliferate, Dr. Fields' team was surprised to find that in cases where a copy of the gene is missing, lung adenocarcinoma tumors still occur. Nguyen, who was studying PRKCI in the lab, was inspired to try to learn more about those unusual tumors. Early experiments found that the tumors without PRKCI grow less aggressively. The team also found that when PRKCI is missing, lung adenocarcinoma cells behave in an unusual way in their very early development, acquiring characteristics of lung cells that regenerate lung tissue after damage. The team collaborated with the lab of systems biology researcher Hu Li, Ph.D., to examine the process at a single cell level. "We found that the loss of PRKCI forces tumor cells to hijack a lung regeneration process to generate a tumor," Nguyen says. Tracking the effects of a missing gene Nguyen also noticed that the tumors without PRKCI showed elevated levels of organized clusters of immune cells, called tertiary lymphoid structures. The presence of those clumped cells can be a sign that immune checkpoint therapy might work for a patient. But were they a result of the single copy of the PRKCI gene? Nguyen presented his research at a graduate school seminar where the project caught the attention of postdoctoral fellow Luis Prieto, Ph.D., who had an idea. Dr. Prieto wondered whether the clusters of immune cells might be connected in some way to senescent cells, those that enter a state of arrested development and don't die off. Dr. Prieto works in the lab of researcher Darren Baker, Ph.D., who investigates therapies to eliminate senescent cells in various disease processes. The collaborating labs were amazed to find that senescent tumor cells actually activate the immune system, leading to the clusters of immune cells that combat the tumor. "The idea that senescent cells may be beneficial in certain settings like this is new to the field, as these 'zombies' are commonly associated with detrimental outcomes," says Dr. Baker, who is a co-corresponding author on the study. The findings reveal three tumor characteristics that may be used to help clinicians identify candidates for immune checkpoint inhibitors: loss of the PRKCI gene, the presence of senescent tumor cells and an abundance of clustered immune cells. Further, says Dr. Fields, his team previously identified an approved drug that can inhibit PRKCI signaling, making a tumor that has the PRKCI gene act more like a tumor without it. "Now that we understand how PRKCI is working in a lung tumor, it may be possible to couple a PRKCI inhibitor with immunotherapy, so a future clinical trial that combines these approaches will certainly be an important avenue to explore," he says. The Global Virus Network (GVN), a coalition of leading human and animal virologists in more than 40 countries dedicated to advancing pandemic preparedness through research, education and training, and global health solutions, today issued a statement on the newly confirmed outbreak of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in southern Ethiopia. This represents the country's first documented outbreak of Marburg virus and raises urgent public health, research, and surveillance imperatives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak was officially confirmed on November 14, 2025, after initial suspected viral hemorrhagic-fever cases in Jinka town, South Omo Region, Ethiopia, were tested and found to contain Marburg virus RNA. As of November 20, 2025, six laboratory-confirmed cases, including three deaths, have been reported; in addition, three probable (epidemiologically linked) deaths are under investigation. The number of contacts being monitored is 206 and growing. The immediate priority is rapid identification of infected individuals, isolation where appropriate, and prevention of further transmission. There are currently no approved therapeutics or licensed vaccines for Marburg virus disease, so timely case management, surveillance, and contact tracing are essential. Supportive clinical care remains the cornerstone." Professor Pontiano Kaleebu, MBChB, PhD, professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, director of the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), and GVN Center of Excellence director Prof. Kaleebu further emphasized several urgent research and outbreak-management needs: Vaccine research: The Sabin Vaccine Institute's ChAd3-MARV vaccine candidate was tested in Rwanda last year but could not provide efficacy data. The Makerere University Walter Reed Project in Uganda, in partnership with Sabin and others, has conducted Phase I/II trials, and UVRI is actively defining immune correlates of protection. Therapeutics: Experimental uses of antivirals such as remdesivir and monoclonal antibodies have been recorded in previous outbreaks, though data remain limited. Origin & ecology: Investigations must trace sources of the outbreak. Given that this is the first Marburg detection in Ethiopia, studies should examine local bat reservoirs (especially Rousettus aegyptiacus), potential cross-border importation, retrospective serosurveys, and environmental modelling of spill-over risk. Modelling & surveillance: Previous modelling by UVRI for Ugandan outbreaks identified geographic risk zones; this modelling framework should now be applied to Ethiopia to assess climatic or ecological changes enabling emergence. "This outbreak also presents an opportunity to advance much-needed vaccine and therapeutic research for Marburg virus," Prof. Kaleebu added. "Scientific studies involving survivors, including immunologic responses and viral shedding over time, will be essential to strengthen global preparedness." GVN also notes regional implications. The outbreak's location, close to the borders with South Sudan and Kenya, raises the potential for cross-border spread. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is actively supporting Ethiopia's response with diagnostics, genomic sequencing capacity, and bio-surveillance. "The detection of Marburg virus in Ethiopia for the first time is a stark reminder of how quickly viral threats can emerge in new regions. It reinforces the need for strong surveillance systems, rapid diagnostic capacity, and scientific partnerships across Africa," said Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim, MBChB, PhD, director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), a GVN Center of Excellence, and chair of the Africa CDC's Emergency Consultative Group on continental public health emergencies. "Africa has the scientific leadership, laboratory capabilities, and field experience to confront outbreaks like this, but investment in preparedness must be sustained not just during crises." The GVN will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with partners across Africa and the global health community to support outbreak response, research efforts, and long-term strategies to mitigate future Marburg virus threats. 22 TTP terrorists killed in operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Pakistan military Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 02:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Peshawar, Nov 28 (PTI) At least 22 TTP terrorists were killed by security forces during an intelligence-based operation in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the media wing of the countrys military said. The operation was conducted on Wednesday in Dera Ismail Khan district of the northwestern province after receiving reports of presence of terrorists belonging to the Fitna Al-Khawarij", it said. Recommended Stories The term Fitna al-Khawarij is used by Pakistani authorities to refer to militants of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Security forces effectively engaged at the hideout of the terrorists, and after an intense exchange of fire, 22 were eliminated, the military said. Combing operation is being conducted to eliminate any other terrorist still present in the area, it added. PTI AYZ SKY SKY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 28, 2025, 02:30 IST News agency-feeds 22 TTP terrorists killed in operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Pakistan military 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 wants ICANN to disclose website owner details within 24 hr: Meity JS Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 21:00 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 27 (PTI) The government has requested global internet body ICANN to disclose details of website owners or registrants within 24 hours in cases of emergency requests from law enforcement agencies, a senior IT ministry official said on Thursday. While speaking at India Internet Governance Forum (IIGF) 2025, Meity Joint Secretary Sushil Pal said the government has also sought mandatory participation from all registrars engaged in website name registration to share registrational details under the system being piloted in the country. Recommended Stories As a GAC (Governmental Advisory Committee) member in the ICANN, we have been taking up the ICANN forum to shape the global policy discussion. We have been actively pushing for a 24-hour response for the Whois disclosure, I mean, WHOis disclosure meaning by the personal details of the domain name holder, for the emergency request," Pal said. The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is a multi-stakeholder global body that decides on management and protocols for operating World Wide Web. Whois service provides details of the website name registrant details, but several entities pay a fee to hide their details. Pal said that as per the current provisions, anyone can get domain (website name) booked and provide their credentials in 15 days. He said that the 15-day window is enough time for misuse and then disappear without providing credentials. We have also been highlighting the dangers of the subdomain abuse, which is pretty much rampant," Pal said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada said India has phenomenal numbers of internet penetration and connectivity. That also makes it pretty vulnerable to cyber threats. I can assure you that the government is on top of it, but its not only that the government can do everything. I request all stakeholders in whichever way they can contribute to ensure that we have a safer cyber space, protect our vulnerable citizens, apart from the strategic locations and threats that are there for the country," he said. PTI PRS MR Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 27, 2025, 21:00 IST News agency-feeds India wants ICANN to disclose website owner details within 24 hr: Meity JS 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... Man found murdered along Nashik-Mumbai highway: Three held in Thane district Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 20:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Thane, Nov 27 (PTI) Three persons have been arrested in a murder case after the partially burnt and decomposed body of a man was discovered along Nashik-Mumbai highway in Thane district, a police official said on Thursday. The body of Tipanna, hailing from Karnataka, was found in Cherpoli village on the Shahapur stretch of the highway on Tuesday, he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories We have arrested Fayyaz Zakir Hussain Sheikh, Sikandar Badshah Mujawar, and Ghulam Akbar Iftikhar Maulvi. They have been remanded in police custody till December 3. Initial probe suggests Tipanna was killed over an immoral relationship. Further probe is underway," the Shahapur police station official added. They have been charged with murder, destruction of evidence and other offences under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, he said. PTI COR BNM Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 27, 2025, 20:30 IST News agency-feeds Man found murdered along Nashik-Mumbai highway: Three held in Thane district 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... Nepal president approves deployment of army for March 5 polls Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 22:30 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Kathmandu, Nov 27 (PTI) Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel on Thursday approved the Cabinet decision and the prime ministers recommendation to mobilise the Nepali Army for the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5 next year. Prime Minister Sushila Karki had forwarded the recommendation in line with the Cabinet meeting held on November 24, according to a press release issued by the Presidents office. Recommended Stories The President endorsed the governments decision to deploy the army to strengthen election security, it said. PTI SBP SCY SCY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 27, 2025, 22:30 IST News agency-feeds Nepal president approves deployment of army for March 5 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... Pakistan facing darkest times, Hitler-like repression: Imran Khan's sister Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 01:15 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Lahore [Pakistan], November 28 (ANI): Pakistan is going through its darkest time and witnessing Hitler-era-like repression," with citizens being killed, beaten, and jailed without accountability, said Noreen Niazi, sister of jailed and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.In an exclusive interview with ANI, Noreen Niazi called Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir a dictator" and described Shehbaz Sharifs government as the most unpopular" in the countrys history.Pakistan is going through its darkest period. We used to read stories of tyrants; now we are living one. People are abducted and killed. I met a young man in Peshawarshot in the head on November 26 last yearparalysed, his body destroyed. There are countless such cases," she said.Sometimes I feel like the stories we heard about the Hitler erathe way people were dragged into basementsare repeating here," she added.Noreens brother, Imran Khan, the patron-in-chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been in jail since August 2023 in multiple cases. The government has placed an undeclared ban on meetings with him for over one month.Noreen Niazi, and Imran Khans other sisters, Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khan, camped outside Adiala Jail along with other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members after being denied a meeting with him for a month. They were reportedly attacked by Pakistans Punjab Police last week.We have been going there for the last four weeks, and they are not letting us meet him. This is why such rumours are spreading (that he has been killed)," she said.When asked about the action meted out against her, Noreen called out the police for their misbehaviour."For the first time in Pakistan, they dont care whether its a child, an elderly personnothing. They have been given the licence to assault anyone they find. As if no one will question them," she said.She warned that public frustration is mounting. Citizens are increasingly fed up with the government and the incarceration of Imran Khan, and even a small trigger could set off widespread protests.I think just one spark is enoughthen even they wont know to what extent people will go. The oppression is too much. People are coming out, and they will continue to come out. Even today, people are sitting there. We were also there on Tuesday till midnight. I think just one spark is enoughthen even they wont know to what extent people will go. The oppression is too much," Niazi said.They are very unpopular people. They have no public support. Imran Khans strength is public supportpeople from every background stand with him. No one stands with this government. People are angry and fed up. When you oppress your own people, they will never support you," she added.Niazi explained that Shehbaz Sharifs position is largely backed by powerful forces behind the scenes, which she believes is why the current system in Pakistan continues despite public discontent.They lost all elections. They inflated numbersif someone got 1,400 votes, they made it 101,400. They stole everything. That is why they are weak. And the weaker they are, the more force they use. They have the support of foreign forces," she said.She expressed disappointment in the international community, saying that foreign powers are aware of human rights violations but choose not to act. Pakistanis abroad have a voice and freedom that those inside the country lack, and they should use it to speak out against oppression," she added. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 28, 2025, 01:15 IST News agency-feeds Pakistan facing darkest times, Hitler-like repression: Imran Khan's sister 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... Supreme Court May Take Up Centres Curative Plea On Mineral Tax Ruling In January 2026 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 13:27 IST The move comes after the Supreme Court had dismissed a review petition filed by the Centre in October 2024, leaving the original ruling intact. The Supreme Court of India. (File) The Centre urged the Supreme Court to urgently list its curative petition challenging the nine-judge Constitution Bench ruling that upheld the power of States to levy taxes on mineral rights. The plea comes weeks after the Supreme Court dismissed the Centres review petitions against the judgment. A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, sitting with Justice Joymalya Bagchi, heard Solicitor General Tushar Mehtas request for priority listing of the curative plea. Tushar Mehta argued that the issue carries wide economic and federal implications, noting that differing mineral royalty structures across States could have international ramifications." Recommended Stories CJI Surya Kant indicated that he is considering taking up nine-judge Constitution Bench matters from January 2026, although he noted that the proposal has yet to be discussed with other judges. The Centre is seeking to overturn the July 2024 ruling, in which a nine-judge Bench led by then CJI DY Chandrachud held that the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act does not strip States of their authority to tax mineral-bearing lands. The judgment also overruled the Courts 1989 verdict in India Cements Ltd vs State of Tamil Nadu. The majority held that the States plenary power to impose taxes on mineral rights remains intact unless Parliament explicitly limits it. It also clarified that royalty is not a tax but a proprietary charge, distinguishing it from sovereign taxation. Mineral-bearing land, the Bench said, falls squarely within land" under Entry 49 of the State List, giving legislatures the competence to impose levies. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Justice B.V. Nagarathna, however, dissented, taking a different view on review and urging an open court hearing of the petitions. The upcoming curative hearing will determine whether the Centre gets another opportunity to contest the landmark federalism ruling that significantly reshaped the taxation powers over Indias mineral resources. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 13:23 IST News business Supreme Court May Take Up Centres Curative Plea On Mineral Tax Ruling In January 2026 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... 'Let AI Do The Work': Nvidia CEO Sparks Buzz With Latest Order For Employees Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 18:53 IST NVIDIA's latest move positions the company as a leader in AI and a model for integrating automation responsibly while preserving. and even empowering, its workforce Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Beyond internal changes, Jensen Huang's announcement carries a broader message about the future of work. (AP Photo) NVIDIA, the worlds largest maker of AI chips, is moving to embed artificial intelligence into every corner of its operations. In a sweeping directive, CEO and founder Jensen Huang has instructed all employees to identify and automate every task that can be enhanced by AI, a move that signals how deeply the company intends to rely on its own technology. Huang delivered the message with an unusual level of emphasis, calling it a mandatory request" for staff across departments. Teams in marketing, sales, finance, customer support, and engineering have been asked to examine their daily workflows and deploy AI wherever it can reduce routine work and improve efficiency. Recommended Stories But alongside the push for automation, Huang offered a clear reassurance, saying no jobs are at risk". Our goal is not to reduce headcount," Huang told employees, but to keep our workforce and expand our capabilities." The comment appears aimed at easing widespread concerns that AI adoption could replace human workers. Within NVIDIA, the company says, AI will serve as an accelerator, not a substitute. Under the new directive, AI will be used to take over repetitive, data-heavy, or time-consuming tasks, allowing employees to shift toward more strategic and creative responsibilities. For example: Marketing teams may use AI to draft client emails, analyse campaign data, generate reports, and create presentations automatically based on sales numbers. Software engineers can use AI assistants to write, debug, and optimise code, speeding up development cycles. Finance and support teams could rely on AI tools for documentation, forecasting, or handling common customer inquiries. The company believes freeing workers from manual tasks will result in faster decision-making, greater innovation, and more efficient operations overall. As the backbone of the global AI boom, its GPUs power nearly all advanced models, including systems like ChatGPT, NVIDIAs internal shift is being viewed as a major moment for the industry. Analysts say the company is effectively demonstrating how AI should operate not just as a product, but as a fundamental tool integrated into every business function. If NVIDIA itself fully commits to AI-driven operations, industry experts expect other companies to follow. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Beyond internal changes, Huangs announcement carries a broader message about the future of work. As AI becomes standard in corporate environments, he emphasised, the ability to use AI tools will be essential for career growth. For young professionals and students, the takeaway is clear, that mastering AI early will offer a significant advantage. First Published: November 27, 2025, 18:53 IST News business 'Let AI Do The Work': Nvidia CEO Sparks Buzz With Latest Order For Employees 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: Paytm, Asian Paints, Wipro, Bajaj Auto, Axis Bank, Mahindra, And Others Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 07:56 IST Stocks to watch: Shares of firms like Paytm, Asian Paints, Wipro, Bajaj Auto, Axis Bank, M&M, and others will be in focus on Thursday's trade Stocks to watch Stocks to Watch on November 27: Indian equity markets kicked off the new monthly expiry on a strong footing, staging a sharp rebound of over one per cent and fully recovering the losses of the past three sessions. The rally was driven by a blend of supportive domestic and global cues. From a technical perspective, analysts noted that the Nifty has completely retraced the recent decline and is once again inching closer to its record highs. Recommended Stories We maintain a positive outlook and continue to recommend a buy-on-dips strategy unless the index decisively breaks below the 25,800 level," said Ajit Mishra, SVPResearch at Religare Broking. In todays trade, several stocks are expected to remain in focus on the back of stock-specific developments: Paytm The Reserve Bank of India has issued a Certificate of Authorisation to Paytm Payments Services (PPSL), a wholly owned subsidiary of One 97 Communications, allowing it to operate as a payment aggregator under the Payment and Settlement Systems Act. Mahindra & Mahindra The automaker said it has delivered 30,000 electric SUV units in just seven monthstranslating to nearly one vehicle sold every ten minutes. The company aims to strengthen its presence in Indias EV segment with its XEV 9e and BE 6 models launched in November last year. Bajaj Auto Bajaj Auto has entered the fast-growing e-rickshaw segment with the launch of its new model, Bajaj Riki. The industry has been adding over 45,000 vehicles every month since the pandemic, driven by demand for affordable last-mile transport solutions. Asian Paints The company announced that its step-down subsidiary, Berger Paints Emirates Ltd Co (LLC), UAE, is planning to set up its second paint manufacturing facility in the UAE. Whirlpool Promoters are set to offload 95 lakh shares, representing a 7.5 per cent stake, through block deals at a floor price of Rs 1,030 per share. The transaction is estimated at around Rs 965 crore and will be followed by a 90-day lock-in period. Wipro The IT major announced a strategic collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science and the Foundation for Science Innovation and Development (FSID) to jointly work on advanced research in next-generation technologies. Jammu & Kashmir Bank The board approved a proposal to raise up to Rs 750 crore via Qualified Institutional Placements (QIP). It also cleared plans to raise an additional Rs 500 crore through private placement of non-convertible debentures. Axis Bank Anand Viswanathan has been appointed Chief Risk Officer for a three-year term starting January 1, 2026. He will succeed Amit Talgeri and join the banks senior management team. Ashoka Buildcon Ashoka Concessions (ACL), a key subsidiary of the company, has completed the sale of its entire stake in five special purpose vehicles (SPVs) to Maple Infrastructure Trust, effective November 26. Oberoi Realty top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The realty major has entered into an agreement to redevelop a 4,706 sq. m land parcel on Nepean Sea Road in Mumbai. The project is expected to generate nearly 1.18 lakh sq. ft of free-sale area based on RERA carpet norms. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this News18.com report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 07:56 IST News business markets Stocks To Watch: Paytm, Asian Paints, Wipro, Bajaj Auto, Axis Bank, Mahindra, And Others 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... Tesla Sharpens India Focus With Full-Scale EV Ecosystem, Charging Network Plan: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 09:48 IST Tesla is planning to ramp up India push with a wide EV ecosystem plan, expanding charging networks and adding experience centres. Tesla is planning to expand its EV ecosystem in India. Tesla is accelerating efforts to build a comprehensive electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem in India as it seeks to strengthen long-term sales and align with the countrys rapidly evolving mobility landscape. After formally entering India earlier this year, the company now counts the country as its 50th global market. According to The Economic Times, Teslas India strategy hinges on expanding charging infrastructure to encourage EV adoption while contributing to cleaner air in major urban centres. Tesla India General Manager Sharad Agarwal said the company aims to cover all major cities with a seamless charging network. Recommended Stories We always build our infrastructure around the lifestyle of our customers- where they eat, where they work, where they go for staycations," he told the financial daily, emphasising convenience as the backbone of Teslas approach. How Is Tesla Building Its EV Ecosystem? Since launching two imported Model Y variants in India, Tesla has prioritised laying the groundwork for its charging network. This includes home chargers for owners, destination chargers at malls and hotels, and high-speed superchargers in key metros. In 2025, the company sold 109 units after beginning deliveries in September. Import duties of 70 per cent continue to push up prices, making the Model Y roughly 30 per cent costlier in India than in the US; the two variants are priced at Rs 59.89 lakh and Rs 67.89 lakh, both imported from Teslas Shanghai facility. The companys infrastructure rollout has picked up pace. Tesla opened its first experience centre in Mumbai in July, followed by another in Delhis Aerocity in August. The upcoming Gurugram charging hub will mark Teslas fourth charging station in India, offering a total of 16 superchargers and 10 destination chargers. Is Tesla Planning Local Manufacturing In India? Despite its expansion, Teslas India play remains cautious, with no immediate plans for local manufacturing, the report noted. Instead, the company is focusing on showrooms, imported vehicles and strengthening service support across its early markets. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all How Is Tesla Performing Globally? Globally, Tesla delivered nearly 497,000 vehicles in the September 2025 quarter and posted a 12 per cent jump in revenue to $28.1 billion. The company also reported contributing to a reduction of 32 million tonnes of carbon emissions worldwide. Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 09:48 IST News business Tesla Sharpens India Focus With Full-Scale EV Ecosystem, Charging Network Plan: 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... Power Surge Damaged Your TV Or Fridge? Heres How To Claim from BESCOM Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 10:58 IST Ceiling fans are typically compensated between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000. Television circuit board damage is usually covered between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000. Compensation is based on repair cost or depreciated value depending on the age of the appliance and the nature of damage. (Image: Canva) Power disruptions are part of daily life in Bengaluru. Voltage fluctuations, sudden outages, and neutral failures often occur without warning. While these incidents are usually treated as inconvenience, they can also cause serious damage to household electrical appliances. What most consumers do not know is that there is a formal compensation mechanism in place for such damage caused by faults originating from the electricity supply network. Recommended Stories BESCOM (Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited) does provide compensation in eligible cases. However, the process is procedural, documentation-heavy, and time-sensitive. As a result, most claims fail not because they are invalid, but because they are filed incorrectly or too late. This guide explains how the system works, what compensation is realistically paid, and how to file a claim properly. Legal Basis for Compensation Compensation for appliance damage is governed by electricity supply regulations framed under the supervision of the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission. These regulations make the electricity distribution company responsible for damage caused by faults on its network. If appliance damage is proven to have occurred due to voltage fluctuation, power surge, neutral failure, transformer malfunction, or line fault attributable to BESCOM infrastructure, the consumer is eligible to seek compensation. This is a regulatory provision and not a discretionary benefit. Types of Appliance Damage That Are Typically Considered BESCOM considers claims only for sudden electrical damage resulting from supply-side issues. Gradual wear and tear or ageing-related failure is not covered. Appliances commonly considered include televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, microwave ovens, desktops, laptops, set-top boxes, inverters, home UPS systems, ceiling fans, air conditioners, and borewell pump motors. In apartment complexes, claims have also been processed for lift panels, water pump controllers, and other common electrical systems when the damage affected multiple connections and was linked to a documented grid issue. Typical Compensation Amounts Compensation is based on repair cost or depreciated value depending on the age of the appliance and the nature of damage. Full replacement cost is usually not reimbursed. In Bengaluru, commonly approved compensation ranges are as follows. Ceiling fans are typically compensated between Rs 500 and Rs 2,000. Television circuit board damage is usually covered between Rs 3,000 and Rs 15,000. Refrigerator PCB or compressor damage ranges from Rs 4,000 to Rs 20,000. Washing machine motor or PCB repairs are commonly compensated between Rs 2,000 and Rs 10,000. For inverters and UPS systems, approved amounts usually fall between Rs 3,000 and Rs 12,000. Laptop motherboard damage has been compensated in the range of Rs 8,000 to Rs 25,000 depending on age and documentation quality. There is no officially published compensation ceiling, but claims above Rs 25,000 are examined more closely unless multiple appliances or consumers are involved. Situations Where Claims Are Commonly Rejected Claims are often rejected if the complaint is made several days after the incident or if there is no official BESCOM record of voltage fluctuation during the reported time. Claims also fail if the technician report attributes damage to internal wiring faults, inverter or stabiliser issues, or general electrical failure without clearly linking the cause to external power supply problems. Very old appliances with no service history or unsupported models are also more likely to be rejected. Step 1: Register the Power Issue Immediately As soon as appliance damage is suspected, a complaint must be registered with BESCOM within 24 hours. This can be done by calling the BESCOM helpline at 1912 or through their online complaint system. The complaint must specifically mention voltage fluctuation, power surge, or neutral failure. This creates a time-stamped record that is later matched with BESCOM grid fault logs. Without this record, compensation claims rarely move forward. Step 2: Obtain a Technician Damage Report Before repairing the appliance, a damage report must be obtained from an authorised service centre or a licensed electrician. The report should clearly state that the appliance failed due to an external power surge or voltage fluctuation. The wording of this report is critical. Generic descriptions weaken claims, while clear attribution to supply-side fault improves approval chances. Step 3: Submit a Written Complaint to BESCOM A written compensation complaint must be submitted to the local Assistant Executive Engineer office associated with the consumers electricity connection. The submission should include a complaint letter mentioning consumer number, date and time of incident, details of the damaged appliance, repair estimate or invoice, technician report, recent electricity bill copy, and photographs of the damaged device. Consumers should submit two copies and retain one acknowledged copy. Step 4: BESCOM Inspection and Verification BESCOM may carry out an inspection through a junior engineer or linesman to verify meter condition, service line integrity, and nearby transformer or feeder performance. If multiple households from the same feeder have reported similar issues, verification and approval tend to move faster. Apartment associations filing joint representations usually see higher success rates than individual complainants. Step 5: Compensation Approval and Payment Once approved, compensation is provided either through cheque payment or adjustment against future electricity bills. Processing timelines generally range from thirty to ninety days. Regular follow-ups at the local office often reduce delays. Escalation Options in Case of Delay If there is no response within ninety days, consumers can escalate the matter to the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum under electricity regulations. Continued non-response can be taken to the Electricity Ombudsman. Escalations usually prompt faster resolution. Why Most Consumers Never Receive Compensation Most claims fail due to delayed complaint registration, lack of proper documentation, incorrect technician reports, or early repair without inspection. The system depends on timely reporting and procedural compliance rather than public awareness. BESCOM does provide compensation for appliance damage caused by power supply faults, but only when consumers act quickly and follow the process precisely. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The mechanism is regulatory, formal, and paper-driven. It works best for those who document events immediately and treat the incident as a service failure rather than routine inconvenience. For Bengaluru residents dealing with power-related appliance damage, this process exists quietly in regulation. Accessing it requires discipline, paperwork, and persistence rather than protest. 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 27, 2025, 10:58 IST News cities bengaluru-news Power Surge Damaged Your TV Or Fridge? Heres How To Claim from BESCOM 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... Air India To Pay Rs 1 Crore Parking For Abandoned Boeing 737 At Kolkata Airport: Mere Khet Me Khada Kar Jata Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 07:30 IST The 43-year-old aircraft was, recently, transported by road to Bengaluru. Now, the plane will be repurposed for ground training of air crew and maintenance engineers. The aircraft, owned by Air India, had been parked since 2012. (Photo Credits: Instagram) For 13 years, a Boeing 737-200 sat abandoned at Kolkatas Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, becoming one of the citys most unusual aviation stories. The aircraft, owned by Air India, had been parked since 2012, and surprisingly, the airline had forgotten about it. According to reports, officials revealed that during its long stay at Kolkata airport, Air India had accumulated over Rs 1 crore in parking and other charges. The 43-year-old aircraft was sold through an agent and, recently, transported by road to Bengaluru. Now, the plane will be repurposed for ground training of air crew and maintenance engineers. Recommended Stories View this post on Instagram A post shared by Piyush Rai (@piyushrai25) Why Was The Plane Forgotten? Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO and managing director, reportedly wrote in an internal memo, Dear colleagues, last week, we completed the sale and transfer of a B737-200 aircraft (VT-EHH), which had been grounded since 2012. Though disposal of an old aircraft is not unusual, this one is for its an aircraft that we didnt even know we owned until recently!" Explaining the reason why the plane was forgotten for so long, Wilson said that several years ago this aircraft was taken out of regular commercial service when Air India was not privatised. The aircraft, registered as VT-EHH, entered service with Indian Airlines in 1982, was leased to Alliance Air in 1998, and returned to Indian Airlines in 2007 for cargo operations. After the Indian AirlinesAir India merger, it became part of Air Indias fleet. Its last role was with India Post, carrying mail or parcels, before it was decommissioned in 2012. So, when the plane was decommissioned, it was not updated in official records and over years the plane was essentially forgotten by the airline Wilson mentioned that the aircraft was rediscovered by the airport staff, who noticed the plane sitting in a remote parking area. After verifying that it was indeed ours, weve now done so and in so doing removed another old cobweb from our closet!" he added. Air Indias Ongoing Fleet Cleanup top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This was the 14th abandoned aircraft cleared from the airport in five years. Air India has been actively disposing of obsolete aircraft and associated engines across several fleets, including Boeing 747, Airbus A319, A321 and Boeing 737. So far, the airline has disposed of 40 aircraft, including Boeing 744. It is always sad to see aircraft go, and the B747s especially so, but they have served Air India well and must make way for newer technology," Wilson said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 07:30 IST News kolkata-news Air India To Pay Rs 1 Crore Parking For Abandoned Boeing 737 At Kolkata Airport: Mere Khet Me Khada Kar Jata Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 2,000 Shops Closed In Mumbai's Borivli To Protest Against Barricaded Crossings Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:59 IST About 2000 shops in Borivali shut for the first time in 40 years to protest against barricading 12 crossings near Borivli railway station, demanding their reopening. The barricades were installed a month ago after receiving several complaints about heavy traffic on SV Road outside the railway station. (File/PTI) For the first time in 40 years, about 2000 shops in Borivali were shut to protest against the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), traffic police and Borivli police for barricading 12 pedestrian crossings outside Borivli railway station. According to the authorities, the barricades were installed a month ago after receiving several complaints about heavy traffic on SV Road outside the railway station. Recommended Stories We received multiple complaints about heavy traffic on SV Road outside Borivli railway station from Jambli Gully to Chandavarkar Road. We held a meeting with the BMC and decided to barricade 12 crossings along this stretch using railings. We also barricaded the crossing in front of Indraprastha Shopping Centre, which many people were using," Mid-Day quoted DCP Sandeep Jadhav (Zone XI). He pointed out that the traffic has already reduced by almost 60-70% and the shopkeepers should wait for a little more time. Their customers are not going anywhere". If we reopen these crossings, traffic will increase again. Earlier, even emergency vehicles would get stuck here. We dont want anyone to suffer. The barricade near Indraprastha Shopping Centre was installed just a week ago," Jadhav added. However, the shopkeepers in Indraprastha Shopping Centre and Thakkar Shopping Centre located on SV Road claimed the situation has worsened after the crossing in front of Indraprastha Shopping Centre used by lakhs of commuters was barricaded. Lalit Jain, chairman of Borivali Businessmen Association (BBA), and shop owner at Indraprastha Shopping Centre, said, More than 2000 shops shut down for three hours on Wednesday morning." These barricades must be removed because Indraprastha Shopping Centre also provides entry and exit to platforms no. 2 and no. 3. How will customers reach us if they come by bike or car? They have to take a U-turn almost 300 metres away near Borivli police station, which is not possible for everyone," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The protest rally was joined by a massive crowd of shopkeepers from Borivli East and West. The protesters have demanded reopening of all crossings from Jambli Gully to Chandavarkar Road, crossings should be at least 2-feet-wide for easy movement, allowing two-way traffic from LT Road to SV Road and make the area hawker-free zone. First Published: November 27, 2025, 15:59 IST News mumbai-news 2,000 Shops Closed In Mumbai's Borivli To Protest Against Barricaded Crossings 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... CEO Of Mumbai Maple Operator Arrested For Rs 1.01 Crore iPhone 16 Procurement Fraud Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:11 IST Gupta led a scheme in which he allegedly promised bulk iPhone deliveries to a well-known mobile trader and then diverted the money for unauthorised use News18 The CEO of Consolidated Private Limited, which operates Maple, dealing with iPhones, has been arrested by the Mumbai Police in connection with a scam linked to the fake procurement of iPhone 16. Mrityunjay Prasad Gupta was arrested for the fake bulk purchase of iPhone 16 units worth Rs 1.01 crore. He is reportedly the fourth person arrested in connection with the case, including Sanjay Pradhan, a 61-year-old commission agent who acted as a middleman, Ibrahim Ansari, manager of Maples flagship store, and Deven Devda, a junior executive accused of preparing the fraudulent paperwork. Recommended Stories The scam came to light earlier this month when Mumbai-based trader Imran Merchant filed a complaint. Merchant, who deals in mobile accessories, had contacted Maple in September to buy 150 units of the iPhone 16 at a discounted price of Rs 68,000 eacha deal worth over Rs 1 crore. Gupta led a scheme in which he allegedly promised bulk iPhone deliveries to a well-known mobile trader and then diverted the money for unauthorised use. As CEO, Gupta handled important operational and financial decisions at the company, according to a report by The Times of India. Police sources told the Times of India that Gupta and his team allegedly produced forged documents and false assurances to convince Merchant to transfer the full amount. Once the payment was made, the accused delayed delivery and disappeared with the funds. This was a calculated betrayal of trust in the supply chain ecosystem," a senior EOW officer told TOI on condition of anonymity. Gupta exploited his executive position to mislead the victim, causing heavy financial loss to a small entrepreneur." Gupta was arrested in Bengaluru, where he was reportedly hiding, and was brought to Mumbai. He was produced before the Mazgaon Metropolitan Magistrate Court and sent to 14 days judicial custody. Officers have also seized digital evidence emails, transaction logs and other records from Maples Andheri office to trace how the money was moved. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A further investigation into the case is underway. 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 27, 2025, 14:44 IST News mumbai-news CEO Of Mumbai Maple Operator Arrested For Rs 1.01 Crore iPhone 16 Procurement Fraud 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... Mumbai Customs Busts Major Hawala Racket, Seizes Fake Foreign Currency Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 19:43 IST Mumbai Customs raided M/s H.M.Forex Pvt. Ltd, arresting Hasan Mohammed Karodia, seizing Rs 7 lakh foreign and Rs 2 crore Indian currency, probing terror funding links. The authorities said that further investigations have revealed Goga was actively involved in illegal acquisition, possession, and sale of foreign currency smuggled into India through carriers and passengers working abroad. Image for representation The Mumbai Customs has busted a large hawala racket while raiding premises of M/s H.M.Forex Pvt. Ltd and recovered foreign currency worth Rs 7 lakh and Indian currency of Rs 2 crore, authorities said, adding that the accused has been arrested. According to the Rummaging and Intelligence Unit (R&I), Unit, of Mumbai Customs, the operation led to a recovery of Foreign worth Rs 7 lakh and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2 crore from Hasan Mohammed Karodia alias Hasan Goga. There were also few fake Indian currency recovered from the premises. Recommended Stories The authorities said that further investigations have revealed Goga was actively involved in illegal acquisition, possession, and sale of foreign currency smuggled into India through carriers and passengers working abroad. Even terror funding angle cannot be ruled out at the primary stage," they said, adding that ongoing investigations are ongoing into possible links to the Middle East. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The accused was arrested on Wednesday or offences punishable under the Customs Act 1962, along with violations of the FEMA Act. The accused was produced before the Esplanade Court and has been remanded to juridical custody. First Published: November 27, 2025, 19:43 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai Customs Busts Major Hawala Racket, Seizes Fake Foreign Currency 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... Mumbai Teen Alleges Mother, Neighbour Forced Her Into Prostitution, Police Complaint Filed Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 17:27 IST A Ghatkopar minor accused her mother and a neighbour of forcing her into prostitution. Mumbai Police booked both under BNS and POCSO Act. Investigation is ongoing. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google In her detailed account, the woman said she was kidnapped in November last year by four men, drugged and held captive for 48 days. (Representational) In a shocking incident, a minor girl, a tenth-grade student, from the Ghatkopar area of Mumbai has filed a police complaint accusing her own mother and a male neighbour of forcing her into prostitution. The two people have been booked by the Mumbai Police. In her complaint, the girl alleged that from April until the day she approached the police, her mother and their neighbour had forced her into prostitution to earn money. Recommended Stories Earlier, the victim had also revealed her ordeal to her schoolteacher, stating, Mom and uncle force me to do prostitution." According to a police officer involved in the case, the young girl decided to put an end to her exploitation after the abuse became unbearable for her. Driven by desperation, the girl shared her ordeal with a friend, who encouraged and supported her in approaching her class teacher, where she recounted her harrowing experience. The victim also disclosed that she had once attempted to escape the abuse by running away and staying at her friends house for three days. However, upon her return home, she was beaten and immediately forced back into the same despicable act by the two accused. The teacher was deeply shaken by the seriousness of the girls account and immediately alerted the school authorities about the sensitive matter. Recognising the urgency, the school administration promptly informed the local police station. Based on the complaint, her mother and the man were booked under relevant Sections of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 64 (rape), 98 (selling child for the purpose of prostitution) and also Sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. A further investigation is underway in the case. Considering the gravity of the allegations and the age of the victim, the police have immediately launched a detailed investigation into the case. Although the legal framework on prostitution in India is complex, being neither entirely illegal nor fully legalised, related activities such as sexual exploitation, inducing a minor, running brothels, pimping, public solicitation and various forms of trafficking are punishable offences. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all These related activities fall under Section 2(f) of the Immoral Traffic Prevention Act, 1956, and can also attract punishments under Sections 366A, 366B, and 370A of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. Individuals who are involved in coercing, exploiting, or inclining poor and vulnerable women or minors into this profession are liable for severe punishments under the provisions of the law. (With inputs from IANS) First Published: November 27, 2025, 17:09 IST News mumbai-news Mumbai Teen Alleges Mother, Neighbour Forced Her Into Prostitution, Police Complaint Filed 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... Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 25 Beijing time, BYD's premium vehicle brand DENZA introduced its flagship Z9GT and D9 models at the 31st Sao Paulo International Motor Show (Salao Internacional do Automovel de Sao Paulo 2025), formally announcing its entry into the Brazilian market. The debut marks a major step in the brand's broader strategy to accelerate its international expansion across Latin America. Photo source: DENZA DENZA's first Brazilian showroom will open on Sao Paulo's Avenida Europa, a district long regarded as the city's hub for premium automotive brands. During the event, the company unveiled preliminary pricing: the technology-focused flagship GT, the Z9GT, is set to start at 650,000 reais (about 855,000 yuan), while the D9positioned as a luxury, tech-oriented flagship MPVwill carry a presale price of 800,000 reais (roughly 1.05 million yuan). Alexandre Baldy, Senior Vice President of BYD Brazil and head of marketing and sales, said the company has reshaped Brazilian perceptions of new energy vehicles over the past two years. With DENZA now joining the lineup, he added, BYD aims to raise the standard of Brazil's premium automotive segment through a brand built around technology, safety and next-generation luxury. Public information indicates that DENZA's international expansion continues to accelerate. After establishing a presence in several Asian markets, including Cambodia, Indonesia and Thailand, the brand entered Europe in April 2025 with a positioning centered on elegance, innovation and technology. Its arrival in Brazil marks the starting point of its Latin American push, further strengthening its global footprint. Leveraging the technology base developed within China's rapidly growing new energy vehicle sector, DENZA says it intends to offer global consumers a smarter, electric alternative to traditional luxury combustion vehiclescontributing to the ongoing electrification of the premium car market worldwide. Delhi Man Kills Live-In Partner After Dispute, Falls Asleep After Hiding Body In Car Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 21:00 IST A man killed his live-in partner after a fight over drinking in Delhi, tried to dispose of her body, but failed due to intoxication. Police arrested him. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Representative Image A 44-year-old woman was killed by her live-in partner, after an heated argument eurpted over drinking issue during a late-night fight at their home in Southwest Delhis Chhawla. According to the police, the accused has been identified as Virendra Singh. The accused, 35, put the victims body in his car, tried to drive away to dispose of it, but failed and simply went back inside to fall asleep. Recommended Stories The incident surfaced the following morning when a neighbour, who believed the couple were married, spotted a womans body inside a parked Swift car and alerted the police. Upon arrival, officers found the victims body in the back seat of the vehicle. The woman had visible injuries and scratches on her face, NDTV reported. According to the police, the victim and Virendra, a resident of Najafgarh, had been living together for the past two years. Virendra, who is married and has children, had recently purchased a three-storey house in Chhawla in August using the proceeds from the sale of the victims previous house in Palam. An additional Rs 21 lakh from the sale remained with Virendra, and this frequently became a source of conflict between the couple. During the interrogation, Virendra confessed to the crime saying that the altercation began when the woman attempted to stop him from drinking alcohol. In a fit of rage, he throttled her with his elbow and killed her. After the incident, Virendra called two friends, a man and a woman, for helping him to carry the victims body down to the car. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The two friends left shortly afterward. Virendra then tried to drive away to dispose of the body, but his severe intoxication stopped him from going far. He managed to drive only about 100 metres before turning back. He left the body in the car, went back upstairs, resumed drinking, and eventually fell asleep. When the police reached the residence, Virendra was still asleep and was arrested on the spot. The police are now searching for the two friends who allegedly assisted him in moving the body. First Published: November 27, 2025, 20:59 IST News new-delhi-news Delhi Man Kills Live-In Partner After Dispute, Falls Asleep After Hiding Body In Car Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Weeks Of Protest, Vice-President Gives Nod To Poll Schedule For Panjab University Senate Curated By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 20:54 IST Panjab University senate elections will be held in phases from September 7 to October 4, 2026, after approval by CP Radhakrishnan, amid ongoing protests over state autonomy People take part in a sit-in protest by students pressing for the announcement of Senate polls, at the Panjab University campus in Chandigarh. (Image: PTI) The Panjab University senate will have its elections in various phases between September 7 and October 4, 2026, as approved by the vice-president of India on Thursday. This announcement comes after weeks of intense protests by students, farmer unions, and politicians across Punjab. Recommended Stories Vice-president CP Radhakrishnan, who is the chancellor of Panjab University (PU), gave his nod to the poll schedule for the senate that is the universitys primary decision-making body. The Centre, in a controversial move, had attempted to downsize the PU senate and abolish the electoral process for specific constituent groups a move widely perceived as an attack on state autonomy. Heres what the poll schedule looks like: The elections will be held between September 7 and October 4, 2026. For the constituency Principals of Technical and Professional colleges and staff of such colleges from amongst themselves, the election is scheduled for September 7, 2026 with results on September 9, 2026. Professors in teaching departments of the university will hold elections on September 14, 2026, with results on September 16. Associate and assistant professors in teaching departments of the university will also vote on September 14, 2026 with results on September 16. Heads of affiliated arts colleges; assistant, associate and full professors of affiliated arts colleges; and registered graduates will hold elections on September 20, 2026, with results on September 22. Elections and results for the faculties at PU, Chandigarh, will take place on October 4, 2026. WHAT IS THE ISSUE? The announcement of the senate poll schedule is a significant reversal by the central government, which had initially attempted to alter PUs governance structure. The term of the previous senate had ended in October 2024. On October 28, 2025, a notification was issued reducing the number of senators while abolishing polls for the graduates constituency, which typically selects 15 members from among PU alumni in Punjab, Chandigarh, and neighbouring states. The subsequent protests went beyond the immediate issue of PUs autonomy, viewing the move as a challenge to the states rights. Protesting students were joined by civil society groups, farmer unions (including the Samyukta Kisan Morcha-Non-Political and the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha), and politicians across the spectrum Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the AAP, were seen alongside the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The education ministry withdrew its controversial notification on November 7. But the agitation continued despite this, pressing specifically for the announcement of the senate election schedule and including a university shutdown on November 10 that led to clashes between protesters and the police. The senate is the PUs primary decision-making body and its role involves setting crucial policies and guiding the universitys governance. It has 91 members, of which elections are needed for 49 seats. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Chandigarh, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 20:54 IST News education-career After Weeks Of Protest, Vice-President Gives Nod To Poll Schedule For Panjab University Senate 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... CGPSC PCS 2025 Recruitment: Check Prelims, Mains Exam Schedule; Salary Details Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:38 IST CGPSC PCS 2025: According to the notification, the application process will start on December 1, 2025, and the last date to submit the form is December 30, 2025. Interested candidates can apply by visiting the official Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission website at psc.cg.gov.in. (Representative/PTI) CGPSC PCS 2025: The Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) has announced the Chhattisgarh State Service Examination (CGPSC PCS) 2025. This is an excellent opportunity for countless young individuals aspiring to become PCS officers. The commission has opened recruitment for various government posts, including the position of Deputy District Magistrate. According to the notification, the application process will start on December 1, 2025, and the last date to submit the form is December 30, 2025. Interested candidates can apply by visiting the official Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission website at psc.cg.gov.in. Recommended Stories CGPSC PCS 2025 Recruitment: Important Dates Online Application: December 1 to December 30 Preliminary Exam: February 22, 2026 Main Exam: May 16, 17, 18, and 19, 2026 CGPSC PCS 2025 Recruitment: Vacancy Details The Chhattisgarh PCS exam aims to fill several key positions, with a total of 238 vacancies. The largest number of vacancies is for Naib Tehsildar. Other notable positions include Deputy Collector or Deputy District Magistrate, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Chief Municipal Officer, Assistant Director, and more. CGPSC PCS 2025 Recruitment: Eligibility Criteria Age Limit: The minimum age limit is 21 years, and the maximum age limit is 28 years. Reserved category candidates will receive age relaxation as per the rules. Educational Qualification: To apply for the CG PCS Recruitment 2025, candidates must have completed graduation or its equivalent from a recognised university/institution. Candidates who have already appeared for or are currently appearing for their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply. CGPSC PCS 2025 Recruitment: How To Apply Step 1 To apply for the CGPSC recruitment, click on the official website at psc.cg.gov.in. Step 2 Click on the registration link on the homepage Step 3 Fill out the application form Step 4 Upload the required documents and pay the application fee Step 5 Download and save the page for further use. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all CGPSC PCS 2025 Recruitment: Salary Details The basic pay of CGPSC officers is based on their pay scale and grade pay. Group A officers have a salary of Rs 56,100 at pay level 12, while Group B officers receive a pay scale ranging from Rs 25,300 to Rs 38,100. 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 27, 2025, 15:38 IST News education-career CGPSC PCS 2025 Recruitment: Check Prelims, Mains Exam Schedule; Salary Details 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... HPBOSE Class 10, 12 Time Table 2026 Out At hpbose.org, Check Schedule Here Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 13:19 IST HPBOSE has released the Class 10 and 12 board exam timetable for 2026. The datesheets are available for download on the official website at hpbose.org. HPBOSE Class 10 and 12 Datesheet 2026 has been released, check dates here. HPBOSE Class 10, 12 Time Table 2026 Out: The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education (HPBOSE) has released the datesheet for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for 2026. Students appearing for the exams can download the timetable from the official website, hpbose.org. The Class 10 board exams will be held from March 3 to March 28, 2026. The first paper will be English, and the final paper will be Social Science. All exams will take place in a single shift from 9:45 am to 1 pm. Recommended Stories The Class 12 examinations will also begin on March 3 and continue until April 1, 2026. The exams will start with Sanskrit and conclude with Music. These too will be conducted from 9:45 am to 1 pm. Students are not allowed to carry calculators, smart watches, mobile phones, pagers, or any electronic gadgets inside the exam hall. Any violation will be dealt with according to the rules. The practical exams for regular students and candidates under the state-open school system will be conducted from February 20 to February 28, 2026. Except for NSQF subjects, these practical exams will be held internally at the respective government and affiliated schools. ALSO READ: RRB NTPC UG CBT 2 Exam 2025 Date Announced, City Intimation & Admit Card Soon HPBOSE Class 10, 12 Datesheet 2026: How To Download? Students can download the datesheets by following these simple steps: Step 1: Visit the official website hpbose.org. Step 2: Click on the link for HPBOSE Class 10, 12 Datesheet 2026. Step 3: The datesheet PDF will open on the screen. Step 4: Download and take a printout for future reference. Click here to download HPBOSE 10th Date Sheet 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Click here to download HPBOSE 12th Date Sheet 2025 Students can visit the official HPBOSE website for more information and details related to the conduct of the exams. 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 27, 2025, 13:19 IST News education-career HPBOSE Class 10, 12 Time Table 2026 Out At hpbose.org, Check Schedule 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... The Rahul Mankootathil Row: In Kerala, Congress Faces An Unwanted Distraction In Election Season Written By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 08:31 IST The Grand Old Party will have to decide whether it wants to win one seat in Palakkad or emerge victorious in the state In August this year, Congress suspended Rahul Mankootathil, the Palakkad MLA, from the partys primary membership amid allegations of sexual misconduct against him. (PTI) In the Palakkad assembly constituency, where electoral margins are thin and the BJP has long been inching closer, the suspended MLAs name continues to dominate whispers. For a party attempting to project moral resolve while protecting political turf, the allegationsand the latest leaked audiothreaten to turn a single constituencys headache into a state-wide vulnerability. Recommended Stories In August this year, Congress suspended Mankootathil, the Palakkad MLA, from the partys primary membership amid allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Though there were no complaints by any victims against Mankootathil, the police registered a case of stalking and criminal intimidation based on the notice issued by the Child Rights Commission and nine other complaints given by politicians or social activists. The FIR says the victims are in the age group of 18-60 and the accused used social media to stalk them, send messages and even coerce one of them to terminate a pregnancy. The controversy began when former journalist and actor/model Rini Ann George accused a young leader from a prominent political party" of sending her offensive messages on multiple occasions and even inviting her to a hotel. Though she did not name the politician, the BJP took out a march towards Mankootathils office, alleging that he was the leader in question. Honey Bhaskaran, a writer, had also come out and made allegations against Mankootathil. In a Facebook post, Bhaskaran alleged that the MLA messaged her on social media and when she realised that he had no intention of stopping the messages, she stopped communication. Bhaskaran added that later she learnt through Youth Congress workers that he had badmouthed her and told them that she had initiated the conversation. The Congress leadership in the state, especially opposition leader VD Satheeshan, took a strong stand when the allegations surfaced. Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala too sought immediate action. As pressure grew, Mankootathil resigned as the Youth Congress state president and the party suspended him from the primary membership. Extolling the quick action, Satheeshan had said its the first time that a political party in Kerala was taking such a decision with great rigour and determination. The Congress leadership, including PCC president Sunny Joseph, said though there had been no complaint before them nor proof submitted, the party had acted against Mankootathil within 24 hours. Satheeshan also drew parallels with the CPI(M), saying they had a rape case accused as an MLA but no action was taken against him. We acted because of the respect our party has for women," he emphasised. Though there were several protests seeking Mankootathils resignation from the MLAs post, leaders within the Congress were not very keen as they did not want another by-election in Palakkad, where the BJP had come a close second. For the Grand Old Party, fighting another by-election in the face of such allegations would have been an uphill task. Now, as the local body elections near, another audio clipallegedly of Mankootathil with a womanhas gone viral. In the audio, the woman can be heard conveying to him her difficulties in the first month of pregnancy. The man, in a rude tone, asks her to visit a hospital. The woman goes on to say that he was the one who wanted the child but had changed with time. Reacting to the allegations, Mankootathil said the charges were nothing new" and the investigation into them was ongoing". When asked if the voice in the viral audio was his, Mankootathil said: First, TV channels air the audio saying its me and then they ask if its me. What is the logic in this?" The controversy has come as added trouble for Congress, especially when local body elections are nearing. In Palakkad constituency, though suspended from Congress, Mankootathil remains active and was seen campaigning for some candidates. Mankootathils stand is that since he is suspended from the party, he should not participate in any party programmes and he is following the diktat. However, he added that there are people who worked tirelessly for him during his elections and if they request him to seek votes for them during local body polls, he will follow suit. While there are some within the Congress who feel the stand taken by Mankootathil is correct as he is concentrating only in Palakkad, others feel the timing of the leaks will make people question the allegations. The Congress leadership, as of now, is taking a wait-and-watch stand. The cadre, meanwhile, is divided. Some within the party feel that as none of the victims had filed a complaint, there was no need for such a strong stand from the leadership. But others say the stand was correct and the Congress can claim moral high ground. With the leaked audio, the Congress is now putting the ball in the chief ministers court, stating that it is up to the government to take action and complete the investigation. Their stand is that the party has taken whatever action was possibleeven without a complaint. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As far as the assembly elections in another six months are concerned , according to one leader, the Grand Old Party will have to decide whether it wants to win one seat in Palakkad or emerge victorious in the state. There is also a possibility that if an official complaint is made closer to the assembly elections, the CPI(M) may use the controversy politically. Palakkad is one seat where the BJP has been coming second consistently in the assembly elections. This will also have to be considered when fielding a candidate from the crucial area. For now, the Congress leadership in Kerala is waiting to see the turn the row takes. About the Author Neethu Reghukumar Neethu Reghukumar, Principal Correspondent at CNN-News18, has 12 years of experience in both print and broadcast journalism. She covers politics, crime, health in Kerala, and has extensively reported ... Read More Location : Thiruvananthapuram [Trivandrum], India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 08:31 IST News elections The Rahul Mankootathil Row: In Kerala, Congress Faces An Unwanted Distraction In Election Season 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... Why Venezuelas Maduro Wont Leave Power Despite Trumps Escalating Pressure Campaign Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 12:02 IST Washingtons military buildup, legal indictments and a $50 million bounty have cornered Nicolas Maduro, yet the Venezuelan President shows no sign of stepping aside Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro dances during the student day celebrations at Miraflores Palace in Caracas on November 21, 2025. (Image: Juan BARRETO/AFP) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, now in his third term, is facing the strongest US military and legal pressure of his rule under President Donald Trump. The United States does not recognise him as Venezuelas leader, even though he was declared the winner of last years presidential election despite evidence that the opposition defeated him by a two-to-one margin. His government has been repeatedly accused of human rights violations, and Washingtons latest actions place him under unprecedented threat. Despite this mounting pressure, Maduro shows no indication that he will step aside. Understanding why requires looking at the dangers he faces if he leaves office, the forces that keep him in place and the escalating confrontation surrounding Venezuela. Recommended Stories How The US Pressure Campaign Has Escalated Over the past months, Washington has built up a large military presence close to Venezuela. An aircraft carrier, Marines and several warships have been deployed to the Caribbean. The US says this build-up is part of a wider effort to crack down on drug trafficking routes in the region. As part of this operation, American forces have carried out multiple strikes in international waters on boats suspected of transporting illegal drugs. These strikes have been deadly, killing at least 80 people. Washington has claimed that several of these boats had departed from Venezuela. In earlier stages of the campaign, there have already been more than ten deadly airstrikes targeting suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea. This military pressure also includes a major escalation on the legal front. Venezuelas Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) has been labelled a foreign terrorist organisation for importing illegal drugs into the United States. Trumps administration has claimed that Maduro is part of this group. Venezuelan officials have rejected this outright, calling the idea of the cartels existence a ridiculous fabrication". Trump has kept the purpose of the campaign deliberately vague. Speaking on Air Force One as he flew to Florida, he refused to explain the precise goal of the four-month operation, saying: Im not going to tell you what the goal is. You should probably know what the goal is," and indicating he might" talk to Maduro. He added: If we can save lives, if we can do things the easy way, thats fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, thats fine too." How Maduro Is Turning The Standoff Into A Battle For Venezuela Maduro has answered this pressure by presenting himself as the defender of Venezuelas sovereignty and territory. He has appeared in woodland camouflage fatigues, brandished a sword and addressed marches in the capital Caracas, invoking the legacy of liberation hero Simon Bolivar and calling on followers to prepare to resist. At one rally in Caracas, he told supporters it was their historic duty to fight foreign aggressors just as Bolivar had done two centuries earlier. Addressing what he called the revolutionary people of Caracas", he declared: We have to be capable of defending every inch of this blessed land from any sort of imperialist threat or aggression, wherever it comes from." He added: I swear before our Lord Jesus Christ, that I will give my all for the victory of Venezuela," promising to protect the skies, mountains and plains of his country. On the same occasion, he told crowds that failure is not an option". Maduro has described the US deployment as an assault on Venezuelas sovereignty. Inside his government, Washingtons actions are presented as an attempt to seize Venezuelan resources. Venezuelan minister Delcy Rodriguez said: They want Venezuelas oil and gas reserves. For nothing, without paying. They want Venezuelas gold. They want Venezuelas diamonds, iron, bauxite. They want Venezuelas natural resources." Cuba has stepped in publicly on his side. It has accused the US of seeking a violent overthrow of Maduros government and called the American military presence in the region exaggerated and aggressive". Cubas foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez warned that ousting Venezuelas leader would be extremely dangerous and irresponsible, and a violation of international law. He appealed directly to people in the United States, saying: We appeal to the people of the United States to stop this madness. The US government could cause an incalculable number of deaths and create a scenario of violence and instability in the hemisphere that would be unimaginable." By framing the confrontation as a fight against imperialist" aggression and a defence of national resources, Maduro is trying to turn a personal survival battle into a patriotic cause. Exile Is No Longer A Safe Escape Route One of the biggest reasons Maduro will not go quietly is that the classic escape route for ousted rulers comfortable exile abroad has almost vanished for him. For much of the last century, leaders forced from power could flee to other countries, live off hidden fortunes and avoid accountability. That pattern has largely broken down. Systems to track illicit money have become more effective, and courts now pursue political leaders long after they leave office. For Maduro, the prospect of a gilded exile" is described as nearly non-existent. He has been indicted in the US on narcoterrorism charges, with senior officials facing similar accusations. The United States has put a $50 million bounty on him. He also faces exposure at the International Criminal Court, which has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity linked to the violent repression of protests in 2017. These legal risks make the idea of leaving power and going abroad extremely dangerous. Even countries that are sympathetic cannot guarantee permanent immunity. Cuba is in economic difficulty. Russia is far away. European capitals are politically sensitive, especially because they host large Venezuelan exile communities. Any country that took him in could be exposed to extradition requests and diplomatic pressure. Why The Military Is Tied To His Survival Maduros hold on power depends heavily on a military and security apparatus whose senior ranks are deeply entangled with the regime. Many senior officers are accused of corruption, drug trafficking and illicit profiteering. Their safety is directly linked to the system staying intact. Inside the armed forces there is a climate of fear. Former officers describe incalculable terror" among personnel. Any attempt to plot a coup is extremely dangerous, not least because Cuban counterintelligence operatives embedded in the Venezuelan military are said to detect dissent quickly. For many commanders, changing sides would not only mean losing their positions and wealth but also facing prosecution or retaliation. The regime functions as a mutually protective network: loyalty is rewarded with protection, and protection depends on loyalty. Stepping away from that network would leave Maduro exposed, but it would also expose many of those who have benefited from his rule. This shared vulnerability means the military elite has little interest in letting him go. Maduro Thinks Washington Is Bluffing Maduros refusal to step aside is also shaped by how he interprets US intentions. A source with regular contact with senior Venezuelan officials told the Wall Street Journal that Maduro and those around him believe only a full-scale US ground invasion could remove him. According to the Guardian, Trumps reluctance to send US troops into overseas combat makes such an invasion appear unlikely. Trump failed to topple Maduro in 2019. At the same time, there are fears that the size of the current deployment in the Caribbean makes further escalation likely. National security consultant Douglas Farah, who advised the US government on Venezuela during Trumps first term, said: I think that were going to start blowing things up. I think we have to do something because theres too big a force there [in the Caribbean] to not do something." His greatest fear is that even such strikes might fail to topple Maduro, just as earlier efforts did. In that case, he warned, [If that happens] Maduro will feel empowered. Hell say: Yeah, I defeated the United States," and any chance of the Venezuelan leader leaving power in some sort of orderly fashion will be gone again for another 10 years". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Farah warned that the next step could be strikes on Venezuelan soil, possibly targeting a major Caribbean port used for cocaine smuggling. Trumps future plans for Venezuela, South Americas sixth-largest country and the nation with the worlds largest proven oil reserves, remain unclear for now. 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 27, 2025, 11:58 IST News explainers Why Venezuelas Maduro Wont Leave Power Despite Trumps Escalating Pressure Campaign 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 Turning Point In Indias Security Strategy: What The Raipur Summit Means For Naxalisms Fate Written By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 16:49 IST The security apparatus can't be lax but the Naxal challenge can be uprooted for good only if the development initiatives make Bastar dwellers a stakeholder in their own future Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Home Ministry data suggests an 81 per cent drop in violence in the last decade-and-a-half. On multiple occasions between 2010 and 2013, including once at a chief ministers conference, Singh had labelled Naxalism the single-biggest challenge for internal security. This was the period when CRPF lost 76 men in Chintalnar, Dantewada. It was also the time when the Congress partys entire state leadership was wiped clean at Darba Ghati. Recommended Stories The DG-IG conference of 2025 is happening a week after Madvi Hidmathe man who presided over each of these massacres from 2010 to 2013has been brought to justice. Fight Against Naxals So Far The Modi government has focused on Naxal violence since 2015. A National Policy and Action Plan to eradicate Maoist violence came up in 2015 with focus on setting up more security camps along with a massive push to infrastructure and social empowerment. Home Ministry data suggests an 81 per cent drop in violence in the last decade-and-a-half. In 2010, 1,936 incidents of Naxal violence were reported. In 2024, the number was only 374. The total number of deaths (civilians + security forces) has also reduced by 85 per cent during this period. The number of LWE-affected districts reduced from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in July 2021 and further to 38 in April 2024. In 2025, the number has come down to 11 with only three districts of ChhattisgarhNarayanpur, Sukma and Bijapurlabelled most affected". While the Centre focussed on LWE violence since 2010, a marked change could be seen with the Amit Shah-Vishnu Deo Sai combination steering the anti-Naxal operations. The home ministry has convened meetings of chief ministers of LWE-affected states regularly since 2015. Shah himself has steered meetings in Raipur and Jagdalpur. His annual Bastar Dusshera trips and rejecting dialogue" with Maoists left no confusion about where the government stood in its anti-Naxal strategy. During each of these visits he did a night halt in Jagdalpur and visited Forward Operating Bases, taking stock of Anganwadis, PDS shops and health centers. These were then followed up with meetings chaired by the home secretary and other senior officials. The instructions, officials say, are unambiguous. The deadline to bring Hidma to justice was set as November 30 by Shah, as per MHA officials, after the dreaded Naxal commander escaped the KGL hill seize. That operation continued under DG CRPF even as the Pahalgam terror attack unfolded. Hidma escaped only to be killed in an encounter six months later. Meeting Deadline Before Time The conference will look at the way ahead as Home Minister Amit Shahs deadline of March 2026 is around the corner. There are enough indications that the security grid could make Bastar Naxal-violence free by December 2025. By their own admission, the CPI Maoist has lost 320 cadres this year, eight central committee member, 15 state leaders and then general secretary Basavraj (Basav Amna Raju). A total of 243 of these are from the Dandakaranya-Bastar region. The CPI Maoist is celebrating its birth anniversary this week. In the past, security forces would brace for more ambush, attacks and IED blasts during this time. But this year, by its own admission, the outlawed groups emphasis is on secrecysmall meetings, clandestinely put up posters, and recruitment drives that dont attract attention. Venugopal Rao alias Bhupatis surrender in Gadchiroli with cadre and weapon dealt a body blow to Naxals in Chhattisgarh, but it is Hidmas killing in an encounter in Andhra Pradesh which could strike the death knell. Speculations are intense that Devuji alias Tirupathi too is in custody. Arrest of nine of the general secretarys body guards has been confirmed by Andhra Police but it refuted the arrest claim when a Habeas Corpus plea was moved by Devujis brother. With the cadre and the leadership both at its lowest-ever, the CPI Maoist is staring at an existential crisis. Challenges Ahead Challenges, however, remain for the security establishment. The government has learnt from the past and refused ceasefire overtures from CPI (Maoist) factions. A similar overture in June 2004 was accepted by the then Andhra government lead by YS Rajasekhara Reddy. The decision gave Naxals time to regroup and retaliate with vengeance over the next 10 years. In 2025, that mistake has not been repeated. However, the challenge is to dispel all doubts among tribals about Jal, Jungle, and Zameen. The locals of Bastar have given up their apprehensions that the government machinery entering their land would mean plundering of their natural resources and their home. For decades, Naxals have recruited cadre on the basis of this fear. The security grid has successfully pushed ahead, including in PuvartiHidmas villagebecause locals shared intelligence. Now is the time to return the trust. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Vishnu Deo Sai governments initiatives like Bastar Olympics is drawing the youth of the area to sports, away from guns and IEDs. The development of tourism is meant to generate employment. Infrastructure such as roads and mobile towers are penetrating deep inside forests. The security apparatus cant be lax but the Naxal challenge can be uprooted for good only if the development initiatives make Bastar dwellers a stakeholder in their own future. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr... Read More Location : Raipur, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 16:49 IST News india A Turning Point In Indias Security Strategy: What The Raipur Summit Means For Naxalisms Fate 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... Bare Allegations Not Enough: Allahabad HC Declines Husbands Plea For Childs DNA Test Reported By : LawBeat Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 16:59 IST The court noted that the law places significant weight on the legitimacy of a child, recognising it as a conclusive presumption aimed at ensuring stability within family structure Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The dispute arose from a domestic violence application filed in 2015 The Allahabad High Court recently refused to interfere with two Varanasi court orders declining a husbands request for a DNA test to dispute the paternity of a girl born during his marriage, holding that the statutory presumption of legitimacy remained unshaken and that no grounds were shown to justify such an intrusive direction. The bench of Justice Chawan Prakash dismissed the criminal revision filed by Ramraj Patel, who had challenged the Special Chief Judicial Magistrates order dated January 18, 2021, and the Additional Sessions Judges appellate order dated October 7, 2021. Both courts had rejected his plea for conducting a DNA test of the daughter of his wife during proceedings under the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act. Recommended Stories The dispute arose from a domestic violence application filed in 2015 by Patels wife. During those proceedings, Patel claimed that the child born to his wife in December 2012 was not his biological daughter and sought a DNA examination. The magistrate denied the request, and the appellate court upheld that decision, prompting Patel to approach the high court. According to the materials placed before the court, the couple married on April 15, 2008. The wife lived briefly at her matrimonial home before moving back to her parental residence, returning only for short visits over the years. Patel alleged that his wife stayed away intentionally, that she accused him of an illicit relationship, and that the two had not lived together after May 20, 2011. Relying on this timeline, he argued that the child born on December 17, 2012, could not have been conceived during cohabitation. Opposing the revision, the State and counsel for the wife argued that the courts below had correctly applied Section 112 of the Evidence Act, which treats a child born during the subsistence of a valid marriage as conclusive proof of legitimacy unless non-access is clearly established. They submitted that Patel had offered no substantive evidence to meet the high threshold required to rebut this presumption. The high court examined the provision and noted that the law places significant weight on the legitimacy of a child, recognising it as a conclusive presumption aimed at ensuring stability within the family structure. The judgment reiterates that this presumption can be displaced only by cogent proof that the spouses had no opportunity for access during the relevant period. Justice Prakash also referred to the Supreme Courts decision in Ivan Rathinam v. Milan Joseph (2025), which underscores the privacy and dignity implications of compelling a DNA test. The apex court had cautioned that forcing an individual to undergo such testing amounts to an intrusion into deeply personal aspects of life and therefore must satisfy strict constitutional scrutiny. Courts, the Supreme Court held, cannot order such tests as a matter of routine. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Applying these principles, the high court found that Patel had relied solely on a general assertion that his wife did not reside with him for most of the marriage. The court held that such a claim did not establish non-access in the legal sense, nor did it justify overriding the statutory presumption. Concluding that there was neither illegality nor irregularity in the findings of the magistrate or the appellate judge, the high court dismissed the revision petition. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More Location : Prayagraj, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 16:59 IST News india Bare Allegations Not Enough: Allahabad HC Declines Husbands Plea For Childs DNA Test 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... 'Nothing Like This Happened': Congress Dismisses Reports Of Scuffle During Bihar Review Meet Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 22:29 IST Party leaders said the discussions were detailed, orderly and focused on assessing the partys performance in the recent assembly polls. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Congress MP Tariq Anwar said the leadership had spoken individually with members in small groups to ensure a thorough assessment. (PTI file photo) The Congress on Thursday dismissed reports of a scuffle during its Bihar election review meeting. Party leaders said the discussions were detailed, orderly and focused on assessing the partys performance in the recent assembly polls. Congress MP Tariq Anwar, who attended the review session, said the leadership had spoken individually with members in small groups to ensure a thorough assessment. Recommended Stories A very detailed review has been conducted, and in groups of ten, Congress President Kharge ji, Rahul ji and Venugopal ji have spoken one-on-one with everyone," he said. He added that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) would now prepare a roadmap based on the feedback received. After this entire discussion, the AICC will prepare a roadmap for the future, and action will be taken. It is true that corrective measures will be taken," Anwar stated. Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh also rejected claims of any confrontation, saying that everyone was heard constituency-wise" and that the discussion focused on improvements needed within the party. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal, who was part of the meeting, said the four-hour review made it clear that the Bihar election was not a genuine mandate, but a grossly managed and fabricated outcome". Todays 4-hour review meeting with our candidates & leaders from Bihar, under Honble Congress President and Honble LOPs leadership, made one thing absolutely clear: the Bihar election was not a genuine mandate, but a grossly managed and fabricated outcome.They highlighted K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) November 27, 2025 In a statement shared after the meeting on X, Venugopal said leaders highlighted several concerns, including how SIR enabled targeted voter deletions and dubious additions", how blatant cash bribery under the so-called MMRY scheme was used to influence voters even at polling stations", and how identical margins across constituencies exposed a pattern that no independent election commission would ever overlook". These issues point to organised electoral malpractices and brazen violations of the Model Code of Conduct, carried out under the watch of an ECI that has increasingly behaved like an active collaborator in BJPs election rigging," he added. Meanwhile, the Congress party took to X and shared a video of Bihar Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru speaking about the outcome of the meeting to reporters. Allavaru said the party carried out an in-depth discussion with all candidates and senior leaders regarding the Bihar election results. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 2 - , pic.twitter.com/NaFoCvSaSY Congress (@INCIndia) November 27, 2025 Allavaru added that discussions were also held on future tasks and the direction the party would take going forward. Along with this, discussions were also held on future works, regarding which we are going to proceed with the work ahead," he said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 21:57 IST News india 'Nothing Like This Happened': Congress Dismisses Reports Of Scuffle During Bihar Review 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... Fake IAS Officer With Pakistani Contacts Held In Maharashtra, Cops Probe Link To Delhi Blast Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 12:26 IST A woman posing as a fake IAS officer was arrested in Maharashtra after police found high-value cheques and international contacts linked to Afghanistan and Peshawar. Representative image (File/PTI) A woman who claimed to be an IAS officer has been arrested in Maharashtras Sambhaji Nagar. The accused, identified as Kalpana Bhagwat, was found with 10 international phone numbers, including those from Afghanistan and Pakistans Peshawar. During the search, police recovered two cheques worth Rs 19 crore and Rs 6 lakh from her residence. Recommended Stories The investigation further revealed that she had previously travelled to Rajasthan, Jodhpur and Delhi. Sources said her mobile phone contained contact numbers saved as those of the Home Ministers officer on Special Duty (OSD) and defence officials. According to sources, she was also present in Delhi at the time of the November 10 car blast near Red Fort, which claimed 15 lives. The police are likely to investigate whether she had any role in the incident. A day before, the Film Nagar Police Station in Hyderabad apprehended an imposter, namely Bathini Shashikanth (39), involved in a series of offences, including duping, extortion, cheating, forgery, and criminal intimidation. The accused had been misleading the public for over two years by posing as an IAS Officer in the capacity of Deputy Commissioner and, at times, as an IPS/NIA Officer, thereby duping innocent citizens of a large sum of money. The investigation revealed that the accused projected himself as a high-ranking public servant by creating and using fake IAS/IPS/NIA identity cards, visiting cards, and forged documents. He hired two bodyguards and weapons from Tamil Nadu to portray himself as a senior government official. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Moreover, he fixed police sirens to a private vehicle and also used walkie-talkies to imitate official communication. He circulated a forged TSIIC industrial land allotment letter to cheat victims. ALSO READ | Bengaluru Kingpin Couple Arrested In Fake Nandini Ghee Racket, High-Tech Machinery Seized 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 27, 2025, 12:22 IST News india Fake IAS Officer With Pakistani Contacts Held In Maharashtra, Cops Probe Link To Delhi Blast Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The auto industry in the UK has criticised a new planned UK annual tax that will apply to electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids used on UK roads from 2028. The new annual tax is designed to address falling petrol and diesel fuel tax revenues as electrified vehicles take a bigger share of the UKs car market (pure petrol and diesel engine models are still planned by the government to end UK sales in 2030). In the Autumn Budget yesterday (26 November) it was announced that there would be a 3 pence per mile charge for electric car drivers and 1.5 pence per mile for plug-in hybrid drivers. The new tax would apply from 2028, but the details on how it is measured and enforced have yet to be established. The new tax appears to be needed to fill the tax raising gap caused by rising electrification and lower petrol/diesel fuel duty revenues. In Britain, petrol and diesel fuel is subject to 52.95 pence duty almost 40% of the typical pump price for a litre of petrol. By its nature, the existing fuel duty tax is levied according to the motorists mileage, but analysts note that the annual tax revenue raised around GBP25bn - is way above what is spent on the UKs roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The UKs Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has said that singling out electric cars for a new pay per mile tax would suppress demand, discouraging consumers and making ever-tougher sales targets even more costly and challenging to achieve. On an average car mileage of around 7,000 miles per annum, the new EV duty would amount to an annual charge of GBP210. In its response to the Budget Statement, the SMMT said introducing a new electric-Vehicle Excise Duty is the wrong measure at the wrong time. "Manufacturers have invested to bring more than 150 EV models to market. However, the pressure to deliver the worlds most ambitious zero emission vehicle sales targets whilst maintaining industry viability is intense. With even the OBR warning this new tax will undermine demand, government must work with industry to reduce the cost of compliance and protect the UKs investment appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "Manufacturers have invested to bring more than 150 EV models to market. However, the pressure to deliver the worlds most ambitious zero emission vehicle sales targets whilst maintaining industry viability is intense. With even the OBR warning this new tax will undermine demand, government must work with industry to reduce the cost of compliance and protect the UKs investment appeal. Nevertheless, the SMMT also said the UK government has recognised the automotive industry as a pillar of national strategic importance, backing it with an industrial strategy and additional 1.5 billion to drive competitiveness and investment. Deferring the end of employee car ownership schemes into the next parliament, meanwhile, will be welcomed by workers across the sector, Hawes noted. He also said: "Changes to the VED expensive car supplement are welcome, as is the additional 1.3 billion funding for the Electric Car Grant and support for charging infrastructure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The SMMT has said it wants the UK government to create the conditions needed to restore the sector to a 1.3 million vehicle manufacturing hub by 2035. According to GlobalData, UK passenger car output this year is forecast at around 700,000 units and has declined from an annual 1.5 million units as recently as 2018. "Auto industry criticises new UK electric vehicle excise duty" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. From A 10-Man Section To A 45,000-Strong Corps: The Indian Army Organisation Explained Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 18:02 IST Located in New Delhi, Army HQ is the top operational centre of the Indian Army and is headed by the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), a four-star general Rapid Read + Follow us On Google A Corps consists of 40,000-45,000 soldiers. (News18 Hindi) More than two decades after its release, the 1997 war film Border continues to stir patriotic fervour. The films dialogue, from Sunny Deols Major Kuldeep Singh Chandpuri warning his men that we are only 120 against an entire tank regiment" to a stunned Pakistani officer assuming a whole battalion of 600" is present, often sparks a common question among viewers: How big is a company? Is it larger than a battalion? And what exactly are the building blocks of the Indian Army? For young aspirants and defence enthusiasts, understanding the Armys structure is essential. Here is a clear, detailed breakdown of every major fighting formation in the Indian Army; who leads it, how many soldiers it includes, and what role it plays on the ground. Recommended Stories Section A section is the most basic combat unit, comprising about 10 soldiers. Role: Patrolling, border surveillance, rapid response, and the first contact in battle. Commander: A Non-Commissioned Officer, typically a Havildar or Naik. Each soldier has a specialised function including rifleman, LMG gunner, grenadier, making the section a nimble and lethal frontline team. Platoon A platoon consists of 3035 soldiers, formed by combining three sections. Role: Larger patrols, border operations, independent small missions. Commander: A Junior Commissioned Officer (Subedar/Naib Subedar), assisted by a Platoon Havildar Major. Platoons can split into smaller teams during complex missions, giving commanders flexibility. Company A company brings together three platoons and support staff, totalling 120-150 personnel. Role: Capturing/defending key positions such as villages, posts, and strategic heights. Commander: A Major, sometimes a Captain. Companies come equipped with their own communication networks, medics, and support elements, making them a powerful tactical force. Battalion A battalion comprises 800-900 soldiers, typically made up of four rifle companies and several specialised units signals, logistics, mortars, medical and more. Role: Holding large sectors, anti-terror operations, high-intensity combat, disaster response. Commander: A Lieutenant Colonel, known as the Commanding Officer (CO). A battalion is considered a fully self-sustaining fighting unit. Brigade A brigade includes three battalions, adding up to 3,0003,500 troops. Commander: A Brigadier. With integral artillery, engineers, and logistics units, brigades can manoeuvre and fight on multiple fronts simultaneously, crucial in border and high-risk areas. Division A division comprises 15,00018,000 soldiers, grouped into several brigades alongside artillery, engineers, medical teams, and other support arms. Commander: A Major General. Divisions plan and execute large operational campaigns and are responsible for the security of vast geographic sectors. Corps A corps consists of 40,00045,000 personnel, encompassing multiple divisions. Commander: A Lieutenant General (General Officer Commanding). Corps formations manage long frontlines, deep-strike operations, and major strategic objectives in wartime. Army Commands The Army operates through 6 operational commands Northern, Western, Eastern, Southern, South Western, and Central Command. Commander: A Lieutenant General (Army Commander). Commands oversee several corps, manage regional deployments, training, logistics, and all military operations within their jurisdiction. Army Headquarters Located in New Delhi, the Army Headquarters is the top decision-making body of the force. Led by: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), a four-star General. Supporting him are the Vice Chief, Deputy Chiefs, and branches overseeing operations, intelligence, personnel, modernization, and procurement. This is where national military strategy, operational directives, and war-time planning originate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Why This Structure Matters From a 10-man section to a 45,000-strong corps, each level of the Indian Armys hierarchy is designed for speed, flexibility, and decisive action. For defence aspirants, it offers a clear roadmap of command responsibilities and career progression. For the nation, it ensures that the worlds largest volunteer army remains disciplined, organised, and ready for any challenge. First Published: November 27, 2025, 18:02 IST News india From A 10-Man Section To A 45,000-Strong Corps: The Indian Army Organisation Explained 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's Exports Growing Despite US Tariff Hike: Commerce Ministry To Parliamentary Panel Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 22:14 IST The commerce ministry told the parliamentary panel that there has been an increase in outbound shipments during April-October as compared to the same period last year Opposition MPs expressed concern, noting that while India views the US as a key partner, the sanctions were unexpected. (Image: PTI/File) Indias exports have continued to grow despite the hike in tariffs imposed by the United States, the commerce ministry told a parliamentary panel on Thursday. According to the commerce ministry, there has been an increase in outbound shipments during April-October as compared to the same period last year. Recommended Stories The parliamentary standing committee on commerce convened under chairperson and TMCs Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen to review India-US relations, focusing on recent US tariff hikes. Senior officials from the commerce ministry, including commerce secretary Rajesh Agarwal, provided a comprehensive presentation. Officials stressed that domestic production remains the Centres primary priority, highlighting its significant contribution to Indias economy over the export sector. Members from different parties questioned why a developing, welfare-oriented country like India had been targeted with such tariffs. Opposition MPs expressed surprise and concern, noting that while India views the US as a key partner, the sanctions were unexpected. The committee also addressed ongoing complaints from traders across the Coffee Board, Tea Board, and Silk Board about lack of a level playing field. Members raised concerns about the steadily rising US dollar, the declining rupee, and the struggles of agro-based industries such as textiles despite claims of strong domestic demand. Another major issue was lack of significant relief for consumers despite the reduction in global crude oil prices. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The committee has been assured that detailed written responses from the commerce ministry will be submitted within the next two weeks. The panel will continue its deliberations on December 16, when Indias foreign secretary and other MEA officials are expected to testify. Industry bodies, including FICCI and CII, may also be invited. In addition to Dola Sen, the meeting was attended by Congress leader Renuka Chaudhary, JD(U)s Girdhar Yadav, and BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey, Praveen Khandelwal, and Ramesh Awasthi among others. First Published: November 27, 2025, 22:14 IST News india India's Exports Growing Despite US Tariff Hike: Commerce Ministry To Parliamentary Panel 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... Jammu Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Reasi Boy For Online Radicalisation, Linked To Pak Handlers Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 10:57 IST Jammu Police have arrested a 19-year-old from Reasi, alleging he was radicalised online and in contact with Pakistan-based handlers. Teen From Reasi Held in Jammu; Probe Finds Links to Pakistan-Based Handlers. Representational pic Jammu Police have arrested a 19-year-old boy who is suspected of being radicalised online and planning a terror act. The youth, identified as Mohammad Sajid, is originally from Reasi district but had been living in the Bathindi area of Jammu. He has been named as the main suspect in FIR No. 331/2025, registered under Section 113(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Police Station Bahu Fort. Police officers said Sajid attempted to flee when he noticed the police team approaching him. He was quickly detained, and a mobile phone was recovered from his possession. The arrest was announced officially by Ajay Sharma, SP City South Jammu. Recommended Stories According to the initial investigation, Sajid had been in touch with numbers based in Pakistan and other foreign countries. Police believe these contacts may have been handlers attempting to influence or guide him. Officers say that early findings suggest he was being radicalised online and may have been preparing for a terror-related activity. The mobile phone recovered from him reportedly contained suspicious material. Early checks revealed incriminating data, including chats on messaging apps and WhatsApp. Police say these conversations raised serious concerns about his intentions and the people he had been communicating with. Digital devices seized Police have seized Sajids digital devices and sent them for detailed forensic analysis. Officers are examining call logs, chat records, browsing history and any files that may point to a wider network or plot. Investigators say it is too early to draw conclusions, but the evidence so far suggests that Sajid was in regular touch with foreign contacts. Authorities are now trying to determine how he came into contact with these individuals and whether anyone else in the region may be connected to the same network. Investigation continues SP Ajay Sharma said a detailed investigation is underway, with officers questioning the accused at length to understand his motives and the extent of his involvement. Police teams are also verifying the foreign phone numbers he had been in contact with. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all So far, no additional arrests have been made, but officials say they are following several leads. The case has raised concerns about online radicalisation of young individuals in the region and the methods used by handlers based across the border. Police expect more information to emerge once the full digital examination is complete and the questioning of the accused progresses. 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 : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 10:52 IST News india Jammu Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Reasi Boy For Online Radicalisation, Linked To Pak Handlers 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... Kerala Will Not Implement Centre's New Labour Codes, Says Minister Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 18:54 IST Kerala Labour Minister Sivankutty said that while most states have moved ahead with implementing the labour codes, Kerala has consistently maintained its refusal. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty. (File Photo) Kerala Labour Minister V Sivankutty on Thursday confirmed that the state government would not implement the Centres newly notified Labour Codes. Speaking to reporters, Sivankutty said that while most states have moved ahead with implementing the labour codes, Kerala has consistently maintained its refusal. The Union Labour Ministry called a meeting of all states last month. We clearly indicated that Kerala will not implement these codes," he said. Recommended Stories When asked whether the state had succumbed to central pressure while preparing draft regulations linked to the labour codes, the minister denied the claim. If we were succumbing to central government pressure, we would have given a letter accepting the codes. we have not done that," he said. The draft regulations were notified in Kerala on 14 December 2021. Sivankutty stressed that the process was transparent and public opinion had been sought at the time. All further procedures in connection with it have been stopped. We have not taken any steps regarding it in the last three years. So, there is no need to be concerned," he added. The Union Government recently notified all four labour codes, pending since 2020, bringing major reforms such as universal social security coverage for gig workers, mandatory appointment letters for employees, and statutory minimum wages with timely payment across sectors. Sivankutty also reaffirmed on Wednesday that Kerala would not take an anti-worker stance while dealing with the new codes. He announced plans to convene a meeting with central trade union representatives to discuss the implications of the notified labour codes. The state is also considering hosting a labour conclave in Thiruvananthapuram during the third week of December. Meanwhile, nationwide protests have erupted against the new codes. A joint forum of 10 central trade unions, the farmers body Sanyukt Kisan Morcha, and the engineers body AIPEF held demonstrations on Wednesday, demanding withdrawal of the labour codes and guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers. In a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, the forum argued that the codes undermine labour rights, restrict the right to strike, make union registration difficult, and weaken labour courts. Protests reportedly took place across more than 500 districts, involving formal and informal workers, farmers, and other sections of the public. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The trade unions have termed the new codes anti-labour" and called for greater protection of workers rights. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 18:54 IST News india Kerala Will Not Implement Centre's New Labour Codes, Says Minister Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Mother Searched For Missing Child As Toddler Slipped Into Bathroom Tub, Drowned Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 12:50 IST It is believed that the child attempted to play with the water. In the process, she lost balance and fell headfirst into the tub. The tub was deep and the child fell upside down. Since the family lived in a village setting where children often move freely within and around homes, the absence of the child was not immediately considered alarming. (Image: Representative) A quiet household in Davangere, Karnataka was shattered by tragedy on Nov 26, when a 2-year-old child died after accidentally falling into a water-filled plastic tub inside her home. What should have been another ordinary day ended in irreversible loss, underlining how everyday household objects can turn dangerous in moments of inattention. The incident occurred in Nibaguru Gollarahatti village of Jagalur, leaving the local community shocked and grieving. Recommended Stories How the Incident Unfolded The child, identified as Veda, was the daughter of Manjunath and Rajeshwari. According to preliminary information, Veda had been playing inside the house while her parents were occupied with daily work. At some point, the toddler wandered into the bathroom, where a large plastic tub had been filled with water for household use. It is believed that the child attempted to play with the water. In the process, she lost balance and fell headfirst into the tub. Because the tub was deep and the child fell upside down, she was unable to lift herself or cry out for help. Within minutes, she suffocated and drowned. Since the family lived in a village setting where children often move freely within and around homes, the absence of the child was not immediately considered alarming. A Desperate Search Ends in Horror When the parents realised that Veda was nowhere to be seen, they began searching the house and nearby areas. Neighbours and villagers joined the search, checking lanes, open spaces, and familiar spots where children usually gather. It was only after repeated attempts to locate her that the family decided to thoroughly check the bathroom inside the house. There, they found the child submerged in the water tub. By the time she was pulled out, she was unresponsive. The child was rushed for medical assistance, but doctors declared her dead. A Family and Village in Mourning The discovery left the parents devastated. Their cries echoed through the village as residents gathered to support the grieving family. For a child who had just begun exploring the world, the loss felt especially cruel. Villagers described the incident as a deeply painful reminder of how quickly accidents can happen, even within the perceived safety of ones own home. Many said the death had left them shaken, especially families with young children. The case falls under the jurisdiction of the Jagalur Police Station, where an accidental death report was registered. Police officials stated that there was no suspicion of foul play and that the death appears to be accidental. A Wider Warning for Families While accidental drownings are often associated with open water bodies like lakes and wells, experts note that a significant number of child drownings happen indoors. Buckets, tubs, drums, and water storage containers pose a serious risk to children under the age of five, who lack both awareness and physical strength to escape once trapped. Children are naturally drawn to water, even shallow containers. Slippery surfaces, unstable containers, and the inability to stand or shout for help make such situations extremely dangerous. A Tragedy Rooted in Everyday Routine top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This incident is not the result of negligence in the conventional sense, but of a momentary lapse that many households may unknowingly repeat. In homes where water tubs are commonly kept filled, especially in bathrooms or open areas, risks often go unnoticed. The death of young Veda serves as a painful reminder that child safety within homes requires constant awareness. 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 27, 2025, 12:50 IST News india Mother Searched For Missing Child As Toddler Slipped Into Bathroom Tub, Drowned 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... Nikah Near Al-Falah: Terror Module Accused Muzammil Says Shaheen Is His Wife, Not Girlfriend Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 08:03 IST The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the conspiracy behind the November 10 blast, has meanwhile made its seventh arrest Dr Umar Nabi (L) and Dr Muzammil Ganaie (R), both employees of Al Falah University in Faridabad, are the two key figures in the "white collar terror module" allegedly responsible for the Delhi Red Fort blast. (Image: ANI) In a fresh revelation in the Delhi car blast investigation, the arrested accused Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie has told agencies that co-accused Dr. Shaheen Shahid is his wife, not his girlfriend, as previously believed. He claimed the two were formally married in September 2023. According to a report in The Times of India, Muzammil said their nikah performed at a mosque near the Al-Falah University" last year, with a mehr of 5,0006,000 fixed in accordance with Sharia law. This new detail, investigators believe, may shed light on Shaheens alleged extensive financial support to the terror module. Recommended Stories The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which is probing the conspiracy behind the November 10 blast, has meanwhile made its seventh arrest Soyab, a resident of Dhouj in Faridabad for allegedly harbouring bomber Umar Un Nabi and providing logistical support immediately before the attack. Investigators are examining whether Shaheens legal relationship with Muzammil explains the sizable funds she allegedly channelled into the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) module. Agencies say she gave Muzammil around 6.5 lakh in 2023 for the purchase of weapons, and later lent Umar 3 lakh in 2024 to buy a Ford EcoSport used in the blast plot. In total, Shaheen is suspected to have contributed 2728 lakh to procure weapons and explosives for the group. During questioning, however, she reportedly told interrogators that the money was meant for zakat" (religious donations) rather than terror financing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all NIA on Wednesday said it is following multiple leads across states to trace all individuals linked to the attack. An officer told TOI that investigators are also probing terror-linked modules in south Kashmir involved in supplying and selling weapons to militants. These networks active since 2016 in Baramulla, Srinagar, Anantnag and Ganderbal allegedly act as conduits under instructions from Pakistan-based handlers and are suspected to have supplied the assault weapons used by Muzammil and Umar. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 08:03 IST News india Nikah Near Al-Falah: Terror Module Accused Muzammil Says Shaheen Is His Wife, Not Girlfriend 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... Pan Masala Barons Daughter-in-Law Wrote About Relationship Issues In Diary Before Suicide Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 10:03 IST During the search of her room, officers recovered a diary that contained an entry referring to relationship issues. Diary Entry Mentions Relationship Issues as Pan Masala Tycoons Daughter-in-Law Dies by Suicide A 38-year-old woman, the daughter-in-law of the owner of Kamla Pasand Pan Masala, was found dead at her home in Vasant Vihar, southwest Delhi. According to Police, she died by suicide. During the search of her room, officers recovered a diary that contained an entry referring to relationship issues". A senior police officer familiar with the investigation said the diary did not contain any names. He added that the woman had not blamed anyone for her circumstances in the entry. Other pages of the diary are being examined to understand her state of mind in the days leading up to the incident. Recommended Stories Family alleges harassment by husband and in-laws The womans brother has accused her husband and his family of harassment. He claimed that his sister had been tortured" for a long time and that the in-laws had made repeated promises to mend the situation but had failed to do so. We recently found out that her husband had illegally married someone else," he alleged. According to him, the family had brought her back to Kolkata for some months, hoping she would recover emotionally. He said the in-laws later visited them and promised to take care of her", after which she returned to Delhi. However, he claimed that the torture continued" once she went back to her marital home. The businessmans lawyer, Rajender Singh, dismissed all allegations made by the womans family as baseless". He said both sides were grieving and urged for the last rites to be carried out peacefully. There was no note or complaint against anyone," he added. The woman lived with her husband and their two children. On Tuesday morning, her husband left home to go to the gym while their children went to school. According to police, he returned to the house later in the morning and found his wife unresponsive in the dressing room attached to their bedroom. He immediately called for help, and she was taken to hospital. Doctors declared her brought dead". Deputy commissioner of police (southwest) Amit Goel said an autopsy had been carried out, and the body was handed back to the family after the post-mortem. Police begin inquiry into unnatural death The police have begun proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), the provision that deals with inquiries into unnatural or suspicious deaths. This includes examining personal documents, speaking to relatives, and reviewing evidence found at the scene. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Officers say they will continue questioning family members from both sides and will review the statements before deciding if any criminal action is required. No FIR has been registered at this stage, and the inquiry remains open. Police are also waiting for the detailed autopsy report, which may help determine whether any external pressure or injury is linked to the death. 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 27, 2025, 10:03 IST News india Pan Masala Barons Daughter-in-Law Wrote About Relationship Issues In Diary Before Suicide 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... Role Model For Nations: PM Modi Says Gen Z Is Driving Indias Space & Tech Innovation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:11 IST The prime minister highlighted 300 space start-ups across India and said that this is giving new hope to the country's space future. PM Modi addressing the inauguration the Indian space start-up Skyroot's Infinity Campus in Hyderabad via video conference (Credits: IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hailed Indias Gen Z for its contribution in different sectors, including engineering, designing, and the space sector, and referred to them as role models for nations. Indias Gen-Z engineers, designers, coders and scientists are driving breakthroughs in propulsion, composites, rocket stages and satellite tech. He said Gen-Z worldwide can look to Indias Gen-Z as role models in the growing private space sector," said PM Modi. Recommended Stories Indias youth puts the nations interests first. They utilise every opportunity wisely. When the government opened the space sector, the countrys youth, especially our Gen Z, leapt forward to take full advantage of it. Today, Indias more than 300 space start-ups are giving new hope to Indias space future," added the prime minister while addressing the inauguration of the Indian space start-up Skyroots Infinity Campus in Hyderabad via video conference. The Prime Minister on Thursday inaugurated Skyroots first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, capable of launching satellites into orbit. The Vikram series is named after Dr Vikram Sarabhai, founder of the Indian Space Program. He highlighted that India started its space programme with very limited means, yet its determination allowed it to make a strong impact on the global space industry. He also praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for driving Indias progress in space technology over the decades. Skyroot, he noted, was founded by former ISRO scientists. Indias space journey began with limited resources, but our ambitions were never limited. From carrying a part of a rocket on a bicycle to the worlds most trusted launch vehicle, India has proved that dreams are not achieved by resources, but instead by resolve. India has created its own identity with credibility, capacity and value. ISRO gave a new flight to Indias space journey for decades," PM Modi said. He also extended his congratulations to Skyroots founders. I congratulate Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka. You both are an inspiration for Indias young space entrepreneurs. You both trusted yourselves and did not back off from taking risks, and the nation is witnessing the result. The nation is proud of you." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Prime Ministers address to Gen Z comes just two weeks after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reached out to the same generation, using their style of communication. In a recent interactiona video of which he later uploaded on YouTubeRahul adopted a casual, lighthearted approach and told the young audience they could call him bro" instead of the boring sir." 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 27, 2025, 14:32 IST News india Role Model For Nations: PM Modi Says Gen Z Is Driving Indias Space & Tech Innovation 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... Supreme Court Asks If Aadhaar Card Is Enough For A Foreigner To Be Listed As Voter Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 11:45 IST Senior advocate Kapil Sibal questioned the powers given to booth-level officers, who, under the SIR notification, were allowed to effectively decide whether a person was a citizen. Supreme Court | File Image. FIle pic The Supreme Court on Wednesday raised sharp questions about the use of Aadhaar during the Election Commissions ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR), and asked if a foreigner who has still managed to obtain an Aadhaar card and receive welfare benefits should be allowed to vote. The issue came up even though the court had earlier directed that Aadhaar card can be added as the 12th document" in the Bihar SIR process. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asked senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for petitioners, if Aadhaar alone could become an automatic route to voting rights. Recommended Stories Aadhaar is the creation of a statute. Nobody can dispute the use of Aadhaar card to avail welfare benefits but does it mean that since he has got Aadhaar, he should be made a voter also?" the CJI asked. This came after Sibal began arguing challenging the legality of the SIR exercise being carried out by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He said that such concerns might apply to border States but could not applied uniformnly to States like Kerala and Bihar. The second phase of the SIR covers 51 crore people across 12 States and Union Territories. Justice Joymalya Bagchi pointed out that the ECI has the authority to verify entries in the voter list, especially when those entries appear doubtful. He said enumeration forms were part of this verification process, and the Commission could not operate like an inert post office". Sibal argued that the process itself was exclusionary. He also warned that millions of illiterate women could be at risk of being left out of the voter list simply because they might struggle to fill out the enumeration forms. Any exclusionary step or attempt taken by the EC is against the constitutional scheme Any exclusion of a name from the electoral roll must follow a reasonable process," he said. He also questioned the powers given to booth-level officers (BLOs), who, under the SIR notification, were allowed to effectively decide whether a person was a citizen. According to the petitioners, the SIR had turned into a form of citizenship screening", placing the burden of proof on existing voters. Justice Bagchi noted that the ECIs authority to examine documents flows from Section 21 of the Representation of the People Act and Article 326 of the Constitution, which clearly requires voters to be citizens. He said there was always some residual power available to a constitutional authority to conduct a preliminary enquiry. Sibal clarified that he was not questioning the ECIs jurisdiction, only what he described as an unreasonable" and rushed process. He said there was no justification for completing the SIR within two months. Chief Justice Kant, however, observed that the court could not stop the process simply because of doubts about time limitations. He said that the Bihar SIR had shown that the fears of mass exclusion did not materialise. Only a little over three lakh names were removed, and very few objections were raised. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When Sibal said that millions of rural women and labourers might struggle with forms, the CJI responded that the voters in rural areas were often more vigilant about their rights than urban residents. The day of voting is a cause for celebration in rural areas," he remarked. Sibal disagreed, saying the real issue was the process. If you want to take away my rights, you take it away by means of a process We had brought here electors who were declared dead by the BLOs," he said. 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 27, 2025, 08:43 IST News india Supreme Court Asks If Aadhaar Card Is Enough For A Foreigner To Be Listed As Voter 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... Somebody Has To Be Accountable: Supreme Court Weighs Body For Online Content Regulation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:04 IST According to a report on LiveLaw, the bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said a neutral, independent and autonomous regulatory body was needed AI-generated image for representation. Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday questioned the absence of accountability for creators of online content, remarking, So I create my own channel, I am not accountable to anyone somebody has to be accountable!" His remarks came during a Supreme Court hearing on regulating obscene and offensive material on digital platforms. The bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said a neutral, independent and autonomous" regulatory body was needed, expressing dissatisfaction with the current self-regulation model. The case stems from petitions filed by podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia and others challenging FIRs linked to allegedly obscene content in the Indias Got Latent show. The court had earlier expanded the scope to consider broader guidelines on online obscenity. Recommended Stories Appearing for the Centre, Attorney General R Venkataramani and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the bench the Union government is formulating new guidelines and consulting stakeholders. The SG added that the issue extends beyond obscenity" to perversity" in User Generated Content (UGC) across YouTube and other social platforms. Freedom of speech is an invaluable right but it cannot lead to perversity," SG Mehta said. Right to speech has to be respected, suppose there is a programme, if it has adult content, so some warning in advance must be there," the CJI added. Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, representing the Indian Broadcast and Digital Foundation which includes major OTT platforms told the court that content is already regulated under the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. According to LiveLaw, he noted that although parts of the Rules are stayed and under challenge before the Delhi High Court, OTT platforms voluntarily follow age ratings and that complaints are handled by a panel led by Justice (Retd.) Gita Mittal. The CJI remained unconvinced by the self-regulatory framework. Self styled bodies will not help some neutral autonomous bodies which are free from the influence of those who exploit all of this and the state also is needed as a regulatory measure," he said. The court questioned why violations persist if self-regulation is effective. Justice Bagchi raised concerns over harmful content: Where the content is perceived as anti-national or disruptive of societys norms, will the creator take responsibility for it? Will self-regulation be sufficient?" He noted that objectionable content often goes viral before authorities can act. By the time the authorities react, it has gone viral so how do you control that?" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all According to LiveLaw, the SG told the court some statements in the Indias Got Latent show were so disgusting and gross" that he could not repeat them in court. A representative of the News Broadcasters and Digital Association requested inclusion in the guideline-drafting process. The bench suggested that the government publish draft guidelines for public comment and then form an expert committee of domain specialists and judicial experts to study the issue. 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 27, 2025, 13:45 IST News india Somebody Has To Be Accountable: Supreme Court Weighs Body For Online Content Regulation 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... Hyundai Mobis has brought together more than 20 domestic and overseas firms and research bodies to bolster South Koreas capabilities in automotive semiconductors. The company recently hosted the first Auto Semicon Korea (ASK) forum. ASK was attended by 23 organisations spanning carmakers, fabless chip designers, foundries, design houses, packaging specialists and design tool providers. It is described as the first private-sector-led K-automotive semiconductor cooperation platform intended to support domestic industry growth and localisation of key semiconductor technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hyundai Mobis plans to lead development of Koreas automotive semiconductor sector with participating companies. It acts as a Tier 1 supplier connecting carmakers and semiconductor vendors. The firm also designs semiconductors as a fabless company and manages supply chains. It says this dual role positions it to coordinate the domestic chip ecosystem. Hyundai Mobis President Lee Gyu-suk said: We are securing independent semiconductor design capabilities while pursuing joint development with fabless companies and design houses, and expanding cooperation with major foundries. We actively encourage companies specialised in home appliances or mobile to enter the mobility sector, and through this, we will take the lead in building the domestic ecosystem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hyundai Mobis intends to build ASK into Koreas leading automotive semiconductor forum. The event will be held every year. From next year, ASK will seek participation from start-ups and established semiconductor-related businesses. Relevant associations and major institutions will also be invited. Samsung Electronics, SK keyfoundry, GlobalFoundries, Dongwoon Anatech, and Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) were among the participants in the latest event. Hyundai Mobis estimates integrated development of EV drive systems can shorten development. It says combining power semiconductor and core component development could cut timelines by almost two years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same integrated approach is planned for system semiconductors in controllers for key vehicle parts. In 2025, Hyundai Mobis is mass-producing 16 in-house semiconductor types through external foundries. These include power, drive, communication, sensor and data processing chips. Production volume is expected to reach 20 million units this year. The companys analysis suggests broader local participation could accelerate localisation. Hyundai Mobis says wider involvement could also bring significant economic ripple effects. Through ASK, Hyundai Mobis plans to help chipmakers from consumer segments, such as mobile, enter mobility markets. Support will focus on the near term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The companys semiconductor R&D process recently obtained ISO 26262 international certification. Hyundai Mobis plans to share design and quality management know-how with partners. It aims to use this knowledge sharing to help strengthen domestic companies competitiveness. Among ASK participants, GlobalFoundries and Dongwoon Anatech have completed joint developments with Hyundai Mobis. They are preparing mass production of next-generation lamps and power semiconductors. "Hyundai Mobis leads efforts for South Koreas automotive chip ecosystem " was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. 'Voter Roll Deletions Done Correctly': Supreme Court Backs Bihar SIR As BJP Targets Congress Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 20:36 IST BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's vote chori narrative has suffered a setback. The Supreme Court of India. (PTI File) The Supreme Court has observed that no voter had come forward to challenge a deletion in Bihars Special Intensive Revision (SIR). A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that deletions from the voter roll were correctly done on grounds of death, migration and duplication despite the widespread apprehension voiced earlier about mass exclusions in Bihar. Recommended Stories During the hearing of a bunch of petitions challenging the legality of the SIR, CJI Surya Kant said, We experienced a strange thing in Bihar. We kept on directing, sent our paralegal volunteersnobody came forward to say I have been excluded." Reacting to the apex courts comments, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhis vote chori narrative has suffered a setback. Rahul Gandhis vote chori narrative got a setback from the Supreme Court today. The top court said apprehensions were created that names of over a crore voters would be deleted, but no one came forward to challenge it. Rahul Gandhis own allies like SP, TMC dont believe in vote chori," he said. Bihar SIR On June 24, 2025, Bihars electorate stood at 7.89 crore. As many as 65 lakh names were struck off during the course of the revision exercise. The draft electoral roll released on August 1 reflected a reduced total of 7.24 crore voters. The exercise led to the removal of 3.66 lakh ineligible electors, while 21.53 lakh eligible voters were enrolled through Form 6 submissions. The final electoral roll published on September 30 showed approximately 7.42 crore electors. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After the SIR in Bihar, the exercise is being carried out in 12 states and Union territories including Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Puducherry, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Among these, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal are scheduled to go to polls in 2026. In Assam, where Assembly elections are also due next year, the EC has announced a special revision of the electoral rolls. 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 27, 2025, 15:04 IST News india 'Voter Roll Deletions Done Correctly': Supreme Court Backs Bihar SIR As BJP Targets 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... You Cant Turn Breakups Into FIRs: SC Quashes Rape Case After 3-Year Relationship Reported By : LawBeat Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 16:36 IST The conduct of the complainant, the court observed, clearly manifested consent to such a relationship devoid of any coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation. The court emphasised that criminal law cannot be deployed to penalise failed personal relationships. (AI generated image) The Supreme Court has held that a consensual three-year relationship cannot be retroactively turned into a criminal case for rape, quashing on November 24, 2025 the proceedings initiated against an advocate accused of assaulting a married woman on the promise of marriage. Emphasising that criminal law cannot be deployed to penalise failed personal relationships, a bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and R Mahadevan said the material on record showed no absence of consent. Instead, the conduct of the complainant, the court observed, clearly manifested consent to such a relationship devoid of any coercion, fraud, or misrepresentation". Recommended Stories An FIR was registered on August 31, 2024 at City Chowk Police Station in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, invoking Sections 376, 376(2)(n) and 507 of the IPC. The complainant, already embroiled in a matrimonial dispute with her husband, alleged she came into contact with the appellant during that time and that they subsequently engaged in sexual relations on multiple occasions between March 12, 2022 and May 20, 2024. She further claimed she became pregnant thrice but terminated each pregnancy at his request. The advocate, Samadhan, denied exploiting the woman, asserting that the allegation of rape was inherently improbable given the prolonged duration of their relationship. According to him, the complaint originated only after he refused to meet her demand for Rs. 1,50,000 in August 2024. While analysing the record, the Supreme Court took note of a recurring concern it has highlighted in earlier decisions: the growing attempt to label deteriorating intimate relationships as criminal offences. To convert every sour relationship into an offence of rape not only trivialises the seriousness of the offence but also inflicts upon the accused indelible stigma and grave injustice," the bench said, calling such misuse of the criminal justice system a matter of profound concern". The judgment explains how genuine cases under Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC typically display a recognisable pattern, beginning with an initial sexual assault and continuing through repeated acts induced by fear, pressure, captivity or deceit, often leaving the woman in a position where she cannot walk away. The bench found no such indicators in this case. On the contrary, the court noted, the parties remained close and emotionally involved" over three years. In such circumstances, it said, physical intimacy cannot be retrospectively branded" as rape merely because the relationship failed to culminate in marriage. The bench also addressed the broader social context in which consent is sometimes intertwined with expectations of marriage, acknowledging that in India the institution carries deep cultural weight. A woman may, the court said, repose trust in her partner and agree to sexual intimacy on the assurance of a lawful union. Such consent could be vitiated where the promise of marriage is illusory, made in bad faith, and intended only to exploit. But any such finding must be based on concrete evidence, not assumptions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In this case, the court concluded, no material suggested that the appellant had acted with deceit or a false promise, nor was there any indication of coercion. The continuation of the prosecution, the bench said, would be nothing short of an abuse of the court machinery". Setting aside the high courts refusal to exercise its jurisdiction under Section 528 of the BNSS, the Supreme Court quashed the proceedings in their entirety, describing the case as a classic instance of a consensual relationship having subsequently turned acrimonious." About the Author Sanya Talwar Sanya Talwar, Editor at Lawbeat, has been heading the organisation since its inception. After practising in courts for over four years, she discovered her affinity for legal journalism. She has worked... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 16:36 IST News india You Cant Turn Breakups Into FIRs: SC Quashes Rape Case After 3-Year Relationship 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... Rakul Preet Singh Embraces Fall Fashion In This 14k Chocolate Brown Co-ord Set Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 09:46 IST The actor is riding high on the success of her new film De De Pyaar De 2 as it inches towards the Rs 70 crore box collection mark. Rakul Preet Singh looks chic in brown co-ord Rakul Preet Singh made a case for fall fashion in her recent photos shared on Instagram. The actor wore a chic ensemble that gave off an office siren meets autumnal baddie vibe. While wearing shorts to the office might not be HR-approved, this outfit does tick the marks for those days when style is at the fore and rules dont apply. Running high from the success of her new film De De Pyaar De 2, she has been putting out quite a few stunning looks recently. From a shimmery black co-ord look to a strapless sparkly ivory one-piece and a statement-making fit with a sheer skirt and blazer. Recommended Stories The 35-year-old wore a chocolate brown blazer with a tie-up detail at the front from Torqadorn and paired it with its matching high-rise shorts. To keep this Rs 14,500 co-ord set a bit on the modest side, she wore a matching brown turtleneck under the blazer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rakul Singh (@rakulpreet) Going with the classic brown and gold combination, Rakul accessorised this look by layering gold chains of varying sizes and lengths. She wore a few chunky gold chokers and a longer necklace with a pearly white stone, along with gold hoops. Rakul added brown stilettos to complete this monochromatic look. For her makeup, Rakul leaned into the fall vibes with her bronzed glow. Her makeup included a subtle brown smoky eye, while a similar shade of khol defined her eyes. She added a brown, glossy lip and a natural shade of blush to the apples of her cheeks, with dewy skin. Rakul Preet Singh on Working Hours in the Film Industry The biggest debate in Bollywood right now is the number of hours that actors and crew are expected to work. When actor Deepika Padukone reportedly requested an 8-hour shift for herself after becoming a mother, she was reportedly booted out of two major projects Spirit and Kalki 2. Weighing in on the subject, Rakul Preet Singh while speaking with Siddharth Kannan, said, I feel that working hours are very subjective to where you are in your life right now. How you were at the age of 16 is not how you are at the age of 25, is not how you are at the age of 35, and so on. So there is never one rule for anybody. Aap yeh to nahi expect karoge na ki Amitabh ji 14 hours kaam kare. (You wouldnt expect Amitabh ji to work 14 hours, right?). So it is very subjective." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Rakul Preet Singh doesnt believe that one rule can fit everyone, as peoples priorities change depending on their stage of life. I am sure those who work 8 hours today have worked a lot earlier. They have even worked 48 hours straight. Like Ajay sir, Akshay sir in the 90s, they would go from one film set to another. They would change only their shirts while wearing the same jeans. And now they have reached a point where they can decide how much work they want to do. So you transition with time and with where you are in life," she said. First Published: November 27, 2025, 09:46 IST News lifestyle fashion Rakul Preet Singh Embraces Fall Fashion In This 14k Chocolate Brown Co-ord Set Ramesh Sippy Talks About How Amjad Khan Was Destined To Play Gabbar In Sholay Published By : IANS Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 19:50 IST The session titled 50 years of Sholay: Why Sholay still resonates saw Ramesh Sippy talk about how Amjad Khan got on board for the iconic character of Gabbar in the movie. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Sholay is among the most iconic films of Bollywood. Filmmaker Ramesh Sippy, the mind behind Bollywoods finest classic, Sholay, spoke about the iconic movie in a session held at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) on November 27. The session titled 50 years of Sholay: Why Sholay still resonates saw Ramesh Sippy spill the beans over how the late supervillain Amjad Khan got on board for the iconic character of Gabbar in the movie. Amjad Khan himself was a discovery. I had seen him earlier in a play with my sister about South Africa, and I remembered he was a good actor, but I had completely forgotten about him." He added, When SalimJaved suggested we look at him, it clicked. He came in for the part, but only because Danny Denzongpa, who was originally signed for Gabbar, was in Afghanistan shooting with Mr Feroz Khan and couldnt return. We didnt have to make changes anywhere because of the language or accent, especially for Gabbar. Amajds UP-style accent worked beautifully." Recommended Stories The filmmaker concluded, Dannys absence gave birth to Amjad Khan as Gabbar, and the rest is history." He also discussed how the films Rocky Mountains and barren landscape, immortalised as Gabbars territory, later became symbolic of dacoit land. Ramesh also shared insights into how this iconic location was first discovered. We chose that particular location because all the dacoit films until then had been shot in the North, Rajasthan, the Chambal Valley, and similar places. I felt it was time to find a new, fresh location." He elaborated, We went down South, and I saw this rocky area around 50 kilometres out of Bangalore on the way to Mysore. I just stood there looking at it and felt, this is the right place. I cant explain it; it just happened. We faced many challenges there, but shooting in that location gave the film a whole new look. No set could have created that." Sippy further said, People often say this was the first time a dacoit film wasnt set in the typical Chambal region. For the first time, the backdrop was actually in the South, and this location was suggested by our art director, M.R. Achrekar. And I immediately liked the place. For the first time, people saw dacoits in a landscape completely different from what had always been shown before, and it brought a fresh visual identity to the subject. Shooting around Bangalore and beyond gave the film a distinct tone," he added. Talking about Sholay, the movie starred Amitabh Bachchan, Dharmendra, Sanjeev Kumar, Amjad Khan, Jaya Bachchan and Hema Malini in the lead. The movie that was released in 1975 is considered to be one of the most iconic movies of all time. The cult classic gave audiences not just iconic songs but characters such as Jay, Veeru, Basanti, Thakur, and Gabbar that, even after 50 years of the movies release, continue to rule the roost as Bollywoods finest onscreen characters. 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 27, 2025, 19:50 IST News movies bollywood Ramesh Sippy Talks About How Amjad Khan Was Destined To Play Gabbar In Sholay Anaconda To Tinsel Town: 5 Upcoming Hollywood Films You Must Add To Your Watchlist Published By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 08:39 IST Animated adventures, high-octane action and feel-good Christmas movies, this season, Hollywood has something for everyone. Anaconda will release in the theatres this Christmas( Photo Credit: Instagram) Hollywood is gearing up for a slate of exciting releases, ranging from animated adventures to high-octane action and heartwarming Christmas films. Heres a look at some upcoming movies youll definitely want to add to your watchlist. Zootopia 2- (November 28) Recommended Stories Zootopia 2 is the sequel to the 2016 hit animated film. Directed by Jared Bush, the story follows Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they go undercover to track down Gary DeSnake, Zootopias mysterious new resident. Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Shakira, Idris Elba, Alan Tudyk, Nate Torrence, Bonnie Hunt, Don Lake, and Jenny Slate all return to reprise their roles from the original movie. Anaconda- (December 25) Sony Pictures revives the legendary classic Anaconda with a humorous new twist, starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd in a comedy-horror directed by Tom Gormican. The plot revolves around two best friends who set out to remake their favourite movie but end up encountering a real giant snake in the Amazon wilderness. Anaconda will be distributed only in Indian cinemas in English, Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil. Oh What Fun (December 3) Claire Clauster (Michelle Pfeiffer) keeps her quirky, endearing family together. But this year, as her grown children and busy husband become engrossed in their own seasonal dramas, they make a critical mistake: they forget their mother. By the time they realise shes gone, Claire has already embarked on her own adventure, one that does not include cooking, cleaning, or organising anybody elses pandemonium. As her family scrambles to find her and save their Christmas, Claire rediscovers what the holidays mean when youre finally free to put yourself first. Fackham Hall (December 5) Fackham Hall follows pickpocket Eric Noone (Ben Radcliffe), who takes a job at the English manor residence Fackham Hall. He swiftly advances through the ranks, sparking an illicit affair with the lady of the house, Rose Davenport (Thomasin McKenzie). But when an unexpected murder occurs, Eric is blamed, placing Rose and her familys future in jeopardy. Tinsel Town (November 28) Brad (Sutherland) is a washed-up Hollywood action star who decides to participate in a little English villages Christmas performance. With the help of the straight-talking choreographer (Wilson) and the wacky company, he embraces the festive spirit in order to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Emma. 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 27, 2025, 08:39 IST News movies hollywood Anaconda To Tinsel Town: 5 Upcoming Hollywood Films You Must Add To Your Watchlist Salman Khan House Firing Case: Court Frames Charges Against Five Accused Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 16:53 IST Two motorbike-borne men allegedly opened fire outside Galaxy Apartment in Bandra, Salman Khan's residence, in the early hours of morning on April 14, 2024. Two men allegedly opened fire outside Galaxy Apartment in Bandra in April 2024. (File Photo) A special Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) court, Mumbai, has framed charges against five persons, including the two alleged shooters, in the 2024 Salman Khan residence firing case. Judge Mahesh Jadhav issued the order on Thursday. The accused, including two alleged shooters, were formally charged in todays court hearing. The individuals charged are Vickykumar (Vicky) Gupta, Sagarkumar (Sagar) Pal, Sonukumar Bishnoi, Rafiq/Mohammad Rafiq Chaudhary (Rafiq Sardar Chaudhary), and Harpal Singh. All accused have pleaded not guilty, and the case will now proceed to trial. Recommended Stories Special Judge Mahesh Jadhav framed charges against the accused under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA), the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Arms Act, and other relevant sections. Two motorbike-borne men Vicky Gupta and Sagar Pal allegedly opened fire outside Galaxy Apartment in Bandra, the actors residence, in the early hours of the morning on April 14, 2024. Lawrence Bishnoi and Anmol Bishnoi have been identified as wanted in connection with this case. Notably, Gupta and Pal, along with Sonukumar Bishnoi, Choudhary, and Harpal Singh, are currently in judicial custody. Anujkumar Thapan, also arrested in the case, allegedly committed suicide in police custody. As per the charge order, these parties were a part of the criminal conspiracy and acting as members of an organised crime syndicate (as defined under the MCOCA) headed by Lawrence Bishnoi. The charge order further added that Bishnoi provided weapons and bullets to Gupta and Pal who fired at the residence of the actor with the intention to kill him. They agreed with a common objective to do an illegal act which was to commit the murder of the victim by use of firearms and to create terror in the minds of the citizens of Mumbai city for establishing supremacy, an excerpt of the order stated. 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 27, 2025, 16:53 IST News movies Salman Khan House Firing Case: Court Frames Charges Against Five Accused Bigg Boss 19: Ashnoor Kaur, Pranit More Argue With Gaurav Khanna After He Wins Ticket To Finale Published By : IANS Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:12 IST The argument escalated when Pranit confronted Gaurav for playing safe". Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The three contestants have been friends since the start. After Gaurav Khanna won the ticket-to-finale task, he, Pranit More and Ashnoor Kaur found themselves caught in a sharp exchange, raising questions about their equations going forward. A new promo was shared by the makers on Instagram and was captioned: Gaurav ke saath hua Pranit aur Ashnoor ka jhagda, kya ab bigad jaayega inka rishta?" The promo began with Ashnoor remarking that the realities of people are seen in such tasks," hinting at shifting dynamics and hidden tensions. Her comment set the tone for what followed. Recommended Stories The argument escalated when Pranit confronted Gaurav for playing safe". Gaurav shot back, Even if Im playing safe, whats my problem in that?" Pranit pushed further, questioning why Gaurav was scared of other housemates. Defending himself, Gaurav retorted, They made you fall in the task, and now youre coming after me. You have no right to do that, bro." Pranit, unfazed, taunted him by saying he was behaving like a mother-in-law," turning every statement into a tit-for-tat reaction. As the disagreement deepened, Gaurav accused both Pranit and Ashnoor of teaming up against him. Pranit repeatedly asked him to calm down, saying, Why are you getting so hyper, bro?" With Kunickaa Sadanands eviction in the latest Weekend Ka Vaar, the show is now left with Tanya Mittal, Farrhana Bhatt, Ashnoor Kaur, Gaurav Khanna, Shehbaz Badeshah, Malti Chahar, Pranit More and Amaal Mallik competing for the trophy. The show is based on the Dutch format of Big Brother. Bigg Boss first premiered on November 3, 2006. The show has completed eighteen seasons and three OTT seasons. The first season was hosted by Arshad Warsi, followed by Shilpa Shetty in the second season and Amitabh Bachchan in the third. Farah Khan led the Halla Bol season, while Sanjay Dutt co-hosted the fifth season with Salman Khan. Since season 4, Salman Khan has taken the helm as the shows primary host. 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 27, 2025, 15:12 IST News movies television Bigg Boss 19: Ashnoor Kaur, Pranit More Argue With Gaurav Khanna After He Wins Ticket To Finale Finepoint | India's Chabahar Bet Changes Everything As Afghanistan Slips Out Of Pakistans Grip Written By : News18.com Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 12:05 IST Built with Indian investment and sustained diplomatic effort, the Iranian port is a functioning gateway that bypasses Pakistan entirely Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Despite ideological differences, both India and Afghanistan see strategic pragmatism in joining hands. (News18) Over the past three months, a series of high-level Taliban visits to India has signalled a dramatic shift in South Asias geopolitical map. First came Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Then came Acting Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi. Both arrived with the same message: Afghanistan wants more trade with Indiaand less reliance on Pakistan. Recommended Stories On November 22, Azizi landed in New Delhi for a five-day visit. And what he said across multiple meetings has been revealing. In a nutshell, Kabuls message was this: Pakistans trade routes are unreliable, Kabul wants more trade and more investment from India, and it is willing to offer incentives and security to Indian investors to make that happen. In an interview with News18, Azizi said: We request the government of India to restore the political, trade and cultural relationship that once existed between our two countries." His agenda was clear: expand trade with India, scale up the use of Irans Chabahar Port, set up dry ports in Nimroz, activate cargo flights between Delhi, Amritsar and Kabul, and bring in Indian investments. Indian officials confirmed that air freight corridors are being activated and said cargo flights will begin very soon". Kabuls Offer To India What Azizi brought to the table is especially significant. Afghanistan has offered Indian investors five-year tax breaks, free land allocations, and fast-tracked bureaucratic approvals across mining, pharmaceuticals, textiles, agriculture, energy and construction. Kabul is also prepared to lower import duties. It has already banned the import of Pakistani pharmaceutical products, calling them low-quality", and is instead seeking medicines from India. At the same time, Afghanistan wants to expand cargo movement through Chabahar Port, calling it the most stable and predictable route for trade with India. Both governments are appointing commercial attaches and reactivating working groups to scale up trade. Meanwhile, trade is already rising. Bilateral trade was reported at roughly over $1 billion in 2024-25, with an uptick in shipments routed through Chabahar and via air corridors. Afghan dry fruits, saffron, figs, raisins, carpets and herbs are arriving in India in higher quantities. India, on its part, is exporting medicines, wheat, sugar, machinery, electrical goods, textiles and medical equipment into Afghanistanall bypassing Pakistan. All of this is unfolding as the India-Iran-Afghanistan corridor via Chabahar expands rapidly. India now has a long-term agreement to operate terminals at Chabahar, currently under a US sanctions waiver. Cargo movement from Chabahar to Afghanistan has seen a steady rise year-on-year. India and Iran are developing new multimodal facilities, warehouses, cold-storage units and expanded berths. Strategically, Chabahar is paying off for India in a big way, and is already reconfiguring regional trade flows. Pakistans Eroding Leverage For decades, Pakistan relied on geography to exercise outsized influence over Kabul. A landlocked Afghanistan had no choice but to use Pakistani routes for most of its trade, giving Islamabad the ability to throttle flows, levy tariffs and exert political pressure. Over time, that leverage hardened into a structural dependency. But bloody border clashes, repeated border closures, arbitrary trade restrictions and the mistreatment of Afghan traders and refugees have destroyed that privilege. Tons of perishable cargo was left to rot at border checkpoints like Torkham and Chaman due to recurring tensions. The Taliban-led government in Kabul has now had enough. It wants solutions to its Pakistan problem, and India is the obvious alternative. Azizi tacitly confirmed in New Delhi that Pakistan has blocked border trade checkpoints, shut access to the Karachi port and stopped trade flows with India through the Wagah border. Enter Chabahar. Built with Indian investment and sustained diplomatic effort, the Iranian port is a functioning gateway that bypasses Pakistan entirely. India invested in the Shahid Beheshti terminal, leads operations and logistics there, and secured sanctions waivers that allow Chabahar to operate as a humanitarian and commercial lifeline for Afghanistan. The result is a stable multimodal corridor: goods move from Indian factories to Chabahar by sea, cross into Afghanistan via the ZaranjDelaram highway, and head to Kabul and beyond. This supply chain is insulated from Pakistani interference, and it connects Afghanistan to wider Eurasian networks, including the International North-South Transport Corridor. Pakistans leverage is shrinking, but risks remain. Islamabad still controls geography on some routes and can escalate friction. Reports of Pakistan exploring proxies, combined with persistent border incidents, mean the transition will not be smooth. Yet the combination of sea, land and air routes sharply reduces Islamabads chokehold. A Strategic Realignment, But Still Fragile top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India and Afghanistan are moving quickly to scale up their economic relationship. Despite ideological differences, both sides see strategic pragmatism in joining hands. The Taliban is facing a multidimensional crisis triggered by recurring conflicts with Pakistan, and its economic dependencies are now laid bare. For Kabul, India is a crucial market, especially if Afghanistan wants to boost exports and earn much-needed revenue. The two nations are aligning strategically as well, given their strained relations with Pakistan. But this new arrangement is fragile and requires careful management. Chabahars operations depend on a US CAATSA sanctions waiver granted in October, but only for six months. This means diplomats have their work cut out. Moreover, Pakistans shenanigans are not going to stop. It is expected to try various tricks to undercut this trade, using other proxy terror groups or loyalists within the Taliban. It means both sides must stay sharp and keep an eagle-eye watch to protect this strategic shift. About the Author Shubhangi Sharma Shubhangi Sharma is News Editor - Special Projects at News18. She covers foreign affairs and geopolitics, and also keeps a close watch on the national pulse of India. First Published: November 27, 2025, 12:05 IST News opinion Finepoint | India's Chabahar Bet Changes Everything As Afghanistan Slips Out Of Pakistans Grip 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 | Why Bihar Voted For Continuity And Reimagined Its Political Future Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:31 IST The Bihar verdict is the culmination of a long journey: from the Mandal-era assertion to the aspiration-driven imagination of a new Bihar Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Bihar has voted for continuity. But in doing so, it has also reimagined its political future. Power is the ability to shape the future without being trapped by the past. Hannah Arendt Recommended Stories Bihar has once again rewritten its political story. The 2025 Assembly verdict, returning the NDA government with a sweeping majority, is not merely an electoral decision. It is a profound civic gesture, a conscious resetting of historical memory. It marks a moment when the electorate decides not only who will govern but how Bihar wants to imagine itself in the years ahead. Nitish Kumar, taking oath for the tenth time, stands not as a routine incumbent but as a long-distance runner in a state where politics has often been a relay of ruptures. His rivals in the INDIA bloc, Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, energised pockets, introduced emotional cadence, and tried to script a generational argument. Yet their efforts were fragmented, their message uneven, their administrative readiness unconvincing. Against this, the NDA appeared more than a political alliance; it appeared anchored, familiar, and structurally coherent. This verdict is not a snapshot. It is the culmination of a long journey: from the politics of raw social justice to the politics of governance; from the Mandal-era assertion to the aspiration-driven imagination of a new Bihar. The story of this moment begins three decades earlier. The Long Arc of Social Justice To understand the sociology of the present mandate, one must return to the early 1990s, when Bihar began rewriting itself through the lens of social justice. The rise of Lalu Prasad Yadav, shaped alongside Nitish Kumar and Sushil Kumar Modi in the JP Movement, marked a rupture in the states social order. Lalus politics did something unprecedented: it gave the backward classes, Dalits, and the most marginalised communities the vocabulary of dignity. A psychological revolution unfolded in tea shops and haats, at bus stands and university campuses. Hierarchies loosened; posture changed; the unheard spoke. But the empowerment of identity collided with the breakdown of administrative machinery. By the end of the 1990s, Bihar was facing a governance crisis: failing schools, eroding roads, collapsing revenue, and hollow institutions. The contradictiondignity without developmentleft an opening that would later become Nitish Kumars political stage. The Nitish Kumar Model Nitish Kumars politics has always been distinct. He approaches power not as a spectacle but as a system; governance not as performance but as practice. Scholars often remark that while Lalu democratised Bihars social psyche, Nitish democratised its administrative structure. He understands Bihars anxieties intimatelythe fear of exclusion, the hunger for recognition, the moral weight of migration, the desire for opportunity. His genius lies in translating this sociological understanding into an architecture of development. Beginning in 2005, Bihar entered what many academics and policy observers termed a silent reconstruction." It was a transformation not marked by grand announcements but by steady, local, accumulative change. Roads resurfaced across districts where the memory of asphalt had long died. Girls education surged as bicycles became instruments of liberty, allowing young women to occupy public space with confidence and rhythm. Crime declined as policing detached itself from political intimidation. Health infrastructurelong a patchwork of insufficienciesexpanded through new facilities, staff discipline, and administrative renewal. Panchayats evolved into functional nodes of local decision-making, enabling citizens to experience democracy in its daily, micro form. Through deliberate Mahadalit politics, the state acknowledged communities historically left outside the frame. This was not technocratic development; it was moral development. It was governance not as an abstraction but as a lived experience. Nitish Kumar, supported in his most collaborative years by Sushil Modi, created a post-Mandal template where social justice and governance worked together rather than against one another. The Return of the Colossus The 2025 mandate is not simply an endorsement; it is a reaffirmation of continuity. Nitish Kumars ability to absorb pressures, reinvent alliances, and return from political valleys would tire most leaders. Yet Bihar sees in him not instability but reliability. His critics call him a political shape-shifter, but the deeper truth is simpler: he has shape-shifted to stabilise Bihar, not merely to save himself. Behind this stability lies a quieter but decisive layer of political craftsmanship. Dharmendra Pradhan, operating almost entirely below the radar, played a crucial role in holding the alliances internal equilibrium. He moved through the organisation with a calm, persistent hand, speaking to cadres, resolving simmering conflicts, and insulating the coalition from the micro-fractures that often snowball during high-stakes elections. His work did not appear in rallies or headlines, but it created the organisational coherence that allowed Nitishs governance message to travel without distortion. In Bihar, where political machinery has historically been volatile and factional, such backstage leadership is not incidentalit is essential. The INDIA bloc offered energy, especially among the young. Tejashwi Yadavs rhetoric on jobs resonated. Rahul Gandhis campaign cultivated idealism. But voters sensed administrative vulnerability, organisational fragility, and a lack of long-term governance clarity. Bihar rarely rewards unfamiliarity. By contrast, the NDA blended the national charisma of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the organisational acumen of Home Minister Amit Shah, the BJPs expanding caste coalition, Nitish Kumars deep social credibility, and the behind-the-scenes steadiness of leaders like Dharmendra Pradhan. The verdict became almost inevitable. But the new government carries its warnings. The return of dynasty politicsministers emerging from entrenched political familiesrisks diluting competence. If the NDA wants to retain the moral weight of its mandate, it must remain vigilant against the very tendencies it has historically critiqued. Bihars Changing Political Mind What makes this election significant is not just the result but what it reveals about Bihars evolving social psychology. The 2025 mandate is, in essence, a sociological landslide. The first shift is in caste behaviour. Caste is not disappearing; it is being recalibrated. Identity matters, but competence matters too. The new Bihari voter insists on deliveryroads, security, institutions, predictability. Symbolism alone no longer satisfies. The second shift is generational. Bihars youth, shaped by migration and exposed to the governance cultures of Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and the South, has new benchmarks. They are the children of mobility. They measure leadership not by slogans but by outcomes: reduced distances, responsive institutions, employment-linked skills, and digital access. Their aspiration is unmistakable: mobility over mobilisation, progress over performative politics. The third shift is in political culture. Bihar now recognises coalition politics as a permanent fixture, not an aberration. Alliances are no longer ideological marriages; they are pragmatic arrangements built on trust and shared purpose. Voters no longer tolerate ego-driven ruptures. Stability has become a civic value. This political maturity among voters is mirrored by an expectation of administrative maturity among leaders. What Lies Ahead Nitish Kumar begins this term in a rare position. He has nothing left to prove, yet much left to deliver. His place in Bihars political history is secure; what remains is the depth of structural change he can imprint on its future. Bihar stands on the cusp of a new developmental horizon. Industrial corridors are being conceptualised with greater seriousness. Sectors like IT, ITES, textiles, agro-processing, and food-based manufacturingonce distant dreamsare slowly turning into plausible engines for job creation. Agriculture, long trapped in low-productivity cycles, may gain new momentum through expanded irrigation, rural mechanisation, and improved market linkages. Skill development is no longer an add-on; it is becoming central to Bihars economic imagination. Digital governance is strengthening the states institutional spine, linking citizens and administration with greater transparency. For the first time in decades, the Centre and the State are politically aligned. If leveraged intelligently, this synchrony can become Bihars greatest developmental asset. But the reverse is equally true: a wasted alignment will be a historic loss. The future is not predetermined. It is a direction waiting for leadership. The Coalitions Durability The NDA in Bihar is an alliance built on interdependence. The BJP requires Nitish Kumar for legitimacy among backward classes; Nitish relies on the BJP for organisational depth and financial muscle. But coalitions collapse not because of ideological differences but because of distrust. The durability of this alliance will depend on whether power is shared with purpose, not merely with arithmetic. If both sides recognise Bihars generational opportunity, the alliance will endure. If ego eclipses equity, instability will return. A Closing Reflection As Bihar steps into this new political sunrise, it must remember the words of Hannah Arendt, one of the most influential political theorists of the twentieth century, with which we began: Power is the ability to shape the future without being trapped by the past. This mandate gives Bihar that exact possibilityto shape a future where dignity and development walk together; where Nitish Kumars long political journey finds its fullest meaning; where the coalition privileges Bihar over itself; where the states destiny is driven not by its accumulated wounds but by its expanding possibilities. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bihar has voted for continuity. But in doing so, it has also reimagined its political future. (Ashutosh Kumar Thakur writes regularly on society, literature, and the arts, reflecting on the shared histories and cultures of South Asia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.) First Published: November 27, 2025, 15:31 IST News opinion Opinion | Why Bihar Voted For Continuity And Reimagined Its Political Future 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 | Why Has Irans Islamic Regime Resurrected A Zoroastrian Emperor? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 14:30 IST One of the dangers of erasing history is that a Pandoras box can be opened unwittingly Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The landmark event was immortalised in the famous rock-cut reliefs at Naqsh-i-Rustam, 800 km from Tehran. (X) An event that happened in Tehran two weeks ago should have generated some ripples around Indiaand the subcontinentbut curiously did not. Under the beady eyes of the Ayatollah-led regime in Iran, a statue of the Roman Emperor Valerian cravenly bowing before the 3rd century CE Sasanian king Shapur I was unveiled in Revolution Square. Titled Kneel Before Iran, it is said to be aimed at drumming up nationalism to counter the recent US and Israeli onslaughts. Valerian was indeed defeated by Shapur I in 260 AD at Edessa and captured. And this landmark event was immortalised in the famous rock-cut reliefs at Naqsh-i-Rustam, 800 km from Tehran. But as it was pre-Islamic, the theocratic regime in Iran has studiously downplayed it ever since it captured power. Now, however, the ancient tableau is being touted as a link between Irans glorious past" and its hopeful present", asserting that Iran has always been a land of resistance". Recommended Stories Resistance, of course, has had a changing meaning for Europe and the rest of the world in the past 100 years. It was a word used for the civilian groups that fought the Nazi regime during World War II and went on to encompass many popular movements. But of late it has been associated with Palestine and Muslim resistance" to what is posited as the Israeli hegemony and illegal occupation". So Irans use of the word resistance is not without deliberate connotation. However, harking back to Irans Zoroastrian past is a major shift in modus for an Islamic regime, given the traditional refusal of Muslim hardliners to concede that any pre-Islamic occurrence, personage or achievement is significant or defining. Iran has been an exemplar of that mindset, given that the Islamic clergy had seen to it that Irans ancient history was almost entirely eliminated from school curricula since 1979. The effect of that information blank-out is showing now. Those who forget history are not merely doomed to repeat it, but also prone to making embarrassing errors while marshalling facts to suit their own ends. The spin-doctors of the Iranian regime seem to be unaware of what kind of emperor Shapur I was, or the Sasanian-Roman dynamic 1,700 years ago. Shapur I not only expanded the Iranian empire, he and his successors repeatedly attacked Roman (read European) territoriesand also assiduously revived Zoroastrianism. Surely the Islamic Republic of Iran is not contemplating either of those two salient features of the Sasanians: targeting Europe or reviving Zoroastrianism? Some factotums of the regime came up with the idea of resurrecting Shapur I to whip up nationalist sentiment by harking back to Irans glorious and powerful past. But they should have realised that would also mean reminding the people about what the Islamic regime had almost erased: their Zoroastrian roots. Moreover, if the idea was to warn todays Gentiles and JewsAmericans and Israelisabout the historic prowess of Iranians, is Valerian the right choice? He was Roman and an Emperor, but his leanings were closer to the present Iranian regime than the inhabitants of the European part of the former Roman Empire. While his son held the fort in Europe as co-Emperor, Valerian fought to keep the east but also found time to send letters ordering the death of Christians! A 7-metre-high statue of Shapur I was carved out of a stalagmite in a cave about 900km from Tehran in Bishapur 1,700 years ago. But after the Islamic conquest in the 7th century, in which the last Sasanian ruler was killed, the statue was pulled down and broken. Thanks to neglect and even an earthquake, it lay in ruins until restored as much as was possible by the last Pahlavi Shah of Iran in the 1950s. It still stands in the cave but how many now know who or what Shapur I was? One significant fact about Shapur I that Irans Islamic clergy would definitely not want to resurrect is that he not only made Zoroastrianism the state religion, he oversaw the development of a single school of the faith, Sasanian Zoroastrianism as distinct from the original Avestan. This included adding yazatas (subordinate spiritual beings) to aid Ahura Mazda, the revision of the mythological history of Iran and the construction of fire temples, Atashkadehs, all over the empire. No doubt IranPersia was an exonym given by the Greeks and used in western accounts for centuries until the original Eran was restored by the shortlived Pahlavi royals in the 20th centurywas a powerful player in the ancient world, but its identity was quite inextricably connected to Zoroastrianism and the Avesta, whose similarity with Indias own scriptural texts is striking. Does the Islamic regime realise harking back to the Sasanians could open a Pandoras box? Regimes to the West and East of India are also inclined to deny and forget their pre-Islamic past. In Pakistan, history books mention the Indus Valley civilization no doubt because its inscriptions remain undeciphered and hence their religious beliefs are unknownbut then leapfrog over 2,000 years to the first Islamic invasion in the 8th century. The Islamic regime in Iran probably inspired Pakistan to continue its effort to blot out the Hindu phase of subcontinental history. Bangladesh, under the aegis of the current unelected cabal in power, is also growing closer to the Pakistani school of historical amnesia now. While their language, Bengali, inexorably ties Bangladesh to a Sanskritic genesis, there is no guarantee that the regime there will not jettison its composite heritage in favour of a more Islamist orientation if the population green-lights it, even if that means negating the recent history of its own bloody separation from Pakistan. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India may officially keep a diplomatic silence over Irans newfound interest in its pre-Islamic past but the silence in non-sarkari circles about this development is puzzling. That even Iranwhose very name harks back to Indias own ancient civilisation as it is a variant of the word Aryanis now remembering its pre-Islamic past should be a source of satisfaction and encouragement for Indians who are now rediscovering their own long-suppressed and distorted history. The author is a freelance 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 27, 2025, 14:30 IST News opinion Opinion | Why Has Irans Islamic Regime Resurrected A Zoroastrian Emperor? 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 26, 2025, 22:00 IST 1 / 7 Delta Air Lines (USA): Delta is the worlds most valuable airline, worth $26.31 billion. Headquartered in Atlanta, it operates flights across six continents. Passengers favor Delta for its reliability and smooth travel experience. (Image: Wikimedia Commons) + Follow us On Google 2 / 7 Indigo (India): Indias biggest airline and the second richest in the world, with a value of $23.79 billion. IndiGo follows a low-cost model, which helps it earn more. 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(Image: Wikimedia Commons) ADVERTISEMENT Bihar Congress Review Meet Erupts In Chaos, Party Rejects Reports Of 'Clashes' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 22:30 IST The Congress officially dismissed reports of a physical altercation or major scuffle, suggesting the disagreements were limited to political differences organised into groups of ten, to conduct a frank, constituency-wise assessment of the partys debacle. The central leadership quickly sought to downplay the incident, with the Congress officially dismissing reports of a physical altercation or major scuffle. File pic A crucial Congress review meeting in New Delhi, convened on Thursday to analyse the partys humiliating performance in the recently concluded Bihar assembly elections, descended into high drama after a heated argument allegedly broke out between two prominent state leaders. Reports circulating in the capital indicated that the dispute escalated alarmingly. According to some reports, one leader threatened the other, stating he will shoot him". However, the Congress has rejected these reports and that there were any clashes. Reports say the incident occurred as the Congress high command, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and MP Rahul Gandhi, undertook a detailed, one-on-one review process. The leadership met with individual leaders and delegations, organised into groups of ten, to conduct a frank, constituency-wise assessment of the partys debacle. The central leadership quickly sought to downplay the incident, with the Congress officially dismissing reports of a physical altercation or major scuffle, suggesting the disagreements were limited to political differences. Recommended Stories Bihar Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru said, Since I went into that room, nothing like this happened. If something like this happened, you should go and ask them." He further said, The election results in Bihar have gone beyond vote theft. It has reached election engineering. The NDA has different parties. The Grand Alliance has different parties. Every party has weaknesses and some strengths. How is it that the strike rate of every NDA alliance party is consistently above two-thirds? And how is it that the strike rate of every party in the Grand Alliance is almost equal? This is engineering. If you have visited Bihar, the atmosphere must have been that people are unhappy with the BJP. Still, people trust Nitish Kumar Nitish ji has been stopped at such a place that even if Nitish ji wants, he cannot form the government with any other party." This is a very scientifically engineered result, he added. Todays 4-hour review meeting with our candidates & leaders from Bihar, under Honble Congress President and Honble LOPs leadership, made one thing absolutely clear: the Bihar election was not a genuine mandate, but a grossly managed and fabricated outcome," Congress general secretary KC Venugopal posted on X. They highlighted how SIR enabled targeted voter deletions and dubious additions, how blatant cash bribery under the so-called MMRY scheme was used to influence voters even at polling stations, and how identical margins across constituencies exposed a pattern that no independent election commission would ever overlook. These issues point to organised electoral malpractices and brazen violations of the Model Code of Conduct, carried out under the watch of an ECI that has increasingly behaved like an active collaborator in BJPs election rigging. What happened in Bihar is nothing short of a direct assault on democracy. The Congress Party will not allow this stolen mandate to become the new normal. The fight to protect Indias democracy continuesfearlessly, relentlessly, and with the people by our side." Following the extensive deliberations, Congress MP Tariq Anwar confirmed the thorough nature of the process. He stated, A very detailed review has been conducted Congress President Kharge ji, Rahul ji and Venugopal ji have spoken one-on-one with everyone." Anwar acknowledged the partys failures in the state and promised decisive action, adding, It is true that corrective measures will be taken the AICC will prepare a roadmap for the future, and action will be taken." Another senior leader, Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, also confirmed that all state leaders were heard on a constituency-by-constituency basis and that the matter of making improvements was discussed." The Bihar unit of the Congress has been under immense pressure following their poor outing, which saw their strike rate significantly impact the overall performance of the opposition alliance. The reported argument underscores the deep-seated factionalism and internal blame game gripping the state unit as leaders grapple with accountability for the defeat. The high commands next steps are awaited, as they are now tasked with preparing a comprehensive roadmap to address both the organisational flaws and the volatile internal dynamics revealed during the tumultuous review session. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 22:30 IST News politics Bihar Congress Review Meet Erupts In Chaos, Party Rejects Reports Of 'Clashes' 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... Calling Everyone For Talks: Mallikarjun Kharge Steps In To Defuse Karnataka CM Drama Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 13:30 IST Mallikarjun Kharge said Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will join the discussions before any final call is taken. Kharge said the final decision will be taken by the high command. (Image: PTI/File) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said he has convened a meeting of senior leaders to address the ongoing power tussle, stressing that no decision will be made without collective consultation. Kharge said Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will join the discussions before any final call is taken. Recommended Stories I am calling everyone for discussions, and Rahul Gandhi will also be present in that meeting. The Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister will also be there. A decision will be taken only after discussing with all of them," Kharge said. Clarifying the role of the central leadership, he added, High command means the team the high command team will sit together and take the final decision." #WATCH | Bengaluru | On Karnataka CM row, Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge says, I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The pic.twitter.com/u27mDTIk05 ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2025 Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday posted a cryptic message on social media amid renewed speculation over a power tussle between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reiterating that keeping ones word is the greatest strength in the world." In the X post, widely interpreted as a message to the Congress high command, Shivakumar urged everyone, including himself, to honour their commitments. The post read, Word power is world power. The biggest force in the world was to keep ones word. Be it a judge, President or anyone else, including myself, everyone has to walk the talk." Earlier in the day, senior Congress MLA and former minister KN Rajanna escalated the debate by saying that the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) should decide the chief ministerial issue and even suggested dissolving the Assembly. Lets dissolve the Assembly and face the elections. Then lets work together under the leadership of DK Shivakumar and come up with a majority. Then let him serve as the CM for 5 years. Wasnt it the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) that elected Siddaramaiah? Now the decision should be made by the CLP," Rajanna told reporters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, while insisting he would not violate the partys directive against public commentary on leadership issues, Rajanna backed Siddaramaiah for a full term and suggested an alternative. My personal wish is that Siddaramaiah should be the CM for five years. The AICC will clarify in the next couple of days. Otherwise, the second option is that Dr G Parameshwara should become the CM," he said. CM Siddaramaiah has dismissed the leadership chatter as an unnecessary debate." At the same time, Shivakumar has reaffirmed his loyalty to the party, denying rumours about resigning as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) chief. Shivakumar has also sought a meeting with senior party leader Sonia Gandhi on November 29 to discuss the ongoing issues. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 11:00 IST News politics Calling Everyone For Talks: Mallikarjun Kharge Steps In To Defuse Karnataka CM Drama 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 27, 2025, 23:31 IST Karnataka Government News Highlights: As concerns over the post of Chief Minister rises in Karnataka, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said he has convened a meeting of senior leaders to address the ongoing power tussle. He further stressed that no decision will be made without collective consultation. Kharge said Rahul Gandhi, the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will join the discussions before any final call is taken. Earlier in the day, senior Congress MLA and former minister KN Rajanna escalated the debate by saying that the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) should resolve the chief ministerial issue and even suggested dissolving the Assembly. Follow For LIVE Updates Modi Factor Accelerates BJPs Leadership Plans; New UP Unit Chief Likely In December Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 07:30 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi's role and the national council elections hinge on the Uttar Pradesh outcome Across the country, organisational elections in 29 of the BJPs 37 state units have been completed. Only eight remain, including key states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Karnataka. Representational pic/PTI With the suspense over JP Naddas successor continuing to linger in Delhi, there is an indication that the BJP is moving to settle leadership questions in Uttar PradeshIndias largest and most politically consequential state. Top party sources indicate that the new Uttar Pradesh BJP president is likely to be finalised as early as December. Recommended Stories Whenever a state president is elected, the national council members from that state are chosen simultaneously, often on the same day. For Uttar Pradesh, this means that Prime Minister Narendra Modias the MP from Varanasiwill be elected to the national council alongside defence minister Rajnath Singh, the Lok Sabha member from Lucknow. This makes the UP organisational polls not just important but urgent, as the entire process cannot move forward without a state president in place. The urgency is unmistakable. BJP general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh has already made multiple trips to the state, holding closed-door meetings with senior leaders to gauge the most acceptable candidate to lead the party unit ahead of a year packed with political churn. Across the country, organisational elections in 29 of the BJPs 37 state units have been completed. Only eight remain, including key states such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Karnataka. But UPs election carries a special weight far beyond routine organisational processes. Who the party ultimately picks remains wide open. Yet recent signals from the BJPs post-Bihar sweep manoeuvring suggest a calibrated caste messaging at play. For the Bihar legislature party observer team, the BJP appointed Uttar Pradeshs prominent OBC face and deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya as the central observer. He was flanked by union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwala key Dalit faceand former minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, a Nishad leader from the backward caste spectrum, as co-observers. The composition of that team has not gone unnoticed within the organisation. As the BJP sharpens its social coalition for 2027, insiders say the UP state presidents post could reflect the same caste-balancing strategy. For now, the party is tight-lipped. But PM Modis role and the national council elections hinge on the UP outcome, and the BJP is unlikely to let the state unit remain headless for much longer. December is poised to be decisive. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep ... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 07:30 IST News politics Modi Factor Accelerates BJPs Leadership Plans; New UP Unit Chief Likely In December Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Need: Siddaramaiahs Son Says His Father Will Remain Karnataka CM For 5 Years Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 19:22 IST Yathindra Siddaramaiah said his father will remain a full-time CM as there were no complaints against him and he had the support of MLAs amid an intense power tussle. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar are reportedly locked in a tussle for the CM post of Karnataka. (PTI/File Image) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs son and Congress MLC, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, dismissed speculation about a leadership change in the state, saying there was no need for a new chief minister as of now. In my opinion, theres no need to change the CM. Siddaramaiah will remain the full-time CM as there are no complaints against him, he has worked well for the state and has the support of MLAs," he told reporters, adding that he was unaware of any discussions about power-sharing. Yathindra said the decision made by the Congress high command would be final. Recommended Stories No one told me about power sharing. This isnt the first time MLAs have gone to Delhi to lobby. This has happened before in different parties," he was quoted as saying in other reports. We stand by the high commands words. Theres no need for change. There shouldnt have been any unnecessary changes." He also expressed confidence in his fathers position as the Chief Minister. I personally say that Siddaramaiah will remain the CM for five years. The high command will review everything and decide whats best," he added. VIDEO | Mysuru: Siddaramaiah will continue as CM of Karnataka as there are no complaints against him, he has worked well for the state and has the support of MLAs," says his son and MLC Yathindra Siddaramaiah on the leadership tussle.(Full video available on PTI Videos - pic.twitter.com/qHb822GYhE Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2025 Power Tussle In Karnataka Yathindras remarks came as the Congress high command is preparing to summon Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to New Delhi, amid the ongoing political drama in Karnataka. Sources told CNN-News18 that the leadership is concerned that the open airing of demands, counters and pressure tactics has dented the image of the Karnataka government and the Congress as a national party. READ MORE: The Art Of Messaging? After Shivakumars Word, World Post, Siddaramaiah Echoes Same Words The current crisis was reignited after the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. This milestone brought into focus the persistent rumours of an unwritten power-sharing" agreement allegedly finalised in May 2023, following the Congresss emphatic Assembly election victory. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This purported pact suggested a rotational chief ministership, with Siddaramaiah serving for the first two and a half years and Shivakumar, the state party chief (KPCC president), taking over for the latter half. Shivakumars supporters have pressured the high command to honour the commitment, despite him denying the existence of such an agreement. The power tussle rose in the recent weeks as the deadlines are approaching and the pressure on the High Command seems to have been mounting from both factions. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 19:22 IST News politics No Need: Siddaramaiahs Son Says His Father Will Remain Karnataka CM For 5 Years 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... Siddaramaiah Vs Shivakumar Tussle Grows: What Options Does Congress High Command Have? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 15:02 IST Sources say the leadership is concerned that the open airing of demands, counters and pressure tactics has dented the image of the Karnataka govt and the Congress. Rahul Gandhi with Siddaramaiah | File Image The Congress high command is preparing to summon Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to New Delhi. They now believe that some decision needs to be taken fast" as the high command is quite furious" with the unfolding political drama in Karnataka. With both camps hardening positions and MLAs staging a steady procession to the capital, Delhi fears the spectacle is undermining the party at a crucial time. Recommended Stories Party sources say that the priority and top agenda of the meeting will be to instruct both leaders to immediately rein in their camps and stop public statements that are damaging the partys image. Sources say the leadership is concerned that the open airing of demands, counters and pressure tactics has dented the image of the Karnataka government and the Congress as a national party. According to senior Congress insiders, the ultimate call" on the Karnataka leadership question now rests with Rahul Gandhi. News18 has learnt that within the high commands core decision-making circle of six, Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are said to be inclined and agreeable towards making DK Shivakumar the Chief Minister. Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal, however, favour allowing Siddaramaiah to continue for the full term. The swing vote lies with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who sources describe as undecided" and also personally invested. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have asked the high command to end the ongoing confusion over a possible transition, citing the damage caused by uncertainty around who the Chief Minister will be for the remainder of the term. However, Congress top sources recreate that No change of guard or cabinet reshuffle is expected before JanuaryMarch". Meanwhile, a section of leaders close to Kharge has begun floating his name as a compromise Chief Ministerial option if the standoff becomes unmanageable. Kharge, a prominent Dalit face nationally, is also said to be weighing whether stepping into Karnataka politics could help the party consolidate its support base or whether to continue his current position as AICC president. This is something that both Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi need to take a call on whether they want to relieve Kharge, who has become more impactful nationally," said a senior Congress leader from Karnataka. Siddaramaiahs camp is deeply upset about the narrative emerging from the Shivakumar side. Leaders say the sustained pressure and public noise from the DKS camp has created an impression that Siddaramaiah is vachana brashta," a leader who failed to keep his word. They argue that the CM has delivered on governance, guarantees and political stability, and insist there is no justification for removing him. Any change made to the post of CM now will impact the prospects of the Congress in the upcoming elections. It shows the party as disjointed, and the Opposition will take full benefit of it," said a senior Congress leader. Senior leaders backing Siddaramaiah have sought clarity from the high command on whether there has been any lapse in governance, delivery of promises or CM performance to warrant his removal. They maintain the answer is no, and therefore see no basis for a leadership transition. The high command will place multiple options before the CM and DCM when they are called to Delhi, sources say: Option 1: Both camps will be instructed to control their supporters, with gag orders issued until January. A final decision on cabinet reshuffle or leadership change may be discussed only after this cooling-off period. High command leaders are also worried that the ongoing SIR (state-wise review) exercise is being disrupted by the Karnataka power struggle. Option 2: A closed-door meeting will be held after hearing both sides, with a decision expected only after the budget in March. Until then, both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar may be asked to demonstrate their support in terms of MLA numbers. Option 3: No transfer of power for now. But Siddaramaiah must agree that the planning, execution, campaign strategy and leadership for the 2028 elections will be handled by Shivakumar. The election would be fought with DKS projected as the face, with no other CM aspirant including Satish Jarkiholi, Dr G Parameshwara, HC Mahadevappa or Eshwar Khandre among others be allowed to enter the race. Option 4: Kharges rising national profile as a Dalit leader is being highlighted. Some senior Congressmen argue that having Kharge continue as AICC chief strengthens the party across India, as he is one of the few southern leaders who can speak Hindi fluently the last being PV Narasimha Rao. This has helped connect with the people across the country . A leadership shift in Karnataka may undermine this momentum, it is being said. Option 5: A complete exchange of positions Kharge as CM of Karnataka, and Siddaramaiah moving to Delhi as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly said he has no interest in Delhi," but sources say the high command may still present this as an option to end the deadlock. Sources in Karnataka say the meeting between Siddaramaiah, Shivakumar and the high command is likely on Sunday or Monday, with a final date expected to be communicated later today. It is learnt from sources that during the recent one-on-one meeting between Kharge and Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru, the issue of power transfer was discussed. According to sources, when Kharge discussed the matter of transfer of power, Siddaramaiah reportedly said: If there is any such idea, one communication from Rahul Gandhi is all that is needed." This remark is said to have upset Kharge, who felt undermined as the party president. Kharge has also been warned by senior Dalit leaders including Dr G Parameshwara, HC Mahadevappa and Satish Jarkiholi that if DK Shivakumar is made CM, they may shift into a non-cooperation mode." Religious leaders from influential mutts are now also weighing in, backing either Siddaramaiah or Shivakumar. While this may not directly influence the decision, the high command is monitoring how the endorsements impact regional blocs. Siddaramaiahs camp insists he will complete the full five-year term. Shivakumars camp says that if Siddaramaiah continues, then DKS must be declared the sole chief ministerial candidate for the 2028 elections, with no parallel contenders. Shivakumar also seeks Satish Jarkiholi Siddaramaiahs close confidant on his side. The recent meeting between Shivakumar and Satish Jarkiholi was aimed at gauging the Siddaramaiah camps response to the growing calls for making Shivakumar the next CM. Leaders in the Siddaramaiah camp say the DK faction has aggressively amplified the narrative that Siddaramaiah did not honour an unwritten power-sharing commitment. There is this campaign that is being run, but what happened was decided behind closed doors where only seven or eight people knew," said a source. A few months ago, during internal discussions, when Siddaramaiah was told that if the situation arose at 2.5 years he might have to hand over power, he reportedly responded: Lets see." The DKS camp has latched onto this line as evidence that Siddaramaiah had implicitly agreed. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A senior minister said: The government is spending more time clarifying who the CM is rather than focusing on development. This unnecessary noise is affecting administration. Legislators can convey views internally, not publicly." Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar continue to maintain that they will abide by the high commands final decision. About the Author Rohini Swamy Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18s digital platform. She has previously wor... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 13:37 IST News politics Siddaramaiah Vs Shivakumar Tussle Grows: What Options Does Congress High Command Have? 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... 'Responsibility That Lasts...': Siddaramaiah Mirrors Shivakumars Word, World Post Amid CM Drama Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 20:49 IST Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have sought clarity from the Congress high command on who will get Karnataka's chief ministerial post as per an unwritten 2023 agreement. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar (Image: PTI/File) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah took an apparent veiled dig at Deputy CM DK Shivakumar as an intense power tussle between the two sides intensified on Thursday for the chief ministerial position in the state, which has prompted an intervention by the Congress high command to rein in the chaos. Shivakumar earlier shared a post on X, where he said, Word Power is World Power. The biggest force in the world was to keep ones word." This statement was widely seen as a hint of a secret power pact allegedly finalised in May 2023 and a message to Siddaramaiah and the Congress high command to honour the agreement. Recommended Stories Be it a judge, president or anyone else, including myself, everyone has to walk the talk. Word power is world power. Those standing at the back dont know the value of the chair. What value and significance the chair holds," Shivakumar added. In response, Siddaramaiah virtually echoed his deputys words, but with a twist, in a social media post, saying, A Word is not power unless it betters the World for the people." The CM turned the spotlight on his governments achievements, particularly the Shakti Scheme that has delivered over 600 crore free trips to the women of our state. The mandate given by the people of Karnataka is not a moment, but a responsibility that lasts five full years. The Congress party, including me, is walking the talk for our people with compassion, consistency, and courage. Our Word to Karnataka is not a slogan, it means the World to us," Siddaramaiah said. A Word is not power unless it betters the World for the people.Proud to declare that the Shakti scheme has delivered over 600 crore free trips to the women of our state. From the very first month of forming the government, we transformed our guarantees into action; not in pic.twitter.com/lke1J7MnbD Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) November 27, 2025 Meanwhile, the BJP mocked Siddaramaiahs message and the internal rift within the Congress. Swamy @siddaramaiah avre, yaru fool alla. This isnt about Shakti, its about your Kurchi! Stop beating around the bush. Just tag @DKShivakumar," said the Karnataka BJP on X. Swamy @siddaramaiah avre, yaru fool alla.This isnt about Shakti, its about your Kurchi! Stop beating around the bush. Just tag @DKShivakumar https://t.co/EGHzJoE8UV BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) November 27, 2025 The apparent exchange of words has sharply underscored the political drama in Karnataka, with renewed chatter around leadership dynamics within the Congress party. The partys top brass is likely to summon the two leaders to resolve a simmering leadership crisis over an alleged power-sharing agreement in May 2023. ALSO READ: Congress High Command Steps Into Karnatakas Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar Game Of Thrones Leadership Crisis In Karnataka Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday said he has convened a meeting of senior leaders to address the ongoing power tussle in Karnataka, as supporters of DK Shivakumar have intensified pressure on the top brass to make him the new CM. He further stressed that no decision will be made without collective consultation. The crisis was reignited after the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. As per a reported pact reached when Congress won the 2023 Assembly elections, Siddaramaiah is to serve as CM for the first two and a half years, and Shivakumar will take over in the latter half. Both Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have asked the high command to end the ongoing confusion over a possible transition, citing the damage caused by uncertainty around who the Chief Minister will be for the remainder of the term. Siddaramaiah has repeatedly asserted that he intends to serve the full five-year term until 2028. The Karnataka State Federation of Backwards Class Communities (KSFBCC) has warned Congress that any attempt to unseat Siddaramaiah in the wake of power strife in the state will have a bearing on the party. On the other hand, the Karnataka Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha has warned the Congress high command that it will fight vehemently if injustice happens to Shivakumar. The leadership crisis presents a significant challenge for the Congress high command as the BJP gains a foothold in the state. Mallikarjun Kharge, an influential leader from Karnataka himself, has acknowledged the tussle, stating that the decision will be taken collectively by him, Sonia Gandhi, and Rahul Gandhi. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Karnataka, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 19:00 IST News politics 'Responsibility That Lasts...': Siddaramaiah Mirrors Shivakumars Word, World Post Amid CM Drama 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... Will Not Be Vacated, Come What May: RJD Says Rabri Devi Wont Leave Circular Road Bungalow Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 07:14 IST State minister Santosh Kumar Suman said the bungalow had been allotted earlier under a now-scrapped provision granting former chief ministers a lifelong residence. Former Bihar CM Rabri Devi (Photo: PTI) The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Wednesday asserted that former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi will not vacate the government bungalow she has occupied for nearly two decades. The partys Bihar unit president, Mangani Lal Mandal, issued the defiant statement a day after the state Building Construction Department directed Rabri Devi to move to 39, Hardinge Road, the residence designated for the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council. Speaking to reporters, Mandal declared that the bungalow at 10, Circular Road, located opposite the chief ministers official residence, will not be vacated, come what may." He alleged the decision was driven by political hostility, saying it smacks of malice the ruling NDA harbours for our leader Lalu Prasad." Mandal questioned why Nitish Kumar waited two decades to earmark a bungalow for the post and argued that the government should have retained 10, Circular Road given that both Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi had served as chief ministers. Recommended Stories State minister Santosh Kumar Suman said the bungalow had been allotted earlier under a now-scrapped provision granting former chief ministers a lifelong residence. That provision had to be scrapped following an Allahabad High Court ruling a few years ago. In any case, we are not depriving Rabri Devi of the bungalow. Moreover, the government has the right to decide which bungalow should be allotted to whom," he said. Mandal, however, accused Nitish Kumar of acting to appease the BJP, claiming the JD(U) leader had been unsettled by his allys assertiveness. Nitish Kumar has taken the decision to curry favour with the BJP knowing the BJPs ill-will towards Lalu ji, Nitish Kumar has tried to appease Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ilk by insulting our leader," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He added that the NDA should not underestimate the RJD despite its electoral setbacks. The ruling NDA should remember that we may be in the opposition, but in the recent assembly elections, we got more votes than any of its constituents So they better not try to belittle us," Mandal said. Reflecting on the partys drop from 75 seats to 25, Mandal insisted the RJDs defeat was circumstantial. We did not lose the elections. It was the system that worked against us We must not think that we have lost," he said, citing what he described as the BJP-led NDAs enormous resources" compared to the RJDs campaign. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 07:14 IST News politics Will Not Be Vacated, Come What May: RJD Says Rabri Devi Wont Leave Circular Road Bungalow 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... Tin Box Remark Sparks Violence, Biker Dragged For 500 Metre On Moving Car In UPs Saharanpur Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 21:29 IST A biker was assaulted and dragged 500 metres on a car bonnet after calling the car a tin box. Police are investigating the viral road incident. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google In the video, the biker is seen heading towards Nagal when a car coming from behind asks him to give way. (X) In a disturbing incident, a group of youngsters assaulted a motorcyclist and dragged him on their cars bonnet for nearly 500 metres. The video of the incident from Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district captured the road argument spiraling into violence. According to news agency PTI, the biker allegedly called the car a tin box", which angered the youngsters who then assaulted him. Recommended Stories As per the police, the incident occurred on the NagalTapri Road in the Dehat Kotwali area, though the exact date is yet to be determined. Additional SP City Vyom Bindal that an investigation is underway based on the viral clip. CCTV footage is being analysed to identify the vehicle and the attackers, and a case will be registered under the relevant sections, he added, as quoted by PTI. " pic.twitter.com/3GsGBY4Dw3 khalid choudhary (@Khalidptarkar33) November 27, 2025 In the video, the biker is seen heading towards Nagal when a car coming from behind asks him to give way. A heated argument reportedly broke out, during which the biker allegedly referred to the car as a tin box," enraging its occupants, who then assaulted him, police said. After the assault, when the attackers try to drive off, the biker stands in front of the vehicle to stop them. The driver accelerates, causing the man to fall onto the bonnet. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The car then sped for nearly 500 metres with the biker clinging on, before the driver braked abruptly, flinging him onto the road. The accused fled the spot afterward, police added. (With inputs from agencies) Location : Uttar Pradesh, India, India First Published: November 27, 2025, 21:29 IST News viral Tin Box Remark Sparks Violence, Biker Dragged For 500 Metre On Moving Car In UPs Saharanpur 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... Washington should not overestimate its role in the international arena, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said, adding that a wide range of issues can be resolved without US involvement. Tehran - ISNA - The economic center of gravity is also shifting away from America, he told journalists on the sidelines of the G20 summit over the weekend, RT reported. The US skipped the meeting, held in Johannesburg, South Africa. US President Donald Trump has accused the country of perpetrating a genocide against white farmers, which he gave as the reason for his absence. Washington also claimed that only a chairmans summary could be released following the summit because the US was not present. The G20 issued a declaration on Sunday anyway. The meeting brought together nations representing three-quarters of the worlds population, two-thirds of global GDP and three-quarters of the worlds trade, and thats without the United States formally attending, Carney said on Sunday. Its a reminder that the center of gravity in the global economy is shifting. According to the prime minister, decisions reached by the G20 members during the meeting still carry weight despite the US boycott. He also said Canada sought to strengthen ties with a variety of nations, including South Africa, India, and China. Woman Offers Flat, Rs 37,000 Monthly Pay To Hire A Daughter. The Reason Is Heartbreaking Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 22:10 IST The woman, identified as Ma, has offered one of her two flats and a $420 monthly salary for a woman who can care for her and provide her with a daughter's warmth. The elderly woman made an unusual plea to hire a "daughter". (AI-Generated Image) In a bizarre piece of news, an elderly Chinese woman has offered a flat and a $420 (approximately Rs 37,550) monthly salary to hire" a daughter to care for her in place of her biological daughters. The South China Morning Post identified the woman as Ma from Henan province, who shared her motivations behind the peculiar search for a daughter on a local TV programme, which led to mixed reactions from the Chinese public. Recommended Stories Ma said she had two biological daughters, one of whom wanted to sever all ties with her, while the other suffers from a mental disability and is unable to take care of herself. Her elder daughter had distanced herself from her mother due to disagreements over the upbringing of the Mas granddaughter. The elder daughter claimed she was unemployed and unable to look after her mother, stating that Mas decisions are none of her business." Furthermore, Ma also divorced their father at a young age and has lost contact with most of her relatives. Struggling with asthma and limited mobility, Ma is searching for a woman who can care for her, support her during medical visits, and treat her with a daughters warmth. She has also agreed to offer this daughter" one of her two flats, along with her possessions and her monthly pension of 3,000 yuan ($420) as a monthly salary. She is also open to signing a formal contract to confirm the arrangment Mas search for a daughter got mixed reactions from the online community. While some users expressed interest in applying, others raised concerns about the arrangements viability, as per the SCMP. It seems to me that she is seeking someone to care for both herself and her younger daughter," a user said. With declining housing prices, the flat and cash she offers may not be enough to afford even a nanny for two people," a third person commented. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, a lawyer stated that Mas elder daughter has a legal obligation to support her mother, which she cannot evade by renouncing her inheritance rights, and any surrogate arrangement should include a proper legacy support agreement. The bizarre request has brought the spotlight to a growing crisis of elderly isolation in China. A 2021 nationwide survey by the Ministry of Civil Affairs found that nearly 60% of mainland Chinese aged 60 and above are living on their own. This situation has boosted an industry of hiring children", involving individuals hired to act as companions for the elderly. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : China First Published: November 27, 2025, 22:06 IST News viral Woman Offers Flat, Rs 37,000 Monthly Pay To Hire A Daughter. The Reason Is Heartbreaking 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 Cup Of Tea, No Toilet & A Hidden Predator: Why A Civil Servant's 'Experiments' Have Shaken France Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 09:21 IST The women say Christian Negre, who headed a division of the French Ministry of Culture, offered them drinks laced with diuretics before leading them into humiliating situations Rapid Read + Follow us On Google For many of the victims, the meetings ended in panic: some were forced to relieve themselves outdoors, others fainted or went into extreme distress as the unfamiliar chemicals overwhelmed their bodies. (Pixabay Image for Representation) At first, the women thought it was stress. Or nerves. Or just sheer bad luck of a body misbehaving when they needed it in control. None of the more than 200 women must have imagined in their wildest dreams that their nausea, dizziness, or urgent need to find a bathroom could have anything to do with the small cup of tea handed to them minutes earlier. However, as the years went by and the stories mounted, a deeply disturbing truth was revealed: their interviews were never just interviews. They were experiments. In the latest and perhaps most shocking of a series of scandals to engulf France in recent years, 240 women say they were drugged during job interviews by Christian Negre, who headed a division of the French Ministry of Culture. The women claim that Negre offered them drinks laced with powerful diuretics before leading them into humiliating situations. Recommended Stories For many of the victims, the meetings ended in panic: some were forced to relieve themselves outdoors, others fainted or went into extreme distress as the unfamiliar chemicals overwhelmed their bodies. And almost all of them, over years, carried the shame in silence, believing the incident was a freak personal failure rather than a calculated assault. That all changed in 2019 when investigators searching Negres computer found a damning spreadsheet entitled Experiments", detailing the womens reactions to his chemical submission". Though he was dismissed from public service that year and placed under investigation, Negre has walked free since then and still works in the private sector. One of the first to speak up, Sylvie Delezenne of Lille, a marketing specialist, explained how she felt when the interview at the Culture Ministry went off the rails. It was my dream to work at the culture ministry," she told The Guardian. But the cup of tea she accepted marked the beginning of something else entirely. At the time," she recalled, I didnt even know this type of attack existed." While attorneys for Negre would not comment, the victims lawyers said the case was a stark illustration of power and domination over womens bodies via humiliation and control". Memories Of Pelicot Trial For many in France, the allegations against Negre bring to mind another horrifying saga: the Pelicot rape case. The 2024 trial convicted 51 men for repeatedly drugging and raping a womannot a stranger, but the accuseds own wifeexploiting sedatives to render her unconscious before assaulting her. Like in the Pelicot case, in the Negre scandal, one finds drug-facilitated abuse, trust betrayed, and gross exploitation of bodily autonomy. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty on all counts and received the maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison. He was also convicted of producing and storing indecent images of his daughter and daughters-in-law. Of the 50 other men who went to trial with him, all were found guilty: 47 of rape, two of attempted rape, and two of sexual assault. The victim, Gisele Pelicot, had voluntarily waived her right to anonymity, insisting that the trial be held open to the public. She wanted to make shame change sides"-to show that it was the perpetrators, not victims, who should be ashamed. Crimes Against Women In France top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Negre scandal does not exist in a vacuum but forms part of a wider, worrying pattern of crimes against women in France. According to The Guardian, over recent years, cases ranging from domestic abuse to sexual misconduct in public offices have reignited debate about consent, power, and the laws inadequacy. Activists, victims, and some lawmakers say the systemic reforms still remain slow despite mounting public outrage. Courts are backlog-heavy, legal definitions of consent and drug-facilitated assault are murky, and many survivors feel the justice system often re-victimises them through delay and doubt. 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 : Paris, France First Published: November 27, 2025, 09:21 IST News world A Cup Of Tea, No Toilet & A Hidden Predator: Why A Civil Servant's 'Experiments' Have Shaken France 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... Suspect From Hellhole Afghanistan: Trump Blasts DC Shooting As 'Act Of Terror' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 08:37 IST President Donald Trump condemned the attack on two National Guard members, calling it an evil act and urging tougher action on illegal immigration. US President Donald Trump. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump strongly criticised the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC, near White house, describing the incident as a horrific assault on our Great National Guard Warriors". The attack took place close to the White House and came just a day before Thanksgiving. Trump said no country should ever tolerate this kind of attack", especially against those serving on the front line to protect the nation. Recommended Stories Act of evil, hatred, terror" Speaking from the White House briefing room, Trump called the shooting an act of evil", an act of hatred", and later an act of terror". He added that such violence was not only a crime against the two guardsmen but also a crime against our entire nation" and a crime against humanity". During his address, Trump directed strong criticism at the suspects background. He said the Department of Homeland Security was confident" that the man arrested came to the United States from Afghanistan. Trump referred to the country as a hellhole", saying the suspect had arrived in September 2021 during the large-scale airlift that followed the collapse of the Afghan government. He blamed the previous Biden administration for allowing the suspect into the country, arguing that the vetting of Afghan arrivals had been insufficient. Trump claimed the man was flown in by the Biden administration", and insisted the entire programme needed renewed scrutiny. Call for new immigration measures Following the shooting, Trump renewed his demand for stricter immigration enforcement. He said the United States must ensure we remove any alien living illegally in our country". He also called for a full reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who were admitted under the Biden administration, saying their cases must be reviewed again from start to finish". Trump further announced that an extra 500 National Guard troops would be deployed across Washington, DC, to support existing security measures in the city. Thousands of Guard members are already stationed in the capital as part of ongoing federal deployments. What we know about the suspect? According to multiple law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation, the FBI believes the suspects initial identification matches a man from Washington state who appears to have immigrated to the United States from Afghanistan in 2021. He has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under Bidens Operation Allies Welcome. Officials said the early identification was made through fingerprint records taken after the suspect was taken into custody. They stressed, however, that additional steps were still underway to fully confirm the identity. One official said the suspect had applied for asylum in 2024 and that it was granted earlier this year. Investigation continues top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Investigators have recovered a handgun believed to have been used in the attack. Authorities are now examining the firearm, along with other evidence collected at the scene, to build a complete picture of how the shooting unfolded. Law enforcement agencies continue to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from the area. The motive for the attack has not yet been confirmed, and officials say the inquiry remains active and ongoing. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 27, 2025, 08:11 IST News world Suspect From Hellhole Afghanistan: Trump Blasts DC Shooting As 'Act Of Terror' 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... Afghan Man Suspected Of Shooting US Guards Near White House Once Worked With US Military: Report Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 01:42 IST Authorities have not yet released his identity or a motive for the shooting, and the soldiers remain in critical condition. Both the guards were admitted to the hospital in critical condition. (X) An Afghan man suspected of shooting two National Guard soldiers near the White House had previously worked with multiple US government entities, including the CIA, before being evacuated to the United States as a refugee in September 2021, Fox News reported, citing intelligence director John Ratcliffe. The suspect, who was taken into custody soon after the attack, is believed to have arrived as part of the Afghanistan evacuation following the Taliban takeover. Authorities have not released his identity or disclosed a motive, while the two soldiers remain in critical condition. Recommended Stories US President Donald Trump condemned Wednesdays shooting as an act of terror," saying the attacker was a migrant from Afghanistan. In a brief video statement, Trump framed the incident as a convergence of three politically charged issues his domestic military deployment strategy, the broader immigration debate, and the legacy of Americas war in Afghanistan. Calling the shooting an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror," Trump said the attack, which took place just two blocks from the White House, was a crime against our entire nation." He confirmed that the suspect was a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan." Trump added that the man had arrived in the U.S. in 2021 on those infamous flights," referring to the evacuation of Afghans who fled as the Taliban seized control after the U.S. military withdrawal. The daylight attack near a busy metro station, during peak activity in downtown Washington, has renewed scrutiny of Trumps deployment of federal troops to Democrat-run cities including Washington, Los Angeles and Memphis a strategy that has drawn lawsuits and accusations of authoritarian overreach. The US Presidents remarks also signaled a renewed push behind his hardline immigration agenda. We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan" under former president Joe Biden, Trump said. We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country. If they cant love our country, we dont want them." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shortly after Trumps address, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced an immediate policy shift. Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols," the agency posted late Wednesday. About the Author Abhro Banerjee Covering day-to-day national and international news for the last nine years across print and digital. Associated with News18.com since 2022, covering innumerable big and small events, including electi... Read More First Published: November 27, 2025, 12:10 IST News world Afghan Man Suspected Of Shooting US Guards Near White House Once Worked With US Military: 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... Afghan Man Who Shot National Guards Came Up Clean In US Intel Checks, Showed No Terror Ties Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 02:05 IST A senior US official said Rahmanullah Lakanwal was screened repeatedly by intelligence agencies and showed no links to terrorism before entering the country. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google US officials said Rahmanullah Lakanwal cleared multiple rounds of CIA and NCTC vetting and showed no terror ties before he was allowed into the United States. (IMAGE: X) Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan man who shot the two National Guards in Washington D.C., was vetted multiple times by US intel agencies like the Central Investigation Agency (CIA) and the US National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC). An official told broadcaster CNN on Wednesday that Lakanwal was vetted by the CIA in 2011, through NCTC databases. The official said that he would have been vetted again during Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) in 2021 for any ties to terrorism before he was allowed into the US. Recommended Stories Launched in August 2021, Operation Allies Welcome (OAW) was the Biden administrations program to bring Afghan evacuees to the US after the Taliban takeover. The official highlighted that the CIA did its own vetting before he started working with them and kept his identity secret, back in 2011. The official then said that he was vetted in 2021 as well and at that time also he did not show any ties to terror organizations. In terms of vetting, nothing came up," according to a senior US official. He was clean on all checks." The official added that the US government has been conducting continuous, annual vetting of Afghan evacuees since their arrival, a policy tightened after authorities foiled an Election-Day terror plot in Oklahoma last year. In that case, Afghan national Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi who entered the US under the post-2021 resettlement programme was arrested for allegedly planning an ISIS-inspired attack and attempting to acquire weapons. The incident also involved a teenage co-conspirator who was later convicted. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all US President Donald Trump, in remarks after the shooting, had said that the man had arrived in the US in 2021 on those infamous flights", referring to OAW. This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror," Trump said, as he vowed to have his administration reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan" during his predecessor Joe Bidens presidency. 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 28, 2025, 02:05 IST News world Afghan Man Who Shot National Guards Came Up Clean In US Intel Checks, Showed No Terror Ties 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... Afraid Of Being Arrested? Tucker Carlson Challenges Piers Morgan To Say Anti-Gay Slur Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 22:07 IST Journalists Tucker Carlson and Piers Morgan debated on whether it is offensive to say the anti-gay slur faggot during a discussion. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Carlsons on-air challenge to Piers Morgan sparked renewed attention to how the slur moved from old English usage to one of the most charged terms in modern Western politics. (IMAGE: X) American journalist Tucker Carlson on Wednesday repeatedly used the anti-gay slur faggot" on his podcast while urging British broadcaster Piers Morgan to say it on camera, framing the exchange as a stand against censorship. The discussion came during a segment on trans identities and offensive rhetoric, after a viewer wrote in claiming she was beaten up by a faggot" and later arrested. Carlson used the email to question what he called political correctness around the word. Recommended Stories The slur at the centre of this argument has a long and complicated history. In older British usage, fag" informally referred to a cigarette, and even earlier, faggot" appeared in Old and Middle English to describe a bundle of sticks or firewood. None of these meanings had any link to sexuality. Over the 20th century, especially in the United States, the term morphed into one of the most derogatory words aimed at gay men. Its modern usage is now heavily tied to homophobia and the violence associated with it. Would you say the word faggot on camera?" Carlson asked Morgan, adding: Youre allowed to be homophobic if you want." He then argued that the viewer had been punished unfairly. Shes arrested and convicted of a hate crime. The guy who beat her up is not arrested or convicted. It was not a homophobic act youre allowed to be homophobic if you want, in a free country." Carlson, however, did point out that he was not anti-gay. I wouldnt say it for fear of arrest, but because its offensive to gay people. https://t.co/voo0k93Jub Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) November 27, 2025 Debates around the word sit inside larger political fights over free speech and harm, how intent is judged and where societies draw lines on public language. The controversy has surfaced in pop culture too, most notably in a South Park episode that attempted to reclaim" the term by arguing its modern usage no longer referred to gay men. The episode drew its own backlash, with LGBTQ groups saying such attempts erase the words history of violence. A clip of Carlson and Morgans exchange on the Tucker Carlson Network has now gone viral. Morgan, the former Good Morning Britain presenter, refused to say the word. When Carlson pressed him again Is it like gay-bashing?" Morgan said: My whole issue with the trans debate, for example, is that you dont need to slide into actually saying derogatory stuff about trans people to make the point that womens rights should be protected." Carlson shot back: You dont want to get arrested, do you?" top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Im allowed to [say it], but I dont want to," Morgan replied, as Carlson went on to repeat the slur several more times. Morgan later clarified on social media that he avoided the word not out of fear of arrest but because its offensive to gay people." 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 : London, United Kingdom (UK) First Published: November 27, 2025, 22:07 IST News world Afraid Of Being Arrested? Tucker Carlson Challenges Piers Morgan To Say Anti-Gay Slur Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After DC Shooting, Trump Orders Review Of Green Cards Issued To People From 19 Countries Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 03:13 IST US President Donald Trumps administration will reexamine green cards issued to people from 19 countries "of concern". USCIS chief says all green cards issued to nationals from 19 flagged countries will undergo a full-scale reexamination at US President Trumps direction. (IMAGE: REUTERS) US President Donald Trump on Thursday ordered the reexamination of all green cards issued to people from 19 countries of concern". The director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Joe Edlow indicated that the examination will be rigorous". The announcement comes shortly after the Department of Homeland Security said earlier that it is reviewing all asylum cases approved by the Biden administration. Recommended Stories The order follows the arrest of an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday. At the direction of @POTUS, I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern," Joe Edlow wrote in a post on X. According to broadcaster CNN, the 19 countries were designated as such in a June presidential proclamation. The 19 countries are: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Trump Administration is also reviewing all asylum cases approved under the Biden Administration, which failed to vet these applicants on a massive scale," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin was quoted as saying by CNN. FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Agents have served a series of search warrants, with Patel calling it a coast-to-coast investigation." 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 28, 2025, 02:52 IST News world After DC Shooting, Trump Orders Review Of Green Cards Issued To People From 19 Countries 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... Bangladesh Court Sentences Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina To 21 Years In Three Corruption Cases Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 13:28 IST The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has already sentenced Hasina to death for what it described as crimes against humanity. Ousted Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (AFP file photo) A court in Bangladesh on Thursday handed former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a total prison term of 21 years after convicting her in three separate corruption cases, according to local media reports. The allegations were linked to alleged irregularities in the allotment of plots under the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachol. According to the officials, six cases were filed against Hasina and members of her family by the countrys Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Recommended Stories The remaining three cases are expected to be decided on December 1. The court also sentenced Hasinas son, Sajeeb Wazed Joy, to five years in prison and imposed a fine of Tk 1,00,000. Her daughter, Saima Wazed Putul, received a five-year jail term as well. None of them had legal representation in court, as the family has been absconding. They have repeatedly denied all accusations of corruption in various public statements. Separately, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) of Bangladesh has already sentenced Hasina to death for what it described as crimes against humanity connected to the governments response to the July 2024 anti-government protests. Meanwhile, the Indian government has confirmed that it is examining a request from Bangladeshs interim administration seeking Hasinas extradition. At a weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi had received Dhakas communication and was reviewing it. Yes, we have received the request, and this request is being examined. As part of ongoing judicial and internal legal processes, we remain committed to the best interest of the people of Bangladesh, including peace, democracy, inclusion and stability in that country, and will continue to engage constructively in this regard with all state stakeholders," Jaiswal said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The developments come against the backdrop of the student-led uprising in July 2024, which forced Hasina to leave the country on August 5. She later took refuge in India. An interim government, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, took charge after she left the country. 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 : Bangladesh First Published: November 27, 2025, 13:28 IST News world Bangladesh Court Sentences Ousted PM Sheikh Hasina To 21 Years In Three Corruption Cases 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... Brazil Approves Worlds First Single-Dose Dengue Vaccine, Researchers Hail 'Powerful Weapon' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 23:49 IST Brazil's ANVISA approved the Butantan-DV single-dose dengue vaccine, developed by Butantan Institute, showing 91.6 percent efficacy amid record global dengue cases in 2024. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The annual flu vaccine is not merely optional, but a strategic weapon in reducing the burden of seasonal flu and its complications. Brazilian authorities approved the worlds first single-dose dengue vaccine on Wednesday, which they hailed as a historic" achievement as cases of the mosquito-borne disease soar globally due to rising temperatures. Dengue, marked by severe flu-like symptoms, debilitating fatigue and body aches, surged to record global levels in 2024, with researchers attributing its rapid spread to climate change. Recommended Stories Brazils health regulatory agency ANVISA authorised the use of Butantan-DV, developed by the Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo, for people aged 12 to 59. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), currently, TAK-003 is the only dengue vaccine available worldwide, which requires two doses administered three months apart. Developed after eight years of clinical trials across Brazil, the single-dose vaccine is expected to enable faster and more streamlined vaccination campaigns. This is a historic achievement for science and health in Brazil," Esper Kallas, director of the Butantan Institute, a public research center, told a press conference in Sao Paulo. A disease that has plagued us for decades can now be fought with a very powerful weapon," he added. The new vaccine demonstrated 91.6 per cent efficacy against severe dengue in clinical trials involving over 16,000 volunteers. Dengues unpleasant symptoms have earned it the nickname breakbone fever." It can provoke hemorrhagic fever in severe cases, and death. It is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which have expanded beyond their traditional habitats, resulting in dengue cases in parts of Europe and the United States where the disease was previously uncommon. In 2024, the WHO reported more than 14.6 million cases and almost 12,000 deaths globally, the highest number ever recorded. Half of these deaths took place in Brazil. Researchers from Stanford University in the United States published a 2024 study estimating that global warming accounted for 19 per cent of dengue cases that year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Brazil has reached an agreement with the Chinese company WuXi Biologics to deliver approximately 30 million doses of the vaccine in the second half of 2026, Health Minister Alexandre Padilha told the press conference. (With inputs from AFP) Location : Brazil First Published: November 27, 2025, 23:49 IST News world Brazil Approves Worlds First Single-Dose Dengue Vaccine, Researchers Hail 'Powerful Weapon' 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... Cyprus Speaker Annita Demetriou Hails PM Modi As Spiritual Leader, Seeks Stronger India-EU Bridge | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 18:53 IST Demetriou also hailed PM Modis 'historic' visit to the Green Linethe UN-administered buffer zone dividing Cyprus Her visit, anchored by the long-standing friendship between the two democracies, focused on expanding the bilateral relationship beyond traditional sectors. Image/X Annita Demetriou, the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus and the nations first woman and youngest-ever Speaker, has been on a high-profile visit to India, during which she met with President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. In an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18, Demetriou, a social media sensation, lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modis tenure, describing him as a spiritual leader" whose policies have driven Indias progress and upgraded its international standing. Her visit, anchored by the long-standing friendship between the two democracies, focused on expanding the bilateral relationship beyond traditional sectors. A key highlight was her emotional acknowledgement of PM Modis historic" visit to the Green Linethe UN-administered buffer zone dividing Cyprusa gesture that demonstrated Indias firm, principled support for Cypruss sovereignty and call for reunification against the backdrop of the Turkish occupation since 1974. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the recently adopted Joint Action Plan (2025-2029), aiming to leverage Cypruss position as a gateway to the EU and Indias growing global influence. Recommended Stories Edited excerpts of the interview: How are you liking India? Thank you very much for giving me the opportunity. We love India and are really impressed by the hospitality and warmth of the people. Along with me is the delegation from Cyprus. We have had very important meetings, and I think the timing is ideal to strengthen the relations between our countries even more. Cyprus and India cherish a long-standing friendship, and now it is time to upscale and improve our relationship further. You called on President Murmu, and you met External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. About a month ago, there was another high-level visit from Cyprus. The Foreign Minister of Cyprus visited India, and Prime Minister Modi visited Cyprus in June, where he also went to the northern side to oversee the land occupied by Turkey. Talk to us about Prime Minister Modis gesture of going to the Green Line. How important is that gesture for your country and your people? It was a historic moment. Prime Minister Modi visited the Green Line and realised what is happening in Cyprus. My country, after the Turkish invasion in 1974, is still divided and occupied by Turkey. He saw firsthand what it means to have ongoing violations of human rights and international law. We hope for a long-lasting solution that will bring peace and stability to our country and the world. In our neighbourhood in Cyprus, as well as in Ukraine and Gaza, we understand the necessity of establishing peace, security, and stability. Cyprus can be a catalyst for achieving this goal, and we believe in the importance of geostrategic relations between Europe and India. As a member state of the European Union, Cyprus will do its best to achieve this, as it is essential and necessary at this time. You met External Affairs Minister Jaishankar yesterday. Talk to us about the areas of cooperation between the two countries. You will also be meeting the Speaker of the House, Om Birla. Both countries are democracies with their own constitutions. How can these two democracies work together for the benefit of their people? We may differ in size, but we have many similarities. We believe we can further our relationship in sectors like connectivity, trade, shipping, and safety. We have a joint action plan decided between Prime Minister Modi and our President. The visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and our discussions with officials here in India focused on expanding this collaboration into other sectors, such as education. The sky is the limit to what we can achieve, and we will discuss further ways to expand our collaboration today. How do you view Prime Minister Modis leadership? He has been leading the country for over a decade. What impact has his leadership had on the global stage? Prime Minister Modi is a spiritual leader who truly cares for his country. In recent years, India has been progressing well, and its important for the people to experience this in their daily lives. We believe in investing in further collaboration between our countries. The upgrading of international relations strategy is due to the efforts of Prime Minister Modi and other officials. It is crucial to have leaders who guide not only foreign affairs diplomacy but also the people and policies towards a more prosperous future. Have you had time to visit places in New Delhi, try the food, and explore the markets? Of course, we did. Its part of an official visit to experience the culture and food. We were impressed by the heritage, visiting the Taj Mahal and other important monuments. The cultural heritage here is unbelievable, and I think all Indian people can feel proud of it. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 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 27, 2025, 18:53 IST News world Cyprus Speaker Annita Demetriou Hails PM Modi As Spiritual Leader, Seeks Stronger India-EU Bridge | 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... Green Wednesday: Cannabis Joins Turkey In Thanksgiving Tables Across US As Stigma Fades Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 23:12 IST Bringing cannabis into familiar traditions, from big Thanksgiving meals to the so-called 'cousin walk', helps advocates show how normal use can ease lingering stigma. A budtender helps customers purchase marijuana at California Street Cannabis Company. (Getty Images via AFP) Cannabis dispensaries across the United States reported one of their busiest days of the year on Wednesday, as Americans prepared not just for turkey and pie, but for what many now call Green Wednesday", the fast-growing cannabis shopping day ahead of Thanksgiving. At a dispensary in Silver Spring, Maryland, customers streamed in throughout the day, stocking up on edibles, pre-rolls and speciality products to share with family or enjoy during the long holiday weekend. Recommended Stories Staff said many shoppers were preparing for relaxed family gatherings, the traditional post-dinner walk, or simply hoping to unwind with visiting relatives. E. Friday, a personal care specialist at the RISE dispensary, said the pattern had become familiar. Cousins coming to town, family getting together, people needing to relax a little. You know how it goes," they said, as customers queued at the checkout, Washington Post reported. Industry experts say Green Wednesday has grown rapidly as cannabis becomes more mainstream and widely legal across many states. Some dispensaries now see sales rival those recorded on 4/20, the long-established cannabis holiday. At RISE, exclusive products such as the Queen Cola" a 14-gram long-stem flower sold out in 15 minutes. Dominic OBrien, chief commercial officer at Green Thumb Industries, which operates RISE and other dispensaries across 14 states, said the day marks the beginning of a significant sales period. Some customers who only shop a few times a year, and those consumers are coming in around Christmas, New Years, Thanksgiving and 4/20," he said. The Cannabis Media Council estimates the US cannabis industry to be worth around $34 billion, with a further $28 billion in hemp-derived products such as THC-infused drinks, now sold in mainstream outlets. The term Green Wednesday" emerged in California roughly eight years ago, inspired by the surge in sales before Thanksgiving. Dispensaries in Washington, DC, where new regulations and licensing systems are taking effect, promoted holiday specials and even published guides on pairing strains with traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Some companies are also hosting cannabis-and-food pairing events, which have become increasingly popular. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Advocates say the holiday has helped normalise cannabis use within families. Amy Deneson of the Cannabis Media Council noted a rise in generational" acceptance. Elders are consuming cannabis, even though they have been the most misinformed and have the most stigma of all the generations," she said. Despite cannabis still being classified federally as a Schedule 1 drug, many states permit recreational and medical use. Experts warn consumers to remain aware of legal restrictions, especially when travelling across state lines. A new federal measure, included in the recent spending bill, may tighten regulation of hemp-based products next year. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 27, 2025, 23:12 IST News world Green Wednesday: Cannabis Joins Turkey In Thanksgiving Tables Across US As Stigma Fades 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... Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze Kills 55, Hundreds Remain Missing; 3 Arrested For Suspected Manslaughter Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 12:44 IST At least 55 people have died and nearly 300 are missing after a massive fire ripped through Hong Kongs Wang Fuk Court complex. Some arrests have also been made. Firefighters try to extinguisha fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories (Photo: AP) The death toll in the massive fire that tore through the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Hong Kong has increased to 55, while nearly 300 others remain unaccounted for, prompting authorities to arrest three senior members of a construction company for suspected manslaughter. Reuters quoted the police as saying that early indications suggest the blaze spread rapidly due to unsafe scaffolding materials and foam installations used during ongoing renovation work. Recommended Stories Firefighters battled through the night to reach residents feared trapped on the upper floors of the vast housing complex in Tai Po, a northern district home to thousands. The fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon and raged for more than 15 hours across multiple 32-storey towers, with flames still visible and thick smoke pouring from several blocks well into Thursday morning. Authorities said four of the affected blocks had been brought partially under control, but operations continued in three others where conditions remained extremely hazardous. It is heartbreaking to see Hong Kong experiencing a major housing estate fire affecting more than 4,600 residents. It has become global news, and even after 13 hours, it is still not under control. Sadly, 36 people have lost their lives, including a firefighter.Please keep them pic.twitter.com/nY4SmkzJ67 Ying Tan (@YingTanForNY) November 26, 2025 Police officials revealed that the buildings were wrapped in green construction mesh and plastic sheeting that may not have met fire-safety standards. Investigators also found windows sealed with foam material in one of the unaffected blocks, an installation allegedly carried out by the renovation firm now under scrutiny. The report quoted Hong Kong Police Superintendent Eileen Chung as saying that officers believe the company acted with gross negligence," allowing the fire to spread uncontrollably and causing a catastrophic loss of life. Two directors and an engineering consultant from the firm have been detained. Among the dead is a firefighter, and at least 45 people are in critical condition. The tragedy marks the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since World War II, surpassing the fatal 1996 Kowloon commercial building blaze that killed 41. The scale of destruction has drawn comparisons to Londons Grenfell Tower disaster in 2017, where flammable cladding and regulatory failures contributed to 72 deaths. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said the governments immediate focus is on extinguishing the remaining fires and rescuing those still trapped. Chinas President Xi Jinping, monitoring developments from Beijing, called for an all-out effort" to bring the blaze under control and minimise casualties, according to state broadcaster CCTV. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The fire has also caused significant citywide disruption. Dozens of roads were sealed off, 39 bus routes rerouted, and at least six schools announced closures due to blocked access and heavy congestion. ALSO READ | Teen Rescued After Dangling For 7 Hours From 36-Storey-High Crane In Jerusalem 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 27, 2025, 07:06 IST News world Hong Kong High-Rise Blaze Kills 55, Hundreds Remain Missing; 3 Arrested For Suspected Manslaughter 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-Origin Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Conspiring To Smuggle Heroin Into UK Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 19:34 IST Rajesh Bakshi, from East Lothian, Scotland, had pleaded guilty to smuggling the Class A drug after an investigation found his fingerprints on a heroin consignment. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Bakshi has a history of convictions, including prior involvement in drug supply conspiracies. (Representative Image) A 57-year-old Indian-origin man was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday for conspiring to smuggle heroin into the UK, while his co-conspirator received a nine-year sentence following a trial in south-eastern England. Rajesh Bakshi, from East Lothian, Scotland, had pleaded guilty to smuggling the Class A drug after a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation found his fingerprints on a heroin consignment with a street value of 4 million, which was intercepted at the port of Dover in June 2022. Recommended Stories His co-conspirator, Jon-Paul Clark, 44, denied involvement and told a jury at Canterbury Crown Court that his DNA was found on the drugs because he had been wearing Bakshis sweater. My officers built a solid case against Clark, who clearly tried to pull the wool over the jurys eyes," said Jules Harriman, NCAs Senior Investigating Officer. There was clear evidence of his guilt and the jury saw through his attempts to cheat justice. Both offenders didnt have the slightest care for the impact class A drugs have on our communities." The NCA said both mens phones were traced to the Netherlands and Belgium in the days before the drugs were intercepted. Officers also discovered a photo of Clark and Bakshi together shortly before the seizure, as well as texts from Clark requesting cash from Bakshi in the weeks after the drugs were stopped. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bakshi has a history of convictions, including prior involvement in drug supply conspiracies. Clark was found guilty following the trial, despite his attempts to shift blame. Both were formally sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court earlier this week. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : United Kingdom (UK) First Published: November 27, 2025, 19:21 IST News world Indian-Origin Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Conspiring To Smuggle Heroin Into UK 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... 'ISI Trying To Frame Afghanistan In DC Shooting': Taliban Calls For Probe | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 16:01 IST Suhail Shaheen told CNN-News18 that Kabul does not rule out any possibility, including involvement by external intelligence networks to portray Afghans as a security risk. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen In a sharp and unusually direct allegation, the Taliban has suggested that Pakistans ISI may be attempting to damage the reputation" of the Afghan government by framing it in connection with the recent shooting near the White House in the United States. Suhail Shaheen, Taliban spokesperson, told CNN-News18 that Kabul does not rule out any possibility," including involvement by external intelligence networks aiming to portray Afghans as a security risk. Shaheen began by reiterating the Talibans long-stated position that our policy is clear we do not allow anyone to use the soil of Afghanistan" for attacks abroad. Recommended Stories Stressing that the Taliban follows a strict doctrine of non-interference, he noted that those responsible for the attack must be identified through a professional, unbiased inquiry. There is need for an investigation in order to get to a sound conclusion," he said. When asked whether the attacker could have been influenced or directed by ISI, Shaheen said the possibility could not be dismissed. I do not rule out possibilities, but one cannot say with full assurance until a conclusion is reached following investigation," he stated. He accused ISI of attempting to malign the Taliban at a time when Kabul is improving its global outreach, including its opening lines of communication with India. ISI is doing these things to frame the Taliban as we are going closer to the world, including India," he remarked. Responding to reports that the US has tightened Afghan immigration processes after the incident, Shaheen said it is up to Washington to conduct a thorough, comprehensive probe. It is for the US government to fully investigate it from all angles," he noted, adding that the Taliban condemns all attacks on civilians anywhere in the world. Shaheen also defended Kabuls growing engagement with India, asserting it was neither new nor targeted at any country. It is our right to have relations with all countries, including India. These ties are based on national interest and are historical not something created this year," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Addressing speculation that the attacker may have been a lone-wolf operative aligned with ISI-style tactics, Shaheen said initial reports indicated the individual had links to Special Force Contingent 01 from the past government," but stressed that investigators must determine the truth. It should be investigated to reveal who is behind such attacks," he insisted. Asked whether the incident was intended to destabilise Afghanistan at a time when US security channels are opening towards Kabul, Shaheen maintained, I dont rule out any possibility, but I cannot say anything with assurance before a full investigation is complete." About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 27, 2025, 16:01 IST News world 'ISI Trying To Frame Afghanistan In DC Shooting': Taliban Calls For Probe | 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... Just Like Hitler: Imran Khans Sister Likens Pakistan Regime To Nazi Germany Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 02:42 IST Noreen Niazi likens Pakistan to Nazi Germany, citing censorship, media oppression, and journalist exiles, and accuses General Asim Munir and Shehbaz Sharif of dictatorial actions. Noreen Niazi likens Pakistans treatment of dissenters and media workers to Nazi-era repression, saying critics are jailed, threatened and forced abroad. (IMAGE: X) Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khans sister Noreen Niazi has compared the state of Pakistan to Adolf Hitlers Nazi Germany, accusing the authorities of running a system built on censorship and intimidation. Speaking to news agency ANI, Niazi said the situation has reached a point where the government locks people away" and squeezes the media into silence. We used to hear and read about Hitler. Just like Hitler used to lock people in basements, the same thing is happening in Pakistan," she said. Recommended Stories Niazi alleged that journalists are being detained, pressured into silence and then released under conditions that bar them from speaking publicly. Censorship in Pakistan is so extreme that they apprehend media people and then oppress them so much that when they are let out, they are not even allowed to speak," she said. She also claimed that several prominent Pakistani journalists have fled abroad to avoid arrests or harassment. Major popular names in Pakistans media are currently outside the country. They have fled and cannot return. Their accounts are blocked, their properties confiscated and their passports have been blocked," she added. #WATCH | Lahore, Pakistan | PTI Founder and former Pakistan PM Imran Khan's sister, Noreen Niazi, says, "We used to hear and read about Hitler just like Hitler used to lock people in basements, the same thing is happening in Pakistan."She said, "Censorship in Pakistan is so pic.twitter.com/M4xeNn69Kw ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Niazi had been demonstrating along with Imran Khans other sisters, Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khan, after being denied a meeting with him for more than a month. She said Punjab Police assaulted them during the protest and accused Army Chief General Asim Munir of acting like a dictator. She also described Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs government as one of the most unpopular in Pakistans history. We have such support from outside that Trump called our dictator Asim Munir a very good friend of his Shehbaz Sharif had lost his seat. Asim Munir helped him win, so he is the bigger force Dictators have come before. Their fates were not good either," she said. 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 : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: November 28, 2025, 02:42 IST News world Just Like Hitler: Imran Khans Sister Likens Pakistan Regime To Nazi Germany 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... Nalin Haley Calls Vivek Ramaswamy 'Creep' For Proposing 'Third-World Parenting' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 22:45 IST Nalin Haley called Vivek Ramaswamy a creep over his education reforms, criticising his proposed year-round schooling and parenting style during Ramaswamy's 2026 Ohio governor bid. Nalin Haley trolled Vivek Ramaswamy, accusing him of proposing third-world parenting through his education reforms who should not be near any child. (IMAGE: X/@Nalin_Haley) Former US Presidential candidate Nikki Haleys son, Nalin Haley, called Vivek Ramaswamy creep" and accused him of proposing third-world parenting" through his education reforms who should not be near any child". In a post on X, Nalin said: This creep should not be near any child, and we absolutely cant have his third world parenting style imposed on American kids." Recommended Stories He was reacting to Ramaswamys proposal to extend schools hours and introduce year-round schooling during his 2026 Ohio governor bid. Ramaswamy has been promoting several reforms such as higher reading and maths standards, more phonics-based learning, performance-linked teacher pay and removing ideological content" from classrooms. In his post, Nalin Haley also attached a screenshot of Ramaswamys 2022 post wherein he slammed the Republicans over naming of a legislation that prohibited sex education for children upto the third grade. This creep should not be near any child and we absolutely cant have his third world parenting style imposed on American kids https://t.co/YoncfrMpwl pic.twitter.com/bxpv2oS9FN Nalin Haley (@Nalin_Haley) November 26, 2025 Republicans should use more rhymes when naming their laws. Instead of dont say gay, they shouldve called it wait until 8. As in, wait until kids turn 8 years old before public schools teach them about sex. That would have avoided a national fuss about nothing," he said. In 2022, Florida signed a bill forbidding instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through Grade 3. It was expanded later to all grades, with exceptions for health or reproductive courses. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Last year, responding to a lawsuit the Florida authorities said the law only restricts formal teaching on gender identity and sexual orientation. Nalin Haley previously triggered discussion when he said naturalised US citizens should not be allowed to hold public office. He also called for strict limits on foreign students in American universities, claiming that some international students are spies for foreign governments". Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 27, 2025, 22:45 IST News world Nalin Haley Calls Vivek Ramaswamy 'Creep' For Proposing 'Third-World Parenting' 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... Pakistani Officials Claim Imran Khan Is Safe In Jail, PTI Seeks Probe As Death Speculations Swirl | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 10:33 IST The unverified rumours of Khans death surfaced after his sisters allegations that they were not being allowed to meet the former PM who has been sentenced to 14 years in prison Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party supporters carry a poster of their leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. (AFP) Adiala Jail authorities have claimed that former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is fine and fit", seeking to dismiss widespread rumours circulating on social media claiming that he had been killed in custody. Jail officials stressed that Khan is under proper care and there has been no incident threatening his safety. A letter accessed by CNN-News18 from the prison attempted to allay concerns over his health and wellbeing in the face of unverified reports spreading on social media platforms. Recommended Stories In response, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded urgent access to Khan for party leaders and family members. The party submitted an official list of representatives to the jail superintendent and called on the government to arrange meetings without delay. A transparent and official statement should be issued at the official level regarding the health, safety, and current status of Chairman Imran Khan. Those responsible for spreading these dangerous and sensitive rumours must be investigated, and the facts presented to the nation," PTI said in a statement. The party also stressed that the public will not tolerate any ambiguity about Khans wellbeing, and reaffirmed that the government is responsible for safeguarding his security, constitutional rights, and basic human rights. PTI vowed to pursue all legal and political steps to dispel misinformation and reveal the truth. Speaking to CNN-News18, Dr Salman Ahmed, a close aide of Khan, blamed Field Marshal Asim Munir for the chaos. Asim Munir is doing everything. Khans sisters and family are not allowed to meet him. Best is to allow the family to meet Khan if they think PTI is doing propaganda," he said. The unverified rumours of Khans death surfaced after his sisters allegations that they were not being allowed to meet the former prime minister who has been sentenced to 14 years in prison. The social media chatter too picked up after an account on X named Afghanistan Times claimed that the 72-year-old has been mysteriously killed" and his body has been moved out of the prison". This is not the first occasion that false reports about Imran Khans death have circulated online. In May, a document supposedly from the Government of Pakistans Ministry of Foreign Affairs claiming that Khan had died in judicial custody went viral, with the note suggesting that investigations were underway into the circumstances of his death. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As the claims gained traction on social media, Pakistans Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stepped in with a statement, describing the document as fake" and urging citizens to disregard such misleading and irresponsible content. On Thursday, Khans sister Aleema and PTI supporters called off the sit-in near Adiala Jail after successful negotiations with the police. According to authorities, police held talks with Aleema Khan and PTI cadre and assured them that meetings with the former prime minister would be arranged at the earliest. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: November 27, 2025, 10:33 IST News world Pakistani Officials Claim Imran Khan Is Safe In Jail, PTI Seeks Probe As Death Speculations Swirl | 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... Pakistan's Big Military Overhaul: Asim Munir Set To Take Charge As Chief Of Defence Forces Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 10:32 IST The 27th Amendment has also led to notable changes beyond the top post. A new position Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has been instituted to support the Pakistan Army Chief. Pakistan Field Marshal Asim Munir (Image: AFP/File) Pakistan is set to witness one of the most significant overhauls of its military hierarchy in decades, with Field Marshal Asim Munir set to take charge as the countrys first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The newly created position, established through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, places Munir at the apex of Pakistans unified military command structure for a fixed five-year term. According to sources, the amendment has abolished the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), traditionally the senior-most tri-services role. The incumbent CJCSC, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, is retiring today, effectively marking the end of the positions decades-long presence in Pakistans defence framework. Recommended Stories Under the new structure, Field Marshal Asim Munir will concurrently remain the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) while simultaneously assuming charge of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single consolidated command. This essentially elevates the military chiefs authority, placing all three services under one central leadership nodethe CDFfor the first time in Pakistans history. Sources indicate that Pakistans armed forces are undergoing a phase of deep structural transition, with new formations, revisions in command layers, and sweeping organisational reforms expected. Promotions, transfers, and fresh postings across the services are likely to follow as the new hierarchy becomes operational. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The 27th Amendment has also led to notable changes beyond the top post. A new position Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has been instituted to support the expanded role of the Army Chief under the unified command arrangement. Additionally, a Commander National Strategic Command post has been created, signalling a reorganisation of Pakistans strategic and operational command-and-control ecosystem. To fully align the militarys legal framework with this revamped structure, Pakistan has amended multiple service regulations, including the Pakistan Army Act, Pakistan Navy Ordinance, and Pakistan Air Force Act. These legislative changes formalise the new authority chain and define the responsibilities and jurisdiction of the newly created roles. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 27, 2025, 10:32 IST News world Pakistan's Big Military Overhaul: Asim Munir Set To Take Charge As Chief Of Defence Forces 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... Street Protests Inevitable: Imran Khans Sister Warns Public Anger Over His Condition At Boiling Point | Exclusive Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 19:10 IST Aleema Khanum said the family had consulted lawyers on filing a petition demanding that Imran Khan be produced in a court of law Workers of Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been protesting and camping outside Adiala Jailwhere Khan is lodged (PTI file) It was only a matter of time before the anger among Pakistani citizens over the treatment of former prime minister Imran Khan spilled onto the streets, his sister Aleema Khanum told CNN-News18 in an exclusive phone interview. She said the family had consulted lawyers on filing a petition demanding that Imran Khan be produced in a court of law, remarks that come amid swirling speculation over his health inside a Rawalpindi prison. Recommended Stories Its going to happen. Its not a matter of if but when. And its all leading toward the same thing," Aleema Khanum said, when asked whether there could be street demonstrations in support of the jailed former premier if he continues to be denied access to his family and followers. And when the agitations begin, they wont be able to stop them," she added, referring to the Pakistani establishment dominated by powerful army chief Asim Munir. Workers of Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have been protesting and camping outside Adiala Jailwhere Khan is lodgedamid widespread online speculation about his death. The prison authorities have rejected the rumours, but his family and supporters say their requests to meet him have been repeatedly denied. Why arent they letting us meet him? Why create this attention? It would be so simple if they allowed him to meet his family and party workers," Aleema Khanum said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She added that she did not believe the Pakistani establishment would dare harm Imran Khan inside the jail. They wouldnt. People would turn on them. People will not spare themand they wont find a flight out of the country." She stressed that popular support remains firmly with Imran Khan, who was ousted from power in April 2022 and later jailed on a battery of charges. The sentiment is with him. People in Pakistan are agitated," she said. About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 First Published: November 27, 2025, 19:07 IST News world Street Protests Inevitable: Imran Khans Sister Warns Public Anger Over His Condition At Boiling Point | 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... 'They Won't Dare Touch A Hair On His Head': Imran Khan's Sister Amid Ex-PM's Health Rumours | Exclusive Reported By : CNN-News18 Edited By: Apoorva Misra Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 13:41 IST Training her guns on the government and Asim Munir, Aleema Khan said the person-specific 27th Amendment meant "a few people are giving themselves complete immunity from the law Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Aleema Khan (News18) They wont even dare touch a hair on his head," Aleema Khan, sister of former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, warned on Thursday as she addressed the rumours around his safety and sharply criticised what she called an unprecedented breakdown of Pakistans justice system". Aleema Khan said Imran Khan has been isolated for at least six weeks", with family members blocked from their court-mandated Tuesday meeting slots despite judicial orders guaranteeing access. They are in contempt of court on everything," she said in an exclusive conversation with CNN-News18. The justice system has completely collapsed. There are good judges, but their autonomy has been withdrawn." Recommended Stories Training her guns on the government and Field Marshal Asim Munir, she linked it to the recent constitutional changes, including what she described as a person-specific" 27th Amendment. A few people are giving themselves complete immunity from the law," she said, calling it a reality check for all of us". Amid swirling speculation about Imran Khans health, including rumours of his death, Aleema Khan said during his last confirmed family meeting three to four weeks ago, he was in excellent health". They cant claim he died of old age or illness," she said. The problem is: how do we confirm his health now? Since we have not met him in three weeks, and no one has access, how do we know he is okay?" Still, she insisted authorities would not risk harming him. There is huge anger in Pakistan," she said. If anything happens to Khan, do you think people will sit around and let them live? They [authorities] know exactly what would follow." Aleema Khan also described repeated attempts by family and lawyers to see Khan, including a Tuesday demonstration in which women police officers used force to disperse them. We have the right to sit on a sidewalk and protest," she said. But they attacked us. They dragged my sister, who is 71 years old, and she passed out. Young women were beaten. We were dropped a kilometre away from the prison but we came back." She said court orders authorising family and lawyer meetings were thrown away by police," adding: There is zero respect for the judiciary. It is a fascist system." According to Aleema Khan, even the Supreme Court has been rendered ineffective. Our lawyers approached the Constitutional Court to understand the process, but it is ineffective," she said. The rule of law is completely buried." She warned that Pakistans worsening economic crisis, coupled with political frustration, was driving public anger to a breaking point. Millions are dropping below the poverty line. There is bound to be unrest." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all She also criticised the political landscape following the recent elections, accusing the ruling party of engineering results. Nawaz Sharifs party had only 14 seats, but they stole elections," she said. It is daylight robbery. They disqualified Imran Khans party members under made-up charges. It is all a farce." She argued that Imran Khans continuing influence remains the reason for the tight restrictions on access to him. There is a man sitting in jail and they fear his voice," she said. People in Pakistan love Imran Khan. They need him." Reiterating her warning, she said: They wont dare touch a hair on his head. They know what it would unleash." About the Author Manoj Gupta Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18 Location : Islamabad, Pakistan First Published: November 27, 2025, 13:41 IST News world 'They Won't Dare Touch A Hair On His Head': Imran Khan's Sister Amid Ex-PM's Health Rumours | 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... News / International by Byo24News THE number of people seeking help for homelessness has risen in Wales UK, official statistics have shown.Homelessness charities blamed the economic slump, high unemployment and a lack of affordable housing for the 9% increase in people seeking help last year.The statistics showed that between July and September last year, some 1,606 households were accepted as homeless by councils in Wales, up from the same period a year before.Ceri Dunstan of Shelter Cymru said: asAasAAaAThis is a dramatic increase and confirms our concerns about the cumulative impact of the recession, increasing unemployment and a drastic shortage of affordable homes in Wales (UK).asAasAAaAAs far back as last summer, nearly 50% of people who took part in a survey carried out for us by YouGov said that they struggled at least some of the time to pay their rent or mortgage.asAasAAaAThe UK GovernmentasAasAAasAAs cuts to housing benefit and other welfare changes will, in our view, make this situation even worse in the months to come as people are more likely to fall into arrears.asAasAAAAThe number of people being made homeless because of mortgage or rent arrears is also rising.Some 74 families lost their homes between July and September 2010, a 14% increase in a year.The period from July to September 2010 also saw a 2% increase in the number of people in temporary accommodation, as well as a 9% increase in the number of households in bed and breakfasts, compared to the same period in 2009.Families with children made up 8% of those in B&Bs compared to 3% a year before, a 26% jump.Welsh Liberal Democrat housing spokesperson, Peter Black said: asAasAAaAThis is a worrying increase. The impact of temporary housing on the health of these families, both physically and mentally, is devastating.asAasAAaAThe Labour Government left this country in a mess and Welsh families are suffering as a result. The recession was bound to impact on families who would struggle to keep up with mortgage or rent payments and the Welsh Assembly Government is failing to support them.asAasAAAA Trump, Elon Musk Seen Dining Together In RFK Jrs Thanksgiving Photo, Hinting At Thaw Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 01:25 IST US President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have now been seen together at two major events signalling warmth after a period of tensions. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The photo shared by RFK Jr shows Trump and Elon Musk seated together, signalling a possible easing of tensions after months of public friction. (IMAGE: X/@SecKennedy) The United States Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F Kennedy Jr shared a Thanksgiving lunch photo this week showing him seated with US President Donald Trump, Tesla founder Elon Musk, Donald Trumps son Don Jr and US House Speaker Mike Johnson. The picture, taken at an undisclosed location, shows Musk and Trump sitting next to each other on the same side of the table. The seating arrangement immediately set off speculation that the once-frosty ties between Trump and the worlds richest man may be warming again. Recommended Stories Earlier this month, Trump was also seen tapping Musks stomach during an Oval Office event where he invited Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for a state visit, a moment many viewed as a public gesture of reconciliation. Secretary Kennedy posted the Thanksgiving photo on X with a simple greeting: Happy Thanksgiving." Trump and Musk were once regarded as close allies, but their relationship fractured over two major flashpoints: the release of the so-called Epstein Files and their public disagreement over Trumps Big Beautiful Bill." Musk has also accused US ambassador Sergio Gor of trying to create distance between the two earlier this year. Musk briefly served as chief of Trumps Department of Government Efficiency, known internally as DOGE, for five months and travelled with the President to Saudi Arabia in May. Their relationship began to sour when Trump claimed Musk opposed the Big Beautiful Bill" because it sought to phase out electric vehicle tax incentives, which directly benefit Tesla. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The rift deepened after Musk hinted in a June 5 post that Trump had been named in the Epstein Files, a suggestion he later appeared to delete. Since then, the two men have traded indirect shots on social media and in interviews, fuelling talk of a deeper political and personal split. Signs of a thaw first appeared in September when Trump and Musk shook hands at a memorial for slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Thanksgiving photo now adds to the perception that both sides may be ready to call time on the feud. 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 28, 2025, 01:25 IST News world Trump, Elon Musk Seen Dining Together In RFK Jrs Thanksgiving Photo, Hinting At Thaw 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... Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal? Afghan Migrant Who Shot US National Guards In Targeted Attack Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 08:41 IST Washington D.C. Shooting: An Afghan national who entered the US under Operation Allies Welcome has been identified as the suspect in the National Guard shooting. National Guard Shooting: Suspect Is Afghan Migrant Who Overstayed US Visa The suspect in Washington, D.C. National Guard shooting has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. According to a Justice Department official, the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Recommended Stories A CNN report said, Lakanwal overstayed his visa and was in the country illegally at the time of the attack. His immigration status and the circumstances of his arrival have already become a focal point of political debate in the immediate aftermath of the incident. BREAKING: National Guard shooter identified as Afghan illegal, Rahmanullah Lakanwal.He entered the country under Biden's "Operation Allies Welcome" and overstayed his visa. https://t.co/TuEIdd6JBz pic.twitter.com/8um0G7F2MK VoxPopuli (@vpopulimedia) November 27, 2025 Lakanwal was reportedly resettled in Bellingham, Washington after arriving as part of the federal programme established by the Biden administration following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Authorities believe he acted alone, and as yet, no motive has been identified. What we know about the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal? Rahmanullah Lakanwals arrival in the US under Operation Allies Welcome has become a central point of scrutiny. The federal resettlement programme was created to support Afghan allies and evacuees following the Taliban takeover. Reports suggest Lakanwal overstayed his visa after entering the country and was living unlawfully in the United States. Law enforcement sources told the newspaper that Lakanwal had waited near the Farragut West Metro Station before launching the attack at around 2:15 pm local time. He allegedly rounded the corner and opened fire at close range, first striking a female National Guard member in the chest and then shooting her in the head. He then reportedly turned his weapon on the second guard, firing multiple rounds until a third guard stationed nearby intervened and brought him down. Authorities said the two guardsmen were on routine patrol in the area when the gunfire erupted. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they remain in critical condition. US media reports say Lakanwal had been living in Washington state since arriving in the country. NBC reported that the FBI is examining the incident as a possible act of terrorism, though officials have not confirmed a motive. Police believe he acted alone. Lakanwal was shot four times during the confrontation with the third guard. Witnesses said he was taken away almost unclothed as emergency responders worked to stabilise him before transporting him to hospital. Investigators continue to review his background as they work to understand what led to the attack. Investigators are now examining his movements, connections, and personal history in an attempt to understand whether the attack was spontaneous or planned. How the DC shooting unfolded? The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon (US time) near the White House, where armed National Guard soldiers were patrolling the area as part of regular security measures. According to law enforcement officials, Lakanwal opened fire without warning, hitting two Guard members. A third guardsman stationed nearby intervened swiftly and managed to subdue the suspect. During the confrontation, Lakanwal sustained multiple gunshot wounds. He was stabilised at the scene before being transported to hospital. Witnesses reported that emergency teams removed him from the scene with little clothing as they worked urgently to treat his injuries. The two injured Guard members were also rushed to hospital and remain in critical condition. Their identities have not yet been released. Meanwhile, a photograph circulating widely on social media shows a man lying on the ground unclothed, with claims that it depicts the DC shooter. However, officials have not confirmed the authenticity of the image, nor have they released any official photograph of Lakanwal. Authorities have emphasised that the public should avoid sharing unverified images and information while the investigation is ongoing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Investigation underway With the suspect hospitalised and the two Guard members critically injured, authorities continue to investigate the motive, background, and circumstances of the attack. Officials are expected to release further updates as more information becomes available, while security remains tightened in the nations capital. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 27, 2025, 07:13 IST News world Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal? Afghan Migrant Who Shot US National Guards In Targeted Attack 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 Have Spies Inside Iran: Ex-Mossad Chief Says Agency Recruits Iranians To Work For Israel Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 28, 2025, 01:00 IST Former director of Israeli spy agency Mossad, Yossi Cohen, that the agency has special units inside Iran itself. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Former Mossad director Joseph (Yossi) Cohen addresses a budgeting conference hosted by Israel's Finance Ministry in Jerusalem. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) Yossi Cohen, the former director of Israeli spy agency Mossad, said that the intelligence agency had deployed active, special units inside Iran itself". Iran is not a place where we work by proxy," Cohen said in a conference held earlier this month. During the conference, which was barred for the public, he referred to locals acting remotely at Israels direction" and said Mossads work is going in to recruit and to obtain intelligence", according to Haaretz. Recommended Stories Cohen also unveiled that it is possible that not all of Irans uranium stockpile was destroyed during the 12-day war between Israel and Iran, where US also targeted nuclear sites to help ally Israel. President Trump spoke of the destruction [of uranium stockpiles]. I say if not total destruction, then at least a very large amount. The Iranian regime hasnt given up on its nuclear aspirations," he said. Cohen has said that the push for a formal relationship between Israel and Saudi Arabia began gathering momentum during his term, and that he personally met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman several times to discuss it. Speaking in a set of recorded remarks released this week, Cohen said Saudi leaders believed a peace agreement with Israel was possible," including finding a way to soften or gloss over" the Palestinian question. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Cohen said he believed the crown prince could secure domestic support for such a deal. He pointed to the UAEs agreement with Israel as an example of how Arab states have tried to separate formal ties from the unresolved Palestinian issue. A Saudi-Israel deal, he suggested, would let both sides move ahead with normalisation first and continue dealing with Palestinian matters later. His comments come after President Donald Trump announced a sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia last week. 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 28, 2025, 01:00 IST News world We Have Spies Inside Iran: Ex-Mossad Chief Says Agency Recruits Iranians To Work For Israel 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... 'Will Eradicate Stone Cold Killers By 2050': New Zealand Declares War Against Feral Cats Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 21:43 IST New Zealand adds feral cats to its Predator Free 2050 list, aiming eradication by 2050 to protect biodiversity. Feral cats threaten birds, bats, and spread toxoplasmosis. The government said more than 100 short-tailed bats were killed in a single week by feral cats near the town of Ohakune on the North Island, and they have also contributed to the near-extinction of the southern dotterel on Stewart Island. New Zealand has launched a crackdown on feral cats and aims to eradicate them by 2050 as part of countrys efforts to protect the biodiversity. CNN quoted conservation minister Tama Potaka saying that feral cats are stone cold killers" and would be added to the countrys Predator Free 2050 list, which aims to eradicate those animals that have a negative impact on species such as birds, bats, lizards and insects. Previously, cats were excluded from the list. Recommended Stories The minister said feral cat was a wild animal living independently of humans. They kill to survive," he said. Feral cats are now found across Aotearoa New Zealand, from farms to forests, and they put huge pressure on native birds, bats, lizards and insects," he said. Speaking on ways to eradicate the feral cats, Potaka said they could be poisoned using a sausage bait or spraying them with poison from a device on a tree when they walk past. In order to boost biodiversity, to boost heritage landscape and to boost the type of place we want to see, weve got to get rid of some of these killers," he said in an interview with Radio New Zealand last week. We know people want their local reserves, beaches and bush tracks to be full of birds, not predators," he said. According to a statement by the ministry, more than 100 short-tailed bats were killed in a single week by feral cats near the town of Ohakune on the North Island, and they have also contributed to the near-extinction of the southern dotterel on Stewart Island. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all They also spread toxoplasmosis, which harms dolphins, affects people, and costs farmers through lost stock," Potaka said. According to CNN, the government will release more details on the plan in an updated version of the Predator Free 2050 Strategy, which is scheduled for release in March. Location : New Zealand First Published: November 27, 2025, 21:43 IST News world 'Will Eradicate Stone Cold Killers By 2050': New Zealand Declares War Against Feral Cats 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... 'Won't Appreciate Insults': South Africa Expresses Regret As Trump Bars It From 2026 G20 Summit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 27, 2025, 09:02 IST Ramaphosa's statement came after Trump criticised the South African government over what he described as "horrific Human Rights abuses". Donald Trump with South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa (Image: AP Photo) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday expressed his disappointment over US President Donald Trumps statement over South Africas participation in the 2026 G20 meetings. Pointing towards Trumps remarks, South Africa clearly stated that the country will not appreciate insults from another country and asserted that it will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20". Ramaphosas statement came after Trump sharply criticised the South African government over what he described as horrific Human Rights abuses", and stated that the country will not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami. Recommended Stories The US boycotted the recently held 2025 G20 Summit in South Africa amid unfounded accusations that the government there is committing genocide against White South Africans. The G20 summit of this year in Johannesburg the first to be hosted in Africa therefore, went ahead without the United States. Ramaphosa On US Absence From G20 Summit Pointing towards the US decision to not participate in the summit, the South African President said that the G20 South Africa 2025 Leaders Summit attended by several Heads of State and government, was hailed by all those who attended the summit as one of the most successful summits. The summit produced a declaration that affirmed the indisputable strength and value of multilateralism in response to the most pressing challenges facing the world," Ramaphosa was quoted in the statement issued by his office. As the United States was not present at the summit, instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the Headquarters of South Africas Department of International Relations and Cooperation, the statement added. As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. In keeping with this approach, the United States was expected to participate in all the meetings of the G20 during South Africas Presidency but unfortunately, it elected not to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own volition." The office of the President further stated that South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. It further pointed towards the US Presidents statement and stated that the country does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations. South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20. We call on members of the G20 to reaffirm its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, based on consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all of its structures," President Ramaphosas Office added. The statement further condemned Trumps statement, saying, It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country." What Did Trump Say? US President Donald Trump on Thursday barred South Africa from the 2026 G20 Summit over white genocide" claims. In a post on his social media, Trump wrote, The United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human rights abuses endured by Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers." To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them," he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump also criticised major US media outlets for not reporting on the issue. Perhaps, worst of all, the soon to be out of business New York Times and the Fake News Media wont issue a word against this genocide. Thats why all the Liars and Pretenders of the Radical Left Media are going out of business!" he said. While South Africa stated that it handed over the instruments of the G20 Presidency to a US Embassy official, Trump accused the country of refusing to hand off the G20 Presidency at the conclusion of the G20 in South Africa. About the Author Mahima Joshi Mahima Joshi, Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking team. Covering national stories and bringing breaking news to the table are her forte. She is deeply interested in Indian poli... Read More Location : South Africa First Published: November 27, 2025, 08:58 IST News world 'Won't Appreciate Insults': South Africa Expresses Regret As Trump Bars It From 2026 G20 Summit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The bitter public feud and procedural chaos at the Bulawayo City Council over Town Clerk Christopher Dubes contract are being seen as symptoms of a deeper crisis, a fatal leadership vacuum within the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) that has left its councillors unaccountable and politically adrift. The turmoil follows conflicting legal claims about the status of Dubes employment, with Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart and his deputy, Edwin Ndlovu, issuing sharply contradictory statements over the legality of a council meeting held on 5 November 2025. The councillors at the centre of the controversy were elected under the CCC ticket in 2023, a party that has been fractured and leaderless since Nelson Chamisa resigned in early 2024. Chamisa stepped down after a leadership challenge by Sengezo Tshabangu, who exploited the partys strategic ambiguity and plunged the CCC into a succession crisis. A planned 90-day rotational leadership, involving Professor Welshman Ncube, Tendai Biti and Lynette Karenyi-Kore, later collapsed. Although Tshabangu is now recognised as Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, deep confusion over the partys leadership persists. Analysts say this internal disintegration has created a power vacuum that councillors are now exploiting with impunity. In an interview with CITE, legal expert Dr Vusumuzi Sibanda accused Deputy Mayor Ndlovu and a group of councillors of violating procedure and defying the mayors authority, allegedly under the influence of political forces pushing for Dubes contract extension. The failure by the deputy mayor to respect and observe the chain of command shows he is working for those people pushing to change term limits, Dr Sibanda said. We know CCC is in shambles. There is no political leader now, so councillors do as they please or as the current Secretary General wishes, after he managed to usurp authority. He said that without clear political direction, councillors were acting in their own self-interest. People do as they wish according to where they think their bread is buttered. Maybe they also hope their own terms will be similarly increased, he added. The controversy stems from a chaotic full council meeting on 5 November, where Mayor Coltart says he adjourned proceedings due to total disorder, threats and slanderous vilification. He alleges an illegal meeting was convened after his departure, during which Dubes contract was purportedly extended by five years. Deputy Mayor Ndlovu publicly countered that the meeting had been merely vibrant and insisted any resolutions passed after Coltart left were legally binding. Dr Sibanda strongly disagreed, describing the councillors actions as insubordination. A meeting cannot legally continue after the presiding officer has adjourned it, he said. When the Speaker says Parliament is over, can the Deputy Speaker continue with the sitting? He argued that all decisions taken after the adjournment were invalid. All those councillors must be called to account. The agenda became theirs, not the councils. They simply refused to listen to the mayor. Dr Sibanda said if councillors genuinely believed Mayor Coltart was unfit to lead, they should have followed lawful procedures. If they feel the mayor is failing them, they can impeach him. But until he is lawfully removed, they cannot take decisions in his absence. He warned that the councillors actions could have serious legal consequences. Council must operate according to its standing orders, not personal preferences or political whims. Violating procedure cannot be tolerated. Dr Sibanda said the deeper problem lay in inconsistent rules that were frequently manipulated for political purposes. He criticised repeated changes to Zimbabwes governance regulations, particularly around retirement age. When the retirement age is moved from 65 to 70, it shows a careless regime that does not understand the youth unemployment crisis. It acts as if Zimbabwe has an ageing population. That is nonsensical, he said. Political analyst Bernard Magugu said the internal conflict was disheartening for Bulawayo residents already grappling with poor service delivery. He blamed the CCCs lack of structure and discipline. There is no internal discipline and no clear governance guidelines, he said. Councillors act without accountability or alignment to any party principle. He said the absence of a central authority had left councillors to make decisions based on personal alliances, factional loyalties or opportunism not public interest. It is now a game of mafia gangs where every fool dances to any song played by the king of fools, he said. Magugu warned that the leadership vacuum was undermining governance and harming residents. Internal confusion spills into council business, resulting in disorderly meetings, illegal resolutions and decisions made outside legal frameworks, he said. This is why someone like Dube can attempt to extend his term unlawfully and why some councillors feel emboldened to support it. ZAPU Secretary-General Mthulisi Hanana said strong political institutions were essential for accountability. When there is no party playing an oversight role, it becomes difficult to hold elected officials to account, he said. When institutions are weak, decisions become opaque, corruption thrives and governance becomes personality-driven. The strength of a democracy lies not in its leaders but in the institutions that restrain them. CITE President Trump lashed out at another female journalist with an insult over her appearance on Wednesday, this time targeting New York Times reporter Katie Rogers. It's the third such insult Trump has aimed at female reporters in recent weeks, NBC News reports. In this case, he called Rogers "ugly, both inside and out" in a Truth Social post. The day before, the newspaper had published an article by Rogers and a male colleague about Trump displaying indications of aging . The president countered that he just had a physical exam and a cognitive test and cleared both. Trump also dismissed the Times as a "cheap rag" and an "enemy of the people" in the post, per the Hill. The Times responded that its reporting is accurate and that it won't be deterred by personal attacks. Rogers' work is an example of how "an independent and free press helps the American people better understand their government and its leaders," the newspaper wrote. Last week, Trump addressed Bloomberg News reporter Catherine Lucey as "piggy," which press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended as an example of the president's "frankness." He also verbally attacked ABC News reporter Mary Bruce in the Oval Office. On Tuesday, Trump mocked Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's appearance. The Trump administration has told federal employees and grantees not to use government funds or public platforms to commemorate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, as the US has done since 1988. The State Department directive, contained in an internal email and reported by the New York Times , advised staff to avoid any public promotion of the observanceincluding on social media, in speeches, or through media engagements. Employees may still attend related events and highlight ongoing work against HIV and other diseases. What's behind the move: The email says the decision falls under a wider policy "to refrain from messaging on any commemorative days, including World AIDS Day." But the Times notes the administration has "issued proclamations for dozens of other observances" in 2025, among them World Autism Awareness Day and World Intellectual Property Day. A State Department rep framed it like so: "An awareness day is not a strategy. Under the leadership of President Trump, the State Department is working directly with foreign governments to save lives and increase their responsibility and burden sharing." While the White House didn't reply to the Times' questions about the change, a senior administration official close to the matter pointed out World AIDS Day originated with the World Health Organization, which Trump pulled the US out of on the first day of his second term. In its piece, the Times looks at the bigger picture: the Trump administration's decision to freeze foreign aid earlier in the year and the subsequent studies that suggest millions of new HIV infections and deaths worldwide could occur as a result. Indeed, Reuters reports UNAIDS on Tuesday released a report that found an estimated "2.5 million people who used [HIV preventative medicines] in 2024 lost access to their medicines in 2025 due to donor cuts." World AIDS Day also traditionally marks the release of data from the President's Emergency Fund for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), but it's unclear if that will happen this year on Monday. News / National by Staff reporter Zanu-PF deputy secretary for security, Tendai Chirau, is leading a five-member delegation to China for a three-week international exchange workshop.The programme, organised by the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, is themed "Shaping the Shared Future" and targets leaders under the age of 45. The Zimbabwean delegation includes Central Committee member Cecilia Verenga, Headlands MP Walter Mapfumo, Mashonaland Central women's quota MP Barbra Thompson, and Trevor Chinyanga from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training.Delegates from Namibia, Lesotho, Mauritius, and Nigeria are also participating.Chirau said the programme will cover topics such as China's modernisation path, artificial intelligence, poverty alleviation, ecological civilisation, new media, and rural revitalisation. "It combines lectures with field visits," he said. "We are also learning from the experiences of each country through our discussions. The main agenda is to share common prosperity between Africa and China. If you want to learn, you need to learn from the best, since China is one of the leading countries in poverty eradication through people-driven policies." President Trump said Wednesday that he will bar South Africa from participating in the Group of 20 summit next year in Miami and "stop all payments and subsidies" to the country over its treatment of a US government representative at this year's global meeting. Trump chose not to have an American delegation attend this month's summit hosted by South Africa, saying he did so because white Afrikaners were being violently persecuted. It is a claim that South Africa, which was mired for decades in racial apartheid, has rejected as baseless, the AP reports. In a Truth Social post, Trump said South Africa had refused to hand over its G20 hosting responsibilities to a senior representative of the US Embassy when the summit ended over the weekend. "Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year," Trump wrote. "South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere," he said. Payments will stop immediately, the president said. On Monday, the US took over the rotating presidency of the G20. By tradition, the host country hands over a symbolic wooden gavel to the nation taking over the group presidency. But there was no American official on hand to receive it from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa because of the boycott. The US wanted to send a representative from its embassy. South Africa refused, saying it was an insult for Ramaphosa to hand over to someone it called a junior official. Campbell's announced Wednesday that it has fired the executive recorded making disparaging remarks about the company's customers, Indian employees, and the product itself. A review indicated the voice on the recording indeed was Martin Bally's, who was vice president of information technology, the Wall Street Journal reports. The recording was of a conversation with another employee, Robert Garza. "The comments were vulgar, offensive and false," a company statement said, "and we apologize for the hurt they have caused." A panel of federal judges declined on Wednesday to block North Carolina's new congressional map, which is intended to favor Republican candidates, from taking effect ahead of the upcoming midterm elections. The decision was issued in a unanimous 57-page order by three judges, all of whom were appointed by Republican presidents, the News & Observer reports. The judges concluded that the plaintiffs' claims raised political questions outside the jurisdiction of the courts. Any appeal of this decision would be directed straight to the US Supreme Court, which recently sided with Texas Republicans in a separate redistricting case. The legal challenge was brought by advocacy groups that argued that the map unfairly targeted voters in the state's northeast in retaliation for electing a Democrat in 2024. The plaintiffs also asserted that the map amounted to a racial gerrymander, lowering the influence of Black voters in North Carolina's 1st Congressional District, an area with a significant Black population historically. The court said it found insufficient evidence to support claims of discriminatory intent, stating that partisanship, rather than race, appeared to be the primary motivation behind the redistricting. North Carolina's Republican-controlled legislature redrew districts in October as part of President Trump's push to help the party keep control of the US House after next year's midterms. As constituted, the redistricting appears likely to deliver the GOP another seat, per the New York Times. Republicans hold 10 of the state's 14 House seats now, per the AP, after a redrawing in 2023. They say the latest map is intended to reflect North Carolina's support for Trump, pointing out that the state voted for him in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 presidential elections. Ohio and Missouri have approved GOP-leaning maps since North Carolina's legislature did. The suspect in the shooting Wednesday of two West Virginia National Guard members blocks from the White House is a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the US in 2021, the New York Times reports. FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members, who had been deployed to the nation's capital by President Trump, were hospitalized in critical condition, the AP reports. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially said the troops had died, but later walked back the statement to say his office was "receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. The suspect, who was in custody, also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, a law enforcement official told the AP. Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant DC police chief, said investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant "came around the corner" and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators. "This was a targeted shooting," Bowser said. Kevin Spacey will face a civil trial next year over sexual assault allegations from three men, including two involved in the criminal trial in which he was acquitted in 2023 . The High Court in London has set a provisional date of Oct. 12, 2026, for the proceedings, which may be combined into one trial or held consecutively, the BBC reports. The accusations span from 2000 to 2013, a period overlapping with Spacey's role as artistic director at London's Old Vic theatre. Spacey has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. He has formally contested two of the claims and has yet to respond to the third in court. The first claimant, identified as "LNP," alleges he was assaulted by Spacey around a dozen times between 2000 and 2005. The second, "GHI," says he met Spacey through an Old Vic workshop and claims to have suffered psychiatric and financial harm following an alleged 2008 assault. He initially sued Spacey in 2022 "but his case was halted when criminal charges were brought against the Hollywood actor," per the Hollywood Reporter. The third accuser, Ruari Cannon, who went public with his allegations in the 2024 Channel 4 documentary, Spacey Unmasked, says Spacey groped him at a party after the press night for a 2013 Old Vic production. Spacey has dismissed Cannon's claim as "ridiculous" and maintains it "never happened." He's previously admitted to what he called "bad behavior" and being "too handsy" but disputes the use of the word "grope" to describe his actions. He was acquitted of nine sexual offenses in a London trial in 2023. After the release of Spacey Unmasked, he released a statement noting he was exonerated "each time I have been given the time and a proper forum to defend myself." Legal representatives for the three men are asking that the cases be consolidated to avoid repeat testimony, per the BBC. Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades burned through the night, leaving at least 55 people dead and 290 missing as of 6pm local time Thursday, reports the Guardian . Police arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire which began Wednesday afternoon in a housing complex in Tai Po district, the AP reports. Hundreds of residents were evacuated as the fire spread across seven of the eight 31-story towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex. A column of flames and thick smoke rose as the blaze spread quickly on bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that had been set up around the exterior of the buildings. The fire had been largely put out by Thursday evening, and firefighters are now working to reach those who may have been trapped on the highest floors. Fifty of the 55 fatalities were declared dead at the scene, officials said. At least 62 others were injured, many suffering from burn and inhalation injuries. Authorities suspected some materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet fire resistance standards, as the rapid spread of the fire was unusual. Police also said they found Styrofoam materials, which are highly flammable, outside the windows on each floor near the lift lobby of the one unaffected tower, believed to be installed by a construction company. "We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent," said Eileen Chung, a senior superintendent of police. The three men arrested, aged 52 to 68, are the directors and an engineering consultant of the firm. Police searched the offices of the firm, Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, and removed documents pertaining to the project, the South China Morning Post reports. Investigators believe Styrofoam was used to seal windows in all the buildings during renovation work. The mesh netting outside the buildings also allegedly failed to meet safety standards. This story has been updated with the latest counts of the dead and missing. Mexico unveiled plans Wednesday to build what it claims will be Latin America's most powerful supercomputera project the government says will help the country capitalize on the rapidly evolving uses of artificial intelligence and exponentially expand the country's computing capacity. Dubbed "Coatlicue" for the Aztec goddess considered the earth mother, the supercomputer would be seven times more powerful than the region's current leader in Brazil, said Jose Merino, head of the Telecommunications and Digital Transformation Agency. President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her morning news briefing that the location for the project had not been decided yet, but construction will begin next year, the AP reports. "We're very excited," said Sheinbaum, an academic and climate scientist. "It is going to allow Mexico to fully get in on the use of artificial intelligence and the processing of data that today we don't have the capacity to do." Merino said that Mexico's most powerful supercomputer operates at 2.3 petaflopsa unit to measure computing speed, meaning it can perform one quadrillion operations per second. Coatlicue would have a capacity of 314 petaflops. Jackson Browne is mourning the death of his son Ethan Browne, who died at age 52 Tuesday, People reports. The singer-songwriter, 77, announced his son's death in a brief statement on Facebook, saying Ethan was found unresponsive at home in the morning and asking for privacy amid the family's "deep sorrow." No cause of death was given. Ethan Browne was the only child from Jackson Browne's marriage to Phyllis Major, who died by suicide in 1976 when Ethan was still a toddler. A notable early public moment for Ethan came in 1974 when, as an infant, he appeared with his father on the cover of Rolling Stone; the magazine reports that the elder Browne talked in the accompanying interview about how much fun he had playing with the then-6-month-old. In 2021, Jackson Browne recalled that after Major's death, "I only had two things that I hoped I could fit together: being a songwriter and a father. And I looked at it like this, if I have to only be a father, I hope I'll know it, and just do that." Ethan went on to become a model, actor, and musician, the New York Post reports, and his father had spoken publicly about not only his son's talent, but how good of a person he was: "He's a great son, a great man. I love seeing him with his kids," Jackson Browne said in 2022. "It makes me feel I've done something really right in my life." Browne, who also has a 43-year-old son with his ex-wife Lynne Sweeney, once said his sons were "the most important relationships" in his life. President Trump said Wednesday's "heinous assault" on two National Guard members near the White House proves that lax migration policies are "the single greatest national security threat facing our nation." "No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival," he said. Trump's remarks, released in a video on social media, underscores his intention to reshape the country's immigration system and increase scrutiny of migrants who are already here , the AP reports. With aggressive deportation efforts already underway, his response to the shooting showed that his focus will not waver. The suspect in the shooting is believed to be an Afghan national, according to Trump and two law enforcement officials. He entered the United States in September 2021, after the chaotic collapse of the government in Kabul, when Americans were frantically evacuating people as the Taliban took control. The 29-year-old suspect was part of Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era program that resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the US withdrawal from the country, officials said. The initiative brought roughly 76,000 Afghans to the United States, many of whom had worked alongside American troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. Trump described Afghanistan as "a hellhole on earth," and he said his administration would review everyone who entered from the country under President Bidena measure his administration had already been planning before the incident. During his remarks, Trump also swung his focus to Minnesota, where he complained about "hundreds of thousands of Somalians" who are "ripping apart that once-great state." Minnesota has the country's largest Somali community, roughly 87,000 people. Many came as refugees over the years. Vice President JD Vance, writing on social media, criticized Biden for "opening the floodgate to unvetted Afghan refugees," adding that "they shouldn't have been in our country." "Already some voices in corporate media chirp that our immigration policies are too harsh," he said. "Tonight is a reminder of why they're wrong." The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services announced it would indefinitely stop processing all immigration requests for Afghan nationals pending a review of security and vetting protocols. If you have a wild turkey on the dinner table this Thanksgiving, be sure you know where it came from. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has issued "do not eat" advisories for wild turkeys and deer in parts of the state, citing elevated concentrations of forever chemicalsalso known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFASin animals harvested near sites with contaminated soil, the Guardian reports. PFAS, used in manufacturing and consumer products since the 1950s, are known to persist in the environment for centuries and have been linked to cancer, birth defects, and other serious health issues. Maine is not the only state grappling with PFAS contamination in wildlife. Similar advisories have been issued this year in Wisconsin, Michigan, and New Mexico, where deer, fish, and birds have tested positive for the chemicals. In Michigan's Clark's Marsh, near a former air force base, the PFAS contamination is linked to the military's use of firefighting foam. Residents are warned against consuming any wildlife from the area, while in Stella, Wisconsin, residents are urged to limit venison consumption and avoid deer liver entirely due to contamination. Maine officials say PFAS have been found in wild turkey and deer harvested in the southwest part of the state, north of Augusta. Additional testing is underway in other areas. At least 17 states have issued advisories related to PFAS in fish, and concerns are growing about the impact on birds and mammals. Newsweek notes cooking animal meat won't get rid of PFAS. According to Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, PFAS contamination in wildlife is now a global issue and is likely to persist for decades unless the use of these chemicals is dramatically reduced. Stoiber emphasizes the need for stricter federal regulations, better public education, and a phase-out of PFAS in commerce to limit future exposure and environmental damage. News / National by Staff reporter The Government is set to conduct a comprehensive skills audit at the Harare City Council as part of efforts to address competency gaps and enhance the local authority's capacity.The initiative follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development and the Harare City Council at Town House on Tuesday, formally launching the audit process.Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume described the partnership as a critical step toward rebuilding the council's institutional effectiveness and improving service delivery. He emphasised that the programme will help ensure the workforce has the appropriate skills for their roles."We want to ensure that our workforce is skilled for the jobs that they do, and for us to be able to do this, we have to undertake this programme of auditing the skills that are there and see how we can improve the skill set. We will work with the government; we understand they are there to assist us in enhancing our workforce," Mafume said.Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Skills Audit and Development, Ambassador Rudo Chitiga, indicated that the audit programme is expected to be extended to all local authorities nationwide, aiming to improve public service delivery across the country."We are sure that this will improve service delivery, and we hope that they will continue to upskill their workforce so that they have relevant skills for the work they do," Chitiga noted.As the audit process unfolds, residents will be watching closely to see whether the council's commitments translate into tangible improvements in critical service areas. South Africa's president is pushing back after President Trump said his country will not be invited to next year's G20 Summit in Miamiand that "South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere." The spat appears to stem from the final moments of the G20 summit held in Johannesburg last week, which Trump boycotted over widely disputed claims that white Afrikaners were being violently persecuted in the country. Trump claimed in a fiery Truth Social post that South Africa "refused to hand off the G20 Presidency to a Senior Representative from our US Embassy, who attended the Closing Ceremony." In a statement, President Cyril Ramaphosa clarified that "instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the Headquarters of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation." The BBC suspects that "low-key handover" ruffled Trump. Per the Guardian, the US wanted the transfer to take place at the closing ceremony; South Africa said protocol prohibited it from handing the presidency to a "junior" diplomat. The president's office said in a statement: "South Africa is a member of the G20 in its own name and right. Its G20 membership is at the behest of all other members. South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. South Africa will never insult or demean another country It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country." The BBC notes G20 members do not need an invite to participate in a summit but could potentially be blocked from attending through visa restrictions. "Fate has a strange way of working. As many already know, I'd come off my bike in India and hurt my shoulder. Joan was recovering from her own back injury in hospital in England. In the way life sometimes surprises you, I found myself moved to a room just down the corridor from her. We laughed together about how typical it was of us to end up on the same floor, like love-struck teenagers delighted to find each other again." "We had a lovely lunch that day. She was in positive spirits and getting stronger. She smiled at me, that radiant smile that lit up her whole face, the same smile I fell in love with the very first moment I saw her, half a century ago. Then suddenly, she was gone, quickly and painlessly. And thankfully, I was right by her side. It brings us all great comfort to know we were together." He goes on to share highlights from her final year, which included celebrations for her 80th birthday and son Sam's 40th (the couple also have a daughter, Holly). He continued, "Life will never be the same without her. But we have fifty incredible years of memories - years filled with tears and laughter, kindness, and a love that shaped our family more than words could ever capture. It was a relationship that worked. We just had lots of laughs. We were very lucky. ... Joan was my everything, the shining star around which our family's universe has always orbited. That light is not gone; it's just taken on a new shape. It will guide us forward. And we will carry her with us, always." More than 240 women have accused a senior French civil servant of secretly drugging them during job interviews at the culture ministry, exposing a disturbing form of alleged abuse. As one alleged victim tells the Guardian , "At the time, I didn't even know this type of attack existed." The suspect, Christian Negre, is alleged to have slipped an illegal diuretic into drinks he offered to job candidates over a nine-year period before suggesting walking interviews far from bathrooms. The women, many of whom say they were left humiliated and traumatized after being forced to urinate in public or soil themselves, are still waiting for a trial years after police were first alerted to the claims in 2018. Investigators reportedly found a spreadsheet on Negre's computer titled "P Experiments," documenting the times of the alleged druggings and the women's reactions, Le Monde reported in 2023. The file also contained photographs. Negre was removed from the ministry and placed under formal investigation in 2019, but he has continued to work in the private sector while awaiting trial. The case has drawn attention to a broader pattern of drug-facilitated abuse in France, known as "chemical submission," highlighted in the Gisele Pelicot case, and has raised questions about delays in the justice system. "Six years later, we're still waiting for a trial, which is mind-blowing," one of the women tells the Guardian. "It feels like we're being victimized a second time," says another. Some have received compensation in a civil case against the state, but the culture ministry itself was not found to be at fault. A ministry spokesperson said it is committed to preventing harassment and supporting survivors. But the culture branch of the French trade union federation has called for the ministry to recognize its responsibility, noting there had been previous complaints from colleagues about Negre's behavior. The Afghan man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, DC, fought with CIA-backed forces in Afghanistan before coming to live in the US, the CIA said Wednesday, per the New York Times . Officials identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who served in a "partner force" in Kandahar, a Taliban stronghold during the US war in the country. An Afghan intelligence official said Lakanwal served in one of the Afghan intelligence service's Zero Units, which conducted raids against the Taliban and faced allegations of civilian casualties by human rights groups. The units also reportedly helped with the evacuation of US citizens and allies during the fall of Kabul. After the US withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, Lakanwal was evacuated to the US under a program for Afghans who had assisted American forces. In a statement, CIA Director John Ratcliffe faulted the Biden administration, saying Lakanwal "should have never been allowed to come here." President Trump has now called for reassessing all individuals who entered the US from Afghanistan during the US withdrawal, per NBC News. A childhood friend of Lakanwal tells the Times that during their last meeting in 2021, just before the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, the suspect appeared to be struggling with the pressures of the job and the gruesome scenes he encountered. "When he saw blood, bodies, and the wounded, he could not tolerate it, and it put a lot of pressure on his mind," the friend says. Even so, "I cannot believe it that he might do this," a relative who served with Lakanwal in supporting US troops tells NBC. "I don't know what happened." He said the last he heard of Lakanwal, he was working for Amazon while living with his wife and five children in Bellingham, Washington. A pair of French inmates pulled off a jailbreak that could have come straight out of a movie. Authorities say they sawed through the bars of their cells and used bedsheets to escape from an overcrowded prison in Dijon, reports CBS News . The two men, ages 19 and 32, were both awaiting trial on serious chargesone for attempted murder in a drug case, the other for domestic violence and threats. Staff say the inmates used "old-fashioned, manual saw blades" to engineer their escape. The breakout happened just before dawn, and guards noticed the escape soon after. This incident comes on the heels of another recent jailbreak in Rennes, where a man serving time for theft fled during a prison outing to a planetarium, AFP reports. The prison's director was fired. Union officials and staff say they've been warning of security lapses for months, citing overcrowding and outdated equipment. Dijon prison, built in 1853, is currently holding 311 inmates though it's meant for 180. France has some of the worst prison overcrowding in Europe, with the national average at 135 inmates for every 100 available spots. Critics blame the government for focusing resources on new supermax facilities for drug traffickers and terror suspects, while neglecting regular prisons. Three directors' unions accused Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin of pouring money into high-profile projects while basic security suffers elsewhere. The Dijon facility is slated to receive $7.3 million as part of an effort to crack down on contraband phones, but prison officers' union official Ahmed Saih says what's really needed are more personnel and better equipment, including "gratings that cannot be sawn through." Army Spec. Sarah Beckstrom, one of two West Virginia National Guard members shot in Washington, DC, on Wednesday, has died, President Trump announced Thursday evening. She was 20, reports the AP . Her father, Gary Beckstrom, had told the New York Times earlier in the day that his daughter had "a mortal wound" and that he was holding her hand in the hospital. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, the other wounded Guard member, remained in critical condition. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that she intends to pursue the death penalty for Rahmanaullah Lakanwal, the man accused of ambushing the Guard members near the White House, the Hill reports. Speaking on Fox News, Bondi urged the public to pray for the wounded soldiers and vowed to "do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster who should not have been in our country." Lakanwal, 29, is currently charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and one count of possessing a firearm during a violent crimecharges that could bring up to 15 years in prison. "We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge," US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Thursday. "Unfortunately today, as most families join together to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon them, two families are shattered and destroyed and torn apart as a result of the actions of one man," she said at a press conference, per ABC News. Pirro said one of the Guard members had volunteered to work Wednesday so others could spend Thanksgiving with their families. At the same press conference, FBI Director Kash Patel said the case "is an ongoing investigation of terrorism, make no mistake about it." Pirro said Lakanwal, who lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children, drove across the country to carry out the attack, the Times reports. Patel said investigators had interviewed everyone in his household, as well as people in San Diego. The CIA confirmed Thursday that Lakanwal worked with the agency in Afghanistan before immigrating to the US in 2021 under the "Operation Allies Welcome" program for Afghan refugees who assisted US forces. Lakanwal was shot during the attack, and he remained hospitalized on Thursday, the AP reports. News / National by Staff reporter Businessman and Zanu-PF central committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei has reportedly invested over US$5 million in empowerment projects across Harare as the ruling party intensifies efforts to win urban support, historically elusive since the rise of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change in 2000.Sources within Zanu-PF's Harare provincial programme committee confirmed that US$1.6 million of the total funds was disbursed directly to the party's six zones in the capital, each receiving US$250,000 for organisational and empowerment projects. The initiative focuses primarily on water infrastructure and food aid, targeting the city's chronic water shortages.Tagwirei, speaking at a Zone 6 Inter District Feedback Meeting, revealed plans to drill 480 solar-powered boreholes across Harare, with six boreholes allocated per district. Infrastructure experts estimate that each borehole, fully equipped with drilling, casing, submersible pumps, and solar panels, costs between US$5,000 and US$8,000.In addition to the water projects, approximately 95,000 hampers, each valued at US$18, were distributed during meetings, bringing the total cost of the food aid programme to roughly US$1.71 million.Zanu-PF Harare provincial chairperson, Godwills Masimirembwa, praised Tagwirei's role in modernising the party's urban strategy, noting that his guidance had strengthened both outreach and operational capacity. "The programme of empowerment is going on smoothly, and we are already seeing the benefits on the ground," Masimirembwa said.He added that Tagwirei advised the party to anchor urban mobilisation efforts on empowerment, service delivery, and addressing the daily needs of constituents, a shift that has enhanced the party's relevance in metropolitan areas. District coordinating committee members received vehicles to improve mobility and responsiveness, while the top six provincial administrations were also provided with cars to bolster organisational efficiency."The feedback we are receiving shows that people appreciate tangible empowerment," Masimirembwa said, emphasising that community development initiatives, youth programmes, and economic upliftment projects remain central to the party's urban strategy.The initiative comes as Zanu-PF continues to capitalise on fractures within opposition structures, gradually winning seats and council wards across Harare, marking a significant strategic push into urban constituencies that have traditionally been challenging terrain for the ruling party. Tel Aviv, Israel, November 27th, 2025, CyberNewsWire New API capabilities and AI-powered Threat Encyclopedia eliminate manual audit preparation, providing real-time compliance evidence and instant threat intelligence Quttera today announced major enhancements to its Web Malware Scanner API that transform static security scanning into automated compliance evidence. The update introduces real-time evidence streaming and compliance mapping, directly addressing the manual burden of audit preparation that costs organizations 30-40 hours per audit cycle. The announcement includes two integrated capabilities: API-driven compliance automation that feeds structured security evidence into GRC platforms (https://quttera.com/quttera-web-malware-scanner-api), and the Quttera Threat Encyclopedia (https://threats.quttera.com/), an AI-powered resource providing instant context for detected threats. Automating the Manual Evidence Chase Organizations preparing for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS v4.0 audits traditionally spend dozens of hours manually collecting security evidenceexporting reports, capturing screenshots, and mapping findings to compliance controls. This approach creates outdated evidence, doesnt scale across frameworks, and fails to prove continuous monitoring. Security teams are exhausted by the manual evidence chase required before every audit, said Michael Novofastovsky, CTO of Quttera. Were transforming malware detection into Evidence-as-Codestructured, real-time security data that flows automatically into compliance workflows. Whether organizations use Drata, Vanta, or custom GRC systems, our API provides continuous proof without human intervention. Qutteras API converts threat detection into structured JSON with embedded compliance metadata, mapping findings to controls across SOC 2 (CC6.1, CC7.2), PCI DSS v4.0 (Requirements 6.4.3, 11.6.1), ISO 27001, and GDPR simultaneously. Addressing PCI DSS v4.0s New Requirements The update specifically targets PCI DSS v4.0 requirements mandatory since March 2025, particularly Requirements 6.4.3 (script authorization on payment pages) and 11.6.1 (file integrity monitoring). These requirements demand continuous automated detectioncapabilities manual processes cannot provide at scale. PCI DSS v4.0 requires real-time detection of unauthorized changes to payment scripts, Novofastovsky explained. Our API provides timestamped evidence that monitoring is active 24/7, changes are detected automatically, and controls are continuously validated. AI-Powered Threat Intelligence The Threat Encyclopedia addresses the context gap security teams face when responding to detections. Integrated directly into scan reports, it provides: Technical breakdown of malware behavior Business impact and risk classification Step-by-step remediation guidance Connections to known attack campaigns Were automating both sides of the problem, said Novofastovsky. The API handles compliance proof. The Threat Encyclopedia handles operational response. Together, they eliminate manual evidence collection and research overhead. The Encyclopedia currently documents 80+ web malware categories, with AI-assisted expansion based on emerging threats. Key Capabilities Automated Control Mapping : Detections tagged for multiple compliance frameworks simultaneously : Detections tagged for multiple compliance frameworks simultaneously Real-Time Evidence Streaming : Continuous JSON feeds replace static PDF reports : Continuous JSON feeds replace static PDF reports Behavioral Detection : Heuristic scanning identifies zero-day and polymorphic threats : Heuristic scanning identifies zero-day and polymorphic threats Integration Flexibility: Works with existing GRC platforms via standard REST API Availability Enhanced capabilities are available immediately to all Quttera API subscribers. About Quttera Quttera provides automated website security and malware detection solutions, delivering compliance-ready evidence for organizations across financial services, healthcare, e-commerce, and technology sectors. Its comprehensive suite includes advanced heuristic scanning, blacklist monitoring, and remediation services, helping businesses worldwide protect their digital assets and reputation. For more information, users can visit https://quttera.com Contact CTO Michael Novofastovsky Quttera [email protected] News / National by Staff reporter The opposition Zapu party has criticised traditional leaders reportedly demanding excessive allowances to participate in government-led Gukurahundi hearings in the Matabeleland region.The public hearings, commissioned by President Emmerson Mnangagwa and led by the Chiefs Council of Zimbabwe, aim to address atrocities committed during the Gukurahundi era. However, reports suggest that the process has been hampered by leaders requesting substantial remuneration. Allegedly, chiefs demanded US$4,000 a month in cash and hundreds of litres of fuel, although arrangements for refuelling at selected service stations were later agreed upon. Some leaders are also said to have requested Starlink kits for their homesteads, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as many teams reportedly include close relatives and friends.Zapu spokesperson Brian Ncube condemned the demands, calling them a stark reminder of the disregard for Gukurahundi victims. "The chiefs' demands for hefty allowances, Starlink kits, and fuel coupons are a clear indication that they are more interested in lining their pockets than in providing justice and closure to the victims and their families," Ncube said. He further criticised the secrecy of the hearings and the exclusion of the Midlands province, describing it as an attempt to downplay the scale of the killings.Ncube called for a more transparent and inclusive process, emphasising the need for justice, accountability, and reparations for victims across Zimbabwe and abroad. "To the chiefs involved in this sham process, we say: your greed and insensitivity are a betrayal of the trust placed in you by the people. You are a shame to the traditional leadership institution and a stain on the dignity of our culture," he added.Council of Chiefs President Chief Matshane Khumalo, however, dismissed the claims linking traditional leaders to excessive allowance demands.The Gukurahundi era, during which the North Korea-trained Fifth Brigade carried out operations in Matabeleland and Midlands provinces, resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 people, according to the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace. Critics have argued that the campaign was a step towards establishing a one-party state, while the late former President Robert Mugabe described it as a "moment of madness" but never formally apologised for the killings. News / National by Staff reporter A 29-year-old Zimbabwean man, Evans Sivechere, has been remanded in custody after appearing before the Village Magistrates' Court in Gaborone, Botswana, on Tuesday, facing allegations of running an international job-seekers scam.Sivechere, a director of Diamond Migration (Pty) Ltd, was arrested on Sunday at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport following what Botswana police described as "intensive investigations." He is facing 11 counts of fraud.Prosecutors allege that Sivechere and his company defrauded 11 individuals of over P240,000 between October 2024 and October 23 this year. Victims were reportedly misled into believing that Diamond Migration was processing overseas job placements and work permits on their behalf. Despite submitting all required documents and paying fees, the applicants later discovered that the promised employment opportunities did not exist.The alleged scam involved purported jobs in Ireland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Finland, Poland, and Greece. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be filed as investigations continue.Sivechere is scheduled to appear in court again on December 2. Meanwhile, the Botswana Police Service has cautioned the public to verify the legitimacy of employment or recruitment agencies before making any payments to avoid falling victim to similar scams. News / National by Stephen Jakes HARARE - Self-imposed Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) interim secretary general Sengezo Tshabangu has claimed that Parliament welcomes the extension of the presidential term, despite widespread opposition among citizens.His remarks come as ZANU-PF pushes ahead with efforts to amend the Constitution to include clauses that would permit President Emmerson Mnangagwa's continued tenure.Posting on his X account, Tshabangu said Parliament was not resisting the move."The Parliament of Zimbabwe, which I am a part of, welcomes any move that benefits Zimbabweans in the long term. Whether it's a constitutional amendment to extend its life or the President's term, we're prepared to consider it, as long as it's in the best interests of our citizens," he said.Tshabangu's comments coincide with calls from civic groups aligned to the ruling party's Vision 2030 agenda for the revival of a one-party state ideology.The Civic Society and Churches Joint Forum (CSCJF), led by Abigale Mupambi, has urged Parliament to move beyond the temporary Vision 2030 framework and adopt a permanent one-party state.In a statement, CSCJF coordinator Max Mkandla argued that opposition politics has failed Zimbabweans, noting that elections have consumed vast resources while ZANU-PF has remained in power for 45 years."Since ZAPU and ZANU joined in unity in 1987, we have not had any serious opposition that can unseat ZANU-PF. Elections are a grand waste of time and we better abandon the fake democracy," Mkandla said.He added that while the MDC under the late Morgan Tsvangirai and Gibson Sibanda had posed a stronger challenge, the party's fragmentation has left no serious opposition capable of replacing ZANU-PF.Mkandla said CSCJF's proposal for a one-party state was based on an analysis of the current political landscape, pointing to defections to ZANU-PF as evidence of the opposition's weakness.Mupambi's recent call for a one-party state has sparked public outcry, with critics accusing her of betraying democratic principles. ZANU-PF first conceived the idea of a one-party state in the period leading up to independence.Zimbabwe Sengezo Tshabangu presidential term extension,Zimbabwe Parliament welcomes Mnangagwa tenure,Zimbabwe ZANU PF constitutional amendment,Zimbabwe Civic Society Churches Joint Forum one party state,Zimbabwe Max Mkandla statement,Zimbabwe Abigale Mupambi one party state call,Zimbabwe opposition politics failure,Zimbabwe Stephen Jakes report News / National by Staff reporter The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) is grappling with debts exceeding ZWG14 billion, with local authorities and the industrial ferrochrome sector emerging as the largest defaulters, it has been revealed.Following the deferral of ZWG2.87 billion to 2026, the net debt currently stands at ZWG11.58 billion. The industrial ferrochrome sector owes ZWG4.63 billion, accounting for 32 percent of the total debt, while local authorities are responsible for approximately ZWG2 billion, representing 14 percent. Other major contributors include the commercial sector, with debts of ZWG2.94 billion, and the mining sector, which owes ZWG1.95 billion.The mounting arrears have undermined Zesa's operational capacity, hampered infrastructure maintenance, and deterred potential investors critical to addressing Zimbabwe's power deficit.Acting Zesa Holdings chief executive officer, Engineer Cletus Nyachowe, disclosed the figures during a recent meeting with parliamentarians in Hwange. He noted that despite interventions, debts from local authorities continue to rise, placing significant strain on the utility."Local authorities are one of the biggest debtors. We have discussed with the Minister of Finance and they did offset at some stage," Engineer Nyachowe said. He added that central government directives require municipalities and rural district councils to operate with financial autonomy and fulfil their obligations.Zesa emphasized the importance of collecting payments to sustain electricity supply and investor confidence. "We are owed a lot of money, and you know the sensitivity - it is water, sewer and so forth. To switch that off, you know what comes with it. So we really need to have that debt sorted out. And it is a big, big issue," Nyachowe said.The acting CEO highlighted that some progress has been made through debt offsetting arrangements with government departments, amounting to over a billion Zimbabwean dollars. He stressed that for the electricity sector to remain sustainable, consumers must pay for what they use."This not only helps bring investor confidence. There are people building power stations for their own consumption and even putting extra capacity, which is then sold to Zesa. If people do not pay, we cannot pay for it and investors lose confidence," Nyachowe added.The growing arrears from local authorities not only affect Zesa's ability to remunerate independent power producers but also deprive the utility of crucial capital needed to refurbish ageing infrastructure and invest in new generation projects. A driver was killed late Wednesday in a single-vehicle crash on Route 208 near Route 4 in Bergen County. The crash occurred about 10:18 p.m. on the southbound side of the highway in the area of Saddle River Road in Fair Lawn, authorities said. The vehicle overturned and the driver sustained serious injuries. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:55 p.m., according to Jeff Angermeyer, spokesman for the Bergen County Prosecutors Office. The driver was alone in the vehicle, Angermeyer said. The victims name was withheld pending notification of relatives. The Paramus Police Department, Bergen County Sheriffs Office, Fair Lawn Fire Department, and the Fair Lawn Rescue Squad all responded. The prosecutors office and Fair Lawn police are investigating the cause of the crash. News / National by Staff reporter Land developer Eddies Pfugari Properties (Pvt) Ltd has made five hectares of land in Whitecliffe available to war veterans to establish small businesses, as part of its empowerment initiatives. The site, located along the HarareBulawayo Road, is expected to accommodate around 500 beneficiaries engaged in various small-scale enterprises.Company director Edward Nyanyiwa (Jnr) confirmed that the land is ready for occupation, highlighting his personal connection to the cause. "I am a veteran, but from South Africa where I grew up. My father is Zimbabwean, making me also Zimbabwean. During the liberation struggle, I fought on the South African front. In South Africa, I have seen that veterans who liberated the nation must be empowered," he said.Nyanyiwa expressed concern over the lack of empowerment support for war veterans residing at Whitecliffe Farm, an area developed by his company. "Some veterans have benefited from other Government streams, some have land, but others are not earning enough from the land they occupy. I then saw it fit to empower our war veterans. For us to be free, to call it Zimbabwe, they played a crucial role they liberated us. Some are still crippled today because of their service and sacrifice," he said.The initiative is aligned with Zimbabwe's Vision 2030 and complements efforts by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. "We decided to partner with the war veterans. We came up with small SMEs on that land. Whatever ideas they bring to the table, we are amenable to them and ready to do business with them. The war veterans are coming up with structures to operationalise the agreement. As Pfugari, we are eager to support them since war veterans are a very important pillar in this nation," Nyanyiwa added.Secretary for War Veterans in Zvimba East Constituency, Elishah Marisa, welcomed the development, confirming that structures were being put in place to implement the project. "We are looking at how we can put the idea into motion. We want to set up structures that accommodate many people and at the same time not inconvenience those already on the ground," he said. Engagements with local members in Whitecliffe are ongoing to accelerate the process.The development follows Cabinet's 33rd session approval of the "User Pays Principle" for compensating landowners whose properties are used for housing projects. Under this model, 11,000 beneficiaries will pay full development costs, including land value, servicing, and related expenses, with the Government facilitating negotiations between landowners and residents to enable direct purchase agreements over a specified period. Starbucks will be open on Thanksgiving 2025, which falls on Thursday, Nov. 27. Patti Sapone | NJ Advance Media Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday, Nov. 27, which means the holiday festivities are starting soon. Several businesses and offices will be closed, but restaurants and coffee shops tend to follow their own schedule. Starbucks is one of these coffee shops, often remaining open on federal holidays. Fans can get their coffee fix and treat themselves to cozy holiday menu items even on these special days. But will you be able to order your favorite holiday drink at Starbucks on Thanksgiving this year? Read More: Is Dunkin open on Thanksgiving Day? Store hours for Nov. 27 Is Starbucks open on Thanksgiving 2025? Starbucks fans are in luck on Thursday and will be able to pick up their go-to order. Similar to previous years, Starbucks coffee shops will be open on Thanksgiving 2025. That means you can get all of your favorite Starbucks holiday drinks before heading to see your family for the holiday. However, store hours vary by location and some coffee shops will be shortened for the holiday so guests should ultimately check with their local Starbucks to confirm operating hours. For those stopping at Starbucks on their way to spend Thanksgiving with their families, you can grab one of Starbucks new winter menu items, like the Eggnog Cold Foam or the Polar Bear Cake Pop. Or, grab one of the returning holiday beverages, including the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte and Iced Gingerbread Chai. If you want to make an order on Thanksgiving, you can find your nearest Starbucks location here. The Emanet family, Celal, Emine and Muhammed, owners of Jersey Kebab in Collingswood, have turned their restaurant into a makeshift food pantry for the holidays. Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media Months ago, Emine Emanet, co-owner of the popular Jersey Kebab restaurant, found herself alone, inside a cold cell at an immigration detention center in Elizabeth. Now, shes back where she belongs: surrounded by her family, in front of a hot stove, cooking up a storm for those she loves. Just last week, Emine used her culinary talents to prepare and serve more than 150 meals of lamb roast, chicken roast, and Turkish rice to families in need in her South Jersey community. It was part of a free event, in partnership with the Haddon Township Equity Initiative, hosted at Jersey Kebabs new location in Collingswood. Its aim? To provide canned foods and hot meals to area residents who may need them no questions asked. Cooking, helping, this is what brings me joy, this is my motivation, Emine told me in Turkish. (And no, I dont speak Turkish, though I really wish I could.) Her son, Muhammed, who Ive interviewed several times since Emines sudden arrest in February, played translator so the two of us could chat. Emine says the family was distraught when ICE agents raided Jersey Kebab and unexpectedly detained her and her husband, Celal. But if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it, she says. Emine and Celal came here from Turkey in 2008 on student visas. They lost their legal status when their visas expired. When ICE detained them, the Emanets were awaiting word on their green card or permanent residency application. Celal was released a day after his detention with an ankle monitor. And Emine was released two weeks later on a $7,500 bond. In Haddon Township, the community rallied around the Emanets. Countless people wrote letters to Emines immigration judge advocating for her release, others decorated Jersey Kebabs windows with messages of support, and on GoFundMe, over $300,000 was raised for her legal fees. Local politicians called Emine and Celal pillars of the community and advocated for them, too. Notes of support on the windows of Jersey Kebab Mediterranean Grill in Haddon Township on Thursday, March, 20, 2025. Dave Hernandez | For NJ Advance By all means, those 14 days in ICE custody were the longest of her life. But her strong Muslim faith, Emine tells me, is what helped her stay calm, focused, and positive throughout the ordeal. Even when she was detained, her outlook remained rosy. Its because she wasnt thinking about herself, Muhammed says. Thats just who my mother is, shes always worrying about and taking care of others. He recounts a story his mom told him about how she uplifted the spirits of a detainee from Ukraine. The woman wasnt eating, she wasnt bathing, well, my mom and another woman took it upon themselves to cheer her up, he says. My mom fed her and helped her bathe and the other lady braided the womans hair ...when they were done, the other detainees were so inspired, they came together and clapped for them. Of course, she doesnt do it for the praise. Emine reiterates that everything she does is for Him, for God, for Allah. As Muslims, its what we are called to do, to be charitable, to give back and its something weve been doing together, as a family, for a long, long time, she says. I think the difference is, with everything that happened this year, with the arrests, with ICE, its put more eyes on us, and somehow its opened the way for us to do even more good. Emine Emanet, co-owner of Jersey Kebab, prepared and served about 150 hot meals to families in need in Collingswood, N.J., last week. Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media Muhammed says the leftover GoFundMe money has become The Emanet Trust. Were using it for charitable efforts that benefit our community, towards events like the one we hosted last Saturday, towards the Jersey Kebab food pantry, for hot meals, he said. Were so thankful to our community, to our friends, to our neighbors, you know for standing with us in the hard times and thats what well always do as well. The Emanets immigration case was delayed until 2029. Celals next court hearing is scheduled for April of that year. (The delay is due to a backlog of cases and a shortage of immigration judges.) For those going through what we went through, for those with ongoing or complex immigration cases or legal situations, for those in ICE detention or who have a loved one whos been detained, Emine has one message: Keep your head up, keep your heart faithful. Dont dwell on the bad ...look around you, who can you help? Keep positive, keep going forward, and always remember, theres nothing God cant carry you through. Amen, Emine. Amen. One person was in critical condition following a crash Wednesday afternoon in South Brunswick, police said. The crash involved three cars and happened shortly before 4:30 p.m. on New Road between Routes 1 and 522 in town, South Brunswick Deputy Police Chief James Ryan told NJ Advance Media. Ryan did not have additional details as of 6:30 p.m. as the crash was still under investigation. Police asked motorists to avoid the area for the next several hours as officers were still on the scene. Editors note: Police originally stated one person had died in the crash. Larison's Turkey Farm Inn as it appeared in 2000 in Chester, New Jersey. SL A long-vacant site in Morris County where tens of thousands of families gathered for Thanksgiving dinners over six decades may finally be making a comeback. Larisons Turkey Farm Inn served its last meal 20 years ago before being briefly revived under two different names and permanently closing in 2009. While the latest redevelopment plan would not revive the Chester Borough restaurant, the early 19th Century house that evolved into a beloved dining hall would be preserved as a country farm market with a deli and outdoor dining operated by nearby Alstede Farms, officials said. As part of the plan, a Chick-Fil-A restaurant, 66 townhouses and 24 affordable housing units would be built on the 25-acre site, officials said. A sign near the former restaurant describes it as the future home of Alstede Fresh at Larisons Corner. Were delighted that our family can continue the tradition, said Mary Alstede, who owns Alstede Farms with her husband, Kurt Alstede. A sign announcing upcoming plans on Monday outside the former Larisons Turkey Farm Inn in Chester, New Jersey Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Global Acquisitions Company LLC acquired the site in October 2020. Robert Berlant, managing member of Global Acquisitions Company LLC, said Chick-fil-A is friendly, family-oriented and a natural successor to Larisons despite being a fast-food restaurant. Whats the difference between turkey and chicken? Theyre both poultry, Berlant said Tuesday. Chick-fil-A draws people from all over, Berlant said. It is the latest in a series of proposals for the Larisons site. A bank was discussed a quarter-century ago as the restaurant was struggling to survive, officials said previously. Wawa was floated as a possibility in 2023, a year after the former restaurant was put on the market in a listing that no longer appears active for $3 million. The latest plan took a big step forward in February when the Chester Borough Council moved forward with a settlement agreement substituting the plan for a similar redevelopment proposal in 2018 involving a CVS and medical office building. It awaits other approvals, including a review by the boroughs Land Use Board, the council said at that time. Mayor Janet Hoven said she did not know a timeframe for when the project might proceed when contacted by NJ Advance Media. A busy Thanksgiving in 2000 at Larison's Turkey Farm Inn in Chester, New Jersey. SL Larisons opened in 1945, months after the end of World War II. It was named for a local couple, Ruth and Willis Larison, who converted the house into a restaurant and ran it for three decades. Around 125 customers were served for the restaurants first Thanksgiving, according to a 1983 pamphlet from Larisons obtained by the Chester Historical Society. As the restaurants renown spread, a Thanksgiving crowd of 1,800 was the norm. Families would wait two hours or longer for seats along the long tables inside Larisons with children passing the time by running around outside and feeding the turkeys, Berlant said in 2024. By the 1990s, though, it was becoming apparent that restaurant was losing some of its lure. The first redevelopment plan in 2000 involved moving or demolishing the restaurant and building a CVS and bank. Berlant, 60, said he was introduced to Larisons as a child and continued visiting as an adult. The objective is to keep the building looking like it has for the past 200 years, Berlant said. It would be a sin to demolish that and put a little bank on the corner, he said. A view on Monday of the former Larisons Turkey Farm Inn in Chester, New Jersey. Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media Under the plan, Alstede Farms would reactivate farmland at the site in order to grow fruits, vegetables and flowers. Adirondack chairs would be placed outside, in another throwback to Larisons. Were really excited to be restoring some of that history to Chester, Kurt Alstede said Monday. Alstede said it might take a while for the plan to gain final approval and that he tells people his store might not open for several years. Im probably asked three times a day, hey, whats going on. All the parties are committed to seeing it get across the finish line, Alstede said. A Waymo vehicle with a driver was mapping streets in Jersey City in October. A state senate bill could delay their deployment as cabs for five years. SL Riders in New Jersey who want to call an autonomous cab would have to wait as long as five years under legislation proposed in the state Senate and Assembly. The proposal, S4702, approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Nov. 10 and now before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, would create a five-year pilot program requiring three years of on-road testing with a human driver in the vehicle. The delay was criticized by advocates for blind individuals and by a company that operates autonomous ride services in other U.S. cities. Critics say the mandate would block access to technology already in use elsewhere, including in New York, where Waymo began testing in August. Residents of some New Jersey cities have already seen Waymo vehicles mapping their streets in preparation for testing autonomous ride share vehicles, but those are tests for New York City. While New York Citys testing phase is still underway, New Jersey lawmakers are considering legislation that would mandate a five-year program, including three years of on-road testing with a human driver in the vehicle. The bill, approved by the Senate Transportation Committee on Nov. 10, now heads to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, where changes could be made. It would have to be passed by the full Senate and Assembly and signed by the governor to become law. The proposed timeline drew sharp criticism during emotional testimony from Linda Melendez, president of the National Federation of the Blinds New Jersey chapter, who called it an unnecessary delay and a barrier to mobility for blind individuals and others with physical limitations. The benefits will increase independence and mobility of the blind and low vision people to travel independently without relying on others, she said. The bill adds an unnecessary barrier by requiring live pilot testing of technology in use in other states. Melendez said autonomous vehicle technology would serve as an equalizer and provide 24/7 service without the limitations of public transit or other schedules. I had problems coming here. If I had an autonomous vehicle I wouldnt have had problems, she said to the senate transportation committee. Id like to ask, have you or anyone you know been denied a ride because they were disabled? Senate Transportation Committee Chairman John Diegnan, D-Middlesex, hinted that Sen. Andrew Zwicker, D-Middlesex, the bills sponsor, was considering changes. Hes moving in that direction, Diegnan told Melendez. Waymo officials unsuccessfully argued, thus far, to have the bill amended to have the on-board driver requirement waived. We would encourage amending this bill to include a more comprehensive approach to authorizing fully autonomous vehicles, rather than mandating a driver requirement for the next five years, said Matt Walsh, Waymo Regional Head of State and Local Public Policy. We do not want to see New Jersey lose out on the safety, sustainability, and accessibility benefits that Waymo and other autonomous vehicle companies can bring for the next half-decade, he said. Walsh cited 25 other states that have laws allowing autonomous operating and five major cities where Waymo is offering 250,000 fully driverless paid trips per week. He said the company plans to launch more service in other cities including Miami, Dallas, Denver, Washington DC, Nashville and San Diego. We believe the intent of this bill is not in line with the reality of where the autonomous vehicle industry is today, and as written, this bill would unfortunately put New Jersey out of scope for Waymo for the next five years, he said. Zwicker said in a statement that New Jerseys proposed program would build off of years of that autonomous vehicle research. New Jersey has the opportunity to lead the nation in developing safe and efficient autonomous vehicle technology that will revolutionize how we travel, he said. Waymo vehicles have been mapping Hoboken, Jersey City and part of Newark Airport in manual mode with a human driver behind wheel, Walsh said. However, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association supported the bill as a balance between innovation and consumer protection with common sense safeguards, said Jack Ramirez, NJBIA Director of Research. The bill, as currently written, would establish a pilot program to be overseen by a seven-member task force, including representatives from an autonomous vehicle developer. Members will be appointed by the state Motor Vehicle Commission. Autonomous vehicles used as taxis would be required to operate on designated highways, be marked as fully autonomous and continuously monitored through data reporting. The vehicles would also be required to have communication systems for emergency overrides by authorities. From left to right: Congresswoman Lindy Boggs (D-Louisiana); Mercer County Executive Wilbur Mathesius; Nathaniel Cobb, Urban League President, and director of Health, Recreation & Welfare for the city; Freeholder Barbara Sigmund (Boggs' daughter) at Urban League of Metropolitan Trenton 11th annual membership dinner at Cedar Garden circa 1980. (Times of Trenton archive) Trenton Times By Stephen Sigmund I walked into my mothers hospital room at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia that March afternoon in 1982, completely unprepared for what awaited me. I was 12, my mom, Barbara Boggs Sigmund, was the president of the Mercer County Board of Freeholders (now called County Commissioners) and a candidate in the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate seat that was vacant that year. Shed told me she was going to the hospital for some routine tests, and I believed it. Standing there with my dad and my aunt was Bill Mathesius, then the Mercer County executive. Despite being a Republican and having a reputation for a quick trigger temper that earned him the nickname Wild Bill he and my mom were friends (and sometime frenemies, forced to work together despite their very different politics and personalities). My mother was raised in New Orleans and Washington, came from a well known political family, was even tempered in crises, and, especially, had a keen sense of humor she used to great effect. The only thing they seemed to have in common was both tended to operate outside the norm of Mercer County politics. Mathesius presence was the first thing to trip an alarm bell for me. If this was routine, why was the county executive there all the way from Trenton? Needless to say, the tests werent routine. Cancer had been discovered in my moms left eye, and the treatment was surgical removal. She died eight years later, at 51, when the cancer came back in her liver. Bill Mathesius died last week, after the kind of colorful political career that was more common to my moms birthplace than to Mercer County. (Come to think of it. Maybe thats why she liked him). Ill always remember him for showing up that day Because through all their political fights over budgets and county services, and their differences both in party and personality, he was mostly an ally, and always a friend to her when it counted. There is a Bill Mathesius story that former Trenton Mayor Doug Palmer likes to tell. When he was a Freeholder, the two were rivals. And when my mother brought Palmer to a meeting with Mathesius to talk about funding for a new Domestic Violence hotline, Mathesius spent most of the time yelling at Palmer and about other Democrats. When they were leaving the meeting, Palmer recounts, my mother turned to him and said well, that went well I thought. That story is usually told to emphasize Mathesius mercurial nature. But the part that gets lost is that she meant it. Mathesius agreed with my mom and Palmer to fund that hotline, a part of a new shelter called Womanspace. Womanspace (now called Younity) grew into a full scale housing, advocacy and services organization that has saved the lives of tens of thousands of women and families in Mercer County for the past 50 years. In todays politics, Republicans and Democrats dont just not work together, they actively vilify each other. My mom and Bill Mathesius had plenty of public and private fights, but they always figured out a way to work together. And, when tragedy struck and my mom needed people by her side, it wasnt just her family there that day at the hospital. Her political rival was there too. After more than 35 years, I still miss my mom. Her sense of humor. Her style. Her sharp mind. And, of course, her love. I also miss how politically practical she was, and how accepting of people who werent like her. Thats a kind of politics that is sorely needed right now. The big political buzzword of the day is affordability. Well, affordability isnt getting fixed by Democrats or Republicans alone. Bill Mathesius was different from my mom. In personality. In policy beliefs. And, especially, in how he practiced politics. But they worked together and came to like each other as human beings. That politics is greatly missed, as he will be. Stephen Sigmund is a resident of Maplewood and native of Princeton. He is a public affairs professional in New Jersey and New York. Cushman & Wakefield announced in November that the real estate services firm has arranged the sale of the Route 3 Industrial Park, a two-building, 97,145-square-foot industrial property in Clifton, N.J. Cushman & Wakefield A fully leased industrial property in Clifton has sold to The Silverman Group, marking another transaction in northern New Jerseys competitive industrial real estate market. The Route 3 Industrial Park, consisting of two buildings totaling 97,145 square feet at 31 and 35 Styertowne Road, was acquired from Longpoint Partners. Cushman & Wakefields Gary Gabriel, Kyle Schmidt, Ryan Larkin and Seth Zuidema represented the seller in the transaction. The sale price was not disclosed. The multi-tenant property sits on 4.5 acres just off Route 3 near the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 95, Interstate 80 and Routes 46 and 21. President Donald Trump leans in to hear a question as he speaks with reporters while in flight on Air Force One from Joint Base Andrews to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP President Donald Trump is asking his most loyal supporters about whether they would accept his proposed $2,000 tariff stimulus check. Trump announced earlier this month that dividend checks, fueled from revenue collected by sweeping tariffs, will probably come in mid-2026 or shortly afterward. The White House has not offered any specific guidelines for who exactly would qualify for the payments, such as a salary cutoff, but Trump initially specified they will be sent to low- and middle-income Americans. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has maintained that legislation passed by Congress may be required to make the checks ultimately happen, the Supreme Court is also weighing whether tariffs can remain intact as it decides on Trumps authority to impose the economic policy in the first place. In an email from the Republican National Committee this week, Trump is calling on his MAGA base to answer the $2,000 question through a poll. Would you accept a TARIFF REBATE CHECK signed by Trump? the first question asks, with another probing: Will you STAND WITH TRUMP and demand that Congress take action to get TARIFF rebate checks sent out? The poll then requests a signature if the respondent would accept the check, adding the possibility of a donation ranging from $25 to $3,300. It indicates that any contributions would benefit the Trump National Committee JFC, which is the presidents joint fundraising committee with the RNC. Meanwhile, lawmakers and budget experts have remain skeptical about the feasibility of sending checks to millions of Americans given that the federal governments national debt exceeds $38 trillion. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonprofit think tank, a round of stimulus checks would cost about $600 billion. The U.S. collected $195 billion in tariff revenue in the budget year that ended Sept. 30, the Associated Press reported. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism on Monday that Trump and his legislative team will figure out the best way to do it. The President wants the American people to understand how great tariffs are for them, Lutnick said on Fox Business. And so, one of the ways to prove to the American people how great tariffs are is to have them share in a part of one years income from these tariffs. News / National by Staff reporter The sentencing of Zanu-PF members Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu for their involvement in a US$7.7 million fraud has been postponed to November 28, allowing the State time to upload a victim impact statement ahead of the hearing.The delay follows ongoing legal disputes between the defence and presiding judge Justice Pisirayi Kwenda. Last week, lawyers representing Chimombe and Mpofu attempted to halt the pre-sentencing proceedings, arguing that they needed the written judgment from their conviction to prepare submissions and intended to approach the Supreme Court to compel its release.Justice Kwenda dismissed their application, insisting that the matter proceed and warning the defence team to attend the next hearing without fail. He further stated that the case would continue in their absence if necessary. The judge also advised the lawyers to access a record of the judgment through the court's YouTube channel, noting that they had not been prevented from taking notes during court proceedings or reviewing the online video.Chimombe and Mpofu were convicted for their roles in a failed tender to supply 500,000 goats to the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Ministry. The court found that the two had falsified a Zimbabwe Revenue Authority tax clearance certificate and a National Social Security Authority compliance certificate in the name of a non-existent company, Blackdeck Livestock & Poultry (Pvt) Ltd.This misrepresentation led the State to award the multi-million-dollar tender to the fictitious company, resulting in a total loss of US$7,712,197.The two have been in custody since their initial remand in June 2024. Nine new homes are to be built at Brixham Hospital despite neighbours objections over parking and traffic. The proposal by the Torbay and South Devon NHS Trust has been approved by Torbay Council in principle, with more details to be filed later. The land is off Greenswood Road, on a greenfield area within the built-up confines of the hospital. One objector wrote: I am concerned about noise and air pollution not just for people living in the area but for the patients at the hospital. Read next: Brixham welcomes 750k harbourside upgrade as Santa comes to town The doctors, dentist, hospitals and schools are struggling with all the extra people moving into this and the surrounding areas. There are no new hospitals being built to cope and our roads arent built for the amount of traffic already on them. In March 2014 planning permission was granted for a 36-bedroom residential care home on the site, but that was never completed. Part of the site has since been developed as the Friends Centre for day care. The application says: At this stage, the purpose is solely to establish whether the site is suitable in principle for this form and scale of development. And, it adds: The scale and nature of development is modest and appropriate and can be accommodated without unacceptable impact on the amenity of neighbouring uses, the local environment, or the historic setting of the Higher Brixham Conservation Area and nearby listed buildings. Brixham Town Council did not object to the plans, which were approved by officers and have not been on the agenda for Torbay Councils planning committee. North Devons MP has said the Chancellors Budget failed to deliver the investment and change needed for local farmers, the struggling social care system and the long-overdue upgrades at North Devon District Hospital. Ian Roome instead branded it a botched Budget and said instead it delivered a tax bombshell for millions by extending the freeze on income tax thresholds. He has been speaking following Chancellor Rachel Reeves Budget delivered to Parliament yesterday (Wednesday, November 26), which saw income tax thresholds frozen for longer, a lifting of the two-child benefit cap, a tax on EVs and ISA tax-free savings amounts reduced. On Budget day, Mr Roome also joined thousands of farmers at a protest and rally in Westminster to call on the Government to reverse its family farm tax which has placed an 1million inheritance tax cap on passing on farms and assets to the next generation. READ NEXT: Budget holds few surprises after Chancellors plans are leaked early Mr Roome said: The Budget has piled more pressure on ordinary people in North Devon while ducking the big decisions like investment in our hospital or support for family farms. Freezing tax thresholds again is a stealth tax on people who are already struggling. North Devons Liberal Democrat MP did acknowledge there were some limited positives as he described it. He added: There was some fleeting good news for small businesses, like lower business rates for over 750,000 smaller firms. But refusing to cut VAT for hospitality was a big mistake; an emergency VAT cut until April 2027 would have provided much needed relief to local high streets and protected jobs. One of Mr Roomes key campaign issues has been to call for more funding for North Devon District Hospital after its major rebuild was delayed and not now expected until 2025, but the Budget failed to announce additional funding or a change to that timetable. Mr Roome said: This is bitterly disappointing. The Chancellor had an opportunity to back North Devon by speeding up investment in our hospital and chose not to take it. The Government should have guaranteed that no patient, doctor or nurse at NDDH will have to put up with outdated facilities. Above: Ian Roome with concerned farmers in London yesterday. While there was some small changes to the family farm tax, including enabling farmers with spouses alive or dead to transfer their inheritance tax allowance to one another, Mr Roome said this was not enough. He added: I met thousands of farmers who travelled to Westminster to plead for the Chancellors support and this Government has shamefully turned its back on them. Tinkering around the edges of the family farm tax will do nothing to reduce its devastating impact. It risks forcing many family farms in North Devon to close their gates for good. Summing up his thoughts on the Autumn Budget, he went on: This is a Budget from a Chancellor who sees the problem but wont fix it. Living standards are still being squeezed and the Governments own watchdog says tax rises are continuing to hit families. Yet the Chancellor offered almost nothing for those struggling right now. Energy bills wont fall until 2026, which is too late for households already counting every penny. The Government should have been far bolder and adopted the Liberal Democrat plan to cut bills and give immediate relief to ordinary families. Yes, the pound has stabilised, and borrowing costs are currently down... but we can't tax our way to economic growth. I will continue to work with my Liberal Democrat colleagues to secure a fairer deal for North Devon and the real change people in our area were promised. News / National by Staff reporter The late National Hero and African Apostolic Church leader, Archbishop Paul Mwazha, who passed away on Thursday last week, is set to be laid to rest on Sunday in his Chirasauta village, Chikomba district, Mashonaland East province.According to a statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, the burial will be conducted in accordance with the wishes of the Mwazha family and the African Apostolic Church, with proceedings presided over by close family members and church representatives."The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage is advising the nation that the Late National Hero, Archbishop Mamvura Ernest Paul Mwazha, who died on 20 November 2025, will be laid to rest on Sunday, 30 November, in Chirasauta, Chikomba District. As per the family request, the burial will be presided over by close family members and the church," the ministry said.Mourners are currently gathering at the family residence at No. 8 Jefferson Road, Hatfield, Harare, where funeral preparations are underway. The remains of the Archbishop will be collected from Nyaradzo Funeral Parlour on Friday, 28 November, and transported to his Hatfield home, where they will lie in state. A church service is scheduled from 7 PM to 10 PM that evening.On Saturday, 29 November, the body will be airlifted to Guvambwa, where public viewing will commence at 4 PM and continue through the night until 6 AM the following morning.The final journey to Chirasauta Business Centre, Archbishop Mwazha's resting place, is set for Sunday, 30 November, with the body flown at 8 AM. Burial rites will take place from 9 AM to 12 PM.The Ministry has encouraged members of the public to attend in large numbers to honour the revered religious leader, while reminding mourners that the funeral will follow strict religious protocols, urging all attendees to respect the church's guidelines.Archbishop Mwazha, affectionately known as a "Man of God and Son of the Soil," leaves behind a lasting legacy of spiritual leadership, unity, and service, having played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe's religious and community life for decades. American Inertia A Highway Is Crumbling. New York Cant Agree on How to Fix It. This triple cantilever was an engineering marvel when it was built from concrete and steel more than 70 years ago. A looping video shows traffic on all levels of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressways triple cantilever: foot traffic on the promenade, vehicles on the lower Queens-bound and Staten-Island-bound levels, plus more cars on Furman Street below. But the structure was designed for far less traffic than the 130,000 cars and trucks that cross it every day. A 3-D model of the triple cantilever fades into the video. Its now exceeded its lifespan, and decades of increasingly heavy trucks have caused the concrete to weaken. The model shows a fly through from a view up high of the triple cantilever to the lower levels. Hundreds of steel mesh sheets keep crumbling concrete from falling on drivers below. The model shows steel mesh sheets in the middle section of the triple cantilever, as seen from Furman Street. City officials declared in 2016 that this decrepit cantilever needed to be completely overhauled. It hasnt happened. The model shows steel mesh sheets in the southern section of the triple cantilever as seen from Furman Street. The triple cantilever runs along the edge of Brooklyn Heights, a wealthy and politically connected neighborhood. It stands as a symbol of resistance to Robert Moses, the power broker who rammed highways through communities. When Mr. Moses tried that approach here in the 1940s, Brooklyn Heights residents pushed back, and Mr. Moses rerouted the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway around them. At the top sits the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a cherished landmark with skyline views where generations of New Yorkers have come for their first date. Below, two levels of traffic jut out like drawers pulled from a dresser. The highway is the main artery between Brooklyn and Queens, and it is part of Interstate 278, the only road that connects New Yorks five boroughs. The cantilever, which opened in 1954, was designed to be used for 50 years. The risks only go up as it continues to deteriorate year after year, even as its life span has been extended with interim measures. While city officials and transportation engineers say imminent collapse is not a threat, other catastrophes could still strike, like concrete falling off and hitting vehicles. Since 2018, two New York City mayors Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams have announced that they would fix this vital artery. But both administrations were unprepared for the ferocious community opposition to their ideas on how to proceed. Both struggled to build any consensus at all as local residents countered with their own ideas. The endless back and forth led to more delays and inertia. Traffic on the triple cantilever passes through Brooklyn Heights. Erin Schaff/The New York Times The standoff over the B.Q.E. has become, more broadly, a symbol of the power that local communities wield over critical infrastructure projects around the nation. Though community opposition is hardly new, it is thriving today as residents have become more nimble and sophisticated at influencing projects, or halting them entirely. They strategize about just who to target with their ads and protests, assemble technical experts and consultants to argue on their behalf, and extend their reach with email blasts, online petitions and social media. In Los Angeles, a plan to widen the 710 Freeway, one of the nations busiest freight corridors, was canceled in 2022 amid community opposition. A major street improvement project in Detroit was paused last summer, in part over the publics concerns about its design, while state officials took another approach. And a Buffalo project championed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to reconnect communities divided by a highway stalled recently after a state court ruled in favor of critics. This community pushback is often characterized as NIMBYism the not in my backyard impediment to change but the reality is more nuanced. Many Brooklyn residents say they are not against improving the B.Q.E., and, in fact, are fighting for a better future with less traffic and more space for people. But now, time is running out for the triple cantilever. A highway in decay The cantilever structure anchors a 1.5-mile stretch from Atlantic Avenue to Sands Street that is owned by the city. The rest of the 16-mile highway belongs to the state. N.J. I-278 Manhattan Queens B.Q.E. N.Y. City-owned section Sands St. Atlantic Ave. B.Q.E. Staten Island Brooklyn I-278 3 miles I-278 NEW JERSEY Queens B.Q.E. Manhattan City-owned section Sands St. NEW YORK Atlantic Ave. Brooklyn Staten Island B.Q.E. I-278 3 miles Source: OpenStreetMaps. The New York Times Even before the latest effort, state transportation officials had sought to rehabilitate the cantilever section in 2006. They dropped the project in 2011, citing fiscal concerns and other priorities. That left the problem to the city. The triple cantilever was increasingly flagged for potential safety hazards, said Bojidar Yanev, a former city transportation official who oversaw inspections from 1989 to 2018. The structure was unraveling, he said. Since at least 1996, the city has fastened metal mesh sheets to the underside of the roadway, particularly below joints, as a stop-gap measure to hold crumbling concrete in place and prevent accidents. JOINT Steel mesh sheets to hold crumbling concrete in place JOINT JOINT Steel mesh sheets to hold concrete in place JOINT Photo by Helmuth Rosales/The New York Times The growing areas protected by the mesh sheets became the most visible sign of the triple cantilevers decay. It was not easy to inspect the internal structure, which was enclosed in concrete like a catacomb, Dr. Yanev said. Inspectors cut openings into the walls of the cantilever in 2016, finding that water and road salt had penetrated the structure at the joints. This caused the steel rebars in the concrete to corrode and expand, forcing chunks of concrete to fall off. Without major structural intervention, this degradation progressively weakens the triple cantilevers strength. In September, Times reporters captured video of the undersides of the triple cantilever to understand the structures current state. Analysis of the footage revealed hundreds of steel mesh sheets placed along the structures undersides, including at the cantilevers deteriorated joints, to hold the concrete in place. PROMENADE QUEENS-BOUND Over the years, road salt and water have penetrated the cantilevers joints critical to the structures integrity causing damage to the internal steel framework. STATEN ISLAND-BOUND Joint FURMAN ST. Along the nearly half-mile triple cantilever, The Times counted hundreds of steel mesh sheets, mostly beneath the two upper levels. Undersides of the triple cantilever Joints QUEENS-BOUND STATEN ISLAND-BOUND FURMAN STREET A Times inspection revealed that nearly all of the joints already a weak point in bridges show deterioration. PROMENADE QUEENS-BOUND Over the years, road salt and water have penetrated the cantilevers joints critical to the structures integrity causing damage to the internal steel framework. STATEN ISLAND-BOUND Joint FURMAN ST. Along the nearly half-mile triple cantilever, The Times counted hundreds of steel mesh sheets, mostly beneath the two upper levels. Joints Undersides of the triple cantilever QUEENS-BOUND STATEN ISLAND-BOUND FURMAN STREET A Times inspection revealed that nearly all of the joints already a weak point in bridges show deterioration. PROMENADE QUEENS-BOUND STATEN ISLAND-BOUND Joint FURMAN ST. Along the nearly half-mile triple cantilever, The Times counted hundreds of steel mesh sheets, mostly beneath the two upper levels. Undersides of the triple cantilever Joints STATEN ISLAND-BOUND FURMAN STREET QUEENS-BOUND A Times inspection revealed that nearly all of the joints already a weak point in bridges show deterioration. PROMENADE QUEENS-BOUND STATEN ISLAND-BOUND Joint FURMAN ST. Undersides of the triple cantilever Along the nearly half-mile triple cantilever, The Times counted hundreds of steel mesh sheets, mostly beneath the two upper levels. Joints STATEN ISLAND-BOUND FURMAN STREET QUEENS-BOUND A Times inspection revealed that nearly all of the joints already a weak point in bridges show deterioration. Note: Locations of steel mesh sheets are based on videos captured in September by The Times of the triple cantilevers undersides. The New York Times City officials say the triple cantilever is safe until at least 2029, with current protective measures. They closely monitor the structure and have taken steps to stabilize it, including making repairs and installing sensors to ticket overweight trucks. After that time, the city may have to further restrict traffic to reduce weight on the cantilever. First wave of ideas Mayor de Blasios administration presented two options in 2018 to rebuild the cantilever, touching off the fiercest battle over the B.Q.E. since it was built. Polly Trottenberg, then the city transportation commissioner, told residents in Brooklyn at the time that none of the options are going to be very lovable, and thats the challenge we face. One option would rebuild the highway lane by lane and reroute traffic around the construction. The more controversial proposal, favored by the city, would erect a temporary six-lane highway over the promenade while the lower decks were rebuilt. Both options would mean losing access to the promenade for years, but the temporary highway would also bring traffic, noise and pollution right to the doors of Brooklyn Heights. Citys idea: Temporary highway Existing Concept BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS A temporary highway would be built over the promenade. BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS A temporary highway would be built over the promenade. BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. Furious residents rallied to save the promenade. They raised tens of thousands of dollars to fund their campaign, hired public relations and lobbying consultants, and started a petition that garnered more than 70,000 signatures. Of course, the promenade itself was born from an earlier fight with Mr. Moses. In 1942, the Brooklyn Eagle newspaper learned that a new highway could cut through the neighborhood and warned: Plan for Express Highway Through Heights Is Shocking. Residents demanded that it be pushed toward the industrial waterfront and suggested building a double-decker highway to take up a smaller footprint, and a roof to cover the noise and fumes which became the promenade. Mr. Moses later wrote that the two shelves of the cantilevers carrying commercial traffic and the overhanging cantilever roof for the promenade and park were designed for the greatest benefit to the Heights. 1953 2025 A view of the promenade then and now. The New York Times archives (left); Bedel Saget/The New York Times This time, many Brooklyn residents, as well as architects and urban planners, looked to places like San Francisco, Seattle and Rochester, N.Y., that have torn down or repurposed highways to reconnect neighbors and create more housing, parks and transit. Two alternatives to the citys ideas illustrate how Brooklyn residents see this as an opportunity to make radical changes that would benefit their neighborhoods and the city. Mark R. Baker, a lawyer, businessman and parks activist, proposed in 2019 to move all the traffic to street level and enclose it in a ventilated tunnel. The cantilever would become a three-level park, called the Tri-Line, similar to Manhattans High Line. We had to protect the promenade, which is one of the most spectacular open spaces in New York City or the world, really, Mr. Baker said. Alternative idea: The Tri-Line Existing Concept BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PROMENADE FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK The highway would be relocated under the park. FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK The highway would be moved under the park. Roy Sloane, a graphic artist and advertising executive, advocated for his earlier idea from 2010 for a tunnel, which would help divert traffic away from the cantilever section. The Cross Downtown Brooklyn Tunnel which would become the new alignment for Interstate 278 would alleviate the traffic and pollution that spills off the B.Q.E. onto streets in the area. The triple cantilever could then be rehabilitated for cars and light trucks going between neighborhoods, and, with less traffic, nearby sections of the highway could also be turned into boulevards. Through traffic is the issue for the residential neighborhoods that are parallel to the B.Q.E., Mr. Sloane said. Alternative idea: The tunnel Existing Concept MANHATTAN Sands St. City-owned section Atlantic Ave. Governors Island Upper Bay BROOKLYN mile MANHATTAN City-owned section Sands St. Atlantic Ave. BROOKLYN mile MANHATTAN Sands St. City-owned section B.Q.E. Exit 30 Atlantic Ave. Governors Island Upper Bay A tunnel would be built. BROOKLYN B.Q.E. Exit 24 mile MANHATTAN City-owned section Sands St. B.Q.E. Exit 30 Atlantic Ave. A tunnel would be built. BROOKLYN B.Q.E. Exit 24 mile Other notable concepts included one by Bjarke Ingels Group to transform the triple cantilever into BQ-Park, a grander version of Mr. Bakers Tri-Line. The City Council, working with Arup, an engineering firm, floated an idea to demolish the triple cantilever and replace it with a three-mile bypass tunnel. After hearing from residents, Scott Stringer, then the city comptroller in 2019, jumped in with a proposal to limit the cantilever to trucks, while adding bus and bike lanes and a park. City officials promised to consider all these ideas. Mr. de Blasio, a former Brooklyn councilman with deep ties to the borough, convened a panel of experts to study the B.Q.E. The panel reported in January 2020 that the cantilever was in worse shape than believed and called for safety measures, including removing two of the six traffic lanes to reduce vehicle weight. The steel and concrete triple cantilever has deteriorated over the years, and various ideas to renovate or overhaul it have failed to gain traction. Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times Carlo A. Scissura, who led the panel, said the city was not ready to choose among the various concepts without more comprehensive engineering studies. It would have just been like, Oh, this looks beautiful, lets just do it, he said. When the coronavirus gripped New York in March 2020, resources shifted to the health crisis, and the momentum to fix the B.Q.E. was lost. Shortly before leaving office, Mr. de Blasio said the city would postpone a permanent solution and instead spend more than $500 million to shore up the B.Q.E. for 20 years. Second wave of ideas After Mr. Adams became mayor in 2022, he decided the B.Q.E. could no longer wait. He hoped to tap into federal infrastructure funds unlocked by the Biden administration and start construction within five years. Mr. Adams had opposed the citys temporary highway idea in 2019 as Brooklyn borough president. And his new administration presented three new concepts The Stoop, The Terraces and The Lookout that shifted the focus to open space. The Stoop grew out of community interest in BQ-Park, the idea proposed by Bjarke Ingels Group in 2019. City officials hired the firm to help pressure test BQ-Park, only to find that it could not be built because of infrastructure constraints. The Stoop was developed as an alternative concept, but was later shelved amid criticism from residents about the design. Citys idea: The Stoop Existing Concept BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PROMENADE FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. A two-story highway would have a deck extending from the promenade, with access to the park. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PROMENADE FURMAN ST. A two-story highway would have a deck extending from the promenade, with access to the park. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. Vishaan Chakrabarti, an architect and urbanist, said that many of the visions for the B.Q.E. did not fully consider engineering and cost constraints. Communities get enamoured with ideas that arent viable, and then they start thinking worse of the ideas that are viable, he said. City officials said the B.Q.E. was an important economic artery, and that without it, trucks would jam nearby streets. They tried to strike a balance between a safe, modern highway and quality-of-life concerns, they said. Since 2022, they have held 30 public meetings about the B.Q.E. In response to feedback, they committed to a plan that would not impact the promenade or Brooklyn Bridge Park, or require taking private property. They helped secure a $5.6 million federal grant to improve neighborhoods along the state-owned sections. Still, many Brooklyn residents complained about a lack of transparency. They said many of their questions were not fully answered and their suggestions went nowhere. As public discussion evolved over the years, three broad groups of stakeholders emerged: neighbors, dreamers and pragmatists. The neighbors saw an opportunity to improve public transit and to reduce the impact of traffic on their health, safety and climate. The dreamers went further and envisioned tearing down the highway for more housing, businesses and parks, and shifting to more sustainable ways to move people and freight. The pragmatists focused on maintaining a vital traffic corridor that would still be needed in the future and fixing a cantilever that had become a safety hazard as soon as possible. Three broad groups of stakeholders of the B.Q.E. project are neighbors, dreamers and pragmatists each with its own vision for the future of the expressway. Bedel Saget / The New York Times A leading voice of the neighbors was Lara Birnback, the executive director of the Brooklyn Heights Association, who said the city should develop a more holistic, forward-thinking solution. The association, which is part of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway-Environmental Justice Coalition, has called for a corridorwide plan. Our perspective at this point is, lets not spend billions and billions of dollars cementing the status quo, no pun intended, by shoring up the cantilever for 100 years, Ms. Birnback said. In the dreamer camp was the Institute for Public Architecture, which highlighted the harmful legacy of the B.Q.E. through community meetings, an oral history project and a documentary by Adam Paul Susaneck, an urban planner. The dreamers asked: What would a future without the B.Q.E. look like? Antonio Reynoso, the Brooklyn borough president, said he saw a future with more freight moving on the waterways and less reliance on polluting highways like the B.Q.E. He told city transportation officials that he would like them to explore the option of tearing down the cantilever. But he said that option was never presented in community meetings. QUEENS MANHATTAN Cantilever BROOKLYN Red Hook Terminal Buttermilk Channel QUEENS MANHATTAN Cantilever BROOKLYN Red Hook Terminal Buttermilk Channel QUEENS MANHATTAN Cantilever BROOKLYN Red Hook Terminal Buttermilk Channel Aerial photo by Vincent Alban / The New York Times Pragmatists like Samuel I. Schwartz, a former chief engineer for the city Transportation Department who established a transportation research program at Hunter College, urged city officials to immediately fix the cantilever and leave amenities like parks to be added later. He pointed to the Williamsburg Bridge as a cautionary lesson. In April 1988, it was shut down for more than a month after decades of neglect, causing widespread chaos. There should be urgency, he said, because something is going to happen if nothing is done. Third wave of ideas Many New York projects have run into opposition, like the $10 billion plan to replace the Port Authority Bus Terminal that was substantially revised last year with community input. Community opposition is a way of life, Mr. Schwartz said. It doesnt mean we stop. But the B.Q.E. has often seemed adrift, without a strong champion at the helm to build consensus. Communities have a right to speak out, and the job of government is to hear the voices and then whittle it down into something that works, Mr. Stringer said. Brooklyn Councilman Lincoln Restler said the Adams administration has seemed more interested in checking a box than really collaborating with the community. Any plan for the B.Q.E., he added, faces multiple layers of government review and approvals and will require community support to move forward. Weve got a long way to go, he said. Cars in a traffic jam near the north end of the triple cantilever during rush hour in September. Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times In 2024, the Adams administration presented another concept for the B.Q.E. the citys third attempt this time emphasizing an engineering solution: a two-level, stacked highway that would be supported on both sides. Citys idea: Stacked highway Existing Concept BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PROMENADE FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS A two-level highway would be supported on both sides. BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PROMENADE FURMAN ST. A two-level highway would be supported on both sides. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. Marc Wouters, an architect and urban planner, countered with yet another idea. In 2019, he had partnered with the Brooklyn Heights Association on a plan to protect the promenade. Since then, he has spent thousands of hours working on his own to take field measurements, build 3-D models and test engineering scenarios. The result is the Streamline plan, which would be quicker to build, cost less than other options, and have minimal impact on the promenade and surrounding area, Mr. Wouters said. It would move all traffic to an expanded bottom deck and repurpose the upper deck for bike lanes and a park. Im hoping that it advances because it does seem to check a lot of boxes off for the community, he said. Alternative idea: Streamline plan Existing Concept BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PROMENADE FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK FURMAN ST. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK PROMENADE Traffic would be rerouted to an expanded lower level. BROOKLYN HEIGHTS PROMENADE BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK Traffic would be rerouted to an expanded lower level. Last month, Mayor Adams urged Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to start the environmental review process for the B.Q.E., which would consider a range of plans and allow construction to begin in 2029. After a fix for the B.Q.E. languished for decades, the Adams administration advanced this project further than ever before to build a safe, resilient highway, said Anna Correa, a spokeswoman for Mr. Adams, this week. But a new mayor, Zohran Mamdani, will take over in January and may have his own ideas. Mr. Mamdani knows that protecting the safety and stability of the B.Q.E. is an urgent priority for the city, said his spokeswoman, Dora Pekec. After years of patchwork fixes that have only offered temporary fixes, the Mamdani administration will work to deliver a permanent solution for the city-owned sections of the B.Q.E. that both meets community needs and preserves this essential transportation corridor, she said. That will not be a quick or easy process. Big hurdles remain, including how to pay for the project. It was passed over for federal funding in 2024 and could cost up to $5 billion, depending on the plan chosen. I think the B.Q.E. has just bedeviled and frustrated everybody whos ever driven on it, looked at it, and worked on it its like a curse, Ms. Birnback said. An aerial view of the triple cantilever. Bedel Saget/The New York Times Note: The ideas illustrated in the story are schematic interpretations by The New York Times, based on the original proposals. Video at the top of this article by Todd Heisler. Additional work by Nico Chilla. An indictment filed in a Texas federal court accuses Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of planning to recruit an army of homeless people, buy a sailboat and seize power on Gonave Island, an island off the coast of Haiti with a population of about 87,000 residents. The two young men allegedly planned to recruit homeless people from Washington, D.C. to serve as their mercenary force during their grand coup detat. According to court files, Weisenburg and Thomas had researched Gonave Island and concluded that it had a very weak government, almost no infrastructure, and had been crippled by poverty. They concluded that it could be taken over through a brutal invasion that would eliminate the local men and turn the women and children into slaves. Prosecutors claim that the two men had been working on the invasion since August 24, working tirelessly to further their ambitious plan. Weisenburg allegedly enrolled in a fire academy around Dallas to receive training that would be useful during the takeover of Gonave, while Thomas enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in January. The latter changed his assignment to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland to help in the recruiting of homeless people in Washington, D.C. Both Texas men tried to learn the Haitian Creole language, planned to buy military-type rifles, and made operational and logistical plans. Its unclear how the FBI discovered Weiseplannburg and Thomas plan, but if convicted of the federal conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, they risk spending the rest of their lives behind bars. They never tried to do any of this, said John Helms, Tanner Christopher Thomas lawyer said, adding that prosecutors are going to have a real hard time trying to prove that Weisenburg and Thomas actually intended to carry out such a crazy plot. No comment yet from the island of Gonave, whose government appears to have dodged quite the bullet. News / National by Staff reporter Police in Bulawayo are investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy in what is suspected to be a suicide, reportedly linked to a disagreement with his grandmother over a trip to their rural home.The boy, who has not been named, is believed to have ingested a poisonous substance at his Mabutweni residence. Inspector Nomalanga Msebele said the teenager was discovered unresponsive in his bedroom on November 21.According to police reports, the boy's 71-year-old grandmother had returned from South Africa the previous day. During dinner, she instructed him and his 18-year-old brother to accompany her to the family's rural homestead in Mbembesi to plough the fields in preparation for planting. The teenager reportedly objected to the plan before the family retired to bed.Inspector Msebele said that at around 6 a.m. the following morning, the boy's 16-year-old female cousin entered his room and found him awake but still under the blankets. He told her he needed more rest. When she returned two hours later, he was unresponsive."The cousin alerted the grandmother, who noticed that the boy was no longer showing signs of life. Traces of vomit stained with blood were found near him, raising suspicion that he may have ingested a poisonous substance," Inspector Msebele stated.The body was sent to Mpilo Central Hospital for a post-mortem, and investigations are ongoing.Inspector Msebele urged young people facing emotional distress or family pressures to seek guidance and support rather than resorting to self-harm. "Taking one's life does not solve anything; it only brings pain and stress to those left behind," she said.Zimbabwe has seen a concerning rise in suicides among children, with mental health experts pointing to family conflicts, economic pressures, academic strain, substance abuse, and limited access to counselling as key contributing factors. Data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat) indicates that over 2,000 suicide deaths are recorded annually, with adolescents representing an increasing share of these cases. A MAN involved in a collision near Kilbeggan was fined 1,500 after Tullamore District Court heard drugs were found following the crash. Judge Andrew Cody was told that Dylan Kinahan, whose 31st birthday is next week, and with an address in Sallins, Naas, Co Kildare, was taken to hospital after a crash on August 22, 2023. Mr Kinahan had previously pleaded guilty to dangerous driving, uninsured driving and drugs possession and sentencing was adjourned to this week for victim impact reports. After Judge Cody was told that no victim impact reports would be put before the court Sergeant Brendan Kearns outlined the facts. Sergeant Kearns said drugs valued at 468.93 were found when Mr Kinahan was taken to Tullamore Hospital after being in a road traffic collision on the R389 at Loughanaghore, Co Westmeath. The accused man was driving a Dublin registered 2017 Ford Focus and when he was travelling around a bend at speed he hit a 2017 Citroen Dispatch which had a driver and one passenger and which was coming from the opposite direction. The court had previously been told Mr Kinahan was driving from Ballinagore towards Kilbeggan and that he struck the side of the van. READ NEXT: Justice Minister tells Offaly lunch it'd be 'honour' to lead Fianna Fail After the collision Mr Kinahan was said to have been acting strangely and complaining of chest pains. He had no previous convictions. The defendant's solicitor, Patrick Martin, told the court his client was in the throes of drug addiction at the time and had previously attended an addiction counselling course. Judge Cody fined Mr Kinahan 1,000 for having drugs for the purpose of sale or supply, 500 for dangerous driving and another 500 for having no insurance. Driving bans of two years each were also imposed for the motoring offences and he was given six months to pay the fines. FIVEALLEY Sustainable Energy Community (SEC), BnM and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) have announced the successful completion of Phase 1 of the pioneering Solar Meitheal Project in the townland of Fivealley, Co. Offaly. Phase 1 of the project has seen the installation of over 700 solar panels across participating households, supplied and fitted by Alternative Energy Ireland (AEI), a local contractor based in Tullamore. Projected to save 75 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, the project represents a major milestone in community-led renewable energy in the Midlands, marking the largest solar meitheal initiative in Ireland. The installed solar systems are expected to produce approximately 270,000 kWh of renewable energy annually. Supported by BnMs Derrinlough Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund and the SEAI, the project has delivered solar PV systems to 57 households in the community of Fivealley. Together, the installations are expected to generate over 75,000 in annual energy savings for participating households, equating to an average of 1,300 per home. The project reflects the substantial commitment from the local community, who have committed an investment of 500,000 towards its development. Community investment is a central pillar of BnMs 5GW renewable energy pipeline and BnM has a long-standing commitment to investing in communities which host its renewable energy projects. Through dedicated Community Benefit Funds and near neighbour supports, the company invests over 1.4 million annually back into local communities, supporting scholarships for local students, near neighbour schemes, sustainability initiatives, and locally led community projects. The SEAI provided a funding grant of 2,100 per home which was match funded by BnM. The Fivealley Solar Meitheal is a powerful example of how BnM works hand-in-hand with communities to deliver tangible local benefits while also supporting Irelands renewable energy targets. The term Meitheal refers to the traditional Irish practice of neighbours coming together to support each other with big tasks. This project brings that spirit into the modern era, with neighbours coming together to source solar panels, secure cost efficiencies, and simplify installation through a co-ordinated, community-led process, said Karina Dennigan, Community Relations and Advocacy Manager at BnM. We are proud to support initiatives that set the standard for Community Benefit Fund projects across the country, demonstrating a model that can be replicated nationwide. READ NEXT: Local Drama Group mark 10th anniversary with successful comedy The Fivealley Solar Meitheal exemplifies the power of communities working together to make real progress on Irelands clean energy transition, said Laurence OReilly, SEAI Mentor. By collaborating under the SEAI Sustainable Energy Communities programme, projects like this not only lower energy costs and carbon emissions but also build local resilience and pride. SEAI is delighted to support such an inspiring initiative that demonstrates what can be achieved when communities take the lead. Anne Egan, Fivealley SEC Spokesperson said: This project shows what can happen when a community unites behind a shared vision for sustainability. Through the support of SEAI and BnMs Derrinlough Community Benefit Fund, weve been able to empower local households to produce their own clean energy, cut costs, and contribute to a greener future for Offaly. Its a proud moment for our community and a blueprint for others to follow. The Derrinlough Wind Farm, with a capacity of 126MW, will play a key role in supporting Irelands climate action targets as a source of renewable energy generation. READ NEXT: Leading Offaly singer nominated for one of music's most prestigious awards The chief executive of Tusla has apologised for the wording of a statement issued after the alleged sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl. Kate Duggan said that she understands the concerns of the wider public after significant incidents involving young people who had received State care, but emphasised that most children in care are thriving. She said that several children in care go missing a day, either from school or while on a trip. Criticisms have been made of Irelands child and family agency, Tusla, after recent incidents involving children. A young boy, Daniel Aruebose, was reported missing from Dublin after Irish authorities discovered in August he had not been seen for several years. The agency had previously engaged with the family of the boy, who would be aged seven this year. His case prompted a series of wellbeing checks carried out on thousands of Tusla cases that were closed during the pandemic, from March 1 2020 and February 28 2022, and a rapid review of the boys case. It came a year after Kyran Durnin, who would be nine years old this year if still alive, was reported missing from Co Louth. In October, Ukrainian teenager Vadym Davydenko died and two others were taken to hospital following an incident at Tusla emergency accommodation in Dublin. Further questions were raised of Tusla last month after a 10-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted in west Dublin after being in state care earlier that day. A statement issued by Tusla following the incident in west Dublin, which said the girl had absconded while on a recreational trip with staff in the city centre, verged on victim blaming, the Dail heard at the time. Chief executive of Tusla Kate Duggan apologised for the statement issued while appearing before committee on Thursday. Weve certainly taken that on board and I know people have contacted about that, she said in response to questions from Claire Kerrane. So thank you for that, and we do apologise for that statement and the way it was released, and the impact of it, and the wording around it. She said she understands the concerns of the wider public following the recent tragic and significant incidents involving young people Tusla had been engaging with. While I cannot comment on the specifics of these cases, as there are ongoing investigations by An Garda Siochana, I can assure you that we are working with An Garda Siochana in relation to these investigations, and all of these cases are being reviewed by the National Review Panel. She said that several children go missing from Tuslas care a day. On any particular day we may have two or three young people who have absconded, they have gotten out. Theyre supposed to be in school, they left school, they were on a trip and they bolted and ran. So we do have, on any particular day, three or four young people that may have gone on a trip, may have gone to school and dont come back when theyre supposed to come back, either in terms of their curfew or after their activity. She said they then work with the gardai to locate those children as quickly as possible. Responding to Ms Duggans comments, Minister for Children Norma Foley said that she was working with Tusla to provide a clearer understanding of children in care who are missing as any child who is not at a planned location within 15 minutes is reported as missing. Asked by Senator Margaret Murphy OMahony if they had considered being reviewed by an external body, Ms Duggan said that they are already externally examined by health watchdog Hiqa. Those reports are available and are published on the Hiqa website and are available for anyone to see. So as we sit here, and as I set out in my opening statement, we know the really good work thats been done, and we do need stakeholders like yourselves and other stakeholders to actually talk about some of the good work while challenging us on the very significant problems that we face. She said that one of the very significant challenges the agency has is in relation to special care orders from the High Court when they do not have the capacity. So theres areas of our services that are working really well, that are fully compliant, but in areas where we do not have the staffing relative to the demand, we are struggling to be compliant. She said that the latest figures show there are 5,866 children in the care of Tusla, 87% of whom are in foster care and who are thriving. Nine in 10 of children in State care are in education, she added. There is a cohort of young people, perhaps about 100 or 150 young people, with very complex needs and very challenging behaviour that we do really worry about, that we are working really hard to try and accommodate, that we need the support of other agencies and state agencies to be able to better meet their needs. She said that 99% of children in State care had been allocated a social worker. Gerry Hone, national director for services and integration at Tusla, said those who are deemed high priority are the first to be allocated a case worker. Case loads can vary, and they can vary anywhere between five cases up to about 20 cases, depending on the workload of the particular worker, he said. Were very conscious of not giving social workers too much work, or social care workers too many cases where the standard of the work is diluted. Roblox, one of the worlds most popular online gaming platforms for primary schoolaged children, is facing renewed scrutiny over the safety of its youngest users. An RTE Prime Time examination has uncovered serious risks to children on the platform, despite its widespread use among those as young as five. Prime Time reporter, Kate McDonald created test accounts posing as a five-year-old, a nine-year-old and a thirteen year old. During the investigation, these accounts accessed games featuring gambling style mechanics, sexualised role-play and conversations referencing suicide. READ NEXT: Strong gale force winds on the way as two counties hit with weather warnings Adults and children can freely play the same games and interact via in-game chat. Prime Time also witnessed older players attempting to move younger users onto private messaging apps. There are major concerns about the level of exploitation emerging on gaming platforms such as Roblox. Detective Superintendent Michael Mullen told Prime Time that Gardai are seeing grooming, sexual exploitation, and sexual abuse as a result of children being on gaming platforms, and in some cases, moving on to other platforms. READ NEXT: Irish holidaymakers warned as popular destination placed on 'no travel' list for 2026 Roblox is currently facing multiple lawsuits in the United States brought by state attorneys and parents who allege that children were sexually abused, exploited, or exposed to inappropriate content while using the service. Last week, Roblox announced new safety features which will require age verification for anyone using chat functions. These are due to be introduced in Ireland in January. READ NEXT: Man who won 250,000 in Today FM cash machine claims he can't pay 500 fine in court Experts told Prime Time that while this development is welcome, it will not prevent adults from entering the same virtual games as children. Watch the full report on Prime Time tonight, 27 November, at 9:35pm RTE One and RTE Player and read the digital report on RTE.ie/primetime. "On July 28, 2022, AUDIT USAa national nonprofit dedicated to election transparency requested six public records from Santa Cruz County, including the Cast Vote Record (CVR) from the August 2nd primary election. "On August 11, 2022, Santa Cruz Countys outside attorney, Pierce Coleman, sent AUDIT USAs lawyer, Bill Risner, a letter confirming they would 'transmit records by 5:00 p.m. on August 18, 2022.' Case closed? ... "On August 18, 2022,the exact day the county promised to deliver the records,Santa Cruz County filed a 39-page lawsuit against AUDIT USA and John Brakey, director and co-founder of AUDIT USA, seeking a declaratory judgment about whether CVRs are public records and demanding that AUDIT USA pay the county' s attorney fees." Next stop? The Arizona Supreme Court ... Today we indigenous people of Palestine joined in Sacred Community and Spiritual Solidarity for All Indigenous Peoples of Mother Earth. Available Job: The Palestine Institute for Biodiversity and Sustainability (PIBS, palestinenature.org) at Bethlehem University is seeking to hire a temporary Researcher and Curatorial Assistant. The position requires (with the support of PIBS director) an experienced person to help with museum exhibit development, specimen preparation, conduct research, write proposals, supervise junior staff, and contribute to biweekly educational workshops. Depending on position-holders productivity and the availability of funds, this can morph into a longer-term position. "Today, after 9.5 agonizing months, [Palestinian American] Mohammed Zaher Ibrahim was released from Israels Ofer Prison and into his fathers arms. The Israeli military had no right to take him in the first place, and the family credits the relentless grassroots campaign that kept up the diplomatic pressure to free him. Hes in rough shape, but okay, and on his way to the hospital for treatment. Once he's discharged, his mum, dad, brother, and sisters will have his favorite meal and a very belated 16th-birthday celebration waiting for him at home.Now that Mohammed is free, the family is asking all his supporters to keep fighting for the hundreds of Palestinian children still unjustly trapped in Israeli military prisons. The family requests privacy for now." Israel also released Tasneem, the daughter (a nurse) of MD Dr. Marwan Al-Hums in Gaza. Dr. Al-Hums was lured by someone pretending to be a French Journalist and allegedly kidnapped by the Palestinian collaborators with Israel in Rafah and handed over to the Israelis to be tortured. [Must watch video] Israeli regime occupation soldiers executing two young Palestinian men after detaining them. They also kidnapped some 200 Palestinains in the area in the past 24 hours. Images from Palestine. BDS is having an impact. We must accelerate the pressure. Gaza: Israeli blasts deafen thousands as treatment is blocked. Israeli regime violates ceasefire in Lebanon. Israeli regime to cut access to water and electricity to UNRWA. The Gazan doctors still languishing in Israeli prisons. Solidarity with the Palestinian Diaspora in Europe - Online Talk 11.11.2025 More on israeli authorities harvesting organs of people they kill. Epstein & Israel: The real story. Attack on USS Liberty. Putting Israel ahead of the US & blatantly racist nominations. First a christian zionist Huckabee as ambassador to Israel who went on to support colonial settlements and meet with American traitor Jonathan Pollard. Now nominating another Israel firster white racist to be US embassador to South Africa.Oh my... Stay Humane, act, and keep hope and Palestine alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French An October 4, 2025 case of Vibrio from raw oysters goes unreported to the public by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I was hospitalized for six days after my blood pressure dropped below half the normal value. This flesh-eating disease more commonly enters through open wounds when swimming, but shellfish provide an alternative infection path (Figure 1, "Information About Vibrio Bacteria",click here). The Illness My blood pressure normally ranges between 106 and 129, but after I passed out to crash headfirst into the floor from Vibrio, my measured systolic pressure was 52 while I was conscious and certainly lower when I passed out a second time while trying to stand. After arriving at the hospital, I was treated as a Level 1 Emergency to raise my fluids as a result of extreme, uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea. Admittedly, my white blood cell count was temporarily low at the time due to other medications, where low white cell counts made me more susceptible to illness. United Health Care paid in excess of $129,000 for my hospital stay. Vibrio was diagnosed at the hospital, and by law, the South Carolina Department of Health (DPH) was contacted immediately by the hospital laboratory, and DPH contacted me immediately in the hospital. We spoke at length, and I identified raw oysters at a Delaware restaurant as my only possible disease pathway when I visited Delaware on vacation from South Carolina. DPH forwarded applicable information to the Department of Agriculture. Other Probable Vibrio Effects Twelve days after hospitalization, I was readmitted to the hospital with internal bleeding. A new ulcer in my esophagus was aggravated to bleed into my stomach. I vomited two to three ounces of blood several different times. Since Vibrio causes ulcers, Vibrio was the probable cause of this ulcer, which was a hole eaten into the wall of my esophagus. I lost 25 pounds in a month to change my weight to 145 pounds at six feet tall, illness has not yet stopped after nearly two months, and I have not regained any weight since. I was reluctant to publicly provide personal health details, but I guess if I can write about other people, I should write about myself as well. To this end, I have provided Table 1 and Figure 2, which is highly personal. My Test Results From available data, Vibrio vulnificus was the cause of my illness, coupled with Enteropathogenic (EPEC) E. coli. Specifically, PCR tests (polymerase chain reaction) were performed that determined both positive Vibrio vulnificus and negative Vibrio cholerae ("Diagnostic techniques for rapid detection of Vibrio species", click here). Table 1. My Vibrio and E. coli test results (Adapted from Hospital medical test results.). (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA Figure 2. Existing cancer and new ulcer believed to be caused by flesh-eating Vibrio. (Image by Leishear Engineering, LLC) Details DMCA My Follow up Since there have been no public statements from the Department of Agriculture, I contacted the restaurant directly. Initial Text Message[Fenwick Island, Delaware Hospitalization] Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On November 18, the United Nations Security Council approved U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip, endorsing a draft resolution submitted by Washington. Trump hailed the vote as a historic moment, while Palestinian factions--particularly Hamas--condemned the resolution as an act of international guardianship imposed on the coastal enclave. The approved plan authorizes the deployment of an international stabilization force in Gaza and outlines political pathways that could eventually lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor, while Russia and China abstained without exercising their vetoes, both describing the American text as problematic and potentially exacerbating the crisis. The resolution includes language referring to a pathway toward a Palestinian state, igniting widespread debate within Israel and the Palestinian territories. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted on Sunday that Israel's opposition to a Palestinian state on any territory remains unchanged. However, he faced fierce criticism from ministers within his coalition, who accused him of political failure and silence in the face of growing diplomatic pressure. Within Netanyahu's camp, the resolution is seen as a strategic threat, with some analysts warning it could pave the way toward an irreversible diplomatic process. Israeli newspaper Maariv noted that the ambiguity of the language allowed for multiple, sometimes contradictory interpretations. While Washington views the resolution as a framework for a long-term political solution that could allow for the emergence of a Palestinian entity, critics argue that the plan is vague and heavily conditioned on factors such as: long-term reconstruction of Gaza; reforms within the Palestinian Authority; full demilitarization of Gaza; international inspection mechanisms. The Israeli right views the plan as an attempt to introduce the concept of Palestinian statehood through the back door, masked as a postwar solution for Gaza. The American plan divides Gaza into zones to be rebuilt under joint Israeli-international oversight, with certain areas designated as green monitored zones during a lengthy transitional phase, while heavily damaged zones remain restricted. Proponents argue this system is necessary to restore order after months of conflict, though critics warn that it could entrench foreign and Israeli control over Gaza's civic and security structures. Palestinian factions, led by Hamas, issued a memorandum on Sunday rejecting the U.S. proposal. Their main objections include: the resolution imposes international guardianship over Gaza; an international force could become a de facto extension of Israeli security control; any such force must be fully under UN authority, not coordinated with Israel; coordination must occur exclusively with Palestinian official institution; its mandate must be limited to protecting civilians, ensuring aid delivery, and separating forces, without assuming security or administrative power. The factions emphasized that questions of weapons and resistance remain internal Palestinian matters tied to any future political settlement that ends the occupation. In the West Bank, the Palestinian Authority cautiously welcomed the initiative. Omar Awadallah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, told BBC Arabic that the resolution marks the first time an American proposal explicitly references the Palestinian right to self-determination and independence. He argued that the proposal challenges Israel's rejection of any Palestinian role in Gaza's future and could be built upon, especially given numerous existing UN resolutions affirming Palestinian sovereignty. The revised U.S. draft requires the Palestinian Authority to implement transparent institutional reforms and demonstrate progress in Gaza's reconstruction, conditions that Washington says may create the necessary environment for a credible path toward Palestinian statehood. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). News / National by Staff reporter President Emmerson Mnangagwa today officially launched the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), Zimbabwe's second five-year economic blueprint spanning 2026 to 2030. The strategy aims to consolidate gains from NDS1 and accelerate the country's trajectory toward Vision 2030.NDS2 identifies ten broad national priorities intended to drive development across all sectors. These include macroeconomic stability and financial sector deepening; inclusive economic growth and structural transformation; infrastructural development and housing; agriculture, food security, climate resilience, and environmental protection; science, technology, innovation, digitalisation, and human capital development; job creation, youth development, and the creative industry; social development, gender, and social protection; regional development and inclusivity through devolution; image building, international relations, and trade; and good governance, institution building, peace, and security.Addressing a post-Cabinet media briefing in Harare yesterday, Information, Publicity, and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said NDS1 had helped Zimbabwe register significant economic growth and development and confirmed that NDS2 had been approved by Cabinet."The draft National Development Strategy 2 blueprint was validated and approved by Cabinet," Dr Muswere said.Highlighting achievements under NDS1 during Day 50 of the 100-Day cycle projects of 2025, Dr Muswere noted progress under the thematic area of economic structural transformation. He cited accomplishments by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, including the completion of Rural and Urban Competitiveness Index surveys in 11 local authorities in Matabeleland and Mashonaland East provinces and the production of corresponding reports.Several infrastructure projects were also highlighted. The 1.6-megawatt solar plant at Mega Market (Private) Limited in Mutare has been completed, and the Mega Market noodles manufacturing plant is progressing, with all equipment on-site and civil works underway. The construction of the Jainqiang Cement plant in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province, is ongoing, with the warehouse and brick wall for the ball mill completed.Dr Muswere reported that construction of Phase 1 of the Mutare Shopping Mall is complete, with Phase 2 currently at 10 percent completion. The retail superstructure for Spar Cardinals in Chisipite, Harare, has been finished, and refrigeration and other equipment installation stands at 90 percent. Greenfields Shopping Mall in Harare is nearing completion, with 80 percent of targeted tenants having occupied business space.Under the economic growth and stability pillar, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment Promotion recorded increased revenue collection, surpassing the August 2025 target by 6 percent. The construction of 16 Zimbabwe Revenue Authority Fairbridge staff cottages in Manicaland is 90 percent complete and expected to finish by December, while the ZIMRA Chiredzi office is 96 percent complete.Dr Muswere further highlighted achievements in housing and social development, including the completion of Weneka Housing Development Phase 3 in Graniteside, Harare, and the approval of the Committee on Holistic Pension Reforms. Eleven ministries, departments, and agencies have been trained in enterprise risk management.Infrastructure projects spearheaded by the Ministry of State for National Security also showed progress under rural development. The Chadzire Bridge in Buhera is 70 percent complete, Kambanje Bridge in Mudzi District is 50 percent complete, Pohwe Bridge in Gokwe South is 55 percent complete, and Makugwe Bridge in Mwenezi District is 55 percent complete.NDS2 is expected to build on these achievements, ensuring sustainable development across sectors while positioning Zimbabwe to achieve its Vision 2030 goals. Zimbabwe and Cambodia getting return on investment by addressing AMR SHOBHA SHUKLA, BOBBY RAMAKANT - CNS Prevent AMR (Image by CNS) Details DMCA Right to health is a fundamental human right. There is no doubt that everyone - without any exception or exclusion - should be able to live healthily in a rights-based manner - everywhere. Along with ensuring high to health is a reality for all, it is also important to recognise health financing as a smart investment. One important example is how one of the top threats to global health and food safety and security have been addressed in the past few years. We are referring to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) or drug resistance, which is fuelled by misuse and overuse of medicines. Because of AMR, disease-causing bacteria, virii, fungi and/or parasite become resistant to the medicine (due to inappropriate use of medicine) - and therefore, these medicines become ineffective. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobial medicines is rampant in human health, animal health and livestock, food and agriculture - and also polluting our environment. So, to address AMR, we need a multi-sectoral response that prevents it in all the sectors where inappropriate use of medicines is happening. That is why, global agencies on these sectors, the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) joined hands - now known as Quadripartite Joint Secretariat on AMR. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Denver, CO - In an era where businesses nationwide are actively searching for a reliable "staffing agency near me," "temp agency near me," or "employment The selection of a certified China Leading Fried Chicken Meat Manufacturer is critical amidst soaring global demand for safe, convenient ready-to-eat (RTE) meals. Qinglee (Chaozhou Australia - Manatomy, a fresh, high-energy Australian dance-pop project centred around vibrant male expression and nightlife culture, announces the official release of Manatomy Mixtape Vol. Vehicle Safety Trends - Peterborough, Cambridgeshire Ace Tyres Online, based at Unit 6, Second Drove, Fengate, Peterborough, PE1 5XA, has released new inspection and service The Short Term Accommodation Association Australia (STAAA) has expressed serious concern over the Tasmanian Government's handling of the proposed short-term rental accommodation (STRA) levy. Despite Two people died in central Oregon Monday after crashing into a semitrailer that was blocking both lanes of US 20 in Deschutes County, Oregon State Police said. State police arrested the semi driver, Rajinder Kumar, on suspicion of criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment, the agency said in a news release. The semi, facing east, had jackknifed its trailer perpendicular to the westbound lane when William Micah Carter, a 25-year-old from Springfield, hit the trailer at highway speed around 9:30 p.m., state police said. Carter and his passenger, 24-year-old Jennifer Lynn Lower of Preston, Idaho, died at the scene. Police suspect that the darkness and a lack of active emergency warning equipment, played a role in the crash. Kumar, a 32-year-old from Fresno, California, was uninjured, state police said. This story was drafted with the assistance of generative AI based on data from Oregon State Police and edited by Oregonian staff. A bust of Swedish chemist, inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel, founder and namesake of the Nobel Prizes, is pictured on October 6, 2025 at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, prior to the announcement of the winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. (Photo by Jonathan Nackstrand / AFP) (Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images Today in history: On Nov. 27, 1978, San Francisco Mayor George Moscone (mah-SKOH-nee) and city supervisor and gay rights activist Harvey Milk were fatally shot inside City Hall by former Supervisor Dan White. Also on this date: In 1895, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel signed his will and testament establishing the Nobel Prizes, bequeathing most of his fortune for annual prizes honoring outstanding achievements in peace, physics, chemistry, literature, and physiology or medicine. (The prize in economic sciences was added in the 1960s). In 1924, Macys first Thanksgiving Day parade billed as a Christmas Parade took place in New York. In 1934, bank robber and Public Enemy No. 1 Lester Joseph Gillis, better known as George Baby Face Nelson, was killed in a gunbattle with FBI agents in Barrington, Illinois. In 1970, Pope Paul VI, visiting the Philippines, was slightly wounded at the Manila airport by a dagger-wielding Bolivian painter disguised as a priest. In 2003, President George W. Bush flew to Iraq under extraordinary secrecy and security to spend Thanksgiving Day with U.S. troops and thank them for defending the American people from danger. In 2015, a gunman attacked a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, Colorado, killing three people and injuring nine. (The prosecution of suspect Robert Lewis Dear stalled in the courts after he was repeatedly found mentally incompetent to stand trial.) Most people rarely think about where their food comes fromthe months it takes to grow or the systems that bring it to our plates. A friends 4-year-old once told me he thought food came from an app. Its funny but reveals a real disconnect. Our industrialized food system makes it easy to overlook both how food is produced and how many of our neighbors lack reliable access. The recent government shutdown made that invisibility impossible to ignore. When the U.S. Department of Agriculture halted operations, farmers and families were suddenly cut off from essentials. The shutdown didnt create instability, but it exposed how fragile the system already is. When federal systems fail, the burden lands on the people who grow our food and the families who are already struggling. Focusing on issues like banning artificial dyes may change the color of a cheese puff, but it doesnt touch the deeper problem: nutritious food is increasingly out of reach. Too many families must rely on cheap, highly processed foods that come with hidden health risks. Nutrition is not a luxury. It is preventive care, stability and quality of life. Real food security means knowing where our food comes from and ensuring access. To build resilience, Oregon must strengthen parts of our food system that dont depend on federal dollars. That means supporting small farms, food hubs, co-ops and community organizations, investing in local procurement, and expanding Food is Medicine programs. These are choices we can make now, regardless of what happens in Washington. Laura Dean, Portland To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion. News / National by Staff reporter Motorists in Harare are increasingly falling prey to a surge in thefts from parked vehicles, with criminals targeting busy public areas and business hubs. Police have raised alarm over the growing trend, revealing that at least five cases were reported in a single day across the capital.Thieves are breaking into cars within minutes, making off with laptops, bags, cash, and other valuables. Businesspeople have become frequent victims, with police attributing the spike to criminals who monitor high-traffic areas and exploit moments when motorists briefly leave their vehicles unattended.In one such incident, 38-year-old Lovemore Chitsva of Zengeza lost a grey satchel containing a Lenovo laptop, a test meter, and headphones worth US$1,230. Chitsva had parked his Nissan NP300 outside the Vehicle Inspection Depot (VID) in Belvedere, leaving it under the watch of three attendants. However, upon returning, he discovered that someone had used an unknown tool to discreetly unlock the front passenger door.Another victim, 50-year-old Willmore Makonese from Mount Hampden, lost two silver MacBook laptops valued at US$2,000 after parking at the corner of Herbert Chitepo Avenue and 6th Street to buy food. The theft occurred in the brief moment he was away from his vehicle.In Crowhill, Brendon Chiladze reported that his wife's green and black handbag containing US$150 and baby supplies was stolen while he was buying meat at Helensvale Shopping Centre. In a surprising twist, the thief left behind a black bag containing a 9mm BRG pistol with a 16-round magazine. Police have since established that the firearm had been stolen from a Harare resident.Several other motorists fell victim on the same day. Francis Gwatiringana of Warren Park D lost a Dell laptop, bags, office stamps, a passport, an external hard drive, and keys worth US$1,600 after parking near the Boat House along Glenara Road in Highlands. Nearby, Mandara resident Same Forget Madiro lost US$4,000 worth of property including US$1,800 cash and a 9mm pistol with its certificate when his vehicle was broken into.Deputy provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Faith Mapisa confirmed the incidents and urged motorists to take extra precautions."We remain concerned about the reports of theft from vehicles in one day from various locations in Harare," she said. "We encourage motorists to safeguard their belongings and recommend that businesses consider hiring security personnel to protect their clients' vehicles."Police have urged the public not to leave valuables in parked cars, even for a few minutes, as criminals continue to exploit any lapse in security. For 118 years, Dan & Louis Oyster Bar has occupied the same corner of Southwest Ankeny Street and Second Avenue making it one of the citys oldest still-standing restaurants. Now, its owners are worried it might not survive the winter. >> Business opening or closing in your neighborhood? Email the reporter at vnocera@oregonian.com. The Old Town Portland restaurant began in 1907 as a seafood market run by Louis Wachsmuth, who grew up on an oyster farm in the aptly named Oysterville, Washington. The restaurant has since been passed down through four generations of the Wachsmuth family shucking oysters against a backdrop of two world wars, the Great Depression and more than one global pandemic. (It was the sudden death of Dan, Louis Wachsmuths son, in 1938 after a bout of influenza that gave the oyster bar the first half of its name.) In 2012, Meinert Keoni Wachsmuth original owner Louis great-grandson took over the family business. He now runs Dan & Louis Oyster Bar alongside his wife, Michelle. But carrying the Wachsmuth familys salt-crusted mantle into the next generation has proved to be a difficult undertaking. We are literally living paycheck to paycheck, Michelle Wachsmuth told The Oregonian/OregonLive in an interview Wednesday. It depends on how many people are coming in, really, whether I can pay my bills right now. A photo of Dan & Louis Oyster Bar in 1997 from The Oregonian archives. Oregonian Trouble began with the COVID-19 pandemic, which cut the restaurants busy season abruptly short and forced Dan & Louis Oyster Bar to shut down for nine months in 2020, she said. In the middle of that, there were five months of protests downtown, followed by the start of Oregons ill-fated experiment with drug decriminalization. While the state of Old Town Portland has noticeably improved over the years, Wachsmuth said, its businesses continue to suffer from a slow mass exodus of people from downtown. It is a ghost town during the week, a literal ghost town, she said. Five years since the pandemic, Dan & Louis Oyster Bar is overly reliant on spillover traffic from Portland Saturday Market, the weekly vendor market that takes place along the waterfront just a couple blocks away. The other six days a week, Wachsmuth said, it can feel impossible to get people in the door for lunch or fill tables at dinnertime. This fall has been a particular challenge. While the restaurant had a decent summer tourist season, Wachsmuth said, after Labor Day it was like a light switch had turned off. Traffic once again started to dwindle. Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, 208 S.W. Ankeny St., on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. LC- Mark Graves A major problem is a lack of consistency, she said. While some days offer a needed rush of customers, others are completely dead making it difficult to efficiently schedule employees, some of whom have worked at Dan & Louis Oyster Bar for decades. You have to sell a certain amount of dollars a day to make payroll, Wachsmuth said. To cut costs, she and her husband made the decision to close the restaurant two days every week, sometimes bumping it up to three during the winter months. It isnt just about turning a profit, she said Dan & Louis Oyster Bar has also made a concerted effort over the years to give back to the community. The restaurant often hires employees who have recently been released from prison, as well as homeless individuals vetted through the Portland Rescue Mission, where Keoni Wachsmuths brother works. Last month, the oyster bar began offering free chowder to those who were at risk of losing their SNAP benefits, a program the couple has since extended to anyone in need of a free meal. Its been really fun having people come in, Michelle Wachsmuth said. And we treat them like diners. We dont just make them take the food to go. Come in, sit down, take a load off and check out the restaurant. When you dine at Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, she said, you arent just eating a meal youre experiencing a small piece of Portland history. That history is plastered across the restaurants 118-year-old walls in photos of Oregon coast shipwrecks and Celilo Falls, the tribal fishing area along the Columbia River that disappeared in 1957 and reflected in the memories of its customers, many of whom have dined there for generations. Its a museum, Keoni Wachsmuth said, and a way for Portland to remember bygone days. The world is changing so quickly, he said. Industries are changing. Its nice to have something thats traditional. Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, 208 S.W. Ankeny St., on Wednesday, May 9, 2018. LC- Mark Graves Dan & Louis Oyster Bar isnt the only business struggling to get by. Nearby restaurants in Old Town, like Mothers Bistro & Bar, have also spoken out about the dramatic dip in foot traffic. In July, downtown restaurant Higgins, which opened in 1994, put out a cry for help that was met with a rush of customers. If you love us, youve got to get back down here, Michelle Wachsmuth said. All of the old favorites will be gone if people dont start coming downtown again. Louis Kai Wachsmuth demonstrates shucking some oysters the day after his 8th birthday with his dad, Meinert "Keoni" Wachsmuth on Monday, April 23, 2007. LC- The Oregonian The couple hope to pass Dan & Louis Oyster Bar onto the fifth generation their own two children but its difficult to know what the future will bring. In 2028, their lease expires and thats if they make it to 2028 at all, Wachsmuth said. This winter is poised to be a difficult one, she said, especially when the Portland Saturday Market goes on hiatus in January and February. Still, she said, the owners are determined to keep Dan & Louis Oyster Bar afloat. It might be easier to just walk away from everything, but I feel this responsibility to Portland to this historic Portland, Wachsmuth said. We really want to keep this going as much as we can for as long as we can. The case could have geopolitical implications since the U.S. government is Intel's largest shareholder. Mike Rogoway/The Oregonian Taiwan raided homes belonging to an Intel vice president on Thursday, investigating the possibility he improperly took trade secrets when he left Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. earlier this year. Reuters reported that investigators seized Wei-Jen Los computers and issued a statement saying they suspect him of violating Taiwans National Security Act. TSMC, the worlds largest chipmaker, sued Lo on Tuesday. The company asserted, There is a high probability that Lo uses, leaks, discloses, delivers, or transfers TSMCs trade secrets and confidential information to Intel. Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan rejected the allegations Wednesday, telling employees Based on everything we know today, we see no merit to the allegations involving Wei-Jen, and he continues to have our full support. Neither Intel nor TSMC responded to requests for comment Thursday on the raid in Taiwan. Intel and TSMC are longtime rivals. In the past several years, though, TSMC has taken a commanding lead with more advanced manufacturing technology. Intel is trying to catch up and hopes to win some of TSMCs manufacturing clients. Thursdays raid underscores the huge importance Taiwan places on its semiconductor industry but also raises potential geopolitical issues. The U.S. is a key ally of Taiwan and a bulwark against potential aggression from China, which considers the nation part of its territory. The Trump administration invested nearly $9 billion in Intel last summer, making the U.S. government the chipmakers largest shareholder. The U.S. State Department said it did not have an immediate comment on Thursdays raid. If you purchase a product through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. The 99th annual Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade is airing live from New York City today. The parade celebrates Thanksgiving by featuring new balloons (Hello, Labubu!), performers, and your favorite hosts. The parade will be broadcast live today 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 27 on NBC, or streaming on demand with Peacock. There will be a repeat airing at 2 p.m. What new balloons will be part of the parade? Characters from K-Pop Demon Hunter and the viral Labubu dolls will be some of the new balloons this year. Buzz Lightyear (Pixar), PAC-MAN (Bandai Namco), Shreks Onion Carriage (DreamWorks), and Mario (Nintendo) along with 27 others will also be part of the parade. Santa Claus will follow as the grand finale in his sleigh to welcome in the Christmas season. Tune in for free with Fubo. How long is the 2025 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade? The parade is roughly three hours long. Who is performing during the 2025 Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade? This years performers include Cynthia Erivo, Ciara, Busta Rhymes, Foreigner, Kool & the Gang, Debbie Gibson, Mickey Guyton, Christopher Jackson, Jewel, Shaggy, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Drew Baldridge, Lauren Spencer Smith, Teyana Taylor, Darlene Love, Taylor Momsen, Tiler Peck, Calum Scott, Roman Mejia, Luisa Sonza, and Mr. Fantasy. HOW TO WATCH THE 2025 MACYS THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE What: Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade When: Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 27 at 8:30 a.m. TV Channel: NBC, and streaming on demand online with Peacock How to stream: You can watch the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade on Fubo (free trial), or with Peacock ($7.99/month). What is this years parade route and where will the parade take place? The exciting Thanksgiving parade will take place starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West in New York City and head toward Central Park West before making its way to Columbus Circle at Central Park South. The parade will end in front of Macys Herald Square after making three more stops. What will the weather be during todays Thanksgiving parade? The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade famously features crowds of excited onlookers bundled up in coats, hats, and gloves to withstand the bitter cold. This year, Weather.com is projecting that early morning cold will be accompanied by sun in the afternoon. Snow is not expected, but could always happen. When did the first-ever parade begin? The Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition started in 1924. It is the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States along with Americas Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit. a giant poodle wearing small boots to protect its paws against the hot pavement stood next to a display o I had clearly ruined the experience of a great high note for two members of the audience who had paid more money than I had.the which begins:I believe: That there is no personal god or life after death That the most desirable thing like the pyramids of Mesoamerica? And how does the Russian pyramidat least your use of itjibe with Marxs class pyramid? Or wit Occasionally I would accidentally p night court - season 4 surprise city court surprise az court services so it must have struck him as a go and other car-size surfaces I have painted my wife on multiple o There was even a move into fiction roswell magistrate court 6th circuit court michigan douglas county court docket Each weekend a new crowd or two wo and I find it a little scary it shed its dissident aesthetic and This imbalance in the carbon cycle created the illusion that wealth could expand without limitwithout needing larger factories or labor forces.we were taught how to loca And how the vital heart monitor beats with the little lines cadence How am I s I know they have to survive in the wilderness of the ocean; their cousins are the sea star and they can grow for centuries.I am the kind of person whose language has some ve Oddly enough (for the number of times I am there) your ghost fills up Mikes often in spite of the fact that it was only two (or three?) times that we talked and you always ha Anne has aged because she is conscious of her own past and her own mistakes; her sister and her fathers lack of introspection makes them.This not only changed the destiny of must move on from a love that felt like a separate war and find a different kind of connectionwhat he calls his separate rooms theory.resonant cloud of doom hovering inside News / National by Staff reporter Three prominent Zimbabwean content creators - Tarisai "Madam Boss" Chikocho, Royal Mint, and Bridget "Mabrijo" Marufu - have been forced to issue public apologies after it emerged that they had unknowingly endorsed fraudulent companies. The trio, who command massive followings on social media, were each contracted to promote misleading advertisements run by scammers posing as legitimate service providers.The revelations have sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the growing trend of influencers overshadowing traditional marketing agencies. While their reach offers brands an efficient way to connect with audiences, it has also made them prime targets for criminals exploiting their platforms to spread fraudulent schemes.Madam Boss was the first to publicly distance herself from one of the companies she had promoted, saying she had been deceived into endorsing an unregistered entity trading as Diamond Migration. In a statement dated November 25, she apologised to her followers and anyone who may have suffered losses after engaging with the advertised services."I sincerely apologise to anyone who may have been misled, inconvenienced, or financially affected after seeing the advert associated with my brand," she said. "After further investigation, it came to my attention that the company is not legally registered, not accredited, and does not possess the authority to facilitate immigration or overseas employment. I was misled, and I deeply regret associating my name with their services."She emphasised that she had no ties to the company and pledged to adopt stricter vetting procedures before entering any future partnerships, adding that protecting her supporters' trust would remain her top priority.Royal Mint, who is affiliated with the Royal Matrix Rehabilitation Centre, also issued a statement this week after promoting a company that claimed to assist with migration opportunities abroad. He expressed regret for failing to verify the organisation's legitimacy."I acted in good faith and had no knowledge that the company would not fulfil its promises," he said. "I take full responsibility for not conducting proper background checks. Your trust means everything to me, and I deeply regret that this situation has compromised that trust."Mabrijo offered a similar apology, stating that she had been unaware of the fraudulent nature of the company she advertised. She acknowledged the harm caused and expressed remorse for not adequately vetting the business beforehand.The apologies come amid a growing number of cases in which local influencers have found themselves entangled in fraudulent schemes. Several socialites have recently been summoned to court as witnesses in cases involving scams they unknowingly helped promote.The situation has reignited calls for tighter industry standards and better due diligence practices among public figures who monetise their online platforms. Die Blendung was translated into English as Auto da Fea preferred punishment of the Inquisitionthough E Were in a high-rise showroom-clean apartment with wall-spanning windows overlooking Fifty-Second Street from twenty-three flight Dear Eric: I allowed the daughter of a cousin, with whom I am not close, to move in with me while she finishes college. When she moved in last January it was supposed to be for a semester, but this is the longest semester I have ever seen. We had an incident where she left gobs of hair all over my bathroom, which I had to clean up. I told her via text I didnt like it. She walked around my house for weeks so angry with me, and when I said something to her as she was leaving the house, she slammed the door in my face. There were other incidents. When she moved in, she had at least nine big boxes in my living room. I have been asking for around seven months for her to move them, and she wont. So, we had a big blow-up because of that and now she is walking around sullen. She said she has to keep her peace; she wont speak. She wont do her chores anymore, either. I want her to leave. Shes just plain rude. Am I wrong? Bad Housemate Dear Housemate: It seems like shes fallen into the pattern of being the sullen teenager, making you the nagging parent. But youre not her parent and, if shes finishing college, shes probably not a teenager either. Shes a guest in your home and she needs to treat the home and you with respect. If she wont contribute to the order of the home and wont communicate with you, then its not working, and you should tell her that. She doesnt get a free pass. If you want to give her another chance before asking her to leave, then its time to have a state of the arrangement conversation where you lay out what your expectations are and ask her if she can accept those. Also state that there are consequences to the agreement not being honored, namely that this wouldnt be a place where she was able to stay any longer. Lastly, get a timeline. How long is this degree going to take? How many credits does she have left? From your letter, however, it sounds like youre fed up and thats fine. Were coming up on the end of another semester. This may be the right time for her to find another option. Because your cousin made the arrangement, you might also loop her in so shes not blindsided and so she can help her daughter to take responsibility. My old friend is a great host, but her perfumed sheets kept me awake Dear Eric: I recently spent the night with an old friend. We had a 50-year anniversary visit. We are thrilled to be reunited. My friend went out of her way to make me welcome and comfortable in her home overnight. That included washing the bed linens having used fabric softener and/or dryer sheets. The bed was overwhelmingly perfumed by these products to the extent that I was coughing and effectively lost a nights sleep. The opportunity exists to spend more time in the future in her home, however, I cannot sleep in her guest room with those chemicals in play. How do you suggest I approach this one? No Aromas, Please Dear Aromas: The easiest way is probably to bring your own sheets/linens if you have the space in your luggage. And its fine to mention it in advance. Im sensitive to scents and chemicals, so Im going to bring my own sheets. I just wanted to let you know. I dont want you to go out of your way and I want to be rested enough to enjoy our time together. This also gives your friend the opportunity to modify the way she hosts. She might hear this and volunteer to wash the linens without fabric softener. Its easy enough to do. The most direct option is to ask her: would you mind not using any scented chemicals on the sheets in your guestroom? I list this option last not to be passive, but because it may not completely solve your issue. If shes using the fabric softener consistently on all her other laundry, there may be residual aromas that you pick up on. The bigger idea here is that good hosting and being a good guest are both reliant on clear communication. Guests and hosts shouldnt be afraid to ask for what they need, respectfully, reasonably, and kindly. It sounds like your friend was happy to do whatever she could to make you feel at home. It stands to reason, then, that shed be happy to make an adjustment if it made you even more comfortable. Likewise, it sounds like youre happy to do what you can to clear the path for a more enjoyable time. This is all good news. Enjoy your next visit. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com. News / National by Staff reporter The High Court of Zimbabwe has dismissed with costs a legal challenge to the Land Tenure Programme introduced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year.The six applicants, represented by Tendai Biti Law Chambers, had contended that the programme was unconstitutional, arguing that it violated sections 72, 293, and 297 of the Constitution. They further claimed that all land tenure matters should be approved by the Zimbabwe Land Commission and that agricultural land could not be disposed of without an Act of Parliament.Respondents countered that the applicants were operating under a mistaken assumption, asserting that the relevant Act of Parliament was indeed in place. They also argued that the executive is not bound by the recommendations of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, maintaining that the programme fell within the constitutional powers of the President.After hearing arguments from both sides, the High Court ruled that the application lacked merit and dismissed it with costs. The judgment was delivered in Harare in November 2025. UNDATED: In this handout photo supplied by the FBI, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Jonathan Luna is shown. Luna, 38, was found dead on Dec. 4, 2003, near Ephrata, Pennsylvania. (Photo by FBI via Getty Images) Getty Images A federal prosecutor whose body was recovered from a Lancaster County creek over 20 years ago was the victim of a homicide, according to newly unsealed reports. On Dec. 4, 2003, officials found the body of Jonathan Luna face down in a Brecknock Township creek. Autopsy and toxicology reports found Luna died of freshwater drowning/multiple stab wounds to the neck, according to Lancaster Online. Dr. Wayne K. Ross, Lancaster Countys forensic pathologist since 1993, determined Luna drowned and suffered multiple stab wounds and lacerations to his neck, chest and extremities. He also had blunt force trauma to his face, neck, genitals, arms and legs. Of the 36 stab wounds to Lunas body, 23 were to his neck. Four of those wounds went into the underlying neck structure below the tissue, according to the report. In the report, Ross described what he saw when he responded to the crime scene, LNP reported. I arrived at the scene off of Rt. 897 South at 10:00 a.m. The crime scene shows evidence of a vehicle near the creek. The victim is found lying in the creek facedown. There is evidence of flow patterns of blood and transferred blood identified around the face indicative of traumatic injury, Ross said. Excessive bloodstains are identified on or about the inside and outside of the car. Luna was wearing a black Timex watch on his left wrist, a gold wedding ring on his left ring finger, and a University of North Carolina Law, Class of 92 ring on his right ring finger, the story said. He also had $10 in cash on his person, but investigators did not find a cell phone or wallet. The toxicology report noted Luna had caffeine and acetone in his system. Three elected county coroners, two of whom have since died, and the current coroner, Dr. Stephen Diamantoni, have all agreed with Ross conclusions that the death was a homicide, Lancaster Online reported. Lunas life became the topic of podcasts, documentaries and books. A film, Midnight Ride of Jonathan Luna, was released in 2024. His death remains unsolved. A Lancaster County judge on Monday approved a motion by the county district attorneys office to lift the 2020 seal placed on the records. The DAs office previously said releasing the documents could jeopardize the investigation into Lunas death. Luna, born Oct. 21, 1965, in New York City, was an assistant United States attorney in Baltimore at the time of his death. He received an undergraduate degree from Fordham University before studying at the University of North Carolina School of Law. He worked for the Federal Trade Commission from 1994 to 1997 before serving as a prosecutor in Brooklyn. He then moved to Baltimore to become an assistant United States attorney. Luna married Angela Hopkins in August 1993. They had two children. The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, made up of 23 wineries located in the Shenandoah Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA), the oldest and largest in the state, presented the seventh Shenandoah Cup trophy to the top-rated wine submitted in its competition at a Celebration held on Nov. 14 at The Yellow Barn at Shenandoah Caverns in Shenandoah County. CrossKeys Vineyards 2024 Chardonnay won the Cup with the highest point score. Members submitted 60 wines for judging by a panel organized by Frank Morgan, a Virginia wine writer for various publications and the author of the Drink What You Like blog. Wines were judged in flights and scored on the 100-point Wine Spectator scale, according to a press release. The judging panel consisted of Paul Ting, Cassandra Kessman, Rachel Gendreau, Anna Keitzerow, Matthew Brown, Hailey Barkley, Kristen Thomas, Megan Hereford, Doug Zerbst, Erin Scala, Kenny Bumbaco and Kathy Wiedemann. Twenty-six wines won gold medals, 29 earned silver medals, and five earned a bronze medal. All wines must be made with 85% Shenandoah Valley grapes and produced by a member of the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. Vicki Ruckman, the secretary and event coordinator for the trail, said in an email that she joined the board in 2017, and at that time, they began to discuss a competition among the members, similar to the Governors Cup and Monticello Cup, as a way to publicize the quality of our wines. I met with someone who was involved in the Monticello Cup to learn how that competition was conducted and how they presented the winners to the public, she said. Under President Stephanie Pences leadership, we came up with a plan, and the first competition took place in 2019. Fifty wines were entered by eight members there were no limits on entries and judged by the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association. Because of some confusion on their part, we only honored the top six wines." A mild April day brought this crowd out to Barren Ridge Vineyards in Fishersville, Virginia. Barren Ridge Vineyards Barren Ridge 2015 Meritage won the first Cup during an event held at CrossKeys Vineyards. The next year, Morgan offered to oversee the judging. He now heads up the Virginia Governors Cup competition and is as familiar with Virginia, its wineries and the wines they produce as anyone else in the state. Cave Ridge won that year with its 2017 Petit Verdot in an event that was held online. Eventually, the event moved to the Barn at Shenandoah Caverns, providing the space to accommodate the competitions growth, which averages around 60 entries annually. This year, there were 26 gold medal winners submitted by 12 wineries. Noer Vineyards, the trails newest member and one that has yet to open its tasting room, submitted five 2024 wines, and four of them were awarded gold, and one of them was a Semillon. Joe Proctor, general manager of Shenandoah Caverns, welcomed this years crowd and spoke briefly about the competition. He introduced trail President Sally Cowal, co-owner of Muse Vineyards, who spoke about how the trail promotes the vineyards and wines grown and made in the Valley and contributes to the economy by attracting visitors from around the country. The goal of the Shenandoah Cup competition is to draw more attention to the Shenandoah Valley AVA by highlighting the superior growing conditions for wine grapes and the resulting wines that are being made from them. Matt Lohr, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture, presented the trophy to CrossKeys Vineyards owner Nikoo Bakhtiar and winemaker Andrew Bilenkij. As part of the evening, there was a silent auction with items/experiences donated by members and a live auction of the top six gold medalists. Proceeds will support the marketing efforts of the trail. The top six wines were CrossKeys 2024 Chardonnay, The Winery at Kindred Pointe 2023 Petit Verdot, Shenandoah Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Brix & Columns 2024 Cabernet Franc, Muse Vineyards 2021 Daughter of the Stars, and Cave Ridge 2019 Cabernet Franc. Ruckman said the increasing number of gold medals given out at the competition reflects the progress the Shenandoah Valley wineries are making. The Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail stretches from Winchester south to Natural Bridge, Virginia. Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail website One of the repeat judges this year (Wiedemann) said in a Facebook post: Ive definitely noticed that the rise in quality is definitely reflected in the wines from the Shenandoah Valley. Advantages of the valley include elevation yielding lower temperatures with cooler nights preserving acidity, rain shadow effect of mountains reducing rainfall, and severe weather yielding reduced disease pressure and more. Added Ruckman: "The older wineries have learned by trial and error which grapes and clones do best in their soil and which techniques in the cellar produce the best results. Some of the wineries, including newer ones like Noer, are taking that one step further and trying varieties not typical for our area. Wolf Gap planted Carmenere 2 years ago (success TBD), and Cave Ridge tried Sauvignon Blanc (unsuccessful) and Pinot Noir (very successful, it won gold this year). Last year Muse won the cup with a Vidal-heavy blend that was, per the winemakers notes, 'steel-fermented, unoaked wine. The distinct aroma comes from a small portion of Muscat Blanc a petit Grains grown on slate soils in our highest elevation vineyard. It is a splendid aperitif wine. Who would have thunk it?" She said that in addition to selling tickets to winery employees and the general public, the group sends complimentary invitations to wine writers and industry influencers so they can act as ambassadors after tasting the wines and meeting the owners and winemakers. Total attendance has grown from about 50 in 2019 to 160 this year. For the past two years, Ruckman said, we have offered samples of the top 6 wines to select writers, and all have written very favorable articles about them. Event sponsors for this years competition were First Bank and LD&B Financial Services. Gold medals were awarded to: Silver Medal Winners Barren Ridge Vineyards, Riesling 2024 Bluestone Vineyard, Chardonnay Stainless 2024, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Cabernet Franc 2023, Petit Verdot 2023, Houndstooth 2023 Briede Family Vineyards, Cayuga White 2024, Arandell Special Reserve 2023 Cave Ridge Vineyard: Chambourcin 2023 CrossKeys Vineyards: Cabernet Franc 2024, Joy White 2024, Meritage 2023 Great Valley Farm Winery: Mingle NV, Gruner Veltliner 2023 Muse Vineyards: Cabernet Franc 2021 Noer Vineyards: Riesling 2024 Rockbridge Vineyard: Tuscarora Red NV Shenandoah Vineyards: Petit Verdot 2022, Riesling 2021 The Winery at Kindred Pointe: Cabernet Franc 2023, Chardonnay 2023 Wisteria Farm & Vineyard: Persephone 2024, Artemis 2024, Viognier Oaked 2024 Wolf Gap Vineyard: Chateau Chardonnay 2024, Cabernet Sauvignon 2023, Riesling 2024, Chambourcin 2021 Bronze Medal Winners A boycott has been implemented against the hardware store chain. Jim Lowney | For NJ Advance Media The home improvement chain Home Depot has found itself responding to recent calls for customers to boycott its stores. They boycott is primarily coming from a campaign called We Aint Buying It. The self-described economic action and solidarity campaign is calling for a boycott of the chain due to it allowing and colluding with ICE to kidnap our neighbors on their properties. In an effort to dispel the issue, a Home Depot spokesperson reached out to Newsweek, saying, We arent coordinating with ICE or Border Patrol. But dont think Home Depot is the only big business facing a boycott. Since President Donald Trumps second administration took over, calls for boycotts of multiple American companies have been running rampant online. Activist groups have been calling for corporations to take accountability, and also restore diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. As a result, from Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) through Dec. 1, We Aint Buying It has officially aimed its boycotting efforts against Home Depot, Amazon and Target. A post on the We Aint Buying It website reads, This action is taking direct aim at Target, for caving to this administrations biased attacks on DEI; Home Depot, for allowing and colluding with ICE to kidnap our neighbors on their properties; and Amazon, for funding this administration to secure their own corporate tax cuts. In response, the Home Depot spokesperson told Newsweek that they arent notified that immigration enforcement activities are going to happen, and that they arent involved in the operations. A spokesperson for We Aint Buying It shot back, sharing a response with Newsweek that stated, Immigrants come to this country to get a fair shot at life, not to be arrested in parking lots of Home Depot. The extreme action is in response to the ICE raids that have been plaguing the country since Trump returned to office, as federal officials carry out the administrations harsh policies against immigrants. The Associated Press recently reported that Home Depot stores were a core spot to pick up legal and illegal immigrants looking for work as laborers. The outlet also reported that earlier in the year White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Home Depot was a target for immigration raids. Streets are blocked after reports that two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Anthony Peltier) AP WASHINGTON An Afghan national has been accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members just blocks from the White House in a brazen act of violence at a time when the presence of troops in the nations capital and other cities around the country has become a political flashpoint. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said at a Thursday news briefing that the guard members shot were Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. The guard members were hospitalized in critical condition after Wednesday afternoons shooting. Pirro said that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, drove across the country to launch an ambush-style attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. The suspect currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro said that its too soon to say what the suspects motives were. The charges could be upgraded, Pirro said, adding, We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge. The rare shooting of National Guard members on American soil, on the day before Thanksgiving, comes amid court fights and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administrations use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem. The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington. The suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. The 29-year-old suspect, an Afghan national, entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the U.S., many of whom had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. Lakamal has been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman. Prior to his 2021 arrival in the United States, the suspect worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, John Ratcliffe, the spy agencys director, said in a statement. He did not specify what work Lakamal did, but said the relationship ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation of U.S. servicemembers from Afghanistan. Kandahar in southern Afghanistan is in the Taliban heartland of the country. It saw fierce fighting between the Taliban and NATO forces after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 following the al-Qaida attacks on Sept. 11. The CIA relied on Afghan staff for translation, administrative and front-line fighting with their own paramilitary officers in the war. Wednesday night, in a video message released on social media, President Donald Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration. If they cant love our country, we dont want them, he said, adding that the shooting was a crime against our entire nation. Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, said on Wednesday investigators had no information on a motive. He said the assailant came around the corner and immediately started firing at the troops, citing video reviewed by investigators. This was a targeted shooting, Mayor Bowser said. Troops held down the shooter The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. Hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, Carroll said. It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect. At this point, we have no other suspects, Carroll said at a news conference. At least one of the guard members exchanged gunfire with the shooter, said another law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders performing CPR on one of the troops and treating the other on a sidewalk covered in broken glass. High school cafeteria worker Shirley Mease, right, stops to hug her granddaughter Teagan Porter as they shop for supplies to prepare 700 free Thanksgiving meals for community members Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in Nixa, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP By ADAM GELLER, AP National Writer She had it figured down to the last dollar. The looming insurance payment, balanced against the hard-earned paycheck. The cost of keeping her children fed, covered mostly with government SNAP assistance. And when Shelby Williams reviewed the family budget for November, she told herself that this month would truly be one for giving thanks. After living with her parents for more than two years, Williams and her two children were finally moving into an apartment of their own in her hometown of Reeds Spring, Missouri. They would celebrate with a Thanksgiving meal made by the kids, the grandparents joining them at the table. The funds for the needed groceries were all lined up until the federal government shut down on Oct. 1. Now Washington is running again. But as Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the relieved gratitude of families in Williams community, and the many others still recovering from the suspension of government paychecks and food assistance during the 43-day shutdown, is tempered by lingering stress and economic insecurity. Im thankful for my children and my job, and Im thankful for SNAP because it supplies food, said Williams, 32, who works as a paraprofessional in an elementary school. But with the way the world is, with the financial strain, it is hard to be thankful. The anxiety stirred by the shutdown persists in the lines at food pantries in this southwestern Missouri county and echoes through households nationwide. Dealing with the shutdowns fallout In South Florida, Darlene Castillo is still struggling to prop up her familys fragile finances after working without pay for seven weeks at the U.S. Customs Service. Kooper Keeland, 2, watches as his great-grandmother, high school cafeteria worker Shirley Mease, uses the kitchen at Reeds Spring High School to prepare 700 free Thanksgiving meals for community members Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Reeds Spring, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP To get by, she lined up at a mobile food bank, a first for her. She held off paying bills and canceled subscriptions. Family members sent money, and when one extended an invitation for Thanksgiving, she and her husband gratefully accepted, knowing that theyd be hard-pressed to host the holiday meal. Its a thankful time, Castillo said last week. Ill bring a dish because hopefully this week well get paid. And then well worry about Jan. 30. Thats when the funds just approved by Congress to reopen the government are set to run out, threatening yet another shutdown. In New Jersey, Kelvin McNeil is equally mindful that restored Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits could again be taken away. During the shutdown, McNeil said he got by on the modest stipend he receives as a trainee in a culinary program run by the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen. But attending classes meant missing the hours food pantries were open. His wife, who is disabled and counts on him to bring home SNAP-funded groceries, grew distraught. If it was any longer, I dont know what I wouldve done, said McNeil, whose relief is compounded by news that after months of radiation treatment, his prostate cancer is in remission. I got a lot to be thankful for right now. Community support for stretched resources In Williams Missouri community, a haven for retirees on modest fixed incomes, the lapse in SNAP funds has added to the pressures on families who stretch to buy daily necessities. In early November, a startling 428 families lined up at a drive-through food pantry run by Carrie Padilla and church volunteers, in a county with about 32,000 residents. About 12% of households in the county rely on SNAP benefits, but it is closer to 17% in rural areas. Though SNAP has been restored, many families registering for a Christmas toy drive run by Padillas nonprofit indicate that they are entering the holiday season without enough food. High school cafeteria worker Shirley Mease, right, is assisted by son-in-law Rick Porter, second from right, and granddaughters Kyndall Keeland, second from left, and Amarah McDonald, left, after shopping for supplies needed to make 700 free Thanksgiving meals for community members Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in Springfield, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP Almost everybody is antsy, Padilla said. Just because the government reopened, it doesnt mean that somebody has waved a wand and suddenly everythings all hunky-dory. That uncertainty has figured into Shirley Meases planning, as she prepares to host a free Thanksgiving feast at Reeds Spring High School. Mease and her family anticipate serving and delivering 700 meals, up from about 625 last year, to account for food insecurity worsened by the shutdown. I know [SNAP] is back in working order, but it will take time for that to really help people out, said Mease, 73, a semi-retired school cafeteria worker who has been providing the feast since 2009, drawing on community donations and volunteers. Especially in this area, the food banks are being hit very hard, so I just feel like this is a time to step it up a little bit, she said. Feeling the pressure without SNAP The pressure of trying to get through November without SNAP weighed on Williams in the weeks leading up to the holiday. She had planned the move to the new apartment for months, carefully balancing income and expenses to account for the $600 rent. The math worked, thanks in no small part to $450 in monthly benefits her family receives from SNAP. That covers their food bill after the two free meals served each school day. Kristal Porter, right, helps her mother, high school cafeteria worker Shirley Mease, load turkeys into the oven in the kitchen at Reeds Spring High School as they prepare 700 free Thanksgiving meals for community members Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Reeds Spring, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP As the shutdown stretched on, the Trump administration announced it would suspend November SNAP payments, despite judges orders to use available emergency funds. With her move days away, Williams started November with just $25 left in her SNAP account. She used the funds to buy bread, peanut butter, jelly and milk, and a friend with chickens gave her eggs. The fixings lasted through four nights of sandwich dinners. Then her parents stepped in to help. Williams tried to keep her stress hidden from her 11-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter. But it was hard to avoid tearing up or getting angry. What bills do I not pay so I can feed my children, because thats the priority, she said. Faced with a difficult choice There were other factors to consider, too. Williams said she loves her job, working with students in a special education classroom. In her off hours she is studying to become a teacher, a pursuit that required taking out a student loan. The suspension of SNAP confronted her with a difficult choice. She knew she could earn more at Walmart than doing the classroom job she treasures. But then Im giving up a part of my dream, she said. It never came to that. Three days after the shutdown ended, Missouri officials sent $217 to Williams SNAP account, just under half what she receives in an ordinary month. Kyndall Keeland reaches for a box of rice while shopping for supplies to make 700 Thanksgiving meals for community members Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, in Nixa, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP That helped refill her familys refrigerator, but it was not enough to afford the luxury of a Thanksgiving celebration. Williams held off paying a bill for car insurance, due at the months end, reserving the money in case it was needed for food. Then, last Friday morning, the remainder of the SNAP funds for November showed up in Williams account. Finally, she could exhale. She paid the insurance bill. Then she treated her children to ice cream. The anxiety that had weighed on Williams for weeks lingered. But it was still November, and her family had so much to be thankful for. By JOHN RABY, The Associated Press CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) West Virginia officials suspended a school vaccination mandate Wednesday after a judge ruled that parents can cite religious beliefs to opt out of vaccines required for their children to attend classes. In issuing a permanent injunction in a lawsuit filed in June, Raleigh County Circuit Judge Michael Froble on Wednesday said children of families who object to the states compulsory vaccination law on religious grounds will be allowed to attend school and participate in extracurricular sports. Froble ruled that a state policy barring parents from seeking religious exemptions violates the Equal Protection for Religion Act signed into law in 2023 by then-Republican Gov. Jim Justice. West Virginia was among just a handful of states that granted only medical exemptions from school vaccinations when Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued an executive order in January allowing religious exemptions. But the state Board of Education voted in June to direct public schools to ignore the executive order and instead follow long-standing school vaccine requirements laid out in state law. After Wednesdays ruling, the board said it hereby suspends the policy on compulsory vaccination requirements pending an appeal before the state Supreme Court. Wednesdays ruling is a win for every family forced from school over their faith, Morrisey, who was not a party in the lawsuit, said in a statement. Two groups had sued over Morriseys executive order, saying the Legislature, not the governor, has the authority to make such decisions. Legislation that would have allowed the religious exemptions was passed by the state Senate and rejected by the House of Delegates earlier this year. Froble said in his ruling that the failure of the legislation did not determine the application of the 2023 law. He rejected the defendants argument that religious exemptions can only be created by legislative action. Legislative intent is not absolute nor controlling in interpreting a statute or determining its application; at most, it is a factor, Froble said. Miranda Guzman and other parents sued the state and local boards of education and the Raleigh County schools superintendent. Guzman had obtained a religious exemption to the vaccine mandate from the state health department and enrolled her child in elementary school for the 2025-26 school year. But on June 17, Guzman received an email from the local school superintendent rescinding the certificate, according to the lawsuit. Froble issued a preliminary injunction in July allowing the children of the three plaintiffs families in Raleigh County to attend school. Last month, Froble certified the case as a class action involving 570 families who had sought and received religious exemptions in other parts of the state. He said the class action also applies to parents who seek religious exemptions in the future. Froble noted the total number of exemptions so far involved a small fraction of the statewide student population and would not meaningfully reduce vaccination rates or increase health risks. West Virginias school vaccination policy has long been heralded by medical experts as one of the most protective in the country for children. State law requires children to receive vaccines for chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough before starting school. At least 30 states have religious freedom laws, including one signed by Georgias governor in April. The laws are modeled after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, signed in 1993 by then-President Bill Clinton, which allows federal regulations that interfere with religious beliefs to be challenged. National Guard patrol on the National Mall near the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul) AP The two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot in Washington on Wednesday were among more than 2,000 troops deployed to the nations capital as part of President Donald Trumps crime-fighting mission that involved taking over the local police department. The president quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to the city after the shooting. The members were shot about two blocks from the White House. Officials said they were hospitalized in critical condition. Washingtons mayor said they were victims of a targeted shooting. Heres a look at the National Guards presence in Washington: Trump declared a public safety emergency but officials say crime was already falling Trump launched the deployment on Aug. 11 when he declared a public safety emergency and said his administration also would be removing homeless encampments. He said he aimed to reduce crime. But the citys attorney general said violent crime in the district reached 30-year lows last year and was down an additional 26% this year. West Virginia among several states with guardsmen in the district There were 2,188 troops assigned to the joint task force that took over the citys policing, according to the governments latest update. As of early November, the D.C. National Guard had the largest number on the ground with 949. West Virginia was next with 416 guardsmen. Last week, at least 160 West Virginia troops volunteered to extend their deployment to Dec. 31. The others returned to West Virginia on Nov. 17. Other states with forces in Washington early this month were Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Streets are blocked after reports that two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Anthony Peltier) AP Officials with several of the states told The Associated Press they planned to end their deployments by Nov. 30 but indicated that also depended on whether they received orders to extend their stay. The D.C. National Guard has had their deployment order renewed through the end of February. Military presence and landscaping Some troops have been armed and provided a military presence in public spaces, especially in federal parks, subway stations and Union Station. Others have done yard work, removed graffiti and cleaned parks. In early October, the joint task force said troops cleared 1,150 bags of trash, spread 1,045 cubic yards (0.8 cubic meters) of mulch, removed 50 truckloads of plant waste, cleared 7.9 miles (12.7 kilometers) of roadway, painted 270 feet (82 meters) of fencing and pruned 400 trees. Since then, most task force daily updates offered only new troop figures and no summaries of beautification efforts. Their presence has unnerved some residents, who see it as presidential overreach on law enforcement. Others say they approve, particularly of a contingent of National Guard troops focused on community improvement efforts. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat whose city budget and laws are determined by Congress, has walked a fine line between appeasing Trump and pushing back on the deployment. She has acknowledged that the campaign has helped push down crime, while arguing that the out-of-state National Guard deployment has not been an efficient use of those resources. Carrying handguns and rifles Some National Guard troops have been armed since late August. The military said some units on certain missions would have handguns and others would have rifles. These missions would include units on patrol throughout the capital. All units with firearms were trained and operating under strict rules for use of force, the military said. The joint task force said the militarys rules allowed force to be used only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. It said troops were committed to protecting the safety and well-being of Washingtons residents. Emergency personnel keep a presence following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein) AP Court battles On Nov. 20, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to end the deployment, saying it illegally intruded on local officials authority to direct law enforcement in the district. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb put her order on hold for 21 days to allow for an appeal. The District of Columbia had challenged the deployment, saying it was an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement. The lawsuit said it violated Washingtons Home Rule Act, signed by President Richard Nixon in 1973, and wrongly asserted federal control over units from other states. Cobb found that while the president does have authority to protect federal functions and property, he cant unilaterally deploy the D.C. National Guard to help with crime control as he sees fit or call in troops from other states. A Campbell's executive was fired this week after an audio recording of him denigrating the company's products and making racist remarks surfaced. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Getty Images For some, Campbells soup is synonymous with cold winter days or a warm and gooey grilled cheese sandwich. Martin Bally, a now-former executive at The Campbells Company, might not be included in that crowd. The conglomerate which owns brands including Campbells, Pepperidge Farm, Prego and Swanson on Wednesday announced Bally was terminated for ridiculing the companys products and making racist remarks, according to multiple news outlets. Audio from a November 2024 meeting between Bally and Robert Garza, a former employee who recently filed a lawsuit against Campbells in Michigan, captured Bally calling Campbells products highly processed food made for poor people, according to NBC News, CBS News and The Wall Street Journal. In the recording, which is more than 90 minutes long, Bally is also heard referring to Indian workers as idiots and making remarks about bioengineered meat, the stories said. Bally was employed as the companys vice president of information technology when the audio was recorded. The Campbells Company on Wednesday released an updated statement about the lawsuit and Ballys termination. After a review, we believe the voice on the recording is in fact Martin Bally. The comments were vulgar, offensive and false, and we apologize for the hurt they have caused. This behavior does not reflect our values and the culture of our company, and we will not tolerate that kind of language under any circumstances. As of November 25, Mr. Bally is no longer employed by the company, the statement said. In the Wednesday statement, Campbells also defended the quality of its products. We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it and the high-quality ingredients we use to provide consumers with good food at a good value. The comments heard on the recording about our food are not only inaccuratethey are patently absurd, the statement continued. The company added that the chicken meat in its soups comes from long-trusted, USDA-approved U.S. suppliers and meets our high quality standards. All Campbells soups are made with No Antibiotics Ever chicken meat. The company called any claims to the contrary completely false. Garza, who is seeking monetary damages from Campbells, claims he was wrongfully terminated in January after he reported Ballys comments to his manager, J.D. Aupperle, who is also included in the Michigan lawsuit. Garza had only worked for the company for a few months when he met with Bally to discuss his salary. After reporting Ballys comments, Garza was not encouraged to report the comments to the human resources department before he was abruptly terminated from employment later that month. Campbells said it learned of the litigation and heard segments of the audio on Nov. 20. Garza and his lawyer did not notify the company of the audio recording, Campbells statement said. WILLIAMSPORT A former township secretary/treasurer in Columbia County attributes her gambling addiction as the reason she will report to a federal prison in January. Linda L. Tarlecki, 63, of Aristes, was sentenced Wednesday to a year-and-a-day in prison on charges of federal tax evasion and bank fraud to which she had pleaded guilty. She is to self-report by Jan. 5. During the two years of supervised release that follows, Tarlecki must participate in a gambling addiction program, may not visit a casino or participate in any form of gambling. U.S. Middle District Judge Matthew W. Brann said it is his belief public service is a public trust. She abused her position of authority to benefit herself, he said. Tarlecki played a role in the disbandment of the board of auditors that resulted in township books going unaudited between 2014 and 2017, he noted. The judge called the restitution he ordered the most important part of the sentence. Tarlecki is required to pay $147,934, which was the bank fraud loss, and $39,493 to the Internal Revenue Service. She under reported her income in 2015, 2016 and 2017. The bank fraud count accused her of executing a scheme between 2013 and 2017 to obtain township money that was under the control of Fulton National Bank. Before his client was sentenced, attorney Robert A. Hoffa told the judge she had with her a check for $35,000 for the IRS. Tarlecki told the judge she took full responsibility for her actions, acknowledged her gambling addiction and said that she will have to live with this the rest of her life. Hoffa argued for a sentence of probation with home confinement claiming what she did was not a sophisticated scheme but basic bank fraud. He also cited her fathers ill health. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey W. MacArthur responded this was not a civil case and restitution was not enough. Her actions had a detrimental impact on the township financially, he said. The prosecutor disputed the basic bank fraud characterization, citing how she disguised payments and made an active effort to cover her tracks. Tarlecki was secretary/treasurer of Conyngham Township from 2006 to 2018 and between 2013 and 2017 was responsible for managing the funds, which included writing checks. She admitted writing checks to herself but falsely designating them as travel expenses and items she bought for the township. Her job did not require travel. The checks required two signatures and she would forge names including that of township supervisors, MacArthur said. Tarlecki created her own Internal Revenue Service W-2 to report her wages, he said. She tried to cover up the bank fraud income by listing it as business expenses, the prosecutor said. The investigation that led initially to state charges and then a 2022 federal indictment stemmed from two supervisors who took office in January 2018 being unable to find the townships financial records. A Harrisburg community center is working to help three children after their 31-year-old mother was fatally stabbed in the city earlier this week. The Bethesda Mission Community Center, alongside Children and Youth Services, is collecting donations for a 6-year-old girl, an 8-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy, according to a Facebook post. The following donations will be accepted on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the facility: Girls shirts, sizes 7-8 or 10-12 Girls pants, size 7-8 or 10-12 Mens small shirts Boys size 32 pants Anyone with questions about making donations can reach out to the community centers family coordinator Liz Gonzalez on Facebook or by email at egonzalez@bethesdamission.org. 6 1 / 6 Homicide in home on South 17th Street in Harrisburg Harrisburg police shortly after noon on Tuesday were dispatched to the 300 block of South 17th Street for a domestic incident, where they found the childrens mother dead. On Wednesday, the Dauphin County Coroners Office identified the woman as Violette Pierre, of Haiti. Pierre was in a relationship with her attacker, who was taken to the hospital in critical condition with self-inflicted wounds, according to investigators and the Dauphin County District Attorneys Office. As of Wednesday night, no charges have been filed. The suspects name and condition have not been publicly released. The homicide is the 11th reported in Harrisburg in 2025, compared to 20 at the same time last year. News / National by Staff reporter Bulawayo's city governance is mired in confusion following conflicting statements from the mayor and deputy mayor over the legality of recent council proceedings and the status of Town Clerk Christopher Dube's contract. The disputes have thrown the city's administration into disarray, with each official presenting sharply divergent accounts of the same events.Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu released a statement on Monday asserting that the council meeting held on November 5, 2025, was legal and that its resolution to extend Dube's contract by a potential five years is "legally binding." This directly contradicts Bulawayo Mayor David Coltart, who last week described a subsequent meeting held after he adjourned the session as "illegal," recounting scenes of "mayhem, uproar and shouting" where he claimed to have been personally threatened and prevented from leaving the chamber.At the heart of the conflict is a highly charged debate over the extension of Dube's contract, which was due to expire on November 30, 2025. Ndlovu contends that the issue has been under discussion for over a year. He said that in 2024, the Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe advised the council to align the Town Clerk's contract with the five-year terms common in government and parastatals. Bulawayo Council responded by amending the contract to allow for two potential five-year terms rather than the previous four-year arrangements. According to Ndlovu, additional extensions were planned via separate resolutions to accommodate the clerk reaching pensionable age.The matter became more complex following a letter from the Central Government on April 7, 2025, citing Statutory Instrument 197 of 2024, which raised the retirement age for public officials from 65 to 70 years. This prompted internal debates on whether the SI applied to fixed-term contracts like that of the Town Clerk. Ndlovu said the General Purposes Committee recommended extending Dube's contract by a year to November 2026 and proposed seeking legal opinion on whether further extensions could follow.During the full council meeting on November 5, 2025, the situation reportedly descended into disorder. Mayor Coltart described the meeting as being hijacked by intimidation, prompting him to adjourn and leave after claiming that councillors blocked his exit and issued threats. Deputy Mayor Ndlovu, however, painted a different picture, denying any threats or insults, and accused the mayor of abandoning his duties rather than restoring order. He said councillors had already signalled their support for the extension before Coltart left and that Councillor Mxolisi Mahlangu was appointed to chair the meeting in his absence. Under this leadership, councillors allegedly voted to extend Dube's contract by one year to November 2026 and a further four years to November 2030.Ndlovu defended the legality of the process, citing council authority to extend the contract as long as Dube did not exceed the legal retirement age of 70 and providing an attendance register of 28 councillors who participated in the decision. He argued that the council's resolutions were therefore binding and urged officials to prioritise service delivery over personal conflicts.Mayor Coltart, however, disputes this narrative, insisting that any meeting held after his adjournment was illegal. He claimed several councillors confided in him that they felt intimidated by a small group aggressively advocating the five-year extension.The standoff has exposed deep divisions within Bulawayo's city leadership, raising questions about procedural adherence, authority, and the management of the city's key administrative positions. Residents and observers are left to monitor whether the council can reconcile these differences or if the dispute will further undermine local governance and service delivery. WILLIAMSPORT A Pennsylvania College of Technology student has been charged criminally and banned from campus following a fireworks incident that resulted in the evacuation of a residence hall. Christopher Charles Greenawalt, 20, of Wellsboro, was arraigned Tuesday night on three counts of arson and one each of risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person and disorderly conduct. District Judge Kirsten Gardner banned him from Penn College property as a condition of his $50,000 unsecured bail. A photo of the Pennsylvania College of Technology campus. The residence hall where the explosion took place holds approximately 235 students, but with Tuesday being the last day of classes before the Thanksgiving break, many had already left. The charges are the result of an incident that sent city firefighters to Lancaster Hall, a four-story residence hall on campus, about 11:30 Tuesday morning. A Penn College police officer said he detected smoke upon entering the building, and the fire panel showed the alarm was coming from Room 135. The following is taken from the arrest affidavit: Greenawalt, a first-year student in a construction-related major, told police he and a friend had torn apart a firework, crushed the contents with a hammer, and repackaged it using electrical tape and zip ties. The device became lit when, as a joke, he held a lighter to it. He attempted unsuccessfully to stomp it out before it exploded. College and state police, along with the FBI, executed a search warrant on the room and discovered a duffel bag in Greenawalts bedroom. Inside were four separate plastic bags of suspected explosive material that were seized by state police. One had high explosive written on it. Also found were fuses and a large, emptied-out firework wrapped in electrical tape. Lancaster Hall was evacuated when the fire alarm went off and again upon the discovery of the items in the room, which is apartment-style, with five occupants. The other students have been relocated, a college spokesperson said. It is not known if Greenawalt was injured. The fire report states there was a burn mark and soot on the floor in Greenwalts bedroom, along with cardboard debris scattered about. The charges state damages exceeded $5,000 and included pellet-type holes in the wall. The residence hall holds approximately 235 students, but with Tuesday being the last day of classes before the Thanksgiving break, many had already left, the spokesperson said. 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 (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Author: Gregory A. Daddis, Texas A&M University In an unprecedented step, the Department of Defense announced online on Nov. 24, 2025, that it was reviewing statements by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat, who is a retired Navy captain, decorated combat veteran and former NASA astronaut. Kelly and five other members of Congress with military or intelligence backgrounds told members of the armed forces You can refuse illegal orders in a video released on Nov. 18, reiterating oaths that members of the military and the intelligence community swear to uphold and defend the Constitution. The legislators said they acted in response to concerns expressed by troops currently serving on active duty. President Donald Trump called the video seditious behavior, punishable by death. Retired senior officers like Kelly can be recalled to duty at any time, which would make it possible for the Pentagon to put Kelly on trial under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, although the Defense Department announcement did not specify possible charges. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote online that Kellys conduct brings discredit upon the armed forces and will be addressed appropriately. This threat to punish Kelly is just the latest move by the Trump administration against perceived enemies at home. By branding critics and opponents as disloyal, traitorous or worse, Trump and his supporters are resurrecting a playbook that hearkens back to Sen. Joseph McCarthys crusade against people he portrayed as domestic threats to the U.S. in the 1950s. As a historian who studies national security and the Cold War era, I know that McCarthyism wrought devastating social and cultural harm across our nation. In my view, repeating what I believe constitutes social and political fratricide could be just as harmful today, perhaps even more so. Targeting homegrown enemies In the late 1940s and early 1950s, many Americans believed the United States was a nation under siege. Despite their victory in World War II, Americans saw a dangerous world confronting them. The communist-run Soviet Union held Eastern Europe in an iron grip. In 1949, Mao Zedongs communist troops triumphed in the bloody Chinese civil war. One year later, the Korean peninsula descended into full-scale conflict, raising the prospect of World War III a frightening possibility in the atomic era. Anti-communist zealots in the U.S., most notably Wisconsin Republican Sen. McCarthy, argued that treasonous Americans were weakening the nation at home. During a February 1950 speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, McCarthy asserted that the traitorous actions of those who have been treated so well by this nation were undermining the United States during its final, all-out battle against communism. When communist forces toppled Chinas government, critics such as political activist Freda Utley lambasted President Harry Trumans administration for what they cast as its timidity, blundering and, worse, treason in high places. Conflating foreign and domestic threats, McCarthy claimed without evidence that homegrown enemies within our borders have been more responsible for the success of communism abroad than Soviet Russia. As ostensible proof, the senator pointed to American lives being lost in Korea and argued that it was possible to fully fight a war abroad and at the same time dispose of the traitorous filth and the Red vermin which have accumulated at home. Political opponents might disparage McCarthy for his dishonest and cowardly use of fractional fact and innuendo, but the Wisconsinite knew how to play to the press. Time and again, McCarthy would bombastically lash out against his critics as he did with columnist Drew Pearson, calling him an unprincipled liar, a fake and the owner of a twisted perverted mentality. While McCarthy focused on allegedly disloyal government officials and media journalists, other self-pronounced protectors of the nation sought to warn naive members of the public. Defense Department pamphlets like Know Your Communist Enemy alerted Americans against being duped by Communist Party members skilled in deception and manipulation. Virulent anti-communists denounced what they viewed as inherent weaknesses of postwar American society, with a clearly political bent. Republicans asserted that cowardly, effeminate liberals were weakening the nations defense by minimizing threats both home and abroad. Censure and worse In such an anxiety-ridden environment, red-baiting discrediting political opponents by linking them to communism spread across the country, leaving a trail of wrecked lives. From teachers to public officials, anyone deemed un-American by McCarthyites faced public censure, loss of employment or even imprisonment. Under the 1940 Smith Act, which criminalized promoting the overthrow of the U.S. government, hundreds of Americans were prosecuted during the Cold War simply for having been members of the Communist Party of the United States. The act also authorized the deportation of aliens, reflecting fears that communist ideas had seeped into nearly all facets of American society. The 1950 Internal Security Act, widely known as the McCarran Act, further emphasized existential threats from within. Disloyal aliens, a term the law left purposefully vague, could have their citizenship revoked. Communist Party members were required to register with the government, a step that made them susceptible to prosecution under the Smith Act. Immigrants could be detained or deported if the president declared an internal security emergency. Advocates called this policy preventive detention, while critics derided the act as a Concentration Camp Law, in the words of historian Masumi Izumi. Scapegoating outsiders The scaremongering wasnt just about peoples political views: Vulnerable groups, such as gay people, were also targeted. McCarthy warned of links between communists and queers, asserting that sexual perverts had infested the U.S. government, especially the State Department, and posed dangerous security risks. Closeted gay or lesbian employees, the argument went, were vulnerable to blackmail by foreign governments. Fearmongering also took on a decidedly racist tone. South Carolina Governor George Bell Timmerman, Jr., for instance, argued in 1957 that enforcing Negro voting rights would promote the cause of communism. Three years later, a comic book titled The Red Iceberg insinuated that communists were exploiting the tragic plight of Black families and that the NAACP, a leading U.S. civil rights advocacy group, had been infiltrated by the Kremlin. Conservatives like Arizona Sen. Barry Goldwater criticized the growing practice of using federal power to enforce civil rights, calling it communist-style social engineering. A new McCarthyism While its never simple to draw neat historical parallels from past eras to the present, it appears McCarthy-like actions are recurring widely today. During the Red Scare, the focus was on alleged communists. Today, the focus is on straightforward dissent. Critics, both past and present, of President Donald Trumps actions and policies are being targeted. At the national level, Trump has called for using military force against the enemy from within. On Sept. 30, 2025, Trump told hundreds of generals and admirals who had been called to Quantico, Virginia, from posts around the world that the National Guard should view Americas dangerous cities as training grounds. The Trump administration is making expansive use of the McCarran Act to crack down on immigrants in U.S. cities. White House adviser Stephen Miller has proposed suspending the constitutionally protected writ of habeas corpus, which entitles prisoners to challenge their detentions in court, in order to deport illegal aliens, alleging that the U.S. is under invasion. In my home state of Texas, political fearmongering has taken on an equally McCarthyesque tone, with the Legislature directing the State Board of Education to adopt mandatory instruction on atrocities attributable to communist regimes. Perhaps it is unsurprising, then, that right-wing activist Laura Loomer has unapologetically called for making McCarthy great again. Disagreement is democratic The history of McCarthyism shows where this kind of action can lead. Charging political opponents with treason and calling the media an enemy of the people, all without evidence, undercuts democratic principles. These actions cast certain groups as different and dehumanize them. Portraying political rivals as existential threats, simply for disagreeing with their fellow citizens or political leaders, promotes forced consensus. This diminishes debate and can lead to bad policies. Americans live in an insecure world today, but as I see it, demonizing enemies wont make the United States a safer place. Instead, it only will lead to the kind of harm that was brought to pass by the very worst tendencies of McCarthyism. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com/pentagon-investigation-of-sen-mark-kelly-revives-cold-war-persecution-of-americans-with-supposedly-disloyal-views-265964. When Donald Trump won the presidency, a new regime had to be assembled. The Cabinetone of the most consequential bodies in American governancewas filled not with independent thinkers or seasoned public servants, but with loyalists molded in his image. In my view, they are clones of Trump: echoing his bravado, his disdain for truth, and his appetite for spectacle over substance. Authenticity has vanished. In its place, we see bullying, bragging, and gaslightingbecause thats what Trump rewards. And most of them are all in. They lie, even when the truth is obvious. They lie because its easier. They lie because its expected. And they lie because they know there will be no consequences. Whats most disturbing is the arrogancean arrogance not earned through knowledge, experience, or competence, but through proximity to power. When asked a legitimate question about their responsibilities, they might as well shrug and say, What he said. Their silence in the face of falsehoods is deafening. It tells me everything I need to know. These officials were entrusted with lifting up the broken and the struggling across all of America. Instead, they wield cruelty like a badge of honorespecially toward those who dare to disagree. They invoke religion and the Bible with performative piety, but their actions betray a hollow faith. The words are on their lips, but not in their hearts. I dont believe they all intended to fall down this rabbit hole. But they did. And now, theyve learned to rationalize anything. Why do they stay? In my opinion, it comes down to three things: Blinded Egos, Potomac Fever, and Bags of Cash. This is what happens when elections are treated like reality shows instead of solemn civic decisions. Elections have consequences. And were living them. Pete Begley, Morristown, Pa. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) smiles after throwing a touchdown pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola) AP When the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Chicago Bears on Black Friday, Jalen Hurts will be thankful to reunite with a few special guests on the Lincoln Financial Field sidelines. Hurts recently visited Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia and met up with three patients who helped him design custom cleats for the NFLs My Cause, My Cleats initiative. A video posted to the Eagles social media channels on Wednesday showed CHOP patients Amir, Sophia and Angelo collaborating with Hurts on blue Nike cleats. Then, Hurts surprised them with tickets and passes to the Eagles game vs. the Bears. While you guys are fighting and staying upbeat and staying positive, Ill be working, and Ill see you guys on the 28th, Hurts said. One of the children responded: I might watch you on the TV. Oh no, no, no, Hurts said. Im talking about on the field. And Im going to wear the cleats. That sound cool to yall? ... Make sure to put it on your calendar, and I cant wait to see you guys. Hurts and the Eagles kick off against the Bears at 3 p.m. Friday (FOX). 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) AP Pennsylvania billionaire Jeffrey Yass was among those who contributed to President Donald Trumps $14 million transition fund. Yass, who is the states richest resident, was one of 46 individuals who helped back Trumps transition, according to a report in the New York Times. Publication of the list which includes other billionaires and individuals who are now part of Trumps administration on Wednesday came a year after Trump publicly promised to disclose the donors. Yass, of Bala Cynwyd, has risen to prominence as a major Republican campaign donor in recent election cycles. In 2024 he was the sixth biggest campaign mega-donor nationally, contributing $100 million to candidates up and down the ballot, according to the news organization Notus. Yass is co-founder of the Susquehanna International Group and a major investor in Chinese-owned internet technology company ByteDance, of which TikTok is a subsidiary. Yass also contributed at least $2.5 million to Trumps controversial $300 million White House ballroom, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. Other transition donors included Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Transition team members refused to sign an agreement with the General Services Administration that would have required publication of names of contributors and donation amounts within 30 days of the inauguration, the Times reported. President Trump greatly appreciates his supporters and donors; however, unlike politicians of the past, he is not bought by anyone and does whats in the best interest of the country, Danielle Alvarez, a Trump transition spokesperson said in a statement to the Times. Any suggestion otherwise is simply false. News / National by Staff reporter Ambassador Thomas Bvuma, a distinguished diplomat, liberation struggle stalwart and acclaimed author, has died.Born and educated in Manicaland, Bvuma attended St Augustine's School in Penhalonga before enrolling at the then University of Rhodesia. His academic journey was cut short in 1976 when he left the country during his second year of study to join the liberation struggle. After crossing into Mozambique, he arrived at Doroi Refugee Camp before moving to Chimoio Military Base for politico-military training. His leadership potential and ideological commitment saw him selected for advanced training at the Chitepo Ideological College.As the liberation war intensified, ZANU leadership through President Emmerson Mnangagwa identified Bvuma as part of a cohort of cadres who would later take up key roles in rebuilding the nation. In 1977, he was sent to Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo to resume his studies as part of broader preparations for post-independence national development.After independence in 1980, Bvuma served in the Office of the President and Cabinet as Chief Press Officer before joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. He went on to represent Zimbabwe in Brazil, where he played a major role in strengthening diplomatic ties during a period when the country faced Western-imposed sanctions following the land reform programme.His diplomatic achievements included helping secure the "More Food for Africa" programme, under which Brazil supplied agricultural equipment to Zimbabwe. The initiative bolstered local farming capacity and cushioned the country against the economic impact of sanctions.Ambassador Bvuma later served as Vice-Chairman of the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, his final public appointment.He was also a celebrated writer and one of the few liberation war cadres to publish detailed accounts of the struggle from an insider's viewpoint. Last year, the Institute of African Knowledge and the Museum of African Liberation launched his historical book The Chosen Generation, adding to his earlier poetry collection The Tale That Turns. His unpublished manuscript, Chimurenga II Armed Struggle, cemented his reputation as an important chronicler of Zimbabwe's liberation history.Funeral arrangements and details of his burial are expected to be announced by the family in due course. Is AI Killing Poker Content? | PokerNews Podcast #927 Chad Holloway PR & Media Manager Copy link In the 927th episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway is joined by Connor Richards at Level 9 Studios to talk about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) when it comes to poker content. The discussion stems from the recent controversy involving the World Series of Poker (WSOP) documentary 'No Limit', in which showrunner Dustin Iannotti admittedly used AI in edits involving Alan Keating's quotes. The show was pulled from YouTube by the WSOP as a result, and opened up a whole can of worms. PokerNews also pissed off Shaun Deeb with an AI oops of our own, while ClubWPT Golds tweet stirred up a heated debate about marketing, women in poker, and more. It was a debate that Abby Merk jumped into headfirst while at the Asian Poker Tour (APT), where she booked a tournament win! From there, you can see highlights from the 2nd Annual Big Deal for One Drop Charity Event during F1 Las Vegas, which involved Phil Hellmuth, Jennifer Tilly, and Antonio Esfandiari, just to name a few. Oh, and the title came down to Deeb and Squid Games: The Challenge star Steven Jones. Watch to find out who won! Chad and Connor then recap recent tournament wins by Aaron Johnson and Jake Long at MSPT Ameristar East Chicago, Felipe Boianovsky taking down the Brazilian Series of Poker (BSOP) $50K Super High Roller, and Ted Jackson-Spivack claiming three CMSOP titles before they share what they're thankful for on this Thanksgiving holiday. Find out all about those stories and more in this week's episode of the PokerNews Podcast! PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to A newPodcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode! Time Stamps Tell us who you want to hear from. Let us know what you think of the show tweet about the podcast using #PNPod, and be sure to follow Chad Holloway on X. Subscribe to the PokerNews Podcast on Apple Podcasts here! You can also find us on Spotify as well as our new page on SoundCloud! Share this article Now You See Me: Now You Dont News / National by Staff reporter Veteran opposition activist and former MDC-T branch secretary Jonsai Rice has died. He was 79.Rice, a well-known opposition figure in Gutu, passed away at around 1am on Monday at his home in Guzha Village near Gonye under Chief Nyamandi. He had been bedridden since 2017 and had suffered from a prolonged illness that began in 2012. His son, Onesmo Rice, confirmed the death.Rice was widely respected within opposition circles for his courageous political activism during a period when supporting the opposition in rural areas was dangerous. As a polling agent and community organiser for the MDC-T, he endured repeated threats and harassment from Zanu PF supporters, particularly during violent election seasons that left many Gutu opposition activists injured.Family members said Rice was among several villagers in Ward 19 who were blacklisted from receiving government aid because of their political affiliation. Despite intimidation and attempted ostracisation, he remained steadfast in his support for Nelson Chamisa and continued to mobilise quietly even after his health deteriorated.Rice, who was the brother-in-law of Masvingo Urban Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe, leaves behind his wife and eight children.Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-27 13:02:13 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 414 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. ("Alexandria" or "the Company") (NYSE:ARE) and certain of its officers.Class DefinitionThis lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Alexandria securities between January 27, 2025 and October 27, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/ARE Case DetailsThe Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of the Company's Long Island City (LIC) property; (2) The Company's claims and confidence regarding the leasing value of the LIC property as a life-science destination were misleading and lacked a reasonable basis, particularly in connection with ARE's Megacampus strategy; and (3) As a result, Defendants' statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/ARE or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Alexandria you have until January 26, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There 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 Miller332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-27 09:50:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 988 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / As the founder and CEO of Webster Marketing Solutions, he has built a reputation for helping businesses clarify their identity, strengthen their presence, and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive digital environment.In an era where brands compete for attention across countless platforms, Douglas Salinas Webster has become a trusted voice in the world of modern marketing. As the founder and CEO of Webster Marketing Solutions, he has built a reputation for helping businesses clarify their identity, strengthen their presence, and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive digital environment. His work has not only influenced the marketing landscape but has also inspired positive change in communities that often stand at the margins of opportunity.Douglas brings more than fifteen years of hands-on experience to the field. His approach is rooted in a clear belief that marketing should be accessible, strategic, and deeply human. For him, success begins with understanding people, respecting their stories, and elevating voices that deserve to be heard. This mindset has shaped both his leadership style and the mission of Webster Marketing Solutions, turning the firm into a growing force in the world of brand strategy.A Career Built on Curiosity and CommitmentDouglas's interest in marketing began early in life. His parents operated a small business that served local customers in a close-knit community, and he spent many of his childhood days watching them manage both the struggles and the rewards of entrepreneurship. He learned that trust, communication, and consistent effort were the cornerstones of customer loyalty. Even before he formally entered the field, he understood that marketing was more than promotion. It was connection.He later pursued a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on consumer behavior and communication strategies. His passion for understanding how people think, choose, and relate to brands led him to explore marketing as both an art and a science. After gaining experience in the field, he continued his studies at Harvard Business School, completing an MBA in Marketing Strategy that expanded his expertise in brand development and long-term business growth.Experience That Shaped a LeaderBefore launching his own firm, Douglas spent several years in leadership and consulting roles, including a position at McKinsey & Company. There, he collaborated with major corporations across multiple industries, helping them refine their strategies, identify emerging market opportunities, and adjust to a rapidly changing digital world. His work exposed him to large-scale brand transformations and introduced him to leaders who understood the importance of innovation.However, Douglas soon realized that smaller businesses and underrepresented founders often lacked access to the same strategic support available to large corporations. He felt compelled to bridge that gap by creating a firm that offered high-quality marketing expertise to businesses of all sizes. That conviction became the foundation of his next chapter.The Launch of Webster Marketing SolutionsIn 2016, Douglas launched Webster Marketing Solutions in San Francisco. His goal was clear. He wanted to build a firm that prioritized authenticity, accountability, and strategic clarity. He believed that marketing should uplift brands, empower entrepreneurs, and create positive economic impact across communities. Today, Webster Marketing Solutions supports clients across technology, retail, professional services, education, and nonprofit sectors. The firm is known for its ability to bring structure, creativity, and purpose to every project, regardless of the client's size or background. Douglas remains deeply involved in each engagement, ensuring that every strategy aligns with the client's long-term goals."We work side-by-side with our clients," Douglas says. "Our goal is to become partners in their success and help them build meaningful, lasting relationships with their customers." A Full-Service Firm with a Human-Centered Mission:Webster Marketing Solutions offers a comprehensive suite of services that include:Brand strategy and identity developmentDigital marketing and search visibilitySocial media management and audience engagementContent creation and storytellingMarket research and customer insightsCustomer retention and loyalty programsWebsite optimization and user experience strategiesEach service is designed to meet clients where they are. Whether a business needs to rebuild its image, expand into new markets, or strengthen its digital footprint, Douglas leads his team in tailoring strategies that reflect the brand's voice, mission, and values.A Leader Who Understands the Power of StorytellingDouglas is widely recognized for his ability to take complex information and transform it into compelling narratives. He believes every brand has a unique story and that the role of a marketer is to bring that story to life. His storytelling approach blends creativity with insight, using research, data, and real-world experience to build strategies that feel both imaginative and practical. "Customers want honesty and connection," Douglas says. "If a brand can communicate clearly and authentically, it can earn trust and lasting loyalty." This philosophy has resonated with clients who appreciate the firm's commitment to clarity, consistency, and thoughtful communication.A Commitment to Community ImpactBeyond business growth, Douglas has dedicated much of his career to supporting underserved entrepreneurs, particularly those from immigrant and minority communities. Inspired by his own upbringing, he understands the barriers that many small business owners face, from limited resources to lack of marketing knowledge. Through free workshops, mentorship programs, and partnerships with community organizations across the San Francisco Bay Area, he has helped dozens of entrepreneurs gain the confidence to market their businesses effectively. He continues to advocate for inclusive business practices and believes that every community benefits when small businesses have the tools and support they need to grow."Success should not depend on where someone starts," Douglas explains. "When we help people build their businesses, we are strengthening the fabric of our entire community." A Vision for the FutureLooking ahead, Douglas plans to expand Webster Marketing Solutions into new markets while maintaining the firm's commitment to customized, people-centered service. He is exploring new technologies, training programs, and PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-27 13:02:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1003 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 /ESGold Corp. ("ESGold" or the "Company") (CSE:ESAU)(Frankfurt:Z7D)(OTCQB:ESAUF) is pleased to announce that the Company intends to proceed with a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,500,000 flow-through common shares of the Company (the "FT Shares") at a price of C$0.85 per FT Share for gross proceeds of up to $2,975,000 (the "Offering"). Red Cloud Securities Inc. will be acting as a finder in connection with the Offering.The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering to fund the exploration on the Company's Montauban Property in Quebec. The gross proceeds from the sale of the FT Shares will be used for Canadian exploration expenses as defined in paragraph (f) of the definition of "Canadian exploration expense" in subsection 66.1(6) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures", as defined in subsection 127(9) of the Income Tax Act (Canada) that will qualify as "flow-through mining expenditures" as defined in section 359.1 of the Taxation Act (Quebec) (the "Qualifying Expenditures"), which will be incurred on or before December 31, 2026 and renounced to the purchasers of FT Shares with an effective date no later than December 31, 2025 in an aggregate amount not less than the gross proceeds raised from the issue of the FT Shares.The Company may pay finder's fees to eligible finders in connection with the Offering.The Offering is expected to close on or about December 8, 2025. Closing of the Offering is subject to various conditions, including receipt of all necessary corporate and regulatory approvals, including the Canadian Securities Exchange. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable securities legislation.About ESGold Corp. ESGold Corp. (CSE:ESAU)(OTCQB:ESAUF)(FSE:Z7D) is a fully permitted, fully funded, pre-production mining company advancing a scalable clean mining model across North and South America. The Company's flagship Montauban Gold-Silver Project in Quebec is under construction with production anticipated in 2026. ESGold is also advancing a joint venture in Colombia, validating one of South America's most prolific gold regions for tailings reprocessing and systematic exploration. With a dual-track strategy of cash flow today and discovery tomorrow, ESGold is building a platform for clean, sustainable growth and long-term shareholder value.For more information, please contact ESGold Corp. at +1-888-370-1059 or visit esgold.com for additional resources, including a French version of this press release, past news releases, a 3D model of the Montauban processing plant, media interviews, and opinion-editorial pieces.Stay connected by following us on X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and joining our Telegram channel.For further information or to connect directly, please reach out to Gordon Robb, CEO of ESGold Corp. atgordon@ esgold.comor call 250-217-2321.On behalf of the Board of DirectorsESGold Corp.Paul MastantuonoChairman & COOinfo@ esgold.com +1-888-370-1059Forward Looking StatementsThis news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the proceeds from the Offering and the intended use thereof; the intention and timing related to incurring Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation thereof; and the payment of possible finders fees.These forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company's operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption "Risks Factors" in the Company's continuous disclosure documents filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and op PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-27 13:01:54 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 421 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC, a nationally recognized law firm, notifies investors that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Freeport-McMoRan Inc. ("Freeport" or "the Company") (NYSE:FCX) and certain of its officers.Class DefinitionThis lawsuit seeks to recover damages against Defendants for alleged violations of the federal securities laws on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired Freeport securities between February 15, 2022 and September 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Such investors are encouraged to join this case by visiting the firm's site: bgandg.com/FCX Case DetailsThe Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Freeport did not adequately ensure safety at the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Indonesia; (2) the lack of proper safety precautions constituted a heightened risk that could foreseeably lead to the death of Freeport's workers; (3) this constituted an undisclosed heightened risk of regulatory, litigation, and reputational risk; and (4) as a result, defendants statements about Freeport-McMoRan's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.What's Next?A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to review a copy of the Complaint, you can visit the firm's site: bgandg.com/FCX or you may contact Peretz Bronstein, Esq. or his Client Relations Manager, Nathan Miller, of Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC at 332-239-2660. If you suffered a loss in Freeport you have until January 12, 2026, to request that the Court appoint you as lead plaintiff. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff.There 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 Miller332-239-2660 | info@ bgandg.com SOURCE: Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman, LLC PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-27 20:00:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 776 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / November 27, 2025 / On November 17, 2025, James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE:JHX) announced the departure of its CFO (Rachel Wilson) who was immediately replaced by outsider Ryan Lada.This development follows the 34% August 20, 2025 collapse in James Hardie's share price and the class-action lawsuit filed against it and certain of its executives, alleging Defendants committed securities fraud by misleading investors about inventory levels and customer demand in its crucial North American segment.Hagens Berman is investigating the alleged claims and urges investors in James Hardie who suffered significant losses to contact the firm now.Read more about the issue facing JHX investors, Alleged Inventory Deception: Investors Claim James Hardie Concealed Weak Demand.Class Period: May 20, 2025 - Aug. 18, 2025Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Dec. 23, 2025Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/jhx Contact the Firm Now: JHX@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895The James Hardie Industries (JHX) Securities Class ActionJames Hardie Industries plc is the dominant producer of fiber cement building materials in the U.S..The lawsuit, Laborers' District Council & Contractors' Pension Fund of Ohio v. James Hardie Industries plc., et al., 25-cv-13018 (N.D. Ill.), filed on behalf of all investors who purchased or acquired James Hardie common stock-which converted from American Depositary Shares on July 1, 2025-between May 20, 2025, and August 18, 2025 (the "Class Period"), seeks damages for violations of Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5.The action centers on James Hardie's North America Fiber Cement segment, which the company states generates about 80% of its total earnings. The plaintiffs allege that despite the company starting to observe significant inventory destocking by its North American channel partners in April and early May 2025, management publicly denied the trend and assured investors of the segment's sustained strength.Specifically, the complaint highlights statements made by company executives on or around May 20 and 21, 2025, which it claims falsely represented that customer demand remained robust and expressly denied that inventory destocking was occurring. The plaintiffs contend that these assurances concealed an underlying problem: sales were artificially inflated by "inventory loading by channel partners, with the hallmarks of fraudulent channel stuffing," rather than genuine, sustainable customer demand.This alleged deception came to a head on August 19, 2025, when James Hardie belatedly disclosed a sharp decline in performance. The company reported that sales in the North America Fiber Cement division had dropped by 12%, attributing the decline to the very customer destocking it had previously denied, which management now admitted had been discovered "in April through May." Company CEO and Executive Director Aaron Erter sought to frame the downturn as a "normalization of channel inventories," but cautioned that the impact was expected to affect sales for at least the next two quarters.The market's reaction was severe and swift. Following the disclosure, James Hardie's common stock dropped by over 34%.The plaintiffs argue that this precipitous decline-and the significant losses suffered by investors-was a direct result of the defendants' alleged wrongful acts and omissions during the Class Period. The lawsuit aims to recover damages on behalf of the Class Members who were financially injured by the sudden reversal of the company's reported financial health.Hagens Berman's Investigation on Behalf of InvestorsHagens Berman is actively investigating the alleged claims."We want to know if James Hardie's sales were fueled by unsustainable sales practices and whether senior management was aware of the problem," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in James Hardie and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the James Hardie case and our investigation, read more Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding James Hardie should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email JHX@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens Berman Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact: Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State on Wednesday flew one of the states two newly acquired aircraft from Abuja to the states airport at Amassoma, near Yenagoa. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the ATR-72/600 aircraft, which is for commercial purposes, had 50 passengers and crew on board. The aircraft, acquired by Pioneer Airlines and bankrolled by Premium Trust Bank for the state, will operate mainly on Lagos and Abuja routes. The immediate past deputy governor of the state, Gboribiogha John-Jonah, a retired rear admiral, and members of the states National Assembly Caucus, including the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri, were on board the aircraft. Others were the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, President, Ijaw National Congress, Ben Okaba and the National Chairman, Pan Nigerian Delta Forum, Boladei Igali. Mr Diri described the inauguration as historic, as it underscored his administrations commitment to connect the people of the state to other parts of the country and the world by air. According to him, Six years ago, we promised the people of Bayelsa air connectivity and opportunities. Today, Bayelsa is launching its own commercial air services. On behalf of your Government of Renewed Hope for Assured Prosperity, I am delighted to commission the first of two ATR72/600 aircraft, each configured to carry 72 passengers and crew. This achievement marks the beginning of a new era of connectivity for Bayelsa. It will bring regular and reliable air services that fuel modern commerce and development, connecting businesses to new markets, and empowering our people to thrive, he said. The governor explained that he had directed the aircraft to be registered under the name Air Bayelsa or Bayelsa Air before commencing operations. He added that the story would not be complete without acknowledging the pioneering role of his predecessors, particularly the late Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who conceptualised an airport at the current location. In his remarks, the Managing Director of Bayelsa Airport Limited, Nelson Calmday, a retired air vice-marshal, said the airline would not only operate the Lagos and Abuja routes daily but also other Niger Delta states. Also, the Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Henry Ungbuku, said the company was glad to have met the aspirations of the people of the state and the Niger Delta. He thanked Governor Diri for believing in him and the airline and for entrusting him with the responsibility of operating the state-owned aircraft, assuring that he would not let Bayelsa down. The Managing Director and CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Emmanuel Emefienim, said it was a remarkable achievement to have played a strategic role in the acquisition of the aircraft. Similarly, Senator, Konbowei Benson, who spoke on behalf of the Bayelsa National Assembly Caucus, hailed the governors vision and pledged the caucuss support for the state governments developmental efforts. Mr Lokpobiri lauded Mr Diri and urged the state government to sustain the airlines flight operations by ensuring that government officials pay for flying the aircraft. Mr Ogbuku described the development as a welcome one, adding that it would connect the people of the state to other parts of the country. At dawn in early October, in Itasin, Ogun State, Neye Afolabi set out for his farm, just a short walk from his home. But before he could begin tending his crops, a herd of elephants emerged from the forest and trampled through his farmland. I could not work on my farm this morning because of elephants, he said. I ran away and was watching them from afar. I waited for about an hour, hoping that they would leave so I could do my days work. They did not leave. Instead, they were busy destroying it and eating my crops. Many residents of Itasin, a rural community in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, have either had their farms destroyed, been physically attacked, or narrowly escaped encounters with elephants that wander in from the nearby forest reserve. The conflict is largely driven by illegal farming and commercial logging inside the reserve, which has pushed some elephants into surrounding communities and disrupted the habitat for those that remain. Established in 1925, Omo Forest became Nigerias first United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Biosphere Reserve in 1977. It is a rainforest home to rare and endangered species, including an estimated 100 African forest elephants, white-throated guenons, 125 bird species, and more than 200 tree species, along with various butterfly populations. Satellite data from the University of Maryland shows that the forest lost more than 7 per cent of its tree cover between 2001 and 2018. On 28 July, Yaya Musa Kalamu, a resident of the area, was killed by an elephant while felling trees for commercial purposes inside the forest. Conservation workers recall that on 13 May, 2018, a group of 15 elephants migrated from the Omo Forest Reserve to the Itasin community. The movement, they say, was driven by continuous illegal logging and farming-related deforestation within the reserve, a period that coincided with documented tree-cover fragmentation. That year, the loggers invaded the core of the elephant zone, and they were forced to migrate, said Emmanuel Olabode, project manager for the Elephant Initiative, a project of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) in partnership with the Ogun State government. Onyebu Titus, the chief forest guard who has worked with the NCF for 35 years, told Dataphyte that he tracked the migrating elephants until they crossed the Lagos-Ore Expressway. They caused a momentary traffic jam on both sides of the expressway. Travellers could not believe their eyes that elephants could be seen around here, Mr Titus said. These elephants found a home in the Itasin community forest and were gentle-natured. They would casually walk into the community, eating plantains and backyard farm crops. Farming and logging in Omo Forest With a size of 130,600 hectares, the Omo Forest serves a dual mandate: it is licensed for commercial logging and elephant conservation. But there are no clearly defined boundaries, putting the elephant zone at risk of invasion and illegal activities. We have a proposed size for the reserve, but I cant disclose it yet because the government has not approved it, he said. Once it is approved, enforcement will be easier, and our relationship with the villagers will improve. They will clearly know which areas are strictly off- limits for farming and logging. Without a documented boundary, enforcing protection is very difficult. In response to Dataphytes request for comment, Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, said the state remains committed to conservation, which he suggests is focused on the 50 thousand hectares-large conservation zone. The area in question is known to all stakeholders (farmers, baales and all community members) as a no logging, no farming and no hunting zone, said Commissioner Oludotun. Such activities are illegal, and the government has always frowned on anyone who perpetrates such illegal activities in the forest reserve. Acknowledging the challenges of enforcement, he added, Many illegal farms and structures have been demolished, and offenders have been prosecuted and convicted. We have repeatedly issued public notices in newspapers and on the radio advising illegal farmers and settlers to vacate the conservation area. Cocoa farming is strictly prohibited in our forest reserves. A cocoa plantation inside the protected zone. Photo Credit: Sodeeq Atanda. In the hard-to-reach parts of the forest, several settlements, motivated purely by cocoa farming fortunes, have sprung up. Even with government-erected signposts reading No hunting, grazing, farming, logging, farmers comfortably carry out their trade with the knowledge of the same government. Dataphyte learnt that each farmer has an identity card recognised by the Ministry of Forestry. These farmers come from different states to farm in the forest. By December of each year, they would hire security guards to secure their settlements and travel back to their various states and return on 23 January to continue their business. There were also allegations of farmers paying huge sums to some government officials to lease portions of the forest for cocoa farming. When asked for comment, the forestry commissioner confirmed it, saying it was not a license for farming but for security reasons. He added that no reports of official bribery had been reported to him. The identity cards with the residents of Omo Forest reserve did not legalise farming and logging in the conservation area, but rather to enable the ministry to have a database of those residing in the forest reserve so that criminal elements or bandits do not hide in the forest to perpetrate criminal acts, said Mr Oludotun. I am not aware of any official who received a bribe from farmers to lease land in Omo Forest Reserve. The fellow conducting this exercise may wish to present those individuals who have received or taken bribes from farmers for land leasing. While in the forest, Dataphyte observed that numerous footpaths connected to countless farmlands, starting from Omo Bridge 2, a settlement led by Ajayi Adeshina, the Baale of the settlement. Many of the farms were located far from immediate sight as they are in the middle of forest trees. In some cases, Dataphyte saw cocoa and plantain farms located within the elephant sanctuary. Each farmer has an ID card known to the government. We admit this is an elephant forest and we are the ones invading their house, Muniru Akinleye, a farmer and Oluode of Eseke, told Dataphyte. They [elephants] frequently eat and destroy our crops. For me, I no longer have maize and yams; elephants have consumed them. Even on my cocoa farm, they come there and eat it. But I know some will be spared, and I will harvest them at the end of the day. I saw an elephant on my farm recently, and I quickly jumped on my motorcycle and returned to the village. So, yes, they feed on our farms. But we cannot really do anything. We cannot complain to the authorities. Elephants are government property; we are citizens. If we complain, the government will take the elephants side, and they might order our evacuation. For this not to happen, our coping mechanism is silence and managing what is left of our farms to sustain our families. What is considered the elephant zone is a very tiny portion of the forest, and it is situated somewhere in the extreme side of the forest, according to an old map sighted by Dataphyte. The entire forest straddles two local government areas: the Ijebu East Local Government Area on the front, starting from the Lagos-Ore Expressway, and goes beyond the region called J4 (supposedly meaning Jungle 4); and then the Ijebu North Local Government Area, which begins shortly after the elephant zone. So those local council areas serve as two areas of operations for two groups of loggers. According to NCF officials, those in the Ijebu East area do not really operate close to the zone, but those in the Ijebu North. Given that elephants walk and play around, the sounds of chainsaws and other logging-associated disturbances could disturb elephants without discrimination. In an interview on 1 October, Modinat Alaga, whose mother, Mulikatu Rasheed Alaga, is a logger in Akorede Camp, denied that loggers routinely invaded the protected zone. For instance, my mother has her own government-allocated logging arena, and she doesnt go beyond it. She only operates in places allocated to her, and she has a valid license. She has a propatin, a sort of hammer used to mark her wood, and government guards will also mark them too, Modinat Alaga told Dataphyte. Yearly, we pay N5,000 or more to renew the license with the government. The government doesnt allocate the elephant zone to any logger, and nobody dares go there. There is the government zone, and there is the elephant zone. My mother could operate here [around the village, which is a stones throw from the elephant zone] because its within the permissible logging area. For our farms, we dont budge when elephants destroy them, Ms Alaga explained. Ms Alaga added that loggers pay the government for reforestation. While touring the conservation forest, Dataphyte observed a few small portions of land where young teak trees were growing. According to the chief ranger, the communities were responsible for them. The NCF also regularly regrows trees where necessary. Project manager Olabode said, In our nursery plantation, we have over 20,000 seedlings waiting to be replanted. We do this regularly because reforestation is a continuous agenda for us. Itasin communitys nightmare The displaced elephants were resettled in Itasin, a rural enclave on the northern side of the SagamuBenin Expressway and situated about 10 kilometres away from the Omo Forest. In the early days of their arrival, residents said that the elephants were moving freely in the community, looking for food, and would return to the forest. Their sight was adventurous to us, said Sanwo Odugbemi, an elderly resident of the community. We did feel threatened by their presence. They would eat plantains, pawpaw and crops within sight. They are the reason why you cannot see pawpaw anywhere in our neighbourhoods again. According to Sanariu Abimbola, an indigene of Itasin, Oba Felix Adegbesan, the immediate- past Onitasin of Itasin, protected the forest and ensured that trees were only cut down once in a while when someone needed them for a personal housing project or the community needed them for a collective project. Logging was not a practice. But Dataphyte learnt that after the death of Oba Adegbesan in June 2024, residents and their alien partners began logging at a commercial scale. This logging began threatening the elephant habitat, and hostility between the wildlife and community members started to grow. I can confirm that commercial logging occurs in the forest, and it could be contributing to elephants hostile behaviour, Mr Odugbemi said. The government has asked that we report any logging activity to them. But in truth, what will the loggers be living on if the government bans their trade here? Following the attack on Musa Kalamu, reports described him as a farmer. But Dataphytes findings confirmed he was a logger and was on duty when the elephants killed him. Mr Afolabi, the young man earlier mentioned, said he was the one whom Akorede Yaya, the deceaseds son, ran into after the attack. The news swiftly spread, and we mobilised to the scene. On getting there, we saw that the elephants were more than one, and they refused to leave, Mr Afolabi recounted. We could not move closer to them. The attacking one angrily used its tusk to fling the man away. He was still alive, but his internal organs had been disembowelled. He died on the way to the hospital because we could not get a vehicle to carry him on time, and the hospital is far. When asked why the media narrative described the deceased victim as a farmer rather than a logger, Mr Abimbola said, It may be the residents tactics of shaping their information flow to ensure that the true nature of the activities in the forest is concealed. Mr Odugbemi and four other residents present when Dataphyte was interviewing them collectively said they wanted the government to come and capture and return the elephants to Omo Forest because their presence in our community benefits no one. But for Mr Abimbola, The elephants could bring positive attention to our community and put it on the global map. So, rather than return them, we should start planting other crops, such as pepper, that they cannot eat. That way, we can co-exist with them peacefully. In his response, Commissioner Oludotun said there was no plan of relocating the elephants from Itasin forest, and that is why the landscape management approach was adopted. This is because when forest elephants are airlifted, unlike savanna elephants, they do develop complications due to stress and die, thus wasting the resources incurred in the air lifting exercise. In response to Musa Kalamus killing, the commissioner said the community forest was a designated wildlife conservation area, especially for elephants. Itasin residents rejected Commissioner Oludotuns statement that the forest was a conservation zone. While in the community, Dataphyte saw nothing to confirm the official designation claim. Unlike the Omo Forest, the Itasin forest had no forest guards, no signposts, or any other distinguishing markings to suggest it had been converted to a forest reserve. Responding to a question on this matter, the commissioner informed Dataphyte that Governor Dapo Abiodun had approved the designation of the forest as a protected wildlife sanctuary in April 2023, and a gazette was being prepared to this effect. The Bureau of Land in the state has produced a provisional map of the area, and efforts are ongoing to publish the gazette in this regard. As a follow-up to this, the ministry has engaged conservation non-governmental organisations to work with community members in the area for sensitisation and enlightenment, along with government officials to prevent human and elephant conflict, said the commissioner. In one of our engagements with community members, they were made to see the provisional map of the wildlife sanctuary, and this abated their fears, and they were assured of the governments commitment to the process, and they were quite happy with the process. 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. News / National by Staff reporter Two travel agents have appeared in court on allegations of defrauding Wellton Primary School of more than US$10 000 after claiming they could organise an educational tour to Dubai for the school's learners.Leslie Simbarashe Gurajena (49) and Evelyn Tawa (47) were arraigned before Harare magistrate Ruth Moyo last week facing fraud charges. They were remanded in custody to November 26, pending a bail ruling.According to prosecutor Lawrence Gangarahwe, the pair runs a Facebook travel page called Little Travel Tours, which advertises both local and international travel packages.The court heard that on March 13, 2025, Wellton Primary School, represented by Vimbai Sibanda, contacted the duo after seeing their online advert. The school sought assistance in arranging a Dubai tour scheduled for October 2026, 2025.Gurajena allegedly quoted US$18 000 for the package, claiming it would cover visa processing, flights, accommodation and several activities. Tawa was later sent to Beitbridge to formalise the agreement, assuring the school that all services would be delivered as promised.Relying on these representations, the school reportedly paid the accused a total of US$10 100 in three instalments US$1 500, US$5 300 and US$3 300 between June 13 and September 3, 2025. The balance was to be paid once the visas were processed.However, after receiving the funds, the two allegedly became evasive and stopped responding to calls from the school. When a representative visited them for a follow-up, Gurajena is said to have denied any knowledge of the company, despite having issued the original quotation.The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of both suspects. They are expected back in court later this month. (Kabir Yusuf,Mariam Ileyemi, Fortune Eronmosele and Zainab Adewale) PREMIUM TIMES, in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), is hosting the 2025 National Health Dialogue today at Fraser Suites, Abuja. The event convenes key voices in Nigerias health sector for crucial conversations on reform and accountability. The forum, themed Evidence, Innovation, and Financing for a Healthier Nigeria, brings together senior government officials, global health leaders, journalists, civil society groups and health innovators for a full day of discussions on the state of Nigerias health system. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, will headline the Dialogue in a fireside discussion focused on Nigerias reform priorities, the future of primary healthcare, and the shifts required to improve outcomes nationwide. Other key participants include the World Health Organisation Country Director, Pavel Ursu; the Director-General of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina; the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Temitope Ilori, alongside several state commissioners of health. The event will open with investigative journalism showcases from PREMIUM TIMES, Nigeria Health Watch, and Punch, highlighting the role accountability reporting plays in exposing system failures and informing reforms. Throughout the day, panels will explore primary healthcare performance, financing gaps, state-level implementation challenges, and innovations in maternal and digital health. There will also be a health-innovation showcase featuring technology founders working on service-delivery solutions. According to Akintunde Babatunde, Executive Director of CJID, the Dialogue marks the beginning of deeper nationwide engagements aimed at improving health outcomes across the country. Stay with us for live updates from the 2025 National Health Dialogue scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m. 9:11 a.m. The Head of the Development Programme at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Ifeanyi Chukwudi, welcomed guests and participants, noting that the programme will begin in 10 minutes. 9: 38 am: Event commences. The moderator, Mr Chukwudi, introduces the Chief Executive Officer of CJID and Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, Dapo Olorunyomi, for his opening address. 9:40 a.m. In his opening address, Mr Olorunyomi underscored the urgency of fixing Nigerias struggling health system, noting that the nations health system is one of the clearest indicators of whether governance is working. He said the theme: Evidence, Innovation, and Financing for a Healthier Nigeria reflects the pillars every functional health system depends on, and emphasised that Nigerias persistent gaps are not a resource problem, but a prioritisation problem. Mr Olorunyomi also highlighted the importance of evidence-based journalism in exposing failures and driving reforms, recalling how investigative reporting contributed to Akwa Ibom State declaring a health emergency. He added that when citizens have access to credible information, they can demand better services and hold institutions accountable. 9:45 am: On innovation, Dapo Olorunyomi said he is proud of the homegrown health innovation happening across Nigeria. Young Nigerians are building digital health platforms, improving maternal care through technology, strengthening diagnostic capacity, and reimagining how health services are delivered, he said. The PREMIUM TIMES publisher emphasised that these innovators are not waiting for perfect conditions but are building solutions with minimal support. Speaking on financing, he noted that while money alone does not fix a broken system, without adequate, sustained, well-managed financing, nothing else works. He referenced the recent red letter issued by the Federal Ministry of Health to state governments, calling it a recognition that business as usual is failing Nigerians and a demand for more oversight and accountability. We are not just underfunding health, we are also mismanaging what little we allocate, he said, citing problems such as unreleased budgets, unaccounted funds, unused equipment, and facilities built without staff. This must change, Mr Olorunyomi said. 9:50 am: In her goodwill message, the Senior Communications Officer at the Gates Foundation, Fatima Abubakar-Alkali, highlighted that Nigerias health sector challenges extend far beyond inadequate funding. She pointed to weak oversight, inefficiencies, and a culture of micromanagement that hinder meaningful reforms. Ms Abubakar-Alkali urged commissioners and state representatives to uphold the commitments they make as they approach 2026, stressing that this expectation stems not from criticism but from confidence in what is achievable when leaders embrace transparency and accountability. She also underscored the role of journalists, civil society, and citizens in tracking budgets, monitoring implementation, and demanding accountability. Addressing the global shift in health financing, Ms Abubakar-Alkali framed declining donor funding as an opportunity to build a sustainable, people-centred health system that prioritises local needs and relies on robust data. 10:04 am Mr Idris said Premium Times is proud to co-host the symposium, bringing together policymakers, experts, journalists, and other stakeholders to discuss ways to improve Nigerias health outcomes and enhance the quality of life for all Nigerians, young and old. As we all know, healthcare is not solely the responsibility of the federal government. Yet our research across several states shows that state governments are not prioritising healthcare as they should. We understand that states have limited funds, but the facts show that many are focusing on the wrong areas, he said. Referring to President Bola Tinubus declaration of a national security emergency yesterday, Mr Idris noted that the president outlined six key steps his administration plans to take, some of which are bold and require fundamental legal changes. While we commend the president for these initiatives and hope he follows through, true security cannot be achieved without addressing human development. And when we speak of human development, we are primarily talking about education and healthcarethe latter being the reason we are gathered here today. 10:06 am: He noted that Nigerian youth are frustrated and disillusioned because they have been denied proper education, healthcare, and opportunities for development. That is why many turn to social media complaints, emigrate (japa), or engage in criminal activities, from cybercrime to terrorism, Mr Idris said. Citing two examples from the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), he said Jigawa State has the highest under-five mortality rate in the country at 161 deaths per 1,000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate has risen from 46.8 in 2018 to 52 per 1,000 live births in 2024. Despite renovations of some primary health centres (PHCs), many remain poorly equipped and understaffed. Yet, Jigawa spent N3.2 billion on government house renovations and luxury vehicles last yearmore than the N2.8 billion allocated to all PHCs by the states Primary Health Care Development Agency. Take oil-rich Akwa Ibom as another example. Most PHCs there have fewer than five staff membersfar below the 24 recommended by the NPHCDA. This shortage contributes to preventable deaths among mothers and children. The NDHS 2024 shows that only 38.6 per cent of births in Akwa Ibom occur in health facilities, the lowest among the 17 southern states. Births attended by skilled providers stand at just 51.5 per cent, again the lowest in the region. Earlier this year, the state government announced it would hire 1,000 medical personnelfar from sufficient to close the staffing gap. Our analysis shows that fully staffing Akwa Iboms 468 PHCs with 24 personnel each would require 11,232 staff, not including support personnel. Currently, the state has around 2,164 workers. Adding the planned 1,000 recruits still leaves a shortfall of 8,068. The question arises: where would the state get the funds to fill this gap? Based on the 2024 budget performance, personnel costs for the current 2,164 staff are N37.1 million. Employing all 8,068 additional staff would cost about N222.6 million. By comparison, Akwa Ibom spent N1.3 billion on luxury SUVs for 13 federal lawmakersmoney that could have funded all PHC personnel and salaries for three years, potentially saving thousands of lives, he said, adding that these issues are not unique to Akwa Ibom or Jigawa. We observed similar trends in Bauchi, Adamawa, and Bayelsa. He concluded that this dialogue aims to discuss why states are not prioritising healthcare, why frivolous spending often takes precedence over the health of residents, and how together we can identify solutions and chart a path forward. 10:15 a.m.: In her goodwill message, the Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Temitope Ilori, praised the critical role of journalism in shaping Nigerias health sector and called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to tackle persistent and emerging public health challenges. Ms Ilori highlighted the importance of partnerships between journalism and public health as a cornerstone for an accountable health system. She noted that quality reporting not only informs citizens and influences policy but can also save lives by exposing gaps that require urgent attention. While Nigeria has made significant progress in its HIV response, sustaining these gains will require stronger partnerships, better coordination, and continued investment in prevention, treatment, and health system improvements, she said. The NACA DG described the dialogue as a timely platform to reflect on progress, address persistent bottlenecks, and chart pathways toward a more sustainable, people-centred health sector. 10:20 am: Similarly, she expressed optimism that insights from the forum would support ongoing national health reforms and bring the country closer to achieving universal health coverage. Concluding her remarks, Ms Ilori congratulated the organisers and participants, urging them to push for solutions that enhance the well-being of Nigerians. 10:22 a.m.: In her goodwill message, Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, highlighted the importance of evidence-based reporting in shaping public health debates. Ms Ihekweazu said credible information sources empower citizens to hold the government accountable and promote transparency in health policy and service delivery. She stressed the significance of community-level reporting, citing Nigeria Health Watchs Community HealthWatch project, which trains journalists to track healthcare delivery in local facilities. Fixing primary healthcare is not just about buildings; it is about the quality of care people receive in these communities, she said. 10:24 a.m.: Ms Ihekweazu also spoke about the role of technology and innovation in improving access to healthcare, maternal care, and health system accountability. She noted that achieving universal health coverage requires informed citizens and an evidence-driven approach to policymaking and funding decisions. She concluded by urging participants to use the dialogue as a platform to engage officials, share evidence, and push for practical, sustainable health reforms. 10:30 a.m. Representing the Managing Director/EIC of PUNCH, Joseph Adeyeye, and Deputy Editor, Weekend Titles, Tessy Igomu at the Punch, highlighted the role of credible and fact-based journalism in shaping Nigerias health sector. She noted that platforms like the National Health Dialogue are essential for policymakers, journalists, researchers, and civil society to reflect on health challenges, exchange ideas, and recommend solutions for a healthier nation. 10:40 a.m In his keynote address, the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina, highlighted the progress and ongoing priorities in Nigerias primary healthcare system. Mr Aina noted that there is the need for evidence, innovation, and adequate financing to strengthen health service delivery. 10: 45 am: He highlighted that the government has completed over 2,000 additional primary healthcare facilities in the last two years, many of which are fully equipped and staffed. More than 70,000 health workers have been trained, and over 4647 million primary healthcare service visits have been recorded, Mr Aina said. 10: 50 am He added that efforts focus on maternal and child health, with millions pregnant women being followed, and a 22.5 per cent increase in antenatal care attendance observed. Mr Aina noted that some of the innovations include digital tracking, digitised financial management, and expanded connectivity for vaccination campaigns, ensuring funds are properly monitored and services delivered efficiently. 10:57 am In terms of collaboration with state governments, he stressed the need for local authorities, and media to partner in order to achieve sustained accountability, improved access, and building community trust in the primary healthcare system. 11:14 a.m. The planned fireside chat with the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate was cancelled as the Minister was called in for a state welfare programme. 11:18 a.m Fireside Chat with Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe Moderated by Moji Makanjuola, a veteran journalist and presenter, the session opened with a recognition of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). 11:23 a.m. Mrs Balarabe highlighted the Kaduna States commitment to driving change in health. She noted that health has consistently received 15 per cent of the states total budget under the administration of Governor Uba Sani which came on board in 2023. The Deputy Governor emphasised the importance of involving young people in governance, as they represent the future of the states leadership and development. 11:29 a.m: Mrs Balarabe further emphasised the importance of educating and empowering future leaders, noting that the quality of leadership depends on the opportunities provided today. She highlighted Kaduna States multi-sectoral approach to health, linking education, nutrition, and healthcare to build resilience and sustainability. She also mentioned efforts to strengthen emergency care and advance health service delivery across the states facilities. 11:30 a.m. During the fireside chat, Mrs. Balarabe highlighted Kaduna States initiatives to strengthen primary healthcare, including upgrading facilities, expanding emergency care, and increasing the ambulance fleet. She noted that the state has recruited and trained 1,800 healthcare workers, implemented monitoring and tracking systems, and partnered with organisations such as the Gates Foundation to enhance financing and service delivery in rural communities. Mrs. Balarabe emphasised the importance of robust referral systems, integrating innovative healthcare solutions, and improving access to high-quality maternal and child health services across the state. 11:40 a.m Speaking on maternal and neonatal mortality, Hadiza Balarabe, Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, acknowledged that the state has yet to make a significant impact on maternal mortality but has seen improvements in neonatal outcomes. Were operating at level two, focusing on providing emergency support for women. We cannot continue to have children while mothers are lost, so we are putting systems in place to ensure they receive the care they need, she said. Also, government officials from Jigawa and Katsina states shared the challenges their states face and the measures being taken to address them. Health Minister Pate takes the stage. 11:49 a.m. In his contribution, the CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital, Ibrahim Wadda, reflected on Nigerias healthcare progress and shared insights from public-private partnerships. He underscored the importance of merit-based staffing, well-functioning equipment, and computerised hospital systems. Mr Wadda stressed that healthcare must not be politicised or driven by sectional interests. He emphasised that while Nigeria has the resources to provide quality care, achieving this requires equitable wealth distribution and sustained investment in the health sector. 11:50 am During the session, Ms Makanjuola announced that in Kaduna State, 17 of the 23 ambulances referenced by the Deputy Governor had been delivered to enhance the states emergency healthcare capacity. With regards to the role of academia, Umaru Pate, a professor of media and society, noted that academia has recently made significant contributions to strengthening journalism training, particularly in broadcasting. We have specifically designed programmes on health communication, developed in collaboration with UNICEF and UNESCO, and with input from industry professionals. I can assure you that the next generation of journalists will be professionally competent. They will possess the confidence, knowledge, and skills needed to handle information strategicallyattracting the attention of policymakers, engaging communities, raising public interest, and generating the support required for effective communication, Mr Pate, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Kashere, said. For decades, we had not invested in healthcare, leading to decay of facilities. The political consensus to invest in health had been shut, the minister says. At 12:00 p.m., the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate arrives. A documentary highlighting the current state of healthcare is being screened. The moderator announced that a fireside chat with the minister follows. The pool of revenue that government has is limited, the minister says. 2004 was when Nigeria tried to fix the constitutional lacuna to tackle its healthcare crisis, the minister says. He thanks the then late health minister, Prof Lambo. 12:15 p.m. Fireside chat with the minister of Health commences Mr Pate said dialogue is a serious conversation, as well as a quiet time. We need to give it the attention it deserves. I hope we will come to an understanding at the end of the dialogue. The documentary is very touching. It took ten years from then (2004) to pass the health Act that established the BHCPF in 2014, the minister says. Since this government came, the revenue to GDP has increased, the minister says, saying all tiers of government must now increase health spendings. Nigeria has individual capacities but all were working at silos until the Tinubu administration came on board and brought everyone together, LGs, states, FG, development partners, etc to address the countrys health challenges. 12:19 p.m.: Mr Pate said Nigeria has been pumping less than $8 per person per year. We spent a lot of money on other priorities. Neither the government nor the private sector has invested enough in the health sector. Yet we have been spending on other things Nigerias revenue to GDP is also one of the lowest in 2023. We are beginning to see at least some reduction in maternal mortality, although that is still too small, the minister says. What has taken decays to atrophy, it will take time to fix, the minister says. There are some things that have begun to happen, weve seen improved PHC utilisation, reduced maternal mortality, increase private sector investment, and other growth, the minister says but acknowledges a lot of problems still remain. The minister acknowledges the gaps between Budgetary allocations and releases in the FG and states, but says the federal government is tackling its side of the problem. He gives an example of a recently released N68 billion for vaccine procurement. Have we earned enough of the trust of citizens? the minister says. He says governments must work to earn citizens trust. Mr Pate noted that in every country, there is health inequality but the degree of inequality varies. To understand where we are coming from, we need to revisit the past, how the health care system was, he said. According to Mr Pate, local governance is saddled with the responsibility of primary health care while state governance is saddled with secondary health care. Federal governments responsibility is research, policy and framework. But that is not the case tooday, the minister said, adding, The federal government has no business building primary health care in every local governments, Mr Pate said. 12:20 p.m. Minister Pate also emphasised that health is a life-critical issue. He noted that building an effective health system is ultimately a political choice, shaped by citizens, governments, and both public and private sectors. Reflecting on trends over the past 30 years, he explained that resource allocation across local, state, and federal levels has historically been extremely low, averaging just $7$8 per person per year, with most of the spending coming directly from households rather than governments. Currently, spending has risen to about $15 per person per year, but this remains insufficient for robust healthcare delivery. He observed that budget allocations for health have been deprioritised compared to sectors such as telecommunications and digital infrastructure. This underinvestment is evident in the state of health infrastructure, including inadequate equipment, facilities, and staffing. The federal government plans to allocate more resources and improve support for Primary Healthcare Centres. Citing research on maternal deaths in northern Nigeria from 30 years ago, he highlighted that maternal mortality is influenced by determinants beyond healthcare. He stressed: We are trying to change these things. It takes time to fix. What has taken decades to destroy will take time to repair, and we are fixing it without distraction. Instead of complaining, we are working with stakeholders to address the health problems. 12:25 p.m. Mr Pate explained that Nigerias health system has long suffered from unclear responsibilities under fiscal federalism: local, state, and federal governments all have roles, but accountability has been weak. In 2004, reforms sought to assign primary health care to local governments, secondary care to states, and tertiary care to federal authorities. However, implementation lagged, resulting in decades of underperformance, he said. He noted that the National Health Act, passed in 2014, was designed to create a framework for basic health care, but meaningful execution has only accelerated in the past two years. Two-thirds of Ministry of Health contracts over the last decade were only implemented recently, focusing on revitalising primary health care even where it was not strictly a federal responsibility. 12:27 p.m. To address these challenges, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, launched in December 2023, focuses on four pillars: trust, governance, coordination with states, and engagement with development partners. The initiative establishes structures for transparency, accountability, quarterly performance reviews, and joint assessments to better respond to citizens needs, the minister said. Health services can be a part for the establishment of trust between the government and the people, the minister says. He makes reference to Nigerian community without schools, good roads and electricity but which still had successful vaccination. 12:29 p.m. Mr Pate highlighted that the federal government has increased its health budget to nearly N2.7 trillion, effectively doubling prior allocations, with an expectation that states will match this effort. He emphasised that increasing funds alone is not enough; budgets must be allocated efficiently, prioritising primary health care, hospitals, cancer care, and ICUs, while ensuring affordability for citizens. He said initiatives like Maternal Cash Transfers are beginning to show early improvements in health outcomes, though results are still at an initial stage. Mr Pate acknowledged Nigerias reliance on imported medical devices, with domestic production meeting only 75 per cent of demand, emphasising the need for private-public collaboration. Minister pledges to use outcome of todays dialogue to demand more funding for healthcare in Nigeria. 12:35 p.m. Mr Pate emphasised that addressing Nigerias health challenges requires inclusive governance and collective responsibility across federal, state, local governments, and the private sector. He highlighted the importance of amplifying positive achievements, rather than only focusing on problems, to build momentum for ongoing health initiatives. He noted that primary health care is being strengthened, with some local governments already contributing over half of the efforts in implementation, and that attention to leadership and oversight at all levels is critical. The minister noted that engaged leaders, including commissioners, governors, and private sector actors, are essential to identifying gaps and delivering solutions, rather than merely critiquing the system. Mr Pate also cited examples of cross-country learning, with professionals from Nigeria and other African countries sharing expertise, demonstrating that progress is possible when resources, leadership, and attention are aligned. He urged civil societies, the media, and citizens to focus on solutions and constructive engagement, supporting both public interest and private sector participation to improve service delivery. 12:39 p.m. Mr Pate highlighted a recent swift allocation of N68 billion by Gates Foundation for health programmes. He said the funds, now in the CBN, are fully federal and cover essential programmes such as child immunisations, with states not contributing. He noted that governance and efficient allocation of resources are as important as the amount of money available. He said existing funds can be spent more effectively by prioritising primary health care and essential services over less critical expenditures. The minister urged the civil society to monitor spending trends and efficiency, not just demand more funding, to ensure impact and accountability. Mr Pate said health services play a crucial role in rebuilding public trust, especially when women facing emergency complications receive timely and committed care. When a woman, her family, and her neighbours see that the system responds and saves lives, they begin to trust that government is actually investing in their well-being, he said. The minister stressed that health workers must also uphold the highest professional standards, noting that the sector suffers when practitioners abandon their duties or refuse essential care. We call ourselves professionals, so we must behave as professionals who care about lives and healing. Even when there are grievances, responsible professionals find constructive ways to engage and resolve issues, he said. He added that strengthening accountability is central to restoring confidence in the system. For years, nobody asked us about KPIs, targets, or the values driving the system. We introduced these measures so people can see we are trying to meet their needs, he said, noting that decades of unmet promises have contributed to public distrust. Mr Pate explained that trust remains essential for the success of health programmes, including immunisation and primary healthcare services, even where facilities and personnel have been improved. Citizens will only engage if they trust the system, he said, adding that the administration is committed to rebuilding that confidence. 12:55 p.m. The minister explained that mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety require empathy, awareness, and early support rather than stigma. He noted that government is integrating mental-health services into primary healthcare and strengthening training for health workers, although challenges like limited numbers of psychiatrists remain. Mr Pate stressed that substance abuse, especially among young people, is a major driver of mental-health crises and is being addressed by relevant agencies. On affordability, he acknowledged that healthcare costs remain difficult for many Nigerians, but emphasised that expanding health insurance and increasing budget allocations will help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. He added that trust in the health system also depends on health workers showing empathy, professionalism, and respect, while regulators continue to address malpractice. 12:58 p.m. The minister noted that all 8,000 functional PHCs are now receiving BHCPF funds, and the government has stretched itself to add 5,000 more PHCs to the funding pipeline, with significant progress expected next year depending on available resources and verification. He explained that increasing the federal health budget is a shared responsibility involving the Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly, but expressed hope that the 2026 allocation will move closer to six per cent of the national budget, the highest in Nigerias history. He also said advocacy is ongoing, including with the finance committee, to expand excise funding for public health. 1 p.m. Addressing journalists and media professionals, Mr Pate emphasised that their voices are critical in holding both federal and state governments accountable on health financing. He added that building trust and improving the system requires continuous conversation, collaboration, and correction where necessary. 1:07 p.m. Vote of Thanks by CJID Board Chairman The Chairperson of the CJID Board, Umaru Pate, expressed appreciation to all participants and partners, with special gratitude to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate. He noted that despite the demands of his schedule and the pressures of leading the ministry, the minister promptly accepted their invitation and made time to attend the dialogue. 1:08 p.m. Its time for tea break and networking session. 1:39 p.m. In her presentation, Mrs Onwuzoo cited an investigative story on the N41 billion Akwa Ibom Specialist Hospital. The story exposed rotting facilities in the clinic despite the billions of naira spent. She said the report prompted action including the recruitment of doctors to the facility. 1:46 p.m. She presented another story on open defecation in Lagos motor parks and according to her, the government immediately responded. Another impactful story, she said, is how a border community in Ogun state gets water from Benin Republic and the national border agency responded swiftly. 1:49 p.m. Mrs Onwuzoo shared more stories adding that the Punch newspaper ensure that their stories are inclusive, highlighting instances on the plights of people with disability. 1:53 p.m. A participant encouraged journalists to focus on reports that not only highlight wrongs, but also advocate for positive change. 1:59 p.m.: Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Musa Funtua, highlighted the governments efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state. Mr Funtua noted that Katsina operates a seven per cent health budget allocation, focused on ensuring that investments directly benefit ordinary citizens. The state has prioritised community engagement and delivering projects that address local needs, the commissioner said. In addition, he said the state government is implementing a comprehensive primary healthcare plan, including upgrading facilities and tackling human-resource shortages. Mr Funtua said the North-west state under the Dikko Radda administration has completed more than 200 fully functional comprehensive health centres, all equipped and staffed, as part of its broader roadmap to expand access to essential services across the state. 2:10 p.m.: The first panel session, The Real Cost of Primary Healthcare: Examining the State of PHC Delivery at the Sub-National Level, is ongoing. The panel is moderated by Tolulope Aderelu-Balogun of News Central. The panel features PREMIUM TIMES Health Editor, Nike Adebowale-Tambe; CEO of Nisa Premier Hospital, Mr Wada; the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Bello Jamoh; and the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Nusirat Elelu, who joined the discussion virtually. 2:18 p.m. Responding to the first panel question, Mr Jamoh explained that Kaduna State has put systems in place to address staffing and service gaps in primary healthcare centres. He noted that whenever a health worker retires, the state immediately initiates the recruitment process to ensure continuity of service. He highlighted that the state currently manages 260 primary healthcare facilities, out of which about 200 are fully functional, with some having upgraded systems, supporting smooth operations. He added that the state is also working closely with communities, ensuring that services reach people at the grassroots through regular supervision and engagement. According to the official, Kaduna State is focused on strengthening generation-to-generation health capacity, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that the primary healthcare sector is properly organised and staffed. 2:13 p.m. The moderator introduced the last panelist Obinna Onwujekwe, Editor-in-Chief African Journal of Health Economics 2:25 p.m. In her intervention, Mrs Elelu highlighted the critical role of infrastructure revitalisation and human resources in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Kwara. She explained that the North-central state prioritises functional PHCs ensuring at least one upgraded facility in each local government. The official noted that the state has recruited over 1,000 health workers this year and continues to focus on equitable distribution, performance incentives, and capacity building, including digital skills and emergency training. On his part, Mr Wada acknowledged the significant contribution of PREMIUM TIMES in mobilising government accountability. He noted that while public health indices remain challenging in Nigeria, there is reason for optimism. He highlighted the role of private healthcare, which now serves a large portion of Nigerians, and emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in improving service quality and continuity of care. 2:33 p.m: Meanwhile, Mrs Adebowale-Tambe spoke on the role of journalists in advancing health service delivery. She noted that the role of journalists is accountability but journalists are facing challenges in discharging that function. One major challenge is the relationship with sources, she said, adding that the health workers are always afraid of sharing health information due to fear of job loss. She emphasised the importance of protecting sources, using digital tools to safeguard sensitive data, and relying on credible reports like the NDHS, while acknowledging that more data is still needed to inform reporting effectively. 2:38 p.m: Ms Adebowale-Tambe noted that Nigerias health problems often come to light because sources provide information from behind the scenes. These sources help journalists keep public attention on the failures in the health sector. She noted that protecting sources while still telling impactful stories is difficult, especially when dealing with sensitive cases. While many insist on anonymity for safety, some sources do not want to remain anonymous. She admitted this creates ethical dilemmas for journalists and journalists are still working out the best approach for such situations. On the power of visual storytelling, she explained that video evidence is far more powerful than narration. The documentary showed earlier during the dialogue showed the faces and suffering of people harmed by the weak health system, especially in rural areas, she said. Seeing these stories on screen made the crisis feel more real and painful for viewers. 2:42 p.m. Mrs Adebowale-Tambe also noted that investigative journalism exposes major gaps in primary healthcare, especially in rural areas. She noted that public attention and outcry from reports can lead to real change. Mrs Adebowale-Tambe urged for more collaboration among journalists amd media platforms for impactful investigations. She gave examples on successful cross-border collaborations such as the ICIJ projects that produced the Panama Papers and Pandora Papers. These, project, she said, have led to impact across the world. 2:42 p.m Mrs Adebowale-Tambe also noted that investigative journalism exposes major gaps in primary healthcare, especially in rural areas. She noted that public attention and outcry from reports can lead to real change. Mrs Adebowale-Tambe urged for more collaboration among journalists amd media platforms for impactful investigations. She gave examples on successful cross-border collaborations such as the ICIJ projects that produced the Panama Papers and Pandora Papers. These, project, she said, have led to impact across the world. 2:45 pm Mr Jamoh also emphasised the need to balance political priorities with technical planning to ensure sustainable funding and long-term PHC development. He said sustainability requires realistic planning, prioritising interventions, and using local data. He highlighted specific targets which include reducing maternal mortality by 2530 per cent within the first two years of government and improving female reproductive health, vaccine penetration, and overall community health outcomes. 2:45 pm Participants asked about dedicated funding for maternal health, the types of commodities provided, and recommendations for improving public-private partnerships in healthcare. They also raised concerns about the drivers of primary healthcare (PHC) challenges in rural areas, especially security issues that leave facilities, equipment, and vaccines vulnerable. Similarly, questions addressed how sub-national governments can implement innovative strategies to improve PHC services for women, girls, and marginalised groups, particularly in the context of gender-based violence and health disparities. 2:54 p.m Responding to questions from the audience, Mr Jamoh explained that the state operates a mix of primary health facilities. He said Katsina State has 255 wards with 255 primary healthcare facilities, plus an additional 35 basic PHCs, bringing the total to 290 centres. He noted that the major contributors to maternal mortality are complications that occur during labour and immediately after childbirth. To address this, the state has trained 10 nurses and midwives in each of its 23 local government areasabout 230 personnel in total. The training, he said, focuses on managing labour, preventing postpartum haemorrhage, and responding quickly to emergencies. He added that the programme, which stresses active management during labour and emergency care after childbirth, has been running since early this year and will continue for the next 1618 months. 3:00 p.m Speaking on the safety of health workers, Ms Elelu said the level of protection provided depends on the security situation in each community. She added that all apex primary healthcare centres upgraded to Level Two status in Kwara must have dedicated security personnel, noting that this is essential for operating 24-hour services. She said the state has also introduced measures such as perimeter fencing, a guardhouse, and staff quarters to ensure health workers can live and work safely on site. 3:09 pm A session on state government commitment to health financing priorities for 2026 commenced. Ifeyinwa Blossom, Permanent Secretary, Abia State Health Ministry highlighted that the Abia State government is renovating and revitalising over 200 primary health centres, ensuring they are equipped with staff and necessary infrastructure to provide essential care. She said the government is also strengthening general hospitals and teaching hospitals to handle cases beyond primary care. Security and accessibility for health workers and patients are being enhanced, including the deployment of Emergency Medical Care Staff (EMCS) to high-density areas. Ms Blossom said community engagement and preventive outreach programmes are being expanded to increase utilisation of health facilities. She noted that the government has allocated N1.6 trillion for the health sector in 2026, up from N765 billion the previous year. 3:20 pm Sheriff Gbadamosi, the Advocacy and Community Engagement Manager, presented on Nigeria Health Watchs community engagement strategies, highlighting pilot programmes implemented in selected local government areas in Niger and Kano states. The initiative focuses on deepening community participation in primary health care governance and accountability by creating spaces for citizen feedback, driving grassroots accountability, and reinforcing trust in the health system. He said building on this momentum, the project plans to scale up to Kaduna and Lagos states for implementation in 2025. Mr Gbadamosi, speaking on citizen engagement, said there is a pressing need to revive public participation in governance. He noted that citizens voices must be the loudest for Primary Health Care (PHC) to function effectively, adding that these voices are increasingly amplified through social media platforms and public feedback channels. He disclosed that they have so far published 68 reports42 from Kano, 19 from Niger, and seven from Kaduna. Focusing on rural communities where healthcare access is weakest, Mr Gbadamosi said the key issues identified include frequent drug stock-outs, poor water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions, low enrollment in health insurance, and other barriers that limit access to care. On outreach and communication, he acknowledged the limitations of their current reach, explaining that they have expanded their efforts through radio programmes that target hard-to-access settlements. Health workers now deliver consistent health-education messages via radio to ensure that even remote populations are informed and engaged. 3:30 pm Lunch break 4:30 p.m The moderator, Mr Chukwudi, reconvened the dialogue and introduced the next session, which focused on mobilising finance for health in a post-aid era. Moderating the session is Eniitan Tejuoso of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC). The panel features General Manager Charles Doherty of the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme; Chief Executive Officer of the Solina Centre, Uchenna Igbokwe; the Senior Country Director of Pathfinder International, Amina Aminu Dorayi; and the Team for Strengthening Health System at Budgit, Biobele Davidson. 4:36 p.m Mr Igbokwe emphasised the heavy reliance of immunisation services on external support and the need to transition to sustainable, government-backed funding. Mr Igbokwe also highlighted the role of private sector investment alongside government budgets and insurance schemes to ensure a more sustainable health sector. He outlined the current policy efforts, which include expanding mandatory health insurance, increasing the Basic Health Care Provision Fund from 1 per cent to 2 per cent, encouraging greater private-sector involvement, promoting evidence-based decision-making across government He said these steps show Nigeria is moving in the right direction but must deepen its investment in the health of its citizens. At 4:45 pm Ms Dorayi highlighted key points on building a sustainable, sovereign health system in Nigeria in light of declining foreign aid. She noted that Nigeria has been heavily aid-dependent over the past 20 years, which has not delivered the desired results despite significant investment. She proposed that each ministry in the states allocate at least one per cent of their budgets to health, creating a trust fund that the community can manage and hold accountable. The health expert said this approach, combined with judicious use of resources and domestic innovation, can strengthen financing for primary healthcare, reduce dependency on foreign aid, and improve trust in the health system. She said the current funding challenge as an opportunity to rethink and build a self-sufficient health system in Nigeria. 4:44 p.m In addition, Mr Igbokwe noted that while donor support has been crucial in Nigerias fight against HIV, TB, malaria, and vaccine-preventable diseases, sustainable progress depends on stronger community-level health promotion and more predictable domestic financing. He highlighted ongoing legislative discussions on new health taxes, including proposed levies on sugary beverages and alcohol, which could broaden the countrys fiscal space for health. At the same time, he cautioned that government budgets alone cannot sustain essential services, calling for increased private-sector investment and a shift in mindsetviewing health not just as a social good but as a viable business sector capable of generating returns. Ms Dorayi observed that despite decades of aid worth billions of dollars, outcomes and value for money have often fallen short of expectations. She added that the sharp reduction in US development assistance earlier this year could be seen as a silver lining, spurring fresh innovations across African health systems. 4:49 p.m In his submission, Mr Doherty stressed that Nigerias health sector must shift from talk to action. He called on governments to increase domestic funding, reduce dependence on partners, and address high out-of-pocket spending, which still accounts for over 70 per cent of total health expenditure. He noted that most states remain well below the Abuja Declaration target of allocating 15 per cent of budgets to health and continue to face basic infrastructural gaps, including unreliable electricity, water, and digital systems. While insurance coverage has grown significantlyfrom about 2 per cent several years ago to roughly 30 per cent today, Mr Doherty said it remains insufficient. He added that donor funds often fail to reach frontline services, getting lost in logistics rather than supporting actual service delivery. He emphasised that the public still expects greater commitment from state governments to ensure meaningful progress. 4:53 p.m He highlighted that out-of-pocket expenses account for about 70 per cent of healthcare spending, while government allocations have often remaimed below five per cent in many states. Mr Doherty emphasised the need to expand health insurance coverage, noting that health insurance uptake has increased from around two per cent to 10 per cent in recent years, but remains insufficient. He also highlights the importance of linking federal and state systems to improve service delivery, including free operations and emergency treatments for pregnant women. He observed that transparency and efficient allocation of resources were highlighted as critical, with an observation that roughly 65 per cent of funds go to logistics, leaving less than 40 per cent for actual operations. Mr Doherty concluded that Nigeria has the human and institutional capacity to excel in health provision and must focus on strategic, well-managed domestic financing. 4:59 p.m Participants asked about ways Nigerians can prioritise preventive health to reduce avoidable medical costs, noting that many only seek care once illnesses become severe. They also raised concerns about how communities can take genuine ownership of health initiatives, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and active engagement to ensure easier access to services such as HIV testing. These questions underscore the critical role of community-driven health actions and the support local health workers provide in facilitating this shift. 5:05 p.m Ms Davidson spoke on community engagement and accountability in health financing. She emphasised that decisions are often made without input from the communities directly affected, and stressed the importance of including community members in governance. Ms Davidson noted that feedback mechanisms were previously weak and that digital tools like the PHC Tracker can improve monitoring and engagement. She stressed the need to strengthen budget credibility through transparency, accountability, and data-driven decision-making. Ms Davidson concluded that leveraging digital data can track trends, measure impact, and build trust. 5:12 p.m. Mrs Dorayi acknowledged the comments by Mr Doherty. She emphasised the need to improve health understanding beyond medical treatment. She highlighted that health encompasses physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being, and stressed the importance of preventive care and lifestyle management to reduce the need for serious medical interventions. Mrs Dorayi noted the critical role of media and public communication in making health information accessible. She also stressed the impact of health workers attitudes on patient experience, emphasising that negative interactions can drive people away from formal care. She also called for urgent action on womens health, describing it as a state of emergency and asserting that preventable maternal and perinatal deaths are unacceptable. 5:19 p.m. Responding to questions on preventive health, Mr Doherty highlighted the need for community engagement, public education, and systemic improvements. He said that communities must come together to promote awareness and personal responsibility, including simple measures such as mask-wearing. On her part, Ms Dorayi noted the importance of starting health education from childhood and avoiding over-medicalisation, stressing that health encompasses mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. She urged the media to simplify health information to counter misinformation and highlighted the need to treat maternal health as a national emergency, calling for accountability for preventable deaths. In his intervention, Mr Igbokwe said creating millions of local health champions beyond professional health workers is essential. He cited the Community Womens Rehabilitation Network which trains young women to educate peers and households, leveraging existing community structures to propagate preventive health messages effectively. 5:20 p.m. Mr Igbokwe also emphasised the role of community-based health champions in scaling health interventions efficiently. 5:21 p.m. Panel session end. 5:29 p.m. Moses Essien, Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Committee on Health noted that while Nigeria allocates only 5.7 per cent of its national budget to health far below the 15 per cent target set by the Abuja Declaration, the state has demonstrated stronger commitment with allocations ranging between 11 per cent and 11.6 per cent. He said this, combined with legislative oversight visits and the states declared health emergency, reflects a serious effort to close healthcare gaps and strengthen the system. Mr Essien highlighted that Akwa Ibom currently has more than 400 private healthcare centres and over 42 secondary health facilities. To address existing challenges, the government has set a one-year emergency timetable focused on upgrading health infrastructure. Planned improvements include the modernisation of at least eight secondary health facilities between November and January, as well as the upgrade of 25 primary healthcare centres with new medical equipment and improved infrastructure, he said. He added that the health emergency has also enabled expanded recruitment, with 3,000 personnel including some retirees engaged to bolster the workforce. Overall, the state aims to ensure that its network of secondary and primary facilities becomes more modern, efficient, and well-equipped to meet citizens needs, Mr Essien said. 5:35 p.m. Mr Essien highlighted efforts to address manpower gaps, including the recruitment of 3,000 health workers (an initial 1,000 plus an additional 2,000), as well as rehiring retired nurses and doctors from 2015 onwards. He also noted infrastructural improvements: upgrading over 400 Primary Health Care Centres and 14 secondary health facilities, with plans to upgrade eight secondary facilities and at least 25 PHCs by January 2025, alongside the establishment of model private health centres across all 31 local government areas to enhance service delivery and facility 5:40 p.m. Muhammad Kainuwa, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Jigawa State, highlighted the states health financing and service delivery priorities for 2026. Mr Kainuwa emphasised that primary health care centres are staffed 24/7 with resident doctors to ensure pregnant women, children, and other patients receive timely care. He said the 2025 budget allocated N9.4 billion to PHCs, reflecting the states commitment to universal health coverage. From February to August 2026, over 40 health facilities will be upgraded with modern equipment to improve service delivery, he said. The state health insurance scheme has enrolled 152,000 vulnerable persons and civil servants from salary grades 16 receive free coverage, while higher grades contribute via salary deductions. His presentation also covered key operational gaps in state, including water supply, staff accommodations, functional laboratory modules, and solar power availability. 5:45 p.m. Mr Kainuwa highlighted that his state, one of Nigerias rural regions, has operated a comprehensive performance-based health system since 2023. He said accountability is central to their approach, with monthly monitoring of health facilities, staff attendance, and key service indicators such as admissions, antenatal visits, and deliveries. He explained that the state has mapped its human resources across all 27 local government areas, tracking midwives, nurses, laboratory technicians, and other health workers, as well as identifying infrastructure gaps including solar power, water supply, accommodation, laboratories, and essential equipment. According to him, governance and legal reforms are also underway. These include revising primary healthcare laws to ensure the state funds 40 per cent of staff salaries, appointing key local government health officers, and strengthening the contributory health agencies to incorporate equity funding. Mr. Kainuwa noted efforts to improve staff welfare, including the recruitment of 1,924 private health workers, 200 senior professionals, and 488 permanent staff across nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, and medical officer roles. He added that the state is one of the few that places National Youth Service Corps members on its payroll to boost health manpower. He further disclosed that 184 medical students were sponsored to study at Near East University in Cyprus, while accreditation for medical training improved from two years to five years, ensuring greater stability. The admission quota for local medical training institutions also expanded significantlyfrom 120 to 720 students annuallybroadening the pipeline of future health professionals. Additionally, he announced that a new School of Nursing is under construction, backed by a 5 billion investment, as part of the states long-term plan to enhance service delivery, equity, and accountability across all 27 LGAs. 5:50 p.m. Mr Kainuwa continued his presentation, announcing that Jigawa State introduced free dialysis for chronic kidney disease patients on 1 March 2025. The programme began at the established dialysis centres in Gumel and Hadejia General Hospitals. He reported that 937 dialysis sessions were conducted between March and October 2025, with 342 patients receiving care within the period. The state spent N399 million to establish the first two centres, the commissioner said. Mr Kainuwa added that three additional dialysis centres have been constructed in Dutse, Kazaure and Ringim General Hospitals, with contracts worth N720 million already awarded for equipping them. He also revealed that the state government is partnering with the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) to investigate the causes of rising renal failure cases in Jigawa and across the wider Chad Basin region, expanding on earlier findings from the National Institute of Chemical Research. 6:11 p.m The Health Innovation Showcase is underway, and DRO Health is now presenting its solution. 6:00 p.m Mr Kainuwa explained that the 2024 Malaria Eradication Program (MEP) featured an integrated campaign involving the distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets (ITNs) and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) drugs across the state. He said that the state government received a recognition award from both the Global Fund and the National Malaria Eradication Programme. According to him, the ITN campaign reached 6.8 million people, representing 97 per cent of the target population. He added that the SMC campaign achieved an average coverage of 96 per cent after the fourth cycle, meaning that 1.3 million children under five years received the SMC drugs. 6:20 p.m Help Mum is now presenting its innovation and outlining the healthcare challenges it seeks to address. 6:35 p.m The moderator, Mr Ifeanyi, has called on the CJID Executive Director, Mr Akintunde, to give his closing remarks. Nigerias Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said the federal government is pushing for the highest health allocation in Nigerias history, ending wasteful spending practices and strengthening accountability across the system. Speaking during a fireside chat at the 2025 National Health Dialogue in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Pate said Nigerias poor health outcomes reflect exactly what the system was designed to produce inequality and failure. He said decades of underinvestment, weak governance and unclear responsibilities have left citizens without reliable care. The health dialogue was hosted by PREMIUM TIMES in partnership with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID). It convened government officials, global health leaders, journalists, civil society groups and innovators to examine gaps in Nigerias health system under the theme Evidence, Innovation, and Financing for a Healthier Nigeria. Mr Pate called for greater accountability and collaboration across all levels of government. He said the Bola Tinubu administration is working to reposition health as a national priority. What has taken decades to atrophy will take time to fix, he said. But we are fixing it without distraction. Underinvestment and blurred responsibilities The minister said Nigeria spent less than $8 per person on health for decades, with households, not the government, bearing most of the burden. Even today, public spending is only about $15 per person, he noted, far below what is required for a population of more than 200 million people. He said the effects of this long-term neglect are visible in outdated equipment, weak infrastructure and persistent staffing shortages. While there are early signs of progress, such as rising primary healthcare utilisation and stronger private-sector interest, he said the improvements remain too small compared to the scale of need. Mr Pate also said roles across federal, state and local governments became blurred over the years. By design, he noted, local governments should handle primary healthcare, states should oversee secondary care, while the federal government manages tertiary services and policy. But that is not the case today, the minister added. The federal government has no business building primary healthcare in every local government. He said the National Health Act of 2014 was designed to provide clear structures for basic healthcare funding, but meaningful implementation only accelerated in the last two years. Many federal health contracts from the past decade were executed only recently, often in areas that were not the federal governments direct responsibility, he said. Highest-ever health allocation in view Mr Pate said he expects Nigerias 2026 budget to move closer to a six per cent health allocation, the highest ever in federal spending. My hope is that we will get close to 6 per cent which will be the highest ever federal allocation to health. That I will do, he said. He added that he was heading to the National Assembly immediately after the health dialogue to engage finance committees and push for increased excise duties dedicated to public health. Ending waste and strengthening accountability The minister said the ministry has ended decades-old spending patterns in which much of the health budget went to workshops, meetings and administrative activities. In 2023, 61 per cent of the Excel funding went to policy and monitoring workshops. This year 91 per cent is going directly to service delivery, he said. He stressed the need for more efficient spending, with greater emphasis on primary healthcare, hospitals, cancer care, intensive care, and affordability. To improve governance, he said the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, launched in December 2023, is introducing new transparency and performance systems, including quarterly reviews and joint assessments with states. For years, nobody asked us about KPIs, targets or values, he said. We introduced these measures so people can see we are trying to meet their needs. Rebuilding trust, he added, is essential. Citizens will only engage if they trust the system. BHCPF, maternal health and new investments Mr Pate said about 8,000 functional primary healthcare centres (PHCs) now receive Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) allocations, with 5,000 more PHCs being added to the pipeline. He cited early gains from initiatives such as Maternal Cash Transfers, though he noted that maternal health is shaped by wider socio-economic factors and requires multi-sectoral action. He also highlighted a recent rapid allocation of N68 billion for federal health programmes, including immunisation. The funds, now domiciled at the Central Bank of Nigeria, are fully federal, he said, requiring no state contributions. Nigerias challenge, he argued, is not only inadequate funding but also inefficient utilisation. He urged civil society to track how money is used, not just demand more resources. Professionalism, mental health and affordability Mr Pate said health workers must uphold professional ethics, noting that the system suffers when practitioners neglect duties or refuse essential care. We call ourselves professionals, so we must behave as professionals who care about lives and healing, he said. He said trust will improve when people experience timely, lifesaving care. When a woman and her neighbours see that the system responds and saves lives, they begin to trust that the government is investing in their well-being. On mental health, he said conditions such as depression and anxiety require empathy, not stigma. The government, he added, is integrating mental-health services into PHCs and training health workers, though shortages of specialists persist. He identified substance abuse among young people as a major driver of mental-health challenges. On affordability, Mr Pate said expanding health insurance and increasing public spending will reduce high out-of-pocket costs. He urged the media, civil society and citizens to hold all levels of governmentfederal, state, and localaccountable for health financing and service delivery. Instead of complaining, we are working with stakeholders to address the health problems, he said. About the Dialogue Other speakers at the Dialogue included the World Health Organisation Country Director, Pavel Ursu; the Director-General of NPHCDA, Muyi Aina; the Director-General of NACA, Temitope Ilori; and several state commissioners of health. The event opened with investigative journalism exhibitions from PREMIUM TIMES, Nigeria Health Watch and PUNCH, highlighting how accountability reporting exposes systemic failures and drives reform. Panels throughout the day examined primary healthcare performance, financing gaps, state-level challenges, maternal health and digital health innovation. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of a modern poultry production project by TORQ Agro Nigeria Limited at Barawa Forest, Batagarawa Local Government Area. Speaking at the event, Governor Radda said the project, sited on a 10-hectare land allocated by the state government, would help address the nutritional gap by providing affordable, high-quality animal protein in the form of eggs, while also strengthening livelihoods across the agricultural value chain. He noted that the ceremony marked more than the commencement of construction, but the planting of a seed of opportunity, shared prosperity and sustainable growth for Katsina State. The governor emphasised the importance of the poultry industry to Nigerias agricultural economy, particularly its role in employment generation and food supply. He added that strict biosecurity and hygiene standards would be enforced to ensure safe production. Mr Radda said the project reaffirmed his administrations commitment to creating a safe and enabling environment for agribusiness, assuring investors and farmers of protection, stability and community inclusion. He commended TORQ Agro Nigeria Limited for choosing Katsina as the location for the investment, noting that the decision reflected confidence in the states potential and aligned with the governments development agenda, Building Your Future, which prioritises agriculture, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment. This farm is more than an economic venture; it is a legacy project that can be achieved when government and the private sector come together in trust and purpose, the governor stressed. Governor Radda stated that the investment offers inspiration to local farmers, provides employment opportunities for youths, improves nutrition for communities, and positions Katsina State as a hub for value-added agriculture in Northern Nigeria. The governor urged stakeholders to work collectively to ensure the project delivers lasting impact in food security, job creation and economic growth. Earlier, the Director of TORQ Agro Nigeria Ltd., Mr Brian Ferreira, praised the Katsina State Government for creating an environment where investors can operate confidently and sustainably. He described TORQ Agro Nigeria as a subsidiary of TORQ Commodities, a global agribusiness group with 17 offices across Africa, Europe, and Asia, operating in countries such as Nigeria, Benin, Cote dIvoire, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Singapore, China, Vietnam, the UK, and Switzerland. Our commitment is to strong agricultural value chains and global food security, he said. Mr Ferreira explained that TORQs work in Nigeria includes the export of sesame and soybeans, along with previous activities in hibiscus, ginger, cashew, and minerals. He said the company is expanding its footprint in Katsina as part of its long-term industrial growth plan. He noted that TORQ already operates two warehouses in Malumfashi and Kafin-Soli, used to aggregate sesame and soybeans directly from farmers in partnership with the Katsina State Ministry of Agriculture. This strengthens rural income, market access, and supply chains, he said. The Director confirmed TORQs investment of 44 million in the Katsina Green Economic Zone, describing the company as one of its pioneer investors. He announced a major upcoming projecta $3.5 million (5 billion) poultry farm and hatchery with a 300,000-layer capacity, sitting on 10 hectares allocated by Governor Dikko Radda. The groundbreaking will take place this week, he stated, saying the project will boost protein supply, create jobs, and deepen value chains. Mr Ferreira also revealed plans for a soya beans processing and oil refinery plant worth over $30 million (42 billion) on 5 hectares at the Agricultural Mechanisation Zone, Tashar Bala. This will position Katsina as a major agro-industrial hub, he said. He added that feasibility studies and business plans for both projects were completed with KPMG and Kaduna Business School, ensuring viability and sustainability. On expected benefits, he stated: These investments will create jobs, build skills, transfer technology, grow the states revenue, and support a stronger, diversified economy. Mr Ferreira reaffirmed TORQs commitment: We are here to partner with the government and the people of Katsina. TORQ is investing in people, in prosperity, and in the future of this state. On his part, the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Ahmed Muhammad Bakori, said the state has donated 10 hectares of land to the Indian investors for the project. He added that the ministry is fully committed to growing ruminants, fisheries, poultry and other key livestock areas. He added that the project will create new jobs for Katsina people and support the states drive for wider employment opportunities. Mr Bakori, a professor, thanked TORQ Agro Ltd for partnering with the state, saying the support will strengthen Katsinas poultry programme. In his goodwill message, Chairman of Batagarawa Local Government, Yahaya Lawal Kawo, praised the project, saying it will bring real benefits to our people. He added that Batagarawa is fully behind the government and ready to support the work to succeed. The Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita, handed the land certificate to Mr Brian Ferreira, Director of TORQ Agro Nigeria Ltd. The Commissioner said the gesture shows the states full support for investors and for Katsinas agro-industrial growth. Mr Ferreira, while receiving the document, said it gives TORQ the green light to push ahead with our projects in Katsina. Those in attendance were top management staff of TORQ, Hon Abubakar Albaba; district heads as well as elders of Batagarawa town. Election observer missions of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the West African Elders Forum have expressed concern after the Guinea-Bissau armed forces suspended the election and announced a takeover of the country. In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the election missions described the coup as an attempt to erode the countrys progress toward stability and to strengthen democratic institutions. The missions said both the presidential and legislative elections had been orderly and peaceful, with strong voter turnout and professional conduct by electoral officials, security forces, and party agents. It said the coup has hindered a conclusion to a largely peaceful electoral process. The observers also raised concerns about the arrest of top officials, demanding their immediate release. We, the Heads of the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM), the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission (EOM), and the West African Elders Forum, note the orderly and peaceful conclusion of the voting process for the presidential and legislative elections held on 23 November 2025 in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. We commend the people of Guinea-Bissau for their strong civic engagement, as well a s the professionalism demonstrated b y polling staff, security personnel, presidential candidates and party agents, throughout the voting process, the statement read. Gunshots were heard near the Guinea-Bissau electoral commission headquarters earlier on Wednesday before a televised official announcement of a military takeover in the country. A group of army officers who describe themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration declared that they are taking control until further notice. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the coup took place on the eve of the expected announcement of election results, which pitted incumbent President Umaro Embalo, representing MademG15, against leading opposition candidate Fernando Dias, candidate of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS). The missions said they had only just concluded meetings with the two leading presidential candidates, both of whom pledged to respect the final results, when the armed forces declared they were taking power. They called the action regrettable and a blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process, urging the African Union and ECOWAS to take immediate steps to restore constitutional order in the West African state. The Nigerian government has condemned the military coup in Guinea-Bissau, calling for the restoration of constitutional rule after a group of army officials seized power in the West African nation. In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the news of the takeover was received with profound dismay and deep concern. The ministry characterised the takeover as a clear breach of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, noting that the coup undermined the regional commitments member states have made to constitutional rule and political stability. The regional agreement adopted in 2001 forbids any assumption of power through unconstitutional means. Gunshots were heard near the Guinea-Bissau electoral commission headquarters earlier on Wednesday before a televised announcement of a military takeover in the country. A group of army officers who describe themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration declared that they are taking control until further notice. The group of military officials stated they had removed President Umaro Embalo from power, halted the electoral process, closed the countrys borders, and would enforce a curfew. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the coup took place on the eve of the expected announcement of election results, which pitted incumbent President Umaro Embalo, representing MademG15, against leading opposition candidate Fernando Dias, candidate of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS). On Thursday, the Nigerian government demanded that the military commanders involved in the coup restore civilian authority without delay and respect democratic institutions. This coup detat represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means. We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau, the statement read. The government also requested guarantees for the safety of all detainees, as well as election observers who remain in the country after voting concludes. The government urged the military officials to exercise restraint and allow the electoral commission to complete its work in line with the will of Guinea-Bissaus voters. It also calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment. It urged all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritise peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body. The Nigerian government warned that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy. The House of Representatives on Thursday asked the federal government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the safe return of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who is currently trapped in Guinea-Bissau following a military coup in the West African nation. The resolution followed a motion moved by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, during plenary. The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had earlier condemned the coup, in which a group of army officers seized power, describing it as a violation of the the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The ministry said the takeover undermined regional commitments to constitutional order and political stability. Leading debate on the motion, Mr Ihonvbere noted that Mr Jonathan, who is widely recognised for being the first Nigerian president to concede defeat in a democratic election, had been on an international election observation mission when the coup broke out. He recalled that the former president has served as an election monitor in several countries, including Zimbabwe, Liberia, Ghana, Mozambique, Pakistan, Tanzania and South Africa, representing bodies such as the West African Elders Forum, the Commonwealth Observation Mission, the African Union, as well as Nigeria. Currently, he is trapped in Guinea-Bissau because of the coup while on an election monitoring assignment. We are not here to debate the coup, but from my investigations, the government is aware of the situation and is working to ensure his quick and safe return, Mr Ihonvbere said. Our appeal is that the government should not relent. It must use all diplomatic channels available to bring back a former president, a true democrat, without delay. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda also backed the call, describing Mr Jonathan as one of Nigerias finest civilian leaders under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He said Mr Jonathan served with clear vision, humility and democratic excellence, adding that the circumstances of his being stranded abroad highlight the broader responsibility of the Nigerian state to protect all its citizens. The importance we attach to his safety should equally be attached to the life of every Nigerian, home or abroad, Mr Chinda said. I support that everything possible be done to ensure his safe return, and the same commitment extended to other Nigerians in distress. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted. Coup details Gunshots were reported near the electoral commission headquarters in Bissau on Wednesday, shortly before the military announced it had taken control of the country. A group of army officers, calling themselves the High Military Command for the Restoration, declared they had removed President Umaro Embalo from office, suspended the electoral process, shut the countrys borders and imposed a curfew. The coup occurred on the eve of the expected release of election results in a contest between Mr Embalo of Madem-G15 and opposition candidate Fernando Dias of the Party for Social Renewal. Gunfire lasted for about an hour, although no casualties have been confirmed. According to presidential spokesperson Antonio Seidy, the attackers targeted the electoral commission to prevent the announcement of results and were allegedly connected to the opposition candidate. The House of Representatives on Thursday concluded a three-day special session on national security with nearly five hours of robust deliberations, raising urgent concerns over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria. The session, which began on Tuesday, brought together lawmakers to interrogate the increased security crises in the country and examine strategies for protecting citizens against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes. Over the three days, lawmakers discussed the structural weaknesses in Nigerias security architecture, the inadequate welfare of security personnel, and the need for stronger community engagement in intelligence and law enforcement. They also examined the impact of poverty, unemployment, and climate change on the proliferation of criminal networks. Wednesdays session saw particularly intense debates, with representatives highlighting personal experiences from their relatives and constituencies, warning that continued inaction could consign Nigeria to a dark page in history. On Thursday, the lawmakers reflected deep frustration with existing national policies and enforcement mechanisms. Several members lamented the absence of an effective victim support system, uneven delivery of justice, and the slow pace of critical reforms such as state policing and community-based security initiatives. Victims abandoned, terrorists pampered Laori Kwamoti Laori (PDP, Adamawa) highlighted the lack of a functioning victim support system in Nigeria, which he described as non-existent. He recalled how terrorists overran communities in his constituency for five days, with residents receiving no help despite earlier visits and promises from then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Mr Laori narrated how local hunters and vigilantes attempted to block the invaders route, attracting an Air Force gunship that dispersed them, yet the attackers still escaped. He faulted the militarys inertia. There is an army checkpoint just a kilometre away. We confronted them, and they said they would not act because they had not been given an order. What message are we passing? he asked.terrorists He decried the selective approach to justice, noting that terrorists are often rehabilitated while victims languish in IDP camps. Prominent people in this country have taken pictures with these and acted covertly and overtly. What message are we passing? The message we are passing is that crime pays, he said. Mr Laori also highlighted the disparity in response to foreign kidnappings compared to local ones. He said, An American was kidnapped here. The US spent what would amount to the budgets of three states to secure his release. Many Nigerians have been kidnapped, and some of us here have contributed personally to pay ransoms. What message are we passing? He added that while the United Arab Emirates publicly named terrorism financiers, Nigeria has yet to prosecute those identified locally. El-Rufai calls for better welfare, state policing Bello El-Rufai (APC, Kaduna) urged the House to ensure strict timelines for implementing President Bola Tinubus new security directives. He called for immediate increases in police and military salaries. At present, one police officer manages 600 Nigerians. The UN recommends 1 to 400. We are understaffed, he said. He argued that discrepancies in the justice system undermine public confidence, citing the recent sentencing of Boko Haram member Hussaini Ismail to 20 years while IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu received life imprisonment. Mr El-Rufai reaffirmed his support for state policing, insisting that centralised policing cannot work. We cannot sit in Abuja and expect efficient operations in Benue. We must return to communal policing and involve traditional leaders, he said. He warned that social neglect in the North is driving youth into criminality, amplified by social media displays of wealth by bandits. Shagaya: Criminality now profit-driven, communities complicit Tolani Shagaya (APC, Kwara) said groups once driven by ideology have evolved into purely criminal gangs sustained by ransom-taking and extortion. He noted that some rural communities now harbour criminals for financial gain. This symbiotic relationship, born of desperation, has made the challenge more complex, he said. Mr Shagaya expressed alarm over the presence of informants who leak intelligence to bandits. How many ambushes could have been prevented? How many lives saved? he asked. He also linked escalating insecurity to climate-induced pressures such as desertification, violent clashes over land, crop failures and water scarcity. Onobun wants NSA, service chiefs summoned Marcus Onobun (APC, Edo) called for the National Security Adviser and service chiefs to appear before the House and provide detailed plans to implement the presidents new directives. The statement from Mr President is not enough. We want to now see action, he said. Elegbeji: Adopt root-cause, non-kinetic, state-level solutions Ayoola Elegbeji (APC, Ogun) urged reforms in accountability, strengthened community-based intelligence and a properly structured state-police system. Our response as a House must be root cause focused and nonkinetic. We need to urgently reform our security sector and make it more accountable, she said. She pushed for urgent reforms to the National School Safety Initiative, particularly in girls schools repeatedly targeted by kidnappers. This includes improving infrastructure, coordinating security agencies, and focusing on vulnerable schools, especially those for girls, to protect every childs right to education, she added. Afuape: Link security to development, close inequality gaps Afolabi Afuape (APC, Ogun) argued that insecurity cannot be addressed without social and economic development. When people are not happy and cannot put food on the table, insecurity will persist, he said. He called for a security strategy shaped at the local government level and greater investment in technology and intelligence. Onuh: This is genocide, not banditry Blessing Onuh (APC, Benue) delivered one of the strongest condemnations of the ongoing killings. Our country is under attack. This is a massacre. It is terrorism in its highest form. It is genocide. It is ethnic cleansing, she said. Expressing fear for her constituents in Otukpo/Ohimini, she said people can no longer go to their farms or sleep safely. She recommended introducing security awareness as a primary-school subject and urged Nigeria to acquire more drones and technical assets. Chigeru calls for intelligence reforms, border control Blessing Chigeru (PDP, Rivers) urged strengthened intelligence gathering, better inter-agency coordination, improved welfare for security agencies, and investments in drones, data analytics and CCTV systems. She said, We need to strengthen intelligence gathering through community based reporting, improved inter-agency coordination, to increase funding, equipment and welfare for security agencies, to boost operational effectiveness, to fast track security sector reforms on professionalism, accountability, and technology driven policy, to expand deployment of modern survey tools, drones, CCTV, networks and data analytics in high risk areas. She also called for tougher border control to curb arms trafficking and collaborative action between federal, state and local authorities. Deputy Speaker: Nigeria is listening Closing the session, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu praised members for their engagement and assured them that the executive is paying close attention. Even before our resolution comes out, we have noticed the body language of the executive. Mr Presidents letter today answered most of our deliberations, he said, referencing President Tinubus earlier letter. Mr Kalu announced that lawmakers would continue the engagement at a meeting with the First Lady on Friday at the State House. As a former parliamentarian herself, she will contribute to deepening this conversation and supporting the policies needed to achieve our national objectives, he said. The House is expected to release a consolidated resolution capturing all recommendations from the three-day security session and thereafter forward them to the executive for immediate implementation. Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), an al-Qaeda franchise in the Sahel, has carried out its second attack in Nigeria, killing two soldiers and making away with military hardwares. The attack occurred on 22 November in Karonji village (also known as Duruma) in Baruten Local Government Area of Kwara State. The group, which first announced its presence in Nigeria around July, claimed its first attack on Nuku, a Kwara State village bordering the Benin Republic, in October. Although the did not officially claim the attack via its propaganda medium, az-Zallaqah, fighters believed to be members of JNIM did in a video shared by Philip Brant, a jihadi expert with special focus on the Sahel. The recent attack The 22 November attack began around 3:30 a. m. when the group stormed the military position in Karonji, according to sources in the village. They killed two Army personnel, a security source told PREMIUM TIMES. They also carted away mine motorcycles and a gun truck. In its propaganda medium, the group said it took full control over the military base in the village. It also released a video showing loot from the attack. The video, seen by our reporter, shows the seized gun truck and the motorcycles, helmets and rifles among others. The Nigerian Army has not issued a statement about the incident. An enquiry sent to Appolonia Anele, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army had not been responded to. JNIMs infiltration into Nigeria The Al-Qaeda-linked group, which has become one of the dangerous insurgents groups in the Sahel, was first reported to infiltrate Nigeria around 2021, when a contingent tried to connect with their brothers-in-arms, Ansaru, in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. The contingent, according to W Parks internal memo, asked patrolling officials directions to Kaduna State. The park spans Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger. It directly links Kainji National Park, where Ansaru, also linked to al-Qaeda, would later move to. Both groups, according to previous reports by our reporter, have coexisted in the area, sharing intelligence and trading arms. Leaders of Ansaru had been arrested, but remnants of the group seemed to have joined forces with JNIM, intensifying attacks on military positions and civilians. In June, this newspaper reported that JNIM claimed an attack on Basso, a Beninese town about 15 kilometres from Babana and other communities around Niger State, where more than 200 students were abducted last week. The JNIM was formed in March 2017 when four Mali-based extremist groupsAnsar al-Din, al-Murabitun, the Macina Liberation Front (MLF) and the Sahara Emirate subgroup of al-Qaida in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)merged forces. Its campaign of terror in Sahel, especially Mali, has disrupted local economies including transportation of petroleum products. The Senate on Thursday constituted a 13-member ad hoc committee to investigate how over $30 million was spent on Nigerias Safe-School Programme, a federal security initiative launched in 2014 to protect students and schools from attacks. The programme was introduced in the wake of the Chibok schoolgirls abduction and was designed to operate at different levels, including state-led efforts and national coordination through agencies such as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Safe School Parents Watch Network. The committee is mandated to examine how the funds were utilised on measures intended to secure students, teachers, and school infrastructure from the inception of the programme to date. Its constitution followed a motion by Abdullahi Yahaya (APC, Kebbi North), who raised concern over the rising cases of student kidnappings and attacks on schools and worship centres across the country. Mr Yahayas motion, moved on 18 November, triggered extensive debate, with lawmakers condemning the escalation of kidnappings and calling for more effective responses to Nigerias security crisis. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced that the committee would be chaired by Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North). Other members of the committee are, Tony Nwoye (LP, Anambra North), Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West), Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central), Saliu Mustapha (APC, Kwara Central), Diket Plang (APC, Plateau Central), Binos Yaroe (PDP, Adamawa South), Kaka Shehu (APC, Borno Central), Garba Maidoki (APC, Kebbi South), Oluranti Adebule (APC, Lagos West) and Sahabi Yau (APC, Zamfara North). Mr Akpabio directed the committee to submit its report within four weeks. Rising insecurity Nigeria has continue to battle persistent insecurity marked by frequent kidnappings, armed attacks, and violent assaults on communities, schools, and places of worship. All these are happening despite the huge amount the government is budgeting for the nations security yearly. 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. The students were freed on Sunday, 23 November. 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 abductees have since escaped from captivity. These incidents form part of a troubling escalation in banditry, terrorism, and communal violence that have stretched Nigerias security agencies thin. Maricel Cantillo has been reappointed as the Honorary Consul of Colombia to Nigeria, extending her tenure for another four years. Her reappointment reinforces Colombias confidence in her diplomatic work and acknowledges her growing role in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries. The announcement comes just months after the historic visit of Colombias Vice President to Nigeriaa visit that focused on deepening cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, education, and people-to-people exchange. During that visit, both nations committed to expanding engagement across multiple sectors, opening new doors for collaboration between Latin America and West Africa. Ms. Maricel has been at the centre of this renewed diplomatic energy. Over the years, she has worked closely with government institutions, the business community, and cultural organizations to promote Colombias presence in Nigeria while fostering mutual understanding. Her efforts have contributed to growing interest in trade partnerships, tourism development, and cultural diplomacy between both nations. Her new four-year term is expected to further consolidate these gains while her continued leadership will help sustain the momentum created by recent high-level engagements and translate them into long-term cooperation. READ ALSO: Tinubu assures Colombia of swift implementation of bilateral agreements The Consulate is also expected to strengthen support for Colombian citizens residing or doing business in Nigeria, while helping to promote new areas of partnership. With this reappointment, Ms Cantillo remains a key figure in ColombiaNigeria relations, symbolizing a bridge between two vibrant cultures and advancing the shared goal of deeper bilateral ties. News / National by Staff reporter The Bulawayo High Court has ruled in favour of Mr John Mabhikwa Khumalo in the ongoing Mabhikwa chieftaincy dispute, overturning the appointment of Ms Zanele Khumalo as Regent Chief Mabhikwa.Justice Mposeni Dube delivered the judgment on Monday, setting aside Zanele's appointment and referring the matter back to the National Chiefs' Council for proper handling. The court emphasised that it has no jurisdiction over the appointment of traditional chiefs or regents, reinforcing that such processes fall under customary and administrative structures rather than judicial determination.The ruling found that the appointment of Ms Khumalo had been improperly conducted, noting that some chiefs within her clan imposed their decision while sidelining the Mabhikwa-Khumalo family. Justice Dube further highlighted that the President's communication referenced the installation of a regent not a substantive chief a distinction central to the dispute.The conflict stems from the death of youthful Chief Vusumuzi Khumalo in 2022. After his passing, Ms Zanele Khumalo was appointed regent to preside over the chieftainship on behalf of the late chief's son, Wayne Makhosemvelo Khumalo, who was nine years old at the time.However, 32 members of the Mlonyeni-Khumalo-Mabhikwa family contested the appointment. They were represented by Solomon Mguni of Dube, Mguni & Dube Legal Practitioners and Advocate Kucaca Phulu. The applicants argued that Zanele's elevation was irrational, unreasonable, culturally improper, and executed in violation of the Traditional Leaders Act.Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe, National Council of Chiefs president Chief Mtshane Khumalo, Matabeleland North provincial assembly chair Chief Siansali, Ms Zanele Khumalo, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa were cited as respondents.The applicants alleged bias and conflict of interest in the manner the succession meetings were conducted, accusing the Chief Nkalakatha-led team of pushing a predetermined outcome.In his founding affidavit, Mr John Mabhikwa Khumalo argued that the installation effectively resulted in two parallel "acting chiefs," an arrangement he said violated the Constitution and the Traditional Leaders Act, both of which do not recognise the position of "regent chief."He also referenced a 2009 High Court decision that set out the proper chieftaincy succession procedures for the Mlonyeni Khumalo clan, which he said were ignored.John contended that key family members were sidelined during the selection process, and that the appointment ceremony was held at a venue imposed by Government representatives rather than a culturally appropriate setting.He further maintained that the Mabhikwa chieftaincy has never been passed to a woman."The Chief Mlonyeni Khumalo family tree unequivocally establishes that chieftaincy has never been passed to a female Regent or Chief. Succession has historically moved among brothers, ensuring adherence to cultural traditions," he said.John also questioned Zanele's suitability on cultural grounds, noting that she is married into the Ndlovu family."The Fourth Respondent, who is my niece, is married as Mrs Ndlovu and not conversant with the traditional ceremonies of the family Her appointment is against the will and wish of the family and is a clear recipe for disunity," he said, adding that her marriage would create logistical challenges regarding residence and ceremonial obligations.With the appointment now set aside, the matter returns to the Chief's Council, which must initiate a fresh and lawful selection process in consultation with the appropriate family structures.The outcome is expected to reopen longstanding debates around customary norms, gender roles in traditional leadership, and the legal ambiguity surrounding "regent chiefs," which are not expressly provided for in Zimbabwean law.The Mabhikwa chieftaincy dispute, which stretches back more than a decade, is likely to remain a matter of significant local interest as the selection process restarts. The House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee investigating Nigerias power sector reforms and expenditures from 2007 to 2024 has summoned several government agencies for repeatedly evading legislative oversight. The summons, directed at the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Budget Office of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Power, and the Office of the Auditor-General, was issued by the committee chairman, Ibrahim Aliyu, during a continued investigative hearing on Thursday. Mr Aliyu expressed deep frustration over the repeated failure of these institutions to respond to official correspondence or submit documents crucial to the probe. He described this as an emerging pattern of avoidance, warning that the committee would no longer tolerate such defiance. He directed the agencies to appear before the committee not later than 8 December, cautioning that failure to comply would compel the House to invoke its constitutional powers. The chairman disclosed that the committee had sent multiple letters to the agencies, including follow-up letters and additional reminders, yet had received neither acknowledgement nor submissions. We cannot pre-empt their reasons for refusing to appear, but these ministries and agencies are critical to the success of this investigation, he said. Earlier, committee members had endorsed a motion urging Mr Aliyu to grant a short extension and to expand communication channels, including publishing invitations in the media to prevent any agency from claiming ignorance. The chairman accepted the recommendations, announcing that the committee would issue fresh letters and public notices as a final gesture before resorting to legal instruments under Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. The sections mandate the National Assembly to compel attendance and demand documents from any person or authority. Mr Aliyu warned that continued evasions risk undermining the probe, which seeks to establish how trillions of naira invested in the power sector over 17 years have failed to deliver stable electricity to Nigerians. We cannot continue this way, he said. These agencies must come forward with their records. The Nigerian people deserve answers. The Anglican Diocese of Kaduna has announced the death of the Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, Edwin Achi. The church stated that Mr Achi, who was kidnapped alongside his wife and daughter on 28 October at his residence in Nissi community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna, died in captivity. The chairperson of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the Northern region, Joseph Hayab, announced the development in a statement on Wednesday. The diocese described Mr Achis death as a painful loss to the entire diocese, the clergy, the church family, and all who were blessed by his faithful ministry, humble spirit, and unwavering devotion to the service of God. The statement also added that his wife and daughter remain in captivity. We continue to pray for the release of his wife and daughter, who are still in the hands of kidnappers, the statement added. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a N600 million ransom for their release. The diocese also announced the cancellation of its programme, the Stand Up for Jesus 2025 event. On this note, the Standup for Jesus 2025 is hereby cancelled in honour of the late Venerable Edwin Achi, the statement said. The deceased hailed from Umuaja in the Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State. Mr Achis death was announced amidst rising insecurity in some parts of North-west Nigeria, featuring mass abductions in schools and worship centres. President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide state of emergency on security, directing the police and military to recruit additional personnel and ordering the deployment of trained forest guards to combat bandits and terrorists. The president also urged the National Assembly to consider reforms that would enable states to establish their own state police forces. Kaduna State, situated in the North-west geopolitical zone of Nigeria, is one of the states most severely affected by banditry and rural terrorism. Armed criminal groups, locally often called bandits, operate from forests, primarily targeting vulnerable communities for mass abductions, demanding huge ransoms. The crisis has escalated security concerns across the region, making kidnapping for ransom a tragically common occurrence, particularly in areas like the Chikun Local Government Area, where the attack on Mr Achi occurred. Timipre Sylva, the immediate past Minister of State for Petroleum, has written to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), requesting a mutually agreed date for him to appear at the agency over the corruption allegations levelled against him. The former governor of Bayelsa State, in a letter addressed to the EFCC chairman, frowned on the move by the commission to declare him wanted over alleged $14.8 million fraud. Mr Sylva, in the letter dated 24 November, received and acknowledged by the EFCC on 26 November, however, informed the commission that he was currently receiving urgent medical care for a life-threatening condition. He said he was in constant consultation with his medical team to know whether he could discontinue his treatment to enable him to present himself to the EFCC for interrogation. In view of the foregoing, I most humbly request that a mutually agreed date be set subject to medical clearance to enable me appear physically and formally. I trust that the objective of your invitation is not to unalive, but to genuinely investigate an alleged crime in which case my request will be in order. For only the living may appropriately, fully and responsibly respond to any allegation, which I firmly and respectfully deny. Mr Sylva recalled the events of the past weeks, over which, he said, his family, close friends, supporters, associates and compatriots had endured an extraordinarily and bewildering period. What began with an unverified accusation linking me to an alleged plot to undermine a constitutional authority of the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, escalated into a dramatic military operation at my private residence. During the period, several individuals were apprehended (drivers, security and domestic staff) and remain in detention. While still grappling with the emotional and psychological strain of those events, I was on Monday 10 November 2025, publicly declared wanted by your esteemed agency in relation to an alleged $24.8 million fraud matter. It is pertinent to recall that I had been formally invited by the EFCC in December 2024 regarding the same matter. After providing all required explanations, I was granted administrative bail on self recognition and I was informed that I would be reinvited should my further input be necessary. To the best of my knowledge and belief, no further invitation or correspondence was issued to me thereafter, he said. Mr Sylva said he was deeply surprised and profoundly unsettled to learn through a public announcement that he had been declared wanted despite his well-known disposition towards cooperation with lawful authorities. I am and have always been a law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and I have never declined or evaded the invitation of any competent law enforcement institution. READ ALSO: Timipre Sylva responds after being declared wanted by EFCC Furthermore, on 14 November 2025, it was publicly stated that I had jumped bail. For the sake of clarity, propriety and historical records, I must respectfully state that no such incident occurred nor was any such bail condition in existence or ever violated by me. As these developments continue to unfold, it is difficult to dismiss the impression that matters may be proceeding in a manner capable of causing public misinterpretation. For example these frenzied and almost desperate actions may be viewed as a political witch-hunt by many. Also considering that I have appeared to be a target since the beginning of this administration. (NAN) Vice President Kashim Shettima is billed to lead a distinguished array of dignitaries to this years International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM), underscoring the significance of the organisations flagship event. The 2025 Annual Conference and AGM will be held on 2-3 December 2025, at the NICON Luxury Hotel, Central Business District, Abuja. Among the high-profile guests expected are the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi; Professor of Mass Communication and Registrar of Baze University, Abiodun Adeniyi; a former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; former spokesperson to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu; and a former State Chief of Protocol to Buhari, Lawal Kazaure. Several other eminent personalities and senior media leaders, including Scott Griffen, Executive Director of IPI Global, and Olusegun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State, are also expected to attend. Presidents of major media associations have similarly been invited to the event. They include the President of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Maiden Alex-Ibru; the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Eze Anaba; the President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Danlami Nmodu, mni; and the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya Abdul. Heads of agencies under the Ministry of Information and National Orientation will also be present. They comprise the Directors General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu; Voice of Nigeria (VON), Jubrin Baba Ndace; Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Mohammed Bulama; Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Salihu Dembos; as well as the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali M. Ali. Other notable attendees include a former Director of Information in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Haruna Imrana; former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Gbemiga Ogunleye; IPI Global Board Member, Raheem Adedoyin; Associate Professor of Mass Communication at Bayero University, Kano, Sule Yau Sule; and the Publisher of PRNigeria, Yushau Shuaib. Vice President Shettima will chair the conference, while Minister Idris will deliver a special remark. Mr Griffen, on his part, will present a message of solidarity from the IPI headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The unveiling of IPI Nigerias Book of Infamy will be performed by Professor Adeniyi, while the President of IPI Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed, will coordinate a Surprise Honorary Event. The first paper of the conference, titled Addressing Media Repression in Nigeria: Safeguarding Press Freedom and Democratic Accountability, will be delivered by the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Edetaen Ojo. This session will be moderated by Funke Egbemode, with panellists including the Executive Director of the International Press Centre, Lanre Arogundade; Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin; Deputy Director at the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), Busola Ajibola; and Special Adviser at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Idayat Hassan. The second paper: Building Sustainable Media in Nigeria: Navigating Innovation, Credibility, and Revenue Challenges, will be delivered by the President/CEO of CBD MediaEdge Communications Limited and Co-Founder of Media Trust Limited, Isiaq Ajibola. The session will feature a panel comprising the Vice-Chair of Channels Media Group, Olusola Momoh; Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP, Azu Ishiekwene; and the Director of the MacArthur Foundation in Nigeria, Kole Shettima. Moderation will be handled by Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, a Professor of Mass Communication and Director of the Institute of Continuing Education (ICE) at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). Activities on the second day are exclusive to IPI Nigeria members and will culminate in the induction of new members. Terrorists, locally known as bandits, have abducted 20 people, including four pregnant women and minors, from Palaita, a Niger State village near a military base in Erena, Shiroro Local Government Area. The village also known as Anguwan Kawo, was attacked around 10 a.m. on Wednesday, according to sources in Erena. We spoke to three people in Erena and their names have been withheld for security reasons. We heard gunshots from the area but we were thinking that it was the military, one of them said. The terrorists operated for nearly 50 minutes and the soldiers did not challenge them. Appolonia Anele, spokesperson for Nigerian Army, has not responded to an enquiry about this. The village is near Erena, where the military has a Foward Operating Base (FOB) to prevent such attacks on the garrison town and nearby villages. This was not the first time Palaita would be attacked, said another source. The village had been attacked three times since 2024. Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for Niger Police Command did not respond to calls. An SMS sent to him had not been responded to at press time. However, he confirmed the attacked to Channels TV, saying another village, Kuchipa, in the area was attacked that same day. Mr Abiodun said efforts were ongoing to rescue the victims. Punch reported that the terrorists, that same day, attacked Kakuru village near Erena, chopping off a mans hand after seizing his phone. Indegenous sources monitoring violent attacks in the area told this newspaper that the terrorists came through Kwaki-Chukuba axis. One of the sources suspected that a commander from notorious Dogo Gides camp was responsible for the simultaneous attacks. Mai Kudi is a commander under Dogo Gide, he said. He may be responsible for the attack since the assailants came from their stronghold. Hours after gunshots were heard near the Guinea-Bissau electoral commission headquarters on Wednesday, a group of military officials announced a takeover of the government until further notice. The gunfire lasted for about an hour. However, no casualties were recorded. The army, in its speech, announced the removal of incumbent President Umaro Embalo from power, the halt of the electoral process, the closure of the countrys borders, and the imposition of a curfew. This has drawn criticism across West Africa, with several governments and regional blocs calling for a return to constitutional order. The Nigerian government described the coup as a breach of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. It also noted that the coup undermined the regional commitments member states have made to constitutional rule and political stability. The election observer missions of the African Union and ECOWAS also called the coup an attempt to erode the countrys progress toward stability. Ghana said it viewed the development with profound concern and expressed deep dissatisfaction at the brazen attempt to overturn the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau. As calls for a return to democratic rule intensify, here are five key facts you should know about Guinea-Bissau. 1. A history of coups The 26 November coup is not the first coup the country has experienced, nor is it the first military takeover in recent times. Guinea-Bissau has faced chronic political instability since its independence from Portugal in 1974. Power struggles between the military and civilian leaders, weak state institutions, and factional politics have repeatedly triggered military interventions. The countrys first coup was in 1980, when President Luis Cabral was ousted in a bloodless coup led by Prime Minister Joao Vieira. Five years later, several senior military officers, along with the first vice president, were arrested for an alleged coup attempt against the Prime Minister. Six of those detained were executed in 1986, while many others died in detention. Between 1998 and 1999, a civil-military conflict erupted after Mr Vieira dismissed his army chief. The fighting ended when he was ousted in 1999 by Ansumane Mane, another military ruler. The country also experienced another coup in 2003, overthrowing an interim elected president, Kumba Ial. The country also experienced coups in 2009, 2012, and 2022. In 2023, President Umaro Embalo dissolved the countrys parliament, alleging that elements within the security forces were plotting to remove him. Then, in October 2025, the army arrested some of its officials over a foiled coup plot. 2. Coup stops announcement of election results Wednesdays coup, carried out by a group of officers who describe themselves as the High Military Command for the Restoration of Order, occurred before the scheduled release of election results. The country held its presidential election on Sunday, and the results were to be announced on Thursday. The poll, according to observers, was largely peaceful and had a large voter turnout. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the election had pitted incumbent President Embalo, the candidate of MademG15, against leading opposition candidate Fernando Dias, the candidate of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS). Both candidates had earlier announced themselves as the winner of the election. Just two days before the coup, the opposition candidate, Mr Dias, had said, We have won the presidential race. We will not have a runoff. My people are very tired, and they need a change at the top of the state. However, Oscar Barbosa, a spokesperson for Embalos campaign, told a separate press conference that Mr Embalo had won outright, ruling out the need for a runoff. 3. Incumbent president sought second term Mr Embalo sought to become the first president in 30 years to secure a second consecutive term. He announced his decision to run for a second term in March amid serious political tensions. The opposition also vehemently refused to recognise him as the countrys current president, arguing that his first term had already ended. Officially, Mr Embalos term ended in February. I will be a candidate for my own succession, Mr Embalo had said to reporters at the time. Guinea-Bissaus constitution sets the presidential term at five years, renewable once, which allowed Mr Embalo to pursue a second term. He argued that his first terms initiatives, particularly in security, economic reforms, and political stabilisation, needed more time to be fully implemented. 4. Oldest political party barred from election Meanwhile, in September, the main opposition party, the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and Cape Verde (PAIGC), was disqualified from participating in the elections. The official reason given for this was that it allegedly failed to submit its list of candidates 72 hours before the registration deadline, which was considered late. However, observers and opposition parties argued that the allegation was politically motivated, adding that judicial and electoral rules were being used to exclude the main opposition and thereby tilt the playing field in Mr Embalos favour. The ban on PAIGC made the election far less competitive. The party that fought for the countrys independence from Portugal was the oldest and historically most influential party in the country. This is the first time since independence that this party has been excluded from a presidential race. The party, led by the former Prime Minister, Domingos Pereira, threw its weight behind the leading opposition candidate. 5. Guinea-Bissaus Portuguese history Guinea-Bissau was colonised by Portugal. The country was under colonial control for decades and gained independence in 1964. In West Africa, only three countries have Portuguese colonial history: Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Sao Tome and Principe. Portugal began by establishing trading posts along the coast of present-day Guinea-Bissau as early as the late fifteenth century, making it one of the earliest points of European contact in West Africa. For much of this period, however, Portugals influence remained limited to coastal enclaves involved in trade. Colonial control began effectively in the late nineteenth century, when Portugal started military campaigns to assert authority over the interior, a process often referred to as pacification. These campaigns continued into the early twentieth century and were largely completed by around 1915. The independence of the West African nation occurred through years of armed struggle between Portugal and the PAIGC, which at the time was backed by Cuba, the USSR, and Yugoslavia. The country declared independence in 1973, while Portugal formally recognised it in 1974 after the Carnation Revolution ended the dictatorship in Lisbon. Cape Verde and Sao Tome and Principe were also colonised until the 1970s, when independence movements gained momentum, and Portugals 1974 revolution brought an end to the rule. A police operative was shot on Wednesday in Anambra State when gunmen attacked the convoy of a former governor of the state, Chris Ngige. The incident occurred along Nkpor-Nnobi Road in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state, PREMIUM TIMES learnt. Fred Chukwuelobe, a media aide to Mr Ngige, announced this in a statement on Thursday. Mr Chukwulobe said the former governor was not in the convoy during the attack. But a policeman in the pilot car was shot and his gun and uniform taken away by the suspected assailants who were dressed in police and army uniforms, he said. The media aide said a yet-to-be-identified lady who was recording the attack was shot dead, while a male shop owner who ran to find out what was happening also sustained a gunshot injury. He (the shop owner) only lost a lot of blood and will be operated upon soon to remove the bullets. He is expected to make a full recovery, he said. Police vehicle riddled with bullets Mr Chukwulobe stressed that the police operative who was shot had undergone an operation and was expected to make a full recovery. The pilot car was riddled with bullets, he said. He said he had a phone conversation with Mr Ngige, who he said assured him that he would ensure those injured would get adequate medical treatment. The media aide also said the former governor has commiserated with the family of the victim who lost her life in the attack. Police speak The police spokesperson in Anambra State, Tochukwu Ikenga, has confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday. Mr Ikenga, a superintendent of police, said the police authorities in the state have launched a manhunt for the attackers. The police spokesperson said the hoodlums snatched a Mercedes-Benz SUV during the attack, but it was later recovered after operatives confronted the assailants. A combined team of Police Tactical Operatives from the Operations Department Awka, the Rapid Response Squad Akwuzu, and the Special Anti-Cultism Unit Enugu-Ukwu, while in hot pursuit of armed criminals who attacked a police patrol team at Eziowelle along Umuoji Road, encountered a police convoy that promptly joined in the engagement. The convoy swiftly aligned with the pursuing operatives and engaged the hoodlums in a gun duel, forcing the criminals to abandon the snatched white Mercedes-Benz SUV and flee the scene under intense pressure, he said. Preliminary information indicates that the officers in the convoy are attached to Senator Chris Ngige, former Governor of Anambra State and former Minister of Labour and Employment. Mr Ikenga said the police officer who the hoodlums shot is stable and currently receiving treatment at a medical facility. The recovered vehicle has been secured and taken into police custody for further investigation, as operatives intensify a coordinated state-wide manhunt for the fleeing armed hoodlums. Not the first time This is not the first time a convoy of a politician has been attacked in Anambra, which has witnessed increased attacks in recent times. In September 2022, some gunmen attacked the convoy of Ifeanyi Ubah, the then-Senator representing Anambra South District, killing some of his personal and security aides. Even members and former members of the Anambra State Assembly had been targeted in some deadly attacks by armed persons terrorising the state. On 21 May 2022, for instance, gunmen abducted and then beheaded Okechukwu Okoye, a lawmaker representing Aguata 2 Constituency in Anambra State House of Assembly. Mr Okoye was killed alongside his aide, Cyril Chiegboka, six days after they were abducted along Aguluzigbo Road, Anaocha Local Government Area of the state. Again, gunmen abducted Uzozie Chukwujekwu, a special adviser to a former chairperson of Nnewi South Council Area and also shot his only son, just a few hours after the news of the beheading of Mr Okoye went public. Within the same year, two former lawmakers of the Anambra House of Assembly were abducted and then killed in separate attacks. Apart from politicians, government officials, security agencies, and even clerics have become targets of attacks lately. In December 2024, a retired Archbishop of the Anglican Diocese of Nnewi, Godwin Okpala, and his driver were declared missing in the state. Mr Okpala, a professor, and the driver were later confirmed to have been abducted. The duo were, however, released after nearly one month in captivity. The Nigerian government has accused Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of being responsible for some of the deadly attacks in the region. But the group has repeatedly denied their involvement in the attacks. IPOB is leading an agitation for an independent state of Biafra, which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south of Nigeria. Its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, was recently convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment for terrorism. Terrorists in Kudodo village, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, have reportedly raped a 13-year-old girl [name withheld]. A source close to the family told this newspaper that the girl was raped by three men on Thursday evening while returning from the market. She was returning from Galadima Kogo market with her brother when the incident happened, the source said. Our source cannot confirm the girls condition at the moment. I have been trying to reach the family since they told me earlier this evening, he said. At press time, the status of the girls brother remains unknown. I dont know if hes missing or at home now, he said. Babangida Wassa, a youth leader from Kudodo village, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post. Innailaihi wa innailaihim rajuun. 13 year old Minor collapse after three bandits raped her in a single time in Kudodo community, Galkogo district, Shiroro LG Niger state, he posted. The girl has been hospitalised, according to sources in the area. The spokesperson for the Niger Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached at press time. An enquiry sent to him had not been responded to. PREMIUM TIMES reported that terrorists kidnapped four pregnant women and 16 others in Palaita, a village near a military base in Erena, Shiroro LGA, Niger State. This followed the abduction of more than 200 students and their teachers from St Mary Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, Niger State. This is a developing story. PREMIUM TIMES will follow up and provide further updates. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday said 11,566 personnel attached to Very Important Persons (VIPs) had been recalled following a presidential directive. The IGP made this statement in Abuja at a conference with strategic police managers, comprising officers from the rank of Commissioners and above. President Bola Tinubu had on Sunday ordered the police to withdraw its officers guarding VIPs for core police duties Mr Egbetokun said the recalled officers would be deployed to active police entities immediately. He said the presidential order was to ensure that more officers were repositioned from personalised security duties to collective public protection responsibilities where their presence and operational impact were urgently required. However, while we move decisively to implement this directive, we must also act responsibly to manage its execution. We are mindful of the risk of misinterpretation, misinformation and exploitation by undesirable elements who may seek to capitalise on the situation for personal or political advantage. To guard against this, the force will release detailed implementation modalities in due course, outlining clear processes, timelines, safeguards and accountability measures, he added. The IGP said the modalities would be communicated internally first, and subsequently to the public through the appropriate professional channels in a structured and controlled manner. Mr Egbetokun said the approach was necessary to prevent opportunistic actors from weaponising ambiguity, spreading disinformation, or impersonating authority in ways that could distort or compromise the intent of the initiative. We are committed to ensuring that this process fences policing, preserves institutional integrity, and eliminates any window for actors who operate outside legitimate security frameworks, he said. The IGP cautioned senior police officers against rivalry, saying that this helps crime while security synergy breaks it. According to him, CPs must operationalise real partnerships, not ceremonial alliances. He urged commissioners of police to adopt joint tactical patrols, share intelligence briefings, and conduct operations backed by military cover when required. The IGP further called for interagency operations in high-threat states, joint smart-based operational planning and unified response architectures. You must link monthly intelligence roundtables between state security authorities and establish joint tactical operations plans after every major attack, he said. Mr Egbetokun further called for joint-route domination patrols with the Nigerian armed forces and integration of strategic information exchange with other security agencies. He also canvassed expansion of lawful border-cracking strategies, especially in frontier states like Kebbi, Niger, Sokoto and neighbouring security theatres. (NAN) The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad-hoc committee to investigate the rising insecurity in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the apparent collapse of the $460 million closed-circuit television (CCTV) project financed through a Chinese loan. The probe stems from a motion of urgent national importance moved on 22 October by Amobi Ogah (LP, Abia), in which lawmakers decried the continued repayment of the loan for a security infrastructure that has remained largely non-functional. Following a robust debate, the House resolved to establish an ad hoc committee to examine the failed project, scrutinise the utilisation of the loan, and determine the roles played by ministries, departments, agencies and contractors. After the resolution, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over that plenary, named a 21-member committee to conduct the inquiry. Declaring the committee open in Abuja on Thursday, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen described the surge in kidnappings, armed attacks and other violent crimes across the FCT as unacceptable. He noted that Abuja, once considered one of the safest capitals in the sub-region, now faces persistent security threats. Mr Tajudeen, who was represented by a member of the House, Julius Pondi, questioned why the multi-million-dollar surveillance project, expected to strengthen policing and real-time monitoring, had failed to deliver. He said the House owed Nigerians clear answers on whether the project was properly implemented, abandoned midway or compromised through poor management. He noted that the committee will carry out a thorough forensic review of the CCTV scheme, assess its current status, determine whether it is functional and examine how well it was integrated into national security operations. The investigation will also identify lapses, acts of negligence or possible sabotage, and recommend measures for reviving or overhauling the system. The speaker said the committee must also identify possible negligence or sabotage and recommend steps for activating or overhauling the system. He appealed to the Ministers of FCT, Finance and Interior, alongside the Inspector General of Police, council chairpersons and heads of security agencies, to cooperate fully with the committee. He further urged traditional rulers to strengthen intelligence sharing with security operatives, insisting that the House will not stand idly by while residents live in fear. Every legislative tool, he said, will be deployed to ensure accountability and improved security in the FCT. The Chairperson of the committee, Ojogo Kimikanboh, said Abujas growing insecurity had turned it into a theatre of fear, arguing that the situation demanded urgent legislative action. He described the failed CCTV project as a national embarrassment, given the scale of investment and the expectations attached to it. Mr Ojogo also described the failed CCTV project as a scandal of monumental proportions, noting that the $460 million system, intended to provide an impregnable security shield for the nations capital has not delivered the promised protection. He outlined the committees tasks, which include auditing the entire $460 million expenditure, evaluating the projects technical integrity, establishing its current functionality and uncovering the causes of persistent security breaches. We are not on a witch hunt but a truth hunt, he said, pledging diligence, integrity and a commitment to restoring public confidence. Mr Ojogo added that what elevates the crisis is the stark paradox of escalating terror despite a massive investment. He described the CCTV project as a flagship component of Nigerias national security architecture, a digital sentinel expected to deter crime, empower security forces and support the administration of justice. He said the committee would conduct a forensic audit tracing every dollar, scrutinise all contracts, determine the systems operational status, identify those responsible for its failure and provide actionable recommendations to salvage the project and restore security in the FCT. The project The CCTV project was conceived under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. In 2010, a federal delegation led by then-Finance Minister Olusegun Aganga travelled to Beijing to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with a Chinese firm, ZTE Communications, which was awarded the contract to deploy the surveillance network across strategic parts of Abuja. Funding came from a $600 million soft-credit facility from ChinaEXIM Bank, under which $460 million was allocated to the CCTV project. Under the loan terms, Nigeria was to enjoy a 10-year grace period, followed by a 10-year repayment schedule. The initiative, known as the National Public Security Communication System (NPSCS), was intended to provide real-time video, voice and data surveillance, integrating with security agencies to monitor and deter crime, support emergency response, track movements and improve overall public safety in the capital. As part of its scope, the project reportedly included not just CCTV cameras but a network of support infrastructure: switch rooms, communication backbone network, emergency response systems, e-police integration, video-conference subsystems, and dedicated emergency communication vehicles. News / Regional by Staff reporter Obedingwa Mguni, Plumtree businessman and aspiring Mangwe constituency Zanu-PF MP is alleged to have said the Gukurahundi killings were prompted by people who were unhappy about Zimbabwe's first elections.Addressing Bulawayo journalists during a press club in Bulawayo, Mguni is alleged to have said the victims of Gukurahundi provoked the massive killings. Mguni is said to have defended the Gukurahundi atrocities saying the victims provoked the massive killings, as they were not satisfied with the "fair" elections that put President Mugabe in power in 1980."The Gukurahundi issue did not just come from the air, there were some of our colleagues who were not satisfied about the outcome of the fair elections that were held and then they decided to take the law into their own hands which in any country is not allowed, so the Government was supposed to take action against them," said Mguni.He said some of the elements during that action were mischievous and did what they were not instructed to do."So I can not put a grudge on that thing and say I am going to build Zimbabwe, that war came and it is gone," said Mguni.He said he had witnessed a lot of deadly wars elsewhere and people could afford to forgive each other after that."Some of us have to forgive because it was a war," said Mguni.Government is yet to acknowledge Gukurahundi and compensate the families of the victims. The clash of perspectives underscores the deeper challenge: while some attacks may appear religiously targeted, the broader landscape of Nigerian violence is shaped by overlapping crises weak governance, poverty, unregulated migration, proliferation of weapons, climate pressures, and the failures of policing and security infrastructure. Nigeria, Africas most populous nation, continues to grapple with a security crisis that resists simple definitions. Waves of violence particularly in the Northern and Middle Belt regions have fuelled global claims of a genocide against Christians. From Boko Harams long-running insurgency to bandit and militant attacks on rural communities, the human toll is heartbreaking and deeply troubling. But does this amount to genocide? Advocates insist it does, pointing to attacks on Christian communities, land seizures, and fear-inducing narratives reminiscent of past ethno-religious conflicts. The debate escalated sharply in November, when former US President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, threatening sanctions and even intervention for what he described as the governments failure to stop the slaughter of Christians. Yet, behind the emotionally charged language lies a complex reality. Many of the drivers of violence whether banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, resource competition, political grievances, or socioeconomic pressures are often misunderstood or misrepresented as solely religious. Nigerian government records, independent analyses, and demographics of victims, all show that Muslims, too, suffer extensively from these attacks, complicating the genocide narrative. Nigerias Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, captured this nuance succinctly: These criminals target all who reject their murderous ideology, regardless of faith. Muslims, Christians, and even those without religious affiliation, have suffered at their hands. This position is echoed by the African Union, ECOWAS, and other regional bodies, which maintain that while Christian communities are undeniably targeted in some attacks, there is no conclusive evidence of state-sanctioned or systematically orchestrated genocide. Even international voices urging caution agree. US Congresswoman Sara Jacobs warned against framing Nigerias violence solely through a religious lens, arguing that doing so risks inflaming tensions and misdiagnosing the drivers of conflict. Nigerias president has similarly emphasised that the country is facing insecurity not a religious war and that characterising the crisis as a genocide undermines internal cohesion. Conflicts such as farmer-herder clashes, often framed as religious, are largely rooted in desertification, resource shortages, poverty, and migration patterns. These issues predate contemporary political or religious identities and have intensified due to climate change, economic strain, and weak governance. He noted that terrorists kill Muslims in large numbers too citing over 60,000 liberal Muslims killed since 2009, according to Intersociety data. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project reports over 53,000 civilian deaths since 2009, with the majority not connected to religious identity. Still, the genocide debate reached a boiling point during a heated exchange on Piers Morgan Uncensored on 18 November. Nigerias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, faced off with Piers Morgan, former Canadian MP Goldi Ghamari, and Reverend Ezekiel Dachomo, who has personally buried dozens of victims. Tuggar pushed back forcefully: Over the last five years, only 177 Christians were killed not 52,000. They do not check IDs for faith before killing. These are bandits, resource wars, herder-farmer disputes not targeted jihad. His critics countered just as sharply. Ghamari accused the Nigerian government of denial, stating: It is 100 per cent genocide militants hunt Christians like in ancient Persia, but now with cameras. Morgan challenged Tuggar on casualty records and alleged underreporting. Tuggar responded with a warning: pushing religious narratives, he argued, risks igniting a Sudan-style breakup. We have seen this playbook before. Nigeria will not be the next South Sudan. He noted that terrorists kill Muslims in large numbers too citing over 60,000 liberal Muslims killed since 2009, according to Intersociety data. The Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project reports over 53,000 civilian deaths since 2009, with the majority not connected to religious identity. The clash of perspectives underscores the deeper challenge: while some attacks may appear religiously targeted, the broader landscape of Nigerian violence is shaped by overlapping crises weak governance, poverty, unregulated migration, proliferation of weapons, climate pressures, and the failures of policing and security infrastructure. In confronting these challenges, Nigerian leaders are calling for cooperation, harmony, dialogue, and prayer not foreign threats or punitive measures. National sovereignty must be respected, even as Nigeria works with international partners to improve its security strategy. Al Jazeera and other global outlets caution against uncritically adopting the genocide label. Yet, even without the classification, the suffering is undeniable. Whether Christian or Muslim, rural communities are under siege, and the state struggles to respond swiftly or effectively. International pressure can help, but it must be grounded in accuracy, diplomacy, and a commitment to unity not narratives that inflame division. What Nigerians need is protection, justice, and accountability not threats of invasion or policies driven by foreign lobbying. As voices clash from Abuja to Washington to London, the stakes are enormous. Nigerias future depends not on sensational rhetoric but on coordinated action: stronger intelligence-sharing, community peacebuilding, equitable development, and professionalised security responses. Christians deserve safety. Muslims deserve safety. Every Nigerian deserves safety. The country cannot afford a narrative that pits one group against another, while the real drivers of violence remain unaddressed. In confronting these challenges, Nigerian leaders are calling for cooperation, harmony, dialogue, and prayer not foreign threats or punitive measures. National sovereignty must be respected, even as Nigeria works with international partners to improve its security strategy. Ultimately, the path forward requires truth and balance. Sensational claims may attract global attention, but they seldom solve real problems. What Nigeria needs is unity of purpose and a collective commitment to building peace. May Almighty God bless Nigeria and guide its leaders toward justice, harmony, and national healing. Humaid Rabiu Shehu writes from Wuye Abuja. Email: [email protected] Above all, we must continue to honour the courage of our military men and women. Brigadier General Musa Uba exemplified exceptional bravery, leadership, and commitment to Nigerias stability. His death is a heartbreaking loss, but his sacrifice must refocus our national consciousness on responsible communication and collective vigilance. The tragic and untimely death of Brigadier General Musa Uba, commander of the 25 Task Force Brigade in Damboa, Borno State, in the hands of ISWAP terrorists, is more than a national loss it is a sobering reminder of the dangerous intersection between modern warfare and the digital public square. His murder underscores an uncomfortable truth: in todays world, the misuse of social media can be as lethal as the bullets on the battlefield. We now live in a hyperconnected era in which information travels faster than sound. Social media has collapsed the boundaries of distance, enabling millions to access, share, and amplify information in real time. For militaries worldwide including Nigerias these platforms serve as critical tools for shaping public perception, countering misinformation, issuing advisories, and mobilising community support. They improve intelligence gathering and enhance operational awareness. But the same tools designed to fortify national security can just as quickly undermine it. A single reckless post, a premature update, or an unverified claim about troop movements can expose personnel to grave danger. Terrorist groups monitor these platforms meticulously. They exploit them for propaganda, recruitment, intelligence gathering, and psychological operations aimed at weakening troop morale and fracturing public confidence. Tragically, this appears to have played a role in the death of Brigadier General Uba. His location and operational condition became entangled in a storm of online speculation at a time when silence and caution were essential. These digital traces, amplified across social media, may have inadvertently assisted the terrorists in identifying and intercepting him. According to the Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Uba and his troops, alongside members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), had just completed a successful patrol around Wajiroko in the Azir Multe axis of Damboa Local Government Area when they walked into a well-coordinated ISWAP ambush. Surrounded from multiple angles, the Brigade Commander ordered a tactical withdrawal, while calling for air support. Security agencies must refine their communication strategies to balance transparency with operational safety. Timing, content, and accuracy are critical especially during crisis situations. Information must not be released merely to satisfy curiosity; it must be weighed against the potential risks to ongoing operations and personnel safety. At that critical moment when the situation was still evolving, and rescue efforts were underway social media became saturated with unverified reports claiming that the Brigade Commander had been captured alive. Panic erupted. Accusations flew. The military was condemned in real time. Caught between operational secrecy and overwhelming public pressure, the Army issued a statement to calm national anxiety, confirming that the Commander was alive and coordinating his troops, while acknowledging the loss of personnel. But that necessary communication did not occur in a vacuum. Terrorists, equally active online and equipped with tracking tools, were monitoring the discourse. The clarifications intended to reassure Nigerians may also have provided terrorist cells with actionable intelligence. Shortly after, Brigadier General Uba was captured and brutally executed. This painful experience highlights the profound vulnerability of military operations in the digital age. Social media, though powerful, is not benign. Every message has consequences. Every post has an audience. The enemy is always listening. This tragedy must serve as a national wake-up call. Security agencies must refine their communication strategies to balance transparency with operational safety. Timing, content, and accuracy are critical especially during crisis situations. Information must not be released merely to satisfy curiosity; it must be weighed against the potential risks to ongoing operations and personnel safety. At the same time, research on the role of social media in national security must deepen. As technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Big Data Analytics, and the Internet of Things reshape conflict dynamics, Nigeria must invest in understanding how to harness and regulate these tools responsibly. Citizens also have a crucial role to play. Patriotism is not only measured by flags and anthems; it is measured by restraint. We must resist the temptation to share sensitive information or emotionally charged rumours that compromise national security. A forwarded message may seem harmless, but in todays asymmetric warfare, it can have deadly consequences. As a postgraduate researcher at the Nigerian Defence Academy studying Social Media and Crisis Communication Management in the Nigerian Army (20152025), I view this tragedy as a case study of the grave consequences of digital indiscipline and premature public communication. The media, too, carries a heavy responsibility. Sensational reporting that circulates unverified claims not only misinforms the public; it can jeopardise lives. Terrorists thrive on fear, confusion, and psychological disruption. The media must not become an unwitting amplifier of their narratives. Citizens also have a crucial role to play. Patriotism is not only measured by flags and anthems; it is measured by restraint. We must resist the temptation to share sensitive information or emotionally charged rumours that compromise national security. A forwarded message may seem harmless, but in todays asymmetric warfare, it can have deadly consequences. Above all, we must continue to honour the courage of our military men and women. Brigadier General Musa Uba exemplified exceptional bravery, leadership, and commitment to Nigerias stability. His death is a heartbreaking loss, but his sacrifice must refocus our national consciousness on responsible communication and collective vigilance. Our soldiers fight every day in one of the worlds most dangerous conflict zones. The least we owe them is digital discipline. May Nigeria learn from this tragedy, strengthen its crisis communication systems, and uphold the memory of a fallen hero whose life was dedicated to protecting the nation. Mukhtar Yau Madobi is a Fellow of the Centre for Crisis Communication. Email: [email protected] US complicity in Libya and its lukewarmness about support for Nigeria under President Barack Obama put the country in a tight spot. Still, it was not Trump who infiltrated the political and military ranks or indulged a security system that neither prioritises accountability nor takes consequences seriously. This, sadly, is the hand that poor governance and bad choices have dealt President Tinubu. He must deal with it. Theres no need to obsess over what US President Donald Trump said about Nigeria being disgraced or his threat to attack fast, viciously, and sweetly with blazing guns. He has perfected the art of blowing hot and cold, perhaps more hot than cold. Yet, his unstable nature is rarely foolish; hes a controlled bully, driven by flattery. Its not Trumps fault that Nigeria is where it is. Three recent incidents demonstrate the significant work required to fix this country, if were serious about being respected. The first was how the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, responded to the presidential directive to go to Kebbi State after the tragic abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, on 17 November. I didnt expect the minister to go into the bush to look for the girls. His record as a bandit appeaser as Zamfara State governor doesnt suggest hes even remotely cut out for that kind of radical adventure. If he has since seen the light, the least I expected was that he would take his business with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. That Guard of Honour To my utmost shock and surprise, however, as soon as he landed on the airstrip in Kebbi, he began his assignment by inspecting a military guard of honour, with TV cameras following him. After that, he mounted the platform to receive a salute the sort of luxury reserved for someone on a celebratory mission. While this nonsense was going on, the 25 abducted schoolgirls and their distraught families were sinking deeper and deeper into misery, and the world, remembering Chibok and other cases of serial mass kidnaps of schoolchildren, was asking what kind of people we are. If this was Matawalles idea of soft power, or the new meaning of non-kinetic engagement, then he should return to his farm in Bakura. His performance was deserving of nothing less than a caning on the rostrum where he was receiving that salute. If his daughter were among those taken by the bandits, would he be throwing his agbada left, right, left, and be pretending to inspect a guard of honour, while the fate of the abducted children hung by a thread? Just Like Buharis Red Carpet It reminded me again of former President Muhammadu Buharis aides decking the streets with the red carpet when the former president visited Dapchi, Yobe State, in 2018, after 110 girls were kidnapped from their dormitory in Government Girls Science College. This vanity leaves your heart with more broken pieces than Humpty Dumpty suffered from a fall. Thats if youre not Mattawale. To make matters worse, days after the delegation left, no one knew what was happening, who they were meeting, or what they were discussing. Nothing. It was the readout from the office of the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegeseth, that hinted at what was going on. It was a disgrace that the Nigerian public had to rely on the man who had received President Trumps orders to prepare to attack Nigeria for crumbs of what was going on in the White House! Ribadus Sneaking Out The second embarrassment was the departure of the NSA Malam Nuhu Ribadu-led reconciliation team to the US, leaving Nigeria like thieves in the night. Was it a precondition of the visit to Washington that Nigerians should be left in the dark about the delegation or its composition? To make matters worse, days after the delegation left, no one knew what was happening, who they were meeting, or what they were discussing. Nothing. It was the readout from the office of the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegeseth, that hinted at what was going on. It was a disgrace that the Nigerian public had to rely on the man who had received President Trumps orders to prepare to attack Nigeria for crumbs of what was going on in the White House! A self-respecting country on such a critical mission will tell its own story and keep its citizens informed of what they need to know on an ongoing basis. Wonder, wonder, wonder And then came the news that all the 38 worshipers in Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State, had been freed unharmed on Sunday, after three days in captivity. That was good news and a source of respite, not only for the affected families and their communities, but also for a traumatised country. There was also good news from Kebbi, where all 25 schoolchildren abducted on 17 November were freed one week later. Matters arising from these incidents have, sadly, left more questions than answers. And the world, particularly those who have Trumps ear, must be amused by what appears to be a roulette game of abductions and dramatic escapes. I do not expect the details of the rescue to be widely shared, perhaps for security reasons. And I also understand the sentiment of affected families, which is similar to the Mao Zedongian phrase, white cat, black cat, let our loved one return safely. But theres something untidy and deeply worrying about this drama. Trump did not ask Matawalle to convert a critical emergency task into an Oscars moment, nor did he ask the Sergeant Major on duty at the girls school in Kebbi to leave 45 minutes before the abductions. It was not Trump who told President Bola Ahmed Tinubus team to sneak into the White House as if they were going to ask for political asylum. 90 Minutes at Entebbe As a nation, it makes us appear utterly unserious, somewhat like characters from Trumps disgraceful caricature, to report that days after widespread abductions, the victims 38 in Kwara, 25 in Kebbi were freed, as if by magic! No payments, arrests or sketch of the encounter. Its the kind of thing that can only happen in spiritual warfare or in fairy tales hardly ever in real life. In decades, the only thing close to this was 90 Minutes at Entebbe, one of the most audacious hostage rescue operations by Israeli forces in 1976, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus elder brother, Yonathan Yoni Netanyahu, who sadly lost his life in the otherwise near-perfect operation. Suppose, however, there is no backstory to the miraculous escapes in Kwara and Kebbi, then we must package the lessons for export and perhaps curate a lore from it for Nollywood, for which Ill suggest the title, Triumph of non-Kinetic Theory of Combat. And this is no laughing matter. For others to take us seriously, we must first take ourselves seriously by shedding habits that put us in a bad light. Where the Buck Stops Trump did not ask Matawalle to convert a critical emergency task into an Oscars moment, nor did he ask the Sergeant Major on duty at the girls school in Kebbi to leave 45 minutes before the abductions. x In a poorly policed country such as ours, it was not Trump who assigned over 100,000 police officers nearly one quarter of the entire force to guard big men, leaving swathes of the population vulnerable. The misuse and abuse of the Force dates back to the First Republic, following the military coup, and deteriorated under subsequent military rule, reaching disgraceful proportions in the Second Republic. Since 2012, when retired Major General Mohammed Shuwa was killed by individuals suspected to be Boko Haram members, at least three army generals (the most recent being Brigadier Musa Uba) have died in combat, in addition to hundreds of soldiers who have also lost their lives, in a conflict that has become more prolonged and complicated than Nigerias three-year civil war. US complicity in Libya and its lukewarmness about support for Nigeria under President Barack Obama put the country in a tight spot. Still, it was not Trump who infiltrated the political and military ranks or indulged a security system that neither prioritises accountability nor takes consequences seriously. This, sadly, is the hand that poor governance and bad choices have dealt President Tinubu. He must deal with it. Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-In-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the new book, A Midlifers Guide to Content Creation and Profit. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed profound grief over the death of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, Supreme Leader of Tijaniyyah in Nigeria. Governor Radda described the scholars passing as a monumental loss to Nigeria, the Muslim Ummah, and humanity. Sheikh Dahiru Usman was not just a religious leader; he was a father, a guide, and a unifying force who transcended ethnic, political, and regional boundaries. His wisdom, humility, and commitment to peace inspired millions across Nigeria and beyond, the governor stated. He noted that the late scholars life exemplified the true teachings of Islamcompassion, tolerance, knowledge, and service to humanity. Throughout his 98 years, Sheikh Dahiru remained a voice of reason, a pillar of moral authority, and a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. His departure leaves a void that will be deeply felt across generations, Radda added. The governor also recalled Sheikh Usmans contributions to promoting peaceful coexistence, interfaith dialogue, and moral discipline in Nigerian society. He commiserated with the government and people of Bauchi State, the Tijaniyyah community and the entire Muslim Ummah over the irreparable loss. Governor Radda prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased, grant him Aljannat Firdaus, and give his family, followers, and admirers the fortitude to bear the loss. While discussing the 2025 edition of BudgITs State of the State Report, an annual publication that evaluates long-term fiscal performance and sustainability of Nigerian states, Arise News ace presenter and social activist, Rufai Oseni, described Enugu States emergence as the likeliest state to survive outside of the receipts from the Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, as The Enugu Miracle. His words: All of a sudden, Enugu has become a haven for raising money. The Governor Mbah some people never gave a chance is doing so well. He is putting digitisation in place. Enugu is now part of the few states in the country that are actually viable; that is, if they do not get FAAC, they should be able to run If Enugu can do it, if Enugu can create a miracle the Enugu Miracle then what are others doing? One cannot but agree with Oseni, especially given where the state is coming from. Indeed, Enugus surge under Governor Peter Mbah can be likened to the miracle of five loaves and two fish as recorded in Matthew 14: 14-21. Observing that the multitude that was with him since morning was hungryj, Jesus disciples asked him to release them to go into the villages to find something to eat. But Jesus, instead, asked them to feed the multitude to which they exclaimed in bewilderment that they had just five loaves of bread and two fish left. But Christ took that little blessed it, and asked his disciples to serve it. 5,000 persons were fed. Yet, in the end, 12 baskets of leftovers were gathered. According to BudgITs 2025 State of the States Report, Enugu State is the most probable state to finance its operating expenses exclusively from internally generated revenue (IGR) without relying on FAAC. The findings were based on Index A, which measures states ability to meet recurrent expenditure obligations relying only on IGR. The research methodology for Index A was the ratio of operating expenses to the states IGR. According to BudgIT, states that rank higher on this index exhibit greater financial autonomy and long-term viability. States that perform strongly on Index A have comparatively limited dependence on FAAC allocations and thus possess greater viability if they were to theoretically exist as independent entities, the Report states. The ranking in this regard shows that Enugu State scored 0.68, implying that 68 percent of the states IGR would have catered to its operating expenses. Enugu is trailed in the top five states by Lagos State (0.83), Abia State (1.56), Anambra State (1.66), and Kwara State (1.73). On Index A1, which measures IGR growth, Enugu again leads the ranking, followed by Bayelsa, Abia, Osun, and Kano. These states recorded the strongest momentum in boosting internally generated revenues during the 2024 fiscal year. According to BudgIT, While it may be too early to celebrate, as the uptick could partly reflect increased inflows from federation transfers, it is a much better performance than the previous year. In the meantime, whereas Enugu and Lagos lead in IGR ranking, fewer states meet the 50 per cent threshold, as BudgITs 2025 State of the States report shows that the number of states generating enough revenue to cover their operating expenses has reduced compared to 2024. Unfortunately, according to BudgIT, 28 states still depend significantly on federal transfers and other external inflows to fund their operations. Meanwhile, whereas those who have expressed surprise at Enugu States ranking are in order, especially given where the state is coming from in terms of IGR, those who have keenly followed the states giant strides and redirection under Governor Peter Mbah, actually saw it coming. For instance, Mbah has drastically reversed the states Recurrent Expenditure-heavy budget culture which is actually a subsisting national tradition. Before his coming, the states Capital Expenditure hovered around figures not exceeding N30bn, which amounted to about a Capital Expenditure to budget ratio of about 25 to 35 per cent. But in the 2024 budget, Mbah tweaked things positively for the state. That budget consisted of N107.2 billion Recurrent Expenditure or 21 per cent of the record N521.5bn budget and a Capital Expenditure of N414.3 billion, representing 79 per cent of the budget. While Nigerians thought that they had seen it, with the new order earning the Mbah Administration reviews by public analysts and editorial comments by several national dailies, he actually took it a notch higher in 2025 budget. The budget comprises N837.9 billion Capital Expenditure, representing 86 per cent of the N971 billion budget, and N133.1 billion Recurrent Expenditure, representing only 14 per cent of the entire budget. However, of great significance is the states quantum leap in terms of IGR profile. Although Mbah met the states IGR at N30bn in May 2023, he ramped it up to N37bn by the close of that year and scaled it up to N180.05bn by the end of 2024, marking a nearly 400 per cent increase in the states IGR profile. Expectedly, the question on the lips of many is: how was that possible? Basically, whatever has happened in the IGR space is rooted in the principles of transparency, traceability, and accountability of the Mbah Administration. The states IGR drive has benefitted so much from the technology to block leakages and also from widening the tax net to bring more people into the revenue stream without increasing the tax rate. The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Chidiebere Onyia, provided a deeper insight into the states IGR revolution in his keynote address at a recent high-level strategy retreat organised by the Governors Revenue Assurance Team. In the keynote speech at the retreated themed From Silos to Synergy: Achieving Unified Revenue Targets Through Coordination and Accountability, Mr Onyia, a professor, gave a participant-witness account of Enugus transformative journey, which has practically redefined governance, accountability, and fiscal performance in the state. When Governor Peter Mbah entrusted us with the mandate to reposition Enugu as a model of efficiency and innovation, we knew that business-as-usual would no longer suffice. We needed a bold shift from fragmented silos to a unified, data-driven, and performance-oriented revenue ecosystem. One of the most decisive reforms we undertook was the complete stoppage of cash collection across all MDAs. This was not merely a procedural change; it was a philosophical shift toward transparency and traceability, he stated. The result is that in Enugu State of today, every payment is now routed through digital platforms, ensuring real-time monitoring and eliminating leakages. This bold move has radically reduced opportunities for sharp practices and also enhanced public confidence in the revenue collection system. It has equally helped the administration to build a central revenue intelligence dashboard, allowing the government to monitor every transaction across the state. Furthermore, the administration introduced a Performance Appraisal Framework for all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, with each MDA now assigned clear revenue targets linked to their operational mandates. But it does not end with the targets. Monthly and quarterly reviews are conducted, with performance scorecards publicly shared. This enables the government to place underperforming agencies on corrective action plans, while high performers are recognized and rewarded. Importantly, this approach has promoted a culture of healthy competition, innovation, and ownership among public servants. The administration has also prioritised capacity building for revenue officers, concentrating on ethics, digital tools, and customer service, thus not just improving revenue, but equally strengthening the social contract between government and governed. In the same vein, sharp practices in the revenue collection space are no longer overlooked. As the governor often points out, accountability is not just about systems; it is about consequences. Thus, the administration has maintained a resolute stance against corruption, investigating and prosecuting several cases of fraudulent revenue diversion. The administration further set up a Revenue Compliance and Enforcement Unit, which works very closely with law enforcement and the judiciary, while whistle-blower channels have been activated, thus enabling citizens to report malpractices incognito. Importantly, the Mbah Administration has earned the faith or confidence of the people that whatever taxes and other payments they make would be used to work for them. Although there were initial hesitations primarily spurred by old experiences, the people soon realised that with Mbah, it is business unusual. With over 2,000 verifiable completed and ongoing projects spread across the 260 wards of the state, it is a case of the Igbo saying that you may preach to the blind that there is oil in the soup, but not about salt. He can tell them, using his buds. Again, the deployment of a real-time project management dashboard has, among others, visibly strengthened the link between revenue and results, as the citizens can now see how their taxes are transforming roads, schools, hospitals and water systems in real time. Yet, Governor Mbah will always be credited with giving governance a human face, ensuring that revenue drive is not without an ample touch of humanity. For instance, in response to complaints received about taxes and the like, he recently inaugurated a committee to carry out a comprehensive review of tax policies, rates, levies, and fees under the control of the state. The committee, which draws its membership from interest groups, market associations, government, organised labour, and the civil society, among others, is to benchmark Enugu States revenue practices against Lagos, Abuja, and other South East states as they relate to Land Use Charge, Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees, market levies, and stall rents, business premises registration, signage and advertisement fees, among others, and recommend reforms. Although there is still a long way to go, if Governor Mbah continues on this trajectory, then he is on his way to actualising his campaign promise to wean Enugu State off FAAC allocations and ensure they are saved for future generations, he will also be on the path to actualising his overarching vision to grow the states economy sevenfold from $4.4bn to $30bn, eradicate poverty and position it as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living may well become a fait accompli. It is only a matter of time. gathered. According to BudgITs 2025 State of the States Report, Enugu State is the most probable state to finance its operating expenses exclusively from internally generated revenue (IGR) without relying on FAAC. The findings were based on Index A, which measures states ability to meet recurrent expenditure obligations relying only on IGR. * Mr Anichukwu writes from Enugu Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has performed the groundbreaking of the Safe Space Energy project, an ambitious investment designed to strengthen the States transport system, accelerate its clean energy transition, and expand economic opportunities for young people. The event, held today in Katsina, marks a major leap toward a greener and more resilient future for the State. The project makes Katsina one of the emerging hubs for renewable and alternative energy in Northern Nigeria. Governor Radda thanked the management and investors of Safe Space Energy Limited for choosing Katsina State as the home of this transformative investment. He commended the companys strong commitment to the project and assured them of full government support to ensure successful implementation. The governor explained that the project would play a central role in strengthening the local economy, creating youth employment, and modernising the States transportation sector. He noted that the government has already introduced new buses, many of which are electric and hybrid models, as part of its ongoing reforms, adding that Katsina is also planning to adopt electric vehicles for official use. He stated that the services and technology being deployed by Safe Space Energy will significantly complement and reinforce these efforts, helping the State build a cleaner, safer, and more efficient transport system. Governor Radda further emphasised that the investment aligns with Katsinas Climate Change Initiative and long-term commitment to environmental sustainability. He stressed that the project contributes directly to the States vision of building a cleaner, greener, and more climate-resilient future. He once again assured the investors of the governments unwavering support throughout the projects execution. Earlier, Economic Adviser, Khalil Nura Khalil, said the groundbreaking of the Safe Space Energy project reflects the tremendous progress being achieved under the Radda administration in the power and energy sector. He noted that no economy can grow without reliable power, making todays effort especially significant. He explained that the project connects directly to the States Green New Project and highlighted that the Java axis of Katsina is fast becoming an energy hub unlike anything seen in the North. He commended Governor Radda for his dedication, describing his work, both in the State and nationally, as impressive and impactful. In his remarks, Managing Director Safe Space Energy, Nazir Abdullahi Alhassan welcomed Governor Radda and reaffirmed that energy remains fundamental to development. He said the company selected Katsina due to its supportive business environment, strategic location, and reputation as a peaceful and hospitable State. He stressed that Safe Space Energy is not just an investor but a partner in Katsinas progress. He announced that the company will establish a CNG mother station, a CNG daughter station, and an electric vehicle (EV) charging facility equipped with 100 charging points already on order. He further revealed that 50 CNG-hybrid vehicles have been ordered for Katsina, capable of traveling long distances after charging, including Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja. The company already operates a CNG plant and EV charging station in Abuja, located at its Mabushi headquarters. The Chairman added that Katsinas strategic border routes, including Niger Republic and Jibia, make it an ideal location for CNG refueling, especially for trucks heading into Niger or southern Nigeria. He also announced the introduction of KKNP (Keke NAPEP) CNG conversion kits and electric tricycles, with 100 units currently being tested in Kano and 50 units set for deployment in Katsina. He explained that the electric KKNPs charge in 40 minutes, travel about 100km per charge, and cost less than 1,000 to power, reducing transport costs for urban commuters. He highlighted the safety of CNG technology, noting the use of armored and fibre-2 cylinders, and confirmed that 50 hybrid vehicles will be brought to Katsina under the first deployment. The Chairman stated that the project is expected to be completed before the first quarter of 2026. He added that the company will also establish a service center, conversion hub, and training academy in Katsina, in partnership with the Motor Development Commission, to train young people and support long-term operations. Those in attendance included the Commissioner for Commerce and Tourism, Hon. Yusuf Suleiman Jirdede; the Director General of KATDICT, Naufal Ahmed; Economic Adviser, Khalil Nura Khalil; and other senior government officials. The University of Ilorin has conferred an Award of Excellence on the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, in recognition of his outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to public service, and notable contributions to national development. The honour was bestowed during the Universitys 50th anniversary celebration held on Thursday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital. In its citation, the University described Governor Lawal as a model of principled leadership whose actions reflect the values of excellence, integrity, and service to humanity. It further stated that the governors reforms in governance, education, economic revitalization, and security align with the institutions vision of nurturing leaders committed to knowledge, character, and nation-building. The citation stated further: This distinguished accolade is a fitting testament to Your Excellencys exemplary leadership, dedication to service, and significant contributions to the socio-economic and educational advancement of Nigeria. The Universityrenowned for its academic rigour and integrityhas recognised in you the very qualities it strives to instill in its students. Receiving the award on behalf of the governor, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government (SSG), Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, expressed profound appreciation to the University of Ilorin for the prestigious honour. He noted that the recognition would further inspire Governor Lawal to intensify his efforts in rebuilding institutions, empowering communities, and advancing inclusive development across Zamfara State and Nigeria. The SSG also congratulated the University on its 50th anniversary, commending its legacy of academic excellence and its impact on generations of Nigerians. He urged the institution to continue championing the values of excellence, integrity, and national service that have earned it a distinguished place in the countrys educational landscape. Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has flagged off the construction of a 4-kilometre Filin Polo to Ring Road Asphalt Concrete project, describing it as a major step towards urban renewal and inclusive development in the state capital. The governor, who spoke on Thursday during the groundbreaking ceremony, said the single-carriageway road, which will be equipped with solar-powered streetlights, is designed to transform Filin Poloone of Katsinas most neglected inner-city communities. Governor Radda noted that the area has long been plagued by poor road access, congestion, inadequate drainage and security concerns, stressing that the project would reverse years of neglect and unlock fresh economic opportunities for residents. He disclosed that the project was awarded to Mothercat Limited at the cost of N4 billion with a completion period of 12 months, adding that the state government had already released a 40 per cent mobilisation fee to ensure immediate commencement and timely delivery. The governor also assured residents that compensation would be paid to property owners affected by the road alignment, noting that assessments had been completed in line with due process and fairness. This project is not just a road; it is an investment in the quality of life of our people, Mr Radda said, reaffirming his administrations commitment to people-centred development. He commended the Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport for its role in the planning process and warned that the project would be closely monitored to ensure strict adherence to quality standards and timelines. Governor Radda appealed to residents of Filin Polo and adjoining communities to cooperate with contractors during the construction phase, urging them to protect the project for the benefit of present and future generations. He described the groundbreaking as a symbol of the administrations determination to build a modern, safe and prosperous Katsina State. Earlier, the Commissioner for Works and Housing, Sani Magaji Ingawa, said the flag-off of the 4km Filin PoloRing Road Asphalt Concrete Project is a deliberate step towards urban renewal, infrastructure expansion, and improving the quality of life for our citizens. The project, awarded to Mothercat Ltd at 4 billion with a 12-month completion period, includes drainage, solar-powered streetlights, walkways, and traffic markings. He explained that the road will open up Filin Polo for new development, ease traffic congestion, and improve security at night. This corridor will attract investments, raise property values, and create a cleaner, safer environment for thousands of residents, he said. The Commissioner described the groundbreaking as a turning point for a community long regarded as one of the most neglected areas in Katsina metropolis. For years, Filin Polo has faced poor access roads, congestion, environmental challenges, and insecurity due to darkness. This project marks the beginning of real transformation, he noted. He appealed for full community cooperation as the work progresses. Support the contractors, protect the project environment, and allow smooth execution. This project belongs to you, and its success depends on your collaboration, he said. The Chairman of Katsina LGA, Isah Miqdad, thanked the Governor on behalf of the Filin Polo community, saying the project shows true commitment to their welfare. Our people appreciate this development and the attention given to this area, he said. He assured the governor of full community support. We are committed to backing your re-election with our efforts and resources, Mr Miqdad added. Those who graced the occasion included the Commissioner for Water Resources, Bishir Gambo Saulawa; the Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Faisal Kaita; and the Member representing Katsina Local Government in the State House of Assembly, Aliyu Abubakar Albaba among others. Troops of the Nigerian Armys 6 Brigade under Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dislodged armed groups in southern Taraba and recovered 91 rustled cattle in a series of clearance operations conducted between Monday and Tuesday. The army announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday by Umar Muhammad, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations. He said the operations were aimed at consolidating recent gains and sustaining pressure on criminal groups responsible for attacks on farming communities. According to the statement, troops carried out coordinated offensives in Akesha, Zambana Forest, and Ayu village in Takum and Donga local government areas, long troubled by violent groups accused of destroying farmlands and displacing residents. Mr Muhammad said, The soldiers advanced on multiple hideouts following credible intelligence. The criminals fled on sighting the troops, abandoning 91 rustled cattle in Akesha on 24 November as the animals grazed on farmlands. The cattle were secured and prevented from causing further destruction. He stated that the troops also encountered armed elements in the Zambana Forest and Ayu Village on 25 November. The army said the soldiers engaged the terrorists with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat deeper into the forest and weakening their operational capability. The operations, according to the army, have enabled displaced farmers to safely retrieve their harvested crops. Kingsley Uwa, the brigade commander, addressed the troops and community members after the operation, pledging sustained and aggressive military action across Southern Taraba, particularly as the festive season approaches. On the recovered cattle, Mr Uwa, a brigadier-general, ordered all claimants to report to the 93 Battalion in Takum for proper identification. He emphasised that no cattle would be released until farmers whose farmlands were damaged had been compensated. The commander also condemned the recurring violence linked to herders, describing their activities as a major driver of insecurity in Takum and neighbouring communities. He warned herders entering Taraba from other states to report to traditional leaders and local authorities before settling in any area, insisting that compliance with local procedures was essential to preventing conflict. He reiterated that Operation Zafin Wuta would continue to dismantle criminal networks, secure farming settlements, and prevent livestock-related violence from undermining food security and stability in the region. The army urged residents to continue providing credible information to support ongoing operations. The Plateau State Government has called for urgent and collaborative action to address the insecurity challenges, particularly in the North-central region. The government made the call during a Senate Public Hearing held on Thursday in Jos. The state was represented by Deputy Governor Josephine Piyo, standing in for Governor Caleb Mutfwang. In her address, Mrs Piyo highlighted the devastating impact of insecurity on communities in Plateau State, noting cycles of violence, displacement, destruction of farmlands, and the erosion of social cohesion. She emphasized that these challenges, while acute in Plateau, are part of a broader national crisis requiring coordinated solutions. The reality before us is stark. Insecurity has crippled communities, claimed innocent lives, disrupted livelihoods, and slowed development, especially in the North Central region, Mrs Piyo said. The deputy governor commended the Senate for its resolution on May 6, 2025, to convene an all-inclusive National Security Summit, describing it as a significant step toward finding sustainable solutions to the nations security challenges. She praised the Senate Committee for adopting a bottom-up approach by engaging local stakeholders, experts, and community actors in each geopolitical zone to craft strategies grounded in local realities. Mrs Piyo outlined Plateau States multi-layered strategies to restore peace, including revitalizing community-based early warning and response mechanisms, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and promoting justice, fairness, and inclusiveness. She stressed the importance of community involvement in security efforts, stating, Security agencies must work more closely with communities, vigilante structures, and traditional institutions. The people know the terrain; their involvement is invaluable. The deputy governor also urged the removal of statutory ambiguities to facilitate seamless collaboration among security agencies and local actors. She called on Nigerians to rise above political, regional, ethnic, and religious differences in order to reclaim peace, livelihoods, and dignity lost to insecurity. This Summit represents an opportunity, perhaps one of the most important in recent years, to chart a new direction, Mrs Piyo added. The hearing is part of the Senates efforts to develop a national strategy for security, beginning with interactive sessions in each geopolitical zone to harvest locally informed solutions. Plateau State reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the federal government, the National Assembly, security agencies, and other stakeholders to dismantle insecurity and restore lasting peace. Once again, I thank the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee for this initiative and for choosing the North-central as a critical starting point in this national conversation, Mrs Piyo concluded. Two kidnap victims were on Wednesday rescued from Itaogbolu forest, in Akure North LGA of Ondo State after suspected kidnappers abandoned them during a hot chase by security operatives. The operatives also apprehended one of the suspects during the encounter. It was gathered that one Mr David and his wife were kidnapped from their farm hut located at Odeigede Camp, a border community of Ekiti and Ondo States, at about 5 a.m. The police were quickly alerted, and they, acting jointly with local vigilante groups, launched a pursuit of the kidnappers. The spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the operation was led by operatives from the IjuItaogbolu Division and the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad (SAKS), working closely with vigilant youth of the community. He said the team advanced into the forest terrain in pursuit of the kidnappers. He said that as the pressure from the combined team intensified, the suspected kidnappers abandoned the victims. Mr David reportedly suffered machete cuts before he managed to escape alongside his wife. Mr Ayanlade said that despite rescuing the victims, the operatives relentlessly pursued the kidnappers further into the forest. This tactical effort led to the discovery of a hut where one suspect was arrested. Items recovered include a Samsung Note 10 mobile phone, a sword, and a broken bottle found in the suspects pocket, Mr Ayanlade said. Although the kidnappers wore masks during the incident, the physical build and appearance of the arrested suspect matched the description provided by the victim. The suspect has since been cooperating with investigators and giving useful information, aiding ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing accomplice(s). All recovered exhibits have been handed over to SAKS for further investigation. The police attributed the success of the operation to the effective collaboration between the police and the community. ALSO READ: Nigerian Army deploys troops to tackle kidnappers hiding in Kwara forests The State Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, commended the IjuItaogbolu Divisional Police Station, the State Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and the courageous youth of the community whose timely cooperation contributed immensely to the rescue. He also commended the officers who participated for their dedication, sacrifice, and professionalism. In a related development, a police officer was reportedly stabbed by a hoodlum along Arakale road, Akure, on Wednesday morning. Police said the suspect was immediately arrested, and further efforts were made in the evening to arrest others involved. The Concerned Sons and Daughters of Ikoga-Zebbe, Badagry, Lagos State, have written to Babatunde Ogala, chairperson of the Governing Council of the Lagos State University (LASU), urging him to address the unfair treatment of Anthony Dansu and four other lecturers who were wrongfully dismissed from the university in 2019. The group, in a statement on Wednesday, alleged that the dismissals were based on frivolous charges and that the officials were vindicated by the reports of two committees, leading to their reinstatement by the previous Governing Council in February 2022. However, the implementation of the decision has been put on hold by the Lagos State Government. The statement was jointly signed by James Avoseh, Mayowa Adejobi, Gabriel Tinka, Ademola Bokoh, Francis Avoseh, and Medemaku Noah. The dismissed lecturers were officials of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), LASU chapter. They are Isaac Akinloye Oyewumi (ASUU chairperson); Adebowale Adeyemi-Suenu (vice chairperson); Anthony Dansu (secretary); Adeolu Oluwaseyi Oyekan (assistant secretary); and Oluwakemi Aboderin-Shonibare (treasurer). For more than three years, the town group has engaged in a series of activities, including peaceful rallies, the issuance of press statements, and writing letters to the states governor, calling for the reinstatement of the dismissed officials. The dismissal The lecturers were dismissed during the university governing councils 122nd meeting held on 12 September 2019. They were accused of unauthorised removal, retention and dissemination or publication of official confidential documents and subsequently sacked. In February 2022, the David Sunmoni-led governing council of the university reinstated the lecturers after an Appeal Committee headed by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Adenike Boyo, cleared the lecturers of all offences and recommended their reinstatement. But in a strange move, 48 hours after the governing council approved its appeal committees recommendation, the same governing council ruled to put the recall of the lecturers on hold. Demands The group is calling for the unconditional reinstatement of the five officials, payment of their accrued financial entitlements and benefits, and promotions without loss of seniority and entitlements. They argue that the officials are being unfairly treated and that their dismissal is a disservice to the community and Lagos State. The group highlighted the perceived marginalisation of the Ikoga-Zebbe community and the need for fair treatment. Appeal According to the group, the decision to reinstate the dismissed staff was again upheld in July, but their recommendations have not been implemented. We were elated when we received information that the immediate past Governing Council, at its meeting of July 3rd, 2025, upheld the recommendations of its appeal committee, headed by your good self, that the requests above be formalised, alongside the offer by the affected ASUU-LASU officials to voluntarily withdraw their services from the university immediately after implementation, the statement said. We understand the decision to mean a clear directive to the university administration to finalise the discussions with them with a view to making a binding agreement between the two parties through its submission as a consent judgment to the industrial court. Sadly, about five months after this decision, we have yet to see any positive results! The group, once again, urged the chairperson to use his position to resolve the issue and bring justice to the affected officials. Contacted LASU spokesperson, Thomas Onashile, did not respond to either telephone calls or a WhatsApp message seeking her reaction. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and the newly operational Southwest Development Commission (SWDC) have begun talks on reactivating disused railway lines across the region to bolster economic activities and ease movement of goods between Lagos and other southwestern states. The NRC Managing Director, Kayode Opeifa, announced the partnership on Tuesday while receiving the SWDC leadership, led by its Managing Director, Charles Akinola, on a working visit to the corporations headquarters in Lagos. in a statement signed by Callistus Unyimadu, Chief Public Relations officer at NRC, on Wednesday, Mr Opeifa said the corporation will work with the commission to produce a Memorandum of Understanding for the operationalisation of designated routes, describing the NRC as open for business and ready to support initiatives that align with national development priorities. We are delighted to see the SWDC take off from where the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission stopped in developing a master plan for regional rail development for states in the southwest, he said. The SWDC Managing Director said the commissions plan for rail development in the zone is structured into short, medium and long-term phases. In the short term, he said the SWDC seeks the ceding of some old unserviced routes for operation on a profit-sharing basis, including the revival of the OsogboDagboluErunmu line. He added that the Idogo route remained critical for boosting food security by transporting agricultural products to major markets. We want to take up the Idogo route. This route is noted for taking farm produce from our farmers to markets in Lagos, where these food stuffs are in high demand. We want to incentivize agricultural produce and Idogo line would play a major role in that, he said. Mr Akinola also highlighted the potential of maximizing existing rail services in Lagos, Oyo and Osun to ensure efficient movement of foodstuffs into Lagos, while transporting consumer goods back into the region. He said the commission believes that reactivating the routes would attract subsidy support and spur economic development across the six southwest states. On the medium term, he stated that the SWDC would seek operational and track access licences for new rail routes while encouraging private investors to participate in the sector. He emphasised the commissions plan to construct new rail spurs linking all states in the region to national rail lines, including facilities such as the Omi Adio and Moniya dry ports. The SWDC chief further requested land approvals to facilitate warehouse construction, citing a siding already established at Dagbolu in Osun State. He called for the formation of a joint technical team to accelerate implementation, assuring that governors in the region fully support the initiative. We are looking at encouraging some investors to come into the rail sector and run the rail lines in the region. This agenda has been advanced by the DAWN Commission in the past. We are willing to build new spurs to connect all the states in the South-west to the national lines by rail thereby making the dry port at Omi Adio and in Moniya more active, he said. Railway operations now open to all Mr Opeifa welcomed the proposals, saying the NRC is already reviewing the commissions requests and has directed relevant departments to work with a joint technical team to fast-track the process. What you are asking for is possible and will happen. We have also received your request for an operating track access licences. Our people are already looking at it and I have mandated all our directors to work with your technical team in bringing up the right MoU that would berth all your requests, Mr Opeifa said. He said recent constitutional amendments removing railways from the exclusive legislative list had opened space for state governments and private operators to participate in the sector. With moving the enabling law from the exclusive to the concurrent list, the federal government and the Nigerian Railway Corporation no longer have monopoly of the railway system in Nigeria. All development commissions, state governments, and private sector players are free to play in the sector, Mr Opeifa added. Other regions showing interest Mr Opeifa further disclosed that other regional development commissions and state governments are engaging the corporation to revive long-abandoned rail routes across the country. He said the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) has formally approached the NRC to explore areas of mutual cooperation, with a particular interest in reactivating key Eastern rail corridors. According to him, similar momentum is building in the North, where the Niger State government is working closely with the corporation on plans to restore operations along the northern flank of the LagosKano Western Line. The renewed push, he noted, aligns with the interest earlier shown by the SWDC, which views the route as critical for the movement of agricultural produce and improved market linkages between Lagos and northern states. Mr Opeifa said the NRC is assessing these proposals with the aim of ensuring that each corridor reactivation supports trade, reduces road pressure, and enhances national connectivity. Why the move matters The renewed push to revive abandoned railway routes in the South-west comes at a time when transportation costs, food prices, and congestion in Lagos have placed pressure on regional trade. As the economic hub of Nigeria, Lagos depends heavily on food supplies and raw materials from neighbouring and far-flung states, yet most of the cargoes currently move by road. The road networks are however overstretched, slow and vulnerable to insecurity and gruelling costs. Restoring rail links between Lagos and agricultural belts in Osun, Ogun, and Oyo could improve the flow of farm produce into the city and expand market access for rural communities. For commuters and businesses, improved rail options could reduce the dependence on highways like the LagosIbadan corridor, which suffers from frequent gridlock. SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Beyless, a leading mobility software technology company, announced on November 14 that it has obtained ASPICE Level 2 (CL2) certification, an international automotive software quality assessment standard. In-Vehicle Infotainment system Displayed at CES 2025 This achievement is particularly meaningful as it demonstrates that the company has secured objective quality reliability by adopting international-standard software development processes from the early development stages, even in an environment that requires rigorous evaluation and verification. In particular, fully covering the design, evaluation, and validation domains within the V-cycle ranging from CL2 SYS 15 to SWE 16 is the first domestic case in Korea. ASPICE CL2 is an international certification that validates the systematic and consistent execution of the entire software development lifecycle, including development planning, requirements management, design validation, testing, and verification. It has become an essential qualification when collaborating with global OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers. With this certification, Beyless has met all ASPICE assessment criteria across 15 process areas, including MAN, SYS, SWE, and SUP. This confirms that the company has established a structured and repeatable software development process that goes beyond simple feature implementation. Notably, the CL2 assessment was conducted not through traditional document-based reviews, but through an infrastructure integrated with an Application Lifecycle Management (ALM) system. This validates that Beyless has secured a repeatable and sustainable quality management framework and has reached a level capable of meeting the quality demands of global OEMs. Hyung-Jun Kim, CEO of Beyless, stated, "This certification is an important milestone that demonstrates our capabilities as a global leader in mobility software. Through this achievement, we will further enhance the quality and reliability of our infotainment systems and expand collaboration with global OEMs and Tier-1 partners." He added, "The ASPICE CL2 certification showcases Beyless's commitment to quality innovation and compliance with international standards. Moving forward, we will pursue mass-production-level certifications and higher capability levels, including CL3 and beyond, to further strengthen our competitiveness in the global market." SOURCE BEYLESS Co.,Ltd. DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce an exclusive rewards program offering new users up to $10,000 in trading credits for Bybit TradFi. Starting now, eligible new Bybit TradFi users can unlock a $500,000 grand prize pool and win tiered rewards. Bybit Expands TradFi Access With $500K Reward Credits Program for New Users From now until the end of the year, or until rewards run out, the limited-time program rewards qualified participants based on their net deposits and trading volume within their first 15 days of trading on Bybit TradFi, with higher deposits and trading activity unlocking progressively larger credits. How it works: Featuring a six-tier reward structure that scales with user engagement, the event is beginner friendly as it is rewarding for trading pros. Entry-level participants can earn $10 in credits with a minimum $100 deposit within 15 days of registering, while the most prolific traders can unlock up to $10,000 in accumulative credits across all tiers. The trading credits serve as margin for TradFi products, with users able to withdraw profits earned from credit-funded trades. Rewards will be distributed to qualified participants on a first-come, first-served basis. As the final quarter of 2025 presents both opportunity and uncertainty, investors are increasingly seeking platforms that offer both traditional and digital asset exposure for more robust portfolio diversification. Bybit TradFi complements Bybit's wide range of products and offerings, expanding user access to traditional financial markets from stock CFDs, commodities to global indices. Registration is required. Terms and conditions apply. For details on qualification rules and eligibility, users may visit: New user exclusive: Claim up to $10,000 in credit on TradFi! Bybit TradFi is powered by Infra Capital (Mauritius FSC licensed). The service is now available to eligible users through the official Bybit app and website. Bybit TradFi is not available to residents of the European Economic Area, among other restrictions. For details of regional limitations, terms and conditions, and user eligibility, users may visit Bybit TradFi . Trading comes with risk. #Bybit / #CryptoArk / #IMakeIt About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube SOURCE Bybit Allegedly, Howard J. Chudler & Associates, LLC failed to provide employees with accurate itemized wage statements due to missed meal breaks. This, allegedly, has resulted in violations of various California Labor codes. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Howard J. Chudler & Associates, LLC violated the California Labor Code. The Howard J. Chudler & Associates, LLC class action lawsuit, Case No. 25STCV30372, is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP According to California Labor Law, companies are required to pay employees for all time worked, meaning the time during which an employee are subject to the control of an employer, including all the time the employees are permitted or suffered to permit this work. Allegedly, Defendant required their employees to work off the clock without paying them for all the time they were under Defendant's control. To the extent that the time worked off the clock does not qualify for overtime premium payment, Defendant, allegedly, failed to pay minimum wages for the time worked off the clock in violation of Cal. Lab. Code 1194,1197, and 1197.1 California Labor Code 226 provides that every employer shall furnish each of his or her employees with an accurate itemized wage statement. According to the Complaint, Plaintiff was paid on an hourly basis. Therefore, Plaintiff's wage statements should reflect all applicable pay periods in which the wages were earned pursuant to Cal. Lab. Code section 226 (a). Allegedly, the wage statements Defendant provided to Plaintiff failed to identify such information. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Howard J. Chudler & Associates, L call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP Fivetran Inc. allegedly failed to accurately record employees' full time worked, including time worked off the clock. This, allegedly, resulted in violations to various California Labor Laws. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** ALAMEDA, Calif., Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that Fivetran Inc., violated the California Labor Code. The Fivetran Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CV152135, is currently pending in the Alameda County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP According to the lawsuit filed against Fivetran Inc., the company allegedly failed to provide Plaintiff with all legally required meal and rest periods . From time to time, Plaintiff was allegedly asked to work in excess of four (4) hours without being provided ten (10) minutes rest periods. Further these employees were denied their first rest periods of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts of at least two (2) to four (4) hours from time to time, a first and second rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of between six (6) and eight (8) hours from time to time, and a first , second and third rest period of at least ten (10) minutes for some shifts worked of ten (10) hours or more from time to time. The lawsuit further alleges that Defendant underpaid sick wages to Plaintiff by failing to pay such wages at the regular rate of pay, when sick pay was paid, it was paid at the base rate of pay. Defendant failed to reimburse and indemnify Plaintiff for required business expenses associated with their job duties. Defendant allegedly violated Cal. Lab. Code 246(1)(2) and 2802. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Fivetran Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP The optional course in drone training is intended for tenth grade students. TALLINN, Estonia, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Estonia is strengthening its next generation of technical and national defense talent through a new pilot program that introduces drone technology education to tenth grade students. The initiative, launched this fall and developed by the Defence Resources Agency in cooperation with the Estonian Aviation Academy, is designed to equip students with a structured introduction to drone technology, supported by simulation-based practice and supervised hands-on operation. The new drone-technology elective complements Estonia's existing mandatory national defense curriculum. The pilot elective course is currently offered in ten upper secondary schools with plans for broader availability as interest grows. Students begin with simulators and progress to live-flight exercises, allowing them to develop real-world skills safely and effectively. The program is not designed as military training but rather as an introduction to unmanned systems, supported by safe, structured classroom practices. "Building early fluency in unmanned systems is essential not only for national security, but also for the strength of Estonia's fast-growing defense industry," said Rene Ehasalu, Defence Estonia Cluster Manager. "Our companies are developing world-class drone capabilities. To stay competitive on the global stage we need talent that understands these technologies from day one. This program helps ensure that future engineers, operators and innovators are already prepared to support the next generation of defense solutions." The Aviation Academy developed the curriculum and the Defence Resources Agency leads the organization of flight practice. The 35-hour course includes 25 hours of theory and 10 hours of hands-on training, preparing students for the mandatory A1/A3 drone-operator competency certification that ends the course. The Ministry of Defence supplies the technical equipment and funding needed for the pilot. "The course gives students both foundational knowledge and practical flight experience," said Koit Kaskel, Rector of the Estonian Aviation Academy. "Those who complete it successfully will be well prepared to continue more advanced studies or pursue real-world applications in engineering, aviation or defense technology." Recognized globally for its digital-first governance, Estonia continues to invest in programs that combine technology, civic responsibility and national resilience. Estonia's unmanned systems sector includes established and emerging companies such as Milrem Robotics, Threod, KrattWorks, Jotel and Lendurai, each contributing to a growing ecosystem focused on practical, field-informed technological development that includes adapting their platforms to integrate with systems such as the U.S. military's Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK). This emphasis on interoperability and real-world applicability supports Estonia's broader role in advancing resilient, modern defense capabilities across Europe and the transatlantic community. About Estonia's Defense Industry Estonia has built one of the most agile and innovation-driven defence sectors in Europe. With more than 190 companies in the Estonian Defense and Aerospace Industry Association, the sector specializes in autonomy, cybersecurity, secure communications and advanced training systems. In 2026 Estonia plans to invest over 5% of its GDP in defense among the highest in NATO ensuring that new technologies are rapidly tested, fielded and integrated. This focus has made Estonia a country where defense innovations move quickly from concept to combat-ready capability. About Estonia Estonia is a global leader in digital innovation. Known for its e-governance, the world's first e-residency program, and boasting the highest number of startups per capita, Estonia offers a hassle-free and competitive business environment for global businesses. With a focus on transparency, efficiency, and forward-thinking solutions, Estonia is a trusted partner in business and diplomacy. Whether for work, investment, or exploration, Estonia provides a unique blend of innovation, opportunity, and quality of life. Situated in Northern Europe, Estonia consistently ranks high internationally for liberal democracy, political stability, economic freedom, and low corruption. Expert at adapting through innovation, Estonia is ready to tackle seemingly impossible challenges with the promise of a better future. Media contact Marta Hang [email protected] Bianca Hutton [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/miltton/r/estonia-expands-high-school-defense-education-with-new-drone-training-initiative,c4273362 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/miltton/i/trade-estonia-press-release-logo-2,c3491204 Trade Estonia press release logo 2 SOURCE Miltton This designation marks a significant milestone for patients and reaffirms Kedrion's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs in rare and ultra-rare diseases CASTELVECCHIO PASCOLI, Italy, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kedrion announces that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) to its investigational treatment for Congenital Aceruloplasminemia (ACP), a rare genetic disorder of iron metabolism. Aceruloplasminemia is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the CP gene, leading to a deficiency or absence of Ceruloplasmin, a key plasma protein essential for iron transport. Without treatment, iron accumulates in the brain, liver, and pancreas, causing severe neurological symptoms, diabetes, anemia, and retinal degeneration. Source: Orphanet https://www.orpha.net/en/disease/detail/48818 EMA's decision highlights Kedrion's role as a science-driven innovator in the rare and ultra-rare disease space. By pioneering the development of therapies from unused plasma fractionation intermediates, Kedrion transforms industrial plasma waste into potential new treatments. This approach not only optimizes the use of a precious resource but also advances sustainability in biopharmaceutical innovation. Andrea Caricasole, Chief R&D and Innovation Officer at Kedrion, said: "This designation from EMA, following the recent Orphan Drug Designation granted by the FDA, is a further validation of our science-driven approach to rare and ultra-rare disease innovation. By unlocking the therapeutic potential of this protein, we aim to address Aceruloplasminemia, a devastating ultra-rare and neurodegenerative condition that lacks effective options. For patients of this orphan disease, who currently do not have an approved drug, this milestone represents a concrete step forward in the future availability of a new therapy. Our work demonstrates how advanced research and sustainable practices can converge to deliver solutions that matter." This milestone is the result of collaborative efforts with academic and clinical partners and is supported by the Italian Ministry for Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) through the research project named "NATURAL", which aim to foster research for new therapies by leveraging unused plasma fractionation intermediates. This achievement builds on two recent high-impact scientific publications that reflect the vision behind Kedrion's approach. Nature Communications Biology (2024) demonstrated the feasibility of purifying Ceruloplasmin from unused plasma fractionation intermediates and its therapeutic efficacy in preclinical models of Aceruloplasminemia. Complementing this, Lancet eBioMedicine (2025) provided functional insights into missense variants of the Ceruloplasmin gene and assessed the real-world prevalence of Aceruloplasminemia using population-level data. Together, these studies reinforce clinical potential, a strong drive towards scientific understanding, and urgency of developing targeted therapies for this ultra-rare condition. Kedrion will continue to advance this treatment for Aceruloplasminemia toward clinical development in Europe, with the goal of enabling timely access for patients who currently have no effective treatment options. About Kedrion Biopharma Kedrion Biopharma collects and fractionates blood plasma to produce and distribute plasma-derived therapies for rare, ultra-rare, and debilitating conditions like Coagulation and Neurological Disorders, Immunodeficiencies, and Rh sensitization. We employ approximately 5,200 people worldwide and our industrial network includes plasma collection centers in the United States and in the Czech Republic, and production facilities across 5 countries. We are committed to creating a world where science and care know no bounds, partnering with the medical-scientific community, institutions, patient advocacy groups, and research bodies to foster innovation and improve care. Every connection we make impacts someone, somewhere. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2662888/Kedrion_Logo.jpg Cornerstone event gives first responder families a front-row seat to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Responders Children's Foundation (FRCF), a national nonprofit dedicated to serving the children and families of first responders firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, 911 dispatchers and corrections officershonored more than 1,500 first responder family members and guests at its 24th annual Thanksgiving Celebration and Parade viewing for first responder families. A family enjoys the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade after the First Responders Children's Foundation Thanksgiving Day Parade Ceremony. The Thanksgiving Celebration took place on 40th Street in Manhattan and featured a family fun zone with toys, superheroes, treats, and more; a breakfast and ceremony in the brand-new GH on the Park; and a private, front-row viewing of the iconic Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This day was made possible thanks to the generous presenting partner, CSX. FRCF was founded on Thanksgiving morning 24 years ago, when founder Al Kahn sought to offer community, togetherness, and gratitude to the children and families who lost a first responder hero on 9/11 through the first Thanksgiving Day Parade celebration. The tradition continues today and has become FRCF's cornerstone event. "We can never forget the reason why we host first responder families on Thanksgiving: nearly 150 first responders died in the line of duty this year, leaving children behind without their hero," said Jillian Crane, President & CEO of First Responders Children's Foundation. "Today is a day where we hope to bring comfort to those families and pay tribute and say thank you to all first responders who run toward danger for us every day. We are especially grateful for the generosity of our presenting partner CSX. Without them, this day would not be possible." "Supporting first responder families especially on a day rooted in gratitude is deeply meaningful to us," said Bryan Tucker, Vice President of Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement at CSX. "Partnering with First Responders Children's Foundation for this special Thanksgiving Day celebration allows us to offer these families a moment of joy and connection while honoring the legacy of the heroes who devoted their lives to protecting others." The First Responder family VIP experience featured a full morning of activities, special guests, and meaningful recognition for first responder families. Highlights included: A family fun zone with photo ops, food trucks, music, games, and toys, with special giveaways from Jazwares, Starbucks, Dylan's Candy Bar and more Breakfast at GH on the Park for first responder families A ceremony featuring a joint color guard presentation by the FDNY, NYPD, and Port Authority Police Department, distinguished speakers, and awards Distinguished speakers included: FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker PAPD Superintendent Edward Cetnar NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Tania Kinsella FRCF also presented special honors during the ceremony: A Community Hero Award to Port Authority Police Officer Chee Ying Yong, recognizing her service and bravery. In October, while off duty and pregnant, Officer Yong intervened in a stabbing in Queens and helped save a teenager's life A Community Partner Award to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, a long-standing partner whose support makes events like the Thanksgiving ceremony and FRCF's National First Responders Day in Times Square possible Special recognition and Unsung Hero Award for FDNY Supervising Fire Marshal Robert Cashman, honoring his 24-year commitment to the Foundation's mission and his steadfast partnership and leadership The celebration for more than 1,500 first responders and their families was made possible by CSX, Turken, Heath and McCauley, and Progress Rail. Please click here for b-roll from the event Please click here for photos from the event. ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION: First Responders Children's Foundation is a national foundation that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of first responders and their families. The Foundation focuses on five key areas: Scholarships, Financial Assistance Grants, a Mental Health Resilience Program, Natural Disaster Relief and Community Engagement. The Foundation was founded 24 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf. CONTACT: Joshua Natoli [email protected] 845-332-7933 SOURCE First Responders Children's Foundation NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of James Hardie Industries plc (NYSE: JHX) between May 20, 2025 through August 18, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 23, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased James Hardie common stock during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the James Hardie class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 23, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, James Hardie Industries plc misled investors about the strength of its key North America Fiber Cement segment between May 20 and August 18, 2025. Despite knowing by April and early May that distributors were destocking inventory, James Hardie falsely claimed demand remained strong and that stock levels were "normal." When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the James Hardie class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46976 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. LANCASTER, Pa., Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Legacy Handcraft today announced the official launch of its unified brand identity and new website, LegacyHandcraft.com. The company brings together Urban Legacy and Lancaster Handcraft under one name, consolidating two Pennsylvania woodworking brands with a shared focus on handcrafted furniture and Murphy Beds. A Consolidated Brand Built on Woodworking Heritage Legacy Handcraft combines the experience and craftsmanship of its predecessor brands while offering customers a simplified way to explore space-saving furniture solutions. The new website serves as a central platform for handcrafted Murphy beds, cabinet beds, and custom wood furniture produced in Pennsylvania workshops. "Formalizing our merge into Legacy Handcraft allows us to present a single, clear identity while continuing the woodworking traditions that have shaped both brands," said a spokesperson for the Legacy Handcraft Team. "Our focus remains on delivering durable handcrafted furniture suited for the needs of modern homes." Why Convertible Furniture Is Becoming a Holiday Essential As more Americans balance remote work with holiday hosting, multifunctional furniture continues to gain traction. Research from Furniture Today notes that interest in convertible and space-saving furniture solutions has increased as living spaces evolve to accommodate hybrid work and family needs (source: Furniture Today). Murphy beds and cabinet beds provide a practical way to transition home offices, dens, and multipurpose rooms into guest-ready spaces during peak hosting season. Guest-Focused Benefits Murphy Beds made from hardwood materials for strength and stability made from hardwood materials for strength and stability Cabinet Beds designed for small spaces and hybrid work households designed for small spaces and hybrid work households Handcrafted Furniture built to support long-term daily use The Space-Saving Trend in U.S. Homes Shifts in home design have placed new emphasis on multifunctionality. The National Association of Home Builders reports that average new-home sizes have continued to trend downward since 2021, reflecting a growing demand for flexible layouts and compact furnishings (NAHB). Legacy Handcraft's product offerings are aligned with this trend, enabling homeowners to maximize available space without sacrificing utility or comfort. Why Handcrafted Furniture Remains in Demand U.S. consumers are increasingly seeking long-lasting alternatives to mass-produced or fast furniture. According to Statista, more than half of American buyers prefer furniture made from natural materials, reflecting an interest in durability and sustainability. Legacy Handcraft's made-to-order approach supports these preferences by offering pieces crafted with longevity in mind. What Customers Can Expect Murphy Beds : A signature product category designed for modern living : A signature product category designed for modern living Handcrafted Furniture : Custom dining, storage, and home pieces built in Pennsylvania : Custom dining, storage, and home pieces built in Pennsylvania Unified Experience: One brand, one website, and a consistent product line For more information, visit LegacyHandcraft.com. About Legacy Handcraft Legacy Handcraft is a wood furniture company specializing in handcrafted furniture and Murphy Beds. Formed through the merger of Urban Legacy and Lancaster Handcraft, the company draws on Amish woodworking traditions while addressing the needs of today's homes. Legacy Handcraft provides durable, space-saving, and custom wood furniture to customers across the United States. Media Contact Aidan Miller Email: [email protected] Position: Project Director & Director of Custom Sales SOURCE Legacy Handcraft DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit, the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, announced support for USDT0 deposits and withdrawals on Mantle Network, becoming one of the first global exchanges to enable seamless cross-chain USDT0 flows. This integration makes Mantle the largest exchange-related Layer 2 network by total value locked (TVL). By supporting the new cross-chain standard for USDT, Mantle and Bybit are jointly positioned at the forefront of unified stablecoin liquidity infrastructure. Mantle and Bybit Unite to Bring USDT0, the Omnichain Deployment of Tethers USDT Stablecoin, to the Largest Exchange-Related Network USDT0 is the cross-chain deployment of USDT, the largest stablecoin, serving as a "unified liquidity layer" across multiple networks. Built on LayerZero's Omnichain Fungible Token (OFT) standard, USDT0 uses a mint-and-burn architecture that maintains a strict 1:1 backing and eliminates fragmented bridges. With this launch, Bybit users will soon be able to: Deposit USDT0 from Mantle Network directly into Bybit Withdraw USDT0 from Bybit directly to Mantle Network Enjoy zero-fee USDT0 withdrawals to Mantle for a limited time This collaboration brings together USDT0 as a liquidity infrastructure, Mantle as a leading exchange-linked L2 network, and Bybit as a global liquidity venue to help build the next phase of cross-chain stablecoin infrastructure. USDT0 as a Unified USDT Layer USDT0 aims to reshape stablecoin movement with: One liquidity layer: A single omnichain representation of USDT, not fragmented wrapped variants. Native cross-chain architecture: Using LayerZero's OFT standard for direct mint-and-burn transfers. Simplified UX: Eliminating multi-hop bridging and complex routing for users and institutions. Bybit's support for USDT0 on Mantle syncs centralized liquidity, onchain applications, and cross-chain flows into a cohesive experience, giving users more predictable and efficient access to Tether-based liquidity. Mantle as a Leading Exchange-Connected Network for USDT0 Mantle Network is a modular Layer 2 built on Ethereum, with deep ties to exchange infrastructure and a focus on distribution and liquidity for tokenized assets and real-world finance. Being among the first exchange-related networks to support USDT0 early, alongside Tether & Bybit, reinforces Mantle's positioning as: A high-performance L2 optimized for stablecoin settlement and cross-chain flows. settlement and cross-chain flows. A gateway for exchange liquidity and institutional capital entering onchain ecosystems. A hub for DeFi , tokenization , and RWA markets built on stable, programmable collateral like USDT0. For users, this means: Fast, low-cost USDT0 transfers on Mantle. Direct access to Bybit markets using USDT0 as a settlement and liquidity asset. Streamlined deployment of capital into Mantle-native applications. "Supporting USDT0 early, together with Tether and Bybit, is a strategic step for Mantle," said Emily Bao, Key Advisor at Mantle. "It strengthens Mantle's role as a core venue for cross-chain stablecoin liquidity and the onchain capital markets that depend on it." "USDT0 was designed to unify liquidity across chains, and Mantle's high-performance infrastructure makes it an ideal network for this vision," said Lorenzo R., Co-Founder at USDT0. "Working alongside Bybit and Mantle enables us to deliver a more seamless, interoperable stablecoin standard that improves UX and accelerates multi-chain adoption for users and institutions alike." Improving Onchain UX and Capital Movement USDT0 is designed to make stablecoin flows feel more intuitive and direct: More efficient cross-chain liquidity movement Reduced operational friction for both retail and institutional users Stronger alignment between centralized exchange rails and onchain destinations Bybit's integration adds: A centralized liquidity hub for USDT0 trading and portfolio management Direct on/off-ramps between Mantle and Bybit Free withdrawals during the initial rollout to encourage early adoption Strategic Importance for Tether, Mantle, and Bybit The early alignment across all three parties reflects a broader industry shift toward: Cross-chain stablecoin standards that unify rather than fragment liquidity standards that unify rather than fragment liquidity Next-generation L2 infrastructure designed for high-volume capital flows Integration between issuers, exchanges, and high-performance networks Infrastructure required for DeFi , tokenization , and institutional-grade asset movement With USDT0 now live on Mantle and will soon be available on Bybit, the ecosystem takes a major step toward a borderless, frictionless stablecoin standard that will underpin the next era of onchain finance. About Mantle Mantle positions itself as the premier distribution layer and gateway for institutions and TradFi to connect with onchain liquidity and access real-world assets, powering how real-world finance flows. With over $4B+ in community-owned assets, Mantle combines credibility, liquidity and scalability with institutional-grade infrastructure to support large-scale adoption. The ecosystem is anchored by $MNT within Bybit, and built out through core ecosystem projects like mETH, fBTC, MI4 and more. This is complemented by Mantle Network's partnerships with leading issuers and protocols such as Ethena USDe, Ondo USDY, OP-Succinct and EigenLayer. For more information about Mantle, please visit: mantle.xyz For more social updates, please follow: Mantle Official X & Mantle Community Channel About USDT0 USDT0, the unified liquidity network for USDT, simplifies cross-chain movement without fragmented pools or complex bridges. As the unified gateway for USDT interoperability and expansion, USDT0 simplifies cross-chain liquidity, enhances accessibility, and unlocks new use cases for Tether holders, businesses, and DeFi platforms. With a focus on efficiency and scalability, USDT0 is redefining how USDT operates across networks. For more information, visit USDT0.to or follow us on Twitter @USDT0 . About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected] For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube SOURCE Bybit MIAMI, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The latest article exploring practical considerations for designing effective dark mode user interfaces has been published by Digital Silk, an award-winning digital agency focused on creating brand strategies, custom websites and digital marketing campaigns. The resource outlines foundational elements teams may evaluate when creating experiences that function consistently across light and dark environments. Dark mode has grown significantly in adoption across major operating systems and applications. According to Google's Android Developer insights, millions of users opt into dark theme settings daily, and system-level support encourages designers to account for both contrasting modes. The article examines how color, contrast, typography and UI components may be adapted to support readability and usability in darker environments. Key Practices Outlined in the Guide The piece highlights several areas product and design teams may review, including maintaining sufficient contrast, testing depth and elevation in UI layers, adjusting brand colors for darker palettes and evaluating imagery for visibility. It also references WCAG contrast ratio recommendations to provide readers with a standards-based framework. The article explains how testing across devices, lighting conditions and operating systems can potentially help improve consistency. Practical examples of interface considerations are provided to illustrate how layout and component decisions may shift when applied to darker surfaces. Quote "Dark mode has become a preferred viewing option for many users, so understanding how it impacts interface design is important," said Gabriel Shaoolian, CEO of Digital Silk. "This article aims to give teams a foundational reference for evaluating visual and functional considerations when designing for darker environments." Additional Points Designers May Assess The guide outlines several components design teams may review during dark mode planning, such as: Evaluating brand colors for accessibility Adjusting elevation and shadow for clarity Selecting typography suited for darker backgrounds Testing UI controls for visibility and interaction Reviewing iconography for consistent legibilityReaders can access the full article at: https://www.digitalsilk.com/digital-trends/dark-mode-design-guide/ A subtle call to action has been included for organizations interested in design or development support, who may request a quote through Digital Silk's website. 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 and PR Manager Tel: (800) 206-9413 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Digital Silk NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MediaPET.ai today announced that it has produced a Black Friday ad featuring photorealistic renderings of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin. In the ad, the Founding Fathers can be seen shopping in an outdoor market in 1776 Philadelphia, in search of Black Friday deals. The ad can be viewed at: https://mediapet.ai/news/black-friday To produce the ad, the MediaPET team took images from paintings of the Founding Fathers and used AI to make them photorealistic. They then developed the video ad, integrating the Founding Fathers in the story. "AI now makes it possible for us to recreate historical scenes at a level of accuracy that has never been imagined before," said MediaPET CEO and Founder Dr. Duane Varan. "These are not people who look similar to these historical titans they look almost identical to them." While the technology found application in an advertising context this time, it can be applied to historical documentaries, educational materials and a host of other opportunities. The production of these ads in AI was possible, in part, to a host of special editing tools available within MediaPET. For example, a character consistency brush is used to ensure that faces can be edited to near-perfection, providing continuity across scenes. It's another reflection of the many opportunities now feasible with generative AI. To learn more or request a demo, visit www.mediapet.ai. About MediaPET MediaPET was developed by MediaScience as a tool to help with concept testing for ads - which is an area that has long suffered because existing methods (e.g. animatics) are poor predictors of ad success. MediaScience has a software division with strong experience (over ten years) of building AI solutions. Once MediaPET was created and validated, it was clear that it had a larger market - particularly for small business, independent digital marketing agencies and AI content creators - and decided to spin it out as a new company. Media Contact: Grace Connor / Derek Caswell [email protected] (660) 525-2548 www.mediapet.ai SOURCE MediaPET.ai PERTH, Australia, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The Directors of Hot Chili Limited (ASX:HCH) (TSXV:HCH) (OTCQX:HHLKF) ("Hot Chili" or "Company") advises that at the Annual General Meeting of shareholders held today, all resolutions were passed on a poll. In accordance with Listing Rule 3.13.2 and section 251AA of the Corporations Act, details of both the poll and valid proxy votes received, are shown on the following page. Authorised for release by the Company Secretary For more information please contact: Christian Easterday Managing Director & CEO Hot Chili Tel: +61 8 9315 9009 Email: [email protected] Carol Marinkovich Company Secretary Hot Chili Tel: +61 8 9315 9009 Email: [email protected] Graham Farrell Investor & Public Relations Email: [email protected] or visit Hot Chili's website at www.hotchili.net.au Disclaimer: 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. Hot Chili Limited Annual General Meeting Thursday, 27 November 2025 Results of Meeting The following information is provided in accordance with section 251AA(2) of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and ASX Listing Rule 3.13.2. Resolution details Instructions given to validly appointed proxies (as at proxy close) Number of votes cast on the poll (where applicable) Resolution Result Resolution Resolution Type For Against Proxy's Discretion Abstain For Against Abstain* Carried / Not Carried 1 Adoption of Remuneration Report Ordinary 44,571,611 1,316,948 2,764,422 833,104 47,807,221 1,316,948 833,104 Carried 91.61 % 2.71 % 5.68 % 97.32 % 2.68 % 2 Election of Director - Mr Stuart Mathews Ordinary 47,531,730 700,914 2,803,822 860,316 50,806,740 700,914 860,316 Carried 93.13 % 1.38 % 5.49 % 98.64 % 1.36 % 3 Election of Director - Mrs Fiona Van Maanen Ordinary 47,512,730 724,414 2,799,322 860,316 50,783,240 724,414 860,316 Carried 93.10 % 1.42 % 5.48 % 98.59 % 1.41 % 4 Re-election of Director - Mr Christian Easterday Ordinary 44,445,121 3,819,473 2,800,831 831,357 47,717,140 3,819,473 831,357 Carried 87.04 % 7.48 % 5.48 % 92.59 % 7.41 % 5 Re-election of Director -Mr Roberto de Andraca Adriasola Ordinary 45,357,217 88.83% 2,862,580 5.61% 2,837,628 5.56% 839,357 48,666,033 94.44% 2,862,580 5.56% 839,357 Carried 6 Re-election of Director - Mr Mark Jamieson Ordinary 43,799,634 4,458,969 2,798,822 839,357 47,069,644 4,458,969 839,357 Carried 85.78 % 8.74 % 5.48 % 91.35 % 8.65 % 7 Approval of Auditor Ordinary 47,340,931 924,171 2,798,822 832,858 50,610,941 924,171 832,858 Carried 92.71 % 1.81 % 5.48 % 98.21 % 1.79 % 8 Approval of issue of Shares to Mr Stuart Mathews, Non-Executive Chair Ordinary 41,109,995 84.62% 4,620,302 9.52% 2,845,880 5.86% 909,908 44,427,063 90.58% 4,620,302 9.42% 909,908 Carried 9 Grant of Service Rights to Mrs Fiona Van Maanen, a Non-Executive Director, under the Employee Incentive Plan Ordinary 43,365,323 89.37% 2,309,762 4.77% 2,842,188 5.86% 968,812 46,678,699 95.29% 2,309,762 4.71% 968,812 Carried 10 Grant of Service Rights to Mr Stuart Mathews, Non-Executive Chair, under the Employee Incentive Plan Ordinary 43,358,144 89.36% 2,326,922 4.80% 2,832,207 5.84% 968,812 46,661,539 95.25% 2,326,922 4.75% 968,812 Carried 11 Grant of STI and LTI Performance Rights to Mr Christian Easterday, the Managing Director, under the Employee Incentive Plan Ordinary 42,037,490 85.15% 4,499,067 9.12% 2,829,399 5.73% 120,129 45,338,077 90.97% 4,499,067 9.03% 120,129 Carried 12 Re-approval of Employee Incentive Plan and issue of Equity Securities under Employee Incentive Plan Ordinary 40,793,291 84.85% 4,485,608 9.33% 2,798,822 5.82% 926,145 44,063,301 90.76% 4,485,608 9.24% 926,145 Carried 13 Approval of Additional Placement Facility Special 42,450,120 5,659,580 2,767,922 1,019,160 45,689,230 5,659,580 1,019,160 Carried 83.43 % 11.13 % 5.44 % 88.98 % 11.02 % * Votes cast by a person who abstains on an item are not counted in calculating the required majority on a poll. SOURCE Hot Chili Limited SINGAPORE, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RockFlow, a Singapore-based AI-native fintech company backed by Lanchi Ventures, recently announced it has raised tens of millions of U.S. dollars in a new financing round. The round was led by a top-tier global digital financial services platform, with continued participation from Lanchi Ventures, Monolith Management, Forwest Capital, and Evergreen. The fresh capital will be used to advance RockFlow's proprietary financial AI, "Bobby," and to accelerate the company's global business expansion. The financing follows the success of the RockAlpha AI Stock Trading Arena, a live-stock market stress test that benchmarked LLMs against real-world volatility. The initiative validated that RockFlow's AI agent, Bobby, can autonomously execute complex trading strategies, marking a pivotal shift from passive AI assistance to active, agentic decision-making. Underpinning this growth is a strong regulatory foundation. RockFlow's parent group recently secured Type 1 (Dealing in Securities), Type 4 (Advising on Securities), and Type 9 (Asset Management) licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).This milestone cements the platform's ability to conduct regulated financial business in the international financial hub. Building on this regulatory milestone, RockFlow is poised to scale its business operations worldwide. The company plans to extend its service offerings into new verticals, including brokerage, trusts, stablecoins, and digital banking. This supports RockFlow's goal to build a comprehensive "All-in-One" platform that integrates traditional equities with emerging asset classes such as crypto, Real World Assets (RWA), and private equity. "AI Agents are fundamentally reshaping the entry point and user experience for financial services," said Vakee, Founder & CEO of RockFlow. "Our mission is to make investing simple, smart and fun. We are building an interface where complex, professional financial services become accessible and personalized through AI, all while adhering to strict global compliance standards." Lanchi Ventures commented: "We invest in AI that brings professional depth to mass markets. RockFlow's 'All-in-One' platform and Bobby AI perfectly embody this vision. We remain bullish on their expertise at the intersection of finance and AI Agents as they scale globally." About RockFlow RockFlow is a Singapore-headquartered AI fintech company dedicated to bringing a simple, fun, and intelligent investment experience to global investors through AI innovation. Since its inception, the company has received multiple rounds of investment from top-tier global USD funds and prominent tech founders, serving users in over 40 countries and regions. RockFlow (https://rockflow.ai/) supports trading in US and HK stocks, and offers innovative features such as "Auto-DIP," simplified options, and copy-trading. In 2025, the company officially launched Bobby, the world's first financial AI Agent. Built on a proprietary AI Agents architecture and financial large models, Bobby allows users to interact via natural language to complete the full investment loopfrom opportunity spotting and analysis to strategy construction and executionmaking investing accessible and engaging for everyone. SOURCE Lanchi Ventures SHANGHAI, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sanyou Biopharmaceuticals (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. ("Sanyou Bio") and South Korea's FatiAbGen Co., Ltd. today jointly announced the signing of a comprehensive strategic collaboration agreement covering joint project development, exclusive representation in the Korean market, and global market expansion. This partnership leverages Sanyou Bio's globally leading AI-STAL drug discovery platform and FatiAbGen's deep local presence in South Korea to drive synergistic growth across Korea, Europe, and beyond empowering biotech innovators worldwide. The strategic alliance defines a three-pronged cooperation framework: 1. The two companies will initiate in-depth R&D collaboration around a specific drug discovery project; 2. FatiAbGen will serve as Sanyou Bio's official partner in South Korea, fully representing Sanyou's integrated drug discovery services and products powered by the "AI-STAL Super Trillion Antibody Library"; 3. Both parties will jointly integrate global resources to expand into the international biopharma market including Europe providing world-class R&D solutions to overseas innovative drug developers. To ensure a smooth rollout of the partnership, the FatiAbGen team was invited to visit Sanyou Bio's R&D facilities following the signing ceremony. They also participated in a customized technical training program, equipping them with comprehensive knowledge of Sanyou's service portfolio and cutting-edge technologies enabling FatiAbGen to deliver professional and precise technical support to Korean clients. JayJay Lee, CEO of FatiAbGen, commented: "We are honored to form a strategic partnership with Sanyou Bio, a global pioneer in new drug discovery. Sanyou's world-class technology platform and integrated solutions perfectly address the early-stage R&D gaps faced by many Korean biotech companies. Through this collaboration, we aim to introduce top-tier R&D capabilities to Korea, empowering local innovators and accelerating the creation of globally competitive new drugs." Dr. Guojun Lang, CEO of Sanyou Bio, added: "Our collaboration with FatiAbGen marks a key milestone in Sanyou's globalization strategy. The FatiAbGen team's deep market insights and exceptional professionalism have laid a solid foundation of mutual trust. We firmly believe that by combining our 'Innovation Hub For Originating Drug Discovery' model with localized professional services, we can swiftly respond to Korean clients' needs: co-creating a dynamic regional innovation ecosystem with FatiAbGen and bringing new hope to patients in Korea and around the world." This partnership represents a significant step forward in Sanyou Bio's global expansion. The partnership reflects both companies' unwavering commitment to shared growth and underscores Sanyou's strategic vision to empower local partners and drive a new wave of global biopharmaceutical innovation. About FatiAbGen FatiAbGen focuses on discovering and developing innovative monoclonal antibody-based therapy for the treatment of various cancers, immunological disorders, and infectious diseases. We want to pursue open innovation with external collaboration and expand platform technologies as well as pipelines to become a global leader. About Sanyou Bio Sanyou Bio is a high-tech biopharmaceutical enterprise driven by its mission to "Enable Easy Innovation of Biologics for All" and powered by its ultra-trillion-scale molecular libraries and intelligent technology. The company is dedicated to building a globally top-tier original innovation factory for new drugs. It centers on the AI-powered Super-Trillion Antibody Library (AI-STAL); relies on its integrated, intelligent, and internationally leading innovative biologics R&D platform combining in silico and wet-lab approaches; and promotes the R&D and industrialization of global innovative drugs through diversified business models. The company is headquartered in Shanghai, China, and has established business centers in Asia, North America, Europe, and other regions, forming a global business network. It currently has over 20,000 square meters of R&D and GMP facilities in operation or under development. The company has established sound cooperative relationships with over 2,000 pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms globally, has empowered more than 1,200 new drug R&D projects, and has completed over 50 cooperative R&D projects, more than 10 of which have advanced to the IND and clinical development stages. The company has filed for over 130 invention patents, more than 30 of which have been granted. It has also obtained over 10 qualifications and system certifications including National High-Tech Enterprise, Shanghai Specialized, Refined, Distinctive, and New (SRDN) Enterprise, ISO9001, and ISO27001. SOURCE Sanyou Bio British Airways is offering flight and vacation savings for trips to London and top Europe destinations this winter The Travel Tuesday limited time sale includes round-trip Club World (business class) flights from New York to London from $2,999* Other highlights include round-trip World Traveller (economy) flights from Boston and New York to London from $497* along with Los Angeles to Rome or Lisbon from $464* Customers can also save up to $300 on vacation packages that can be secured with low deposits from just $99 per person NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Feeling the holiday cheer this season? British Airways is celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with major deals on flights and vacation packages for those planning their 2026 adventures. The limited time sale, running from Wednesday, November 26 through Wednesday, December 3 on ba.com, features discounted flights and vacations to the UK and Europe from across British Airways' 26 US destinations for travel from December 2025 through to March 2026. British Airways is offering flight and vacation savings for trips to London and top Europe destinations this winter (PRNewsfoto/British Airways) British Airways is offering flight and vacation savings for trips to London and top Europe destinations this winter (PRNewsfoto/British Airways) Colm Lacy, British Airways' Chief Commercial Officer, said: "As the holiday season nears, we're happy to be spreading extra cheer with exclusive discounts on flights and vacation packages to the UK and Europe. "There's no better time to give the gift of travel and create unforgettable memories as we head into 2026. We look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers on board for their next adventure." Flight only deals Travellers looking for luxurious transatlantic flights this winter can book round-trip Club World (business class) flights to London from Boston for $2,899* and New York for $2,999*. For those wishing to jet off from Tampa, Club World flights to London are on sale from $3,337* and $3,999* from Los Angeles. Club World offers a premium travel experience, featuring spacious seats that convert into fully flat beds with luxury bedding, ensuring a restful journey across the pond. Customers can also enjoy an elevated dining experience with a variety of meal and beverage options, as well as additional amenities designed to make each travel experience as enjoyable as it is comfortable. For those who would like to fly in World Traveller Plus (premium economy), seats from New York to London can be snapped up from as little as $1,120*. World Traveller (economy) fares are also on sale, with round-trip flights from New York or Boston to Madrid from $328* along with Chicago or Los Angeles to London from $588*. The sale includes flights to select European cities on British Airways' codeshare partners, American Airlines, Iberia, Finnair, and Aer Lingus. Vacation packages Customers can book vacation packages from all British Airways' 26 US gateway destinations during the sale, with savings of up to $300 when booking a flight and hotel or flight and car together. Those jetting off to London from New York or Boston can enjoy round-trip flights and four nights hotel from $829pp, and from Washington, Chicago or Los Angeles from $929pp**. Alternatively, treat yourself to round-trip Club World (business class) flights to London and four nights hotel from New York from $3,499pp.*** European vacations are also on sale, with round-trip flights from New York and four nights hotel in Madrid available from $699pp, with Rome and Paris from $799pp.**** There are great sale prices on fly-drive vacations, with return flights from New York to London and seven days car rental from $619pp, or from $719 from Los Angeles***** Customers can book vacations with small deposits from $99 per person, and all vacation package prices include 23kg/50Ib baggage allowance per person. Further information on the flight and vacation sale can be found at ba.com/sale. Other departure airports and dates available at varying prices. ENDS *Economy/Premium economy prices quoted for travel December 3, 2025 Mar 31, 2026. Business class prices quoted for travel December 10, 2025 Mar 31, 2026. Blackout dates apply. Advance purchase, minimum stay and day of week restrictions apply for lowest fares. Other departure airports, destinations and travel dates available at varying prices. Visit ba.com/sale for full dates, terms and conditions. Book by 11:59pm EST on December 3, 2025. **London vacations British Airways offers four nights at the 4* Dorsett Shepherds Bush Hotel from $829 per person, travelling on selected dates between December 3, 2025 March 31, 2026. Includes economy round-trip flights from New York JFK or Boston BOS airports, 23kg baggage allowance and room only accommodation. Prices from Washington IAD, Chicago ORD or Los Angeles LAX airports from $929 per person. ***London Club World (business class) vacations British Airways offers four nights at the 4* Rembrandt hotel from $3,499 per person, travelling on selected dates between December 3, 2025 March 31, 2026. Includes business class round-trip flights from New York JFK, 32kg baggage allowance and room only accommodation. ****European vacations British Airways offers four nights hotel accommodation with economy round-trip flights from New York JFK and 23kg baggage allowance to: - Madrid from $699 per person, staying at the 4* NH Madrid Ventas, travelling on selected dates between December 3, 2025 March 31, 2026. - Paris from $799 per person, staying at the 4* Mob House hotel, travelling on selected dates between December 3, 2025 March 31, 2026. - Rome from $799 per person, staying at the 4* Occidental Aurelia hotel, travelling on selected dates between December 3, 2025 March 31, 2026. *****UK Fly-drive packages British Airways offers seven days car rental fly-drive packages from $619 per person departing New York JFK, or from $719 from Los Angeles LAX, travelling on selected dates between December 3, 2025 March 31, 2026. Includes economy round-trip flights to London Heathrow, 23kg baggage allowance and a car. Other departure airports, destinations and dates available at varying prices. The save up to $300 vacation offer is valid on packages bookings (round-trip flights + hotel or car) for travel before June 30, 2026. Minium spend and terms apply. Visit ba.com/sale for saving levels (discount quoted requires $6,000 spend) for full terms and conditions. Book by 11:59pm EST on December 3, 2025. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2832906/British_Airways_1.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2832907/British_Airways_2.jpg SOURCE British Airways YEREVAN, Armenia, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new landmark event in the world of chess and culture, the first-ever Chess Fest Armenia will take place in October 2026. The large-scale, open-air celebration will be held under the patronage of Grandmaster Levon Aronian, one of the most admired and influential figures in international chess. Among the expected international guests are Viswanathan Anand, five-time World Chess Champion, and Judit Polgar, the strongest female chess player in history. L to R: Viswanathan Anand, Levon Aronian, and Judit Polgar Illustration: AI-generated. Organized by MEDIACRAT Studio in partnership with MATENA Business School, and supported by the Municipality of Yerevan, the festival will bring together chess enthusiasts, families, and visitors from around the world for a two-day celebration of strategy, creativity, and community. "Chess has always been more than a game for Armenians it's a way we express creativity, discipline, and togetherness. Chess Fest Armenia is a celebration of that spirit, inviting everyone to experience the joy and imagination that the game inspires," said Levon Aronian, Grandmaster and Patron of Chess Fest Armenia. The festival will transform Yerevan's parks and public spaces into lively venues featuring simultaneous exhibition games, concerts, storytelling sessions, and interactive art installations. The program will also include a dedicated "Chess for Kids" zone, and will culminate in an award ceremony. Vardges Hoveyan will serve as General Producer, leading an independent organizing team. The detailed program and the list of sponsors will be announced in early 2026 on the official website: www.armchessfest.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2832175/Chess_Trio_Aronian_Anand_Polgar.jpg Thanksgiving is a time of delicious huge holiday feasts and gathering of family and friends, but in some cases, that's not as easy to make happen and you have to get a little extra creative. In an especially poignant story that really is pulling at my heartstrings on this Thanksgiving, Miles For Military flew a soldier home just in time for the holidays. U.S. Army Specialist Luis Garcia landed at at Newark Airport on November 26 after two years away thanks to this new non-profit, whose mission is to provide flights for young active duty service members from all branches of the military to get home for the moments that really matter, such as getting home for the holidays or other meaningful life and family events. Specialist Luis Garcia has been stationed at Fort Hood in Texas, and when he returned home for the holidays, many family members, including his younger brothers, had come in from Philadelphia for the occasion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I cannot describe with words, Garcia said in an interview with WPIX. Its been two long years. Ive been in Germany, Poland, and we went back to California, and now coming back to see my family is really cool." Its going to be so great for Thanksgiving cause were going to be, all the family, together now, Isa Garcia, Luis cousin, told WPIX. With him, we are complete. This effort is continuing to grow, and it's going to mean a lot of military getting to see their family for the holidays. PIX 11 News reports that the goal is by the end of the year nearly 500 soldiers will have the opportunity to be flown home through this program. 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 Most countries test new drivers on quiet streets and controlled routes. But some ask learners to handle a situation that even experienced drivers may find challenging. New applicants are required to prove they can safely handle a car on ice before earning their license, a rule designed to reduce accidents in regions where snow and freezing temperatures dominate several months of the year. The policy has sparked interest online, with many people wondering how often slipping, skidding, and emergency maneuver training could prevent crashes elsewhere. Why ice driving, and what does the test include Sweden experiences long, cold winters, icy roads, and reduced daylight, and new drivers are required to complete mandatory ice or slippery-surface training before getting a licence. Because driving in slippery conditions is common, Swedish authorities embedded hazard training into the driver licensing process. The risk course is divided into two parts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Part 1 addresses alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and other high-risk behaviors. Part 2 covers speed, safety, and driving in special conditions, which is where the skid training takes place. In Sweden, skid training is part of the mandatory Risk 2 (risk training, part 2) required before a driver can take the final driving test for a passenger-car licence (category B). According to the official skid-training guide, the goal is to learn to handle risky situations, primarily on slippery surfaces. The training typically takes three to four hours and is delivered by an approved instructor and facility. During the session, students drive on a controlled skid track, using specially equipped cars (sometimes called Skid-Car) whose stabilizing wheels can be raised or lowered to simulate ice-like loss of traction, even on regular asphalt. Learners spend the session practicing practical tasks such as driving around cones, slowing down on both dry and slippery sections, steering through slick curves, and swerving to avoid obstacles. Importantly, the training is not a typical pass/fail driving test: it emphasizes participation and following the instructors directions. The objective is to deliberately let learners experience what happens when a driver misjudges grip or speed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This training must be completed before learners are allowed to take both the theory exam and the practical road test for a category B licence. General Swedish licensing requirements Swedens licensing process follows a structured, step-by-step system overseen by Trafikverket and the Swedish Transport Agency. Before taking the final tests, applicants must complete several steps that cover both the theory and the practical side of driving. The points below show whats required for a standard category B licence. You must have a valid learners permit before you begin any driving practice. You must be a permanent resident in Sweden, or have been studying in Sweden for at least six months. You must meet the minimum age requirement for the licence category. For category B, the minimum age is 18. You must pass the driving test, which includes both a theory exam and a practical driving exam. You cannot already hold a driving licence issued by another EEA country if you are applying for a Swedish licence. If you plan to practise driving privately, both you and your accompanying driver must complete the mandatory introduction course for category B. If you are applying for licence categories in group 1 (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE), your learners permit application must include a health declaration and an eye-test certificate. For higher licence groups (C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE), a medical certificate is required. The Swedish Transport Agency will issue your learners permit only if you are considered medically suitable to drive. A learners permit is valid for five years. If you do not pass the tests within that period, you must apply again. Because of the additional training (especially the risk course), the Swedish system is more structured and emphasizes hazard-based instruction rather than a simple road test in good conditions. How does this compare to getting a licence in the U.S? In the United States, driver licensing is state-based, meaning each state sets its own rules under broad federal guidelines. For example, the United States Department of State provides some guidance for driver services, and the official USA.gov portal links to each states motor vehicle services for licensing and renewal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike Sweden, there is no federal requirement in the U.S. for skid-pan or icy-surface hazard training as part of the standard drivers licence process. Most U.S. licences require: Minimum age requirements vary by state. A vision screening and a written knowledge test. A road test is typically conducted in normal driving conditions. A learner-permit phase, which may require supervised driving hours, depending on the state. No mandatory skid or winter-driving training, since states do not require icy or slippery-surface practice. This structure means there is no nationwide standard comparable to Swedens required hazard training. Most U.S. drivers are tested only in routine conditions, unless the weather affects exam day. How Swedens training approach improves driver safety By requiring risk training that includes slippery-surface exercises, Sweden gives new drivers a chance to experience how a car reacts when it loses traction. The training helps them understand braking distance, how to regain control in a skid, and how speed affects safety on icy or low-grip roads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because new drivers have already been exposed to controlled hazard scenarios, they may be better prepared for real-life winter conditions, reducing panic, over-correction, or other unsafe reactions. In comparison, U.S. drivers in snowy states may receive little formal training in these conditions unless they seek it privately. Swedens licensing framework, therefore, aligns driver training more closely with the everyday driving environment (icy roads, snow, reduced daylight) rather than assuming that generic driving skills suffice. What the U.S. could learn from Sweden States in the U.S. with heavy winter conditions (e.g., Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado) might consider adding a mandatory hazard-handling module (skid pan, icy braking, obstacle avoidance under low traction) into the driver licensing process. This would address the gap between the drivers test, which often occurs in benign conditions, and the real environment the driver will face. Even if complete skid-pan training is not feasible everywhere, incorporating simulated hazard exercises or winter-driving modules (traction, braking, lane-changing on ice) could help prepare drivers for conditions they will encounter. In the U.S., where licensing is already fragmented, this could begin as an optional certified module before full licensure. From Aucklands agtech breakthrough to Australias payments rewards platform, four companies have closed $107 million in fresh capital this week. This weeks funding roundup showcases four companies securing capital across diverse sectors, from climate tech solutions to Indigenous entrepreneurship. The combined $107 million in fresh investment signals continued confidence in startups addressing environmental challenges and underrepresented markets. Ruminant Biotech closes $17M NZD Series A Ruminant Biotech, a New Zealand-founded agritech company developing methane mitigation solutions for pasture-based cattle, has closed a $17M NZD Series A round. The raise was co-led by Rosrain Investments and Cultivate Ventures, with additional participation from Marex and follow-on investment from AgriZeroNZ. The Auckland-based company has developed technology targeting livestock methane emissions, a significant contributor to agricultural greenhouse gases. The fresh capital will support the companys path toward commercialisation as regulatory approvals progress. Onton raises $7.5M seed round AI startup Onton has secured $7.5M in seed funding led by Footwork, with participation from Liquid 2, Parable Ventures, 43 and others. The company has now raised a total of about $10M and plans to expand its product, scale its team, and grow its global footprint as demand for trustworthy, intelligent search increases. The San Francisco-based platform focuses on helping consumers navigate product decisions through AI-powered search technology. The startup plans to use the funding to expand beyond its current categories into additional consumer segments. pay.com.au completes $53M capital event pay.com.au, an end-to-end payments and rewards platform, has finalised a $53M capital raise to support strategic growth and international expansion. The round, led by Morgans Corporate Limited, includes $25M in new capital and a $28M secondary sell-down. The Australian fintech platform allows small business users to accumulate reward points on transactions previously absent from other popular reward schemes. The company plans to use the fresh capital to fuel local expansion alongside an international push into the US market. Ochre Ventures reaches $30M first close Ochre Ventures, the first Australian VC solely focused on First Nations entrepreneurship, has reached a $30 million first close on the $100m target for its first fund. The VC has already made its first five investments, including veteran First Nations-owned construction and facilities management business PSG Holdings, video games maker MicroProse, which generated $5m in revenue in FY2024, and AI biodiversity platform Xylo Systems, cofounded in 2020 by Camille Goldstone-Henry. The venture capital fund will typically invest between $250,000 and $2 million per company, from Seed and Series A with reserve capital for follow-on investments. The firm remains sector-agnostic, with portfolio companies already spanning gaming, AI, construction and clean tech. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Spain's Ebro-EV Motors and China's Chery Automobile celebrate the start of vehicle production at their joint venture, the Ebro Factory, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua) Launched at the former Nissan plant in the Zona Franca industrial zone, the partnership aims to restore local industrial activity and build a platform for new-energy vehicles tailored to the European market. BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A collaboration between Chinese automaker Chery and Spanish brand Ebro is helping the Southern European country to rebuild auto manufacturing capacity, it emerged this week. Rapid output growth, strong job creation and a steady shift toward local supply chains have given the initiative unexpected momentum in its first year, business leaders said at an event to mark the anniversary of the partnership. Launched at the former Nissan plant in the Zona Franca industrial zone, the partnership aims to restore local industrial activity and build a platform for new-energy vehicles tailored to the European market. Ebro Electric Vehicle (EV) Motors' achievements over the last year include selling more than 9,000 units in September, creating 1,000 direct jobs and over 3,000 indirect jobs, and meeting key milestones in Spain's reindustrialization strategy. Ebro chairman Rafael Ruiz told Xinhua that the most complex task in the first year was restarting the assembly lines while integrating workers who had been waiting for reemployment since the previous plant was shut down. "Today we already have more than 1,000 people working at the plant," he added. Ebro has also launched the s400, s700 and s800 models, and on Monday unveiled the s900, a plug-in hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) designed for Spain's expanding mid-range hybrid segment. By 2026, the company plans to begin producing Chery-branded models, including the Omoda line, as part of its next phase of expansion. Spain's Ebro-EV Motors and China's Chery Automobile celebrate the start of vehicle production at their joint venture, the Ebro Factory, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua) Monday's event focused on the project's forward trajectory: expanding production capacity, strengthening local component sourcing and preparing additional model lines. Earlier this year, Ebro's 1,371-kilometer single-charge challenge on Spanish roads drew wide attention among domestic EV users. The company also announced that Spanish rider Laia Sanz and Italian co-driver Maurizio Gerini will represent Ebro at the 2026 Dakar Rally, one of the world's toughest endurance competitions. The team hopes the rally will prove the durability of its vehicles under extreme conditions, while enhancing Ebro's sporting profile globally. Meng Yuhong, Consul General of China in Barcelona, said at Monday's event that the project has not only revived factory operations, but also showcased the potential for deeper industrial cooperation between China and Spain. According to a recent analysis by KPMG, Chinese automakers' growing presence in Europe - especially through local production and joint ventures - is becoming an important factor in the region's reindustrialization and EV transition. In this context, the progress made by the Chery-Ebro project in its first year is increasingly seen as part of a broader shift reshaping Europe's automotive landscape. Spain's Ebro-EV Motors and China's Chery Automobile celebrate the start of vehicle production at their joint venture, the Ebro Factory, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua) Editor: Zhang Zhou Xi extends condolences over Hong Kong building fire, urges all-out rescue efforts to minimize losses Xinhua) 08:02, November 27, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended condolences over a deadly residential building fire in Hong Kong, which killed at least 13 people. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims and those affected by the disaster. He urged all-out efforts to extinguish the fire and minimize casualties and losses. In the wake of the fire, Xi attached great importance to the accident and immediately sought updates on the rescue efforts and casualties. Xi instructed the director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to convey his condolences and sympathies to HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee. He required the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and the liaison office to support the HKSAR government in making all-out efforts to put out the fire, do everything possible in search and rescue, treat the injured, and comfort the victims' families. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Du Mingming) Jia Mingxuan displays his medal at the 77th Nuremberg International Invention Exhibition (iENA) in Nuremberg, Germany, on Nov. 4, 2025. (Xinhua) HOHHOT, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Using steel tubes from a local hardware store and recycled plastic bottles, Jia Mingxuan, 14, from north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, built a device that recently won the top honor at the 77th Nuremberg International Invention Exhibition (iENA) in Germany. Jia's creation? A simple, automated planting tool designed to help new saplings survive the wind and drought encountered in his hometown. Jia, shy and soft-spoken, wondered if his unpolished, homemade apparatus stood any chance, when seeing more than 540 sophisticated inventions from young innovators worldwide, ranging from surgical robots to brain-computer interface devices at the 2025 iENA junior competition. One of the world's three major invention exhibitions, the iENA in Nuremberg is on par with the International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland, and the Invention &New Product Exposition in Pittsburgh, the United States. To participate in the event held earlier this month, Jia made his first trip abroad, never imagining he could end with a gold medal. "When the bronze and silver awards passed without my name, I thought it was over," Jia recalled. "When they called me for gold, I was stunned." Oliver Mayer, chairman of an international expert jury assessing the inventions, said they were struck by both the teenager from rural China and his invention. He recalled Jia walking onstage in a traditional Mongolian robe to receive the medal amid warm applause in the hall. The panel praised Jia for applying practical, locally grounded solutions to one of humanity's toughest environmental challenges. His design, they said, uses basic physical principles to solve a real-world problem -- and reflects both ingenuity and the promise of China's young scientific talent. TAKING ROOT IN A SANDY AND WINDY LAND Jia's idea grew from his childhood experiences in Chifeng, a key area in China's Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program (TSFP), the world's largest afforestation project. His family's courtyard is now surrounded by thick rows of trees planted by his grandfather decades ago. The elder often tells him that in the 1960s, Aohan Banner, their county, was nearly barren. With an annual rainfall of just 380 millimeters -- sand once covered more than three-quarters of the local terrain. The TSFP changed the landscape. Today, roughly 40.6 percent of the county is forested, covering some 373,000 hectares. In recent years, photovoltaic projects have been paired with sand-control operations, creating new synergies between clean energy and ecological restoration. But Jia often watched newly planted saplings struggle to survive. Watering them manually was slow and costly -- and sometimes impossible in remote, wind-beaten plots. He wondered whether he could design something to help the trees take root properly. AN IDEA THAT BEGAN IN THE KITCHEN Opportunity knocked in March this year when Jia's junior-high science teacher assigned the class the task of proposing their own invention topics. The spark for Jia came in an unlikely place -- his family kitchen. One evening, he noticed steam condensing into droplets on the tiled wall. A physics lesson resurfaced in his mind and he asked himself: "Could I use the same principle to collect water for saplings?" Back at school, Jia began sketching a device that captures condensation from the air and channels it directly to a tree's root zone. His hand-made device utilizes the principle of dew formation -- a wind cap on top of the steel tube is used as the power source enabling air to circulate inside. Without linking to any external water sources, the temperature difference between the ground surface and the underground environment allows water vapor in the air to condense into small droplets, which end up seeping into the root zone of the tree. Jia boards on campus and had to travel 30 km to his home to test his prototypes. Sometimes he woke at 4 a.m., rushing home to unearth the steel-pipe assembly, buried two meters deep -- to check moisture readings before racing back to catch up with his normal class schedules. A COMMUNITY INSPIRED BY YOUTH Jia's award has electrified his hometown. One of the proudest observers is Chen Xuexun, who has spent 34 years fighting desertification. "Decades of work taught us that we cannot win this battle by manpower alone," Chen said. "We need new ideas and young people like Jia. I'm truly moved and proud." In a country aiming to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and which pursues its green ambitions with resolve, this teen's story is especially inspiring. Aohan Banner, now a national demonstration zone for tech-driven afforestation, has adopted tools including Beidou-based monitoring systems and precision planting methods. In 2024, nearly 80 percent of new planting there was managed via digital accuracy -- dramatically improving sapling survival rates. For Jia, the medal is only a beginning. "This award is a new starting point," he said. "I need to study harder. Only with a solid foundation can I invent better things." He is already working with a research team from east China's Shanghai to refine his device. His goal is clear -- to turn a kitchen-sparked idea into a practical tool in China's ongoing fight against desertification. Jia Mingxuan works on an automated planting tool invented by him in Chifeng, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, on May 24, 2025. (Xinhua) Editor: Xiong Jian BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- China's space agency released an action plan to back commercial space firms and encourage them to pursue international cooperation over the next two years. The document released by the China National Space Administration (CNSA) on Tuesday has invited the country's commercial space enterprises to "go global" and help developing countries build satellite-application industries. The CNSA pledged to fold commercial-space projects into China's international cooperation agenda. The agency vowed to expand commercial access to its national network of civilian tracking, telemetry and control (TT&C) stations, data-receiving sites, calibration ranges and validation fields, as well as to large test assets such as rocket-engine test stands and space-environment simulation facilities. Commercial players will be selected through open competition to take part in cutting-edge, key space programs, ranging from advanced propulsion and next-generation satellite platforms and payloads to integrated communications, navigation and remote-sensing applications. The CNSA will establish a national commercial space development fund, and broaden government procurement to integrate commercial capabilities -- such as launch vehicles, satellites, launch sites and TT&C facilities -- into national missions. Local governments are urged to establish technology-innovation centers focused on reusable rockets and smart satellites, and to build open platforms for advanced manufacturing, final assembly and testing, according to the plan. Support measures also include building commercial launch sites, unifying space standards, and opening space-debris data to power collision warnings for commercial spacecraft. Commercial firms are encouraged to pioneer space resource utilization, on-orbit servicing, debris removal, space tourism, and in-space biomanufacturing. The plan aims to achieve high-quality development of commercial space by 2027. The recommendations for the country's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) list the aerospace sector among its strategic emerging industries. Editor: Xiong Jian AI is only as smart as your data," said Wayde Finch, Director of Data and Development Services at Zenzero. "With economic pressure, heightened cyber threats and expanding regulation, strengthening data resilience is now a strategic priority for every organisation investing in AI Post this "AI is only as smart as your data," said Wayde Finch, Director of Data and Development Services at Zenzero. "With economic pressure, heightened cyber threats and expanding regulation, strengthening data resilience is now a strategic priority for every organisation investing in AI. Once the foundations are right, tools like Power BI and Microsoft Copilot unlock meaningful transformation." The programme featured a keynote from Alex Karim, AI Architect at Microsoft's Innovation Hub, who shared practical approaches for becoming AI-ready and highlighted the importance of data integrity, governance and secure platform design. A fireside chat between Dominic Lloyd, Head of Microsoft Partner Relations at Zenzero, and Ben Collins (formerly The Stig) offered a unique perspective on how elite motorsport blends instinct and data to enable real-time decision-making a parallel increasingly relevant for businesses navigating uncertainty. The event concluded with actionable steps organisations can take now to build data resilience, including improving data quality and governance, integrating siloed systems, unlocking real-time insights through Power BI and strengthening cyber security posture. "These are the same conversations happening on the global stage," added Finch. "From Geneva to London, leaders recognise that resilient data is the foundation for responsible and effective AI." About QuoStar QuoStar, a Zenzero company, is a managed IT services provider specialising in digital transformation, cloud computing and Microsoft solutions. About Zenzero Zenzero provides comprehensive Data and Development Services, Cyber Security, Managed Services and cloud solutions. With all six Microsoft Solutions Partner designations, Zenzero helps mid-market organisations build resilience, unlock productivity and adopt AI responsibly. Zenzero also offers specialised Microsoft Copilot support (https://zenzero.co.uk/microsoft-copilot-support) to help organisations implement secure, governed and outcome-focused AI capabilities. Media Contact Monika Vaiciulyte, QuoStar, 44 1202055400, [email protected], https://www.quostar.com/ SOURCE QuoStar Just a day before the world's largest gathering of religious scholars would kick off November 22 in Boston, the leadership of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literaturethe academics devoted to deep research on faith, philosophy, theology, and society ancient and moderncalled for an emergency session on ICE enforcement in sacred spaces, for next afternoon. This urgent issue had muscled into the listings of more than 900 sessions planned at the Hynes Convention Center and adjacent hotels from Saturday to midday November 25. It spoke directly to a major theme for the gathering, which was "freedom" in all its manifestationsreligious, academic, social, political, and more. "We are concerned about, and oppose, plans of ICE to detain/arrest people in places of worship, or other infringements on religious freedom," the AAR board said in a statement endorsed by the SBL council. Their statement and the session schedule were immediately uploaded to the joint meeting's web app where more than nearly 7,800 attendees were tracking their schedules through meeting rooms and a massive 85-booth book exposition. Dozens of scholars attended the event Saturday, dubbed "an emergency town hall," cochaired by historian Lloyd Barba, an Amherst assistant professor specializing in American race, ethnicity, and immigration; and Jennifer Scheper Hughes, a history professor at the University of California, Riverside. It focused on steps academic institutions can take "to protect the most vulnerable in our communities." People were also pointed toward places at the convention where they distributed several thousand Red Cards information cards in English and Spanish created by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, which they could share back home "to help people assert their rights and defend themselves against ICEs unconstitutional actions," according to the announcement. Behindand beyondthe headlines This was far from the only session dealing with headline issues and controversies such as Christian nationalism, gender identity, academic freedom, antisemitism, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian Christian scholar, author, university president from Bethlehem, and panelist for the session "Theology After Gaza" and another session on immigration, incarceration, and detention, observed that in many years of attending the AARSBL annual meetings, he "never saw so much interest before in the Palestinian perspective." He told the latter panel that one in five Palestinians who live in the West Bank have been held at some point in Israeli detention and many smuggle out letters written inside the paper wrappers of cigarettes. Raheb, who is also a Lutheran pastor, pointed out that "much of the Bible is letters from prison"from Joseph and Jeremiah in the Torah to the Paul in the New Testamentextolling a God who liberates. Another speaker on the panel, Gregory Cuellar, a professor of Old Testament at Austin Seminary and an expert on religion in immigrant detention along the U.S./Mexico border, is working on a book about pastors in detention. He described how they center their ministry on the story of Joseph in Genesis, who was sold into slavery, imprisoned, and yet "always aware that God was with him." AAR President Leela Prasad, the Brown University religious studies professor who set the freedom theme, led several sessions devoted to it. She invited four university scholars engaged in struggling for academic freedom to talk about "strategies and choices that make hope and freedom possible." Making 'hope' a verb Earlier this year, tenured professor James Bowley was fired from his post as chairman of religious studies at Millsaps College for an email he sent to students. In the wake of the 2024 election, he wrote that they might want to "mourn and process this racist fascist country. Bowley detailed the experience and concluded that only by banding together can people face authoritarian pressures aimed at academia. He called "solidarity as a strategy of hope," by which he meant publicly "standing up for faculty everywhere." Larissa Carneiro, an instructor in religious studies at Duke, spoke on the "precarious nature of funding and job security for non-tenured faculty." Thought religious studies is among the humanities programs at risk when universities squeeze their budgets by eliminating programs, she argued that it is a vital, interdisciplinary field that "challenges students to master complex systems of meaning, ethics, and culture." Interspersed throughout the meetings were special sessions such as one honoring Coretta Scott King's years in Boston where she met Martin Luther King Jr. on a blind date, a theatrical performance of classic prose and poetry by the New York based Theater of War, and the Hymn Society of the U.S. and Canada gave an evening of song at Boston's Old South Church, where Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Adams once worshipped. Dozens of sessions addressed the role of music in Christian, Jewish, and Buddhist practice. As the meetings wound down midday Tuesday, many of the publishers in the book exposition donated their display copies to the Theological Book Network. The TBN delivers the valuable textbooks, commentaries, and research volumes to stock libraries in Christian seminaries and schools in Eastern Europe, Africa, and Latin America, where students and scholars have few research resources. Next year, the AARSBL joint meeting will be in November in Denver. The incoming president of AAR is Laurel Schneider, a research professor at Boston University School of Theology and author or coauthor of a dozen books including Queer Soul, Queer Theology: Ethics and Redemption in Real Life, with Thelathia Nikki Young (Routledge, 2021). Schneider announced her theme for the Denver meeting "The Future"on the AAR website. "Scholars of religion are uniquely positioned to reflect critically on the modes and capacities of religious and spiritual stories and practices, ancient and new, local and global, to imagine futures beyond despair on the one hand, or superficial hope on the other," Schneider wrote. "We know how to take seriously the narratives, traditions, and practices that have opened up or delimited our horizons of possibility." Scholars and authors in multiple sessions at the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Biblical Literature joint conferences, held in Boston November 2225, focused on a modern scourge with ancient rootsantisemitismand the role of the academics in addressing it. Antisemitic voices are no longer on the fringes of American culture that students are exposed to, said panelist Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski at a session discussing a new book, Judeophobia and the New Testament: Texts and Contexts (Eerdmans, out now), in which 35 authors devote chapters to each of the 27 books of the New Testament plus four extra-canonical texts. Its designed for teaching, to unpack some of the assumptions about antisemitism and the locations of students in these issues, says Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, director of the Center for Christian-Jewish Learning at Boston College. His own book, Resisting Anti-Judaism: Practices of Christian Solidarity will be released by Fortress in October 2026. These issues are not hypothetical, says Eric Vanden Eykel, associate professor of religion at Ferrum College and one of three editors of Judeophobia and the New Testament. Its not enough to train students to recognize toxic ideas and patternswe need to give them real tools. In spring 2027, Eerdmans will publish a second volume, Avoiding Antisemitism: A Guide for Christians, a guide for clergy about how not to traffic in antisemitism in teaching and preaching at their local church, says Eerdmans executive editor Trevor Thompson. It takes care, thought, and conversation to produce meaningful books on antisemitism at a time when debates about geopolitics in the Middle East are roiling academic and religious discourse, says Thompson. How do you engage foreign policy of the United States and a foreign nation that is tied to an ethnic group, critically or in praiseand if critically, without appearing to be, in this case, antisemitic? We want to facilitate that with voices we trust, voices we think others should trust, he says. Rachel Slutsky, assistant professor of Jewish studies and Jewish-Christian relations in Antiquity at Seton Hall University, appreciated the variety of panels, saying the Judeophobia panel was a great opportunity to show that you can have focused conversation about antisemitism without needing to constantly add an addendum like, there are also political complications in the Middle East. Geopolitics meets religion Still, Middle East geopolitics, religion, and history were touched on at the conference. Around 100 people packed the room for a panel, Oct. 7 and the Question of Genocide in Gaza, to discuss the work of the Jewish Israeli genocide scholar Omer Bartov of Brown University. Bartov, who argued in July 2025 in the New York Times that the Israeli Defense Forces were committing genocide in Gaza, did not attend the conference. Benjamin Sax, author of the forthcoming Is Dialogue Possible? The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict and the Question of Antisemitism (Bloomsbury, 2026), presided over the session. Sax, the Jewish scholar at the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies in Baltimore, said participants maintained a good decorum and had some healthy disagreement about the intersection of antisemitism and opposition to Israels policies. Of course [the Israeli-Palestinian conflict] is a political conflict and it has a political history, said Sax. But how religion informs that is equally important, and understanding how religion operates can lend itself to better questions and answers. At a session looking at the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the groundbreaking Vatican II declaration on the Churchs relationship with non-Christian religions, panelist Peter Thuesen, professor of religious studies at Indiana University Indianapolis, pointed to an example of Catholic reckoning with antisemitism. Thuesen presented a paper drawing from a book he is working on about the time when Bostons Richard Cardinal Cushing famously spoke out against Father Leonard Feeney, who preached antisemitic messages like his desire to rid the city of Jew-dogs, among others, on Boston Common in the 1940s. Cushings experience in that controversy was one of the reasons he was so concerned about the Churchs attitude toward the Jewish people, Thuesen said, noting that decades later, Cushing helped develop Nostra Aetate. Kenneth Hanson, in an SBL session discussing a book he coauthored, Jewish Studies and the Gospel of John (Cambridge Scholars, out now), called for both Jewish and Christian scholars to read critically when they study the Gospel of John, where some people see roots of Christian antisemitism in the Gospel book's portrayal of "the Jews." If we could understand the Jewishness of Jesus without the antisemitism, we would go a long way toward building interreligious understanding, said Hanson. "But we have to be willing to understand how rhetoric can have consequences in flesh and blood. In so doing, we participate in the moral labor of memory and perhaps open the door to a more responsible future. Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion will rerun on CBS Friday. ADVERTISEMENT The reunion, which first aired Monday, featured cast members Ray Romano (who played Ray Barone), Patricia Heaton (Debra Barone), Brad Garrett (Robert Barone), Monica Horan (Amy MacDougall), and Madilyn and Sullivan Sweeten (Ally and Michael Barone). Series creator Phil Rosenthal was also present for the special, which showcased outtakes, cast memories, and tributes to late stars Peter Boyle, Doris Roberts and Sawyer Sweeten. "Twenty years since the show's finale episode, audiences are invited back to the recreated Barone living room for an unforgettable evening with America's favorite family," an official synopsis reads. Rosenthal and several cast members previously reunited in 2020 for a table read that benefitted the International Myeloma Foundation. "I appreciated it so much more now, looking back at the scripts now, because I had forgotten what it was like," Romano said at the time. "I'm reading it on the page and I'm like, 'Man, this was good.'" Everybody Loves Raymond premiered on CBS in 1996 and ran for nine seasons, through 2005. Rubio says US will provide security guarantees to Ukraine after peace deal - media Photo: https://www.axios.com US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the United States wants a peace deal signed before providing security guarantees to Ukraine, Politico reports, citing its own sources. "Rubio also told European allies that security guarantees for Ukraine are a priority for the administration, and an issue separate from other points of discussion that have already been agreed on, according to a second European diplomat, and the U.S. wants an entire package done quickly," the publication writes. "Nothing about human rights, humanitarian law, international law nor principles," said a European diplomat in reference to the peace plans. "This is creating a new European security architecture full of holes," Politico said. Affordable homes, priced under Rs 40 lakh per unit, may not be attractive anymore, not just for developers but also for investors, with the segment seeing a 26 per cent price rise over three years since 2022 versus 40 per cent returns from luxury homes priced Rs 1.5 crore and above. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff According to real estate research firm Anarock data, luxury homes in Indias top seven realty markets saw their prices rise from Rs 14,530 per square feet (sq ft) in 2022 to Rs 20,300/sq ft for the year-to-date period of 2025. On the other hand, the price rise for affordable units was tempered at Rs 5,299/sq ft for 2025 from Rs 4,220/sq ft in 2022. This divergence, industry executives say, comes on the back of demand for luxury homes outpacing that in other segments due to consistent appetite for bigger homes by branded developers in superior locations. Aakash Ohri, joint managing director and chief business officer at DLF Homes, said that the growing significance of homeownership, bolstered by strong consumer confidence in the sector over recent years, has accelerated demand for luxury housing, leading to a sharp appreciation in prices across key NCR (National Capital Region) markets. Real estate has consistently outperformed other asset classes in terms of capital growth and rental yields, which has further strengthened its position as a preferred long-term investment destination for high net worth individuals (HNIs), ultra-HNIs, and non-resident Indians (NRIs), he added. Real estate developers say that high input costs, including materials and labour, have pushed up construction costs, squeezing margins to the extent that building homes for under Rs 40 lakh is becoming unviable. The margin erosion is more severe in metros and Tier-I and -II cities, where land prices have escalated. Anarock chairman Anuj Puri added that the luxury segment, in particular, witnessed robust price escalation due to limited quality supply, rising aspirations, and a clear shift towards branded, amenity-rich developments. The luxury charge was led by Delhi NCR, where such properties clocked a price appreciation of 72 per cent, from Rs 13,450/sq ft in 2022 to Rs 23,100/sq ft, followed by markets such as Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) and Hyderabad with a 43 per cent and 41 per cent rise in luxury prices, respectively, in the last three years. Even the mid-ranged and premium segment homes, priced between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore, saw their average prices rise 39 per cent across the top seven cities between 2022 and November 2025, again higher than affordable homes, thus making this segment the more likely option for realty investors. Another executive added that despite the demand for affordable housing, and concerns of consumers getting priced out due to soaring prices, high-end housing in the mid and luxury segments will continue to see more traction. Developers in top markets may be prompted to increase supply of smaller apartment sizes to cater to the mid-income and premium segments (under Rs 1.5 crore) to drive up volume sales, Lalit Parihar of the Aaiji group said. The key reasons for this, Puri said, was that the buyer demand after the pandemic got skewed towards large and listed developers, and large-size homes at prime locations, which continues even today. Homes by these branded developers come at a premium, which buyers are willing to pay. "Further, given that input costs have risen significantly over the last three to four years, many homes that were earlier under the affordable budget bracket have moved up to fall within the mid and premium segments, he added. Digital Connexion, a joint venture between Brookfield, Reliance Industries and Digital Realty, on Wednesday announced an investment of $11 billion till 2030 for building 1 gigawatt (Gw) state-of-the-art AI-native, purpose-built data centres in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff This comes just over a month after Google lined up its plans to come up with a world-class AI-powered data centre in Visakhapatnam at an investment of $15 billion, Googles largest-ever investment outside the US. The data centre will be spread across 400 acres of land. On November 14, Reliance had announced that it will build a fully modular, future-ready 1 Gw AI data centre designed to host the worlds most advanced GPUs (graphics processing units), TPUs (tensor processing units), and AI processors. The deal was signed on the opening day of the CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Minister for IT and Industries Nara Lokesh, and Reliance Industries executive director P M S Prasad. According to the company, its data centres are purpose-built to support seamless AI workloads, empowering hyperscalers and enterprises with future-ready systems, robust substations, redundant power feeds, and rack densities to power the next decade of innovation. The company is building Indias next-generation digital infrastructure through AI-native, purpose-built data centres designed for unmatched performance, scalability, and sustainability. It already has a campus in Chennai, and another that is being constructed in Mumbais Chandivali area. Both are strategically located for low-latency, carrier-neutral connectivity. Aligned to Indias Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, Digital Connexion is unlocking new possibilities towards driving innovation, impact, and sustainable growth and becoming the trusted digital infrastructure provider of India. "Engineered to support high-performance computing and AI workloads, its facilities integrate renewable energy, efficient designs, and advanced cooling systems, the company said in a statement. Google had signed its deal with the state government on October 14. It had also tied up with Adani Enterprises, through its joint venture company AdaniConneX, to develop the data centre, which will be Indias largest AI data centre campus and new green energy infrastructure in Visakhapatnam. Googles AI hub will include gigawatt-scale data centre operations, supported by a robust subsea cable network and clean energy, to drive the most demanding AI workloads in India. It will be brought to life in close collaboration with ecosystem partners, including AdaniConneX and Airtel. The flagship of our commitment is the Vizag tech park. "We are building one of the worlds largest centres in partnership with Google. "This is a combined $15 billion vision of sustainable and hi-tech growth, Karan Adani, managing director of Adani Ports & SEZ, said earlier this month. Byju's founder Byju Raveendran is preparing to file a $2.5 billion damages claim, alongside new evidence in a US court that he says disproves GLAS Trust's allegations that $533 million in 'Alpha Funds' was diverted by the company's founders. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff A US bankruptcy court had, in a default ruling last week, ordered Raveendran to pay more than $1 billion, saying the former corporate star, who set up the eponymous Indian edtech and tutoring company, had refused to cooperate with legal efforts to locate almost half the proceeds from a $1.2 billion US term loan made in 2021. Raveendran, however, contests the grounds, saying the court did not give him the 30 days he had sought to arrange a US attorney to argue the case. He vowed to appeal against the order and, in parallel, will bring a $2.5 billion damage suit against GLAS Trust and those assisting it in a separate US court. He says the entire $533 million is fully accounted for, with the majority, $479.62 million, being routed from OCI - the loan arranger - to Revere Capital and then to Byju's entities and finally to Think & Learn Pvt Ltd (TLPL) - the parent company. TLPL used the money to pay for the $3 billion acquisitions, including Aakash Educational Services, in that year. This money trail, he says, has been established in documents GLAS Trust served on Byju's for the legal proceedings in the US court. In a statement, Raveendran said he has also submitted a motion in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court, seeking correction of what he calls a premature damages determination. He argues that the court mistakenly included a damages award as part of a sanction order for delayed document production, even though GLAS Trust withdrew its request for a damages ruling in September and no liability was decided on the merits. According to Byju's, information available to GLAS Trust since 2025 shows the Alpha Funds were routed through intermediary entities and invested in TLPL, contradicting the lender's statement that it did not know where the money went. An email sent to GLAS remained unanswered. The new evidence includes bank records, email correspondence, and transfer trails that the statement says were obtained in US proceedings but not fully disclosed. He maintained that the US loan proceeds were invested in the company in compliance with Indian law and were not siphoned for personal benefit. He will submit "clinching evidence before the US Courts, proving that GLAS Trust and the Resolution Professional (now managing BYJU's) repeatedly misled the Delaware Court, Indian & other Courts, and the public by falsely alleging that $533 million (Alpha Funds) was diverted by the founders". The evidence will be submitted as part of a full appeal against the entire order of the Delaware Insolvency Court of November 20, 2025, and as part of the claim to be filed against relevant parties previously announced with a value of over $2.5 billion. Byju's founders have claimed that a review of information in the possession of GLAS Trust since at least April 2025 indicates that the monies lent to Alpha (and sent by OCI to companies owned by Byju Raveendran) were indeed invested in TLPL, as has been claimed by Raveendran all along. BYJU's Alpha was incorporated when Raveendran was running the management of edtech firm TLPL, which operated under the BYJU's brand name. TLPL had secured around $1.16 billion Term Loan B from the lenders. The lenders later alleged that BYJU's Alpha has violated the terms of the loan, and $533 million out of the total debt has been moved out of the US illegitimately. The Glas Trust moved to the Delaware court and received a favourable order to take control of Byju's Alpha. Last week, the Delaware Bankruptcy Court issued a default judgment in which it asked Byju Raveendran to pay $533 million and an additional amount of over $540 million, comprising various transactions Byju's Alpha had carried out from the fund, and damages, among others. Byju's founders, in the statement, said the court appears to have inadvertently included a damages award when determining to sanction Byju Raveendran in its default judgment rendered merely as a sanction for failing to provide documents and information on an expedited basis. "The Court determined no liability on the merits of any of the claims of GLAS Trust and Byju Raveendran provided no defence against those claims," the statement said. According to the statement, Byju's founders, led by Byju Raveendran, are submitting new evidence in US courts to challenge GLAS Trust's claims that $533 million was diverted by them, and the same evidence will also be shared with Indian courts. Raveendran has separately filed a motion in the Delaware Bankruptcy Court to correct the Court's premature damages judgment. According to the statement, the evidence obtained by Byju Raveendran and his counsel proves that the $533 million (Alpha Funds) went from Byju's Alpha to TLPL through intermediary entities. It claims that GLAS and the RP had full visibility into this structure, routing, and bank transfers, which directly contradicts GLAS's sworn statements that it "does not know" where the money went. The statement claims that the evidence demonstrates that TLPL properly guaranteed the Byju's Alpha loan, and the monies were used for the benefit of the Think & Learn Group & were not 'siphoned off' to the founders. Raveendran has said that for two years, GLAS Trust has attacked his integrity and the other founders by repeating a story they knew was false. He said that the funds were used for the benefit of TLPL and for its expansion. "It is simply outrageous that I have been attacked in this manner and, more importantly, that BYJU's customers and employees have been impacted by this attack based on the pure greed of these Lenders and GLAS Trust. "These parties will now be brought before the courts and be required to answer some very tough questions," Raveendran said. A litigation advisor for Byju Raveendran alleged that since early June of this year, the Delaware Court has been advised that GLAS Trust was misleading the Court in its submissions by claiming that it did not know how the Alpha Loan proceeds were used. "These same allegations have been made by the RP of Think & Learn in Court submissions in India. "The RP refused to provide information to Byju Raveendran that was requested by Byju Raveendran as ordered by the Delaware Court. "GLAS Trust & Alpha did not inform the Delaware Court that the alleged 'missing' funds were not missing at all but instead were used by Alpha and Think & Learn through an investment in shares of Think & Learn," the advisor said. Radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative, points out Dr Kanchan Lakshman. IMAGE: Jammu and Kashmir Police, UP ATS, and Lucknow Police personnel during a raid at the residence of Dr Shaheen Shahid in connection with the massive explosives haul in Faridabad, in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo The recent multi-state counter-terror operations that unearthed a network of radicalised doctors and other educated professionals mark a concerning shift in India's internal security landscape. No longer restricted to fringe elements, radical Islamist recruitment is now penetrating the country's higher educational institutions, drawing in recruits equipped with specialised skills and social legitimacy. These arrests are indicative of a deeper, more systemic pattern of radicalisation that is based on digital ecosystems, transnational jihad and covert peer networks -- posing a complex challenge for India's intelligence and law enforcement apparatus. It has brought to light a worrying trend: a small but consequential section of highly educated, resource-rich Muslim youth are being radicalised and recruited into pan-India terror networks. These networks exploit modern communications, campus spaces, professional credibility, and transnational radical Islamist ideologies to form 'white-collar' or tech-savvy terror modules that can target urban India. Secret meetings and open deliberations indicative of an organised effort to radicalise highly educated Muslim youths is underway in some campuses across India. No longer are recruitment efforts limited to marginalised or uneducated segments; terror modules are now enlisting well-qualified youth, including doctors, BTech graduates, PhD, and MBA degree holders. While doctors employed at Faridabad's Al-Falah University have been linked to the terror module that carried out the explosion in Delhi's Red Fort area, similar cases of educated Muslim youth being radicalised have been reported in recent years, including from campuses such as the Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia University. In addition, few students from Kashmir University, IIT-Guwahati, NIT Nagpur, MSR Medical College (Bengaluru), as also engineering colleges in Hisar, Bengaluru, etc have also been part of recently neutralised terror modules across the country, as per investigations. Investigations, during 2021-2024, have revealed that at least 38 educational institutions across the country, including 12 in Maharashtra, eight in Karnataka, three each in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, two each in West Bengal, Delhi and J&K, and others in Telangana, Rajasthan, Haryana, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Assam had come to notice, where educated Muslim youth were radicalised and became part of terror modules. IMAGE: Police officers and forensic technicians work at the site of the blast in a Hyundai i20 car near Gate 1 of the Red Fort metro station in Delhi, November 10, 2025. Photograph: Reuters/ANI Photo Drivers of Radicalisation Investigation into recently neutralised terror modules has revealed that many of the suspects attributed the anti-CAA and NRC protests (2019-2020), Delhi riots (2020), hijab controversy (2022) in Karnataka, demolition of the Babri Masjid (1992) and recent communal flare-ups in many states to their radicalisation. One of the primary drivers is the absence of an educational curriculum which promotes critical thinking, tolerance and inclusivity in the institutions under scrutiny. Instead, religious discourses in a few minority institutions revolve around a perceived threat to Islam, alleged atrocities against Muslims, impact of CAA and NRC, narrow interpretations of religion and history, thereby promoting intolerance and extremism. This is exacerbated by the influence of radical/fundamentalist elements within the educational system, including the presence of a radicalised faculty. Perceived marginalisation and public debates over citizenship are creating a grievance narrative among highly educated Muslim youth. Such narratives are often amplified by high-profile incidents, political rhetoric and social media. Furthermore, educated Muslim youth who face career frustrations are vulnerable to radical Islamic ideology that reframes frustration as moral or collective failure. Ongoing conflicts (e.g., in Kashmir, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, Iraq, etc) and the salience of global Islamist causes give recruits a sense of participation in a larger ideological struggle. Pakistan-based terrorist organisations and transnational jihadist narratives remain vectors for influence, whether directly (operational links) or indirectly (propaganda). Recent investigations into terror modules have explored such links between domestic arrests and Pakistan-based terror groups. IMAGE: Delhi police personnel conduct an investigation at the site of the car blast near the Red Fort. Photograph: ANI Photo Online platforms, encrypted messaging apps and social media algorithms allow rapid dissemination of radical Islamic narratives, micro-targeting of sympathisers, and trans-state coordination. Tech literacy among highly educated Muslim youth makes them both consumers and producers of tailored radical propaganda. Analysis of approximately 110 Interrogation Reports of terror suspects, arrested during 2021-2024, indicates that social media is being extensively used by radical Islamist and terrorist groups to propagate puritanical Islam and exhort Muslim youths in India to follow a rigid, anti-modern, anti-democratic and anti-secular way of life as interpreted by Salafi ideologues with selective justifications from the Quran and Hadith. Radicalised Muslim youth are being motivated to 'defend' Islam and they are being exhorted to be ready to sacrifice themselves for anything that they consider is against Islam. As per disclosures of those arrested, peer pressure and poor academic performance led few Muslim students to seek refuge in religious activities which also propelled them towards online radical elements. These radical elements motivated them with jihadi literature and videos of radical preachers such as Zakir Naik to further radicalise them. For instance, Syed Ahmed (Aliah University, Kolkata) (external link), AMU alumni Harris Farooqui (external link) and Tauseef Ali Farooqui (IIT Guwahati) (external link) were radicalised online, when they tried to seek religious refuge due to depression and poor academic performance. IMAGE: Rapid Action Force personnel stand guard at the Red Fort car blast site, November 12, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Radicals Gaining Foothold on Campuses Many radical Islamic groups are making conscious efforts to infiltrate higher educational institutions. Their modus operandi focuses on exploiting vulnerabilities of students through propaganda, including social media, to spread their ideology and attract followers. Debates, study circles, clubs and student politics are exploited by such groups. Their narrative lays emphasis on the exclusivity and supremacy of Islam, and its affiliation with the global Muslim Ummah. Radical organisations like the outlawed Popular Front of India (PFI), Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), Wahadat-e-Islami (WeI, front organisation of banned SIMI), Islamic Youth Federation and their affiliates have made inroads into campuses across the country to radicalise Muslim students. Disclosures of nine former students of AMU (arrested in 2023-2024) revealed that the presence of radical Islamic groups, such as the Students of AMU (SAMU; formed in 2011) and Students Association of Islamic Ideology within campus, helped pro-Islamic State handlers in recruiting vulnerable youth. In January 2014, nine members of SAMU (external link) were arrested for suspected links to a pro-ISIS module. The SAMU group invited students on the pretext of public programmes on Islamic teachings and discussions gradually shifted to establishment of a caliphate in Iraq and response of Indian Muslims, Dars-e-Quran and Hadith. Later, interested students were made to join closed groups on Telegram and Signal in which jihadi literature, audios and videos were disseminated. HuT, a highly secretive radical organisation, is targeting military officers, bureaucrats, doctors, engineers, accountants, managers in MNCs and other categories of highly-educated Muslim youth. It has been able to make some penetration among Muslims working in IT and software companies. In Delhi, HuT activities have been noticed in and around the Jamia Millia Islamia campus and their meetings have drawn students of JMI and Jamia Hamdard University as also NCR-based IT professionals, as per police sources. In Chennai, HuT is targeting Muslim students in Madras University, besides some Muslim dominated colleges. Secret meetings and open deliberations organised by radical Islamist organisations such as the PFI, HuT, WeI and their affiliates have been reported from Muslim-populated localities in Delhi-NCR, aimed at widening their support base and to facilitate radicalisation. Bihar resident Mohsin Ahmed (external link) (BTech) and Jharkhand resident Mohammad Arshad Warsi (external link) (PhD), while studying in JMI, got actively involved in promoting terror activities and were arrested in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Manifestations of radicalisation among highly qualified Muslim youth are multifaceted, ranging from adoption of radical ideology to active participation. In some cases, radicalised students were involved in terror activities off-campus. Mohammad Rizwan Ashraf (external link) (BTech from JP Institute, Noida, 2013-2017), Jharkhand resident Shahnawaz Alam (external link) (BTech in Mining Engineering, NIT Nagpur, 2016) and Mohammad Arshad Warsi (BTech, Aligarh Muslim University), who were arrested in connection with a pro-ISIS Delhi module, were allegedly involved in fabrication and testing of IEDs and providing finance. Initially radicalised by the HuT and WeI, Alam later became part of a pro-ISIS module linked to the then Afghanistan-based terrorist Huzaifa al-Bakistani. IMAGE: Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganai of Pulwama (J&K), Dr Adeel Ahmed Rather of Anantnag (J&K), Dr Shaheen Saeed of Lucknow (UP), and Mufti Irfan Ahmad Wagay of Shopian (J&K), who were arrested by the National Investigation Agency in connection with the Delhi blast case, being brought to the Patiala House Court in New Delhi, November 20, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Women jihadis The role of Dr Shaheen Sayeed in the Faridabad terror module indicates that radicalisation of educated Muslim women has taken on a strategic dimension. Shaheen is reported to have been tasked by the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) to develop an India unit of the recently formed JeM's women's wing, Jamaat-ul-Mominat (external link). To attract Muslim women professionals, JeM's propaganda is focusing on emotive religious imagery -- such as Mecca, Quranic verses, and appeals to hijab and prayer -- to portray participation not as violence, but as pious service. In sum, radical groups in India are increasingly recruiting well-educated Muslim women by blending theological appeals, digital mobilisation, and the legitimacy that comes from professional status -- making them both symbols and operational assets in emerging terror modules. Prognosis The unfolding arrests of doctors and other highly educated Muslim youth across multiple states underscore an urgent reality: Radicalisation in India is no longer restricted to traditional hotspots or socio-economically marginalised demographics. Instead, radical Islamist networks are deliberately targeting Muslim youths embedded within the country's professional and academic ecosystems, leveraging their skills, mobility, and digital reach to quietly strengthen operational capabilities. This trend highlights a dangerous evolution in terror recruitment -- one that exploits ideological faultlines, online echo chambers and transnational radical Islamist influences to attract individuals who outwardly embody India's modern and aspirational narrative. The challenge for India's security architecture will lie not only in dismantling these covert modules, but also in building a deeper understanding of the psychological, social, and digital vectors through which such radicalisation is penetrating the country's educated classes. Dr Kanchan Lakshman is a Delhi-based security analyst. His areas of specialisation include terrorism, radicalisation, left-wing extremism, and internal security. The Supreme Court's opinion on the presidential reference can impact on any number of cases if and when governors, if not the President, take a literary view of the Supreme Court's 'ppinion' on their 'discretionary powers' without reference to the rider on 'reasonable time', points out N Sathiya Moorthy. IMAGE: President Droupadi Murmu with Vice President C P Radhakrishnan, third from left; Prime Minister Narendra Modi; Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, right; newly sworn-in Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, second from left; and outgoing CJI Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, after the new CJI's oath-taking ceremony in the Ganatantra Mandap at Rashtrapati Bhavan, November 24, 2025. Photograph: Office of Press Secretary to the President/ANI Photo While the Supreme Court's opinion that the judiciary cannot fix 'time-lines' or grant 'deemed assent' where a governor has delayed his decision on a bill passed by a state legislature is taken, the five-judge Constitution Bench upholding the 'discretionary powers' available to the holder of gubernatorial office with riders may have consequences. In particular, the latter clause along with the rider has the potential to cause a multiplicity of litigations before the apex court in particular, and the possibility of different benches of the court coming up with different interpretations and passing different orders, when taken up on a 'case-by-case' basis, can complicate the prevailing confusion. The Presidential reference, as may be recalled, stemmed from a two-judge bench verdict of Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, that Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi does not have 'pocket veto' or 'absolute veto' to deny assent to bills (at times twice) passed by the state assembly. The bench's suo motu declaration that if the governor did not communicate a decision to the assembly for three months, it would be 'deemed' to have received such assent. With this, the bench granted 'deemed assent' to 10 bills passed twice by the assembly after the governor had returned the original with his comments. A 'vacation bench' of the Madras high court overnight stayed the operation of the deemed assent to the bills that made the chief minister the appointing authority for vice-chancellors in 10 universities of the state government, even while retaining the governor as the chancellor (a point often missed by some commentators). The Presidential reference flowed from this order of the two-Judge bench and was keenly expected. There were multiple questions like the powers of the judiciary to fetter the higher executive, namely, the President and governors, beyond what is specifically prescribed in the Constitution. On both issues, the five-judge bench chaired by outgoing Chief Justice B R Gavai unanimously held that the higher judiciary cannot take away the 'discretionary powers' attaching to the gubernatorial office. However, those 'discretionary powers' should be employed within a 'reasonable time'. The court left the phrase 'reasonable time' undefined, with the result the opinion has put it all back on square one, as it existed before the order of the two-judge bench. In particular, the Constitution Bench held that individual cases of gubernatorial delays could be/have to be litigated separately, (possibly) for (different) benches of the apex court taking dis-similar positions at times, when considered on a case-by-case basis. However, the five-judge bench refused to respond to another query on the 14-point Presidential reference. It pertained to the possibility of and need for the original bench to refer the matter back to the Chief Justice if they found that it required a Constitutional interpretation of the laws, for him to proceed accordingly. It is a lacuna, and can impact any number of cases if and when governors, if not the President, take a literary view of the Supreme Court's 'opinion' on their 'discretionary powers' without reference to the rider on 'reasonable time'. After all, the pending cases were all about the same issue, and the opinion has left it precisely where it all began. Of course, in this particular case, the Tamil Nadu government has to take forward the order of the vacation bench, which rarely passes stay orders on such matters. Generally, they issue notices to the parties concerned -- the Tamil Nadu government in this case -- on a petition filed by a private party, for a regular bench to hear and dispose of, in due course. Otherwise, the Supreme Court's opinion is a private communication with the President, who had made the reference in the first place. It is not binding on the recipient, as the President can turn down one or many or all the responses/opinion of the apex court. The question also arises if otherwise, too, the Presidential opinion has any teeth. 'No' is the answer. Apart from a personal communication, which has been duly publicised -- no questions -- this is one of the rare occasions that a Presidential reference has sought clarifications on a matter flowing out of a Supreme Court verdict, without mentioning it. IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi during the Bhupen Hazarika birth centenary celebrations at the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, November 17, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy Raj Bhavan/X Hence, prima facie, the opinion per se does not apply to the two-judge bench verdict, so to say. Does it then mean that the governor, who was the respondent in the matter decided by the two-judge Bench, should move a 'review' petition -- assuming that the high court stay does not exist? Even in such a case, does the Supreme Court's opinion have any teeth to alter/upturn the two-judge verdict? In effect, the opinion can only be mentioned before any new bench as the Constitutional assembly debates are mentioned. There should still be a legal paradigm to write in the opinion into any case proceedings. Of course, another bench/benches can cite references made before it to the opinion, and use it as a peg to hang its verdict from. In the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), the only one of its kind to be decided by a 13-judge bench of the Supreme Court, it was indicated that the 'basic structure' of the Constitution is supreme. Of course, cases like the 'Government of Tamil Nadu vs Governor of Tamil Nadu' (2025) sought to rekindle long political and legal debates on the legislature-governor relations (the state government does not figure), which have the potential to weaken the 'basic structure', by whatever name and means called. That is because by sitting on a bill (at times passed twice by the assembly, as mandated by the Constitution on occasions) for an inexplicably long time, the governor of a state is actually weakening the purpose and spirit of the Constitution and the intelligence and imagination of the Founding Fathers. In the particular case before the two-judge bench, the governor is not known to have volunteered any 'reasonable' explanation for the delay in his decision. Incidentally, the 10-bill case is not the only one. There have been others before this one. IMAGE: Vice President C P Radhakrishnan being welcomed by Kerala Governor Rajendra Viswanath Arlekar at the Kerala Raj Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, November 3, 2025. Photograph: @VPIndia X/ANI Photo The opinion does declare that the governor has discretionary power not to consult, or abide by the advice of the council of ministers. By extension, however, it implies that the decisions taken by the governor may be otherwise justiciable -- just as a decision taken by the governor by accepting the advice of the council of ministers could still be challenged before the higher judiciary. It may be a standalone response to a standalone query in the Presidential reference. But independent of the reference and otherwise related to it, even if remotely, the issue on hand was a matter pertaining to the governor and the legislature. Here, the Constitution is clear that the governor has no discretion if the assembly had passed the relevant bill the second time after considering the governor's observations while denying assent the first time. Yes, going by the opinion, the governor can refer the matter to the President. Otherwise, the 'discretion' in the matter, post-opinion, is limited to the undefined, hence unrestricted (?) 'reasonable time' available to the governor to give his assent. It is another matter that unlike in the case of governors, the Supreme Court verdict in U N R Rao vs Indira Gandhi (1971) clearly stated that even when the Lok Sabha has been dissolved pending fresh elections, the President shall act on the advice of a (caretaker) ministry, under a prime minister. The idea was to ensure that no President became a Constitutional autocrat or dictator. In fact, the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution, enacted during Emergency, made the U N R Rao verdict into law. In political terms, neither the post-Emergency Janata Party successor under Morarji Desai, nor any of those that followed, including the two BJP-led governments of Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1998-2004) and now Narendra Modi through the past 11 years, has done anything to undo this part of the otherwise despised 42nd Amendment. It is also true that the governor has 'discretionary powers' on specific matters. On the issue of granting pardon to prisoners, the Supreme Court, responding to one of the multiple petitions in the 'Indira Gandhi assassination case', did hold that the President's power in the matter is 'objective' and bound by the aid and advice of the council of ministers, and not 'subjective' (or discretionary). Another area where the governor/President has discretionary powers is in the choice of a chief minister/prime minister in a hung assembly/Parliament, whenever it occurs. As far back as 1994 (S R Bommai case) the Supreme Court placed some kind of a fetter on the governor's (also the President's) discretionary power by holding the governor's decision suo motu justiciable, with the elected legislature (and not the lawns of the gubernatorial Bhavans) as the venue for proving the majority of such governments. What is even more interesting and effective was the Supreme Court's application of the Bommai verdict in Nitish Kumar vs Buta Singh (2005). The court rebuked then Bihar governor Buta Singh for claiming horse-trading in a hung assembly without evidence -- and also the UPA-I government of then prime minister Manmohan Singh for acting on the same without verifying ground realities. The court restored the Nitish Kumar government, leading to Buta Singh's resignation. IMAGE: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu and then CJI Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai during the SEEK Convention organised by the Advocates Association of the Andhra Pradesh high court in Guntur, November 16, 2025. Photograph: @AndhraPradeshCMx/ANI Photo Another aspect of the governor's 'discretionary' power pertains to his powers to recommend President's rule and also the dissolution of the state legislature, under Article 356. This one is not about a court ruling. In 1991, then Tamil Nadu governor Surjit Singh Barnala refused to 'recommend' President's rule in the state, then ruled by the DMK's M Karunanidhi, as ordinarily required under Article 356. Then prime minister Chandra Shekar's dispensation resorted to the 'otherwise' clause in 356, to dismiss the state government, dissolve the state assembly without the governor's recommendation --- the kind of situation the Founding Fathers had possibly visualised. In this case, it was the Centre, and not any state cabinet or the courts, that side-stepped the 'discretionary powers' of Governor Barnala, under the stamp and seal of then President R Venkataraman. Amen! N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'We kept importing educational models from outside that had no connection to our cultural and intellectual strengths.' IMAGE: Professor V N Jha. Photograph: Shivanand Kanavi Professor V N Jha is an eminent Sanskrit scholar renowned for his multidisciplinary approach, making ancient Indian knowledge systems relevant to contemporary studies. A former director of the Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit, University of Pune, he was also the founding chairman of the Centre for Sanskrit Studies at JNU. His expertise spans Veda, Vyakarana, Nyaya, and Mimamsa, Professor Jha pioneered new academic disciplines by creating innovative courses in Sanskrit Linguistics and Indian Logic & Epistemology. A prolific author, he has contributed over 45 books and 100 research articles and supervised 35 PhD students. He has been a visiting professor at universities in Japan, Germany, Switzerland, and Mauritius, promoting Indian intellectual traditions globally. Honoured with titles like Sanskrit Mahamahopadhyaya and Vacaspati, his life's work, continued through the Rishi Rina Trust, is dedicated to reviving scholarly interest in India's profound philosophical heritage through intensive workshops and textual study. "Only about 5% of Sanskrit literature is 'scriptural'; the other 95% is secular -- covering mathematics, law, medicine, aesthetics, and politics," Professor Jha tells Shivanand Kanavi. IMAGE: Professor V N Jha. Photograph: Shivanand Kanavi I would like our audience to know about your journey. What attracted you to Bharatiya Darshanas? How did it all begin? I hail from West Bengal, from a small town called Raiganj. I was born on July 20, 1946. My family originally came from a village in Dinajpur district, which became part of East Pakistan after Partition. Anticipating this, my father moved us to Raiganj before Partition. I never attended primary school. In those days, it was optional, and education often began at home. One day, my grandfather decided I was ready for high school. He took me to a primary school headmaster, Gopal Chandra Mandal, to assess if I could be admitted directly into Class 5. The headmaster asked me a few questions, and I must have answered satisfactorily because he advised my father to admit me directly to high school. I joined the famous Coronation High School in Raiganj. From Class 5, we had Sanskrit. My Sanskrit teacher, Sita Kanta Acharya, became my real guru. Seeing me in traditional dress, he took a special interest. After class, he invited me to his home. He had me play with his children for an hour, and then at 6 pm sharp, my studies would begin. He ran a traditional pathshala called Madhusudana Chatushpathi, where the four Vedas were taught. He was a great grammarian. This is how I was introduced to the traditional method of learning Sanskrit and the Shastras. My grandfather used to recite Ashtadhyayi and Amarkosha every morning, so I had already absorbed much of it passively. My formal training began under Sita Kanta Acharya, and I progressed through the traditional levels, earning titles like Nyayacharya Tirtha and Veda Tirtha while still in school. Simultaneously, my father was a devotee of the Gaudiya Math, an ashram on the bank of the river near our house. Every morning, we would go for the aarti. A scholar there, Surendranath Das, would gather the children afterwards and teach us Sanskrit, Mathematics, and English -- completely outside the school syllabus. This selfless work ignited a deep interest in these subjects, especially mathematics. After higher secondary, I went to college and, without telling my father, took admission in Mathematics Honours. My father's friend, a Sanskrit professor at the same college, Ligon's College (now a university), informed him. My father took me to college and changed my course. A compromise was reached: I did my graduation with Sanskrit Honours and Mathematics as a subsidiary subject. After graduation, my father wanted me to go to Kashi. I went to Banaras Hindu University and did my MA in Sanskrit with a Vedic group. There, a teacher noticed my interest in language and structure and advised me to do another MA in Comparative Philology. I sought my father's permission, and he encouraged me to keep studying. So, I went to Calcutta University for another MA. This exposed me to the European perspective on Sanskrit-historical linguistics, the Indo-European language family, and the Aryan invasion theory. It gave me a new vision to complement my traditional training. After my exams, I took a job as a Sanskrit professor at a new college in the Sundarbans. But then I saw an advertisement for a Centre of Advanced Study in Sanskrit at the University of Pune, offering scholarships for a PhD. I applied, was selected, resigned from my job to move to Pune in 1968. For my PhD, I wanted to work on the Padapatha of the Rigveda by Shakalya. To break the continuous Samhita text into individual words (Padapatha), Shakalya must have had a deep knowledge of grammar -- a grammar that is pre-Paninian. My goal was to reconstruct that grammatical knowledge. My guide, the great linguist A M Ghatge, directed me to work under the renowned grammarian Professor S D Joshi at Pune University. This work allowed me to understand not just the history of the Sanskrit language but the history of Indian grammatical thought. After submitting my thesis, S M Katre, the director of Deccan College, invited me to join a massive UNESCO project: The Dictionary of Sanskrit on Historical Principles. Working there, I met two stalwarts who truly shaped my intellectual journey: Shivaram Krishna Shastri, a grammarian and Mimamsaka, and Srinivas Shastri, a Naiyayika and Vedantin. For 17 years, I studied under them, reading texts line by line -- Sutra, Bhashya, Vritti, Tika -- understanding the entire history of thought in these systems. I would translate what I learned into English and have them verify it the next day. This shifted my focus from pure grammar to Mimamsa, Nyaya, and other Darshanas. Later, Professor S D Joshi created a post for Indian Logic at Pune University and invited me to join. I did and eventually became the director of the Centre of Advanced Studies in Sanskrit, serving for 20 years until 2006. In 2001-2002, I took two years' leave to establish the Centre for Sanskrit Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University at the invitation of then chancellor Karan Singh. My work also took me abroad. In 1988, I taught Indian Logic at Humboldt University in Berlin. I had collaborations with universities in Japan (Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka) due to the strong interest in Japan in the Bouddha-Nyaya dialogue. I also taught as a visiting professor in Mauritius and at the University of Lucerne in Switzerland. IMAGE: Professor V N Jha with his wife Professor Ujjwala Jha. Photograph: Professor Jha This is a fascinating journey. When and why did the idea of establishing the Rishi Rina Trust come about? The idea came from a deep-seated pain. From my childhood, I was exposed to these profound knowledge systems. Simultaneously, I was in the modern education stream. I could see the clarity and depth in our traditional systems, like Sanskrit grammar, which was often missing elsewhere. I always felt this knowledge should be made available to everyone and integrated into mainstream education. At the Centre of Advanced Studies, I created new courses like an MA in Sanskrit Linguistics and an MA in Indian Logical Epistemology, designed to be 50% traditional and 50% modern. The goal was to start a dialogue between the two traditions. Unfortunately, the university system was often resistant to such reform. The then UGC chairman once heard me lecture and asked me to design a common course for all Sanskrit departments in India, I worked hard to create it but sadly it wasn't implemented. Teachers weren't trained to teach it. My wife, Professor Ujjwala Jha, who was also a scholar of Nyaya, Veda, and Buddhism, told me that we could not depend on the system of Sanskrit studies in our universities to reform themselves despite all our effort but we have to share what we had learned. Thus, we established the Rishi Rina Trust. The name is significant. In Dharmashastra, we speak of three debts (rina): to the sages (rishi), to the ancestors (pitr), and to the gods (deva). The only way to repay the debt to the sages is to teach what you have learned from your guru. This is rishi rina. That is the trust's mission: To repay our debt by disseminating this knowledge. Through the trust, we conduct workshops all over the country and abroad, focusing on textual study of original texts in Sanskrit. We have covered all six Astika (Vedic) Darshanas. But a true understanding requires dialogue with Nastika (non-Vedic) systems like Charvaka (classical Indian materialism), Buddhism and Jainism as well. Our tradition itself created models for such dialogue, like Vatsyayana's method, which focuses on four points of discussion to find common ground without sacrificing one's worldview. In the last 20-25 years, how many such workshops have you conducted? I have lost count. Every year, we conduct many. Each has over 40 students from diverse backgrounds. The response has been very encouraging. IMAGE: Professor V N Jha with Shivanand Kanavi. Photograph: Shivanand Kanavi People often have prejudices about Indian philosophy -- that it is dogmatic, other-worldly, or was restricted to a certain caste. How do you address this? These notions exist out of ignorance, a lack of exposure. If you actually study a small text, you will see these claims are false. The very existence of multiple interpretations of the same Upanishads -- Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhva, Nimbaraka -- proves that rationality and debate were celebrated, not suppressed. There was immense freedom of thought. The purpose of Darshana is not just philosophy (love of wisdom) but realisation and transformation -- to create a better, more empathetic human being who can see unity in diversity. This knowledge is holistic and human-centric. Even if there were restrictions on who is eligible to study these systems in the past, today, anyone can learn it. There are no restrictions. In our workshops, we have people from all communities, faiths and often more women than men. The knowledge is there for anyone who is curious. Furthermore, only about 5% of Sanskrit literature is 'scriptural'; the other 95% is secular -- covering mathematics, law, medicine, aesthetics, and politics. The analytical tools developed in Nyaya or the algorithmic structure of Panini's grammar are incredibly relevant for fields like computer science and law. I taught Nyaya to law students for 16 years, training them to distill court judgments into the five-step Nyaya syllogism. This sharpens their logic, language, and discourse skills. We lost this because we kept importing educational models from outside that had no connection to our cultural and intellectual strengths. We have to blame ourselves, not Macaulay. It is our responsibility to reintroduce this into mainstream education. Your point about the need for dialogue is crucial. The traditional method of vada, which requires first understanding the opponent's view (purvapaksha) is really absent today's chaotic debates especially in the media and polity. Absolutely. Vada aims at arriving at the truth. The other forms, jalpa (quibbling) and vitanda (destructive criticism), are what we see today. The Navya-Nyaya scholars even developed a precise, technical language to avoid the ambiguities of natural language during debate -- a concept incredibly relevant in today's world of computer science and machine learning. This knowledge can teach us how to disagree respectfully and intelligently. That is what we need today. Thank you so much, Sir, for sharing your incredible journey and insights. Thank you. My only request is: Become a volunteer. Learn Indian intellectual traditions. Don't depend on secondary sources. Go to the original texts. And share your knowledge and understanding. This is the only way to repay our debt to the rishis. For those interested in Professor Jha's work and the workshops, please visit www.vidyavatika.org Shivanand Kanavi, a frequent contributor to Rediff, is a theoretical physicist, business journalist and former VP at TCS. He is the author of the award winning book Sand to Silicon: The Amazing Story Of Digital Technology and edited Research by Design: Innovation and TCS. Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff The Assam assembly on Thursday passed a bill to ban polygamy, making it an offence which may lead to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, barring some exceptions. IMAGE: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participates in the NDA Legislature Party Meeting, in Guwahati. Photograph: Courtesy @himantabiswa_X/ANI Photo Terming the development a step closer to the Uniform Civil Code, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the UCC will be implemented in Assam if he becomes the CM again after the assembly polls next year. The bill, which will be sent to the President for her assent, kept people belonging to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category and areas under the Sixth Schedule out of the purview of the legislation. During the passage of the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025, the CM who also holds the portfolio of the Home and Political departments, said the law is 'irrespective of religion and not against Islam as being perceived by a section'. "The Hindus are not free from polygamy. That's also our responsibility. This bill will cover people from Hindu, Muslim, Christian and all other societies," he added. Sarma said women empowerment is his government's declared agenda irrespective of caste and religion. "However, I am making my government slightly gender biased. For 75 years, male MLAs made laws benefitting men. Now, we are giving justice to all, but with a little bias to our mothers and sisters," he added. Sarma called the anti-polygamy bill as a tribute to the 'exploited and tortured' women of Assam. Despite the CM's request to the opposition to withdraw their amendments to send a message that the bill is passed unanimously to empower women, the All India United Democratic Front and the Communist Party of India-Marxist went ahead with their modification suggestions, which were defeated by voice vote. CPI-M MLA Manoranjan Talukdar demanded that the bill be sent to the Select Committee for a detailed discussion on the clauses. "Without any exception, all communities should be brought under this law... Police have been given more power, which can be misused," he added. Reacting to this, Sarma said if the bill is sent to the Select Committee, it will be a defeat to all representatives and suggested bringing in amendments later. "If this law is passed unanimously, you will get a chance to become true Muslims," he told AIUDF members. Sarma said, "I assure the House that if I return as CM, the UCC bill will be tabled in the first session of the new government and will be implemented." He said that the ban on polygamy is a direction towards the implementation of the UCC. "The Supreme Court has also commented that time has come to adopt UCC. Our target is to ban polygamy and child marriage -- both are done now. If I get strength, next I will increase women's marriage age to 21 years from 18 years," Sarma said. Cruelty, adultery and 'nikah halala' (temporary marriage) will be banned, while equal inheritance will be enforced gradually as part of rolling out the UCC, he added. The CM also said, "A bill against deceptive marriage will be brought in during the session by February end. So, whatever we have spoken about love jihad, we will do that." The Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 proposed that any person going for polygamous marriage will be held guilty of an offence punishable with imprisonment up to seven years and fine, as laid down by law. Anyone who commits a subsequent marriage while hiding an existing one shall face 10 years of jail and fine. A repeat offender under the proposed act will be handed down double the prescribed punishment for every subsequent offence. A village head, quazi, parent or legal guardian who conceals facts or intentionally participates in a polygamous marriage may face up to two years in jail and a fine up to Rs 1 lakh. Any person who knowingly solemnises a marriage in violation of the proposed law may be punished with up to two years of imprisonment or a fine up to Rs 1.50 lakh. The bill proposes that a person who enters into a polygamous marriage and has been convicted by under this law shall not get government jobs, cannot be a beneficiary of government schemes, and also cannot contest panchayat or Urban Local Body polls. The proposed legislation seeks to provide compensation to the victim women. On exclusion of tribals and Sixth Schedule areas, Sarma said, "Autonomy must be given to tribal areas. We must understand bodies like the Bodoland Territorial Council. I hope Sixth Schedule bodies of Bodos, Karbis and Dimasas, who have legislative powers, will pass similar laws in their councils." He also said that tribal societies have many customary laws and those should be respected. On objection from AIUDF about contradiction to Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Act, 1937, the CM said, "Due to Shariat law, the BNS provisions against polygamy cannot be enforced." He said that in May 2023, the government had formed of a four-member expert committee headed by Justice (Retd) Rumi Kumari Phukan to scrutinise the provisions of the Muslim Personal Law along with Article 25 of the Constitution in relation to the Directive Principles of State Policy for UCC. "I am thankful to the Muslim society that everyone opposed polygamy. Only two applications were received which favoured conditional polygamy. In Islamic society, monogamy is law, polygamy is an exception. That is why many Islamic countries have also banned it," Sarma said. AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam said the polygamy bill violates several provisions of the Constitution and infringes upon personal choices of Muslims. Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi alleged that Sarma brought in this law for communal polarisation ahead of the state polls next year. Delhi blast investigation revealed that Dr Muzammil Ganaie, one of the prime suspects arrested in connection with the white-collar terror module linked to the November 10 terrorist incident, had two more hideouts near the Al Falah University. IMAGE: Dr Muzammil Ganaie being brought to Patiala House Court, in New Delhi on November 20, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo Besides renting hideouts in Fatehpur Taga and Dhauj in Faridabad, Muzammil had taken a house on rent from the former sarpanch of Khori Jamalpur village on the pretext of starting a Kashmiri fruit business, and a small room built on a farmer's land, police sources have said. The accommodation, owned by Jumma Khan, has three bedrooms and a hall plus kitchen, and it was about 4 kilometres from Al-Falah University, where Muzammil worked and was picked up by the J&K police. He stayed here between April and July on a monthly rent of Rs 8,000, said the sources. The house was built above a plastic raw material factory, owned by Khan. A team from the NIA recently took Muzammil to the village in connection with its Delhi blast probe. NIA officers questioned Khan for several hours during their visit. Sources said that Jumma, during questioning, revealed that Muzammil had told him that he wanted to start a Kashmiri fruit business here, and for this, he needed space. But, after about three months, he vacated the house, claiming that it was too hot there. Jumma clarified that he had no prior connection with Muzammil, and their first meeting took place at Al-Falah Hospital, where Jumma's nephew was undergoing cancer treatment. "He had vacated my house after around three months. I never suspected that he was a terrorist", said Khan. The NIA probe also revealed that Muzammil had stored a substantial amount of explosive material, for approximately 12 days, in a room built on a piece of land belonging to a farmer. Later, he shifted the explosive material to a room in the house of cleric Ishtiyak in Fatehpur Taga village. A 44-year-old woman was allegedly murdered in southwest Delhi by her live-in partner, who throttled her with his elbow and was so drunk that he carried the body to the car but couldn't drive, so he left it there while he went home and slept, police said on Thursday. The accused, identified as Virendra (35), was so intoxicated that although he managed to carry the woman's body to his car, allegedly with the intention of disposing of it, he was unable to drive and returned home, they said. A senior police officer privy to the investigation told PTI that a PCR call was received on the morning of November 26 from a neighbour, who noticed the woman's body lying inside the car while the accused was asleep in the house. "Virendra, who is married and has children, had been living with the deceased for the past two years. The woman earlier owned a house in Palam, which they sold, and using that money, Virendra purchased a three-storey house in Chhawla under his own name in August," the officer said. The officer added that an additional Rs 21 lakh from the sale remained with Virendra, which often became a point of contention between the two. On the intervening night of November 25 and 26, both had been allegedly drinking when a fight broke out. During the altercation, Virendra, who works with a bus company, allegedly pinned the woman to the bed and throttled her with his elbow. After killing her, he called two friends, a man and a woman, who allegedly helped him carry the body down to the car. The friends left soon after, and Virendra attempted to drive away to dispose of the body. However, due to his heavy intoxication, he could not continue beyond around 100 metres and returned home. Leaving the body in the car, he went back upstairs, resumed drinking and eventually fell asleep. Around 9 am, a neighbour, who believed the couple were married, spotted the woman's body and alerted the police. A police team reached the scene and arrested Virendra, who was still asleep. Efforts are underway to trace and apprehend his associates, the officer added. Combat brigades will be able to prepare reinforcements on their own, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa said on Telegram on Wednesday evening. Palisa made his statement following the results of his meeting with the President of Ukraine, together with Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov, the topic of which was, in particular, the distribution of mobilization resources between the brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. "Its not just about the number of people. The quality of training is also important here, which all combat brigades should be allowed to conduct independently. I think that this should contribute to the formation of well-coordinated teams ready for combat operations in their sector, for specific equipment, weapons and tactics. This will also be part of my proposal," Palisa said. "I dont like to make promises in advance, but I can say one thing: we understand very well why the front needs this. And why we cant drag it out," he added. As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Wednesday instructed Chief of the General Staff Andriy Hnatov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa to work out a fair distribution of personnel between brigades. Draft decisions should be prepared in the near future. Two members of the United States National Guard are in critical condition after being shot in Washington DC, just a few blocks away from the White House in Washington, DC. IMAGE: Law enforcement respond at the scene after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC on November 26, 2025. Photograph: Mike Ryan/Handout via Reuters Videos shared on social media showed emergency workers giving CPR to one soldier and treating another on a footpath covered with broken glass. Witnesses said they heard two gunshots and saw people running. One woman who had just come out of the metro station took shelter in a cafe and later saw a soldier being taken away on a stretcher with his head bleeding. A 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been identified as the suspected gunman. Rahmanullah is a migrant from Afghanistan who came to the US during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, according to US media reports. IMAGE: Evidence markers sit on the ground after the shooting. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters Lakanwal waited before he rounded the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 pm (local time) and opened fire, striking a female guard in the chest before shooting her in the head, The New York Post reported, quoting law enforcement sources. According to the report, Lakanwal entered America under Operation Allies Welcome and was resettled in Bellingham, Washington. Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump has called the Washington, DC, shooting an act of terror and a crime against humanity. IMAGE: National Guard members stand together behind yellow tape, after two National Guard members were shot. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters Briefing the media, Trump blamed former President Joe Biden for the shooting, saying the suspect came from Afghanistan on a 2021 airlift and called the country a "hellhole". "This was a heinous assault and an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity," he said. He said that the Department of Homeland Security "is confident" that the suspect came to the US from Afghanistan. IMAGE: A member of the US Secret Service stands guard in a cordoned-off area. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters "I can report tonight that based on the best available information, the Department of Homeland Security is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hell hole on earth." After the incident, the Trump administration ordered 500 additional National Guard members to be sent to Washington. Around 2,200 troops were already deployed in the city. More than 300 West Virginia Guard members were sent to Washington in August, and around 160 recently extended their deployment until the end of the year. Police and fire vehicles surrounded the area after the shooting, and helicopters were seen overhead. Secret Service and federal agents from other departments also reached the spot. Vice President JD Vance asked people to pray for the injured soldiers and said it was still not clear why the attack happened. Firefighters battled for a second day on Thursday to contain a massive inferno that ripped through seven high-rise residential towers in Hong Kong, as the death toll climbed to 83 and over 280 people remained missing in what officials described as the city's worst disaster in 70 years. IMAGE: Wong 71, reacts after claiming his wife is trapped inside Wang Fuk Court during a major fire, in Tai Po, Hong Kong, China, November 26, 2025. Photographs: Tyrone Siu/Reuters Some 76 people were injured, including 15 in critical condition and 28 listed as serious. The dead also include a firefighter. Many are still trapped in the buildings. Raging flames at four out of the seven blocks have been brought under control, while fires continued to burn on the upper floors of the remaining 31-storey buildings on Thursday evening. IMAGE: Firefighters work to extinguish flames, as fire burns bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate. Full-scale rescue work is ongoing, and victims are still being extracted from the buildings, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. The exact cause of the fire, which started on Wednesday, is not yet known, and a criminal investigation has been launched. City officials say over 280 people are still missing from the seven gutted buildings, each with 32 floors. IMAGE: An injured firefighter boards an ambulance. The Hong Kong government has set up a HKD 300 million (about $43 million) relief fund for those affected. Hundreds of evacuated residents have been shifted to temporary shelters. The Wang Fuk Court, built in 1983, in the city's suburban Tai Po district, has eight towers with 1,984 apartments housing around 4,600 residents, according to the 2021 census. IMAGE: Smoke rises as flames engulf bamboo scaffolding across multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate. Nearly 40 per cent of its residents are estimated to be around 60 years of age, making the subsidised housing estate their home since it was built. The massive buildings in the densely populated areas were currently undergoing large-scale revamp and renovation. All eight towers were encased in green mesh and bamboo scaffolding. IMAGE: A drone view shows flames and thick smoke rising from the Wang Fuk Court housing estate. The fire department has dispatched 304 fire engines and rescue vehicles, using drones to monitor heat levels and prevent flare-ups. Three people -- two directors and a consultant of the contractor responsible for the renovation of the buildings -- have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, as the police investigation pointed to flammable materials. According to a preliminary investigation, officers discovered highly flammable styrofoam cloaking lift windows on every floor, which authorities said caused the fire to spread more rapidly within the blocks and ignite flats through the corridors, according to the Post report. IMAGE: Thick smoke billows from the upper floors of Wang Fuk Court buildings. The mesh netting and sheeting used outside the buildings also did not meet fire safety standards, officials said. Hong Kong leader John Lee Ka-chiu has ordered inspections of all public housing estates undergoing major renovations. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday night extended condolences over the tragedy and called for all-out efforts to extinguish the blaze, rescue those trapped, treat the injured, and support affected families. He also instructed the Liaison Office to convey his sympathies to Lee, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Long before she became one of Bollywood's most iconic dancers, actor Helen faced a personal crisis when her ex-husband, filmmaker P N Arora, threw her out of her home, eventually forcing her to seek help from an unlikely quarter -- 'the Mumbai underworld;, reveals a new book When It All Began: The Untold Stories of the Underworld. Written by former Mumbai police commissioner Rakesh Maria, above, the book, which offers a detailed account of the rise and fall of Mumbai's underworld -- including the rise of the first generation of dons such as Karim Lala, Haji Mastan and Dilip Aziz -- documents the little-known incident in which Lala intervened to help Helen reclaim the house she had been evicted from by Arora. The book recalls that Helen, who turned 87 this month, was born in Rangoon in 1938 and arrived in Bombay after escaping wartime Burma. Financial struggles pushed her into films, and she soon emerged as one of the most prolific performers of the 1950s and beyond, with over 700 roles. But, as the book explains, behind the glamorous screen persona, Helen was a vulnerable young woman who had entered into a relationship with a much older Arora and even handed over control of her finances and properties to him. Not wanting in talent, Helen got her first break in 1958 when she was just nineteen. Gradually, she began bagging good roles, and the number of films to her credit is a whopping 700 or more. However, the control of her properties was in the hands of Arora, who was not progressing well in his career. He started ill-treating her, but she bore the suffering patiently. Eventually, the relationship soured to the point that Arora refused to give Helen the property that was rightfully hers and one day threw her out of her own house. Desperate, Helen sought help from veteran actor Dilip Kumar and writer-actor Salim Khan, both close friends within the industry, the book notes. Dilip Kumar first attempted to contact Lala himself. When he was unable to reach the don, he wrote a note addressed to him and asked Helen to rush to Lala with it. Karim Lala, born Abdul Karim Sher Khan in Afghanistan, rose from a worker in 1920s Bombay to one of the city's most feared crime bosses. As head of the notorious 'Pathan Gang', he controlled liquor, gambling and extortion rackets through the 1960s and early 1980s, and was known both for his clout and his strict personal code, particularly his respect for women. 'When Karim Lala came to his darbar, he sensed an unusual excitement in the air. The gathering had recognised the distinguished woman waiting for him for the celebrity she was. Karim Lala was not much of a film buff... When he learnt who she was and saw the note, he asked his aide to take her to his wife Fatima and joined the ladies after a while. 'Helen explained to him her plight. He could see that she was not lying. He promised her she would get her house back, and asked her to reach it after a couple of hours.' What followed took her by surprise. When she reached the house, Arora had left the house, leaving all her goods behind and the keys with the guard. 'Karim Lala's baton had worked. So the business of 'matter pataana' had been added to the portfolio of liquor dens, gambling clubs and narcotics," it added. Karim Lala died in 2002, marking the end of an era in Mumbai's crime history. A scam of nearly Rs 11 crore in the mid-day meal scheme was brought to light in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district, leading to a first information report (FIR) against 45 people and the arrest of five individuals, including a village head and an assistant teacher, police said on Thursday. Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo The district Basic Siksha Adhikari lodged a complaint at the city police station on Thursday, alleging over Rs 11 crore scam by manipulation of government records for the mid-day meal programme, Superintendent of Police (SP) Vikas Kumar said. According to the complaint, the fraud was committed by tampering with Excel sheets generated on the department's IVRS portal, which records the number of students enrolled in schools. Based on these numbers, the government allocates funds using conversion cost calculations. After approval by the district magistrate, the sanctioned Excel sheet should be uploaded on the concerned portal for direct transfer to school accounts. However, instead of uploading the original document, the accused allegedly inflated amounts for select schools and reduced funds for others, ensuring that the total amount remained unchanged and thus escaped detection. Police said the extra funds transferred to favoured schools were withdrawn and shared among the headmasters, village heads and school management committee presidents involved. Those arrested include Firoz Ahmad, Ashok Kumar (headmaster), Naseem Ahmad (village head), Mohammad Ahmedul Qadri (committee president) and Malik Munawwar (assistant teacher). The SP said further investigation is underway, and more arrests are expected. 'If there is a big enough order, then we would bring the assembly line for the M88 engine and other critical equipment to India.' IMAGE: Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and other dignitaries after the inauguration of the Safran Aircraft Engine Services India facility in Hyderabad, November 26, 2025. Photograph: @RamMNK X/ANI Photo French aerospace and defence major Safran is open to establishing a final assembly line (FAL) in India for M88 engines and other critical equipment, which power the Rafale, if the armed forces place additional sizeable orders for these planes, its CEO Olivier Andries said on Wednesday. Safran is currently sourcing about 100 million worth of components per year from its vendors in India, which is "not much," Andries said. The firm is now planning to increase local sourcing to 500 million by 2030. It is really happy with the quality, on-time delivery and competitive pricing of vendors in the country, he added. Andries was talking to reporters after Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Safran's largest MRO facility for CFM leap engines in Hyderabad through video conferencing. These engines will power commercial narrowbody aircraft. The foundation laying ceremony for setting up an MRO facility for M88 engines was also held in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The CEO also mentioned that Safran's India revenue is expected to treble to 3 billion by 2030. "If there are additional Rafale fighter orders by the Indian Air Force, we would be committed to increase our presence in India significantly..." Andries stated. "If there is a big enough order, then we would bring the assembly line for the M88 engine and other critical equipment to India," he added. On the Rafale fighter plane, Safran does not just produce the engine. It makes the landing gear, electrical systems, air conditioning and oxygen systems. "We are also the partner for ejectable seats. So, we have a lot of critical equipment on the Rafale... "More than 20 per cent of Rafale is made by Safran," he said. India has so far placed firm orders for 62 Rafale jets -- 36 for the air force in 2016 and 26 Rafale-M fighters for the Navy, approved in 2025. The air force jets have already been delivered. Separately, the Indian Air Force has this year proposed acquiring 114 additional Rafales, to be built in India with significant local content under "='Make in India'. If cleared, this would take India's total Rafale fleet to about 176 aircraft. Some commercial airlines or their related companies -- such as Singapore Technologies, Air France-KLM, Lufthansa Technik and Delta Airlines -- have taken a licence from Safran to establish their own CFM Leap engine MRO facilities. "If any Indian airline is willing and has decided to develop its own MRO shop, we don't view it as competition. We welcome it because we believe we need more capacity 20 years ahead," Andries said. "So, we would be very keen to support it," he said. However, he added that to develop its engine MRO facility, an airline must have a very large fleet of planes that use CFM Leap engines. IMAGE: A Rafale engine at a Safran facility in Villaroche, France. Photograph: ANI Photo The new CFM leap engine MRO centre, which was inaugurated on Wednesday, represents a total investment of 200 million and will be operational in 2026. The 45,000 square metre facility will ramp up to a capacity of 300 leap engine shop visits a year. The new site in Hyderabad will employ more than 250 people at launch and up to 1,100 at full capacity. An on-site training centre will train more than 100 Indian technicians and engineers each year. India is CFM leap's third largest market, with five Indian carriers operating more than 400 leap engine-powered aircraft and 2,000 engines on order. The M88 engine MRO facility, which was developed just near the CFM leap engine MRO facility in Hyderabad, represents an investment of over 40 million, Andries added. The M88 facility will provide MRO services for more than 600 engine modules a year. It will employ up to 150 people at full capacity. Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff A self-styled nun has been booked over a social media post comment in which she allegedly called for a bomb attack on Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, police said on Thursday. IMAGE: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Photograph: @pinarayivijayan/X The police registered a case against Teena Jose for allegedly calling for a bomb attack on the chief minister in the comment box of another user's post on Facebook. Police officials said the case was registered at the Thiruvananthapuram City Cyber Police Station on Wednesday following a complaint filed by a New Delhi-based lawyer. The self-styled nun has been booked under sections 192 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Police are attempting to trace the Facebook post and Jose will be interrogated soon, officials said. The incident took place last week when a person named Selton L D'Souza shared a post about the chief minister's participation in the local body election campaign. In the comment, Jose allegedly called for a bomb attack on CM, adding that the world that killed a good man like former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi could do that as well. Later, the religious congregation to which she had belonged issued a press release stating it had revoked her membership in 2009 and had forbidden her from wearing religious attire. It also clarified that her actions are entirely her personal decision and responsibility. Having completed her legal studies, Jose, a resident of Kochi, was enrolled as an advocate only after she approached the Kerala High Court and Supreme Court to challenge norms that prevent religious persons in another vocation from practising law. The United Arab Emirates is not issuing visas to Pakistanis, a senior interior ministry official told a parliamentary panel on Thursday, revealing that the country narrowly escaped a passport ban from the Gulf nation. Photograph: Reuters Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry made the revelation during a meeting of the Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, Dawn newspaper reported. The paper further quoted him as saying that Saudi Arabia and the UAE had 'stopped short of imposing a ban on the Pakistani passport'. "If a ban is imposed, getting it removed would be difficult," he warned. He said that currently, the UAE was only issuing visas to blue and diplomatic passport holders. A Pakistani blue passport is an official passport issued to government officials and other entitled personnel, as opposed to the common green passport issued to ordinary citizens. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, who heads the Senate committee on human rights, confirmed the interior ministry official's remarks to the paper. She said the bar was attributed to concerns about people travelling to the UAE and 'getting involved in criminal activities'. The committee was told that the UAE was not issuing visas to Pakistanis and that very few had been issued in the recent past 'after much difficulty', she said. On the other hand, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Salem M Salem Al Bawab Al Zaabi shared 'major UAE visa facilitation reforms for Pakistanis' with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday, the latter's ministry said. The reforms discussed during their meeting in Islamabad included online visa processing, e-visas without passport stamping, and faster system-to-system linkages, the finance ministry said on X. Nearly 500 visas were being processed daily at the newly launched UAE Visa Centre in Pakistan, the statement added, further outlining reforms shared by the envoy. Pakistan and the UAE share close diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties. The UAE is one of Pakistan's largest trading partners in the Middle East and a major source of remittances, with a large Pakistani expatriate population living and working there. But Pakistani citizens faced visa rejections in early July, which prompted Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to raise the issue with his UAE counterpart. In a meeting on July 11, UAE Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan assured Naqvi of 'full support' in expediting visas for Pakistani citizens as the Pakistani minister sought 'relaxation in visa policies'. In April, the UAE ambassador announced that visa issues had been resolved and Pakistanis could now avail a five-year visa. This came after the Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis, in January, was told that some visas to the UAE had been 'unofficially closed'. Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig had said the above, adding that the UAE government had reservations that Pakistanis on 'visit visas, not work visas', resort to begging in the country. However, the committee's chairman, Senator Zeeshan Khanzada, said there were 'no restrictions on work visas' for Pakistanis travelling to the Gulf country, according to the report. In a fresh twist to the ongoing power struggle in Karnataka, caste groups backing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar on Thursday threw their weight behind them, with one warning Congress against unseating the incumbent CM while the other community strongly batted for Shivakumar's elevation. IMAGE: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Photograph: @DKShivakumar/X As the pressure builds up over the Congress high command to put an end to the tussle, party chief Mallikarjun Kharge said he will have a meeting with select leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and the Siddaramaiah-Shivakumar duo to resolve the matter. Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra, meanwhile, said there was no reason for his father to quit mid-way through the five year term as he was delivering good administration without any charges against him, and also enjoyed the support of party MLAs. Party senior and Home minister G Parameshwara, who is also in the CM race, expressed confidence the party high command will resolve the matter in a week. He, however, assured to serve the people and also live up to Congress ideology if he is entrusted with the top post considering his experience and skill. While an AHINDA (a Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes and Dalit communities) group warned the Congress of implications if Siddaramaiah was forced to make way for his deputy, a Vokkaliga body said no injustice should be meted out to Shivakumar. The AHINDA is Siddaramaiah's core constituency, while Shivakumar, also the Congress state president, belongs to the dominant agrarian community of Vokkaligas that has seen Kengal Hanumanthaiah, K C Reddy, H D Deve Gowda, S M Krishna, Sadananda Gowda and H D Kumaraswamy occupy the state's top post. Karnataka Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha warned the Congress high command that it will fight vehemently if injustice happens Shivakumar, who is aspiring to become CM. "During the assembly election, Shivakumar had toiled hard, toured across the state, strengthened the organisation and due to his efforts the Congress got 140 seats and won the polls," Sangha president L Srinivas said at a press conference in Bengaluru. Referring to the rumoured power-sharing agreement of 2023, he said there are doubts whether Siddaramaiah will transfer power to Shivakumar. "We from Vokkaliga Sangha request the Congress high command to at least give 'Coolie' (a token of reward) to Shivakumar for the efforts he has put." Srinivas said the Deputy CM had also spent time in jail for the party. "No injustice should happen to the disciplined soldier of the Congress party. We from Vokkaliga Sangha on behalf of the Vokkaliga pontiffs assert that we will vehemently fight if injustice happens to Shivakumar," he said. Earlier, a Vokkaliga seer had also spoken in support of Shivakumar. Meanwhile, the Karnataka State Federation of Backward Class Communities (KSFBCC) backed Siddaramaiah. Any attempt to unseat the veteran leader will have a bearing on the party, it said. KSFBCC president K M Ramachandrappa said AHINDA is deeply pained to see the developments taking place. He said even religious heads are participating in this discussion and are threatening that they will also be part of the chorus seeking removal of Siddaramaiah. "These threats are not new ones but have been happening for very long time. Since independence it has been happening. We the downtrodden community will not bow down to these threats". "If the pontiffs and the Vokkaliga Sangha are ready to stage agitation then we will also not leave our leader. The 70 per cent population of AHINDA communities had offered support to this government. We will not tolerate attempts to bring down a leader from the AHINDA community," Ramachandrappa said. Meanwhile, Kharge said he will have discussions involving top leader Rahul Gandhi and the concerned leaders to solve the matter. "After going to Delhi, I will call three-four important leaders and discuss. After the discussion, we will say how to go ahead; thereby put an end to the confusion," Kharge told reporters in Bengaluru. "I will call everyone and discuss. Rahul Gandhi will be part of it, also other members including CM and Deputy CM. After discussing with everyone, a decision will be made," he added. The All India Congress Committee chief said the high command means a team, not an individual. "Our high command team will discuss and decide on the matter," he added. Reacting to Kharge's statement, Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar said they will fly to Delhi if summoned. Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra said his father will complete his term. As a party worker and MLC, he said he doesn't see a situation for a CM change because there is no complaint against the chief minister, nor is he involved in any scam. "Also he is giving good administration. The MLAs are also in his favour. So, I don't see a need for change. But some are asking for a CM post for another person. It has to be decided by the high command. It won't be right on our part to share our opinion. Everyone will abide by the high command's decision," he told reporters in Mysuru. Ananta Charan Behera went to his former workplace, the Odisha assembly, on Thursday to have a glimpse of President Droupadi Murmu, but was utterly surprised when she spotted him in the crowd and called him by his name. IMAGE: President Droupadi Murmu being greeted by Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy and other MLAs at the Odisha Legislative Assembly, in Bhubaneswar on Thursday. Photograph: Office of Press Secretary to the President/ANI Photo Behera, a retired grade IV employee, was posted as a 'jamadar' in Murmu's office when she was the commerce and transport minister during the Bharatiya Janata Party-Biju Janata Dal coalition government in the state from 2000 to 2004. He was waiting amidst the crowd when Murmu was coming out of room no 11, which used to be her office in the assembly when she was the minister. "Ananta, how are you? What are your son and daughter doing now?" Murmu asked Behra after spotting him. He replied, "I am all right by the blessings of god. My son and daughter are married, and I have retired from service." An elated Behera said it was a 'lifetime achievement' for him that the president of India knows him by his name. "I was stunned hearing my name from her. She called me by name in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, a group of ministers and many other VIPs," he later told reporters. Asked how Murmu knew about his family, he said, "Madam knows everything. She knows I have a son and a daughter. I had sent her an invitation card during their marriages. But, she could not come due to other work." Behra claimed he was very close to Murmu when she was a minister. "Then, the salaries of MLAs and ministers used to be paid in cash, and I used to collect it from the accounts section on behalf of madam. I was her trusted employee," he said. "Madam has not changed at all in the last 20 years. She carries the same smile and way of talking. She loves all her employees, including me. I am proud of her," he added. The Bombay high court on Thursday asked how long the Mumbai police would conduct its inquiry into the death of former celebrity manager Disha Salian. IMAGE: Disha Salian. Photograph: ANI on X She died on June 8, 2020, after falling off the 14th floor of a residential building in Malad in north Mumbai, following which the city police registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) case. A bench of Justices A S Gadkari and R R Bhonsale said it has been five years since the death and all the police has to ascertain is if the death was by suicide or culpable homicide. The bench's remarks came after public prosecutor Mankhunwar Deshmukh said the inquiry into the death was still on. "Why still inquiry? It has been five years. Someone has died. You just have to ascertain if it was a suicide or culpable homicide," the court remarked. Deshmukh told the court the inquiry was being done minutely so as to rule out all possibilities. Disha Salian's father, Satish Salian, had filed a petition in HC in March this year alleging that his daughter was gang-raped and murdered. Satish Salian had sought a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into his daughter's death and for a FIR to be registered against Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Aditya Thackeray. Satish Salian, in the plea, alleged his daughter was found dead under mysterious circumstances in June 2020. He alleged she was raped and murdered and, subsequently, there was a politically orchestrated cover-up to protect certain influential persons. Deshmukh on Thursday told the bench the police had recorded the statements of the petitioner and his wife on several occasions after the incident and they had clearly said they had no doubt or suspicion on anyone. "And now after five years, the father is raising these contentions," she said. The court also asked why the police was not handing over copies of the statements of Satish Salian to him and also other basic probe related documents, which are permissible under law. "He is the father of the victim. Any document that is legally permissible can be handed over to him," the court said. The bench posted the matter for further hearing on December 11 by when Deshmukh would have to clarify the police's stand on providing documents to the petitioner. The court also directed the police to produce the post mortem report. Earlier, Aditya Thackeray had filed an application seeking to intervene in the plea and urged the court to grant him a hearing before passing any order. Thackeray, in his application, said the petition filed by Satish Salian was false, frivolous and motivated. Delegations from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom have signed a license agreement for the Ukrainian Octopus interceptor drone, Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal has announced. "This is a historical precedent and the next important step that will allow the production of Ukrainian interceptors in the United Kingdom, which have proven their effectiveness in the fight against "shaheeds". Mass production of interceptors is planned, which may reach several thousand per month. The manufactured assets will be transferred to Ukraine to strengthen the protection of our sky," Shmyhal said on Telegram on Wednesday. He also thanked the British partners for their cooperation, trust and contribution to strengthening Ukrainian air defense. 'They came to our bedrooms, woke people who were sleeping, and shot them. For what? For what?' IMAGE: A policeman salutes the security personnel martyred in the 26/11 terrorist attacks on its 17th anniversary at the Mumbai police headquarters, November 26, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo On November 26, 2008, ten Pakistani terrorists unleashed a coordinated siege on Mumbai that would claim 166 lives and reshape the nation's security landscape. Among those who made the ultimate sacrifice were Constable Tukaram Omble who dared to take on one of the ten dreaded terrorists Ajmal Kasab near Girgaon Chowpaty and was martyred, Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the NSG commando who led the charge at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel, and Inspector Vijay Salaskar of the Maharashtra anti terrorism squad, who was gunned down along with ATS chief Hemant Karkare and Additional Commisioner of Police Ashok Kamte near Cama Hospital. Seventeen years later, as the NSG held its inaugural NEVEREVER Memorial at the Gateway of India, the families of these fallen heroes gathered to honour their memory -- and to reflect on a tragedy that continues to shape their lives and their understanding of sacrifice. Divya Salaskar, Inspector Vijay Salaskar's daughter, and Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's father and mother -- K Unnikrishnan and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan -- spoke with Rediff remembering their loved ones and those who were killed in the most cowardly and mindless attack on Mumbai on the sidelines of the event. Their words -- steady, unsentimental, yet piercing -- reveal how remembrance, not rage, keeps the spirit of their loved ones alive. The Memory That Refuses to Fade The NSG's NEVEREVER Memorial, inaugurated this year, is a travelling installation that will move between Mumbai, Delhi, and other cities that have borne the scars of terror. Its name is derived from the vow that India must 'never ever forget' the cost of complacency -- and the price paid by those who stood between the nation and chaos. At the Gateway, the names of the 166 victims were projected in light. The hum of the crowd mixed with silence; there was neither wailing nor slogans: Only the quiet pride of families who have carried grief for nearly two decades -- and turned it into something larger. Major Unnikrishnan's parents represent the endurance of military sacrifice; Divya Salaskar embodies the resilience of the civilian police. Both spoke without bitterness, without theatrics -- their tone anchored in moral clarity and nationalistic pride. For K Unnikrishnan, the fight is not just against terrorism, but against forgetfulness. "See, terrorism from outside or inside the country -- it's the same thing," he says. "What they are doing is killing, unnecessarily killing people. That's it." For Divya, it's about meaning -- the legacy left behind. "It is unfortunate that bravery has to be remembered like this," she says. "There are many other ways I would have liked to remember my father. But still -- I am proud." Never Ever Forgotten As the memorial flame flickered in the evening breeze, the three stories -- of a father, a mother, and a daughter -- converged into a single message. Not vengeance. Not despair. Just remembrance and resolve. Seventeen years on, the faces of those who stood between Mumbai and mayhem remain India's conscience. The city has moved on -- the trains are full again, the hotels glitter, the sea waves slap against the promenade -- but under the Gateway's arches, the echo lingers. Constable Tukaram Omble who took on Ajmal Kasab bare-handed and took his bullets in the line of duty... Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan's act of bravery and selflessness at the Taj Hotel... Inspector Vijay Salaskar... ATS Chief Hemant Karkare... Additional Commissioner of Police Ashok Kamte... And countless others who made sure that when terror came calling, Mumbai did not kneel. "It's not about how they died," says K Unnikrishnan, as the crowd disperses. "It's about how they lived -- and what they stood for. That is what India must never forget." 'For What? For What?': A Father's Haunting Question IMAGE: K Unnikrishnan, second from left, with Adi V Sesh, third from left, and Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan at the NEVEREVER Memorial at the Gateway of India, November 26, 2025. Photograph: Prasanna D Zore/Rediff At the NEVEREVER Memorial organised by the National Security Guard on November 26, 2025, to commemorate those who laid down their lives in the line of duty and those who were killed mindlessly by 10 Pakistani terrorists 17 years ago, the calm November evening was heavy with memory. The Gateway of India stood mute witness again -- not to gunfire and smoke, but to remembrance. Standing among the families of India's bravest was K Unnikrishnan, the father of Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan, the 31-year-old NSG commando who died leading his men inside the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. The major's last words to his team -- 'Do not come up, I will handle them' -- have since become a part of national lore. Seventeen years later, his father still asks the simplest, hardest question: "They came to our bedrooms, woke people who were sleeping, and shot them. For what? For what?" It's not anger, but disbelief that defines his tone. "Terrorism should not exist on this earth, at least not in our country," he says, his voice steady. "They don't have a target. What for they are doing so? You cannot say it is for religion. That is not right. So many people in India practice their own religion and live peacefully." For Unnikrishnan, the memorial is not just ceremony -- it is reassurance. "This is the first time the NSG or a special force is openly coming out and conducting a programme like this. It gives us confidence that we have people to rely on in emergencies," he says. He recalls attending the Mumbai police's morning ceremony the same day. "The police, the commissioner, the chief minister -- they come to console families. It's not about money. It's about sincerity. That is what families want -- honour, and remembrance." His wife, Dhanalakshmi Unnikrishnan, stands quietly beside him. The grief of 17 years has not dimmed their pride. Their son's story -- told again through the 2022 biopic Major, starring actor Adi V Sesh who also joined them at the memorial -- has reached a new generation. But the father's words cut deeper than any film: "It's a great loss to the family. We are there to tolerate that sorrow so others don't have to. Take him as an example and behave as goood citizens." He has a simple message for young Indians who dream of wearing the uniform: "If they have it in them, let them join. Don't stop them. Not because someone's father was in the army -- but because they truly want to serve." 'The Feeling Never Changes': A Daughter Remembers IMAGE: Divya Salaskar with Rahul Kamte at the NEVEREVER Memorial organised by the NSG at the Gateway of India, November 26, 2025. Photograph: Prasanna D Zore/Rediff Just a few steps away from the Unnikrishnans stood Divya Salaskar, 38 now, daughter of Inspector Vijay Salaskar, the Mumbai encounter specialist who fell alongside ATS Chief Hemant Karkare and Additional Commissioner Ashok Kamte (his son, Rahul Kamte, who aspires to be an actor and who has done few stints as an assistant director steadfastly refused to repeated requests come on camera. "I didn't much like that expression of sympathy in people's eyes when they would come to meet us and offer their condolences; I'm not that comfortable sharing what I feel about the terrorist attacks; it's personal," Rahul says and excuses himself) near the Cama Hospital on that night of horror. "Honestly," Divya says, "the feeling never changes. It's been 17 years, but it feels the same." Her voice is composed, not shaky. She recalls the last moments she saw her father alive: "He left in such a hurry that he wasn't even able to say goodbye to me. His office hours were over. He could have stayed home. But he went. That speaks of his bravery." Divya was only 21 then -- "I grew up overnight," she says quietly. "Every important decision after that felt like I was lost at every juncture. For a girl, having her father there means a lot. I didn't have that luck. It has shaped me into a very brave person, but I would have liked him to be around." Each year on November 26, Divya and her mother visit the Mumbai police memorial before attending remembrance events like this one. But for her, remembrance is not confined to a date. "You remember your family every day," she says. "It's not that today is 26/11, so I'll remember my father. It's always there at the back of the mind." She's heartened that this year, the NSG -- her father's comrades in arms in spirit -- have stepped forward to host the NEVEREVER Memorial. "It's important," she says. "We attend every year's Shraddhanjali organised by the Mumbai police. But now, having the NSG host this event makes it feel like the whole security family stands together." Her message to the young is sharp, almost a challenge: "Our forces require more strength. A lot of people leave the country to pursue their careers abroad. But if possible, join the forces. There are vacancies in the police, in the armed forces -- all three arms. Your country needs you more than anything. The country gives you so much; it's time to give back." Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff Videos: Prasanna D Zore/Rediff Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today A mix of clouds and sun. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 28F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low around 15F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Afghan migrants and refugees in Pakistan are being rounded up by authorities amid soaring tensions with the Taliban-led government in neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistan is trying to repatriate millions of Afghans after hosting them for decades. Salman is deeply disturbed as he awaits his fate inside a detention center in the eastern Pakistani city of Lahore. The 22-year-old is being forced to return to Afghanistan, the country of his parents. But he has never seen the mountainous South Asian nation, which is now emerging from more than four decades of war. He was born and raised in Pakistan, but authorities in the country are now forcing him to return to a country he has never seen. "I have lived in Pakistan all this time, but it's given me nothing," he told RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal. Earlier this month, police in Lahore arrested him during a random search and locked him up. "I was not provided food during those two nights," he said of the conditions during his police detention, where he was kept in a dark room. He was then moved to a squalid detention center from where he will be forced into Afghanistan, some 600 kilometers away. Salman is among the tens of thousands of Afghans involuntarily returned to their country every week as Pakistan goes ahead with plans to repatriate all Afghan refugees and migrants back into Afghanistan. Senior Pakistani officials have blamed Afghans for participating in attacks on Pakistani security forces. Islamabad has repeatedly demanded that the Taliban government in Afghanistan cease support for the Tehrike Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a rebel group fighting in northwestern Pakistan along the border with Afghanistan. A cease-fire between the two is now under tremendous strain. Afghan Mourners Bury Dead After Pakistan Strikes by RFE/RL No media source currently available 0:00 0:00:36 0:00 On November 25, the Taliban government blamed Pakistan for air strikes that killed at least 10 people in eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban and Pakistan's powerful military, which were erstwhile allies, almost went to war last month. As Pakistan launched air strikes against the Afghan capital and the southern city of Kandahar, tensions along their 2,500-kilometer border turned into clashes. "The brave people of Pakistan, who have lost loved ones in the war against terrorism, now ask: How long will the government continue to bear the burden of Afghan refugees?" Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said last month. But for many ordinary Afghan refugees and migrants living in Pakistan such as Salman, the forced return is a calamity. Pakistan is the only country they have known. Some have established successful businesses while others eke out a living by doing manual labor jobs locals don't want. Most returning Afghans complain of harassment by the Pakistani authorities. They particularly accuse the police of high-handedness, bribes, and stealing their belongings. "Nobody is speaking up against this country's cruel policies and abuse by its police," said Jaffar Shah, who is also detained in Lahore. Shah says the police seek out vulnerable Afghans, mostly laborers or street vendors, in major Pakistani cities. They harass them, rob them of their money and belongings during detention, and then force them back to their country. A Humanitarian Crisis Millions of Afghans around the world are being either directly forced to return by states where they have been residing, or have felt compelled to do so because of threats, harassment, and intimidation. The situation has sparked a humanitarian crisis in some parts of impoverished Afghanistan where returning refugees have overwhelmed local infrastructure. In July, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for an immediate halt to the forcible return of all Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers, particularly those at risk of persecution, arbitrary detention, or torture upon their return. Pakistan has hosted one of the largest refugee populations in modern history by welcoming millions of Afghans after the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979. Some returned to their country in the 1990s, and after the collapse of the first Taliban government in late 2001. Yet before a new drive to expel undocumented Afghans in late 2023, UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, estimated 1.4 million documented and as many undocumented Afghans lived in Pakistan. The UNHCR estimates that out of these, more than 1.7 million had returned to Afghanistan by the beginning of this month. As cold weather gripped Afghanistan, the returns and deportations have dramatically increased, even among the estimated 600,000 who fled the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Denying Afghans' Rights Islamabad has not signed the 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees or the 1967 Protocol on the Status of Refugees. This has enabled subsequent Pakistani governments to deny Afghans rights or a pathway to naturalization. "We were beaten and forced into trucks, which brought us here," Maryam, a young Afghan mother, told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi from a detention center in the capital, Islamabad, on November 25. "There are pregnant women and newborns among those detained here," she added. This week, Pakistani authorities rounded up Maryam and some 300 Afghan families who have been protesting in a park in Islamabad for months against their possible forced repatriation to Afghanistan. "Lately Pakistan has been arresting, humiliating. and treating Afghans inhumanely, which is not acceptable under international norms and laws," Fahim Farwak, an Afghan rights activist, told Radio Azadi. Relentless harassment prompts Afghans to leave the country for good. "My advice to all Afghans will be to never go to Pakistan because they will get nothing here," Salman said in the detention center in Lahore. Written by Abubakar Siddique based on reporting by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal and RFE/RL's Radio Azadi DUSHANBE -- Three Chinese citizens working for a gold-extraction company in southern Tajikistan have been killed in an attack -- the second in a year -- that Tajik authorities say was carried out from across the border with Afghanistan. Tajikistans Foreign Ministry said in a statement on November 27 that the assault targeted a compound belonging to Shohin SM, a private gold-mining company operating in the Shamsiddin Shohin district along the TajikAfghan frontier. Tajikistan and Afghanistan's Taliban have engaged in a flurry of diplomacy in recent months to ease tensions and prevent armed clashes along their long, shared border. According to the ministry, the attackers used firearms and a drone equipped with an explosive device to strike the workers facility. As a result of the attack, three employees of Shohin SM, all Chinese citizens, were killed, the statement said. Since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, Dushanbe and Kabul have accused each other of harboring armed groups. Tajikistan was the only neighboring country to publicly oppose the Taliban's return to power, calling the militant group a threat to regional stability. In particular, Dushanbe has long expressed concern about factions affiliated with the Islamic StateKhorasan Province (ISKP), Central Asian extremist networks, and armed criminal gangs hiding in Afghan territory. In November last year, Tajik authorities said armed groups carried out an attack in the same sector, killing one Chinese citizen and injuring five others, including four Chinese nationals and one Tajik man. The incident also comes amid growing anti-Chinese sentiment in several parts of Central Asia, a strategic and energy-rich region where China has become a key economic and political player. Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned both the cross-border incursion and the killing of foreign nationals, urging Afghanistans Taliban authorities to take effective measures to ensure stability and security along the border. The statement said that despite Tajik authorities' continuous efforts to maintain security and create conditions for mutually beneficial cooperation in border regions, criminal groups operating inside Afghanistan continue destabilizing actions along the border. Meanwhile, on November 27, Afghanistan's Taliban-run Interior Ministry announced that a delegation led by the governor of the country's Badakhshan province and a senior commander in the Taliban border forces, Maulavi Abdul Mannan Hasan, had traveled to Tajikistan. According to the Taliban statement, the delegation met officials in Tajikistans Badakhshan region to discuss cross-border cooperation and security coordination. Tajikistans Foreign Ministry has not publicly acknowledged the visit. The United States said it is stopping all immigration requests relating to Afghanistan after an Afghan national shot and critically wounded two members of the National Guard not far from the White House. The suspect, who was wounded in an exchange of gunfire before he was arrested by other National Guard members on November 26, has been identified by the Department of Homeland Security as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. US President Donald Trump, who was at his resort in Florida to celebrate Thanksgiving at the time of the attack, said in a video statement on his Truth Social media account that the shooting should be seen as "an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror." According to Trump, the suspect arrived in the United States in September 2021 on one of "those infamous flights" -- a referral to the evacuation of Afghans after the Taliban regained control following the US withdrawal. Trump said his administration would "re-examine" all Afghans who came to the United States during Joe Biden's presidency. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services agency confirmed on X that "effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols. "The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission." Several American media outlets reported that Lakanwal had served in the Afghan Army for a decade, supporting US special forces in the war-torn country during that time. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed in a statement that Lakanwal had also worked for the CIA and the US military while in Afghanistan. Afghans in the US said they feared the shooting would increase pressure on them, and possibly make them targets for retaliatory attacks. "I've been in the US for a year as a refugee case and have not yet received a green card, and now I have became very worried," one Afghan who currently lives in California told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "Not only me, but all Afghans here are worried. We are worried that we will be deported or face other problems, because we came here from Afghanistan with great difficulty. There is a lot of danger for us in Afghanistan," the refugee, who asked not to be named, added. Another refugee who fled to neighboring Pakistan, said the shockwaves from the shooting have reverberated halfway around the world. "I sold everything I had in Afghanistan and came to Pakistan with my family hoping that our future would change and we would move to America," he said of moving to Islamabad after working with US forces for close to two decades as international forces backed a democratically elected government. "We did everything we could, but we have been waiting here in a hopeless situation. They should punish one person, not all Afghan refugees for his [the shooter's] actions." Afghan refugees were already under pressure in the United States after their designation under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) expired on July 14. The change affects an estimated 9,000 to 12,000 Afghans living and working legally in the United States under this program. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the termination of TPS was based on its assessment that conditions in Afghanistan have "improved sufficiently" and no longer meet the statutory requirements for TPS. The November 26 attack, which took place close to a metro station a few blocks away from the White House, is also expected to put renewed focus on Trump's controversial move to station national guards to several major US cities in a stated attempt to bring down crime rates around the country. In a response to the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said another 500 National Guard members would be added to the 2,000 already stationed in the US capital. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has openly clashed with the presidential administration over the deployment of the National Guard in the capital, described the attack as "horrific and unconscionable" and added that the "suspect is in custody for this targeted shooting and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law." Photo: https://www.facebook.com/ Former PrivatBank owners Ihor Kolomoisky and Hennadiy Boholiubov, who, by the November 10 ruling of the High Court of England, are ordered to pay the bank over $3 billion for compensation of damages and pre-judgment interest, have failed to do so by the November 24 deadline for voluntary payment, the bank told Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday. "The defendants failed to make any payments to recover damages to PrivatBank awarded by the judgment," said PrivatBank, which was nationalized in late 2016. As the defendants applications for a general stay of execution were dismissed by the court, the judgment is subject to immediate enforcement, the financial institution stated. The state-owned bank clarified that the English judgment can be enforced not only in the United Kingdom but also in other countries in accordance with the laws of relevant jurisdictions. The Bank is about to commence recognition and enforcement of the judgment in a number of jurisdictions outside the UK, including Ukraine, where the defendants hold their assets. The bank assured that it possesses the experience and resources required to pursue all available legal enforcement mechanisms, irrespective of the complexity of the ownership structures involved. "Enforcement will be a lengthy and complex process. Nevertheless, PrivatBank will continue to take all necessary steps to secure full execution of the Courts judgment, including through cross-border recovery tools," the financial institution said. Ottoline Spearman Gardai in Limerick have arrested four men in connection with the discharge of a firearm in Limerick city in May. All four arrested men (two aged in their late teens, and two aged in their 20s) were arrested on Wednesday and are detained at Garda Stations in the Co Limerick area, under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. The firearm was discharged in the Hyde Avenue area, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick city on Thursday, 8th May this year. During the course of follow-up searches in the south side of the city, a double-barrelled shotgun and suspected cannabis herb to the value of 17,000 were seized, along with weighing scales and other drug-dealing paraphernalia. The operation was conducted by detectives attached to the Crime Office at Roxboro Road Garda Station, assisted by the Regional Armed Support Unit, Divisional Drugs Unit, Divisional Search Team and Southern Region Dog Unit. The firearm and drugs seized are now subject to forensic and technical analysis. This brings the total number of people arrested in connection with this investigation to seven. Investigations are ongoing. High Court Reporter The High Court has continued orders sought by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to secure the protection of a highly vulnerable minor. The childs case returned before High Court president Mr Justice David Barniville on Wednesday, after the judge last month made various orders relating to the childs care and treatment. At the hearing, the court heard evidence of the childs positive progress at their current placement. Following an application by Tusla, Mr Justice Barniville made orders allowing for the childs continued care and treatment at their current placement. Since proceedings commenced last month, the court has imposed strict reporting restrictions on the case. These restrictions are provided for in legislation that allows court proceedings to be held in private in certain circumstances. On Wednesday, counsel for The Irish Times, RTE and Irish Independent publisher Mediahuis made an application in respect of the reporting restrictions. Mr Justice Barniville directed the current restrictions continue, permitting only certain facts to be reported. The judge said he would keep the restrictions under review. The case is due to return to court next month. Another attack by the Russian Federation on energy facilities over the past 24 hours has led to local power outages in several regions, National Power Company (NPC) Ukrenergo has said. Ukrenergo said on Telegram on Thursday morning that regional power repair teams are carrying out restoration work wherever the security situation allows. Today, consumption restrictions are being imposed in all regions of Ukraine due to previous massive missile and drone attacks: as announced yesterday, hourly outages for the population are in effect for 0.5 to 2.5 shifts, and power restriction schedules for industrial consumers and businesses also remain relevant. "Thanks to the emergency restoration work already carried out, the total duration of forced power outages in most regions has been reduced," Ukrenergo noted. According to the system operator, electricity consumption remains consistently high, and its daily maximum on Wednesday, recorded in the evening, was 1.6% higher than the maximum on Tuesday, November 25. Fiona Ferguson An Englishman who was caught with cannabis valued at almost 400,000 as he travelled through Dublin Airport has been jailed for four and a half years. Daniel Munday (23) of Yew Tree Cottages, Knellers Lane, United Kingdom pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on April 24th 2025. He has no previous convictions. Garda Jennifer Lynch told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that a customs officer stopped Munday as he went through the blue channel at the airport after he was spotted acting in a suspicious and evasive manner. An X-ray of his suitcase revealed vacuum-packed packages of cannabis valued at 398,700 and weighing 22 kg. He initially gave a false name but later admitted he was to go to a hotel and wait to be approached. He gave an account of his own role in the offending. Michael Hourigan SC, defending, said his client had a difficult upbringing with a backdrop of addiction and personal trauma. He said Munday had written a letter outlining the background to this offence, which he handed into court. He also handed in a number of references. He submitted his client had been under duress and pressure and said there was no suggestion of him receiving anything. He said this had not been a sophisticated offence, noting he had exceeded the normal baggage weight allowance and drawn attention to himself. He said Munday has no links to Ireland at all. He said his client had previously worked as a plumber and been active in sporting endeavours. Passing the sentence on Thursday, Judge Martin Nolan said he was satisfied Munday had been transporting and holding the drugs for third parties. The judge said Munday had entered early guilty pleas and was unlikely to reoffend. He noted he had contributed to his local area and it seems he has a place to live with extended family He imposed a prison term of four and a half years to date from when Munday went into custody last April. Christmas officially began in Roscommon last Sunday with the turning on of the Christmas lights. The major talking-point, apart from Santa taking out time for his frantic schedule to make his annual pre-Christmas visit to Roscommon, is the majestic 11-metre high Christmas tree which has eco-friendly LED lights. As is their wont, the Christmas Lights Committee has excelled itself again and the town is looking resplendent. The ceremony to turn on the Christmas lights is one of the most enjoyable and uplifting events of the year in Roscommon Town. The centrepiece of Christmas isnt forgotten either as the Square also possesses one of the most impressive outdoor cribs to be seen anywhere in Connacht and probably the country. The feel-good vibe will continue with the Roscommon Christmas Festival. The turning on of the lights also prompted thoughts of how the date for the traditional start of Christmas has changed over the decades. Right into the 1990s, the kick-off of the festive season was December 8th, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It was the day when the schools were closed and people headed to Dublin and other major cities and towns to do much of their Christmas shopping. The Gay Byrne Radio Show would often be on hand to cover the cultural and commercial banter. It was all a bit contrived but was entertaining. The end of the Gay Byrne Show in 1998 coincided with a changing culture. By the beginning of the new century, the early days of December had become the start of Christmas, although many people around Roscommon still wait until December 8th to put up the tree and the decorations. Veering off on a slight tangent, the tradition of households leaving up the Christmas decorations until January 6th, the feast of the Epiphany and the end of the 12 days of Christmas, has remained strong, although far more people take down the tree by New Years Day than was the case 20 years ago. Over the last 15 years, the date of Late Late Toy Show, the popularity of Christmas FM and the arrival of Black Friday (the traditional bumper US shopping day after Thanksgiving) into Irish life have become the signals for the festivities to get into full swing. In the last decade, the beginning of Christmas has veered much closer to early November as Ireland becomes more like the US and the UK. In 2014 we visited the picturesque town of Conwy in Wales. Among the attractions was an all-year round Christmas shop; that phenomenon has become more prevalent in Ireland in the intervening decade. A couple of Christmas channels on Sky have been showing round-the-clock festive movies since the summer. This year it feels like Christmas advertising on television hit full tilt as soon as Halloween was over. The Black Friday juggernaut now seems to get into gear in early November. The two most famous Christmas ads in Ireland are, arguably, the Guinness ad on television and the Barrys Tea ad on radio (Santa will bring them what they want. This is from me.). For many years Guinness held off broadcasting their iconic advert until December 1st, but this year it popped up in early November. It didnt feel right, like the end of All-Ireland finals being played in September. Nevertheless, the whole point of traditions is that they evolve over time. To see Roscommon lit up so dazzlingly on a dark November night is a joyful sight. It also provided a beacon of light following a week when global politics has been cast into shadow and gloom. It was dispiriting to watch the mercurial US president Donald Trump swing back towards supporting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine. Using Thanksgiving as a deadline, the US has warned Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, and his people to accept the White House plan or else lose US support, which has been, at best, lukewarm since Trump returned to power. At time of writing, and as happened earlier in the year, the USs historical allies are scrambling to placate Trump who acts like a cross between a bully and a spoiled child. How often can the so-called Coalition of the Willing repeat this wearisome chore, especially as Trump no longer bothers to hide his disdain for Ukraine and his boredom with Europe? It must be exhausting and demoralising. As autocrats preach the message that might is right, the community spirit at the heart of the Christmas festivities of Roscommon offers a joyous contrast. For exporters, importers, logistics firms and the broader supply-chain ecosystem, the new Cargo City could mean faster cargo turnaround, dedicated handling and better reliability for freight operations. File Photo. the cargo-city project is likely to significantly strengthen DIAL's business mix and improve its cargo operations in the upcoming years. GMR Airports Secures INR 750 Crore Loan to Build Mega Cargo City at Delhi Airport According to company statements, GMR Cargo and Logistics Ltd (GCLL), the wholly-owned subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd (GAL), has secured a rupee-term loan of up to INR 750 crore from Axis Bank. The funding is for building a new Cargo City at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), New Delhi. This development initiative will be spread over 50.5 acres inside the airport complex. Advertisement The project was given to GCLL by Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) after the signing of a concession agreement on September 26, 2025. Under this agreement, GCLL will finance, design, build, operate and maintain the cargo city. GMR Airports has provided a Sponsor Support Undertaking (SSU) and pledged a Non-Disposal Undertaking (NDU) on 51% of its shares in GCLL in favour of Axis Bank to secure the loan. This ensures the banks security over the funding. As per regulatory filings cited by Financial Express, the SSU remains valid throughout Phase 1 of construction and for one year after operations begin. If there is any cost overrun in Phase 1 or if GCLL faces any difficulty in loan repayment, GMR Airports has committed to infuse additional funds or meet debt obligations. According to insiders who are familiar with the plan, the cargo-city project is likely to significantly strengthen DIALs business mix and improve its cargo operations in the upcoming years. Advertisement For GMR and Axis Bank, this INR 750 crore loan is not only a financing milestone, it is a strategic step towards creating modern cargo infrastructure at one of Indias busiest airports to cater to increasing demand in air cargo, e-commerce logistics, imports and exports. For exporters, importers, logistics firms and the broader supply-chain ecosystem, the new Cargo City could mean faster cargo turnaround, dedicated handling and better reliability for freight operations. This loan, backed by strong safeguards and corporate commitment, could mark the beginning of a major upgrade in Delhis air cargo infrastructure. For stakeholders in aviation, logistics, trade and commerce, it is a development worth watching. The Mutt is one of the oldest spiritual institutions of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community and is undergoing extensive renovation for the celebrations. File Photo. The statue's creation is attributed to the renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, the same artist who designed the Statue of Unity. From Heritage to Devotion: PM Modi Unveils 77-Foot Ram Statue in Goa Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to unveil a 77-foot bronze statue of Lord Ram on Friday at the Shree Samsthan Gokarn Jeevottam Mutt. It is located in the village of Partagali (near Canacona), South Goa district. The ceremony is part of the Mutts 550th-anniversary celebrations, which are running from November 27 to December 7 this year. Advertisement According to the organisers, Modi will arrive at the venue around 3:45 p.m. A special helipad has been built on the Mutt premises to facilitate his arrival. Prior to the main event, the Prime Minister will visit the temple inside the Mutt complex and will later address a public meeting following the unveiling. The statues creation is attributed to the renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, the same artist who designed the Statue of Unity. The statue reportedly depicts Lord Ram in a classic posture holding his bow (dhanush) and arrow (baan). The Mutt is one of the oldest spiritual institutions of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community and is undergoing extensive renovation for the celebrations. The premises, with centuries-old heritage, are being refurbished to welcome an estimated number of 7,00010,000 visitors daily over the course of the celebrations. Advertisement Beyond the statue, the events include cultural programmes, spiritual discourses, and plans for a Ramayana-themed park and museum zone inside the Mutt grounds. The aim is to turn Partagali into a significant cultural and pilgrimage destination. Goas governor, the Chief Minister, union and state ministers, and religious dignitaries are expected to participate in the event. For believers, devotees and cultural seekers, the day promises to be a significant one a blend of devotion, tradition and art. The unveiling of this 77-foot statue of Lord Ram highlights not just spiritual reverence but also a renewed spotlight on heritage, faith and community identity in contemporary India. She emphasised that the operation showcased India's emphasis on strength guided by responsibility.File Photo. In an official statement, the President's office highlighted her remarks on the shifting global landscape. Op Sindoor: A Turning Point in Indias Counter-Terror Strategy, says President Murmu On Thursday, 27th November, President Droupadi Murmu described the success of "Operation Sindoor" as a turning point in Indias counter-terror strategy. She called it a powerful example of the nations resolve to act firmly, responsibly, and with moral clarity in the pursuit of peace. She made these remarks when she was addressing the inaugural session of the third edition of the Indian Armys Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi. Advertisement According to the President, the Indian Armed Forces continue to exemplify professionalism and patriotism in safeguarding the countrys sovereignty. She noted that the forces have shown remarkable adaptability across all forms of security challenges, including conventional threats, counter-insurgency operations, and humanitarian missions. Referring specifically to Op Sindoor, President Murmu said the world took note not only of Indias military capability but also of its ethical and measured approach. She emphasised that the operation showcased Indias emphasis on strength guided by responsibility. In an official statement, the Presidents office highlighted her remarks on the shifting global landscape. She highlighted that new domains of conflict such as cyber, space, information, and cognitive warfare are blurring traditional lines between peace and conflict. About Indias broader geopolitical approach, she said the country has demonstrated that strategic autonomy can successfully coexist with global responsibility, drawing from the civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. Advertisement President Murmu also praised the Indian Armys ongoing Decade of Transformation. She said that the force is reforming structures, updating doctrines, and enhancing capabilities to remain mission-ready across multiple domains. She expressed confidence that these reforms would support Indias push toward greater self-reliance in defence. She further emphasised the Armys focus on nurturing youth, including through education, sports, and NCC expansion. The President underlined the growing contributions of women officers and soldiers, saying their expanding roles would promote inclusion and inspire more young women to join the forces. Closing her address, she said the insights emerging from the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 would help policymakers shape the future contours of national security, adding that the armed forces remain central to Indias vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. It highlighted that despite more than 28 months having passed since the 2023 order, there was no visible improvement.File Photo. Many families had to choose the option of expensive bottled water or tanker water to prevent health issues. NGT Slams Punjab Govt Over Delay in Supplying Safe Drinking Water to ZirakpurBanurRajpura The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has reprimanded the Punjab Government for its failure to ensure clean drinking water for residents in the ZirakpurBanurRajpura belt. This is a directive that remains unfulfilled for more than two years after the tribunals original order. Advertisement A city-based advocate and social worker filed a petition in 2022. She sought directions for a comprehensive plan for the persistent water contamination issue in the region. The petitioner said that the contaminated municipal supply has caused multiple diseases: residents have suffered from cholera, jaundice, typhoid, diarrhoea, skin diseases and other health issues. Many families had to choose the option of expensive bottled water or tanker water to prevent health issues. In July 2023, the NGT directed the state to replace all contaminated water-supply pipelines and restore potable water within six months. But during the latest hearing, the tribunal found that no meaningful remediation had been carried out, pipelines remain unreplaced, contamination persists, and the residents continue to be at risk. The bench was headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, and expert member Dr A. Senthil Vel expressed deep anguish at what it called an ongoing blame game between the Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board and the municipal council of Rajpura. It highlighted that despite more than 28 months having passed since the 2023 order, there was no visible improvement. Advertisement The NGT has given an order mentioning that until the pipelines are replaced, the municipal councils of Rajpura, Banur, and Zirakpur must supply potable water daily via tankers to all affected areas. It has been done to curb immediate health risk. It also directed the Chief Secretary, Punjab, to personally intervene, identify who was responsible for the delay caused, and take strict action. The Chief Secretary has been asked to file a personal affidavit and an action-taken report within eight weeks. The next hearing will be held on February 2, 2026. Senior officials from both the municipal councils and the Water Supply Board are asked to appear virtually to report on compliance. This development highlights a critical reality: a basic civic right and a matter of huge public health concern, access to safe drinking water, still remains elusive for many people in Punjab. The NGTs strict order serves as a wake-up call for the state government and concerned agencies to take real, timely action before more lives are put in trouble. Advertisement Source: Hindustan Times, Times of India Punjab government rejects MP Amritpal Singh's temporary release plea for Parliament Winter Session The decision, it said, was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home, Punjab. The Punjab government has rejected the request of Khadoor Sahib MP and NSA detainee Amritpal Singh for temporary release to attend the Winter Session of Parliament beginning December 1, 2025, news agency ANI reported on Thursday. The decision, it said, was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home, Punjab, in compliance with the directions of the Punjab & Haryana High Court. Advertisement (For more news apart from Punjab government rejects MP Amritpal Singhs temporary release plea for Parliament Winter Session," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Bangladesh court sentences ousted PM Hasina to 21 years in jail in 3 corruption cases The judge pronounced the judgment in the absence of the convict, as she is yet to be arrested Sheikh Hasina News: A Bangladesh court on Thursday sentenced ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to 21 years of imprisonment in three corruption cases, News Agency PTI reported, citing local media reports. According to the PTI Report, the three cases were lodged over alleged irregularities in allocating plots in the Rajuk New Town Project in Purbachol, the state-run BSS news agency said. Advertisement The judge pronounced the judgment in the absence of the convict, as she is yet to be arrested and was tried in absentia. Hasina was sentenced to seven years in each case, totalling 21 years in prison. "The plot was allotted to Sheikh Hasina without any application and in a manner that exceeded the legally authorised jurisdiction," the court observed in its judgment. (For more news apart from Bangladesh court sentences ousted PM Hasina to 21 years in jail in 3 corruption cases," stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Zelenskyy: Ukraine and Philippines will work out all issues of cooperation Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a telephone conversation with President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr. "We discussed areas of cooperation: food security, agriculture and digitalization. The Philippines is also interested in the experience and technologies that Ukraine has. We agreed that in the near future our teams will work on all issues," Zelenskyy wrote in the Telegram channel on Thursday. He also expressed condolences to the President of the Philippines in connection with the loss of life and destruction caused by typhoons. "I informed about the joint work with America and other partners on steps to establish guaranteed peace. And I thank you for your support for peace efforts, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and the clear position of the Philippines," Zelenskyy noted. As reported, in November the Philippines was hit by typhoons, in particular Typhoon Kalmaegi, which caused large-scale flash floods. At least 66 people died and 26 were reported missing. Typhoon Phung-wong (Uwan) later forced the evacuation of over 1.4 million people, with at least two deaths reported, and about 1,000 homes destroyed. The Banat Honey Road The Banat Honey Route is a new and innovative ecotourism and health tourism project. Source: pixabay.com Daniel Onea, 27.11.2025, 14:00 The Banat Honey Route is a new and innovative ecotourism and health tourism project. It seeks to promote local tourism, beekeeping traditions and the health benefits of beehive products, especially apitherapy and beehive aerosol therapy. The area where the project is carried out is also home to a whole array of tourist attractions. This unique tourist route is developed in partnership by the King Michael I University of Life Sciences in Timisoara, the Regional Development Agency in Pancevo, Serbia, and the beekeepers associations in Timis and Caras-Severin. Silvia Paturita, a university teacher at the King Michael I University of Life Sciences in Timisoara, told us more about the concept behind the project: The Banat honey route is actually a network of authentic apiaries, where apitherapy can be practiced with air directly from the hive. We aim to place trailers or multifunctional trailers equipped with equipment to be able to perform the apitherapy directly from the hive. All beekeeping products related to the honey route will be tested in a new laboratory at the Faculty of Animal Resources Bioengineering of the University of Life Sciences in Timisoara, to ensure high standards and real health benefits. At the same time, together with our partners, the beekeepers associations, the Timis and Caras branches, events and seminars will be organised that will promote the consumption of beekeeping products and health tourism. The vice-president of the Caras-Severin and Timis branch of the Association of Bee Keepers in Romania, Ida Suta, explains what the aerosol therapy consist of: At each multifunctional trailer, there will probably be several beekeepers who will promote their products. The idea is to sell their beekeeping products and, at the same time, be able to provide treatment with aerosols from the hive. In fact, it is an inhalation of air from the hive, not precisely aerosols. There will be devices in which there will be bees with frames, with honeycombs, with pollen, with propolis, even with venom, but this is not recommended to do it on our own. Tourists come and watch the bees in the hive, and how they work and at the same time, through a disposable mask, they will inhale the air from the hive. The air from the hive contains volatile oils from propolis, the smell of pollen from different flowers and, of course, a smell of honey. Everything that is in the hive is very good and beneficial to health. The project, which is worth 800,000 euros, involves the placement of 21 containers for apitherapy and natural aerosol treatment and also includes the creation of a website. Here, beekeepers who are willing to open their doors to visitors, and host tastings of bee products and natural therapies. The Banat Honey Route will be operational in spring of next year and will not only be a health experience, but also an excellent starting point for discovering the cultural and natural riches of the region. Once in Banat de Munte, tourists can explore nearby attractions, such as the spectacular Almaju Valley. Claudiu Vatau, photographer and local tourism promoter, guides us through the area: Almaj Valley is home to a Czech village that is preserved just like in the time it was inhabited by Czechs, or rather the Pemi, which is how the Czech inhabitants of these lands were called. The old Czech language was preserved very well there, almost intact. They were not exposed to Serbian influences, like the villages in the Danube Gorges. They also preserved their traditions and customs. The village of Ravensca is an isolated village. It is located on a hill and on a clear sky, you can see all the way to the Danube river and a most beautiful sunset, in the Almaj Valley from the hill, towards the Danube. Another unique attraction in Europe, also located in the Almaju Valley, is the watermill complex at Eftimie Murgu, formerly known as Rudaria. Claudiu Vatau, a photographer and tourism promoter of the area, give us more details: The Rudariei Gorges are home to the largest mill reserve in southeastern Europe, numbering 22 mills. Some are to be found in the village, in peoples yards, and are still in operation, but cannot be visited. Others can be visited and tourists, whether they come from Romania or abroad, are able to see how corn is ground and how white cornmeal is obtained, which is unique in the area and special, and how the mills are organised. Tourists can find out how 15 or 16 families are assigned to each mill, and are responsible for maintaining it and how they earn their living from the mills. These are not the only things visitors can see in the region, as Banatul Montan is a lively region, full of cultural events and with an impressive history, says Claudiu Vatau: Places like Anina, Oravita, Clisura Dunarii, the Czech area, even downstream of the Nera Gorges are full of events and even international music festivals. They are also home to many artisans, like carvers. There is also a local food tradition. In summer, all kinds of festive meals are held in Rudaria, such as for example during the Lilly Festivala. The Banat Semering is also unique in Romania. It is the oldest mountain railway on Romanian territory, running between Anina and Oravita. Departures are from both cities. It has a diesel engine and the carriages are over 100 years old. The furniture in the carriages is made of wood. The landscape seen from the train, dotted with tunnels and viaducts built along the 34 km of railway, is dreamlike. Its beautiful in spring and summer, when everything is green, as well as in autumn, with its different shades of yellow, red, green, brown, and in winter, when everything is covered in snow. So the Banat Honey Route is a complex experience, combining health benefits with tradition and tourism. The route will become available from 2026, and is a perfect means of becoming familiar with the entire Banat area. From therapeutic apiaries to the landscapes of the Almaju Valley and the impressive Banat Semering train, the region has lots of attractions that make for a memorable stay. November 27, 2025 UPDATE A roundup of local and international news. November 27, 2025 UPDATE Newsroom, 27.11.2025, 19:55 Magistrates. The Superior Council of Magistracy gave a negative opinion on Thursday in a plenary session to the new bill on the reform of magistrates pensions. The negative opinion was given just one day before the expiry of the deadline that would prevent Romania from losing any additional EU funds under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. In recent days, the general assemblies of magistrates from all over the country have expressed their point of view and it is known that prosecutors and judges in Bucharest rejected the draft law that would lead to a cut in their pensions and an increase in their retirement age. Representatives of the ruling coalition also expected to receive a negative opinion from the Superior Council of Magistracy, but the government is ready to meet in an extraordinary session on Friday or Saturday to adopt the new bill and submit it to Parliament. Romania has until November 28 to meet the milestone in the National Recovery and Resilience Plan regarding special pensions or faces losing 231 million euros. The initial draft of the magistrates pension reform was declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court on October 20 on grounds that the Government did not request an opinion from the Superior Council of Magistracy, within the legal time frame, an opinion which is advisory but nevertheless compulsory. Defence. Romanian defence minister Ionut Mosteanu on Thursday attended a meeting of the South-Eastern Defence Ministerial (SEDM) held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The agenda of talks included the implementation of projects and activities associated with the initiative, as well as an exchange of views on recent developments in regional security. According to a statement from the defence ministry in Bucharest, Ionut Mosteanu highlighted the need for further support for Ukraine, as well as for the Republic of Moldova. He also emphasised Romanias commitment to strengthening active participation in projects carried out by the South-Eastern Defence Ministerial and highlighted the essential role of the actions initiated by Romania during its presidency of the initiative, between 2023 and 2025. Romania recognises the important role of the South-Eastern Defence Ministerial initiative and supports efforts to consolidate and improve the projects carried out within it in order to promote stability and cooperation in South-Eastern Europe, the defence minister also said. CEI. Romania on Wednesday took over the presidency of the Central European Initiative for the year 2026. The event took place at a meeting of the Initiatives foreign ministers hosted by Serbia as the current president. In a pre-recorded speech, Romanian foreign minister Oana Toiu emphasised Bucharests increased commitment to regional cooperation and presented the priorities of Romanias presidency. These include, among others, supporting the European integration of candidate states by maintaining the Initiatives role as a link between EU and candidate states, strengthening the economic and business dimension within the Initiative, including by boosting connectivity projects, capitalizing on the local dimension of the Initiative by involving local authorities, communities and citizens, maintaining the focus on the fight against disinformation and strengthening resilience, given the significant impact that hybrid threats can have on the stability of societies. Resolution. The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Thursday calling on the EU to take greater responsibility for European security and to actively engage in initiatives to achieve peace in Ukraine. The European Parliament also emphasised that no occupied Ukrainian territory will be recognised by the Union as belonging to Russia. At the same time, the European Parliament urged the EU and its member states to continue working with Washington and other like-minded partners to ensure that negotiations for a just and lasting peace are in keeping with the principles of international law. While taking note of the efforts of the US administration to end Russias war of aggression against Ukraine, the resolution views Washingtons political ambivalence towards Kyiv is detrimental to the goal of achieving lasting peace. MEPs also stress that any peace agreement must not limit Ukraines capacity to defend its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Statements. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that drafts of a peace plan discussed by the United States and Ukraine could become the basis for future agreements on ending the conflict in Ukraine, Reuters reported. In general, we agree that this can be the basis for future agreements, Vladimir Putin said, adding that the version of the plan discussed by the United States and Ukraine in Geneva had been transmitted to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskys chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said that Ukrainian and US officials would continue working on a US-backed peace plan. At the end of this week, the joint work of the Ukrainian and US delegations will continue to build on the results achieved in Geneva, Yermak said on social media. (CM) Radio Romania, a new beginning Radio Romania has a new leadership Robert Cristian Schwartz (foto: Radio Romania) Stefan Stoica, 27.11.2025, 13:50 On Wednesday, the Romanian Parliament voted on the new leadership of the Romanian public radio and TV companies. The joint plenary session approved the new President and Director General of the Romanian Radio Broadcasting Corporation, Robert Schwartz, a journalist and political commentator with over 30 years of experience at Deutsche Welle. Born in 1956 in Sibiu, he graduated in German Studies from the University of Bucharest and has collaborated with the German editorial offices of the Romanian Radio and Television since his student days. He joined Deutsche Welle in 1992 as a news editor in the Central Editorial Office, and two years later he was appointed deputy editor-in-chief of the Romanian Editorial Office. From 2000 to 2020, he headed the DW editorial office in Romanian. In 2012, he received the Order of Cultural Merit in the rank of Commander for his contribution to Romanian-German relations. At the hearings, Robert Schwartz proposed long-term policies for developing media productions, drafting programs for younger audiences, and strengthening human and editorial resources. Our goal, he emphasized, should be to be relevant to all generations, and in this context, one of the directions is digital transformation. Without complete digitization, public radio cannot remain competitive, Robert Schwartz pointed out. As a guest on the public broadcasters morning show, he fondly recalled his early collaboration with two remarkable radio personalities, Catinca Ralea and Paul Grigoriu, legendary figures at Radio Romania International. The new director also spoke about his plans. Robert Schwartz: Its amazing to know that youre starting at a radio station that has a rating of over 23%. Its fantastic. Radio Romania News and Current Affairs is doing very well in both urban and rural areas. The reform will be a story that we will write together with the Board of Directors, with the employees, and, of course, with the support of Parliament, because first and foremost we need to continue modernizing the radio station. We are talking about digitization, but we are also talking about capitalizing on the archives, because Radio Romania has an extraordinary archive. But it also means budget predictability, because without a predictable budget, you cannot plan for the long term and you have to jump from year to year, from month to month, sometimes even from day to day, to carry out the projects that serve your listeners. So, digitization and continued transparency. I searched for and found a motto, and I believe and hope that this motto encompasses us all: innovation, transparency, and trust. The new President and Director General has confessed that he wants Radio Romania to remain in societys memory as an anchor, with verified and verifiable information, as a pillar of credibility for another hundred years to come. (MI) Romanias Defense Strategy, approved "Independence in Solidarity " is the central concept of Romania's National Defense Strategy, approved by Parliament on Wednesday. Nicusor Dan Roxana Vasile, 27.11.2025, 14:00 Romanias National Defense Strategy for the next five years presented in Parliament on Wednesday by President Nicusor Dan starts from the observation that Romania is going through one of the most difficult security periods since 1945, in an unstable global environment, marked by Russias aggression against Ukraine and the erosion of the rules-based international order. The document talks about Romanias security from the perspective of citizens, noting internal vulnerabilities such as the reduced capacity of the administration, insufficient infrastructure, energy dependencies or corruption. The head of state specified that better coordination is needed between the institutions dealing with this latter phenomenon. Nicusor Dan: Explicitly, the strategy provides for the involvement of intelligence services in collecting data on corruption, without crossing the border between the intelligence system and the justice system, and correcting the legislative and administrative mechanisms that delay the trial of corruption cases and give the public the feeling that nothing is happening in this area. Externally, Russia is identified as the main threat to Romanias security, both through conventional actions and hybrid methods, disinformation and cyber attacks. The strategy aims to defend sovereignty and territorial integrity, to protect citizens, strengthen the defense and deterrence posture, strengthen the international profile and develop the economy. It aims to consolidate strategic partnerships and strengthen Bucharests role within multilateral organizations and formats. Romania, said President Dan, will continue to support both the Republic of Moldova and neighboring Ukraine. The Romanians in the diaspora were also mentioned by the head of state as a huge plus for the mother country, by attracting them back home. Parliament voted on the decision to approve the Defense Strategy with 315 votes for, 43 against and 3 abstentions. From the governing coalition, Social Democratic deputy Mihai Fifor showed that the Strategy identifies risks, vulnerabilities and challenges, but also highlights opportunities that can transform Romania into a safer state. And the chairwoman of the Senate Defense Committee, liberal Nicoleta Pauliuc, showed that, after adoption, the Strategy must be implemented through public policies and explained to citizens. Votes for the National Defense Strategy also came from the opposition. The Alliance for the Union of Romanians leader George Simion believes that the document should also have included, however, other concepts with an emphasis on citizens: It had to include, besides school dropout and civic activism, combating poverty. It had to include a food security strategy and an energy strategy for Romania. The parliamentarians who opposed the Strategy argued that it is not about defending the country, its citizens, resources and rights, but would be the basis for establishing restrictions, obligations and secrecy of the state towards citizens. The implementation of the Strategy will not be public. (LS) Sirius Real Estate Ltd. (SRE.L), an owner and operator of branded and industrial parks, Sirius Real Estate, on Thursday has notarised the 31.9 million euros acquisition of a multi-tenant business park in Hamburg, expanding its portfolio of branded business and industrial parks in Germany and the U.K. The company said the purchase reflects an EPRA Net Initial Yield of 6.1%. The site is located in Hamburg-Rothenburgsort, offers 29,448 sqm of gross lettable area and sits within northern Germany's largest continuous industrial zone. The property has strong connectivity to central Hamburg and proximity to other Sirius assets provide operational synergies. The business park generates 2.15 million euros in annualised rent and is 89% occupied, creating value-enhancement opportunities through leasing vacant space, development potential, and rental uplifts on shorter-term leases. The recently renovated site hosts a range of tenants across multiple sectors, with the two largest tenants contributing more than 20% of rent roll and carrying a combined WALE of 3.1 years. Chief Executive Officer Andrew Coombs said that "our main focus going into 2026 will be on seeking attractive investments in Germany, where we have a strong pipeline of opportunities that we are currently exploring." On Wednesday, Sirius Real Estate closed trading 2.64% higher at GBP 97.30 on the London Stock Exchange. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News The Unite Group Plc (UTG.L) Thursday said that it expects the adjusted earnings per share for fiscal 2026 to decline by 7 percent to 10 percent, as a result of lower occupancy, property activity and rising finance costs. The company also reaffirmed its outlook of adjusted earnings per share of between 47.5 pence and 48.25 pence for fiscal 2025. On the LSE, UTG.L is down 2.3 percent on Thursday's trading at 533.50 pence. The British provider of student accommodation said that in 2025/2026 academic year, it recorded occupancy of 95.2 percent and rental growth of 4.0 percent, lower than last year's 97.5 percent and 8.2 percent respectively. Unite Group said that it launched the sales cycles for the 2026/27 academic year and till now 62 percent of the rooms have been reserved. The company said that it is expecting occupancy of 93 percent-96 percent and rental growth in the 2 percent-3 percent range for the 2026/27 academic year. This will bring about like-for-like growth in rental income of 0-4 percent for the next academic year, the company added. According to Unite Group, the dividends per share is not expected to change in fiscal 2026. Separately, the Competition and Markets Authority has approved the acquisition of Empiric Student Property Plc by the Unite Group, following the Phase 1 investigation. The completion of the takeover is subject to the fulfillment of the remaining conditions mentioned in the scheme document. In August this year, the boards of Unite Group and Empiric Student Property had reached an agreement under which Unite will acquire the entire issued and to be issued ordinary share capital of Empiric. The acquisition values each Empiric share at approximately 94.2 pence and Empiric's entire issued and to be issued share capital at approximately 634 million pounds. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Photo: https://mfa.gov.ua/ Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has outlined expectations for the upcoming meeting with the American team and confirmed Ukraines readiness to hold a meeting at the level of Ukrainian and US leaders. "We should expect a meeting of the negotiating teams in the near future. What are our expectations? Concrete results for progress to occur. It is extremely important for us, and Ukraine has repeatedly demonstrated this, to achieve a ceasefire. Therefore, of course, all diplomatic efforts, and those of the negotiating team, are now aimed at ensuring this peace process," he said at a press conference with his Latvian counterpart Baiba Braze in Kyiv on Thursday, answering questions from an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent. The minister also confirmed that the Ukrainian side is interested in contacts at the highest level, in a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump. "Because there are issues, the most sensitive, that can only be discussed at the level of leaders," the Foreign Minister emphasized. Earlier, the head of the Presidential Office, Andriy Yermak, confirmed that this week US Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll will arrive in Kyiv to finalize steps to end the war in Ukraine. Prior to this, US President Donald Trump said that his special envoy Steve Witkoff would meet with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, while Dan Driscoll would meet with the Ukrainian side. Trump said that he was ready to hold a meeting with Zelenskyy and Putin only when a final peace agreement is reached between the parties or the process is in its final stages. Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/2025/11/26/poroshenko-12/ Ukrainian Member of Parliamenty Petro Poroshenko has addressed the participants of the extraordinary summit of the European People's Party, the largest political group in the European Parliament, the press service of the European Solidarity party has reported. "At this critical moment in the history of Ukraine and Europe, coordination is not a luxury, but a vital necessity. Today, all eyes are on peace negotiations, but we must not forget that the struggle on the battlefield continues, and diplomacy has not reduced the intensity or cruelty of these battles. Putin continues to attack our cities, critical infrastructure facilities and energy facilities with strike drones and ballistic missiles. Putin's goal - to plunge Ukraine into darkness - has not changed at all. Russian diplomatic proposals are nothing more than a continuation of war according to their rules," Poroshenko stressed. He noted: Ukrainians want peace more than anyone else, but not at the price of surrender. "Peace cannot be built on the legalization of aggression, and peace cannot give Moscow a veto over our European future. That is why our principles are simple and non-negotiable: sovereignty, territorial integrity, national identity, strong Armed Forces as a guarantee of security, responsibility for military and war crimes, and an unwavering course towards membership in the EU and NATO. Anything less is not peace, it is a pause before a bigger war," Poroshenko said. He welcomed diplomatic efforts, including those that recently brought Ukraine, Europe, and the United States back to the negotiating table. "Our key principle remains unchanged: nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine, nothing about European security without Europe, and, as Ursula said, nothing about NATO without NATO. And nothing is agreed until everything is agreed. The first and only step on the path to peace is an immediate, unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire, as we did in 2015 during the Minsk agreements. If Ukraine stops shooting, there will be no Ukraine. If Russia stops shooting, there will be peace. This is the main message," Poroshenko said. "We should have no illusions: Putin will accept nothing but surrender. So our duty is clear: to keep diplomacy open, but at the same time to strengthen Ukraine, to put pressure on Russia's ability to kill. Sanctions, ammunition, air defense, long-range missiles - this is the true language of force. Weapons, financial assistance, a law on reparations using the mechanism of frozen Russian assets, the opening of negotiations on accession to the EU, despite the Hungarian and other participants. This is a real demonstration of support," he concluded. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha and Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze, who is visiting Kyiv, discussed increasing the pace of production and deliveries of drones to Ukraine within the framework of the "Drone Coalition". "We appreciate Latvias assistance in training the Ukrainian military, caring for wounded defenders. Thank you for your leadership in the drone coalition, within which Latvia transferred 12,000 drones this year. We discussed increasing the pace of production and deliveries for 2026," he said at a press conference with his Latvian counterpart Baiba Braze in Kyiv on Thursday. Sybiha also expressed gratitude to Latvia for its comprehensive support for Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale invasion, in particular, annual defense assistance in the amount of 0.25% of Latvias GDP. In total, its volume has already exceeded 1.6% of Latvias GDP. "We are talking about weapons, ammunition, training of military personnel, financial support. We are also grateful to Latvia for joining the PURL and for the recent transfer of 42 PATRIA 6x6 armored personnel carriers," the Foreign Minister added. The Minister thanked his colleague for the reconstruction of the critical and civilian infrastructure of the Chernihiv region, and for the vacation in Latvia for children from the Ukrainian region. The ministers discussed the implementation of this years projects in the Chernihiv region, the total amount of which is EUR5.7 million, as well as prospects and priorities for the next year. "Yesterday you opened two facilities in Chernihiv, rebuilt with Latvian funds: the pediatric building of the Chernihiv Central District Hospital and the Center for the Protection of Human Rights. We greatly appreciate these efforts," Sybiha said. Representatives of 21 countries, including the United States, the UK and EU members, are taking part in the first Sanctions Summit, which began in Kyiv on Thursday. "We have no illusions about the intentions of the Putin regime: they do not understand diplomacy, they only understand force. And I think that one of the most powerful tools we have is sanctions. And that is why it is great that we are talking about them here today," EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Maternova said at the opening of the summit. As Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the Ukrainian Presidents Plenipotentiary Advisor on Sanctions Policy, told reporters, during the two-day summit, its participants will discuss the impact of sanctions and the possibility of strengthening them in key sectors, such as the shadow fleet, energy, finance, as well as ways to reduce loopholes for circumventing sanctions. Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, among other things, stressed the need for sanctions in the financial sector. "We are now observing how Russia is actively using cryptocurrencies and other financial schemes. The flow of funds reaches billions of dollars every month, so we need to find a solution to stop it, and I think this should and can be part of todays discussion," she said. The EUs special envoy for sanctions enforcement, David OSullivan, agreed with the need for such sanctions, especially in the area of cryptocurrencies. Vlasiuk added that the summits program also includes a visit by its participants to the Kyiv Institute of Forensic Science, where they will get acquainted with the means of destruction in which Russia uses foreign components due to the circumvention of sanctions. In addition, on Friday, more than a dozen Ukrainian public organizations and think tanks working on sanctions issues will be involved in the work of the forum, the presidential representative said. In his opinion, this is a good time to hold the summit, because the EU is currently preparing the 20th sanctions package. A large 20-year investigation following nearly 11,000 adults in Bangladesh found that reducing arsenic in drinking water was tied to as much as a 50 percent drop in deaths from heart disease, cancer and several other chronic illnesses. The research offers the strongest long-term evidence so far that lowering arsenic exposure can reduce mortality, even for people who lived with contaminated water for many years. These results appear in JAMA. Scientists from Columbia University, the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and New York University led the analysis, which addresses a widespread health concern. Naturally occurring arsenic in groundwater remains a significant challenge across the world. In the United States, more than 100 million people depend on groundwater that can contain arsenic, particularly those using private wells. Arsenic continues to be one of the most common chemical contaminants in drinking water. "We show what happens when people who are chronically exposed to arsenic are no longer exposed," said co-lead author Lex van Geen of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, part of the Columbia Climate School. "You're not just preventing deaths from future exposure, but also from past exposure." Two Decades of Data Strengthen the Evidence Co-lead author Fen Wu of NYU Grossman School of Medicine said the findings offer the clearest proof yet of the connection between lowering arsenic exposure and reduced mortality risk. Over the course of two decades, the researchers closely tracked participants' health and repeatedly measured arsenic through urine samples, which strengthened the precision of their analysis. "Seeing that our work helped sharply reduce deaths from cancer and heart disease, I realized the impact reaches far beyond our study to millions in Bangladesh and beyond now drinking water low in arsenic," said Joseph Graziano, Professor Emeritus at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health and principal investigator of the NIH-funded program. "A 1998 New York Times story first brought us to Bangladesh. More than two decades later, this finding is deeply rewarding. Public health is often the ultimate delayed gratification." Clear Drop in Risk When Arsenic Exposure Falls People whose urinary arsenic levels fell from high to low had mortality rates that matched those who had consistently low exposure for the entire study. The size of the drop in arsenic was closely tied to how much mortality risk declined. Those who continued drinking high-arsenic water did not show any reduction in chronic disease deaths. Arsenic naturally accumulates in groundwater and has no taste or smell, meaning people can drink contaminated water for years without knowing it. In Bangladesh, an estimated 50 million people have consumed water exceeding the World Health Organization's guideline of 10 micrograms per liter. The WHO has described this as the largest mass poisoning in history. From 2000 to 2022, the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (HEALS) monitored thousands of adults in Araihazar, Bangladesh. The project tested more than 10,000 wells in a region where many families rely on shallow tube wells with arsenic levels ranging from extremely low to dangerously high. Researchers periodically measured arsenic in participants' urine, a direct marker of internal exposure, and recorded causes of death. These detailed data allowed the team to compare long-term health outcomes for people who reduced their exposure with those who remained highly exposed. Community Efforts Created a Natural Comparison Group Throughout the study period, national and local programs labeled wells as safe or unsafe based on arsenic levels. Many households switched to safer wells or installed new ones, while others continued using contaminated water. This created a natural contrast that helped researchers understand the effects of reducing exposure. Arsenic exposure decreased substantially in Araihazar during the study. The concentration in commonly used wells fell by about 70 percent as many families sought cleaner water sources. Urine tests confirmed a corresponding decline in internal exposure, averaging a 50 percent reduction that persisted through 2022. Reduced Exposure Brings Lasting Health Benefits These trends held true even after researchers accounted for differences in age, smoking and socioeconomic factors. Participants who remained highly exposed, or whose exposure rose over time, continued to face significantly higher risks of death from chronic diseases. The researchers compared the health benefits of lowering arsenic to quitting smoking. The risks do not disappear immediately but drop gradually as exposure decreases. In Bangladesh, well testing, labeling unsafe sources, drilling private wells and installing deeper government wells have already improved water safety for many communities. "Our findings can now help persuade policymakers in Bangladesh and other countries to take emergency action in arsenic 'hot spots'," said co-author Kazi Matin Ahmed of the University of Dhaka. To reach more households, the research team is collaborating with the Bangladeshi government to make well data easier to access. They are piloting NOLKUP ("tubewell" in Bangla), a free mobile app created from more than six million well tests. Users can look up individual wells, review arsenic levels and depths, and locate nearby safer options. The tool also helps officials identify communities that need new or deeper wells. Clean Water Investments Can Save Lives The study shows that health risks can fall even for people who were exposed to arsenic for years. This highlights an important opportunity: investing in clean water solutions can save lives within a single generation. "Sustainable funding to support the collection, storage and maintenance of precious samples and data over more than 20 years have made this critically important work possible," said Ana Navas-Acien, MD, PhD, Professor and Chair of Environmental Health Sciences at Columbia Mailman School of Public Health. "Science is difficult and there were challenges and setbacks along the way, but we were able to maintain the integrity of the samples and the data even when funding was interrupted, which has allowed us to reveal that preventing arsenic exposure can prevent disease." The study team included researchers from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, the New York University Grossman School of Medicine, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Boston University School of Public Health, the Department of Geology at the University of Dhaka and the Institute for Population and Precision Health at the University of Chicago. The HEALS project was launched by Columbia University through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences' Superfund Research Program, with most U.S. collaborators based at Columbia when the study began. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha thanked Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze, who is visiting Kyiv, for Latvias additional energy support for Ukrainians. "We paid special attention to supporting the energy system, especially ahead of winter. Russian strikes have caused significant damage, so this support is critically important. We are grateful to our friends for additional decisions aimed at strengthening our energy resilience," he said at a press conference with his Latvian counterpart Baiba Braze in Kyiv on Thursday. According to the press service of Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ukraine is grateful for Latvias additional contribution of EUR 125,000, which will help restore energy facilities, ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, and stabilize the energy system. Sybiha also expressed gratitude to Latvia for its comprehensive support of Ukraine since the first days of Russias full-scale invasion, including annual defense assistance amounting to 0.25% of Latvias GDP. Overall, Latvias support has already exceeded 1.6% of its GDP. "This includes weapons, ammunition, training for service members, and financial assistance. We also thank Latvia for joining PURL and for the recent transfer of 42 PATRIA 6x6 armored personnel carriers," the minister added. Sybiha thanked his counterpart for Latvias efforts to rebuild critical and civilian infrastructure in Chernihiv region, as well as for arranging recreation programs in Latvia for children from the Ukrainian region. The ministers discussed ongoing projects in Chernihiv region with a total value of EUR 5.7 million, as well as priorities and prospects for next year. "Yesterday you inaugurated two facilities in Chernihiv that were rebuilt with Latvian funding: the pediatric wing of the Chernihiv Central District Hospital and the Human Rights Protection Center. We highly appreciate these efforts," Sybiha said. The vast majority of adult Ukrainians surveyed (78.2%) believe that the level of corruption in Ukraine has increased during the full-scale invasion. This is evidenced by the results of a survey conducted by the research company Sociopolis. "According to 17.3% of respondents, the level of corruption in Ukraine during the full-scale invasion generally remained at the same level as before its beginning. Only 4.5% of respondents believe that the level of corruption in Ukraine has decreased during the full-scale invasion. Compared to the results of the survey conducted in September 2025, the number of respondents who believe that the level of corruption in Ukraine has increased during the full-scale invasion has increased from 73.9% to 78.2%," the report on the results of the study states. Regarding who in Ukraine, through their actions or inaction, contributes most to corruption in government bodies, the opinions of the survey participants were divided - most often, respondents named among those who, in their opinion, contribute most to corruption in government bodies, the Office of the President of Ukraine (19.4%), the President of Ukraine himself (18.8%), and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and people's deputies (18.0%). Quite often, among the main "sources" of corruption in government bodies, respondents also named the people themselves and the mentality of the Ukrainian population (11.2%) and law enforcement agencies (police, SBU, prosecutor's office) (9.8%). According to the survey results, adult residents of Ukraine have quite different attitudes towards the main law enforcement and anti-corruption bodies of Ukraine. The respondents' attitude towards the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) is more positive than negative (the balance of trust and distrust towards the mentioned anti-corruption body is +37.1%), State Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) (+28.8%) and Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) (+11.5%). Respondents' attitude towards the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption (NAPC) is generally close to neutral (balance of trust and distrust is -6.5%), and towards the Prosecutor General's Office - mostly negative (balance of trust and distrust is -52.5%). The survey was conducted from November 18 to 24, 2025 using the CATI (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews) telephone interview method based on a random sample of mobile phone numbers (with random generation of phone numbers). Target audience residents of Ukraine aged 18 and over, with the exception of residents of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, the city of Sevastopol, certain districts of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, Kherson regions and other temporarily occupied territories where there was no mobile communication of Ukrainian operators at the time of the survey. Residents of Ukraine who were outside Ukraine at the time of the survey were not included in the studied general population (object of the study). The sample size is 1,007 respondents. The theoretical statistical error of representativeness of the share of the characteristic with a confidence probability of 0.95 and without taking into account the design effect does not exceed: 3.1% for data close to 50%; 2.7% for data close to 25% and 75%; 2.5% for data close to 20% and 80%, 2.2% for data close to 15% and 85%, 1.9% for data close to 10% and 90% and 1.4% for data close to 5% and 95%. The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) announced the launch of an all-Ukrainian program of meetings for veterans. "At the initiative of the Ukrainian Red Cross, a new program aimed at supporting veterans and their return to active civilian life has been launched," the Ukrainian Red Cross announced on Facebook on Thursday. Khmelnytskyi became the first city to host veterans' meetingsand this is just the beginning of an initiative that will eventually expand to communities across Ukraine. Program participants shared experiences and discussed issues related to returning to active life, finding new opportunities, and legal, social, and psychological aspects after military service. They also discussed tools for future planning, professional development, and local initiatives for integrating veterans into society. The participation of veterans in volunteer fire brigades, where their experience and endurance can be decisive in rescue operations, was separately discussed. EnSilica said in an update on Thursday that it achieved solid strategic progress in the year ended 31 May, securing new design wins and expanding its chip-supply revenues, although overall sales fell due to delays on customer projects. At the companys annual general meeting, chair Mark Hodgkins said EnSilica won six new ASIC design mandates during the period, highlighting robust demand and its positioning within the semiconductor supply chain. He added that chip-supply revenue almost doubled, reflecting more customer programmes moving from development into production. However, total revenue declined after customers postponed work on two contracted projects, delaying associated non-recurring engineering income. Hodgkins said EnSilica expected its increasing mix of supply revenues to provide a natural buffer against the inherent lumpiness of the NRE revenues as production ramps. The company reported a growing pipeline across satellite communications, industrial markets and cybersecurity applications. Hodgkins said expected lifetime production revenues from chips already in supply and existing design contracts had risen to around $250m, with a further $469m of opportunities being actively pursued. He added that the momentum underpins the boards confidence in the groups near- to medium-term prospects. EnSilica highlighted progress in the space sector, securing two new feasibility programmes for satellite user terminals and advancing three studies for satellite payload ASICs. The AIM-traded firm also passed a milestone of more than 10 million ASICs shipped into a premium automotive manufacturers vehicles. Hodgkins noted that EnSilica had recently been awarded a UK government contract to develop a quantum-resilient secure processor for critical infrastructure, describing it as another key differentiator for the company. He also pointed to recent contract wins, including a $1.4m satellite payload deal and a 0.87m agreement, which give the group contracted visibility over more than 95% of consensus revenue expectations for 2026. EnSilica remains well placed to achieve our 2026 financial year guidance, he said. The chair concluded that the group is well placed as a premier European chipmaker with global reach and thanked staff for their contribution, saying their hard work, diligence and commitment have been fundamental to the progress we have made and to the opportunities now ahead of us. At 1511 GMT, shares in EnSilica were up 6.73% at 38.96p. Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com. London stocks were set to edge down at the open on Thursday as investors continued to mull the implications of the Budget. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 15 points lower in what was likely to be a fairly quiet session, with US markets closed for Thanksgiving. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, said: "Yesterdays Budget announcement went much better than many - including myself - expected. Everyone was braced for drama, volatility and even a few tears to spice it up. But none of it materialised. Apart from the OBR accidentally releasing its forecast an hour early, the measures were largely in line with market expectations and were warmly welcomed by gilt markets. "We heard plenty of tax rises - about 26bn, though most only kick in around the election year. Reeves opted for a softer stance on benefits, but financed by more people paying taxes. She announced a decent fiscal headroom: investors were seduced. "But a bleak setup for productivity and growth means that the UK will increasingly rely on financial markets to finance government operations. And that means investors - not voters - end up determining how much the government can spend and how much pain people in the streets must endure. The only way to break this cycle is to grow as much as you spend. Id say theres a better chance of unicorns invading the skyline. "The good news: gilt yields have fallen sharply after what was meant to be the most feared Budget in years, and cable is extending gains above 1.32. But again, the BoE now has the green light to cut rates in December. That will cap sterlings upside - though only as much as the USD and the Fed bets allow." In corporate news, Pennon Group said it swung back into the black in the first half, boosted by higher bills and strong demand over the hot summer months. The owner of South West Water saw revenues jump 24.8% in the six months to September end, to 658.1m, while underlying pre-tax profits came in at 65.9m. Pennon posted pre-tax losses of 18.6m a year previously. Self-storage chain Safestore reported a 6.1% rise in fourth-quarter revenue year-on-year with positive contributions on a like-for-like and new stores basis. Group revenue for the three months to October came in at 62m. In the year to date sales were up 5% to 234m as Safestore opened two new sites in Paris during the period and two more in the UK post financial year end. The Competition and Markets Authority said it has approved student accommodation group Unites proposed acquisition of smaller rival Empiric. Following a Phase 1 investigation, the CMA said it had "cleared" the deal, though a full report on the decision has yet to be published. Hard landscaping products manufacturer Marshalls said on Thursday that Matt Pullen will be stepping down from his role as chief executive officer, with immediate effect. Marshalls said Simon Bourne, the group's chief commercial officer, has been appointed interim CEO, while a search process to appoint a permanent CEO, which will consider both internal and external candidates, has been initiated. The FTSE 250-listed firm also stated that its full year 2025 expectations remained unchanged, with Marshalls "well positioned to benefit from a market recovery and the structural growth drivers" over the medium-term. Marshalls added that it has "further strengthened its funding position" through a new four-year 270m syndicated bank facility, which refinanced its existing facility that was due to mature in April 2027. Chair Vanda Murray said: "On behalf of the board I would like to thank Matt for his contribution during his time as CEO during which we successfully launched our 'Transform & Grow' strategy. Now is the right time to refocus the business and accelerate the execution of our strategy to ensure we take full advantage of our growth opportunities. "The board looks forward with confidence to working with Simon in his new role as interim CEO to drive the business forward at pace." Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com Saba Capital Management said on Thursday that it has written to Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust - in which it has a 30% stake - to request a general meeting as it looks once again to oust the entire board. New York-based Saba, which is run by Boaz Weinstein, said in an open letter to EWI: "We do not have faith in the current board's ability to implement the necessary strategic changes. "As the company's largest shareholder, we feel a duty to our fellow shareholders to drive this essential change. "Therefore, we will requisition a general meeting of the company to remove the entire incumbent board and, in its place, appoint a new board composed solely of qualified, independent directors who are committed to delivering long-term value for all shareholders." Saba had already requisitioned a general meeting nearly a year ago, saying it had been "profoundly disappointed" with the share price performance "for some time". "At that time, you vigorously rejected our legitimate concerns and encouraged shareholders to dismiss them, imploring them to Protect your Trust," it said in Thursday's letter. "Following last years general meeting, Mr. Simpson-Dent, as chair of the board, appeared to belatedly acknowledge the validity of our campaign, stating: 'Our job now is to deliver the performance our shareholders rightly expect'." Since then, Saba said, the board has "objectively and categorically" failed to execute that job. It said the trusts failure to deliver was "undeniable". Saba pointed out that the trusts net asset value is down 30.8% over the last five years and the share price has dropped 35%, "massively" underperforming its self-selected benchmark, the FTSE All-Share Index, by more than 100 percentage points. "The magnitude of this value destruction is unprecedented among peer UK equity investment trusts over this period," Saba wrote in the letter. It said the company has "consistently underperformed" across the one-, three-, and five-year periods and that its buyback activity over the past three years has fallen below the average for UK investment trusts executing buybacks over the same period. "We remain profoundly frustrated by the board's prolonged inertia, especially given the decisive actions taken by the boards of several other UK investment trusts to increase share prices and narrow persistent discounts to NAV," Saba said. As at the end of October, EWIs total assets stood at 847.15m. Responding to the open letter, EWI chair Simpson-Dent said: "We are disappointed by Saba's open letter. Throughout the last year we have sought to engage with Saba to understand their objectives and to enter into a constructive dialogue regarding options for an equitable and holistic solution, including a return of capital." "Saba's open letter does not represent the significant progress EWIT has made since this board reset the company on a path for growth a year ago," he said. Simpson-Dent pointed out that since then, NAV total return has been 17.5% to date, well ahead of the S&P Global Small Cap Index - the company's benchmark index - up 4.8%. He said the benchmark index cited in Saba's open letter, the FTSE All-Share, is not the trust's. "It makes little sense to judge a global small-cap trust against a UK all-cap benchmark, a point noted by the sell-side analyst community today," he said. "Furthermore, the company's actions over the last year have supported a tightly managed discount, currently 5.6%, significantly narrower than the Global Smaller Companies peer group weighted average discount of 10.9%." Simpson-Dent said the trust was open to discuss board composition with Saba, but would "strongly reject" any proposal to replace the entire board "and the ambiguity that would follow". "The board continues to seek constructive dialogue with Saba," he said. "The board's financial adviser had already requested a meeting with Saba ahead of receiving today's open letter, which Saba had requested be deferred until next week." Broker Peel Hunt said this opens up another chapter to Sabas campaign in the UK investment trust sector but suggests a seasonality, given the last round of requisitions appeared around this time last year. "Whilst the formal requisition documents have not yet been filed, this action is intentionally disruptive and is to, once again, require shareholders to stand up and be counted. "EWI is a 700m market cap trust, which trades on 6% discount to NAV, marginally wider than its 12-month average discount of 5% but narrower than the Global Smaller Companies peer group weighted average discount of 10.5%. According to our datasheet, EWIs 12-month NAV total return of +15.9% makes it the best performing trust in the peer group over that time period, although three- and five-year returns have lagged." Analyst Anthony Leatham said he was surprised that Saba has chosen to reference the FTSE All Share index as a benchmark given the company's investible universe, where EWIs own factsheet points to the S&P Global Small Cap index as the more relevant comparator. "This would also make more sense as EWIs portfolio as at end-October 2025, had 71% in North America and only 6% exposure to UK. We would also note that EWI has 22% exposure to private companies." During regrouping in Huliaipole axis, one of units withdraws from its positions without coordination, enemy flanks into Defense Forces Voloshin Photo: https://www.facebook.com/marektv In Zaporizhia region, near Huliaipole, one of the Ukrainian units withdrew from its positions without coordination. The enemy took advantage of this and flanked the Defense Forces. Following the fighting, several Ukrainian soldiers were listed as missing in action. Vladyslav Voloshin, a representative of the Southern Defense Forces, reported this in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. "To preserve personnel and more effectively defend Huliaipole, our forces were regrouping and reformatting their defensive formation. However, one unit withdrew from its positions without coordination. This exposed one of the flanks of our operational formation in the area, leaving the personnel of the adjacent unit without cover. The enemy, taking advantage of this situation and the difficult weather conditions, advanced on the flank of the Defense Forces," the spokesman stated. He reported that military clashes had occurred, and as a result, several of our service members were considered missing. "The information about what actually happened there is currently being clarified and verified," Voloshin said. He noted that if it is confirmed that the Russian invaders committed a war crime in violation of the Geneva Conventions, Ukraine will appeal to the relevant human rights and judicial bodies to punish those responsible. "The Ukrainian Defense Forces, despite everything, continue to hold back the enemy and do everything to ensure they are not ashamed of their fallen comrades or their own dignity," the Ukrainian Armed Forces emphasized. The spokesperson emphasized that the Southern Defense Forces command took the necessary measures in a timely manner to improve the defensive situation in Huliaipole axis, in particular the introduction of reserves. Earlier, the military analysis project DeepState reported that, thanks to the successful actions of the Defense Forces military command, the enemy had significantly slowed its advance toward Huliaipole in Zaporizhia. The resource also reported that occupation forces had captured the village of Zelenyi Hai in the Zaporizhia region, and that Russian invaders had executed five Defense Forces soldiers near the village. Tesla to grow retail and supercharger network across India OTA tech and remote diagnostics to cut service needs for years Model Y drives companys early India momentum Tesla is gearing up for a broader push into India, announcing plans to expand its retail presence and supercharger network while highlighting what it calls one of the lowest EV running costs in the country. The company credits this to its over-the-air (OTA) updates, remote diagnostics, and minimal need for physical service visits. Sharad Agarwal, Teslas newly appointed India head, said the company is optimistic about its growth after entering the market in July with the imported Model Y. Tesla launched operations with two experience centers in Mumbai and Delhi and has now opened its first all-in-one Tesla Experience Centre in Gurugram. This new facility handles sales, deliveries, after-sales support, and supercharging under one roof. Tesla is preparing to add a new supercharger site in Gurugram, along with two more in Mumbai. While retail expansion is planned, the company has not disclosed which cities it will enter next. Industry expectations suggest Tesla may grow into southern and western India. Unlike traditional automakers, Tesla follows a company-owned retail model, not a dealer-based structure. Also Read: Tata Motors Revives Sierra SUV With Modern Tech and Updated Design A major part of Teslas pitch to Indian buyers is its extremely low service and operating costs. The company does not offer service schedules and says customers typically dont need to visit a service center for up to four years unless there is a significant issue. OTA updates and remote systems help monitor and improve vehicle performance, similar to smartphone software upgrades. Tesla currently sells the Model Y in India at Rs 59.9 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 500 km range variant. Home charging offers about 70 km per hour, while its supercharger network can deliver roughly 120 km of range within minutes. For now, Tesla has no plans to manufacture in India. Tara Reid arrives at the Zodiac Ball, Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023, at The Houdini Estate in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP) Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP Actress Tara Reid was recently hospitalized while she was staying at a hotel outside of Chicago. According to NBC News, an ambulance arrived at a DoubleTree hotel in Rosemont after getting a call about a sick person at 12:39 a.m. Sunday. Video taken at the scene showed the dazed actress confused and slurring her words as some people tried to get her into a wheelchair. Once paramedics arrived, she was taken to a hospital in a stretcher. Reid, however, told TMZ that she believed someone drugged her drink. She told the outlet that she went down to the hotel bar, ordered a glass of wine and then went outside to smoke a cigarette. When she came back inside, her drink had been covered with a napkin, which she said she didnt put there. She added that after having some of the wine, she went unconscious and didnt wake up until she was in the hospital. Tara Reid has filed a police report after an incident in which she believes her drink was tampered with, Reids representative said in a statement sent to People. 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. However, police told People that Reid has not filed a report yet. Reid is best known for playing Vicky Lathum in the American Pie series of movies. Her other notable roles include The Big Lebowski, Josie and the Pussycats, Cruel Intentions and the Sharknado series of TV movies. Developer Christopher Stout said he will no longer move forward with plans to replace a single home with five, smaller homes on Uncas Avenue following community backlash. STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Weeks after outrage erupted about five proposed multifamily homes replacing a single South Shore home, the developer of the property is no longer moving forward with the project, despite some permits already being approved by the Buildings Department. Community leaders have voiced concerns about a roughly 10,000-square-foot corner-lot property on Uncas Avenue and Alborn Road that was being eyed for the construction of at least five homes. The site measures less than 230 feet wide, qualifying it for higher-density development under the citys zoning laws. Christopher Stout a New York City developer and social media influencer with nearly 85,000 Instagram followers is the present owner of the Uncas Avenue land. When contacted by the Advance/SILive.com, Stout said he took into account the neighborhood outcry and has decided not to move forward with the development. After reviewing community feedback on the proposed townhouse project, we decided not to move forward at this time. While we stand behind the quality and integrity of our developments, we also make it a priority to invest in areas where our work is a clear fit for the neighborhood. We appreciate those who shared their perspective and look forward to continuing to bring responsible, high-quality housing to the community in the future, Stout told the Advance/SILive.com. It is not clear what the new fate of the property will be at this time. Developer Christopher Stout said he will no longer move forward with plans to replace a single home with five, smaller homes on Uncas Avenue following community backlash. STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Several community leaders blamed the recently passed City of Yes housing legislation for the proposed project. This New York City zoning amendment, passed in late 2024, aims to create more housing units by loosening some zoning restrictions, including permitting more development in transit hubs and town centers. Presently, the lot is zoned as R3X, which, as described by the Department of City Planning, only allows one- and two-family detached homes to be built on lots that must be at least 35 feet wide. But with the passage of the City of Yes regulations, the lot can be subdivided under its current zoning for five multifamily homes. A September permit filed to reallocate one zoning lot and one tax lot into one zoning lot and five tax lots was approved by the Buildings Department in late October. A tax lot is a parcel of land identified for property tax purposes. A zoning lot is one or more adjacent tax lots within a block. This made way for the property to support five homes, so long as the Department of Finance gave the thumbs up once future new buildings have been approved & only after existing building has been demolished & demo. signed off, according to comments made on the Buildings Department permit. Since then, another permit for construction fencing was also approved. The filing representative on the zoning permit is Think Design Architecture, a self-described premium, full-service boutique architectural firm specializing in luxury residential and commercial renovations and developments. Developer Christopher Stout said he will no longer move forward with plans to replace a single home with five, smaller homes on Uncas Avenue following community backlash. STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE Area residents expressed concern at an October Community Board 3 meeting that the additional homes would lead to overcrowding in the neighborhood. It would just be such a detriment to that area. It would just change the entire makeup of the community, said one resident who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years. Were also afraid, very afraid of this setting a precedent for future developers to gobble up other lots and do the exact same thing. Madeline, a South Shore resident who asked to be identified only by her first name, was among the over 75 attendees who sat in on a recent Community Board 3 meeting where the project was discussed. We all left frustrated and feeling helpless. I came home and wrote to you [Advance/SILive.com] as well as [Borough President Vito] Fossella and even [mayoral] candidate [Andrew] Cuomo, Madeline said at the time. After 35 years in my home...my husband and I felt we would remain [in it] until our time is up. We are seriously considering getting out before the value and quality of our life is diminished. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt prepares for a television interview at the White House, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The mother of White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitts nephew is in removal proceedings from the country after being detained by ICE on Nov. 12. According to CNN, Bruna Caroline Ferreira, 33, was arrested in New Hampshire while on the way to pick up her 11-year-old son, whom she has joint custody of with Michael Leavitt, the press secretarys brother. Ferreira, who is originally from Brazil, has been in the United States since she was 6 years old, according to the Boston Globe. Ferreiras attorney, Todd Pomerleau, told CNN that she was a part of DACA the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program but was unable to renew her protections due to President Donald Trumps bid to terminate DACA in his first presidential term. However, Pomerleau confirmed to CNN that Ferreira is currently in the middle of a lawful immigration process for U.S. citizenship. A spokesperson with the Department of Homeland Security told CNN Ferreira was in the US illegally after overstaying a tourist visa that required her to leave the country in June 1999. Ferreira is a criminal illegal alien from Brazil with a previous arrest for battery and is currently in removal proceedings, CNN reported. In response, Pomerleau said: We dispute that she has any criminal record. She is not a criminal illegal alien. Ferreira is being held in Basile, Louisiana, at an ICE processing center. A source told CNN that Press Secretary Leavitt has not spoken to Ferreira in some years. On the other hand, Michael Leavitt told CNN affiliate WMUR Ferreira has maintained a relationship with their son, but the boy has not spoken to her since her detention. He described the situation as difficult and said he just wants the best for his son. A GoFundMe page has been created by Ferreiras sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, to help with Ferreiras legal expenses. As of Wednesday evening, $25,304 of the $30,000 goal had been raised. Joint work with US delegation to build on results achieved in Geneva will continue later this week Yermak Photo: https://t.me/ermaka2022 Head of the Presidents Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak has stated that joint work between the USA and Ukrainian delegations to "build on the results achieved in Geneva" will continue later this week. "At the end of this week, the Ukrainian and American delegations will continue working together to build on the results achieved in Geneva. Its important to maintain productivity and work quickly. Our key shared goal with our partners remains unchanged: achieving a lasting and dignified peace for Ukraine as soon as possible," he wrote on Telegram on Thursday. The head of the Presidents Office emphasized that it is now necessary to "achieve tangible progress in identifying steps to end the war." "As we did in Geneva, we are now preparing for a constructive discussion to achieve tangible progress in identifying steps to end the war. Thanks to the American team for their uninterrupted work. Peace must become a shared achievement," Yermak noted. Firefighters respond to the ShopRite on Greaves Lane in Great Kills on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott Axelrod) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. A fire at the ShopRite location in Great Kills filled the store with smoke and prompted a massive FDNY response on Wednesday afternoon the day before Thanksgiving, one of the busiest food-shopping days of the year. The blaze broke out in an aisle at the supermarkets new location on Greaves Lane in Evergreen Plaza at 3:44 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the FDNY. Firefighters respond to the ShopRite on Greaves Lane in Great Kills on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott Axelrod) Multiple fire engines were on the scene with ladders stretched to the top of the supermarket, while scores of fully-equipped firefighters with hoses lined up outside the building. In total, 12 units with 60 FDNY and EMS members were dispatched to the location, the FDNY spokesperson said. The blaze was brought under control at 4:44 p.m. FDNY members line up outside the ShopRite on Greaves Lane in Great Kills on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com) Thick white smoke could be seen through the windows of the supermarket. FDNY officials deployed ventilation fans to clear the smoke. According to an FDNY official at the scene, surveillance video appeared to indicate the blaze was electrical in nature and confined to one aisle. No injuries were reported, the official said. What appears to be smoke can be seen through the windows of the supermarket. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com) The blaze started in the paper towel row, according to a source at the scene. It was just absolute chaos A ShopRite employee told that Advance/SILive.com that moments after the fire broke out, and as store sprinklers began raining down, an attempt was made to douse the flames with a fire extinguisher. The heavy smoke made it difficult to see and store managers called for all employees to give up their efforts and evacuate the building. It literally couldnt have happened in a worse spot, the employee said, going on to explain that the flames quickly began consuming all of the paper products in the aisle. The employee noted that the supermarket was super busy with customers, some of whom began running with their shopping carts trying to reach the registers before they were asked to abandon their grocery hauls and vacate the premises. A number of other customers, the employee explained, could be seen standing at the end of the aisle where the fire occurred shooting video of the blaze on their phones. Some of this footage has already been making the rounds on social media, the employee said. Dozens of employees were gathered in the shopping center parking lot until they were eventually dismissed by store management and sent home. A firefighter looks into the ShopRite location during the emergency response. (Advance/SILive.com | Scott Axelrod) Im glad I picked up my turkey yesterday Several customers who showed up in the parking lot to get the final ingredients for their Thanksgiving feasts were shocked when they saw the FDNY response. Security turned away any customers walking toward the store. It was not immediately clear when the supermarket would reopen. One woman who spoke with the Advance/SILive.com said she was coming to pick up her Thanksgiving order. Another shopper said: Im glad I picked up my turkey yesterday. A look inside the ShopRite after firefighters knocked down the blaze. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com) Opened in September The ShopRite opened this past September in a 62,000-square-foot building. It stocks over 40,000 products and offers nearly 3,000 sale items each week. Officials survey the scene in the aftermath of the response. (Steve White for the Advance/SILive.com) On the penultimate sitting day of the year, the prime minister braved a springtime lurgy to entertain press gallery hacks, invited into The Lodge for annual end-of-year drinks. Loading Dressed in an off-duty ensemble of a Nick Cave T-shirt (the Joy Division one was in the wash) and Ray-Bans, Albanese joked about how the crowd was unlikely to hear news of him turning gay. Apparently, storied pundit Niki Savvas new book contains an anecdote about how the PM would be marrying Chris, the chef at The Lodge, if First Fiancee Jodie Haydon wasnt in the picture. Albo didnt completely bomb, managing to draw a few nervous laughs. While embattled Liberal leader Sussan Ley couldnt muster much of a turnout for her own media do in the Coalition party room Monday night, CBDs spies spotted Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, Labor national secretary Paul Erickson, and occasional acting prime minister Richard Marles schmoozing at The Lodge. Albo also told the thirsty inmates of Parliament House that they had just 30 minutes to drink up before being sent to bed, a reference to his habit of cutting the annual party short in case somebody winds up intoxicated in the pool. Meanwhile, the Coalition held its own Christmas party back in the big house, while Labor staff gathered to celebrate a big year at Assembly: The Peoples Pub, a slop den in Canberras inner north just metres away from the spot where Nationals defector Barnaby Joyce was found sprawled on the footpath muttering obscenities into his phone. Inevitably, most ended up back at the Kingo. Off to the races Tim Wilson has a preternatural ability to reframe circumstances to suit himself. So far, so politician. But even we were taken aback when we threw sass at Wilson over his dummy spit about having to attend parliament on Melbourne Cup day, only for him to catch it in one hand and immediately flip it to his advantage. Regular readers will recall that this column had labelled Wilson shadow minister for the Melbourne Cup. Only for us to find he had adopted it for his X bio. (From left) Health Equity Matters Mark Orr, Labors Renee Coffey, Liberal MP Tim Wilson, and Dash Heath-Paynter of Health Equity Matters at a World AIDS Day breakfast at Parliament House. And then to find that he was claiming victory after one day in the job as the unofficial shadow minister, for the fact that Federal Parliament is not sitting on Tuesday, November 3, when the 2026 Melbourne Cup will be staged. What a scamp! It must be noted that not everyone is a fan, least of all Monique Ryan, teal independent in Melbourne seat of Kooyong, not so far from Wilsons Goldstein, where he defeated teal Zoe Daniel by 175 votes (or was it 175,000 votes? Must check with Wilson). On Thursday morning, Wilson co-chaired a World AIDS Day breakfast event at Parliament House along with Labor MP Renee Coffey, where Foreign Minister Penny Wong gave a speech. Ryan, we hear, was asked to be in a photo with Wilson, and declined. Intrigued, we asked her office about the refusal and received this reply. Monique attended the breakfast briefly between engagements. She had a photo with Dash Heath-Paynter and Mark Orr the CEO and president of Health Equity Matters but had to leave to attend a briefing about CSIRO funding. Meme lord In their post-election mourning period, NSW Liberal group chats were abuzz with hacks venting their frustration at the partys final week youth outreach strategy memes featuring the likes of Lightning McQueen (from Pixars Cars franchise) and Shrek. There was also one with a pink llama, which nobody could quite understand. Loading Now, the architect of those memes, party strategist Luke Nayna, has a promotion as new Opposition Leader Kellie Sloanes chief of staff. On an interim basis, at least. A decade ago, Nayna quit as a Wyong Shire Councillor after missing six straight meetings. This bodes well. Stranger Things (season five, episodes 1-4) NB: This review contains spoilers After more than 9 years, we are finally in the home stretch of Stranger Things, a show that was as zeitgeisty in its prime as anything so self-consciously not-of-its-time can be. It was, and is, the epitome of what LCD Soundsystems James Murphy called borrowed nostalgia for the unremembered 80s. Steeped in references to video nasties, synth music, John Hughes movies and, above all, the dark imagination of Stephen King, it remains a masterful interplay of light and dark, funny and tense, playful and deeply serious. Gang of not-such-youths (from left): Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Caleb McLaughlin as Lucas Sinclair, and Noah Schnapp as Will Byers. Credit: Netflix Yes, theres a massive suspension of disbelief required to get past the fact our teenage heroes are now played by adults at least one of whom is now a parent but look past the disconcerting five oclock shadow on the face of Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and block your ears to the undeniably adult voice and world-weary demeanour of Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), and its still a hell of a ride. Hatted Paddington restaurant Porcine will fully take reins at LAvant Cave wine bar in Paddington from January, with P&V Wine + Liquor Merchants with which it shares the building and courtyard bar pulling out of the suburb at the end of the year. Were calling last drinks on Oxford Street, P&V co-owner Mike Bennie says. This isnt one of those doom and gloom stories. Our lease has come to an end after five years, and we want to refocus on the Newtown store. P&V and Porcines LAvant Cave wine bar. James Brickwood For the past five years, Porcine has served technique-driven French food above P&V. Bennie says the two businesses have had a great relationship as upstairs-downstairs tenants, and the decision earlier this year to entrust the food at P&Vs leafy courtyard bar to Porcine will enable a softer transition for regulars. Were off the sofa and into the bedroom, Porcine chef and co-owner Nicholas Hill joked in March when the collaboration between the businesses was announced. So with P&V moving out, what can be expected at one of Sydneys best wine bars now that Porcine is flying solo? Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) took part in the Donor Advisory Group meeting in Stockholm. Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, and Olena Stokoz, Deputy Director General, paid a working visit to Sweden, where they participated in the annual meeting of the Donor Advisory Group (DAG) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, held in Stockholm on 2425 November, URCS said on Facebook Thursday. During a dedicated session on localisation and local leadership, the Ukrainian Red Cross delegation highlighted the specific features of the humanitarian context in Ukraine, the organisations main areas of work, and its cooperation with national authorities and local communities. The participation of the Ukrainian delegation provided an opportunity to share with the participating countries of the Donor Advisory Group the Ukrainian Red Crosss experience in developing its branch network, strengthening organisational capacity, supporting volunteers, and building trust within communities. It also underscored the importance of long-term investment in community resilience as a key foundation for effective humanitarian response. This year, discussions focused on three key areas: strengthening organisational preparedness for crises to reduce loss of life; expanding and diversifying funding sources; and advancing locally led humanitarian action (localisation). Participants also examined global challenges and shifts, and their implications for National Societies, community needs, and public expectations. A taekwondo instructor who styled himself as Master Lion was indulging in fantastical thinking and grandiose lies in the lead-up to his murder of Steven and Min Cho and their seven-year-old son. Kwang Kyung Yoo, 51, inspected multimillion-dollar properties in Rose Bay and Vaucluse, discussed with car dealerships the potential purchases of a Lamborghini and a Bentley, boasted of non-existent overseas holidays, and passed around photos of a harbourside house where he falsely claimed to live. Steven and Min Cho on left, and Kyung Kwang Yoo on right. Credit: Nine, Internet He told his wife that he had met the mining magnate Gina Rinehart. In emails, he assumed the title of Professor. In reality, he drove a Toyota Camry, was running behind on rent, and his bank accounts were in debit of around $10,000. He could not afford to return to Korea for his grandmothers funeral. The $122 million harbourside pool that risked draining a Sydney councils budget is being filled with water for the first time in nearly five years but swimmers still face a months-long wait to dive in. A hose this week started pumping about 1.921 million litres of water into the tiled surface of North Sydney Olympic Pool, after the original 50-metre outdoor structure was emptied in early 2021. Water begins to fill North Sydney pool on Thursday. Credit: Janie Barrett North Sydney Mayor Zoe Baker said the positive milestone signalled the pool was edging closer to reopening next year, following a redevelopment dogged by cascading cost blowouts and delays. This is a real measure of progress on construction. Were still not quite at the end, [but] there is definitely light at the end of what has been a very long tunnel, Baker said. A Christmas banner will be removed from Redfern station, after observers raised concerns about the artwork being AI-generated. The banner, erected between platforms 10 and 11 at the station, depicted an Australian Christmas scene, with Santa Claus on the beach in board shorts and thongs surrounded by a cast of local animals. Redfern stations Christmas banner will be removed after concerns were raised about its use of AI. Credit: Steven Siewert However, on closer inspection, several animals in the cartoon showed obvious signs of being AI-generated. One animal in the artwork appeared to be made from a koalas head on a kangaroos torso, while the scene also featured a rodent with limbs not connected to its body, and kangaroos wearing bikini tops. Mining giant Bravus years-long multimillion-dollar legal pursuit of former Brisbane mayoral candidate Ben Pennings has ended, after the anti-fossil fuel campaigner agreed to court orders. Pennings was sued by mining company Adani, which operates as Bravus in Australia, in 2020, alleging he had disrupted operations at the Carmichael coal mine in Queenslands North Galilee Basin. Environmental activist Ben Pennings speaking outside the Supreme Court in Brisbane on Thursday. Credit: Cloe Read In a statement on Thursday morning, Bravus said it was pleased to announce the dispute had concluded after Pennings agreed to court orders requiring him not to engage in any further campaign to gain access to Bravus confidential business information. But Pennings has vowed to continue his campaign against the miner. The Age has won the Walkley Award for coverage of a major news event or issue for its months of dedicated and insightful reporting on the trial of triple-murderer Erin Patterson. Leongatha mother-of-two Erin Patterson was found guilty of the 2023 murders of her former father-in-law and mother-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gails sister, Heather Wilkinson, in July this year. Erin Patterson is appealing the verdict. Mushroom lunch survivor Ian Wilkinson speaks to the media after Erin Patterson was sentenced to life in prison. Credit: Getty Images The Age reporters and photographers were on the ground in Morwell, Gippsland, for the 11-week trial, backed by a dedicated team in the Melbourne office. The Age editor Patrick Elligett said: This was truly a team effort that involved many reporters, photographers, editors and producers, all who worked tirelessly over weeks. A Melbourne woman could face a stint behind bars after using a homemade explosive device to set fire to a toilet inside the 2024 Land Forces expo. Malith Shamera Fernando, 25, of Blackburn, faced Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, where it was revealed she had visited the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on the first day of the defence exhibition to scope out the facility before returning the following day to plant an explosive device on September 12, 2024. Fernando has pleaded guilty to all charges. Protesters and police outside the Land Forces expo in Melbourne in September 2024. Credit: AAP The court heard that Fernando, an engineer, attended the exhibition centre with a legitimate ticket and visited the area for 40 minutes. The following day she arrived at 12.47pm, scanned her ticket and walked into the male toilets. Shortly before 1.15pm, a homemade incendiary device detonated in the middle toilet cubicle, causing a small fire, which self-extinguished. The backer of a High Court challenge to the governments teen social media ban has called for the likes of Elon Musk and Google to fund the legal bid, while Labor says it wont be deterred from pursuing the world-first restrictions. The Digital Freedom Project, a campaign group established to oppose the governments under-16 social media ban, filed a challenge to the nations highest court on Wednesday on behalf of two teenage plaintiffs, 15-year-olds Noah Jones and Macy Neyland, who are children of members of the group. Macy Neyland and Noah Jones are the plaintiffs in the High Court challenge. The groups president and NSW parliamentarian, John Ruddick, said they were seeking an injunction to stop the ban from beginning as planned on December 10, and ultimately hoped to get it thrown out as unconstitutional. Were hoping to get an injunction, which means that the law wont take effect until the High Court makes its decision, which we expect will be about March next year, Ruddick said. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Senator Pauline Hanson has habitually relied on being a joke to sustain her career as a populist politician. Her latest joke was taking the wrong cosplay costume from her Senate office wardrobe and wearing a burqa into the chamber, instead of a KKK robe and hood. Either garb would have done. Courting the publicity that follows her stunts is her main game. She outrages most, amuses some and reflects the feelings of a few but that group is growing. Things are looking up for Pauline Hanson, with One Nation riding high in the polls. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen Hansons One Nation received 6.4 per cent of first preference votes at the federal election, yet a scant seven months later, The Australian Financial Review/ Redbridge/Accent Research poll showed the party had surged to a record 18 per cent. The most recent Resolve Political Monitor, published in the Herald in September, had it at 12 per cent the first time it hit double figures. Populist politicians like Hanson, Bob Katter, Mark Latham and Barnaby Joyce who appears One Nation-bound after resigning from the National Party on Thursday portray themselves as the voice of ordinary people who rage against elites. But the one constant is how little they have achieved for their electorates and constituents. Loading Whoever they claim to represent, the reality is risible and/or reprehensible: whether its exhorting people to take part in March for Australia rallies protesting against immigration intakes; calling for the slaughter of crocodiles; baiting LGBT advocates; or lying down on a Canberra footpath after a drinking session at parliament, the resultant publicity on news programs and TikTok generates recognition among voters who prefer celebrity to policy when ticking preference boxes. For a moment, just a moment, it looked as if Anthony Albanese could break down in tears. On the final parliamentary sitting day of a long election year, the prime minister was speaking at the unveiling of Malcolm Turnbulls official prime ministerial portrait. Albanese wanted the crowd to know something about Malcolm the man, not just the politician. Malcolm Turnbull and Anthony Albanese at the official unveiling of the portrait of the 29th prime minister on Thursday. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer On a very personal level, there was a moment, nothing to do with politics, where Malcolm and [wife] Lucy, to me, showed their character, where they reached out to me at a difficult time in my personal life, and just had me to dinner, Albanese said. No one knows about it. Albanese whose wife Carmel ended their three-decade-long relationship in 2019 described the Turnbulls dinner invitation as a sign of character and decency and humanity. Critical minerals will be unlocked, data centres encouraged and workers trained to handle the transition to artificial intelligence under a range of new economic policies unveiled by Premier Jacinta Allan. During her State of the State address at the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on Thursday, Allan spruiked three new policy commitments she said would build on Victorias economic strengths and capitalise on emerging trends. Jacinta Allan says her government will encourage data centres while protecting workers affected by artificial intelligence. Credit: Louis Trerise Allan said the state government had just formally approved a new antimony exploration tunnel at Sunday Creek, 24 kilometres north of Wallan in central Victoria. She said the approval would allow Southern Cross Gold to drill underground and test the feasibility of mining gold and antimony. Photo: https://t.me/svyrydenkoy/1048 Partners have already announced contributions of over EUR 22 million to the Shelter Coalition, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko reported. "I am grateful to all the countries that have already announced their new contributions totaling over EUR 22 million. Of this, Finland contributed EUR 11 million, leading the coalition thanks to its unique 80-year experience in building shelter systems. In addition, Sweden contributed EUR 7 million, Lithuania and Belgium EUR 2 million each, and Ireland EUR 0.5 million. Switzerland also intends to join the initiative," wrote Svyrydenko on her Telegram channel following the first founding meeting of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Shelter Coalition. According to her, more than 42 underground schools have already been built in frontline regions using the state budget and previous partner contributions. "For the first time, the next years state budget includes UAH 1 billion for shelters in kindergartens. We hope for its approval next week," she added. As reported, in May 2025, Ukraine and Finland signed a joint statement launching the Coalition of Shelters. The man in charge of Penriths four NRL premierships has emerged as a potential saviour in the stand-off between Racing NSW and the Australian Turf Club. Brian Fletcher, the Panthers Group CEO during Penriths title success from 2021 to 2024, and the CEO of Hawkesbury Race Club for nearly 30 years, says he is open to helping the ATC get back on its feet and once again become one of the most powerful racing clubs in the country. Could former Panthers boss Brian Fletcher and Racing NSW chief Peter Vlandys be working together again Credit: Getty Racing NSW issued the ATC a show-cause notice in September over fears the club was in financial strife, and threatened to appoint an administrator to replace the board. Four ATC board members chairman Tim Hale, deputy chair Caroline Searcy, directors David McGrath and Annette English, as well as interim CEO Steve McMahon, met with Racing NSWs board on Thursday to state their case. We have just returned from a five-week European trip for which we prebooked and prepaid at several hotels, but why does it take an age to issue a room key? In every instance the process seemed to take forever, with hotel staff staring intently at the computer screen for minutes at a time. P. Meaney, Moss Vale, NSW Why does it take so long to issue a room key? Getty Images Its one of modern travels great mysteries, but usually its down to the nexus between bureaucracy and technology that doesnt always mesh nicely together. Property management systems, the software that controls a hotels reservations and online bookings systems among other tasks, are often clunky and outdated and they frequently overload. Even simple tasks like finding your prepaid reservation or matching it to a credit card hold can take multiple screens and manual checks. Another problem is, even if youve prepaid, hotels often need to authorise a credit card for incidentals or city taxes. Some systems cant finalise check-in until thats processed and confirmed. If you made your booking through an online travel agency such as Booking.com or Expedia, or an airline partner, your reservation may have arrived at the hotel after passing through several systems. Reception staff often have to reconcile details, especially if there were changes or notes attached, which might be room preferences or frequent flyer numbers. In Europe, government regulations require hotels to provide guests passport details. Thats often slow since it must be done manually. Its annoying when you are standing at the reception desk, and all you want is a shower and a bed, but have pity on the staff behind the desk, theyre doing their best. After unsuccessfully trying to arrange a long-haul trip to Japan in business or first class with points for my wife and I, we are instead heading to South Korea. What is there to do and see in Seoul over 10 days? J. Verpeleti, Budapest, Hungary You have plenty of time to get to grips with this astonishing city as well as making a couple of day trips. The essential experiences in Seoul include the citys palaces, Bukchon Hanok Village, the galleries and tea houses of the Insadong district, the royal guard changing ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum, Namdaemun market, the street life in the artsy Hongdae district, Gangnams Bongeunsa temple, shopping on chic, bohemian Garosu-gil and an evening in the bars of Apgujeong. Dont miss the citys food experiences, including the street food at Gwangjang Market where the specialties are mung-bean pancakes and bibimbap, a mixed rice dish of seasoned vegetables, chilli paste and meat or egg. A Korean barbecue is another must, try one of the restaurants in Hongdae, Itaewon or Gangnam. You might also make a day trip to the DMZ border zone, and book well in advance, official tours fill early. Nami Island, celebrated for its serene Garden of Morning Calm, is another potential day trip and is at its best in winter and early spring. Tai Po, Hong Kong: There was no alarm, nothing to alert the residents to the tragedy fast unfurling across their Hong Kong apartment complex on a Wednesday afternoon. Wing Wu smelled the smoke first. It drifted through the corridors and then billowed under doorways. Then came the cries of fire! and people banging on doors, screaming for people to leave. Smoke continues to drift from the blackened husks of the Wang Fuk Court apartments. Credit: Daniel Ceng When he opened his door, orange flames leapt at him from his neighbours apartment across the hallway. We knew we had to go right then, says Wu, 41. Advertisement Australian leaders from all sides expressed outrage at the invasion. The Liberal government condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for his actions. When Anthony Albanese became Prime Minister in May 2022, one of his first overseas visits was to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Albanese pledged military and humanitarian aid to help Ukraine defend its territory. Australia has supplied Bushmaster armoured vehicles, artillery and Abrams tanks. The total assistance has been worth $1.5 billion over more than three years. In 2023, Australia sanctioned the two biggest Russian oil exporters, Lukoil and Rosneft. The United States, the European Union and the United Kingdom all imposed sanctions on Russia and tried to drive down the price of Russian oil in the hope of limiting the profits for Moscow. US President Joe Biden, in office from January 2021 to January 2025, promised to toughen the sanctions and do more to stop the oil trade. Advertisement This was not enough to stop the lucrative trade. Russia is using a shadow fleet of ships to evade sanctions, but Western governments have identified many of these and have sanctioned the owners. How Russia operates its shadow fleet of ships Some of the Russian oil can be transferred between ships in international waters, in an attempt to disguise its origin. The key destinations include India, China and Malaysia because these countries have not joined the US, the UK, the EU and countries like Australia in banning Russian oil. Refineries can generate big profits from this trade. They can buy crude oil from Russia at lower prices than the market average, and use this to produce diesel and petrol to be sold at market prices. Advertisement Russian oil, often known as Urals crude, is cheaper than standard market supplies like Brent crude. But international agencies track the ships and public data reveals the journeys. That means independent analysts can see where Russia exports the oil and who is using it to supply the Australian market. We can see how much of this oil ends up as petrol and diesel at our petrol stations. Our investigation drew on detailed data from the CREA, showing a list of the ships heading from Russian ports to refineries in our region. Advertisement One of the major Russian supply ports is Novorossiysk, on the Black Sea. Ships can take this oil into the Mediterranean and through the Suez Canal to India. Another major port is Primorsk, near St Petersburg. Ships carry this oil through the Baltic and into the Atlantic Ocean, reaching destinations including India. A third major source is Nakhodka, near Vladivostok, on the Pacific Ocean. Ships mostly take this oil to Chinese refineries, but the CREA analysis also shows that some of the ships go to India. A fourth supply port, Vanino, is near the island of Sakhalin, also on Russias Pacific coast. Several ships from this port have taken crude oil to Malaysia, according to the CREA analysis. The laundry ports The Jamnagar refinery has been described as one of the most profitable in the world. Credit: Bloomberg Advertisement And all of this is on top of tax increases worth 40 billion in last years budget. Labour is making no bones about its targets. The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, told parliament on Wednesday afternoon (about midnight, AEDT) that she wanted to lift tax rates on income from property, savings and dividends. Loading I will make further reforms to our tax system today to make it fairer and to ensure the wealthiest contribute the most, she said. The new property tax will hit many parts of London and the wealthier regional cities, where families already struggle to buy a home. The high-value council tax surcharge will start at 2500 per year in England for residential properties worth 2 million or more. The benchmark is very high for most workers, but the base level is about the price of a modern three-bedroom flat in Notting Hill or a two-bedroom in Chelsea which goes to show that looking for property in fashionable London is only a game for the wealthy. Reeves, again, is unapologetic about making some people pay more. In her budget speech, she said a landlord with income of 25,000 currently pays about 1200 less in tax each year than a tenant who gets the same income as a salary. Does that make Reeves a modern Robin Hood? Not at all. Most workers who pay tax are not getting money back from the government for the simple reason that there is no money to spare. The fact is that Britains finances are in a dire state after years of deficits. Despite the tax grabs in this weeks budget, the national debt will be slightly higher as a percentage of the economy than projected in March, says the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). That is partly because the OBR expects the economy to grow more slowly over the next few years, eking out 1.5 per cent a year compared to the earlier outlook for 1.8 per cent. Gloom on the streets The official forecast matches the gloom on the streets, where small stores complain about shoplifting. While the restaurants are full in the glitzier parts of London, things are quieter in areas where tourists do not roam. Britains net financial debt will reach 2.6 trillion this year and Reeves is warning that 10 per cent of government spending now goes on the interest bill. In Australia, according to the Parliamentary Budget Office, the bill is 3.6 per cent of outlays. Liz Truss resigned after just 49 days in office, making her Britains shortest-serving prime minister. Credit: Bloomberg This highlights a far more dangerous dynamic for Britain than Australia. Put simply, the markets are dictating terms to London in a way Canberra is yet to see. The more Britain borrows, the edgier the markets get. While Australia has an AAA credit rating, the UK is considered AA and has a troubled history with the markets. Liz Truss and Kwasi Kwarteng, as prime minister and chancellor of the exchequer, triggered a crisis in October 2022 with their budget plans; both were gone soon afterwards. Reeves could not keep the markets calm without her tax hikes. She could, in theory, slash spending, but the Labour backbench is already restive about the leadership and rebelled against welfare cuts in July. It wanted more spending on welfare, not less. Starmer and Reeves chose not to argue. If productivity is lower than the government assumes, the deficits will continue for the decade ahead. And the fact is that British productivity is in the doldrums. And this produced the big winners on budget day: families on income support with more than two children. The Conservatives stopped families getting benefits for more than their second child, but Labour will reinstate the old regime. Low-income families will receive more money for their children, funded by higher taxes on workers. Reeves says she is proud to be acting on child poverty, but the debate will grow about the scale of the tax burden and the size of the welfare state. In the end, the markets seemed to welcome the new plan. The pound rose against the US dollar and the euro. The borrowing costs on British government bonds fell. This was the most important reaction to the budget, given the size of the British debt, but it has no visibility for most of the British media or the public. The run-up to the budget has been dominated by ferocious complaints about tax increases and spending cuts, with scant mention of the size of the interest bill on years of carefree borrowing. Reeves had a glowing forecast for parliament. She said the deficit would be 28.8bn in 2026-27 and then shrink to 4.6 billion the following year. By the subsequent year, she said, Britain would be posting a 3.9 billion surplus, with much bigger ones after that. The forecasts, of course, hardly ever turn out to be true. There is a warning in the analysis from the independent OBR about how it could all go wrong. If productivity is lower than the government assumes, the deficits will continue for the decade ahead. And the fact is that British productivity is in the doldrums. Starmer and Reeves need an economic revival to deliver the budget recovery they promise. The soundtrack to their budget comes from Dusty Springfield, who lived near Notting Hill in the days it was affordable: wishing and a-hoping. He had already proven that attempting to overturn the results of a democratic election is an easily forgivable sin as far as voters are concerned. Now, Donald Trump has officially got away with it. The final criminal case against him racketeering charges in the state of Georgia involving multiple alleged co-conspirators has been dropped on the recommendation of a new prosecutor. The criminal conspiracy case against Donald Trump in the US state of Georgia has officially been dismissed. Credit: AP This is the case relating to an infamous phone call on January 2, 2021 four days before the Capitol riots where Trump told Georgias Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger: I just want to find 11,780 votes. That would have been just enough to change the outcome in Georgia, which Joe Biden won by 11,779 votes, and deliver Georgias 16 electoral college votes to Trump. A grand jury indicted Trump in August 2023, following an investigation headed by district attorney Fani Willis. Washington: A National Guard member has died of her wounds in hospital, US President Donald Trump has announced, just over 24 hours after she was shot along with a colleague two blocks from the White House. Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that were talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person ... Shes just passed away. Shes no longer with us, Trump said in his first live remarks since the shooting on Wednesday (Thursday AEDT). National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom. Credit: AP The man suspected of shooting Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, also of West Virginia, drove across the United States with a plan to commit his crime, officials said, as they began a global investigation into what they are calling a terrorist act. The suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, a program to resettle vulnerable Afghans who assisted the US during its two-decade presence in the country after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. ~Gumbs outlines ongoing and future Improvement Measures~ PHILIPSBURG:--- The General Audit Chamber officially handed over its audit report on the building permit issuance and denial process to the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs during a productive meeting focused on transparency, efficiency, and reform. The audit examined the legal framework, procedural integrity, and data usage in St. Maarten's building permit process (2020-2024), a critical system for managing development on an island with limited land resources, fragile ecosystems, and infrastructure constraints. The report is intended as a roadmap to reduce fraud risks and improve efficiency in permitting processes. The audit revealed that St. Maarten's permitting framework is fragmented and outdated. The Building and Housing Ordinance of 1935 remains the primary legal basis for construction, supplemented by ordinances and non-binding policies that lack formal legal status. The long-awaited island-wide zoning plan remains incomplete, forcing staff to interpret outdated policies on a case-by-case basis, which increases risks of inconsistent enforcement and legal uncertainty. The permit process operates largely through manual, paper-based workflows. While applications are logged in the system, neither applicants nor management can track progress effectively. Critical safety advice from entities like the Fire Department is sometimes disregarded without written justification, and ministerial decisions can deviate from expert recommendations without documented reasoning. Significant capacity constraints were identified. The Permits Department operates with limited staff, many lacking technical qualifications specified in official function descriptions, and no structured training program exists. At the time of the audit, only one Fire Department officer handled all permit-related reviews. During the handover meeting, the Ministry welcomed the five key recommendations and outlined concrete steps to address the recommendations: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The Ministry echoed the urgent need for SOPs to curb discretionary and inconsistent permit decisions. The Civil Works manual has been finalized, and will soon be published, clarifying circumstances under which certain permits are required. The creation of a general workflow document will also commence, to ensure uniform evaluation, through clear procedures, which will also help to mitigate the potential for a backlog. Digitalization: Recognizing that paper-based processes increase inefficiency and risk, the Ministry is preparing a Terms of Reference for automating and digitizing permitting processes. The request for managing this procurement, on behalf of the Ministry, is set for review at the end of next week. The digitalization effort will focus on improved customer communication, status tracking, and transparency. Capacity Building: The Netherlands, through the Ministry of BZK, provided VROMI 1.4 million to build capacity for the trust-fund related projects. Subsequent discussions have given way for the subsidy to also be used for building the necessary secondary capacity within the Ministry. The Ministry will be hiring between 6 and 9 people for a period of one year. VROMI is collaborating with the Ministry of VSAs National Employment Services Center (NESC) and will use their database to fill the vacancies, where possible. The vacancies are live as of today and can be found on the Governments social media. Interested people are encouraged to apply; the deadline is set for Friday, December 5, 2025. More structurally, the Ministry is in discussion on revising the existing function book, which regulates the positions, salaries, and tasks of civil servants. Accountability and Documentation: The Audit Chamber voiced its concerns regarding Ministerial deviation, that is, the ability of Ministers to accept or deny building permits without proper substantiation. The Minister outlined his efforts to ensure transparent decision-making with the introduction of memos that document concerns and deviations, if applicable. The Audit Chamber welcomed this initiative but noted that political change could mean the return to unsubstantiated deviations as observed in the past, underscoring the need to make mandatory, through law, the substantiation of a Ministerial deviation. Policy Updates: The Ministry outlined progress on several policies, including the land policy, the spatial economic strategy, the land price policy, and the domain affairs backlog, which have all been recently approved by the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie (TWO). In addition, the Ministry is awaiting the approval of its proposal to TWO for the completion of the zoning process for Sint Maarten. The Minister viewed the lack of uniformity in zoning as an obstacle to development. The lack of zoning creates an unclear and subsequently unfair playing field for persons who wish to develop a parcel of land. Approval currently relies on ministerial discretion to accept or deny the proposed advice. The realization of this zoning, coupled with our timeline to have a corrected National Decree on Administrative Enforcement by Q2 2026, will support our policies on beach and hillside use and strengthen our ability to implement and enforce our own laws, stated Gumbs. The General Audit Chamber thanked the Ministry for its exceptional cooperation, recognizing the openness of the staff throughout the audit process. The Minister invited the Audit Chamber to consider a follow-up report to assess the impact of the ongoing and proposed initiatives. Both parties commended the spirit of cooperation and emphasized the shared goal of depoliticizing and professionalizing the Ministry's operations through transparency and sustainable procedure reforms. The complete report is available on the General Audit Chamber's website. PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams is encouraging St. Maartens business community to embrace a locally rooted alternative to Black Friday by adopting 'Strength Savings during the islands Thanksgiving period, particularly on Friday, December 5th, and Saturday, December 6th. Wescot-Williams acknowledged that many businesses have already announced Black Friday promotions. Rather than discarding those efforts, she urged retailers to shift or extend their major sales into the first weekend of December under the 'Strength Savings banner. Black Friday is not part of our history or cultural identity, she said. But St. Maartens Thanksgiving is, and it is built on our resilience as a people. 'Strength Savings' gives us a way to celebrate that spirit while supporting our local economy. She reaffirmed that St. Maartens Thanksgiving, observed on the first Sunday of December, is a tradition born out of faith, gratitude, and the strength shown after every storm. At a time when we commemorate our resilience and offer thanks as an island, it is fitting that our business community joins in this moment, not by following imported customs, but by uplifting our own. Wescot-Williams encouraged retailers of all sizes to consider adopting 'Strength Savings', Built on Resilience. Celebrated with Savings, as an island-wide initiative, reinforcing national identity while offering meaningful value to residents and visitors. Let us take pride in what is ours. This December, I encourage our businesses to lead with the same strength that defines our people. WILLEMSTAD:--- Curacaos Social and Economic Council (Sociaal-Economische Raad, SER) today issued an advisory opinion to the Minister of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN), Mr. Gilmar Pisas, concerning a draft national decree that would amend the Landsbesluit Verstrekkingen Basisverzekering Ziektekosten 2014 and the Landsbesluit Medisch Tarief Sociale Verzekeringen 2001. The measure seeks to update the national schedule for medical laboratory diagnostics and establish maximum tariffs for each procedure that laboratories may charge the Social Insurance Bank (Sociale Verzekeringsbank, SVB). The scheduled tariff framework has, over time, become disconnected from the operational and technological realities of laboratory diagnostics. It is increasingly outdated, incomplete, and internally inconsistent, and no longer reflects present-day diagnostic practice. Rapid advances in technology and the growing complexity of laboratory services have widened the divide between the regulated tariffs and routine clinical operations. The proposed decree aims to bring the tariff structure into alignment with medical, technological, and societal developments, while contributing to efforts to contain health-care costs. In its review, the SER of Curacao also examined the approach of comparable jurisdictions to health-care tariff regulation. In the Netherlands, the Trade and Industry Appeals Tribunal (College van Beroep voor het bedrijfsleven, CBb) has made clear in several judgments that regulators must provide a transparent basis for how tariffs are set, disclose the cost-structures underpinning those decisions, and take measures to ensure that tariff regulation does not impose a disproportionate burden on providers. The tribunals jurisprudence underscores principles of careful preparatory work, transparent reasoning, and the protection of property rights under Article 1 of the First Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The SERs advisory opinion addresses the legal, economic, and operational facets of the proposed tariff framework and considers the potential implications for laboratories, payers, and patients once the decree is finalized. Photo: https://x.com/coe/ Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset called the discussion of a peace plan for Ukraine, prompted by a proposal from US President Donald Trump, a "positive thing." He made the corresponding statement while speaking at a meeting of the Committee of Ministers regarding a possible peaceful settlement for Ukraine. Like all of us, I have paid close attention to the recent developments around the prospect of a peaceful settlement in Ukraine. While it is too early to assess the outcome of the discussions taking place in Geneva, the fact that a somehow articulated proposal is on the table is in itself a positive thing, the Secretary General is quoted by his press service. At the same time, he urged "not to forget the context," since while discussions continue, "soldiers are dying on the front lines, and civilians are being killed in their homes." In this regard, Berset recalled the "shocking" Russian attack on Ternopil on November 19. Noting that the Council of Europe has been supporting Ukraine in resisting the full-scale aggression since day one in the areas where we make a difference, the Secretary General expressed conviction that now they must be ready to support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace. And we will do it where we have the most added value. Although we are not at the negotiating table, if you look at the substance, our work is clearly central in many areas covered by the proposed plan, Berset is convinced. He cited as examples the issues of elections, reparations, minority rights, including minority languages, religious tolerance, the path to EU accession, humanitarian issues, and possible assistance from the Venice Commission in any constitutional reform that might be initiated by the peace agreement. Think also about restoring functioning and democratic local institutions, including judicial, in de-occupied areas. The Council of Europe has a unique expertise in these fields. Any provisions of any peace agreement will have to produce ECHR compliant effects in post-war Ukraine. And it is the Strasbourg Court, our Court, which will ultimately assess those effects, the Secretary General stated. Berset emphasized that the Council of Europe Register of Damage and future Claims Commission will be independent international instruments for resolving issues of compensation for damages. The Hague Diplomatic Conference on 16 December will be the first fully-fledged diplomatic event addressing the implementation of one of the main elements of the peace process. It has been organised at ministerial level but it could very well be that the level will be higher, he announced. The Secretary General of the Council of Europe noted that at all his high-level meetings, starting with his official visit to Finland on Thursday, he will emphasize his commitment to Ukraine and his ability to use its unique experience in this area. I encourage all our member states, as well as our observer states and EU partners, to include these elements in their respective contributions to the peace process. Last but not least, I welcome the respective initiatives of our member states, Switzerland and Turkiye, in facilitating the negotiations, Berset added. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, is pleased to announce an extension to the Second Call for Proposals under Window 1 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme. Originally scheduled to close on Friday, November 21, 2025, the application deadline has now been extended to Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:59 PM. This extension offers welcome news and a second chance for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) that may have missed the original deadline. Eligible MSMEs operating in the Fisheries (including aquaculture), Marine Tourism, and Waste Management sectors in Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines now have additional time to submit their applications and take advantage of this transformative opportunity. A Powerful Opportunity for Blue Economy Growth The Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme provides funding support ranging from USD $5,000 to $25,000 to help enterprises: Upgrade equipment and facilities Improve production and processes Strengthen sustainability and resilience Expand market reach and competitiveness Build capacity through training and technical support Already, MSMEs awarded during the First Call for Proposals are experiencing significant improvements in operations, livelihoods, and business growth, demonstrating the programmes real impact on the Blue Economy across the region. Training Support Already Underway As part of the programmes commitment to building stronger businesses: Training sessions are currently underway in Grenada and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, equipping MSMEs with skills in business development, financial literacy, marketing, and sustainability. Saint Lucia has successfully completed its training series, with participants reporting increased confidence, readiness, and practical knowledge to strengthen their enterprises and prepare competitive grant applications. A Final Call to Apply MSMEs are strongly encouraged to take this final opportunity to submit their proposals, strengthen their businesses, and access funding that can transform their future within the Blue Economy. How to Apply A short instructional video on how to apply and submit proposals is included with this release to support applicants through the process. CAY HILL:--- Sixteen writers of Teen Times, a newspaper supplement of The Daily Herald for teenagers, recently toured the construction site of the new St. Maarten General Hospital (SMGH). Upon arrival, the excited writers were provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety during the tour, as it is an active construction site. The tour began with a presentation on SMMC and SMGH to allow the writers to make a connection between the construction concepts, technical drawings, floor plans, and the current progress. The presentation, given by SMGH Project Manager Erika van der Horst and Senior Communications Officer Shari de Riggs, covered various topics related to the hospital and the construction project, such as SMMCs history and current operations, construction progress, upcoming construction activities, and career opportunities within the new hospital. Many of the writers attended SMMCs Community Clean-up of Little Bay Pond and bird watching tour earlier in November and were able to make a link between the interior concept of the building and real-life inspiration. After the presentation and safety briefing by the Health and Safety Officer of FINSO, the projects general contractor, the team was led to the highest current point of the building, which was the fifth floor/technical level and worked their way back down to the ground floor. They were also able to see the future Operating Theaters, Dialysis Department, Radiology Department and Emergency Room. An eye-opener for them was seeing the less than one meter space between the new building and the current facility. The writers posed many thoughtful questions, indicating their interest in the future of the islands healthcare and hospital care systems and were invited to return for another tour upon the completion of the project. We were delighted to welcome the bright, young minds of the Teen Times team for a behind-the-scenes look at our hospital construction project. Engaging with the next generation of future healthcare professionals, community members, and patients of SMGH is essential as we work to build a sustainable, high-quality healthcare system that will serve them and generations to come, right here close to home, remarked SMMC. Both construction and organizational transition activities are in full swing as the hospital prepares to move from SMMC to SMGH in the near future. PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, November 21st, 2025, St. Dominic High School proudly represented Dutch St. Maarten in the Regional Rights of a Child Debate. Competing against teams from St. Kitts, Anguilla, Martinique, St. Barths, and French St. Martin, our students emerged victorious, winning the overall debate competition! Representing SDHS were the speakers: Nyah Kalmera (F5B), Aditi Rajpal (F4C), Tamanna Sharma (F4A), and Tanishka Shroff (F4A). The very next day, Saturday November 22nd, 2025, the debate team had readied themselves to faceoff St. Maarten Academy Academic in the finals of the Annual Interscholastic Debate Competition at the University of St. Martin. SDHS argued in favour of the moot: "Our Modern Carnival does not preserve the culture for the youth". Our speakers for this event were: Magdalina Dorlis (IB1), Tyrique Walsh (4C), and Tanya Halley (4B) Special congratulations to Magdalina, who was named the Best Speaker for the evening! That night, mentor for the Debate Team and Head of the Social Science Department, Ms. Daniella Arrindell, received high praises for her guidance and the team's growth throughout the competition season. The SDHS Debate Team consists of 31 students (including researchers, writers, and speakers) guided by Ms. Arrindell and supported by amazing parentsa true recipe for success! Congratulations to the entire team on this outstanding achievement!!! 5:51 PM PHILIPSBURG:--- The Funtopia Youth Foundation recently hosted its 3rd edition of the Youth Talk at Carl's and Sons Conference Center. This edition of Youth Talk features individuals from the community who are excelling in the creative economy. The youth talk forum serves as a platform for them to share their experiences, particularly their challenges, to inspire the younger generation. This session spotlighted the incredibly talented Sandrine Sasa Jerome, an active member of the organization since 2015. Through her journey with the group, she has acquired a diverse set of skills as a performance entertainer and now holds a senior position as a youth leader, conducting face painting workshops for new members. Sasa shared an empowering message about coping with social anxieties and offered practical life skills for navigating difficult situations in everyday life. She articulated how Funtopia helped her overcome barriers and nurture her passion for self-expression through performance art, delivering a truly inspiring speech. Adding further value to the event was guest speaker King Vers, who is no stranger to public speaking. He recounted his personal story of growing up in a challenging household and how he found opportunities on the streets that diverted him from his reality. Despite facing troubles and negative influences, he managed to grow through these life challenges and transform his perspective through music and acting. Today, he stands as one of St. Maarten's cultural icons. These opportunities to share life stories with impressionable youth, who may be experiencing similar situations, foster hope and bridge generational gaps. The highlight of the Youth Talk was the certificate ceremony for new members who participated in various skills training sessions over the past three months. Members who demonstrated consistency and engagement were recognized for their achievements. An average of 35 participants, aged 7 to 27, engaged in the Funtopia Skills Academy training workshops. The foundation is proud to recognize youth member Abigail Smith for her outstanding attendance and participation in the majority of training sessions. They would like to extend their gratitude to the following trainers for their invaluable support in cultivating cultural heritage skills: Orientation Day: Hosted by Foundation President Lucinda La Rich Audain and Vice President Apollonia Violenus, who addressed topics such as branding, customer service, and membership expectations. Caribbean Music and Rhythm: They were privileged to have Gwoka Riddim teacher Sammy from Guadeloupe, who taught the djembe players various rhythms and songs. Active students showcased their talent at the Caribbean Drum Festival hosted by Swalika in October. Traditional West African Djembe: Teacher Soulyeman Camara has been training the youth for two years, sharing the traditions of his African village through djembe and dundun ceremonial riddims. Dance Techniques: Teacher Rudy worked with members on advanced dance techniques in Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Modern styles. Face Painting and Henna Skills: Youth Leader Tamica Damier hosted workshops where members learned line skills and blending techniques for popular designs. Stilt Walking Training: Youth Leader Quair Hodge conducted basic stilt walking training for new walkers aged 7 to 12, as well as advanced stilt stunts for skilled teen walkers. Creative Art Expression Workshops: Foundation President La Rich Audain hosted Saturday workshops where participants explored their abstract inner landscapes through exercises that challenged them to convey emotions and feelings through shapes and colors with mixed media and surfaces. At the end of the session, the newly established Funtopia Youth Initiative Foundation's Social Events Committee took center stage to generate excitement for the 2026 social event calendar, designed to engage both members and the broader community. The committee is chaired by Amanda Smith, with Zymani Bass serving as Treasurer, Zovanique Lugiss as Secretary, and General Committee Members including Nariah Marlin, Sue Kishana Bera Simon, Laniesha Webster, Zora Eeswijk, Krista Hyman, and Sierra Hodge. The Funtopia Initiative Youth Foundation is immensely grateful for the community's unwavering support, which has been instrumental in making this event a resounding success. The Youth Talk continues to be a beacon of inspiration and empowerment, fostering a space where young minds can flourish, connect, and dream big. As we look forward to future editions, our commitment remains steadfast in nurturing the potential of tomorrow's leaders and creative thinkers. For those inspired to join or contribute to our mission, we welcome you to become a part of our growing family. Together, we can build a brighter future, one inspiring story at a time. Thank you for believing in the power of youth and the strength of community. The Funtopia Youth Initiative hosts these training and development programs through membership participation fees and fundraising efforts. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, please feel free to contact them via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Cupe Coy:--- Earlier this month, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the American University of the Caribbean (AUC), hosted its first First Aid / Heart Saver CPR AED and Stop the Bleed training for justice personnel. The session stems from discussions Minister Tackling held with AUC representatives earlier this year, focused on strengthening the Ministrys capacity, readiness, and service to the public. The training was facilitated by Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS) and AUC students and certified trainers, with participation from customs officers, the Secretary-General, cabinet staff, Immigration officers, and representatives from several justice departments. This initiative reflects Minister Tacklings commitment to strengthening the justice system from within, with additional capacity-building opportunities expected as the Ministry continues prioritizing preparedness and resilience across the justice chain. PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Prioritizing toy safety is essential to ensure a happy holiday. Its that time of year again, and the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as part of its annual observance calendar, is calling on the community to ensure safe holiday experiences for the entire family. The 2025 holiday season is here, and CPS advises shoppers that one of the key points this holiday season is to make sure that whatever gift you buy for a child, make sure that it's safe Shop Smart, Shop Safe. Check the safety information of toys before you purchase them. When shopping, always check the recommended age grade on the packaging. A toy marketed for older children may contain small parts that pose a serious choking hazard to infants and toddlers (children under three). Avoid toys with sharp edges, loud noises (which can damage hearing), or exposed wires. For stuffed animals and dolls, ensure all parts like eyes, buttons, and noses are firmly secured. It is also crucial to verify that any paint or material used is non-toxic and lead-free. Finally, confirm that battery compartments are secured with screws to prevent children from accessing or swallowing the batteries, which can be extremely dangerous. Beyond physical characteristics, consider the seller's reputation, especially when purchasing toys online. Counterfeit toys sold through unauthorized or unknown websites may not meet stringent safety standards (like those set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the USA). These products are often made with substandard, hazardous materials that can break easily, creating dangerous fragments or exposing children to harmful chemicals. Always look for certifications and markings that indicate compliance with safety regulations (like the CE mark in Europe or relevant US safety seals). Prioritizing reputable retailers ensures that the toys your children receive have undergone necessary quality checks, giving you peace of mind during the holiday season. Magnets For children under age six, avoid building sets with small magnets. If swallowed, serious injuries and/or death can occur. Small Parts For children younger than age three, avoid toys with small parts, which can cause choking. Ride-on Toys Riding toys, skateboards and in-line skates go fast, and falls could be deadly. Helmets and safety gear should always be sized to fit and worn when operating the aforementioned. Help instil safety discipline and road safety. Projectile Toys Projectile toys such as air rockets, darts and sling shots are for older children. Improper use of these toys can result in serious eye injuries. Chargers and Adapters Charging batteries should be supervised by adults. Chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children. One of the most important gifts of all to give a child is time spent with you as a parent/guardian this holiday season. As we prepare to celebrate the holidays, let us be mindful of how precious time is, stay close to home with immediate family and enjoy quality time from all the hustle and bustle. Press Release from Business Wire: Ant International (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 HO CHI MINH CITY, Nov 27, 2025 (BSW) - The Vietnam Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR Vietnam), established by the World Economic Forum and the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, and Ant International today announced a strategic partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance Vietnam's digital economy, foster innovation, and support Ho Chi Minh City's (HCMC) ambition to become an international financial centre and regional fintech hub. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126280083/en/ The partnership was announced at the Ho Chi Minh City Economic Forum 2025, officiated by Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc. As Vietnam emerges as one of Asia's most dynamic engines of trade, travel, and inclusive digital finance, the collaboration between C4IR Vietnam and Ant International aims to accelerate the country's Fourth Industrial Revolution agenda while strengthening HCMC's competitiveness in the global economy and expanding access for the country's small businesses. Beyond payment infrastructure, the partnership focuses on developing Vietnam's domestic fintech ecosystem through regulatory innovation and talent development. Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc expressed his hope that cooperation with Ant International would accelerate the city's progress toward becoming an international financial centre, advance digital transformation, train high-quality talent, and strengthen Vietnam's position in the global financial system. He commended the company's global leadership in digital payments, digitisation, financial technology and its ecosystem of advanced technology platforms, and acknowledged the positive contributions of Ant International in promoting digital transformation and developing Vietnam's fintech ecosystem. "We play together and win together," Chairman Duoc emphasised, underscoring a spirit of partnership and shared success. Accelerating Innovation and Digital Growth for Vietnam Both parties will collaborate across several key areas to enhance Vietnam's innovation ecosystem and ensure that businesses - particularly SMEs and startups - benefit from progressive policies, cutting-edge technology, and global connectivity: -- Promoting HCMC as an International Finance Centre: Jointly advise the city on regulatory strategies and policy support to attract foreign businesses, promote progressive innovation frameworks, leveraging Ant International's 6T (Travel Trade, Thrive, Technology, Talent, Trust) framework to shape future development. -- Enabling strong local innovation: Ant International will support HCMC and local partners in joint innovation initiatives and technology capacity-building to support fintech industry development. -- Globalising local SMEs: Enhance SME competitiveness in the regional and global economy by availing cutting-edge, tailored solutions via Ant International's Alipay+, Antom, Bettr and WorldFirst. -- Developing next-gen talent: Comprehensive training program to address skill gaps and mentorship of local startups, in areas such as digital finance, cross-border payments, compliance, and fintech operations, supporting Vietnam's approach of moving towards an innovation-led economy, and a regional hub for smart economic development and inclusive growth. Ant International's businesses already operate in Vietnam and will progressively expand merchant access, while all three parties will ensure continuous alignment towards the partnership goals, with regular evaluation of progress toward HCMC's financial center development targets. "Vietnam is one of the most exciting digital economies in the world today, powered by forward-looking policy, a vibrant startup ecosystem, and fast-growing local talent pool, " said Peng Yang, CEO of Ant International. "Ant International is excited to work with C4IR to advance the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. We are committed to expanding such public-private partnerships continuously to bring together policy innovation and technology expertise to drive inclusive growth in Vietnam and a much more vibrant and sustainable global digital economy." In a meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and leaders of ministries, branches and representatives of technology and financial companies at the Forum, Yang reinforced Ant International's support towards the development of Vietnam. "We believe Ho Chi Minh City has the unique opportunity to truly become a world-leading international financial centre and we're committed to supporting Vietnam to become a regional innovation hub under the leadership of the Prime Minister, with our full capabilities to implement the right technologies and regulation that brings real-world impact to the local community," he added. "Ant International will strengthen our presence and investments in Vietnam, making it one of our regional hubs for global market access." About Ant International Headquartered in Singapore, Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider offering a unified techfin platform to unlock next-gen commerce for all. In close collaboration with partners, they support merchants of all sizes worldwide to realize their growth aspirations through a comprehensive range of tech-driven digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126280083/en/ Contact Media Contact:Ant International PR[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: FPT Software (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 HANOI, Nov 27, 2025 (BSW) - Global IT services provider FPT, through its subsidiary FPT Software, has been listed among 12 Notable Vendors in the Gartner Asia/Pacific Context: Magic Quadrant for Public Cloud IT Transformation Services for the year 2025. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126542870/en/ Get access to the Gartner Asia/Pacific Context: Magic Quadrant for Public Cloud IT Transformation Serviceshere. This content is part of a larger body of research on this topic.Magic Quadrant for Public Cloud IT Transformation Services. FPT offers a comprehensive suite of cloud transformation services to facilitate the seamless transition to cloud environments, optimize existing cloud infrastructure, and ensure robust security and management. The company forged partnerships with cloud hyperscalers such as Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, Alibaba Cloud, and Oracle Cloud to deliver comprehensive and high-quality cloud and data services to its clients. "The increasing adoption of public cloud services presents both challenges and opportunities for organizations seeking enhanced operational agility and efficiency. With a deep focus on cloud-native expertise and a proven track record in large-scale migration projects, FPT is well-positioned to support businesses of all sizes as they navigate their cloud journeys and accelerate growth in a dynamic market environment," said Frank Bignone, Vice President and Director of Digital Transformation Division, FPT Software, FPT Corporation. Gartner Asia/Pacific Context: Magic Quadrant for Public Cloud IT Transformation Services, Tom Sieber, Tobi Bet, Anurag Bora, DD Mishra, 16 October 2025. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About FPT FPT Corporation (FPT) is a globally leading technology and IT services provider headquartered in Vietnam and operates in three core sectors: Technology, Telecommunications, and Education. Over more than three decades, FPT has consistently delivered impactful solutions to millions of individuals and tens of thousands of organizations worldwide. As an AI-first company, FPT is committed to elevating Vietnam's position on the global tech map and delivering world-class AI-enabled solutions for global enterprises. FPT focuses on three critical transformations: Digital Transformation, Intelligence Transformation, and Green Transformation. In 2024, FPT reported a total revenue of USD 2.47 billion and a workforce of over 54,000 employees across its core businesses. For more information about FPT's global IT services, please visit https://fptsoftware.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126542870/en/ Contact Media ContactMai Duong (Ms.)FPT CorporationFPT Software PR Manager[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. Putin wants legal recognition of Russian affiliation of Crimea and Donbas, recognition of decisions on Ukraine by major intl players Russia wants to reach an agreement with Ukraine, but this is currently legally impossible, Vladimir Putin stated. "Of course, we ultimately want to reach an agreement with Ukraine. But right now, it's simply practically impossible, legally impossible," Putin said at a press conference following his visit to Kyrgyzstan, according to Russian media. "Let those who can and want to negotiate with us. We need our decisions to be recognized by the main international players. This matters," Putin said. He noted that recognition by international players is crucial. "It's one thing when decisions are recognized. Certain territories are under Russian sovereignty. Violating these agreements would be an attack on the Russian Federation, with all the ensuing retaliatory measures from Russia. Or (otherwise) it would be perceived as an attempt to reclaim territories that rightfully belong to Ukraine. Of course, we need recognition," Putin said. He also said that legal recognition of the "Russian ownership of Crimea and Donbas" should be one of the key issues in the upcoming negotiations with the American side. "This should be the subject of our negotiations with the American side," he said. Thus, Putin answered the question of how he feels about the American side being ready to recognize Crimea and Donbas as Russian de facto, but not de jure. He also believes that the fighting in Ukraine will end when the Ukrainian Armed Forces withdraw from the territories they occupy in Donbas. "Ukrainian troops will withdraw from the territories they occupy, and then the fighting will cease. If they don't withdraw, we will achieve this by force of arms," Putin said. He also admitted the possibility that conditions might arise for contacts between Russia and the G7 countries if the peace plan for Ukraine is implemented, but he considers talk of this to be premature. "Perhaps, if we implement all the proposals we received within the list given to us by the American administration, perhaps some conditions for bilateral or multilateral contacts will emerge, but it is too early to talk about this," Putin said. Press Release from Business Wire: Stefanini Group (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 PARIS, Nov 27, 2025 (BSW) - Stefanini Group , a global tech consulting company with expertise in digital transformation and artificial intelligence solutions, today announces a significant, multi-faceted commitment to the French market. The company plans a major investment and strategic expansion throughout 2026. The announcement is timed to the participation of Marco Stefanini, Founder and Global CEO of Stefanini Group, in the technology panel at the LIDE Brazil-France Forum, scheduled in Paris for November 26-27, 2025. "France is a crucial hub for the next wave of global digital transformation. Our increased investment here reinforces our AI-First methodology for French enterprises, leveraging cutting-edge technology to accelerate their digital journey and drive a new era of efficiency and innovation," said Marco Stefanini. The company is aiming to substantially strengthen its presence in France through a dual approach: AI-driven organic growth and targeted acquisition. The CEO's visit will culminate with a private meeting with the President of France, Emmanuel Macron. Present in France for more than 15 years, Stefanini highlights the importance of technology to expand business opportunities with a focus on economic growth. "I am pleased to meet with President Macron to discuss the role of technology-especially AI-in supporting France's economic development," said Stefanini. The LIDE Brazil-France Forum is set to convene top executives and authorities for discussions focused on bilateral cooperation, investment prospects, and fostering a more robust economic relationship between Brazil and France and stimulate cooperation in strategic sectors. The forum is scheduled for November 27, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM, at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (Quai d'Orsay, 37). The proceedings will be transmitted live globally via TV LIDE, ensuring worldwide engagement. About Stefanini GroupStefanini Group is a global technology consulting company that offers a wide range of solutions with a co-creative approach and a constant focus on delivering results. The company supports organizations in their digital transformation journeys and in achieving operational excellence. With a portfolio fully powered by AI, the Stefanini Group brings together its broad offering across seven business units: Technology, Cyber, Data & Analytics, Financial Tech, Operations, Marketing, and Manufacturing. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251127234884/en/ Contact Vanessa Morais+1 (248)688.1121[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: GE HealthCare (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 CHICAGO, Nov 27, 2025 (BSW) - GE HealthCare today announced CE Mark for its new StarGuide? GX system,i a new digital 4D SPECT/CT designed with excellent precision, clinical efficiency and impressive versatility. This milestone marks a significant moment in molecular imaging's evolution, helping empower clinicians to expand research and help personalize care across a growing range of nuclear medicine applications and tracers - including the acquisition of alpha emitters. StarGuide GX comes at a pivotal time for the field of nuclear medicine. As complex diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's and cardiovascular disease become increasingly prevalent, the demand for precision diagnostics and targeted therapies is accelerating. StarGuide GX helps meet this need head-on, enabling clinicians to break free from energy-range limitations and image tracers with exceptional clarity. With growing demand for digital SPECT/CT - partially driven by the rise of theranostics - GE HealthCare's innovation arrives as departments seek all-in-one, scalable solutions to help manage increasing patient volumes and complex treatment protocols. "Our mission is to advance precision health by delivering technologies that meet the evolving needs of clinicians and patients," shares Jean-Luc Procaccini, President and CEO, Molecular Imaging and Computed Tomography, GE HealthCare. "As nuclear medicine evolves to meet the demands of precision health, StarGuide GX is designed to help researchers and clinicians stay ahead, offering a whole new range of possibilities with one scanner. This innovation reflects our commitment to purposeful technology - supporting cases across care pathways and the practice of theranostics - to help both expand clinical capabilities and improve outcomes for patients worldwide." Powered by its dual-sided CZT detector technology, StarGuide GX is designed to deliver ultra-high sensitivity and high-resolution imaging - enabling fast, confident diagnostics. The system's patented dual collimator detector design helps eliminate the need for traditional manual or automated external exchanges, streamlining workflows and helping users avoid physical strain. Moreover, StarGuide GX leverages NVIDIA RTX accelerated computing to optimize the reconstruction process and help reduce the time it takes to generate images. Intentionally designed for versatility, StarGuide GX represents an all-in-one system virtually capable of imaging all energy levels for general-purpose SPECT imaging - as well as the acquisition of investigational alpha therapies such as Actinium-225 - with excellent image quality, optimizing it for exploring imaging of emerging therapies. The system's ability to image closer to organs helps deliver excellent resolution and quantitation, both of which are important for treatment planning and monitoring. This enables clinicians to image tracers with exceptional clarity, with impressive workflow efficiency. "StarGuide GX is an innovation sure to prove valuable now and in the future," says Erez Levy, Executive Director, Molecular Imaging, GE HealthCare. "Its ability to image alpha emitters and deliver accurate quantitation in short scan times could create new opportunities for clinicians to personalize treatment with great confidence. This technology holds the promise of expanding nuclear medicine's research capabilities and clinical practice - with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for patients across a wide range of conditions." Operationally, StarGuide GX is designed to support clinical efficiency, enabling fast scans, precise dynamic imaging and helping reduce traditional collimator exchange workflows from minutes to seconds. It's designed to reduce workload, helping departments manage growing patient volumes with limited resources. Additionally, the system features a lead-free laser-printed collimator that supports global sustainability goals and contributes to its impressive image quality. As nuclear medicine - and the practice of theranostics - expands, StarGuide GX equips healthcare providers with the tools needed to lead in research, clinical innovation and personalized care. With StarGuide GX's CE Marking, GE HealthCare continues to deliver on its promise to transform the future of nuclear medicine - helping empower clinicians, improve outcomes and advance precision health for patients worldwide. For more information on GE HealthCare's molecular imaging portfolio, visit gehealthcare.com. Healthcare system representatives from CE Mark-observing countries are also invited to explore StarGuide GX in person at the Radiological Society of North America's (RSNA) Annual Meeting in Chicago, November 30-December 3. About GE HealthCare Technologies Inc. GE HealthCare is a trusted partner and leading global healthcare solutions provider, innovating medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and integrated, cloud-first AI-enabled solutions, services and data analytics. We aim to make hospitals and health systems more efficient, clinicians more effective, therapies more precise, and patients healthier and happier. Serving patients and providers for more than 125 years, GE HealthCare is advancing personalized, connected and compassionate care, while simplifying the patient's journey across care pathways. Together, our Imaging, Advanced Visualization Solutions, Patient Care Solutions and Pharmaceutical Diagnostics businesses help improve patient care from screening and diagnosis to therapy and monitoring. We are a $19.7 billion business with approximately 53,000 colleagues working to create a world where healthcare has no limits. GE HealthCare is proud to be among 2025 Fortune World's Most Admired Companies?. Follow us on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, and Insights for the latest news, or visit our website https://www.gehealthcare.com for more information. i StarGuide GX is CE marked. Available for sale in EU member states. Not approved or cleared by the U.S. FDA. Not available for sale in the United States and other non-EU member state countries. ii StarGuide GX with Low-Medium collimator has up to 2.67x increase in System Volume Sensitivity as compared to NM/CT 870 DR with LEHRS collimator. Measured per NEMA NU-1 2023. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251127633815/en/ Contact GE HealthCare Media Contact:Margaret Steinhafel+1 608 381 8829[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: Klarna Group plc (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 STOCKHOLM, Nov 27, 2025 (BSW) - Klarna, the global digital bank and flexible payments provider, today announces a new multi-market partnership with Lufthansa Group, Europe's leading airline group. The new agreement is facilitated by Klarna's integration with Adyen, the financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses. From November, Lufthansa Group customers will be able to choose Klarna's flexible payment options at checkout when booking travel experiences. This new integration gives travellers greater control and convenience by offering the choice to pay in full, pay later, or spread the cost of their journey over time. The new options will be available first to customers in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. "Travel is one of the most meaningful investments people make," saidDavid Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer at Klarna. "Together, we're giving travellers the confidence to book their trips their way-with more flexibility, transparency, and choice than ever before." "At Lufthansa Group, we put the needs and a convenient booking experience of our customers at the center of everything we do," says Oliver Schmitt, Head of Digital Customer Solutions Lufthansa Group. "By leveraging our digital capabilities and partnering with Klarna and Adyen, we can now offer greater choice and flexibility in how customers pay for their journeys." "We're proud to support Lufthansa Group with our technology and global payments network,"said Alexa von Bismarck, President EMEA at Adyen."By combining Adyen's reliable infrastructure with Klarna's innovative payment solutions, Lufthansa Group customers will benefit from a smooth and flexible checkout experience." This collaboration reflects the growing global demand for smarter, more flexible ways to pay for travel. The rollout began in mid- November across Lufthansa Group's home markets and a selection of further important markets, with plans to expand across all Lufthansa Group Network Airlines, namely Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, and Brussels Airlines by the end of Q2 2026. The partnership adds to Klarna's growing list of leading travel brands-including Airbnb, Expedia, Booking.com, and Hotels.com-as more travellers embrace fairer, more flexible ways to pay for their travel. About Klarna Klarna is a global digital bank and flexible payments provider. With over 114 million global active Klarna users and 3.4 million transactions per day, Klarna's AI-powered payments and commerce network is empowering people to pay smarter with a mission to be available everywhere for everything. Consumers can pay with Klarna online, in-store and through Apple Pay & Google Pay. More than 850,000 retailers trust Klarna's innovative solutions to drive growth and loyalty, including Uber, H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macy's, Ikea, Expedia Group, Nike and Airbnb. Klarna is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: KLAR). For more information, visitKlarna.com. Category: Partnership News View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251127294877/en/ 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. European Space Agency secures record 22 bn euro budget Bremen, Germany, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 The European Space Agency announced Thursday it had secured a budget of 22.1 billion euros to fund its programmes for the next three years, as the continent aims to ramp up its space efforts. The amount is five billion euros more than the ESA's 23 member states committed in 2022 -- and is almost all of the 22.2-billion-euro ($25.7 billion) budget proposed by the agency. "This has never happened before," Josef Aschbacher told the ESA's ministerial council meeting in the German city of Bremen. Ahead of the meeting, experts had expected a budget of around 20 billion euros. The new pledge demonstrates that space is an "economic sector that is growing very fast," Aschbacher said. "It is also more and more important for security and defence, and it is a domain where Europe has to catch up," he added. The ESA, which is 50 years old this year, coordinates civil space projects between its member countries and also works with European Union bodies. The space industry has changed significantly in recent years as private companies such as billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX have dominated the space launch sector. Europe also briefly lost an independent way to launch its projects into space after Russia pulled its rockets following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In the United States, President Donald Trump has targeted space agency NASA with stiff budget cuts since returning to the White House in January. However, the ESA said this week that NASA has confirmed it will contribute to Europe's Martian rover Rosalind Franklin. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2028 aiming to probe the surface of Mars for signs of extraterrestrial life. Europe secures record space budget to boost indepedence Bremen, Germany, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 The European Space Agency announced Thursday it had secured a record budget of 22.1 billion euros to fund its programmes for the next three years, as the continent seeks greater independence in space. The ESA also approved a plan to bolster security and defence cooperation and laid out future plans for scientific space missions at a ministerial council meeting in the German city of Bremen. The agency's 23 member states committed five billion euros more than 2022's budget, with the total representing almost all of the 22.2-billion-euro ($25.7 billion) funding sought by the agency. "This has never happened before," ESA director general Josef Aschbacher told the meeting. "You have written history." Ahead of the meeting, experts had expected a budget of around 20 billion euros. The new pledges demonstrate that space is an "economic sector that is growing very fast," Aschbacher emphasised. "It is also more and more important for security and defence, and it is a domain where Europe has to catch up," he added. At the heart of the discussions in Bremen was the European Resilience from Space programme, which includes Earth observation, navigation and telecommunications. The programme, with an estimated 1.35-billion-euro budget, has both civilian and military applications and aims to strengthen European security. Germany was the biggest contributor to the total budget with more than five billion euros, while France put in 3.7 billion euros. - Rockets and telescopes - The space industry has changed significantly in recent years as billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX has risen to dominate the space launch sector. Europe meanwhile lost an independent way to launch its projects into space after Russia pulled its rockets following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. After repeated delays, Europe's new heavy lift Ariane 6 rocket finally blasted off last year. However the rocket is not reusable, unlike SpaceX's Falcon 9 workhorse. So the ESA is planning to contract out the job of developing the continent's first reusable rocket, having named a shortlist of potential companies. In Bremen, the European Launcher Challenge received more than 900 million euros in contributions -- twice what had been proposed, Aschbacher said. The funding boost for the ESA comes as US space agency NASA faces stiff budget cuts under President Donald Trump. However, the ESA said this week that NASA has confirmed it will contribute to Europe's Martian rover Rosalind Franklin. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2028 aiming to probe the surface of Mars for signs of extraterrestrial life. Among the scientific projects the ESA has proposed for the future -- but have not yet been approved -- is the first space-based laser observatory called LISA aimed at studying gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime first predicted by Albert Einstein. Another is the X-ray telescope NewAthena, which would study extreme events in the universe such as supermassive black holes. There is also a plan to send a spacecraft to Saturn's moon Enceladus, which scientists suspect could have a liquid ocean under its icy shell that might even have the ability to host life. The ESA also has a joint proposal with Japan to send a spacecraft called Ramses to study the asteroid Apophis as it zings past Earth in 2029, hoping to learn more about how to fend off dangerous space rocks in the future. fbr/dl/rl Europe secures record space budget to boost independence Bremen, Germany, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 The European Space Agency announced Thursday it had secured a record budget of 22.1 billion euros to fund its programmes for the next three years, as the continent seeks greater independence in space. The ESA also approved a plan to bolster defence cooperation and laid out plans for scientific space missions at a ministerial council meeting in the German city of Bremen. The agency's 23 member states committed five billion euros more than 2022's budget, with the total representing almost all of the 22.2-billion-euro ($25.7 billion) funding sought by the agency. "This has never happened before," ESA director general Josef Aschbacher told the meeting. The amount of funding "speaks volumes -- it's a sign of confidence in the agency, Aschbacher AFP in an interview. At the heart of the discussions in Bremen was the European Resilience from Space programme, which includes Earth observation, navigation and telecommunications. The programme, with an estimated 1.35-billion-euro budget, has both civilian and military applications. "Defence is always a matter of national sovereignty," said Aschbacher. "But pooling and sharing assets also has a European dimension." One example was increasing "the number of observations and satellite images for intelligence and surveillance purposes", he said. If the United States and China continue building huge constellations of satellites and Europe does nothing, Aschbacher feared "the same thing will happen as with Starlink: there will be a dominant US company threatening our European companies and our position". Germany was the biggest contributor to the total budget with more than five billion euros, followed by France with 3.7 billion. - Rockets and telescopes - The industry has changed significantly in recent years as billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX has risen to dominate the space launches. Europe lost an independent way to launch its missions into space after Russia pulled its rockets following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. After repeated delays, Europe's new heavy lift Ariane 6 rocket finally blasted off last year. However the rocket is not reusable, unlike SpaceX's Falcon 9 workhorse. So the ESA is planning to contract out the job of developing the continent's first reusable rocket, having named a shortlist of potential companies. In Bremen, the European Launcher Challenge received more than 900 million euros in contributions -- twice what had been proposed, Aschbacher said. The funding boost for ESA comes as US space agency NASA faces stiff budget cuts under President Donald Trump. However, the ESA said this week that NASA had confirmed it would contribute to Europe's Martian rover Rosalind Franklin. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2028 aiming to drill into the surface of Mars looking for signs of extraterrestrial life. Among the scientific projects the ESA has proposed for the future -- but have not yet been approved -- is the first space-based laser observatory aiming to study gravitational waves, which are ripples in spacetime first predicted by Albert Einstein. Another is the X-ray telescope NewAthena, which would study extreme events in the universe such as supermassive black holes. There is also a plan to send a spacecraft to Saturn's moon Enceladus, which scientists suspect could have a liquid ocean under its icy shell that might be able to host life. The ESA also has a joint proposal with Japan to send a spacecraft called Ramses to study the asteroid Apophis as it zings past Earth in 2029, hoping to learn more about how to fend off dangerous space rocks in the future. - European astronauts to the Moon? - Also on Thursday, the ESA announced that the first European astronauts to participate in NASA's Artemis programme -- which aims to return humans to the Moon -- will be from Germany, France and Italy. "I can announce today that the first flight will be allocated to a German astronaut," Aschbacher said on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting. The programme's first crewed mission to the Moon -- which will not set foot on its surface -- is planned to launch in the first half of next year. French astronaut Thomas Pesquet, one of his country's leading candidates, said in Bremen that "it has never really been officially confirmed, so this is a positive." "It means that Europe has its place in this adventure," he added. fbr/dl/jj Photo: https://eurosolidarity.org/ The faction of the European Solidarity party insists on the meeting of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the leaders of the parliamentary factions on the issue of the work of the negotiating group on the "peace agreements" and demands the exclusion of all persons compromised by corruption scandals from this group. "European Solidarity insists on the meeting of Volodymyr Zelenskyy with the leaders of the parliamentary factions. The president should not limit himself to comfortable communication with his faction he is obliged to explain to the entire parliament, regardless of political sympathies, what directives and 'red lines' were given to the Ukrainian negotiating team," the faction said in a statement posted on its website on Thursday. It is noted that the deputies of European Solidarity condemn the practice when "Ukrainians learn about the progress of the 'peace agreements' last and exclusively through Western or Russian media. The Ukrainian people have the right to know the truth about the details of the negotiations that concern the future of the country." "Unfortunately, the negotiating team that represents Ukraine today does not consist of professional diplomats, but of individuals discredited by corruption scandals," the statement reads. "European Solidarity demands the immediate exclusion of all compromised individuals from the negotiating team and the involvement of professional diplomats, professionals who have the appropriate expertise and experience, and will protect the national interests of Ukraine, and not themselves from criminal cases," according to the document. "Last week, European Solidarity registered and will demand priority consideration at the plenary session on December 2 of an appeal to Zelenskyy and the Government regarding the immediate resignation from their positions of the compromised Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council and the Head of the President's Office," the faction said. "We also demand the resignation of all those involved in the corruption schemes that became known from the NABU investigation - from the heads of financial monitoring Philip Pronin to members of supervisory boards and other high-ranking officials," the faction said. "The number one task today is to restore the subjectivity of the parliament, the resignation of the unprofessional and corrupt 'CabMindich' and the formation of a government of national salvation. We continue to collect signatures for the resignation of the government and once again appeal to colleagues from Batkivschyna and the pro-Ukrainian wing of Servant of the People put your signatures. Do not deepen the political crisis," the statement reads. G.Bissau rocked by coup, president's arrest Bissau, Nov 26 (AFP) Nov 26, 2025 Military officials in Guinea-Bissau said they had seized "total control" of the coup-prone west African country Wednesday, arresting its president, closing its borders and suspending its electoral process three days after general elections. Heavy gunfire rang out near the presidential palace earlier in the day, with men in military uniform taking over the main road leading to the building. In the early afternoon, General Denis N'Canha, head of the presidential military office, told journalists that a command "composed of all branches of the armed forces" was assuming control of the country "until further notice". He read the announcement seated at a table and surrounded by armed soldiers. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, who had been favoured to win re-election in last Sunday's polls, was arrested and being held at general-staff headquarters where he was being "well-treated", a military source told AFP. A senior officer who also confirmed the arrest added that Embalo had been detained along "with the chief of staff and the minister of the interior". Opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira, who was barred from last weekend's presidential election by the Supreme Court, was also arrested Wednesday, according to two sources close to him. Unable to run, Pereira cast his support behind opposition candidate Fernando Dias. He and Embalo had both already declared victory in the presidential race, with official provisional results expected Thursday. Guinea-Bissau has experienced four coups since independence, as well as multiple attempted coups. Political stability was one of the major issues in the election, given the nation's turbulent past. In October the country's army said it thwarted an "attempt to subvert the constitutional order" and arrested several senior military officers. - Curfew and closed borders - N'Canha, in his declaration Wednesday, claimed a plan had been uncovered to destabilise Guinea-Bissau "involving national drug lords", which had included "the introduction of weapons into the country to alter the constitutional order". In addition to halting "the entire electoral process", he said military forces had suspended "all media programming", closed "land, air, and sea" borders, and imposed a mandatory curfew. By the end of the day, the streets of Bissau were deserted, and the military had taken control of all the main thoroughfares, AFP journalists observed. Guinea-Bissau is among the world's poorest countries and is also a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a trade facilitated by the nation's long history of political instability. The country's National Electoral Commission (CNE) was additionally attacked by unidentified armed men on Wednesday, commission communications official Abdourahmane Djalo told AFP. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "following the situation with deep concern", his spokesman said, and urged all stakeholders to "exercise restraint and respect the rule of law". The country's former colonial ruler Portugal additionally called for the resumption of the electoral process, discouraging "any act of institutional or civic violence". - Repeat crises - More than 6,780 security personnel, including from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Stabilisation Force, were deployed for Guinea-Bissau's vote and the post-election period. Observation missions from the African Union and ECOWAS, plus the West African Elders Forum, expressed "deep concern" in a statement, deploring what they called a "blatant attempt to disrupt the democratic process". Guinea-Bissau's last presidential vote in 2019 was marked by a four-month post-election crisis as both main candidates claimed victory. That election pitted Embalo against Pereira, the candidate from the country's main opposition party PAIGC, which secured Guinea-Bissau's independence from Portugal in 1974. Sunday's election notably excluded PAIGC and Pereira, who were struck from the final list of candidates and parties by the Supreme Court, which said they had filed their official applications too late. In 2023, Embalo dissolved the legislature -- which was dominated by the opposition -- and has since ruled by decree. The opposition says PAIGC's exclusion from the presidential and parliamentary elections amounts to "manipulation" and maintains that Embalo's term expired on February 27, five years to the day after his inauguration. The west African region has been rife with coups in recent years, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea all seeing their governments toppled. Israeli army launches new operation in West Bank Tubas, Palestinian Territories, Nov 26 (AFP) Nov 26, 2025 Israel's military on Wednesday launched a new operation against Palestinian armed groups in the occupied West Bank, where a local governor told AFP that Israeli forces had raided several towns. The Israeli military, police and internal security service said in a joint statement that they had begun "a broad counter-terrorism operation" in the north of the Palestinian territory after they received intelligence about "attempts to establish terrorist strongholds". The military said the operation began with air strikes to isolate the area, which were followed by "searches" on the ground, during which suspects were questioned and funds were confiscated. It also said it shot and killed a "terrorist (who) hurled an explosive toward (Israeli) troops operating in the Qabatiya area", in the Jenin governorate, adjacent to Tubas. The Israeli army confirmed to AFP that it was a new operation, and not part of the one launched in January 2025, which primarily targeted Palestinian refugee camps in the northern West Bank. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. The operation, which began overnight, was taking place in predominantly agricultural Tubas, the northeasternmost of the 11 governorates in the West Bank. Ahmed al-Asaad, governor of the Tubas region, told AFP: "This is the first time that the entire governorate is included -- the whole governorate is now under Israeli army operations." Asaad said Israeli forces raided the towns of Tammun and Tayasir and the Al-Faraa Palestinian refugee camp. "The army has closed the city entrances with earth mounds, so there is no movement at all," he added. He told AFP that "an Apache helicopter" was involved in the operation, and said it had fired in the direction of residential areas. "This is a political operation, not a security one," he said. - Injuries reported - An AFP photographer saw some soldiers walking around inside Tubas city, with a few armoured cars driving through and a surveillance aerial vehicle buzzing overhead. Most shops were closed. The road entrance to nearby Tammun had been closed off by a military vehicle. An ambulance was allowed to go through but citizens were not. Armoured cars were driving around at the scene. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said its teams in the governorate had treated 10 injured people, four of whom had to be transferred to hospital. It added that some of its teams were "facing obstruction in transporting patients in the city of Tubas and the town of Tammun since dawn" and were still responding to calls for help following the raids. The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA said on Wednesday evening that a curfew had been imposed in the area, and that at least two dozen families were forced to evacuate as Israeli troops took over their homes. Militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad condemned the Israeli operation. Hamas said in a statement that it was part of a policy "aimed at crushing any Palestinian presence in order to achieve complete control over the West Bank". Violence in the West Bank has soared since Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel triggered the Gaza war, and has not ceased despite the fragile truce between Israel and Hamas coming into effect last month. Israeli troops or settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians, many of them militants, but also scores of civilians, in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war, according to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry figures. At least 44 Israelis, including both soldiers and civilians, have been killed in Palestinian attacks or Israeli military operations, according to official Israeli figures. Drone strike hits Iraq gas complex, cuts supply Arbil, Iraq, Nov 26 (AFP) Nov 26, 2025 A drone strike on Wednesday targeted an Emirati-owned gas complex in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, disrupting the gas supply to the region's power plants, local authorities said. "At 11:30 pm (2030 GMT), a drone attacked the Khor Mor gas field facility, cutting off all gas supplies to power plants," the regional natural resources and electricity authorities said in a statement. AFP correspondents in Kurdistan reported power cuts across the region, including in the city of Sulaimaniyah. The Khor Mor gas field lies between the cities of Kirkuk and Sulaimaniyah and supplies most of the Kurdistan region's power. Omed Ahmed, the regional electricity authority spokesperson, said the attack resulted in the loss of 2,600 megawatts of electricity, disrupting 80 percent of the region's power grid. Authorities said they were coordinating with the United Arab Emirates company Dana Gas to investigate the attack and restore operations. A local security source told AFP that the attack "targeted gas storage tanks, causing a major explosion and large fire". Iraq's Joint Operations Command, which coordinates between security forces and the military, said the attack, which set fire to a major storage tank, did not cause casualties. It added that the attack aims at "hindering security and economic stability" in a country that has just recently regained a sense of stability. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Long plagued by conflict, Iraq frequently suffers such attacks. Unclaimed Katyusha rocket and drone attacks have targeted the Khor Mor complex several times in recent years. In April 2024, four Yemeni workers were killed in a drone attack on the facility. Earlier this year, the Kurdistan region saw a spate of unclaimed drone attacks mostly against oilfields. strs-cbg/rh/kjm Press Release from Business Wire: JPMorgan Chase & Co. (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 LONDON, Nov 27, 2025 (BSW) - JPMorganChase is proud to announce its intention to build a new three-million square feet tower in London. This transformative project would enable additional capacity for the firm to grow by creating a world-class workplace for up to 12,000employees, further strengthening London's position as a global financial hub. The plans are subject to a continuing positive business environment in the UK and the receipt of the necessary approvals and agreements at a national and local level. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126040802/en/ Artist's impression: The view from JPMorganChase's Riverside office Serving as the firm's principal headquarters in the UK and its most significant presence in EMEA, the building would be situated on the Riverside development in Canary Wharf. The plans will provide employees and clients with a first-class working environment against a backdrop of uninterrupted views across the River Thames to central London. The building is being designed by British architects, Foster + Partners, who also designed the firm's iconic global headquarters at 270 Park Avenue in New York City. Its construction is expected to take six years and will begin as soon as necessary approvals and agreements are in place. Canary Wharf Group is working as co-developer on the project, and the firm is being advised independently by Sir George Iacobescu. Jamie Dimon, Chairman & CEO of JPMorganChase,said: "London has been a trading and financial hub for more than a thousand years, and maintaining it as a vibrant place for finance and business is critical to the health of the UK economy. This building will represent our lasting commitment to the city, the UK, our clients and our people. The UK government's priority of economic growth has been a critical factor in helping us make this decision." While the building is constructed, JPMorganChase will also make interim upgrades to the interior of its existing building at 25 Bank Street. An independent study commissioned by the bank with a major consulting firm estimates that the combined project could contribute approximately pound9.9 billion ($13 billion) to the UK economy over the next six years, creating more than 7,800 jobs across construction and other local industries. It also found that, through JPMorganChase's 13,000 employees and operations in London, the firm contributes nearly pound7.5 billion ($9.8 billion) annually to the local economy, supporting 38,000 jobs across the surrounding ecosystem. Rachel Reeves, UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "My Budget doubles down on growth as our number one priority by creating the conditions for businesses to invest and succeed. I am thrilled that JPMorganChase has chosen London for its landmark new building - a multi-billion pound vote of confidence in the UK economy and this government's plans for growth, which are built on the rock of stability." Sir Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London,said:"JPMorganChase's landmark investment in a new building here in London is a huge vote of confidence in the capital's future and a testament to our enduring status as a global powerhouse for finance, innovation, and talent. London is open to investment and the huge opportunities that it brings. This major commitment will create jobs and further strengthen London's position at the centre of the global economy, driving growth across the UK." Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, said:"As Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, I am proud of the success of Canary Wharf, which is creating investment and job opportunities for local residents and boosting the ecosystem around local businesses. This announcement from JPMorganChase is fantastic and welcome news for the long-term prosperity of our Borough. We are excited by the opportunity that this investment can bring including the creation of a new world class park on the River Thames and the shared space for our community, Londoners and visitors to our city to enjoy." Modern community space and an investment in employees In collaboration with Canary Wharf Group, plans include new public parkland surrounding the building, a redevelopment of the Canary Wharf dock, and improved access to the Riverside area of Canary Wharf. The building itself will provide exceptional collaboration spaces, and state of the art trading floors. It will support employees' physical and emotional well-being with facilities including: terraces and roof-tops, wellness spaces, nursing rooms, restaurants and cafes, and ample bicycle parking spaces. Conor Hillery, Co-CEO of JPMorganChase in EMEA, said: "There should be no doubt about the enduring appeal of London as a world-class financial centre, and this investment would prove it. This is something for our employees to look forward to, and we can't wait to get the construction underway." Matthieu Wiltz, Co-CEO of JPMorganChase in EMEA, added: "So many of us across Europe have built our finance careers in London, and we are aiming to build a legacy that will benefit the city and its communities for generations to come." Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group,said: "We are delighted that JPMorganChase has once again chosen Canary Wharf as their primary UK location. The scale and ambition of this scheme - set to become the largest office building in London - demonstrates the continued momentum behind Canary Wharf's evolution and JPMorganChase's commitment to outstanding workplaces." JPMorganChase currently operates in London primarily from two main buildings that it owns: 25 Bank Street in Canary Wharf (for its Commercial & Investment Bank) and 60 Victoria Embankment in the City (for Asset & Wealth Management). It also leases space at One Cabot Square to accommodate its International Consumer Bank, including Chase UK, which continues to grow and now has over 2.6 million customers. Once the Riverside development is complete, London-based employees will consolidate in the new building as well as the existing property at 60 Victoria Embankment, and the firm will consider its options for 25 Bank Street. This news follows another recent investment announcement from the firm of up to pound350 million (over $450 million) in its Bournemouth campus. More information can be found here. Expansion of Security & Resiliency Initiative Extending on this commitment, JPMorganChase will in the coming months bring its Security & Resiliency Initiative (SRI) to the UK. First announced in the US in October, SRI is a $1.5 trillion, 10-year plan to facilitate, finance and invest in key strategic areas such as: defence and aerospace, energy independence and the supply chains for critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. As in the US, the UK commitment will include direct equity and venture capital investments from JPMorganChase, and further details will follow soon. Working to boost skills and jobs training in the UK JPMorganChase is committed to working with local communities wherever it is based. In 2024, the firm expanded its commitment to the UK by announcing pound40 million in new investments over five years to help connect young people and underserved communities to economic opportunities - bringing the firm's total commitment since 2019 to pound90 million. Since then, the firm has deployed over pound10 million in the programme's first year through support for non-profit organisations such as the Careers & Enterprise Company, Young Enterprise, Nest Insights, and other partners. Beyond this deployment, which focuses on financial health and skills, JPMorganChase has also provided an additional pound5.2 million to support small businesses in the UK. More information can be found here. The bank has also worked closely for many years with organisations in the borough of Tower Hamlets, where Canary Wharf is situated. Over the past two years, 370 JPMorganChase employees have helped over 1,600 Tower Hamlets secondary school students build employability skills through the firm's work with non-profit, The Switch. JPMorganChase is committed to working collaboratively with the community and the UK government to deliver the Riverside project that reflects a shared vision for the future of London. About JPMorganChase in the UK With a legacy dating back more than 200 years in the UK, JPMorganChase has a track record of demonstrating leadership during times of both economic growth and financial instability. The firm provides pound600 billion in credit and capital to nearly 4,500 medium and large companies and supports over two and a half million retail customers. In the UK's Innovation Economy sector, made up of early stage high growth venture capital backed companies, JPMorganChase is aiming to lend more than $2 billion by 2030. At the same time, together with its non-profit partners the firm has supported over 33,300 low income households reduce their debt and improve their financial health, helped nearly 20,000 small businesses to grow their activity and placed over 9,800 individuals into apprenticeships or full and part-time employment. JPMorganChase has 23,000 employees in the UK, including: 13,000 in London, 5,300 in Bournemouth and 4,000 in Glasgow and Edinburgh. About JPMorganChase JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America ("U.S."), with operations worldwide. JPMorganChase had $4.6 trillion in assets and $360 billion in stockholders' equity as of September 30, 2025. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing and asset management. Under the J.P. Morgan and Chase brands, the Firm serves millions of customers in the U.S., and many of the world's most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients globally. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available atwww.jpmorganchase.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251126040802/en/ Contact Media Contact: Patrick Burton+44 20 7134 9041[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. Japan denies report that Trump told PM not to provoke China on Taiwan Tokyo, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Japan denied on Thursday a Wall Street Journal report that said US President Donald Trump had advised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi not to provoke China over Taiwan's sovereignty. The row between Asia's two biggest economies began after Takaichi suggested this month that Tokyo could intervene militarily in any attack on self-ruled Taiwan, which China claims as part of its territory. According to Beijing's foreign ministry, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pressed the issue in a phone call with Trump on Monday, saying Taiwan's return was an "integral part of the post-war international order". The WSJ reported on Thursday that, shortly after that discussion, "Trump set up a call with Takaichi and advised her not to provoke Beijing on the question of the island's sovereignty". It cited unidentified Japanese officials and an American briefed on the call. However, Japan's top government spokesman Minoru Kihara denied the Journal's account. "The article has a passage that says, on the question of Taiwan's sovereignty, (Trump) advised her not to provoke the Chinese government. There is no such fact," Kihara told a regular media briefing, without elaborating. Takaichi said in her reporting of the call with Trump that they discussed the US president's conversation with Xi, as well as bilateral relations. "President Trump said we are very close friends, and he offered that I should feel free to call him anytime," she said. But according to the WSJ, "the Japanese officials said the message was worrying". "The president didn't want friction over Taiwan to endanger a detente reached last month with Xi, which includes a promise to buy more agricultural products from American farmers hit hard by the trade war," it said. - 'Seriously erroneous' - Beijing, which has threatened to use force to take control of the self-ruled island, responded furiously to Takaichi's initial remarks in parliament on November 7. It summoned Tokyo's ambassador and advised Chinese citizens against travelling to Japan. The Chinese embassy in Japan warned people to be careful again on Wednesday, saying there had been a surge in crime and that Chinese citizens had reported "being insulted, beaten and injured for no reason". Japan's foreign ministry denied any increase in crime, citing figures from the National Police Agency in response that showed the number of murders from January to October had halved compared to the same period in 2024. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reiterated on Thursday a call for Japan to officially retract Takaichi's comments. "The Japanese side's attempt to downplay, dodge, and cover up Prime Minister Takaichi's seriously erroneous remarks by not raising them again is self-deception," Guo told a regular news briefing. "China will never accept this." France to restore voluntary military service, says Macron Varces-Allieres-et-Risset, France, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 France will introduce a voluntary military service of 10 months beginning next year, President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday, in the face of what it views as a growing threat posed by Russia. Almost three decades after France scrapped conscription, the head of state said young adults who wished to could sign up for a 10-month military service. "A new national service will be introduced, gradually starting next summer," he said during a speech to troops in Varces-Allieres-et-Risset in southeastern France. But he said volunteers, mostly aged 18 to 19, would be deployed "only on national soil". The announcement comes more than three and a half years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Macron and other French officials warning that Moscow risks not stopping at Ukraine's borders. "In the event of a major crisis, parliament may authorise calling upon individuals beyond just volunteers," Macron added, and military "service would become mandatory". "But aside from this exceptional case, this national service is a service of volunteers then selected to meet the needs of our armed forces." France's top general, armed forces chief of staff Fabien Mandon, sparked uproar at home last week by warning that France must be ready "to lose its children", adding that Russia is "preparing for a confrontation by 2030 with our countries". He said it was inspired by fellow European countries. "At a time when all our European allies are making progress in the face of a threat that affects us all, France cannot remain idle," he said. The new scheme would include 3,000 volunteers from the summer next year, then increase gradually so as to incorporate 10,000 young people into the army by 2030 and 50,000 by 2035, Macron said. The large majority would be men and women aged 18 and 19, while the rest would be aged up to 25 and would have specific qualifications. - Not 'sending youth to Ukraine' - While around a dozen states have some form of conscription, the use of military service is uneven across Europe. But France joins European countries such as Baltic states Latvia and Lithuania which have brought it back in recent years, while others such as Denmark have toughened its terms. There is so far no suggestion that the military service in France would be compulsory, as it was before then-president Jacques Chirac abolished conscription in 1997 as part of the reform of the army. Military service is seen as a way of bolstering armies with recruits, but also of providing a large pool of potential reservists, who could be called up in the case of a future war. The French armed forces have approximately 200,000 active military personnel and 47,000 reservists, numbers expected to increase to 210,000 and 80,000 respectively by 2030. Accused of warmongering by the left, General Mandon has expressed no regret over his comments last week, saying the aim was to "alert and prepare" in a "rapidly deteriorating" context. Mandon argued on Saturday that the reactions to his comments "show that this is something that was perhaps not sufficiently perceived in our population". Macron and other officials have been at pains to douse the outcry caused by the general's forthright comments and fears that French youth were heading for the front lines. The president on Tuesday said he needed to dispel any notion that "we are going to send our young people to Ukraine". burs-ah/phz Iraq to probe attack on major gas complex that triggered power cuts Baghdad, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Iraq said on Thursday it would investigate an attack on an Emirati-owned gas complex in the autonomous Kurdistan region, which disrupted gas supplies and caused power cuts. Sabah al-Numan, the military spokesman for the Iraqi prime minister, said in a statement that the caretaker PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had ordered "the formation of a high-level investigative committee" to look into the attack. Numan said "terrorist groups are attempting to undermine the country's stability". The Khor Mor complex, which supplies most of Kurdistan's power stations and is owned by the United Arab Emirates firm Dana Gas, has been hit several times in recent years. Late on Wednesday, regional authorities in northern Kurdistan said that a drone attacked the facility, cutting off all gas supplies to the region's power stations. Dana Gas said that a rocket attack struck a storage tank at the Khor Mor facility, causing a shutdown in production, but did not cause any casualties. AFP correspondents in Kurdistan reported power cuts across the region, including in the city of Sulaimaniyah. Iraq has only recently regained a sense of normality after decades of war and turmoil, though it still frequently suffers such attacks. Kurdish authorities, who have strong ties to the United States, have previously accused armed groups backed by Iran of conducting drone and rocket strikes within their region. Regional Prime Minister Masrour Barzani urged the US on Thursday to provide the region with defensive equipment. The regional electricity authority said the attack had disrupted 80 percent of Kurdistan's power grid. If the damage is limited to one storage tank, electricity may be restored within 48 hours, the authorities said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Mark Savaya, the US special envoy to Iraq, condemned the attack which he said had been carried out by "armed groups operating illegally and driven by hostile foreign agendas". "There is no place for such armed groups in a fully sovereign Iraq," he posted on X. Washington has long pressured Iraq to disarm Iran-backed groups and to free itself from Iranian interference. Baghdad, which has for years navigated a delicate balancing act between its allies Tehran and Washington, has long been a fertile ground for proxy battles. Putin's 'real intention' on peace to become clear in weeks: Italy Paris, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Italy's defence minister said on Thursday that it will become clear in the next weeks if Russian President Vladimir Putin has any interest in making peace with Ukraine, and that the war was costing Russia dearly, despite its increase in defence spending. Guido Crosetto, a co-founder of right-wing premier Giorgia Meloni's ruling party, also said European countries should not ignore the importance of Russia, as well as Ukraine, moving away from a war economy to normal activity once the conflict ends. The United States has put forward an updated version of its plan to halt the deadliest fighting in Europe since World War II after the initial blueprint alarmed both Kyiv and European allies who feared it reflected maximalist Russian demands. Moscow has said that the ongoing talks on the plan were "serious" but European leaders have expressed scepticism, with French President Emmanuel Macron saying there was "clearly no Russian willingness" to agree a ceasefire. "I don't know what Putin has in mind," Crosetto told reporters at the Italian embassy in Paris after meeting his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin. "We hope that this time Russia will truly want to sit down at the table and negotiate. Looking at what's happening, I'm not optimistic," he said, noting that Russia was still recruiting troops and boosting defence investment. But he added: "Russia is paying for this war domestically, with a decline in its GDP, its wealth. "We'll see in the coming weeks -- it won't take long to understand -- whether Putin has a real intention" to make peace, he said. He also cautioned that Europe, as well as helping Ukraine rebuild, should not turn a blind eye to Russia's postwar transition or else risk a resumption of conflict. "Remember what happened in Europe when, after World War I, veterans returned home and created the conditions for the rise of Nazism and Fascism," he said, referring to the rise of dictators Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. "Think of the two and a half million Russians who, after earning three times the normal Russian wage, will return home and have to find work. What instability this will create in Russia!" Only by creating the conditions in Ukraine and Russia "so that the war economy can be dismantled and replaced by an economy of peace and growth" can a path to "peace be created that can develop over ten years", he said. Photo: The Presidential Office of Ukraine / www.president.gov.ua Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof discussed the diplomatic situation following the meetings of their national security advisers in Geneva and the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. Zelenskyy announced this on Telegram on Thursday evening. We discussed the current diplomatic situation following the advisors-level meetings in Geneva and the meeting of the Coalition of the Willing. We expect that constructive cooperation with all partners will make it possible to build on the current momentum for peace, he said. Zelenskyy assured that on our side, the work has always been and will continue to be as substantive as possible. I also informed the Prime Minister about our needs for defense and for protecting civilian infrastructure. Thank you for your constant support and readiness to assist, the head of state added. As reported, during Sunday's talks in Geneva, the USA and Ukraine finalized the framework of the agreement, reducing it from 28 to 19 points, according to Ukrainian officials. A US official stated that the Ukrainians "agreed to a peace agreement," but added that some minor details remain to be ironed out. In turn, Ukrainian officials told Axios that the USA agreed to strengthen the draft security guarantees proposed along with the original 28-point plan. The parties agreed that the most sensitive issue of territorial concessions would be discussed at the leadership level, between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. The Coalition of the Willing, which met online on November 25, agreed to continue supporting Ukraine. G.Bissau military appoints general as strongman following coup Bissau, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Guinea-Bissau's military appointed a general as the country's new leader for the duration of one year Thursday, a day after seizing power, arresting the president and derailing the announcement of election results. The capital was at a standstill as the coup entered its second day, with most shops and markets closed, AFP journalists observed. A heavy security presence was visible in the streets of Bissau, with soldiers patrolling the area around the presidential palace where heavy gunfire marked the beginning of the coup a day earlier. Sandwiched between Guinea and Senegal, Guinea-Bissau has experienced four coups since independence from Portugal in 1974, as well as multiple attempted coups. Its election results are often contested. After taking the oath of office at the military's headquarters, General Horta N'Tam, chief of staff of the army, declared that "I have just been sworn in to lead the High Command". He is considered to have been close in recent years with ousted President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, whom he now replaces as leader. Dozens of heavily armed soldiers were at the scene as he told a press conference that actions were necessary "to block operations that aimed to threaten our democracy". Officers on Wednesday said they had seized "total control" of the coup-prone country, suspending the electoral process as Guinea-Bissau awaited the results of last Sunday's vote, which pitted Embalo against opposition candidate Fernando Dias. N'Tam said evidence had been "sufficient to justify the operation" adding that "necessary measures are urgent and important and require everyone's participation". On Wednesday afternoon, General Denis N'Canha, head of the presidential military office, told journalists that the military was assuming control of the country "until further notice" after a plan involving "drug lords" had been uncovered, including "the introduction of weapons into the country to alter the constitutional order". In addition to halting "the entire electoral process", he said military forces had suspended "all media programming" and imposed a mandatory curfew. All land, air and sea borders were reopened Thursday, according to General Lassana Mansali, after the country was briefly sealed off. Members of Guinea-Bissau's diaspora and researchers told AFP that they questioned the true motives behind the power grab, which they say could ultimately benefit ousted Embalo. According to researchers interviewed by AFP, unverified preliminary results circulating before the coup showed opposition candidate Dias as the winner of the election. - 'Grave violation' - "I doubt the veracity of the allegations put forward by the High Military Command regarding the restoration of order", a West African researcher told AFP on Thursday. The coup occurred the day before the expected announcement of provisional results, with both Embalo and Dias claiming victory. "This is a coup aimed at preventing the opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, from seizing power", the researcher said. According to him, "this is the ideal scenario for Mr Embalo, who could, following negotiations, be released and potentially reposition himself for the next elections". Embalo was arrested Wednesday as was his arch rival, opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira, who was barred from last weekend's presidential election by the Supreme Court. The African Union (AU) unequivocally condemned the coup on Thursday and demanded Embalo's immediate and unconditional release, while the chair of the West African regional bloc ECOWAS called the affair a "grave violation of Guinea-Bissau's constitutional order" The west African region has been rife with coups in recent years, with Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea all seeing their governments toppled. aye-sjd-lp-bfm/gv NATO chief hails Trump efforts to end fighting in Ukraine Reykjavik, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday praised US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the war in Ukraine, the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. "There is tremendous renewed energy around the peace process, and for that I want to commend US President Trump," Rutte told reporters during a visit to Iceland where he met with Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir. A US-proposed ceasefire has breathed new life into negotiations, with officials from Russia, Ukraine, Washington and Europe ironing out conditions in talks spanning from Geneva to Abu Dhabi. Washington has not published its latest plan, but Trump has called it a "fine-tuned" update of a previous 28-point proposal that was firmly rejected by Kyiv and its European allies for being what they said was a Kremlin wish-list. The Kremlin has said it views some of the updated plan "positively", but said other points required further discussion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has meanwhile said the "principles" of the plan could lead to "deeper agreements". US special envoy Steve Witkoff is due to visit Moscow next week to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. What we know about Guinea-Bissau's coup d'etat Bissau, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Military forces ousted Guinea-Bissau's president and halted the country's electoral process this week before installing a general on Thursday to lead the country. With the motive for the coup not yet clear, here is what we know about the latest tumult in the politically unstable west African country: - Wednesday gunfire - Heavy gunfire broke out at midday on Wednesday near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau, shortly before the military announced they were taking "total control" of the coup-prone country. Voters had been awaiting the results of Sunday's presidential and legislative elections. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, one of the two main candidates in the election, was arrested on Wednesday by the military. Main opposition leader Domingos Simoes Pereira, who was barred from running in the election, was also arrested. There was a visibly heavy security presence in the streets of Bissau Thursday, which were practically deserted and under close surveillance. Soldiers were on patrol in the area near the presidential palace in particular. Land, air and sea borders that had been closed on Wednesday were reopened and a night-time curfew lifted. But demonstrations and marches were banned. - The takeover - On Thursday, the military announced a one-year transition period and named General Horta N'Tam as the country's leader. N'Tam was until now the chief of staff of the army and had been considered to be close to Embalo in recent years. He will also head a High Command for the Restoration of Order that was established under the coup. On Wednesday, General Denis N'Canha, head of the presidential military office, told the press that the coup had been carried out after a plan had been uncovered to destabilise Guinea-Bissau. That plan, he said, involved "national drug lords" and had included "the introduction of weapons into the country to alter the constitutional order". N'Tam said on Thursday that the evidence had been "sufficient to justify the operation". - Doubts and Uncertainties - In the hours following the coup, President Embalo was reachable by telephone and spoke to international media while in the custody of military officers who carried out the coup. Opposition candidate Fernando Dias told AFP on Thursday he believed he had won the election and that Embalo had personally "organised" the coup. "I am the president (elect) of Guinea-Bissau," he told AFP by phone, adding that he was in a safe place. Members of Guinea-Bissau's diaspora and researchers told AFP that they questioned the true motives behind the power grab, which they also said could ultimately benefit Embalo. According to researchers interviewed by AFP, unverified preliminary results circulating before the coup showed Dias had won the election. "This is a coup aimed at preventing the opposition candidate, Fernando Dias, from seizing power," a west African researcher and specialist in Guinea-Bissau told AFP on condition of anonymity. "This is the ideal scenario for Mr Embalo, who could, following negotiations, be released and potentially reposition himself for the next elections," the researcher added. Lucia Bird of the Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime agreed. "The person who stood to lose the most from those election results being declared and confirmed was the president himself," she said. Yussef Gomes, spokesperson for Firkidja di Pubis, a collective for members of the Guinea-Bissau diaspora, said he believed the coup had been "fabricated". Its fundamental objective was to "put an end to an electoral process that would have clearly demonstrated the resounding defeat of Umaro Sissoco Embalo", he argued. - Elections without PAIGC - The coup occurred after a three-week election campaign and voting that had passed off without major incident. Both Embalo, who had been in power since 2020, and his opposition rival Dias claimed victory following the race. Guinea-Bissau's Supreme Court barred the historic PAIGC party, which secured the country's independence from Portugal in 1974, from the election -- as well as its leader Pereira. Dias became the election's main opposition candidate and received strong support from the PAIGC. bur-tsc-mrb-els/bfm/gil-jj Jordan tells Russia to stop recruiting its citizens after two killed Amman, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Jordan on Thursday asked Russia to stop recruiting its citizens for its armed forces after two of them were killed fighting for Moscow. In a statement, the foreign ministry called the recruitment "a violation of Jordanian law and international law" that "exposes citizens to serious danger". Spokesman for the ministry Fuad al-Majali called on Jordanians "to report any attempts to recruit them into the Russian army" and warned of both legal risks and the danger of death. The ministry, he said, "has requested the Russian authorities to stop recruiting Jordanians and to terminate the service of any Jordanian citizens already enlisted". The ministry was also aware of online recruitment efforts, he said. It is illegal for Jordanians to join the armed forces of a foreign country. It's unknown how many Jordanians may have been recruited, but hundreds live in Russia and more than 20,000 have studied in the countries of the former Soviet Union, according to unofficial data. Early in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when Moscow was propping up former president Bashar al-Assad's rule in Syria, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he wanted to recruit 16,000 fighters from the Middle East -- with around 2,000 regular Syrian troops later reportedly sent to Russia. The British Chambers of Commerce, Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, CBI, Federation of Small Businesses, Recruitment and Employment Confederation and Small Business Britain said: Businesses will be relieved that the Government has agreed to a key amendment to the Employment Rights Bill which can pave the way to its initial acceptance. In this issue we also publish the shortlist for the 2025 Standard Theatre Awards. Founded in 1955, they are the oldest drama awards in the UK and have celebrated the finest actors, directors and writers across eight decades. Turn to page 20 to see who truly lit up the London stage this year, from Tom Hiddleston in Much Ado at Drury Lane to Cate Blanchett in The Seagull at the Barbican. Brother Tunde Taylor, 46, a trustee of the trust set his brothers name, told the Standard: The last year has been tough on the family. No one knows what to say. Everyone is still trying to come to terms with the loss of all three - Damilola, my father and mother. She continued: If Palestine Action is still proscribed by the time my next book is due for publication, then that book will be available to readers all over the world and in dozens of languages, but will be unavailable to readers in the United Kingdom simply because no-one will be permitted to publish it, unless I am content to give it away for free. Every officer has the fundamental right to come home from each shift unharmed, and no one should be targeted in this way, at their place of work, for just doing their job. The Government of Ukraine and the UN on Thursday signed the Framework Program for Cooperation in the Field of Sustainable Development Partnership for Recovery and Development for 2025-2029, said Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Taras Kachka. On the UN side, the document was signed by the UN Coordinator in Ukraine, Humanitarian Coordinator Matthias Schmale. "In wartime, cooperation with international partners is a prerequisite for our resilience. Our partnership with the UN plays a key role here, and today we are launching a new phase of cooperation," wrote Kachka on his Facebook page. He emphasized that this document defines a shared vision and commitments of the Government of Ukraine and the UN to work together to achieve national development priorities, strengthen the countrys resilience, support reforms, and implement the Sustainable Development Goals. "The UN has a long history of supporting Ukraine Currently, more than 20 agencies are engaged in support efforts, operating both within Ukraine and abroad. This joint resource is aimed at the green restoration of critical infrastructure, supporting inclusive economic recovery, strengthening education, healthcare, and social service systems, and ensuring that among the most vulnerable and war-affected, no one is left behind. The framework agreement will guide our work in the coming years and remind us that our shared goal is supporting the Ukrainian people," emphasized Schmale. As part of the approach to crack-down on the problem, Brent Council has put up banners in three of the boroughs hotspots where paan spitting is a big problem. There will also be enforcement officers patrolling the area, with perpetrators facing a potential fine of up to 100. Residents rightly expect the highest standards from elected councillors, and also expect that their representatives will be able to go about the job theyve been elected to do without fear of abuse. Cllr Dunne must urgently apologise for her behaviour and reflect on whether someone who acts in this way can continue as a cabinet member. He said: The reality of Wednesdays Budget is that Reeves has placed an even bigger burden on the shoulders of community pubs, posing further risk to our industry, threatening both jobs and the viability of our beloved pubs across the country. 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 Runners take off into downtown Austin after the start of the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. The annual event raises money for Caritas of Austin. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Though it may not be known by outsiders, Thanksgiving in Austin is undoubtedly special. The ideal weather, local food and unique mix of cultures come together to make the holiday memorable. The Texas capital has been named the No. 2 most Thanksgiving-obsessed city. A new report by Online-Casinos.com analyzed the 30 largest U.S. cities by population, ranking them based on holiday-related search trends. Another Central Texas city also made the top-10 list. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This major Texas city ranked No. 1 best place to spend Thanksgiving in the US Austin ranked No. 2 in searches per capita (behind Las Vegas) as well as in overall numbers (behind San Diego). San Antonio followed behind in overall searches. Rank City Population Google search volume for Thanksgiving terms Google searches for Thanksgiving terms per 10,000 people 1 Las Vegas, Nevada 2,337,000 129,820 555 2 Austin, Texas 2,473,000 135,690 549 3 San Jose, California 1,946,000 105,410 542 4 New Orleans, Louisiana 962,000 48,590 505 5 San Diego, California 3,270,000 164,080 502 6 Omaha, Nebraska 985,000 48,220 490 7 San Antonio, Texas 2,704,000 130,520 483 8 Raleigh, North Carolina 1,509,000 72,270 479 9 Salt Lake City, Utah 1,268,000 59,490 469 10 Tucson, Arizona 1,063,000 47,770 449 When combined with holiday-related searches around Christmas and New Years, Austin is the most festive U.S. city overall according to Online-Casinos.com. The city is the origin of nearly 300,000 searches throughout the holiday season, averaging 1,186 for every 10,000 people. Jim Duncan, a retired city planner, has written more than 600 short histories of Austin businesses. We introduced him and this series, Jim Duncans Austin, on July 6. This week, we adapt three of his stories about the citys early landmarks. Michael Barnes 1827: Austin's Little Colony At the Briscoe Center for American History, Lanny Ottosen holds a letter from Texas colonizer Stephen F. Austin that describes a location on the Colorado River that he wanted for his own. Austin's words and his sketched map indicate convincingly that the desired land was at or near present-day Laguna Gloria. Michael Barnes/American-Statesman Entrepreneurialism in Austin essentially traces back to 1827, when Stephen Fuller Austin received his second land grant from the Mexican government. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Known as the empresario system, the grants allowed immigration agents and land contractors, such as Stephen, to bring in settler families and provide farm and pastureland incentives to encourage their success. In a sense, Stephen was Austins first real estate agent. As distinguished between his initial grant in 1821, which was bounded by the Lavaca and San Jacinto rivers, the San Antonio Road and the Gulf Coast, the second grant extended his colony further inland into the Hill Country. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The added territory was known as Austins Little Colony, and comprised what is now most of Travis, Williamson, Hays and Burnet counties. Advertisement Article continues below this ad It also included the small village of Waterloo on the Colorado River, which was later designated as the new capital of the Republic of Texas and renamed and incorporated in 1839 as the city of Austin in honor of Stephen. In addition to the 300 families he settled in his original colony, Stephen brought in about 1,700 more before his death in December 1836 at age 43. As an entrepreneur, Stephen successfully established a transformational economic and cultural colonization system in Texas that ultimately managed the distribution of almost 6 million acres of land. In a notable footnote, historian Lanny Ottosen has documented that Stephen intended to retire on land in the Little Colony that now hosts the Laguna Gloria villa and The Contemporary Austin's sculpture park. Advertisement Article continues below this ad 1839: First Capitol/Municipal Building The first Capitol building in Austin was made of Bastrop pine and included a stockade near Eighth Street and Congress Avenue. Austin American-Statesman Austin is one of only two cities in the United States that were originally planned and platted to be the capital of a nation. The other is Washington, D.C. When Edwin Leonard Waller, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, arrived in April 1839, he came to transform the three-family community of Waterloo into the capital of the Republic. The plan he drew up with the help of surveyors and draftsmen centered on a hilltop overlooking the river and the future town. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the first Capitol in Austin was not built there. It was built on another hilltop at the corner of West Eighth and Colorado streets. It was a stockaded cabin of rough Bastrop pine with two rooms, one each for the House and Senate. It also served as a community gathering place and, with its eight-foot-high stockade fence, a refuge against Native American raids. With the opening of the second Capitol, this one at the terminus of Congress Avenue in 1858, the state turned the original property over to the city. During the Civil War, it housed the State Military Board. When the city built a new two-story city hall on the site in 1871, a colony of bats moved in, and it became known as the Rookery. In 1908, the Rookery was replaced by a three-story Neo-Classical structure and, in 1938, by a Moderne-style municipal building. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A Texas Historical Marker out front is the only reminder that the spot once hosted the Capitol of a nation. 1839: President's House/Omni Hotel A postcard of St. Mary's Academy in Austin. It stood on a high hill east of Congress Avenue and loomed over that part of downtown. Texas State Historical Association When Waller planned Austin in 1839, he extended its main street, Congress Avenue, up a valley from the river to the hill where two future capitols including the current one, finished in 1888 would stand. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On the hills flanking Congress, he identified future public uses. On the west would be a temporary Capitol, and on the east would be a residence for the president of the Republic. The Texas White House (yes, it was painted white) was a two-story, two-tiered dogtrot structure designed by Waller. Built of green wood that quickly warped, it was occupied by President Mirabeau Lamar and his cabinet in 1839 and destroyed by fire in 1847. Sam Houston, president before and after Lamar, despised the house and vowed never to live there. The state sold the property in 1853, and for the next two decades, it was a private home occupied by the Bell and Dutton families. Advertisement Article continues below this ad From 1885 to 1947, the Catholic Church operated St. Marys Academy, a private school for girls, on the property. On grounds bounded by East Seventh, Brazos, East Eighth and San Jacinto streets, the four-story limestone structure loomed over downtown, as archival photographs show. In 1984, Encore Development bought the property and, after removing the top 60 feet of the hill (120,000 cubic yards of dirt), built Austin Centre, one of Austins first high-rise mixed-use projects combining retail, office space and a hotel. Design-wise, the building is notable for its 16-story interior atrium. Austin Centre opened concurrently with the S&L meltdown in 1986 and entered foreclosure in 1987. In 1992, the buildings signature hotel converted from a Radisson to an Omni. Most recent entries from 'Jim Duncan's Austin' Advertisement Article continues below this ad President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed a meeting of delegations of Ukraine and the United States at the end of this week to discuss, in particular, better diplomatic positions and security guarantees. "Our team, together with American representatives, will already this week at the end of the week continue to bring the points that we have according to the results of Geneva closer to a form that will lead to peace and security guarantees. There will be a meeting of delegations. The Ukrainian delegation will be well prepared and tuned to substantive work," Zelenskyy said during his evening address. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braze and discussed with her, in particular, defense support for Ukraine and Latvia's participation in the PURL initiative and other security mechanisms. "We discussed defense support. We appreciate Latvia's contribution to the PURL initiative. We also talked about the possibilities of using the SAFE mechanism and the prospects for joint weapons production. Latvia is the leader of the Drone Coalition. This year, it has supplied Ukraine with about 12,000 drones, and this is important support for our defense," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Thursday. The parties also discussed the diplomatic situation. "Our positions are common we need to increase sanctions pressure on Russia and continue appropriate work with partners. Latvia stands by us and will continue to stand by us. I am grateful for the unwavering support for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said. The head of the Ukrainian state thanked Braze for supporting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and awarded her the Order of Merit, class II. "Thank you for all the help to our people, for the visit, and especially for the trip to Chernihiv. It is extremely important for us when partners personally visit such places, support the reconstruction of our schools and kindergartens," Zelenskyy said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia's encroachment on Ukrainian lands is not about territory for them, but about lifelong power. "It's obvious to everyone in the world that Russia has not just the most internationally recognized territory, but mostly undeveloped and neglected. All of Russia exists for the sake of Moscow and St. Petersburg, and if everything else were to fall apart, no one would even notice," he said in an evening address on Thursday. "Therefore, when they want more kilometers of Ukrainian land, it's not about territory for them at all. It's about lifelong powerit's about subjugating a neighboring people, and we've clearly seen that nothing but destruction can be expected from Russia," the president stated. He emphasized that this was seen not only by Ukrainians, but by "everyone in Europe, every one of Russia's neighborsfrom Finland to Kazakhstan and Japan." Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine's defense of its positions is the key task for Ukrainians and all partners. "The stronger we are in defense on the front lines, the more we can achieve in diplomacy, and the more actively the world will help us pressure Russia to end its war," he said. Osteria Turlonia is located on a busy street at the edge of Fiume Veneto, Italy, a short distance from the Azzano Decimo exit on the A28 autostrada. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Many fine restaurants in Italy consistently produce a particular dish that customers might order again and again, but there are other places where thats not really an option. Osteria Turlonia, located on the edge of Fiume Veneto about a half hours drive from Aviano Air Base, is one of those. The husband-and-wife team of Federico and Isabella Mariutti are part of the slow-food movement, which developed as a counter to fast food. Slow-food establishments exemplify the core principles of local sourcing, sustainable production and an emphasis on quality over quantity. Since many local ingredients are at their best during only certain seasons of the year, menus at such eateries change. Some switch the lineup as quickly as every week. At Turlonia, the menu is reworked twice each season, so about every two months. The two-page menu presents a handful of choices between appetizers, first courses, second courses and sides. Although most menus are entirely in Italian, some include English translations. Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy, has an indoor seating area spread out over several small dining rooms. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) During my recent visit with my family, the restaurant offered traditional regional dishes such as frico which is fried cheese made with a variety of other ingredients such as potatoes, onions or various meats or vegetables, depending on the recipe and baccala, or preserved cod. We tried both of them. This appetizer featuring cured trout, toasted bread, fennel, greens and pomegranate seeds was one of a handful of options at Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) In addition, we ordered an appetizer featuring a pumpkin and cheese torte and a first course of ravioli stuffed with pumpkin. Our fettuccine with duck sauce and mushrooms was excellent, although that particular dish seems to be universally good across Italy. Fettuccini with duck sauce and mushrooms was one of a handful of first-course options during a recent visit to Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) This dish featuring pumpkin, walnuts and cheese cooked in a skillet was a second-course option at Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) One second-course dish that struck us as unusual was an iron skillet featuring pumpkin, cheese and walnuts. We decided to give it a go as well. It was similar in concept to dishes we had tried in Germany oriented around meat and potatoes, but this one was definitely geared toward vegetarians. We appreciated the contrasts in textures and flavors between the soft chunks of pumpkin, the melted cheese and the crunch of the nuts. This risotto featuring trout was one of several recent first-course options at Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Ravioli stuffed with pumpkin as served at Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy. The restaurant is owned by a husband-and-wife team and serves dishes that embody the slow-food movement. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) This torte made from pumpkin and a cheese produced in Aviano was one of several appetizer options during a recent visit to Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Slow food doesnt necessarily mean that it takes longer for the food to be delivered. That certainly wasnt the case during our visit, as all the courses of our meal arrived without long waits. All told, we spent about two hours at Turlonia. Also, portion sizes are such that a hungry person could order a selection from each course and reasonably expect to finish all of them. The restaurant has room for about 50 patrons spread over several dining areas. We were there for lunch and many tables were not occupied. Even so, reservations are recommended. Parking is limited to about a dozen spaces, only one of which was available when we showed up. Our visit has us anticipating a return trip in the winter and again in the spring and summer as well. Maybe its possible to come up with a favorite season, since the menu variability makes it unlikely well have a repeat opportunity for a favorite dish. Osteria Turlonia in Fiume Veneto, Italy, is a restaurant that's part of the slow-food movement popular in countries such as Italy and France. The movement emphasizes the use of high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Osteria Turlonia has a seating capacity of about 50 in an interior space spread out over several small dining rooms. (Kent Harris/Stars and Stripes) Osteria Turlonia Address: Corso Italia 5, Fiume Veneto, Italy Hours: Lunch, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; dinner, 6-10:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Closed Mondays. Cost: appetizers 9-12 euros, first courses 9-12 euros, second courses 10-26 euros, sides 4-5 euros. Information: Phone: 0434-561586; Email: osteriaturlonia@gmail.com, https://osteriaturlonia.it/ The Kashiwabara Museum stores everything from swords, spears and muskets to elaborately decorated armor in Iwakuni, Japan. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) A museum packed with samurai weapons and armor stands near the iconic Kintaikyo Bridge in Iwakuni, a short drive from the Marine Corps air station in Yamaguchi prefecture, Japan. The Kashiwabara Museum, formerly known as Iwakuni Art Museum, stores everything from swords, spears and muskets to elaborately decorated armor. The collection of artifacts could be props from an Akira Kurosawa film such as Seven Samurai. But theyre the genuine articles weapons that were used by real Japanese samurai. Theres a sword, made for a shogun, thats been registered as a Japanese national treasure. Its kept inside a glass case, but you can heft a replica sword and try on an old helmet. The museum also has a collection of decorated sword guards. There are all kinds of other old weapons including pistols and a wide range of spears and similar devices designed to kill, or at least seriously injure, an enemy. The Kashiwabara Museums collection includes some impressive, decorated helmets. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) The Kashiwabara Museum near Ikwakunis Kintaikyo Bridge has an arsenal of ancient Japanese weapons on display. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes) The museum promotes its weapons and armor collection as the culture of life and death. For samurai, risking their own lives to protect their country, territory, and clan was the very meaning of living, the museum states on its website. Samurai armor and weapons were not only tools to protect their owners but also works of art that evoked their courage and magnified their short, potentially deadly lives, the website states. Helmets on display have some interesting decorations including antlers, rabbit ears and crab claws. Theres some elaborate shining ceremonial armor. Theres also armor that was used by ordinary samurai in battle. Some look as though they were damaged by swords or arrows. The older armor has quite a lot of protection around the midsection not because the ancient samurai were overweight but because it was needed to protect horsemen from arrows. Alongside the weapons and armor the museum has a collection of art including glassware, ceramics and antique furniture used by Iwakunis feudal lords. The museum promotes this part of its collection as the culture of life. The samurai lifestyle was glamorous yet profound, the museum states on its website. In particular, the everyday items used by women and children reveal the samurai classs deep and profound love for supreme works of art, the website states. When youve seen enough ancient samurai artifacts, take a stroll through the park near the museum at the foot of Mount Yokoyama near Iwakuni Castle and the Kintaikyo Bridge. The pedestrian bridge, at the same site more than 350 years, across the Nishiki River, is a series of five wooden arches. Its been destroyed multiple times by floods and rebuilt each time. Theres a small fee to cross, 310 yen for adults and high schoolers, 150 yen for elementary school kids. On the QT Directions: You can reach the museum by walking across the Kintaikyo Bridge from Iwakuni, Japan. The museums address is 2-10-27 Yokoyama, Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, 741-0081. Times: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. December to February); closed on Tuesdays. Open on public holidays. Costs: 800 yen for adults; 500 yen for high school and university students; 200 yen for elementary and middle school students. Discounts for groups of 15 or more. Food: There are at least two ice cream shops near the Kintaikyo Bridge. Information: Online: kashiwabara-museum.jp Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki layers its ingredients, as seen here at Syo-Chan at Okonomimura in Hiroshima, Japan. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) A visit to Hiroshima isnt complete without a meal of the citys unique style of okonomiyaki, the savory flour-and-cabbage staple of Japanese cuisine. Youll find more than two dozen variations on okonomiyaki inside the four-story Okonomimura building. Literally translated as Okonomiyaki Village, the building has a first-floor entrance and approximately eight separate stalls per floor from the second floor upwards. Each stall offers its own take on Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. Most of the okonomiyaki found throughout Japan is made Osaka style, where the ingredients are combined before theyre poured onto a hot griddle. Hiroshima-style, however, is all about layering the ingredients and then adding noodles, either soba or udon. Syo-Chan, one of the many okonomiyaki stands at Okonomimura in central Hiroshima, Japan, emphasizes local ingredients. (Alex Wilson/Stars and Stripes) Stalls at Okonomimura often focus on a singular ingredient or addition. Teppei Ekimae, found on the fourth floor, incorporates oysters. Suigun, on the third floor, specializes in other varieties of seafood. Syo-Chan, also on the third floor, features local ingredients. Their pork, egg and kimchi okonomiyaki, served with the option of soba or udon, was piled high on the grill and served piping hot. The layering method gave the dish much more texture than an Osaka-style counterpart, while the noodles made the hearty dish even more filling. Okonomiyaki Village Location: Hiroshima, Naka Ward, 5-13 Shintenchi Hours: Open daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Prices: Okonomiyaki ranges from 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen; drinks from 300 yen to 1,000 yen. Dress: Casual Directions: From Hiroshima Station, head south across the Enko River via Ekimae-dori for about mile. Turn right onto Inario, continue mile and turn left onto Chuo-Dori. The building is just behind the Don Quijote Hiroshima Hacchobori. Information: www.okonomimura.jp/foreign/english.html A comfortable and inclusive mental health center of the "RETURNING" (Ukrainian ) network has opened in Chernihiv - for military personnel, veterans, and their family members. This is already the eighth hub of the nationwide "POVERNENNYA" network, founded by Victor and Olena Pinchuk to support Ukraines Security and Defense Forces. Each year, over 4,000 defenders will be able to receive high-quality, comprehensive care at the Chernihiv center of the "POVERNENNYA" network. Military personnel, veterans, and their families who are dealing with the effects of psychological trauma can turn to the "POVERNENNYA" mental health center in Chernihiv. The centers specialists work with PTSD, anxiety disorders, depression, adjustment and psychosomatic issues, and other consequences of traumatic experiences. All services at the "POVERNENNYA" center are free of charge. "We understand that the entire Ukrainian community needs psychological support today. But the focus of the 'POVERNENNYA' project is, first and foremost, our Heroes - military personnel, veterans, and their families. Our mental health centers are true fortresses where defenders can take off their psychological body armor. Its important for people to know about them, as many service members, due to masculinity norms, are used to saying: Why would we need help? Well manage on our own. But this is the place where they can openly talk with professionals. Society and the military community need to be ready to seek this support," - said Viktor Pinchuk, founder of the "POVERNENNYA" project. The "POVERNENNYA" project demonstrates successful partnership between the private sector and the state, where philanthropists establish mental health centers based in public medical facilities. All "POVERNENNYA" centers provide free outpatient support to defenders and their families. The Chernihiv center includes four consultation rooms for individual and family psychological and psychiatric assistance, a group therapy room, a two-bed day hospital ward with multifunctional electric medical beds and an inclusive bathroom, a reception with a waiting area, a treatment room, a staff office, a break room with a bathroom for staff, and an inclusive restroom for visitors. The center is equipped with modern tools for psychological support: the Shiftwave System (USA) for stress management, EMDR therapy equipment, materials for art therapy, and psychological resources for individual and group sessions. Specialists have access to all necessary equipment: multimedia projector, computers, multifunction devices, and laptops. As in other "POVERNENNYA" centers, a multidisciplinary team works with patients in Chernihiv - psychiatrists, psychotherapists, psychologists, nurses, and if needed, case managers, social workers, or veteran support specialists. They assist people at every stage - from initial consultations to long-term therapy and psychological recovery. "If you need psychological support or feel the need to speak with a psychiatrist - reach out. All assistance in our center is completely confidential: nothing leaves the consultation room. You will receive support, acceptance, and professional guidance. We work non-judgmentally, with empathy and understanding for every patient. Our approach is not to treat a disorder, but to support the person, their experiences, and their story. This standard of care creates a safe space where service members, veterans, and their families can feel true relief and begin their path to recovery," - says Anastasiia Shevchenko, head of the "POVERNENNYA" mental health center in Chernihiv. Special attention is paid to creating a safe environment, empathetic presence, and gradual restoration of patients psychological resilience. The "peer-to-peer" approach - where military personnel and veterans are supported by specialists who have shared similar experiences - plays an important role in this process. This reduces mistrust, fosters understanding without the need for extra explanations, and allows individuals to open up at their own pace. Structurally, this enhances the effectiveness of support and makes the recovery process more natural and sustainable. To date, "POVERNENNYA" centers are already operating in Dnipro, Ternopil, Poltava, Kropyvnytskyi, Rivne, Khmelnytskyi, Lutsk, and Chernihiv. Over 2,800 people are currently undergoing recovery through the network. The first phase of the project foresees the opening of 2025 mental health centers across Ukraine. Each year, over 100,000 military personnel, veterans, and their families will be able to receive professional psychological support - regaining strength, balance, and faith in themselves. The world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, was recently dispatched to the Caribbean. (U.S. Navy via TNS) (Tribune News Service) The Trump administration will use a Dominican Republic air base and airport in its campaign against drug cartels, strengthening cooperation in the Caribbean, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday alongside the nations president. Aircraft will be refueled and logistical tasks will take place at the San Isidro base and Las Americas international airport near Santo Domingo, according to President Luis Abinader. He cautioned, however, that the agreement would be technical, limited and temporary to confront the danger narcotics traffickers pose to the island nation, which has a history of unwelcome American interventions. Our country faces a real threat, Abinader said, standing beside Hegseth at the national palace in Santo Domingo. That threat does not recognize borders or flags, it destroys families, and it has used our territory as part of its routes for decades. The Dominican Republic known for its beach resorts has long served as a major transshipment point for drugs on their way to the U.S. and Europe. Hegseth traveled to Santo Domingo as President Donald Trumps administration mounts the largest deployment in the region in decades to confront alleged traffickers. It comes two days after the U.S. designated Venezuelas so-called Cartel of the Suns as a foreign terrorist organization. The American government says that the group is operated by senior army officers and led by President Nicolas Maduro himself, accusations that Venezuela rejects. On Tuesday, General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, visited Trinidad and Tobago for high-level meetings focused on the drug threat. Trinidad, which lies just off Venezuelas coast, has become key to the U.S. military buildup in the region, with U.S. warships docking in Port of Spain. The USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, arrived in the Caribbean this month, heightening speculation that the U.S. may be preparing to strike targets inside Venezuela, a prospect Trump himself has raised. Washington has carried out numerous strikes against alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, killing more than 80 people. Critics say the strikes amount to extra-judicial executions. Trump defended them, saying the targets belong to international criminal organizations responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans from drug overdoses. He has alternated between suggesting he plans to expand the strikes to land, and that he plans to speak directly with Maduro. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. A House bill has been introduced that prioritizes learning why veterans are more likely than those who have not served in the military to develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal disease with no known cure. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes) WASHINGTON A House bill has been introduced that prioritizes learning why veterans are more likely than those who have not served in the military to develop amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal disease with no known cure. The Veterans With ALS Reporting Act, led by Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., also seeks to develop strategies for lowering the potential risks for developing ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrigs disease. The Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ALS as a disease that is connected to military service and provides a 100% disability rating for veterans diagnosed with the condition. Each VA hospital has an ALS coordinator who connects patients with a medical team and resources. Studies have shown that U.S. veterans are 1.5 times more likely to get ALS compared with people who never served in the military, the VA said. For years, veterans have faced an elevated risk of developing ALS, and now we must work to understand why, said Crow, who developed the legislation with assistance from the ALS Association, an advocacy group, and veterans service organizations. The new legislation directs the VA, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to prioritize research into the prevalence of ALS among veterans. Potential risks from military service could include exposures to heavy metals, pesticides and exhaust fumes; the effects of blasts and explosions; and traumatic brain injuries, according to the National Institutes of Health. The bill also would make it easier for veterans with ALS to participate in clinical trials testing new treatments. I live with ALS every day, and Ive seen too many fellow veterans face this same disease without answers, said Air Force veteran Jessy Ybarra, a board member of the ALS Association. Ybarra is shown with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., in March when he urged lawmakers not to cut research dollars at the National Institutes of Health. (ALS Association) I live with ALS every day, and Ive seen too many fellow veterans face this same disease without answers, said Air Force veteran Jessy Ybarra of California, a board member of the ALS Association. Ybarra, a former munitions systems specialist who served from 1983 to 1987, was diagnosed with ALS in 2017, after seeking medical help for fatigue and weakness in one arm. He spoke at a congressional hearing in March against research funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health by the Trump administration. ALS affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that control movement. Individuals with ALS develop muscle weakness and lose the ability to move, eat, talk and eventually breathe without assistance as the disease progresses. Early detection, expert clinical care and understanding how best to manage symptoms can improve the quality of life for individuals with ALS, according to Paralyzed Veterans of America. Paralyzed Veterans of America has represented more than 12,000 veterans with ALS since 2008 seeking VA benefits and services. The VA operates more than two dozen centers that provide specialized care for patients with spinal cord injury and disorders, including ALS. The Food and Drug Administration has approved drugs to address ALS symptoms. Some of the drugs are designed to slow down the disease. ALS is considered a rare disease with about 5,000 new cases each year, according to the CDC. Rep. Ken Calvert, R.-Calif.; Rep. Terri Sewell, D.-Ala.; and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R.-Pa., are co-sponsors of the bill, which was referred to the House Veterans Affairs Committee. The goals of the legislation are to improve the collection and analysis of ALS data on patients, identify risk-reduction strategies for prevention, and improve care for veterans with ALS. The ALS Association described the bill as a critical step toward uncovering why those who serve our nation face a far greater risk of developing ALS. Crow and the bills co-sponsors are members of the ALS congressional caucus in the House. The caucus, which has more than 40 members, advocates for policies and legislation that support finding a cure for ALS. ALS is a disease that knows no stranger. In my own family, we lost our dear cousin Jeff to the disease, and studies show veterans of the Gulf War are twice as likely to develop ALS, Crow said in 2019 when he announced the formation of the caucus. It is clear that more research needs to be done to fully understand this vicious disease, Crow said. Int'l community rebukes Japan for threatening post-war order Xinhua) 08:15, November 27, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- In a hotel perched near the Giza pyramids outside Cairo 82 years ago, the leaders of China, the United States and Britain issued the Cairo Declaration, laying down not only an Allied consensus but a legal foundation for the post-war order that followed Japan's surrender. That history has taken on new urgency this week. Last week, China's Foreign Ministry repeatedly invoked the Cairo Declaration to rebut comments by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, whose recent erroneous remarks on Taiwan, alongside Tokyo's plans to expand its military capabilities, have drawn sharp criticism. Observers say Takaichi's statements cross a "historical red line" set in the 1940s -- a challenge to the documents that shaped Asia's post-war settlement and remain embedded in international law. "A fundamental principle of international law is to respect a country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said Wang Lei, vice president of the Association of Constitutional Law of China Law Society, adding that Takaichi's remarks blatantly violate this principle, interfering with China's national sovereignty. A LINE DRAWN LONG AGO Released on Dec. 1, 1943, the Cairo Declaration affirmed that territories Japan had seized from China, including Taiwan and the Penghu Islands, were to be restored to China after the war. The declaration was reinforced two years later by the Potsdam Proclamation, issued by China, the United States and Britain and later endorsed by the Soviet Union. Japan accepted those terms when it signed the Instrument of Surrender in September 1945, pledging to fulfill the obligations laid out in the Potsdam terms. Together, these documents formed the international legal basis for China's recovery of territories taken by Japan, and, more broadly, were seen as essential elements of the post-war order in the Asia-Pacific. "Taiwan has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times, and the Cairo and Potsdam documents make that unmistakably clear," said Zhu Haian, president of the Belgium branch of the China Council for Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification. The principle that Taiwan is part of China underpinned another landmark moment decades later. The United Nations General Assembly voted by an overwhelming majority in 1971 to adopt Resolution 2758, a landmark decision that affirmed the international community's clear commitment to the one-China principle. Rodolfo Sanz, vice chairman of the China-Venezuela Parliamentary Friendship Group in Venezuela's National Assembly, said the Cairo Declaration makes clear that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, which is a historical red line that cannot be crossed. OPEN DEFIANCE Analysts warned that by linking a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan to the Taiwan question, hinting that Japan might intervene militarily in the Taiwan Strait, Takaichi is openly defying the one-China principle cemented in international legal documents like the Cairo Declaration. Beyond requiring Japan to return territories it stole from China, the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and other binding documents underscored Japan's aggressive wartime conduct and imposed clear obligations on the defeated state, including complete disarmament and a ban on industries that could support rearmament. Japan's right-wing politicians, however, have been chipping away at these restraints in recent years, eroding military limits and sidestepping the constitution's exclusively defense-oriented policy. Takaichi accelerated the process, aiming to revise both the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology and the Three Non-Nuclear Principles. Takaichi's "outrageous" remarks "disregard diplomatic practices and squarely violate international law," Kwon Ki-sik, head of the Korea-China City Friendship Association, told Xinhua in a recent interview. "Japan has no right to interfere in China's internal affairs, and no right whatsoever to shake the one-China principle ... It was a despicable act that betrays diplomatic trust," Kwon said. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that "Eighty years have passed, and Japan still refuses to recognize the results of World War II, as enshrined in international law." "We know, regretably, how Japanese militarism ended -- what sacrifices it cost the whole world, and Japan itself," she said. "Therefore, the politicians who come to govern the country in Japan should remember this and understand what irresponsible statements can lead to, and refrain from them." People attend a protest in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence in Tokyo, Japan, Nov. 21, 2025. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng) MOUNTING BACKLASH Hundreds of Japanese people held a protest in front of the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on Friday, demanding that Takaichi retract her recent erroneous remarks on Taiwan and offer an explanation and apology. The protestors called for an end to the resurgence of militarism in Japan, holding signs with slogans such as "Retract remarks, oppose war," "This is all because of Takaichi," and "Takaichi step down." Meanwhile, observers warn that Takaichi's provocative actions flout international justice and violate fundamental principles of international relations. Yuki Izumikawa, a special research fellow at Okinawa University, cautioned that Takaichi's "extremely harmful" remarks risk serious damage to the dense economic and cultural ties that underpin Japan-China relations. South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik said on social platform X that Takaichi's moves revealed Japan's "irresponsible attitude" and lack of reflection on history, warning that its push to amend the constitution is "even more concerning" as it would "transform Japan into a 'country capable of waging war.'" Richard A. Black, the Schiller Institute representative at the United Nations in New York, said that Takaichi's latest moves are "gravely dangerous," noting her long history of visiting the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, a spiritual tool and symbol of Japanese militarists responsible for the war of aggression, and downplaying Japan's wartime crimes. "So China is right to be angry, right to be upset and right to take strong actions to prevent it from getting any further," Black said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Rafael Vilchez Thursday, 27 November 2025, 20:10 Share In Padul, in Granada province's Lecrin Valley, there were once 34 shepherds' and farmers' shelters which formed part of the cultural identity of the town. According to one of the great promoters of the culture of Padul, Julio Martin "these shelters tell us about the very recent way of life and work in the countryside. These unique constructions inform us of the life and social relations that existed in the rural environment, as well as the relations with nature of the generations that preceded us. These constructions were used as shelters when the weather conditions were particularly adverse". Martin says that "the shepherds' and farmers' shelters in Padul are in danger of disappearing because they have lost the functionality they had in the past. Many shelters have disappeared and others have collapsed because they have been abandoned, despite having Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage status". "The shelters have various names depending on the place where they are located: catifas, chozos, cucos, bujardas, bohios, caracolas... The architecture of the shelters is dry stone, without any other element or mortar to bind it together," Martin explains. "The dry stone technique is a very ancient tradition that dates back to the first urban and peasant cultures and which, due to its effectiveness and limited means, has survived over the centuries. They usually have an entrance facing east and above it, there is a stone lintel that serves to support the weight of the dome, understood as the enclosure of a circular space by making the diameter of the successive rows smaller and smaller, so that little by little, the enclosure of the whole is produced," Martin describes. He goes on to say that "the exterior surface area is usually approximately eight square metres, the interior between 1.50 and 2.50 metres. The shelters are scattered throughout the dry land area: Camperte, Llano Borete, Las majadillas, Gororon, Chiribaile, Cerro del Aulagar... There is a circular route starting from the shelter that was installed in the centre of Padul as a new point of interest. From this place you can visit nine more in the countryside". Portable huts and caves Ancient shepherds' shelters in Spain, known mainly as 'chozos', were rustic dry-stone buildings, adapted to inclement weather and shepherding life. They normally faced east to take advantage of the sunlight and the smoke from the fire came out through an opening at the top. The structure was solid and took advantage of gravity to enclose the roof with a stone vault. The shelters were used for shepherds to rest, spend the night and shelter from inclement weather. In some areas they were also used to store provisions or protect small animals and the stone roof was often reinforced with a covering of branches and earth for better insulation. In Asturias for example, wood and rock huts with roofs made of vegetation and sticks, called 'branas', were used. Now some of the branas have been restored by associations to preserve this ethnographic heritage. Nomadic shepherds also built portable huts and others used caves and corrals as shelters to keep their livestock. The shepherding profession is now disappearing due to lack of profitability, harsh working conditions and management problems in some areas of Spain. Low wages, rising costs and a lack of young people willing to take up the work contribute to its decline. In some places like natural parks, shepherds and livestock keepers have to deal with conflicts with other users and the need to keep herds under control, which makes the work difficult. Some universities have begun to offer training to attract young people and teach sustainable techniques such as regenerative grazing. However, the long-term sustainability of the trade remains uncertain and depends largely on measures to support herders and make the work more attractive to new generations. Laura Velasco Granada Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:15 | Updated 19:38h. Share Following the arrest on Monday 24 November of two men on suspicion of murdering a woman on a caravan site in Motril on Granada's Costa tropical in July 2024, the victim's ex-partner, aged 52 has been released, while the 67-year-old owner of the land where the vehicle was found is being held in custody. Sources familiar with the case have told IDEAL that the motive for the crime was allegedly the bad relationship between the owner of the property and the victim, who he wanted to evict. The woman was paying the suspect 200 euros for the piece of land and the caravan. The ex-partner is believed to have covered up for the alleged murderer because he was afraid of the property owner. Investigators have ruled out the hypothesis of gender violence as a motive for the fatal attack. A violent death The victim's name was Irene, she was 47 years old when her body was found in the caravan in which she lived, located on a farm in Motril, on 18 July 2024. Very few people pass through that place, there are hardly any security cameras and she lived alone, which has complicated the investigations. Her ex-partner informed the authorities of the discovery of the body and the autopsy revealed that it showed signs of a violent death compatible with homicide. Irene was originally from Madrid and had a daughter who lived in another city. She lived alone in Motril, accompanied by her dogs and she had been in touch with La Volaera de Granada, an association that helps women and children who have suffered gender violence and which assisted her on several occasions. According to the association Irene felt "threatened" by her ex-partner. In fact, they handed over to the National Police audios and WhatsApp messages in which, they said, a "chronic situation of mistreatment" was portrayed. Her ex-partner was given a 50-day community service order and an eight-month restraining order. The conviction was based on past events, not for the investigation of the death. Sources close to the investigation told IDEAL that it was the ex-partner who informed the authorities of the discovery of Irene's body. A statement was taken from him, but he was not arrested at the time, as no evidence was found to implicate him. Local residents also explained how officers found the man and the owner of the land in the area a few days later. The discovery site IDEAL has visited the scene on several occasions. At the time, a black bikini and trainers were hanging from the clothesline next to the caravan. Next to the caravan was a metal container which she had used to cook. As the months went by, there was one main difference. Whereas then the gate remained open, later a double padlock protected the property. There was no trace of the clothesline, but the caravan remained a year later in the same place. Also, at the time of the crime, there were two infrastructures under construction. On the one hand, a farmhouse was being built on the same property where the caravan was found. As IDEAL learned at the time, the National Police warned the construction company not to touch anything in the area. Just opposite, another house was being built last year, which has now been completed. . SUR in English Malaga Thursday, 27 November 2025 | Updated 01/12/2025 13:21h. Share Mr. Anand, welcome to Spain. Could you start by giving us an overview of how the global EY GDS network operates and the role it plays in EYs broader strategy? EY GDS is a very critical part of EY overall. EY operates in 140 countries all over the world and employs over 400,000 people. EY GDS works closely with EY member firms, providing a wide range of services and running EY operations globally. Over the years, weve evolved into a center of excellence, driving innovation and delivering cutting-edge solutions. Were heavily focused on leveraging the latest technologies, such as AI, Cloud, and intelligent agents, and much of that engineering is done at EY GDS locations. Here in Malaga, for example, we are working on cybersecurity and third-party risk management, which are critical areas for our clients. EY GDS is part of a global network of over 21 locations across eight countries, all of which are interconnected to ensure seamless collaboration and delivery. Global capability centers are evolving rapidly. In your view, what are the main forces driving this change and how is EY GDS redefining its role in todays business landscape? The world is changing at an unprecedented pace, and technologies like AI are becoming central to redefining how companies operate and how we live, work, and learn. At EY GDS, were taking this transformation to the next level. Were not only bringing in the best and brightest talent, but were also leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and copilots to drive innovation across everything we do. In todays business environment, where many companies are focused on cutting costs, the ability to leverage technology effectively is critical. But technology alone isnt enough, you also need a strong team of professionals who can harness its potential and deliver real value. EY GDS is the place where innovation happens, and were proud to be at the forefront of this evolution. EY GDS Spain recently celebrated its third anniversary. How would you describe its journey within the GDS network? How is it different from other EY GDS locations and what does the Spanish center bring to EYs broader agenda? The EY GDS Spain center is absolutely critical to our network. Its location is a strategic crossroads, serving as a gateway to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the USA, and Latin America. Its also a gateway for our clients, particularly those based in the EU who prefer to work within the EU for reasons such as time zones, regulations, and proximity. In just three short years, our Malaga center has grown to employ 930 people, and were on track to surpass 1,000 soon. The work being done here is exceptional, especially in areas like cybersecurity and third-party risk management. The people here are phenomenal, and Malaga itself is one of my favorite places to visit, its a wonderful place to live and work. Im always happy to come to Malaga! Spain is known for its skilled and adaptable professionals, but competition for top digital and AI talent is intense. What strategies help EY GDS attract, develop, and retain leading professionals globally and in Spain specifically? At EY GDS, were a knowledge-based organization, and continuous learning is at the core of everything we do. Globally, we offer various programs to help our professionals grow, including EY badges for certifications, five million hours of learning annually, and free access to classes. We also have an AI Academy to ensure our people are equipped with the skills they need to thrive in the age of AI. In Spain, weve built strong partnerships with vocational training centers and universities, not just in Malaga but across Andalusia. Last year, EY GDS Malaga hired around 160 interns, and 80 of them are still with us. Weve been collaborating closely with universities, providing input into their curriculums and helping shape the programs and degrees they offer. This close connection with the educational ecosystem has been a key factor in our ability to attract and develop top talent in Spain. You describe yourself as a technologist at heart and have your own roots in Silicon Valley. Technologies such as AI, automation, and cloud computing are transforming the way services are delivered. How is EY GDS using these technologies, and what is the Spanish center's role as part of the global professional network? I started my career as an engineer, worked in the industry, and even founded technology companies, so technology is central to who I am. At EY GDS, AI, automation, and cloud computing are at the heart of what we do. More than 54,000 professionals have completed our AI training, and we have dedicated teams working on AI and building intelligent agents. For example, in the future, we envision AI agents playing a significant role in areas like tax services, transforming how we deliver value to clients. We also collaborate with external partners and run various workshops and projects to push the boundaries of innovation. Here in Spain, were actively involved in AI development, with strong collaborations across teams. EY GDS is fully integrated with over 80,000 professionals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. This diversity and collaboration are what make us unique, its what drives innovation and creates better business outcomes. As the global business environment becomes increasingly unpredictable due to geopolitical shifts and rapid technological change, which trends do you think will most shape the next phase of global professional service centers and how do you see EY GDS Spain evolving within this landscape? I see the professional services industry is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, it has been built on human experience and advice, but AI is changing everything. This shift is both an opportunity and a challenge, and at EY GDS, were focused on leveraging this technology to do things differently. The workforce is evolving, with more technological professionals joining our ranks alongside business experts. This blend of expertise is critical as we navigate the changing needs of our clients and the broader business environment. EY GDS Spain is perfectly positioned to thrive in this landscape. With its strategic location, strong talent pool, and collaborative culture, the Malaga center is helping us shape the future with confidence. Its an exciting time for EY GDS, and Im confident that this center will continue to play a pivotal role in driving innovation and growth for EY globally. Apparently, the first European Thanksgiving feast (accion de gracias) on the American continent was organised by Spanish colonists in what is now Florida, 56 years before the pilgrims in Plymouth did so Alekk M. Saanders Thursday, 27 November 2025 | Updated 28/11/2025 16:08h. Share Thanksgiving, one of the most significant holidays in the United States, is celebrated in memory of the harvest celebration in colonial New England in 1621. During the feast, a group of pilgrims shared their food with Native Americans from the Wampanoag tribe. However, few people know that Spanish conquistadors had held similar banquets with the natives earlier. On 8 September 1565, Spanish settlers and the native Timucua tribe shared food in St. Augustine which is considered the first celebration of its kind in the present-day United States. Zoom Monument to Pedro Menendez de Aviles in St.Agustine. SUR St Augustine, located in Florida, is considered the first permanent European settlement in North America. Incidentally, Columbus's colleague, Juan Ponce de Leon, was the first to land on the site where the city now stands in 1513, supposedly searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth. He named this land Florida and claimed it for the Spanish crown. In 1564, the mouth of the St Johns River attracted the attention of the French, who founded Fort Carolina there. To drive out his competitors, the Spanish conquistador Pedro Menendez de Aviles was sent to the area the following year. The brave Asturian was famous for his piety and navigational skills. From Seville via Cadiz It can be said that the story of Spanish Thanksgiving began in Andalucia because it was Seville where Pedro Menendez de Aviles was ordered to attend by King Philip II and where he organised all the details of the expedition that was victorious in North American territories. It is believed that the Spanish king and Menendez de Aviles had a close relationship, and it is not surprising that the monarch entrusted him with restoring lost dominion in North America. In addition to converting the indigenous population to Catholicism, the Spaniards' goal in Florida was to establish permanent settlements there. In addition to converting the indigenous population to Catholicism, the Spaniards' goal in Florida was to establish permanent settlements there. Andalucia is also mentioned in the Thanksgiving story as the place where the expedition began. Pedro Menendez de Aviles set sail from Cadiz on 29 June 1565 with a large fleet. On board his flagship, the San Pelayo, and several smaller ships were about 2,000 sailors, soldiers and settlers. Among them were people from all regions, including Andalusians, mainly from Seville. However, fewer than 1,000 people reached the American continent on 28 August, St. Augustine's Day. A mix of cultures Menendez de Aviles reportedly defeated the French colony with relative ease and founded Fort San Agustin nearby on 8 September. It is believed that the chief of the local Timucua tribe himself allowed the Spaniards to establish a colony on the tribe's lands. This is probably why, as a sign of special gratitude, Pedro Menendez de Aviles organised a celebration similar to Thanksgiving Day. In 1565 Spanish settlers and the indigenous Timucua people shared a communal meal to celebrate the founding of the town. It was a mix of Old and New World foods In 1565 Spanish settlers and the indigenous Timucua people shared a communal meal to celebrate the founding of the town. It was a mix of Old and New World foods. The Spanish likely served a cocido (a stew), along with red wine brought over from Europe. Apparently, the Timucuans contributed local fare such as wild turkey, venison, corn and beans. After that, the Europeans and the indigenous people attended a solemn mass, which was jointly celebrated by several Spanish bishops. St Augustine was the first successful European settlement in Florida and remained the most significant city in the region for almost three centuries. Additional fortifications were quickly built there to protect people and supplies. St. Augustine also developed rapidly thanks to investments by Pedro Menendez himself, who traded with the new lands, mainly from the Andalusian ports of Seville, Cadiz and Sanlucar de Barrameda. It is also worth noting that in 1598, Spanish explorer Juan de Onate organised a grand celebration on the banks of the Rio Grande, todays Texas, which was also attended by members of Indian tribes. Her name was Concepcion, but people called her Concha. She was 25 years old on Wednesday, 26 November, when she became the sixth fatal victim of gender-based violence in the province of Malaga, murdered by her partner, with whom she lived in her father's house in Campillos. The suspect, who worked in agriculture, apparently told his colleagues on Tuesday that he would not be going to work the next day, which is when he committed the crime. Not even 24 hours had passed since the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the protest that took place in Malaga city. The 28-year-old man turned himself in at a Guardia Civil station in the province of Jaen and confessed that he might have killed his girlfriend. The police were mobilised to the house in Campillos, located in the Paulano area, where they confirmed the young woman's death. Once ratified by the Ministry of Equality, Concepcion's death will be the sixth case of gender-based violence with a fatal end in the province so far this year. Concepcion's father was reportedly not in the house when the incident occurred. He had left around 7am to go to work - he also works on the land, but for another farm. According to witnesses, Concepcion's partner was seen in his car around 11am. The emergency services were at the scene at 1pm. Concepcion's body was removed from the house around 6pm. The autopsy is being carried out at the institute of legal medicine (IML) in Malaga. The results will determine the exact cause of death. The two had moved to live with the victim's father only a few months before the incident. She was originally from Malaga. Although their neighbours didn't know them well, they told SUR that they had been shocked by the event. They had seen Concepcion walk her dog together with her father and had also seen them, alongside the suspect, having a drink at the local bar. "On Sunday, the father and the young man were sitting at a table around 7pm," the owner of the bar said. The suspect is being held in police custody, awaiting trial. According to government sources in Malaga, Concepcion, as a victim, and her partner, as an abuser, had previously been in the VioGen system for the protection of gender-based violence victims and the monitoring of cases in connection with former partners. Their case, however, was inactive at the time of her death. Central government representative for Malaga province Javier Salas condemned the crime on Wednesday and expressed his condolences to Concepcion's family and loved ones. "We cannot tolerate this new scourge in our society. We must redouble all efforts to ensure that awareness of gender-based violence is permanently rooted in our society, and the main tool to combat it is education and the eradication of messages that deny gender-based violence," he said. Campillos mayor Daniel Gomez also expressed "the strongest condemnation and absolute repulsion" at the murder. "We have lost Concepcion to the cruelest and most unacceptable violence. Nothing can justify such an atrocious act," he said on his social media. The town hall also issued a statement to recognise gender-based violence as "a violation of human rights, a structural problem that challenges us as a society and requires the unity of all institutions, political parties and residents". The town hall has re-confirmed "its commitment to continue working to prevent, detect and combat any form of violence against women". "We reiterate the importance of collaboration between administrations, comprehensive care and protection for victims and the strengthening of public policies that promote equality and the eradication of this scourge." The municipality has decreed three days of official mourning. It also suspended official activities and events scheduled for Wednesday and called residents to a concentration with a minute's silence at 12pm on Thursday. Second case in four days This is the second case of gender-based violence in Malaga province in just a few days. On Saturday, 22 November, 60-year-old Maria Victoria from Rincon de la Victoria was stabbed to death by her ex-husband, who is already in custody. According to the testimonies gathered in the area that day, they were a separated couple, but she visited him because she was worried about his condition, as he was under psychiatric treatment. On 3 September, 83-year-old Eva was murdered at her home in Marbella, presumably by her husband, who reportedly stabbed her at least five times. When the police arrived, they could only verify her death. The previous crime, the third of 2025, took place in Fuengirola, where 43-year-old Zunilda was reportedly beaten to death by her partner, who then took his own life by stabbing himself at the flat they were renting. This incident happened on 18 June. Just a few days earlier, on 7 June, the emergency services found the body of Pilar, 53, on wasteland in Marbella. The suspect turned himself in at the National Police station. The first recorded fatal victim of gender-based violence in the province this year was Catalina, although Benalmadena's residents used to call her Lina. The 48-year-old victim was the mother of four children. Her ex-partner killed her at her home on 9 February. According to SUR, he hit her with a brass knuckle and then strangled her in front of one of the young children. Afterwards, he set fire to the property to mask it as an accident. Lina was the only victim who had reported her abuser. She had done so just 20 days before the crime. The court refused to grant her a restraining order because the police, or rather VioGen's algorithm, deemed her to be at "medium risk". Isabel Mendez Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:07 Share The village of Totalan in Malaga province's Axarquia will be celebrating its most traditional dish to bid farewell to November from Friday 28 to Sunday 30, with the Fiesta de la Chanfaina, one of the oldest celebrations in the province. Chanfaina is a a traditional stew made with potatoes, fried bread, black pudding, chorizo and spices. The festival starts at 7pm on Friday with painting exhibitions dedicated to this festival at the Torre del Violin, the 'Dreams and Colours' exhibition by the Malaga Academy of Arts and Letters, and at 'Ephemeral' by artist Aurora Vazquez Ruiz who has designed the official poster for the festival. The poster will be unveiled at the Totalan municipal auditorium at 8.15pm on Friday and the opening address will be given by Victor Oscar Villalobos Taboada, the the head teacher of the village's Virgen del Rosario primary school. At 4pm on Saturday the traditional 'potato peeling' and community picnic will take place on Plaza Antonio Molina when locals and visitors will gather to peel the potatoes, the main ingredient in chanfaina. The exhibitions and artisan market will open at 12pm on Sunday and at 12:30 pm, the parade of the traditional Verdiales music groups from Benagalbon and El Borge will begin, with typical music and dances. Then at 2pm the Chanfaina 2025 honorary distinctions will be awarded on Plaza Antonio Molina, recognising individuals and institutions that contribute to keeping the village's traditions alive. This will be followed by the chanfaina tasting. The festivities will conclude with a concert by Natalia Moralo at 5pm pm, followed by a music from the band Radio 80, who will play popular Spanish pop and rock hits of the 1980s. Eugenio Cabezas Thursday, 27 November 2025, 13:01 Share Tragedy struck the municipality of Torrox on Tuesday, where a family of four of Moroccan origin were found dead in their home after a carbon monoxide poisoning. According to the initial inspection of the Guardia Civil, the case is handled as an "accident" caused by a faulty installation during the switch from electricity to gas, which led to the leak and the subsequent asfyxiation while the family were sleeping. The Rabah family - Said, 53, Saadia Ettaba, 38, and their sons, 17 and 19 - lost their lives to what is known as a "sweet death" by carbon monoxide asphyxiation. Around 125 people die in Spain every year due to bad combustion in their homes, while between 5,000 and 10,000 people suffer non-fatal poisoning, especially in winter, when the use of heaters increases. The bodies of the Rabah family members were found by neighbours after 3.20pm. When the police entered the house, the bodies were already markedly stiff, suggesting that they had died several hours earlier, during the early hours of the morning. The father, Said, was lying on the sofa in the living room; the mother, Saadia, in one of the bedrooms; and their sons, Mohamed and Mustafa, were found in the next room. A minute's silence was held by Torrox residents, authorities and friends of the Rabah family in Plaza de la Constitucion on Wednesday. Mayor Oscar Medina told the media that the initial investigation points to "bad combustion and a gas leak". "The police are investigating the exact time it occurred, but everything points to the bad combustion of a heater," he said. According to SUR, the family had recently replaced the electric boiler with a butane gas system, with two gas bottles connected to the appliance. A faulty installation, combined with a lack of ventilation (all the windows remained closed during the night in a house of barely 50 square metres), created the lethal atmosphere. The deaths are therefore investigated as a tragic "accident", ruling out, in principle, other hypotheses of a malicious or intentional nature. The incident has shocked the town of more than 22,000 inhabitants and especially the large Moroccan community of around 1,000 residents. The mayor called for extreme caution with gas heating systems and recommended periodically checking installations to detect possible leaks. In addition, authorities insist on the importance of adequate ventilation and the installation of carbon monoxide detectors. Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:12 Share The tender for the heliport that Juan Antonio Roca - the powerful urban planning advisor for Marbella town hall between 1991 and 2006 and mastermind of major corruption case Malaya - owned in the Los Manchones Altos area has met strong demand. As municipal sources have confirmed to SUR, three companies have submitted bids to the town hall's public auction system. In reality, Marbella town hall is not contracting the operation of the heliport, but simply the private use of the facilities, which have a hangar (675 square metres), offices (115), a security guard stall (just under 62), as well as a water tank and a transformation centre, totalling an area of 4,868.79 square metres on a plot of 13,812.50 square metres. In order to operate the facilities as a heliport, the successful bidder will have to obtain the necessary licence from the Spanish aviation safety agency (Aesa). Commitment to obtain the green light from Aesa accounts for 35% of the bid score, while the suitability of the facilities represents 45%. The remaining 20 out of 100 points will be awarded for the highest offered fee. The starting figure is 5,176 euros per month (excluding taxes); an amount based on an old lease contract signed in 2011 by the court-appointed administrator of the company linked to Juan Antonio Roca, which owned the infrastructure, for 4,000 euros per month, updated according to the accumulated CPI since then (29.4%). The concession will have a duration of four years, with the possibility of a four-year extension. It is expected that it will provide the municipal coffers with a minimum net income of almost 497,000 euros over those eight years (62,112 euros per year). The contracting committee is still in the initial phase of evaluating the proposals and has not yet opened any of the envelopes corresponding to each of the three evaluable aspects that will determine who will be the successful bidder. Compensation for corruption case The town hall took ownership of the heliport in July 2016, after the court ruled that the people of Marbella should recover it as payment for Roca's civil liability in the Saqueo I case (one of the five cases, including Malaya, for which the former urban planning councillor was convicted). The municipality formally accepted ownership in January 2020, after the site had been valued at 635,000 euros in 2018. Roca had obtained the heliport in 2001 through an administrative concession to the company Heliponto Marbella for a period of 50 years. He was able to use it until he was sent to prison on 29 March 2006, where he remained until being granted conditional release in February 2019. In the same process, the town hall received the La Caridad and the Siete Corchones properties, worth 5.08 million and 1.52 million euros, respectively. Tony Bryant Thursday, 27 November 2025, 18:46 Share The company responsible for Fuengirolas water service, Gestagua, has reinforced its commitment to operational excellence and sustainability by achieving ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety certification for its local water operations, as well as accreditation under Spains National Security Scheme (ENS), which ensures the protection of information and critical systems used to deliver the service. Gestagua continues to make progress with its environmental strategy and is expected to obtain ISO 14064 Carbon Footprint certification shortly, covering all of its operations nationwide. This certification will formally recognise the companys work in managing and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and will further strengthen its dedication to responsible environmental management in line with international climate change objectives. As part of this ongoing commitment, Fuengirolas municipal water service has secured two key certifications in recent months, in addition to the ISO 9001 Quality Management standard already in place. These include ISO 14001 Environmental Management, which confirms the effectiveness of operational processes and environmental protection measures, and ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety, ensuring robust systems for the prevention of workplace risks. Enrique Sanchez, Gestaguas local representative in Fuengirola, said: In Fuengirola, we have followed a clear path: first improving the quality of service, then strengthening environmental protection, ensuring the security of our customers information, and finally certifying our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our workforce. These certifications reflect a strong process of continuous improvement in the service of our community. The certifications confirm the effectiveness of the systems implemented in Fuengirola, the integration of environmental principles into day-to-day management, and the companys commitment to employee safety and wellbeing. By achieving these standards, Gestagua reaffirms its position as a company committed to the highest levels of professionalism and quality. Each certification represents independent assurance of excellence in key areas of its operations. Chery-Ebro partnership boosts Spanish industrial revival Xinhua) 08:36, November 27, 2025 Spain's Ebro-EV Motors and China's Chery Automobile celebrate the start of vehicle production at their joint venture, the Ebro Factory, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua) Launched at the former Nissan plant in the Zona Franca industrial zone, the partnership aims to restore local industrial activity and build a platform for new-energy vehicles tailored to the European market. BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A collaboration between Chinese automaker Chery and Spanish brand Ebro is helping the Southern European country to rebuild auto manufacturing capacity, it emerged this week. Rapid output growth, strong job creation and a steady shift toward local supply chains have given the initiative unexpected momentum in its first year, business leaders said at an event to mark the anniversary of the partnership. Launched at the former Nissan plant in the Zona Franca industrial zone, the partnership aims to restore local industrial activity and build a platform for new-energy vehicles tailored to the European market. Ebro Electric Vehicle (EV) Motors' achievements over the last year include selling more than 9,000 units in September, creating 1,000 direct jobs and over 3,000 indirect jobs, and meeting key milestones in Spain's reindustrialization strategy. Ebro chairman Rafael Ruiz told Xinhua that the most complex task in the first year was restarting the assembly lines while integrating workers who had been waiting for reemployment since the previous plant was shut down. "Today we already have more than 1,000 people working at the plant," he added. Ebro has also launched the s400, s700 and s800 models, and on Monday unveiled the s900, a plug-in hybrid Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) designed for Spain's expanding mid-range hybrid segment. By 2026, the company plans to begin producing Chery-branded models, including the Omoda line, as part of its next phase of expansion. Spain's Ebro-EV Motors and China's Chery Automobile celebrate the start of vehicle production at their joint venture, the Ebro Factory, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua) Monday's event focused on the project's forward trajectory: expanding production capacity, strengthening local component sourcing and preparing additional model lines. Earlier this year, Ebro's 1,371-kilometer single-charge challenge on Spanish roads drew wide attention among domestic EV users. The company also announced that Spanish rider Laia Sanz and Italian co-driver Maurizio Gerini will represent Ebro at the 2026 Dakar Rally, one of the world's toughest endurance competitions. The team hopes the rally will prove the durability of its vehicles under extreme conditions, while enhancing Ebro's sporting profile globally. Meng Yuhong, Consul General of China in Barcelona, said at Monday's event that the project has not only revived factory operations, but also showcased the potential for deeper industrial cooperation between China and Spain. According to a recent analysis by KPMG, Chinese automakers' growing presence in Europe - especially through local production and joint ventures - is becoming an important factor in the region's reindustrialization and EV transition. In this context, the progress made by the Chery-Ebro project in its first year is increasingly seen as part of a broader shift reshaping Europe's automotive landscape. Spain's Ebro-EV Motors and China's Chery Automobile celebrate the start of vehicle production at their joint venture, the Ebro Factory, located in the Zona Franca of Barcelona, Spain, Nov. 23, 2024. (Photo by Joan gosa/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Cristina Vallejo Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:30 Share The mortgage market is reviving in the province of Malaga after the decline suffered in August. In September, 2,083 property-backed loans were signed in the province, which represents an increase of almost 24% compared to the same month last year, with 1,683 loans of this type. The increase beats the rise in the average mortgage to over 260,000 euros, which is 36% higher than the price of the average mortgage at the same time last year (below 200,000 euros). According to September data, the average mortgage in Malaga in September was the third most expensive in Spain, behind that of the Balearic Islands (over 282,000 euros) and Madrid (263,368 euros) and ahead of Barcelona (201,000 euros) and Guipuzcoa (191,000 euros). Moreover, Malaga is the third province where the average loan has risen the most: the 36% increase here is only surpassed by 44% in Cadiz (to 158,000 euros) and 40% in Teruel (to 114,000 euros). The average mortgage in Spain in September was 170,600 euros, 14% more expensive than a year earlier, although the number of signed mortgages has also accelerated by 12%, to a total of 46,120, compared to just over 41,000 in the same month last year. Annual balance sheet What is the balance of the first nine months of the year? Between January and September, almost 16,400 mortgages were signed in the province, an increase of 16.32% year-on-year and 1% higher than that recorded up to August, but 5% below the 21.41% growth recorded for the country as a whole, to a total of almost 303,000 loans. Malaga is therefore the sixth province with the highest number of mortgages signed so far this year, behind Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville and Alicante. If we take into consideration only the month of September, Malaga surpasses Seville in mortgage activity. The data reporting the average mortgage month by month is very susceptible to amplitudes due to the sale of very expensive or very cheap one-off promotions. In Malaga, for example, the loans signed each month are barely around 2,000. Therefore, the cumulative figure for the year can provide more accurate information about the market situation. The average mortgage signed in Malaga so far this year is around 220,000 euros (below and far from the 260,000 of September), but it is also the third most expensive in Spain, behind the Balearic Islands (almost 280,000 euros) and Madrid (just over 251,000 euros). This also means that the average mortgage in Malaga has risen by 13% compared to last year, when it was under 200,000 euros. In Spain, the average mortgage this year stands at 161,500 euros, an increase of 13% year-on-year. Despite the rise in housing prices in recent years, there are provinces in which the average loan does not even reach 90,000 euros, as is the case of Caceres, Ciudad Real and Zamora. Susana Zamora Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:35 Share A kitchen assistant was dismissed from her job in January last year for disciplinary reasons. The company seemingly had grounds for taking that decision: she had been absent from work for several days without any apparent justification. However, the High Court of Justice for the Canary Islands ultimately declared the dismissal unfair, as the employee was out of the country and did not receive the burofax (registered letter) informing her of her dismissal. She only became aware of the situation when she received a notification by whatsapp. The lower court ruling originally upheld the dismissal as fair due to the absence of any justification for the absences. However, the employee appealed, citing the controversy surrounding the justification for her absence, as she claimed that she was on a holiday that was pre-agreed by her employer. "The employee never signed a leave request form, she has always taken her holidays by mutual agreement and done so verbally. It could be said that there was good faith between the parties. Therefore, she went on leave with verbal confirmation, without suspecting that the company had other intentions. And those intentions were none other than to proceed with her dismissal", states the ruling consulted by SUR. Furthermore, the appeal court considers that article 55 of Spain's workers' statute has been infringed. This statute establishes that dismissal must be notified in writing to the employee, stating the facts on which dismissal is based and the date on which it will take effect. "Repeated case law has declared that, while the legal precept does not require a detailed description of the facts, it does require that the written communication provides the employee with clear, sufficient and unequivocal knowledge of the facts that they are accused of so that, having understood beyond reasonable doubt the scope of those facts, they can challenge the company's decision and prepare the evidence they deem appropriate for their defence. This purpose is not fulfilled when the aforementioned communication only contains generic and indeterminate accusations that seriously hinder that defence," the ruling states. The court notes that dismissal is a "formal and receptive" act, meaning that the employee must, by necessity, be aware of the employer's decision to dismiss them and the employer bears the burden of proof that they have notified the employee of said dismissal in writing. Any failure to comply with this requirement renders the dismissal unfair. So now the company must choose between compensating the employee to the tune of 8,319.63 euros or reinstating her. The plaintiff employee started working for this business in June 2018 as a kitchen assistant. The company had stipulated that, in order to apply for holiday leave, employees had to inform their representative or line manager and sign a holiday request form. However, years later, the cook planned a trip to her home country between 20 January and 28 February 2024. She verbally informed her superior, who authorised the trip, but she never signed the required, printed form. Therefore, four days after she had begun her vacation, the company sent a burofax to her home address requesting justification for her work absences. However, upon receiving no reply, the company decided to dismiss her on 29 January for a serious breach of Article 54 of the workers' statute. The employee received no further communications as she was not in the country so, when she could not be reached by the company, they sent her a whatsapp on 15 February with a 'Notification of termination'. That's when she learned that she had been fired, but without knowing the reason. It was then that she turned to the courts, which have now ruled in her favour: "We understand that the employer did not exercise the due diligence required of them. We cannot affirm that the employee knew the reasons for her dismissal, as there is no evidence that the termination notice reached her. Sending documents via instant messaging is insufficient for this purpose and, in principle, there is no evidence that they were sent. Moreover, they lack the necessary formality to identify the reason for the termination of the employment relationship. Failure to comply with the formal requirements governing termination notices leads to a declaration of unfair dismissal", the ruling stresses. Almudena Santos Thursday, 27 November 2025, 18:54 Share Maritime rescue teams of the Canary Islands recovered almost five-hundred migrants between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning. Most of the migrants either arrived at, or were taken to, the El Hierro island. Rescue operations began on Monday afternoon, when the emergency services received an alert concerning the sighting of a skiff carrying 171 migrants, who were taken to El Hierro. The second boat, with 121 people on board, was located shortly afterwards. The passengers were taken to the Los Cristianos dock, on the island of Tenerife. The last operation took place early on Tuesday morning, 25 November. A boat of 150 foreigners, including 27 women and, reportedly, several children, was sailing in waters close to El Hierro. They arrived at the dock, where the emergency teams were located, around 8am. Despite the high number of arrivals recorded in under 24 hours, immigration on the Canary Islands has dropped compared to last year. A total of 14,690 migrants have been recorded so far in 2025, compared to the 39,713 at this time last year (63% decrease). The Canary Islands, however, do not reflect the trend in other parts of Spain, as only this region has led to a reduction in the total arrivals registered. The Balearic Islands, for exampe, have seen the greatest increase in immigration, largely as a consequence of the diversion of the route usually taken by people coming from Somalia. Following the anti-immigration measures implemented in Italy and Greece, citizens fleeing this country in the Horn of Africa have opted to take the route leading to the Spanish archipelago. This has resulted in a 41.7% increase in arrivals, rising from the 4,717 people recorded in 2024 to 6,683 in 2025. Ceuta and Melilla have also registered a similar rise. Ceuta has recorded a 35.9% increase, with 2,281 irregular foreigners registered last year compared to 3,101 this year. Although Melilla figures are lower, the percentage increase is more striking - 224.4%. The city-region has gone from attending to 86 migrants in 2024 to 279 in the ten and a half months so far this year. Enric Bonet Paris Thursday, 27 November 2025, 19:58 | Updated 20:04h. Share The king emeritus of Spain - Juan Carlos I - has granted public channel France 3 what will, in principle, be his only television interview to promote his memoir Reconciliation, published in French on 5 November. The Spanish edition will be in bookshops on Wednesday, 3 December. As he does in the book, Juan Carlos I defends his role during Spain's transition to democracy in the interview, suprisingly without denouncing the infidelities and scandals that marked the last 15 years of his life. Recorded in the UAE, where he moved to live in 2020, the interview was broadcast at 10.50pm on Wednesday on the public channel dedicated to regional news. It is also available online. The interview does not include any major revelations, nor does the monarch spill significant doses of bile. The content is quite similar to his memoir and the interviewer, well-known journalist Stephane Bern, who is a specialist on monarchies and royal families, does not ask him about some of the more sensitive issues in that work, such as the king emeritus' sour relationship with Queen Leticia and his implicit criticism of Pedro Sanchez's government. Perhaps most interesting are his memories from the end of Francisco Franco's dictatorship. Juan Carlos I, who is now 87 years old, is in a deteriorated physical state, but he demonstrates his fluent French during the interview. Franco 'was aware' of his intentions Juan Carlos I says that Franco was aware of his intention to restore democracy in Spain. "He understood very well what the country's future would be," the emeritus king tells the cameras of France 3. In the interview, he recounts an anecdote about an interview he gave to a US media outlet before his coronation, in which he spoke about the return of democracy once he became head of state. "I thought (Franco) would be angry with me, but he said: 'Your Highness, we have to say there (in the US) what we cannot say here (in Spain) and we must say here what we cannot say there,'" Juan Carlos I recounts. The monarch also talks about Franco's death on 20 November 1975, the 50th anniversary of which was commemorated last week. "A few days before his death, he asked me to preserve the unity of Spain," Juan Carlos says, adding that when Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet travelled to Spain to attend the funeral, he recommended that Juan Carlos I did as Franco had ordered. "But I did the opposite, I finally did what Spaniards wanted," the king emeritus says. No remorse for his infidelities The conversation between Bern and Juan Carlos lasts 25 minutes and deals rather superficially with the infidelities and scandals that led to the king's abdication in 2014, as well as his decision to move to the UAE in the summer of 2020. "All men make mistakes (...) I'm used to a lot of things being said, everyone can think what they want to think. But all of that has been settled, it's over," he says when asked about his affair with German business owner Corinna Larsen and his problems with the tax authorities. "Do you have any regrets about all this," Bern asks him. "No," Juan Carlos replies. "Would you act differently?" the interviewer asks. "Yes, of course," the king emeritus says. When asked what he is most proud of, he says "having been one of the fathers of the Constitution" of 1978. The former king does not clarify whether he wishes to return to Spain to spend the last years of his life there. "For the moment, I am very well here (in the Emirates) and I don't know if in a few years' time I will return to Spain," he says, comparing himself to "a lion that adapts to situations". In the final part of the conversation he expresses his hope that his son (Felipe VI) will reign successfully. "I am very happy with what he is doing (...) He is a good king at a difficult time. The current political moment is very complicated in all countries." The interview ends with the emeritus praising France for being "an ally of Spain" and for supporting him at different times. In fact, it concludes with an anecdote about a conversation between Juan Carlos and Philippe Seguin, when the conservative politician was president of the National Assembly (between 1993 and 1997): "I told the president (Seguin) that the music reminded me of something, the moment just before someone's head was cut off," the king emeritus says, referencing the drums at an official event that sounded to him like the guillotine. Greenville, N.Y. In September 1991, troopers were called to a drained swamp in Orange County for a grisly discovery: a skull and other skeletal remains, some buried about a foot underground. On Wednesday, the State Police announced they have identified the remains as Mikolai Celesz, of Port Jervis, who was 76 when a relative reported him missing on Oct. 1, 1976. DNA, personal belongings and an old police blotter entry helped troopers identify the remains decades later. Coins found near the remains pointed to a mid-1970s timeframe, but the evidence did not reveal the persons identity, troopers said. For decades, investigators pursued leads through interviews, public appeals and DNA testing. A breakthrough came when the FBIs Questioned Documents Unit examined personal property from the scene and traced it to Port Jervis, troopers said. Local police there found a 1976 blotter entry in which a relative reported the man missing. State police traveled to Florida this year to meet with Celeszs relatives and collect DNA samples. The State Police Forensic Investigation Center confirmed the match. What remains a mystery is how Celesz ended up in the swamp about 10 miles outside his hometown. *** Anyone with information about Celeszs disappearance should contact Troop F at 845-344-5300 and reference case number 3021756. The first presidential proclamation of Thanksgiving day was issued by our nations first president, George Washington, in October 1789. On the same day Congress passed the Bill of Rights, it passed a resolution requesting the president proclaim a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God. Washington obliged, using the occasion to urge Americans to unite in gratitude for prevailing in the long war for independence from Britain and an opportunity peaceably to establish a Constitution of government for their safety and happiness. As the United States of America approaches its 250th birthday next year, interest in the American Revolution is peaking. Earlier this month, PBS broadcast a six-part documentary about the war by filmmaker Ken Burns. A revival of the hip-hop musical Hamilton continues to light up Broadway. President Donald Trump has appointed a task force to plan a full year of festivities to mark the occasion. Today, we reprint Washingtons first Thanksgiving proclamation to recall the origins of our national holiday in a time of great promise and peril for a new nation. Happy Thanksgiving! President George Washington's signature on the Oct. 3, 1789, order proclaiming a national day of prayer and thanksgiving. (National Archives) National Archives By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation. Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us. and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best. Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. Go: Washington (Source: National Archives) About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com Two turkeys, one big, one small, sat side by side on Mike Joyners dinner table. Weighing 15 pounds, the big one was a plump, store-bought bird like those sitting on millions of Americans tables this Thanksgiving Day. The small one was a jakea juvenile male wild turkeythat weighed about five pounds. Joyner, an avid hunter and author of six books on turkey hunting, shot it a little over a month ago. Both birds tasted similar, he said, though the wild one had a bit less fat, and its dark meat was richer in flavor. But the wild turkey was special in another way: Joyner harvested it near his home in McGraw, making it the first fall turkey from Central New York to grace his familys Thanksgiving table in 10 years. And not for lack of trying. Joyner scouts for turkeys half the year. If theres even so much as a rumor of a flock in a farmers field on some country road, hell investigate. But over the past three decades, hes watched those flocks shrink ever smaller. Its been a long time since Ive found a flock large enough to warrant taking a bird, Joyner lamented. I dont want to take the last one on the hill. Whatever the causeavian flu, changing land use patterns, coyotesits been slim pickings for CNYs turkey hunters. Perhaps Joyners modest Thanksgiving gobbler is a sign that the turkey population around here is on the upswing. Im hearing anecdotal reports, more than I can recall in recent years, from people saying theyre seeing more turkeys, Joyner said with a note of cautious hope. Mike Joyner, of McGraw, shot this spring gobbler in CNY last May. Joyner has written six books on turkey hunting. Mike Joyner Its my church Joyner has enjoyed enough success as a hunter that hes past caring whether he bags a bird or a buck on a given outing. For him, the act of hunting is its own reward. There are few things hed rather be doing than gliding like a shadow through the turkey woods, to use a favored phrase. I call it the turkey woods because it has a little more reverence, Joyner said. Its my church. Joyner isnt alone in that feeling. Many hunters regard the natural world with a sense of awe bordering on the religious. Some will even whisper a prayer of gratitude over downed game. Talk to a seasoned hunter long enough and youre just as likely to get a recitation on the sublime beauty of a winter sunrise as you are a rousing tale about a buck with a big rack. Maybe it has something to do with the meditative quality of quietly waiting in the woods without all the mind-numbing distractions of modern life. Invariably, youll start thinking about things that you dont normally ponder over, Joyner said. I wouldnt say its a miracle, but its breathtaking to see the sun come up and how it filters through the woods. Its done a lot for my peace of mind. Still, you cant serve sunrises and mindfulness for Thanksgiving dinner. Someone has to put meat on the table. Mike Joyner took this picture in Oct. 2025 of a rare flock of wild turkeys on state land near his home in McGraw. Mike Joyner Food and flock After spying a few scattered turkeys in August and September, Joyner was thrilled to scout a flock of 11 birds roosting in a state forest just a short drive from his home. He and his wife, Lee, hunted the spot together on opening day of turkey season. The first rays of sunlight illuminated rows of cut corn stalks in a field where the flock of turkeys, now numbering 15, had gathered. The Joyners called a handful of turkeys within range for a clear shot when suddenly the birds pivoted. Moments later, a coyote was seen loping along the edge of the cornfield. The rest of the day followed the same pattern. The Joyners called in birds, but the birds got spooked and took off at the last moment to rejoin the flock, forcing the couple to move to a different spot and start the cycle all over again. Thats the challenge, and joy, of fall turkey hunting, Joyner said. Unlike the devil-may-care attitude of spring gobblers competing over hens, fall turkeys are far less emboldened. Like people at Thanksgiving time, all they care about is food and flock. Everything else is a threat best avoided. The turkey is the most paranoid creature in the fall woods, Joyner said. Being together is a big deal to them. If you listen to fall turkey sounds, you can hear the panic. Itll start off at a certain pitch, then itll go high, then itll get more insistent. You can literally hear the birds terrified that theyre not within eyesight of another bird. The Joyners went home that day without a turkey for their Thanksgiving table. But to work a flock together on one of the most exhilarating opening days theyd had in the turkey woods in years? For that they were grateful. Mike Joyner's wife, Lee Joyner, shot this beautiful Thanksgiving gobbler in 2012 on their property. Mike and Lee hunt together as often as their schedules allow, but they always hunt opening day of spring and fall turkey seasons together. Mike Joyner Gratitude Gratitude comes a little easier to Mike Joyner these days. Four years ago, Covid-19 almost killed him. When he was admitted to the hospital in August 2021, his oxygen levels hovered around 50% (severe brain damage occurs at levels below 90%). Doctors put Joyner in a medically induced coma in a last-ditch attempt to save his life. Even if he survived, the likelihood of his returning to his demanding job as an electrical engineer was slim. Joyner woke up from the coma 18 days later. He somehow pulled through with no brain damage, a miracle that he attributes to his hard-won reputation as a miserable bastard immune to such things, as he put it. But Joyner would need all the grit he could muster to navigate the tough road ahead. His bedridden body was weak. His scarred lungs required a constant flow of bottled oxygen. With Lees help, he had to relearn how to do the most basic things for himself: walk, eat, go to the bathroom. It was like starting life from scratch. Humility comes free, I can tell you that, Joyner said ruefully. Mike Joyner took this selfie the day he was released from the hospital in Sept. 2021 after spending 18 days in a medically-induced coma. He missed the fall turkey season for the first time in his life, but managed to get in the woods, still on oxygen, for opening day of regular deer season. Mike Joyner Sunrise Joyner was in no shape to leave his house, to say nothing about walking for miles through the woods with a gun slung over his shoulder. For the first time in his life, he missed fall turkey season. I wasnt too happy about that, he said. But regular deer season was only two months away. Joyner set a goal to be in the woods on opening day. He devised a rehab plan and followed it with methodical precision. To build up his stamina, Joyner began walking on a treadmill next to a big picture window overlooking the woods in his front yard. Then he started taking short strolls down his driveway while tethered to an oxygen tank and gripping a walker. Soon, those strolls stretched a bit farther to the creek. All the while, Joyner carefully monitored his heart rate to prevent his oxygen levels from dropping below 90%. By mid-November, merely six weeks since he was released from the hospital, Joyner could shuffle 80 yards from his house to a hunting blind, a 20-minute journey. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, he grabbed his rifle, a thermos of coffee, and a fresh oxygen tank. Using a cane, he ambled in the predawn darkness to his blind. And then he waited. The sun rose slowly behind him. Its pale light slipped down the crest of a distant hillside, setting trees aglow in orange and yellow, until finally it slid across the forest floor to the toes of his boots and washed over him. And I just remember watching that going, man, I almost didnt get to see this, Joyner marveled. That was a grateful day. Feet and tail feathers of a tom, or male wild turkey. Mike Joyner Thanksgiving bird On the second day of fall turkey season, Joyner went back to the state forest where the day before he and his wife had unsuccessfully worked a flock of 15 birds, except now he was alone. He arrived in pitch dark with only a hunch about where the flock had roosted overnight. At daybreak, his hunch proved right. He could hear their wings rubbing against tree bark nearby, followed by a series of muted yelps, clucks, and whistles. But roosted aint roasted, as Joyner liked to say. He still had to earn their trust. He let out a few soft yelps in reply, initiating a conversation between man and birds that went on for hours. Each time the flock, which had grown to 18 turkeys, disappeared over a hill or into some woods, Joyner coaxed them back with subtle calls. At last, the flock gathered in a field within shooting range. Joyner scanned the bobbing heads for a decent-sized male and waited for the birds to spread out. He didnt want to hit more than one. The shotgun blast dropped the jake cleanly and scattered the rest of the flock like billiard balls. Joyner stayed hidden until the birds calmed down, then scooped up his jake. Joyner was invited to hunt turkey at this 1,000-acre private ranch located in Texas hill country in the spring of 2022, seven months after Covid nearly killed him. It was a transcendent experience. Mike Joyner Beyond gratitude Its impossible to say if the flock Joyner found last month near his home represents a positive trend in CNYs wild turkey population. It could be a fluke. Maybe itll take him another 10 years to put a local bird on his Thanksgiving table. Joyner isnt too concerned about it. Hes grateful for every single day he gets to spend in the turkey woods. But grateful doesnt quite describe the emotion Joyner felt going on his first turkey hunt seven months after surviving Covid. Hed been invited to a 1,000-acre private ranch located in Texas hill country. While walking to the roost early in the morning, he had to stop every 200 yards or so to catch his breath. Thats when hed stare up at that big Texas sky until his heart rate came down. Nothing but stars forever, Joyner said. Not like around here where theres always hills in the way. As he forged onward in his halting manner, it occurred to him that if he hadnt almost died of Covid, he wouldnt be taking the time to gaze up at the stars. That was a whole other level of gratitude that he hadnt begun to consider. Theres grateful, and then theres something beyond grateful, Joyner said. I dont know what word you would attach to it, but its a measure more significant than that. China, U.S. can transcend differences, write new chapter in friendly cooperation: ambassador Xinhua) 09:20, November 27, 2025 Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng delivers a video speech at the 2025 Kuliang Forum in New York, the United States, on Nov. 25, 2025. China and the United States can rise above differences and jointly write a new chapter in their friendly exchanges and cooperation, Xie said on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhang Fengguo) NEW YORK, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- China and the United States can rise above differences and jointly write a new chapter in their friendly exchanges and cooperation, Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said on Tuesday. Speaking in a video keynote speech at the 2025 Kuliang Forum, Xie said the story of Kuliang is a vivid example that "the hope of the China-U.S. relationship lies in the people, its foundation is in our societies, its future depends on the youth, and its vitality comes from exchanges at subnational levels." The "Friends of Kuliang," a group of descendants of the American families who once lived in Fuzhou, capital of southeast China's Fujian Province, embarked on journeys to retrace their ancestors' stories in recent years, Xie noted. The century-old story of Kuliang is brimming with new vigor as events such as the Bond with Kuliang: 2025 China-U.S. Youth Choir Festival and the Kuliang Forum have been held, said Xie. "The bonds that have transcended time and space continue to inspire us till this day, reminding us that: for all our differences in history, culture, social system and development path, we share a common pursuit of friendship," said the ambassador. China and the United States shoulder special and important responsibilities for world peace, stability and prosperity, he added, urging the two sides to adhere to the bottom line of non-conflict and non-confrontation. "Building on that, we need to live up to our obligations as major countries, abide by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, resolutely uphold the post-WWII international order, champion true multilateralism, and join hands to tackle international and regional hotspot issues as well as challenges such as counter-terrorism," said Xie. Next year, China and the United States will respectively host the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and the G20 summit, he said. "We should support each other, foster dialogue on global governance, and strive to accomplish more great and concrete things for the good of our two countries and the whole world." (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Black Friday is just days away, and if you're planning to do any serious Amazon shopping this season, you need to know about these game-changing browser extensions. The days of blindly trusting product listings and sponsored results are over. Today's smart shoppers are equipped with powerful tools that reveal what Amazon doesn't show you, filter out the noise, and help you make genuinely informed purchasing decisions. Perfect Timing Alert! With Black Friday hitting on November 28th, now is the ideal time to install these extensions. Get them set up before the shopping rush begins, and you'll be ready to navigate deals with complete transparency and confidence. We tested dozens of Amazon shopping extensions, and these five stood out for actually delivering value. Whether you're hunting for authentic brands, avoiding counterfeit products, or just trying to cut through Amazon's increasingly cluttered interface, there's a tool here that will transform your shopping experience. The Extensions That Made Our List 1. ShopVerix See Where Your Products Really Come From The Problem It Solves: Have you ever received a product from Amazon that looked nothing like the listing? Or wondered why that "brand name" item felt suspiciously cheap? The issue often comes down to seller transparency, something Amazon doesn't make easy to check. ShopVerix changes that entirely. Did You Know? Studies suggest a significant portion of shoppers can't easily identify where their Amazon products are actually shipping from before purchase. ShopVerix makes this information instantly visible. What Makes ShopVerix Different Unlike extensions that focus solely on coupons or price tracking, ShopVerix tackles the transparency problem head-on. It's designed for shoppers who care about what they're buying, not just how much they're paying. Instant Seller Country Display See exactly where each seller is located before you click "Add to Cart." No more detective work trying to figure out if you're buying from a US-based seller or an unknown international source. The information appears right on the product page, clearly and prominently. AI-Powered Brand Recognition Score This is where ShopVerix gets really clever. Their AI analyzes brands and gives them a recognition score from 0-10, along with reliability levels. Shopping for headphones? You'll instantly see if you're looking at a well-known brand (score: 9/10) or a generic unknown manufacturer (score: 2/10). No more falling for cleverly-named knock-offs. Hide Sponsored Listings & Ads Amazon's search results are increasingly dominated by sponsored products, which aren't always the best match for what you're searching for. ShopVerix lets you hide these entirely, giving you a cleaner view of actual organic results. It's like putting on glasses after squinting for years. Advanced Filtering Options Filter products by seller country and brand recognition level. Want to see only products from US sellers with high brand recognition? Done. This level of control is unprecedented and incredibly useful during major shopping events when you're sifting through hundreds of listings. Real-World Scenarios Where ShopVerix Shines Scenario 1: Electronics Shopping You're shopping for USB-C cables. Amazon shows 50+ options, many with similar names like "Ultra-Fast-Tech Premium Cable" and "TechPro Elite Charging Cable." These sound legitimate, but ShopVerix reveals their brand recognition scores are 1/10 and 2/10 respectively. You filter to show only brands with 7+ recognition scores and find Anker and AmazonBasics, known entities with actual reputations. Crisis averted. Scenario 2: Black Friday Rush During the Black Friday chaos, you're looking for a Kitchen Aid mixer deal. The page is cluttered with sponsored listings for similar-looking products from brands you've never heard of. One click in ShopVerix hides all sponsored content, and you immediately see the actual Kitchen Aid listings from authorized sellers. You just saved yourself from buying a convincing knock-off. Scenario 3: Gift Shopping You're buying a toy for your niece. The product photos look great, but ShopVerix shows it's from an overseas seller with a brand recognition score of 3/10. You check reviews more carefully and notice many mention quality issues and slow shipping. You find an alternative from a US seller with 8/10 brand recognition instead. Gift giving: secured. The Free Trial Makes This a No-Brainer Here's the best part: ShopVerix offers a 30-day premium trial with no credit card required. That means you can test all the premium features, including AI brand recognition and advanced filtering, completely free through the entire Black Friday and Cyber Monday period. Even after the trial, the free version still shows seller country information, which alone is incredibly valuable. Feature Free Version Premium Trial (30 Days) Seller Country Display Country Filtering Hide Amazon Ads AI Brand Recognition Try ShopVerix Free for 30 Days Install now and get full premium access through Black Friday and beyond. No credit card required. Start Your Free Trial Bottom Line: If you only install one extension from this list, make it ShopVerix. It solves problems you didn't even know you had and makes Amazon shopping feel transparent again. The seller location feature alone has saved me from multiple questionable purchases, and the AI brand recognition is legitimately game-changing for product categories I'm unfamiliar with. Track Price History & Set Alerts Best For: Patient shoppers who want to know if they're getting a genuine deal Keepa is the veteran price tracker that shows you Amazon's price history over time. See graphs of how prices have fluctuated over weeks, months, or years. This is crucial during Black Friday when many "deals" aren't actually discounts at all. Key Feature: Keepa shows you if that "50% off" sticker is real or if the item was at that price last week. You can also set price alerts to get notified when items drop to your target price. Why It Pairs Well With ShopVerix: While ShopVerix tells you what you're buying and who you're buying from, Keepa tells you if you're paying a fair price. Together, they create a complete picture. Analyze Review Authenticity with the power of AI Best For: Skeptics who don't trust suspiciously glowing reviews FakeFind Lets you paste a product link (on Amazon, Walmart, eBay, etc.) and runs AI-based detection to flag suspicious reviews, manipulated ratings or "reviewhijacking." Gives you a "Trust Score" + adjusted rating. Key Feature: FakeFind uses advanced AI / natural language processing to scan product reviews and detect signs of suspicious or fake reviews including AIgenerated text, repetitive wording, odd timing (e.g. many reviews posted in a short span), or other patterns that suggest seller manipulation. Pro Tip: Use Fakefind alongside ShopVerix's brand recognition score. A product with a low brand score (2/10) but suspiciously high reviews is a major red flag. Automatic Coupon Finder Best For: Bargain hunters who want to squeeze out every possible discount Honey automatically searches for and applies coupon codes at checkout across thousands of sites, including Amazon. While Amazon doesn't have traditional coupon codes as often as other retailers, Honey can find them when they exist and also offers cashback through their rewards program. Key Feature: The "Droplist" feature tracks items you're interested in and notifies you when prices drop. It's essentially a simpler, more casual version of Keepa's price tracking. Note: Honey works best on non-Amazon sites, but it's handy to have installed for when you shop elsewhere during Black Friday week. Amazon Price History by CamelCamelCamel Best For: Deal verification and long-term price tracking Similar to Keepa, The Camelizer shows Amazon price history directly on product pages. It tracks Amazon's price, third-party new prices, and used prices separately, giving you a comprehensive view of pricing trends. Key Feature: Simple, unobtrusive price charts that integrate seamlessly into Amazon's interface. Less feature-rich than Keepa, but some users prefer its cleaner presentation. Black Friday Advantage: During major sales events, The Camelizer lets you verify if "lightning deals" are actually good prices or just regular prices with urgent-sounding marketing. Getting Ready for Black Friday With Black Friday landing on November 28th, you have just enough time to install these extensions, learn how they work, and test them on a few practice purchases. By the time Black Friday hits, you'll be a power user ready to navigate the deals with confidence. Our Installation Priority: Install ShopVerix first and start your 30-day premium trial immediately. You'll want the full feature set during Black Friday, and starting now gives you time to learn the interface. Add Keepa or The Camelizer for price verification. Pick whichever interface you prefer (we slightly prefer Keepa for its additional features). Consider Fakespot if you often shop in categories where fake reviews are common (electronics, supplements, beauty products). Honey is optional but useful if you shop across multiple retailers during Black Friday week. These five extensions represent the best of what's available: tools that actually solve real problems, provide genuine value, and don't slow down your browser or bombard you with notifications. ShopVerix stands out for tackling the transparency problem that other extensions ignore, while the others complement it perfectly with price tracking and review analysis. Install them before Black Friday, and you'll wonder how you ever shopped without them. New research from an analyst reveals that the iPhone Fold may set users back $2,399 when it makes its debut as Apple's first-ever foldable device. Apple iPhone Fold Could Cost $2,400, Says Analyst Fubon Research's analyst, Arthur Liao, shared a new estimate on how much the Apple iPhone Fold could cost once it arrives next year or by 2027. According to the analyst, the iPhone Fold may cost around $2,399 in its debut, and it is speculated that this would be the price of the base variant of the foldable smartphone. The estimated price tag is more expensive than earlier speculations or rumors as the analyst based this latest estimate on the components and supply chain cost, taking into account the hardware it would deliver. Many specialized and first-of-its-kind parts will reportedly be used for the iPhone Fold, Apple's first-ever foldable device. According to Liao, early rumors of the iPhone Fold already suggest that it would be a premium device, with Apple using high-end displays, a special hinge mechanism, and more specialized parts for it. The research firm noted that component costs are sharply rising in the market, with these being the top reasons why the iPhone Fold's current estimate is more expensive than previous ones. Past rumors have talked about a range of $1,800 to $2,100 for the iPhone Fold's initial selling price, and while it is still expensive and almost double the current iPhone 17 Pro series, it is within the range of its rival foldables. Read Also: Apple Faces Another Design Exit as iPhone Air Innovator Joins Unnamed AI Startup Is the Ultra-Premium Foldable Worth It? According to DigitalTrends, the latest price estimate on the iPhone Fold makes it an "ultra-premium" device, especially as it could be the most expensive bifold smartphone in the market. The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 currently starts at $1,599 for the 256 GB version, packed with top-notch components and hardware. While the same could be said for Apple's foldable, it could still be more expensive should this latest estimate be accurate. That said, Apple is rumored to make the iPhone Fold a worthwhile device, especially with the premium components, engineering, chipset, and features it would deliver to users. It would reportedly get a crease-free screen that would be the first in the industry. It is also rumored to have the rumored liquid metal hinges. The Touch ID is said to be making its return on the device, and it would be as massive as an iPad mini when unfolded. The market for used and certified refurbished smartphones is expanding rapidly in 2025. Consumers are increasingly weighing the cost of brand-new devices against the benefits of purchasing pre-owned or refurbished models. With technology improving steadily but reaching a plateau in performance for many mid-range and flagship models, buying a second-hand phone has become a practical, cost-effective choice. Environmental awareness is another factor fueling this trend. Many consumers now consider the impact of electronic waste and prefer devices that extend product life. In addition, the growing smartphone resale market provides opportunities to trade in older devices, creating a circular economy that benefits both buyers and sellers. A well-informed used phones guide helps consumers navigate this landscape, ensuring they make safe and smart purchasing decisions. Benefits of Buying Used and Certified Refurbished Smartphones Buying used or certified refurbished smartphones comes with several advantages: Significant Cost Savings: One of the biggest draws is the price difference. Pre-owned devices can be 30% to 50% cheaper than new models while still offering comparable performance. Certified refurbished phones often go through professional testing and repairs, giving consumers near-new quality at a fraction of the cost. One of the biggest draws is the price difference. Pre-owned devices can be 30% to 50% cheaper than new models while still offering comparable performance. Certified refurbished phones often go through professional testing and repairs, giving consumers near-new quality at a fraction of the cost. Environmental Benefits: Opting for a used device contributes to sustainability. By extending the lifespan of electronics, buyers reduce electronic waste and lower the demand for new production, which has significant environmental and resource implications. Opting for a used device contributes to sustainability. By extending the lifespan of electronics, buyers reduce electronic waste and lower the demand for new production, which has significant environmental and resource implications. Quality Assurance with Certification: Certified refurbished phones often come with warranties and thorough quality checks. These devices are inspected, repaired if necessary, and tested to ensure functionality. This certification provides confidence for buyers wary of purchasing a typical used phone from an unknown seller. Certified refurbished phones often come with warranties and thorough quality checks. These devices are inspected, repaired if necessary, and tested to ensure functionality. This certification provides confidence for buyers wary of purchasing a typical used phone from an unknown seller. Access to Higher-End Models: Buying second-hand allows consumers to afford premium models that may be out of budget if purchased new. This means access to advanced features, better cameras, and larger storage without breaking the bank. For anyone entering the resale market, following a comprehensive used phones guide ensures you understand these advantages and make informed choices. How the Smartphone Resale Market is Evolving and What to Watch For The smartphone resale market has evolved far beyond classifieds and online marketplaces. Key trends include: Expanding Marketplaces: Platforms like Swappa, Gazelle, and Amazon Renewed have made buying and selling used phones more secure and convenient. These marketplaces often provide authentication checks, return policies, and ratings systems that protect buyers from scams. Platforms like Swappa, Gazelle, and Amazon Renewed have made buying and selling used phones more secure and convenient. These marketplaces often provide authentication checks, return policies, and ratings systems that protect buyers from scams. Importance of Verification: When purchasing a used device, verifying seller credibility is crucial. Checking device condition, warranty status, battery health, and IMEI information can prevent issues like locked or damaged phones. Understanding these details is a vital part of a used phones guide . When purchasing a used device, verifying seller credibility is crucial. Checking device condition, warranty status, battery health, and IMEI information can prevent issues like locked or damaged phones. Understanding these details is a vital part of a . Resale Value Trends: Certain brands and models maintain higher resale values due to popularity, durability, and software support. Apple iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy devices often retain value longer than budget or lesser-known brands. Following market trends can help buyers make smarter purchases and sellers set competitive prices. Certain brands and models maintain higher resale values due to popularity, durability, and software support. Apple iPhones, Google Pixels, and Samsung Galaxy devices often retain value longer than budget or lesser-known brands. Following market trends can help buyers make smarter purchases and sellers set competitive prices. Trading and Upgrade Programs: Many smartphone manufacturers and carriers now offer trade-in programs that make it easier for consumers to sell old phones while upgrading. These programs streamline the resale process and often include incentives like discounts on new or refurbished models. Many smartphone manufacturers and carriers now offer trade-in programs that make it easier for consumers to sell old phones while upgrading. These programs streamline the resale process and often include incentives like discounts on new or refurbished models. Consumer Awareness: Buyers are becoming savvier. Reviews, YouTube comparisons, and forums provide insight into potential issues with older devices. As a result, the resale market is shifting toward transparency and better-informed decisions. The combination of cost savings, sustainability, and robust resale platforms ensures the smartphone resale industry continues to grow steadily in 2025. Choosing Between Used and Certified Refurbished Selecting the right second-hand device depends on your priorities: Certified vs. Typical Used Phones: Certified refurbished phones often undergo thorough testing, come with a warranty, and may include replacement parts if needed. Standard used phones may be cheaper but carry more risk. Certified refurbished phones often undergo thorough testing, come with a warranty, and may include replacement parts if needed. Standard used phones may be cheaper but carry more risk. Budget Considerations: Decide how much you are willing to spend and weigh the benefits of certification against potential savings from a non-certified device. Decide how much you are willing to spend and weigh the benefits of certification against potential savings from a non-certified device. Device Condition and Battery Health: Check for screen damage, scratches, and battery longevity. Batteries degrade over time, so knowing the device's charge capacity is essential. Check for screen damage, scratches, and battery longevity. Batteries degrade over time, so knowing the device's charge capacity is essential. Software Updates and Longevity: Ensure the device still receives operating system updates, which can impact security and app compatibility. Conclusion Second-hand smartphones are becoming a smart alternative to new devices due to affordability, sustainability, and growing market options. Used phone guides and certified refurbished options make it easier to shop safely and confidently. By staying informed about device condition, resale trends, and warranty options, consumers can enjoy cost-effective, high-quality devices while reducing environmental impact. As the smartphone resale market expands in 2025, second-hand devices are no longer a compromisethey are a practical, sustainable, and savvy choice for modern buyers. Frequently Asked Questions 1. How do certified refurbished phones differ from typical used phones? Certified refurbished devices undergo inspection, repairs, and testing to meet manufacturer or retailer standards. Typical used phones may have cosmetic wear and no guarantees. 2. Are warranties reliable on refurbished smartphones? Yes, many certified refurbished phones come with warranties ranging from 90 days to a year, providing coverage similar to new devices. 3. What are the risks of buying used phones? Risks include hidden damage, depleted battery life, non-functioning components, or software issues. Verifying the seller and checking device condition reduces these risks. 4. How to ensure good battery health when buying second-hand devices? Check battery cycle count, capacity percentage, and replacement history if available. Certified refurbished phones often replace degraded batteries. All non-Meta AI chatbots from the platform will be banned on WhatsApp, Facebook's parent firm announced. The major update will apply starting January 15, 2026. If you're using ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or any LLM chatbots via chatbots, you won't be able to directly access them via WhatsApp. How Will This Impact WhatsApp Business Users? One slight exception, however, is for businesses that use WhatsApp to connect with customers. As WhatsApp wrote on its Business Solution Terms, companies will still be allowed to operate AI bots that provide customer support, as long as they align with Meta's policies. But for individual users, it means losing access to popular AI tools; this might disrupt workflows that rely on AI-generated responses for messaging and automation. OpenAI and Microsoft Respond It first hinted at its exit last month when confirming ChatGPT would no longer be available on WhatsApp. Then, Microsoft said it also would end the integration of Copilot before the January deadline. Users who operate on ChatGPT can export their chat history to continue the conversation elsewhere. That will not be an option for Copilot users, further complicating the transition for businesses reliant on Microsoft's AI assistant. Why WhatsApp Is Making the Change According to GSM Arena, the restriction of non-Meta AI chatbots, announced by the company, is just one part of a broader strategy aimed at retaining users within its ecosystem. Limiting third-party AI tools will give it better control over data security, user experience, and integration of AI features into WhatsApp's native platform. Although this may upset some users, it would surely further align Meta's AI offerings with its policies and standards. What Users Should Do Before the Deadline All users who use third-party AI chatbots on WhatsApp should act accordingly before January 15, 2026. That includes exporting chat history, migrating conversations, and seeking out alternative platforms to minimize disruption. Businesses should review their workflows for AI support to ensure compliance with the new rules and avoid service interruptions. Future updates will likely include more AI-powered messaging capabilities, automated replies, and smarter chat handling right within the application, while keeping users engaged and maintaining Meta's grip on its own AI ecosystem. Samsung Galaxy One UI 8.5 beta program rumors have once again started flowing in. The South Korean tech giant may issue the very first phase of the beta on December 8, 2025, though dates are subject to change. Phase 1 users in the US, South Korea, the UK, and Germany will provide Samsung with an initial testing audience for the new software. Phase 2 and Beta Expansion According to a South Korean tipster, followed by tech insider Tarun Vats, insiders say Phase 2 could begin two weeks later, on Dec. 22, and would add users from India and Poland. Exclusive I'm hearing the same from my sources One UI 8.5 Beta 2 is expected around 22nd Dec, and Beta 3 around 5th Jan. This means: Phase 1 users could get it on 8th Dec Phase 2 users may get the One UI 8.5 beta on 22nd Dec Phase 1: US, UK, Korea, Germany Phase 2:... https://t.co/cu88FoieSH Tarun Vats (@tarunvats33) November 26, 2025 Each beta phase appears to be a further expansion of access in order for Samsung to get feedback and optimize the software before the wider release. A possible Beta 3 could be launched around January 5, 2026, marking the final testing stage before the official release. Galaxy Devices Expected to Get First Access According to Android Central, the Galaxy S25 series is supposedly the first device that will get One UI 8.5, but there have been many speculations about whether users of the Galaxy S24 series will also get early access. Samsung has traditionally granted its latest and most powerful flagships priority when launching beta programs in a particular region, and the latest rumors appear to fit the pattern. The staged rollout lets the company test the update on a smaller, contained population before expanding it to more regions and devices. Why the Delay? Initial rumors had suggested a beta launch in November 2025, although Samsung was reportedly pushing those plans back as it tinkered with the Galaxy S26 series, including one rumor that the Galaxy S26 Plus would be replaced with a Galaxy S26 Edge. But reportedly, poor sales estimates for the S25 Edge seem to have led Samsung to push ahead without further delay and launch testing of One UI 8.5. Expected Features in One UI 8.5 One UI 8.5 promises to be one of the biggest updates, bringing some significant enhancements for Galaxy users: AI-powered notifications for smarter alerts and suggestions. Update to Quick Settings will be highly customizable, faster, and provide more convenient access to tools Customization options for the lock screen to let users personalize their display. Various performance enhancements under the hood to improve efficiency and stability. It is expected that the new software will launch officially along with the Galaxy S26 series at Samsung's anticipated Unpacked event in San Francisco in February 2026. An Amazon delivery drone triggered an emergency safety landing after clipping an overhead internet cable in Waco, Texas, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The incident happened on Nov. 18 at around 12:45 p.m., shortly after the drone had dropped off a package for a customer. The MK30 drone, identified as N139PA, was rising back into the air when one of its propellers hit the thin wire. Video of the moment shows the drone becoming tangled in the line before the motor shut off and the aircraft glided downward. The drone landed on its own, with only one damaged propeller. Amazon said the drone's safety system worked exactly as designed. When the aircraft sensed trouble, it performed what the company calls a "safe contingent landing," which is built for unexpected situations, FoxBusiness reported. "There were no injuries or widespread internet service outages," an Amazon spokesperson said. The company paid for the cable repair and apologized to the affected customer. Amazon reported the incident to the FAA immediately and said it has not received further questions from regulators. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed it is aware of the event but is not opening its own investigation. Amazon also made clear the line the drone hit was an internet cable, not a power line. Amazon is facing a federal probe after one of its delivery drones downed an internet cable in central Texas last week. $AMZN pic.twitter.com/L5eieKyjQN The Dude (@LevinBurant) November 26, 2025 Amazon Halts Service After Arizona Drone Crash The Texas mishap comes only one month after another investigation began in Tolleson, Arizona, where two Amazon drones struck a construction crane. In that case, the FAA said both aircraft were MK30 drones that collided with the crane's boom. No one was hurt, but Amazon temporarily paused drone service in the area. Amazon has spent more than a decade developing its Prime Air program in hopes of delivering small packages in under an hour. The company began drone deliveries in 2022, later expanding to cities including Kansas City, San Antonio, Pontiac, and Ruskin. Amazon plans to deliver up to 500 million packages per year by drone by the end of the decade. The MK30 model used in Waco is designed to be smaller, lighter, and quieter than earlier versions. According to CNBC, Amazon says the drone includes a "sense-and-avoid" tool to detect obstacles and that customers should keep about 10 feet of clear space for safe delivery. Drone deliveries in Waco began earlier this month for eligible items under five pounds. Originally published on vcpost.com The fanfare that surrounded "Grand Theft Auto 6" got a surprise turn of events when the creator of a viral "leaked" gameplay video came forward to admit it was created completely via AI. In the age of AI, even the tiniest of details can spell a difference, but digital fabrication becomes much easier. It's going to be tricky to recognize a real video from an AI-generated video from now on. AI-Generated 'GTA 6' Clip Deceives Many Fans The drama started when the account Zap Actu GTA6 shared what looked like a gameplay leak clip of Lucia walking in the rain. The video went viral on social media, with more than 8 million views within just 24 hours. Despite a community note warning viewers that the footage wasn't official, millions believed the clip was a legitimate leak from Rockstar Games. IGN would later report that dozens of similar videos originating from the same account were going viral, racking up millions of impressions. Inside the Discord for Zap Actu, confusion spread as new members asked if the clips were real or AI-generated. Creator Admits 'Leak' Was AI Experiment Facing growing criticism, ZapActu published a public statement, disclosing the truth: all "GTA 6" viral clips were actually created with generative AI. All they wanted to do, they said, was "observe people's reaction" and show how one could easily create plausible AI-generated content in 2025. In their apology, ZapActu said that they did not mean to mislead the fans and had no financial motive for posting; the group had aimed only to "entertain the community." They have since deleted the videos and taken down their accounts. They later told IGN, "It was a huge joke actually... Sorry for the false hope lol." AI Deepfakes Continue to Complicate Trust The GTA 6 incident isn't a one-off case. Deceptive AI-generated content has swelled across the internet. Keanu Reeves spoke out against unauthorized AI videos of himself selling products, even paying a monthly fee to get major platforms to take down impostors. Last month, Robin Williams' daughter asked people to stop sending her AI-generated clips of her father. The comedian died in 2014. Even Tom Cruise was a victim of an AI deepfake. Four years ago, a realistic video of the actor made rounds online. Everyone could think that it's the human actor because the AI perfectly imitated his voice and gestures. AI video tools like OpenAI's Sora 2 have been used to create viral clips using copyrighted characters, prompting the Japanese government to request stronger protections. Originally published on Player One Security researchers at Gendigital warn that Russian and North Korean state-backed hackers two of the worlds most aggressive cyber actors may be working together for the first time, after discovering that both groups used the same command-and-control server in separate cyberattacks. A Rare Sign Of Coordination Between Two Major APT Groups On July 24, 2025, Gens monitoring systems detected an IP address 144[.]172[.]112[.]106 while tracking Gamaredons known command-and-control servers. Gamaredon, a notorious Russian espionage group known for rapid-fire intrusions, is associated with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) and is responsible for more than 5,000 attacks over the last year, mostly targeting Ukraine. But what happened next surprised the security researchers. Just four days later, the same server began delivering malware tied to Lazarus, North Koreas most dangerous hacking group. Researchers identified the payload as InvisibleFerret, a Lazarus-linked backdoor being delivered through an identical server structure previously seen in ContagiousInterview, a campaign that targeted job seekers with fake recruitment messages. While its possible the server was a proxy or VPN endpoint, the temporal proximity of both groups activity and the timing and identical delivery setup raise the likelihood of shared or sequential control by both groups pointing to potential collaboration rather than coincidence. Why This Discovery Matters If confirmed, this would be the first known instance of RussianNorth Korean cyber cooperation in active campaigns. Such partnerships are extremely rare; the most famous past example was Regin, believed to have been co-developed by the U.S. and U.K. intelligence agencies. If Russia and North Korea are indeed collaborating in cyberspace, it would mark a major shift in how global cyberattacks are conducted, as each group brings powerful strengths: Gamaredon (Russia) brings vast espionage experience and rapid deployment, as well as ongoing campaigns targeting government and military networks. brings vast espionage experience and rapid deployment, as well as ongoing campaigns targeting government and military networks. Lazarus (North Korea) is known for sophisticated financial theft worth more than $1.7 billion, helping finance the countrys government. Together, they could blend intelligence gathering, financial theft, and global disruption making it harder to understand who is behind an attack or what the objective is. A Broader Trend Of Hacking Alliances While cross-border APT collaboration is rare, the GamaredonLazarus overlap reflects a growing trend of cooperation within national cyber ecosystems. A Lazarus-linked IP later surfaced in malware attributed to another North Korean ATP group, Kimsuky, which has been active since around 2012. A DoNot malware sample was found loading a component used by SideWinder, both of which are believed to have ties to India and have been active since 2013 and 2012, respectively. These cases suggest the cyber world may be shifting toward more cooperation or shared resources either intentionally or out of operational convenience. What Security Teams Need To Prepare For Researchers say defenders must rethink how they identify and classify threats. Instead of assuming a single actor behind an attack, security teams should: Track shared servers between groups Overlapping domains and URLs Malware loaders that are used across different APT teams Faster, more unpredictable attacks A New Phase Of Cyber Warfare? The discovery is alarming, as alliances between powerful nation-state hacking groups are exceptionally rare. As Russia and North Korea grow closer politically and militarily, researchers say this new pattern could be the first signal that the partnership now extends into cyberspace. If so, experts warn, the era of isolated hacking groups may be coming to an end paving the way for a new wave of cyber threats that could be far more coordinated than before. A recent study found that these endangered areas are home to up to 46% of the global populations of 40 species that nest in North America but spend most of the year further south Being in Seattle, Washington, I cant conserve the birds I see and love just by taking action here, says Anna Lello-Smith, a researcher with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), in a video call. We think of birds as being ours, as North American, because they nest here. But in many cases, they spend most of the year in Central and South America. And thats the beauty of it: that birds connect us across hemispheres, she adds, referring to the results of a study she led that found that the Five Great Forests of Mesoamerica support between 10% and 46% of the global populations of 40 migratory bird species. Although less well-known than their giant neighbor the Amazon rainforest, the Maya Forest (which covers parts of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala), the Moskitia (in Honduras and Nicaragua), the Indio Maiz-Tortuguero conservation area (in Nicaragua and Costa Rica), the Amistad International Park (in Costa Rica and Panama), and the Darien (in Panama and northern Colombia) are remnants of the regions remaining rainforests and act as a protective corridor for numerous animal species. This is especially true for migratory birds that find refuge in these ecosystems, either to stay there during the North American winter or to make a stopover before reaching their final destination. A broad-winged hawk in an undated image. Alexander Lamoreaux (Laboratorio de Ornitologia de Cornell) More than a third of all Kentucky warblers, for example, concentrate in these five large forests during the non-breeding season, as do a quarter of wood thrushes and golden-winged warblers, according to the research published in Biological Conservation. There are sister landscapes across the continent, Lello-Smith asserts. Birds that in some months are found in forested areas of the Appalachians, the Mississippi Delta, the Great Lakes, New England, and around New York City or in Ontario and Quebec in Canada at other times inhabit Mesoamerica. And although this was already a known fact, due to the migration patterns themselves, the recent study managed to track the routes more precisely and on a larger scale. To achieve this, they turned to eBird, a citizen science platform where local enthusiasts and experts upload information about the birds they have observed, including the species and the specific location where they saw it. The application already has more than two billion records contributed by over a million people, allowing scientists from WCS and Cornell University to track bird movements throughout the 52 weeks of 2022. Illegal cattle ranching has caused 90% of recent deforestation in the Five Great Forests. Claudia Novelo Alpuche (WCS) The researchers identified important dynamics. Some were almost intuitive, such as the fact that the Maya Forest the largest of the five, at 37,000 square kilometers had the highest average population percentage of all species. Meanwhile, Indio Maiz the smallest at 4,600 square kilometers had the lowest percentage. But there are other, more troubling findings. The latter, along with Moskitia, is among the areas most under pressure by deforestation, despite being the most important for migratory birds, supporting around 10% of the population of five species under some level of endangered status: the Kentucky warbler, the blue-winged warbler, the American thrush, the golden-winged warbler, and the cerulean warbler. Since 1970, North America has lost a total of 2.5 billion migratory birds of 419 species. For Lello-Smith, the results are a call to action for organizations in the United States and North America to understand that they must also invest in conservation in other countries. This way, they can continue to see the birds that accompany them on their walks through Central Park in New York or that sing at dawn. The Five Great Forests of Mesoamerica are disappearing due to illegal cattle ranching and fires, she points out. In the case of La Moskitia, a third of its vegetation has been cleared in just two decades. As a parallel portrait of what is happening in the political and human context, the birds not only warn of the risk of losing the connection between north and south, but also of how organic it is to migrate across the continent. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Australia projected to miss 2035 emissions target Sydney, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Fossil fuel giant Australia's current policies put it on track to miss a two-month-old target to slash greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, the government said Thursday. The country pledged in September to curb emissions that cause global warming by 62 to 70 percent by 2035, when compared to levels in 2005. But Australia's emissions are projected to decline over that time by a much smaller 48 percent with "currently implemented policies", said a government report. "While the 2035 target is ambitious and achievable, it is not yet being achieved," Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said in a speech to parliament. "We will meet it by implementing, strengthening and building on the strong policy foundations we have laid over the past three years." Bowen said it was normal to have a gap between projections and a decade-long target. "As new policies are developed and implemented, the emissions outlook improves," he said. "That's what a target is for, to drive new initiatives and work." The projections did not take account of policies such as a recent "net zero plan", which included investment in low-carbon fuels and cleaner manufacturing, he added. Australia is at a "critical juncture" in its transition to a low-emissions future, said the Climate Change Authority, an independent advisory body to the government. "To stay on track, the rate of reductions must double in the 5 years to 2030 and triple in the decade to 2035," it said in a report. Australia has poured billions of dollars into solar power, wind turbines and green manufacturing and pledged to become a renewable energy superpower. But it is also one of the world's biggest coal exporters, and a major exporter of liquefied natural gas. djw/lb Wildlife trade body rejects new eel protections Bangkok, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 The world's top wildlife trade body rejected new protections for eels on Thursday in a secret ballot at talks in Uzbekistan. The proposal had been fiercely opposed by top eel consumers, particularly Japan, but also failed to win backing from countries worried about new trade regulations. The vote came at a meeting of signatories to the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), a 50-year agreement protecting the world's most endangered animals and plants, and regulating trade in 36,000 species. Eel populations are falling worldwide, scientists say, largely due to factors linked to human activity such as the pollution of waterways, destruction of wetlands, hydroelectric dams, and fishing. European eels are considered critically endangered and their trade has been restricted by CITES since 2009. But because eels cannot be bred in captivity, much of the trade is in wild-caught baby eels, with one species virtually indistinguishable from another. The European Union and Panama sought to bring all 17 eel species under CITES Appendix II, placing new restrictions on trade. "Every eel we eat comes from the wild, making them vulnerable to overfishing and illegal trade," the EU's representative warned. The "harvest for international trade is a major cause of international decline." The proposal was rejected out of hand by Japan, which called it unscientific and "excessive," backed by multiple countries including African nations who warned it would place undue administrative burdens on their authorities. In a sign of the pressures around the issue, the proposal was voted on by secret ballot, a relatively uncommon procedure at the gathering, with nearly 75 percent of votes against. The result was "not very surprising," said Oliver Tallowin, senior programme officer for wildlife use and trade at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Japan's opposition had been made clear early on in a submission running over 100 pages. There are also differing views on the pressures other eel species face, said Tallowin. "International trade has to be a threat to the species and... that was something we couldn't say with any sense of certainty," he told AFP. For Andrew Kerr of the Sustainable Eel Group, "the short-term commercial and financial side won the debate massively." Kerr, who has called eel trafficking the "greatest wildlife crime" on the planet, said the vote was a "real pity," but there were some silver linings. A separate resolution proposing measures including more data gathering on eels and conservation capacity-building will be debated later Thursday at the talks in Samarkand. "We've had a missed opportunity this morning, but then the fact that everyone's talking about eel, that's a huge victory too," Kerr said. The resolution could gather data that would allow more protection of all eel species in the future, added Tallowin. "Once something has been rejected... that doesn't mean its going to go away." Votes are finalised later in the meeting, though it is unusual for them to be revised. Watchdog says rollback of EU green rules rushed, unbalanced Brussels, Belgium, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 The European Commission moved too fast to scale back landmark sustainability rules for businesses, lacking transparency and taking too much of a cue from industry, the EU's ethics watchdog said Thursday. The push to amend the new environmental and human rights rules is part of a broader business-friendly drive to slash EU red tape, paring back a slew of laws on which the ink is barely dry. Responding to complaints brought by environmental groups over the so-called "simplification" drive, the EU Ombudsman, Teresa Anjinho, concluded "maladministration" by the commission in a sharply critical report. Anjinho singled out a "failure to seek a broad, more balanced consultation" on the proposals. For stakeholder talks held in February, the report found most of those invited were "industry representatives," and that the commission "might have excluded" other potentially interested parties. It judged that the environmental impact of the proposed review was not properly assessed and that Brussels "failed to sufficiently justify the 'urgency'" of the move. The Ombudsman also found the commission "limited the possibility of its departments to provide meaningful input" by condensing internal consultations into "less than 24 hours over a weekend". The EU Ombudsman monitors the functioning of the bloc's administration but has no binding powers. Still, the ClientEarth pressure group called the report a "vital reminder that the commission is not above the law" and that "civil society must not be sidelined." The commission has said in the past it held "broad consultations" on the sustainability law review, involving businesses, trade unions and non-governmental organisations. The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) requires large companies to fix the "adverse human rights and environmental impacts" of their supply chains worldwide. This means tracking deforestation and pollution that they, as well as their suppliers and subcontractors, cause, plus other issues like forced labour -- and taking steps to curtail them. The text was one of the first to fall under the axe of Brussels' new drive to make life easier for European industry, struggling in the face of US and Chinese competition. The laws' entry into force was already delayed from 2027 to 2028 and Brussels now wants to go further by reducing the number of companies covered and their obligations. This month, conservatives and the far right joined forces in the European Parliament to weaken the text even more, with the changes to be finalised in an ultimate round of negotiations with member states. The announcement that the US president is willing to talk with the Venezuelan leader offers an uncertain window of opportunity for a negotiated solution to the crisis between the two countries One question is currently hanging over Washington on pause for the Thanksgiving holiday and Caracas, tense with the prospect of the United States carrying out its threat of military intervention in Venezuela: will Presidents Donald Trump and Nicolas Maduro talk, as the former hinted at in statements to the press on Tuesday? And while that question remains unanswered, another arises: What could Maduro offer the Republican in order to change his mind? I think theres only one thing that could achieve that goal: for him to say hes going to leave. The problem? Thats precisely the one thing Maduro isnt going to offer, says Phil Gunson, a British Crisis Group expert who has lived in Venezuela for 26 years. Hes already put many things on the negotiating table, regarding energy and other natural resources, and they didnt work, Gunson recalls, referring to rounds of talks prior to Secretary of State Marco Rubio taking the reins of the negotiations. And we already know Rubios approach, which is very ideological: for the United States, Maduro is the head of this supposed Cartel of the Suns. He has to go. Its non-negotiable. Anything else will be interpreted as a failure for him, and who knows, it might even mean the end of his tenure as head of the State Department. However, the Venezuelan president has more options at his disposal. Immigration, for example. He could also commit to doing more to curb drug trafficking, a pretext Washington is using in its campaign of extrajudicial killings in international waters in the Caribbean, despite evidence showing that Venezuelas role in fentanyl trafficking is nonexistent, and negligible in the case of cocaine. Donald Trump in the Oval Office. PRESIDENCIA DE ESTADOS UNIDOS (PRESIDENCIA DE ESTADOS UNIDOS) Given that Trumps presidency is built on reality TV, it is possible that Maduro could succeed in convincing him to accept more public and numerous deportations of Venezuelan migrants than currently, warns Christopher Sabatini, senior research fellow for Latin America at Chatham House. The expert recalls that the then-Republican candidate presented Venezuela during his presidential campaign as a matter of national interest, arguing that Tren de Aragua, a criminal gang that originated in the South American country, had taken over Aurora, Colorado which wasnt true and that Maduro had emptied his prisons to fill the United States with criminals. Trump needs something that allows him to say he has fixed those two problems illegal immigration and drug trafficking so he can declare victory, he adds. Sabatini does not rule out a third option: that the Venezuelan president offers if not his own some heads of high-ranking Chavista officials whom U.S. authorities consider to be at the head of the Cartel of the Suns, such as Diosdado Cabello or the siblings [Jorge and Delcy] Rodriguez. Economist Victor Alvarez, who served as Minister of Basic Industries and Mining under Hugo Chavez between 2004 and 2006, believes that the Venezuelan president has reached this point with no real possibility of demonstrating strength: after years of sanctions, isolation, and pressure, his survival has depended more on political astuteness than military power. What remains for him then? Offering the oil industry to U.S. companies to ensure a stable supply of crude and limiting the scope of Venezuelas agreements with Russia, China, Iran, and other geopolitical rivals of the United States, says Alvarez, a longtime critic of the Maduro government. Ask for a lot, settle for less Plan A was always to increase the military presence in the Caribbean, and with that, force Maduro out under unbearable pressure, says David Smilde, a professor at Tulane University, in a telephone conversation from New Orleans. He ventures that the Venezuelan president could offer that access to natural resources to stay in power, maybe a couple more years, and call early elections. Although the Biden administration already burned its bridges with those unfulfilled promises, he adds. So far, that Plan A hasnt worked, Smilde insists, so now Trump might accept concessions that didnt work for him months ago. Thats Trumps negotiating style, for whom Venezuela is an unresolved issue, one he couldnt settle during his first administration: making maximalist demands and then settling for much less, as long as he can pass it off as a victory, the analyst says. Hes done it, for example, with China and the tariffs. What seems clear is that an intervention in Venezuela could cause Trump problems at home. Recent polls show 70% opposition in the United States to such a military adventure, and his base of supporters, the MAGA movement, doesnt want to hear about anything other than a focus on American problems. Thats why Trump wants to talk to Maduro, Sabatini believes, because hes not at all sure about the wisdom of his military plans, and given that the attacks on the boats and the unprecedented military deployment havent worked. Thats why, because he likes to think he can talk to anyone, be believes hes capable of convincing any criminal autocrat, he adds. In Washington, memories have resurfaced of the script the U.S. president followed with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un during his first term. After months of teetering on the brink of a conflict with unpredictable consequences, the two declared the crisis over with a face-to-face meeting in Singapore, the first in history between a U.S. president and a leader of the Pyongyang regime. Beyond a theatrical display of appeasement for the world, little else came of it. But while Trump, then and now, likes to sell himself as a born negotiator, an expert at presenting failure as success, Gunson points out, Maduro comes to the call with little room for maneuver, according to Venezuelan political scientist Benigno Alarcon, a professor and specialist in conflict analysis and negotiation at the Andres Bello Catholic University of Caracas. The reputation the Chavista regime gained in previous negotiations is severely damaged, following multiple broken agreements, he warns. Washington knows that any benefit Maduro promises can be obtained with more guarantees and better conditions under a democratic government. The problem is that the United States does not recognize Maduro and will always prefer to negotiate with a legitimate government, Alarcon argues. Venezuela will only change course when it perceives a collision as imminent. Until then, and as long as it believes it is possible that the United States will back down again as it has in the past, it will continue to resist. Extrajudicial attack on a boat that the U.S. government accused without evidence of trafficking drugs, on September 15. The White House (via REUTERS) And if that patience finally runs out, Maduro will always have an escape route from the country, although he himself knows it wont be easy in a world in which autocrats no longer live in gilded exile, their money safely tucked away in secret Swiss bank accounts. I dont think its a good idea for him to go to Cuba, warns Sabatini, who, along with other experts consulted for this report, agrees that his best option would be Russia. There, they add, he could join forces under the protection of President Vladimir Putin with Bashar al-Assad, the deposed dictator of Syria. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Seven killed in Tahiti after landslide buries two homes Papeete, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 A landslide on the French Pacific island of Tahiti that buried two homes killed at least seven people and left others missing, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday. The disaster struck at dawn on Wednesday -- late evening in mainland France -- in the eastern village of Afaahiti after a week of heavy rain. "I extend the nation's full support to the families affected by the tragedy in Afaahiti, where seven lives have been lost and people remain missing," Macron wrote on X. France's high commissioner for French Polynesia said a "30-metre-high" landslide swept one house away, sending it crashing into a second. "Given the configuration of the terrain and its instability, nothing is stable and it will take a very long time" to complete the search for victims, said Alexandre Rochatte, adding it could take "48 hours or even longer". A resident of Afaahiti told AFP she was woken early Wednesday by what sounded like a train outside her home. "We went outside and saw that a house was completely covered by earth and mud," said Ida Labbeyi. Rescue operations had to be suspended for several hours after a second landslide nearly swept away members of the rescue team. They have resumed and are expected to continue throughout the night. "We are moving very slowly with excavators, dogs, radar and an endoscopic camera, because at any moment we could put weight on potential victims," said Colonel Olivier Lhote, who is in charge of the rescue operations. Tahiti, nearly 16,000 kilometres (9,950 miles) from Paris is one of several French overseas territories that span the Caribbean and the Pacific. French Polynesia comprises more than 100 islands, including Tahiti. Sri Lanka floods, landslides kill 40 Colombo, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 Floods and landslides triggered by heavy rain killed at least 40 people and injured 10 across Sri Lanka this week, with 21 others missing, authorities said Thursday. Most of the deaths occurred in the central tea-growing district of Badulla, where 21 people were buried alive when mountain slopes crashed onto their homes overnight, the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said in a statement. Another four were killed in a similar manner in the adjoining Nuwara Eliya district. The remaining fatalities were reported elsewhere. More than 425 homes were damaged in mudslides, with over nearly 1,800 families moved to temporary shelters. The DMC said river levels were rising across Sri Lanka and warned residents in low-lying areas to move to higher ground. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the northeast monsoon season, but rain has intensified due to a depression east of the island, it added. The government suspended final year school examinations nationwide for two days because of the weather. Sri Lanka's parliament suspended a budget debate so that legislators could return to their constituencies to deal with the damage. More than 100 millimetres of rainfall was expected across Sri Lanka, with some areas in the northeast forecast to be deluged with 250 millimetres of rain on Thursday. This week's weather-related toll is the highest since June last year, when 26 people were killed following heavy rains. In December, 17 people were killed by flooding and landslides. The worst flooding this century was in June 2003 when 254 people were killed. Sri Lanka depends on seasonal monsoon rain for irrigation and hydroelectricity, but experts have warned that the country faces more frequent floods due to climate change. Lethal virus hits last rare blue macaws in Brazil wild Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Nov 27 (AFP) Nov 27, 2025 The only wild specimens of a rare blue parrot which had only recently been returned to its natural habitat in Brazil have been diagnosed with a lethal, incurable virus, the government said in a statement sent to AFP Thursday. The disease strikes a major blow to a program seeking to return the Spix's macaw -- featured in the 2011 animated film "Rio" -- to its semi-arid natural habitat in northeast Brazil, 25 years after they were declared extinct in the wild. The species is one of the world's rarest birds. Brazil's conservation agency, ICMBio, told AFP that since a group of Spix's macaws arrived in the country from Germany in 2020, around 20 had been freed and only 11 had survived. Now all of the survivors have tested positive for circovirus, which causes beak and feather disease in parrots. "The disease has no cure and kills the bird in most cases," ICMbio said in a statement. Another 21 birds still in captivity at a breeding centre in the state of Bahia also tested positive. Investigations are underway to determine the origin of the virus, which poses no danger to humans. The film "Rio" is about a Spix macaw that is raised in captivity in the United States and returns to Brazil to try save its species. Real-life efforts to save the parrot are more worthy of a high-stakes drama, marked by concerns over unscrupulous breeders and sales to private collectors. The Bluesky breeding center is a partner of the German Association for the Conservation of Threatened Parrots (ACTP), which holds 75 percent of the world's registered Spix's macaws, according to ICMBio. Brazil terminated its partnership with ATCP in 2024 after the German organization sold 26 of the birds to a private zoo in India without its consent. Brazil has repeatedly raised concerns at meetings of CITES, the global wildlife trade regulator, over loopholes that allow for the sale of captive-bred Spix's macaws and fuel demand for the fragile species. Aside from habitat loss, demand from private collectors drove the extinction of the bird in the wild. ICMBio has fined the BlueSky breeding centre 1.8 million reais ($336,000) for failing to implement biosafety protocols to curb the spread of the virus. Inspectors found "extremely dirty" bird feeders encrusted with faeces, while workers were handling the birds "wearing flip-flops, shorts and t-shirts." Fans of spy shenanigans and Cold War political machinations will be instantly swept up in this lean, pacy adaptation of John le Carres classic novel, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold. After a premiere in Chichester, writer David Eldridge and director Jeremy Herrin have reworked their play for this engrossing in-the-round production at Londons intimate @sohoplace. The setting here is suggested with a minimum of fuss a map of postwar Europe printed on the floor, some rumpled camel coats, and interludes of mysterious jazz trumpet. Its all thats needed, because Eldridges highly efficient adaptation plunges us straight into the heart of the story. How can one be less ruthless than the enemy, says suave intelligence boss Control (Ian Drysdale), offering us a clue that his oh-so-English politeness does not preclude a little Soviet-style skulduggery, should the occasion demand. Hes planning a big, elaborate heist to frame an East German intelligence chief, and he wants his best man on the job. But will he resist the lure of a quiet retirement? Rory Keenan brings a rougher, more careworn energy to this storys conflict-scarred star spy, Alec Leamas. Hes haunted by witnessing the death of his loyal colleague Riemeck, who was shot off his bicycle while the wheels spun with a haunting click-click. That sound recurs through this plays ominous psychological landscape, plunging us right into the alcoholic Leamass disintegrating mind. As he realises he might not be the hotshot he had hoped he was, Leamas hallucinates conversations with an all-knowing George Smiley, who emerges in subsequent books as Le Carre's main protagonist. Smiley feels a little marginal here, glimpsed from an upper-level balcony, glowing in golden light like a god. His pure logic is hard to empathise with. But that just puts more focus on Leamas and his blighted romance with the earnest, trusting Liz Gold if theres a slightly patronising tint to the writing of this daffy, sentimental Communist idealist, Agnes OCase does her utmost to banish it with her emotive performance. Herrins production has a psychological feel, emphasising this storys tormented emotions over spy drama cliche. That approach slightly falls away in the East Germany scenes, where murderous Mundt (Gunnar Cauthery) slips into a more traditional kind of villainy. An evocatively staged Berlin Wall climax inhabits the realms of fantasy, too, but forgivably so. This storys twist is clever enough that it earns a little showboating. This is the first major adaptation of Le Carres work, and its setting off on a long national tour to enthral his spy-obsessed fans many of whom probably fear traditional outings to the theatre more than the fall of Western democracy. With such a built-in audience, therell surely be more instalments to come. And thats a welcome prospect if, like this one, they skip the stodgy period drama approach in favour of something as fleet-footed and subtle. The Spy Who Came In From the Cold is on at @sohoplace until 21 February 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 The iconic Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade is set to return on 27 November, promising new floats and balloons alongside musical performances from Conan Gray and Lainey Wilson. Kicking off on Manhattans Upper West Side, the parade will conclude at Macys Herald Square flagship store on 34th Street, rain or shine. This years spectacle features 34 balloons, four mini-balloons, 28 floats, 33 clown groups, and 11 marching bands, all preceding Santa Claus. Here are the key things to know about the parade and how to watch it. What time does the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade start? It starts at 8:30 a.m. Eastern and airs at that time in all time zones. It will be on NBC, available with an antenna or through cable and satellite providers. Santa Claus waves at onlookers from his sleigh during the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ( Getty ) For cord cutters, the parade is being simulcast on Peacock and an encore telecast begins at 2 p.m. EST/PST. A Spanish language simulcast will also be on Telemundo. Last year, more than 31 million people tuned in on NBC and Peacock, up 10 per cent from the previous year and marking the biggest audience ever for the parade. The Weather Channel predicts a high of 48 degrees and a partly cloudy day, with winds up to 13 mph. AccuWeather also predicts 48 degrees with intervals of clouds and winds at 12 mph. New York City law prohibits Macys from flying the full-size balloons if sustained winds exceed 23 mph or wind gusts are over 35 mph. Who are some of the stars performing? In addition to Gray and Wilson singing, Wicked star Cynthia Erivo will kick off the starry moving show. Audrey Nuna, EJAE and Rei Ami of HUNTR/X, the fictional girl group at the heart of the Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters, will feature alongside Ciara, Foreigner, Lil Jon, Kool & the Gang, Busta Rhymes, Mickey Guyton and Teyana. An eclectic group of stars from ballet dancer Tiler Peck to YouTubes Hot Ones host Sean Evans will join the annual holiday kick-off. Broadway will be represented by cast members from Buena Vista Social Club, Just in Time and Ragtime, while the Radio City Rockettes will be there and some serious athletes three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Ilia Malinin and U.S Paralympian Jack Wallace. Alumni and students at LaGuardia High School in New York City the school featured in the movie and TV series Fame will help celebrate the 50th anniversary of A Chorus Line. Others on hand will be Alison Brie, Jewel, Debbie Gibson, Drew Baldridge, Matteo Bocelli, Colbie Caillat, Gavin DeGraw, Meg Donnelly, Christopher Jackson, Darlene Love, Roman Mejia, Taylor Momsen, Calum Scott, Shaggy, Lauren Spencer Smith and Luisa Sonza. Who is hosting the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade? For those watching on TV or computers, the trio of hosting stalwarts Savannah Guthrie and Al Roker from Today and their former colleague Hoda Kotb. On Telemundo, the hosts will be Andrea Meza, Aleyda Ortiz and Clovis Nienow. Kotb, who stepped down from Today in January, says working the parade was something she wanted to continue to do even after leaving the network, One was the Olympics and the other were these parades because theyre just such fun, this one especially. The timing is good this year for the Kotb family. Her youngest daughter, Hope, is obsessed with KPop Demon Hunters, maybe even more than with Taylor Swift or Labubu. This one is next level, Kotb jokes. Ive never seen anything like it honestly. Labubu does not hold a candle to KPop Demon Hunter' stuff. What are the new balloons? This year, four new featured character balloons will debut, including Buzz Lightyear, Pac-Man, Mario from Super Mario Brothers and a 32-foot-tall (9.8-meter) balloon onion carriage featuring eight characters from the world of Shrek. KPop Demon Hunters will also be represented in the sky with the characters Derpy Tiger and Sussie. Several new floats will debut this year, including the first Pop Mart float, with Labubu, Skullpanda, Peach Riot, Dimoo, Molly, Duckoo and Mokoko. There will also be floats from Holland America Line, Lego, Lindt chocolates, Stranger Things featuring members of Foreigner, and a bunch of whimsical sheep trying to get to sleep courtesy of Serta. The fish-shaped snack Goldfish is returning to the parade with a tiny float that measures just 14 Goldfish crackers long. The marching bands will hail from South Carolina, California, Texas, Arizona, New Hampshire, Mississippi, Alabama, Pennsylvania and Santiago, Panama. The New York Police Departments marching band will also join. There will also be dancers and cheerleaders from Spirit of America Dance and Spirit of America Cheer. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The reviews are in for the Stranger Things season five, ranging from enthusiastic to mediocre. The supernatural thriller series has been a huge part of Netflixs original programming since it debuted in 2016. As the show approaches its climax in its final season, the inhabitants of the central town, Hawkins, Indiana, must take control of their fate as a showdown looms between the grown-up teenage heroes and the evil villain, Vecna. Some critics suggested that the first four episodes were an indication of a killer finale, withThe Guardians Jack Seal writing in his four-star review: This luxurious final run will have you standing on a chair, yelling with joy. The London Standard's Vicky Jessop was equally enthusiastic, writing: It's classic Eighties adventure fare, in the best way: kids outsmarting adults, lashings of humour and a surprising amount of heart. I gulped it down more please. But not all critics were as satisfied. The Independents Nick Hilton said in his three-star review that the new series was a victim of what I call Marvelisation: a feeling that the drama needs to be set against an interminable fight between humans and extraterrestrials. open image in gallery Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in Stranger Things ( Netflix ) He pointed out a frustrating delay in the plot lines, writing: The episodes in this first tranche range from 57 minutes to 86 minutes (the fourth seasons finale was an eye-drying 139), which necessitates an awful lot of almost killing the demogorgons, almost escaping the clutches of Vecna, almost saving humanityStranger Things could do with a little more gratification, a little less delay. USA Today's Kelly Lawler said the show seesaws between thrilling and annoying, while the Atlantic's Sophie Gilbert described most of it as "largely joyless and grim". Others pointed out that despite a time jump being added to the new season, the central characters who are supposed to be teenagers Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo are now very obviously in their twenties after almost a decade in the series, which is sometimes off-putting. The Hollywood Reporter's Angie Han said: It's time to let these adolescents do as adolescents are meant to do: grow up and move on with the rest of their lives. open image in gallery Winona Ryder also returns in the final season ( Netflix ) Varietys Alison Herman argued that the show had outgrown its core appeal, writing: By declining to enrich its characters as they age, Stranger Things traps itself in arrested development. When you get bigger without going deeper, you end up stretched thin. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Earlier this morning, fans reported that Netflix had crashed within minutes of releasing Stranger Things season five, leaving viewers unable to stream the opening episodes of the long-awaited final series. The outage began almost immediately after the episodes dropped, according to the outage tracker Downdetector, which recorded more than 14,000 reports in the U.S. Stranger Things follows the residents of Hawkins after a young girl with psychokinetic abilities opens a gateway between the earth and an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down. The second volume of the final series, consisting of three episodes, will be released on Christmas Day, and the finale, titled The Rightside Up, will be shared on New Years Eve. The shows finale will also be released in more than 350 movie theaters beginning December 31 at 8 p.m. ET, continuing through January 1, 2026. The exact theaters offering the viewing will be announced in due course. The first four episodes are streaming now on Netflix. The Italian thinker, speaking at a breakfast organized by the World In Progress forum, an initiative of PRISA, called for Europe to challenge the power of tech companies It is the perfect collusion. The standard-bearers of authoritarian, national-populist politics and the top executives of the major tech companies walking hand in hand to free themselves from anything that challenges or opposes them. This is, in essence, the core idea of Italian thinker and essayist Giuliano da Empoli in these dark times, when all the stars seem aligned against liberal democracy and large swaths of the population including the younger generations are leaning toward reactionary ideas. Brought to widespread attention by his hyperrealistic and award-winning novel The Wizard of the Kremlin, Da Empoli laid out his critical vision this Wednesday at a breakfast organized by the World In Progress (WIP) forum a PRISA initiative describing a new era in which the digital ecosystem and social media have taken over the stage and impose their rules on parliaments and public debate in general. It is, according to Da Empoli, the perfect breeding ground for the seeds of opportunistic and unscrupulous political leaders with Donald Trump at the forefront to flourish amid the breakdown of rules. A state of anomie. Initially, it wasnt part of a grand plan, but rather a side effect of the business model, explained Da Empoli. But in this new phase, these aggressive political leaders, who wield power in a deeply vertical and traditional way, are managing to exploit the digital sphere through an explicit alliance with the heads of technology platforms. The objective? To rid themselves of anything that could challenge their power, continued Da Empoli, flanked by the chairman of the PRISA Group, Joseph Oughourlian, as he spoke to a small group of prominent figures from the world of politics, culture, and business including Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell; and former deputy prime minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria. Attendees at the breakfast with Da Empoli, flanked by chairman of the PRISA Group, Joseph Oughourlian, and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles, among other attendees. Pablo Monge Born in Paris to a Swiss father and Italian mother, and now living and teaching at Sciences Po, he expresses his pleasant surprise at the energy he sensed during his visit to Madrid, where the day before he met with subscribers of this newspaper. He is working on a new novel, but most of his reflections focus on a global politics dominated by what he calls the predator profile. A term he coined himself, but one that as with his ideas has long been permeating major global forums, especially in Brussels. Da Empolis profile goes beyond the purely academic. Before theorizing, he served as an advisor to former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi, a period in which he experienced firsthand the challenges of decision-making in the res publica. He also learned the importance of energy in politics. Obviously, I dont agree with predators. But Im certain that we gain nothing from indignation and condemnation: its much more interesting to try to understand their political appeal. In Trumps case, he says, the key to his success is action. Faced with inertia, his miracle and that of other political predators is to make it seem as if they are breaking with the old world, he said. To move quickly, energetically. Constantly changing direction and contradicting themselves, yes, but always in a spectacular way. On the other side of the equation, social media and, more broadly, tech platforms are not just a way to make money, which they have done a lot of, but also a new way of organizing things, the world. And these politicians are the ones exploiting the fact that we live in the digital age. After Barack Obamas second term, Da Empoli argued that a conservative backlash was predictable. But, he continued: Trump wouldnt have been able to get [to the White House] without a digital ecosystem where it doesnt matter whats good or bad, true or false: the only thing that matters there is interaction, engagement. A decade later, sovereignty still resides in presidential palaces: With [Elon] Musk, for example, Trump wanted to make it clear who the sovereign is. But something may be changing: With [J. D.] Vance, it would not be the same: the platform owners would take the lead. Its not just a new form of power, but one that has the capacity to replace the old. What can be done about political leaders who, even while breaking all the rules, continue to garner public support? Those of us who disagree can simply say: You cant break the rules in the international system. Well be right, but well be in a weak position: they can always say theyre breaking them to achieve a result, solve a problem. Greater ambition What should be done when political leaders, even while breaking all the rules, continue to gain public support? Those of us who disagree can simply say: You cant break the rules in the international system. We would be right, but we would be in a weak position: they can always claim that they break the rules to achieve a result, to solve a problem According to Da Empoli, this is one of the major mistakes the U.S. Democratic Party has made in trying to confront Trump: If you dont have an ambitious and compelling plan, you are in a position of weakness. His great lesson and that of other predators is that many things we thought were impossible are actually possible. So the positive takeaway is that our ambition has to be much greater. The writer Giuliano da Empoli, during the meeting organized by EL PAIS this Wednesday. Pablo Monge The underlying problem, however, is something else. The amplification power of these platforms: thats the big issue, and if its not addressed, these kinds of politicians will continue to emerge. A staunch Europeanist, the Italian sociologist considers this threat to be on the same level as a military one, if not higher. Perhaps its more dangerous, because we are defenseless against this new reality in the public sphere. So what should be done? We have to confront them, impose rules. The cost to Europe will be high, and it will provoke a clash with the United States and with the tech companies, but regulation is essential. If we take this seriously, there will be disruption and conflict, but I am sure that European alternatives will emerge, he said. We are at a stage where we have lost control, and it wont be easy to regain it. But that must be our obsession: to learn from the mistake made by the American Democrats, who, when they had the chance, decided not to regulate these [technological] powers and now see how they are bigger than the state itself. There is a European way of life that we all enjoy, even those who criticize it, said Da Empoli. Now, the question we must ask ourselves is whether there can also be a European way of doing things in the digital realm. A more attractive and user-friendly way, where life is better. I am sure there is. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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 Shoppers are poised to spend almost 14 billion this Black Friday weekend, even as increasing concerns about poor deals and potential scams persist. A new survey from e-commerce marketing platform Omnisend reveals Black Friday's continued dominance, with consumers anticipating an average spend of 299 a significant 83 increase year-on-year. The spending surge is also expected to extend to Cyber Monday and the days following the sales weekend, with average basket totals predicted to reach 229, up 70 from last year. Omnisends data predicts that a third of consumers plan to spend more than in 2024, while just 14 per cent expect to cut back. Amazon remains the top destination for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers, with 76 per cent looking for deals across the retailer, but many are also turning to Chinese marketplaces such as Temu (22 per cent), Shein (21 per cent) and TikTok Shop (14 per cent). Previous Omnisend data suggests that 71 per cent of consumers plan to cut spending overall at Christmas, putting further pressure on retailers to get it right over the Black Friday weekend. However, the spectre of spiralling debt is influencing spending decisions, with buy now, pay later (BNPL) options such as Klarna and PayPal unlikely to prove as popular this year, the poll found. Just 17 per cent of people say that they will use BNPL options over the Black Friday weekend, rising to a third of people (32 per cent) who would consider using it for big-ticket purchases only. Clothing and accessories remain the most popular category, with half of UK shoppers (49 per cent) planning to make fashion purchases, followed by technology and electronics (45 per cent), and toys (28 per cent), as families plan ahead for festive gifts. Marty Bauer, retail and ecommerce spokesman at Omnisend, said: This notorious American sales event has been popular in the UK now for the best part of a decade and it looks likely to be another busy year for retailers. In the weeks leading up to Black Friday, start researching the regular prices of items youre interested in. It pays to start scouting potential deals early. Many retailers inflate prices leading up to Black Friday, only to offer discounts that may not be as significant as they seem. Knowing the original price helps you determine if a deal is genuine. If you are signed up for newsletter emails from a brand, go back and look at their offers from last year. Many brands have pricing strategies that dont change much from year to year, so this will give you a good indication of which products go on sale and when, helping you understand when a deal is actually a deal. open image in gallery Amazon remains the top destination for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shoppers ( PA ) The figures come as consumer groups warned shoppers to be extra cautious with Black Friday deals. Citizens Advice consumer expert Jane Parsons said: Black Friday is a prime opportunity for cyber scammers to take advantage of consumers looking to bag a bargain. By tempting people with special offers, fake reviews and sought-after items at rock bottom prices, criminals will try to catch people out by disguising their scams as legitimate deals. They will often create a sense of urgency to steal your money, so dont rush your purchase. Research the company youre buying from and be wary of suspicious web links. Paying by debit or credit card can also give you extra protection if things go wrong. open image in gallery Consumer groups warned shoppers to be extra cautious with Black Friday deals ( Getty/iStock ) Which? consumer law expert Lisa Webb said: With Black Friday bargains bombarding your email inbox and social media feeds, it can be hard to weed out the legitimate offers from the scams. Shoppers should be extra cautious with Black Friday deal emails and double-check the email address is genuinely from the retailer before clicking on anything. If you are unsure if an offer is genuine, check the retailers website directly. On social media, treat any deals posted from newly created accounts with suspicion. You can use a domain checker like who.is to check when the website was created any newly created website should ring alarm bells. If you think you might have fallen victim to a Black Friday scam, call your bank immediately using the number on the back of your bank card and report it to Action Fraud or call the police on 101 if youre in Scotland. 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 Emma Heming Willis has spoken about how she plans on incorporating her husband, Bruce Willis, into their holiday plans amid his dementia diagnosis. The 70-year-old Die Hard actors family announced in 2023 that he had been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), only a year after they said he was stepping away from acting because he had aphasia. Since announcing her husbands diagnosis, Heming Willis has been open about his physical health and how its affected their family, including their two daughters, Mabel Ray, 13, and Evelyn Penn, 11. Despite Willis no longer living at home, she plans on making sure he stays involved in the family activities. Its joyous. Its just different, she said in an interview published with People magazine Thursday. Bruce loved Christmas and we love celebrating it with him. It just looks different, so we've kind of adapted to that. open image in gallery Bruce loved Christmas, and we love celebrating it with him, Heming Willis said ( Getty ) open image in gallery Willis recently spoke about being the caregiver for her husband at End Well 2025 last week ( End Well ) You have to learn and adapt and make new memories, bring in the same traditions that you had before, she added. Life goes on. It just goes on. Dementia is hard, but there is still joy in it. I think its important that we dont paint such a negative picture around dementia. We are still laughing. There is still joy. It just looks different. Her comments come one week after Heming Willis addressed criticism about her familys decisions surrounding her husbands care. F*** em! As Bruce would say, she told the audience at End Well 2025, a Los Angeles conference focused on end-of-life care. During the event, Heming Willis joined actor Yvette Nicole Brown, who takes care of her father, to discuss their experiences as caregivers. The models dismissal of her critics came after Brown asked her about the criticism she faced earlier this year when she moved Willis out of their family home due to the degenerative nature of his condition. At the time, Heming Willis said her husband would have wanted their two daughters lives to be unaffected by adjustments to their home, but it did not stop trolls from judging her decision. I tell you, when I heard about the house thing, I wanted to throw elbows for you, honey, Brown said. Because the thing is, what people dont understand who arent caregivers, is that every caregiver is different, especially if youre dealing with dementia or alzheimers, its very unwieldy... And we all are doing our best and making the best decisions for your family. So when they came for you, I wanted to come for them. Heming Willis became emotional as she went on to say she was forced to make impossible decisions in the wake of her husbands diagnosis. This is not how I envisioned our life, she said through tears. So I had to make the best and safest decision for our family. And I knew, by being honest and open about it, that it would be met with a lot of judgment. 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 As Thanksgiving week dawns, home cooks across America are confronting the formidable culinary challenge that lies ahead. This food-centric holiday sees over 90 per cent of the US population celebrating, with more than one in four attending meals involving over ten guests, according to the Pew Research Center. Under such considerable pressure, any host would naturally seek the best tools to ensure their holiday dinner proceeds without a single hitch. With this in mind, we asked national food safety experts to identify the indispensable kitchen devices and aids crucial for guaranteeing a safe and delicious Thanksgiving feast. 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. A turkey is roasted with the help of a thermometer ( AP Photo/Larry Crowe, File ) 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. 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. 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, a spokesperson for 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. 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. 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 As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, families across America are meticulously crafting their dinner menus, yet one crucial decision often sparks debate: the precise timing of the festive feast itself. While many households opt for an earlier start, with meals commencing around 3 pm on the fourth Thursday in November, others prefer a more conventional dinner hour, serving their Thanksgiving spread at 6 pm or even 7 pm. This perennial question of when to gather around the table is frequently intertwined with the infamous post-dinner slump, a widespread phenomenon often attributed to the sheer volume of food consumed. Central to this discussion is the star of Thanksgiving, turkey, and its purported ability to induce tiredness. Turkey contains tryptophan, an amino acid vital for melatonin production, which regulates sleep schedules, according to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. There is little argument that a substantial Thanksgiving meal, laden with turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, would leave anyone feeling ready for a nap. However, the scientific community continues to debate whether the chemicals in turkey are actually responsible for this widespread drowsiness, or if other factors contribute to our post-feast slumber. Speaking to The Independent, professional chefs have offered their insights into the profound lethargy that can follow such a hefty meal, highlighting how this feeling can significantly influence upcoming Thanksgiving plans. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tryptophan is an essential acid thats found in food containing high levels of protein, such as chicken, eggs, cheese, and fish. Since theres tryptophan in turkey, the amino acid can affect our bodys levels of both melatonin and serotonin, neurotransmitters that control our moods. Speaking to The Independent, California-based chef Brendan Collins acknowledged that the tryptophan in turkey is an amino acid that affects our sleep schedule. However, he clarified that turkey isnt the reason for the drowsiness, and rather our eating habits on Thanksgiving could be the culprit. I think the truth is that we can end up overeating on Thanksgiving, in comparison to our normal eating schedule, and we get food comas, he explained. We need to sleep because of that. Not because of the small amount of tryptophan found in the turkey itself. open image in gallery Turkey is a staple of the Thanksgiving dinner table for many Americans ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) John Carpenter - an executive chef at Signature Restaurant at La Cantera Resort and Spa in Texas - agreed that stuffing our faces with food on Thanksgiving may be more likely to blame for our tiredness. He noted that its easy to feel sleepy after a big meal and specified that a range of foods and beverages can contribute to the drowsiness, from pumpkin pie to wine. Thanksgiving dinner is quite heavy, between stuffing and large amounts of meat we eat, whether that be turkey or ham, he explained. Its also usually surrounded by friends and family, and theres some alcohol drinking usually involved, which isnt exactly known to keep us awake. With the side effects of eating a big Thanksgiving meal in mind, chefs have shared their advice on when to plan your dinner. Its important to note that the day before Thanksgiving can be relatively busy, from buying your ingredients to decorating your home. In addition to managing physical tasks, Carpenter said theres another routine he usually takes on to prepare for the holiday - changing up his eating habits. For me personally, I definitely prefer to change my eating schedule, leading up not only the day of Thanksgiving, but also a couple of days before, he said. I always eat a little bit lighter, leading up in anticipation of a big meal. And personally, I normally dont even eat breakfast on Thanksgiving because I know Im going to eat so much. The morning of Thanksgiving tends to be quite hectic, so Collins urged families to give themselves enough preparation time before dinner. He recommended giving yourself a good two and a half to three hours of cooking time, when you can prepare all your vegetables while the turkey is in the oven. So, when is the best opportunity to serve the food to your guests? Professional chefs recommend the daytime, rather than evening, as the best time to host your dinner, taking both meal preparation time and drowsiness into account. Normally for me, its early in the afternoon or early in the day, Carpenter explained. I have two children so I prefer earlier because it gives us the rest of the day for them to wind down from a big meal and all that. And then you have more time during Thanksgiving day to be with your family. open image in gallery ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) When you decide to host your Thanksgiving dinner is entirely up to you, but Collins acknowledged that the age of your guests is another factor to consider. He noted that children are generally accustomed to having their meals earlier in the day, even though that might not be the case for adults. I think if theres a lot of children under 10 years of age, having your dinner at 2pm or 3pm would be good, Collins said. If its more towards the adult scene, then I think its more of an early dinner, late lunch kind of thing. Id personally go for 4pm or 5pm. Thanksgiving aside, studies have found that late-night dinners may not be the best idea. In a 2022 study published in peer-reviewed journal Cell Metabolism, researchers examined 16 patients who were overweight and obese as they ate the same exact meals on two schedules - one group eating as late as 9pm. Results showed that eating later had a large effect on how patients regulated their energy intake, expenditure, and storage. Since theres so many different types of food served on Thanksgiving, eating dinner on the earlier side could ultimately be better for your physical health. Personally, I know you shouldnt be eating a huge meal later at night, especially the size of a normal Thanksgiving meal, Collins added. So definitely give yourself the time for your food to settle down. Although there are various factors to consider when planning the timing of your Thanksgiving dinner, its important to remember not to let the stress of it ruin the day. Dont stress out too much about the food, Collins said. I know sometimes Thanksgiving is one of the first times youve seen friends or family in a long time. So I think the idea is that its celebratory, and make sure you do that. Buy really good wine or champagne and enjoy yourself. 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 H5N1 bird flu has infected growing numbers of people worldwide in recent years, but this week saw something new: the first recorded human case of an H5N5 avian influenza virus. What is this virus, and how concerned about it should we be? What happened? In early November, a resident of Grays Harbor, a county on the southwest Pacific coast of Washington state, about 100 miles from Seattle, became severely unwell with flu-like symptoms, including high fever, respiratory distress and confusion. They were admitted to hospital, and on November 14, officials confirmed that tests showed infection with an H5N5 avian influenza virus. The patient, an older adult with underlying conditions, was treated in hospital, but sadly, they died on November 21. This was the first reported human infection with an H5N5 influenza virus. What is H5N5 influenza virus? H5N5 influenza viruses are a type of avian influenza (bird flu) an influenza A virus that infects birds. Bird flu viruses are classified as either high pathogenicity or low pathogenicity based on the severity of symptoms they cause in poultry. (Their severity also varies in other bird species.) This H5N5 strain, like the widespread and much-reported-on H5N1 strain, is one of the high pathogenicity forms. Where did it come from? This hasnt yet been formally confirmed. However, the patient kept a flock of backyard poultry that were exposed to wild birds, which suggests how they might have caught the virus. H5N5 is found in wild birds around the world ( Getty ) H5N5 is found in wild birds around the world, and it is relatively common for it to pass from them into flocks of poultry. This is, however, the first time an H5N5 influenza virus has been found to go one step further and infect a human. What does the name mean? Is it similar to H5N1? Influenza A viruses are one of the major branches of the influenza virus family, and are divided into subtypes based on differences in the two proteins that form spikes on the surface of virus particles: haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Both proteins are good targets for the immune systems antibodies. The proteins rapidly mutate as the virus evolves to evade these antibodies, and the different forms that result are used to categorise influenza A viruses. The bird flu viruses H5N1 and H5N5 both have HA proteins of the same H5 subtype (though recognisably distinct from each other), but have NA proteins of different subtypes. Just as humans can be infected by different influenza A virus subtypes during the same winter season (H1N1 and H3N2), genetic studies show us this H5N5 virus is distinct from the dominant H5N1 strain that is also circulating in birds worldwide. Should we be worried about what happens next? H5N5 is an ecological and agricultural threat. Although bird flu vaccines exist, at the moment, political and economic factors make it hard to use them in US poultry. Instead, the virus must be controlled by surveillance, housing poultry indoors, increasing farm biosecurity and, as a last resort, by mass culling of infected poultry. About the author Ed Hutchinson is a Professor, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research at University of Glasgow. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This is challenging enough, but bird flu also demands our attention because the virus is a potential cause of new pandemics. In the long run, this risk is very significant. However, it is worth remembering that, although influenza is better at changing its host species and creating pandemics than any other virus, that is still an incredibly hard thing for the virus to do. The vast majority of spillover infections of bird flu into humans are one-off events. They can vary unpredictably in their effects. Most are quite mild (for example, causing conjunctivitis), but some can be very severe, as was the case in this first recorded case of H5N5. But after infecting one human, most avian influenza viruses go no further. Scientists will watch for several warning signs that a virus may be adapting to humans, especially any hint of person-to-person spread. There is no sign that this has happened here. At the moment, the wider risk to humans from H5N5 is still low, and there is no reason to think this was anything other than a tragic one-off case. However, there will be plenty of opportunities for influenza viruses to try again. As H5N5 and other subtypes of avian influenza virus continue to circulate, it is important we continue to monitor this virus carefully. 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 TikTok star Marquay the Goat, best known for sharing humorous skits and challenges, has died aged 24. His mother, Sonja Collins, said in an Instagram post on Wednesday (26 November) that her son, real name Marquay Collins, was no longer here with me. My heart is broken. My baby, my last one, my SnuggaBug, my Marquay is no longer here with me, she wrote. I needed him longer than God allowed me to have him. She added that her son was the sweetest person and didnt have a mean bone in his body. He spoiled me and his Dad, Elzie, he always said because we spoiled him, she added. In another post, she wrote: I love him and I miss him. My heart is broken, one day it will heal but I will still miss my son Marquay. No cause of death was stated. open image in gallery Marquay Collin, AKA Marquay the Goat, has died aged 24 ( TikTok via @marquaythegoat ) Collins brother, Michael Frazier, also posted about his death, writing on Facebook and TikTok: I lost my baby brother today... and the feeling is a feeling Ive never felt before. But from the depths of my soul I do appreciate the love that yall are giving my brother and that yall are showing me, my mother, father, and family...I will get to the messages as soon as I can. Collins, also known as Helicopter Man to his fans, was a popular content creator with almost 7 million followers on the platform, often posting food reviews, challenges and talking about his love of fast cars. He also created content with his parents, his father, Elzie, and his mother, Sonja. In one video posted on TikTok, he went for a manicure with his mom on her birthday and played the viral game guess the object in another. His final TikTok video, posted on Tuesday (25 November), was a humorous video reviewing different body lotions for his feet. Rest in peace big bro we love you, wrote one fan under the post, as another added: RIP, one of the most kindhearted people I know. Collins, who was from Columbus, Ohio, graduated from Shaw High School and attended Georgia State University in Atlanta, according to Fox5 Atlanta. He began posting on TikTok in March 2019 and had been successfully building his following since. 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 Australian actor Rebel Wilson has revealed that she and Canadian movie star Kiefer Sutherland became obsessed with the British bakery chain Greggs while shooting their new Christmas film in the UK. The movie, Tinsel Town, filmed in locations including Leeds and Harrogate, follows Sutherland as a washed-up Hollywood action hero tricked into starring in an English Christmas pantomime. Pitch Perfect star Wilson, 45, adopted a Yorkshire accent for her role, and said she was given about four days notice to perfect it. Speaking on ITV's This Morning, Wilson said the films premise is very, very British. Pantomime is such a thing here. And I mean, they dont really have it in America, she said. Her affection for Greggs was cemented when the film crew enjoyed a dedicated van selling the baked goods while filming in Leeds. open image in gallery Rebel Wilson stars alongside Kiefer Sutherland in the film Tinsel Town ( Getty ) She described Greggs goods in particular, their sausage rolls as having the most exquisite taste. Kiefer is obsessed with them, so we got a Greggs van on set, she said. The catering was trying to do like a meatless Wednesday thing. Kiefer was like, No, no, lets get a Greggs van in. Crew loves it, and then they gave us both a 50 voucher which I still havent used up because the price is so good. While she was on the programme, hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard gifted Wilson a gold selection Greggs hamper filled with baked treats. open image in gallery Rebel Wilson says her favourite Greggs pastry is the sausage roll ( Greggs ) Wilson added: If people dont know about the quality that is Greggs, just get into it like me and Kiefer did. The actor said as well as the bakery, she loves so many other British things, including the Cadbury Creme Egg. Asked about the possibility of a Pitch Perfect 4, she added: The fans are so hungry for for another one. So hopefully we get that in to production. Hopefully well shoot here (in the UK). Wilson was launched to a new level of fame following the release of Pitch Perfect in 2012, a movie that stars Anna Kendrick and follows all-women a cappella group, the Barden Bellas. 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 Newly released police bodycam footage shows Charlotte light rail murder suspect Decarlos Brown Jr. telling officers that a manmade material was controlling his body months before the fatal attack on a Ukrainian refugee. The CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department said the video was taken during a welfare check in January this year, after Brown himself called 911 to claim that a foreign substance had been implanted in him and was manipulating his actions. In the video Brown, 34, is seen speaking to police officers who ask him, whats going on? My body got exposed to a material, he responds. I need you guys to investigate into what my body got exposed to. Ive been going through this for three years now. You guys need to investigate the name of the material to fix my emergency. One of the special things about this material is it communicates with you, clearly, he tells the police. Somebodys playing with my body. open image in gallery Decarlos Brown jr points at a police officer during a welfare check in January, seven months prior to the murder of Iryna Zarutska ( Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office ) After a protracted interaction with officers in which he repeats that hes been exposed to a material, and tries to hand them a piece of paper which he says describes the situation, he is seen to become frustrated that the police are unable to help him. Brown maintains that the material he says he was exposed to was given to him without his permission or authorization, but he is unable to expand on how, beyond saying a crime was committed. The encounter, which lasted around 30 minutes, ended when Brown tried to call 911 to ask for more police to assist him, and the officers on the scene arrested him for misuse of the 911 system. The incident came roughly seven months before Brown allegedly killed Iryna Zarutska on a train in August this year. open image in gallery Iryna Zarutska had come to the U.S. for a new beginning ( Iryna Zarutska ) Zarutska, 23, had only recently arrived in the U.S. seeking safety and new beginnings after fleeing her war-torn home. The Charlotte Area Transit System released footage of the violent stabbing, which took place on the Lynx Blue Line just after 9:45 p.m. on August 22. Wearing her pizzeria job uniform, Zarutska was seen using her phone as she sat in front of a man in a red hoodie. After the train had travelled for four-and-a-half minutes, the man in the hoodie is seen taking a knife from his pocket and striking Zarutska three times. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect was seen getting off at the next stop and was later arrested. open image in gallery Brown has been indicted on federal charges ( Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office ) The incident sparked renewed debate about public safety and crime across the U.S., with Browns criminal record and concerns about his mental health raising questions about how and why he was released from prison. Brown, who has schizophrenia, had previously been arrested 14 times, with convictions for theft, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats, leading to a six-year prison sentence in 2015 for incidents dating to 2013 and 2014. He was released in 2020. In October, Brown was indicted on federal charges over Zarutskas killing and could face the death penalty if convicted. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The U.S. has suspended all immigration requests from Afghans after two National Guardsmen were shot in Washington, D.C., in an attack described by Donald Trump as an act of terror. An Afghan man was identified as the suspect in the shooting near the White House on Wednesday. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said immigration requests have been stopped indefinitely with the decision made pending a review of security and vetting protocols. The move follows Trumps call for his government to re-examine Afghan immigrants who entered the United States when Joe Biden was president. Click here to follow the latest updates on the shooting. The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said in a post on X/Twitter. open image in gallery The shooting took place in DC on Wednesday, near the White House ( Reuters ) The suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan national who resided in Washington state with no known criminal history. He is said to have arrived in the U.S. from Afghanistan in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program to resettle thousands of Afghans who assisted the American forces during the war and feared reprisals from Taliban forces who seized control of their homeland after the U.S. withdrawal. Trump had earlier said that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on earth. He called the suspect an animal, warning that the attacker would pay the steepest possible price. Tricia McLaughlin, a Homeland Security Department spokeswoman, accused the previous administration of failing to vet the applicants on a massive scale, The New York Times reports. The two wounded soldiers, members of the West Virginia National Guard who remain in a critical condition, were part of a high-visibility patrol around 2.15p.m. E.T. near the corner of 17th and I streets, a few blocks from the White House. open image in gallery A 29-year-old Afghan man is the main suspect ( Mike Ryan ) The suspect came around a corner and ambushed them, Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said at a press briefing, adding that other National Guard troops subdued the shooter after an exchange of gunfire. This is a targeted shooting, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said at the briefing. Officials currently believe the shooter was acting alone. FBI director,Kash Patel said the agency is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation, Trump said in remarks Wednesday evening. It was a crime against humanity. Were also filled with righteous anger and ferocious resolve. The suspect, Lakanwal, should never have been allowed to come here, CIA Director John Ratcliffe said. Speaking about the suspension of Afghan immigration, he said: Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols, the CIA head said, according to the New York Post. The Trump Administration is also reviewing all asylum cases approved under the Biden Administration, which failed to vet these applicants on a massive scale, he added. Later on Thursday it emerged Lakanwal had worked alongside CIA-backed military units during U.S. operations in Afghanistan, the agency has confirmed. An additional 500 National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington, D.C. by the president. When Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla denounced the U.S. State Department and its secretary, the corrupt and compulsive liar Marco Rubio, on X a few days ago, the Cuban-American official didnt waste much time crafting a response. Rubio seized upon the message in which the official condemned the false pretexts used to justify a military invasion of Venezuela, and shared it with what he deemed the most fitting gift for his reply: a clown emoji, thus labeling Cuban diplomacy a farce. To the stones thrown from Washington and Havana was added one from Congressman Carlos A. Gimenez, with a much more direct warning, at a time of escalating military activity in the Caribbean. Bruno, be careful, the ship could set sail and come for all of you narco-terrorist henchmen of the murderous dictatorship in Cuba, he warned. He was alluding to the arsenal the United States has deployed off the coast of Venezuela as part of Operation Southern Spear, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 80 people in the name of the fight against drug trafficking. With the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier, positioned in the Atlantic, and Puerto Rico militarized with at least 5,000 of the nearly 15,000 troops mobilized for the operation, the specter of the Cold War this time against drugs seems to have resurfaced in the region, and Havana is beginning to worry. Cuba has been mentioned very little in this regard, even as the Caribbean Sea reverberates with activity. Decades ago, Fidel Castro ensured the island was placed on the agenda of the regions political conflicts, perpetuating a Cold War. Cuba ceased to be a protagonist when Fidel died; he had managed to embody the image of the great manipulator of global politics, Jose Hernandez, former Venezuelan representative to the OASs hemispheric security commission, told EL PAIS. Given the current military action from Washington, which has been justified with the argument of the fight against drugs and a subsequent overthrow of the Venezuelan regime, many especially in the hardline wing of the Cuban exile community are questioning why the Donald Trump administration is not undertaking similar threats against Castroism. Maria Werlau, author of the book Cubas Intervention in Venezuela, has investigated the presence of the Cuban military apparatus within the armed forces of the South American country, and she believes that the United States interest in Venezuela is two-fold: the fight against drug trafficking, something Trump has prioritized in his rhetoric, and certain characteristics that the Caribbean island lacks. In Venezuela, there hasnt been a totalitarian system implemented to the same extent as in Cuba. There are signs of a free market, its a country with resources for reconstruction, and more importantly, it has a government elected by the people. Cuba has none of that. Its much easier to conceive of a strategic intervention in Venezuela, although I doubt there will be a landing of American troops, she maintains. Tracking of US military aircraft off the coast of Venezuela, November 24. @flightradar24 (EFE) Even so, an escalation in the Caribbean Sea poses a direct threat to the Castro regime, although Washingtons focus is not on the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, but rather on Miraflores Palace in Caracas. With the continents governments on alert, some believe that Havanas political leadership may be fearful. According to Carlos M. Rodriguez Arechavaleta, a political scientist, there is evident unease within the islands Foreign Ministry. There is growing concern among Cubas political elite, as evidenced by their continuous statements and events in support of Maduros regime, he notes. These are framed within a historical narrative against imperialist interventionism, describing the situation as an unacceptable threat to sovereignty and security, with unpredictable consequences for Latin America. Both the narrative and the nonverbal communication of Cuban officials reflect concern about a probable fall of the Venezuelan regime. From every possible platform, the Cuban government has made clear its commitment to the Nicolas Maduro regime, whose legitimacy it has emphasized, the same as it did in last years disputed elections. At the United Nations, Foreign Minister Rodriguez extended full support to the Bolivarian Government. Through official channels, he has refuted the untenable lie that this is a fight against fentanyl, stating that the military escalation could become a first-order international crime, and asserting that the action represents a violation of international law. This Tuesday, he even posed several questions in a video shared on X, some once again targeting Rubio: If war breaks out, where will the Secretary of State be? Does anyone really believe he will accompany young soldiers to risk their lives in a battle that is not theirs? Ask him if he ever did his military service, he said. The Cuban government has also mobilized its citizens with demonstrations of support for Venezuela. According to official reports, more than 50,000 people gathered in front of the statue of Simon Bolivar on Avenida de los Presidentes in Havanas Vedado district, and more than four million signatures in support of the Chavista cause were collected in schools and workplaces. At a public event, President Miguel Diaz-Canel was quick to declare that whoever messes with Venezuela, messes with Cuba. Days later, Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio clarified his statement in an interview on the Zeteo platform: We are not going to war with the United States, he asserted. However, he stated that Cuba would provide its full political support to Venezuela. An intense relationship since the 2000s Cuba insists on the rhetoric of solidarity, appealing to the publics desire that nothing befall its historic economic and political ally in the region. Since the 2000s, with Hugo Chavez in power, the oil-rich Venezuela has replaced the USSR as Cubas benefactor. The Chavista leader went so far as to send more than 90,000 barrels of oil daily; in 2011, the island connected to the ALBA-1 submarine cable, a joint venture between Telecom Venezuela and the Cuban company Transbit. Havana has received millions of dollars for more than two decades in exchange for medical missions to Venezuela, something the current Trump administration has labeled as human trafficking. Arechavaleta asserts that the survival of the Venezuelan autocratic regime is of paramount importance for the survival of the Cuban political elites. If Venezuela falls, he says, Cuba would lose its most important point of reference in the Southern Cone, at a time when Latin American democracies, with their electoral volatility, are transitioning from progressive governments which could be potential allies to right-wing governments. More than an economic loss, Cuba would lose an ideological and symbolic ally, he explains. Nicolas Maduro and Miguel Diaz-Canel in Havana, Cuba, on May 27, 2022. Ernesto Mastrascusa (EFE) Although specialists believe that economic aid has decreased due to the Venezuelan crisis itself sometimes resulting in only 8,000 barrels of oil arriving on the island daily, and a reduced presence of Cuban personnel in medical and educational projects in Venezuela a collapse in Caracas would be devastating for Cuba. The full extent of the relationship between the two nations is impossible to measure due to the secrecy surrounding it, but it is known that Cuban intelligence which trained Maduro on the island and has been infiltrated in the Venezuelan Armed Forces for years may be exerting pressure on the Venezuelan government in Miraflores amid threats from the United States. The Cuban regimes influence in Venezuela remains very high, particularly in the security and military intelligence sectors, Werlau asserts. A few days ago, a high-ranking source told the news site Axios that Maduros Cuban advisors could even assassinate him if he yields to U.S. pressure and resigns, but those interviewed by this newspaper believe this information is purely speculative. I do believe there will be a lot of pressure from Cuba to prevent him from relinquishing power, even through threats; thats my opinion after years of knowing the situation, the author says. Some believe that a coup in Venezuela could trigger a domino effect, leading to the fall of regimes like those in Cuba and Nicaragua. But Werlau isnt so sure about this assertion. While the impact on the island would certainly be significant, given the ongoing humanitarian crisis, these regimes have defied many predictions, she maintains. When the Soviet Union collapsed, many people saw Cubas demise, and then Chavez emerged. Theyve managed to reinvent themselves several times. I think recovering from this will be difficult because the island is devastated. However, theyve managed to maintain control and internal security. I dont know if it will be the end, but it could be very significant. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition 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 Louisiana inmate who spent nearly three decades on death row has been released on bail after his conviction was overturned. Jimmie Duncan was convicted of the first-degree murder of 23-month-old Haley Oiveaux, the daughter of his then-girlfriend Allison Layton Statham, in 1998. Prosecutor accused him of raping and drowning the toddler. But Fourth Judicial District Court Judge Alvin Sharp threw out that conviction in April after hearing expert testimony that the forensic evidence which put Duncan behind bars was not scientifically defensible. Instead, Haleys death appeared to be the result of an accidental drowning, the judge heard. Similar faulty forensic bite mark analysis has led to dozens of other wrongful convictions or charges. The presumption is not great that he is guilty, Sharp wrote in his order granting Duncan bail, delivered Friday. Sharp cited the new evidence presented at an evidentiary hearing in 2024 and Duncans lack of prior criminal history. open image in gallery Duncan was held on death row at Louisiana State Penitentiary ( AP ) Duncans attorneys said in a statement that Sharps ruling earlier this year provided clear and convincing evidence showing that Mr. Duncan is factually innocent. They added that Duncan's release on bail marks a significant step forward for Mr. Duncans complete exoneration. Since 1973, more than 200 people on death row have been exonerated, including 12 people in Louisiana, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. In Louisiana, which has one of the highest wrongful conviction rates in the nation, the last death row exoneration came in 2016. Earlier this month, a man who served decades in prison before being exonerated won election to serve as the chief recordkeeper of New Orleans criminal court. Duncan, whose vacated conviction is still being reviewed by the Louisiana Supreme Court, was released after posting a $150,000 bond. He plans to live with a relative in central Louisiana. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who is pushing to hasten executions of death row inmates, said that Duncan should not be released on bail while the Louisiana Supreme Court reviews his case. But the high court agreed to let a district judge rule on Duncans bail request. Toddlers mother blames prosecutors During Duncans bail hearing in Ouachita Parish, the mother of the girl he was accused of killing told the judge that she had become convinced of Duncans innocence. Instead, Statham believed her daughter, who she said had a history of seizures, had accidentally drowned in a bathtub. Her daughter wasnt killed, Statham said according to court records. "Haley died because she was sick. Statham told the court that the lives of her family and Duncan have been destroyed by the lie she believed prosecutors and forensic experts had concocted. Prosecutors had relied on bite mark analysis and an autopsy conducted by two experts later linked to at least 10 wrongful convictions, according to Duncans legal team, which described the pair as discredited charlatans. Mississippi-based forensic dentist Michael West and pathologist Steven Hayne examined Oliveauxs body. A video recording of the examination shows West forcibly pushing a mold of Mr. Duncans teeth into the childs body creating the bite marks later used to convict him, a court-filing from Duncans legal team stated. A state-appointed expert, unaware of this method, testified during trial that the bite marks on the body matched Duncans. The horror story that they put out and desecrated my babys memory makes me infuriated," Statham said. I was not informed of anything that would have exonerated Mr. Duncan at all, she added. Had I been then, things would have turned out a lot different for Mr. Duncan and all of our families. Junk science An Associated Press review from 2013 found at least two dozen wrongful convictions or charges based on bite mark evidence since 2000. Bite mark evidence is junk science, and there is no more prejudicial type of junk science that exists than bite mark evidence, M. Chris Fabricant, an Innocence Project lawyer representing Duncan, told the court during the bail hearing. Hayne, the pathologist, is deceased. West has previously said that DNA testing has made bite mark analysis obsolete, yet he has defended his work in other cases that led to overturned convictions. The pair's testimony led two Mississippi men, Levon Brooks and Kennedy Brewer, to serve a combined three decades in prison in two separate cases for the rape and murder of young girls until DNA evidence cleared them of the crimes. Prosecutors still seek death penalty Prosecutors are seeking to reinstate Duncans conviction and pointed to the 1994 grand jury indictment in his case as grounds for keeping him locked up, court records show. The office of Ouachita Parish District Attorney Robert Tew declined to comment, citing the Louisiana Supreme Courts pending review. Duncan was one of 55 people on death row in Louisiana, held at the state prison in Angola. After a 15-year hiatus, Louisiana carried out its first execution in March. Duncans legal team described him as a model prisoner who helped other death row inmates obtain their GEDs and has strong community support for his release. 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 Wisconsin authorities have asked a state court to revoke the conditional release of Morgan Geyser, the woman who nearly killed her sixth-grade classmate in 2014 in the name of the Slender Man and who fled a group home earlier this week. A Waukesha County Circuit Court judge on Wednesday agreed to seal the petition filed late Tuesday by the Department of Corrections, which seeks to revoke Geysers conditional release. Earlier this year, a Waukesha County judge had approved her release from a state mental institution to live in a group home. Authorities said Geyser removed her GPS monitoring bracelet on Saturday night and ran away from the group home in Madison, Wisconsin, accompanied by a 43-year-old. She was located by police on Sunday night outside Chicago, about 170 miles (274 kilometers) from Madison. Geyser did not fight her extradition to Wisconsin in a Chicago court appearance Tuesday. ( AP Photo/Morry Gash, File ) Geyser did not fight her extradition to Wisconsin in a Chicago court appearance Tuesday. Wisconsin authorities have 30 days to pick her up. Geyser's attorney, Tony Cotton, did not respond to an email Wednesday seeking comment on the state's request to revoke her release. If Geyser's conditional release is revoked, she could be sent back to the mental institution where she spent most of the past eight years. She also could face new charges in connection with her escape. Geyser's companion has been charged with trespassing and obstruction, but The Associated Press isnt naming the companion because the person hasnt been charged with aiding Geysers escape. The APs attempts to contact that person have been unsuccessful. The companion did call WKOW-TV on Monday, however, saying the two became friends at church and had seen each other daily for the past month. Geyser decided to flee because she was afraid her group home would no longer allow them to see each other, the person said. She ran because of me, the friend told the television station. Geyser and her companion took a bus overnight into Illinois, the friend said. Geyser and her friend, Anissa Weier, lured one of their classmates, Payton Leutner, to a Waukesha park in 2014. Geyser stabbed Leutner 19 times, narrowly missing her heart, while Weier cheered her on. All three girls were 12 years old at the time. Leutner barely survived. Geyser and Weier later told investigators they attacked Leutner in hopes of impressing Slender Man and becoming his servants. They said they were afraid Slender Man would hurt their families if they didnt carry out the attack. Slender Man was created online by Eric Knudson in 2009 as a mysterious figure photo-edited into everyday images of children at play. He grew into a popular boogeyman, appearing in video games, online stories and a 2018 movie. Both Geyser and Weier were ultimately committed to a state mental institution Geyser for 40 years and Weier for 25. Wisconsin law allows people committed to state institutions to petition for release. Weier earned conditional release in 2021. Geyser, now 23, won conditional release in September after four requests and was placed in the group home. State health officials tried to block her release in March, telling the judge that Geyser didnt volunteer to her therapy team that she had read Rent Boy, a novel about murder and selling organs on the black market. They also alleged that she has been communicating with a man who collects murder memorabilia, and has sent him her own sketch of a decapitated body and a postcard saying she wants to be intimate with him. The judge concluded that Geyser wasnt trying to hide anything and proceeded with her release, which was finalized in September. 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 death row prisoner in Utah who was spared execution after developing dementia has died of apparent natural causes. Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, was to face a firing squad in September. However, the Utah Supreme Court blocked the execution in August after his lawyers argued that his dementia had become too severe. A judge had scheduled a new competency hearing for December to reevaluate his mental state. Menzies had spent 37 years on death row after being convicted of abducting and killing mother-of-three Maurine Hunsaker in 1986. He had kidnapped the 26-year-old from the convenience store near Salt Lake City where she worked. Her body was found two days later. Ralph Leroy Menzies during a late 2024 court hearing ( AP ) Maurine Hunsaker was a cherished wife and mother whose life was stolen in an act of horrific violence by Ralph Menzies," Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said Wednesday. For decades, the state of Utah has pursued justice on her behalf. The path has been long and filled with pain, far more than any victims family should ever have to endure. Menzies would have been the seventh U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977. He selected the method when given a choice decades ago. The Utah Supreme Court said this summer that the progression of his disease raised a significant question on his fitness to be executed at the time. Recommended Judge schedules execution by firing squad for man with dementia who spent 37 years on death row Menzies abducted Hunsaker from the store on February 23, 1986, while he was on parole. She later called her husband to say she was robbed and kidnapped, and that her abductor intended to release her. Two days later, a hiker found her body at a picnic area about 16 miles (25 kilometers) away in Big Cottonwood Canyon. She had been strangled and her throat was slashed. Police say Hunsakers thumbprint was found in a car that Menzies was driving, and her purse was recovered in Menzies apartment. Menzies also had her wallet and other belongings when he was jailed on unrelated matters. Were grateful that Ralph passed naturally and maintained his spiritedness and dignity until the end, his legal team said in a statement. Utahs last execution played out by lethal injection just over a year ago. The state has not used a firing squad since the 2010 execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner. 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 former World Trade Center worker who left his job shortly before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was fatally beaten by three teenagers, including one who was only 12 years old on the night of the alleged crime, police say. The victim, Roger Borkum, a 64yearold Long Island native and widower, who was homeless at the time of his death, was discovered just before midnight on October 19 in downtown Jacksonville, according to an arrest report from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office obtained by First Coast News. The report said the trio beat Borkum three times between 9:44 p.m. and 10:48 p.m. that night on Hogan Street, and were also spotted rummaging through his backpack. After the second attack, a witness called Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, who found him unharmed and left. The three allegedly returned for a third assault, then fled, after which another witness called 911. Borkum was found with severe head injuries and a pool of blood around him. A blood trail was seen extending down the sidewalk. open image in gallery Roger Borkum, 64, was homeless and living on the streets of downtown Jacksonville at the time of the attack ( Legacy.com ) Borkum did not die at the scene but succumbed to his injuries four days later. Within hours of the attack, authorities arrested suspects Justin Curry, now 13, Marcavion Lacey, 19, and Robert Pope, 17, according to a Jacksonville Sheriffs Office press release issued Friday. The suspects were indicted on murder charges on November 20. One of the suspects reportedly told investigators the attack was triggered because Borkum had dissed their dead homies. According to his obituary, Borkum narrowly escaped death when a consulting job ended in late July 2001. Working on the 77th floor of Tower 1 at the World Trade Center, Borkum was laid off just two months before the 9/11 attacks, which, at the time, may have spared his life. open image in gallery (Left to right) Justin Curry, 13, Marcavion Lacey, 19, and Robert Pope, 16, have all been charged with murder in the alleged fatal beating of Roger Borkum in Florida ( Jacksonville Sheriff's Office ) Smith was a programmer, who built a consulting business for multinational companies, and later created a calendar app for Lotus Notes, the write-up said. His wife, Celeste, whom he cared deeply for, died in 2009 during a humanitarian mission in Africa. 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 Trump administration has halted all decisions regarding migrants seeking asylum in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard members. The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who was granted asylum earlier this year. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph B. Edlow wrote on X Friday evening, USCIS has halted all asylum decisions until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible. The safety of the American people always comes first. A notice sent to asylum officers, and obtained by CBS News, explicitly tells them not to enter any decision information for affirmative cases. Immigrants who are not involved in removal proceedings can apply for affirmative asylum with Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is under the Homeland Security Department. Applications in defensive cases are filed by immigrants facing deportation and are decided by immigration judges under the direction of the Department of Justice. More than 1 million people are awaiting decisions on their asylum applications, according to a 2024 report from Homeland Security. From those cases, more than 786,000 people were waiting more than 180 days for a decision in their affirmative asylum cases. open image in gallery The Trump administration has halted all decisions regarding migrants seeking asylum in the wake of the shooting of two National Guard members, allegedly by an Afghan national who was granted asylum earlier this year ( Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images ) The man suspected of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members one fatally near the White House Wednesday, likely underwent extensive vetting as a CIA asset and again as he sought asylum in the United States. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, which almost certainly would have required extensive vetting. He was also likely vetted when he received asylum under Trump earlier this year. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI director Kash Patel have both suggested in recent congressional testimony that the administration had carefully scrutinized thousands of Afghan refugees. During my tenure, we are going through the databases to make sure that no known or suspected terrorists enter this country to harm our nation, Patel told the Senate Judiciary Committee in September. Trump administration officials now appear to be walking that back. open image in gallery Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who came to the U.S. in 2021, has been accused of the DC shooting ( US Attorney's Office ) U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro disputed the idea that Lakanwal had received any vetting at all in an interview with Fox News on Friday morning. Pirro also said Lakanwal will face a first-degree murder charge after Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries. The other guardsman who was shot, Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition. Joe Kent, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center, claimed that Lakanwal was only vetted by the intelligence community to serve as a soldier but not for his suitability to come to America and live among us as a neighbor, integrate into our communities, or eventually become an American citizen. open image in gallery National Guard members, Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe (left) and Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom (right), were shot near the White House Wednesday ( U.S. Attorneys Office ) Noem said Lakanwal came to the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program that helped resettle Afghans who had assisted the U.S. in its fight against the Taliban. The program has taken in about 76,000 people. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, Trump railed against former President Joe Biden for the program. He was flown in by the Biden administration in September 2021 on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about. Nobody knew who was coming in, Trump said. The president then warned in a Truth Social post Thursday, I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries. Trump also said hed remove anyone who is not a net asset to the United States, or is incapable of loving our Country and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization. Homeland Security officials said Trump has ordered a widespread review of asylum cases approved under the Biden administration and green cards issued to citizens from 19 countries, according to Reuters. The citizens of these countries, including Afghanistan, are all subject to a travel ban Trump imposed in June. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also announced his agencys crackdown on undocumented migrants receiving federal tax benefits. The Treasury Department will issue proposed regulations clarifying that the refunded portions of certain individual income tax benefits are no longer available to illegal and other non-qualified aliens, he said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Utah father, once hailed as a hero for rescuing his three young children after they went missing on a mountain hike, has now been arrested and charged with aggravated child abuse and child torture. Micah Smith, 31, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Tuesday in connection with an October hike on the strenuous Broads Fork Trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Smith and his children, ages 8, 4, and 2, became trapped in a storm during the outing and were reported missing. Rescuers found them the next day, discovering the 4-year-old was lying on top of the 2-year-old, both unconscious and not breathing. Smith told officials he performed CPR on the younger boys, who were lightly dressed for the frigid conditions. Two of the children were hospitalized in critical condition, while Smith was listed in fair condition. The 4-year-old later suffered a stroke and required part of his skull to be removed after arriving at the hospital with a body temperature of just 62.6 degrees. open image in gallery Rescuers found Micah Smith and his three young children the day after they were reported missing from a Utah hike, with two of the children unconscious ( Facebook ) According to charging documents cited by Fox 13, authorities accuse Smith of choosing to summit a mountain over the safety of the kids. Though he was initially praised as the hero of the ordeal, including in a since-deleted GoFundMe, Investigators say Smith continued the steep and dangerous ascent despite worsening weather and repeated pleas from his children that they were cold, tired and frightened. In a video recorded by Smith, his daughter can be heard asking, Are we going to freeze to death, daddy? Yet Smith pressed on, according to the documents. At one point, officials say Smith even taught his daughter how to perform CPR before leaving the children on the mountain and attempting to head down alone. First responders later performed 25 minutes of CPR on the 4-year-old during the rescue. The daughter told investigators she begged her father multiple times to turn back as the storm intensified, but he refused. She said Smith insisted it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience and blocked her from going back down the trail, allegedly telling her, You shall not pass. Smiths daughter also said her father told them the hike was either nine miles long or would take nine hours, but she couldnt remember which. The trail is actually a five-mile round trip with a steep elevation gain. Rescuers ultimately found the family about 600 feet from the summit, sheltering behind a boulder with a few sticks to block the wind after the youngest child fell, hit his head, and became dazed. When rescuers reached the group, they reported that Smith was behaving oddly and did not appear to be concerned about the children. open image in gallery A month before the hike, Micah Smith was found with guns and an axe after expressing suicidal thoughts and wanting to climb a mountain, according to police records ( Facebook ) Smith is currently being held on bond, according to jail records viewed by the New York Post. According to the NYP, Smith had prior run-ins with police, including an incident a month before the hike when officers found him with two guns and an axe after he expressed suicidal thoughts and said he wanted to climb a mountain. He reportedly claimed at that time that he did not intend to harm himself. On November 10, Smith was accused of trespassing at Primary Childrens Hospital, interfering with his 4-year-old sons medical care, and tampering with equipment, Fox 13 reported. He was later arrested in a separate domestic violence case. Prosecutors wrote in the indictment that Smiths behavior was clearly spiraling and that he posed a danger to himself and to the victims. If 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 youre in the UK, 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 in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you. Since paramilitaries took over the city most civilians have been unable to flee, and the testimonies and evidence gathered suggest that killings, rapes, and looting are being perpetrated on a massive scale From the moment Sudans paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took over the capital of North Darfur, El Fasher after subjecting it to a suffocating siege lasting more than 500 days accounts of the atrocities they were feared to be committing began to follow in quick succession: cases of mass executions, sexual violence, torture, and kidnappings. Most of the testimonies came from those who left the city and managed to reach a safe place from which to recount what they had witnessed. But, unlike what has happened in almost all the areas occupied by the rebels since the outbreak of the war against the Sudanese army in April 2023, there was no mass exodus of the population from El Fasher. In recent months, the United Nations had estimated that around 260,000 people remained trapped in the city. And, although some 100,000 civilians escaped in the days following its fall, humanitarian groups deployed at relatively safe reception points away from El Fasher warned that the flow of arrivals was far below expectations. This means that most civilians were unable to flee; either because they are dead, too weak, wounded, captured, or in hiding. These fears have been fueled by the fact that in the weeks and months leading up to their final assault, the RSF constructed an earthen wall that completely surrounded El Fasher, allowing them to control everything that enters and leaves the city. The truth is, nobody knows how many people have died or how many remain trapped, says U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher, who recently traveled to Tawila, a town near El Fasher. Tens of thousands of people have managed to reach Tawila, but its clear that many are not leaving El Fasher, which raises very alarming questions about their whereabouts. In recent days, EL PAIS has spoken with a dozen displaced people from El Fasher, human rights lawyers, humanitarian workers and Sudanese government sources, to understand the situation inside the city since it was captured by paramilitaries on October 26. Tens of thousands of people have managed to reach Tawila, but its clear that many are not leaving El Fasher, which raises very alarming questions about their whereabouts Tom Fletcher, UN The image that emerges is that of a town ravaged by looting and bloodshed, with thousands of civilians detained, at least dozens kidnapped, and evidence of widespread sexual violence and torture. Thousands more remain trapped at the mercy of paramilitaries, who are now using these civilians to promote their government and its supposed humanitarian efforts. Darfur is now the epicenter of human suffering. We urgently need access to El Fasher to understand why people cant leave and what conditions they face, demands Fletcher, who acknowledges that they have been lobbying for permission to enter the city. Every day people remain trapped [there] is a day of unimaginable risk, he warns. On Monday, the commander of the Rapid Support Forces, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, announced a unilateral three-month ceasefire, but the gesture is not expected to lead to a cessation of hostilities. His statement came just hours after the Sudanese army commander, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, rejected a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal, leading many to interpret the paramilitary leaders announcement as an attempt to improve his international image. The rebels have announced ceasefires on several occasions since the start of the war, but have consistently violated them. Wounded Sudanese who fled El Fasher receive medical care at a Doctors Without Borders clinic in Tawila, North Darfur, on November 3, 2025. Mohamed Jamal (REUTERS) Massacres, rape and mass graves One of the first indications of the massacres in El Fasher after its capture by the RSF came from satellite imagery. In the days following the citys fall, the Yale Humanitarian Research Institute (HRL) identified up to 30 groups of objects piled up in various locations throughout the town that appeared to be corpses. Many were also lying near rebel vehicles, and in some cases, pools of blood could be seen around them. One of these massacres occurred at the Saudi hospital, one of the few that continued operating under siege, where the U.N. estimated that nearly 500 people were killed. A local activist group claimed that another massacre took place at El Fasher University. And the HRL identified other possible massacres at the childrens hospital, the Red Crescent office, a military base, and near the earthen wall erected by the rebels around the city. The HRL has also detected activities that could be related to the disposal of bodies by the Rapid Support Forces. Satellite imagery shows paramilitaries digging what appear to be several mass graves, some near sites of massacres, and several instances of burning objects, which could be corpses. Many of those who have managed to escape the city also bear scars from this widespread violence. Jose Sanchez, coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Darfur, who was recently in Tawila, explains that they have received displaced people from El Fasher with gunshot wounds, [showing signs of] beatings, and torture injuries, including bruises and fractures. Sulaima Ishaq, Sudans Minister of State for Human Resources and Social Welfare and director of the unit fighting violence against women and children, details that they have documented 25 cases of rape that occurred within El Fasher University, where many civilians had sought refuge, although she warns that the real number is much higher. Ishaq emphasizes that they have evidence that the paramilitaries killed at least 300 women when they took the city, some of whom were physically and sexually assaulted and then murdered. We have been warning about the dire situation in El Fasher and what could happen ever since the siege of the city began, laments a local activist currently in Egypt. But, sadly, the world stood by, indifferent to the pleas and cries of the citys inhabitants, until the great catastrophe struck. Disappearances, kidnappings and looting Documenting many of the abuses committed by the Rapid Support Forces in El Fasher is proving difficult because they have imposed a communications blackout and confiscated internet and cell phone devices. There is no way to contact people inside to find out about their situation amid the militias control and strict measures, the activist notes. A second activist from El Fasher, who claims to have spoken with contacts inside the city on two occasions, estimates that the paramilitaries have arrested at least 3,500 civilians. Some local media outlets have reported the presence of more detention centers and a higher number of arrests. The same source, the activist in Egypt, and a third activist who fled El Fasher in the summer say that a large number of prisoners, including community leaders, journalists, and officials, have been transferred to Nyala, the capital of South Darfur and the seat of the RSF government. Some remain in Nyalas overcrowded Degris prison. Besides those arrested, the paramilitaries have also kidnapped dozens of people at least and demanded large ransoms from their families. This is a common practice among paramilitaries, including the torture of detainees to pressure families into paying ransoms, explains Mossaad Mohamed Ali, director of the African Center for Justice and Peace Studies (ACJPS). Since the complete capture of El Fasher, rebel fighters have also looted the city. The HLR has observed in satellite images the presence of trucks that could be used to transport stolen goods, and Sudanese media outlets such as Darfur24 have reported that some of the looted items, including vehicles, furniture, and construction materials, have begun to reappear in markets in Nyala. Since the RSF took over El Fasher, the humanitarian agency they control has opened some areas of the city to distribute aid to the civilians who remain trapped. The two local activists, however, believe this is primarily an effort to produce propaganda videos to improve their image. Furthermore, satellite imagery from the month following the citys fall shows no activity in what were seven of its main markets, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). Everything the paramilitaries are currently publishing about the citizens of El Fasher is merely an attempt to whitewash their image, the activist in Egypt believes. They are promoting a kind of return to normalcy [in the city] with the reopening of some markets and lower prices, she adds. EL PAIS contacted the spokesperson for the Rapid Support Forces to ask about the situation in El Fasher, but had not received a response at the time of publication. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Zenith Minerals has returned the latest barrage of gold results from its Red Mountain discovery in Queensland, returning exceptional intercepts up to a thumping 122 metres grading 1.28 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 209m. The companys results flowed from a recent reverse circulation (RC) follow-up program on the emerging Red Mountain intrusion related gold (IRG) discovery from September of this year. IRG systems are rife in the central Queensland district, including several multi-million-ounce operations akin to what Zenith believes it has just latched onto. The promising RC results sit a modest step north of the deep diamond discovery hits and the message is clear grades are strengthening along a newly defined northwest-trending structural corridor that lights up on induced polarisation (IP) geophysics like a reliable road map for future drilling. Caption: Thick, high-grade hits have extended the emerging intrusion related gold system at Zenith Minerals Red Mountain gold project in Queensland. That same IP has also coughed up a new standout look-alike anomaly just 500m south along the same trend. It mirrors the chargeability signature that now hugs the known mineralised zone and management has already flagged a first-pass drill program for early next year. Advertisement Ian W. Shaw turns his pen to Joseph Squizzy Taylor, the charismatic standover man who dazzled Melbourne as much as he terrorised it. Tracking Taylors rise from pickpocket to underworld celebrity, Shaw follows the detectives, juries and rivals who tried, and often failed, to stop him. The result is a vivid portrait of a gangster who relished the limelight and ultimately met a suitably dramatic end. Credit: The Heir Apparent, Rebecca Armitage, HarperCollins, $34.99 Lexi Villiers thought shed hung up her tiara for good, building a perfectly ordinary life in Hobart far from palace corridors. But when a family accident pushes her to the front of the line of succession, shes summoned back to London. As spare becomes heir, Lexi must decide whether she really wants the crown thats landed back on her head. A sparkling debut that makes more than a few winks at todays royal soap operas. Credit: The Endless Sky, Di Morrissey, Macmillan, $39.99 The prolific writers 31st novel sends a TV presenter and her producer deep into the red centre, where a glossy new series becomes a journey into the mysteries and dangers of outback Australia. From fossil treasures, local histories and long-buried secrets, the land itself becomes the books most commanding presence in this tale of adventure, friendship and love. Advertisement Credit: Eucalyptus, Stephen D. Hopper, Reaktion Books, $39.99 (December 1) Botanist Stephen D. Hopper offers a richly illustrated account of Australias most emblematic trees and their evolution, biology, cultural significance and global reach. From towering mountain giants to hardy mallees, eucalypts have inspired artists, scientists and activists, shaped landscapes and industries, and held profound meaning for Aboriginal communities. This comprehensive study blends ecological insight with decades of fieldwork to reveal the complexity behind a species that feels so familiar. Credit: Helm, Sarah Hall, Faber Fiction, $34.99 (December 2) Twice Booker-shortlisted Sarah Hall returns with a bold novel narrated, in part, by the Helm wind, a legendary, unforgiving force that storms across Cumbrias Eden Valley. Hall braids centuries of human attempts to understand, worship, measure or resist this presence. The result is an inventive meditation on nature, time and the fragile lives lived in the winds path that will ... blow you away. Credit: Advertisement Best Offer Wins, Marisa Kashino, Doubleday, $34.99 (December 2) Real estate anxiety meets psychological sleight of hand in this darkly comic thriller about a woman pushed to extremes by the horrors of house hunting. Margos desire to secure her dream home gives way to an obsession that involves surveillance, befriending the owner, and a spiral she cant quite control. Darkly satirical and full of twists, comparisons to Yellowface feel apt. Credit: American Canto, Olivia Nuzzi, Simon & Schuster, $49.99 (December 2) The former Washington correspondent became the story when her emotional entanglement with Robert F. Kennedy Jr went public and now shes written the book about it. American Canto arrives with enough buzz to power a small newsroom, thanks to a Vanity Fair excerpt and Nuzzis own talent for generating headlines. The writing leans high-altitude, but most readers will be turning the pages for scenes involving The Politician. Either way, expect this one to dominate the news cycle all over again. (Australian print edition out January 13.) Credit: The Great Heist: Chinas Epic Campaign to Steal Americas Secrets, David R. Shedd and Andrew Badger, HarperCollins, $27.99 (December 2) Advertisement The former intelligence officers outline what they argue is the largest organised theft of intellectual property, technology and data in history. Drawing on interviews with spies, policymakers and corporate security teams, they chart how China has quietly looted the crown jewels of Western technology and reshaped global power in the process. Credit: World of War Crimes, Geoffrey Robertson, Penguin, $36.99 (December 9) Human rights lawyer Geoffrey Robertson offers a guide to what constitutes a war crime and why so few perpetrators are ever held to account. Drawing on global conflicts and decades of legal work, Robertson explains how atrocities are identified, why governments hesitate to name them, and what ordinary citizens, journalists and soldiers need to understand. Its a timely primer. Credit: Tailored Realities, Brandon Sanderson, Gollancz, December 9 The Stormlight Archive creator steps outside the Cosmere with an illustrated collection of short fiction spanning fantasy and science fiction, including a new novella, Moment Zero, and stories previously scattered across anthologies or digital releases. For fans, its a chance to explore the bestselling authors genre-hopping experiments; for newcomers, a useful sampler of his storytelling. Advertisement The US president says he could work together with Nasry Tito Asfura of the National Party to fight the Narcocommunists Donald Trump has become heavily involved in the Honduran elections that are taking place this Sunday. The U.S. president wants to influence the outcome of this very close race, and has used his social media platform to endorse the conservative candidate Nasry Tito Asfura of the National Party, claiming they could work together to combat drug trafficking. Trump also attacked the other candidates, accusing them of being communists. I hope the people of Honduras vote for Freedom and Democracy and elect Tito Asfura President! Trump posted on Truth Social. Hondurans are being called to the polls on Sunday in general elections to elect a president, mayors, and members of parliament at a time of high uncertainty. The country is experiencing a deep political crisis with several corruption cases emerging in recent years, accusations of links between drug trafficking and politics, and several controversial electoral processes. Polls show the conservative Asfura, former mayor of the capital Tegucigalpa, in a virtual tie with leftist former Defense Minister Rixi Moncada, the candidate for the Libre Party, which is currently in power. A third contender with a chance of winning is Salvador Nasralla, a television host running for the Liberal Party. The political tension in Honduras has drawn the attention of the Organization of American States, which is monitoring the process to try to prevent irregularities. The U.S. State Department, headed by Marco Rubio, has also warned of possible irregularities in the Central American countrys electoral process. Analysts do not rule out the possibility that more than one candidate could declare victory, a scenario that would exacerbate the countrys political crisis. Trump accuses Moncada of being a communist and Nasralla of being a borderline communist, even though neither of the two Honduran politicians describe themselves as such. The one who defends democracy and fights against Maduro is Tito Asfura [...] Trump said. His main opponent is Rixi Moncada, who says his idol is Fidel Castro. Normally, the intelligent people of Honduras would reject him and elect Asfura, but the communists are trying to deceive the people by presenting a third candidate, Salvador Nasralla, the U.S. president added in a political interference unusual in diplomatic tradition. The people of Honduras must not be deceived again. The only real friend of Freedom in Honduras is Tito Asfura. Tito and I can work together to fight Narcocommunists, and bring needed aid to the people of Honduras, Trump added. Honduras has been led by Xiomara Castro since 2021. The Honduran politician and businesswoman is the wife of former president Jose Manuel Zelaya, who was forced into exile in 2009 following a coup. Castro, leader of the Liberal Party, has strengthened relations with Cuba and Venezuela, two countries under U.S. sanctions and experiencing profound economic crises. Nasralla is no friend of Freedom. A borderline Communist, he helped Xiomara Castro by running as her vice president. He won, and helped Castro win. Then he resigned and now pretends to be anti-communist only for the purposes of splitting the Asfura vote, Trump posted. The National Party, to which construction businessman Asfura belongs, has maintained ties with U.S. Republicans since the presidency of Juan Orlando Hernandez, who led the Central American country between 2014 and 2022. Hernandez is currently in a U.S. prison serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking and firearms offenses, according to AP. Trump has increased pressure on Maduro, whom he claims is the leader of the Cartel of the Suns, an alleged drug trafficking group. The U.S. president has ordered military operations to combat drug trafficking and the military has launched strikes against around 20 boats allegedly carrying drugs. More than 80 people have been killed in these attacks. Trump ordered these strikes without congressional approval or judicial authorization. Furthermore, he has raised tensions in the region with the largest military deployment in decades. Analysts speculate that a military operation could be imminent, forcing Maduros overthrow. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Its all just more overheated air from the age of grievance. Loading Grievance seems awfully infectious at the moment, particularly among the restive bands of irksome politicians infesting the globe and billionaires whose grip on the worlds wealth has caused many of them to lose hold on anything the rest of us might deem worthwhile. The current inhabitant of the White House the worlds chief grievance merchant is the embodiment of both appalling politician and billionaire, with no discernible joy in whatever passes for his heart. We wont write about him, either, beyond quoting the US poet Elayne Griffin Baker who wrote in 2020, during the first term of the current president: Theres no literature or poetry in the White House. No music. Made famous when it was spoken by Bruce Springsteen, who has music in his veins, the lament continues: There are no pets in this White House. No loyal mans best friend. No Socks the family cat. No kids science fairs. Probably best there is neither puppy nor moggy to kick around. The Trump family lost a reported $1.6 billion in this weeks cryptocurrency bath. How unfortunate. Crowds enjoy Carol of the Bells in Paris. Videos of the performance have gone viral. Credit: SOURCE: Julien Cohen/YouTube In desperate search of a more engaging subject, I took to doomscrolling and came across one of those lovely videos featuring a flash mob bringing glorious music to unsuspecting citizens. This one was from Paris. Crowds attending the Christmas lights ceremony on the very glamorous Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore were treated, in the video, to more than 100 choristers and musicians performing an orchestral version of Carol of the Bells. The music for this mesmerising Christmas chant/carol was written in 1916 by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. Western audiences first embraced the carol, known as Shchedryk (Bountiful), when the Ukrainian National Chorus undertook a concert tour of Europe in 1919. And heres a piece of orchestral history for those who might yearn to stick it to those who lack music in their hearts and who currently hold cold-blooded sway over Ukraines future. That 1919 tour was undertaken to generate European support for the brand new independent nation of Ukraine, which the Bolshevik government in Moscow refused to recognise. Choristers sing from windows as the crowd enjoys the Carol of the Bells flash mob in Paris. Credit: Source: Julien Cohen/YouTube A more fitting musical moment than a 100-strong flash mob performing the Carol of the Bells in the City of Light could barely be imagined these 106 brutal years later, as Ukraine rests its last hopes on the goodwill of European neighbours. It got me reminiscing about musics power to confront the madness of the world, particularly as Christmas approaches. Years ago I wrote a play, Strange Incarceration, based on an Italian prisoner-of-war camp that once stood in the Ovens Valley outside the north-east Victorian town of Myrtleford during World War II. While undertaking research, I interviewed several long-term residents of the area. They were mainly women. When the Italian camp operated, many of the Australian men of the valley were away fighting in North Africa or Greece and later New Guinea or were inhabiting Japanese POW camps themselves, leaving their wives and daughters to run the family farms. The Myrtleford POW camp sat in a beautiful natural amphitheatre. The camp was for officers, men of culture. Several women told me that on long lonely evenings, they sat on the verandahs of their farmhouses listening to the Italian prisoners singing, their voices echoing off the hills. At Christmas, the Italians sang carols in their own language O Come, All Ye Faithful was rendered as Adeste Fideles, and Silent Night was Astro del Ciel. Persistent allegations of corruption and the presence of bikies in the delivery of the federal governments multibillion-dollar Nauru deportation scheme will face scrutiny in a Senate inquiry. On Wednesday, this masthead revealed MA Services Group was at the centre of a secret offshore security deal funded by the Albanese government and involving the Finks bikie gang, the allegedly corrupt Nauruan President David Adeang and a controversial operation to guard the deportees known as the NZYQ cohort sent by Australia to the small Pacific island. The detainee operation involves Australia paying Nauru up to $2.5 billion over 30 years, of which up to $40 million a year will pay for Australian private security contractors on Nauru. MA Services has faced multiple claims of rorting and exploiting its migrant workforce and allegedly harassing female staff. On Thursday, Greens senator David Shoebridge successfully proposed an inquiry by the legal and constitutional affairs references committee to examine offshore processing and resettlement arrangements with Nauru since 2022. Residents in south-east Queensland have once again been warned to expect severe storms on Thursday evening, but the latest tempest was predicted to be more isolated than the wild weather that lashed the region earlier this week. The new threat comes after three days of afternoon and overnight storms, as well as severe heatwave conditions, with the devastation prompting Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy to ask the federal government to declare a disaster to trigger national assistance. Severe thunderstorms are possible on Thursday afternoon and evening from Cairns all the way down the coast into north-east NSW, meteorologist Dean Narramore said. The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast more isolated severe storms in south-east Queensland. Credit: Bureau of Meteorology The storms could include large hail, damaging winds and heavy rainfall, with the coast between Bundaberg and Byron Bay expected to bear the brunt. Melbourne Health employs a security team made up of about 45 staff members to keep nurses, doctors and patients safe. The security upgrades at Melbourne Health have sparked a fresh debate about the appropriate use of charitable funds. Opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said the state government should be funding Royal Melbournes safety upgrades, not donors. Due to the lack of proper investment from the Allan Labor government, the hospital now needs to use donations from the public to fund vital security infrastructure, Crozier said. The Allan Labor governments priorities are all wrong when not enough money is in the budget to keep patients, staff and visitors safe. Loading The Royal Melbourne Hospital Foundation website states: Your generous gift will help deliver compassionate patient care, vital medical equipment and ground-breaking research outcomes. The foundation has previously helped fund an Australian-first mobile mental health clinic and Victorias leading comprehensive multiple sclerosis centre. It is not known how much the new security centre costs. Royal Melbourne Hospital chief executive Professor Shelley Dolan said the hospital treated a significant number of patients and families after serious or traumatic incidents. This trauma and distress could lead to behaviours of concern, she said. Acts of violence and aggression against our healthcare teams are never acceptable, and we are committed to doing all we can to provide a safe environment for everyone staff, patients and visitors, she said. A Victorian government spokesperson said the funding of the Royal Melbournes new security centre was in line with Department of Health policy. That policy states that infrastructure can be funded via philanthropy, but that those funds shouldnt cover ongoing costs such as salaries or utilities. Theres no place for violence in our health services, which is why we have invested more than $47 million in occupational violence and aggression training initiatives, and we continue to work with health services on ways to address occupational violence, the government spokesperson said. Philanthropic funds must be spent on what they were originally allocated for such as building projects and research programs and not redirected to cover day-to-day operating costs. This years state budget invested more than $30 billion into Victorias healthcare system. But the tension over the appropriate use of donations has been long-running. A 2015 report by the Victorian Auditor-General stated that hospitals should not have to use donations to fund operations. Loading Earlier this year, Hospitals Victoria warned public hospitals against using donations for operational costs. Hospitals Victoria specifically directed health services not to use research or philanthropic funds, donations, or similar sources of funding to offset their operating positions, a Department of Health spokeswoman said earlier this year. This has been clearly communicated to health services. Peter Breadon, the health program director of the Grattan Institute, said there was a big hole in hospital funding. He said hospitals relied on money from retail, rent, parking and donations to help cover the cost of care, research and facilities. But he said this could create inequity between hospitals, since some hospitals can raise more additional funding. That should never mean some hospitals deliver worse care than others, or miss out on essential facilities or infrastructure. Melbourne Healths parliamentary committee questionnaire also revealed that the health service viewed its infrastructure as significantly aged and that clinical areas were poorly designed relative to modern hospitals needs. This creates inefficiencies relative to a more contemporary design and requires large capital and engineering teams to ensure infrastructure remains safe and complaint, the health service wrote. Infrastructure Victoria recently called on the state government to spend an extra $6 billion and $8 billion rebuilding the Royal Melbourne, Alfred and Austin hospitals. The states independent infrastructure adviser says all three hospitals have needed major infrastructure refreshes for close to a decade. In its parliamentary committee questionnaire, Eastern Health revealed that because of ageing infrastructure and a lack of capital funding, it had conducted community fundraising to purchase replacement assets. Earlier this month, The Age revealed that violence against nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers had reached unprecedented levels in Victoria. The states public hospitals reported almost 24,000 violent incidents last year, a 20 per cent increase year-on-year. Broken noses and dislocated shoulders were among the more serious injuries, according to hospital insiders. Doctors also warned that more patients were carrying weapons such as knives and syringes into emergency departments. An aid for parents As a telephone counsellor with Parentline Victoria (which became defunct last month) I fielded many calls from parents distraught about their teenagers behaviour and psychological wellbeing. Many (if not all) of the issues raised by parents related to smartphone and technology use. Addiction to social media resulting in disengagement from social and sporting activities, education and family life as well as online gaming and cyber bullying were common problems with which parents were grappling. The changes coming into effect next month in relation to restricting access to under 16-year-olds to a range of social media platforms will be welcomed by most parents. While some teenagers will certainly get around the ban, they will give parents the mandate needed to stem the growing number of young people becoming addicted, bullied and exposed to adult only online content. These laws will go a long way to empowering parents by giving them the legal authority to say no. Prue Blackmore, Carlton North Reconsider ban Thank you, Zac Seidler, for the insight into the ramifications of the social media ban for teenagers under 16 (We are closing the doors on young men, 26/11). Although focused on boys, his concerns about a huge vacuum in teenagers lives equally applies to girls and other genders. Quite rightly, he denounces the federal governments failure to think through other options for children. In my view, the government has made the serious and far-reaching mistake of refusing to acknowledge the positives and benefits of social media to young people. Negligence by omission. And there will be consequences, especially with the timing of introduction of the ban in the holiday period when teenagers are deprived of both the social connection, support and refuge of school and social media. Just imagine the plight of children in violent homes, or low-income homes with no discretionary finances for outings and entertainment let alone beach houses and travel. At the very least the introduction of a social media ban should be postponed to the beginning of the school term in 2026. On behalf of all the teenagers, particularly the marginalised and lonely facing a long summer break, the government should be reminded to act with compassion, knowledge and deep reflection on its decisions. The alternative doesnt bear thinking about. Diana Yallop, Surrey Hills Library moves dismay As a qualified librarian, teacher, teacher librarian and researcher in the field for more than 50 years, I am dismayed to learn of proposed cuts to State Library staffing, opening hours and public access computers. The whole purpose of the State Library is to collect and archive Victorian documents and provide an accessible reference collection for the people of Victoria. Part of that is provide sufficient qualified librarians for proper collection management and guidance in its use, and opening hours to ensure people from across the spectrum can use the SLV for study. These proposed cuts are indicative of a failure by the government and management to understand the key cultural and educational significance of the SLV in our states democratic functioning. In these times of creation and promulgation of false and misleading information, Victorians need the expertise of reference librarians to guide them to authoritative information sources. I look forward to Minister for Creative Industries Colin Brooks acting to reverse these decisions and to ensure the SLV board and the executive include people who know how a State Library is meant to operate. Dr Anne Whisken, Portarlington Destination unknown It was ironic to be welcomed at the new State Library station, with new tram stops and signs directing all to the library, at a time when services at the library could be reduced. Hopefully, the advisers about transport and pedestrian are better than those advising about how to maintain a major cultural institution. Sadly, a few signs in a State Library dont improve collection building or access to the right resources in an effective and efficient way. Any cuts to librarian numbers fails to understand its significance for Victorians and Victoria. Amanda Bede, Richmond Cultural positives This week I wandered downtown and bought The Age from our local Indian newsagent. Next I ventured into the local coffee haunt and enjoyed a breakfast prepared by a Lebanese barista and Chinese chef. A Nepalese worker, an ex-student actually, helped me locate an item at the supermarket. Later in the week there are appointments with my Syrian-born doctor and a specialist from the Netherlands. But Im with Pauline Hanson. Too many immigrants are threatening our way of life. Craig Jory, Albury, NSW Housing remedy Its ridiculous that during a housing shortage so many properties sit unoccupied (Number of empty homes surges amid housing crisis, 27/11). A government should have the right to use a property for social housing for three years if it sits unoccupied for 12 months or more. This would be regardless of whoever owned it. This would put a dampener on speculators and house banking. Paul Chivers, Box Hill North Climate change the threat The US calls mass migration an existential threat to Western civilisation. If Donald Trump is serious, he should drop his drill, baby, drill policies and start tackling the climate change thats accelerating global migration. Andrew Gunner, Brunswick West Safety first Senator Lidia Thorpe and the president of Liberty Victoria Gemma Cafarella have recently criticised Victorias new police search powers innocent people would become the victim, the laws were an intrusion on peoples rights and civil liberties. What about the powers of a knife-carrying thug about to plunge a blade into my body? Forget the intrusion on my civil liberties. What about the intrusion on my body as the blade hits life sustaining organs? What about my loss of liberty if I have to spend weeks in hospital or finish up with life-changing injuries? Ill take being a victim of these police powers or the intrusion on my civil liberties any day. Gerry Lonergan, Reservoir A drab Christmas city Visiting Melbourne CBD brings disgust at the poor Christmas displays on and around the streets. Having been overseas in major cities at Christmas, Melbournes attempt to be on par is very disappointing. Its sad, dirty and has a faded glory. A bad example to show overseas and interstate tourists and visitors. Melbourne City Council should hang its head in shame. Anthony Straker, South Yarra Adult speak, please Thanks to your correspondent (Letters, 26/11). As a rusted-on ABC listener for 50 years, I feel furious when I hear educated presenters child speak. Is this an attempt to attract a younger audience? Really? What happened to the expectations of standards from the ABC. Barry Buskens, Beaumaris Designs on helmet If athlete Nick Timmings misses out on a medal in the upcoming Winter Olympic Games, he should at least get an honourable mention for artistic design on top of his helmet (Sliding to success an Olympic dream on ice, 27/11). Michael Hanrahan, Alfredton Diversity benefits all I am holidaying in Tasmania. I also read The Age every day and find at present an article or letter about immigration. I believe we cannot do without immigrants. Everywhere I go in Tasmania I am served by people who have English as a second language. Without migrants we would have no tourism industry. I grew up with migrants changing the demographic mix in primary school back in the 1960s and some of my friends came from migrant families. I suggest you should just get to know your fellow man. Dont be afraid to. Dont blame migrants for poor government planning. Keith Hawkins, Point Lonsdale The Don Quixote Libs As Australia reaches record levels of renewable energy production one cannot help but be amused by the disarray in energy policy by the Coalition. They are lurching forward in an anti-renewables stance but have no clear objective of what they would do differently. Their current stance is alienating the young voters, a cohort they need to engage with if they ever hope to regain power. Never has the analogy of Don Quixote tilting at windmills ever been more accurate. Ross Hudson, Mount Martha Stop fossil fuels Its encouraging that Australias climate pollution has dropped by 2.2 per cent over the past year (Biggest drop in emissions outside pandemic, 27/11). Renewable energy policies are clearly working cutting our reliance on coal and gas while lowering energy costs. But this progress is a bit like shedding a few kilograms while still smoking a pack of cigarettes a day. The health of the planet wont improve until we stop enabling more of the toxic coal and gas projects that continue to blanket our atmosphere. Larni Dibben, Glen Iris The final grade When one dies, one does not pass, surely one fails (Letters, 27/11). Barry Doyle, Portarlington AND ANOTHER THING Politics Every senator should spend one day in parliament each year wearing a burqa not as a stunt, but to experience, even briefly, the restrictions and challenges many women face every day. Nothing is quite as impactful as lived experience. Ian Cameron, Chelsea I dont have a problem with Pauline Hanson wearing a burqa in the Senate. So long as she wears it all the time and seeks advice on how to wear it properly. Ken Richards, Elwood New laws to protect the environment or new laws to fast track new projects for big business? Annie Wilson, Inverloch Trump administration workers are going to be busy with their data collection of crimes and human rights abuses committed by migrants to Australia. Theyll have to go all the way back to 1770. Jane Ross, San Remo Czinger Dallas Announces Delivery of "Point of No Return" 21C V Max Hypercar to the Barchetta Collection This specific vehicle, a V Max variant, is Chassis #32 of the globally limited run of 80 units. Its final design is the result of intensive collaboration at the Area 21 Czinger Customization Lounge within the company's headquarters in Los Angeles, CA. It is where the clients curated every element of the machine, creating a truly unique "1 of 1" specification that challenges the limits of automotive artistry. "The 21C is the ultimate expression of hypercar performance and design. To finally take delivery of this bespoke V Max and be among the first Czinger owners is an absolute dream come true," stated the clients. "The engineering is peerless, and the entire customization processfrom choosing the exclusive materials to seeing the Rock and Roll theme realizedwas an incredible, collaborative journey." The hypercar's dramatic aesthetic was championed by the brand's Executive Director Randy Nowell in partnership with the Barchetta Collection. "This specific vehicle is one of our very first V Max variants produced. It truly embodies our dedication to personalization with its stunning 'Point of No Return' red tinted exposed carbon fiber, accented by the 'Jester Black' GT stripe down the length of the fuselage," said Lukas Czinger, CEO & Founder of Czinger Vehicles. "The bespoke CNC stitch pattern in red thread on black leather and the 'Devil's Punchbowl' red calipers glowing behind those first-ever 'Bad Penny' carbon fiber wheels reinforce its distinct Rock and Roll theme. It is a masterpiece." The delivery underscores the growing demand and excitement generated by the Czinger 21C's proven capabilities, including its multiple consecutive track records achieved during the recent California Gold Rush campaign. "The entire team at Czinger Dallas has been overwhelmingly pleased with the execution and innovation that Czinger Vehicles continues to deliver," commented John Hrad, General Manager of Czinger Dallas. "The 21C's performance and endurance, the interest and buzz surrounding the vehicle have intensified exponentially, affirming its position as a new standard in the hypercar segment. We are thrilled to deliver this stunning V Max to the Barchetta Collection." The Czinger 21C V Max is the low-drag performance variant of the revolutionary hypercar, which utilizes Czinger's proprietary human-AI design and additive manufacturing technologies, pioneering a new era of manufacturing and automotive performance. About Czinger Dallas - As the exclusive sales and service partner for Czinger Vehicles in Texas, Czinger Dallas is providing personalized consultation and access to the world's most technologically advanced hypercars. Acquired by US Auto Trust in October 2025, Czinger is part of the group's growing portfolio of world-class luxury automotive dealerships including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, Aston Martin, Lotus, Cadillac and Maserati. About Czinger Vehicles - Established in 2019, Los Angeles-based Czinger Vehicles is an industry-disrupting performance vehicles brand pioneering a new era of design and manufacturing. Built around a core ethos of utilizing revolutionary, proprietary technology to create vehicles equipped with both dominating performance and iconic design, Czinger represents a radical transformation of the manufacturing sector and the future of human-AI design. SOURCE US Auto Trust On Yablonska Street in Bucha, nothing remains to remind us that the Russian army committed its worst crimes during the war in Ukraine here. In March 2022, at the start of the invasion, more than 450 civilians were killed in this municipality north of Kyiv. Yablonska was one of the places where the largest number of bodies were recovered. The only building on the street that provides evidence the war continues today is the local military recruitment office. And in the lines outside, pessimism is contagious. A dozen men wait to be seen. Some are soldiers applying for leave. Mikhail, 34, was wounded a month ago in a missile attack on the Dnipropetrovsk front. He walks on crutches and still shows signs of the concussion caused by the blast. He is from Bucha and says: If people know what happened here (in Yablonska), the Russians cannot be forgiven for their actions. Mikhail is referring to one of the points included in the so-called peace plan officially proposed on January 20 by U.S. President Donald Trump to Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The Ukrainian president and his European partners launched an emergency diplomatic campaign to reformulate Trumps proposal. As a result, 22 of the original 28 points remain. The remaining ones will have to be discussed directly between the two leaders. One of the points that could remain in effect is that which obliges Ukraine to relinquish its right to prosecute war crimes committed by Russia. Mikhail says he agrees with 50% of the plan and finds the other 50% debatable. What his country cannot accept, he insists, is an amnesty for an invader which, according to United Nations figures, has killed some 14,600 civilians. Another point in Trumps plan that he considers unacceptable is a suspended clause stipulating that the Ukrainian army should withdraw from the 25% of Donetsk province still under its control. However these negotiations end, we in Ukraine know that it is extremely difficult for Vladimir Putin to agree to end the war without us giving in to his demands. Also in line at the enlistment office is 25-year-old Dmytro Kudlai. He has received a draft notice, but he works in a factory that, according to the law, is strategic for the countrys functioning and should exempt him from combat. I dont want to go into the army. Family and friends who are serving advise me against it, saying the situation is extremely difficult, Kudlai admits. I also dont trust how the army operates; theres a lot of corruption, no doubt about it. We dont have the same motivation we had in the first year of the invasion. Reluctance to enlist Kudlai finds Trumps initial peace plan unacceptable, but on the other hand, he concedes that he doesnt believe Ukraine has the strength to defend itself for another two years, a possibility Zelenskiy raised in October. The main reason, according to this young man, is that nobody wants to enlist anymore. The Russians are advancing faster and faster, Kudlai laments. He is the perfect example of the dilemma many Ukrainians face: on the one hand, they dont want to see Moscow victorious, but on the other, they dont want to fight anymore. Perhaps the most important thing in a peace agreement, what would convince us, would be the security guarantees our allies would give us, guarantees that would make it impossible for Russia to attack us again, he concludes. A woman at the memorial to the victims of the Russian occupation of Bucha, on March 30, the third anniversary of the town's liberation. Gleb Garanich (REUTERS) This is precisely one of the most important aspects of the peace proposal that Kyiv is negotiating with Washington, as Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiys right-hand man, admitted in statements to Axios on Tuesday. Ukraine is willing to renounce its NATO membership, as Moscow demands, but in return must receive the maximum possible military support from its members. Disunity At the Hotel Roma in Bucha, work is still underway to repair the damage caused by the months of fighting in 2022. Despite this, its restaurant, specializing in traditional Ukrainian cuisine, is one of the busiest in the municipality. Svitlana Biuhova, who runs the establishment, says she is very, very tired of the war. Two things contribute to her pessimism: the men in her family and circle who have died on the front lines and the disunity she perceives in the country. At the beginning, we had so much strength, a national unity we had never felt before, but society today is not united with our leaders. And that makes it difficult to go on. Biuhova is referring to the growing doubts surrounding the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Oleksandr Syrskyi, and the corruption plaguing Zelenskiys inner circle. I dont want to give Russia the victory, to let them keep what isnt theirs, the businesswoman reflects. The 28-point plan is so negative because it would mean that many of our people lost their lives for nothing. But I want peace; I want people to stop dying, Ukrainians and Russians, because I imagine there are civilized people among their families too. Distrust of the countrys leaders is a recurring criticism among those interviewed by EL PAIS. Volodymyr Krivanush is 39 years old and comes from the neighboring city of Gostomel. He is overseeing the renovations to a new flower shop across from the Hotel Roma, in a building that was refurbished after the fighting. The worst part, according to him, is that the U.S. wants to forget about Ukraine: They want to get rid of our problem at all costs. Beyond this, he says, amnesty for war crimes would be a mistake, but not only because of what the Russians are doing: Those in Ukraine and Europe who allowed the Russians to get here should also be prosecuted. One of the criticisms leveled against Zelenskiy during the war from the opposition, but also from former army chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi is that the president ignored warnings until the very last moment that the invasion was inevitable. In 2022, we gave away so much territory to the Russians I think our president, government, and parliament are so incompetent that it seems they work for the Kremlin. Otherwise, I cant explain it, says Vitali Opaliuk, a 49-year-old taxi driver, one of those waiting at the Bucha enlistment office. He was a captain in the army before the war. In 2022, he volunteered three times to rejoin and fight, according to his testimony. There were so many volunteers at the time that he was rejected because of health problems. Now, he wants to obtain the paperwork to be exempted from conscription due to his respiratory illness. Opaliuks detached house in the Bucha region was destroyed during the fighting, and he now lives with his wife and in-laws in a small apartment in another city in Kyiv province. He, like hundreds of thousands of others, fled the occupied zone in 2022. Of all those interviewed, Yaroslav Holiven is the one who can best bear witness to those weeks under the Russian yoke north of Kyiv. He is 27 years old and at the time aspired to be a professional boxer. A grenade left him crippled in March 2022, when he had left the underground shelter where dozens of civilians were living. What I remember most from those weeks is that no one came to my aid. Im alive by a miracle. There was fear among the population; the occupying forces instilled terror. Holiven says he can neither forgive, nor accept a peace plan that benefits Russia. In any case, the Russians wouldnt accept it either, he says. Their logic is to conquer us. This war wont end until the Russian Federation disintegrates. Until that happens, peace is impossible. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Academic institutions play crucial role in shaping conversationsaround digital safety, gender justice, says DNLU VC Prof Sinha Legal Correspondent : THE Consultation on UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All jointly organised by UN Women India and Vidyaranya- The Academic Outreach Committee ( AO C ) a t Dh a r m a s h a s t ra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, was successfully conducted on Thursday. The event was organised under the leadership of Professor (Dr) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, Dr Praveen Tripathi, Registrar and Dr Gargi Chakrabarti, Faculty Advisor AOC and Controller of Examinations bringing together Government officers, senior members of the judiciary, cyber experts, faculty, and students to address the pressing issue of technologyfacilitated violence against women and youth. Professor (Dr) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice-Chancellor, DNLU, in his welcome address, emphasised essential role of academic institutions in shaping conversations around digital safety and gender justice. He stressed that universities must lead the way in nurturing responsible digital citizenship and equipping young people with awareness, resilience, and legal knowledge to counter technology-enabled harm. Justice Vivek Agarwal, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, in his keynote address, reflected on urgent need for legal systems to evolve in response to technology-enabled crimes. He emphasised role of judiciary in ensuring timely justice, strengthening victim-centred legal remedies, and fostering judicial sensitivity to digital forms of violence. He urged students and youth to become informed defenders of digital rights and active contributors to justice delivery. Mayor Jagat Singh Bahadur, in his address, discussed growing complexity of cybercrime and the challenges that law enforcement agencies face in responding to online harassment, impersonation, and digital violations. He encouraged young citizens to stay vigilant, report incidents promptly, and make responsible digital choices stressed the city administrations commitment to creating secure online and offline environments for women and youth. He highlighted the importance of community participation and local governance in driving effective digital safety initiatives. Joyatri Ray, State Lead and Policy Specialist, UN Women India, in her Remarks, reiterated UN Womens commitment to promoting safe, inclusive, and gender-responsive digital spaces. She highlighted that technology has the power to empower women, but only when it is safe, accessible, and free from violence. She called for collective action by academia, communities, and law enforcement agencies to strengthen digital governance and protection mechanisms. The consultation featured an interactive cyber safety workshop led by Gokul Narayan, CEO, Asian School of Cyber Laws, along with cybercrime experts who demonstrated real-time methods for identifying online threats, understanding cyber laws, and securing digital footprints. A panel discussion on Strengthening Responses to Digital Violence was held with p a n e l l i s t s Ju d g e Na m i t a Dwivedi, Assistant Director of MPSJA, Jitendra Singh (Additional SP, Jabalpur Cyber Cell), and Dr. Gargi Chakrabarti, Faculty In-charge, AOC. The discussion focused on prevention, reporting, redressal mechanisms, and multi-agency coordination for victim support. The session was moderated by Utkarsh K Mishra, Assistant Professor of Law. The day concluded with remarks from UN Women India and DNLU, followed by a vote of thanks and a networking session. The event was coordinated with support from faculty advisors Dr Gargi Chakrabarti and Dr Animesh Jha, and student coordinators Rakesh Bhadoria and Gungun Ajay Khursel. Aerial survey shows nearly 700 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in Manipur IMPHAL : FORMER Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Wednesday claimed that an aerial survey conducted recently showed nearly 700 acres of illicit poppy cultivation in Kangpokpi district. Singh also said the scale of destruction of state forests and the threat to the cultural heritage is real and that intensified action is absolutely necessary. In a post on X, Singh said, Many people did not believe our Government when we warned that the deadly drug corridor, the so-called Golden Triangle, was expanding towards India through Manipur. Vast stretches of forest had already begun to disappear under mass poppy cultivation, yet these warnings were often ignored. Singh said that the present Government, along with Army, Assam Rifles, CRPF, BSF, NCB, Manipur Police and all other concerned authorities, is doing commendable work by destroying poppy fields across multiple regions every single day. Appreciating the coordinated efforts of the security forces, Singh said the challenges are still enormous and certain areas...Require huge manpower and month-long campaigns to eradicate poppy cultivation permanently. Singh said, an aerial survey conducted on November 24, 2025 detected close to seven hundred acres of poppy cultivation in the Makhan village hill ranges under the jurisdiction of Sapormeina Police Station in Kangpokpi district. This entire zone lies within the Kanglatongbi Kangpokpi Reserved Forest. It is also close to Mount Koubru, a sacred site deeply revered by the Indigenous people as a holy pilgrimage site. Singh also said, The scale of destruction of our forests and the threat to our cultural heritage is real. This is why continued, intensified action is absolutely necessary. Centre releases updated scholarship rulesfor SC students; BOOSTS FINANCIAL SUPPORT NEW DELHI : THE Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has released updated guidelines for the Top Class Scholarship Scheme for SC Students, expanding financial support and tightening institutional accountability for the 202425 academic year. The scheme aims to promote quality higher education for Scheduled Caste students by covering full tuition fees and providing academic allowances across Indias premier institutions. Under the revised financial norms, the Centre will directly transfer full tuition fees and nonrefundable charges to students through DBT, capped at Rs 2 lakh per year for private institutions. Students will also receive an academic allowance of Rs 86,000 in the first year and Rs 41,000 in subsequent years to cover living expenses, books and laptops. Beneficiaries will be barred from availing similar scholarships from other Central or State schemes. The scholarship will be available to SC students with an annual family income of up to Rs 8 lakh who secure admission in notified institutions, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, NITs, National Law Universities, NIFT, NID, IHMs and other accredited colleges. Only first-year students will be eligible for fresh awards, while renewals will continue till completion of the course, subject to performance. The Ministry has capped total scholarships at 4,400 fresh slots for 202425 out of the schemes overall limit of 21,500 slots for the period 202122 to 202526. Of the allocated slots, 30% will be reserved for eligible SC girl students, with institutions authorised to fill unused girl slots with boys if adequate femalecandidatesarenotavailable. Institutions have been taskedwithverifyingcaste and incomecertificates,publicising the scheme in their prospectus, and monitoring academicperformance,includingsupport for weaker students throughbridgecoursesormentoring. Those violating guidelines risk being de-notified, though existing beneficiaries will continue to receive funding until they complete their courses. The Ministry has also introduced provisions for social audits, strongermonitoringby a steering committee, and the removalofinstitutions that fail to apply for three consecutive yearsorlackmandatoryAISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education) codes orKYCcompliance on the National ScholarshipPortal.Thescheme willnotextendbenefits tomore than twosiblingsfromthesame family, and any studentchanging institutions after selection will lose eligibility. Constitution Indias identity: PresidentA guiding document to shun colonial mindset: Murmu NEW DELHI : PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday asserted that the Constitution is the cornerstone of the nations identity as also the guiding document to shun colonial mindset and adopt nationalistic thinking. Addressing the Constitution Day event at the Central Hall of the Old Parliament building, now called Samvidhan Sadan, Murmu also said the Indian Parliament, which expresses public aspirations in the worlds largest democracy, now serves as an example for many democracies around the world. The President said the Constitution is the document of the countrys national pride and the text of the national identity. It is a guiding text for taking the country forward with a nationalist mindset by abandoning the colonial mindset, she said. Murmu said with this spirit and keeping in mind the social and technological developments, important legislations related to the criminal justice system have been implemented. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, based on the spirit of justice rather than punishment, have been implemented, she noted. (Contd on page 5)The three newlaws replaced the colonial era Indian Penal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively. The new laws came into effect from July 1, 2024. The President said Indias parliamentary system,reflecting public expression, has become stronger in various dimensions and the success of theConstitutions faithin public wisdom through the provision of adult franchise is lauded in many other countries. She said by moving forward in accordance with the constitutional system,Indias executive, legislature and judiciary have strengthened the developmentof thecountry and given stability and support to the lives of its citizens. The President also released the digital version of the ConstitutioninninelanguagesMalayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia and Assamese. India has always marchedforward with deep faith inits Constitution, says CM Staff Reporter : CHIEF Minister Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the state-level programme titled Humara Sanvidhan, Humara Swabhiman (Our Constitution, Our Pride) at Town Hall in the State Capital on the occasion of On the historic occasion of the 75th Constitution Day. The event opened with a dignified and stirring atmosphere, as the Chief Minister, along with the assembled gathering, recited the Preamble of the Constitution in unison, reaffirming Indias shared commitment to the principles that guide the worlds largest democracy. Sai also visited a special exhibition curated for the Constitution Day, viewed a short film on the Constitution, and captured the moment in a Selfie with public representatives to mark the significance of the day. Chief Minister Sai said that India, the worlds largest democracy, has always marched forward with deep faith and conviction in its Constitution. He noted that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the freedom to speak, express, and participate without fear, an assurance that forms the cornerstone of a vibrant and inclusive democracy. He further emphasised that the ability of ordinary citizens to rise to positions such as MLAs and MPs is a direct outcome of the Constitutions generous, egalitarian, and democratic spirit. Remembering the profound contribution of members of the Constituent Assembly from across the country, the Chief Minister paid special tribute to the veterans from Chhattisgarh who played a formative role in shaping the Indian Constitution. He stated that the regions historic participation remains a matter of enduring pride, and the wisdom, values, and nation-building vision of these eminent leaders continue to inspire future generations. MLAs Rajesh Munat, Purandar Mishra, Sunil Soni, Secretary of the Culture Department Dr Rohit Yadav and people in large number were present. MPPKVVCL organises pensionersgrievances redressal camp Staff Reporter : Poorva Kshetra Vidyut Vitran Company (MPPKVVCL) organised a Pension Solution Camp at Regional Accounts Office in Jabalpur, in collaboration with Union Bank of India for convenience of pensioners and redressing their grievances. The camp was attended by the companys Chief General Manager (Human Resources & Administration), Sampada Saraf Gurjar, who emphasised in her address that serving and respecting retired employees is a top priority for the company. She stated that the camp is an important initiative to safeguard the interests of pensioners and ensure smooth access to essential services. She instructed officials to provide complete information regarding the cashless health scheme to all pensioners and family pensioners, and to ensure their enrollment under the scheme. She also directed that wide publicity be given to the various options provided by the company for updating Life Certificates so that all pensioners can benefit from these services. Additionally, she advised that all company offices should actively display information related to Life Certificate options and the cashless scheme. Officials from Union Bank of India assisted pensioners present at the camp with the Life Certificate process and assured continued support through similar service camps in the future. The event was attended by senior officials of the power company, including SK Giria, Additional CGM (Administration), Vikram Bhaskar, Chief Financial Officer and Dhirendra Shukla, Regional Accounts Officer, Jabalpur. From Union Bank of India, Prashant Shukla, Chief Manager of the Madan Mahal Branch and Regional Head Sameer Kumar were present, along with several officers and staff members from both the power company and the bank Mumbai remembers its martyrs, citizens Police officials pay tribute to the martyrs of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack during a programme marking the 17th anniversary of the attack on Wednesday. (R) Sushila Baban Ughade, wife of martyr Baban Baloo Ughade, mourns while paying tribute. (PTI) MUMBAI : PEOPLE from different walks of life in Mumbai got together on Wednesday to commemorate the martyrs and victims of the terror attacks in the city on November 26, 2008 and pay tributes. The National Security Guard (NSG) conducted the Neverever memorial at the Gateway of India to honour the martyrs, survivors and all victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The solemn observance was to reaffirm the nations resolve that such an assault must never ever recur, the NSG said. Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti said, They stood in the line of fire, so Mumbai could stand again. Remembering the brave souls who defended Mumbai in its darkest hour. In the longest night, bravery burned the brightest. Honouring the courage that rises, steady and bright, guiding us forward." As the country marks the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, leaders, officials and survivors remembered the victims of one of Indias worst terror strikes. Recalling the horror of the 2008 attacks, senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said the incident remains impossible to forget even after nearly two decades. No one can forget 26/11 even after seventeen years. The manner in which the attack was carried out and the way Pakistan spread terrorism was severe and horrifying, Javadekar said, adding that the assault was among the most ruthless terror operations India had witnessed. He noted that hundreds of people were killed and several police officers were martyred as the attackers targeted multiple locations in the city. The Mumbai terror attack was ruthless Hundreds of people were killed, several police officers lost their lives, and the attack took place at multiple locations, making it very different and deeply tragic, he said. The Maharashtra Police are drafting a drone-use policy to strengthen security and surveillance in key cities, including Mumbai, as part of preparations against unconventional terror threats, a senior official said. As Mumbai marks the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists from Pakistan, the city has significantly strengthened its police force with modern equipment and advanced technology to counter future threats, the official said. Earlier reports had warned that future terror strikes could involve unconventional methods. In response, the city and state police have enhanced training, strengthened capabilities, and equipped personnel with modern weapons and technology to neutralise any threat, he said. While upgrading themselves with the latest technology, the state police, along with the central agencies, are working on a drone-use policy for the security and surveillance of important cities, including Mumbai, he said. The Maharashtra Government is working on a drone-use policy and its blueprint has been prepared by the State polices elite commando unit Force One with the help of the central agencies, the official said. After building the capability of the force in using drones, there will be a drone unit in the police force, including Mumbai, he said. As per policy, the timing and locations of drone deployments will be decided based on situational needs, the official said, adding that drones will aid surveillance not only in megacities but also in Naxal-affected areas. The Government has also focused on coastal security, and many things are being done to strengthen the coasts. Besides the available patrolling boats and interceptors for the marine police, the Government has also ordered 20 more interceptor boats for the State police force. There is good coordination between all the coastal security stakeholders, including police, Coast Guard and Navy, and their meetings are held regularly to avoid any untoward incident in the Arabian Sea, the official said. During the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, terrorists had used the sea route, while explosives for the 1993 serial blasts were also brought the same way. In view of this threat, all landing points in the city and other coastal districts are now secured by police, he said. Our security agencies have modernised the radar system. We are also using drones for aerial surveillance, he said, adding that the Government is meeting the requirements of the coastal police. Mumbai is under elaborate CCTV surveillance, enabling police to respond swiftly and avert any untoward incident, the official pointed out. The Government has now decided to initiate the third phase of the CCTV installation project, sanctioning Rs 2,140 crore for it, he informed. Under the project, started in Mumbai after the 2008 terror attack, 5,442 CCTVs were installed in the first phase and 5,069 in the second phase. In the third phase, 866 more CCTVs will be installed, the official said. Besides installing new CCTVs, the Government is also enhancing the surveillance capacity of the existing devices by integrating facial recognition and AI-based video analytics, he said. Mumbai will be one of the safest cities in the world in the next couple of years, the official assured. bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb World taking note of Indias anti-terror campaigns: Shah NEW DELHI, Nov 26 (PTI) bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb UNION Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the Modi Governments zero-tolerance policy against terrorism is clear, and the entire world is appreciating and providing broad support to Indias anti-terrorism campaigns. Paying respects to soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Shah said in a post on X that terrorism is not a curse for just one country, but for the entire human race. In his message in Hindi, the Home Minister said, On this very day in the year 2008, terrorists carried out a cowardly attack on Mumbai and committed heinous and inhuman acts. I pay my respects to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives while facing the Mumbai terrorist attacks, and I offer my tributes to all the people who lost their lives in the cowardly attack. The Modi Governments zero-tolerance policy against terrorism is clear, and the entire world is appreciating and providing broad support to Indias anti-terrorism campaigns, Shah said. bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb Some justice delivered but conspirators still hiding in Pakistan, says Nikam PUNE, Nov 26 (PTI) bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbb NOTED lawyer and Rajya Sabha member Ujjwal Nikam has said that while justice has been delivered to some extent to victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, their conspirators are still hiding in Pakistan. Talking to PTI Videos on the eve of the 17th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks on Tuesday, Nikam said Pakistan continues to make pretences, having arrested eight or nine persons, yet the status of their trials remains unknown. Citing the success of Operation Sindoor, Indias military operation after the Pahalgam terror attack, Nikam said persons like Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, who masterminded the entire conspiracy with help from ISI for the 26/11 attack, must also be brought under the grip of the law. As many as 166 people lost their lives and more than 300 were injured after 10 terrorists from Pakistan launched simultaneous attacks in several parts of Mumbai on November 26, 2008. Ten armed militants from the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) entered the city via the sea and carried out a series of coordinated attacks across multiple high-profile locations, including the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident Hotel, CST Railway Station, and Nariman House. Nikam was the special public prosecutor in the trial of Ajmal Kasab, the lone Pakistani terrorist captured during the attack and later sentenced to death. There is a question in the minds of every Indian about whether the families who lost their loved ones in the 26/11 terrorist attack received full justice? I would say we have provided justice to some extent, with Kasab being sentenced to death through the legal process. But those who conspired in this attack are still hiding in Pakistan, Nikam said. Pakistan is still making pretences. They have arrested eight or nine persons, but no one knows about the status of their trials, he added. Nikam said that after the 26/11 attack, Mumbais security was tightened, but the recent incident (blast) in Delhi is very concerning. This makes me wonder where our education system is taking us. Pakistan wants to create divisions and conflicts within us. Therefore, from the recent Delhi incident, we should understand that the people of this country must kindle one feeling...That we are all Indians, he said. We are Indians, regardless of how educated you are or on what basis you judge. The education and atmosphere of this country are such that different castes and religious communities live together. But some forces, including Pakistan, are spoiling that peace. So we must think deeply about this, Nikam said. A high-intensity blast near the Red Fort in Delhi on November 10 claimed 15 lives and left several others injured. Ordnance Factories nationwide observeBLACK DAY against 4 new labour codes Staff Reporter : ALL 41 Ordnance Factories across India observed November 26 as Black Day, protesting against the four new labour codes introduced by the Government, on Wednesday. Workers held gate meetings, dharnas, slogan-shouting protests and wore black badges to express their dissent. All India Defence Employees Federation (AIDEF) condemned the new labour laws, calling them anti-worker and stating that these laws mark the biggest attack on organized and unorganized labour since independence. According to the federation, the new labour codes are designed to benefit industrial corporates, make permanent jobs obsolete and provide employers with excessive powers. During the protest, workers unions raised concerns that employers will no longer be required to provide permanent employment. Employers have been given the right to retire employees at any time, which unions say will help employers avoid giving the benefits associated with permanent jobs. They also charged that working hours are being increased, causing further hardship to workers. Unions fear that more irregularities and harmful provisions in the four labour codes will surface soon. In GCF (Gun Carriage Factory), Jabalpur, workers actively participated in the protest. Prominent office-bearers present included Vinay Gupta, Uttam Vishwas, Raja Pandey, Ashish Vishwakarma, Ritesh Ben, Mukesh Sahu, Deep Vishwakarma, Rajesh Sharma, Sunil Singh, Krishna, Jitendra Mehar, Saikal Banerjee and others. The workers reiterated their demand to roll back the new labour codes and protect the rights of permanent and contractual employees. Over 2,000 personnelto secure Nava Raipur Staff Reporter : A COMPREHENSIVE multi tier security grid has been activated in Nava Raipur, Atal Nagar, for the 60th All India Conference of Directors General and Inspectors General of Police at the Indian Institute of Management campus (IIM) from November 28 to 30, 2025. The participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has placed the capital region under one of its widest strategic security operations, involving ground deployment, aerial surveillance and continuous route monitoring. Hosting the national policing leadership meet for the first time since the formation of Chhattisgarh, the state has structured its security matrix around real time command integration, rapid route mobility and interagency coordination. More than 2000 personnel have been deployed, including 38 senior officers from Indian Police Service (IPS), State Police Service (SPS) and supervisory ranks, supported by Station House Officers (SHOs) and structured constabulary units. The deployment plan secures high speed corridors, access control points and inner cordons mapped to VVIP movement. Operational oversight is being led by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Training Dipanshu Kaabra, supported by Raipur Range Inspector General Amresh Mishra, Police Academy Director, Inspector General Ajay Yadav and Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) Prashant Agrawal, Amit Tukaram Kamble and Dr Santosh Kumar Singh. Seven SSP and SP ranked officers and 25 SPS officers from ASP to DSP ranks have been assigned sector responsibilities including route audits, deployment verification and rapid response management. Their role anchors the supervisory backbone of the entire grid. A high level preparatory meeting was held in Raipur where ADGP Training Dipanshu Kaabra and ADGP Intelligence Amit Kumar reviewed the coordination structure for VVIP and VIP arrivals during the conference. Officers engaged in field supervision were directed to maintain strict communication flow, ensure response readiness and uphold disciplined conduct throughout the event. Suggestions from officers were taken up for incorporation into field protocols. In a separate briefing, DIG Prashant Agrawal, overseeing route and traffic management for the DG Conference, addressed personnel drawn from Raipur district and other police units. He instructed teams to maintain full alertness during VVIP movements, ensure clean turnout, prevent obstructions on designated corridors and report any suspicious activity to senior officers. Additional emphasis was placed on preventing stray animal movement and ensuring smooth traffic flow. Central intelligence and protection mechanisms remain embedded under ADGP Intelligence Amit Kumar following advanced liaison sessions with the Special Protection Group (SPG) and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Dedicated teams have been positioned for airport screening, convoy sequencing, venue cordoning and electronic counter measure deployment to ensure seamless protection during the three day conference. Strengthening the movement framework, the Collector and District Magistrate of Raipur issued an order restricting the entry and movement of medium and heavy commercial vehicles across the Nava Raipur area during the conference period. Acting on a recommendation from the Senior Superintendent of Police Raipur, the restriction covers routes connecting Mana Airport, Speaker House and the IIM campus. The directive, issued under Rule 215 of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1994, cites public safety and uninterrupted VVIP mobility. It has been circulated to the Transport Department, divisional administration, Sub Divisional Magistrates, ASP and the Regional Transport Officer for immediate enforcement. SC sends MERCs power tariff review back for fresh hearing Staff Reporter : The Supreme Court has ordered the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) to reconsider its tariff review after following proper procedure and hearing all stakeholders. The apex court also allowed the Bombay High Courts earlier directions to remain in force until MERC completes the fresh review. A bench of Chief Justice B R Gavai, Justice K Vinod Chandran and Justice N V Anjaria passed the order while hearing the special leave petitions filed by MERC and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL). The Supreme Court agreed with both sides that sending the case back to MERC was the best solution. It directed MERC to complete the new review within 12 weeks. Until then, the directions given earlier by the Bombay High Court - especially paragraphs 48 and 49 of its November 3, 2025 judgment - will remain in force. The dispute began after the Bombay High Court cancelled MERCs June 25, 2025 review order. The High Court said, MERC had changed the earlier Multi Year Tariff order of March 28, 2025 without giving any hearing to consumers, renewable energy developers or other affected groups. Petitioners argued that while the original tariff order was passed after public notices and hearings, the review was done secretly by hearing only MSEDCL. They said the review made major changes that affected both consumers and renewable energy companies. The High Court agreed and ordered MERC to restart the entire review process. It directed MERC to issue public notices, share the review petition with anyone who asks for it, invite objections, hold hearings, and then pass a new order. It also said, the original tariff order of March 28, 2025 would continue until the review was properly completed. With the Supreme Courts latest directions, MERC must now carry out the review again in a transparent and fair manner, hear all stakeholders, and issue a fresh decision within the given timeframe. The High Courts protections will continue until MERC finishes this process. A new scam model has reached WhatsApp groups used by Latinos living in the United States. The Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas (DDIA) published a study this week examining more than 18,400 unique messages in 3,300 Spanish-speaking WhatsApp groups between January 1 and September 1, 2025. All the public groups we look at have at least 30% United States-based +1 phone numbers and use Spanish as a primary language, so we know they comprise Latinos in the country as well as in the region., says Roberta Braga, one of DDIAs founders and executive directors, in an audio message. The Institute focuses on the Latino community, which is why the study has this focus; it has nothing to do with Latinos being more vulnerable to falling for these types of scams, Braga explains. The report highlights two criminal strategies: fake giveaways and surveys, and fraudulent online sales. According to the report titled WhatsApp Weaponized: How Scammers Target U.S. Latinos Through Public Groups, scammers impersonate brands like Shein, Temu, AT&T, Apple, and Walmart and offer fake sweepstakes and surveys, asking users to fill out a form or play a game in an app with the promise of winning a mystery box, gift cards, or exclusive promotions. These actions dont appear to have an immediate impact on users, but they collect personal information that will be used for future fraud. Braga explains that although they havent quantified which brands are used more than others, the study found that Temu, Shein, Carrefour, Nespresso, and the Spanish brands Mahou, Durni, and Mercadona are among the most frequently impersonated. Artificial intelligence is also used in the scams, but it is not the main tactic. They dont always do it, but weve started to see AI-generated images being used to make scams seem more credible, Braga says. In the case of fraudulent online sales, scammers create fake e-commerce stores on TikTok or Facebook and then promote them in these groups: they recycle videos used by real companies to build credibility before offering products that will never be shipped. According to DDIA, the following are red flags that users should look out for to identify a possible scam. Cheap smartphones and internet plans The DDIA identified at least nine individuals aggressively promoting cutting-edge cell phones such as the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung S25 Ultra. In one instance, they offered a $100,000 Apple credit line or $250 gift cards, which the study considers a classic red flag. These nine individuals also shared short videos of supposed buyers expressing satisfaction with the products and showing the items on camera. Last-minute discounts In another type of scam, the supposed seller offers to pay 50% of the price of a product in exchange for the consumer granting access to their registered online store account, which contains their bank details and address. The process works as follows: the scammer and the victim agree that the latter will fill an online shopping cart with the items they want. The victim then shares their account access with the scammer, who promises to pay only 50% of the total purchase. At that point, the scammer can clone the victims card, steal their account, and capture their personal information. One of the most common examples goes like this: Fill your Walmart cart and send it to me. Ill pay for you. You only have to pay me 50% of its value. The exact amount of money stolen from the Latino community has not been clarified. However, the report indicates that 70% of U.S. residents faced a scam attempt last year, representing an estimated loss of $64.8 billion. The study is made up of three parts, and the remaining two will be published in the coming months. One will detail how digital criminals are forging ties with Latino communities, in particular immigrants, with the scammers targeting their vulnerabilities. The third part focuses on questionable investments and cryptocurrencies. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Students riot at VIT College over poor food, water qualityVIOLENCE ON THE CAMPUSStudents torch college bus amid jaundice outbreak scare Staff Reporter : THE VIT College campus near Ashta on the Bhopal-Indore Highway transformed into a battleground late Tuesday night when students, frustrated by poor food and water quality, launched a violent protest against the college management. Following weeks of ignored complaints and the discovery of jaundice symptoms in 24 students allegedly due to unsafe drinking water, approximately 4,000 students united to engage in massive vandalism and arson within the college premises. Widespread vandalism and arson:The anger of the students, fuelled by the persistent negligence of the college management, escalated to the point where they lost control. Protesters vandalised several cars parked on the campus. Enraged students smashed hostel windows, damaged the RO plant, and caused destruction to many other parts of the campus. The situation worsened when students set fire to a college bus. Students claimed they were forced to take this extreme step because poor water quality had led to the deterioration of several students health over the past two weeks. Administration and police intervention: Upon receiving news of the protest and arson, the administration and police were immediately mobilised. The Sub-Divisional Officer Revenue (SDM), SDOP Ashta, and police forces from multiple stations, including Parvati and Kotwali, rushed to the scene. Police officials spoke with the student group, listened to their serious concerns, and assured them that necessary steps would be taken to address their demands. The situation on the campus is currently under control, and the police have initiated further investigation. SDO(P) Akash Amalkar confirmed that with sufficient police presence, the campus is now completely under control. SDM Nitin Tale stated that an investigation is in progress and acknowledged receiving complaints about the quality of food and water. He said that officials are in continuous contact with university administration to address the problem and refuted allegations of any student fatalities. VIT University has declared a holiday untill November 30 in response to the disturbance. High-Level Probe Committee Formed by Regulatory Commission: Given the seriousness of the matter and the chaos on campus, the Private University Regulatory Commission took suo motu cognizance of the incident. The Commission immediately constituted a three-member expert committee to conduct a detailed investigation into the entire matter. The committee will be headed by Professor Anil Shivani, Principal of Hamidia College, Bhopal, with Professor Sanjay Dixit of Motilal Vigyan Mahavidyalaya and Professor Dr Lokendra Dave of GMC as its members. The Commission has directed the committee to conduct a thorough investigation and submit its report within three days. Strict action against the college management may be taken based on the committees findings. Tension erupts in Gauharganj:Police use TEAR GAS as protestsagainst child rape turn VIOLENT Staff Reporter : HEAVY tension flared up in Gauharganj in Raisen district on Wednesday amid massive protests demanding the arrest of the accused, Salman alias Nazar, in the rape case of a sixyear-old girl. The situation suddenly deteriorated during a peaceful demonstration by the Sakal Hindu Samaj when some youths began pelting stones at the police. The police responded by firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. The area is currently under an undeclared curfew-like situation, with over 500 police personnel deployed. Police Resort to Tear Gas After Stone Pelting: Hundreds of people had gathered at the School Ground in Gauharganj to demand the arrest of the accused Salman. After the event concluded, some youths attempted to move towards the Muslim Bawli settlement. When police tried to stop them, they reportedly used a minor lathi charge. The youths became enraged and began pelting stones at the police. Seeing the situation worsen, police fired tear gas shells, prompting the rioters to flee. DIG Prashant Khare confirmed that the situation is now under control and constant vigilance is being maintained. Police from Six Districts Deployed: Following the stone-pelting, the streets of Gauharganj are deserted. People are confined to their homes, and markets remain shut. Police forces from six districts, along with the QRF and senior officials, are continuously patrolling the area. Over 500 personnel are monitoring every activity. Accused Salman Still Absconding; Search Operations Continue: The accused, Salman alias Nazar, who allegedly raped the sixyear-old girl on Friday, remains at large. Despite several police teams conducting continuous raids, there has been no success so far. This lack of arrest is fuelling the publics growing outrage. The impact of the Gauharganj incident was also felt in neighbouring districts. Sehore observed a widespread shutdown called by the Sarva Hindu Samaj, with markets and commercial areas remaining completely closed until noon. In Narmadapuram, the Sakal Hindu Samaj protested by blocking traffic at the SP Office Square. Chandrashekhar Tiwari, President of the Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch, issued a final warning to the administration, stating clearly that if the accused is not arrested within five days, a Bhopal Bandh will be called. Tributes paid to martyrs on 26/11 anniversary MUMBAI/NEW DELHI : MAHARASHTRA Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday paid floral tributes at the police headquarters to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while fighting terrorists during the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. In their messages on the 17th anniversary of the attacks that claimed 166 lives, President Droupadi Murmu asked all citizens to reaffirm their commitment to combat terrorism, while Union Home Minister Amit Shah underlined the Narendra Modi Governments zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and State Minister Ashish Shelar also paid tributes at the martyrs memorial on the premises of the Police Commissioners Office in south Mumbai. Maharashtra Director General of Police Rashmi Shukla, Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti and other officials were also present. Family members of the policemen who lost their lives during the terror attack also paid homage to the fallen heroes on the occasion. President Murmu also took to X to remember the martyrs. On the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, I pay my humble tribute to the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to protect the people of our country. The nation remembers their supreme sacrifice with gratitude, she said. Let us reaffirm our commitment to combat terrorism in all forms. Let us move forward togetheron thepathofprogress with a resolve to build a stronger andmore prosperous India, the President added. As many as 166 people lost their lives and more than 300 were injured after 10 terrorists fromPakistanlaunchedsimultaneous attacksinseveralparts of Mumbai on November 26, 2008. The armed militants of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) entered the city via the sea and carried out a series of coordinated attacks atmultiplehighprofilelocations,including the TajMahalPalaceHotel,Oberoi Trident Hotel, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) railway station, and Nariman House. The attacks prompted global condemnation and led to significant changes in Indias counter-terrorism measures. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, drove his car for 42 hours from coast to coast across the United States with the intention of carrying out an attack. He traveled the nearly 2,700 miles between Bellingham, the city where he lived with his wife and five children, north of Seattle, and Washington, D.C., carrying a .357 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver with six rounds in the chamber. Lakanwal is the man arrested by police after shooting and seriously wounding two members of the West Virginia National Guard on Wednesday afternoon near the busy Farragut West Metro station, close to the White House. Lakanwal has been charged with possession of a firearm and faces three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Authorities believe Lakanwal, who acted alone, traveled with a premeditated plan to launch the attack. It was the eve of Thanksgiving, the nations most popular holiday. The capital was bustling, with thousands of Americans preparing for their last-minute shopping. At 2:15 p.m., the suspect crossed the corner of 17th Street and I Street, an area frequented by tourists and federal officials due to its proximity to the White House. He encountered a group of National Guard troops, part of the troop deployment ordered by U.S. President Donald Trump to combat what he considers the capitals crime emergency. Upon seeing the soldiers, Lakanwal opened fire: one soldier was shot and fell to the ground. The assailant leaned over to fire again at the fallen soldier. He then turned to wound another National Guard member before being apprehended after an exchange of gunfire with other guardsmen in which he was wounded. Portrait of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan detained for attacking two members of the National Guard in Washington. Nathan Howard (REUTERS) Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, are the two National Guard volunteers who were wounded in the shooting. They are in critical condition at the hospital, and although they have undergone surgery, their condition remains serious, according to a statement made by the District of Columbias Attorney General, Jeanine Pirro, at a press conference alongside FBI Director Kash Patel. Two uniformed guardsmen were ambushed in a brazen and targeted attack, said Pirro during a news conference on Thursday. A lone gunman opened fire without provocation, ambush-style. When asked about the possible motive for the close-range attack against the National Guard members, she replied: Its too soon to say. There are definitely areas were looking into but not ready to say. Patel described the case as an ongoing investigation of terrorism, without providing further details. Lakanwal was a CIA collaborator during the fight against the Taliban, according to authorities. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that the detainee worked with an allied military unit in Kandahar during the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Ratcliffe did not specify Lakanwals role during that period. Sources cited by The New York Times say that the detainee served in Kandahar in a so-called Zero Unit of the Afghan intelligence service. These were paramilitary forces trained to carry out night raids against suspected Taliban targets. They were known as death squads for their cruel and ruthless methods and have been accused of widespread killings of civilians by human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch. The U.S. newspaper reports that a childhood friend of the detainee revealed he suffered from mental health problems and was traumatized by the operations he was involved with in Afghanistan. The friend insists he was unstable and frequently smoked marijuana. Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. troops from Kabul. The Biden administration had launched a program to prevent Afghans who had served with the army from falling into the hands of the Taliban. The resettlement program, known as Operation Allies Welcome, allowed for the repatriation of approximately 76,000 Afghans to the United States for humanitarian reasons, according to The New York Times. Nearly a thousand refugees were transferred to Whatcom County, in the northwest of the country, near Bellingham. World Relief, a humanitarian organization that assists refugees during their first 90 days in the United States, is headquartered there. Terrorism charges Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed in a Fox News interview Thursday that the Justice Department intends to charge Lakanwal with terrorism offenses, which could carry a potential life sentence. Bondi explained that the charges will depend on whether any of the victims die from their gunshot wounds. We will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty, she said. FBI Director Kash Patel explained that the agency has interviewed several witnesses and is investigating multiple locations in the capital and along the West Coast. During the raids, investigators seized numerous electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, iPads, and other materials that are currently being analyzed, he said. Trump made an extraordinary appearance Wednesday night to address the attack. From his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, he blamed his predecessor, Joe Biden, for the tragedy; criminalized immigrants and blatantly exaggerated the number of refugees who entered the country during the Democrats presidency. We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan, he declared. The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price, Trump posted on Truth Social. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. In response to the shooting, the U.S. president ordered the deployment of another contingent of 500 National Guard members to Washington on Wednesday. Around 2,300 personnel have been stationed in the capital since last summer under an executive order issued by Trump, justified as a measure to combat the citys high crime rates, even though crime figures are at their lowest in 30 years. National Guard members are also taking part in raids against immigrants. The presence of the National Guard in some cities governed by Democrats has become a national political issue. The opposition views it as an exercise in intimidation and an abuse of power, since, in theory, soldiers have no jurisdiction in cities. Washingtons mayor, Muriel Bowser, expressed her opposition to the deployment. These young people should be at home in West Virginia with their families. she said. Last week, Jia Cobb, a federal judge in Washington, ruled that the Trump administration could not keep the National Guard deployed in the capital after the local government challenged the presidents order in court. Cobb suspended her ruling for three weeks to give the White House time to withdraw the troops and file an appeal. After Wednesdays tragic incident, the administration asked Cobb to vacate her decision. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Insigneo Advisory Services LLC bought a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor bought 909 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $225,000. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in ITW. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works in the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. raised its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% in the second quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the first quarter valued at about $29,000. 1248 Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the first quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Banque Transatlantique SA acquired a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the first quarter worth about $30,000. 79.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Insider Activity In other news, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 6,802 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred 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 transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 10,314 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,734,035.12. This represents a 39.74% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of Illinois Tool Works stock in a transaction that occurred 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 sale, the director owned 39,249 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,625,817.25. This trade represents a 3.73% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Company insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $258.00 price objective on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Monday, October 27th. UBS Group upped their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $243.00 to $255.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. Truist Financial cut their price target on Illinois Tool Works from $298.00 to $275.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 27th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on Illinois Tool Works from $265.00 to $268.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Bank of America raised Illinois Tool Works from an underperform rating to a neutral rating and raised their target price for the stock from $220.00 to $255.00 in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Two 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 stock has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $263.77. Get Our Latest Analysis on Illinois Tool Works Illinois Tool Works Trading Up 0.4% ITW opened at $249.27 on Thursday. The stock has a market capitalization of $72.31 billion, a PE ratio of 24.18, a P/E/G ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 1.11. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a one year low of $214.66 and a one year high of $279.13. 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 businesss 50 day moving average price is $250.30 and its 200 day moving average price is $253.22. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last posted its 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. Illinois Tool Works had a return on equity of 93.26% and a net margin of 19.05%.The company had revenue of $4.06 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.09 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $3.91 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current year. Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend 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 given a $1.61 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $6.44 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.6%. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is presently 62.46%. Illinois Tool Works 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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Annaly Capital Management Inc (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the ten analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, four have assigned a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $21.7143. Several brokerages have issued reports on NLY. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $20.00 to $21.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Annaly Capital Management from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Piper Sandler set a $22.50 price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Jones Trading reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $22.00 price target on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Annaly Capital Management in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Get Annaly Capital Management alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on NLY Institutional Investors Weigh In On Annaly Capital Management Annaly Capital Management Trading Up 1.1% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of NLY. Financial Gravity Companies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Annaly Capital Management during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. Delos Wealth Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Annaly Capital Management during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $28,000. Twin Tree Management LP purchased a new stake in Annaly Capital Management in the first quarter worth about $29,000. Evolution Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Annaly Capital Management during the 2nd quarter valued at about $29,000. Finally, Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Annaly Capital Management in the second quarter worth $34,000. 51.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. NYSE NLY opened at $22.69 on Thursday. Annaly Capital Management has a 12 month low of $16.59 and a 12 month high of $22.80. The company has a 50-day moving average of $21.21 and a 200-day moving average of $20.49. The company has a market cap of $15.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.50, a P/E/G ratio of 6.47 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a current ratio of 0.09 and a quick ratio of 0.11. Annaly Capital Management (NYSE:NLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $1.55 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $493.55 million. Annaly Capital Management had a net margin of 26.68% and a return on equity of 15.96%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Annaly Capital Management will post 2.81 earnings per share for the current year. Annaly Capital Management Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were paid a $0.70 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 12.3%. Annaly Capital Managements dividend payout ratio is presently 129.63%. Annaly Capital Management Company Profile (Get Free Report) Annaly Capital Management, Inc, a diversified capital manager, engages in mortgage finance. The company invests in agency mortgage-backed securities collateralized by residential mortgages; non-agency residential whole loans and securitized products within the residential and commercial markets; mortgage servicing rights; agency commercial mortgage-backed securities; to-be-announced forward contracts; residential mortgage loans; and agency or private label credit risk transfer securities. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Annaly Capital Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Annaly Capital Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several brokerages have updated their recommendations and price targets on shares of Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance (NYSE: ARI) in the last few weeks: 11/25/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/22/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating. 11/19/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/13/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 11/8/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating. 11/7/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance was upgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c) rating. 11/3/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $10.50 to $11.00. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 10/24/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance was downgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating. 10/20/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance was upgraded by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from a neutral rating to an overweight rating. They now have a $10.50 price target on the stock, up previously from $10.00. 10/9/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance had its price target raised by analysts at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $10.75 to $11.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 10/8/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance was upgraded by analysts at Weiss Ratings from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating. 9/27/2025 Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance had its sell (d+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were paid a $0.25 dividend. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 9.7%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 30th. Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finances dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 112.36%. Insider Buying and Selling at Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance In related news, CEO Stuart Rothstein sold 52,073 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $10.78, for a total transaction of $561,346.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 281,781 shares in the company, valued at $3,037,599.18. This represents a 15.60% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.68% of the companys stock. 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. Read More 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. ASM International NV (OTCMKTS:ASMIY Get Free Report) saw an uptick in trading volume on Tuesday . 7,394 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 14% from the previous sessions volume of 8,606 shares.The stock last traded at $533.07 and had previously closed at $549.42. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on ASMIY. Zacks Research raised shares of ASM International from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 23rd. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of ASM International in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of ASM International in a report on Wednesday, September 24th. Finally, Rothschild Redb lowered shares of ASM International from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $561.00. Get ASM International alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ASMIY ASM International Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $27.12 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.58 and a beta of 1.96. The firms 50 day moving average is $611.66 and its 200-day moving average is $568.34. ASM International (OTCMKTS:ASMIY Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $4.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.74 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $932.68 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $814.93 million. ASM International had a return on equity of 22.23% and a net margin of 24.50%. ASM International has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that ASM International NV will post 14.46 earnings per share for the current year. About ASM International (Get Free Report) ASM International NV, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research, development, manufacture, marketing, and servicing of equipment and materials used to produce semiconductor devices in Europe, the United States, and Asia. The companys products include wafer processing deposition systems for atomic layer deposition (ALD), epitaxy, silicon carbide, plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), and vertical furnace systems, including low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD), diffusion, and oxidation products, as well as provides spare parts and support services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ASM International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASM International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bae Systems PLC (OTCMKTS:BAESY Get Free Report)s share price fell 3.8% during trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $86.01 and last traded at $86.2655. 137,816 shares changed hands during trading, a decline of 68% from the average session volume of 426,932 shares. The stock had previously closed at $89.69. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently issued reports on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Bae Systems in a research note on Friday, September 19th. They issued a buy rating for the company. Jefferies Financial Group raised shares of Bae Systems from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Friday, August 1st. Finally, Erste Group Bank initiated coverage on shares of Bae Systems in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. They issued a buy rating for the company. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Bae Systems alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Bae Systems Bae Systems Stock Up 0.6% Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bae Systems The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $100.95 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.43. Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Arrow Capital Pty Ltd bought a new position in Bae Systems in the third quarter worth about $5,531,000. L & S Advisors Inc raised its position in shares of Bae Systems by 13.1% during the 3rd quarter. L & S Advisors Inc now owns 18,845 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,105,000 after purchasing an additional 2,176 shares during the period. Hantz Financial Services Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Bae Systems by 73.0% in the 3rd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 327 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 138 shares during the last quarter. Steigerwald Gordon & Koch Inc. acquired a new position in Bae Systems during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $44,000. Finally, First Merchants Corp grew its stake in Bae Systems by 4.8% during the 3rd quarter. First Merchants Corp now owns 65,230 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $7,233,000 after buying an additional 2,978 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 0.21% of the companys stock. Bae Systems Company Profile (Get Free Report) BAE Systems plc provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Electronic Systems, Platforms & Services, Air, Maritime, and Cyber & Intelligence. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, electro-optical sensors, military and commercial digital engine and flight controls, precision guidance and seeker solutions, military communication systems and data links, persistent surveillance capabilities, space electronics, and electric drive propulsion systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Bae Systems Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bae Systems and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Barclays PLC (LON:BARC Get Free Report)s stock price reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 430.90 and last traded at GBX 430.10, with a volume of 242552359 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 422.95. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Shore Capital restated a buy rating on shares of Barclays in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup boosted their target price on Barclays from GBX 400 to GBX 415 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 23rd. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on Barclays from GBX 435 to GBX 500 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Barclays from GBX 455 to GBX 470 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 380 price objective on shares of Barclays in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Barclays has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 450. Get Barclays alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on BARC Barclays Price Performance The firm has a market cap of 59.75 billion, a PE ratio of 10.58, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.15 and a beta of 1.36. The companys 50 day moving average price is GBX 392.51 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 363.13. Barclays (LON:BARC Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The financial services provider reported GBX 10.40 EPS for the quarter. Barclays had a return on equity of 6.97% and a net margin of 19.54%. Sell-side analysts expect that Barclays PLC will post 39.1062802 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Barclays Company Profile (Get Free Report) Barclays PLC provides various financial services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Americas, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company operates through Barclays UK and Barclays International division segments. It offers financial services, such as retail banking, credit cards, wholesale banking, investment banking, wealth management, and investment management services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Barclays Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barclays and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Amber International, Bitfarms, Zynex, Beyond Meat, and Pasithea Therapeutics are the five Penny stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Penny stocks are low-priced shares of small companiescommonly defined in the U.S. as stocks trading under $5 per sharethat are often listed on overthecounter markets or smaller exchanges rather than major exchanges. For investors they are highly speculative and risky due to thin trading volumes, large price volatility, limited public information and greater susceptibility to fraud or manipulation. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Penny stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Amber International (AMBR) iClick Interactive Asia Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides online marketing services in the Peoples Republic of China and internationally. It offers iAudience, an audience identification solution that allows marketers to search, identify, and customize their targeted audience to generate or enhance brand awareness; iAccess and iActivation, an audience engagement and activation solution tailored for brand awareness-driven and performance-driven campaigns; iExpress, the lite version of iAccess solution for small and medium-sized enterprises; iNsights, an online campaign results monitoring and measurement solution; and iExperience, a content creation solution. Bitfarms (BITF) Bitfarms Ltd. engages in the mining of cryptocurrency coins and tokens in Canada, the United States, Paraguay, and Argentina. It owns and operates server farms that primarily validates transactions on the Bitcoin Blockchain and earning cryptocurrency from block rewards and transaction fees. The company also provides electrician services to commercial and residential customers in Quebec, Canada. Read Our Latest Research Report on BITF Zynex (ZYXI) Zynex, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, manufactures, and markets medical devices to treat chronic and acute pain; and activate and exercise muscles for rehabilitative purposes with electrical stimulation. The company offers NexWave, a dual channel, multi-modality interferential current, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) device that is marketed to physicians and therapists by field sales representatives; NeuroMove, an electromyography and electric stimulation technology device; InWave, an electrical stimulation product for the treatment of female urinary incontinence; E-Wave, an NMES device; M-Wave, an NMES device. Read Our Latest Research Report on ZYXI Beyond Meat (BYND) Beyond Meat, Inc., a plant-based meat company, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells plant-based meat products in the United States and internationally. The company sells a range of plant-based meat products across the platforms of beef, pork, and poultry. It sells its products through grocery, mass merchandiser, club stores, and natural retailer channels, as well as various food-away-from-home channels, including restaurants, foodservice outlets, and schools. Read Our Latest Research Report on BYND Pasithea Therapeutics (KTTA) Pasithea Therapeutics Corp., a biotechnology company, engages in discovery, research, and development of treatments for central nervous system disorders, RASopathies, and other diseases. Its lead product candidate PAS-004, a next-generation macrocyclic mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MEK inhibitor for use in the treatment of a range of RASopathies, including neurofibromatosis type 1 oncology indications. Read Our Latest Research Report on KTTA Featured Stories Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited (LON:BMV Get Free Report) traded up 10.8% on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 0.36 and last traded at GBX 0.36. 5,390,382 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 57% from the average session volume of 12,560,971 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.33. Bluebird Merchant Ventures Stock Up 20.0% The company has a quick ratio of 0.08, a current ratio of 0.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.29. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of GBX 0.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 0.85. The company has a market cap of 3.37 million, a PE ratio of -1.18 and a beta of 0.62. About Bluebird Merchant Ventures (Get Free Report) Bluebird Merchant Ventures Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and developing of mineral properties. The company primarily explores for gold and silver deposits. It holds interests in the Gubong project and Kochang project located in South Korea. The company was incorporated in 2014 and is based in Road Town, the British Virgin Islands. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bluebird Merchant Ventures and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hobbs Wealth Management LLC increased its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XTEN Free Report) by 104.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 26,434 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 13,484 shares during the quarter. BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF makes up approximately 1.2% of Hobbs Wealth Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 17th biggest holding. Hobbs Wealth Management LLCs holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF were worth $1,220,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF in the first quarter valued at $50,000. Spire Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 99.9% during the 2nd quarter. Spire Wealth Management now owns 1,895 shares of the companys stock valued at $87,000 after acquiring an additional 947 shares during the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 34.9% in the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 2,275 shares of the companys stock worth $105,000 after acquiring an additional 589 shares during the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. grew its holdings in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF by 35.3% in the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 4,031 shares of the companys stock valued at $188,000 after purchasing an additional 1,052 shares during the period. Finally, U.S. Capital Wealth Advisors LLC acquired a new position in BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $203,000. Get BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF alerts: BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Trading Up 0.2% Shares of XTEN opened at $47.24 on Thursday. BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF has a fifty-two week low of $43.92 and a fifty-two week high of $47.82. The companys fifty day moving average is $46.85 and its two-hundred day moving average is $46.08. About BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF The BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XTEN) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is passively managed to invest in a portfolio of US Treasury securities with a target duration of ten years. XTEN was launched on Sep 13, 2022 and is managed by BondBloxx. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding XTEN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (NYSEARCA:XTEN Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP reduced its holdings in Boston Scientific Corporation (NYSE:BSX Free Report) by 8.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,462,711 shares of the medical equipment providers stock after selling 139,401 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORP owned approximately 0.10% of Boston Scientific worth $157,110,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Brighton Jones LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 0.8% during the 4th quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 27,376 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $2,445,000 after acquiring an additional 226 shares during the period. LPL Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 1,124,011 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $113,390,000 after purchasing an additional 4,994 shares during the last quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Boston Scientific by 8.7% during the 1st quarter. Foundations Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,599 shares of the medical equipment providers stock worth $363,000 after buying an additional 288 shares during the last quarter. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Boston Scientific in the 1st quarter worth $71,000. Finally, Banque Cantonale Vaudoise acquired a new position in Boston Scientific in the first quarter valued at $3,230,000. 89.07% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Boston Scientific alerts: Boston Scientific Trading Down 0.2% NYSE:BSX opened at $101.14 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $149.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 54.08, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.02 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.37. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $99.04 and its 200 day simple moving average is $102.29. Boston Scientific Corporation has a one year low of $85.98 and a one year high of $109.50. Insider Activity Boston Scientific ( NYSE:BSX Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The medical equipment provider reported $0.75 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $5.07 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.97 billion. Boston Scientific had a net margin of 14.43% and a return on equity of 19.74%. The businesss revenue was up 20.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.63 earnings per share. Boston Scientific has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.020-3.040 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.770-0.790 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Boston Scientific Corporation will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. In related news, Director Ellen M. Zane sold 12,891 shares of Boston Scientific stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.28, for a total value of $1,266,927.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 24,134 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,371,889.52. This trade represents 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 accessible through this link. Also, EVP Joseph Michael Fitzgerald sold 50,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $98.47, for a total value of $4,923,500.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 178,342 shares in the company, valued at $17,561,336.74. The trade was a 21.90% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 175,782 shares of company stock worth $17,742,314 in the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 0.50% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets BSX has been the subject of a number of research reports. Evercore ISI reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $124.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a buy rating and issued a $132.00 price objective on shares of Boston Scientific in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Boston Scientific in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Boston Scientific from $129.00 to $130.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-one have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $123.77. Get Our Latest Stock Report on BSX Boston Scientific Company Profile (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. Read More 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. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH increased its stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN Free Report) by 9.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 198,661 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 17,923 shares during the quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH owned 0.11% of Brandywine Realty Trust worth $852,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Creative Planning boosted its holdings in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 23.9% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 14,244 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $61,000 after acquiring an additional 2,749 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS increased its position in Brandywine Realty Trust by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 99,210 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $426,000 after purchasing an additional 3,083 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,542,328 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $19,488,000 after buying an additional 81,594 shares in the last quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 30.4% in the 2nd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 28,527 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $122,000 after buying an additional 6,643 shares during the period. Finally, Penserra Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Brandywine Realty Trust by 24.2% in the second quarter. Penserra Capital Management LLC now owns 250,158 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,073,000 after buying an additional 48,691 shares in the last quarter. 87.27% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Brandywine Realty Trust alerts: Insider Activity In related news, Director James C. Diggs sold 23,190 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $3.47, for a total transaction of $80,469.30. Following the sale, the director owned 128,672 shares in the company, valued at approximately $446,491.84. This trade represents a 15.27% 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. Also, CEO Gerard H. Sweeney bought 88,500 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $3.38 per share, with a total value of $299,130.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer directly owned 3,042,210 shares in the company, valued at $10,282,669.80. This trade represents a 3.00% increase in their position. The disclosure for this purchase is available in the SEC filing. 3.30% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades BDN has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a sell (d-) rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reiterated an underweight rating on shares of Brandywine Realty Trust in a research note on Monday. Truist Financial lowered shares of Brandywine Realty Trust from a buy rating to a hold rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $5.00 to $4.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 16th. 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 research report on Friday, November 14th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Brandywine Realty Trust from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 15th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Brandywine Realty Trust presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $4.00. Read Our Latest Report on BDN Brandywine Realty Trust Stock Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE BDN opened at $3.42 on Thursday. The firms 50-day moving average is $3.74 and its two-hundred day moving average is $4.06. The company has a market capitalization of $593.18 million, a PE ratio of -3.19 and a beta of 1.42. Brandywine Realty Trust has a 12-month low of $3.23 and a 12-month high of $5.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.68, a current ratio of 2.14 and a quick ratio of 2.97. Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.17 by ($0.01). The company had revenue of $121.42 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $119.11 million. Brandywine Realty Trust had a negative net margin of 38.03% and a negative return on equity of 19.55%. Equities analysts anticipate that Brandywine Realty Trust will post 0.66 EPS for the current fiscal year. Brandywine Realty Trust Cuts Dividend The company 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. This represents a $0.32 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 9.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 9th. Brandywine Realty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -29.91%. About Brandywine Realty Trust (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BDN? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brandywine Realty Trust (NYSE:BDN Free Report). 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. Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO Free Report) (TSE:BMO) Analysts at Raymond James Financial issued their FY2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research report issued on Monday, November 24th. Raymond James Financial analyst S. Boland forecasts that the bank will earn $8.53 per share for the year. Raymond James Financial has a Market Perform rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Bank Of Montreals current full-year earnings is $7.71 per share. Raymond James Financial also issued estimates for Bank Of Montreals Q4 2025 earnings at $2.26 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $2.36 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $2.33 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $2.44 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $2.45 EPS and FY2026 earnings at $9.58 EPS. Get Bank Of Montreal alerts: Several other equities research analysts have also recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada cut shares of Bank Of Montreal from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $168.00 to $163.00 in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research report on Wednesday, August 27th. National Bankshares reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research note on Friday, August 15th. CIBC raised Bank Of Montreal from a neutral rating to a sector outperform rating in a research note on Friday, September 5th. Finally, UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Bank Of Montreal in a research report on Wednesday, August 27th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Bank Of Montreal currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $163.00. Bank Of Montreal Trading Up 1.3% Bank Of Montreal stock opened at $125.38 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $126.10 and a 200 day moving average price of $117.23. Bank Of Montreal has a 52 week low of $85.40 and a 52 week high of $131.36. The stock has a market cap of $89.22 billion, a PE ratio of 15.35, a P/E/G ratio of 1.28 and a beta of 1.04. The company has a current ratio of 1.00, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.11. Bank Of Montreal (NYSE:BMO Get Free Report) (TSE:BMO) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 26th. The bank reported $2.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.12 by $0.21. The company had revenue of $6.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.84 billion. Bank Of Montreal had a return on equity of 10.57% and a net margin of 11.00%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.64 earnings per share. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Bank Of Montreal Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. State of Wyoming grew its stake in Bank Of Montreal by 237.4% during the 1st quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 14,254 shares of the banks stock worth $1,361,000 after buying an additional 10,029 shares during the last quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board boosted its holdings in shares of Bank Of Montreal by 66.5% during the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 3,676,637 shares of the banks stock valued at $351,154,000 after acquiring an additional 1,469,084 shares during the period. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new position in shares of Bank Of Montreal during the first quarter worth about $1,886,000. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Bank Of Montreal by 1,997.9% in the 1st quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 3,986 shares of the banks stock worth $381,000 after acquiring an additional 3,796 shares during the period. Finally, LPL Financial LLC lifted its position in Bank Of Montreal by 8.7% in the 1st quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 352,524 shares of the banks stock valued at $33,670,000 after purchasing an additional 28,256 shares during the last quarter. 45.82% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. About Bank Of Montreal (Get Free Report) Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. It operates through Canadian P&C, U.S P&C, BMO Wealth Management, and BMO Capital Markets segments. The companys personal banking products and services include deposits, mortgages, home lending, consumer credit, small business lending, credit cards, cash management, financial and investment advice, and other banking services; and commercial banking products and services comprise various of financing options and treasury and payment solutions, as well as risk management products. Recommended Stories 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. Cardiff Property (LON:CDFF Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The company reported GBX 132.90 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, Digital Look Earnings reports. Cardiff Property had a net margin of 89.05% and a return on equity of 3.96%. Cardiff Property Stock Performance CDFF stock opened at GBX 2,600 on Thursday. Cardiff Property has a twelve month low of GBX 2,300 and a twelve month high of GBX 2,700. The company has a quick ratio of 6.39, a current ratio of 17.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The company has a market cap of 26.10 million, a P/E ratio of 25.45 and a beta of -0.11. The businesss fifty day moving average is GBX 2,598.70 and its 200-day moving average is GBX 2,596.81. Get Cardiff Property alerts: About Cardiff Property (Get Free Report) Featured Articles The Group, including Campmoss, specialises in property investment and development in the Thames Valley. The total portfolio including the jointly controlled Campmoss investment and development portfolio, valued in excess of 22m, is primarily located to the west of London, close to Heathrow Airport and in Surrey and Berkshire. Receive News & Ratings for Cardiff Property Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cardiff Property and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Construction Bank Corp. (OTCMKTS:CICHY Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-strong trading volume on Tuesday . Approximately 131,846 shares were traded during trading, an increase of 72% from the previous sessions volume of 76,603 shares.The stock last traded at $21.23 and had previously closed at $21.15. China Construction Bank Stock Down 0.4% The company has a current ratio of 0.95, a quick ratio of 0.95 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85. The firm has a market cap of $264.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 5.87 and a beta of 0.20. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $20.01 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $19.82. Get China Construction Bank alerts: China Construction Bank (OTCMKTS:CICHY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $0.98 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.94 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $24.56 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $24.44 billion. China Construction Bank had a return on equity of 10.06% and a net margin of 24.99%. China Construction Bank Company Profile China Construction Bank Corporation provides various banking and related financial services to individuals and corporate customers in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through Corporate Finance Business, Personal Finance Business, Treasury and Asset Management Business, and Others segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for China Construction Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Construction Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Choreo LLC cut its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report) by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 14,611 shares of the aerospace companys stock after selling 154 shares during the period. Choreo LLCs holdings in Lockheed Martin were worth $6,767,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 1.0% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,697,527 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $10,048,993,000 after buying an additional 214,565 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. grew its position in Lockheed Martin by 7.5% during the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 8,031,528 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $3,587,444,000 after acquiring an additional 560,457 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Lockheed Martin by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 4,884,954 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $2,256,147,000 after purchasing an additional 19,459 shares in the last quarter. Royal Bank of Canada raised its position in Lockheed Martin by 1.4% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 2,287,495 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,021,846,000 after purchasing an additional 31,443 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Lockheed Martin by 0.6% during the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 2,144,827 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $958,116,000 after purchasing an additional 12,899 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 74.19% of the companys stock. Get Lockheed Martin alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LMT has been the subject of several recent research reports. UBS Group lowered their price objective on Lockheed Martin from $514.00 to $513.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein boosted their target price on shares of Lockheed Martin from $497.00 to $545.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Monday, October 20th. Robert W. Baird raised their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $500.00 to $550.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Lockheed Martin from $398.00 to $425.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft set a $519.00 price objective on Lockheed Martin and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have assigned a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $515.50. Insider Activity at Lockheed Martin In related news, COO John Frank A. St sold 7,792 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $491.04, for a total transaction of $3,826,183.68. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 1 shares of the companys stock, valued at $491.04. This trade represents a 99.99% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.14% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Lockheed Martin Trading Up 0.6% LMT opened at $454.95 on Thursday. Lockheed Martin Corporation has a twelve month low of $410.11 and a twelve month high of $529.99. The company has a fifty day moving average of $483.45 and a 200-day moving average of $466.46. The stock has a market cap of $105.27 billion, a PE ratio of 25.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.69 and a beta of 0.25. The company has a quick ratio of 0.97, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.32. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, October 21st. The aerospace company reported $6.95 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $6.33 by $0.62. Lockheed Martin had a net margin of 5.73% and a return on equity of 111.84%. The business had revenue of $18.61 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.45 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.84 earnings per share. Lockheed Martins revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. Lockheed Martin has set its FY 2025 guidance at 22.150-22.350 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Lockheed Martin Corporation will post 27.15 EPS for the current year. Lockheed Martin Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $3.45 per share. This represents a $13.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This is a positive change from Lockheed Martins previous quarterly dividend of $3.30. Lockheed Martins dividend payout ratio is currently 77.05%. Lockheed Martin Profile (Free Report) Lockheed Martin Corporation, a security and aerospace company, engages in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of technology systems, products, and services worldwide. The company operates through Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space segments. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LMT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Lockheed Martin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Lockheed Martin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) VP Christopher Mead sold 1,250 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $250.74, for a total value of $313,425.00. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 17,327 shares in the company, valued at $4,344,571.98. This trade represents a 6.73% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Trading Down 0.6% NYSE:AJG opened at $248.72 on Thursday. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52-week low of $239.47 and a 52-week high of $351.23. The company has a quick ratio of 1.36, a current ratio of 1.36 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $277.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $300.25. The company has a market capitalization of $63.87 billion, a PE ratio of 35.33 and a beta of 0.71. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.51 by ($0.19). The business had revenue of $3.33 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.34 billion. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 14.54% and a return on equity of 13.17%. The businesss revenue was up 20.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $2.26 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Announces Dividend Analyst Ratings Changes The business also recently disclosed 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 dividend yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 5th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s payout ratio is currently 38.86%. A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $315.00 to $275.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 31st. Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $370.00 to $353.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Piper Sandler decreased their price target on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $340.00 to $295.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, eight have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $316.33. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 870.0% in the 3rd quarter. Physician Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 97 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 87 shares during the period. J.Safra Asset Management Corp raised its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 209.1% in the second quarter. J.Safra Asset Management Corp now owns 102 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the period. AlphaQuest LLC acquired a new position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. during the first quarter worth about $33,000. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in the first quarter worth about $34,000. Finally, Rakuten Securities Inc. grew its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 650.0% in the second quarter. Rakuten Securities Inc. now owns 105 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Company Profile (Get Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. See Also 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. Profitability This table compares Kansai Paint and Venator Materials net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Kansai Paint N/A N/A N/A Venator Materials -18.19% -47.15% -8.22% Institutional and Insider Ownership 22.0% of Kansai Paint shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.5% of Venator Materials shares are owned by institutional investors. 41.7% of Venator Materials shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Get Kansai Paint alerts: Valuation and Earnings This table compares Kansai Paint and Venator Materialss gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Kansai Paint N/A N/A N/A $71.19 0.24 Venator Materials $2.17 billion 0.98 -$188.00 million ($3.28) -6.10 Kansai Paint has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Venator Materials. Venator Materials is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Kansai Paint, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Kansai Paint beats Venator Materials on 6 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Kansai Paint (Get Free Report) Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells paints and coatings in Japan, India, Asia, Africa, Europe, and internationally. The company offers decorative coatings for protecting exterior and interior of buildings; automotive refinish coatings for dents and scrapes; and industrial coatings that are used in agricultural machinery, special-purpose vehicles, exterior building materials, metal products, beverage cans, and precoated metals used in metallic building materials and home appliances. It also offers marine coatings; automotive coatings for vehicle's conditions and aesthetics preservation, including film coating materials; and protective coatings for bridges, power equipment, industrial plants, and steel structures, as well as offers fire-resistant coatings. In addition, the company provides coatings solutions through electronic materials coating design technologies; and develops hydrogel fluid carrier beads that are used in various types of wastewater treatment. Further, it designs, manufactures, and sells coating equipment; controls and undertakes painting works; and designs color schemes. Kansai Paint Co., Ltd. was incorporated in 1918 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan. About Venator Materials (Get Free Report) Venator Materials PLC, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and markets chemical products in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in two segments, Titanium Dioxide and Performance Additives. The Titanium Dioxide segment offers titanium dioxide (TiO2), such as rutile, anatase, and ultrafine TiO2 products for use in coatings, printing inks, PVC window frames, plastic masterbatches, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, polyester and polyamide fibers, catalysts, and cosmetics products. The Performance Additives segment provides barium and zinc additives for use in coatings, films, and paper and glass fiber reinforced plastics; and colored inorganic pigments comprising iron oxides, ultramarines, specialty inorganic chemicals, and driers for construction, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, inks, catalyst, and laminates. This segment also offers wood protection chemicals for use in residential and commercial applications to prolong the life through protection from decay, fungal, and insect attack; timber treatment chemicals for use in decking, fencing, and other residential outdoor wood structures; and industrial construction products for use in telephone poles, and salt water piers and pilings. The company was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Stockton-On-Tees, the United Kingdom. On May 14, 2023, Venator Materials PLC, along with its affiliates filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. Receive News & Ratings for Kansai Paint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kansai Paint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Japan Airlines (OTCMKTS:JAPSY Get Free Report) and Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK Get Free Report) are both mid-cap transportation companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, valuation, analyst recommendations, risk and earnings. Institutional and Insider Ownership 81.9% of Alaska Air Group shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.0% of Alaska Air Group shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Get Japan Airlines alerts: Risk and Volatility Japan Airlines has a beta of 0.42, indicating that its share price is 58% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Alaska Air Group has a beta of 1.41, indicating that its share price is 41% more volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Analyst Recommendations Japan Airlines pays an annual dividend of $0.21 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.2%. Alaska Air Group pays an annual dividend of $1.50 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.5%. Japan Airlines pays out 22.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Alaska Air Group pays out 121.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Japan Airlines and Alaska Air Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Japan Airlines 0 1 0 1 3.00 Alaska Air Group 2 0 12 0 2.71 Alaska Air Group has a consensus price target of $73.08, indicating a potential upside of 71.74%. Given Alaska Air Groups higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Alaska Air Group is more favorable than Japan Airlines. Earnings & Valuation This table compares Japan Airlines and Alaska Air Groups gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Japan Airlines $12.11 billion 0.68 $706.45 million $0.95 9.97 Alaska Air Group $14.14 billion 0.35 $395.00 million $1.24 34.32 Japan Airlines has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Alaska Air Group. Japan Airlines is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Alaska Air Group, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Profitability This table compares Japan Airlines and Alaska Air Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Japan Airlines 6.48% 12.66% 4.57% Alaska Air Group 1.06% 8.93% 1.85% Summary Alaska Air Group beats Japan Airlines on 9 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Japan Airlines (Get Free Report) Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, provides scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services in Japan, Asia, Oceania, North America, and Europe. The company operates through Air Transportation and Other segments. It offers passenger, ground handling, cargo and mail handling, and maintenance services. The company is also involved in the aerial work and other related business; airport peripheral business; and sale of travel package tours. As of March 31, 2023, it operated a fleet of 224 aircraft. The company was formerly known as Japan Airlines International Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. in April 2011. The company was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. About Alaska Air Group (Get Free Report) Alaska Air Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates airlines. It operates through three segments: Mainline, Regional, and Horizon. The company offers scheduled air transportation services on Boeing jet aircraft for passengers and cargo in the United States, and in parts of Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala, and the Bahamas; and for passengers across a shorter distance network within the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Alaska Air Group, Inc. was founded in 1932 and is based in Seattle, Washington. Receive News & Ratings for Japan Airlines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Japan Airlines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADM Tronics Unlimited (OTCMKTS:ADMT Get Free Report) and Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) are both medical companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their analyst recommendations, risk, earnings, institutional ownership, dividends, valuation and profitability. Volatility and Risk ADM Tronics Unlimited has a beta of 0.14, suggesting that its stock price is 86% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Edwards Lifesciences has a beta of 1.03, suggesting that its stock price is 3% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get ADM Tronics Unlimited alerts: Earnings and Valuation This table compares ADM Tronics Unlimited and Edwards Lifesciencess gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio ADM Tronics Unlimited $3.20 million 2.48 -$120,000.00 N/A N/A Edwards Lifesciences $5.88 billion 8.56 $4.17 billion $2.32 37.41 Edwards Lifesciences has higher revenue and earnings than ADM Tronics Unlimited. Institutional & Insider Ownership 79.5% of Edwards Lifesciences shares are held by institutional investors. 73.0% of ADM Tronics Unlimited shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 1.3% of Edwards Lifesciences shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for ADM Tronics Unlimited and Edwards Lifesciences, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score ADM Tronics Unlimited 0 0 0 0 0.00 Edwards Lifesciences 1 10 14 3 2.68 Edwards Lifesciences has a consensus target price of $91.39, suggesting a potential upside of 5.31%. Given Edwards Lifesciences stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Edwards Lifesciences is more favorable than ADM Tronics Unlimited. Profitability This table compares ADM Tronics Unlimited and Edwards Lifesciences net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets ADM Tronics Unlimited -2.05% -7.88% -3.00% Edwards Lifesciences 72.96% 15.01% 11.56% Summary Edwards Lifesciences beats ADM Tronics Unlimited on 12 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks. About ADM Tronics Unlimited (Get Free Report) ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc., through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells electronics for non-invasive medical and other applications in the United States, Australia, Asia, and Europe. It operates through Chemical, Electronics, and Engineering segments. The company offers proprietary devices for use in diagnostics and therapeutics of humans and animals; and electronic controllers for spas and hot tubs. In addition, the company provides water-based primers and adhesives; water-based coatings and resins; water-based chemical additives; and anti-static conductive paints, coatings, and other products. Further, it offers water-based, adhesive and related topical formulations for use in maxillofacial prosthetic medical applications; and for professional makeup applications primarily for film, TV, and theatrical productions. Additionally, the company provides research, development, regulatory, and engineering services for the design, development, and manufacturing of medical devices, electronics, and other technologies and products, as well as medical electronic therapeutic technology. ADM Tronics Unlimited, Inc. was incorporated in 1969 and is headquartered in Northvale, New Jersey. About Edwards Lifesciences (Get Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. The company also provides surgical structural heart solutions, such as aortic surgical valve under the INSPIRIS name; INSPIRIS RESILLA aortic valve, which offers RESILIA tissue and VFit technology; KONECT RESILIA, a pre-assembled tissue valves conduit for complex combined procedures; and MITRIS RESILIA valve. In addition, it offers critical care solutions, including hemodynamic monitoring systems to measure a patients heart function and fluid status in surgical and intensive care settings under the FloTrac, Acumen IQ sensors, ClearSight, Acumen IQ cuffs, and ForeSight names; HemoSphere, a monitoring platform that displays physiological information; and Acumen Hypotension Prediction Index software that alerts clinicians in advance of a patient developing dangerously low blood pressure. The company distributes its products through a direct sales force and independent distributors. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Irvine, California. Receive News & Ratings for ADM Tronics Unlimited Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ADM Tronics Unlimited and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ted Baker (OTCMKTS:TBAKF Get Free Report) and Vince (NYSE:VNCE Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, risk, dividends and valuation. Profitability This table compares Ted Baker and Vinces net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Ted Baker alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ted Baker N/A N/A N/A Vince -5.75% 11.37% 2.26% Valuation & Earnings This table compares Ted Baker and Vinces revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ted Baker N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Vince $291.29 million 0.11 -$19.05 million ($1.34) -1.85 Ted Baker has higher earnings, but lower revenue than Vince. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent ratings and recommmendations for Ted Baker and Vince, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ted Baker 0 0 0 0 0.00 Vince 1 0 1 1 2.67 Vince has a consensus price target of $4.50, suggesting a potential upside of 81.45%. Given Vinces stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Vince is more favorable than Ted Baker. Insider and Institutional Ownership 16.1% of Vince shares are owned by institutional investors. 61.0% of Vince shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Summary Vince beats Ted Baker on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks. About Ted Baker (Get Free Report) Ted Baker plc engages in the design, wholesale, and retail of menswear, womenswear, and accessories under the Ted Baker brand in the United States, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, Canada, and South Africa. The company operates through three segments: Retail, Wholesale, and Licensing. It offers various collections, including childrenswear, suiting, lingerie and nightwear, men's underwear, fragrance, skincare, eyewear, watches, luggage, jewelry and personal technology accessories, bedding, towels, wallpapers, rugs, gifting and stationery, swimwear, footwear, and toiletries. The company distributes its products through retail stores, concessions, retailers, and department stores, as well as through its e-commerce business. It operates through a network of 85 own stores, 130 concessions, and 31 outlets. Ted Baker plc was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. About Vince (Get Free Report) Vince Holding Corp. provides luxury apparel and accessories in the United States and internationally. It operates through Vince Wholesale, Vince Direct-to-Consumer segments. The company offers a range of men's and women's products, such as cashmere sweaters, silk blouses, leather and suede products, and jackets, dresses, skirts, pants, t-shirts, footwear, outerwear, and accessories, as well as woven shirts, core and fashion pants, and blazers under the Vince brand. It sells its products directly to consumers through its branded specialty retail stores and outlet stores, as well as through its vince.com e-commerce platform and subscription business through Vince Unfold, vinceunfold.com; and to department stores and specialty stores. The company was formerly known as Apparel Holding Corp. and changed its name to Vince Holding Corp. in November 2013. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in New York, New York. Receive News & Ratings for Ted Baker Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ted Baker and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dassault Aviation societe anonyme (OTCMKTS:DUAVF Get Free Report) fell 0.3% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as low as $305.00 and last traded at $309.00. 95 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 82% from the average session volume of 531 shares. The stock had previously closed at $310.00. Analyst Ratings Changes Separately, The Goldman Sachs Group began coverage on shares of Dassault Aviation societe anonyme in a research note on Friday, September 19th. They set a sell rating for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Dassault Aviation societe anonyme presently has an average rating of Reduce. Get Dassault Aviation societe anonyme alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Dassault Aviation societe anonyme Dassault Aviation societe anonyme Stock Down 3.8% About Dassault Aviation societe anonyme The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $323.71 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $332.51. (Get Free Report) Dassault Aviation societe anonyme designs and manufactures military aircraft, business jets, and space systems in France, the Americas, and internationally. It offers Rafale, a multirole fighter aircraft; nEUROn, an unmanned combat drone; falcon business jets; and falcon aircraft for maritime surveillance, intelligence, and medical evacuation missions. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Dassault Aviation societe anonyme Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dassault Aviation societe anonyme and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP cut its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 0.7% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 643,336 shares of the companys stock after selling 4,422 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company comprises approximately 1.1% of Korea Investment CORPs investment portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest holding. Korea Investment CORP owned approximately 0.07% of Eli Lilly and Company worth $501,500,000 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. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the second quarter worth about $27,000. Atika Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 24.2% in the 2nd quarter. Atika Capital Management LLC now owns 41,100 shares of the companys stock worth $32,039,000 after purchasing an additional 8,000 shares in the last quarter. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund boosted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 23.8% in the 2nd quarter. United Super Pty Ltd in its capacity as Trustee for the Construction & Building Unions Superannuation Fund now owns 49,077 shares of the companys stock worth $38,257,000 after purchasing an additional 9,438 shares in the last quarter. Hobbs Wealth Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 5.1% during the 2nd quarter. Hobbs Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,533 shares of the companys stock worth $1,195,000 after purchasing an additional 74 shares during the period. Finally, Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 5.8% during the 2nd quarter. Baltimore Washington Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 898 shares of the companys stock valued at $700,000 after purchasing an additional 49 shares in the last quarter. 82.53% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts recently issued reports on LLY shares. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Daiwa Capital Markets lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $940.00 in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Guggenheim reissued a buy rating and issued a $948.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald upped their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $925.00 to $985.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned 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 an average target price of $1,047.50. Eli Lilly and Company Price Performance NYSE:LLY opened at $1,105.45 on Thursday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $876.09 and a two-hundred day moving average of $794.85. Eli Lilly and Company has a 12 month low of $623.78 and a 12 month high of $1,111.99. The firm has a market cap of $1.05 trillion, a P/E ratio of 72.25, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. 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 issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.42 by $0.60. The firm had revenue of $17.60 billion during 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 firms revenue for the quarter was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.18 earnings per share. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend 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 paid a $1.50 dividend. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. 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. Featured Stories 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. Employees Retirement System of Texas lessened its stake in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI Free Report) by 18.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 94,063 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 21,394 shares during the period. Employees Retirement System of Texas holdings in Omega Healthcare Investors were worth $3,447,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in OHI. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 7.1% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 4,182 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $153,000 after buying an additional 279 shares during the last quarter. United Services Automobile Association raised its holdings in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors by 1.8% during the 1st quarter. United Services Automobile Association now owns 16,598 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $632,000 after acquiring an additional 291 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 60,924 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,233,000 after acquiring an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors by 3.4% in the first quarter. CreativeOne Wealth LLC now owns 9,487 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $361,000 after purchasing an additional 310 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Maridea Wealth Management LLC increased its position in Omega Healthcare Investors by 1.7% in the second quarter. Maridea Wealth Management LLC now owns 19,146 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $702,000 after purchasing an additional 329 shares during the last quarter. 65.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Omega Healthcare Investors alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on OHI shares. Truist Financial upped their price target on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $39.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $45.00 to $48.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday. Cantor Fitzgerald assumed coverage on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. They set an overweight rating and a $50.00 target price on the stock. Mizuho increased their price target on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $37.00 to $40.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, September 11th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Omega Healthcare Investors from $41.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, November 6th. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Omega Healthcare Investors has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $46.22. Insider Buying and Selling In other Omega Healthcare Investors news, CEO C Taylor Pickett bought 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were purchased at an average price of $43.14 per share, with a total value of $862,800.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the chief executive officer owned 20,000 shares in the company, valued at $862,800. This represents a increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CIO Vikas Gupta purchased 11,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $42.97 per share, with a total value of $494,155.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the executive directly owned 13,773 shares in the company, valued at $591,825.81. The trade was a 505.94% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Corporate insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Omega Healthcare Investors Trading Up 0.8% OHI stock opened at $45.88 on Thursday. Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. has a twelve month low of $35.04 and a twelve month high of $46.16. The stock has a market capitalization of $13.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.32, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a quick ratio of 7.10, a current ratio of 7.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $42.03 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $39.94. Omega Healthcare Investors (NYSE:OHI Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.02. Omega Healthcare Investors had a net margin of 42.23% and a return on equity of 9.78%. The firm had revenue of $311.59 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $262.48 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.71 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 14.4% on a year-over-year basis. Omega Healthcare Investors has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.080-3.100 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. will post 2.86 earnings per share for the current year. Omega Healthcare Investors Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 3rd were given a dividend of $0.67 per share. This represents a $2.68 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 3rd. Omega Healthcare Investorss payout ratio is 149.72%. Omega Healthcare Investors Profile (Free Report) Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc engages in the provision of financing and capital to the long-term healthcare industry with a particular focus on skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, rehabilitation and acute care facilities, and medical office buildings. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. A press briefing is held by the Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department in Hong Kong, south China, on Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) HONG KONG, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Three men have been arrested for suspected manslaughter in a fire that broke out in Wang Fuk Court, a residential area in Tai Po of Hong Kong, on Wednesday afternoon, the Hong Kong Police Force said at a press briefing on Thursday. The fire had left 44 people dead and 45 others injured by early Thursday morning, the police said. Police investigation suggested that the protective nets, waterproof canvas and plastic cloth covering the buildings might fall short of fireproof standards. The police also found that polyurethane foam was used to seal windows of elevator lobbies in an unaffected building in the residential area, and pointed to the flammable material as a possible cause for the rapid spread of fire. The three men were executives of a construction company responsible for installing these materials for the renovation of the buildings. The suspects aged between 52 and 68 include two company directors and a project consultant whose gross negligence was believed to have caused heavy casualties. This photo shows a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) People walk past a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) This photo shows a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) This photo shows an interior view of a temporary shelter near a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) A man walks past a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) Rescuers work at a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhu Wei) Firefighters work at a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. Three men have been arrested for suspected manslaughter in a fire that broke out in Wang Fuk Court, a residential area in Tai Po of Hong Kong, on Wednesday afternoon, the Hong Kong Police Force said at the press briefing on Thursday. The fire had left 44 people dead and 45 others injured by early Thursday morning, the police said. (Photo by Wang Shen/Xinhua) Rescuers transfer an injured person at a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China, Nov. 27, 2025. Three men have been arrested for suspected manslaughter in a fire that broke out in Wang Fuk Court, a residential area in Tai Po of Hong Kong, on Wednesday afternoon, the Hong Kong Police Force said at the press briefing on Thursday. The fire had left 44 people dead and 45 others injured by early Thursday morning, the police said. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) This photo taken on Nov. 27, 2025 shows a building not affected at a residential area fire site in Hong Kong, south China. Three men have been arrested for suspected manslaughter in a fire that broke out in Wang Fuk Court, a residential area in Tai Po of Hong Kong, on Wednesday afternoon, the Hong Kong Police Force said at the press briefing on Thursday. The fire had left 44 people dead and 45 others injured by early Thursday morning, the police said. (Xinhua/Chen Duo) Global Retirement Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 10,006 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,211,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in NVS. Keybank National Association OH raised its holdings in Novartis by 13.2% in the 2nd quarter. Keybank National Association OH now owns 49,377 shares of the companys stock worth $5,975,000 after purchasing an additional 5,742 shares during the period. Sonora Investment Management Group LLC purchased a new stake in Novartis in the second quarter worth about $266,000. Cypress Capital Group raised its stake in shares of Novartis by 84.1% in the second quarter. Cypress Capital Group now owns 5,776 shares of the companys stock worth $699,000 after buying an additional 2,638 shares during the period. Focus Partners Wealth lifted its position in shares of Novartis by 16.8% during the 1st quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 47,548 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,311,000 after buying an additional 6,849 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Marshall Financial Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Novartis during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $1,909,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 13.12% of the companys stock. Get Novartis alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating on shares of Novartis in a research note on Thursday, August 21st. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Novartis from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Bank of America upgraded shares of Novartis from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. HC Wainwright lowered Novartis to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Novartis in a report on Thursday, November 20th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, six 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 a consensus price target of $122.33. Novartis Price Performance Shares of Novartis stock opened at $130.44 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $275.54 billion, a PE ratio of 17.82, a PEG ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.60. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $128.00 and a 200 day moving average of $122.30. The company has a current ratio of 0.88, a quick ratio of 0.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. Novartis AG has a 12 month low of $96.06 and a 12 month high of $134.00. Novartis (NYSE:NVS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $2.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.26 by ($0.01). Novartis had a return on equity of 41.21% and a net margin of 26.49%.The firm had revenue of $14.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.70 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $2.06 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 8.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Novartis AG will post 8.45 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Novartis (Free Report) Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NYSEARCA:NORW Get Free Report) were up 0.7% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $28.55 and last traded at $28.48. Approximately 77,060 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 510% from the average daily volume of 12,627 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.29. Global X MSCI Norway ETF Price Performance The firm has a market cap of $52.69 million, a PE ratio of 12.35 and a beta of 0.89. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $29.39 and a 200 day moving average price of $29.28. Get Global X MSCI Norway ETF alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of NORW. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Global X MSCI Norway ETF in the first quarter worth approximately $377,000. Harbour Investments Inc. raised its stake in Global X MSCI Norway ETF by 2,025.5% during the first quarter. Harbour Investments Inc. now owns 999 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 952 shares during the period. Cresset Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Global X MSCI Norway ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $867,000. Jane Street Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of Global X MSCI Norway ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $4,388,000. Finally, Bank of America Corp DE grew its stake in shares of Global X MSCI Norway ETF by 138.5% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of America Corp DE now owns 27,930 shares of the companys stock valued at $817,000 after buying an additional 16,217 shares during the period. Global X MSCI Norway ETF Company Profile The Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the MSCI Norway IMI 25\u002F50 index, a market-cap-weighted index of Norwegian stocks. NORW was launched on Nov 9, 2010 and is managed by Global X. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Global X MSCI Norway ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global X MSCI Norway ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. GM Advisory Group LLC lowered its position in shares of SPDR Gold Shares (NYSEARCA:GLD Free Report) by 8.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 4,526 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 422 shares during the quarter. GM Advisory Group LLCs holdings in SPDR Gold Shares were worth $1,380,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in GLD. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 8.5% during the second quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 432 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $132,000 after buying an additional 34 shares in the last quarter. Pinpoint Asset Management Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new stake in shares of SPDR Gold Shares in the second quarter worth approximately $15,726,000. Country Trust Bank boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 238.6% during the second quarter. Country Trust Bank now owns 298 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $91,000 after purchasing an additional 210 shares during the period. Viawealth LLC grew its holdings in shares of SPDR Gold Shares by 91.8% during the 2nd quarter. Viawealth LLC now owns 4,043 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $1,232,000 after acquiring an additional 1,935 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Blueprint Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new position in SPDR Gold Shares in the 2nd quarter worth about $2,176,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 42.19% of the companys stock. Get SPDR Gold Shares alerts: SPDR Gold Shares Stock Performance Shares of GLD opened at $383.12 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $368.84 and its 200 day moving average price is $331.27. SPDR Gold Shares has a twelve month low of $238.73 and a twelve month high of $403.30. The firm has a market cap of $138.65 billion, a PE ratio of -32.43 and a beta of 0.09. SPDR Gold Shares Profile SPDR Gold Trust (the Trust) is an investment trust. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the performance of the price of gold bullion, less the Trusts expenses. The Trusts business activity is the investment of gold. The Trust creates and redeems Shares from time to time, but in one or more Baskets (a Basket equals a block of 100,000 Shares). See Also Receive News & Ratings for SPDR Gold Shares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR Gold Shares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLV Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $158.95 and last traded at $158.42, with a volume of 12398092 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at $158.77. Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund Price Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $40.09 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.15 and a beta of 0.63. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $145.25 and a 200-day moving average of $138.21. Get Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund alerts: Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of XLV. Strategic Advocates LLC bought a new stake in Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund during the third quarter worth about $27,000. KERR FINANCIAL PLANNING Corp bought a new stake in Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC grew its position in Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund by 1.8% during the 3rd quarter. Manhattan West Asset Management LLC now owns 8,623 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,200,000 after acquiring an additional 153 shares during the last quarter. Blue Fin Capital Inc. acquired a new stake in Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund during the 3rd quarter valued at $258,000. Finally, Centaurus Financial Inc. raised its position in Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund by 7.7% in the 3rd quarter. Centaurus Financial Inc. now owns 48,955 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $6,813,000 after purchasing an additional 3,509 shares during the last quarter. About Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (the Fund) seeks to closely match the returns and characteristics of the S&P Health Care Select Sector Index (the Index). The companies included in the Index are selected on the basis of general industry classification from a universe of companies defined by the Standard & Poors 500 Composite Stock Index (S&P 500). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) has been assigned an average rating of Moderate Buy from the five research firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $10.50. Several brokerages recently weighed in on HLX. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, October 25th. TD Cowen increased their price objective on Helix Energy Solutions Group from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in a report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, Zacks Research raised Helix Energy Solutions Group from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. Get Helix Energy Solutions Group alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Helix Energy Solutions Group Helix Energy Solutions Group Stock Down 0.8% Shares of NYSE:HLX opened at $6.63 on Friday. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $6.59 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $6.46. Helix Energy Solutions Group has a 52-week low of $5.52 and a 52-week high of $11.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19, a quick ratio of 2.54 and a current ratio of 2.54. The firm has a market cap of $974.41 million, a P/E ratio of 23.66 and a beta of 1.55. Helix Energy Solutions Group (NYSE:HLX Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 22nd. The oil and gas company reported $0.15 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.15. The firm had revenue of $376.96 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $361.93 million. Helix Energy Solutions Group had a net margin of 3.25% and a return on equity of 2.75%. The businesss revenue was up 10.1% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Helix Energy Solutions Group will post 0.26 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Helix Energy Solutions Group In related news, COO Scott Andrew Sparks sold 40,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $6.88, for a total transaction of $275,200.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 301,042 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,071,168.96. This trade represents a 11.73% 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. 6.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Helix Energy Solutions Group Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HLX. CWM LLC grew its holdings in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group by 78.0% in the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 10,699 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $89,000 after acquiring an additional 4,688 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in Helix Energy Solutions Group by 42.2% in the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 195,115 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,621,000 after purchasing an additional 57,947 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC grew its stake in Helix Energy Solutions Group by 9.5% in the 1st quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 24,396 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $203,000 after purchasing an additional 2,112 shares during the period. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH purchased a new stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group during the 1st quarter valued at $1,202,000. Finally, Royce & Associates LP purchased a new stake in shares of Helix Energy Solutions Group during the 1st quarter valued at $527,000. Institutional investors own 91.33% of the companys stock. Helix Energy Solutions Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, an offshore energy services company, provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry in Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico, the East Coast of the United States, North Sea, the Asia Pacific, and West Africa regions. The company operates through four segments: Well Intervention, Robotics, Production Facilities, and Shallow Water Abandonment segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Helix Energy Solutions Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Iluka Resources Limited (OTCMKTS:ILKAY Get Free Report)s stock price rose 0.3% on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $21.41 and last traded at $21.41. Approximately 343 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 92% from the average daily volume of 4,493 shares. The stock had previously closed at $21.3450. Iluka Resources Trading Up 0.3% The firms fifty day simple moving average is $22.76 and its 200-day simple moving average is $18.49. Get Iluka Resources alerts: Iluka Resources Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 4th were paid a dividend of $0.0515 per share. This represents a yield of 74.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, September 3rd. Iluka Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -203.84%. About Iluka Resources Iluka Resources Limited engages in the exploration, project development, mining, processing, marketing, and rehabilitation of mineral sands in Australia, China, rest of Asia, Europe, the Americas, and internationally. It operates through Jacinth-Ambrosia/Mid-West, Cataby/South West, Rare Earths, and United States/Murray Basin segments. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Iluka Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Iluka Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Interfor Co. (OTCMKTS:IFSPF Get Free Report)s stock price traded down 1.2% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $5.06 and last traded at $5.15. 23,244 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 32% from the average session volume of 34,431 shares. The stock had previously closed at $5.21. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Separately, Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Interfor in a research report on Thursday, October 2nd. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get Interfor alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on IFSPF Interfor Stock Performance About Interfor The business has a 50 day moving average price of $6.29 and a 200-day moving average price of $8.34. (Get Free Report) Interfor Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells wood products in Canada, the United States, Japan, China, Taiwan, and internationally. It offers decking, fascia and board, framing, v-joint paneling, fineline paneling, and siding products, as well as appearance, structural, studs, timbers, and machine stress related products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Interfor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interfor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF (BATS:EMHY Get Free Report) traded up 2.7% on Monday . The stock traded as high as $39.60 and last traded at $40.2620. 93,063 shares traded hands during trading, an increase of 11% from the average session volume of 83,732 shares. The stock had previously closed at $39.20. iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF Trading Up 3.0% The company has a 50-day moving average price of $39.93 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $39.25. Get iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of EMHY. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF by 50.6% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 1,608 shares of the companys stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 540 shares during the last quarter. Flow Traders U.S. LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF in the first quarter worth about $872,000. Summit Financial LLC purchased a new stake in iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $11,516,000. OLD Mission Capital LLC acquired a new stake in iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF during the first quarter valued at $559,000. Finally, Jones Financial Companies Lllp grew its position in shares of iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF by 20,692.9% during the 1st quarter. Jones Financial Companies Lllp now owns 5,822 shares of the companys stock valued at $236,000 after acquiring an additional 5,794 shares during the period. About iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF The iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF (EMHY) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in high yield fixed income. The fund tracks an index comprising USD denominated emerging markets high yield bonds. EMHY was launched on Apr 3, 2012 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares J.P. Morgan EM High Yield Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) by 5.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 392,067 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after purchasing an additional 19,987 shares during the quarter. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF makes up about 7.5% of Johnson Financial Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 2nd biggest position. Johnson Financial Group Inc. owned approximately 0.15% of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF worth $166,464,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC increased its holdings in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 722,329.3% during the 2nd 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 last quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 42,358.0% in the second quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 1,704,689 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $723,777,000 after buying an additional 1,700,674 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF in the 1st quarter valued at $424,812,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 311.4% during 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 acquiring an additional 973,250 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased its stake 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 worth $3,063,916,000 after purchasing an additional 411,172 shares during the period. 75.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Stock Up 0.8% Shares of NYSEARCA:IWF opened at $474.60 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $471.82 and a 200 day moving average price of $442.83. The company has a market cap of $123.23 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 33.43 and a beta of 1.13. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a twelve month low of $308.67 and a twelve month high of $493.00. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Featured Articles 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. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH lifted its position in KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Free Report) by 37.5% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 19,331 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,270 shares during the quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbHs holdings in KBR were worth $927,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Integrated Quantitative Investments LLC boosted its holdings in KBR by 108.1% in the second quarter. Integrated Quantitative Investments LLC now owns 33,082 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,586,000 after purchasing an additional 17,182 shares during the period. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS raised its holdings in shares of KBR by 4.7% during the second quarter. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Public School Empls Retrmt SYS now owns 33,333 shares of the construction companys stock worth $1,598,000 after purchasing an additional 1,483 shares during the period. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in shares of KBR by 8.1% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 4,090,874 shares of the construction companys stock worth $196,116,000 after buying an additional 308,268 shares during the last quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey boosted its holdings in shares of KBR by 3.1% in the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 49,229 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,360,000 after buying an additional 1,469 shares during the period. Finally, Pembroke Management LTD boosted its holdings in shares of KBR by 9.1% in the 2nd quarter. Pembroke Management LTD now owns 240,806 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $11,544,000 after buying an additional 19,995 shares during the period. 97.02% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get KBR alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth KBR has been the topic of several research reports. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of KBR from $78.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Citigroup dropped their price target on KBR from $62.00 to $57.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Wall Street Zen downgraded KBR from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of KBR in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Truist Financial set a $62.00 target price on KBR in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $59.00. KBR Stock Performance Shares of NYSE KBR opened at $40.76 on Thursday. KBR, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.61 and a 12-month high of $62.14. The company has a market cap of $5.18 billion, a PE ratio of 14.77, a P/E/G ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.68. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of $44.10 and a 200-day simple moving average of $47.94. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. KBR (NYSE:KBR Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The construction company reported $1.02 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.07. KBR had a return on equity of 33.65% and a net margin of 4.52%.The firm had revenue of $525.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.99 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.84 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts forecast that KBR, Inc. will post 3.26 EPS for the current year. KBR Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be issued a $0.165 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. This represents a $0.66 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. KBRs dividend payout ratio is presently 22.68%. KBR Profile (Free Report) KBR, Inc provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. It operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KBR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for KBR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that France promotes the healthy development of China-EU relations along the right track, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday. Wang made the remarks in a phone call with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president. He hopes that France will encourage the EU to pursue a positive and rational policy toward China, uphold the basic positioning of partnership, and properly address economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation. Shares of Kohls Corporation (NYSE:KSS Get Free Report) have been assigned an average rating of Reduce from the sixteen brokerages that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. Six analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, nine have issued a hold recommendation and one has assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $15.1818. A number of brokerages recently issued reports on KSS. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c-) rating on shares of Kohls in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Kohls from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, September 1st. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $23.00 price target (up previously from $16.00) on shares of Kohls in a research report on Tuesday. Citigroup increased their price objective on Kohls from $19.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Kohls from $17.00 to $20.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday. Get Kohl's alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kohls Kohls Stock Performance NYSE KSS opened at $24.11 on Thursday. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $16.56 and a 200-day simple moving average of $12.97. The company has a current ratio of 1.36, a quick ratio of 0.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. The stock has a market cap of $2.70 billion, a PE ratio of 13.03 and a beta of 1.78. Kohls has a twelve month low of $6.04 and a twelve month high of $24.91. Kohls (NYSE:KSS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.19) by $0.29. Kohls had a return on equity of 4.62% and a net margin of 1.31%.The company had revenue of $3.41 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.37 billion. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.20 EPS. Kohlss revenue for the quarter was down 3.6% on a year-over-year basis. Kohls has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.250-1.450 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Kohls will post 1.3 earnings per share for the current year. Kohls Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a $0.125 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $0.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.1%. Kohlss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 27.03%. Institutional Trading of Kohls Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the business. Arizona State Retirement System raised its position in shares of Kohls by 2.0% in the third quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 33,154 shares of the companys stock valued at $510,000 after buying an additional 666 shares during the last quarter. Sei Investments Co. grew its stake in Kohls by 2.9% in the 3rd quarter. Sei Investments Co. now owns 30,638 shares of the companys stock worth $471,000 after acquiring an additional 868 shares during the period. Viawealth LLC raised its holdings in Kohls by 7.2% in the 2nd quarter. Viawealth LLC now owns 12,998 shares of the companys stock valued at $110,000 after acquiring an additional 873 shares during the last quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators lifted its stake in shares of Kohls by 46.4% during the 3rd quarter. Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators now owns 2,832 shares of the companys stock worth $44,000 after purchasing an additional 898 shares during the period. Finally, Amalgamated Bank boosted its stake in Kohls by 3.2% in the 3rd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 32,887 shares of the companys stock worth $505,000 after buying an additional 1,018 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.04% of the companys stock. About Kohls (Get Free Report) Kohls Corporation operates as an omnichannel retailer in the United States. It offers branded apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty, and home products through its stores and website. The company provides its products primarily under the brand names of Croft & Barrow, Jumping Beans, SO, Sonoma Goods for Life, and Tek Gear, as well as Food Network, LC Lauren Conrad, Nine West, and Simply Vera Vera Wang. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Kohl's Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kohl's and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Korea Investment CORP trimmed its position in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) by 9.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 945,678 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 101,357 shares during the quarter. Korea Investment CORP owned approximately 0.06% of Morgan Stanley worth $133,208,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Morgan Stanley by 111.0% during the first quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 211 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $25,000 after buying an additional 111 shares during the period. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley by 645.8% during the 2nd quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 179 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after acquiring an additional 155 shares in the last quarter. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley by 50.0% during the 1st quarter. Hopwood Financial Services Inc. now owns 264 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares in the last quarter. Compass Financial Services Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Morgan Stanley during the 2nd quarter valued at about $32,000. Finally, Abound Wealth Management increased its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley by 58.5% in the 2nd quarter. Abound Wealth Management now owns 252 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $35,000 after purchasing an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. 84.19% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Morgan Stanley Stock Up 1.6% MS stock opened at $168.15 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.30. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $160.95 and a two-hundred day moving average of $147.38. Morgan Stanley has a 12 month low of $94.33 and a 12 month high of $171.77. The company has a market cap of $267.25 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.25, a PEG ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.33. Morgan Stanley Announces Dividend Morgan Stanley ( NYSE:MS Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $2.80 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.07 by $0.73. Morgan Stanley had a return on equity of 16.55% and a net margin of 13.85%.The business had revenue of $17.98 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.42 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $1.88 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 18.5% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts forecast that Morgan Stanley will post 8.56 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 31st were issued a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanleys payout ratio is currently 41.03%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have recently commented on the company. Citigroup boosted their price objective on Morgan Stanley from $155.00 to $170.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Morgan Stanley from $122.00 to $157.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $145.00 to $164.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Zacks Research raised shares of Morgan Stanley from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their price objective on Morgan Stanley from $145.00 to $171.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $173.38. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Morgan Stanley Insider Buying and Selling at Morgan Stanley In related news, CEO Edward Pick sold 100,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $164.34, for a total value of $16,434,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 574,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $94,493,199.24. This represents a 14.82% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Insiders own 0.19% of the companys stock. Morgan Stanley Company Profile (Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (BATS:FLOT Free Report) by 5,002.0% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 163,673 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 160,465 shares during the quarter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC owned 0.09% of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF worth $8,351,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of FLOT. Northern Trust Corp grew its position in iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 11.0% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 4,530,501 shares of the companys stock worth $231,282,000 after acquiring an additional 447,443 shares during the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 10.8% during the second quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 3,209,096 shares of the companys stock valued at $163,728,000 after purchasing an additional 313,769 shares during the period. Ameriprise Financial Inc. grew its holdings in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 143.4% in the first quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 2,611,975 shares of the companys stock worth $133,006,000 after purchasing an additional 1,538,926 shares during the last quarter. Glenview Trust co grew its holdings in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 4.0% in the first quarter. Glenview Trust co now owns 2,529,427 shares of the companys stock worth $129,127,000 after purchasing an additional 97,749 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada increased its stake in shares of iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF by 59.0% in the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 2,351,795 shares of the companys stock worth $120,058,000 after buying an additional 872,352 shares during the period. Get iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Price Performance Shares of FLOT opened at $51.04 on Thursday. iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF has a twelve month low of $49.75 and a twelve month high of $51.34. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $50.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $50.95. About iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF The iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF (FLOT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund tracks a market value-weighted index of USD-denominated, investment-grade floating rate notes with maturities of 0-5 years. FLOT was launched on Jun 14, 2011 and is managed by BlackRock. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Floating Rate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MAI Capital Management raised its holdings in Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO Free Report) by 47.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 1,563 shares of the utilities providers stock after purchasing an additional 504 shares during the period. MAI Capital Managements holdings in Atmos Energy were worth $241,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Swiss National Bank raised its position in shares of Atmos Energy by 9.6% in the second quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 480,400 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $74,034,000 after buying an additional 42,000 shares in the last quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich increased its stake in Atmos Energy by 267.0% during the 2nd quarter. Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd Zurich now owns 2,822 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $435,000 after acquiring an additional 2,053 shares during the period. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc raised its holdings in Atmos Energy by 43.7% in the 2nd quarter. Ensign Peak Advisors Inc now owns 120,618 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $18,588,000 after acquiring an additional 36,670 shares in the last quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Atmos Energy by 1.0% in the 2nd quarter. Wealthspire Advisors LLC now owns 9,504 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $1,465,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Portside Wealth Group LLC lifted its position in shares of Atmos Energy by 3.3% during the 2nd quarter. Portside Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,809 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $433,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.17% of the companys stock. Get Atmos Energy alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of brokerages recently commented on ATO. UBS Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $159.00 price target (up previously from $146.00) on shares of Atmos Energy in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. LADENBURG THALM/SH SH reiterated a neutral rating and set a $163.00 price objective (down from $171.00) on shares of Atmos Energy in a research note on Friday, August 8th. Cowen assumed coverage on shares of Atmos Energy in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a $182.00 price target on shares of Atmos Energy in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Barclays set a $175.00 price target on shares of Atmos Energy in a report on Thursday, October 9th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Atmos Energy currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $170.56. Atmos Energy Stock Performance NYSE:ATO opened at $175.94 on Thursday. Atmos Energy Corporation has a twelve month low of $136.05 and a twelve month high of $180.65. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 1.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.67. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $173.49 and its 200 day simple moving average is $163.55. The firm has a market capitalization of $28.45 billion, a PE ratio of 24.17, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.90 and a beta of 0.73. Atmos Energy (NYSE:ATO Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The utilities provider reported $1.04 EPS for the quarter. Atmos Energy had a net margin of 25.05% and a return on equity of 9.00%. The firm had revenue of $737.48 million during the quarter. On average, analysts anticipate that Atmos Energy Corporation will post 7.18 EPS for the current fiscal year. Atmos Energy Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th will be paid a $1.00 dividend. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 24th. This is a positive change from Atmos Energys previous quarterly dividend of $0.87. Atmos Energys payout ratio is currently 53.40%. About Atmos Energy (Free Report) Atmos Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated natural gas distribution, and pipeline and storage businesses in the United States. It operates through two segments, Distribution, and Pipeline and Storage. The Distribution segment is involved in the regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ATO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Atmos Energy Corporation (NYSE:ATO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Atmos Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Atmos Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC Get Free Report) was upgraded by research analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada to a hold rating in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Zacks.com reports. Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from $220.00 to $215.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $243.00 to $237.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 17th. UBS Group cut their price target on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $258.00 to $257.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Marsh & McLennan Companies from $222.00 to $212.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and cut their target price for the company from $248.00 to $242.00 in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $224.56. Get Marsh & McLennan Companies alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Marsh & McLennan Companies Marsh & McLennan Companies Price Performance MMC stock opened at $182.66 on Monday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $189.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $205.34. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.19, a current ratio of 1.12 and a quick ratio of 1.12. The firm has a market capitalization of $89.49 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.90, a P/E/G ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.78. Marsh & McLennan Companies has a 1 year low of $174.18 and a 1 year high of $248.00. Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE:MMC Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The financial services provider reported $1.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.78 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $6.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.34 billion. Marsh & McLennan Companies had a net margin of 15.60% and a return on equity of 31.79%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 11.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.63 EPS. Analysts anticipate that Marsh & McLennan Companies will post 9.61 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Marsh & McLennan Companies In other news, CEO John Q. Doyle sold 21,079 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $205.65, for a total value of $4,334,896.35. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 87,681 shares in the company, valued at $18,031,597.65. This trade represents a 19.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.35% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Marsh & McLennan Companies Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the second quarter worth about $1,328,587,000. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its position in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 54.2% during the first quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 12,814,788 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $3,127,193,000 after acquiring an additional 4,505,548 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in Marsh & McLennan Companies in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,038,594,000. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Marsh & McLennan Companies by 48,212.9% in the 2nd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 2,629,187 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $574,845,000 after acquiring an additional 2,623,745 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Soundwatch Capital LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Marsh & McLennan Companies during the second quarter worth $560,820,000. 87.99% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Marsh & McLennan Companies Company Profile (Get Free Report) Marsh & McLennan Cos., Inc is a professional services firm, which engages in offering clients advice and solutions in risk, strategy, and people. It operates through the Risk and Insurance Services, and Consulting segments. The Risk and Insurance Services segment is involved in risk management activities, as well as insurance and reinsurance broking and services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Marsh & McLennan Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mexico Fund, Inc. (The) (NYSE:MXF Get Free Report) major shareholder Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 1,869 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $19.10 per share, with a total value of $35,697.90. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 1,599,767 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,555,549.70. The trade was a 0.12% increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Large shareholders that own 10% or more of a companys stock are required to disclose their transactions with the SEC. Saba Capital Management, L.P. also recently made the following trade(s): Get Mexico Fund alerts: On Friday, November 21st, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 200 shares of Mexico Fund stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of $18.76 per share, for a total transaction of $3,752.00. On Tuesday, November 18th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. acquired 47,273 shares of Mexico Fund stock. The stock was purchased at an average price of $19.15 per share, for a total transaction of $905,277.95. On Monday, November 17th, Saba Capital Management, L.P. purchased 13,451 shares of Mexico Fund stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $18.94 per share, for a total transaction of $254,761.94. On Thursday, October 23rd, Saba Capital Management, L.P. bought 506 shares of Mexico Fund stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of $18.64 per share, for a total transaction of $9,431.84. Mexico Fund Price Performance Shares of NYSE MXF traded up $0.13 on Thursday, hitting $19.24. The company had a trading volume of 13,607 shares, compared to its average volume of 43,575. Mexico Fund, Inc. has a 12-month low of $12.99 and a 12-month high of $19.86. The business has a 50 day moving average of $19.12 and a two-hundred day moving average of $18.07. Mexico Fund Dividend Announcement Institutional Trading of Mexico Fund The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, October 30th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 22nd were paid a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 22nd. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.2%. Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. Wolverine Asset Management LLC grew its stake in Mexico Fund by 62.1% during the 1st quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 236,078 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $3,359,000 after purchasing an additional 90,483 shares in the last quarter. SFI Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Mexico Fund by 342.4% in the 1st quarter. SFI Advisors LLC now owns 131,807 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,876,000 after buying an additional 102,015 shares during the last quarter. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. boosted its stake in Mexico Fund by 34.9% in the first quarter. Landscape Capital Management L.L.C. now owns 73,799 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,050,000 after acquiring an additional 19,109 shares during the period. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. grew its stake in Mexico Fund by 9.3% during the 2nd quarter. City of London Investment Management Co. Ltd. now owns 3,608,772 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $63,406,000 after buying an additional 305,864 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Almitas Capital LLC grew its position in shares of Mexico Fund by 8.3% during the first quarter. Almitas Capital LLC now owns 344,264 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $4,899,000 after acquiring an additional 26,418 shares during the last quarter. Mexico Fund Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Mexico Fund, Inc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Impulsora del Fondo Mexico, S.C. It primarily invests in public equity markets of Mexico. The fund seeks to invest its portfolio across diversified sectors. The Mexico Fund, Inc was formed in June 01, 1981 and is domiciled in Maryland, United States. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Mexico Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mexico Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (NYSEARCA:FNGO Get Free Report)s stock price shot up 0.3% during mid-day trading on Wednesday . The company traded as high as $129.91 and last traded at $128.30. 8,173 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 66% from the average session volume of 24,150 shares. The stock had previously closed at $127.93. MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Stock Performance The business has a 50 day moving average price of $127.64 and a 200-day moving average price of $114.19. The company has a market capitalization of $641.50 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.58 and a beta of 2.36. About MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN (Get Free Report) The MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETNs (FNGO) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the NYSE FANG+ index. The fund provides 2x the daily price movements of an index of US-listed technology and consumer discretionary companies. The index is highly concentrated and equally weighted. FNGO was launched on Aug 6, 2018 and is issued by REX Microsectors. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MicroSectors FANG+ Index 2X Leveraged ETN and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. North American Income Trust (LON:NAIT Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as GBX 367 and last traded at GBX 364.50, with a volume of 66642 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 363.50. North American Income Trust Trading Up 0.3% The stock has a market cap of 422.31 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.09 and a beta of 0.66. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 8.54, a current ratio of 12.03 and a quick ratio of 7.40. The businesss 50 day moving average is GBX 356.73 and its 200 day moving average is GBX 340.74. Get North American Income Trust alerts: North American Income Trust (LON:NAIT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 24th. The company reported GBX 5.97 EPS for the quarter. North American Income Trust had a return on equity of 12.23% and a net margin of 88.41%. About North American Income Trust Leading US companies picked for their higher income potential Read More Receive News & Ratings for North American Income Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for North American Income Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Advocates Investment Management lifted its holdings in shares of Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report) by 84.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,278 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,956 shares during the quarter. Financial Advocates Investment Managements holdings in Novartis were worth $518,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in Novartis by 5.2% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 8,606,724 shares of the companys stock worth $959,535,000 after buying an additional 422,869 shares during the period. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Novartis by 60.3% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 3,660,485 shares of the companys stock valued at $408,071,000 after acquiring an additional 1,377,252 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp lifted its holdings in shares of Novartis by 2.2% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 2,180,281 shares of the companys stock worth $243,058,000 after acquiring an additional 47,690 shares during the period. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Novartis by 8.0% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,736,891 shares of the companys stock worth $210,181,000 after acquiring an additional 128,302 shares during the last quarter. Finally, New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC grew its holdings in Novartis by 12,664.1% in the first quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC now owns 1,383,244 shares of the companys stock valued at $154,204,000 after purchasing an additional 1,372,407 shares during the period. 13.12% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Novartis alerts: Novartis Price Performance Shares of NYSE NVS opened at $130.44 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50, a current ratio of 0.88 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $275.54 billion, a PE ratio of 17.82, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.60. Novartis AG has a 1-year low of $96.06 and a 1-year high of $134.00. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $128.00 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $122.30. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Novartis ( NYSE:NVS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $2.25 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.26 by ($0.01). Novartis had a return on equity of 41.21% and a net margin of 26.49%.The firm had revenue of $14.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.70 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.06 EPS. The firms revenue was up 8.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts expect that Novartis AG will post 8.45 EPS for the current year. A number of equities analysts have weighed in on NVS shares. Cowen reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Novartis in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Wall Street Zen downgraded Novartis from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Novartis in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. HC Wainwright downgraded Novartis to a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating on shares of Novartis in a report on Monday, October 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $122.33. View Our Latest Analysis on Novartis Novartis Company Profile (Free Report) Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NVS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Novartis Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Novartis and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of OFG Bancorp (NYSE:OFG Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the seven research firms that are covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year target price among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $47.1667. OFG has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on OFG Bancorp from $48.00 to $43.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of OFG Bancorp in a report on Tuesday. Zacks Research raised shares of OFG Bancorp to a hold rating in a report on Friday, October 10th. Truist Financial decreased their target price on shares of OFG Bancorp from $50.00 to $48.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods dropped their price target on shares of OFG Bancorp from $51.00 to $50.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Get OFG Bancorp alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on OFG Insiders Place Their Bets Hedge Funds Weigh In On OFG Bancorp In other news, CEO Jose Rafael Fernandez sold 25,232 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.95, for a total value of $1,033,250.40. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 184,675 shares in the company, valued at approximately $7,562,441.25. This trade represents a 12.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link . Also, Director Jorge Colon sold 25,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $40.85, for a total transaction of $1,021,250.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 27,543 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,125,131.55. This represents a 47.58% 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 55,000 shares of company stock valued at $2,247,747 over the last ninety days. Insiders own 3.11% of the companys stock. Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Penn Capital Management Company LLC boosted its position in shares of OFG Bancorp by 1.6% during the third quarter. Penn Capital Management Company LLC now owns 18,870 shares of the banks stock worth $821,000 after purchasing an additional 303 shares in the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC raised its stake in OFG Bancorp by 1.9% during the 2nd quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 20,898 shares of the banks stock worth $894,000 after buying an additional 391 shares during the period. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC lifted its holdings in OFG Bancorp by 1.5% during the second quarter. Wedge Capital Management L L P NC now owns 26,409 shares of the banks stock worth $1,130,000 after acquiring an additional 394 shares in the last quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey grew its stake in OFG Bancorp by 4.0% in the second quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 10,219 shares of the banks stock valued at $437,000 after acquiring an additional 396 shares during the period. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al grew its stake in OFG Bancorp by 1.5% in the third quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al now owns 32,987 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,435,000 after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.73% of the companys stock. OFG Bancorp Stock Down 0.2% Shares of OFG Bancorp stock opened at $40.05 on Friday. OFG Bancorp has a 12-month low of $33.15 and a 12-month high of $46.63. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 0.85 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $41.31 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $42.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $1.76 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.10 and a beta of 0.84. OFG Bancorp (NYSE:OFG Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The bank reported $1.16 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.16. The firm had revenue of $186.18 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $186.71 million. OFG Bancorp had a net margin of 22.26% and a return on equity of 15.18%. The businesss revenue was up 5.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $1.00 EPS. Equities analysts expect that OFG Bancorp will post 4.18 earnings per share for the current year. OFG Bancorp Dividend Announcement 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 issued a dividend of $0.30 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $1.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.0%. OFG Bancorps dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 27.27%. OFG Bancorp Company Profile (Get Free Report) OFG Bancorp, a financial holding company, provides a range of banking and financial services. It operates through three segments: Banking, Wealth Management, and Treasury. The company offers checking and savings accounts, and individual retirement accounts; certificate of deposits, as well as time deposit products; commercial, consumer, auto leasing, and mortgage lending services; credit cards; cash management; financial planning and insurance services; and corporate and individual trust, and retirement services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for OFG Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OFG Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. LIMA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Former Peruvian President Martin Vizcarra was sentenced on Wednesday to 14 years in prison for taking bribes, according to local authorities. Vizcarra attended a hearing at the Fourth National Criminal Collegiate Court, in which Judge Fernanda Ayasta announced the sentence on him for accepting bribes while he served as governor of the Moquegua region. The cases involved two construction projects, the Lomas de Ilo irrigation system and the Moquegua Hospital, which resulted in sentences of six and eight years, respectively. According to the judge, Vizcarra received around 2.3 million soles (about 690,000 U.S. dollars) in illegal contributions from companies Obrainsa and Contratistas Generales SAT through commissions and staggered payments. In addition to the prison term, the court also barred Vizcarra from holding public office for nine years and ordered him to pay 94,900 soles in civil damages. Following the verdict, Vizcarra took to social media, claiming he was the victim of "revenge" for challenging what he described as a "mafia pact." (1 Peruvian sol = 0.3 U.S. dollar) PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Free Report) by 27.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 9,578 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 2,055 shares during the quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc.s holdings in Banco De Chile were worth $291,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Brooklyn Investment Group grew its stake in shares of Banco De Chile by 823.3% in the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,385 shares of the banks stock valued at $37,000 after buying an additional 1,235 shares in the last quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Banco De Chile by 276.2% during the second quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 2,513 shares of the banks stock worth $76,000 after purchasing an additional 1,845 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Banco De Chile by 1,355.4% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 3,231 shares of the banks stock valued at $98,000 after acquiring an additional 3,009 shares during the period. Parallel Advisors LLC raised its position in Banco De Chile by 7.5% during the second quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 6,141 shares of the banks stock valued at $187,000 after purchasing an additional 428 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ballentine Partners LLC acquired a new stake in Banco De Chile in the second quarter valued at about $223,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 1.24% of the companys stock. Get Banco De Chile alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes BCH has been the topic of a number of research reports. Zacks Research raised shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Banco De Chile from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Banco De Chile from $31.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco De Chile in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Banco De Chile from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, September 20th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $34.00. Banco De Chile Price Performance Shares of NYSE:BCH opened at $37.39 on Thursday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $33.39 and a 200 day moving average of $30.87. Banco De Chile has a 12 month low of $22.06 and a 12 month high of $37.70. The stock has a market cap of $18.88 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.35, a P/E/G ratio of 2.70 and a beta of 0.28. The company has a current ratio of 1.53, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00. Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The bank reported $0.60 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.62 by ($0.02). Banco De Chile had a return on equity of 23.25% and a net margin of 32.87%.The company had revenue of $764.93 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $831.97 million. As a group, sell-side analysts forecast that Banco De Chile will post 2.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. Banco De Chile Profile (Free Report) Banco de Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking services to customers in Chile. The company offers checking and debit accounts, debit and credit cards, and lines of credit; mortgage, consume, commercial, general purpose mortgage loans, and finance leases; and factoring services, mutual fund management, stock brokerage, foreign trade, payments and collections, insurance brokerage, including life and general insurance, as well as time deposits, savings instruments, and foreign currency services through branches under the Banco de Chile and Banco Edwards brands. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BCH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Banco De Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco De Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Robinhood Markets, Coinbase Global, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. are the three Financial stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Financial stocks are shares of companies that provide financial servicessuch as banks, insurance companies, brokerage and asset-management firms, and payment processorswhose business models revolve around lending, investing, underwriting, and managing money. Investors in financial stocks typically focus on interest-rate trends, credit cycles, regulatory and capital requirements, and dividend potential, because those factors strongly influence profitability and risk in the sector. 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 See Also Barrick Mining, Newmont, Freeport-McMoRan, Agnico Eagle Mines, Pan American Silver, Hecla Mining, and Coeur Mining are the seven Gold stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Gold stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business involves gold including miners, junior explorers, and royalty/streaming firms that finance or buy gold production. They offer investors equity exposure to the price of gold but are also affected by company-specific factors like production costs, management and geopolitical risks, often producing amplified moves relative to the metal itself. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Gold stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Barrick Mining (B) Barrick Gold Corporation is a sector-leading gold and copper producer. Its shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol GOLD and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ABX. In January 2019 Barrick merged with Randgold Resources and in July that year it combined its gold mines in Nevada, USA, with those of Newmont Corporation in a joint venture, Nevada Gold Mines, which is majority-owned and operated by Barrick. Newmont (NEM) Newmont Corporation engages in the production and exploration of gold. It also explores for copper, silver, zinc, and lead. The company has operations and/or assets in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Suriname, Argentina, Chile, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, Fiji, and Ghana. Read Our Latest Research Report on NEM Freeport-McMoRan (FCX) Freeport-McMoRan Inc. engages in the mining of mineral properties in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It primarily explores for copper, gold, molybdenum, silver, and other metals. The company's assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia; Morenci, Bagdad, Safford, Sierrita, and Miami in Arizona; Chino and Tyrone in New Mexico; and Henderson and Climax in Colorado, North America, as well as Cerro Verde in Peru and El Abra in Chile. Read Our Latest Research Report on FCX Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) Agnico Eagle Mines Limited, a gold mining company, exploration, development, and production of precious metals. It explores for gold. The company's mines are located in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in Canada, Australia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. Read Our Latest Research Report on AEM Pan American Silver (PAAS) Pan American Silver Corp. engages in the exploration, mine development, extraction, processing, refining, and reclamation of silver, gold, zinc, lead, and copper mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. The company was formerly known as Pan American Minerals Corp. and changed its name to Pan American Silver Corp. Read Our Latest Research Report on PAAS Hecla Mining (HL) Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold. Read Our Latest Research Report on HL Coeur Mining (CDE) Coeur Mining, Inc. explores for precious metals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, and lead properties. It markets and sells its concentrates to third-party customers, smelters, under off-take agreements. The company was formerly known as Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc. Read Our Latest Research Report on CDE Read More SCP Investment LP purchased a new position in EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm purchased 3,800 shares of the energy exploration companys stock, valued at approximately $455,000. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of EOG. Kiker Wealth Management LLC purchased a new stake in EOG Resources during the second quarter valued at approximately $627,000. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC raised its holdings in EOG Resources by 9.1% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 61,742 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $7,386,000 after purchasing an additional 5,156 shares during the period. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board lifted its position in EOG Resources by 30.1% during the first quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 195,782 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $25,107,000 after purchasing an additional 45,295 shares in the last quarter. Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors LLC grew its holdings in EOG Resources by 14.4% during the second quarter. Turtle Creek Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 52,194 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $6,243,000 after purchasing an additional 6,588 shares during the period. Finally, Jump Financial LLC bought a new position in shares of EOG Resources in the first quarter worth about $2,796,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research analysts recently weighed in on EOG shares. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Morgan Stanley boosted their price target on EOG Resources from $136.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Wells Fargo & Company reduced their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $127.00 to $126.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Argus lowered shares of EOG Resources from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, August 25th. Finally, Scotiabank reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $130.00 price target on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Friday, September 26th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and sixteen have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, EOG Resources currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $140.33. EOG Resources Stock Performance NYSE:EOG opened at $106.27 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a current ratio of 1.79. The stocks fifty day moving average is $109.14 and its 200 day moving average is $115.30. The firm has a market capitalization of $57.66 billion, a PE ratio of 10.33, a PEG ratio of 8.20 and a beta of 0.72. EOG Resources, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $102.52 and a fifty-two week high of $138.18. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The energy exploration company reported $2.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $5.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.48 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 25.25% and a return on equity of 20.51%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $2.89 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 earnings per share for the current year. EOG Resources Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, January 16th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is currently 40.64%. EOG Resources Company Profile (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 1,501,347 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 19,790 shares during the quarter. Philip Morris International accounts for 0.5% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems holdings, making the stock its 27th biggest holding. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System owned approximately 0.10% of Philip Morris International worth $273,440,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Johnson Financial Group Inc. boosted its stake in Philip Morris International by 12.4% during the second quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 11,008 shares of the companys stock worth $2,020,000 after buying an additional 1,213 shares during the period. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 106.5% in the 2nd quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC now owns 27,947 shares of the companys stock worth $5,090,000 after acquiring an additional 14,416 shares during the last quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 20.1% in the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 37,622 shares of the companys stock worth $6,852,000 after acquiring an additional 6,285 shares during the last quarter. Vinva Investment Management Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International during the 2nd quarter worth about $1,226,000. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 2.1% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 3,341 shares of the companys stock valued at $608,000 after purchasing an additional 68 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. KGI Securities assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a report on Monday, August 4th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, September 4th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price objective on Philip Morris International from $190.00 to $185.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday. Finally, UBS Group reduced their target price on Philip Morris International from $177.00 to $166.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, September 5th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $189.00. Philip Morris International Stock Performance Philip Morris International stock opened at $156.66 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $243.87 billion, a PE ratio of 28.38, a P/E/G ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $155.90 and a 200-day moving average price of $166.93. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $116.12 and a fifty-two 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 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%. On average, analysts forecast that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Investors of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a $1.47 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This is an increase from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.8%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 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. 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. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of American Express Company (NYSE:AXP Free Report) by 28.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 74,212 shares of the payment services companys stock after purchasing an additional 16,262 shares during the quarter. American Express makes up 0.4% of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 29th biggest holding. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc.s holdings in American Express were worth $23,672,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Access Investment Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Briaud Financial Planning Inc bought a new position in American Express during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $26,000. Chung Wu Investment Group LLC acquired a new position in shares of American Express in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Solstein Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at $39,000. Finally, Proffitt & Goodson Inc. bought a new stake in shares of American Express in the 2nd quarter valued at $41,000. 84.33% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get American Express alerts: Insider Activity In other news, insider Douglas Tabish sold 2,515 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $355.61, for a total value of $894,359.15. Following the sale, the insider owned 2,515 shares of the companys stock, valued at $894,359.15. The trade was a 50.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, CEO Stephen J. Squeri sold 112,272 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 4th. The stock was sold at an average price of $329.86, for a total value of $37,034,041.92. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 92,810 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,614,306.60. The trade was a 54.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 193,292 shares of company stock worth $65,363,878. 0.20% of the stock is owned by company insiders. American Express Stock Up 0.4% American Express stock opened at $364.26 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $250.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.45, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.27. The firms fifty day moving average price is $347.25 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $322.06. American Express Company has a 1-year low of $220.43 and a 1-year high of $377.23. The company has a current ratio of 1.61, a quick ratio of 1.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.78. American Express (NYSE:AXP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The payment services company reported $4.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.98 by $0.16. The business had revenue of $17.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $18.03 billion. American Express had a return on equity of 33.41% and a net margin of 14.97%.American Expresss revenue was up 11.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $3.49 earnings per share. American Express has set its FY 2025 guidance at 15.200-15.500 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that American Express Company will post 15.33 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. American Express Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 10th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 10th were issued a dividend of $0.82 per share. This represents a $3.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 10th. American Expresss dividend payout ratio is 22.01%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on AXP shares. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their target price on shares of American Express from $375.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on American Express from $311.00 to $362.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. Weiss Ratings raised American Express from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research note on Tuesday. BTIG Research raised their target price on American Express from $277.00 to $307.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their price target on American Express from $330.00 to $340.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $332.65. Get Our Latest Stock Report on American Express American Express Profile (Free Report) American Express Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as integrated payments company in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Canada, the Caribbean, and Internationally. It operates through four segments: U.S. Consumer Services, Commercial Services, International Card Services, and Global Merchant and Network Services. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for American Express Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for American Express and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swiss National Bank boosted its holdings in shares of EastGroup Properties, Inc. (NYSE:EGP Free Report) by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 99,787 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after acquiring an additional 3,900 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank owned approximately 0.19% of EastGroup Properties worth $16,676,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors also recently modified their holdings of the business. Victory Capital Management Inc. grew its position in shares of EastGroup Properties by 1.6% in the 1st quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 9,421 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,660,000 after purchasing an additional 149 shares during the period. Choreo LLC acquired a new stake in EastGroup Properties during the 1st quarter worth approximately $203,000. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. lifted its stake in EastGroup Properties by 24.0% in the first quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 11,247 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,981,000 after buying an additional 2,178 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers lifted its stake in EastGroup Properties by 16.8% in the first quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 3,600 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $634,000 after buying an additional 518 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Assetmark Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of EastGroup Properties by 1,035.7% in the first quarter. Assetmark Inc. now owns 159 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 145 shares during the period. 92.14% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get EastGroup Properties alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, EVP Richard Reid Dunbar sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $175.00, for a total transaction of $350,000.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 20,630 shares in the company, valued at $3,610,250. The trade was a 8.84% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts recently commented on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada set a $183.00 price objective on shares of EastGroup Properties and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on EastGroup Properties from $170.00 to $178.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 9th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of EastGroup Properties in a report on Monday. BNP Paribas Exane raised EastGroup Properties from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $207.00 price objective for the company in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, BNP Paribas raised EastGroup Properties from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $207.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $190.80. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on EastGroup Properties EastGroup Properties Stock Up 0.3% EGP stock opened at $181.44 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $9.68 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.12, a P/E/G ratio of 3.67 and a beta of 1.04. EastGroup Properties, Inc. has a twelve month low of $137.67 and a twelve month high of $188.89. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $174.52 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $169.90. The company has a quick ratio of 0.01, a current ratio of 0.01 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.42. EastGroup Properties (NYSE:EGP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The real estate investment trust reported $2.27 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.28 by ($0.01). EastGroup Properties had a net margin of 35.58% and a return on equity of 7.28%. The company had revenue of $182.14 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $181.88 million. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $2.13 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 11.8% compared to the same quarter last year. EastGroup Properties has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.940-8.980 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 2.300-2.340 EPS. Analysts anticipate that EastGroup Properties, Inc. will post 8.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. EastGroup Properties Company Profile (Free Report) EastGroup Properties, Inc (NYSE: EGP), a member of the S&P Mid-Cap 400 and Russell 1000 Indexes, is a self-administered equity real estate investment trust focused on the development, acquisition and operation of industrial properties in major Sunbelt markets throughout the United States with an emphasis in the states of Florida, Texas, Arizona, California and North Carolina. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for EastGroup Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EastGroup Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Swiss National Bank increased its position in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. (NYSE:REXR Free Report) by 4.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 451,216 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after purchasing an additional 20,300 shares during the period. Swiss National Bank owned approximately 0.19% of Rexford Industrial Realty worth $16,050,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Greenland Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty in the second quarter valued at about $2,123,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Rexford Industrial Realty by 5.7% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 32,460,761 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,154,629,000 after purchasing an additional 1,749,685 shares in the last quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in Rexford Industrial Realty by 6.6% in the 2nd quarter. Nomura Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 333,530 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $11,864,000 after purchasing an additional 20,610 shares during the period. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH grew its position in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty by 16.2% during the 2nd quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 383,575 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $13,644,000 after purchasing an additional 53,535 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Westpac Banking Corp increased its holdings in shares of Rexford Industrial Realty by 4.5% during the second quarter. Westpac Banking Corp now owns 65,683 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,336,000 after purchasing an additional 2,834 shares during the period. 99.52% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Rexford Industrial Realty alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages recently issued reports on REXR. Industrial Alliance Securities set a $42.00 price target on Rexford Industrial Realty in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their price target on Rexford Industrial Realty from $40.00 to $47.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Rexford Industrial Realty in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. BNP Paribas downgraded shares of Rexford Industrial Realty to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Rexford Industrial Realty from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, ten have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Rexford Industrial Realty presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $43.08. Rexford Industrial Realty Trading Up 0.8% REXR opened at $41.73 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a current ratio of 2.95 and a quick ratio of 2.95. Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $29.68 and a fifty-two week high of $44.38. The companys 50 day moving average price is $41.66 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $39.04. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.39, a PEG ratio of 3.05 and a beta of 1.15. Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE:REXR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.60 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $253.24 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $253.46 million. Rexford Industrial Realty had a return on equity of 3.81% and a net margin of 33.88%.Rexford Industrial Realtys quarterly revenue was up 4.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.59 earnings per share. Rexford Industrial Realty has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.390-2.410 EPS. As a group, research analysts predict that Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc. will post 2.38 earnings per share for the current year. Rexford Industrial Realty Dividend Announcement 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 given a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.1%. Rexford Industrial Realtys dividend payout ratio is 121.13%. Rexford Industrial Realty Company Profile (Free Report) Rexford Industrial Realty, Inc is a self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust, which engages in owning and operating industrial properties in infill markets. The company was founded by Richard S. Ziman on January 18, 2013 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Rexford Industrial Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rexford Industrial Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG Get Free Report) was upgraded by stock analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada to a hold rating in a report released on Monday,Zacks.com reports. HIG has been the subject of a number of other reports. Cantor Fitzgerald initiated coverage on The Hartford Insurance Group in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. They issued an overweight rating and a $152.00 price target for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $142.00 to $143.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on The Hartford Insurance Group from $150.00 to $152.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and issued a $140.00 target price (up previously from $135.00) on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on The Hartford Insurance Group in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $138.00 price target on the stock. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $143.29. Get The Hartford Insurance Group alerts: Get Our Latest Report on The Hartford Insurance Group The Hartford Insurance Group Stock Performance NYSE HIG opened at $137.52 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of $38.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.69. The company has a quick ratio of 0.31, a current ratio of 0.32 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $130.06 and its 200 day moving average price is $128.51. The Hartford Insurance Group has a 52-week low of $104.93 and a 52-week high of $138.64. The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The insurance provider reported $3.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.02 by $0.76. The Hartford Insurance Group had a net margin of 12.75% and a return on equity of 21.07%. The firm had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.17 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.53 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Hartford Insurance Group will post 11.11 earnings per share for the current year. Insider Buying and Selling at The Hartford Insurance Group In related news, EVP Lori A. Rodden sold 7,841 shares of The Hartford Insurance Group stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.41, for a total transaction of $959,816.81. Following the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 18,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,252,344. The trade was a 29.88% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Donald Christian Hunt sold 2,124 shares of The Hartford Insurance Group stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.87, for a total transaction of $284,339.88. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Hartford Insurance Group A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 95.1% in the first quarter. Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. now owns 6,443 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $797,000 after buying an additional 3,140 shares during the period. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC raised its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 61.5% during the second quarter. Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services LLC now owns 125,825 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $15,727,000 after acquiring an additional 47,919 shares in the last quarter. Ground Swell Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $324,000. Jump Financial LLC lifted its holdings in The Hartford Insurance Group by 330.5% in the first quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 28,218 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $3,491,000 after buying an additional 21,664 shares during the period. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC boosted its position in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 94.5% during the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 300,409 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $38,107,000 after purchasing an additional 145,970 shares in the last quarter. 93.42% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. The Hartford Insurance Group Company Profile (Get Free Report) The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers. Read More Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG Free Report) to a hold rating in a research report released on Monday,Zacks.com reports. Several other research analysts have also weighed in on HIG. Citigroup began coverage on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. They set a neutral rating and a $138.00 target price for the company. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group from $133.00 to $137.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (a-) rating on shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in a report on Tuesday. Morgan Stanley raised their price target on The Hartford Insurance Group from $140.00 to $150.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price target on The Hartford Insurance Group from $150.00 to $152.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $143.29. Get The Hartford Insurance Group alerts: View Our Latest Analysis on HIG The Hartford Insurance Group Stock Performance NYSE:HIG opened at $137.52 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 0.32, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. The companys 50-day moving average price is $130.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $128.51. The Hartford Insurance Group has a twelve month low of $104.93 and a twelve month high of $138.64. The company has a market cap of $38.32 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.24, a P/E/G ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 0.69. The Hartford Insurance Group (NYSE:HIG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The insurance provider reported $3.78 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.02 by $0.76. The Hartford Insurance Group had a return on equity of 21.07% and a net margin of 12.75%.The company had revenue of $1.05 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.17 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.53 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 7.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that The Hartford Insurance Group will post 11.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The Hartford Insurance Group Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be given a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This is an increase from The Hartford Insurance Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. The Hartford Insurance Groups payout ratio is 19.61%. Insider Transactions at The Hartford Insurance Group In other news, EVP Donald Christian Hunt sold 2,124 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $133.87, for a total transaction of $284,339.88. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, EVP Lori A. Rodden sold 7,841 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $122.41, for a total transaction of $959,816.81. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 18,400 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,252,344. This trade represents a 29.88% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 1.60% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Hartford Insurance Group A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of HIG. JPL Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in The Hartford Insurance Group during the third quarter worth about $26,000. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of The Hartford Insurance Group by 707.7% in the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Planning Group LLC now owns 210 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 184 shares during the period. Sunbelt Securities Inc. purchased a new position in The Hartford Insurance Group in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $29,000. Finally, United Financial Planning Group LLC acquired a new position in The Hartford Insurance Group during the third quarter worth $29,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 93.42% of the companys stock. About The Hartford Insurance Group (Get Free Report) The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides insurance and financial services to individual and business customers in the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. Its Commercial Lines segment offers insurance coverages, including workers' compensation, property, automobile, general and professional liability, package business, umbrella, fidelity and surety, marine, livestock, accident, health, and reinsurance through regional offices, branches, sales and policyholder service centers, independent retail agents and brokers, wholesale agents, and reinsurance brokers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Hartford Insurance Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues (R), Li Yang (L), vice minister of transport and head of the Chinese delegation to the 34th session of the IMO Assembly and Zheng Zeguang, Chinese ambassador to Britain and China's permanent representative to the IMO, attend a reception marking the inauguration of China's permanent mission to the IMO held at the Chinese Embassy in Britain, in London, Britain, Nov. 25, 2025. China has established a permanent mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A reception marking the inauguration was held at the Chinese Embassy in Britain on Tuesday evening. (Xinhua/Li Ying) LONDON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- China has established a permanent mission to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). A reception marking the inauguration was held at the Chinese Embassy in Britain on Tuesday evening. Zheng Zeguang, Chinese ambassador to Britain and China's permanent representative to the IMO, and Li Yang, vice minister of transport and head of the Chinese delegation to the 34th session of the IMO Assembly, co-hosted the reception. Nearly 300 guests attended the event, including IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Domingues, heads of delegations to the IMO Assembly, diplomats in London, and representatives from various sectors. In his remarks, Zheng congratulated the opening of the 34th session and expressed appreciation to Domingues, the IMO Secretariat, and other member states for their long-standing support and cooperation with China. "Maritime transport is an important link between China and the rest of the world," Zheng said. He stressed that China firmly upholds the international system with the United Nations at its core and practices genuine multilateralism, adding that the establishment of the permanent mission demonstrates China's strong support for the IMO as a specialized UN agency. China, Zheng said, stands ready to deepen exchanges, coordination, and cooperation with the IMO Secretariat and other member states to further contribute to global maritime governance cooperation and the security and resilience of global industrial and supply chains. Noting that the development of various sectors in China has reached new heights over the past five years, he emphasized that China will continue to advance its modernization through high-quality development, foster new quality productive forces based on local conditions, and pursue high-standard opening up. For his part, Li said China will earnestly fulfill its obligations under international conventions, shoulder its responsibilities as a major country, and make the best of the permanent mission to expand cooperation with other IMO member states. China will work to build a modern maritime transport system and contribute more to global economic growth and stable industrial and supply chains, he added. Congratulating China on establishing the permanent mission, Domingues and other guests also commended the significant achievements in China's maritime sector and its contribution to international maritime cooperation. Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P. (NYSE:CQP Free Report) Analysts at US Capital Advisors issued their FY2025 earnings per share estimates for Cheniere Energy Partners in a report issued on Tuesday, November 25th. US Capital Advisors analyst J. Carreker forecasts that the company will post earnings of $3.66 per share for the year. The consensus estimate for Cheniere Energy Partners current full-year earnings is $4.14 per share. US Capital Advisors also issued estimates for Cheniere Energy Partners Q3 2026 earnings at $0.92 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $1.09 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $3.98 EPS. Get Cheniere Energy Partners alerts: Several other equities research analysts have also commented on CQP. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners from $61.00 to $56.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners in a report on Tuesday. Finally, Barclays lowered their price target on shares of Cheniere Energy Partners from $56.00 to $55.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Cheniere Energy Partners has a consensus rating of Strong Sell and a consensus target price of $54.60. Cheniere Energy Partners Stock Performance Cheniere Energy Partners stock opened at $53.81 on Thursday. Cheniere Energy Partners has a fifty-two week low of $49.53 and a fifty-two week high of $68.42. The firm has a market capitalization of $26.05 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.06 and a beta of 0.40. The stocks fifty day moving average is $52.72 and its two-hundred day moving average is $54.70. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cheniere Energy Partners A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new stake in Cheniere Energy Partners during the second quarter worth approximately $26,000. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 68.3% during the 3rd quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 505 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 205 shares during the period. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners by 180.0% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 476 shares of the companys stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 306 shares during the last quarter. Gables Capital Management Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Cheniere Energy Partners in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust increased its stake in Cheniere Energy Partners by 25.5% in the second quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 924 shares of the companys stock valued at $52,000 after purchasing an additional 188 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 46.55% of the companys stock. Cheniere Energy Partners Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 14th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th were paid a dividend of $0.775 per share. This represents a $3.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, November 7th. Cheniere Energy Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 80.73%. About Cheniere Energy Partners (Get Free Report) Cheniere Energy Partners, L.P., through its subsidiaries, provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) to integrated energy companies, utilities, and energy trading companies worldwide. The company owns and operates natural gas liquefaction and export facility at the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal located in Cameron Parish, Louisiana. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cheniere Energy Partners and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new stake in ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. (NYSE:ARR Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 134,155 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock, valued at approximately $2,255,000. XTX Topco Ltd owned 0.15% of ARMOUR Residential REIT as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Amalgamated Bank boosted its position in shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT by 6.1% during the 2nd quarter. Amalgamated Bank now owns 22,403 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $377,000 after purchasing an additional 1,279 shares during the period. Fifth Third Bancorp boosted its position in shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT by 184.3% during the second quarter. Fifth Third Bancorp now owns 2,198 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $37,000 after buying an additional 1,425 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT by 139.1% in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 2,675 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $45,000 after buying an additional 1,556 shares in the last quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System raised its holdings in shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT by 7.8% in the 2nd quarter. Maryland State Retirement & Pension System now owns 24,025 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $404,000 after buying an additional 1,732 shares during the period. Finally, SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT by 12.2% in the 2nd quarter. SeaCrest Wealth Management LLC now owns 18,412 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $310,000 after buying an additional 2,000 shares during the period. 54.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get ARMOUR Residential REIT alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d) rating on shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $16.00 price target on shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Zacks Research upgraded ARMOUR Residential REIT from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $16.00. ARMOUR Residential REIT Stock Up 2.3% Shares of ARMOUR Residential REIT stock opened at $17.44 on Thursday. ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. has a 52 week low of $13.18 and a 52 week high of $19.64. The firms 50 day moving average is $15.89 and its two-hundred day moving average is $16.05. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.95 billion, a P/E ratio of 436.00 and a beta of 1.44. ARMOUR Residential REIT (NYSE:ARR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.72 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.75 by ($0.03). The company had revenue of $210.90 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $63.25 million. ARMOUR Residential REIT had a net margin of 9.01% and a return on equity of 15.37%. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.00 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc. will post 3.8 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ARMOUR Residential REIT Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a $0.24 dividend. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 16.5%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. ARMOUR Residential REITs dividend payout ratio is currently 7,200.00%. ARMOUR Residential REIT Company Profile (Free Report) ARMOUR Residential REIT, Inc invests in residential mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in the United States. Its securities portfolio primarily consists of the United States Government-sponsored entity's (GSE) and the Government National Mortgage Administration's issued or guaranteed securities backed by fixed rate, hybrid adjustable rate, and adjustable-rate home loans; and unsecured notes and bonds issued by the GSE and the United States treasuries, as well as money market instruments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for ARMOUR Residential REIT Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ARMOUR Residential REIT and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS Free Report) Zacks Research upped their FY2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in a research report issued on Tuesday, November 25th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the company will earn $2.30 per share for the year, up from their previous forecast of $2.21. Zacks Research currently has a Hold rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaAs current full-year earnings is $1.51 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaAs Q4 2025 earnings at $0.70 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $0.51 EPS, Q2 2026 earnings at $0.55 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.68 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $2.43 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.59 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.63 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $2.49 EPS. Get Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA alerts: FMS has been the topic of a number of other research reports. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. UBS Group cut shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a sell rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Bank of America lowered Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a neutral rating to an underperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Morgan Stanley reaffirmed an underweight rating on shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. Finally, Weiss Ratings raised Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b-) rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have given a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $30.00. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Stock Performance Shares of FMS opened at $23.84 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $25.60 and a two-hundred day moving average of $26.36. The stock has a market cap of $13.99 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.54, a PEG ratio of 0.64 and a beta of 0.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 1.44 and a quick ratio of 1.08. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA has a one year low of $21.83 and a one year high of $30.46. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA (NYSE:FMS Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The company reported $0.64 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.05. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA had a return on equity of 6.75% and a net margin of 3.39%.The firm had revenue of $5.73 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.72 billion. Institutional Trading of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its stake in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 398.2% in the third quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 1,380 shares of the companys stock valued at $36,000 after purchasing an additional 1,103 shares in the last quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC grew its stake in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 16.7% in the 3rd quarter. Kestra Private Wealth Services LLC now owns 13,640 shares of the companys stock valued at $359,000 after buying an additional 1,955 shares in the last quarter. Virtus Advisers LLC bought a new stake in shares of Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA in the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $290,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd increased its holdings in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 11.9% in the third quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 223,222 shares of the companys stock worth $5,877,000 after buying an additional 23,659 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Mariner LLC raised its position in Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA by 3.4% during the third quarter. Mariner LLC now owns 49,661 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,308,000 after acquiring an additional 1,651 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 8.37% of the companys stock. Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Fresenius Medical Care AG provides dialysis and related services for individuals with renal diseases in Germany, North America, and internationally. The company offers dialysis treatment and related laboratory and diagnostic services through a network of outpatient dialysis clinics; materials, training, and patient support services comprising clinical monitoring, follow-up assistance, and arranging for delivery of the supplies to the patient's residence; and dialysis services under contract to hospitals in the United States for the hospitalized end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients and for patients suffering from acute kidney failure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China urges the United States to heed the call for just from the international community and immediately lift its embargo and sanctions against Cuba, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday. Guo's remarks came after Alena Douhan, United Nations special rapporteur on the negative impact of unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights, visited Cuba and noted in a preliminary report that the U.S. sanctions have had serious impacts on Cuba's economy and humanitarian situation, and have violated multiple norms of international law. Guo told a daily news briefing that the report is in full agreement with the recent resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly, with an overwhelming majority urging the United States to end its embargo against Cuba. Noting that China has always opposed the U.S. blockade and sanctions against Cuba, Guo said that China urges the United States to heed the call for just from the international community, immediately lift its blockade and sanctions against Cuba, and remove Cuba from the list of "state sponsors of terrorism." BEIRUT, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Israeli warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, continuing their frequent attacks in the country exactly one year after a U.S.-backed ceasefire was supposed to end the conflict. The strikes hit the Al-Mahmoudieh and Al-Jarmaq areas near Jezzine, according to the state-run National News Agency. A Lebanese intelligence official said Israeli aircraft fired 18 air-to-ground missiles at former Hezbollah positions, causing forest fires and shaking the wider Nabatieh region. Earlier in the day, Israeli forces also fired machine guns toward farmers near Al-Wazzani, though no injuries were reported. The violence underscores the fragility of the truce that took effect on November 27, 2024. While the agreement ended 14 months of fighting sparked by the war in Gaza, residents and officials say the peace exists largely in name only. Faiza Nasr, a resident of the border town of Khiam whose home was destroyed in last year's fighting, said reconstruction remains slow because Israeli fire often targets the excavation equipment needed to clear debris. "The ceasefire exists only on paper; the land tells a different story," she said. Like many others, her family keeps bags packed for a quick escape. "Nothing here feels secure." Despite the agreement calling for a full withdrawal by February, the Israeli military maintains five fortified positions along the border. Israel says these operations are necessary to neutralize lingering threats, but the continued presence has prevented the Lebanese army from fully deploying along the UN-demarcated Blue Line. The human toll of this "uneasy calm" is rising. The Lebanese Ministry of Health reports that 339 people have been killed and 978 injured since the ceasefire began. UNICEF says at least 13 children are among the dead. According to Lebanese security sources, Israel has committed more than 5,000 violations by land, air, and sea in the past year alone. On Sunday, Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs, a rare move since the ceasefire, as most Israeli attacks have focused on the south. The strike killed five people and wounded 28, according to Lebanese officials. Among the dead was Haytham Ali Al-Tabtabi, a senior Hezbollah commander whom Israel described as the group's military chief of staff. Political analysts warned that without real international guarantees, the daily skirmishes could spiral into a wider war involving Beirut and the eastern regions. An Israeli soldier prevents Palestinian journalists from reporting during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Tubas, on Nov. 27, 2025. At least 25 Palestinians were injured and 119 others detained in the northern West Bank city of Tubas as an Israeli military operation entered its second day, Palestinian officials said on Thursday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- At least 25 Palestinians were injured and 119 others detained in the northern West Bank city of Tubas as an Israeli military operation entered its second day, Palestinian officials said on Thursday. Nidal Odeh, head of the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the area, said medics treated 25 people wounded since the operation began at dawn on Wednesday. He said some of the injured were young men who had been detained, interrogated and beaten by Israeli forces before being released. Their injuries were moderate, he added. Kamal Bani Odeh, director of the Prisoners' Club in Tubas, said Israeli forces had detained 119 Palestinians, including a former female prisoner and her mother. About 50 of them were later released after field interrogations, he said. Israel launched the large-scale operation in the northern West Bank on Wednesday, imposing a curfew, setting up roadblocks and deploying additional troops, according to Israeli and Palestinian sources. The Israeli military said on Thursday that the Israel Defense Forces, the domestic intelligence agency ISA, and Border Police had begun a "counterterrorism operation" in several areas of the northern West Bank. It said militants in the area had carried out multiple attacks on Israeli civilians and security forces over the past year. The military said that on the first day of the operation, security forces searched more than 220 sites, questioned dozens of suspects, and detained several wanted individuals. Troops also found weapons, dismantled hiding places, and seized tens of thousands of Israeli shekels allegedly intended for militant activity, it added. Palestinian factions issued statements condemning the operation and urging the international community to intervene. They accused Israel of committing "aggression and war crimes" and violating international law. The West Bank has witnessed a sharp escalation of violence since Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,000 Palestinians, hundreds of injuries, and the demolition of dozens of homes, according to Palestinian statistics. Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Middle East War. The settlements it has built there, and its military occupation, are considered illegal under international law. Israeli soldiers prevent Palestinian journalists from reporting during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Tubas, on Nov. 27, 2025. At least 25 Palestinians were injured and 119 others detained in the northern West Bank city of Tubas as an Israeli military operation entered its second day, Palestinian officials said on Thursday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) An Israeli soldier prevents Palestinian journalists from reporting during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Tubas, on Nov. 27, 2025. At least 25 Palestinians were injured and 119 others detained in the northern West Bank city of Tubas as an Israeli military operation entered its second day, Palestinian officials said on Thursday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Israeli soldiers prevent Palestinian journalists from reporting during an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Tubas, on Nov. 27, 2025. At least 25 Palestinians were injured and 119 others detained in the northern West Bank city of Tubas as an Israeli military operation entered its second day, Palestinian officials said on Thursday. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Constitution Day observed | IMPHAL, Nov 26 : The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Imphal, observed Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) today to commemorate the historic adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949. The observance began with the Preamble Pledge, led by Dr Ch Basudha Devi, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Manipur Centre. All scientists, technical staff, administrative personnel, and supporting staff participated in the collective reading of the Preamble. KATHMANDU, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel on Thursday approved the mobilization of the army for the March 5 election, an official at the President's Office said. "The President granted approval as per the recommendation of the Cabinet on Nov. 24," Pradip Kumar Koirala, spokesperson at the President's Office, said in a statement. Although there has been a practice of mobilizing the army during elections, it is being done earlier this time due to the sensitivity of the upcoming polls. The government plans to deploy around 325,000 security personnel, including members of the Army, the Nepal Police, the armed police force and temporary police. About 130,000 temporary police personnel will be appointed for one and a half months, according to the Ministry of Home Affairs. MINSK, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko expressed unprecedented optimism that the Ukraine conflict is nearing its end, during the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Bishkek on Thursday, said his press service. Attending a narrow-format session, Lukashenko voiced support for Russia's stance on U.S. peace proposals, saying he believes "as never before" that the conflict is close to an end. This hope for settlement underscores Belarus' commitment to stability and its role in fostering Eurasian security, he said. Lukashenko highlighted tectonic shifts in global relations and escalating military threats, describing Belarus as a "besieged fortress" due to NATO's aggressive posture. Despite isolation tactics like sanctions, Belarus advocates for open dialogue without preconditions, he said, taking the Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security as an example of platforms for compromise. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China is working to ensure the sound, orderly development of the embodied intelligence industry, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the country's top economic planner. The industry -- exemplified by humanoid robots -- is experiencing rapid expansion in China, NDRC spokesperson Li Chao told a press conference on Thursday. "Meanwhile, humanoid robots have yet to fully mature in terms of technological pathways, business models and application scenarios," she said. Li noted that China is home to a growing roster of over 150 humanoid robot companies, more than half of which are startups or cross-sector entrants. However, she cautioned against risks such as a glut of homogeneous products and a contraction in space for research and development. To provide sound guidance for the embodied intelligence industry, the NDRC is working with relevant departments to strengthen policy support, accelerate technological breakthroughs and advance the application of research outcomes, the spokesperson said. She said that looking ahead, the commission will work to establish industry standards and evaluation systems while improving entry and exit mechanisms for the sector, aiming to foster a fair competition market environment. Efforts will also be made to develop infrastructure for embodied intelligence, promote the nationwide integration of related technologies and industry resources, and expedite real-life applications, Li added. The market scale of China's embodied intelligence industry is expected to reach 400 billion yuan (about 56.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2030 and exceed 1 trillion yuan in 2035, according to a report from the Development Research Center of the State Council. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China welcomes more countries and international organizations to join and support the International Economic and Trade Cooperation Initiative on Green Mining and Minerals, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. China will actively carry out pragmatic cooperation with all parties, and maintain a mutually beneficial, fair, reasonable, stable, smooth global production and supply chain for green mining and minerals, spokesperson He Yongqian said at a regular press briefing. China announced the International Economic and Trade Cooperation Initiative on Green Mining and Minerals at the recent 20th G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. At present, the initiative has received support from more than 20 countries and international organizations, He said. He noted that China has always been an active participant and promoter of the global green transition. Through the initiative, China and related parties promote the creation of a new type of mineral-resources partnership -- one that is open, win-win, fair and reasonable. Noting that this was the first time the G20 summit has been held on the African continent, He said that China has released an action plan to implement the G20 Initiative on Supporting Industrialization in Africa and Least Developed Countries, highlighting nearly 50 practical cooperation projects between China and Africa in areas such as infrastructure, digital industry and green mining. China hopes the move will further consolidate global consensus and synergy to address industrialization -- a priority for the economic and social development of African countries -- and promote poverty reduction and sustainable development, according to He. China will continue introducing more actions to support the industrialization process in African countries based on respect for the wishes of African countries, and it will work collaboratively to build an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, He said. ZAGREB, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A major new infrastructure project in Croatia has been hailed as a beacon of successful cooperation between the country and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Ivica Budimir, the chief executive officer of the state-run road operator Croatian Roads, attended a ground-breaking ceremony for the Pozega-Godinjak expressway held on Nov. 11, along with Croatian Deputy Prime Minister Oleg Butkovic and Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin. "This is currently the largest project that Croatian Roads is working on," Budimir told Xinhua in an interview on Thursday, adding that Croatian Roads has already worked with CRBC on the Peljesac Bridge and the Vucevica road project in Split. The contract to build the 14.75-km Pozega-Godinjak expressway, with a value of 160 million euros (185.6 million U.S. dollars), was signed in May between the CRBC and Croatian Roads. The project includes the construction of a tunnel, three overpasses, and six underpasses. Once construction work on this project is completed, which is estimated to take four years, the expressway will connect Pozega and Godinjak in eastern Croatia. The goal is to facilitate transport and boost economic development in the area. Budimir said the expressway project is challenging: although it is only about 15 km long, a 1600-meter tunnel must be constructed through very difficult terrain, in addition to overpasses and underpasses. "It will be quite demanding to work on, especially in winter conditions," he said. Nevertheless, Budimir expressed his confidence in CRBC, with whom past and ongoing collaborations have been smooth and successful. He said: "I am sure that this deadline will be met. I even have indications from the CRBC that they might do it at an accelerated pace." Beyond bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, Budimir said Croatia and China are also cooperating well in the energy sector and on development projects. Looking forward, he added, "Cooperation will certainly continue in the coming years." Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin's visit to India on Wednesday is expected to fast-track the purchase of BrahMos supersonic missiles by the Southeast Asian nation. Earlier this month, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had confirmed that Indonesia has made an official bid for the Indo-Russian weapons. Bull's Eye ! The #IAF recently carried out a successful test of its Surface to Surface version of the #Brahmos Missile near the Eastern Seaboard archipelago. The missile fire was successful and the mission achieved all its objectives.#AtmanirbharBharat@BrahMosMissile pic.twitter.com/YOHi5IKr1I Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 11, 2023 The defence deal is in the advanced stages of negotiation, and Moscow whose approval is essential is now understood to have signalled its willingness for it to proceed, a new report said. India is also on course to become a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centre for Indonesia's naval and air forces, the report added. The missile deal is said to be worth USD 450 million after Indonesia finally managed to overcome budgetary constraints that had slowed down the deal for some time. ALSO READ | No longer rumours: Indonesia made a bid to purchase BrahMos from India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirms For some time now, Indonesia's interest in the BrahMos missiles has been the talk of the town and was among the top agendas of the PM Narendra Modi-President Prabowo Subianto summit in New Delhi in January. Jakarta's leader was the chief guest at this year's Republic Day celebrations, and both countries affirmed their commitment to deepen collaboration in the defence industry by utilising the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC), The Economic Times said in a report. Chief of Staff, Adm Muhammad Ali of the Indonesian Navy had visited the BrahMos facility during the trip, the report added. The demand for BrahMos Earlier this month, the Philippines revealed the BrahMos batteries that it had bought from India. Three batteries of the Indian supersonic anti-ship missiles were procured in 2022. It will be missiles made at the Lucknow facility that will be reaching the Southeast Asian archipelago if the deal goes through, Rajnath Singh had said. INS Mormugao's historic #Brahmos missile launch. Under the guidance @narendramodi Ji, we march forward towards a self-reliant India with very strong naval force! #AtmanirbharBharat pic.twitter.com/eUZllm63td Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) May 15, 2023 Russia is part of the equation as the BrahMos is a joint venture product developed by India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyenia. The joint venture is responsible for the design, development, production, and marketing of the supersonic cruise missile system in collaboration with a consortium of Indian and Russian defence companies. India and Russia have an "in principle" agreement to export the missile to friendly countries. As the intellectual property rights over the missile technology belong to both the countries, neither side can independently approve export deals for the missile. FULL REPORT | Why does India need Russia's approval to sell BrahMos missile to Indonesia? BrahMos originally had an operational range of 290 km, which was later extended to 450 km. These missiles are deployable from land-based mobile launchers, naval ships, submarines, and fighter jets such as the Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force. BrahMos has been successfully employed in combat, notably during Operation Sindoor. The sequel to Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Raat Akeli Hai, titled Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders, was officially presented at the 56th International Film Festival of India, at Goa. Netflix announced that the thriller, which sees Nawazuddin reprising his role, Inspector Jatil Yadav, will open globally for subscribers on December 19. Netflix has released the teaser for the same. As per the official logline, the sequel is set in Kanpur and revolves around the murders of the affluent and influential 'Bansal' family. "Jatil Yadav is drawn into a web of power, deception, blind faith, and long-buried secrets, where every suspect hides a motive and every revelation peels back another layer of darkness," it said. Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders reunites director Honey Trehan and writer Smita Singh, who collaborated on the original. In an earlier statement, Nawazuddin, said that this time it's a case that "tests everything he (Jatil) believes in," adding it's "very close to me, flawed and restless, yet relentless in the pursuit of justice." The actor praised the work of Smita and Honey, sharing that revisiting the character feels like "returning to unfinished business." The sequel is set many years after the events of the 2020 film. Smita and Honey have created a world that feels real and raw, where every clue hides a secret. Im grateful to RSVP, MacGuffin Pictures, and Netflix for giving me the chance to explore new layers of this character. I am excited for audiences to see more from the man behind the uniform, he said. The sequel cast comprises Chitrangada Singh, Rajat Kapoor, Deepti Naval, Ila Arun, Revathy, Akhilendra Mishra, Priyanka Setia, and Sanjay Kapoor. Radhika Apte will once again play Radha. At the end of the first film, it was hinted that she would end up marrying Yadav. K.A. Sengottaiyan, the former minister and a nine-time MLA from Tamil Nadu's Gobichettipalayam constituency, on Thursday formally joined actor Vijays Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). His entry into the party came a day after he resigned as MLA, ending his 50-year association with the AIADMK. Arriving with his supporters at Vijays Panaiyur party office in Chennais suburbs, the 77-year old leader inducted himself formally into the TVK. He was appointed as the chief coordinator of the 28-member high-level state executive committee and also the organising secretary for districts Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Nilgiris. Sengottaiyan is considered to be a powerful leader in these districts given his political experience. He also commands a personal vote bank in Erode and neighbouring districts due to his organisational skills. Hours after he joined the TVK, Vijay released a video message welcoming him into the party. At just 20 years of age, he believed in MGR and joined his movement. In that young age, he took the responsibility of becoming a legislator. From then on, throughout his journey, he remained in public life as a trusted figure to the two towering leaders of that movement MGR and Jayalalithaa. After being part of the same movement for 50 years, Sengottaiyans political experience and his contributions on the field will be a great strength to our Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. With that belief, I welcome everyone who joins hands with him and works with us in service of the people. Later Sengottaiyan said that he joined the TVK because Vijay can give a better governance. He said that there is no difference between the DMK and the AIADMK under the present leadership, so he chose TVK. But Sengottaiyans move to the TVK has now emboldened a few former AIADMK ministers and senior leaders who are not happy with EPSs leadership are likely to launch formal talks with Vijay. Many more inductions, sources say, might see the light of the day, depending on the space given by Vijay to the newcomers from other parties. Former ministers from the south, particularly from Madurai and the Delta region and a few sitting MLAs are likely to join the TVK fold. It is said that Vijays party had also held talks with former chief minister O. Panneerselvam. However, there was no positive signal on both sides. It is said that OPS asked for an open meeting with Vijay which can help him analyse and decide his next move. Sources also predict that that in the run up to the elections, more AIADMK factions and a few fringe groups might join Vijay, only with an intention to weaken the AIADMK under Edappadi. K. Palaniswami. The former minister, who once called on Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman, initially wanted to launch his own party or sue the AIADMK leadership for removing him from the party. But he dropped the decision to take the legal route as he might have to end up like OPS or Sasikala, who have already knocked the doors of the election commission and the court. And launching a new outfit close to the election was not feasible close to the election. However for the TVK, a party built only on Vijays popularity with no experienced politician, Sengottaiyans entry is looked at as an advantage to strategise and organise from the ground. Amid speculations about a leadership change in Karnataka, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar made a cryptic comment on Thursday, saying keeping a promise is regarded as a big power move. The statement is seen as a veiled message to the Congress high command as well as to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, with whom the KPCC president is locked in a power tussle. "There is a saying that word power is world power, which means that for us to keep our promise is one of the biggest powers in the world. Whether it is a judge, the President of India, me, or you, or someone at your home, this is the biggest power, and we have to respect it, Shivakumar said while addressing an event in Bengaluru. The buzz over leadership change in Karnataka intensified after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year tenure on November 20. There were reports that when the Congress high command chose Siddaramaiah as the chief minister in 2023, amid an intense power tussle between him and Shivakumar, the two leaders had reached an understanding, as per which the latter would be made the CM after two and a half years. The party leadership, however, has never publicly acknowledged such an arrangement as being in existence. On Wednesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the issue will be resolved after discussions with senior leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. "The high commandmyself, Rahul ji and Sonia ji will together take a decision on the issue and resolve it," Kharge told PTI news agency. VIDEO | Bengaluru: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) on reported rift between Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, says, "When I said the issue will be decided by 'high command', it implied that it will be discussed by the team. There is team of pic.twitter.com/uQRDJWXx39 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2025 Shivakumar, while talking to reporters on Wednesday, claimed unity in the party and said there was no confusion or existence of any factions. Asked about the alleged power-sharing agreement, he said he does not wish to speak about anything. "Whatever is there, party issues, we will discuss within four walls. I will not discuss any political issues in the media, he said. One of the survivors who has raised sexual allegations against former Youth Congress president and MLA Rahul Mamkootathil has submitted a formal complaint to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The young woman arrived at the CM's office around 4.30 pm and handed the complaint directly to him. With the complainant herself submitting the complaint along with evidenceincluding chats and audio recordingsthe situation has reached a point where the investigation could even lead to Mamkootathils arrest. Though suspended from the Congress, there had been a section within the party advocating for bringing Mamkootathil back. The young MLAs decision to campaign for Congress candidates in the local body polls had already created confusion within the party. Notably, some senior leaders had defended him by saying there was no official complaint from any victims (though the police had earlier registered a case based on third-party complaints). But with todays move, the noose is tightening around Mamkootathil over the sexual assault allegation, and that technicality can no longer be used by the Congress leadership. #WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala | On sexual harassment allegation against suspended Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, Congress leader Deepa Dasmunshi says, "Rahul Mamkootathil has been suspended from the party, and he is not participating in any Congress programs...If the CM pic.twitter.com/6zebNoKiz1 ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2025 In recent days, WhatsApp messages said to be Mamkootathil'swhere he allegedly pressures the young woman to become pregnant and later undergo an abortionhad surfaced. Once the Crime Branch initiates action based on todays complaint, the course of this entire row could shift. In the wake of todays developments, Crime Branch ADGP H. Venkatesh reached the Chief Ministers Office for discussions. Police are preparing to record the young womans statement today itself and register an FIR. The investigating team will take her detailed statement and verify the authenticity of the leaked audio. With both the complaint and her statement in hand, the probe team may find grounds to proceed towards arrest. Based on the leaked audio and chats, the Crime Branch had earlier registered a case against Mamkootathil in August. The case was filed on the basis of complaints emailed to the police headquarters by third-party individuals. Only minor sections were invoked then, as the complainants were all third parties and the survivor had neither given a statement nor filed a complaint. As a result, the investigation had hit a dead end. Now, with the survivor herself approaching the chief minister directly, the situation has changed. Given the content of the conversationspressuring her to undergo an abortion and making threatsstronger charges can be imposed, and the case can move forward. Charges such as sexual exploitation under the pretext of marriage and rape may also come into play. Notably, Youth Congress leader Sajana B. Sajan recently submitted a complaint to the AICC against Mamkootathil. The complaint was addressed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi. Sajana has demanded that the party investigate the allegations against him and called for forming an inquiry committee that includes national-level women leaders. Earlier, she had sharply criticised Mamkootathil on social media and later in the media as well. As Kerala heads into local body polls, the complaint has clearly caused panic within the Congress leadership. Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan declined to respond to questions about him. Meanwhile, senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan said he was glad the chief minister had finally shown concern for survivors now that elections were near. It is the government that must take the legal action required in the case, he said, adding that the Congress has always stood with survivors. AICC General Secretary Deepa Das Munshi, the party's in-charge for Kerala, remarked that the young woman should ideally have first approached the police, filed a complaint, and ensured an FIR was registered before meeting the chief minister. However, she added that since the complainant trusted the CM, she chose to approach him directly. The law will now take its own course, she said. She also noted that Mamkootathil had been suspended months ago and had no further comments to add beyond confirming that legal action would follow as required. KPCC president Sunny Joseph attempted to defend the partys position by saying Mamkootathil had been suspended from both the party and the legislative party when the controversy first broke out. But his claim that Mamkootathil is currently not active in the Congress appears weak, given that the suspended leader was, in fact, campaigning for Congress candidates in Palakkad. Meanwhile, UDF convenor Adoor Prakash reacted by saying that as elections approach, many cases tend to surface against various people, and he himself had been through such experiences. He said filing false cases during election season has long been something governments resort to, and the same seems to be happening now. He added that the complaint against Mamkootathil should be investigated and action taken accordingly. The Mahayuti ruling coalition in Maharashtra is showing cracks as both the BJP and Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) decided to approach the local body elections individually. Both parties are taking on each other in the Palghar and Dahanu municipal elections, after fighting unitedly in the Parliament and Assembly elections. The infighting first came to the fore when Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, during a meeting in Dahanu, made a cryptic remark against the BJP. Shinde targeted the local leaders, stating that the arrogant Ravana's Lanka will be burned to end the monopoly in Dahanu. In Dahanu, we have to come together against arrogance and monopolistic rule. Ravana had arrogance, but his Lanka was burnt down. That is what you want to do on December 2. We want to end corruption in the taluka and carry out development work here, Eknath Shinde had said. Maharashtra Politics heats up! Eknath Shinde makes a pointing statement Ravan ki Lanka jal gayi. Devendra Fadnavis strikes back: BJP walks the path of Ram, not Ravan and the candidates name is Bharat, Rams own brother. Lanka isnt ours. We burn Lanka, not become it. pic.twitter.com/xxbIE7eyMn Megh Updates (@MeghUpdates) November 26, 2025 This taluka has been backward for many years, and we are going to bring it on the path of development. Special efforts will be made to increase industries in Dahanu, and the problems of fishermen will be solved as a priority. The government will work to promote employment generation by implementing a pollution-free industry policy and setting up projects through housing construction, Shinde offered voters. But the remark didnt go down well with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was there in the area to campaign for the BJP candidate. Fadnavis snapped back that the BJP believes in Lord Shri Ram. Oh, Lanka is going to burn. No matter how much someone says that they will burn your Lanka, ignore it. Because we do not live in Lanka. We are followers of Rama, not Ravana. Therefore, we will do the work of burning Lanka, Fadnavis replied. The war of words hinted that all is not well within the BJP and Shiv Sena. The BJP has recently inducted several corporators and office-bearers of Shiv Sena into the party. Shinde's son, MP Shrikant Shinde, and other ministers have openly expressed their displeasure over this. A week ago, Eknath Shinde met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the capital Delhi, during which he is said to have complained about BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. It is learnt that Amit Shah replied that it is every partys duty to take care of their workers and office bearers. However, Shinde is now attempting to rubbish allegations that he was targeting the BJP in Dahanu. Everyone knows who Ravana is, Shinde said, adding that the words "Ego-Ravan's Lanka" were not for the BJP but for the Thackeray group. A Malayali woman who was allegedly sexually assaulted by Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil petitioned with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday. The move comes after fresh audio recordings and screenshots of Mamkootathil's interaction with the petitioner surfaced in the media. According to reports, the victim met the chief minister at his office in Thiruvananthapuram and submitted the petition. Vijayan's office has reportedly forwarded the petition to ADGP H. Venkatesh, head of Kerala Crime Branch, which is probing similar allegations of sexual misconduct against the Congress leader. In the recently surfaced audio recording between Mamkootathil and the victim, the Congress leader allegedly forces the complainant for an abortion. In the latest leaked conversation, the Congress leader was heard abusing the woman while she had an emotional breakdown. Though Congress had suspended Mamkootathil from the party earlier following multiple allegations of similar nature, he actively took part in the party's programmes in Palakkad. Mamkootathil has been campaigning for Congress candidates contesting the upcoming local body polls in Palakkad. Mamkootathil is yet to react to media over the developments. In a Facebook post, Mamkootathil said he has not committed anything wrong and would contest the case legally. "As long as I have the firm conviction that I have committed no wrong, I will fight it out legally for as long as it takes. I will prove my case both in the court of law and in the court of the public. Satyameva Jayate," he said in a Facebook post. Kerala Health and Women Welfare Minister Veena George expressed solidarity with the victim, saying Kerala is with her. "Dear sister, do not lose strength...Kerala is with you...," she said in a social media post. Though the Kerala crime branch had initiated a probe earlier against the MLA based on leaked chats and audio recordings, the investigation hit a roadblock after the victims refused to formally register a complaint with the police. In the recent audio, he was heard insisting that he wanted a child, before later urging her to undergo an abortion. The Palakkad MLA had earlier resigned as Youth Congress state president after Malayalam actress Rini Ann George accused "a young leader" of a well-known political party of misbehaviour, triggering protests by the BJP and the DYFI, the youth wing of the CPI(M). Subsequently, several women and a transgender person levelled similar allegations against him. As the power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar intensified in Karnataka, the Congress high command is expected to convene a meeting soon to resolve the issue amicably. Talking to reporters in Bengaluru on Thursday, party president Mallikarjun Kharge said a collective decision would be made after the meeting, in which both leaders would be present. "I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi and other members will be present at the meeting. Both the chief minister and the Deputy CM will also be present. The decision will be made after a discussion with all of these leaders, he said, adding that the entire high command team would be part of the decision-making process. VIDEO | Bengaluru: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) on reported rift between Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar, says, "When I said the issue will be decided by 'high command', it implied that it will be discussed by the team. There is team of pic.twitter.com/uQRDJWXx39 Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2025 Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah reportedly held a meeting with senior ministers and leaders considered close to him, including Home Minister G. Parameshwara, Satish Jarkiholi, H.C. Mahdevappa, K. Venkatesh and K.N. Rajanna at his residence in Bengaluru. VIDEO | Bengaluru: Reacting to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's 'will settle CM change issue, put end to confusion after discussion with senior leaders' remark, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) says, "For us party is more important that everything. I am pic.twitter.com/z27jRqD4Ug Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2025 Shivakumar, who is locked in a power tussle with the chief minister, claimed on Wednesday that the party is united and its focus is on the upcoming elections. "Our goal is to win Karnataka in 2028 and to win at the national level in 2029, and to make Rahul Gandhi the Prime Minister. We will work towards this goal, he said. However, hours later, the KPCC chief sent a cryptic message to Siddaramaiah and the party's central leadership, saying that keeping a promise is a big power move. "There is a saying that word power is world power, which means that for us to keep our promise is one of the biggest powers in the world, he saida remark which is seen as a veiled reference to the purported power-sharing agreement between him and Siddaramaiah. Media reports and Shivakumar's loyalists claim that, as per the agreement made in 2023, he would be made the chief minister after two and a half years. Not surprisingly, the buzz over leadership change intensified after the Congress government completed the halfway mark of its five-year tenure on November 20. However, there seem to be more contenders to the CM post, with Parameshwara recently suggesting that he is also in the race in the event of a leadership change. "I'm always in the race, it is not a big issue. I was the Pradesh Congress Committee President in 2013. We brought the Congress government to power. I never claimed credit for it solely. I lost in that poll. Had I won, what would have happened, I don't know," Parameshwara said. Senior MLA and former minister K.N. Rajanna said that though he backed Siddaramaiah to continue, Parameshwara could be the second option. Jarkiholi, the Public Works Minister, who was also considered to be a contender for the top post, has come out in support of Siddaramaiah, saying he has asked the high command to clear the air at the earliest on the issue of leadership. "We (Congress) will require CM Siddaramaiah's leadership, his service and guidance even after he retires from active politics, he said on Wednesday. TBILISI, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A screening of the Chinese film "The Hundred Regiments Campaign" and a themed photo exhibition were held here on Wednesday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. "The Hundred Regiments Campaign" depicts the arduous struggle of the Chinese people under the leadership of the Communist Party of China in their fight against Japan during World War II. Beka Natsvlishvili, director of the China-Southeast Asia Research Center, noted that the film helps reverse the World War II historical narrative, long dominated in Georgian society by the United States and Europe, and restores China's outstanding contribution to the global fight against fascism. At the event, Chinese Ambassador to Georgia Zhou Qian noted that this year also marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration to China and the founding of the United Nations. "Hosting this themed event aims to use these historically significant images and films to look back at that great struggle concerning the future and destiny of mankind," Zhou said. He emphasized the need to "remember history, honor martyrs, cherish peace, and create the future." Natsvlishvili stated that the Georgian people, alongside the Chinese people, made significant sacrifices during the World Anti-Fascist War or World War II. "Revisiting this history 80 years later helps all nations better cherish peace and look toward the future," Natsvlishvili said. The event was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Georgia, the Georgian think tank China-Southeast Asia Research Center, and Grigol Robakidze University. Karlo Sikharulidze, Director of the Global Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, attended the event alongside approximately dozens of representatives from Georgian universities, think tanks, media outlets, and the overseas Chinese community. Delhi may be gasping, but the Supreme Court is done pretending it can play saviour every winter. Confronted with what the amicus curiae called a "health emergency," Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant shot back with a stark reality check, "What magic wand can a judicial forum exercise?" The top court bench, headed by the CJI, said judicial bodies have their limitations when it comes to tackling issues like air pollution, and the court does not have any magic wand to solve the Delhi air pollution crisis. The observation came when senior advocate Aparajita Singh, who is an amicus curiae in the case for many years, mentioned the case for urgent hearing, stating that it is a health emergency because of these alarming pollution levels. From vehicular emissions and construction dust to industrial pollutants and seasonal stubble burning, she said, the capital was engulfed by a perfect storm of toxic triggers. "What magic wand can a judicial forum exercise? I know this is hazardous for Delhi-NCR. Tell me, what can we direct that will result in clean air immediately? We all know what the problem is," the CJI observed. Judicial orders, the CJI suggested, cannot substitute for scientific diagnosis, executive action, or political will. The court emphasised that Delhis air crisis is deeply structural and multi-causal, not something that can be solved through bans and sudden restrictions. We need to identify all the reasons. There is no one single reason. It would be a bona fide mistake to think that, the CJI observed. The Bench made clear that a meaningful response requires empirical analysis, not assumptions or seasonal panic. CJI Surya Kant underscored the limits of judicial competence in dealing with a technical problem of this scale. Only domain experts and scientists can look into that, he said, signalling that the court expects detailed data, region-specific emission patterns, and scientifically vetted mitigation plans before it issues any further directions. The Bench also sought clarity on the committees already formed by the government to monitor and control air pollution. Over the years, bodies such as the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), various task forces, and inter-state coordination groups have been created, often with overlapping mandates. The court indicated it would examine whether these committees are functioning effectively and whether their recommendations are being implemented consistently. The CJI noted that this matter often arrives before the court ceremonially during Diwali and winter and then loses urgency once temperatures rise. Let us have regular monitoring, he said, stressing that the court wants to move from reactive firefighting to sustained oversight. Listing the matter on Monday, the Bench signalled a shift: no more knee-jerk bans, no more seasonal theatrics. As Delhi continues to breathe toxic air, the Supreme Courts stand is clear: without coordinated governance, scientific planning, and accountable implementation, no judicial magic wand can clean the skies. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Ditwah potentially impact the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the southern part of Andhra Pradesh. The impact of the storm may also affect Bengaluru, it has warned. According to the IMD, the coastal areas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh should brace for heavy rains until December 1, Monday. The IMD has advised fishermen of these regions not to venture into the sea. Cyclone Ditwah formed over the SW Bay of Bengal near 6.9N/81.9E at 1130 IST today. It lay close to Pottuvil, ~90 km SSE of Batticaloa and ~700 km SSE of Chennai. The system will move NNW and reach off North Tamil NaduPuducherrysouth AP coasts by early 30 Nov. pic.twitter.com/I8sQbCqbk7 India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 27, 2025 Following the movement of Cyclone Senyar away from the Indian coastline, a new low-pressure system over the Southwest Bay of Bengal is turning into a cyclonic storm. This system is "very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within 12 hours", and once it does, it will be named Cyclone Ditwah. Deep Depression (remnant of Cyclone Senyar) over the Strait of Malacca moved east at 18 km/h, weakened into a depression, and was centred near 3.7N/99.6E at 1130 IST. It is likely to continue eastwards and weaken into a well-marked low in the next 12 hours. pic.twitter.com/gkusVFA9W1 India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) November 27, 2025 The depression over southwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Sri Lanka coast moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 8 kmph during past 6 hours, intensified into a deep depression and lay centered at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 27th November 2025 over the same region near latitude 6.3N and longitude 82.4E,about 150 km east of Hambantota (Sri Lanka) and 170 km south-southeast of Batticaloa (Sri Lanka). It is very likely to continue to move nearly north-northwestwards across southwest Bay of Bengal & adjoining Sri Lanka and intensify further into a cyclonic storm during next 12 hours, IMD said in its X post. "Cyclone Ditwah formed over the SW Bay of Bengal near 6.9N/81.9E at 1130 IST today. It lay close to Pottuvil, ~90 km SSE of Batticaloa and ~700 km SSE of Chennai. The system will move NNW and reach off North Tamil NaduPuducherrysouth AP coasts by early 30 Nov," it added in another post. The name was suggested by Yemen, refering to the Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island, The Palestinian economy is currently facing its deepest economic crisis ever recorded, marked by an "unprecedented and catastrophic" collapse in Gaza, according to a report presented by the UN Conference on Trade and Development. UNCTAD Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno said years of restrictions on movement, combined with recent military operations, have wiped out decades of progress. The crisis is now ranked among the ten worst economic shocks worldwide since 1960. Gazas economic decline has been building for almost twenty years. It's estimated that 2.3 million people have long lived under limits on trade, travel, and access to basic resources. These limits weakened local businesses and increased dependence on outside aid. The latest conflict has pushed an already fragile economy into free fall. UNCTAD experts describe Gazas economic collapse as the fastest and most damaging ever recorded. The scale of the destruction becomes clear in the figures. Gazas Gross Domestic Product fell by 83 per cent in 2024 compared with the previous year. Across 2023 and 2024, the economy shrank by 87 per cent in total. Gaza now has only 13 per cent of the economic output it had in 2022. Incomes have plunged as well. GDP per person has dropped to around $161 a year, which is less than 50 cents a day. This places Gaza among the lowest income levels seen anywhere in the world. It also means the average person in Gaza now earns only 4.6 per cent of the income of someone in the West Bank. In 1994, the two areas had nearly equal levels of income. According to UNCTADs senior economist Mutasim Elagraa, this collapse has erased seven decades of human development in Gaza. Poverty now touches every household. Most families cannot meet basic needs such as food, water or shelter. Unemployment has passed 80 per cent, which has pushed the national unemployment rate close to 50 per cent. Poverty is now widespread in Gaza and is rising rapidly in the West Bank. The report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) warned of severe economic devastation in occupied Gaza and the West Bank, following Israel's military actions. pic.twitter.com/ZuDH7qxwQr Gaza Notifications (@gazanotice) September 12, 2024 The West Bank is also facing its worst economic contraction on record. While the decline is not as extreme as in Gaza, it remains severe. The West Banks GDP fell by 17 per cent in 2024, and income per person dropped by nearly 19 per cent. This has driven the Palestinian economy back to the size it had in 2010. Income levels have slipped to where they were in 2003. In less than two years, more than twenty years of progress have been lost. This downturn stems from growing insecurity and tighter controls on movement within the West Bank. UNCTAD notes that expanding settlements and restrictions on access now prevent Palestinians from reaching around 60 per cent of West Bank land. These limits have weakened local trade and reduced economic activity. The Palestinian government is at the same time facing its most serious financial crisis to date. Revenues have collapsed. Large amounts of fiscal transfers, which normally provide more than two thirds of all tax income, have been withheld. Between the start of 2019 and April 2025, the value of withheld and deducted funds reached around $1.76 billion. This is equal to about twelve per cent of the 2024 GDP. These shortfalls make it difficult for the government to pay wages, support schools and hospitals or plan for recovery. The destruction of Gazas social and physical foundations is vast. All schools and universities have been damaged or destroyed. Children have had no access to formal education for more than two years. UNCTAD warns that this loss will harm Gaza for generations. A quarter century of progress in education and skills has been undone. Experts estimate that Gaza has lost around seventy years of human development overall. Agriculture, once a key source of food and work, has been shattered. Damage assessments show that 86 per cent of cropland has been harmed, 83 per cent of water wells destroyed and 71 per cent of greenhouses damaged. Only 1.5 per cent of farmland remains usable. Nearly nine in ten water and sanitation facilities have also been destroyed. Soil contamination caused by explosives has created long term risks and will require major cleanup work. Rebuilding Gaza will need an enormous international effort. Joint assessments by the UN, European Union and World Bank state that more than $70 billion will be required. Even if generous aid arrives and building materials enter freely, recovery will take decades. Clearing rubble alone could take more than twenty years. Removing unexploded ordnance may take up to ten years. UNCTAD stresses that no recovery is possible without a lasting ceasefire. Although the recent ceasefire offers a brief opening, humanitarian aid is urgently needed. Petrofac UAE, the British energy company, which laid off its 180 employees last week, has announced that its UAE operations are continuing with teams supporting Adnocs ongoing energy projects. Operations across Petrofacs portfolio in the UAE are progressing as normal, with our teams continuing to support Adnoc in delivering its evolving energy goals, according to an official statement issued by the company on Thursday. Petrofac was considered one of the top energy service firms with a market value that once exceeded Dh27.5 billion, but collapsed due to financial pressure incurred after the collapse of a crucial offshore wind contract. Last week, the company summoned over 180 of its employees for a Town Hall, after which they were laid off. The confirmation comes as the firm announced it was planning to place Petrofac International Limited (PIL) into administration, extending the court-supervised insolvency process beyond its UK parent company. PIL historically oversaw much of Petrofacs engineering and construction activity across the Middle East and North Africa. The group noted that the entity no longer holds active contracts. The Group intends to redeploy PILs 120 staff to other Group companies wherever possible, Gulf News quoted the company. Petrofac also reaffirmed that group operations remain operational across key markets. The Groups operations will continue to trade. Petrofac continues to advance options for alternative restructuring and M&A solutions with key creditors, the company stated. This comes amid reports that the company promised its staff that it would issue a full settlement breakdown statement before December 3. A day after rumours broke out about Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khans death, the Pakistani leadership is rushing to clarify speculations, insisting that Khan is indeed healthy and receiving full medical care. Reports quoting Adiala Jail administration said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan is completely healthy and is in jail. Khan is being provided with full medical facilities, and there is no plan of transfer anywhere, the report said. Officials clarified that speculation about Khan's health is baseless and that his health is being monitored closely. Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif too rushed to clarify that Khan was receiving facilities in prison that he did not receive while in custody. Go and check the food menu that is served to him. This is not available even in five-star hotels," Asif said, adding that Khan has been provided with a television on which he can watch any channel. He said that exercise machines have also been provided for Khan. "We slept on the cold floor, ate prison food, and in January were given only two blankets and went without water," Asif said. Khawaja Asif claimed that the then Superintendent of Jail, Asad Warraich, had personally come and removed their geyser, while today some people have access to double beds and even velvet bedding in the prison. Tension outside Adiala Jail: Huge crowd of PTI supporters gathers, accusing the govt of denying access to detained leaders and engaging in political vendetta. Protest continues. pic.twitter.com/9txLv6ZedP AsiaWarZone (@AsiaWarZone) November 26, 2025 Khan has been in jail since August 2023. He faces numerous charges, including corruption charges. He was ousted from power in April 2022 through a no-confidence motion. After news broke that Khan died in prison, PTI had raised concerns that he could have been transferred elsewhere. "A transparent and official statement should be issued at the official level regarding the health, safety and current status of Chairman Imran Khan and the motives behind the spread of such dangerous and sensitive rumours should be investigated, and the facts should be presented before the nation, the PTI said in a statement, which was denied by the jail administration strongly denied this. Imran Khan's sisters and children have consistently claimed that he is being kept in solitary confinement and that visitation is limited, even though the Islamabad High Court has allowed the family to meet twice a week. On Wednesday, there was a huge commotion during a sit-in by PTI workers and Imran Khan's sisters near the prison check post, after which the authorities assured Aleema Khan that a meeting would be arranged. The protest was later called off. The new 100-rupee note released by Nepals central bank on Thursday has become the subject of discussion for featuring a revised national map that includes the disputed Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura regionsterritories India has long maintained are its own. Nepal's new Rs 100 banknote has Mt Everest on its left side, while there is a watermark of the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal, on the right. A faint green map of Nepal is printed in the background at the centre of the banknote. The Ashok Pillar is also printed near the map, along with the text Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. On the reverse side of the banknote, there is an image of a one-horned rhino. The banknote also includes a security thread and an embossed black dot to help visually impaired people recognise it. The new note from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) bears the signature of former Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari. During the Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli-led government, Nepal had updated the mapcomprising the Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura territoriesthrough a parliamentary endorsement in May 2020. Clarifying the issue regarding the updated version of the map, an NRB spokesperson said that the map already appears on the old Rs 100 banknote and has simply been revised in accordance with the governments decision, said news agency PTI. India maintains that Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura belong to it. In 2020, India had reacted sharply, calling Nepal's revised map a unilateral act and cautioning Kathmandu that such an artificial enlargement of territorial claims would not be acceptable to it. Among the various denominations of banknotessuch as Rs 10, Rs 50, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000only the Rs 100 note bears the map of Nepal; the others do not, PTI quoted him as clarifying. Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in downtown Washington, just blocks away from the White House, in a brazen act of violence. Police have taken one person into custody in connection with the incident, which Mayor Muriel Bowser called a "targeted shooting". National Guard troops from multiple states have been in Washington, DC, for months as part of President Donald Trump's anti-crime crackdown in the nation's capital. Condemning the incident, Trump wrote on X that the culprit will have to pay a heavy price. "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price," he said. "God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!" Trump added in his post. Following the shooting, the Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Earlier, addressing a news conference, FBI Director Kash Patel and Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Guard members were hospitalised in critical condition. "Since this is an assault on a federal law enforcement officer, this will be treated at the federal level as an assault on a federal law enforcement officer," Patel said. "The FBI will lead out on that mission with our interagency partners to include the Department of Homeland Security, Secret Service, ATF, DEA, and we're thankful for the mayor's assistance in this matter," he said. Footage captures the moments following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., only blocks from the White House pic.twitter.com/TtQP7mFQnd CENSORED VOICE (@CENS0REDVOICE) November 26, 2025 Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant to the DC police chief, said the assailant "came around the corner" and immediately started firing at the troops. The presence of the National Guard in Washington, DC had triggered a public policy debate about the Trump administration's use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem, according to Associated Press. Over 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed to Washington in August. Last week, about 160 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia. The suspect in the shooting incident near White House in Washington, in which two National Guard men were injured, is a migrant from Afghanistan who came to the United States in 2021, President Donald Trump said on Wednesday. Trump also called for his government to re-examine Afghan immigrants who entered the United States during the former President Joe Biden's administration. "This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror," Trump said in pre-taped remarks from Florida. "We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden." #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "...Earlier today, on the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, two members of the National Guard serving in Washington, DC, were shot at point-blank range in a monstrous ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House... This heinous pic.twitter.com/6GVTX6GFHN ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2025 Meanwhile, US media reports claimed that the accused is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, who entered the country under Operation Allies Welcome and resettled in Bellingham, Washington. Officials are still verifying all his details, and the motive remains unclear. Operation Allies was a Biden-era programme to resettle thousands of Afghans who assisted the US during the Afghanistan war and were vulnerable to reprisals from the ruling Taliban after the US withdrawal. Lakanwal reportedly applied for asylum in December 2024, and his request was approved on April 23 of this year, three months after President Donald Trump took office. He has no criminal history. Quoting law enforcement sources, the New York Post reported that Lakanwal was allegedly lying in wait before he rounded the corner near the Farragut West Metro Station in Northwest DC around 2:15 pm, then opened fire, striking a female guard in the chest before shooting her in the head. He then allegedly fired at the second guard before a third guard stationed nearby rushed to the area and took him down. Condemning the incident, Trump earlier wrote on X that the culprit will have to pay a heavy price. "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price," he said. The imprint of the slap takes a while for us to notice. It takes much longer for the women who come into contact with the owner of the face, Victoria. Meenakshi Jayan plays this woman, a beautician, with convincing sincerity. This is a strong internalised performance, one that evokes the image of a pressure cooker ready to explode any minute. I found myself feeling anxious, wondering what I would do if I were in the same situation. I would've probably died of a heart attack, I thought. Running a little under 90 minutes, Victoria is a day in the life episode, mostly set inside the confines of a beauty parlour run by a woman who likes to make Instagram reels. The place, we later see, becomes a venue for a "group therapy" session for Victoria and the women, of varying age groups, who go there to get different procedures done. The film doesn't run in real-time, but the time jumps are rarely felt; it condenses several hours of activity in a way that makes it seem like everything is happening in the aforementioned duration. Despite adopting a handheld approach, cinematographer Anand Ravi helps maintain a steady focus on Victoria's inner turmoil. Edited by writer-director Sivaranjini J, this is a film with perfectly timed pauses and breathing spaces, staged in such a way that they mirror real-life behaviour. There is a seamless quality to the pacing. It's cut in such a way that you don't notice the cuts. I, for one, remember noticing just a couple. There are smart choices, like knowing that you don't need to show the entirety of two friends sharing a lunch. Every woman has distinct behavioural traits. They only show up for a short while, but you're already imagining vivid backstories, because whatever little details the women tell about themselves are enough to draw a clear enough picture. It got me thinking that this is a quality that's missing from many films today the ability to get close to the characters and their emotions. Casting the right people matters. This film scored in this department. As Victoria, Meenakshi delivers an astonishing level of emotional continuity, starting with the agitated mental state in which we find her on a bus on the way to work, through her struggling to get through the day while being acutely aware that returning home after work is unimaginable. There was a deeply distressing situation at home, we learn. It concerns her relationship with her boyfriend. Her father had strong objections to her pursuing a love affair with a man from a "lower caste." The boyfriend, a cab driver, finds little time to hear her woes. He strikes us as someone who lacks the guts to handle this relationship with the seriousness it demands. She experiences a nervous breakdown, her body conveying all the resultant jitters. The strongly palpable performance is anxiety-inducing. As mentioned earlier, I couldn't imagine myself as a woman experiencing such turbulent scenarios. And yet, Victoria manages to maintain impressive composure amidst the duty of taking care of these women while trying to figure out a solution to escape the terrifying prospect of dealing with her parents later. How is she able to multitask without messing up her tasks? How is she able to switch off that side of her that's being bothered by thoughts of her problematic parents? However, it's not all doom and gloom. The film finds space for humour (the anecdote about the plumber earned some laughs at the screening) and some genuine moments of warmth. Elsewhere in the shop, a group of high-school girls break into a brief chorus. Their lyrics fit in well with the subject matter at hand. It's possible that Nadine Labaki's Lebanese film Caramel, also set in a beauty salon, was a strong influence on this film, but aside from the female camaraderie aspect, the two differ in their goals. My favourite is an emotional moment when Victoria's best friend, to whom she hasn't spoken in a long time, notices the mark on her face. The tears start to flow, and the power goes off, with just one faint light enough to reveal the two figures. It's a visual choice that seems to suggest one or two things. Perhaps it doesn't want to show Victoria in this pitiable condition. Perhaps it's trying to say that the friend who sees her in the dark can read her mind better than the so-called boyfriend who sees her worried, slap-reddened face on a bright screen. "Don't take on burdens that you cannot bear, be it work or people," this friend tells her. A simple, comforting statement, but one that can initiate certain life-changing decisions. Interestingly, no men are to be found in this film. The only male character is a... rooster, which has been forcibly put under Victoria's care by a woman she knows. It's an idea that implies the obvious when you tie it into the context of Victoria's predicament. The background male characters are either heard outside a door as a voice or through a blurry mobile phone screen. Men are not relevant here. Why should they be? This is a film by women, for women, and of women. Empowering, therapeutic. Film: Victoria Director: Sivaranjini J Cast: Meenakshi Jayan, Sreeshama Chandran, Jolly Chirayath, Steeja Mary, Jeena Rajeev, Remadevi, Darsana Vikas Rating: 4.5/5 JPMorgan Chase & Co., Bank of America, Citigroup, NU, Wells Fargo & Company, Charles Schwab, and Huntington Bancshares are the seven Bank stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Bank stocks are shares issued by publicly traded commercial and investment banks that give investors an ownership stake in those financial institutions. Their prices and returns typically reflect lending activity, interest-rate margins, credit quality, regulatory changes, and often include dividend income, making them sensitive to economic cycles and central bank policy. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Bank stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: 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. 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 Citigroup (C) Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial service holding company, provides various financial product and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide. It operates through five segments: Services, Markets, Banking, U.S. Personal Banking, and Wealth. The Services segment includes Treasury and Trade Solutions, which provides cash management, trade, and working capital solutions to multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public sector organizations; and Securities Services, such as cross-border support for clients, local market expertise, post-trade technologies, data solutions, and various securities services solutions. Read Our Latest Research Report on C NU (NU) Nu Holdings Ltd. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of digital banking services. The company was founded by David Velez Osorno, Cristina Helena Zingaretti Junqueira, and Adam Edward Wible on February 26, 2016 and is headquartered in George Town, Cayman Islands. Read Our Latest Research Report on NU Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) Wells Fargo & Co. is a diversified and community-based financial services company, which engages in the provision of banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services. It operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management. Read Our Latest Research Report on WFC Charles Schwab (SCHW) 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 Our Latest Research Report on SCHW Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) Huntington Bancshares Incorporated operates as the bank holding company for The Huntington National Bank that provides commercial, consumer, and mortgage banking services in the United States. The company offers financial products and services to consumer and business customers, including deposits, lending, payments, mortgage banking, dealer financing, investment management, trust, brokerage, insurance, and other financial products and services. Read Our Latest Research Report on HBAN Further Reading WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he will not invite South Africa to attend next year's Group of 20 (G20) summit in Miami, Florida, and will halt all U.S. aid to the country. "At my direction, South Africa will not be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year," Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social. He added that the United States would "stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately." Trump has repeatedly claimed that white people in South Africa are being killed and their farms are being seized at random -- allegations the South African government has repeatedly rejected throughout the year. Trump on Wednesday also criticized South Africa for refusing to hand over the G20 presidency to a senior U.S. diplomat at the summit's closing ceremony over the weekend. South Africa earlier said it was an insult for President Cyril Ramaphosa to hand over to a junior U.S. official. Tensions between Washington and Pretoria have escalated since Trump returned to office in late January. In February, Trump signed an executive order to freeze U.S. aid to South Africa, accusing the Expropriation Act -- a land reform law signed by Ramaphosa in January -- of "discriminating" against the country's white population. In response, the South African government pushed back against the White House's accusations, saying the aid freeze "lacks factual accuracy and fails to recognize South Africa's profound and painful history of colonialism and apartheid." In February, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that he would boycott the G20 summit in Johannesburg. In March, Washington expelled then South African Ambassador Ebrahim Rasool, further straining the bilateral relations. The expulsion followed an earlier address by the ambassador, in which he criticized Trump. In May, Trump confronted visiting South African President Ramaphosa at the White House with conspiracy theories on "white genocide" in South Africa, which Ramaphosa firmly denied. At the time, Ramaphosa, who had arrived in Washington to improve trade terms and ease bilateral tensions, rejected Trump's assertions during their meeting. The South African president refuted the notion that white South Africans are fleeing the country due to racist policies, noting that the majority of crime victims in his country are Black. Earlier this month, Trump announced that no U.S. officials would attend the G20 summit. Prologis, Ascendis Pharma A/S, Teledyne Technologies, Canopy Growth, Hamilton Lane, Hercules Capital, and Black Rock Coffee Bar are the seven Growth stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Growth stocks are shares of companies expected to increase revenue and earnings faster than the overall market, typically because of rapid expansion, innovation, or improving competitive positions. They usually reinvest profits instead of paying large dividends, carry higher valuation multiples and greater price volatility, and appeal to investors seeking capital appreciation rather than income. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Growth stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: Prologis (PLD) 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. Ascendis Pharma A/S (ASND) Ascendis Pharma A/S, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on developing therapies for unmet medical needs. It offers SKYTROFA for treating patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). The company is also developing a pipeline of three independent endocrinology rare disease product candidates in clinical development, as well as focuses on advancing oncology therapeutic candidates. Read Our Latest Research Report on ASND Teledyne Technologies (TDY) Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, together with its subsidiaries, provides enabling technologies for industrial growth markets in the United States and internationally. Its Digital Imaging segment provides visible spectrum sensors and digital cameras; and infrared, ultraviolet, visible, and X-ray spectra; as well as micro electromechanical systems and semiconductors, including analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters. Read Our Latest Research Report on TDY Canopy Growth (CGC) Canopy Growth Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production, distribution, and sale of cannabis and hemp-based products for recreational and medical purposes primarily in the United States, Canada, Germany, and internationally. It operates through Canada Cannabis, International Markets Cannabis, and Storz & Bickel segments. Read Our Latest Research Report on CGC Hamilton Lane (HLNE) Hamilton Lane Incorporated is a private equity firm specializing in early venture, emerging growth, turnaround, middle market, mature, mid-venture, bridge, buyout, distressed/vulture, loan, mezzanine in growth capital companies. It prefers to invest in energy, industrials, consumer discretionary, health care, real estate, information technology, utilities, and consumer services. Read Our Latest Research Report on HLNE Hercules Capital (HTGC) Hercules Capital, Inc. is a business development company. The firm specializing in providing venture debt, debt, senior secured loans, and growth capital to privately held venture capital-backed companies at all stages of development from startups to expansion stage including select publicly listed companies and select special opportunity lower middle market companies that require additional capital to fund acquisitions, recapitalizations and refinancing and established-stage companies. Read Our Latest Research Report on HTGC Black Rock Coffee Bar (BRCB) Our Mission: To Fuel People Forward One Connection, One Moment, One Cup at a Time We are a high-growth operator of guest-centric, drive-thru coffee bars offering premium caffeinated beverages and an elevated in-store experience crafted by our engaging baristas. Black Rock Coffee Bar was founded in 2008 in Beaverton, Oregon, by our co-founders Daniel Brand and Jeff Hernandez. Read Our Latest Research Report on BRCB Featured Stories Macro Bank (NYSE:BMA Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The bank reported ($0.39) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.67 by ($1.06), Zacks reports. Macro Bank had a return on equity of 10.99% and a net margin of 8.32%. Macro Bank Stock Performance NYSE BMA traded up $6.08 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $82.57. The companys stock had a trading volume of 851,958 shares, compared to its average volume of 481,322. The company has a current ratio of 1.13, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $63.41 and a 200 day simple moving average of $68.36. Macro Bank has a 52 week low of $38.30 and a 52 week high of $118.42. The stock has a market cap of $5.28 billion, a PE ratio of 20.09, a PEG ratio of 1.59 and a beta of 1.57. Get Macro Bank alerts: Macro Bank Increases Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a monthly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 24th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th were paid a dividend of $0.3486 per share. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a yield of 5.1%. This is a positive change from Macro Banks previous monthly dividend of $0.31. The ex-dividend date was Monday, November 17th. Macro Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 101.70%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts recently issued reports on BMA shares. Zacks Research upgraded Macro Bank from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Macro Bank from $79.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Macro Bank in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised Macro Bank to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, UBS Group began coverage on Macro Bank in a research note on Wednesday, November 19th. They issued a buy rating and a $130.00 price target on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Macro Bank has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $85.50. Get Our Latest Research Report on BMA Institutional Trading of Macro Bank Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. HUB Investment Partners LLC grew its stake in Macro Bank by 13.4% during the 2nd quarter. HUB Investment Partners LLC now owns 3,828 shares of the banks stock worth $269,000 after buying an additional 452 shares during the last quarter. Advisory Services Network LLC bought a new position in Macro Bank in the 3rd quarter valued at about $46,000. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd grew its position in Macro Bank by 1.4% in the 2nd quarter. Qube Research & Technologies Ltd now owns 85,228 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,984,000 after buying an additional 1,160 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp acquired a new position in Macro Bank during the 3rd quarter valued at about $72,000. Finally, Aquatic Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Macro Bank during the 3rd quarter worth about $151,000. About Macro Bank (Get Free Report) Banco Macro SA provides various banking products and services to retail and corporate customers in Argentina. It offers various retail banking products and services, such as savings and checking accounts, time deposits, credit and debit cards, consumer finance loans, mortgage loans, automobile loans, overdrafts, credit-related services, home and car insurance coverage, tax collection, utility payments, automated teller machines, and money transfers. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Macro Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Macro Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Yelp Inc. (NYSE:YELP Get Free Report) CFO David Schwarzbach sold 9,611 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $29.31, for a total transaction of $281,698.41. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 141,127 shares in the company, valued at $4,136,432.37. This trade represents a 6.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Yelp Stock Performance YELP stock traded down $0.32 during mid-day trading on Wednesday, hitting $29.06. The company had a trading volume of 948,670 shares, compared to its average volume of 844,027. The firm has a market cap of $1.79 billion, a PE ratio of 13.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.99. Yelp Inc. has a 12 month low of $27.29 and a 12 month high of $41.72. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $31.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.42. Get Yelp alerts: Yelp (NYSE:YELP Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The local business review company reported $0.61 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.47 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $376.04 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $368.39 million. Yelp had a net margin of 10.28% and a return on equity of 20.17%. The companys revenue was up 4.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.56 EPS. Yelp has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Yelp Inc. will post 2.22 earnings per share for the current year. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Yelp Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Advisors Asset Management Inc. lifted its stake in Yelp by 14.5% in the second quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 3,056 shares of the local business review companys stock worth $105,000 after purchasing an additional 386 shares during the last quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of Yelp by 0.7% in the second quarter. California State Teachers Retirement System now owns 58,298 shares of the local business review companys stock worth $1,998,000 after buying an additional 393 shares during the period. Pinnacle Holdings LLC lifted its stake in shares of Yelp by 1.2% in the 3rd quarter. Pinnacle Holdings LLC now owns 35,838 shares of the local business review companys stock valued at $1,118,000 after acquiring an additional 413 shares during the last quarter. Bfsg LLC boosted its holdings in Yelp by 110.3% during the 3rd quarter. Bfsg LLC now owns 839 shares of the local business review companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 440 shares during the period. Finally, CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC grew its position in Yelp by 100.0% during the 3rd quarter. CIBC Private Wealth Group LLC now owns 892 shares of the local business review companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 446 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 90.11% of the companys stock. A number of research analysts have recently commented on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their price target on Yelp from $33.00 to $30.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 10th. The Goldman Sachs Group set a $33.00 price objective on shares of Yelp in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Yelp from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Evercore ISI dropped their price target on shares of Yelp from $45.00 to $38.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Finally, Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Yelp from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $32.20. View Our Latest Stock Report on YELP Yelp Company Profile (Get Free Report) Yelp Inc operates a platform that connects consumers with local businesses in the United States and internationally. The company's platform covers various categories, including restaurants, shopping, beauty and fitness, health, and other categories, as well as home, local, auto, professional, pets, events, real estate, and financial services. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Yelp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Yelp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MSCI Inc (NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report) General Counsel Robert Gutowski sold 624 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 24th. The shares were sold at an average price of $558.42, for a total transaction of $348,454.08. Following the completion of the sale, the general counsel owned 15,945 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $8,904,006.90. The trade was a 3.77% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. MSCI Trading Up 0.0% MSCI traded up $0.23 on Wednesday, hitting $563.15. 575,074 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 617,807. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $562.41 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $563.58. The firm has a market capitalization of $42.31 billion, a PE ratio of 35.69, a P/E/G ratio of 2.76 and a beta of 1.34. MSCI Inc has a 52 week low of $486.73 and a 52 week high of $642.45. Get MSCI alerts: MSCI (NYSE:MSCI Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The technology company reported $4.47 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $4.37 by $0.10. The company had revenue of $793.43 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $794.87 million. MSCI had a negative return on equity of 110.94% and a net margin of 40.03%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 9.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $3.86 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that MSCI Inc will post 16.86 EPS for the current fiscal year. MSCI Dividend Announcement MSCI announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a stock buyback plan on Tuesday, October 28th that allows the company to repurchase $3.00 billion in outstanding shares. This repurchase authorization allows the technology company to reacquire up to 7.1% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are often a sign that the companys board of directors believes its stock is undervalued. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of $1.80 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $7.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.3%. MSCIs payout ratio is currently 45.63%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the stock. UBS Group raised their price objective on shares of MSCI from $700.00 to $710.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Evercore ISI raised their price target on shares of MSCI from $588.00 to $611.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Weiss Ratings lowered MSCI from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research note on Tuesday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on MSCI from $655.00 to $680.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Seaport Res Ptn raised MSCI to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $655.90. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MSCI Hedge Funds Weigh In On MSCI Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Katamaran Capital LLP bought a new stake in shares of MSCI during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,806,000. Evelyn Partners Investment Management Services Ltd raised its position in MSCI by 158.9% in the 2nd quarter. Evelyn Partners Investment Management Services Ltd now owns 4,971 shares of the technology companys stock worth $2,774,000 after purchasing an additional 3,051 shares during the last quarter. waypoint wealth counsel acquired a new position in MSCI during the 2nd quarter worth $355,000. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. boosted its position in MSCI by 10.0% in the 2nd quarter. Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. now owns 8,882 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $5,123,000 after buying an additional 809 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Callan Family Office LLC increased its stake in shares of MSCI by 92.9% in the 2nd quarter. Callan Family Office LLC now owns 3,627 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $2,092,000 after buying an additional 1,747 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 89.97% of the companys stock. About MSCI (Get Free Report) MSCI Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides critical decision support tools and solutions for the investment community to manage investment processes worldwide. The Index segment provides indexes for use in various areas of the investment process, including indexed financial product, such as ETFs, mutual funds, annuities, futures, options, structured products, and over-the-counter derivatives; performance benchmarking; portfolio construction and rebalancing; and asset allocation, as well as licenses GICS and GICS Direct. Read More Receive News & Ratings for MSCI Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MSCI and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Comptoir Group PLC (LON:COM Get Free Report)s share price hit a new 52-week high on Monday . The stock traded as high as GBX 5.50 and last traded at GBX 5.50, with a volume of 30491 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 5. Comptoir Group Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 1.24, a current ratio of 0.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 275.63. The companys fifty day moving average price is GBX 5.04 and its 200 day moving average price is GBX 4.20. The company has a market capitalization of 6.13 million, a P/E ratio of -21.74 and a beta of 0.95. Get Comptoir Group alerts: Comptoir Group (LON:COM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, September 25th. The company reported GBX (0.07) earnings per share for the quarter. Comptoir Group had a negative net margin of 7.85% and a negative return on equity of 110.71%. About Comptoir Group Comptoir Group PLC owns and operates restaurants under the Comptoir Libanais and Shawa brand names in the United Kingdom. It offers Lebanese and Eastern Mediterranean cuisine dining. It operates restaurants that includes franchises. The company was formerly known as Levant Restaurants Group Limited and changed its name to Comptoir Group PLC in June 2016. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Comptoir Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Comptoir Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Oracle Power plc (LON:ORCP Get Free Report) were up 5.3% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as GBX 0.05 and last traded at GBX 0.04. Approximately 292,560,500 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 27% from the average daily volume of 230,796,781 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.04. Oracle Power Stock Up 5.3% The stock has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 0.04 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 0.02. The company has a market cap of 6.29 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -20.00 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a quick ratio of 5.67, a current ratio of 3.74 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.98. About Oracle Power (Get Free Report) Oracle Power Plc (AIM: ORCP) is an international project developer in the natural resources and energy sectors. The Company is currently committed to two areas of focus: Western Australia, home to two of Oracles highly prospective gold projects, and Pakistan, where it is working to establish one of the largest hydrogen production facilities in the region. Located in the wind corridor in Jhimpir, Pakistan, The Green Hydrogen project is being developed on a fast-track basis thanks to the joint venture (JV) formed between Oracle and His Highness Shaikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum (through his wholly owned company, Kaheel Energy Limited). The JV intends to support the global transition to a carbon neutral future through establishing Pakistan as one of the main Green Hydrogen players in the region, to meet global demand for clean hydrogen forecasted to be 660 million metric tons in 2050. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Premium Brands Holdings Co. (OTCMKTS:PRBZF Get Free Report)s stock price fell 0.9% on Monday . The stock traded as low as $64.07 and last traded at $64.07. 3,256 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 63% from the average session volume of 8,853 shares. The stock had previously closed at $64.68. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PRBZF has been the subject of several research reports. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating on shares of Premium Brands in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada upgraded shares of Premium Brands from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Premium Brands in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, National Bankshares reiterated a sector perform rating on shares of Premium Brands in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get Premium Brands alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on Premium Brands Premium Brands Trading Up 2.7% About Premium Brands The companys fifty day simple moving average is $66.80 and its 200-day simple moving average is $64.40. (Get Free Report) Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food products primarily in Canada and the United States. It operates in two segments, Specialty Foods and Premium Food Distribution. The company provides processed meat, deli products, meat snacks, beef jerky and halal, sandwiches, pastries, specialty and gourmet products, entrees, panini, wraps, subs, hamburgers, burgers, salads and kettle products, muffins, breads, pastas, pizza, and baking and sushi products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Premium Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Premium Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. United States Copper Index Fund (NYSEARCA:CPER Get Free Report)s share price was up 0.1% during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $31.13 and last traded at $31.11. Approximately 369,089 shares were traded during mid-day trading, an increase of 24% from the average daily volume of 296,767 shares. The stock had previously closed at $31.07. United States Copper Index Fund Stock Up 2.1% The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $30.81 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $30.40. The stock has a market cap of $335.91 million, a P/E ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 0.52. Get United States Copper Index Fund alerts: Institutional Investors Weigh In On United States Copper Index Fund Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CPER. Highline Wealth Partners LLC bought a new stake in United States Copper Index Fund in the 2nd quarter worth $25,000. Farther Finance Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of United States Copper Index Fund by 400.0% during the second quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,000 shares of the companys stock worth $32,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares during the period. Kiker Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of United States Copper Index Fund in the second quarter worth about $32,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. bought a new stake in shares of United States Copper Index Fund in the third quarter worth about $35,000. Finally, Geneos Wealth Management Inc. purchased a new position in United States Copper Index Fund during the 2nd quarter valued at about $46,000. About United States Copper Index Fund The United States Copper Index Fund, LP (CPER) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the SummerHaven Copper index. The fund tracks a rules-based index of copper futures contracts selected based on the shape of the copper futures curve. CPER was launched on Nov 15, 2011 and is managed by US Commodity Funds. See Also Receive News & Ratings for United States Copper Index Fund Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for United States Copper Index Fund and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (ETR:HHFA Get Free Report) dropped 0.5% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as 21.00 and last traded at 21.10. Approximately 885 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 117,376 shares. The stock had previously closed at 21.20. Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Trading Down 0.5% The company has a market cap of $1.51 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 50.79, a P/E/G ratio of 0.29 and a beta of 1.03. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of 21.10 and a two-hundred day moving average price of 20.02. About Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (Get Free Report) Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft operates as a port and transport logistics company in Germany, rest of European Union, and internationally. It operates through Container, Intermodal, Logistics, and Real Estate segments. The company operates three container terminals in Hamburg; and container terminals in Odessa, Ukraine, and Tallinn, Estonia, as well as in Trieste, Italy. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Deutsche Telekom AG (ETR:DTE Get Free Report)s stock price rose 1.5% on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as 27.67 and last traded at 27.62. Approximately 4,633,402 shares were traded during trading, The stock had previously closed at 27.20. Deutsche Telekom Price Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.15, a quick ratio of 0.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 78.00. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of 28.36 and a 200-day simple moving average of 30.39. The stock has a market cap of $135.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.35, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.78 and a beta of 0.62. Deutsche Telekom Company Profile (Get Free Report) Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, Group Development, and Group Headquarters and Group Services segments. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Telekom Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Telekom and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. by Xinhua writers Gao Wencheng, Yu Aicen LONDON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China has an important role to play in strengthening global maritime cooperation and advancing the sustainable development of the shipping industry, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has said. Dominguez made the remarks in an interview with Xinhua on Tuesday on the sidelines of an inauguration ceremony for the Permanent Mission of the People's Republic of China to the IMO, held at the Chinese Embassy in Britain. "China is a country that has a great participation in the shipping sector," he said. As one of the world's leading shipbuilding countries, home to some of the largest ports and major shipping companies, and a major provider of seafarers, China contributes across the entire maritime value chain, he added. These strengths, Dominguez noted, enable China to help the global maritime community attract a new generation of talent and further enhance the sector's credibility, not only in terms of safety and security, but also in advancing sustainability. "So it's a big role that China has to play with us," he said. He added that the establishment of China's permanent mission to the IMO demonstrates China's strong commitment to supporting the organization's work in areas such as digitalization, decarbonization, improving safety, promoting diversity and inclusion, and advancing seafarer training. "This will only reinforce China's participation in sharing experience with IMO," Dominguez said. The IMO is the United Nations specialized agency with responsibility for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine and atmospheric pollution by ships. The organization currently has 176 members. China has been one of the 10 Category A members of the IMO Council since 1989. Shares of Walker River Resources Corp. (CVE:WRR Get Free Report) rose 2% during trading on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as C$0.26 and last traded at C$0.26. Approximately 26,500 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 38% from the average daily volume of 42,967 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.25. Walker River Resources Price Performance The companys 50 day simple moving average is C$0.27 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.22. The firm has a market cap of C$13.28 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -25.50 and a beta of -0.55. Walker River Resources Company Profile (Get Free Report) Walker River Resources Corp., an exploration stage company, engages in the identification, acquisition, exploration, and evaluation of mineral properties in Canada. It holds 100% interests in the Lapon Canyon gold project with 147 claims, which covers an area of approximately 2940 acres located in Nevada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Walker River Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Walker River Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Hudson Pacific Properties, Inc. (NYSE:HPP Free Report) are set to reverse split on the morning of Monday, December 1st. The 1-7 reverse split was announced on Monday, November 17th. The number of shares owned by shareholders will be adjusted after the closing bell on Friday, November 28th. Hudson Pacific Properties Price Performance Hudson Pacific Properties stock opened at $1.96 on Thursday. The firm has a market capitalization of $741.92 million, a P/E ratio of -0.70 and a beta of 1.62. Hudson Pacific Properties has a 1 year low of $1.67 and a 1 year high of $3.96. The business has a 50-day moving average of $2.41 and a 200-day moving average of $2.50. The company has a current ratio of 2.18, a quick ratio of 2.18 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.17. Get Hudson Pacific Properties alerts: Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE:HPP Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.04 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.02 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $186.62 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $186.05 million. Hudson Pacific Properties had a negative return on equity of 15.10% and a negative net margin of 53.76%. Hudson Pacific Properties has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.010-0.050 EPS. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Hudson Pacific Properties will post 0.45 EPS for the current year. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently weighed in on HPP. Piper Sandler reduced their price target on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $3.00 to $2.50 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, November 10th. Citigroup lowered their price objective on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties from $2.90 to $1.90 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Hudson Pacific Properties in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Hudson Pacific Properties from $3.10 to $2.60 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald lowered their price target on Hudson Pacific Properties from $3.50 to $3.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Hudson Pacific Properties has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $2.97. Read Our Latest Stock Report on HPP Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HPP. Xponance Inc. grew its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 19.9% in the third quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 29,100 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $80,000 after buying an additional 4,821 shares in the last quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its stake in Hudson Pacific Properties by 8.8% in the first quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 62,503 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $186,000 after acquiring an additional 5,051 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its position in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 1.0% in the 3rd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 576,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,591,000 after acquiring an additional 5,544 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 25.4% during the 3rd quarter. Ballentine Partners LLC now owns 28,201 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $78,000 after purchasing an additional 5,709 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Metis Global Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Hudson Pacific Properties by 43.8% during the 2nd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 23,273 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $64,000 after purchasing an additional 7,090 shares during the last quarter. 97.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Hudson Pacific Properties Company Profile (Get Free Report) Hudson Pacific Properties (NYSE: HPP) is a real estate investment trust serving dynamic tech and media tenants in global epicenters for these synergistic, converging and secular growth industries. Hudson Pacific's unique and high-barrier tech and media focus leverages a full-service, end-to-end value creation platform forged through deep strategic relationships and niche expertise across identifying, acquiring, transforming and developing properties into world-class amenitized, collaborative and sustainable office and studio space. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hudson Pacific Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Imperial Oil (TSE:IMO Free Report) (NYSEMKT:IMO) had its price objective boosted by Desjardins from C$114.00 to C$120.00 in a report published on Monday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. The brokerage currently has a sell rating on the stock. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the company. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Imperial Oil from C$97.00 to C$101.00 in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price target on shares of Imperial Oil from C$115.00 to C$117.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Raymond James Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Imperial Oil from C$109.00 to C$110.00 in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. CIBC downgraded shares of Imperial Oil from a neutral rating to an underperform rating and upped their price objective for the company from C$108.00 to C$110.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Finally, TD Securities increased their price objective on shares of Imperial Oil from C$104.00 to C$107.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and five have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average price target of C$110.56. Get Imperial Oil alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Imperial Oil Imperial Oil Trading Up 0.4% Shares of Imperial Oil stock opened at C$138.60 on Monday. The firms 50 day simple moving average is C$128.77 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is C$117.96. The firm has a market capitalization of C$68.86 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.70, a PEG ratio of 0.21 and a beta of 0.98. Imperial Oil has a 12-month low of C$82.98 and a 12-month high of C$141.17. The company has a current ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 18.04. Imperial Oil (TSE:IMO Get Free Report) (NYSEMKT:IMO) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported C$2.17 earnings per share for the quarter. Imperial Oil had a net margin of 10.00% and a return on equity of 21.23%. Analysts predict that Imperial Oil will post 8.6164609 EPS for the current year. Imperial Oil Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 1st were paid a dividend of $0.74 per share. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 4th. This is a positive change from Imperial Oils previous quarterly dividend of $0.72. Imperial Oils dividend payout ratio is 35.25%. Imperial Oil Company Profile (Get Free Report) Imperial Oil is one of Canadas largest integrated oil companies, focusing on upstream operations, petroleum refining operations, and the marketing of petroleum products. Production averaged 398 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day in 2020. The company estimates that it holds 5.2 billion boe of proved and probable crude oil and natural gas reserves. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Imperial Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Imperial Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week low on Tuesday after BMO Capital Markets lowered their price target on the stock from $50.00 to $46.00. BMO Capital Markets currently has a market perform rating on the stock. Novo Nordisk A/S traded as low as $43.08 and last traded at $44.99, with a volume of 73421832 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $47.63. A number of other equities analysts have also recently issued reports on NVO. Dbs Bank upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, August 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 9th. UBS Group downgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. BNP Paribas upgraded shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from an underperform rating to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut Novo Nordisk A/S from an overweight rating to an underweight rating and dropped their price target for the company from $59.00 to $47.00 in a research report on Monday, September 29th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and two have issued 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 $57.40. Get Novo Nordisk A/S alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on NVO Hedge Funds Weigh In On Novo Nordisk A/S Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Performance Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NVO. True Wealth Design LLC boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 209.8% during the 3rd quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 443 shares of the companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Guerra Advisors Inc bought a new stake in Novo Nordisk A/S during the third quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S in the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. Strengthening Families & Communities LLC bought a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the 3rd quarter worth $30,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its holdings in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 174.1% in the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 444 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 282 shares during the last quarter. 11.54% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 0.56 and a current ratio of 0.78. The stock has a market cap of $217.67 billion, a PE ratio of 13.39, a PEG ratio of 2.33 and a beta of 0.65. The companys 50-day moving average price is $53.32 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $59.93. Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, beating 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 business had revenue of $11.79 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.98 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.84 EPS for the current year. About Novo Nordisk A/S (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 Stories 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. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on shares of Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H Free Report) in a research note released on Monday, MarketBeat.com reports. The brokerage issued an overweight rating and a $178.00 price target on the stock. Several other research analysts have also recently weighed in on H. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on Hyatt Hotels from $140.00 to $159.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Wall Street Zen cut Hyatt Hotels from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note on Sunday, August 17th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Hyatt Hotels in a report on Tuesday, November 18th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $154.00 price target on the stock. Robert W. Baird raised their price objective on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $154.00 to $156.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus boosted their target price on shares of Hyatt Hotels from $155.00 to $158.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $158.33. Get Hyatt Hotels alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on H Hyatt Hotels Trading Down 0.0% Shares of H stock opened at $166.37 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.45, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.70. The company has a market capitalization of $15.80 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 39.52, a PEG ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 1.43. Hyatt Hotels has a 52-week low of $102.43 and a 52-week high of $168.20. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $147.28 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $142.35. Hyatt Hotels (NYSE:H Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported ($0.30) earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.49 by ($0.79). The business had revenue of $1.50 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.82 billion. Hyatt Hotels had a return on equity of 6.54% and a net margin of 6.39%.Hyatt Hotelss quarterly revenue was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.94 EPS. Research analysts anticipate that Hyatt Hotels will post 3.05 EPS for the current fiscal year. Hyatt Hotels Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Monday, November 24th will be issued a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 24th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.4%. Hyatt Hotelss dividend payout ratio is -64.52%. Insider Activity In other news, insider David Udell sold 4,131 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $151.10, for a total value of $624,194.10. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider directly owned 16,756 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,531,831.60. This trade represents a 19.78% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, insider Peter Sears sold 12,394 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $155.51, for a total transaction of $1,927,390.94. Following the transaction, the insider directly owned 5,594 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $869,922.94. This represents a 68.90% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 23,586 shares of company stock valued at $3,611,550. 23.70% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of H. Johnson Financial Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Hyatt Hotels by 450.0% in the third quarter. Johnson Financial Group Inc. now owns 176 shares of the companys stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 144 shares during the period. Bank of Jackson Hole Trust purchased a new position in Hyatt Hotels during the first quarter worth about $31,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Hyatt Hotels by 98.2% during the third quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 216 shares of the companys stock worth $31,000 after buying an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB increased its stake in Hyatt Hotels by 86.7% in the 2nd quarter. MassMutual Private Wealth & Trust FSB now owns 239 shares of the companys stock worth $33,000 after acquiring an additional 111 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Quent Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Hyatt Hotels in the 3rd quarter valued at about $34,000. 73.54% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Hyatt Hotels (Get Free Report) Hyatt Hotels Corporation operates as a hospitality company in the United States and internationally. It operates through Owned and Leased Hotels, Americas Management and Franchising, ASPAC Management and Franchising, EAME Management and Franchising, and Apple Leisure Group segments. The company manages, franchises, licenses, owns, and leases portfolio of properties, consisting of full-service hotels and resorts, select service hotels, and other properties, including timeshare, fractional, residential, vacation, and condominium units. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hyatt Hotels Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hyatt Hotels and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Brookfield Renewable (NYSE:BEPC Free Report) had its target price hoisted by Morgan Stanley from $40.00 to $48.00 in a research note issued to investors on Monday,Benzinga reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating on the stock. A number of other analysts have also weighed in on BEPC. Barclays upped their target price on shares of Brookfield Renewable from $31.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Brookfield Renewable from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (e+) rating on shares of Brookfield Renewable in a research report on Wednesday, November 19th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their target price on Brookfield Renewable from $41.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $39.75. Get Brookfield Renewable alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on BEPC Brookfield Renewable Price Performance Brookfield Renewable Announces Dividend Shares of NYSE BEPC opened at $41.20 on Monday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 0.39 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The company has a market cap of $5.97 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -46.29 and a beta of 1.29. The stocks 50-day moving average is $39.69 and its two-hundred day moving average is $35.25. Brookfield Renewable has a 1-year low of $23.73 and a 1-year high of $45.10. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be paid a dividend of $0.373 per share. This represents a $1.49 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.6%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 28th. Brookfield Renewables dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently -167.42%. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Brookfield Renewable Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in BEPC. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Brookfield Renewable by 2.6% during the third quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 6,004,715 shares of the companys stock worth $206,717,000 after buying an additional 151,186 shares during the period. Parnassus Investments LLC grew its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 1.4% during the third quarter. Parnassus Investments LLC now owns 5,337,630 shares of the companys stock worth $183,721,000 after acquiring an additional 74,543 shares during the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 2.7% during the third quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 4,646,524 shares of the companys stock worth $159,935,000 after acquiring an additional 121,328 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc increased its holdings in shares of Brookfield Renewable by 3.1% in the 3rd quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 3,944,804 shares of the companys stock valued at $135,830,000 after acquiring an additional 117,058 shares during the period. Finally, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board raised its position in Brookfield Renewable by 49.6% in the 2nd quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 2,972,774 shares of the companys stock valued at $97,457,000 after purchasing an additional 985,442 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.12% of the companys stock. About Brookfield Renewable (Get Free Report) Brookfield Renewable Corporation owns and operates a portfolio of renewable power and sustainable solution assets primarily in the United States, Europe, Colombia, and Brazil. It operates hydroelectric, wind, solar, and distributed energy and sustainable solutions with an installed capacity of approximately 19,161 megawatts. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Renewable Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Renewable and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Hold from the fourteen brokerages that are presently covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and six have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $92.1538. TXT has been the topic of several analyst reports. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Textron from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their price objective on shares of Textron from $90.00 to $88.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Monday, October 27th. UBS Group cut their target price on Textron from $92.00 to $89.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 24th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Textron in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating and set a $90.00 price target on shares of Textron in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Get Textron alerts: View Our Latest Report on Textron Institutional Trading of Textron Textron Price Performance Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH raised its holdings in Textron by 1.7% in the 1st quarter. Universal Beteiligungs und Servicegesellschaft mbH now owns 67,611 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $4,885,000 after acquiring an additional 1,162 shares during the period. AE Wealth Management LLC grew its position in shares of Textron by 9.9% in the first quarter. AE Wealth Management LLC now owns 27,512 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $1,988,000 after purchasing an additional 2,489 shares during the last quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. grew its position in shares of Textron by 11.3% in the first quarter. Avantax Advisory Services Inc. now owns 6,786 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $490,000 after purchasing an additional 689 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc increased its stake in shares of Textron by 2.2% in the first quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 965,755 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $69,776,000 after purchasing an additional 20,733 shares during the period. Finally, HB Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Textron by 10.5% during the 1st quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC now owns 5,274 shares of the aerospace companys stock worth $381,000 after purchasing an additional 501 shares during the last quarter. 86.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Shares of NYSE:TXT opened at $83.14 on Monday. The company has a current ratio of 1.84, a quick ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Textron has a 1 year low of $57.70 and a 1 year high of $87.94. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $82.32 and a 200 day simple moving average of $80.30. The firm has a market cap of $14.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.27, a P/E/G ratio of 1.30 and a beta of 1.13. Textron (NYSE:TXT Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The aerospace company reported $1.55 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.47 by $0.08. Textron had a return on equity of 14.16% and a net margin of 5.81%.The business had revenue of $3.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.70 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.40 EPS. The firms revenue was up 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. Textron has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.000-6.200 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Textron will post 6.12 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Textron Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 12th will be issued a dividend of $0.02 per share. This represents a $0.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.1%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 12th. Textrons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 1.76%. About Textron (Get Free Report) Textron Inc operates in the aircraft, defense, industrial, and finance businesses worldwide. It operates through six segments: Textron Aviation, Bell, Textron Systems, Industrial, Textron eAviation, and Finance. The Textron Aviation segment manufactures, sells, and services business jets, turboprop and piston engine aircraft, and military trainer and defense aircraft; and offers maintenance, inspection, and repair services, as well as sells commercial parts. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Textron Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Textron and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MetLife, Inc. (NYSE:MET Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twelve analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, nine have given a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $94.60. Several equities research analysts have commented on MET shares. Jefferies Financial Group boosted their price target on shares of MetLife from $100.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, August 11th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their target price on MetLife from $92.00 to $90.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of MetLife in a research report on Friday, August 22nd. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of MetLife in a research note on Monday. Finally, Wolfe Research raised MetLife to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. Get MetLife alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on MetLife Institutional Investors Weigh In On MetLife MetLife Trading Up 0.8% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in MetLife by 3.6% during the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 3,585 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $295,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the last quarter. Trustmark Bank Trust Department increased its holdings in shares of MetLife by 4.6% during the 3rd quarter. Trustmark Bank Trust Department now owns 2,870 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $236,000 after acquiring an additional 127 shares during the last quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in MetLife by 4.2% in the 3rd quarter. Daymark Wealth Partners LLC now owns 3,192 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $263,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the period. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC raised its stake in MetLife by 4.9% in the 3rd quarter. Cornerstone Wealth Group LLC now owns 2,790 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $230,000 after acquiring an additional 130 shares during the period. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. boosted its position in MetLife by 1.9% during the third quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 7,040 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $580,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. 94.99% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. NYSE:MET opened at $76.33 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $50.29 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.94, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.70 and a beta of 0.87. MetLife has a twelve month low of $65.21 and a twelve month high of $89.05. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $79.12 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $78.85. The company has a quick ratio of 0.16, a current ratio of 0.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57. MetLife (NYSE:MET Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The financial services provider reported $2.37 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.30 by $0.07. MetLife had a net margin of 5.83% and a return on equity of 19.88%. The business had revenue of $17.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $18.64 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.95 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 5.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts expect that MetLife will post 9.65 EPS for the current fiscal year. MetLife Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, November 4th will be paid a $0.5675 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 4th. This represents a $2.27 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.0%. MetLifes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 42.75%. About MetLife (Get Free Report) MetLife, Inc, a financial services company, provides insurance, annuities, employee benefits, and asset management services worldwide. It operates through six segments: Retirement and Income Solutions; Group Benefits; Asia; Latin America; Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and MetLife Holdings. The company offers life, dental, group short-and long-term disability, individual disability, pet insurance, accidental death and dismemberment, vision, and accident and health coverages, as well as prepaid legal plans; administrative services-only arrangements to employers; and general and separate account, and synthetic guaranteed interest contracts, as well as private floating rate funding agreements. Read More Receive News & Ratings for MetLife Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MetLife and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Free Report) had its target price boosted by Evercore ISI from $10.00 to $12.00 in a report published on Monday,Benzinga reports. They currently have an in-line rating on the auto manufacturers stock. A number of other brokerages also recently weighed in on F. Barclays raised their price objective on Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Dbs Bank lowered shares of Ford Motor from a hold rating to a moderate sell rating in a research report on Monday, August 4th. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price objective on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. Finally, UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Ford Motor from $11.00 to $12.50 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Ford Motor has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $11.88. Get Ford Motor alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Ford Motor Ford Motor Stock Performance Shares of F opened at $13.18 on Monday. The company has a market capitalization of $52.50 billion, a PE ratio of 11.36, a PEG ratio of 4.03 and a beta of 1.60. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.20, a quick ratio of 0.98 and a current ratio of 1.12. The companys 50 day moving average price is $12.50 and its 200 day moving average price is $11.59. Ford Motor has a 52 week low of $8.44 and a 52 week high of $13.97. Ford Motor (NYSE:F Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The auto manufacturer reported $0.45 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.38 by $0.07. Ford Motor had a return on equity of 11.94% and a net margin of 2.48%.The company had revenue of $50.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $43.08 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.49 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Ford Motor will post 1.47 EPS for the current fiscal year. Ford Motor Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 7th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.6%. Ford Motors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 51.72%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Advisors Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in Ford Motor by 9.6% during the first quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC now owns 12,543 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $126,000 after purchasing an additional 1,100 shares during the period. FORA Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Ford Motor during the 1st quarter valued at about $7,398,000. Swiss National Bank lifted its position in shares of Ford Motor by 7.4% during the 2nd quarter. Swiss National Bank now owns 11,822,986 shares of the auto manufacturers stock valued at $128,279,000 after buying an additional 813,800 shares in the last quarter. Teza Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Ford Motor during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $465,000. Finally, Quantitative Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Ford Motor in the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,373,000. 58.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Ford Motor (Get 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. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. boosted its stake in Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP Free Report) by 9.1% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 5,517 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 460 shares during the period. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A.s holdings in Credicorp were worth $1,233,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Credicorp during the first quarter worth approximately $77,577,000. Millennium Management LLC grew its position in Credicorp by 853.1% during the 1st quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 319,076 shares of the banks stock worth $59,399,000 after purchasing an additional 285,597 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp increased its stake in Credicorp by 654.5% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Trust & Banking Corp now owns 232,547 shares of the banks stock valued at $51,979,000 after purchasing an additional 201,724 shares during the period. Bank of Nova Scotia raised its holdings in shares of Credicorp by 21.8% in the first quarter. Bank of Nova Scotia now owns 867,347 shares of the banks stock valued at $161,465,000 after buying an additional 155,162 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of Credicorp by 46.6% in the second quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 464,098 shares of the banks stock valued at $103,698,000 after buying an additional 147,573 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.81% of the companys stock. Get Credicorp alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. HSBC cut Credicorp from a buy rating to a hold rating and boosted their price target for the company from $225.00 to $255.00 in a research report on Friday, September 5th. UBS Group increased their price target on Credicorp from $257.00 to $318.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, September 16th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Credicorp from $242.00 to $310.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, November 21st. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Credicorp from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Finally, Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of Credicorp from $255.00 to $275.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 20th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Credicorp presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $265.17. Credicorp Stock Performance NYSE:BAP opened at $255.79 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.08, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49. Credicorp Ltd. has a fifty-two week low of $165.51 and a fifty-two week high of $280.88. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $258.45 and its 200-day simple moving average is $241.22. The stock has a market cap of $20.34 billion, a PE ratio of 12.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.71 and a beta of 1.09. Credicorp (NYSE:BAP Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The bank reported $6.17 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.05 by $0.12. Credicorp had a net margin of 23.22% and a return on equity of 17.94%. The firm had revenue of $1.48 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.71 billion. Analysts expect that Credicorp Ltd. will post 21.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Credicorp Company Profile (Free Report) Credicorp Ltd. provides various financial, insurance, and health services and products primarily in Peru and internationally. It operates through Universal Banking, Insurance and Pensions, Microfinance, and Investment Banking and Equity Management segments. The Universal Banking segment grants various credits and financial instruments to individuals and legal entities; and various deposits and current accounts. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Credicorp Ltd. (NYSE:BAP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Credicorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Credicorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's largest bank, Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam (BIBD), kicked off its mega carnival in the capital Bandar Seri Begawan on Wednesday, marking the start of five days of community celebration, family-friendly activities, and support for local entrepreneurs. The carnival brings a lively and colorful atmosphere to the capital, enhancing visitors' experiences while celebrating the city's iconic landmarks. According to BIBD, this year's event features 300 booths, more than 200 vendors, over 30 free activities, and showcases 28 of the latest car models, making it one of the largest community events of the year. As part of BIBD's commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth, the carnival also provides a platform for local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), home-based businesses, start-ups, and creative entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A. increased its stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW Free Report) by 108.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 2,336 shares of the aerospace companys stock after buying an additional 1,213 shares during the quarter. Edmond DE Rothschild Holding S.A.s holdings in Curtiss-Wright were worth $1,141,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Penserra Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Curtiss-Wright during the second quarter worth about $29,000. 1 North Wealth Services LLC acquired a new position in Curtiss-Wright during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. West Oak Capital LLC bought a new position in Curtiss-Wright in the 2nd quarter worth about $49,000. Allworth Financial LP increased its stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 155.8% in the second quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 110 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $54,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares during the period. Finally, True Wealth Design LLC increased its stake in shares of Curtiss-Wright by 1,540.0% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 164 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $80,000 after purchasing an additional 154 shares during the period. 82.71% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Curtiss-Wright alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades CW has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley increased their price objective on Curtiss-Wright from $565.00 to $645.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Truist Financial increased their price target on Curtiss-Wright from $525.00 to $537.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Stifel Nicolaus lifted their price objective on shares of Curtiss-Wright from $457.00 to $502.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and issued a $625.00 target price on shares of Curtiss-Wright in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Curtiss-Wright from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, August 2nd. Five analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $562.83. Curtiss-Wright Stock Performance NYSE:CW opened at $563.74 on Thursday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $553.89 and a 200-day moving average of $500.84. The firm has a market cap of $20.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.41 and a beta of 1.12. The company has a current ratio of 1.95, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. Curtiss-Wright Corporation has a twelve month low of $266.88 and a twelve month high of $612.28. Curtiss-Wright (NYSE:CW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The aerospace company reported $3.40 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $3.28 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $869.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $869.03 million. Curtiss-Wright had a net margin of 13.66% and a return on equity of 18.34%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $2.89 earnings per share. Analysts forecast that Curtiss-Wright Corporation will post 12.32 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Curtiss-Wright Announces 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 issued a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.2%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 28th. Curtiss-Wrights payout ratio is presently 7.82%. 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. Featured Articles 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. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) major shareholder Timothy Horne sold 6,814 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $272.32, for a total value of $1,855,588.48. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 15,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,084,800. This trade represents a 31.24% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Major shareholders that own at least 10% of a companys stock are required to disclose their sales and purchases with the SEC. Watts Water Technologies Trading Down 0.0% WTS opened at $277.71 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.63, a current ratio of 2.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. Watts Water Technologies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $177.59 and a 52 week high of $287.89. The businesss 50 day moving average is $275.57 and its two-hundred day moving average is $263.51. The firm has a market cap of $9.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.86, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.27 and a beta of 1.17. Get Watts Water Technologies alerts: Watts Water Technologies (NYSE:WTS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The technology company reported $2.50 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.29 by $0.21. The business had revenue of $611.70 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $576.20 million. Watts Water Technologies had a return on equity of 18.11% and a net margin of 13.63%.The companys revenue was up 12.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.03 earnings per share. Watts Water Technologies has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. On average, research analysts predict that Watts Water Technologies, Inc. will post 9.08 EPS for the current year. Watts Water Technologies Announces Dividend Hedge Funds Weigh In On Watts Water Technologies The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a $0.52 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 1st. This represents a $2.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.7%. Watts Water Technologiess payout ratio is currently 21.47%. Large investors have recently modified their holdings of the business. AEGON ASSET MANAGEMENT UK Plc increased its stake 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 purchasing an additional 12,148 shares in the last quarter. HB Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in Watts Water Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at $259,000. GSA Capital Partners LLP acquired a new stake in Watts Water Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at $802,000. Envestnet Portfolio Solutions Inc. purchased a new position in Watts Water Technologies during the second quarter worth $233,000. Finally, Jane Street Group LLC raised its holdings 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 worth $11,807,000 after acquiring an additional 39,260 shares during the last quarter. 95.02% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of brokerages have recently commented on WTS. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a report on Friday, August 8th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Watts Water Technologies in a research note on Monday. Zacks Research downgraded Watts Water Technologies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Wall Street Zen raised Watts Water Technologies from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, Barclays increased their price target on Watts Water Technologies from $287.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Watts Water Technologies has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $264.25. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on WTS About Watts Water Technologies (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. Featured Stories 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. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Co decreased its stake in Dynatrace, Inc. (NYSE:DT Free Report) by 23.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,255 shares of the companys stock after selling 14,498 shares during the quarter. Elo Mutual Pension Insurance Cos holdings in Dynatrace were worth $2,554,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of DT. MAI Capital Management increased its stake in shares of Dynatrace by 122.4% in the second quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 547 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 301 shares during the last quarter. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC acquired a new position in Dynatrace in the 2nd quarter worth about $34,000. Eastern Bank acquired a new position in Dynatrace in the 2nd quarter worth about $35,000. Brooklyn Investment Group raised its stake in shares of Dynatrace by 761.9% during the 1st quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 905 shares of the companys stock worth $43,000 after purchasing an additional 800 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CX Institutional lifted its holdings in shares of Dynatrace by 42.6% during the 2nd quarter. CX Institutional now owns 1,221 shares of the companys stock valued at $67,000 after buying an additional 365 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.28% of the companys stock. Get Dynatrace alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on DT. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Dynatrace in a report on Monday, November 17th. UBS Group set a $51.00 target price on shares of Dynatrace in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Scotiabank cut their price target on shares of Dynatrace from $67.00 to $60.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Dynatrace from $60.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Guggenheim increased their target price on shares of Dynatrace from $66.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Dynatrace currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $61.59. Dynatrace Price Performance NYSE DT opened at $44.21 on Thursday. Dynatrace, Inc. has a 52-week low of $39.30 and a 52-week high of $63.00. The firm has a market capitalization of $13.33 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 26.47, a P/E/G ratio of 3.54 and a beta of 0.85. The companys fifty day moving average is $47.95 and its two-hundred day moving average is $50.71. Dynatrace (NYSE:DT Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.41 by $0.03. Dynatrace had a return on equity of 9.24% and a net margin of 27.33%.The firm had revenue of $493.85 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $487.33 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $0.37 EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 18.1% on a year-over-year basis. Dynatrace has set its Q3 2026 guidance at 0.400-0.420 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 1.620-1.640 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Dynatrace, Inc. will post 0.68 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Dynatrace In related news, CEO Rick M. Mcconnell sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.61, for a total value of $1,398,300.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 108,125 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,039,706.25. This trade represents a 21.72% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Daniel S. Yates sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $46.69, for a total transaction of $93,380.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer directly owned 23,380 shares in the company, valued at $1,091,612.20. This trade represents a 7.88% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders sold 42,602 shares of company stock valued at $2,021,259 in the last ninety days. 0.57% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Dynatrace Company Profile (Free Report) Dynatrace, Inc provides a security platform for multicloud environments in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates Dynatrace, a security platform, which provides application and microservices monitoring, runtime application security, infrastructure monitoring, log management and analytics, digital experience monitoring, digital business analytics, and cloud automation. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Dynatrace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dynatrace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC lowered its position in Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 19.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 18,158 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 4,353 shares during the quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $2,470,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. IMG Wealth Management Inc. lifted its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 759.1% in the second quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 189 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares during the last quarter. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the first quarter worth approximately $30,000. Anfield Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 81.3% during the 2nd quarter. Anfield Capital Management LLC now owns 232 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 104 shares during the last quarter. Vision Financial Markets LLC purchased a new position in Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter valued at $33,000. Finally, Accent Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter valued at $38,000. 75.18% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of analysts have recently issued reports on ABT shares. Evercore ISI lowered their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $144.00 to $142.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Mizuho boosted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Raymond James Financial upped their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $141.00 to $146.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $145.00 price target on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have issued a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Abbott Laboratories presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $147.00. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance NYSE ABT opened at $128.70 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $223.80 billion, a PE ratio of 16.13, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.68. The firms 50 day moving average price is $129.67 and its 200-day moving average price is $131.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a current ratio of 1.82. Abbott Laboratories has a 52-week low of $110.86 and a 52-week high of $141.23. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.30. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.78% and a net margin of 31.88%.The company had revenue of $11.37 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.40 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.21 earnings per share. Abbott Laboratoriess revenue was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 17th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 15th were paid a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, October 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is 29.57%. 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. See Also 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. Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL Free Report) had its target price decreased by Morgan Stanley from $330.00 to $310.00 in a research note published on Wednesday morning, MarketBeat.com reports. Morgan Stanley currently has an overweight rating on the stock. Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. BTIG Research initiated coverage on shares of Burlington Stores in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Burlington Stores from $350.00 to $363.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Citigroup dropped their price target on Burlington Stores from $358.00 to $351.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Gordon Haskett downgraded Burlington Stores from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on Burlington Stores from $330.00 to $315.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 27th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $336.21. Get Burlington Stores alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Burlington Stores Burlington Stores Price Performance NYSE:BURL opened at $260.42 on Wednesday. The businesss 50-day moving average is $270.09 and its 200 day moving average is $264.10. Burlington Stores has a 12 month low of $212.92 and a 12 month high of $309.00. The company has a market capitalization of $16.41 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.93, a P/E/G ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 1.74. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.32. Burlington Stores (NYSE:BURL Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The company reported $1.68 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.59 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $2.71 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.74 billion. Burlington Stores had a return on equity of 41.02% and a net margin of 5.01%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.55 EPS. Burlington Stores has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 4.500-4.70 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 9.690-9.890 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Burlington Stores will post 7.93 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Insider Activity at Burlington Stores In other news, CAO Stephen Ferroni sold 1,123 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $281.25, for a total transaction of $315,843.75. Following the transaction, the chief accounting officer owned 2,389 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $671,906.25. This represents a 31.98% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CMO Jennifer Vecchio sold 419 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $274.48, for a total value of $115,007.12. Following the completion of the sale, the chief marketing officer owned 63,751 shares in the company, valued at approximately $17,498,374.48. The trade was a 0.65% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 1,626 shares of company stock valued at $452,804 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Trading of Burlington Stores Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Prana Capital Management LP purchased a new position in Burlington Stores in the 3rd quarter worth about $343,000. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new position in Burlington Stores in the 3rd quarter worth about $576,000. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. increased its position in shares of Burlington Stores by 18.1% during the third quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,537 shares of the companys stock worth $391,000 after acquiring an additional 236 shares during the period. Danske Bank A S purchased a new position in shares of Burlington Stores during the third quarter worth approximately $6,172,000. Finally, CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co raised its stake in shares of Burlington Stores by 0.4% during the third quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 59,805 shares of the companys stock valued at $15,415,000 after acquiring an additional 251 shares in the last quarter. Burlington Stores Company Profile (Get Free Report) Burlington Stores, Inc operates as a retailer of branded merchandise in the United States. The company provides fashion-focused merchandise, including women's ready-to-wear apparel, menswear, youth apparel, footwear, accessories, toys, gifts, and coats, as well as baby, home, and beauty products. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Burlington Stores Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Burlington Stores and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Free Report) had its target price raised by Bank of America from $160.00 to $163.00 in a report released on Wednesday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a buy rating on the technology companys stock. DELL has been the topic of a number of other reports. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price target on shares of Dell Technologies from $165.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Mizuho raised their target price on shares of Dell Technologies from $160.00 to $170.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Susquehanna upped their target price on Dell Technologies from $120.00 to $130.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Raymond James Financial raised their price target on Dell Technologies from $152.00 to $161.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Barclays lowered their price objective on Dell Technologies from $151.00 to $148.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday. Sixteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Dell Technologies has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $161.11. Get Dell Technologies alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on DELL Dell Technologies Stock Up 5.9% NYSE:DELL opened at $133.33 on Wednesday. The company has a market cap of $89.65 billion, a PE ratio of 17.78, a P/E/G ratio of 0.96 and a beta of 1.02. The businesss 50 day moving average is $143.63 and its two-hundred day moving average is $130.34. Dell Technologies has a 52 week low of $66.25 and a 52 week high of $168.08. Dell Technologies (NYSE:DELL Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 25th. The technology company reported $2.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.12. The business had revenue of $27.01 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $27.26 billion. Dell Technologies had a negative return on equity of 240.42% and a net margin of 5.01%.The businesss revenue was up 10.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.15 EPS. Dell Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.920-9.920 EPS. Q4 2026 guidance at 3.500-3.500 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Dell Technologies will post 6.93 EPS for the current fiscal year. Dell Technologies Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 21st were given a $0.525 dividend. This represents a $2.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 21st. Dell Technologiess dividend payout ratio is 30.88%. Insider Activity In related news, Director Iv (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 824,999 shares of Dell Technologies stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $135.98, for a total transaction of $112,183,364.02. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, Director V (Gp) L.L.C. Slta sold 565,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $132.32, for a total transaction of $74,760,800.00. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 4,537,755 shares of company stock valued at $642,644,973 in the last ninety days. Company insiders own 42.00% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Dell Technologies Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DELL. Winnow Wealth LLC acquired a new stake in Dell Technologies during the 2nd quarter valued at $25,000. N.E.W. Advisory Services LLC purchased a new position in shares of Dell Technologies during the first quarter valued at $26,000. Cheviot Value Management LLC acquired a new position in Dell Technologies during the first quarter valued at $27,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Dell Technologies in the first quarter worth approximately $27,000. Finally, Westside Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Dell Technologies by 84.7% in the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 218 shares of the technology companys stock worth $27,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 76.37% of the companys stock. About Dell Technologies (Get Free Report) Dell Technologies Inc designs, develops, manufactures, markets, sells, and supports various comprehensive and integrated solutions, products, and services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG) and Client Solutions Group (CSG). See Also Receive News & Ratings for Dell Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dell Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Pilbara Minerals Limited (ASX:PLS Get Free Report) insider Stephen (Steve) Scudamore sold 101,647 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of A$3.73, for a total value of A$379,143.31. Pilbara Minerals Stock Performance The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 17.13, a current ratio of 4.52 and a quick ratio of 2.63. The firm has a market cap of $6.72 billion, a PE ratio of 26.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.35 and a beta of 1.50. Get Pilbara Minerals alerts: Pilbara Minerals Company Profile (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Pilbara Minerals Limited engages in the exploration, development, and operation of mineral resources in Australia. The company primarily explores for lithium. It primarily holds a 100% interest in the Pilgangoora project located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is based in West Perth, Australia. Receive News & Ratings for Pilbara Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pilbara Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Employees Retirement System of Texas acquired a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor acquired 69,100 shares of the medical research companys stock, valued at approximately $5,404,000. A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Quantbot Technologies LP bought a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the first quarter worth about $26,000. SouthState Corp bought a new position in Edwards Lifesciences in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton acquired a new position in Edwards Lifesciences during the 2nd quarter valued at about $28,000. Costello Asset Management INC bought a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences during the 1st quarter worth approximately $29,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its holdings in Edwards Lifesciences by 57.8% during the 2nd quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 366 shares of the medical research companys stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 134 shares in the last quarter. 79.46% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Insider Activity at Edwards Lifesciences In other Edwards Lifesciences news, VP Daniel J. Lippis sold 1,020 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $82.55, for a total value of $84,201.00. Following the sale, the vice president directly owned 22,002 shares in the company, valued at $1,816,265.10. The trade was a 4.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CFO Scott B. Ullem sold 13,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $83.08, for a total value of $1,080,040.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer owned 39,898 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,314,725.84. The trade was a 24.58% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. 1.29% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Ratings Changes EW has been the topic of several analyst reports. BTIG Research reaffirmed a buy rating and set a $100.00 target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Tuesday. Citigroup lifted their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $95.00 to $96.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Oppenheimer downgraded shares of Edwards Lifesciences from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $95.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, UBS Group restated a neutral rating and set a $90.00 price target on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have assigned a Buy rating, ten have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $91.39. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Edwards Lifesciences Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance EW opened at $86.78 on Thursday. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $65.94 and a fifty-two week high of $87.40. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $79.44 and a 200 day moving average of $78.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 3.87 and a current ratio of 4.68. The firm has a market cap of $50.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.49, a PEG ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 1.03. Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE:EW Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The medical research company reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.59 by $0.08. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 72.96% and a return on equity of 15.01%. The firm had revenue of $1.55 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.49 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $0.67 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.7% on a year-over-year basis. Edwards Lifesciences has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.560-2.620 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.580-0.640 EPS. On average, research analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences Corporation will post 2.45 EPS for the current year. Edwards Lifesciences Company Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Newsmax (NYSE:NMAX Get Free Report) is one of 32 public companies in the BRDCST RADIO/TV industry, but how does it weigh in compared to its rivals? We will compare Newsmax to similar companies based on the strength of its institutional ownership, profitability, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends and earnings. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Newsmax and its rivals gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Newsmax alerts: Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Newsmax $171.02 million -$72.17 million -7.05 Newsmax Competitors $5.48 billion $31.13 million 2.08 Newsmaxs rivals have higher revenue and earnings than Newsmax. Newsmax 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. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Newsmax -55.99% -255.61% -46.20% Newsmax Competitors -7.07% -10.40% -0.99% Insider & Institutional Ownership This table compares Newsmax and its rivals net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 47.7% of shares of all BRDCST RADIO/TV companies are held by institutional investors. 17.7% of shares of all BRDCST RADIO/TV companies are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings for Newsmax and its rivals, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Newsmax 1 1 2 0 2.25 Newsmax Competitors 607 2204 3452 78 2.47 Newsmax currently has a consensus price target of $21.50, suggesting a potential upside of 163.00%. As a group, BRDCST RADIO/TV companies have a potential upside of 21.55%. Given Newsmaxs higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Newsmax is more favorable than its rivals. Summary Newsmax rivals beat Newsmax on 11 of the 12 factors compared. About Newsmax (Get Free Report) Newsmax Inc. is a holding company that owns 100% of the equity interests of its operating company Newsmax Media, Inc. (Newsmax Media). Newsmax Media and its subsidiaries operate the businesses described in this Offering Circular. Newsmax Media has six wholly-owned subsidiaries: Newsmax Broadcasting, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Newsmax Broadcasting), Crown Atlantic Insurance, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Crown Atlantic), Humanix Publishing, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Humanix Publishing), Medix Health LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Medix Health), ROI Media Strategies, LLC, a Florida limited liability company (ROI Media Strategies), and Newsmax Radio LLC, a Florida limited liability company (Newsmax Radio, and together with Newsmax Media, Newsmax Broadcasting, Crown Atlantic Insurance, Humanix Publishing, Medix Health, and ROI Media Strategies, the Subsidiaries). Newsmax Media is a television broadcaster and multi-platform content publisher with a mixed-revenue model that primarily derives income from (i) digital, linear and over-the-top (OTT) television advertising, (ii) online web and digital advertising, (iii) cable license fees and streaming subscriptions, and (iv) subscriptions to online and print publications. Newsmax Media uses original news, syndicated services and editorial content to draw consumers to its media outlets, including through its highly-rated TV channel, digital websites and print publications, and its website, Newsmax.com, in order to sell advertising to third party marketers. Newsmax Media also sells subscriptions to its own streaming, digital and print products through its channels and platforms. Newsmax Media differentiates itself in a crowded media marketplace, among other things, through broad distribution of Newsmax Medias content across linear cable, OTT streaming, and digital and print platforms, all with a focus on content related to politics, health, finance and lifestyle for an audience primarily comprised of viewers who are 45 years old or older. Newsmax Medias industry leading digital brand, which started in 1998, enabled it to launch Newsmax, its linear cable channel, in 2014. Today, each month, more than 40 million Americans watch, read and listen to Newsmax. The Newsmax channel is currently carried by major Multichannel Video Programming Distributor (MVPDs) cable/satellite systems in the United States. Nielsen reports that Newsmax is the fourth highest-rated cable news network in the United States, with 21 million regular viewers, and is one of the 15 most viewed basic cable programs. In 2023, Nielsen reported that Newsmax was the only cable news channel with ratings growth across all dayparts, seeing a 42% increase in total viewership in prime time, 16% in daytime, 23% in total day, including a 69% increase in total day viewership among adults between age 35 and 64, and an 11% increase in access. As such, Newsmax Media became the first major digital brand to become the fastest-growing cable news platform. Meanwhile, competitor Fox News saw a 6% decline in viewership for total day and a 2% decline in prime time during the same time period. In the first half of 2024, Newsmaxs total viewership in prime time grew by 41%, including a 10% increase among adults between the ages of 35 and 64, and by 36% in total day, including a 16% increase among adults between 35 and 64. In comparison, Fox News experienced a 10% increase in prime time viewership, including a 10% increase among adults between age 35 and 64, and a 2% increase in total day, including a 1% increase among adults between age 35 and 64. Overall, Newsmaxs total day ratings grew by 36% in the first half of 2024 compared to the first half of 2023, compared to 7% growth for MSNBC, a 2% growth for Fox News, a 3% growth for CNN, a 7% decline for CNBC and a 36% decline for Newsnation. Newsmax Media was incorporated as Sequoia Digital Corporation in the State of Nevada in 1998. In 1999, Newsmax Media changed its name from Sequoia Digital Corporation to Newsmax.com, Inc. In 2001, Newsmax Media changed its name from Newsmax.com, Inc. to Newsmax Media, Inc. In 2006, Newsmax Media became a wholly-owned subsidiary of NMX Holdings, LLC. In 2014, Newsmax Media changed its state of domicile from Nevada to Delaware and consummated a corporate reorganization in which the members of NMX Holdings, LLC exchanged their membership interests in NMX Holdings, LLC for capital stock of Newsmax Media. In 2024, Newsmax Media consummated a corporate reorganization. Newsmax Inc. was formed as a new holding company that owns all of the outstanding shares of the operating company, Newsmax Media. The stockholders of Newsmax Media exchanged their shares of capital stock in Newsmax Media for the same class and number of shares in Newsmax Inc. Subsequently, Newsmax Media changed its state of domicile from Delaware to Florida. As a result of this reorganization, Newsmax Inc. became the direct holding company and the sole shareholder of Newsmax Media. Newsmax Medias ownership of its subsidiaries was not affected or changed as a result of this reorganization. The principal executive offices of the Company are located in Boca Raton, Florida. Receive News & Ratings for Newsmax Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Newsmax and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 106.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 27,947 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 14,416 shares during the quarter. Elevation Point Wealth Partners LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $5,090,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. PFS Partners LLC lifted its position in Philip Morris International by 24.8% during the second quarter. PFS Partners LLC now owns 292 shares of the companys stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the period. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC raised its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Uncommon Cents Investing LLC now owns 5,666 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,032,000 after buying an additional 61 shares during the last quarter. NFP Retirement Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 2.5% in the 1st quarter. NFP Retirement Inc. now owns 2,589 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after buying an additional 62 shares during the period. Cranbrook Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 6.5% in the second quarter. Cranbrook Wealth Management LLC now owns 1,014 shares of the companys stock worth $185,000 after buying an additional 62 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renasant Bank grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 3.3% during the first quarter. Renasant Bank now owns 1,994 shares of the companys stock worth $317,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares during the period. 78.63% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE PM opened at $156.66 on Thursday. The firm has a market cap of $243.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 0.43. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $155.90 and its 200-day simple moving average is $166.93. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 52-week low of $116.12 and a 52-week high of $186.69. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. Equities research analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a $1.47 dividend. This represents a $5.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.8%. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 106.52%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have issued reports on PM shares. Barclays decreased their price target 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 shares of Philip Morris International and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup reissued a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 price objective on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, KGI Securities assumed coverage on shares of Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, August 4th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Twelve equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $189.00. Read Our Latest Stock Report on PM Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. 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. WINDHOEK, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Land Reform has issued a public alert following the confirmation of Rift Valley fever in neighboring South Africa. The Directorate of Veterinary Services notified the public, particularly farmers, to exercise "extreme vigilance" after cases were first reported on Nov. 14 in Augrabies, in South Africa's Northern Cape province, just 40 km from the Namibian border. The outbreak initially affected 80 sheep, the directorate said in a notice. "Farmers are urged to report any animals (cattle, sheep, and goats) that exhibit suspicious signs to their nearest state veterinary offices," Chief Veterinary Officer Kennedy Shoombe said in the notice issued Thursday. Rift Valley fever is an insect-borne viral disease of cattle, sheep, goats, and ruminant wildlife. It can also affect humans. "Owners of farms in high-risk areas, close to water bodies, recently received rainfall and are experiencing increased biting fly activity, are urged to be particularly vigilant," Shoombe said. He said animal products, including blood, meat, and milk, should be thoroughly cooked before eating, and humans should also sleep under mosquito nets and wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to protect against bites. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Veterinary Services will conduct livestock inspections along the Namibian-South African borders and at all animal gathering events, Shoombe said, urging farmers to work with veterinary officials during inspections. Shares of Chimera Investment Corporation (NYSE:CIM Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the four ratings firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have given a hold recommendation and one has issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $15.25. A number of brokerages recently issued reports on CIM. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Chimera Investment from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. UBS Group reduced their price target on Chimera Investment from $16.00 to $15.50 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Chimera Investment in a research report on Tuesday. Get Chimera Investment alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Chimera Investment Institutional Investors Weigh In On Chimera Investment Chimera Investment Stock Up 1.5% Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Graham Capital Management L.P. raised its holdings in Chimera Investment by 29.1% in the first quarter. Graham Capital Management L.P. now owns 97,838 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,255,000 after buying an additional 22,048 shares during the period. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its position in shares of Chimera Investment by 8.7% in the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 844,590 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $10,836,000 after acquiring an additional 67,362 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC purchased a new position in shares of Chimera Investment in the 1st quarter valued at $2,703,000. Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its stake in shares of Chimera Investment by 5,110.0% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 104,357 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,339,000 after acquiring an additional 102,354 shares during the period. Finally, Wolverine Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Chimera Investment by 30.4% during the 1st quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC now owns 248,913 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,194,000 after acquiring an additional 58,018 shares in the last quarter. 48.44% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. CIM opened at $12.82 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.17 and a beta of 1.87. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $12.83 and its 200 day simple moving average is $13.47. Chimera Investment has a 52 week low of $9.85 and a 52 week high of $15.37. The company has a quick ratio of 4.14, a current ratio of 4.14 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.47. Chimera Investment (NYSE:CIM Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, March 6th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Chimera Investment had a net margin of 21.93% and a return on equity of 7.28%. The company had revenue of ($60.05) million for the quarter. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Chimera Investment will post 1.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Chimera Investment Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a $0.37 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $1.48 annualized dividend and a yield of 11.5%. Chimera Investments payout ratio is -370.00%. Chimera Investment Company Profile (Get Free Report) Chimera Investment Corporation operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) in the United States. The company, through its subsidiaries, invests in a portfolio of mortgage assets, including residential mortgage loans, agency residential mortgage-backed securities, non-agency residential mortgage-backed securities, agency mortgage-backed securities secured by pools of commercial mortgage loans, business purpose and investor loans, and other real estate related securities. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Chimera Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chimera Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its position in shares of Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB Free Report) by 69.3% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 2,553,092 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 1,044,921 shares during the period. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s holdings in Kontoor Brands were worth $168,428,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of KTB. Atlantic Union Bankshares Corp bought a new position in Kontoor Brands during the second quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Kontoor Brands in the 2nd quarter valued at $35,000. SVB Wealth LLC bought a new position in shares of Kontoor Brands during the 1st quarter valued at $94,000. Advisors Asset Management Inc. raised its position in Kontoor Brands by 240.8% in the 1st quarter. Advisors Asset Management Inc. now owns 1,745 shares of the companys stock worth $112,000 after purchasing an additional 1,233 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its stake in Kontoor Brands by 196.7% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,774 shares of the companys stock worth $117,000 after purchasing an additional 1,176 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.06% of the companys stock. Get Kontoor Brands alerts: Kontoor Brands Price Performance KTB opened at $74.28 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.53, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a current ratio of 1.91. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.13 billion, a PE ratio of 19.15 and a beta of 1.27. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $78.31 and its 200-day moving average price is $72.59. Kontoor Brands, Inc. has a 52-week low of $50.00 and a 52-week high of $96.80. Kontoor Brands Increases Dividend Kontoor Brands ( NYSE:KTB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.44 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.35 by $0.09. Kontoor Brands had a net margin of 7.68% and a return on equity of 63.21%. The business had revenue of $853.22 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $879.10 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.37 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 27.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Kontoor Brands has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.500-5.500 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 1.640-1.640 EPS. On average, equities research analysts predict that Kontoor Brands, Inc. will post 4.82 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Monday, December 8th will be paid a $0.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 8th. This is an increase from Kontoor Brandss previous quarterly dividend of $0.52. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.9%. Kontoor Brandss payout ratio is currently 53.61%. Analyst Ratings Changes A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Kontoor Brands from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, September 11th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Kontoor Brands from $73.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Kontoor Brands from $114.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Barclays increased their price objective on Kontoor Brands from $91.00 to $94.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Baird R W upgraded shares of Kontoor Brands to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Kontoor Brands presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $96.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on KTB Kontoor Brands Company Profile (Free Report) Kontoor Brands, Inc, a lifestyle apparel company, designs, produces, procures, markets, distributes, and licenses denim, apparel, footwear, and accessories, primarily under the Wrangler and Lee brands. The company operates through two segments: Wrangler and Lee. It licenses and sells apparel under the Rock & Republic brand name. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KTB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Kontoor Brands, Inc. (NYSE:KTB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Kontoor Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Kontoor Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its stake in shares of Getty Realty Corporation (NYSE:GTY Free Report) by 3.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 1,418,927 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 44,766 shares during the quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC owned about 2.51% of Getty Realty worth $39,224,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Boston Partners boosted its holdings in shares of Getty Realty by 5.6% during the second quarter. Boston Partners now owns 86,281 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,385,000 after acquiring an additional 4,613 shares during the period. Allworth Financial LP lifted its position in Getty Realty by 6,425.8% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 21,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $588,000 after purchasing an additional 20,948 shares during the last quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC boosted its stake in Getty Realty by 31.3% during the 2nd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 8,421 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $233,000 after purchasing an additional 2,005 shares during the period. Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. boosted its stake in Getty Realty by 17.3% during the 2nd quarter. Harvest Portfolios Group Inc. now owns 56,756 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,569,000 after purchasing an additional 8,385 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its position in Getty Realty by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 581,766 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $16,080,000 after purchasing an additional 18,426 shares during the last quarter. 85.11% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Getty Realty alerts: Getty Realty Trading Down 0.6% Shares of Getty Realty stock opened at $28.42 on Thursday. Getty Realty Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $25.39 and a fifty-two week high of $33.85. The company has a quick ratio of 2.00, a current ratio of 2.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.93. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $27.31 and a 200-day simple moving average of $27.95. The firm has a market cap of $1.64 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 22.20, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.81 and a beta of 0.83. Getty Realty Increases Dividend Getty Realty ( NYSE:GTY Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.62 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.61 by $0.01. Getty Realty had a net margin of 34.76% and a return on equity of 7.60%. The business had revenue of $55.59 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $53.19 million. Getty Realty has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.420-2.430 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that Getty Realty Corporation will post 2.29 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 8th. Stockholders of record on Friday, December 26th will be given a dividend of $0.485 per share. This is a boost from Getty Realtys previous quarterly dividend of $0.47. The ex-dividend date is Friday, December 26th. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.8%. Getty Realtys payout ratio is currently 151.56%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group lifted their price target on Getty Realty from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of Getty Realty in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Janney Montgomery Scott began coverage on Getty Realty in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $30.00 price target for the company. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised Getty Realty from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, September 13th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Getty Realty presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $31.80. Read Our Latest Stock Report on GTY About Getty Realty (Free Report) Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GTY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Getty Realty Corporation (NYSE:GTY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Getty Realty Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Getty Realty and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Geo Group Inc (The) (NYSE:GEO Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Hold from the five brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has given a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $35.00. A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Jones Trading cut their price target on shares of Geo Group from $50.00 to $37.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, November 7th. Zacks Research downgraded shares of Geo Group from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 11th. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of Geo Group in a report on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded Geo Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Sunday, November 16th. Get Geo Group alerts: Read Our Latest Report on GEO Geo Group Price Performance Geo Group stock opened at $15.56 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $17.55 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $21.86. Geo Group has a one year low of $14.27 and a one year high of $36.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.07, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market cap of $2.17 billion, a PE ratio of 23.93, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 0.67. Geo Group (NYSE:GEO Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, September 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $565.42 million for the quarter. Geo Group had a return on equity of 7.26% and a net margin of 3.69%. Geo Group has set its FY22 guidance at $2.40-2.46 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Geo Group will post 0.83 EPS for the current fiscal year. Geo Group declared that its board has approved a share repurchase program on Wednesday, August 6th that authorizes the company to repurchase $300.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization authorizes the real estate investment trust to reacquire up to 8.2% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase programs are usually a sign that the companys management believes its shares are undervalued. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Geo Group Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. CIBC Bancorp USA Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Geo Group during the third quarter worth $296,000. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co boosted its holdings in shares of Geo Group by 1.2% during the 3rd quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 125,217 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $2,627,000 after acquiring an additional 1,444 shares in the last quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP grew its position in Geo Group by 20.3% during the 3rd quarter. Dark Forest Capital Management LP now owns 47,541 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $974,000 after acquiring an additional 8,014 shares during the last quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC increased its holdings in Geo Group by 60.6% in the 3rd quarter. Verition Fund Management LLC now owns 354,193 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,257,000 after purchasing an additional 133,694 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Prelude Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in Geo Group by 81.2% in the 3rd quarter. Prelude Capital Management LLC now owns 36,831 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $755,000 after purchasing an additional 16,504 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 76.10% of the companys stock. About Geo Group (Get Free Report) The GEO Group, Inc (NYSE: GEO) engages in ownership, leasing, and management of secure facilities, processing centers, and community-based reentry facilities in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. The company also provides secure facility management services, including the provision of security, administrative, rehabilitation, education, and food services; reentry services, such as temporary housing, programming, employment assistance, and other services; electronic monitoring and supervision services; and transportation services; as well as designs, constructs, and finances new facilities through projects. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Geo Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Geo Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Legal & General Group Plc lifted its position in Rogers Communication, Inc. (NYSE:RCI Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B) by 14.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,534,601 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock after purchasing an additional 196,258 shares during the period. Legal & General Group Plc owned about 0.29% of Rogers Communication worth $45,428,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its holdings in Rogers Communication by 303.8% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,538,620 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $148,047,000 after buying an additional 4,166,861 shares in the last quarter. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Rogers Communication during the 2nd quarter valued at about $77,687,000. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board increased its stake in shares of Rogers Communication by 373.1% in the 1st quarter. Canada Pension Plan Investment Board now owns 2,870,559 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock valued at $76,671,000 after purchasing an additional 2,263,859 shares in the last quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. raised its holdings in Rogers Communication by 380.4% in the 1st quarter. Connor Clark & Lunn Investment Management Ltd. now owns 2,348,091 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $62,717,000 after purchasing an additional 1,859,288 shares during the period. Finally, Canoe Financial LP boosted its position in Rogers Communication by 550.0% during the second quarter. Canoe Financial LP now owns 1,421,228 shares of the Wireless communications providers stock worth $42,186,000 after purchasing an additional 1,202,579 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 45.49% of the companys stock. Get Rogers Communication alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of research firms have recently commented on RCI. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Rogers Communication in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Rogers Communication from $33.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Cowen reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Rogers Communication in a report on Friday, October 24th. Finally, Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating on shares of Rogers Communication in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $36.00. Rogers Communication Stock Up 1.8% NYSE RCI opened at $39.16 on Thursday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $37.18 and a 200 day moving average price of $33.47. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.55, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.62. The company has a market cap of $21.16 billion, a P/E ratio of 4.35, a P/E/G ratio of 3.29 and a beta of 0.81. Rogers Communication, Inc. has a one year low of $23.18 and a one year high of $40.26. Rogers Communication (NYSE:RCI Get Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.92 by $0.07. The business had revenue of $3.84 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.33 billion. Rogers Communication had a net margin of 32.49% and a return on equity of 17.14%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 4.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.42 earnings per share. Research analysts anticipate that Rogers Communication, Inc. will post 3.57 EPS for the current fiscal year. Rogers Communication Company Profile (Free Report) Rogers Communications Inc operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device financing, device protection, global voice and data roaming, wireless home phone, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device shipping and express pickup services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding RCI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Rogers Communication, Inc. (NYSE:RCI Free Report) (TSE:RCI.B). Receive News & Ratings for Rogers Communication Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rogers Communication and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm bought 4,012 shares of the industrial products companys stock, valued at approximately $933,000. A number of other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in AIT. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,453 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $338,000 after acquiring an additional 41 shares during the period. Ritholtz Wealth Management boosted its position in Applied Industrial Technologies by 0.3% during the second quarter. Ritholtz Wealth Management now owns 15,526 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,609,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the period. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. increased its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 9.9% in the second quarter. Contravisory Investment Management Inc. now owns 645 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $150,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares in the last quarter. Focus Partners Wealth raised its position in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 4.5% in the first quarter. Focus Partners Wealth now owns 1,341 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $302,000 after purchasing an additional 58 shares during the period. Finally, Jump Financial LLC lifted its stake in shares of Applied Industrial Technologies by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Jump Financial LLC now owns 1,895 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $427,000 after buying an additional 68 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 93.52% of the companys stock. Get Applied Industrial Technologies alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts recently weighed in on AIT shares. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on shares of Applied Industrial Technologies from $265.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Raymond James Financial lowered Applied Industrial Technologies from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. Bank of America boosted their price objective on Applied Industrial Technologies from $275.00 to $290.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Industrial Alliance Securities set a $290.00 target price on Applied Industrial Technologies in a research note on Friday, August 22nd. Finally, Oppenheimer lifted their target price on Applied Industrial Technologies from $290.00 to $300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Friday, August 15th. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $287.50. Applied Industrial Technologies Price Performance Applied Industrial Technologies stock opened at $257.23 on Thursday. The stock has a market cap of $9.70 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.76, a PEG ratio of 2.61 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a quick ratio of 2.36, a current ratio of 3.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $254.82 and a 200 day simple moving average of $251.30. Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. has a 52 week low of $199.96 and a 52 week high of $282.98. Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE:AIT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The industrial products company reported $2.63 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.47 by $0.16. The firm had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.19 billion. Applied Industrial Technologies had a return on equity of 21.86% and a net margin of 8.61%.The companys revenue was up 9.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $2.36 EPS. Applied Industrial Technologies has set its FY 2026 guidance at 10.100-10.850 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. will post 9.9 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Applied Industrial Technologies Announces Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 28th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be given a dividend of $0.46 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $1.84 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.7%. Applied Industrial Technologiess payout ratio is presently 17.71%. Applied Industrial Technologies Company Profile (Free Report) Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc distributes industrial motion, power, control, and automation technology solutions in North America, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. It operates in two segments, Service Center Based Distribution, and Engineered Solutions. The company distributes bearings, power transmission products, engineered fluid power components and systems, specialty flow control solutions, advanced automation products, industrial rubber products, linear motion components, automation solutions, tools, safety products, oilfield supplies, and other industrial and maintenance supplies; and motors, belting, drives, couplings, pumps, hydraulic and pneumatic components, filtration supplies, valves, fittings, process instrumentation, actuators, and hoses, filtration supplies, as well as other related supplies for general operational needs of customers' machinery and equipment. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AIT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Applied Industrial Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:AIT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Applied Industrial Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zeta Global Holdings Corp. (NYSE:ZETA Free Report) Investment analysts at DA Davidson reduced their FY2025 earnings per share estimates for shares of Zeta Global in a report released on Tuesday, November 25th. DA Davidson analyst C. Wright now expects that the company will post earnings per share of ($0.05) for the year, down from their prior estimate of ($0.03). DA Davidson currently has a Buy rating and a $27.00 price objective on the stock. The consensus estimate for Zeta Globals current full-year earnings is ($0.16) per share. DA Davidson also issued estimates for Zeta Globals FY2026 earnings at $0.31 EPS. Get Zeta Global alerts: A number of other brokerages have also weighed in on ZETA. William Blair reissued an outperform rating on shares of Zeta Global in a research report on Monday. Weiss Ratings reiterated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Zeta Global in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. UBS Group set a $29.00 price objective on shares of Zeta Global in a report on Tuesday. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating on shares of Zeta Global in a research report on Tuesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and issued a $23.00 target price on shares of Zeta Global in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Nine equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Zeta Global currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $27.25. Zeta Global Trading Up 1.0% Shares of NYSE:ZETA opened at $18.21 on Thursday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 3.01 and a quick ratio of 3.01. Zeta Global has a 1 year low of $10.69 and a 1 year high of $27.79. The company has a market cap of $4.38 billion, a P/E ratio of -151.70 and a beta of 1.27. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $19.03 and its 200-day moving average price is $17.08. Institutional Trading of Zeta Global Large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. William Blair Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Zeta Global by 37.3% in the 2nd quarter. William Blair Investment Management LLC now owns 1,247,870 shares of the companys stock worth $19,330,000 after buying an additional 339,247 shares during the period. Lisanti Capital Growth LLC lifted its position in shares of Zeta Global by 142.8% in the second quarter. Lisanti Capital Growth LLC now owns 149,080 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,309,000 after acquiring an additional 87,680 shares in the last quarter. Orion Capital Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Zeta Global in the second quarter worth about $276,000. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd boosted its stake in shares of Zeta Global by 127.1% in the second quarter. Y Intercept Hong Kong Ltd now owns 98,881 shares of the companys stock worth $1,532,000 after acquiring an additional 55,343 shares during the period. Finally, Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd grew its position in shares of Zeta Global by 1,751,700.0% during the second quarter. Caitong International Asset Management Co. Ltd now owns 17,518 shares of the companys stock worth $271,000 after purchasing an additional 17,517 shares in the last quarter. 87.75% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About Zeta Global (Get Free Report) Zeta Global Holdings Corp. operates an omnichannel data-driven cloud platform that provides enterprises with consumer intelligence and marketing automation software in the United States and internationally. The companys Zeta Marketing Platform analyzes billions of structured and unstructured data points to predict consumer intent by leveraging sophisticated machine learning algorithms and the industrys opted-in data set for omnichannel marketing; and Consumer Data platform ingests, analyzes, and distills disparate data points to generate a single view of a consumer, encompassing identity, profile characteristics, behaviors, and purchase intent. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Zeta Global Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Zeta Global and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Rhumbline Advisers grew its holdings in Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:EG Free Report) by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 84,509 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 2,317 shares during the quarter. Rhumbline Advisers owned 0.20% of Everest Group worth $28,720,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in EG. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in Everest Group in the first quarter valued at approximately $137,418,000. Vulcan Value Partners LLC increased its holdings in Everest Group by 35.8% in the first quarter. Vulcan Value Partners LLC now owns 1,328,732 shares of the companys stock valued at $482,832,000 after buying an additional 350,019 shares in the last quarter. VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new position in Everest Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $28,785,000. Amundi raised its stake in shares of Everest Group by 72.6% during the 1st quarter. Amundi now owns 180,484 shares of the companys stock worth $65,292,000 after buying an additional 75,920 shares during the period. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. raised its position in Everest Group by 183.4% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 112,345 shares of the companys stock worth $40,716,000 after acquiring an additional 72,709 shares during the period. 92.64% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Everest Group alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Everest Group In other news, Director William F. Galtney, Jr. bought 11,385 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 29th. The shares were acquired at an average price of $307.38 per share, with a total value of $3,499,521.30. Following the completion of the acquisition, the director directly owned 45,491 shares in the company, valued at approximately $13,983,023.58. The trade was a 33.38% increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, Director Allan Levine acquired 3,100 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 29th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $306.08 per share, for a total transaction of $948,848.00. Following the acquisition, the director directly owned 4,153 shares in the company, valued at $1,271,150.24. This represents a 294.40% increase in their position. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Everest Group Trading Down 0.6% NYSE:EG opened at $312.17 on Thursday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $334.76 and its 200 day moving average price is $337.26. The company has a market capitalization of $13.10 billion, a PE ratio of 23.78, a P/E/G ratio of 0.25 and a beta of 0.47. Everest Group, Ltd. has a 52-week low of $302.44 and a 52-week high of $392.11. The company has a quick ratio of 0.38, a current ratio of 0.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.24. Everest Group (NYSE:EG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The company reported $7.54 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $13.39 by ($5.85). Everest Group had a return on equity of 3.81% and a net margin of 3.12%.The business had revenue of $4.32 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.86 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $11.80 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts anticipate that Everest Group, Ltd. will post 47.93 EPS for the current year. Everest Group Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, November 26th will be paid a dividend of $2.00 per share. This represents a $8.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, November 26th. Everest Groups dividend payout ratio is 60.93%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on EG. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on Everest Group from $380.00 to $384.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Citigroup started coverage on shares of Everest Group in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. They issued a neutral rating and a $362.00 price target for the company. Barclays cut their price objective on Everest Group from $425.00 to $365.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Raymond James Financial reissued an outperform rating and issued a $350.00 target price on shares of Everest Group in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Cantor Fitzgerald raised shares of Everest Group to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $368.77. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on Everest Group Everest Group Company Profile (Free Report) Everest Group, Ltd., through its subsidiaries, provides reinsurance and insurance products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through two segment, Insurance and Reinsurance. The Reinsurance segment writes property and casualty reinsurance; and specialty lines of business through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies in the United States, Bermuda, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Everest Group, Ltd. (NYSE:EG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Everest Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Everest Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 9,011.0% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 111,428 shares of the banks stock after buying an additional 110,205 shares during the period. Laurel Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $10,152,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Several other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of BK. Nuveen LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon in the first quarter valued at $773,627,000. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 26.3% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 5,053,744 shares of the banks stock valued at $423,858,000 after purchasing an additional 1,052,145 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in Bank of New York Mellon by 257.6% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,236,255 shares of the banks stock valued at $103,685,000 after purchasing an additional 890,593 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 37.7% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 3,244,204 shares of the banks stock worth $266,349,000 after purchasing an additional 887,361 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Citigroup Inc. grew its holdings in shares of Bank of New York Mellon by 126.9% during the first quarter. Citigroup Inc. now owns 1,557,145 shares of the banks stock worth $130,598,000 after buying an additional 870,844 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 85.31% of the companys stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Bank of New York Mellon Trading Up 2.2% BK stock opened at $111.52 on Thursday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.72, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83. The company has a market cap of $77.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.09, a PEG ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 1.13. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $108.10 and a 200-day simple moving average of $100.52. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation has a 52 week low of $70.46 and a 52 week high of $113.74. Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend Bank of New York Mellon ( NYSE:BK Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 26th. The bank reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $4.38 billion during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 14.03% and a net margin of 12.86%. On average, equities research analysts expect that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation will post 6.96 EPS for the current year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Stockholders of record on Monday, October 27th were issued a dividend of $0.53 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 27th. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.9%. Bank of New York Mellons payout ratio is presently 30.59%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several brokerages recently issued reports on BK. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $120.00 to $124.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. TD Cowen increased their price target on Bank of New York Mellon from $130.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $100.00 to $109.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. BMO Capital Markets started coverage on Bank of New York Mellon in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. They issued an outperform rating and a $125.00 target price for the company. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $91.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $111.29. Read Our Latest Report on BK Bank of New York Mellon Profile (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Advocates Investment Management reduced its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report) by 32.3% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 8,620 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 4,104 shares during the period. Financial Advocates Investment Managements holdings in Chipotle Mexican Grill were worth $484,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 0.8% during the second quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 123,457,125 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $6,932,118,000 after acquiring an additional 993,798 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 56,827,332 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $2,853,302,000 after purchasing an additional 4,027,016 shares during the last quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. increased its position in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 8.0% during the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 32,505,318 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $1,632,092,000 after purchasing an additional 2,404,798 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 29,659,508 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,657,193,000 after purchasing an additional 325,926 shares during the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. lifted its stake in Chipotle Mexican Grill by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 21,257,666 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $1,193,618,000 after purchasing an additional 595,038 shares during the last quarter. 91.30% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Chipotle Mexican Grill alerts: Chipotle Mexican Grill Stock Performance NYSE:CMG opened at $33.93 on Thursday. Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $29.75 and a fifty-two week high of $66.74. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $36.97 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $44.33. The company has a market capitalization of $44.86 billion, a PE ratio of 30.03, a P/E/G ratio of 2.65 and a beta of 0.98. Analysts Set New Price Targets Chipotle Mexican Grill ( NYSE:CMG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $0.29 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.29. Chipotle Mexican Grill had a net margin of 13.04% and a return on equity of 44.32%. The company had revenue of $3 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.06 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.27 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 7.5% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts predict that Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. will post 1.29 EPS for the current year. CMG has been the topic of a number of research reports. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill from $58.00 to $40.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Sanford C. Bernstein restated an outperform rating and set a $40.00 price objective (down previously from $60.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a $45.00 target price (down from $52.00) on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, UBS Group set a $45.00 price objective on Chipotle Mexican Grill in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have given a Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Chipotle Mexican Grill currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $49.81. Read Our Latest Report on Chipotle Mexican Grill About Chipotle Mexican Grill (Free Report) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CMG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE:CMG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Chipotle Mexican Grill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WUHAN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China has established 36 national talent markets and 29 national human resource services industrial parks as part of a strategic push to optimize labor allocation and employment services, data showed on Thursday. According to a press briefing held ahead of the third national human resource services industry development conference in Wuhan, central China's Hubei Province, the network of these national-level facilities and local characteristic industrial parks has formed a services system focused on employment services and industrial talent allocation. Since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the employment services sector has expanded rapidly, providing services to an average of 300 million workers and more than 50 million employers annually. Authorities are focusing on aligning human resources with key economic drivers, including high-end manufacturing, the digital economy and modern services. The aim is to bridge the gap between talent supply and industry needs, addressing labor shortages in critical sectors. The conference, which is set to be held in Wuhan from Nov. 28 to 29, will demonstrate these efforts in practice. It will feature a recruitment drive with over 40,000 positions for university graduates and overseas students in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and the low-altitude economy. Garner Asset Management Corp decreased its position in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW Free Report) by 9.4% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 1,354 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 140 shares during the period. Garner Asset Management Corps holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $1,408,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC raised its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger by 3.2% during the 1st quarter. Cary Street Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 323 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $319,000 after buying an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. Hemington Wealth Management grew its position in W.W. Grainger by 0.9% during the first quarter. Hemington Wealth Management now owns 1,139 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $1,125,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares during the last quarter. Grove Bank & Trust grew its position in W.W. Grainger by 52.6% during the second quarter. Grove Bank & Trust now owns 29 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares during the last quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of W.W. Grainger by 50.0% during the second quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 30 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brighton Jones LLC lifted its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger by 3.3% in the 2nd quarter. Brighton Jones LLC now owns 313 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $326,000 after acquiring an additional 10 shares during the last quarter. 80.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get W.W. Grainger alerts: Insiders Place Their Bets In other W.W. Grainger news, SVP Jonny M. Leroy sold 500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $992.86, for a total transaction of $496,430.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president directly owned 1,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,758,355.06. The trade was a 22.02% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 6.10% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. W.W. Grainger Stock Up 0.4% NYSE GWW opened at $945.81 on Thursday. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a 1 year low of $893.99 and a 1 year high of $1,221.32. The stock has a market capitalization of $44.97 billion, a PE ratio of 24.00, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.17. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.57, a current ratio of 2.82 and a quick ratio of 1.64. The businesss 50-day moving average is $955.34 and its 200 day moving average is $1,005.91. W.W. Grainger (NYSE:GWW Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The industrial products company reported $10.21 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $9.95 by $0.26. The business had revenue of $4.66 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.64 billion. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 49.63% and a net margin of 10.99%.W.W. Graingers quarterly revenue was up 6.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $9.87 EPS. W.W. Grainger has set its FY 2025 guidance at 39.000-39.750 EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 40.3 earnings per share for the current year. W.W. Grainger Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th will be paid a $2.26 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 10th. This represents a $9.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 25.35%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of brokerages recently commented on GWW. Loop Capital decreased their target price on shares of W.W. Grainger from $1,000.00 to $950.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 4th. Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on W.W. Grainger in a research note on Wednesday, November 12th. They set a market perform rating and a $975.00 price objective on the stock. Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on W.W. Grainger from $1,150.00 to $1,100.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday. Barclays raised their price target on W.W. Grainger from $963.00 to $975.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on W.W. Grainger from $1,035.00 to $1,050.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Reduce and an average target price of $1,009.43. Read Our Latest Analysis on GWW About W.W. Grainger (Free Report) W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GWW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for W.W. Grainger Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for W.W. Grainger and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Global Retirement Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE:BTI Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 38,395 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,817,000. Several other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BTI. Pandora Wealth Inc. bought a new position in shares of British American Tobacco during the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. State of Wyoming bought a new position in British American Tobacco during the first quarter valued at about $57,000. UMB Bank n.a. lifted its position in shares of British American Tobacco by 36.4% in the second quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,371 shares of the companys stock worth $65,000 after buying an additional 366 shares during the last quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of British American Tobacco by 279.2% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 1,475 shares of the companys stock worth $70,000 after acquiring an additional 1,086 shares in the last quarter. Finally, VSM Wealth Advisory LLC increased its holdings in shares of British American Tobacco by 3,921.6% during the 2nd quarter. VSM Wealth Advisory LLC now owns 1,488 shares of the companys stock valued at $70,000 after acquiring an additional 1,451 shares during the last quarter. 16.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get British American Tobacco alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on BTI shares. Royal Bank Of Canada cut British American Tobacco from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley reiterated an underweight rating and issued a $40.00 target price on shares of British American Tobacco in a report on Friday, August 15th. Finally, Argus upgraded shares of British American Tobacco from a hold rating to a buy rating and set a $62.00 price target for the company in a report on Monday, September 8th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, one has given a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, British American Tobacco presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $51.00. British American Tobacco Stock Up 2.0% NYSE:BTI opened at $57.80 on Thursday. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.55 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68. British American Tobacco p.l.c. has a one year low of $34.82 and a one year high of $59.29. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $53.05 and a 200 day moving average price of $51.84. British American Tobacco Company Profile (Free Report) British American Tobacco p.l.c. engages in the provision of tobacco and nicotine products to consumers worldwide. It also offers vapour, heated, and modern oral nicotine products; combustible cigarettes; and traditional oral products, such as snus and moist snuff. The company offers its products under the Vuse, glo, Velo, Grizzly, Kodiak, Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike, Pall Mall, Rothmans, Camel, Natural American Spirit, Newport, Vogue, Viceroy, Kool, Peter Stuyvesant, Craven A, State Express 555 and Shuang Xi brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for British American Tobacco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for British American Tobacco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Financial Avengers Inc. raised its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 19.3% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 89,792 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after buying an additional 14,524 shares during the period. Pfizer comprises 1.0% of Financial Avengers Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its 19th biggest position. Financial Avengers Inc.s holdings in Pfizer were worth $2,177,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer in the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Curio Wealth LLC lifted its position in shares of Pfizer by 36,600.0% during the 2nd quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 1,101 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 1,098 shares in the last quarter. Bayforest Capital Ltd acquired a new stake in Pfizer in the 1st quarter valued at $28,000. Harbor Asset Planning Inc. acquired a new position in Pfizer during the second quarter worth $29,000. Finally, Evelyn Partners Asset Management Ltd purchased a new stake in shares of Pfizer during the second quarter worth about $33,000. 68.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Pfizer alerts: Pfizer Stock Performance Pfizer stock opened at $25.72 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $24.94 and a 200-day simple moving average of $24.55. The stock has a market cap of $146.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a current ratio of 1.16 and a quick ratio of 0.85. Pfizer Inc. has a 1-year low of $20.92 and a 1-year high of $27.69. Pfizer Announces Dividend Pfizer ( NYSE:PFE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 16.84%.The company had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. On average, analysts expect that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 EPS for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.43 per share. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.7%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. Pfizers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 100.00%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In PFE has been the topic of several research reports. Guggenheim raised their target price on Pfizer from $33.00 to $35.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday. Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Sanford C. Bernstein reissued a market perform rating and issued a $30.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen cut shares of Pfizer from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Sunday, September 28th. Finally, Morgan Stanley lowered their target price on Pfizer from $33.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 10th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.39. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on PFE About Pfizer (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 Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PFE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report). 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. SCP Investment LP lessened its position in Permian Resources Corporation (NYSE:PR Free Report) by 75.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 28,800 shares of the companys stock after selling 88,000 shares during the period. SCP Investment LPs holdings in Permian Resources were worth $392,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. UMB Bank n.a. boosted its position in shares of Permian Resources by 12.6% during the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 6,953 shares of the companys stock valued at $95,000 after purchasing an additional 778 shares in the last quarter. Vident Advisory LLC grew its position in Permian Resources by 9.9% in the first quarter. Vident Advisory LLC now owns 11,321 shares of the companys stock worth $157,000 after buying an additional 1,019 shares during the last quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of Permian Resources by 3.8% in the second quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 28,278 shares of the companys stock valued at $385,000 after buying an additional 1,025 shares in the last quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Permian Resources by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter. Coldstream Capital Management Inc. now owns 16,900 shares of the companys stock worth $230,000 after acquiring an additional 1,118 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Parkside Financial Bank & Trust grew its holdings in shares of Permian Resources by 90.8% in the 2nd quarter. Parkside Financial Bank & Trust now owns 2,852 shares of the companys stock worth $39,000 after acquiring an additional 1,357 shares during the last quarter. 91.84% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Permian Resources alerts: Permian Resources Trading Up 1.8% Shares of NYSE PR opened at $14.36 on Thursday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $13.00 and a 200 day simple moving average of $13.47. Permian Resources Corporation has a 52 week low of $10.01 and a 52 week high of $16.03. The stock has a market cap of $11.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.17 and a beta of 1.31. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 0.67. Permian Resources Announces Dividend Permian Resources ( NYSE:PR Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.30 by ($0.22). The business had revenue of $1.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.33 billion. Permian Resources had a return on equity of 11.03% and a net margin of 15.65%.The businesss revenue was up 8.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.53 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Permian Resources Corporation will post 1.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 17th will be issued a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 17th. Permian Resourcess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 55.05%. Insider Transactions at Permian Resources In other Permian Resources news, EVP John Charles Bell sold 4,743 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.21, for a total value of $67,398.03. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 107,569 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,528,555.49. This trade represents a 4.22% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Robert Regan Shannon sold 4,742 shares of Permian Resources stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $14.22, for a total value of $67,431.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 91,805 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,305,467.10. This represents a 4.91% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 6.44% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently weighed in on the company. Raymond James Financial decreased their price target on Permian Resources from $23.00 to $22.00 and set a strong-buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Morgan Stanley reiterated an overweight rating on shares of Permian Resources in a research report on Thursday, November 20th. UBS Group increased their target price on Permian Resources from $16.00 to $17.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 20th. Piper Sandler dropped their price target on Permian Resources from $21.00 to $20.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 18th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on Permian Resources from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have issued a Buy rating, one has assigned a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $18.80. View Our Latest Analysis on PR About Permian Resources (Free Report) Permian Resources Corporation, an independent oil and natural gas company, focuses on the development of crude oil and related liquids-rich natural gas reserves in the United States. The companys assets primarily focus on the Delaware Basin, a sub-basin of the Permian Basin. Its properties consist of acreage blocks in West Texas, Eddy County, Lea County, and New Mexico. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Permian Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Permian Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SCP Investment LP purchased a new stake in HF Sinclair Corporation (NYSE:DINO Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor purchased 6,800 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $279,000. A number of other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP increased its stake in HF Sinclair by 19.5% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 8,185,509 shares of the companys stock worth $269,142,000 after acquiring an additional 1,337,093 shares during the last quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its holdings in HF Sinclair by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 6,225,992 shares of the companys stock valued at $255,764,000 after buying an additional 298,735 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its position in HF Sinclair by 109.8% in the first quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 4,986,355 shares of the companys stock valued at $163,951,000 after buying an additional 2,609,857 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in HF Sinclair by 1.0% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 2,895,333 shares of the companys stock worth $118,969,000 after buying an additional 27,548 shares during the period. Finally, Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. increased its position in shares of HF Sinclair by 1.5% during the first quarter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. now owns 2,543,741 shares of the companys stock valued at $83,638,000 after acquiring an additional 36,592 shares during the last quarter. 88.29% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get HF Sinclair alerts: HF Sinclair Stock Down 0.4% HF Sinclair stock opened at $52.30 on Thursday. The stocks fifty day moving average is $53.06 and its two-hundred day moving average is $46.67. The stock has a market cap of $9.62 billion, a PE ratio of -113.68 and a beta of 0.99. HF Sinclair Corporation has a 1-year low of $24.66 and a 1-year high of $56.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.82 and a quick ratio of 0.83. HF Sinclair Announces Dividend HF Sinclair ( NYSE:DINO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $2.44 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.94 by $0.50. The company had revenue of $7.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.99 billion. HF Sinclair had a negative net margin of 0.32% and a positive return on equity of 1.89%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up .6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $0.51 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that HF Sinclair Corporation will post 2.39 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 5th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 19th will be issued a dividend of $0.50 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, November 19th. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.8%. HF Sinclairs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 95.69%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several research firms have recently commented on DINO. Mizuho raised their price target on HF Sinclair from $60.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of HF Sinclair from $54.00 to $61.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Piper Sandler upped their target price on shares of HF Sinclair from $59.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 14th. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of HF Sinclair in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of HF Sinclair in a research note on Friday, October 17th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $58.00 price target for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $59.18. Read Our Latest Research Report on HF Sinclair HF Sinclair Profile (Free Report) HF Sinclair Corporation operates as an independent energy company. The company produces and markets gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel, renewable diesel, specialty lubricant products, specialty chemicals, specialty and modified asphalt, and others. It owns and operates refineries located in Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming; and markets its refined products principally in the Southwest United States and Rocky Mountains, Pacific Northwest, and in other neighboring Plains states. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DINO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for HF Sinclair Corporation (NYSE:DINO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for HF Sinclair Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for HF Sinclair and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Safe Harbor Fiduciary LLC cut its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) by 67.9% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 315 shares of the companys stock after selling 667 shares during the quarter. Safe Harbor Fiduciary LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $57,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of PM. WCM Investment Management LLC boosted its stake in Philip Morris International by 24,968.0% during the second quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 11,275,606 shares of the companys stock worth $2,041,223,000 after buying an additional 11,230,626 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in shares of Philip Morris International in the 1st quarter worth approximately $1,712,994,000. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 26.4% in the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 21,840,422 shares of the companys stock worth $3,466,730,000 after acquiring an additional 4,563,632 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 57.5% during the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 9,794,530 shares of the companys stock worth $1,554,686,000 after purchasing an additional 3,575,158 shares during the period. Finally, Vanguard Group Inc. increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 142,857,055 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,018,555,000 after purchasing an additional 2,235,380 shares during the last quarter. 78.63% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Philip Morris International Stock Performance Shares of PM opened at $156.66 on Thursday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1 year low of $116.12 and a 1 year high of $186.69. The stock has a market capitalization of $243.87 billion, a PE ratio of 28.38, a PEG ratio of 1.86 and a beta of 0.43. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $155.90 and a 200-day simple moving average of $166.93. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend Philip Morris International ( NYSE:PM Get Free Report ) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.33% and a negative return on equity of 122.14%. The firm had revenue of $8.12 billion for the quarter. Analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 EPS for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a dividend of $1.47 per share. This is an increase 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 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.8%. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 106.52%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades PM has been the topic of a number of research reports. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price target on Philip Morris International and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 22nd. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Barclays decreased their target price on Philip Morris International from $220.00 to $180.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, November 17th. KGI Securities assumed coverage on Philip Morris International in a research report on Monday, August 4th. They issued an outperform rating for the company. Finally, UBS Group reduced 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 research report on Friday, September 5th. Twelve analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $189.00. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on PM Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Articles 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. Vanguard Group Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 271,954,190 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 842,398 shares during the quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. comprises 1.3% of Vanguard Group Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest holding. Vanguard Group Inc. owned 0.10% of JPMorgan Chase & Co. worth $78,842,239,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in JPM. Brighton Jones LLC boosted its holdings in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 11.0% during 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 lifted its position in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 6.9% during the 1st quarter. Acorns Advisers LLC now owns 1,547 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $379,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. City National Bank of Florida MSD boosted its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 37.5% during the first quarter. City National Bank of Florida MSD now owns 3,157 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $774,000 after acquiring an additional 861 shares during the period. Triumph Capital Management boosted its holdings in JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 2.4% during the first quarter. Triumph Capital Management now owns 1,793 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $440,000 after acquiring an additional 42 shares during the period. Finally, Summit Wealth Partners LLC grew its position in shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. by 1.1% in the first quarter. Summit Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,664 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,144,000 after purchasing an additional 53 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 71.55% of the companys stock. Get JPMorgan Chase & Co. alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades JPM has been the subject of several research analyst reports. DZ Bank reissued a neutral rating on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $336.00 to $338.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Loop Capital set a $310.00 price objective on JPMorgan Chase & Co. in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their target price on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $300.00 to $320.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 30th. Finally, Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $309.00 to $330.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Fifteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $326.38. Insider Transactions at JPMorgan Chase & Co. In related news, Director Linda Bammann sold 9,500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred 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 completion of the transaction, the director owned 82,207 shares in the company, valued at $24,492,753.58. This trade represents a 10.36% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Robin Leopold sold 966 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, November 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $311.92, for a total value of $301,314.72. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 58,479 shares in the company, valued at $18,240,769.68. This trade represents a 1.63% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. 0.47% of the stock is owned by company insiders. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Stock Up 1.7% JPM opened at $308.09 on Thursday. JPMorgan Chase & Co. has a fifty-two week low of $202.16 and a fifty-two week high of $322.25. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26, a current ratio of 0.86 and a quick ratio of 0.88. The firms fifty day moving average price is $307.02 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $292.56. The company has a market capitalization of $838.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.26, a P/E/G ratio of 1.84 and a beta of 1.14. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 14th. The financial services provider reported $5.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $4.83 by $0.24. JPMorgan Chase & Co. had a net margin of 20.90% and a return on equity of 17.18%. The company had revenue of $47.12 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $44.42 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $4.37 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts anticipate that JPMorgan Chase & Co. will post 18.1 EPS for the current year. JPMorgan Chase & Co. Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 6th were paid a dividend of $1.50 per share. This is a positive change from JPMorgan Chase & Co.s previous quarterly dividend of $1.40. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.9%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 6th. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s dividend payout ratio is 29.72%. 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. 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. Mayfair Advisory Group LLC lessened its holdings in Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE:TFC Free Report) by 11.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 15,597 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 2,000 shares during the period. Mayfair Advisory Group LLCs holdings in Truist Financial were worth $672,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. First Hawaiian Bank grew its position in Truist Financial by 8.6% during the first quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 11,991 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $493,000 after acquiring an additional 948 shares during the last quarter. Credit Agricole S A boosted its stake in shares of Truist Financial by 76.4% in the 1st quarter. Credit Agricole S A now owns 500,384 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $20,591,000 after purchasing an additional 216,672 shares in the last quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 319.8% during the 1st quarter. Empower Advisory Group LLC now owns 29,143 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $1,199,000 after purchasing an additional 22,201 shares during the last quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. grew its holdings in shares of Truist Financial by 9.8% during the 1st quarter. Inspire Trust Co. N.A. now owns 90,000 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $3,704,000 after purchasing an additional 8,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aigen Investment Management LP purchased a new position in Truist Financial in the 1st quarter worth $2,435,000. Institutional investors own 71.28% of the companys stock. Get Truist Financial alerts: Truist Financial Price Performance Shares of NYSE:TFC opened at $46.27 on Thursday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $44.65 and its 200-day moving average price is $43.71. The company has a quick ratio of 0.86, a current ratio of 0.86 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70. The stock has a market capitalization of $59.19 billion, a PE ratio of 12.44, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.20 and a beta of 0.92. Truist Financial Corporation has a twelve month low of $33.56 and a twelve month high of $48.53. Truist Financial Dividend Announcement Truist Financial ( NYSE:TFC Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 17th. The insurance provider reported $1.04 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.99 by $0.05. Truist Financial had a return on equity of 8.73% and a net margin of 16.84%.The company had revenue of $5.24 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.20 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.97 EPS. Truist Financials revenue for the quarter 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. Equities research analysts expect that Truist Financial Corporation will post 4 EPS for the current year. The company 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 dividend of $0.52 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $2.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.5%. Truist Financials payout ratio is currently 55.91%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth TFC has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on Truist Financial from $48.00 to $49.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Truist Financial in a research report on Tuesday. Raymond James Financial restated an outperform rating on shares of Truist Financial in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Wells Fargo & Company reaffirmed 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, Evercore ISI boosted their target price on shares of Truist Financial from $48.00 to $50.00 and gave the company an in-line rating in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have given a Buy rating and seven have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $50.00. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TFC 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. SCP Investment LP acquired a new stake in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 3,800 shares of the oil and gas companys stock, valued at approximately $511,000. Valero Energy comprises about 0.4% of SCP Investment LPs holdings, making the stock its 28th largest holding. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in VLO. Quadrant Capital Group LLC grew its stake in Valero Energy by 26.8% during the 2nd quarter. Quadrant Capital Group LLC now owns 5,240 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $704,000 after buying an additional 1,106 shares during the last quarter. Choreo LLC boosted its position in shares of Valero Energy by 7.0% during the second quarter. Choreo LLC now owns 12,456 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,674,000 after buying an additional 811 shares during the period. Russell Investments Group Ltd. grew its holdings in Valero Energy by 55.0% in the 2nd quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 518,820 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $69,745,000 after buying an additional 184,035 shares in the last quarter. Inceptionr LLC bought a new stake in Valero Energy during the 2nd quarter valued at $1,805,000. Finally, Viawealth LLC grew its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 3.1% in the second quarter. Viawealth LLC now owns 12,572 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,690,000 after purchasing an additional 378 shares in the last quarter. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Valero Energy alerts: Valero Energy Price Performance NYSE VLO opened at $174.59 on Thursday. Valero Energy Corporation has a 1 year low of $99.00 and a 1 year high of $185.62. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $169.48 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $150.84. The company has a market cap of $53.25 billion, a PE ratio of 36.45, a PEG ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a current ratio of 1.60, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36. Valero Energy Announces Dividend Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last issued 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. Valero Energy had a net margin of 1.21% and a return on equity of 8.69%. The business had revenue of $32.17 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $28.80 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.14 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 EPS for the current year. The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 20th will be paid a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 20th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio is 94.36%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Bank of America raised shares of Valero Energy from a neutral rating to a buy rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $152.00 to $179.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Barclays upped their target price on Valero Energy from $169.00 to $184.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Mizuho boosted their price objective on Valero Energy from $166.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 15th. Erste Group Bank started coverage on Valero Energy in a research note on Monday, November 10th. They set a buy rating for the company. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $177.00 to $197.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, October 24th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have assigned a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Valero Energy currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $182.00. Read Our Latest Report on Valero Energy Insider Activity In related news, CFO Jason W. Fraser sold 9,933 shares of Valero Energy stock in a transaction on Friday, November 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $174.02, for a total transaction of $1,728,540.66. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 134,196 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $23,352,787.92. This trade represents a 6.89% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Corporate insiders own 0.04% of the companys stock. Valero Energy Company Profile (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. Featured Stories 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. XTX Topco Ltd grew its position in Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:PB Free Report) by 623.5% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 33,173 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 28,588 shares during the quarter. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in Prosperity Bancshares were worth $2,330,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Amundi purchased a new stake in Prosperity Bancshares in the 1st quarter worth $4,060,000. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. raised its position in shares of Prosperity Bancshares by 9.2% during the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 2,968 shares of the banks stock worth $212,000 after purchasing an additional 249 shares during the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Prosperity Bancshares in the 2nd quarter valued at about $572,000. Praxis Investment Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Prosperity Bancshares in the 2nd quarter worth about $298,000. Finally, Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC boosted its holdings in Prosperity Bancshares by 18.1% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 9,486 shares of the banks stock worth $666,000 after buying an additional 1,454 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock. Get Prosperity Bancshares alerts: Insider Activity In other news, Director Ned S. Holmes sold 500 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.57, for a total value of $32,785.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 88,415 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,797,371.55. This trade represents a 0.56% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Insiders have sold a total of 13,200 shares of company stock worth $872,099 over the last 90 days. 4.20% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Prosperity Bancshares Price Performance Shares of PB opened at $68.86 on Thursday. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $65.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $68.18. The stock has a market cap of $6.54 billion, a PE ratio of 12.27, a P/E/G ratio of 0.97 and a beta of 0.75. Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. has a 1-year low of $61.06 and a 1-year high of $85.76. Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $1.45 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.45. The firm had revenue of $314.67 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $317.94 million. Prosperity Bancshares had a net margin of 30.28% and a return on equity of 7.06%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.34 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. will post 5.83 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Prosperity Bancshares Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.5%. This is a boost from Prosperity Bancsharess previous quarterly dividend of $0.58. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Prosperity Bancsharess payout ratio is currently 42.78%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of brokerages have recently issued reports on PB. Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on Prosperity Bancshares from $78.00 to $72.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Hovde Group cut their price target on Prosperity Bancshares from $83.00 to $80.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Prosperity Bancshares in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Cowen upped their target price on Prosperity Bancshares from $79.00 to $83.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Stephens raised their target price on Prosperity Bancshares from $77.00 to $81.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 30th. Eleven investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $80.21. View Our Latest Stock Report on PB Prosperity Bancshares Company Profile (Free Report) Prosperity Bancshares, Inc operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. (NYSE:PB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Prosperity Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prosperity Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MOSCOW, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Polish ambassador on Tuesday to deliver a diplomatic note revoking permission for the operation of Poland's Consulate General in Irkutsk, eastern Siberia, effective Dec. 30, 2025. According to the ministry, the move came in response to Poland's decision to close Russia's consulate in the northern Polish city of Gdansk, the last Russian consulate in the country, starting from Dec. 23, 2025. The ministry described Poland's move as unfriendly and unfounded, saying it effectively ends the Polish consular presence in Russia. Russia will not leave such actions without a proportionate and painful response, the ministry warned. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov expressed regret on Nov. 19 over Poland's decision, saying bilateral relations have "completely degraded." Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (NYSE:MTD Get Free Report) insider La Guerroniere Marc De sold 6,055 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,488.18, for a total value of $9,010,929.90. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 187 shares in the company, valued at approximately $278,289.66. The trade was a 97.00% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. La Guerroniere Marc De also recently made the following trade(s): Get Mettler-Toledo International alerts: On Tuesday, November 11th, La Guerroniere Marc De sold 6,880 shares of Mettler-Toledo International stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,450.00, for a total transaction of $9,976,000.00. Mettler-Toledo International Price Performance Shares of NYSE MTD opened at $1,485.25 on Thursday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $1,360.59 and its two-hundred day moving average is $1,269.64. The company has a market cap of $30.34 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 37.61, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.19 and a beta of 1.41. Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. has a 1-year low of $946.69 and a 1-year high of $1,525.17. Analysts Set New Price Targets Mettler-Toledo International ( NYSE:MTD Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The medical instruments supplier reported $11.15 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $10.62 by $0.53. The company had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $997.36 million. Mettler-Toledo International had a negative return on equity of 476.07% and a net margin of 21.46%.Mettler-Toledo Internationals quarterly revenue was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned $10.21 earnings per share. Mettler-Toledo International has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 12.680-12.880 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 42.050-42.250 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. will post 42.71 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Several brokerages have recently weighed in on MTD. Robert W. Baird lifted their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,210.00 to $1,230.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Monday, August 4th. Stifel Nicolaus upped their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,450.00 to $1,600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Bank of America raised their price objective on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,260.00 to $1,390.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday, September 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company boosted their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,200.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a report on Monday, November 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,200.00 to $1,285.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $1,406.50. View Our Latest Stock Report on Mettler-Toledo International Institutional Trading of Mettler-Toledo International Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MTD. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its holdings in Mettler-Toledo International by 29.0% in the 1st quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 116,502 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $137,548,000 after buying an additional 26,171 shares in the last quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 46.7% in the first quarter. Tokio Marine Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 7,829 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $9,245,000 after acquiring an additional 2,493 shares during the period. Sound Income Strategies LLC raised its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 477.8% during the second quarter. Sound Income Strategies LLC now owns 52 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $61,000 after purchasing an additional 43 shares during the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC raised its holdings in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 16.3% during the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 5,404 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $6,382,000 after purchasing an additional 758 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Acadian Asset Management LLC lifted its position in Mettler-Toledo International by 84.9% during the first quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC now owns 2,513 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $2,965,000 after purchasing an additional 1,154 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 95.07% of the companys stock. About Mettler-Toledo International (Get Free Report) Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The companys laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, real-time analytics, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Mettler-Toledo International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mettler-Toledo International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ares Management Corporation (NYSE:ARES Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the seventeen analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and thirteen have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 1-year target price among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $187.4615. Several brokerages recently commented on ARES. JMP Securities lifted their target price on shares of Ares Management from $195.00 to $205.00 and gave the stock a market outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 6th. Oppenheimer set a $190.00 price objective on Ares Management and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Cowen reissued a buy rating on shares of Ares Management in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Royal Bank Of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $215.00 price target on shares of Ares Management in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Finally, Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Ares Management from $196.00 to $197.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. Get Ares Management alerts: Get Our Latest Report on ARES Insider Buying and Selling at Ares Management Institutional Inflows and Outflows In other Ares Management news, Chairman Antony P. Ressler sold 128,837 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, September 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $178.30, for a total transaction of $22,971,637.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Also, CEO Michael J. Arougheti sold 186,197 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $152.75, for a total transaction of $28,441,591.75. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 290,997 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $44,449,791.75. This trade represents a 39.02% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . Over the last three months, insiders have sold 1,443,481 shares of company stock worth $248,591,346. 36.86% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Ares Management by 3.5% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,676,470 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $3,465,851,000 after purchasing an additional 740,103 shares in the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted its holdings in shares of Ares Management by 0.4% in the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 8,308,330 shares of the asset managers stock worth $1,218,084,000 after acquiring an additional 30,451 shares during the last quarter. Capital International Investors boosted its stake in shares of Ares Management by 0.4% in the 3rd quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 4,243,194 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $678,448,000 after purchasing an additional 15,913 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its position in Ares Management by 2.8% during the 3rd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 3,534,773 shares of the asset managers stock worth $565,180,000 after purchasing an additional 94,825 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its stake in Ares Management by 7.6% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,454,083 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $596,280,000 after purchasing an additional 244,286 shares during the last quarter. 50.03% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Ares Management Trading Up 1.2% Ares Management stock opened at $154.64 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $153.25 and a 200 day simple moving average of $168.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $50.55 billion, a P/E ratio of 89.39, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 1.08 and a current ratio of 1.08. Ares Management has a 52 week low of $110.63 and a 52 week high of $200.49. Ares Management (NYSE:ARES Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The asset manager reported $1.19 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.14 by $0.05. Ares Management had a return on equity of 15.81% and a net margin of 9.47%.The company had revenue of $1.66 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.03 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $0.55 EPS. Analysts expect that Ares Management will post 5.28 earnings per share for the current year. Ares Management Cuts Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, December 17th will be paid a dividend of $0.8438 per share. This represents a $3.38 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.2%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 17th. Ares Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 192.27%. About Ares Management (Get Free Report) Ares Management Corporation operates as an alternative asset manager in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The company's Tradable Credit Group segment manages various types of investment funds, such as commingled and separately managed accounts for institutional investors, and publicly traded vehicles and sub-advised funds for retail investors in the tradable and non-investment grade corporate credit markets. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Ares Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ares Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vinva Investment Management Ltd lifted its position in Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report) by 10.0% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 135,619 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 12,378 shares during the period. Vinva Investment Management Ltds holdings in Johnson & Johnson were worth $20,670,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). A number of other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of JNJ. GFG Capital LLC bought a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. Stone House Investment Management LLC purchased a new stake in Johnson & Johnson during the first quarter valued at approximately $47,000. 1248 Management LLC bought a new position in Johnson & Johnson in the first quarter worth approximately $48,000. Harvest Fund Management Co. Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Johnson & Johnson during the 1st quarter worth $52,000. Finally, Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC grew its position in shares of Johnson & Johnson by 66.4% during the 2nd quarter. Vermillion & White Wealth Management Group LLC now owns 376 shares of the companys stock valued at $57,000 after acquiring an additional 150 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 69.55% of the companys stock. Get Johnson & Johnson alerts: Insider Activity at Johnson & Johnson In related news, EVP Jennifer L. Taubert sold 56,471 shares of Johnson & Johnson stock in a transaction dated 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 completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 178,013 shares in the company, valued at approximately $31,652,491.53. This trade represents a 24.08% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.16% of the companys stock. Johnson & Johnson Stock Up 0.5% Shares of JNJ opened at $207.75 on Thursday. 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 $500.53 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 20.05, a price-to-earnings-growth 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 $207.81. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $190.05 and its 200-day simple moving average is $172.75. Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 30th. The company reported $2.26 earnings per share for the quarter. Johnson & Johnson had a net margin of 27.26% and a return on equity of 32.73%. The company had revenue of $24.02 billion for the quarter. As a group, equities analysts expect that Johnson & Johnson will post 10.58 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Johnson & Johnson Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, November 25th will be given a dividend of $1.30 per share. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, November 25th. Johnson & Johnsons dividend payout ratio is currently 50.19%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have commented on the company. UBS Group upped their price target on Johnson & Johnson from $190.00 to $214.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Sanford C. Bernstein lifted their target price on shares of Johnson & Johnson from $172.00 to $193.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $209.00 price target on shares of Johnson & Johnson in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Loop Capital set a $190.00 price objective on Johnson & Johnson in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Daiwa America upgraded Johnson & Johnson from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and nine have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $201.05. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on JNJ Johnson & Johnson Company Profile (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. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JNJ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ Free Report). 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. Park Aerospace (NYSE:PKE Get Free Report) and Hexcel (NYSE:HXL Get Free Report) are both aerospace companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, dividends, risk, valuation, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership. Volatility and Risk Park Aerospace has a beta of 0.45, meaning that its share price is 55% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Hexcel has a beta of 1.35, meaning that its share price is 35% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Park Aerospace alerts: Insider and Institutional Ownership 77.8% of Park Aerospace shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 95.5% of Hexcel shares are held by institutional investors. 11.3% of Park Aerospace shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 1.4% of Hexcel shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Park Aerospace 0 1 0 0 2.00 Hexcel 2 8 3 0 2.08 This is a summary of recent ratings and recommmendations for Park Aerospace and Hexcel, as provided by MarketBeat. Hexcel has a consensus target price of $73.33, suggesting a potential downside of 3.17%. Given Hexcels stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Hexcel is more favorable than Park Aerospace. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Park Aerospace and Hexcels gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Park Aerospace $63.13 million 6.17 $5.88 million $0.36 54.39 Hexcel $1.88 billion 3.21 $132.10 million $0.85 89.10 Hexcel has higher revenue and earnings than Park Aerospace. Park Aerospace is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hexcel, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Dividends Park Aerospace pays an annual dividend of $0.50 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.6%. Hexcel pays an annual dividend of $0.68 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.9%. Park Aerospace pays out 138.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Hexcel pays out 80.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Hexcel has increased its dividend for 3 consecutive years. Profitability This table compares Park Aerospace and Hexcels net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Park Aerospace 11.57% 7.97% 7.01% Hexcel 3.67% 9.25% 5.15% Summary Hexcel beats Park Aerospace on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Park Aerospace (Get Free Report) Park Aerospace Corp., an aerospace company, develops and manufactures solution and hot-melt advanced composite materials used to produce composite structures for the aerospace market in North America, Asia, and Europe. It offers advanced composite materials, including film adhesives and lightning strike protection materials that are used to produce primary and secondary structures for jet engines, large and regional transport aircrafts, military aircrafts, unmanned aerial vehicles, business jets, general aviation aircrafts, and rotary wing aircrafts. The company also provides specialty ablative materials for rocket motors and nozzles; and specially designed materials for radome applications. In addition, it designs and fabricates composite parts, structures and assemblies, and low volume tooling for the aerospace industry. The company was formerly known as Park Electrochemical Corp. and changed its name to Park Aerospace Corp. in July 2019. Park Aerospace Corp. was incorporated in 1954 and is based in Westbury, New York. About Hexcel (Get Free Report) Hexcel Corporation develops, manufactures, and markets carbon fibers, structural reinforcements, honeycomb structures, resins, and composite materials and parts for use in commercial aerospace, space and defense, and industrial applications. It operates through two segments, Composite Materials and Engineered Products. The Composite Materials segment manufactures and markets fabrics, multi-axials, specialty reinforcements, prepregs and other fiber-reinforced matrix materials, structural adhesives, molding compounds, tooling materials, polyurethane systems, and laminates that are used in military and commercial aircraft, wind turbine blades, recreational products, and other industrial applications, as well as in automotive, marine, and rail transportation. The Engineered Products segment manufactures and markets aircraft structures and finished aircraft components, including wing to body fairings, wing panels, flight deck panels, door liners, rotorcraft blades, spars, and tip caps; and aircraft structural sub-components and semi-finished components used in rotorcraft blades, engine nacelles, and aircraft surfaces, such as flaps, wings, elevators, and fairings; and RF interference control products for military and aerospace applications. This segment also provides interference control materials, structural composites, and services; dielectric absorber foams; magnetic absorbers; and thermoplastics for commercial and defense applications. The company sells its products directly through its managers, product managers, and sales personnel, as well as through independent distributors in the Americas, Europe, the Asia Pacific, India, and Africa. Hexcel Corporation was founded in 1946 and is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Receive News & Ratings for Park Aerospace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Park Aerospace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. XTX Topco Ltd boosted its stake in KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Free Report) by 398.3% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 53,097 shares of the construction companys stock after buying an additional 42,442 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in KBR were worth $2,545,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Bessemer Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of KBR by 75.8% during the second quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 617 shares of the construction companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 266 shares during the period. Byrne Asset Management LLC bought a new position in KBR during the 2nd quarter worth $41,000. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in KBR by 37.5% during the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,093 shares of the construction companys stock worth $52,000 after buying an additional 298 shares during the period. BNP PARIBAS ASSET MANAGEMENT Holding S.A. acquired a new stake in shares of KBR during the second quarter worth $76,000. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. boosted its position in shares of KBR by 34.3% in the second quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 1,761 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $84,000 after acquiring an additional 450 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 97.02% of the companys stock. Get KBR alerts: KBR Stock Performance NYSE:KBR opened at $40.76 on Thursday. KBR, Inc. has a twelve month low of $39.61 and a twelve month high of $62.14. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.73. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $44.10 and its 200 day simple moving average is $47.94. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.18 billion, a PE ratio of 14.77, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.85 and a beta of 0.68. KBR Announces Dividend KBR ( NYSE:KBR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 29th. The construction company reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.95 by $0.07. KBR had a net margin of 4.52% and a return on equity of 33.65%. The business had revenue of $525.00 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.99 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.84 EPS. The firms revenue was down .3% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, analysts anticipate that KBR, Inc. will post 3.26 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be paid a $0.165 dividend. This represents a $0.66 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 15th. KBRs payout ratio is currently 22.68%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several analysts have weighed in on the stock. Wall Street Zen cut shares of KBR from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. DA Davidson dropped their price target on shares of KBR from $72.00 to $65.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Friday, August 1st. Bank of America reduced their price target on KBR from $55.00 to $45.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 13th. Truist Financial set a $62.00 price objective on KBR in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Citigroup cut their target price on KBR from $62.00 to $57.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $59.00. Read Our Latest Analysis on KBR KBR Company Profile (Free Report) KBR, Inc provides scientific, technology, and engineering solutions to governments and commercial customers worldwide. It operates through Government Solutions and Sustainable Technology Solutions segments. The Government Solutions segment offers life-cycle support solutions to defense, intelligence, space, aviation, and other programs and missions for military and other government agencies in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding KBR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for KBR, Inc. (NYSE:KBR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for KBR Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KBR and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Cemex S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE:CX Get Free Report) have received an average rating of Hold from the eleven research firms that are presently covering the stock, MarketBeat Ratings reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and four have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1-year price target among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $10.1438. Several research firms recently weighed in on CX. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Cemex in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Cemex from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upgraded shares of Cemex from a neutral rating to an overweight rating and boosted their price objective for the stock from $8.10 to $10.50 in a report on Tuesday, August 26th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Cemex from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Citigroup cut Cemex from a buy rating to a neutral rating and upped their price target for the company from $9.00 to $10.00 in a report on Monday, October 13th. Get Cemex alerts: Get Our Latest Research Report on Cemex Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cemex Cemex Stock Performance Several large investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. WealthCollab LLC boosted its stake in shares of Cemex by 73.7% in the 2nd quarter. WealthCollab LLC now owns 3,724 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,580 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its stake in shares of Cemex by 256.7% in the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 4,298 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 3,093 shares during the last quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Cemex by 100.0% in the 3rd quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 3,488 shares of the construction companys stock worth $31,000 after acquiring an additional 1,744 shares in the last quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC grew its position in Cemex by 63.7% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 5,210 shares of the construction companys stock worth $36,000 after acquiring an additional 2,027 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Reyes Financial Architecture Inc. acquired a new stake in Cemex during the 3rd quarter valued at $36,000. 82.97% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Shares of NYSE CX opened at $10.58 on Thursday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $9.67 and its 200-day simple moving average is $8.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.61 and a current ratio of 0.91. Cemex has a 52 week low of $4.89 and a 52 week high of $10.59. The firm has a market cap of $15.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.37, a P/E/G ratio of 1.17 and a beta of 1.56. Cemex (NYSE:CX Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, October 28th. The construction company reported $0.16 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.01 by $0.15. The business had revenue of $4.25 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $226.73 million. Cemex had a net margin of 8.62% and a return on equity of 6.85%. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Cemex will post 0.69 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Cemex Announces Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 25th. Investors of record on Wednesday, September 17th were given a $0.0224 dividend. This represents a $0.09 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, September 17th. Cemexs dividend payout ratio is 9.68%. About Cemex (Get Free Report) CEMEX, SAB. de C.V., together with its subsidiaries, produces, markets, distributes, and sells cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, urbanization solutions, and other construction materials and services worldwide. The company offers gray ordinary portland, white portland, oil-well, and blended cement products; mortar; and standard ready-mix, architectural and decorative, rapid-setting, fiber-reinforced, fluid-fill, roller-compacted, self-consolidating, pervious, and antibacterial, and other concrete products. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Cemex Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cemex and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nuvation Bio Inc. (NYSE:NUVB Get Free Report) insider Dongfang Liu sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $8.00, for a total value of $80,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 18,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $144,000. This represents a 35.71% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Dongfang Liu also recently made the following trade(s): Get Nuvation Bio alerts: On Wednesday, November 19th, Dongfang Liu sold 15,000 shares of Nuvation Bio stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $5.10, for a total transaction of $76,500.00. On Wednesday, November 19th, Dongfang Liu sold 15,000 shares of Nuvation Bio stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $5.10, for a total transaction of $76,500.00. On Monday, November 17th, Dongfang Liu sold 15,000 shares of Nuvation Bio stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.76, for a total value of $71,400.00. On Monday, November 17th, Dongfang Liu sold 15,000 shares of Nuvation Bio stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.76, for a total value of $71,400.00. Nuvation Bio Stock Up 1.5% Shares of NYSE:NUVB traded up $0.12 on Thursday, hitting $8.00. 6,971,867 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 11,938,983. Nuvation Bio Inc. has a 1-year low of $1.54 and a 1-year high of $8.24. The company has a market capitalization of $2.74 billion, a PE ratio of -12.49 and a beta of 1.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 8.39 and a current ratio of 8.48. The firms 50-day moving average is $4.54 and its 200 day moving average is $3.17. Analysts Set New Price Targets Nuvation Bio ( NYSE:NUVB Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported ($0.16) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.17) by $0.01. Nuvation Bio had a negative return on equity of 54.99% and a negative net margin of 813.07%.The business had revenue of $13.12 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $7.48 million. Sell-side analysts predict that Nuvation Bio Inc. will post -0.36 EPS for the current year. Several analysts have issued reports on the stock. Truist Financial set a $11.00 price target on shares of Nuvation Bio in a report on Monday. Citigroup restated a market outperform rating on shares of Nuvation Bio in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Nuvation Bio in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. JMP Securities set a $10.00 target price on Nuvation Bio in a research note on Thursday, November 20th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Nuvation Bio from $7.00 to $8.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have issued a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Nuvation Bio presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $9.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Nuvation Bio Institutional Trading of Nuvation Bio Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its position in Nuvation Bio by 51.9% in the 3rd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 7,597 shares of the companys stock valued at $28,000 after acquiring an additional 2,597 shares in the last quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc increased its position in shares of Nuvation Bio by 29.2% during the third quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 15,500 shares of the companys stock worth $57,000 after acquiring an additional 3,500 shares in the last quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp lifted its stake in Nuvation Bio by 38.8% in the 3rd quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 15,746 shares of the companys stock valued at $58,000 after acquiring an additional 4,400 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC grew its holdings in shares of Nuvation Bio by 21.9% in the 3rd quarter. Integrated Wealth Concepts LLC now owns 24,610 shares of the companys stock valued at $91,000 after acquiring an additional 4,419 shares in the last quarter. Finally, MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. increased its holdings in Nuvation Bio by 4.4% during the first quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 108,547 shares of the companys stock worth $191,000 after buying an additional 4,608 shares during the last quarter. 61.67% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Nuvation Bio Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nuvation Bio Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the development of therapeutic candidates for oncology. The company's lead product candidate is NUV-868, a BD2 selective oral small molecule BET inhibitor that epigenetically regulates proteins that control tumor growth and differentiation, including oncogenes comprising c-myc; NUV-1156, an AR binder Xtandi that address advanced stage prostate cancers with the potential to move into earlier lines typically treated with surgical prostatectomy; and drug-drug conjugate (DDC) platform which leverages a novel therapeutic approach within the drug-conjugate class of anti-cancer therapies to deliver anti-cancer therapeutics to cancer cells, as well as NUV-1176, a PARP inhibitor to address ER+ breast and ovarian cancer. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Nuvation Bio Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nuvation Bio and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF (NYSEARCA:MMKT Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Wednesday, November 26th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of 0.0625 per share on Monday, December 1st. This represents a yield of 324.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF Stock Performance Shares of Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF stock traded up $0.04 on Thursday, hitting $100.27. 7,507 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 8,270. Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF has a 12-month low of $99.82 and a 12-month high of $100.60. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $100.24 and its 200 day simple moving average is $100.23. Get Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF alerts: Hedge Funds Weigh In On Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of MMKT. Townsquare Capital LLC purchased a new position in shares of Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF during the 1st quarter valued at about $631,000. Jane Street Group LLC bought a new position in shares of Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF during the 1st quarter valued at $1,622,000. Hummer Financial Advisory Services Inc purchased a new position in Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF in the 3rd quarter worth $301,000. Red Tortoise LLC bought a new stake in Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF in the third quarter worth $28,000. Finally, Uniting Wealth Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF during the third quarter valued at about $602,000. About Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF The Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF (MMKT) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in investment grade fixed income. The fund is actively managed, investing in US government money market instruments, particularly overnight repurchase agreements with short-term maturities. The fund aims to balance income, liquidity, and capital preservation. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Texas Capital Government Money Market ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System raised its stake in Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) by 0.6% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 779,641 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 4,358 shares during the period. Eli Lilly and Company makes up 1.1% of State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems portfolio, making the stock its 12th biggest position. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement Systems holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $607,754,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. Braun Bostich & Associates Inc. now owns 527 shares of the companys stock valued at $411,000 after purchasing an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Rise Advisors LLC grew its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.8% during the second quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 732 shares of the companys stock valued at $571,000 after buying an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC increased its position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 0.7% during the second quarter. Occidental Asset Management LLC now owns 1,966 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,533,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors raised its holdings in Eli Lilly and Company by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. New Insight Wealth Advisors now owns 394 shares of the companys stock worth $307,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Dash Acquisitions Inc. lifted its position in Eli Lilly and Company by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Dash Acquisitions Inc. now owns 485 shares of the companys stock valued at $387,000 after acquiring an additional 13 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of analysts have commented on the company. CICC Research lifted their target price on Eli Lilly and Company from $801.00 to $1,060.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 13th. Berenberg Bank reaffirmed a hold rating and set a $830.00 price objective (down from $970.00) on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Wednesday, September 17th. Loop Capital set a $950.00 price objective on Eli Lilly and Company in a report on Monday, November 10th. DZ Bank upgraded shares of Eli Lilly and Company from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Finally, Daiwa Capital Markets raised their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $700.00 to $940.00 in a report on Monday, November 10th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have issued a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $1,047.50. Eli Lilly and Company Stock Down 0.4% LLY stock opened at $1,105.45 on Thursday. The company has a market cap of $1.05 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 72.25, a P/E/G ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a current ratio of 1.28. The businesss 50-day moving average is $876.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $794.85. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,111.99. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) 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 business had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. The businesss 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. As a group, analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend 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 issued a dividend of $1.50 per share. This represents a $6.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 14th. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio is currently 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. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Botswana Diamonds plc (LON:BOD Get Free Report) shares were down 8% during trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as low as GBX 0.23 and last traded at GBX 0.23. Approximately 18,301 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 99% from the average daily volume of 2,655,820 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.25. Botswana Diamonds Trading Down 2.3% The firm has a market capitalization of 2.58 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -4.30 and a beta of 0.80. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 0.27 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 0.26. Botswana Diamonds Company Profile (Get Free Report) Botswana Diamonds plc explores for and develops diamond properties in Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The company's flagship property is the Thorny River/Marsfontein property located in South Africa. It also explores primarily in the Kalahari region of Botswana. Botswana Diamonds plc was formerly known as Botswana Exploration plc and changed its name to Botswana Diamonds plc in October 2010. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Botswana Diamonds Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Botswana Diamonds and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Three policemen were killed in a terrorist attack on a check post in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Wednesday, local authorities said. The attackers opened fire from a nearby hill on the check post in Hangu district, district police officer Khan Zaib told local media. He said three personnel were killed in the ensuing exchange of fire. A heavy police contingent was deployed to the area, and a search operation was underway, he added. Provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi condemned the attack and directed prompt medical care for the injured. He vowed to bring the attackers to justice. Security forces remain on high alert as investigations continue. Taseko Mines Limited (LON:TKO Get Free Report)s stock price hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Thursday . The stock traded as high as GBX 390 and last traded at GBX 380.50, with a volume of 17609 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at GBX 357. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Canaccord Genuity Group raised their price objective on shares of Taseko Mines from GBX 330 to GBX 390 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 390. Get Taseko Mines alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on TKO Taseko Mines Price Performance Insider Activity at Taseko Mines The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 315.53 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 254.21. The firm has a market capitalization of 1.37 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -38.05 and a beta of 1.92. In related news, insider Russell Hallbauer sold 10,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, September 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of GBX 493, for a total value of 49,300. Insiders own 2.58% of the companys stock. Taseko Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Taseko Mines is a dynamic and growing mining company focused on the operation and development of copper mines in North America. Headquartered in Vancouver, Taseko operates the state-of-the-art Gibraltar Mine (100% owned), the second largest copper mine in Canada, with a nearly 700-person workforce producing an average of 140 million pounds of copper and 2.5 million pounds of molybdenum per year. In addition to the Yellowhead copper project and the Aley niobium project, Taseko is also advancing the Florence Copper project in Arizona a near-term copper producer with an unparalleled energy, water and GHG profile per unit of production. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Taseko Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taseko Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Validian (OTCMKTS:VLDI Get Free Report) and Dayforce (NYSE:DAY Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, earnings, institutional ownership, valuation, profitability and risk. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Validian and Dayforces gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Validian alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Validian N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Dayforce $1.76 billion 6.28 $18.10 million ($0.94) -73.48 Profitability Dayforce has higher revenue and earnings than Validian. This table compares Validian and Dayforces net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Validian N/A N/A N/A Dayforce -7.91% 6.54% 1.92% Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current recommendations for Validian and Dayforce, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Validian 0 0 0 0 0.00 Dayforce 2 14 1 1 2.06 Dayforce has a consensus price target of $70.36, suggesting a potential upside of 1.86%. Given Dayforces stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Dayforce is more favorable than Validian. Summary Dayforce beats Validian on 7 of the 8 factors compared between the two stocks. About Validian (Get Free Report) Validian Corporation, a development stage company, provides software products to assist public and private enterprises in Canada and internationally. The company primarily offers ValidianProtect, a software only cyber security technology comprising an application and data protection platform and a data protection module, which protect the life cycle of data by providing secure access, retrieval, transfer, receipt, storage, and usage of digital information on mobile, cloud, Web, local and network applications, devices, servers, databases, and memory at rest, as well as in transit and in usage using wired, and wireless and mobile networks. Its ValidianProtect also provides secure mobile messaging and communications, cloud computing, cloud storage, distributed computing and Web application and Web portal access and usage, software defined networking, and the Internet of Things and SCADA for computers, servers, databases, intelligent sensors, and tablets and smartphones. In addition, the company offers solutions customized to the client's business process to ensure authenticity, integrity, and custody of digital assets. It offers its products through direct sales, as well as through channel partners, such as independent software vendors, application service providers, value-added resellers, independent marketing representatives, system integrators, and original equipment manufacturers. The company was formerly known as Sochrys.com Inc. and changed its name to Validian Corporation in January 2003. Validian Corporation was incorporated in 1989 and is based in Ottawa, Canada. About Dayforce (Get Free Report) Dayforce Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a human capital management (HCM) software company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It offers Dayforce, a cloud HCM platform that provides human resources, payroll and tax, workforce management, wallet, benefits, and talent intelligence functionalities; and Powerpay, a cloud HR and payroll solution for the small business market. The company also provides payroll and payroll-related services; and implementation and professional services. It sells its solutions through direct sales force and third-party channels. The company was formerly known as Ceridian HCM Holding Inc. and changed its name to Dayforce Inc. in February 2024. Dayforce Inc. was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Receive News & Ratings for Validian Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Validian and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of Los Andes Copper Ltd. (CVE:LA Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as C$9.12 and last traded at C$9.00, with a volume of 15889 shares trading hands. The stock had previously closed at C$9.04. Los Andes Copper Stock Performance The stocks 50-day moving average price is C$8.41 and its 200-day moving average price is C$7.21. The company has a market capitalization of C$265.92 million, a P/E ratio of 75.00 and a beta of 0.00. The company has a current ratio of 34.50, a quick ratio of 1.15 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 16.87. About Los Andes Copper (Get Free Report) Los Andes Copper Ltd. acquires, explores, and develops copper deposits in Latin America. It operates through Mineral Exploration and Hydroelectric Project segments. The company holds a 100% interest in the Vizcachitas copper, molybdenum, and silver porphyry project located north of Santiago, Region V, Chile. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Los Andes Copper Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Los Andes Copper and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of George Weston Ltd. (OTCMKTS:WNGRF Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The stock traded as high as $68.75 and last traded at $68.75, with a volume of 177 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $67.03. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research analysts have recently issued reports on WNGRF shares. Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating on shares of George Weston in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of George Weston in a research report on Monday, November 17th. BMO Capital Markets reiterated a market perform rating on shares of George Weston in a research report on Monday, November 17th. Desjardins reissued a buy rating on shares of George Weston in a research note on Monday, November 17th. Finally, CIBC reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of George Weston in a research note on Monday, November 17th. 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, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy. Get George Weston alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on George Weston George Weston Stock Performance The firm has a market cap of $26.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.50 and a beta of 0.55. The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16. The companys 50-day moving average is $62.48 and its two-hundred day moving average is $129.14. George Weston (OTCMKTS:WNGRF Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, November 14th. The company reported $0.99 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.96 by $0.03. George Weston had a return on equity of 12.84% and a net margin of 1.67%.The company had revenue of $14.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.95 billion. George Weston Company Profile (Get Free Report) George Weston Limited provides food and drug retailing, and financial services in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Choice Properties). The Loblaw segment provides grocery, pharmacy and healthcare services, health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, and financial services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for George Weston Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for George Weston and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BAGHDAD, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region caused a complete halt to its operations, according to official statements and a security source. The Kurdistan region's natural resources ministry and electricity ministry issued a joint statement confirming that the attack occurred at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday local time (2030 GMT), resulting in a complete halt to gas supplies to power plants. Teams from both ministries are currently coordinating with the operator, the United Arab Emirates-based energy company Dana Gas, to monitor the situation and mitigate the impact, the statement added. A Kurdish security source, on condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that at least two unknown drones struck a storage depot at the Khor Mor field in Sulaymaniyah province late Wednesday, sparking a fire and immediately halting all operations at the site. The Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) issued a statement on Thursday, confirming that the strike resulted in the burning of one of the main storage tanks at the vital field without casualties. The JOC stressed that the attack constitutes a "dangerous terrorist act" aimed at "hindering and delaying efforts seeking to consolidate security and economic stability." The JOC warned that the action poses a "direct threat to the interests of Iraqis" and would negatively impact the electricity system, particularly in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah provinces, promising firm legal action against all those involved in the "cowardly act." The Khor Mor gas field is instrumental in providing natural gas for electricity generation across the region. Repeated security incidents involving drone attacks in the area have raised concerns about the protection of this critical infrastructure and the stability of the country's energy supplies. Possibly . . . It's a better idea than holding parking lots accountable for downtown mass shootings. Here's the pitch and an invitation for Turkey day week . . . "U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt invited FBI Director Kash Patel to visit Kansas City in hopes of creating strategies to reduce crime in the region. "It comes after Patel and Schmitt made a trip to St. Louis earlier this month. The stop highlighted the number of full-time agents added to the FBIs St. Louis field office. Schmitt also said the hirings have the office at its highest number of employees in years. " Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . KCTV5: Senator asks FBI director to visit Kansas City to curb crime Developing . . . Today we're thankful for celeb chef, power lifter, spicy content creator and Insta hottie Siri as her cheerful body of work inspires our holiday peek at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . About Local Niceness Shelter KC makes Thanksgiving special for those in and out of its walls Shelter KC celebrated Thanksgiving with its annual Thanksgiving Day brunch and a full line-up of events for its residents at its Cherry Street location. Winter Is Coming To Cowtown Kansas City weather preparedness: Tips to gear up for winter storm Ahead of this weekend's expected winter storm, which could bring impactful snow and ice to the region, it's important to have a safety plan in case weather conditions deteriorate.Here's some tips on how you should prepare: Adorable First Fashions One woman's crocheted creations bring cheer to Saint Luke's tiniest patients Easton Thomas, an information associate in the Saint Luke's NICU, crochets costumes and other items to bring families joy in hard times Tech Price Dislike Data, dollars and demand: Data centers in KC metro spark widespread online debate over costs and benefits Data centers are massive buildings that hold all of the information from your phone. The Kansas City metro has 44 of them, though not all are on a hyperscale level. Golden Ghetto Slows Down 'Traffic Calming' means changes to Tomahawk Road in Prairie Village Prairie Village moves to slow traffic on Tomahawk Road amid resident concerns. About KC's Glow Up What you need to know | 2025 Country Club Plaza Lighting Ceremony The Country Club Plaza in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, is set to glow once again with the 2025 Lighting Ceremony on Thanksgiving night. Starlet & Activist Siri Everybody watches porn but nobody thinks it's important enough to defend by Noelle Perdue Siri Dahl is not an agriculturalist, but she is an expert on corn. Or at least, according to search engine optimizing keywords she is. In October of 2024, Siri hosted a 12 hour "Corn Telethon," interviewing 30+ comedians, performers, and journalists, all in the name of corn. Progressive Payback For Biden Top Doctor Warns There's Reason to Be 'Worried' About Trump's Cognitive Decline The public health expert called BS on the White House's claims that Trump is in excellent shape. More Deets On Gunman Report: Afghan National Suspect in National Guardsmen Shooting Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting of two national guardsmen. Nobody Can Stand Keith . . . Deranged Libs Blame Trump For National Guard Shooting Prominent liberal commentators and activists took to social media to blame Donald Trump after two National Guard members were shot in Washington, D.C. MAGA Name Games Prove Tough For Conservatives To Defend Trump calls female reporter "ugly" after insulting another as "piggy" President Trump attacked a New York Times reporter as "third rate" and "ugly, both inside and out." Cartoonish American Politics Cont'd The US government ruins Thanksgiving: it's a South Park holiday special Idiotic US war secretary Pete Hegseth launches an attack on a turkey-based festivity in frustration at his inability to outsmart a buffoonish police detective. A wild season finale looms Vlad Dictates To Europe Why Putin might pump the brakes on Trump's Ukraine peace dash Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared last week to be cautiously optimistic on the U.S. 28-point peace plan to end his invasion of Ukraine. Third World Fight Coming Soon 'A giant game of chicken': Trump's Venezuela standoff edges toward conflict As Washington escalates pressure on Venezuela, any push for regime change risks becoming a costly, dangerous gamble - not the quick fix President Trump might hope for. Fear East Disaster Update Hong Kong fire death toll reaches 65 as firefighters battle last of public housing blazes Hundreds of firefighters have spent hours tackling the blaze, which began in apartment blocks surrounded by mesh netting. El Papa Indulges Pope Leo celebrates Thanksgiving with mid-flight pumpkin pie | CNN Pope Leo celebrated Thanksgiving onboard a flight to Turkey during his first international trip as Pope. He was given two pumpkin pies from journalists. CNN Vatican Correspondent Christopher Lamb reports from onboard. Check Cowtown Calender This Weekend in Kansas City: November 27-30 - IN Kansas City Magazine Food and a cozy sweater? It doesn't get much better-but if you're feeling ambitious, you can add these activities to your Thanksgiving weekend. Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day Run Nov. 27 If you want to clear out some calories to start the weekend, the Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day Run has plenty of options to do it.... Forecast For Now . . . Kansas City weather: Cold and dry through Thanksgiving night You won't see rain or snow until this weekend, but you will need a coat for Thanksgiving festivities or the Plaza Lighting Ceremony. As always for every Thanksgiving, Sly & The Family Stone - Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. A peek at Missouri attempting to clean up the weed game and so many local operations that "interpret" the rules of cash crop boom a bit differently. Check-it . . . In a release, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said the businesses included in her offices initial investigation are known to sell chemically altered or synthetic THC-like compounds. These compounds include Delta-8, Delta-10 or THC-P, and can have effects far stronger or less predictable than Delta-9, which is derived naturally from cannabis plants. Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . Missouri AG investigating smoke shops suspected of selling 'deceptive' THC-like products "We will not allow Missouri consumers to be treated as test subjects for unregulated chemical experiments," AG Hanaway said in a statement. Missouri investigates unregulated hemp shops, including one in Kansas City "It feels like we're being targeted because we've been vocal about fighting for that cause," the shops' owner said of his calls for regulation. Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card. Developing . . . 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan and Jordan are negotiating 12 new agreements, the country's Minister of Finance, Sahil Babayev, said, Trend reports. He made the announcement at the 4th session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation between Jordan and Azerbaijan, held in Baku. The legal framework that we have already established continues to expand. More than 40 documents are already in force, eight agreements have been agreed upon at the expert level, and 12 new projects are under negotiation, he said. Babayev noted that five more agreements are planned to be signed at today's session. According to him, these agreements will form a medium-term agenda and help strengthen institutional ties between the relevant ministries and agencies. "Our economic cooperation is developing, but the growth potential is still significant. If we look at trade indicators, we see a 24 percent increase in trade turnover over the first 10 months of this year compared to the same period last year. But, of course, if we take into account the absolute figures, this is very little compared to the potential of both countries," the minister said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan may become a partner for Jordan in the reconstruction of Syria, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Alqudah said, Trend reports. He made the statement at the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Jordan, held in Baku. According to him, various opportunities are opening up in the Middle East today. "The reconstruction and rehabilitation of Syria represents enormous potential. Jordanian companies will not be able to take advantage of such large-scale opportunities on their own. We need a partner for joint investment and work, and we believe that the Azerbaijani business community is an excellent partner for this cooperation," he said. Alqudah stressed that Jordan has established strong trade relations with Iraq: We export more than $1.2 billion to Iraq annually. There are strong ties between the business communities of Iraq and Jordan, and the potential for cooperation is enormous. We are confident that Jordan can become an important gateway for the private sector in our region. The minister added that at the same time, Jordan has virtually no presence in the CIS countries. Azerbaijan has excellent political, economic, and trade relations with the CIS countries. Moreover, Jordan believes that Azerbaijan could become our main gateway to this region, he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. A total of 30 Jordanian companies are registered in Azerbaijan, the country's finance minister, Sahil Babayev, said during the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Jordan, held in Baku, Trend reports. The minister indicated that 19 of these enterprises are currently engaged in the non-resource domain. "The further development of the investment potential of both countries will lead to much broader and larger-scale projects," he explained. Babayev called for stepping up cooperation with Jordanian companies and setting up suitable platforms for Azerbaijani companies to get involved in the Jordanian market. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Jordan proposes to organize a joint business forum with Azerbaijan in Amman, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yarub Alqudah, said, Trend reports. He made the remark at the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between the governments of Azerbaijan and Jordan, held in Baku. "The commission meetings are held every seven years. We have agreed to speed up the process and will be glad to welcome the Minister of Finance of Azerbaijan and our esteemed colleagues in Amman in the near future. One of the ideas is to hold the next meeting of the joint commission in Amman and, at the same time, organize a business forum to establish contacts between the business circles of our countries," he said, adding that the opportunities in the South Caucasus and Middle East region are truly enormous. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan and Jordan have agreed to hold a business forum on the sidelines of the 5th session of the intergovernmental commission, which is planned to be held in 2025 or 2026, Jordanian Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yarub Alqudah, said, Trend reports. He made the announcement at a press conference following the 4th session of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between Jordan and Azerbaijan, held in Baku. We discussed various areas in which we should move forward. One of the first is that the commission should meet frequently to maintain the momentum of relations. We also agreed to hold a business forum on the sidelines of the commission to build direct bridges and strengthen relations between the business communities of both countries, he said. Alqudah noted that the parties discussed opportunities for cooperation both in the CIS countries and in the Middle East. We also discussed our investments - Jordanian investments in Azerbaijan and, respectively, Azerbaijani investments in Jordan. And we hope that we will be able to come to joint investments and projects, he said. BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's international trade promotion body said Thursday that it will lead a delegation of Chinese entrepreneurs on a visit to the United States in early December, at the invitation of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The delegation will comprise enterprises from a wide range of sectors, including agriculture and food, machinery and electronics, financial services, cross-border trade, logistics and transportation, biomedicine and trend culture, Yang Fan, spokesperson for the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), told a press conference. The delegation will engage in extensive exchanges with U.S. government and business circles, hold multiple Sino-U.S. business communication events, and actively introduce China's new measures regarding upholding high-quality development and high-standard opening up, Yang said. Yang noted that the visit is expected to increase mutual trust, dispel misgivings, deepen cooperation, promote shared achievements and realize common prosperity through face-to-face communication. Since the beginning of this month, the CCPIT has organized a slew of business exchange activities with the United States. These include the 2025 health economy and innovation development dialogue jointly held by the China Chamber of International Commerce and the U.S.-China Business Council, as well as a China-U.S. medical and insurance industry round-table co-hosted by the CCPIT and the U.S. Embassy in China. Meanwhile, an exchange activity focused on cooperation between the Chinese and U.S. catering industries is scheduled to take place in the near future, according to Yang. The spokesperson said that enterprises from both countries have shown strong enthusiasm for participating in such exchange activities and a keen willingness to cooperate -- expressing sound expectations for the stable, healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations. At the invitation of the Canada-China Business Council, the delegation will also visit Canada to engage in exchanges with Canadian political and business circles, Yang added. OTS Media Forum hosts panel session on opportunities for mutual cooperation (PHOTO) Details added: first version posted on 16:40 BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan's Baku hosted the second panel session on "Cooperation Opportunities of OTS member states in the digital media environment" as part of the Media Forum of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Trend reports. The panel session was moderated by Elmira Musazadeh, Chief Editor of CBC TV Azerbaijan, Head of News, Special Projects, and SMM. The panel speakers included MP Sevil Mikayilova, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Media Development Agency, Vice President of the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) from Azerbaijan; Makpal Ukenova, Director of the Balapan Channel of the Republic of Kazakhstan's National Television and Radio Corporation; Alptekin Cihangir Isbilir, Press Counselor at the Embassy of Turkiye in Azerbaijan; Tokhir Umarov, Head of the Content Production Department for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan; and Mustafa Lakadamyal, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The speakers shared their views on the formation of cooperation mechanisms in the digital media environment, the promotion of joint content production, and the expansion of information exchange. The panel emphasized that the rapid changes occurring in the digital information environment make it necessary to establish more flexible and trust-based cooperation platforms among OTS countries. The event noted that the implementation of joint digital projects, the operational management of information flow, and the strengthening of ties between media organizations can expand the communication capabilities of member states and create conditions for the formation of a unified and dynamic media space in the region. Within the framework of the forum, Media Relations Manager of the WUF13 Azerbaijan Operations Company Eldar Rasulov also delivered a presentation on Media Opportunities within the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), noting that the World Urban Forum, to be held in Baku in 2026, is one of the largest global platforms where sustainable urban development, modern urban planning, and smart city concepts will be discussed. He pointed out that extensive opportunities will be created for the media within WUF13, and that a Media Center equipped with high-speed internet, fully furnished workstations, press-conference and interview rooms will operate for journalists. Title changed Details added: first version posted on 07:26 BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The families who arrived in Horovlu village of Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district received keys to their new apartments, Trend reports. After welcoming the families who moved to the village, employees of Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) informed in details about the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. The families were advised to stay away from unfamiliar objects and items, and to report such situations to the relevant agencies if they encounter them. The key handover ceremony was attended by officials from the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, along with representatives of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons and other officials. The families happily received the keys and settled into their homes. At this stage, 38 families (139 people) have relocated to Horovlu. Thus, the settlement of 541 people, including 132 families, in the village has been ensured.These families had previously been temporarily settled in dormitories, sanatoriums, pioneer camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative facilities across various regions of the country. xxx 14:43 The next relocation process has taken place in the village of Horovlu, Jabrayil district, in accordance with the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Today, 139 people, including 38 families, returned to Horovlu. 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. Covering 248 hectares, Horovlu now has 334 individual houses with two to five rooms, equipped with modern utilities including water, electricity, gas, solar panels, and high-speed internet, and intra-village roads have been asphalted. In the first phase, on 94 hectares of land, the construction of 334 individual houses, a 624-seat school, a 220-seat nursery-kindergarten, a two-story administrative building, a market complex, multi-functional catering facilities, a medical center, and a sports-health center has been completed. In the village, historically used kahrizes, which had been dismantled during the occupation, have been restored. A 4.4-hectare park complex and the Flag Square have been constructed. Olive, plane and Eldar pine trees have been planted in a 3.1 hectare green area. xxx 07:26 The next group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has been sent to Horovlu village in the Jabrayil district, Trend reports. At this stage, 38 families (139 people) are returning to their village. The returning residents consist of families who temporarily resided in different regions of the country, in dormitories and sanatoriums, due to the Armenian occupation in the early nineties. 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. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, met with colleagues from the European Union, Trend reports. In a post on X, Hajiyev wrote: "I was pleased to discuss with the colleagues from the European Union the recent positive dynamic in the relations between Azerbaijan and the EU." He added that the sides exchanged views on a broad range of issues on the bilateral agenda and prospects for further enhancing Azerbaijan-EU partnership. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The holding of the 83rd meeting of the Council for Rail Transport of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Baku once again demonstrated Azerbaijans growing role in global transport architecture, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend. Garayev noted that in recent years, Baku has turned into the hub of the wheel, where new multimodal routes are weaving together across the EastWest, NorthSouth, and Caspian regions. Azerbaijan is not simply participating in international transport projects; it is actively shaping their direction and priorities. Plans are already underway to boost cargo turnover along the North-South Transport Corridor to 5 million tons by January 1, 2028, and later to 15 million tons. These targets are more than ambitious declarations; they reflect years of strategic planning and a deliberate, disciplined approach to infrastructure development. Last years agreement between Azerbaijan and Russia on the expansion of transit transportation laid both the legal and technical foundation for turning the North-South Corridor into a genuinely competitive global route. Ongoing railway modernization, the introduction of advanced technologies, coordinated tariff policies, and the digital transformation of logistics processes all contribute to strengthening Azerbaijans influence and leadership within the region, he said. Garayev underscored the significance of the Horadiz-Aghband railway line in this grand scheme, painting it as a venture that will seamlessly weave Eastern Zangezur into the national transport tapestry and bolster Azerbaijans clout in the regional transport and communication landscape. The annual throughput capacity of this line is planned at 15 million tons, and construction is expected to reach the Armenian border by 2026. This project is far more than an infrastructure rebuild; it marks the full integration of East Zangezur into Azerbaijans national transport system and further reinforces the countrys decisive role in shaping the regions transport and communication architecture. At the meeting, special attention was given to the transport potential of the CIS space. Last year, total freight turnover on the railways of Council member countries reached 3 trillion ton-kilometers, a figure that is 30 percent higher than that of the United States' first-class railways and eight times that of the European Union. These numbers reflect not only deepening regional connectivity but also the rising global importance of the Eurasian railway network. Within this system, Azerbaijan stands as one of its most critical transit hubs, he said. Garayev pointed out that the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line, the Middle Corridor, and the North-South projects have really put Azerbaijan on the map in the world of transport, making its position stronger than ever. One of the most important outcomes of the meeting was the trilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed between the railway authorities of Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran. The document provides for harmonized tariff approaches, a unified complex tariff, regular operation of block trains, and improved transport procedures. These measures create strong potential for transforming the North-South route into a faster, more transparent, and economically competitive logistics chain. A unified tariff policy, particularly along the Iran-Azerbaijan-Russia axis, will deepen regional integration and open strategic opportunities for Azerbaijan. Russia seeks to expand its southern routes, while Iran is increasing its engagement with Eurasian transport networks. In this context, the fact that all roads pass through Azerbaijan gives our country both economic benefits and geopolitical leverage, he said. The political scientist also stressed the importance of transparency and synchronization in logistics processes. In todays world, transport corridors compete not only in distance and cost but also in speed, digitalization, and reliability. Azerbaijan has long been a regional leader in implementing innovations such as digital border crossings, cargo tracking, and automated procedures. The meeting in Baku once again demonstrated that Azerbaijan is at the heart of Eurasias transport transformation. Major work on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars line, expansion of the Middle Corridor, modernization of East-West infrastructure, and advancement of the North-South route all reinforce our countrys role as a strategic bridge linking Europe, Central Asia, Russia, Iran, and Turkiye. The documents signed and the statements delivered show that Azerbaijan is not merely adapting to changes in global logistics. It is directly shaping them. Competition between regional corridors is intensifying, yet Azerbaijan, leveraging its geography, stability, and purposeful transport strategy, is confidently positioning itself as Eurasias main transport hub. The 83rd meeting held in Baku marked yet another important milestone in this process, Garayev added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The 12th meeting of the Working Group on Media and Information of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku on November 27, Trend reports. In his opening speech, Rasim Baghirov, Director of the Department of International Relations and Documentation of the Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, noted that joint projects in the media sphere implemented within the framework of the OTS, institutional cooperation mechanisms, and mutual exchange of information make a significant contribution to the formation of a unified and sustainable communication space for Turkic-speaking states. He stressed that the issues on the meeting agenda open up new opportunities for strengthening information security, coordinating joint actions in the fight against disinformation, developing strategic communication skills, and more effectively implementing joint initiatives in the media sphere. Deputy Secretary General of the OTS Omer Kocaman stated in his speech that the modern information environment requires new approaches not only in terms of security, but also in terms of management, planning, and intergovernmental coordination. Moreover, it was noted that expanding dialogue between media institutions within the OTS, systematically establishing information flows, and resolving other important issues are among the organization's main goals for the coming years. Meanwhile, it was emphasized that in an era of accelerating digital transformation, interaction in the media sphere should not be limited to the transmission of information, but should include such areas as the application of innovative approaches, the use of the potential of new media tools, and the formation of a common culture of communication. Afterwards, the implementation of the 2025 Action Plan for the relevant area was discussed, which will be updated in line with the tasks planned for 2026. In addition, views were exchanged on the draft Communique, the final document of the 7th meeting of ministers and officials responsible for media and information. The proposals for the venue and date of the next meeting were also considered. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijani MPs Tural Ganjaliyev, Javanshir Feyziyev, Mubariz Gurbanli, and Goydeniz Gahramanov will visit Bishkek to observe the extraordinary parliamentary elections to be held in Kyrgyzstan on November 30, Trend reports via the Press and Public Relations Department of the Azerbaijani Parliament. Meanwhile, it is reported that Tural Ganjaliyev will review the preparations for the elections through the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Javanshir Feyziev through the Turkic Parliamentary Assembly, Mubariz Gurbanli through the CIS Executive Committee, and Goydeniz Gahramanov through the CIS Parliamentary Assembly. Kyrgyzstan is conducting snap parliamentary elections on November 30. The deadline for would-be candidates to hand in their forms was October 30. Nearly 600 prospective contenders have submitted registration forms to run for the 90 seats in parliament. The Central Election Commission (CEC) now has until November to process candidates applications to ensure they meet all the requirements to participate in the upcoming poll. Those who qualify will then have 18 days to convince voters in their districts to cast their ballots for them. Photo: Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev participated in the comprehensive connectivity agenda panel for Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea region at the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor Forum held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport said in a statement, Trend reports. During his speech, the minister pointed out that the major stumbling blocks in large corridor projects are varying border standards, a lack of digitalization, and infrastructure shortcomings. Nabiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is a safe bet and a tempting prospect for investors, thanks to its prime location, steady hand, and economic diversification. He also noted that the Zangezur corridor will create a sustainable, fast, and profitable connection between Europe and Central Asia, while the Middle Corridor is being developed as a sustainable and effective model for the region. Tashkent hosted the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor Forum on November 26. The EU Connectivity Agenda, a comprehensive framework for a transport and logistics network between Europe and Central Asia via the Black Sea and South Caucasus, was presented at the event. The Forum aimed to strengthen EU investment collaboration with partner governments and the business sector along the Europe-Central Asia corridor. Senior representatives from the EU, Eastern Partnership, Black Sea, and Central Asian countries, international financial institutions, and the private sector attended. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan and Turkiye are set to reinforce mutual military security, the Defense, Security, and Anti-Corruption Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament discussed during today's meeting, Trend reports. The draft law on the ratification of the Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Mutual Military Security between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of Turkiye was reviewed and recommended for approval at the plenary session. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijans Minister of Justice, Farid Ahmadov, met with UAE Justice Minister Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi on November 26 to discuss the signing of a new cooperation program in the field of justice, Trend reports via the Ministry of Justice. During the meeting, the importance of the existing legal framework for developing bilateral justice relations was emphasized. The ministers discussed the signing of a new Cooperation Program to support the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the justice ministries, noting that the document would further enhance legal cooperation. Ahmadov highlighted Azerbaijans efforts to expand digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in the justice system and improve the efficiency and responsiveness of services and expressed interest in adopting the best international practices in this area. The parties also stressed the importance of continuing mutual visits and experience exchanges to further strengthen legal collaboration. Additionally, Farid Ahmadov met with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The discussion highlighted successful cooperation in the field of criminal justice, including co-extradition, and covered future collaboration prospects and other areas of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's defense ministry on Thursday warned Japan that should it dare to cross the red line and invite troubles to itself, it is destined to pay a heavy price. "The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, and how to solve the Taiwan question has nothing to do with Japan," Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said in response to the progress of a Japanese plan to station medium-range surface-to-air missiles at Yonaguni Island about 110 kilometers east of China's Taiwan region. "The People's Liberation Army has strong capabilities and reliable means to defeat any aggressors," he said. Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of Taiwan's restoration, Jiang criticized Japan for suggesting military intervention into a so-called Taiwan contingency, instead of repenting for its war crimes of invading and colonizing Taiwan. This dangerous approach, Jiang warned, will uproot the post-WWII international order and lead Japan to repeat the mistakes of its militarist past. When commenting on Japan's air-defense missiles sales to the United States and discussions on increasing its defense spending, Jiang called on the international community to be on high alert, as Japan's revisionist attempts, including drastically increasing its defense budget, relaxing restrictions on weapons export, and attempting to intervene militarily into the Taiwan question, pose serious threats to regional peace and stability. "We urge the Japanese side to fully repent for its war crimes and immediately abandon dangerous attempts. Any attempt to repeat the evil path of aggression and expansion and undermine the post-WWII international order will not succeed," he said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic fire in Hong Kong's Tai Po District, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, Trend reports. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and relatives of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. Our thoughts are with the people of Hong Kong during this difficult time," the statement reads. The devastating fire occurred in the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong, claiming the lives of 55 people. The blaze, which began on January 26, swept through the eight high-rise buildings of the complex, destroying all but one. Around 4,000 people lived in the complex, including approximately 1,000 residents directly affected by the tragedy. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. On November 27, as part of the official visit to the Italian Republic, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, Antonio Tajani, and discussed opportunities for strategic partnership and cooperation, Trend reports, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani MFA. The meeting noted with satisfaction that the Azerbaijani-Italian strategic partnership is developing at a high level, and also considered existing opportunities for expanding bilateral relations. The ministers emphasized that the visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to Italy last year and the official visit of the President of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, to Azerbaijan in September of this year have further strengthened the political dialogue between the two countries. In addition, the participation of the President of the Italian Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni, in COP-29 and the regular meetings between the leaders were positively recalled. The meeting underscored the significant importance of the inauguration of the new building of the Italy-Azerbaijan University during President Mattarellas visit to Azerbaijan, noting that educational collaboration has become a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between the two nations. The ministers examined existing avenues for expanding cooperation across several key sectors, including energy, economy, trade, transport, culture, education, and defense. Emphasizing the strategic relevance of energy cooperation, the meeting acknowledged that ongoing large-scale projects in this sector are vital to ensuring the security and reliability of Europes energy supply. Minister Bayramov briefed his counterpart on the ongoing normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the peace and stability initiatives in the region, and the historical significance of the Washington Joint Declaration of August 8, 2025, as well as the agreements reached. The active engagement of Italian companies in the restoration and reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijans liberated territories was also warmly welcomed. The ministers further highlighted the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy within international organizations, particularly within the European Union and other multilateral frameworks. Cooperation opportunities between Azerbaijan and Italy within the framework of the World Urban Forum, which will be held in Azerbaijan next year, were reviewed. The meeting also included an exchange of views on the RussiaUkraine conflict, the situation in the Middle East, as well as other international and regional issues of mutual interest. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Pursuant to the Agreement on Military Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, state representatives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are visiting Azerbaijan, Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry. At a working meeting at the International Military Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Defense, it was noted that military ties between the two countries are developing in all fields, including the military. The meeting highlighted the importance of mutual visits and joint exercises in terms of the exchange of experience. The delegates were given a briefing on the 44-day Patriotic War, the situation in the region, and questions of interest were answered. In conclusion, the sides exchanged views on the current state and advancement prospects of military cooperation, mutual gifts were presented, and a photo was taken. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Cooperation between Turkish and Azerbaijani news agencies is growing stronger by the day, and Trend News Agency plays a particularly important role in this process, said Alptekin Cihangir Isbilir, Press Counsellor of the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan, Trend reports. He made the remark during the second panel session titled "Opportunities for Cooperation Among OTS Member States in the Digital Media Environment", held as part of the Organization of Turkic States Media Forum. Isbilir noted that Trend News Agency maintains strong cooperation with Albayrak Media Group and Demiroren News Agency, producing content together: "We closely follow Trends news, the Azernews newspaper, and the TurkicWorld platform. As the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan, we are doing our utmost to help advance this cooperation to an even higher level". The press counsellor added that Trends TurkicWorld project serves as an excellent model for all media outlets across the Organization of Turkic States: "This model should be applied and taken as an example both in traditional and digital media. The cooperation framework developed by Trend can serve as a foundation for various joint projects among the news agencies of all Turkic countries". Isbilir stressed that cooperation between Trend and Albayrak, Demiroren and other agencies should not remain limited to Azerbaijan and Turkiye: "It should also be extended to other Turkic states. The same level of ties must be established with the agencies of other Turkic countries. I believe this model will be widely adopted. It should also serve as an example for building an OTS-wide media mechanism to combat disinformation". He concluded by congratulating Trend News Agency for its service to the Turkic world and its contribution to strengthening Azerbaijan-Turkiye media cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 28. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, held a meeting in Brussels with members of the European Union's Political and Security Committee, Trend reports. In a post on X, Hajiyev wrote: "substantive discussions took place on deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and the EU, expressing gratitude to Committee Chair Delfin Pronk. He briefed the Committee on Azerbaijan's peace agenda in the region, highlighting the economic benefits of peace, the development of the Zangezur Corridor, and confidence-building measures. Hajiyev thanked Committee members for their support for further steps to strengthen cooperation and partnership with the EU. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The families who arrived in Horovlu village of Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district received keys to their new apartments, Trend reports. After welcoming the families who moved to the village, employees of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) provided details about the dangers posed by mines and unexploded ordnance. The families were advised to stay away from unfamiliar objects and items and to report such situations to the relevant agencies if they encounter them. The key handover ceremony was attended by officials from the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in Jabrayil, Gubadli and Zangilan districts, along with representatives of the State Committee for Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons and other officials. The families happily received the keys and settled into their homes. At this stage, 38 families (139 people) have relocated to Horovlu. Thus, the settlement of 541 people, including 132 families, in the village has been ensured. These families had previously been temporarily settled in dormitories, sanatoriums, pioneer camps, unfinished buildings, and administrative facilities across various regions of the country. 14:43 The next relocation process has taken place in the village of Horovlu, Jabrayil district, in accordance with the First State Program on the Great Return to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, Trend reports. Today, 139 people, including 38 families, returned to Horovlu. 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. Covering 248 hectares, Horovlu now has 334 individual houses with two to five rooms, equipped with modern utilities including water, electricity, gas, solar panels, and high-speed internet, and intra-village roads have been asphalted. In the first phase, on 94 hectares of land, the construction of 334 individual houses, a 624-seat school, a 220-seat nursery-kindergarten, a two-story administrative building, a market complex, multi-functional catering facilities, a medical center, and a sports-health centre has been completed. In the village, historically used kahrizes, which had been dismantled during the occupation, have been restored. A 4.4-hectare park complex and the Flag Square have been constructed. Olive, plane and Eldar pine trees have been planted in a 3.1-hectare green area. 07:26 The next group of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) has been sent to Horovlu village in the Jabrayil district, Trend reports. At this stage, 38 families (139 people) are returning to their village. The returning residents consist of families who temporarily resided in different regions of the country, in dormitories and sanatoriums, due to the Armenian occupation in the early nineties. 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 BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Discussions during the 12th meeting of the Working Group on Media and Information of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) focused on organizing media forums, trilateral meetings, and various professional visits among member states, Rasim Baghirov, Director of the Department of International Relations and Documentation at the Media Development Agency, told reporters, Trend reports. Baghirov indicated that the meeting conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the current operational activity framework. Within the framework of this plan, we discussed organizing trilateral meetings of member states, media forums, and visits across different sectors, he said. Baghirov noted that participants shared updates on media activities in their countries and measures taken to counter disinformation. We also discussed the implementation of signed documents, the current state of OTS platforms, and plans. For Azerbaijan, cooperation with OTS member states remains a top priority, and we maintain close ties with these countries, he added. The director highlighted the existing Roadmap document between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, emphasizing that it has facilitated several mutually beneficial initiatives. The Azerbaijani side is keen to advance cooperation with Turkic states in the media sphere continuously and intensively, Baghirov concluded. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan plans to launch a national media literacy week in December, said Natig Mammadli, Deputy Executive Director of the Media Development Agency (MEDIA), Trend reports. Speaking at a panel session titled Sustainable and preventive measures to counter growing global information threats in the modern era: the example of the media ecosystem of Turkic-speaking states, held within the Media Forum of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Mammadli noted that the nature of media censorship has shifted in the modern era. Since its earliest days, the media has evolved amid pressure and challenges, growing stronger and developing an internal resilience in response to these threats. Today, the abundance of information makes it difficult for people to find and select what they actually need. The rise of artificial intelligencebased content and fake news has become one of the major obstacles to the development of professional media. The new Law on Media serves as a legal shield for protecting Azerbaijans information space, he emphasized. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The trial in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia continued at the Baku Military Court on November 27, Trend reports. Participants included the accused, their defense attorneys, some victims and their legal heirs or representatives, and state prosecutors. The hearing began with statements from the defense attorneys. Zumrud Samadova, representing Gurgen Stepanyan, noted that the state prosecutor had requested a 16-year prison sentence for her client. She emphasized that Stepanyan pleads not guilty to the charges. According to Samadova, Stepanyan testified during the judicial investigation that he served as an active military serviceman in Hadrut from 2005 to 2007 and was transferred to a combat post in 2023. She added that on September 19, 2023, Stepanyan abandoned his post, fled to Khankendi, and surrendered to Azerbaijani military forces along the way. As a defense attorney, I believe that under Article 42.1.4 of the Criminal Procedure Code of Azerbaijan, the accused should be acquitted if his guilt is not proven. Therefore, I request the court to acquit the accused based on this article, Samadova stated. Court proceedings continue against the Armenian nationals, who face charges related to Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, violations of the laws and customs of war, financing terrorism, and the violent seizure and retention of power, among other serious offenses. A meeting was held between Samir Rzayev, President of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC, a part of AZCON Holding, and Yazan Alkhadiri, Deputy Minister and Secretary General of Jordans Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Khalid Mohammed Al-Havaldeh, Executive Director for Air Cargo Transportation of "Royal Jordanian Airlines", and Omar Nahar, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Azerbaijan. The meeting was another constructive step in strengthening AzerbaijanJordan cooperation in civil aviation. Discussions focused on expanding air connectivity and plans to launch regular flights on the BakuAmmanBaku route starting in June 2026. This initiative will help create more efficient aviation links and further support cooperation between our countries in tourism, business, and cultural exchange. It is worth noting that more than 3,000 passengers were served on regular charter flights to Amman between June and September this year. FRANKFURT, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Subnational cooperation between China and Germany plays a vital role in turning shared challenges into practical partnerships, said the leader of Germany's top development agency in a recent interview with Xinhua. Thorsten Schaefer-Guembel, chair of the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, said that while cities often bear the brunt of global challenges, they also serve as the primary incubators of innovative solutions, particularly in the face of climate change, health emergencies like COVID-19, and the ongoing digital transition. Collaborations between German and Chinese cities are particularly important, Schaefer-Guembel said, given China's growing role and impact in global urbanization and climate action. GIZ has been supporting Sino-German cooperation in China on behalf of the German Federal Government for over 40 years. Dialogue has played a key role in GIZ's work with China, Schaefer-Guembel stressed, and will continue to be pivotal for future cooperation between Germany and China - despite political differences. One example of this work is the Sino-German Mayors Program, one of the pillars of cooperation between the two countries. Its latest edition, "the 11th Sino-German Mayors Roundtable", took place in Regensburg in April this year. GIZ has also hosted initiatives to foster city-level dialogue, such as the Sino-German City Summit held in Frankfurt in mid-June, which brought together more than 130 representatives from Chinese and German cities. The event facilitated discussions on climate resilience and digital transformation, and helped to develop new cooperation models based on trust and practical implementation. These initiatives all have the same goal: to empower cities as agents of transformation, Schaefer-Guembel said. "City partnerships must respond to real needs and shared priorities," and partnerships will then become "a powerful building block for resilient international relations," he added. With over 100 city and provincial partnerships between Germany and China, Schaefer-Guembel said that "the key is to move beyond symbolic exchanges and focus on real urban priorities that matter." "What makes city cooperation so effective," he explained, "is its ability to foster peer-to-peer dialogue. When local leaders sit down to directly exchange ideas on real-world issues like sustainable transport or smart energy systems, that's when learning becomes truly meaningful." The agency started working in China in the 1980s, allowing the two nations to "maintain lines of communication and rely on trusted relationships even for difficult conversations." GIZ's work in China is now based on a shared interest in tackling global challenges. Addressing the "triple planetary crisis" of climate change, environmental degradation, and biodiversity loss will remain a joint challenge for decades to come, said Schaefer-Guembel. He also expressed concern that the shared commitment enshrined in the UN 2030 Agenda is coming under increasing pressure politically, financially, and ideologically. There is an urgent need for international cooperation in driving the green transformation of industry, he said, adding: "Finding ways to accelerate the transition to net-zero industries - and making that process as inclusive as possible - is essential, not only for China and Germany, but for the world at large." As two important economies and global actors, Schaefer-Guembel suggested, Germany and China must "look beyond bilateral engagement and explore new, innovative, and practical forms of cooperation - especially with and for the least developed countries,". This could take the form of triangular cooperation, he said. However, he warned that global cooperation cannot be taken for granted. "If we want to safeguard the foundations of global collaboration, we need to start shaping the future now," he stressed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The open court hearing on the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including preparing and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, forcibly seizing power, maintaining it by force, and numerous other crimes as a result of Armenias military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on November 27, Trend reports. The hearing at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with members Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samedova), provided each defendant with an interpreter in their language and legal counsel for their defense. The session was attended by the defendants, their lawyers, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state. The defense attorneys of the defendants began their statements in court. The defense attorney of the defendant Gurgen Stepanyan, Zumrud Samedova, noted at the start of her speech that the prosecutor had requested a 16-year prison sentence for Stepanyan. The defense attorney stated that the defendant does not consider himself guilty of the charges brought against him. According to her, Stepanyan served as a conscripted soldier in Hadrut settlement from 2005 to 2007, and in 2023 he was assigned to a combat post, as he had stated during the court investigation. The lawyer added that on September 19, 2023, he left his post and fled to the city of Khankendi, where he encountered soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and surrendered to them. As the defense, I believe that under Article 42.1.4 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the defendant should be acquitted on the grounds that his guilt has not been proven. Therefore, I ask the court to acquit the defendant based on this article, the lawyer added. The defense attorney of Gurgen Stepanyan, Rafig Karimov, also requested the court to acquit his client. The defense attorney of Vasili Beglaryan, Azizaga Gafarov, stated that his client is not guilty of the alleged crimes. The lawyer said that V. Beglaryan served as a conscripted soldier in the Aghdara region from 2012 to 2013. According to him, in 2022, Beglaryan signed a three-year contract as a serviceman in a military unit located in Khankendi city and was deployed several times to a combat position near Charekdar village, where he performed armed guard duty. The defense argued that signing a contract as a serviceman and serving in the Khankendi unit should not be considered a crime. His service was voluntary and done to earn a salary, not as an act of guilt. The lawyer also noted that this fact is corroborated by Beglaryans own testimony. Beglaryan has not considered himself guilty of the charges since his detention on September 26, 2023. The defense requested the court to acquit him. The defense attorney of Arkadi Gukasyan, Parvana Gasimova, stated that her client was not a member of any criminal organization. She rejected the prosecutions evidence and asked the court to acquit Gukasyan. His other lawyer, Naile Tagiyeva, also requested an acquittal. David Manukyans defense attorney, Valeh Gurbanov, said that his client does not consider himself guilty and is not a member of any criminal organization. He emphasized that Manukyan was never part of an illegal armed group, was a professional soldier, and acted according to military instructions. The lawyer stated that the main responsibility lies with Armenias political and military leadership and requested the court to acquit Manukyan. David Babayans lawyer, Chingiz Mansurov, said that his client voluntarily surrendered to Azerbaijani soldiers in September 2023. D. Babayan does not consider himself guilty of the charges, and the defense requested his acquittal. Madat Babayans defense attorney, Leyla Namazzade, stated that M. Babayan should be acquitted regarding the incident on November 20, 1991, near the village of Garakend, Khojaly district, when an Azerbaijani helicopter was shot down, targeting state officials. She noted that M. Babayan served in posts in the Aghdara and Tartar directions, did not fire at live targets, and only fired shots into the open air. The lawyer added: Madat Babayan gave sincere testimony during the investigation and confirmed it twice during the court proceedings. Thanks to his testimony and sharp memory, the remains of victims killed during the Khojaly massacre were discovered and returned to their families for burial according to our traditions after 30 years. Although he participated in the events, he did not kill anyone or fire at civilians; he served as an ordinary soldier. He sincerely regrets witnessing the torture of Azerbaijanis during ethnic cleansing, including the Khojaly events, and apologizes to the Azerbaijani people and the President of Azerbaijan. The defense requested acquittal for all charges against M. Babayan. His other defense attorney, Elnur Valiyev, agreed with the statements of the preceding lawyer. The court proceedings will continue on December 4. Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state - including the aforementioned criminal association - on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others. The following individuals - Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan - are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 27. Tajikistan and Turkmenistan are gearing up to join forces and take their collaboration in the energy sector to the next level, Trend reports via the Tajik Ministry of Energy and Water Resources. The opportunities were discussed during a meeting between Tajikistans Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, and Turkmen Ambassador Aymyrat Gochmyradov. Juma emphasized that cooperation in electric power, oil, and gas is advancing rapidly under the guidance of Presidents Emomali Rahmon and Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Both sides confirmed readiness to intensify joint work in these key areas, including expanding electricity cooperation and strengthening ties in hydrocarbons. The officials also discussed preparations for the December meeting of the Tajikistan-Turkmenistan Joint Intergovernmental Commission, which is expected to unlock new opportunities for technical and economic cooperation in the energy field. The two countries utilize a protocol-based system for the purchase of Turkmen electricity by Tajikistan, which is most critical during the Tajik low-water period (autumn and winter months) when generation from Tajik hydropower plants significantly declines. Turkmenistan, possessing surplus thermal power capacity, uses this mechanism to export power via established transmission lines. Furthermore, a long-standing agreement governs the transit of Turkmen natural gas through Tajikistan's territory to third countries, with a peak volume of up to 30 billion cubic meters per year being facilitated by the pipeline infrastructure traversing the region. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. AD Ports Group sold its 9.77% stake in NMDC Group to Alpha Dhabi Holding for AED 1.6 billion ($436 million), its third divestment of non-core assets this year, Trend reports via the company. The stake was originally transferred to AD Ports by ADQ ahead of its 2022 listing. The holding generated a total shareholder return of 17% over less than four years, based on dividends and capital gains. AD Ports said the transaction is part of its portfolio-optimisation strategy as it looks to monetise non-core assets and direct capital to higher-return projects. The company has also sold land in the Khalifa Economic Zones (KEZAD) to Mira Developments and two logistics warehouses in KEZAD to Aldar Properties in recent months. Proceeds from the sales will be used to reduce leverage and support new investments. AD Ports reported net debt of AED 17 billion as of 30 September. This agreement with Alpha Dhabi reflects our commitment to intelligently managing our assets and strengthening our financial position, said AD Ports Group CEO Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi. We will continue to actively manage our portfolio to unlock and maximise value. Alpha Dhabi CEO Hamad Salem Al Ameri said the acquisition aligns with the companys focus on high-impact industrial verticals that support Abu Dhabis diversification agenda. Following the purchase, Alpha Dhabis stake in NMDC Group will rise to about 77%. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The U.S.-based Cisco plans to support the creation of cloud data centers based on its technologies in Kazakhstan, Didem Duru, Managing Director of Cisco for Turkiye, Romania, and the CIS, told Trend. The Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development of Kazakhstan and Cisco signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the sidelines of the "C5+1" business conference in Washington in November 2025. "Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the parties intend to pursue a broad and strategic set of initiatives aimed at accelerating Kazakhstans technological development and strengthening its position as a regional center for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing," she said. According to her, the MoU outlines Ciscos intent to exploring the deployment of computing platforms as pilot AI infrastructure in Kazakhstan, supporting the creation of cloud data centers based on Cisco technologies, and engaging in the integration, testing, and benchmarking of relevant solutions. "In addition, the cooperation framework envisions joint pilot projects in real-world AI applications, the potential establishment of a Cisco Competence Center to support research and innovation, the introduction of structured training and certification programs for engineers and AI professionals, and the facilitation of academicindustry partnerships and knowledge exchange," she said. Duru added that taken together, these efforts reflect a long-term vision to advance Kazakhstans digital landscape and promote sustainable technological growth. "Cisco has expressed its willingness to support Kazakhstan in the development of advanced AI and high-performance computing infrastructure. Cisco can significantly support Kazakhstans digital transformation by providing global expertise, strategic advisory services, and access to the best international practices in the areas of digital government, AI governance, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and national platform development," she said. Duru also noted that as part of the collaboration, Cisco aims to facilitate engagement with senior advisors and subject-matter experts who can assist in shaping long-term strategies and architectural approaches that support state institutions and public-sector organizations. "Cisco has active initiatives in Kazakhstan. Over recent months, the company has conducted a series of expert workshops and consultations in which Cisco architects, engineers, and cross-domain specialists provided comprehensive guidance on digital infrastructure design, emerging architectures, and modern approaches to AI and high-performance computing. These engagements are helping government bodies and national enterprises to follow the global direction of AI development and identify priority areas for Kazakhstans digital evolution," she said. Duru said that through continued advisory work, educational programs, and participation in national technology projects, Cisco aims to continue supporting Kazakhstan in building a resilient, secure, and innovative digital ecosystem that aligns with the countrys long-term strategic objectives BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The establishment of venture investment funds in Azerbaijan is being thoroughly analyzed in line with international trends and the needs of the local ecosystem, the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport told Trend. According to the agency, active expansion of international cooperation and the creation of new investment funds in this field are expected in the near future. Expanding infrastructure, financing channels, and market access opportunities for startups remains one of our main priorities. At the same time, during the INMerge Innovation Summit held this September, a new venture financing mechanism called Tumar Ventures was announced together with the White Hill Capital fund, and a founding agreement was signed. The charter capital of Tumar Ventures is $1 million and will initially be financed by IDDA. An initial investment of $1 million is planned, and relevant negotiations are underway, the agency stated. The agency also highlighted investments already made by venture funds operating with its support. IDDA noted that its activities are built on five pillars shaped by global best practices and the needs of Azerbaijans innovation ecosystem. We can emphasize support for startup infrastructure, financing, and access to markets, along with the development of human capital and innovation culture within the ecosystem. Our vision for ecosystem building is based on these five fundamental principles. In terms of access to financing, the Caucasus Ventures fund, established in 2022 with the support of our agency, has assisted nearly 30 startups to date, the agency said. IDDA also outlined the incentive mechanisms and legal reforms being implemented to attract foreign venture capital funds to Azerbaijan. The agency emphasized that this work is progressing in two main directions. First, improving legislation and forming a suitable legal framework for venture financing. We are working closely with relevant state institutions on legislative reforms. Over the past three years, the agency has focused on updating regulatory acts and creating a transparent and favorable environment for investors. Second, organizing international conferences and events to build global networks. In this regard, we actively host high-level innovation summits and events with the participation of representatives from both the public and private sectors. The INMerge Innovation Summit held in Azerbaijan is one of the most successful examples, IDDA noted. The agency also pointed to the capital placement model that supports mutual investment. As a clear example, for every $1 invested in Azerbaijani-origin innovative projects through Tumar Ventures, the Kazakhstan-based WhiteHill Capital venture fund allocates $2. This is being implemented within a joint investment promotion framework, the statement said. According to the statement, the agency plans to continue its activities in the coming years and is working on more open and effective mechanisms to attract foreign investors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 27. Turkmenistan placed strong emphasis on expanding cooperation with Kazakhstan in the glass industry, Trend reports via Turkmen MFA. The talks went down during a meeting between Turkmenistans Minister of Industry and Construction, Toiguli Nurov, and Kazakhstans Minister of Industry and Construction, Yersaiyn Nagaspayev, taking place on the sidelines of the 21st UNIDO General Conference. Minister Nurov presented the capabilities of Turkmenistans flagship glass production facility, Turkmen ayna onumleri, noting its ability to manufacture a wide range of high-quality glass products suitable for export. He underscored the plants booming production volume, cutting-edge technological foundation, and its eagerness to cater to Kazakhstans construction and industrial sectors. The sides discussed opportunities to boost trade in glass products and integrate Turkmen glass into major construction projects in Kazakhstan. Expanding cooperation in the production and export of construction materials was identified as a practical next step. The "Turkmen ayna onumleri" glass production complex was commissioned in 2018 and built with the capacity to produce one million square meters of laminated glass and 100,000 square meters of tempered glass annually, alongside its main output of float glass. Fundamentally, the establishment is outfitted with cutting-edge technology sourced from premier global enterprises, thereby guaranteeing adherence to the stringent European ISO 9001 quality benchmarks. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. Kazakhstan's Ozenmunaigas details progress on output, drilling, recovery technologies Ozenmunaigas, a subsidiary of Kazakhstan's KazMunayGas (KMG), produced 4.237 million tons of oil in the first 10 months of the year, the company said after KMG CEO Askhat Khassenov held a production meeting at the field. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. During the 3rd EUCentral Asia Economic Forum, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela announced the signing of several new bilateral and regional initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation, all aimed at bolstering cooperation in the realm of critical raw materials, Trend reports via the Delegation of the European Union to Uzbekistan. Among the newly signed projects is DATA4CRM, a 7.5 million euro Team Europe initiative funded by the EU (5 million euro) and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland (2.5 million euro). The program is set to shake things up in the geodata world, open the floodgates to geological information, and pave the way for investment by making sure that reliable, top-notch geological data is at everyone's fingertips across Central Asia. Another signed initiative is SECURE CRM, worth 3 million euro and implemented in partnership with UNODC/UNECE. This project aims to strengthen responsible and transparent critical raw materials value chains. It seeks to bring regional governance in line with UNFC international standards, ensuring supply-chain accountability is above board, and fostering sustainable cross-border cooperation to keep pace with the ever-growing global demand. The EUCentral Asia Economic Forum, following previous editions in Bishkek (2021) and Almaty (2023), is organized jointly with the OECD and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The platform brings together senior officials from the EU and Central Asia, representatives of the private sector, and international financial institutions to discuss investment cooperation, regional connectivity, and strategic development initiatives. This years forum brought together delegations from 32 countries, with EU Commissioners Jozef Sikela and Marta Kos at the helm of the European contingent. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijani banks raise bar on net profit in 10M2025 Between January and October 2025, Azerbaijani banks brought in a net profit of 986.8 million manat ($579 million) and pulled in an operational profit of 1.5 billion manat ($882 million). These results show an 8 percent and 7.5 percent jump compared to the same time last year. Banks coughed up 241.6 million manat ($142 million) in profit taxes during this period. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register MELBOURNE, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A child and staff member have been treated for non-life-threatening injuries after a stabbing at a school in Melbourne's southeast suburbs on Thursday morning. Police said that emergency services responded to reports of a stabbing at a primary school in Berwick, 40 km southeast of central Melbourne, around 9 a.m. local time on Thursday. An eight-year-old boy was treated at the scene by ambulance paramedics for non-life-threatening injuries and did not require hospitalization. A female staff member at the school who sustained minor injuries was also treated at the scene. The incident triggered a brief lockdown for the primary school and for a nearby secondary school. Police said that an 11-year-old boy was located after the incident and questioned before being taken to hospital for assessment. The Department of Education in the state of Victoria said that the incident involved a young student who behaved in a dangerous manner and that it would provide additional wellbeing support to those who need it. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov received the credentials of Fathudin Ali Mohamed, the first Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Somalia to Uzbekistan, the minister wrote on his X page, Trend reports. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries across a wide range of promising areas, Saidov noted. He wished the ambassador success in his new mission and expressed confidence in the development of a productive and results-oriented partnership. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. Uzbekistans Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov met with Najy Benhassine, World Bank Director for the Central Asia region, to discuss advancing cooperation between Uzbekistan and the institution, the minister wrote on his X page, Trend reports. We had a constructive discussion on sustainable development, socio-economic progress, and deepening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the World Bank, Saidov noted. He mentioned that both sides were on the same page, ready to roll up their sleeves and turn lofty development plans into tangible outcomes that would benefit all regions of the country. Earlier, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held talks with World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, noting that Uzbekistans portfolio of joint projects now exceeds $14 billion. The opening of a regional World Bank office in Tashkent has further strengthened the long-term partnership between Uzbekistan and the organization. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The Tashkent EU-Central Asia Economic Forum once again showed how actively Brussels is developing its ties with the region. The agreements signed, the expansion of investment programs, the focus on critical raw materials, digitalization, and energy - all of this genuinely elevates the level of cooperation. Yet behind the impressive scale of statements lies a simple but fundamentally important truth that cannot be ignored: no matter what documents the EU and Central Asia sign, most of these agreements, especially those related to supply chains, logistics, and transit, simply cannot function without Azerbaijan. Any discussion of transport routes, critical raw material exports, energy system integration, or regional connectivity ultimately comes down to one geographic and infrastructural fact: Azerbaijan is the bridge. The only fully operational and reliable bridge between Central Asia and Europe. The forum summed up an active year in EU-Central Asia relations, which included the Samarkand Summit, a ministerial meeting in Ashgabat, and the visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Brussels. Tashkent became the stage for wide-ranging discussions and new initiatives. The EU emphasized the implementation of its Global Gateway strategy, moving from discussions to concrete projects. Energy, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and, crucially, critical raw materials received the most attention. European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela stated plainly: "2025 has shown how much the EU and Central Asia can achieve together. We are moving from potential to delivery - in digital communications, clean energy, and modern transport. These initiatives foster sustainable growth, strengthen resilience, and open new opportunities in both our regions". He also announced six new agreements under Global Gateway, noting that these steps would help turn the Trans-Caspian Corridor into a functioning and competitive route. Among the initiatives, the GROW CRM program stands out - a partnership with the EBRD to develop projects in critical raw materials, prepare feasibility studies, modernize regulatory frameworks, and create new value chains. In 2024, Uzbekistan and the EU had already formalized a strategic partnership on critical raw materials and signed a roadmap. This cooperation is now moving into practical implementation. If the EU talks about Central Asias raw materials, it must objectively include Azerbaijan. If the EU discusses transport corridors, Azerbaijan is inherently part of the conversation. If the EU plans to increase imports from the region, it relies on the Azerbaijani infrastructure. Azerbaijan has firmly established itself as a regional hub. Since 2022, volumes along the Middle Corridor have grown by nearly 90%, carrying Kazakh oil and uranium, container trains from China, as well as goods from Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. In 2024 alone, over 11 million tons of cargo passed through Azerbaijan. The Alat International Port, the largest Caspian fleet, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and nine international airports make the country a key artery of Eurasian transport. The Middle Corridor has already become the main Eurasian route, resilient to geopolitical shocks. The Zangezur Corridor - TRIPP (The Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) - is especially significant, as it will become part of the Middle Corridor. Given that the EU views the Middle Corridor as strategically important and is already investing 10 billion euros in its development, TRIPP cannot be ignored, as it will significantly expand the capacity of the transport hub linking Central Asia to Europe. In November 2024, at COP29 in Baku, three countries signed an agreement on the production and transfer of green energy. The project creates a new energy system spanning the region, from Kazakhstan to the Caspian and Caucasus, and directly connects it with Europe. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has clearly stated that "Azerbaijan serves as a strategic bridge connecting Central Asia and Europe". That says it all. The agreements signed in Tashkent are indeed important for modernizing governance, developing raw material industries, strengthening security, restoring ecosystems, and digital transformation. But when it comes to practical delivery of raw materials, energy, products, or equipment, all routes lead to a single logistical hub. Without Azerbaijan, no sustainable supply model from Central Asia to Europe can be stable or economically viable. The EU can sign roadmaps with Uzbekistan, plan to expand Kazakh exports, and invest in processing projects, but the physical route is always one: across the Caspian, through Azerbaijan. This is already proven in practice, supported by figures, projects, and political decisions. This is the logic shaping future EU cooperation with the region: for Europe, Central Asia is not just five separate countries, but a broad region that organically includes Azerbaijan. This is recognized in China and the U.S., where the region is viewed as a single entity with its key transport and energy nodes. By investing in the Trans-Caspian route and promoting Global Gateway, Brussels already acknowledges this: Azerbaijan is becoming the strategic bridge of Eurasia, without which no European initiative in the region can function. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 27. Kazakhstan and the European Union discussed the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) and the strengthening of practical cooperation under the EUs Global Gateway initiative, Trend reports via the Prime Ministers Office. These issues were addressed during a meeting between the Kazakh delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the Government Office Galymzhan Koishybayev, and EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela, held on the sidelines of the 3rd EUCentral Asia Economic Forum in Tashkent. Speaking at the forums plenary session, Koishybayev emphasized that Kazakhstan and the European Union continue to demonstrate a steady trend of expanding economic ties. He noted that President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places strong emphasis on further strengthening multifaceted cooperation with the EU and highly values the constructive dialogue between Central Asian countries and the European Union. Koishybayev also highlighted the need for comprehensive regional economic cooperation and deeper investment partnerships and presented Kazakhstans ongoing reforms aimed at structural transformation of the national economy. He reaffirmed the Kazakh governments readiness for long-term cooperation with Central Asian states and the EU to ensure sustainable joint development. The EUCentral Asia Economic Forum, following previous editions in Bishkek (2021) and Almaty (2023), is organized jointly with the OECD and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The platform brings together senior officials from the EU and Central Asia, representatives of the private sector, and international financial institutions to discuss investment cooperation, regional connectivity, and strategic development initiatives. This years forum brought together delegations from 32 countries, with EU Commissioners Jozef Sikela and Marta Kos at the helm of the European contingent. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 27. President Emomali Rahmon emphasized the importance of creating a CSTO Humanitarian Response Center in Tajikistan during the regular meeting of the Collective Security Council in Bishkek, Trend reports via the Tajik president's office. Speaking at the summit, Rahmon highlighted that the center would coordinate humanitarian efforts and strengthen rapid response capabilities across the region, contributing to CSTOs broader mission of ensuring stability and security. He expressed confidence that CSTO partners would support the initiative, describing it as a crucial step in addressing emergencies, natural disasters, and transnational threats such as terrorism and extremism. In addition, the Tajik president supported the adoption of the Plan for the Development of Military Cooperation of CSTO Member States for 20262030 and the Anti-Drug Strategy for 20262030, emphasizing collaboration with the forthcoming SCO Anti-Drug Center in Dushanbe. Rahmon also recalled the previously adopted CSTO Interstate Program for Strengthening the Tajik-Afghan Border, stressing the importance of its timely implementation. He underscored the need for rapid information exchange and the use of digital technologies, including AI, to counter terrorism and organized crime. Founded in 2002, the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) Interstate Program is administered by the CSTO Interstate Commission for Military-Economic Cooperation. The objective is to augment collaboration in military-economic and military-technical domains via joint initiatives, including long-term cooperation programs, collaborative military equipment manufacturing, and research endeavors. Principal actions encompass establishing collaborative partnerships, standardizing military operations, and implementing targeted projects such as the Tajik-Afghan border security initiative. The commission orchestrates these initiatives, convening biannually to sanction new programs. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The development of the pharmaceutical industry is one of the priorities of the Azerbaijani government, and Azerbaijan will implement joint projects with Jordan in the pharmaceutical sector, Azerbaijan's Minister of Finance, Sahil Babayev, told reporters, Trend reports. He made this statement following the 4th session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, held in Baku. The minister noted that the economic potential of both Azerbaijan and Jordan allows for the widespread use of projects: "Today, Azerbaijan is interested in developing the pharmaceutical industry. This industry is quite developed in Jordan. The implementation of joint projects with Jordan to develop the pharmaceutical industry was discussed. The development of the pharmaceutical industry is one of the priorities of the Azerbaijani government. A number of measures are being implemented in this direction. Jordan has a large pharmaceutical production industry. Jordan is also interested in cooperation with Azerbaijan in the manufacturing sector. Discussions will be held with the participation of relevant companies and institutions, and steps to be taken in this direction will be determined," he added. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transport, Rashad Nabiyev, has attended a meeting of transport ministers of Central Asia, the South Caucasus and the Black Sea regions in Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport said in a statement, Trend reports. Speaking at the meeting, the minister underscored that regional transport corridors serve not only as vital trade routes but also as foundational elements for economic prosperity, sustainable development, and lasting peace. Nabiyev emphasized that key priorities for Azerbaijan include the modernization of critical infrastructure such as railways, ports, and highways, the streamlining of customs procedures, and the advancement of digital infrastructure. He further highlighted Azerbaijans commitment to ensuring that the region becomes more sustainable, competitive, and interconnected, particularly within the framework of its partnership with the European Union. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 27. Kyrgyzstan is preparing to launch a Unified Personal Account for all agricultural service users, the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry, Bakyt Torobaev, said at the opening of the Agro-Hackathon, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Agriculture. Torobaev stated that the new system is being developed to provide a unified digital platform, granting farmers, processors, and exporters a single point of contact for interactions with government agencies. Through this platform, users will be able to submit applications, upload documents, process payments, track service statuses, and obtain electronic certificates and protocols without the need to visit state institutions. The minister further elaborated that ongoing digitalization initiatives will be integrated into this new platform. Notably, the e-phyto system, currently in its pilot phase, will enable the electronic issuance and international exchange of phytosanitary certificates. Additional digital services, including online systems for the Department of Fisheries, automated water management tools, electronic veterinary certifications, and the Expertise platform for seed production and horticulture, will also be incorporated into the unified system. The Ministry of Agriculture is currently advancing 35 digital projects in the sector, 16 of which were launched in 2025 alone, underscoring the accelerated pace of reform. Existing platforms, such as the Livestock Identification and Traceability System (LITS), are already operational and integrated within the national digital infrastructure ("Tunduk"), enabling vital product safety tracking. Moreover, the drive for digital transformation is being bolstered by international partners, with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank committing substantial financial support. Notably, a $13 million equivalent subsidized loan, launched in 2025, is specifically designated for the development of climate-resilient agricultural value chains and the adoption of modern technologies by small and medium-sized agribusinesses. Photo: Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The 5th meeting of commerce and foreign trade ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held in Turkiye's Istanbul, Trend reports, citing the Ministry of Economy. Addressing the meeting, Deputy Minister of Economy Rovnag Abdullayev emphasized that the ECO is an important platform for developing cooperation in trade, investment, industry, and other areas between member countries. Abdullayev briefed participants on Azerbaijans favorable investment climate, its push for digital trade promotion, the modernization of transport and logistics infrastructure, and the expansion of new trade routes. He highlighted the critical need to enhance trade turnover within the ECO region, stimulate cross-border investments, and strengthen business community partnerships to further consolidate regional economic cooperation. The discussions centered on strategies to deepen economic integration within the ECO, boost regional trade, expand customs cooperation, and streamline and digitalize customs procedures. Delegates also explored new mechanisms aimed at increasing intra-regional trade and reducing trade barriers. The meeting culminated in the adoption of the Istanbul Declaration and the ECO Trade Facilitation Strategy, and it also addressed strategic priorities for collaboration under the OIC framework. During his visit, Abdullayev also participated in the World Halal Summit and the Halal Expo 2025 International Trade Exhibition, supported by the Turkish Ministry of Trade, the ECO, and the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), where he visited Azerbaijans exhibition stand. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. Since the beginning of the year, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Indonesia has increased by 60 percent, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Uzbekistan. This was announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the official ceremony of receiving credentials from newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Uzbekistan. Among them was Siti Ruhaini Dzuhayatin, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Indonesia to the Republic of Uzbekistan. It was pointed out that joint ventures in the chemical industry, agriculture, telecommunications, and tourism sectors are coming together successfully, and direct flights between the two countries are set to kick off in December. Confidence was expressed that the upcoming Intergovernmental Commission session and business forum in Tashkent next year, along with scheduled political consultations in Jakarta, will contribute to further strengthening bilateral cooperation. Meanwhile, Uzbekistans foreign trade turnover exceeded $66 billion for the first time in its history this year, while the volume of attracted foreign investment reached $39 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Dominican President Luis Abinader (R) meets with visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic, Nov. 26, 2025. The Dominican Republic will allow the United States to use restricted areas of the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport to combat drug trafficking, said President Luis Abinader on Wednesday. (Presidency of the Dominican Republic/Handout via Xinhua) PANAMA CITY, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Dominican Republic will allow the United States to use restricted areas of the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport to combat drug trafficking, said President Luis Abinader on Wednesday. Abinader announced the measure after a meeting with visiting U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on the same day. "We have agreed with the United States to temporarily expand cooperation to strengthen air and maritime surveillance against drug trafficking. These actions are supported by our laws and existing agreements," Abinader emphasized. Hegseth said the agreement is a great collaboration and a joint effort between the two countries against drug trafficking and narcoterrorism, which he described as a model for the region. Hegseth's visit came amid intensifying U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean as part of its so-called strategy to combat drug trafficking. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. A delegation headed by Azerbaijans Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, held a meeting with Georgias Minister of Education, Science, and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, to discuss the expansion of agricultural trade during an official visit to Georgia, Trend reports via the Ministry of Agriculture. The discussion centered on the implementation of student and academic staff exchange programs between universities offering agricultural training, as well as the involvement of young specialists in dual-degree programs, training, and internships. It also emphasized strengthening collaboration between scientific research institutes. The ministers underscored the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Azerbaijan State Agrarian University and Georgias higher education institutions. This includes organizing joint scientific and practical conferences, facilitating student and faculty exchanges to improve training in veterinary sciences and other fields, and developing incentive programs to engage ethnic Azerbaijanis in Georgia in agricultural education. They also agreed on the importance of facilitating short-term reciprocal visits by university leadership to foster more dynamic and flexible collaboration between the institutions. Subsequently, Minister Mammadov held a meeting with Gela Samkharauli, Chairman of Georgias Parliamentary Agricultural Committee. Their discussions focused on improving the legal and regulatory framework for bilateral agricultural cooperation and ensuring the effective implementation of laws and international agreements within the sector. The parties reaffirmed that Azerbaijan and Georgia are strategic partners, emphasizing the ongoing development of cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture. They highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two countries provides a legal framework for their agricultural collaboration. A joint Working Group will be established to further advance this cooperation by identifying specific areas of activity. The negotiations also covered enhancing bilateral trade in agricultural products, organizing joint measures against transboundary diseases, conducting regular information exchange, and improving legislation to support scientific research, education, and other collaborative initiatives. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. Uzbekistans exports to Latvia and the number of joint ventures between the two countries have tripled over the past five years, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Uzbekistan. This was announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the official ceremony of receiving credentials from newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Uzbekistan, including Girts Jaunzems, the Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia. While discussing bilateral relations, the president highlighted the steady development of political and economic cooperation, as well as the growing engagement between the business communities of both countries. He noted that a representative office of the Latvian Investment and Development Agency is operating in Uzbekistan, facilitating investment and commercial ties. It was also emphasized that the recent Days of Uzbek Culture and the Rectors Forum held in Riga marked an important milestone in strengthening humanitarian cooperation and expanding academic exchanges. The president stated that the signing of an agreement on migration, the increase in the number of flights, and making the most of existing economic cooperation mechanisms will help bring the peoples of the two countries closer together. Meanwhile, Uzbekistans foreign trade turnover exceeded $66 billion for the first time in its history this year, while the volume of foreign investment attracted reached $39 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. Since the beginning of the year, mutual trade between Uzbekistan and France has exceeded $1.2 billion, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Uzbekistan. This was announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the official ceremony of receiving credentials from newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Uzbekistan, including Walid Fouque, the Ambassador of the French Republic. Speaking about cooperation with France, the president emphasized that active political dialogue has elevated bilateral relations to the level of a strategic partnership. He noted that the first meeting of the Strategic Planning Group was held last month, marking an important step in deepening long-term cooperation. President Mirziyoyev stressed that the Cooperation Program with the French Development Agency (AFD), approved until 2030, is already creating new opportunities in key sectors, while the launch of the joint UzbekFrench university marks a new stage in strengthening educational and scientific exchanges. He emphasized the need to hold the first meeting of the Joint Investment Council and the Interregional Forum next year to expand economic and regional cooperation. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France has surged in recent years, with the total portfolio of joint projects involving leading French companies and institutions now exceeding an impressive $10 billion. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Georgias planned deep-sea port at Anaklia is set to handle large container vessels and emerge as a major maritime transit hub connecting Europe and Asia, Georgias Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili said at the Second Investor Forum on Trans-Caspian Transport Corridors and Connectivity in Tashkent, Trend reports via the ministry. Kvrivishvili described Anaklia as a strategic project for Georgia. She said the port is expected to process up to 600,000 TEU in its first phase by 2029, rising to at least 1 million TEU in the second phase by 2035, positioning Georgia as a central transit point for Central Asian trade in the Black Sea region. The minister added that the project will be supported by expanded ferry connections with European ports including Constanta, Burgas, and Varna, as well as the development of logistics zones and dry ports to facilitate multimodal operations. Our transport and connectivity agenda is clearly defined and backed by EU initiatives, Kvrivishvili said. She noted that the expansion of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) includes key Georgian rail, port, and logistics projects aligned with the EU network, ensuring that investments in Georgia are fully integrated into broader European transport corridors. By positioning the Black Sea as a strategic gateway, safeguarding transit routes, and supporting trade, Georgia is strengthening resilience across Europe and Asia, evolving from a transit country into a key regional hub, she added. Tajikistan to channel multi-million funds for external debt in 2026 As of October 1, Tajikistans total external debt stood at $3.037 billion, down 4.7 percent from the start of the year. Around 95.5 percent of this is direct public debt, and government-guaranteed debt accounts for just over $15 million. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. Cargo along the Middle Corridor has grown fourfold between 2022 and today, and by 2030 it could again triple if the right investments are made to increase capacity and close gaps, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent, Trend reports via the European Commission. Kos emphasized that reliable transport routes connecting Europe and Asia bring about both geopolitical and economic advantages for all countries along the corridor. We have all learned the hard way that excessive dependencies make us vulnerable. Investments in transport, digital, and energy connectivity create more options and reduce the risk of pressure. We need a credible, long-term alternative to the Northern Corridor, she noted. Meanwhile, from November 25 through 27, Kos and European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela visited Uzbekistan to advance the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridora flagship element of the EUs Global Gateway strategy aimed at enabling EuropeCentral Asia transit within 15 days. On November 2627, the Commissioners took part in the 3rd EUCentral Asia Economic Forum and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent, hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Union. The events brought together partners from the EU, the Black Sea region, and Central Asia to discuss cooperation in transport, trade, energy, and digital connectivity. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Georgia expects significant progress on a new international transport route linking the Caspian and Black Seas, Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development Mariam Kvrivishvili said at the Second Investor Forum on Trans-Caspian Transport Corridors and Connectivity, Trend reports via the ministry. The agreement, to be signed in December, will involve Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Romania. Kvrivishvili said the initiative will establish a multimodal corridor from the Caspian region to the European Union, enhancing connectivity, diversifying access routes, and strengthening regional transport resilience. Looking ahead to 2026, Georgias transport priorities include completing the Anaklia deep-sea port, modernizing its locomotive and freight fleet, finalizing the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, and implementing unified digital services for both public and private sectors. These measures are expected to significantly increase capacity, improve efficiency, and reduce rail transit times across the country by 30%. Coordinated financing is essential to fully unlock the transport and logistics potential of Central Asia, the Caspian region, the South Caucasus, and the Black Sea, Kvrivishvili said. She added that Georgia plans to invest $7 billion in major transport, logistics, and infrastructure projects by 2032. Achieving this goal, she said, will require not only the involvement of international financial institutions, whose expertise and long-term capital are indispensable, but also greater mobilization of private sector investments. Only through coordinated public-private partnerships can modern, efficient, and sustainable networks be built to meet the needs of todays global economy, Kvrivishvili said. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 27. The European Union will provide 10.4 million euros to support the modernization of Kazakhstans Aktau Port, one of the key logistics hubs on the Caspian Sea, Trend reports via the European Commission. The funding forms part of a larger 35-million-euro loan package provided by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The project outlines a comprehensive upgrade of the port's infrastructure, which includes expanding berths, installing energy-efficient cranes, and significantly boosting container-handling capacity. According to EU officials, these enhancements are expected to bolster the port's resilience, improve operational efficiency, and reinforce the Middle Corridor's position as a fast and reliable trade route linking Europe and Asia. This initiative was underscored at the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent, where the EU reiterated its long-term commitment to enhancing multimodal connectivity and supporting sustainable transport development throughout Central Asia. On November 26-27, the Commissioners participated in the 3rd EU-Central Asia Economic Forum and the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and Connectivity Investors Forum in Tashkent, co-hosted by the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Union. The forums brought together stakeholders from the EU, the Black Sea region, and Central Asia to explore cooperation opportunities in transport, trade, energy, and digital connectivity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting Romanias energy transition with a 192 million euro financing package for three new solar power plants in south-eastern Romania, the bank said, Trend reports. The projects, located in Dambovita and Giurgiu counties, will have a combined installed capacity of 531 MW and are expected to generate around 676 GWh of green electricity annually, avoiding about 280,000 tons of CO emissions each year. The EBRD will provide 64 million euros for its own account, with the remaining 128 million euros mobilized from commercial lenders. The Slobozia plant will benefit from a 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD) awarded under Romanias inaugural CfD auction, while the Corbii Mari and Iepuresti II plants will sell power on the countrys competitive Day-Ahead Market, highlighting the growing commercial viability of unsubsidised renewables. The CfD scheme, designed with EBRD technical assistance and launched in 2024, has awarded 4.2 GW of solar and wind capacity, surpassing Romanias national target of 3.5 GW under its Recovery and Resilience Plan. Grzegorz Zielinski, EBRD Head of Energy Europe, said the financing demonstrates how we can scale up renewable investments and support Romanias ambition to add more than 10 GW of renewable capacity by 2030. The solar projects are majority-owned by OY Nofar Energy, an Israeli company listed on the Tel Aviv stock exchange. Nofar Energy Romania CEO Favi Stelian said the partnership with EBRD accelerates the deployment of new green energy assets and reinforces Romanias sustainability goals and regional energy security. The EBRD has invested over 12 billion euros in 576 projects in Romania to date, making it a leading investor in the country. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 27. Uzbekistan and the European Union discussed the development of trade, economic, and investment cooperation as part of the implementation of agreements reached during the visit to Brussels in October this year, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Uzbekistan. The matters were addressed during a meeting between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and a European Union delegation, headed by European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Sikela, and European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, who are currently visiting Uzbekistan for official discussions. Meanwhile, it was noted that this year, Uzbekistan and the EU signed the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), held summits in Samarkand and Brussels, and completed negotiations with the EU on Uzbekistans accession to the WTO. Since the beginning of the year, mutual trade has increased by almost 7 percent. The parties emphasized that the practical implementation of the EPCA will help significantly expand trade volumes and increase investment inflows. The importance of strengthening institutional mechanisms was underscored to broaden and diversify the range of traded goods, launch new joint industrial cooperation projects, and advance collaboration in transport, digitalization, critical minerals, energy, healthcare, and other priority areas. Meanwhile, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and the European Union has quadrupled over the past seven years, reaching 54 billion euros. This image shows a structural diagram of the city walls at the Shimao ruins in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (National Cultural Heritage Administration/Handout via Xinhua) BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have harnessed ancient DNA to reconstruct the intricate social structure of one of China's earliest cities, revealing a genetically diverse society anchored in the authority of patrilineal clans. The research published on Thursday in Nature presents the first direct genetic evidence regarding the origins of the Shimao population -- the builders of Shimao, a massive Neolithic walled settlement in northern China that thrived around 4,300 years ago and was abandoned about 500 years later. The findings, based on genetic analysis of ancient individuals, offer a glimpse into the kinship practices, including sex-specific sacrificial rituals, of an early state-level society in East Asia. The 4-million-square-meter Shimao city is the largest known prehistoric settlement in China. Its sophisticated fortifications, including pyramid-like platform, cyclopean stone walls, palatial complexes and stone carving, along with high-status artifacts like exquisite jades, point to a highly complex, stratified society. Yet anthropologists have long argued over the Shimao population's genetic roots, its relationship to Yellow River farmers and northern steppe pastoralists, and the social order that raised this vast stone metropolis. ANCESTRY A team led by Fu Qiaomei from the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences analyzed DNA extracted from the remains of 144 individuals excavated from Shimao's core areas and its surrounding satellite settlements. Globally, only a tiny number of prehistoric sites have produced genomic data for more than a hundred individuals. Shimao, with its immense scale and a social order built on elaborate human sacrifice, is the first such complex society to be decoded by ancient DNA. Genetic analysis shows that the Shimao people can trace the bulk of their ancestry to local Yangshao culture farmers who tilled the Loess Plateau more than a millennium earlier, underscoring an unbroken chain of regional genetic continuity. However, the study also uncovered interactions across vast distances. Some individuals carried genetic components linked to the populations from the northern steppes, and ancestry from southern Chinese rice-farming populations was also detected in a few individuals, suggesting broader contacts than previously recognized. This confirms Shimao's long-term interaction with farmers and herders across China, providing pivotal proof of the early "pluralistic-yet-unified" trajectory of Chinese civilization. STRUCTURED KINSHIP A key breakthrough of the research was the reconstruction of extensive family pedigrees within the Shimao society, some spanning up to four generations. The analysis of tombs from elite burial areas revealed a society organized primarily along patrilineal lines. High-status male tomb owners were central to the kinship networks, with their wives genetically traced to different, external biological families. The study also shed light on the cruel practice of human sacrifice, a hallmark of Shimao's social hierarchy. Sacrificial victims found in ritual pits and as attendants in high-status tombs showed distinct patterns. Victims from a skull pit were predominantly male, while those sacrificed to accompany elite individuals in tombs were almost exclusively female. Also, the sacrificed individuals showed no close biological kinship to the tomb owners, but some sacrificed females were found to be biologically related to each other, suggesting that specific families or communities might have been selected for sacrificial rites, according to the study. The highly structured sacrificial rituals and the lack of kinship between elites and victims highlighted a rigid social stratification. The findings also indicate that high-status Shimao lineages appear to have deliberately shunned, or at least rarely practiced, close-kin marriage. These results have helped uncover fine details about the regional population and social structure during the early establishment of states, said the researchers. This undated file photo shows artifacts unearthed from a tomb at the Shimao ruins in Yulin, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. (National Cultural Heritage Administration/Handout via Xinhua) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Experts from the World Bank held a series of meetings with Nino Jeladze, Vice-President of the National Bank of Georgia, as well as representatives from the central banks departments, the Deposit Insurance Agency, and the Ministry of Finance, the National Bank said, Trend reports. The discussions focused on strengthening the stability of Georgias financial system, improving crisis prevention and management, and enhancing the legal framework governing bank resolution processes. The meetings aimed to align Georgian regulations with international best practices and to refine operational and practical aspects of the countrys resolution regime. Experts also explored the possibility of World Bank contingent financing for the resolution fund, designed to support the countrys financial stability and provide funding for crisis management if needed. Officials highlighted the role of the Deposit Insurance Agency and the Ministry of Finance in the implementation of the project and in managing potential banking crises. The World Bank and its Advisory Services for the financial sector have maintained long-standing cooperation with the National Bank of Georgia. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between the Governments of Azerbaijan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is taking place in Baku, Trend reports. Before the meeting, participants paid tribute to the late national leader Heydar Aliyev and eminent ophthalmologist-academic Zarifa Aliyeva at the Alley of Honor, laying flowers at their tombs. The delegation also honored the memory of martyrs at the Martyrs Alley and Victory Park, recognizing those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity. Co-chaired by Azerbaijans Minister of Finance Sahil Babayev and Jordans Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply Yarub Qudah, the session reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation and explored ways to expand collaboration. Speaking at the meeting, Babayev highlighted that over 30 years of strong political dialogue between President Ilham Aliyev and King Abdullah II has reinforced relations between the two countries. He noted that the commission serves as a key platform to advance previous initiatives and explore new areas of cooperation. Babayev emphasized that more than 40 signed agreements provide a strong legal framework for future collaboration and facilitate the implementation of new initiatives. He also discussed regional transformation, highlighting how geopolitical changes and the Washington Declaration in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process create historic opportunities. The declaration ensures unimpeded connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, facilitating the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, a transport route poised to boost trade, logistics, energy transit, and regional integration across the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The minister extended an invitation to Jordan to take an active role in the regions growing trade and transport partnerships. He stressed that Azerbaijan and Jordans economic cooperation is dynamically developing, with significant potential to expand trade, investment, industry, energy, transportation, agriculture, digital development, education, science, culture, tourism, food security, health, and customs collaboration. Enhanced transport links, expanded air routes, humanitarian and cultural projects, student exchanges, and inter-university cooperation are all expected to deepen bilateral ties. Qudah, in his turn, reaffirmed his countrys interest in further developing economic cooperation with Azerbaijan across trade, investment, industry, energy, tourism, and logistics, noting that the commission will support joint projects and strengthen direct ties between business communities in the coming years. The Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was established on November 23, 2007, and has held three previous sessions of the Joint Commission. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Following the IV meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in Baku, a series of bilateral agreements were signed on November 27, Trend reports. The co-chairs, Sahil Babayev and Yarub Qudah, signed the protocol on the outcomes of the commissions meeting, along with the Executive Cooperation Program covering science and education, culture and arts, youth and sports, archaeology, healthcare, and media for 2025-2027. Additionally, Azerbaijan and Jordan signed an agreement on customs cooperation and mutual assistance, a Memorandum of Understanding and Executive Program on tourism cooperation between the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan and Jordans Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and a Memorandum of Understanding between the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBIA) of Azerbaijan and the Jordanian Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO). Answering questions from the media, the co-chairs highlighted that the Intergovernmental Commission serves as a key platform for economic cooperation. They noted that the commission identified specific areas of collaboration in trade, investment, industry, energy, transport, education, culture, and other sectors, with the agreements reflecting the strategic nature of Azerbaijan-Jordan relations and the potential for expanding cooperation further. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan and Jordan will cooperate in the transit sphere, the Azerbaijani Finance Minister Sahil Babayev told media on the sidelines of the 4th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Jordan, held in Baku, Trend reports. According to him, one of the main directions is tapping into the countries' transit potential. The Zangezur corridor, he went on, is also the main ring of the Middle Corridor and is located at the intersection of the East-West and North-South Corridors. As the minister stated, on that account, Azerbaijan is a transit gate for Jordan, and this corridor is very important for them in terms of redirecting goods coming in this direction to other directions and vice versa, he explained. Babayev noted that Azerbaijan also plans to make extensive use of Jordan's transit potential. It is also in the cards to seize the transit opportunities presented by Jordan, particularly in the Middle East region. "We have sufficient potential in the agricultural sector. We also discussed these opportunities in the Jordanian market. 37 Jordanian citizens are studying in Azerbaijan. All this is very important from the point of view of potential. We have opportunities in every direction, from investment to trade. The mutual agreement was that we'll create platforms for the contact of government agencies, the private sector, and people of the two countries with each other. Within the framework of these platforms, they would benefit from various mechanisms for expanding investment, trade, and people-to-people contacts," he added. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Azerbaijan exported 79,300 tons of crude oil and oil products derived from bituminous rocks to Bulgaria, valued at $48.2 million, from January through October 2025, Trend reports, citing the country's State Customs Committee. The data shows that the value of exports surged by $2.2 million, or 4.9 percent, while the volume decreased by 1,600 tons, or 2 percent, compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, Azerbaijan exported 80,900 tons of oil and oil products to Bulgaria, valued at $46 million in the first ten months of last year. Overall, Azerbaijan exported nearly 20.8 million tons of crude oil and petroleum products, exceeding $10.9 billion, from January through October 2025. Compared to the same period of 2024, this figure decreased by $1.9 billion, or 15 percent, in value but grew by 182,600 tons, or 0.9 percent, in volume. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The declining level of the Caspian Sea calls for a reassessment of hydrocarbon transportation methods and a shift toward more environmentally friendly solutions, Dylan Morgan, Deputy Managing Director of Chevron International Production Company for Eurasia, said at the SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Caspian Technical Conference 2025 in Baku, Trend reports. "The safest method for transporting oil and gas remains pipelines, and their use should be prioritized when aiming for a sustainable and responsible approach," he said. Morgan emphasized the importance of developing compatible and interconnected infrastructure among Caspian stakeholders. Such an approach, he explained, would significantly reduce the number of vessels required and minimize dredging needs to maintain ports. "To advance these initiatives, it is essential to clearly explain why this approach benefits all countries in the region and aligns with the Caspians interests. SPE can serve as a key platform for promoting these ideas, as the organization is not tied to the interests of individual companies but focuses on the professional and responsible development of the industry," he added. SPE Caspian Technical Conference 2025 is taking place in Baku from November 25 through 27, themed "Learning from the Past, Rejuvenating Today, Inspiring Tomorrow," and supported by SOCAR. The event is a pivotal industry gathering in the Caspian Basin, engaging experts, government officials, and innovators. The program features an opening ceremony, regional awards, plenary sessions, and over twenty thematic sections, including case studies and presentations. A technology exhibition will showcase new tools and solutions, with a focus on mentoring for young professionals through the Student Development Summit. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. The European Investment Bank (EIB) has launched Space TechEU, its first dedicated financing program for the European space industry under the broader TechEU initiative, Trend reports via the Bank. The announcement was made at the European Space Agencys (ESA) triannual Council of Ministers meeting in Bremen. The program will include 500 million in EIB financing to support companies across the entire space value chain from upstream to downstream with the goal of mobilizing around 1.4 billion in new investment in cooperation with commercial banks. A key focus will be on providing financing to SMEs and mid-cap firms, which often face the greatest challenges in securing bank loans. Under Space TechEU, the EIB will offer both credit lines and guarantees to EU banking partners. As part of a strategic partnership, ESA will contribute sector expertise and technical guidance to commercial banks participating in the program. The new initiative stems from the tripartite collaboration established last year between the EIB Group, ESA and the European Commission, aimed at improving access to finance, promoting innovation, enhancing knowledge-sharing, and accelerating the development of advanced space technologies across Europe. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 27. Russia will focus on strengthening collective security, counterterrorism, and military cooperation during its 2026 CSTO Chairmanship, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during the expanded meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council in Bishkek, Trend reports via the Kremlin. Moscows plan includes enhancing the combat readiness of national contingents, equipping the Collective Forces with modern Russian weapons, and conducting joint exercises such as Interaction, Echelon, and Search. Putin also highlighted the importance of improving command and control, expanding the organizations information and analytical capacities, and strengthening interparliamentary cooperation among member states. In addition, Russia intends to support sanitary and epidemiological well-being, military medicine, and biosecurity within the CSTO framework, while developing a new anti-terrorism strategy and intensifying efforts to combat extremism and drug trafficking. During our chairmanship, we will do everything possible to maintain continuity in CSTO cooperation and develop initiatives based on alliance, friendship, and mutual support, Putin noted. He drove home the point about the plans wide-ranging reach, covering everything from military readiness to safeguarding information and staying ahead in the tech game. Founded in 2002, the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) Interstate Program is administered by the CSTO Interstate Commission for Military-Economic Cooperation. The objective is to augment collaboration in military-economic and military-technical domains via joint initiatives, including long-term cooperation programs, collaborative military equipment manufacturing, and research endeavors. Principal actions encompass establishing collaborative partnerships, standardizing military operations, and implementing targeted projects such as the Tajik-Afghan border security initiative. The commission orchestrates these initiatives, convening biannually to sanction new programs. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 27. The EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) is discussing healthcare projects with Kazakhstan, Trend reports via the Kazakh government. This statement was made by Askar Namazbayev, Deputy Head of the EBRD in Kazakhstan, on the sidelines of the meeting of the Coordination Council on Cooperation between the Government of Kazakhstan and International Financial Organizations (IFOs) in Astana. "EBRD is one of the largest foreign investors in the countrys economy. A significant portion of our investments goes into infrastructure, energy, and the road sector. Today, we discussed the implementation of healthcare initiatives. Our bank is working on a potential public-private partnership project for building a hospital in the city of Almaty. I would also like to highlight the high level of cooperation with the government," Namazbayev said. Meanwhile, Kazakhstans Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, noted during the council meeting that the country is currently implementing seven large-scale projects in cooperation with international financial organizations. These initiatives span key sectors such as energy, healthcare, education, water supply, and transport. He added that more than 1,100 PPP agreements have been concluded to date, including completed projects. Their total value amounts to 2.7 trillion tenge ($5.2 billion). The conversion of Kazakh tenge into US dollars is conducted at the official exchange rate set by the National Bank of Kazakhstan. As of November 27, 2025, the exchange rate stands at 1 US dollar to 518.68 tenge. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel People visit the exhibition area of the 5th International New Materials Industry Conference in Bengbu, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 21, 2025. (Xinhua) HEFEI, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- From conference credentials to mineral water bottles and shopping bags, such everyday items at the 5th International New Materials Industry Conference held recently in Bengbu, east China's Anhui Province, were made from an innovative material -- polylactic acid (PLA). PLA, a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable biomass materials like corn and straw, is becoming a green and sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. "PLA is a low-carbon and environmentally friendly material that holds the potential to replace traditional plastics and reduce dependence on fossil fuels," said Chen Liping, executive general manager of BBCA Group. Widely used in packaging, textiles, medical applications and many other fields -- this material is helping to shape a more sustainable future. PLA-based biodegradable tableware was used both at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics and Winter Paralympics, Chen revealed. Themed "New Technology, New Materials, New Future," the four-day conference attracted about 400 delegates from home and abroad. It showcased a range of cutting-edge materials and highlighted the remarkable growth of China's new materials industry. A report released at the conference by CCID Consulting, under China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, showed that China's new materials industry had reached a scale of 8.7 trillion yuan (roughly 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 13.8 percent. Notably, the frontier materials sector surged 26.6 percent year on year to 329.2 billion yuan -- and is expected to exceed 500 billion yuan in 2026. "As China advances new industrialization during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the new materials industry is set to enter a golden period of growth," said Li Ke, vice president of CCID Consulting. China's booming electric vehicle industry, meanwhile, has spurred the growth of its new materials sector. Anhui Estone Materials Technology Co., Ltd., a national high-tech enterprise specializing in lithium battery safety materials, is making a significant impact with its self-developed boehmite material, which improves lithium battery safety. The company holds nearly half of the global market share of this key new material, with clients from home and abroad, including leading vehicle battery giant CATL. "When coated on lithium battery separators, boehmite forms a protective layer that significantly enhances heat resistance and thus battery safety," said Jiang Xuexin, chairman of Anhui Estone. What's more, its ceramic flame retardant can form a high-strength ceramic layer at high temperatures -- acting like "diamond armor" for battery packs, which helps prevent thermal runaway in batteries, Jiang added. The integration of AI with new materials is unlocking new possibilities for the future. At Anhui North Microelectronics Research Institute Group Co., Ltd., a brain-computer interface (BCI) collector enables a crawler vehicle to flexibly perform movements such as driving forward, reversing and turning -- all via brain signals without the need for physical or voice commands. "Our R&D teams have achieved technological breakthroughs in frontier materials such as non-invasive gel electrodes and brain signal acquisition chips," said Sun Beibei, head of the company's science and technology department. "By integrating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, we are promoting the application of BCI products in industrial manufacturing, healthcare and other fields," Sun explained. The application of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, computing and genetic engineering, is also driving the growth of the new materials industry. "The deep integration of AI, high-throughput computing and material genetic engineering will greatly accelerate the R&D efficiency of new materials and create new market opportunities," said Gan Yong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. New materials leaders are also forging partnerships around the world for green growth. Last year, BBCA Group signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Honeywell to develop sustainable aviation fuel and other initiatives, aiming to support green and low-carbon development. The company has also built production bases in Brazil, Hungary and Thailand, converting abundant local raw materials such as cassava, corn and soybeans into organic acids, starch sugars and PLA products. As a leading enterprise in the new materials sector, China National Building Material Group accounts for over 65 percent of the international high-end glass engineering market. It has been actively engaged in international cooperation and exchanges, promoting new materials, new technologies and high-quality services globally. "In the global new materials landscape, China is playing an increasingly significant role," said Erik Muijsenberg, vice president of the International Commission on Glass, adding that the development of the new materials industry requires collaborative innovation across industry, academia and research institutions as well as open cooperation from all sectors around the globe. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 27. A new chemical plant for the production of sodium cyanide has started construction in the Zhambyl region of Kazakhstan, Trend reports via the country's Ministry of Economy. The plant is slated for commissioning in March 2027 and will be constructed within the designated boundaries of the Special Economic Zone, Chemical Park Taraz. Upon becoming operational, the facility is projected to produce up to 25,000 tons of sodium cyanide annually, thereby fully satisfying domestic market demand while creating substantial export opportunities. The plant's output is expected not only to cater to the domestic market but also to supply neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Mongolia. According to the Ministry, the execution of this project will significantly enhance the nation's chemical industry, while simultaneously providing a boost to auxiliary sectors such as the domestic markets for ammonia and caustic soda. These sectors are anticipated to experience a growth of approximately 50 percent. The project is being developed by Altynalmas Reagents, with financing provided by the Development Bank of Kazakhstan (DBK), a subsidiary of the Baiterek Holding. In September of last year, DBK and the company signed an agreement to provide a credit line, and in May of this year, the project financing was officially launched. The total funding amounts to 98.8 million euro, which covers 75 percent of the projects total cost. BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, November 27. The Collective Security Council of the CSTO has appointed Taalatbek Masadykov of Kyrgyzstan as the new Secretary General, effective January 1, 2026, for a three-year term through December 31, 2028, Trend reports via CSTO. The announcement came as the Council confirmed that the Russian Federation will assume the CSTO chairmanship in 2026. During the session, Russia laid its cards on the table for the upcoming chairmanship, aiming to bolster counterterrorism efforts, sharpen information and analytical skills, and tighten the screws on collective security forces, and combating drug trafficking, with a particular focus on the anti-drug operation Channel. Russia also proposed the motto for its chairmanship: Collective Security in a Multipolar World: Common GoalShared Responsibility. Founded in 2002, the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) Interstate Program is administered by the CSTO Interstate Commission for Military-Economic Cooperation. The objective is to augment collaboration in military-economic and military-technical domains via joint initiatives, including long-term cooperation programs, collaborative military equipment manufacturing, and research endeavors. Principal actions encompass establishing collaborative partnerships, standardizing military operations, and implementing targeted projects such as the Tajik-Afghan border security initiative. The commission orchestrates these initiatives, convening biannually to sanction new programs. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 27. Iran is demonstrating seriousness in engaging in constructive discussions to prove the peaceful nature of its nuclear program, said the countrys Minister of Foreign Affairs, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Trend reports. Speaking during a meeting with Frances Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot in Paris on November 26, Araghchi emphasized that Iran has a legal right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. He stressed that parties that first violated the law by withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and then carried out military attacks on Irans nuclear facilities must halt these actions and be held accountable. The Iranian minister noted that steps taken by the European trio (the UK, France, and Germany) at the United Nations Security Council and the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency contributed to the current tensions. During the meeting, the two ministers discussed developments in Western Asia, the war in Ukraine, international security issues, and Irans peaceful nuclear program. They underlined the importance of efforts to reduce tensions and strengthen international peace. The ministers also reviewed bilateral relations between Iran and France, emphasizing the significance of continuing consultations to remove obstacles and simplify interactions between the two countries. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel NANJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China has built more than 7,000 advanced smart factories and become the world's largest intelligent manufacturing application base, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) announced on Thursday. Xin Guobin, vice minister of industry and information technology, revealed the data in his speech at the 2025 World Intelligent Manufacturing Conference being held from Thursday to Saturday in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. According to Xin, through sector-specific measures and a gradient cultivation approach, China has also established over 500 excellence-level smart factories -- and 15 enterprises have been selected for the cultivation list of pioneer-level smart factories. Xin said China has developed a global supply capacity for systematic solutions. The total industrial scale of China's intelligent manufacturing equipment, industrial software and systematic solutions has exceeded 4.5 trillion yuan (approximately 635.5 billion U.S. dollars). Suppliers of intelligent manufacturing systematic solutions in sectors such as complete vehicles, power batteries and petrochemicals are accelerating their global expansion -- with service networks covering major manufacturing regions worldwide. In 2024, China conducted a gradient (progressive) cultivation campaign for the country's smart factories, following a circular jointly issued by the MIIT and five other government authorities. The government has classified smart factories into four tiers based on technological maturity and integration depth, namely basic-level, advanced-level, excellence-level and pioneer-level. HEFEI, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- At a lab of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), AI and automation have transformed traditional chemistry research from manual trial-and-error to giving instructions on intelligent platforms. In 2021, Professor Jiang Jun's team developed the first-generation robotic chemist "Xiao Lai," enabling 24/7 operation and autonomous experiment design. The second-generation "Xiao Lin" now handles more complex tasks, evolving from a labor substitute to a collaborative research partner. The team's ultimate goal is fully autonomous science, where machines can discover new research directions and assist even non-experts in material creation. Robotic chemist "Xiao Lai" conducts an experiment at a lab of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu) This photo taken on Nov. 24, 2025 shows robotic chemist "Xiao Lin" at a lab of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province. (Xinhua/Du Yu) Robotic chemist "Xiao Lai" conducts an experiment at a lab of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu) Professor Zhu Zhuoying (R) talks with PhD candidate Guo Lulu in front of robotic chemist "Xiao Lin" at a lab of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 24, 2025. (Xinhua/Du Yu) Artificial intelligence is already capable of replacing more than one out of every ten US jobs, and the impact reaches far beyond Silicon Valley, according to a new study released Wednesday by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Researchers say AI could take on 11.7% of the nation's labor tasks todayequal to as much as $1.2 trillion in wages across finance, health care, and professional services. The findings come from the "Iceberg Index," a large labor-simulation tool built by MIT and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). According to CNBC, the system creates what the team calls a "digital twin" of the US workforce. It models how all 151 million workers interact, what skills they use, and how those skills might be replaced or supported by AI. Prasanna Balaprakash, ORNL director and co-leader of the project, said the tool lets researchers see changes before they arrive in real life. "Basically, we are creating a digital twin for the US labor market," he explained. The Index runs huge simulations using ORNL's Frontier supercomputer, tracking 32,000 skills and 923 occupations in 3,000 counties. One of the study's biggest surprises is that the visible job losses in tech make up only a tiny part of the full picture. Tech-related exposurelike coding and IT workaccounts for just 2.2% of total wage risk, or about $211 billion. New MIT Study Finds AI Can Already Replace Nearly 12% of the U.S. Workforce MIT has built agent clones of 151 million working Americans in order to identify which jobs are most at risk years before layoffs hit Let's hope Elon Musk is right then, that we won't need pic.twitter.com/5RJkZdYTSd Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) November 26, 2025 States Use MIT Model to Track Local AI Job Risks The larger impact lies in routine office and support roles, such as human resources, logistics, finance, and administration. These jobs, often overlooked in AI forecasts, make up the bulk of the $1.2 trillion exposure, TechSpot reported. Researchers stress that the Iceberg Index does not predict exactly when or where jobs will disappear. Instead, it shows what today's AI systems are already able to do and helps leaders test "what-if" scenarios before spending billions on new training programs or policy changes. Several states, including Tennessee, North Carolina, and Utah, have already partnered with MIT to study their local risks. North Carolina state Sen. DeAndrea Salvador said the tool's value comes from its local detail. "One of the things that you can go down to is county-specific data... and matching those skills with the likelihood of them being automated or augmented," she said. The simulations show potential disruption in all 50 states, including rural areas that usually get left out of tech conversations. The researchers say Iceberg is less a finished product and more a planning sandbox for a future where AI plays a much bigger role in everyday work. Originally published on vcpost.com Northwestern University is closing in on a controversial agreement with President Donald Trump's administration that would require the institution to pay approximately $75 million to restore $790 million in frozen federal research grants and end a federal antisemitism investigation that has hung over the campus for months. The deal, reported by The New York Times and confirmed by the US Department of Education as being in final negotiations, would represent the second-largest financial settlement extracted by the Trump administration from elite universities in its aggressive campaign to reshape higher education policies around diversity programs, campus protests, and allegations of antisemitism. The Education Department spokesperson said Wednesday that while "the deal is not final," the parties are "negotiating in good faith and making progress," adding they look forward "to announcing a final agreement soon that will ensure all students have equal learning opportunities, hiring and admissions decisions are merit-based, and the university once again prioritizes truth seeking and academic excellence." The Price of Federal Funding Under the proposed terms, Northwestern would pay a $75 million fine directly to the federal governmentmoney that will not support students, research, or any educational purpose but instead flow to federal coffers as what critics characterize as punishment for the university's handling of Gaza-related campus protests. In exchange, the Trump administration would restore access to hundreds of millions in frozen federal research funding and close investigations into alleged "widespread antisemitic harassment" at the university. The $75 million figure places Northwestern's settlement behind only Columbia University, which agreed to pay more than $200 million over three years earlier this year, but significantly higher than other institutions that have struck deals with the administration. Cornell University committed to a $30 million fine plus an additional $30 million investment in agricultural research programs. Brown University agreed to steer $50 million into state workforce programs. The University of Virginia and University of Pennsylvania have also reached agreements, though the financial terms of those deals have not been fully disclosed. A Nine-Month Crisis The path to this settlement has been financially devastating for Northwestern. The Trump administration froze approximately $790 million in federal research funding in April 2025, triggering an immediate crisis for the university's extensive research operations. According to data from Grant Witness, more than $1.06 billion in awards from the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation have gone unpaid since the freeze begana figure substantially higher than the initially frozen $790 million, suggesting the financial damage has compounded as new grants were also withheld. Northwestern responded by self-funding research operations from its own reserves, a stopgap measure that proved astronomically expensive. Faculty members told the Chicago Tribune the university was spending approximately $10 million per week to keep research projects alive during the standoff. In July, facing what officials described as a "significant budget gap" that couldn't be bridged without cutting personnel costs, Northwestern announced it would eliminate more than 400 staff positions425 jobs in total, though nearly half had been vacant. University officials described the layoffs as "a drastic step" and "the most painful measure we have had to take," acknowledging the human cost of the federal pressure campaign. In September, the university pledged to continue funding essential research needs through at least the end of 2025, though administrators urged "fiscal responsibility" and "conservative use of funds to help minimize University risk." The Fall of a President The federal pressure campaign contributed directly to a dramatic leadership change. Former Northwestern President Michael Schill resigned abruptly in September after facing months of attacks from Republicans over his handling of a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus during spring 2024. Schill had appeared before a hostile congressional hearing where Republican lawmakers accused him of failing to adequately protect Jewish students. While he did not explicitly cite the federal funding freeze when announcing his resignation, Schill acknowledged "difficult problems" at the federal level. His replacement, Henry Bienenwho previously served as Northwestern's president from 1995 to 2009inherited the task of navigating negotiations with the Trump administration. In October, Bienen told faculty members he wanted to strike a deal to restore research funding but would not sign an agreement that "hinders the autonomy of the university." The emerging $75 million settlement suggests the boundaries of that autonomy have now been defined. What Northwestern Is Agreeing To While the full terms of the deal have not been publicly disclosed, Bloomberg reported that Northwestern has taken steps to fight antisemitism and roll back diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs that Trump has aggressively pushed schools to dismantle. The agreement appears similar in structure to other university settlements, which have typically required: Enhanced efforts to combat antisemitism on campus Substantial rollback or elimination of DEI programs in hiring and admissions Commitments to "merit-based" admissions and employment decisions Implementation of new training programs and oversight mechanisms Regular reporting to federal authorities on compliance These requirements align with the Trump administration's "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education"a standardized agreement designed by billionaire financier Marc Rowan that the White House has offered to universities in exchange for preferential funding treatment. Northwestern was not among the original nine elite institutions that received the compact in October, but the administration subsequently indicated it would extend the offer to all higher education institutions willing to commit to the policy changes. Faculty Revolt and Community Protest The prospect of a settlement has deeply divided the Northwestern community. At an October 15 Faculty Assembly meeting, 595 faculty members voted to pass a resolution opposing capitulation to the Trump administration, with only four against and eight abstentions. When news of potential negotiations emerged in August, hundreds of faculty members signed a statement calling the school "complicit in an assault on institutions of higher education." Community protests have reinforced faculty opposition. In mid-November, more than 20 members of the Evanston and Northwestern communities rallied at The Arch, the campus landmark, urging the university "to stand strong" against federal demands. Protesters waved signs reading "Stand Strong NU" and "NU Fight Fascism," chanting modified versions of the school fight song with lyrics changed to "Go Northwestern, win this game!" McCormick Professor Michael Peshkin attended holding a sign that read "No 'Deal' With Fascists," telling the crowd: "We have a responsibility that is more than just securing our funding. We have a responsibility to academic freedom, we have a patriotic responsibility to supporting and defending democracy." Seventh Ward resident David Bice criticized Northwestern for not fighting as Harvard has done, noting that Harvard "actually went to court to fight" rather than immediately pursuing settlement negotiations. Mary Jo Barrett, a 1976 Northwestern graduate and Evanston resident, warned of financial consequences: "If they give money or take money or fold to being paid by the oligarchy, I, for one, will never give a dime to the school again." The Extortion Debate Critics across the political spectrum have characterized the Trump administration's approach to universities as extortionusing federal funding as leverage to extract both policy changes and direct financial payments. Universities receive billions in federal research grants annually, making them highly vulnerable to funding freezes. When the Trump administration simultaneously withholds funding while offering "deals" to restore it in exchange for payments and policy changes, institutions face impossible choices between financial survival and institutional principles. The pattern is now well-established. Columbia paid $200 million. Cornell paid $60 million. Brown paid $50 million. Now Northwestern appears ready to pay $75 million. Each payment flows directly to the federal government rather than supporting education, research, or students. Defenders of the administration's approach argue universities have systematically failed to address antisemitism and have allowed DEI programs to compromise academic merit. From this perspective, the settlements represent accountability for institutions that ignored federal civil rights laws and misused taxpayer funding. The debate reflects fundamental disagreements about academic freedom, the appropriate scope of federal oversight, and whether the government should use funding leverage to reshape university policies on contentious social and political issues. Divergent Institutional Responses Not all universities have chosen Northwestern's path. Harvard, despite similar pressure and funding threats, has fought back in court and successfully secured temporary restoration of some funding through litigation. In a recent ruling, a federal judge determined that the Trump administration couldn't implement a "blanket policy of denying any future grants" to UCLA and other University of California institutions as a pressure tactic during civil rights investigations. These legal victories suggest universities with sufficient resources and will to fight may be able to resist some federal demands, though the costs of litigation and continued funding uncertainty make settlement attractive even to wealthy institutions. The divergent approachesHarvard fighting, Columbia paying, Northwestern negotiatingwill likely shape how other universities respond as the Trump administration extends its pressure campaign to additional institutions. The Research Impact Beyond the financial and political dimensions, the Northwestern situation has had direct impacts on research operations and scientific progress. Stop-work orders have affected more than 100 federally funded research projects. Graduate students have faced uncertainty about funding for their dissertations. Postdoctoral researchers have seen positions eliminated or put on hold. Faculty members have scrambled to find alternative funding sources or mothball projects mid-stream. The disciplines affected span the research spectrumfrom biomedical research seeking cures for diseases to social science examining policy questions to engineering developing new technologies. When federal research funding stops flowing, scientific progress slows or halts, with consequences extending far beyond individual institutions. "Research is central to Northwestern's mission of advancing knowledge for the greater good, and the discoveries made by our scholars contribute to life-saving innovations every day," Bienen and Board Chair Peter Barris wrote in September, emphasizing what was at stake. The Broader Trump University Campaign Northwestern represents just one front in the Trump administration's comprehensive campaign to reshape American higher education. The administration has frozen funding at dozens of institutions, opened antisemitism investigations at more than 60 universities, launched civil rights probes into diversity hiring practices, and demanded compliance with the "Compact for Academic Excellence" that requires eliminating DEI programs and committing to "merit-based" admissions. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has repeatedly signaled that deals with Harvard and other prominent institutions are "almost finished," suggesting Northwestern will not be the last to settle. The cumulative effect is a fundamental restructuring of the relationship between federal government and higher educationmoving from a partnership model where universities received research grants to pursue scientific questions toward a compliance model where universities implement federally mandated policies in exchange for funding access. Whether this represents necessary accountability for institutional failures or dangerous politicization of higher education depends largely on one's perspective on the underlying controversies around antisemitism, DEI, and campus speech. MELBOURNE, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Scientists have outlined a roadmap for using plants to support long-term human life on the Moon and Mars, using technologies that could also transform sustainable food production on Earth. The project brings together more than 40 scientists from multiple countries and space agencies to outline the plant science breakthroughs needed to create self-sustaining, plant-based life-support systems for deep space exploration, a media release from Australia's University of Melbourne said Thursday. These systems would grow fresh food, recycle water and air and support astronaut health and wellbeing, according to the study published in New Phytologist. To guide future missions, the authors introduce a new Bioregenerative Life Support System Readiness Level framework to measure how effectively plants can recycle nutrients, purify water, generate oxygen and provide nutrition in space habitats. The roadmap highlights recent advances in crop science for space such as synthetic biology, precision sensing and controlled-environment agriculture, the media release said. Researchers said the work will guide priorities ahead of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Artemis III mission in 2027, which will return humans to the lunar surface and include the Lunar Effects on Agricultural Flora experiment, the first attempt to grow and return plants from the Moon. Designing plant systems for the Moon offers powerful insights for improving agriculture on Earth, said study co-author, University of Melbourne Associate Professor Sigfredo Fuentes, who examined how plants can be engineered, adapted and monitored to thrive in lunar and Martian environments, together with global colleagues. "Space pushes us to design plant systems that are highly efficient, resilient and precisely monitored," which will help grow food sustainably in drought-prone regions, cities and remote communities, Fuentes said. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Contribute: Leave a comment if you find a particular report interesting or want to add to it. Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Translate Anchorage, midtown / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / complex motion difficult to describe / 30-60 s It woke me up and tossed from bed to the floor. I am disabled and my left side doesn't work well so this hut and took a while to sit up. Haven't made it onto my bed yet. Likely should go to hospital to see if I broke my hop when I landed on thr concrete floor but it is Thanksgiving Holiday so I won't unless I hit a lot of swelling later, or my son decides I must go when he comes for dinner later today. We had a few pictures come off the wall and my wife said herbstand mixernwhich she was using at the time fell from the counter to the floor. No pumpkin pie today. Respectfully Michael Jesperson | 13 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / complex motion difficult to describe / 30-60 s Eagle river, Alaska (68.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : It was pretty shaky I could feel the walls moving and the whole house shaking, I havent felt an earthquake quake like that since 2019. And it was pretty long too, it was like abt 20 sec long I felt! But yea it was def a 6.0, that was crazy. | 12 users found this interesting. Anchorage, AK (62.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s I was in my car and at first it felt like someone was moving from one side of the car to the other then it felt like there were people outside my car making it shake. it lasted a total of... maybe a minute to a minute and a half. | 13 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s Palmer (69.3 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was standing and felt a small shaking that built and then dissipated and then built again and then it rattled and some things began to fall off shelves. It slowly died out until it was a faint vibration. | 11 users found this interesting. Anchorage, AK (Eastside) (67.1 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s Strong shake followed by a lower rumble, but then ramped back up to an even stronger shake. Gave me flashbacks if 2018. | 9 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s Palmer, Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska (87.6 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe / 30-60 s : I felt small shaking that woke me up then quickly ramped up to large shaking I was on the 2nd story and went under a desk numerous new small cracks formed in sheetrock | 5 users found this interesting. image.jpg... .jpg (public domain) / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex motion difficult to describe / 30-60 s Wasilla (72 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s It was a pretty decent shaker. one of our dogs was whining for about 10 minutes but stopped about 10 minutes before it hit. | 9 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s Wasilla (75.5 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : I was sitting on the couch with my cat. The shaking started and kept going longer than most quakes Ive felt. It was mostly just side to side with rumbling. A couple items got displaced and the cat was freaked out. No damage | 7 users found this interesting. Eagle River (68 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 30-60 s Shaking , rattling. some things fell off the shelf. animals running around scared. Lasted a few minutes it felt like | 6 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 30-60 s Eagle river, ak (71.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Windows rattled and light fixtures swung | 7 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s Anchorage AK (60.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s It woke me up! Heckuva alarm clock. Cats ran for cover. | 7 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s Kenai Ak (118.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 15-20 s : Was watching Macys Parade and live upstairs pictures fell and the whole house shook like a bowl of jello lasting about 20+ seconds felt like standing by an old unbalanced washing machine , | 5 users found this interesting. JBER, AK (60.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Felt 2 waves of the quake. The initial one woke me up and then felt another wave of it about 2-3 seconds later. | 5 users found this interesting. Anchorage (66.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s in basement of 3 story home. heard rumbling and felt rolling shake. no jolt. the motion and sound woke kids | 5 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s Wasilla (86.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 10-15 s : 2x hard shake separated with a feeling of levitation impressive earth shake | 6 users found this interesting. Jewel Lake in Anchorage (59.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : Anchorage Jewel Lake I heard to roar before it hit while I was putting my Turkey in the oven. It almost knocked me off my feet and a few items throughout my house fell to the floor. I have lived here over 50 years and think this was a big one. Very surprised it was only 6.0 | 4 users found this interesting. Anchorage AK (67.4 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / several minutes : Everyone got out of bed, strong jolt with inusually long set of whole house shaking, a few things fell, but nothing broken | 4 users found this interesting. Palmer 4 corners (80.7 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s woke everyone in the house up. my bedroom is on the first floor and it was shaking pretty good. I wish I was upstairs when it happened. | 4 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s Fairview Anchorage (61.9 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 20-30 s Started shaking heavy. called my cat who came to me yay. Then it quit. it would have woke me up if I was still asleep. | 5 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 20-30 s Rainbow ave Anchorage 99516 / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 20-30 s : That was ongoing and like an ocean was under the house. | 5 users found this interesting. Homer (121.4 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Rattling and shaking and a couple small bumps | 5 users found this interesting. Willow (39.7 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s I collect horse figurines, one was by my bed, the shelf I put them on is 4 feet away. A lot of my stuff has shifted slightly, my heavy bow case fell over. | 5 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s Anchorage (60.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Felt very strong!!! Lots of shaking and rumbling | 5 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s Anchorage Alaska (62.6 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 30-60 s soft then a jolt then sway then shake | 5 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / complex rolling (tilting in multiple directions) / 30-60 s Trunk Rd Palmer AK across from the college / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 30-60 s : I thought here we go again almost exactly 7 years after the last bad one. Several things fell and broken, and I was shaken, but thankful this Thanksgiving that it wasnt worse! | 3 users found this interesting. Palmer (69.3 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : I have a few mental stages. "1. Earthquake... 2. It should stop 3. Now. 4. It's still going. 5. This is bigger than usual. 6. Where's my phone..." I got to 6 today. In 2018, it got to "7. This is going to do some damage." I just know realized that these stages actually take me up to the next level of the quake. | 3 users found this interesting. 362 Park St Anchorage Alaska 99508 (59.8 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 30-60 s : Moderate shaking back & forth & rattling everything in the house, strong enough to make me seek cover away from anything that would fall. No damage noted yet. | 3 users found this interesting. Palmer, AK (69.3 km E of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s : There was strong vibration and sense of rumbling underneath initially, but as it continued, I could feel the sense of swaying and movement. Our dogs were barking and alarmed. As it subsided, I could feel the house continue to sway and our pendant lights were all swinging several inches in arc. | 3 users found this interesting. South anchorage alaska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s : Sitting on my bed . I could hear it coming a loud rumble then small shaking it felt like a north to south shake for 15 seconds then a jolt and harder shaking for about 45 seconds. | 3 users found this interesting. Chugiak (72.1 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s I was sleeping and it started shaking rhythmically really hard. I was uncertain how long it lasted because of my reaction. | 3 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 30-60 s Soldotna (119.7 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s laying on couch, cats jumped up rv swayed | 4 users found this interesting. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s BEIJING, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that France promotes the healthy development of China-EU relations along the right track, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday. Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, made the remarks in a phone call with Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic adviser to the French president. Wang said the current international landscape is marked by turbulence and intertwined changes, with new problems and challenges emerging one after another. It is therefore necessary for China and France to maintain regular dialogue and strengthen strategic coordination, Wang said, stressing the importance of the strategic guidance of the two heads of state. Wang urged the two sides to deepen all-round mutually beneficial cooperation and elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level, and to inject fresh impetus into safeguarding multilateralism and reforming and improving global governance, demonstrating the responsibility of China and France as permanent members of the UN Security Council. He hopes that France will encourage the EU to pursue a positive and rational policy toward China, uphold the basic positioning of partnership, and properly address economic and trade differences through dialogue and consultation. Wang also elaborated on China's position on the Taiwan question, stressing that provocative remarks on Taiwan by the incumbent Japanese leader are turning back the wheel of history and a violation of China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As permanent members of the UN Security Council and comprehensive strategic partners, China and France need to jointly safeguard the outcomes of WWII victory and firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests, he said. Wang also expressed hope that France continues to firmly abide by the one-China principle. For his part, Bonne said that President Emmanuel Macron looks forward to visiting China soon to consolidate and deepen the friendship between the two heads of state and to conduct in-depth strategic communication on advancing France-China and EU-China relations and jointly addressing global crises. He believes this visit will guide the high-quality development of bilateral relations and make new contributions to world peace and stability. Bonne said that France upholds the tradition of an independent foreign policy, firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and understands China's legitimate position on the Taiwan question. France looks forward to enhancing mutual trust, strengthening dialogue and coordination with China, and jointly addressing challenges such as global governance and economic imbalances, Bonne said. Stressing the importance of healthy development of EU-China relations, he said that France is willing to play a positive role in EU-China dialogue and cooperation based on the sound France-China relations. The two sides also exchanged views on the Ukraine crisis. Bonne briefed Wang on France's position on it. Wang said that China supports all efforts dedicated to peace, supports a peace deal that is comprehensive, lasting and acceptable by relevant parties, and advocates building a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture, adding that China is willing to maintain communication with France on this matter. Cambodian Tourism Minister Huot Hak speaks at a Cambodia-China tourism forum in Siem Reap province, Cambodia on Nov. 27, 2025. Cambodia attracted about 1 million Chinese tourists during the January-October period of 2025, the country's Tourism Minister Huot Hak said here on Thursday. (Photo by Sao Khuth/Xinhua) SIEM REAP, Cambodia, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia attracted about 1 million Chinese tourists during the January-October period of 2025, the country's Tourism Minister Huot Hak said here on Thursday. "In the first 10 months of 2025, Cambodia received a total of approximately 4.8 million international tourists, of which about 1 million were Chinese tourists," he said in a speech at a Cambodia-China tourism forum 2025. Hak said the tourism sector has continued to play an important role in supporting national economic growth towards the kingdom's vision of becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income country by 2050. "In this sense, the future of Cambodia's tourism sector is inseparable from the inflows of Chinese tourists and investors," he said. The minister recalled that Cambodia received up to 2.3 million Chinese tourists in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic era in 2019, accounting for about one-third of the total international tourist arrivals to the kingdom. "Cambodia is fully prepared and ready to welcome the return of Chinese tourists and investors," he said. "The growth of Chinese tourists is a great opportunity, not only to boost the development of the tourism industry, but also to create investment opportunities in other sectors." Thong Mengdavid, a lecturer at the Institute for International Studies and Public Policy of the Royal University of Phnom Penh, said that driven by improved flight connectivity, China's economic growth, and growing interest in Cambodia's cultural and natural attractions, Cambodia recorded stronger and more robust Chinese tourist arrivals in 2025. "This growth will bring significant benefits to Cambodians, particularly in hospitality, retail, and local businesses, creating more jobs and income opportunities," he told Xinhua. "Increased tourism spending will also support infrastructure development and cultural preservation." ESB and rsted have secured the Government contract to develop an offshore windfarm off the coast of Waterford. The State electricity company and Danish group are partnering to create the windfarm development site at Tonn Nua, near Dunmore East, with their 98.72 per megawatt-hour bid. Tonn Nua was identified within the South Coast Designated Maritime Area Plan (SC-DMAP) as the exclusive site for Irelands second offshore wind auction (ORESS Tonn Nua). The development aims to deliver approximately 900 megawatts of additional electricity which could power almost one million homes with sustainable energy. On Wednesday, November 27, the Department of Energy confirmed that they provisionally awarded a Joint Venture by ESB and rsted, the rights to develop the Tonn Nua site. The cost of the development is estimated to be in the 2-4 billion range. Successful auction Jim Dollard, Executive Director Generation & Trading at ESB, commented: ESB is delighted with the outcome of the ORESS Tonn Nua auction. It secures a clear pathway for the development of a significant project off the coast of County Waterford marking another important step toward Irelands renewable energy and Net Zero ambitions. We look forward to working with our partners to deliver a project that provides significant energy security and price certainty for Irish consumers. Alana Kuhne, Head of Region Europe Development at rsted, said: We commend the Irish government for running a successful auction continuing the support for the development of offshore wind in Ireland. Offshore wind will play an important part in the future Irish energy system ensuring green, affordable and secure energy. We will continue to work with our joint venture partner ESB to carefully assess and progress this early-stage development opportunity, including ensuring that the project lives up to our value creation criteria. Currently, the project is seeking Maritime Area Consent (MAC) and Marine Usage Licence (MUL) from the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority (MARA) in order to commence surveying and assessments, ahead of submitting a planning application for the development. The fees relevant to the MAC will accrue in excess of 6 million to the State per annum for the term of the project. A 'community benefit fund' will be established to assist the 'relevant communities', with a contribution of 2 per megawatt (approximately 5-7 million) per annum from the time of operation. Under the Contract for Difference with Eirgrid, Tonn Nua offshore wind farm must be operational by 1 January 2037. Iarnrod Eireann has advised rail customers that full weekday rail services to and from Plunkett Station in Waterford will be in operation from now through Christmas and into the New Year. The Irish rail authority also said the first phase of major flood prevention works on the line has been completed. The works to protect the rail line on the approach to Waterford, an area which has been prone to flooding and disruption, began on August 25. In a statement a spokesperson for Iarnrod Eireann said: 'In line with the planned schedule, the works are now paused to facilitate those travelling to and from Waterford over the busy festive season, including for Winterval.' The final day of pre-Christmas works was Wednesday, November 26. Customers travelling to and from Waterford over the coming weeks should take note of an extensive choice of daily services, with eight trains travelling each way between Waterford and Dublin Heuston - and nine travelling on Fridays. Winterval They will include a daily 8.20pm, Waterford to Dublin Heuston service from Monday to Saturday, for those attending evenings at Winterval. Waterford North Quays Public Transport elements are funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund, the Department of Transport through the National Transport Authority, and by Waterford City & County Council. "We thank customers for their cooperation and understanding during these crucial works, being delivered as part of the wider Waterford North Quays development," said the Iarnrod Eireann spokesperson. The organisation said the development will benefit rail customers through the new Waterford Plunkett Station, as part of the integrated transport hub which is due to open in 2017. The ongoing works are also aimed at improving connectivity through the new public transport bridge to Waterfords commercial heart and addressing long-standing flooding issues at the approaches to Waterford while also facilitating new signalling, to restore track capacity to the station area. The works will resume from Monday, January 5, until March 26. The flood defence programme works include a combination of sheet piled walls, impermeable trenches and an extensive drainage network with two associated pumping stations. When the works resume it will take place from 8am to 2.20pm from Monday to Thursday. From January 5, the following service alterations will apply: 07:20hrs and 10:15hrs Dublin Heuston to Waterford will terminate at Kilkenny, with bus transfers from Kilkenny to Thomastown and Waterford; 11:00hrs and 13:05hrs Waterford to Dublin Heuston will have bus transfers from Waterford and Thomastown to Kilkenny, and train from Kilkenny to Heuston; 09:45hrs Limerick Junction to Waterford will terminate at Carrick-on-Suir with bus transfer from Carrick-on-Suir to Waterford. "This ensures that only two of eight services each way daily, between Waterford and Dublin, are affected Mondays to Thursdays, and that weekends are unaffected," said the spokesperson. At the South East's only university, it was only fitting to talk about the South East's only airport. On Wednesday November 25, Dr Frances Hardiman and William Bolster were at the launch of SETU's Economic and Social Impact study. The publication of the report showcased the importance of having an institution with, as President Veronica Campbell stated, 'strong alignment to regional needs'. SETU Auditorium, launch of Economic and Social Impact Study. News and Star spoke to Dr Hardiman and Mr Bolster about the ongoing partnership between SETU and Waterford Airport and about how their work is taking flight. Aerospace Academy In April this year, SETU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Waterford Airport to establish a National Aerospace Academy. The Academy, which will be based in at Waterford Airport, will specialise in Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs). Head of Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment Dr Hardiman shared a few words with News and Star about the ongoing development of the Academy. She noted that SETU has a 'niche' in aerospace and aircraft systems. Dr Hardiman said: "From a regional perspective, we can see a lot of advancement in UAV's or drones. You can look at that from a defence perspective but also from an ecological perspective. We have the researchers that specialize in the electronics, the camera capture and the processing of data. "We're expanding it wider, not just in my own faculty but across the faculty, university, and with the developments with the airport it's gaining traction in terms of the impact on the South East." Danish model The team have travelled to Denmark and Canada to learn more about UAV's and their uses. Dr Hardiman said that the framework for the partnership with Waterford Airport was modelled from its counterpoint in Denmark. She commented: "The key thing with the airport, it's a regional airport, and there is a model in Denmark that we did go out to see, where the Hans Christian Andersen airport and their local university came together to develop this space." According to Dr Hardiman, the academy offers airspace for the testing and flying of drones. For Dr Hardiman, it is a matter of looking at the technology from an Irish viewpoint: "How can we thrive, for example, with offshore wind coming to the South East, the protection of critical infrastructure under water and over. It's something that's important, and we're looking at more in the technology space and innovation space, and ensuring that people are certified and flying them. "So certification, training, research, that's the area, and that's where we're getting support here then from Waterford Airport." Waterford Airport In October 2025, it was announced that the Bolster Group had secured private funding to the tune of 33 million for the airport. Mr Bolster said on Wednesday: "At the moment, my focus is to get this deal fully, legally tied down for Christmas and then in the New Year, our intention is to start this project. We have nearly three projects in one, the greater project everyone talks about is the runway lengthening, widening taxi with upgrade and apron. "Then we have separate terminal works to be done. Separate to that, which is very important to the South East, we have the Sea Rescue base extension, there's a big job starting there on January 5. It's full on." On partnering with SETU, he said: "It's important because, I'm probably tired of saying it now, Waterford Airport is not just about Waterford for me, it's about the South East. It's the SETU with Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford ties in really well with the South East message we're trying to give. I love to tie in with it." After years of delay and disappointment, the October announcement heralds a future where people in the South East no longer need to rely solely on Dublin or Cork to fly. Mr Bolster commented: "You know, I'm not reinventing the wheel here, it's really just about trying to replicate what happens in many other international airports around Europe and the world." Dr Hardiman said: "The fact that the airport is open to do something innovative and different with the likes of ourselves, take a punt in the sense of what we can do, that's why it's important that we're connected in terms of what we want to do and where we want to go. "I think we're all ambitious and I think for the region, we need to ambitious." The pair have great things in sight for the region and the airport. Mr Bolster added: "We want the education, the research and development, the pilot tuition, the cabin tuition, the engineering, all that. That's what really we want in Waterford. It's kind of more of a Center of Excellence for aviation, rather than just an airport that you can fly and go to Lanzarote in." High Court Reporters Jailed schoolteacher Enoch Burke will attend the High Court on Friday by video link from prison. The High Court on Thursday granted an order allowing Enoch Burke to attend court remotely when a judgment will be delivered relating to his repeated breach of court orders. Mr Justice Brian Cregan last week ordered that Mr Burke be imprisoned for his contempt of court orders directing him not to trespass at Wilsons Hospital School, where he previously taught German and history. Mr Burke was on Tuesday arrested by gardai at the Co Westmeath school and committed to Mountjoy Prison. Mr Burke is now serving his fourth term in prison, having already spent more than 500 days over three years incarcerated arising from his contempt of the court orders. Mr Justice Cregan is on Friday due to deliver a second judgment relating to other matters pertaining to Mr Burkes breach of orders, including the potential seizing of cars that were used to drive him onto the school grounds. In the High Court on Thursday, barrister Rosemary Mallon, appearing for the board of Wilsons Hospital School, informed Mr Justice Cregan that Mr Burke had been arrested and returned to Mountjoy. Ms Mallon said she was making an application for Mr Burke to be produced at Fridays hearing, and said that he could attend virtually. The judge made the order allowing Mr Burke to attend remotely by videolink. Mr Burke was a teacher at the school until his suspension three years ago, arising from his behaviour in reaction to a direction from the then principal to address a transitioning student with they/them pronouns. Soon after Mr Burkes suspension, the school obtained an order restraining his attendance at the school premises. Mr Burke has continually breached this order. Mr Burke has claimed his jailing is over his standing up for his Christian beliefs under the Constitution. In addition to being jailed, several judges of the High Court have imposed other penalties on Mr Burke over his contempt of orders, including fines. Mr Burke currently owes in excess of 225,000 in fines to the Courts Office. In his judgment last week, Mr Justice Cregan said it served no useful purpose to impose further fines on him because he had continued to breach the court orders and had not voluntarily paid a euro towards the fines. Other measures to prevent Mr Burkes trespassing at the school had also failed, the judge noted. There is now, in my view, no longer any option left to enforce the order of the court other than to imprison Mr Burke again for contempt of court for repeated and flagrant breaches of the court order, he said. The judge also said he intended to invoke criminal contempt of court. This type of contempt differs from civil contempt, and is contempt for disrupting the court. He asked that the Attorney General also bring criminal contempt proceedings against other members of the family his mother Martina, his brother Isaac and sister Ammi as well as against Enoch himself. Advertisement BusinessConsumer affairsAviation Frequent flyer points mania expands far past airlines Chris Zappone November 27, 2025 2:00am 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 The craze for frequent flyer points has expanded to the small business sector, with companies vying to lure small business owners by using perks such as flights in return for processing their payments of rent, payments or even tax. In what is estimated to be a $5 billion industry, a raft of businesses has grown to help customers navigate and exploit airline-linked benefits. One way to business class... Small and medium-sized enterprises can convert payment transactions into air miles. The platforms and services help customers earn and redeem points, creating a business that is only possible through the rise of cash-rich airline loyalty programs. The points payment sector is showing signs of strong growth. Pay.com.au, for example, now boasts more airline travel partners than American Express, even as the rules around fees on card could be shaken up by regulators. Advertisement The success of points sector is driven not only by the banks and airlines use of points as a marketing tool but also because cash-strapped small to medium-sized businesses benefit from the payments arrangements the speciality platforms offer. Small businesses can pay bills through processing services like RewardPay, B2B Pay, Yak Pay, or Pay.com.au, which simplify the time-consuming complexity of payments for wages, rent, bills, even taxes, while smoothing out their often-lumpy cash flow. Companies are charged fees for the services, and in return, they receive air miles from payments. Importantly, fees paid to the processing companies can often be claimed as a business expense for tax purposes. Advertisement While not giving a complete picture of the industry, annual value of purchases on commercial credit cards has jumped from $57 billion in March 2021 to over $115 billion in September 2025, according to RBA data analysed by Qi Insights. Payment processing takes off as a way to earn air miles. Sevan Tuna, managing director of accountancy Alexander Spencer, is a customer of Pay.com.au. He says its simpler than trying to navigate through multiple cards to try to get the benefits of rewards points for business spending. It also helps him manage cashflow. Paying via credit cards gives small businesses access to longer terms for repayment. American Express business cards, for example, typically come with a 51-55 day deadline. For cash-constrained small business, often waiting for their clients to pay up, this provides helpful flexibility in paying bills. Advertisement Tuna said a business making transactions of $4 million to $5 million a year through the platform would earn multiple business-class flights to Europe and back. And you wouldnt get through them in a year because youd be travelling way too often. Using these services comes with a cost. Paying $20,000 with a linked account can cost $270 after taxes with Pay.com. The financial benefit for the points, however, would be $700, according to a calculator on the companys site. Reward Pay charges a percentage of the transaction cost plus GST, but that is typically lowered after taxes. The success of points-processing firms also reflects the decline in frequent flyer brand loyalty as a motivation for consumers. Research from consultancy McKinsey shows that even as consumers continue to recommend airlines, they recommend loyalty programs less. Clients can choose to convert their points to the airline of their choice, on some services. The flexibility allows customers to move them from one program to another, opening more flight options. Advertisement Related Article Opinion Tripologist Your frequent flyer account is taking another hit Michael Gebicki The Tripologist Pay.com.au has 12 airline travel partners ranging from Qantas and Virgin to Japan Airlines, to the British Airways Club. In its first few years, Pay.com only had Qantas and Singapore Airlines as partners, but in recent years, it has has grown exponentially, says Pay.com spokesperson Daniel Sciberras. RewardPay focuses on key partners Qantas and offers frequent promotions, such as a 30 per cent bonus in which one dollar earns 1.3 Qantas points. RewardPay CEO Mark Dawes estimates the marketplace in annual turnover for all the companies involved is $5 billion. When you think of points - often people think in terms of flights and hotels, but its more about helping the SME owner make the most out of the business payments, said Dawes. Advertisement With the crossover of interests between banks, credit card and airlines, the best practices with points are always changing. Points strategist Adele Eliseo says: As with everything, its all down to the mathematics and doing the calculation to make sure that it makes sense [for you]. For example, in the years following COVID lockdowns, airlines held steady the value of points, and then increased their earn rates, to hold on to customers. Once lockdowns ended, airlines faced a surge of redemptions, prompting them to devalue their points effectively requiring more for the same flight. Qantas, Virgin and Singapore Airlines have devalued their points. Next year the Reserve Bank plans to ban debit card payment surcharges and cut interchange fees on card payments. When that happens, airlines are expected to devalue the points they sell to banks, shifting the landscape again. There is a whole ecosystem of businesses growing around frequent flyer programs. Sam Mooy The points sector is a complex tangle which reflects in part the convoluted design of the payments system, says Bradford Kelly, the founder of the Independent Payments Forum. Kelly said the payments for points-processing services inflates the cost of transactions. Top earners were the target market for these companies. Advertisement Theyre appealing to that demographic, and that demographic is the very upper echelon of spenders in Australia. Debit card transactions, which comprise the bulk of card use, subsidise the overall payment system, which the users of rewards cards benefit from, analysts say. At the moment, everyone is charged the same surcharge, whether its debit or credit, said Kelly. But a top echelon is getting all the benefit, and everybody else is paying for it through surcharges across cards on a flat basis. IPF represents small businesses in payment matters. Advertisement When you tap your card, youre being surcharged. And that guy with his frequent flyer card is being surcharged the same amount. But are you going to London for free? And so whats going on is that those cardholders are getting all the benefit, and we as the rest of the world are paying for it. A spokesman for the company notes that any SME can use Pay.com.au Sizeable sums are at stake. Pay.com.au has sought pre-IPO investment that would value the company at $600 million. Our ambition extends beyond borders, with US operations set to scale in 2026 and beyond, said Australian CEO Grant Austin. Advertisement Related Article Aviation The airlines fighting to take Australians on trips to Europe And its complex enough to warrant strategy. Pointify.com.au acts as a concierge service to help businesses navigate the ever-changing system. They train and consult with clients to develop strategies for getting the most out of the ever-shifting points ecosystem. Adele Eliseo, who founded Pointify, said she works with business decision-makers to essentially audit their expenses, look at their redemption goals, and then come up with a strategic plan on how they can optimise points earning. The success of air miles economy rivals the industry that spurred it: aviation. Peter Harbison, aviation analyst and chairman of GreenerAirlines.com, notes that during COVID, cash-strapped airlines mortgaged their frequent flyer programs for funds. When they did that, the value of the frequent flyer program was worth more than the total capitalisation of the airline, he said. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. CORRECTION An earlier version of the story had misstated RewardPay CEO Mark Dawes name, and incorrectly said the company partnered with Virgin Australia. This has been corrected. This story is part of the November 29 edition of Good Weekend. See all stories . Whats an almost out-of-office uniform? Kendall Jenner shows the sartorial route to quiet holidaying. Getty Images With the countdown to Christmas holidays well under way for many people, our working wardrobes start to change in preparation for mornings without alarm clocks. Think of it as quiet holidaying, a less extreme version of the quiet quitting trend of 2022. (Remember that? When employees did the bare minimum of work required by their contracts, absolutely shunning any kind of above and beyond performance.) That sleeveless knit top, for example, may be perfect for a morning meeting, but subtly signals that clients shouldnt expect any replies to emails sent after 4.30pm. Oh, and said meeting? It had better be scheduled for after 10am. Leather thongs signal beach readiness without succumbing to let-it-all-hang-out Havaianas and are an opportunity to showcase summer pedicures. A clear polish or nude shade is suitable for the morning commute; consider dark cherry a power move. Advertisement Updated NationalNSWSharks Chaos amid the calm: Woman killed, man mauled by shark on remote NSW beach Riley Walter and Jack Gramenz Updated November 27, 2025 3:34pm ,first published November 27, 2025 6:11am 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 By midday, the chaos of the morning had left the idyllic Kylies Beach campground, four hours north of Sydney. Hours earlier, the thrum of a rescue helicopter and the arrival of a fleet of emergency services vehicles cut through the quiet as police and paramedics responded to reports a shark had mauled two people about 6.30am. A man in his 20s was flown to hospital in a critical condition after the attack. Nine News The couple, Swiss tourists aged in their 20s, had been swimming near a rock formation at the northern end of Crowdy Bay, in Crowdy Bay National Park, when they were attacked on Thursday morning. Police are reviewing the couples GoPro footage, which captured dolphins in the water moments before the shark, believed to be a three-metre bull shark, attacked the woman. Her partner is believed to have tried to fight off the shark before being mauled himself. It is unclear if the attack was captured on camera. Advertisement Police have contacted the Consulate General of Switzerland in Sydney and were working to contact the couples family abroad. Authorities praised the quick thinking of witnesses who potentially saved the life of the man by tying a makeshift tourniquet around his injured leg. Despite the efforts of those witnesses, the woman could not be saved and died on the beach. The man was flown to Newcastles John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition. The couple were swimming at Kylies Beach when they were attacked by a shark. Dean Sewell The courage from some bystanders is amazing in this situation, NSW Ambulance superintendent Josh Smyth said. Very heroic, and [it] obviously did give us time to get to that male patient. Advertisement Campers said the couple had arrived at the Mid North Coast campsite late on Wednesday night and set out for an early morning swim at the unpatrolled beach at first light on Thursday. News of the attack quickly spread through the campground as authorities closed Kylies Beach and surrounding swimming spots and began searching for the shark involved. Kylies Beach and surrounding beaches will remain closed for at least 24 hours. Dean Sewell Drumlines were deployed in the hopes of catching the shark, police said, with drones searching from above. The Department of Primary Industries said forensic evidence suggested a bull shark over three metres long could have attacked the pair. A report will be prepared for the coroner. Kylies Beach and surrounding beaches will remain closed until at least Friday morning, Surf Life Saving NSW said in a statement. Advertisement This area is so remote, theres no life-guarding services up there at all, its chief executive Steven Pearce told 2GB. The closest surf club is located at Crowdy Head, at Crowdy Bays southern end. Loading These incidents are horrific for everyone and, unfortunately, weve had a few this year already, Pearce said. Mid North Coast lifeguard co-ordinator James Turnham said the secluded beach was a popular swimming spot. Advertisement We obviously want them to be aware of the risks. Obviously, sharks are one of those risks at these non-controlled locations, he said. By the late Thursday afternoon, the peaceful getaways of retirees, young couples, friends and solo travellers had fallen back into sync. The only sign of tragedy at the small campground was the police tape strung across the entrance to Kylies Beach, named for novelist and journalist Kylie Tennant, who used a nearby hut as a writers retreat. Peter Davey, who has been camping and fishing in the area for decades, had never seen sharks close to shore at Kylies Beach. Dean Sewell Nearby remained the sprawling lawns dotted with swags, tents, caravans, a throng of journalists, and campers struggling to grasp a tragedy seldom seen at the beachside paradise many have escaped to for years. You just dont expect these sorts of things to happen here, said Peter Davey, who has been camping and fishing in the area for decades. Advertisement Davey, like other campers, suspected a medical episode when emergency services descended on the remote campground, accessed via rough gravel roads, on Thursday morning. I wasnt thinking it was a shark attack, Davey said. Loading Davey said he had previously seen several shark species including great whites and tiger sharks in the waters around Kylies Beach, but never one close to shore where the attack was believed to have taken place. Shark receivers, which ping when a tagged animal swims within 500 metres, are in place at 37 beaches along the NSW coast between Tweed Heads and Bega. There is no receiver at Kylies Beach, with the closest located at Old Bar, about 30 kilometres south. Advertisement Advertisement The state member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, said it was a heartbreaking day for the community. I want to thank the people who stepped in straight away and the first responders who pushed through tough conditions to do everything they could. While the local community grappled with Thursdays tragedy, camper Tomas Christensen reflected on a potentially life-saving decision. Minutes before the attack, Christensen, 60, had been moments from setting out for a morning swim when he decided to make a cup of coffee. Before he had finished drinking it, a stream of ambulance and police vehicles had flowed into the campground with lights flashing, the Sutherland Shire resident said. Advertisement Everyones sad, Christensen said, his Cronulla Sharks cap removed after news of the attack made it back to the campsite sitting nearby. The whole campsites come together over it. Get alerts on breaking news as it happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. WA Premier Roger Cook has used his keynote speech to Perths business community to push his governments controversial State Development Bill, repeating the phrase industrial FOMO (fear of missing out) several times as he pushed for the legislation to pass before the end of the year. The premier framed the bill as a complete reset of WAs major project assessment system at a Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA breakfast on Thursday, arguing it would keep the state competitive and a global leader in competing for large-scale industrial and renewable energy projects. West Australian Premier Roger Cook and Deputy Premier Rita Saffioti. Alex Ellinghausen The bill, currently before the Legislative Council, would create a special pathway for priority projects and give the premier significant powers for how they are assessed. Im not afraid to admit that as premier, Ive a little bit of industrial FOMO, Cook said. The symptoms include an obsession with big, shiny job creating projects, an insatiable desire for even faster approvals, and perhaps a little bit of a rash over competitiveness when it comes to beating other states. When it comes to the next wave of job-creating projects in Western Australia, I dont want to let a single ball go through to the keeper. Cook directly asked business leaders to use their influence with the opposition. If youre talking to the Liberal Party over the next few days, please encourage them to support our State Development Bill so we can get this done this year and we can all put pride back into the words made in WA, he said. The speech comes as WAtoday revealed the states legal community held serious concerns about the bill, and a Law Society of WA letter addressed to the premier warned the wide discretionary nature of the powers conferred on ministers and the coordinator-general by the bill meant it would be difficult to give accurate advice on the practical application of the legislation to clients. OTTAWA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Canadian government on Wednesday announced some restrictive trade measures and domestic incentives to ensure its own steel producers better access to the domestic market. According to a news release from the prime minister's official website, effective Dec. 26 of this year, tariff rate quotas for countries that do not have a free trade agreement with Canada will be reduced from 50 percent to 20 percent of 2024 levels, and tariff rate quotas for countries that have a free trade agreement in force with Canada from 100 percent to 75 percent, with over-quota volumes continuing to face a 50 percent surtax. Additionally, Canada will apply a 25 percent tariff on the full value of listed steel derivative products from all countries. The initial list is expected to cover over 10 billion Canadian dollars (7.1 billion U.S. dollars) in imports. Other key supports include a new "Buy Canadian Policy" for federal contracts exceeding 25 million Canadian dollars (17.8 million U.S. dollars) to stimulate domestic demand and a 50 percent freight rate discount on interprovincial lumber shipments starting in Spring 2026 to lower internal transport costs. Canadian primary steel producers, who have traditionally exported over half their output with over 90 percent going to the U.S., have seen exports fall 24 percent year over year. Since U.S. tariffs were imposed, employment in the steel sector has dropped, with roughly 1,000 jobs lost to date, said the release. Advertisement PoliticsFederalProperty investment Pump the brakes: Lending restrictions slapped on banks as property risks grow Shane Wright and Clancy Yeates Updated November 27, 2025 11:48am ,first published November 27, 2025 6:23am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share The brakes on the nations runaway property market have been tapped by regulators with new restrictions on highly leveraged investors and mortgage borrowers aimed at preventing the emergence of new financial risks across the banking sector. With signs of a surge in investor activity, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority on Thursday revealed it would limit loans made by banks to people whose total debt would be at least six times their income. APRA chair John Lonsdale says the regulator will not wait for housing-related vulnerabilities to build up before taking action. Bloomberg From February 1, the macroprudential limits will mean no more than 20 per cent of banks new mortgage lending will be available to customers borrowing six times their income or more. The restrictions will apply to both housing investors and owner-occupiers. At the same time, house values in all capital cities have climbed faster than inflation, putting further pressure on prospective borrowers to take out larger mortgages. Advertisement APRA chair John Lonsdale said the authority was taking pre-emptive action because it was not prepared to wait for housing-related vulnerabilities to build up in the financial sector. Related Article Interest rates Put the brakes on: Record $40b investor blitz has banking regulator on high alert He told a media briefing that 10 per cent of property investor loans were currently going to people borrowing six or more times their income, and only 4 per cent of owner-occupier loans. That means that in the near term, these new limits wont be binding on most banks, so we will have little impact on the aggregate flow of credit to either owner-occupiers or investors, he said. But we have seen in the past that risks can build quickly and we want to be prepared. Advertisement One key risk is a deterioration in lending standards as banks seek to win more customers, exposing financial institutions to a jump in mortgage delinquencies in the case of an economic slowdown. The move excludes bridging loans for owner-occupiers and loans for the purchase or construction of new homes. APRAs current 3 per cent mortgage buffer will remain in place. The authority has previously used macroprudential regulations to calm the property market. In 2017, it restricted interest-free loans in a move that helped curb house price growth, which at the time was climbing by 14 per cent annually in Sydney and Melbourne. Within a year, prices were static. Treasurer Jim Chalmers described APRAs actions as prudent steps that would maintain responsible lending. Advertisement These are important changes that will help with financial resilience and housing affordability, he said. Its about managing emerging risks in our financial system and will help people into the market. Jim Chalmers has backed APRAs move. Alex Ellinghausen These rule changes are an important way for the regulator to reduce risk in our economy, but these efforts will also help when it comes to getting people into homes. Opposition housing spokesman Andrew Bragg said APRAs move was a warning that the governments 5 per cent deposit scheme for first home buyers was pushing banks to take on more financial risk. APRA has acted. They are smashing Labors 5 per cent mortgages with new rules. They are directly undermining Labors reckless policymaking, he said. Advertisement APRA is telling Anthony Albanese and [Housing Minister] Clare ONeil to stop doing stupid stuff. But the Greens said APRA should go further, arguing $40 billion had gone to investors over the past three months, making the nations housing affordability crisis worse. This housing crisis is heading toward a point where it may be impossible to reverse without immediate, decisive action. We urgently need to cool the overheated credit market for property investors, Green spokeswoman Barbara Pocock said. Australian Banking Association chief executive Simon Birmingham said APRAs intervention was targeted and considered. It is important that settings maintain access to safe financing through banks and not create any barriers that could unduly push borrowers into higher-risk non-bank lenders, he said. Advertisement Related Article Property prices House values accelerate as lower rates, policy and supply combine Birmingham said the best way to improve housing affordability was by increasing the supply of homes. AMP chief economist Shane Oliver said the intervention was a sign APRA wanted to clamp down on risks in the property market, after a surge in lending. I think this is like a shot across the bows because APRA has seen the housing finance figures go through the roof lately, he said. They are just getting worried that if we dont get on top of this early, this might get out of control. Advertisement Oliver said APRAs action would contribute to slower house price growth, alongside the fact that markets had cut their expectations for interest rate cuts. AMP is forecasting house price growth of about 5 per cent next year, down from 8 per cent. Home Loan Experts mortgage broker Siddhartha Bajracharya said APRAs intervention could help first home buyers by taking heat out of the property investor market. I think the government is trying to limit the investors so that the property prices dont go up drastically, which helps the first home buyer, he said. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Advertisement Updated PoliticsFederalPolitical leadership This is the ejector seat: Joyce lashes out as he resigns from Nationals, clears way for One Nation move Paul Sakkal Updated November 27, 2025 12:34pm ,first published November 27, 2025 6:39am 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 517 View all comments Barnaby Joyce has formally resigned from the Nationals, ending his 20-year parliamentary career with the party he twice led as he confirmed he was strongly considering running for Pauline Hansons One Nation as a Senate candidate. In a move that sparked Nationals allies to accuse him of betrayal, Joyce announced the decision in a short statement to the House of Representatives just before the final question time of the year, insisting it was clear his party didnt want him any more. He said he would sit as an independent until the next election and admitted he was keen to gain relevance in a new role. Loading Joyce said neither Nationals leader David Littleproud nor deputy leader Kevin Hogan, neither of whom is close to Joyce, tried to keep him in the tent. After 30 years with the National Party, I am resigning from the party I apologise for all the hurt that that will cause other people. I really do, but its not the most important thing, Joyce said in his statement in the House. Advertisement What is really important is that we understand those dealing with the cost-of-living crisis that we go into battle them. Related Article National News Live Australia news as it happened: Barnaby Joyce quits the Nationals; Hong Kong apartment fire death toll climbs He concluded his statement by saying he wanted to continue on that fight but in a better position than the ejection chair of the backbench of the Coalition in opposition. Another former Nationals leader, Michael McCormack, sat a few seats away from Joyce, shaking his head as he stared at the ground during the speech. Twice serving as deputy prime minister, Joyces decision to leave the Nationals ends more than a month of speculation about his future, after this masthead first reported that he was speaking to One Nation leader Hanson about defecting early last month. Advertisement Asked about One Nation surging in the polls at a press conference shortly after his resignation, Joyce said there were new winds behind populist movements such as those spearheaded by Donald Trump, Nigel Farage in the UK and Marine Le Pen in France, declaring the fragmentation of media was creating opportunities for new movements. Barnaby Joyce announces his resignation from the Nationals. Dominic Lorrimer He described his decision to leave the Nationals as the end of a relationship. His seat assigned by the partys leadership the nearest one to the crossbench where independents sit was the ejection chair, Joyce said. Its just quite obvious when [the Nationals] talk about generational change, thats code for get out of here, he said. While he did not confirm his next move, Joyce said he was keen to re-enter the Senate, where he started his political career. While Joyce said he was seriously considering the offer from Hanson of the number one position on One Nations NSW Senate ticket, he said he might quit politics entirely and move into the private sector. Advertisement Im ... weighing up all opportunities, he said. Joyce also said Peter Dutton twice asked him to resign last term, after he made headlines when filmed lying on his back on a Canberra street swearing into a mobile phone. Joyce and Pauline Hanson talk over a dinner of pasta, salad and steak in Hansons office on Monday night. The move led to swift condemnation from Nationals figures including former senator John Wacka Williams, a friend of Joyce for decades, who said the maverick would be remembered for his betrayal. Nationals MP Darren Chester castigated Joyce, saying he had made up excuses to quit because he could not stand the fact that Littleproud controlled the leadership of the Nationals. Advertisement I dont think the National Party could have been more accommodating to Barnaby Joyce over many, many years and several trials and tribulations, Chester said, referring to Joyces scandals. Weve been repaid today by him leaving the party. Joyce told reporters: I think that itd be really hard for the Coalition to win the next election. I hope they do, but I think its going to be really difficult from where they are. And therefore, in the House, especially if youre on the outer, youre not relevant, youre just a discordant voice. I think in the Senate, you have got more capacity in the committee system, and also the numbers I reckon in the Senate will be tighter after the election. Littleproud released a statement saying Joyces decision was disappointing. Advertisement It breaks the contract he made with the people of New England at the 2025 federal election, Littleproud said, noting the volunteers who worked for his re-election would be let down. Related Article Analysis Political leadership Always the exception, never the rule, Joyce writes his own eulogy and plans his next comeback The Nationals supported Barnaby through the tough times, including during his darkest moments. Senator Matt Canavan said the fact Joyce had not signed up to One Nation meant he had not given up hope that we can convince him to return, the day after the senator vowed to fight his old boss and ally as a political enemy if Joyce defected. McCormack said on Sky News that the decision cannot end well for Barnaby, that he was absolutely gutted and it was obvious Joyce was heading to One Nation. Advertisement Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie said on the ABC: Everyone is salivating at the idea of Barnaby Joyce and Pauline Hanson travelling around the countryside but, you know, Barnaby is not a racist. Hanson, who has made no secret of her hopes that Joyce would join her party and one day lead it, told Sky on Tuesday that she thought she wooed him and dined him beautifully. Lets keep our fingers crossed. Im keeping my fingers crossed. I hope the steak and the dinner and the mulberry pie did it. Hes a good mate. I love him, she said. Joyce was first elected to federal parliament as a Nationals senator for Queensland at the 2004 election, taking his seat in the upper house in July 2005. He moved to the House of Representatives in 2013, winning the seat of New England in northern NSW. He was briefly ruled ineligible to serve in parliament during the citizenship crisis in 2017, but regained the seat at a byelection later that year. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement TechnologySoftware Victoria was ranked dead last, yet a $60b tech giant just made Melbourne its fastest-growing hub David Swan November 27, 2025 9:01pm 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 184 View all comments Victoria may rank as the worst state in Australia to do business, but Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes says that criticism hasnt featured in his companys decision to dramatically expand its Melbourne presence. The $60 billion software giant has grown from near-zero Victorian employees before the COVID pandemic to 650 today, making Melbourne one of the companys fastest-growing cities globally alongside Seattle and Bangalore. Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes in the companys new Melbourne office. Atlassian on Thursday cut the ribbon on its first permanent Melbourne office on Queen Street, a vote of confidence in a state that has faced sustained criticism for being unfriendly, if not downright hostile, to business investment. Its a testament to the progress weve made in this part of the world, Cannon-Brookes told this masthead. Why is that? Because of the talent. Theres lots of talent here. Advertisement The expansion comes despite the Business Council of Australia ranking Victoria last among all states and territories for doing business in its Regulation Rumble 2025 report for the second consecutive year. The BCA cited uncompetitive payroll tax rates, the nations highest land tax for foreign owners, and onerous licensing requirements. Asked about the perception that Victoria is a poor place to invest, Cannon-Brookes was dismissive. Atlassians new Melbourne office. Asron Walker Photography Ill leave that for others to have a fight about, he said. From our point of view, I dont think I have heard it as an issue, and I dont think its been a major issue for us. That doesnt mean its not for other people and other industries. For Atlassian, which makes collaboration tools used by hundreds of thousands of organisations worldwide, what matters is access to skilled workers. Advertisement In tech, you go to where the talent is. Melbourne and Seattle are growing the fastest of any two Atlassian regions in the world, Cannon-Brookes said. Thats why were investing in growing those areas. We are very thoughtful about the talent, and thats more important for us than anything else. Premier Jacinta Allan is betting heavily on that tech-sector appetite. In her State of the State address to the Committee for Economic Development of Australia on Thursday, she unveiled plans to make Victoria the countrys hub for data centres, with a pipeline the government estimates could be worth $25 billion in capital expenditure. Premier Jacinta Allan. Christopher Hopkins The government will spend $5.5 million on a sustainable data centre action plan to determine where facilities should be located, and $8.1 million on AI career conversion to retrain workers displaced by the technology. Allan said AI advancements could add $30 billion to the gross state product over the next decade, while acknowledging a delicate balancing act to protect affected workers. Advertisement But tension remains between the government and business groups over workplace policy. Allan told the CEDA lunch she would push ahead with legislation to enshrine working from home as a legal right, despite opposition from some businesses. Related Article Business confidence Victoria ranked as worst state for doing business again Ive listened to their views. I respect them. I havent changed my mind, she said. And in the years to come, I think those businesses will change theirs. Cannon-Brookes, whose company pioneered remote work through its Team Anywhere policy, was lukewarm on the approach. I would think that any government mandating work from home seems like an odd thing. Any government mandating working from an office would equally be odd, he said. I think its probably best if businesses choose. Advertisement About a quarter of Atlassians Victorian workforce now comes into an office at least occasionally, and the new 1,848-square-metre Melbourne space is proving popular. Daily occupancy averages around 75 per cent, with early weeks peaking close to 100 per cent. The executive was candid that competitors abandoning flexible work only helps Atlassians recruitment. Related Article Software Atlassian splashes $1b on AI browser as chief defends redundancy video call In a purely selfish way, return-to-work mandates are good for us, he said. Wed like everyone to do them, except for us. He acknowledged remote work isnt right for every business, however. I totally get why, if youre a 10-person start-up, working from home is really hard. Cant build any culture, he said. Advertisement Its most important for a business owner, leadership team, management, whatever, to choose what works for them. Atlassians Melbourne investment is still modest compared to its flagship project: a 40-storey, $1.4 billion headquarters under construction at Sydneys Tech Central, set to open in 2026. Could Victoria attract similar investment? An impression of Atlassians planned building, the centrepiece of the citys new tech hub. Cannon-Brookes said it was totally possible but noted the Sydney project had been a 15-year journey. And Melbournes tech scene lacks the density that makes such hubs work. All my friends with companies here, all seem to get in a cab and drive somewhere, he said. They dont seem to be close to each other. Advertisement Additional reporting by Kieran Rooney The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has today published its Annual Report for 2024-2025, which also includes details of its WCO Strategic Plan 2025-2028 - Serving data-driven Customs for a connected world. Endorsed by the WCO Council, the governing body of the organization, the Strategic Plan will guide the Organizations efforts to focus on the most pressing issues of the global Customs community in a rapidly changing environment. WCOs Annual Report WCOs Annual Report 2024-2025 highlights the organization's achievements, strategic plan and transformations as part of its broader modernization effort. It serves as a resource for WCO members and stakeholders, providing insights into the organization's activities and contributions to the Customs domain. The report also contains a timeline of highlights from 2024-2025, which include; Innovation and Operational Achievements Over the past year, the WCO advanced efforts to modernize Customs operations and strengthen international enforcement. The study Unlocking the Value of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) in Customs Enforcement demonstrated how open data can enhance operations in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Joint initiatives also yielded tangible resultsOperation Thunder 2024, conducted with INTERPOL across 138 countries, led to the seizure of nearly 20,000 live animals and significant quantities of endangered species products. Digital Transformation and Modernization The 2024 WCO Technology Conference in Rio de Janeiro gathered over 1,300 participants from 117 countries under the theme Digital Frontiers: Customs Embracing Innovation with Traditional and New Partners. Discussions highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics in Customs modernization. The WCO also released studies on rules of origin cumulation and a review of the Harmonized System, emphasizing adaptability in global trade standards. Capacity Building and Ethics Between July 2024 and June 2025, the WCO conducted 514 capacity-building missions and expanded its network of accredited experts to 786. These experts support Members in implementing Customs standards, digitalization, and enforcement measures. The Organization further advanced ethics and inclusion, convening the Fourth Global Conference of the WCO Network for Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs and launching two new integrity training kits to bolster anti-corruption efforts. Expanding Global Partnerships New Memoranda of Understanding were signed with the World Trade Organization and the European Space Agency, the latter paving the way for the use of space-based technologies to enhance border management and crisis response. WCO Strategic Plan 2025-2028 Shaped through extensive consultation with our Members, this plan will guide the Organization through the next cycle of its evolution. It is grounded in three core principles: leading through excellence, focusing on what matters most and amplifying our impact and visibility. The principal aspects and modifications of the Strategic Plan include; WCO Mission and Functions The WCOs vision, mission, and values were updated to better respond to the evolving role of Customs in todays global environment. In addition, the entire strategy was developed with a renewed focus on the core functions defining the essence of the Organization. Based on the Strategic Plan, the WCOs two core functions are Developing and Maintaining Customs Standards and Policy as it provides leadership in shaping and refining global Customs standards, and Implementation and Capacity Development, as it is committed to assist its Members in the practical implementation of standards and in enhancing their capabilities through targeted support and development programmes. Focus Areas - Advancing the Global Customs Agenda in a data-driven world Identified as emerging trends and longstanding issues requiring enhanced focus, the three focus areas are: Technology and innovation; E-Commerce; and Green Customs. In its efforts to deliver tangible results in these essential matters, the WCO will be guided by the understanding of critical importance of leveraging the opportunities of big data and technological advancement hence the emphasis on data-driven Customs as the overarching theme of the plan. Reflecting Customs reality WCOs vision Reflecting the active role Customs wants to play in addressing environmental issues, the Strategic Plan also introduces the notion of sustainability in its updated vision statement: Bringing Customs together for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world. Borders divide, Customs connects. Annual Survey WCOs annual survey, also published within the Annual Report is a central tool for assessing how Customs administrations are operating and evolving worldwide. This year, 111 of the WCOs 186 Members responded, offering enough data to identify global trends while also underscoring the need for broader participation to strengthen future analysis. Findings from these responses include; HANOI, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued a dispatch urging ministries, agencies and coastal localities to adopt the highest level of response as the tropical storm Koto approaches, the Vietnam News Agency reported Thursday. Vietnam has mobilized 267,335 military personnel and 6,684 vehicles to stand ready for search and rescue operations as Koto approaches, said the report. The forces have coordinated with local authorities to evacuate residents from high-risk areas to safer locations, it added. Coastal localities from Da Nang to Ca Mau have informed and guided more than 49,200 vessels and 272,098 fishermen about Koto's developments. The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting said Koto was located about 180 km north of Southwest Cay Island as of 7 a.m. Thursday, moving west-northwest at 10 to 15 km per hour. Meteorological experts noted that the typhoon's path and intensity remain unstable, local daily Voice of Vietnam reported. While it is more likely to change direction and weaken offshore, the possibility of it heading straight into Vietnam's central region cannot be ruled out. An engineer observes a humanoid robot grabbing a component at a laboratory of Leju Robotics in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) A staff member trains a humanoid robot to fetch objects for data collection purpose at Zerith, a robotics company, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) An engineer runs a simulation program at Leju Robotics in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) A humanoid robot, operated by a staff member for data collection purpose, fetches objects at Zerith, a robotics company, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) A staff member trains a humanoid robot to play Chinese diabolo (kongzhu) for data collection purpose at Zerith, a robotics company, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) A staff member trains a humanoid robot to fetch objects for data collection purpose at Zerith, a robotics company, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) An engineer operates a humanoid robot via VR equipment for data collection purpose at a laboratory of Leju Robotics in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) An engineer adjusts a humanoid robot at a laboratory of Leju Robotics in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) A staff member trains a humanoid robot to fetch objects for data collection purpose at Zerith, a robotics company, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Nov. 25, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) An engineer installs battery for a humanoid robot at Leju Robotics in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, Oct. 24, 2025. In recent years, Hefei has been actively promoting the development of its intelligent robot industry. The city is now home to a full-chain industrial system for research, development and manufacturing of robotics that comprises 190 related enterprises. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu) If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit A father-of-four has been disqualified from driving for four years after he was found drunk in charge of a vehicle that was neither taxed nor insured. Vitalii Kuzhba, aged 44, of Ferrew, Garranard, Ballina, who came to Ireland from Ukraine in 2023, pleaded guilty at Castlebar District Court to a number of breaches of the Road Traffic Act. The court heard that Gardai observed a Ford Mondeo with its hazard lights flashing at Barley Hill, Bohola, at 12.30am on October 28, 2024. Kuzhba, who produced a Ukrainian driving licence, was arrested on suspicion of being drunk in charge of a vehicle. He later provided a breath sample that showed a concentration of 70mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 22mg. He was also found to have no tax or insurance on the vehicle. He has two previous convictions for speeding and no insurance on July 25, 2024. Solicitor Patricia Lally said her client had moved to Ireland with his wife and four children, aged between three and eight. He had worked at Dunleavy Meats in Ballina before later taking up employment in Knock. His car was seized following the incident, and because of accommodation limits set by their landlord in Kiltimagh, he has been living separately in the Ballina area. Ms Lally said Kuzhba has not driven since the October incident and no longer has access to a vehicle. His wife, who bought her own car in March 2025, now drives the children to school and brings him to and from work. He earns approximately 500 per week. The solicitor said Kuzhba took out an insurance policy in August 2024, but it lapsed the following month when the instalment was not paid. Ms Lally said her client had been drinking with a group that evening and no one was sober enough to drive him home. Judge Sandra Murphy imposed a four-year driving ban and fines totalling 800. Keenagh woman Margaret Barrett celebrated her 100th birthday on November 18th last. Margaret, from Gowlaun, Keenagh, now part of the Wild Nephin National Park, is the youngest child of Margaret Walsh (nee Gillespie, Derra) and Patrick Walsh, Gowlaun. She had five siblings, Bridget, Edward, Mary, Norah and Michael and their father died suddenly in May 1926 when he suffered a fall from a horse while on his way to Crossmolina. The six children were all under the age of 10. In an era when there was no state support for widows, the oldest boy Edward helped other neighbours with their farm work by going out on hire with the horse, and in turn neighbours helped the Walshs. Money was very scarce but every household had their own milk, vegetables, fowl, and sheep. The sheep's wool was spun to make thread to knit jumpers. No shoes were worn; children went about in their bare feet. The school was four miles from the village of Gowlaun. Margaret started school in 1932 and at that time there was a horse and van bringing the children to school. Two of her older sisters Mary (Molly) and Norah emigrated to England. They sent home money to support Margaret, her brothers and mother. Margarets first bicycle came from England. Margaret loved school and learning but school was very different back then. The school was a one-room stone building with a fireplace at one end. The teachers were Master and Mrs Cafferkey, and later Miss Madge Cafferkey. Margaret loved spelling in both Irish and English and prided herself in the fact she never got one wrong. The reward was getting to the fire on a cold day. Her biggest regret from primary school was she never got the opportunity to do the exam to become a primary schoolteacher. By the time Margaret finished primary school, World War II was on. While the rural west may not have been as affected as other parts, she remembers the ration books, for tea, sugar, and flour. To this day, the shopping list must have tea, sugar and flour! Margaret stayed at home with her mum and brother Edward, farming during those bleak years. Her mother was the local midwife and was often called up to attend home births locally. Rural electrification was another huge milestone in Margaret's life, bringing with it all the mod cons. Margaret loved style and was lucky to have her older sisters to send beautiful dresses to her from England, and she wore them well. She went to work in Sweeney's of Cashel, Achill Island in the early 1950s and to this day she has friends that she met when she was working in Sweeney's. She met the love of her life Mike Barrett from Coolnabinna, Keenagh, at a dance in Glenhest Hall. He was a good dancer and had a car and that was a big bonus. They married in 1961 and moved into The Barracks in Coolnabinna, a house with a great history. Built in the 1850s by Sir Roger William Henry Palmer, the barracks is said to have been built as a summer hunting lodge for Palmer's wife but she didnt like it. Sometime in the 1880s, the Royal Irish Constabulary acquired Coolnabinna Lodge and turned it into a barracks. After the RIC departed in the early 1920s, the barracks went into disrepair before Dominic and Bridget Corcoran moved into it and ran a general provisions shop from the 1930s until the late 1950s when they left for Meath. Mike and Margaret purchased the house in 1961, and Margaret with her retail experience continued to run a general provisions store and newsagents until the late 1960s. She recalls selling sweets and cigarettes before dances in Letterbrick National School and sold the Western People until 2013. She continued to receive a copy of the Western by post up to two years ago and now reads it in her new home - Sonas Moy Ridge Nursing Home. Margaret settled into community life in Keenagh, and she and her good friend Della Lydon, RIP, among others spearheaded childrens Christmas parties and senior citizens' parties in Keenagh Community Centre. A woman of great tenacity and generous in spirit, Margaret never worried a day in her life and always relied on her Catholic faith to get her through hard times. She loved having people call to visit with her and liked nothing better than throwing together a lovely meal with her delicious home-baked brown bread. Margaret attributes her long life to healthy eating and healthy lifestyle and not worrying, always smiling and being good natured. Margaret and Mike had one daughter, Geraldine, and one of Margarets proudest days was when she gained her son-in-law Padraic Walsh, who had to be a winner with the surname Walsh! The arrival of Michael and James made Margaret the proudest grandmother. A lady of courage, resilience, laughter, style, panache and grace, Margaret is wished a very happy 100th birthday by her family, neighbours and many friends. The National Museum of Ireland has announced a great programme of free family-friendly events to celebrate Christmas at Turlough Park over three festive afternoons on Sunday, December 7th, 14th and 21st. From storytelling and craft workshops to a bustling Christmas market, a live crib, and carols in the galleries, Christmas at Turlough Park promises something for all ages to enjoy. The popular Christmas market will return to the Courtyard of Turlough Park House from 1 to 5pm on Sunday, December 7th and 14th. The market will feature a range of beautiful crafts from local and regional makers and artists, including candles, calligraphy, art, cards, textiles and more. There will also be a live crib display on both afternoons with the team from Kiltimagh Pet Farm. Visitors can drop-in to the Courtyard from 1pm to 5pm to meet some of the farm animals associated with the nativity and other Christmas traditions. Storyteller Fiona Dowling will be bringing the magic of Christmas alive with three interactive and creative storytelling sessions taking place at 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm on Sunday, December 7th and 14th. The sessions are suitable for families with children aged five years plus. No booking is required although spaces will be allocated on a first-come basis if required during busier periods. Visitors are also invited to join a museum educator to create a unique Christmas tree decoration at some informal, drop-in crafting sessions between 1pm and 4pm on December 7th and 14th. Each session lasts approximately 20 minutes. Admission is free and no booking is required but places may be limited during busier periods. Visitors should register for a crafting session on arrival in the Museum. Two of the region's leading choral groups are at the Museum on Sunday, December 21st, for an atmospheric afternoon of Christmas carols in the exhibition galleries. The Mayo Male Voice Choir will perform at 2pm and the Cill Aodain Choral Society will perform at 3pm. These performances have become a firm festive favourite with Museum visitors over the last number of years. Younger visitors can enjoy a festive treasure hunt style activity from December 7th to January 4th. The Christmas Decoration Hunt trail is suitable for children aged five years plus, although adult guidance is required. Pick up an activity sheet from museum reception and follow the clues through three floors of exhibition galleries to find 12 decorations hanging in the displays. Parking review due Iarnrod Eireann has told this column it is finalising a report into the parking situation at Ballyhaunis and other stations and hopes to update the public by the end of the month. We are finalising the car park review and engaging with the NTA [National Transport Authority], and I expect late November or early December well have an update, said a spokesperson for the company. That will be good news for users of Ballyhaunis Railway Station who have complained of a lack of parking spaces at the facility. Local pedestrians have complained of cars parked on footpaths near the station. The issue was also raised in the national Tidy Towns judges report for Ballyhaunis. Company building new social housing has good track record The building company behind the new social housing development in Ballyhaunis has an impressive portfolio of work behind it including an award-winning estate in Carnacon, near Castlebar. Oranmore-based C&N Higgins Construction Ltd broke ground recently on the the Abbeyquarter housing development site and works will run to approximately 15 months, according to Colin Higgins, who runs the firm with his brother Niall. Colin explained the scheme includes the construction of 25 new homes which includes a mix of two, three and four-bedroom units, together with two fully accessible 4-bedroom homes designed for special-needs use and one community dwelling". "The development will also deliver full site infrastructure including access roads, drainage, utilities, parking, landscaping, and a new public open space with seating and planting," he added. Mayo County Council is good to work with. They have good design capabilities. The company has eight or nine projects on the go at any one time, explained Colin. We do housing and school buildings. We are also building a library in Boyle. When complete, the Ballyhaunis homes are expected to have an A2 building energy rating (BER). All units in Ballyhaunis are being built to the latest building regulation standards for energy efficiency, including airtight construction, high insulation levels and renewable heating systems, he explained. The nine-unit housing development built by C&N Higgins in Carnacon was recently named the winner in the 'Small Family Housing Project' category at the 2025 Irish Council for Social Housing (ICSH) Community Housing Awards. The council said the award recognised the quality and innovation of the development, which features age-friendly, energy-efficient homes arranged around a shared green space. Annagh 2025 on sale The 2025 edition of the Annagh magazine will be on sale in all the usual outlets this weekend. The 48th edition of the annual parish magazine runs to 200 pages of articles, reports and photographs documenting Ballyhaunis and the parish of Annagh, past and present. It retails at the usual price of 12 and will be in plenty of time for posting abroad. The Annagh Magazine Society would like to thank all its contributors, patrons and readers. Golden wedding anniversary Congratulations to Dave and Marion Hester of Culnacleha, Tulrahan who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on November 20th. They are wished many more years of good health and happiness. Community Council seeks new trustees for Friary Ballyhaunis Community Council is inviting applications from anyone whod like to be a Trustee of the Abbey Trust, the body which holds the historic St Marys Abbey in trust for the community. The Trust is made up of made up of executives from Mayo County Council and representatives of the community nominated by Ballyhaunis Community Council. Meeting quarterly, the body sets the agenda for the maintenance and long-term preservation of the buildings and grounds of the property, popularly known as the Friary. Those with skills in project or facilities management, fundraising and community work are particularly sought. Anyone with an interest in joining can write to ballyhauniscommunitycouncil@gmail.com. FRC budgets increase An extra 18,486 has been granted by government to the Ballyhaunis Family Resource Centre for its running costs in 2026, bringing its core funding to 180,000 for the first time. Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, recently announced the minimum funding level for Family Resource Centres will be increased from to 160,000 to 180,000 in January 2026. The extra funds, she said, will enable them to deliver services to children and families. Separately, Ballyhaunis FRC's Wider Horizons project was recently awarded 6,650 from the governments Integration Fund which supports community organisations in promoting the integration of migrants and strengthening social cohesion. One of the groups funded by Ballyhaunis FRC, Le Cairde, runs arts classes for youths from the local international protection accommodation service (IPAS) centre where the FRC also runs a childcare centre. Established in 2004, Ballyhaunis Family Resource Centre is funded and regulated by Tusla, a state agency under the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. It employs a staff of 14, including a coordinator, family counsellor and childcare workers. Local Palestine solidarity group disperses 3,000 A total of 3,160 raised by the Ballyhaunis Palestine Solidarity Community from a coffee morning on July 26 and it has now been dispersed with over 1,200 donated to a local Palestinian family to support family members in Gaza while 1,195 was donated to a group called the TEA Collective, set up by Ciara Cronin, a Louth woman to distribute funds to families in Gaza. The Palestine Solidarity Community has been a regular presence on the Square in Ballyhaunis every Friday evening over the past year. Saw Doctors to play 2026 Night and Day Ballyhaunis and Gorthaganny natives Craig Hughes and Brendan Hurley have secured the Saw Doctors to headline their Night and Day music festival next summer. Scheduled for May 29th to 31st at Lough Key Forest Park, the festival has grown its audience with the addition of major acts and The Hot House Flowers, Paddy Casey and Richard Thompson are also on the lineup for the 2026 festival. Festival director Brendan Hurley said: Each year we try to raise the bar, and this announcement is just the beginning of whats shaping up to be our biggest and most exciting festival yet. Tooreen-based musician Ethan Henry has also confirmed that he will play at the festival with his group the Dog Roses. Reading, PA (19601) 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. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Brunei's Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism is holding the Primary Resources and Tourism Expo near the capital Bandar Seri Begawan from Thursday to Sunday. According to the ministry, the expo, participated in by over 100 entrepreneurs, features a dedicated pavilion highlighting local products that have successfully entered overseas markets, as well as a range of agricultural produce, food-based innovations, and ongoing efforts to boost national production. Other key sectors on display include fisheries, forestry, and tourism, reflecting the breadth of the country's primary resources industry. Held under the theme "Innovative and Sustainable Primary Resources and Tourism," the event aims to showcase the achievements of Bruneian entrepreneurs and the initiatives aligned with the nation's aspiration to strengthen competitiveness and economic sustainability. 45th National Convention of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI-45) When: Sunday, 30 November 2025 - Friday, 05 December 2025 Where: Online Event Wits Science Stadium Start time: 8:30 Enquiries: saci.chem@wits.ac.za The South African Chemical Institute and the University of The Witwatersrand will be hosting 45th SACI National Convention. 45th National Convention of the South African Chemical Institute (SACI-45) is a prestigious and long-standing series of scientific meetings that have been held triennially. SACI-45 will showcase the vibrancy and diversity of chemical sciences in South Africa and beyond. This unique event is a testament to the innovative and collaborative spirit of the chemical sciences community on the continent. The theme for the conference is Chemistry: A Window For Change, and it accentuates the transformative role of chemistry in addressing global challenges and fostering innovation for the change needed for a sustainable future. The convention will feature plenary addresses, invited, keynote, and contributed presentations, fostering dialogue and collaboration among scientists from various chemistry-related disciplines. Book launch at WAM: "Bill Ainslie, South African Artist and Cultural Catalyst by Sophia Ainslie When: Tuesday, 02 December 2025 Where: Wits Art Museum Start time: 18:00 Enquiries: julia.charlton@wits.ac.za Book launch at the Wits Art Museum (WAM). Join the launch of Sophia Ainslies book Bill Ainslie, South African Artist and Cultural Catalyst at WAM. The book contains contributions from a wide range of artists, affiliates, writers, poets and supporters, whose memories and experiences pay tribute to Bill Ainslies life and legacy. Artist and Johannesburg Art Foundation affiliate William Kentridge will join Sophia Ainslie to discuss the books contribution to South African art history by examining Bill Ainslies painting practice, teaching philosophy, and his enduring legacy as founder of the Johannesburg Art Foundation. You are invited also to view the exhibition Intersections: Bill Ainslie and the Johannesburg Art Foundation that forms the context for the book launch. The newly released publication will be available for purchase at WAM for the duration of the exhibition. Parking for the event is available in the garage beneath the museum. Museum hours: Tuesday Saturday, 10:00 16:00 Entrance is free and all are welcome. Global economist challenges universities to focus on socio-economic development Pre-eminent economist Professor Jeffrey Sachs unpacked geotectonic shifts during his public lecture at Wits and called on universities to step up. The global order is shifting toward multipolarity, and Africa is poised to become a significant actor, not a passive observer, argued Professor Jeffrey Sachs during his public lecture presented in the University of the Witwatersrands Great Hall on the afternoon of Friday, 21 November 2025. During his lecture Sachs argued that the world is undergoing geotectonic shifts, deep structural changes affecting every dimension of global power. For over 200 years, Western countries enjoyed outsize economic and geopolitical dominance, but that era is now coming to an end. Todays world is multipolar, characterised by multiple centres of economic and geopolitical gravity, including the United States, China, India, Russia, Africa and the European Union. He described the global technological landscape as undergoing rapid change and shifting power. He emphasised Chinas leadership in renewable energy and electrification of transport, industries that the U.S. is neglecting due to vested interests and lack of political vision. He argued that new energy technologies, along with advances in digital connectivity and AI, will shape the next generation of economic growth. Africa, in particular with its enormous renewable energy potential and young population, could position itself strategically to take advantage of the worlds new technological frontier if the continent invests in skills, research, and industrial development. The Great Hall audience was reminded by Sachs that Africas demographic trajectory is one of the worlds most important megatrends. Africas population will grow dramatically through the 21st century, creating the worlds largest youth workforce, a vast emerging consumer market, and a unique opportunity to shape global culture, economics, and geopolitics. Nonetheless, he warned that demographic advantage is not automatic; it requires investment in education, digital infrastructure, health systems, and green industrialisation. Sachs visited Wits on the eve of the first-ever G20 Heads of State Summit to be hosted on African soil, which took place on 22 and 23 November, 2025. Against this historic background, he argued that Africa has a particular responsibility in the G20 to articulate coherent positions on: Global financial reform Debt restructuring Sustainable development Food security Climate adaptation and mitigation Global health preparedness Technology transfer Fairer forms of global governance The G20 taking place in Africa was an indication that the continent is now recognised as essential to global governance. Sachs stressed that Africa must approach this moment strategically, armed with evidence-based policy positions and confident in its ability to shape global conversations. In the hours before his public lecture in the Great Hall, Sachs attended a session with senior Wits academics and administrators that had been organised by Professor Bob Wekesa of the African Centre for the Study of the United States. In this meeting, which was chaired by Wits Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Lynn Morris, the global economist Sachs emphasised that in order for Africa to seize the opportunities before it, academic institutions like Wits should position themselves to build the continents scientific and policy capacity, shape global agendas, and promote sustainable development. In this regard, he stressed the need for interdisciplinary research, evidence-based policymaking, training of future leaders, and strong international academic networks. Sachs praised Wits Universitys research contributions, across water, health, governance, and other areas related to the United Nations Social Development Goal (SDG). He stressed that Africas voice is essential in shaping climate and sustainability policies globally. Professor Uma Kollamparambil, Head of the Wits School of Economics and Finance (SEF), asked questions of Prof Sachs about how best academics can seek to align inter-disciplinary academic research with the resolution of real world problems. SEFs Dr Kenneth Creamer noted in his response that the passion and intensity of Sachs ideas are redolent of WB Yeats insight that "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. TAIPEI, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Young people gathered in Taipei on Thursday, holding signs and chanting in protest against Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks on Taiwan and what they described as the "flattering posture" adopted by the island's leader Lai Ching-te. "Takaichi's remarks are aimed at dragging Taiwan into war, and this is something we absolutely cannot tolerate," said protester Tan Chuan-shao, who is a member of the New Party in Taiwan. You Zhi-bin, another New Party member, said that Takaichi has repeatedly stirred up tension in the Taiwan Strait, while Lai and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities have ignored these rising tensions and have instead staged a show of support for Japan. You was referring to a photo in which Lai posed with sushi made using Japanese seafood products. "They are playing with the lives and property of Taiwan's people," he said. Protester Xu Ming-wei criticized Lai and the DPP authorities for failing to address issues that ordinary people care about, including rising costs, rampant fraud, and the safety of children. Instead, Xu said, they are echoing Takaichi's provocations while allocating vast sums to defense. "By disregarding all of these concrete concerns, he is simply incompetent," he added. Public criticism of Lai and the DPP authorities has continued to mount in Taiwan over their remarks and actions. "That peace in the Strait should be safeguarded is absolutely the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan," You said. "A large portion of young people oppose the DPP authorities and external forces dragging Taiwan into war." Breaking the hearts barrier to solve drug-resistant TB African scientists develop nanoscale drug delivery system to treat pericarditis, a drug-resistant and lethal tuberculosis (TB). The scientists system can breach the hearts protective membrane, a barrier that standard antibiotics cannot penetrate to be therapeutic. This breakthrough from the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP) comes at a critical moment: As more infections become resistant to multiple antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasing rapidly. WADDPs strategy is to build precision nanoscale drug-delivery systems that enable existing medicines to reach the correct tissues, stay there longer, act more potently, and avoid toxicity. TB pericarditis has one of the highest mortality rates of all TB forms because antibiotics cannot reach the site of infection. By engineering a nanosystem that crosses the pericardium and delivers bedaquiline [a first-line treatment for drug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant TB] directly to infected immune cells, we are opening a pathway to treat a condition that has long been considered almost untreatable, says Professor Yahya Choonara, WADDPs Director. Bedaquiline is oily and usually hard to deliver to protected sites like the heart. Getting it through this otherwise impenetrable membrane is a significant step forward. It means doctors could one day deliver the drug directly into the pericardial space, achieving much higher local concentrations, fewer side effects, and potentially far fewer doses. AMR kills more people every year than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined. Nearly five million deaths were linked to drug-resistant infections in 2019, and the World Banks global economic modelling suggests the world could face a financial loss equivalent to repeating the 2008 global financial crisis annually by 2050 if no action is taken. TB is now one of the worlds top contributors to AMR-related mortality, and traditional approaches relying solely on new antibiotics cannot keep pace with the rate of bacterial adaptation. Targeted drug delivery enables extending the lifespan of existing drugs, restoring the potency of those compromised by resistance, and reaching sites that conventional therapeutics cannot. Instead of relying on ever-stronger antibiotics, which take a decade or more to develop, WADDP designed a tiny 100-200 nm nanoparticle made from two natural polymers, COS and mannan. COS helps the particle slip through the tight cell layers of the pericardium, while mannan guides it directly to macrophages. Macrophages are immune cells where tuberculosis bacteria hide and multiply. Inside this particle, bedaquiline is safely packaged and released slowly once it enters the cell, allowing the drug to act exactly where it is needed and for much longer. In laboratory studies using both porcine and human pericardium, the nanoparticle worked the same way across tissue types. This is an important sign that it could translate to real clinical use. The particles moved bedaquiline steadily across the membrane without damaging or weakening the tissue, says Choonara. This breakthrough for heart-related TB is part of a bigger wave of TB nanomedicine coming out of WADDP. The team has also been developing polydopamine (PDA) nanoparticles. These are a novel type of tiny carriers designed to solve problems that ordinary TB drugs cant. One of the challenges has been getting medicine into the hard, scar-like structures, known as granulomas, where TB bacteria hide. These particles can also carry multiple types of payloads simultaneously, including imaging agents and immune-boosting molecules. This means they could one day help doctors both see and treat TB more precisely, while reducing toxicity and improving how well patients can stick to treatment. If bedaquiline can be delivered intrapericardially in sustained, low-frequency doses, this could become a blueprint for treating other hard-to-reach infections, from lymphatic TB to central nervous system involvement, says Choonara. What makes WADDPs work globally significant is its focus on diseases and anatomical challenges that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. TB pericarditis, for example, has a high burden in southern Africa due to HIV co-infection and late diagnosis. Conventional regimens fail not because the drugs lack potency, but because they cannot arrive at the relevant tissues at therapeutic concentrations. Localised, controlled drug delivery systems address this gap directly. The News in Brief Thursday, November 27, 2025 The Tbilisi City Court has sentenced Nika Melia, co-chair of the opposition Ahali party, to one year and six months in prison after finding him guilty of contempt of court for a May 30 incident in which he threw water at Judge Irakli Shvangiradze during a heated hearing.Melia has been held since May 30. He previously received an eight-month sentence on June 27 for refusing to cooperate with a parliamentary investigative commission set up by the Georgian Dream majority to review alleged crimes committed by former officials. Like several other opposition figures, he boycotted the proceedings, arguing that the commission lacked legitimacy. He had been scheduled for release in January.The latest ruling stems from a hearing held the day after his arrest, which Melia and his supporters denounced as unlawful. During that session, Melia attempted to describe how he had been detained and, believing the judge was dismissive of his account, splashed water at him. He was then removed from the courtroom and placed in pre-trial detention in the so-called Tsulukiani Commission case. Prosecutors later charged him with the incident, saying he also insulted the judge while being escorted out. His new sentence is calculated from June 20.Several jailed opposition politicians, including Melia, have since faced further allegations that include sabotage-related offenses. Melia has been accused of sabotage, a charge that carries a potential penalty of two to four years in prison.Georgian Dream Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili held a meeting with U.S. Acting Ambassador Alan Purcell on November 26 to review ongoing cooperation and regional economic issues.According to the U.S. Embassy, the discussion covered bilateral economic relations, Georgia's economic outlook, the impact of U.S. sanctions on Russia, and possible ways Georgia could support the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, also known as TRIPP.The Finance Ministry released its own statement, noting that the meeting also touched on the recent visit by U.S. State Department representative Jonathan Asconas. The ministry said the two sides reviewed tools for strengthening the enforcement of international sanctions in Georgia and highlighted the work carried out by the Customs Department.Deputy Finance Minister Ekaterine Guntsadze and U.S. Embassy Economic and Commercial Officer Amir Alavi were also present at the meeting.Earlier this month, on November 10, Khutsishvili met with British Ambassador Gareth Ward as part of ongoing diplomatic and economic engagement. Cheng Lei, acting commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), addresses a ceremony to present a documentary on Chinese modernization to Portuguese-speaking countries' television networks in Macao, south China, Nov. 26, 2025. (Xinhua) MACAO, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), together with the Macao SAR government, held a ceremony on Wednesday to present a documentary on Chinese modernization to Portuguese-speaking countries' television networks. Cheng Lei, acting commissioner of the office, said the documentary on China's path to modernization explains the key to China's governance. He noted that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sent a clear message to the world about China's commitment to high-level opening-up, which will create more development opportunities for all. Cheng added China stands ready to deepen practical cooperation and cultural exchanges with Portuguese-speaking countries so that benefits of modernization can reach more people. Leong Wai Man, head of the Cultural Affairs Bureau representing the secretary for social affairs and culture of the Macao SAR government, said that the donation strengthens Macao's role as an important platform for cultural exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Guests pose for a group photo during a ceremony to present a documentary on Chinese modernization to Portuguese-speaking countries' television networks in Macao, south China, Nov. 26, 2025. (Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov. 26, 2025 shows a ceremony to present a documentary on Chinese modernization to Portuguese-speaking countries' television networks in Macao, south China. (Xinhua) Leong Wai Man, head of the Cultural Affairs Bureau representing the secretary for social affairs and culture of the Macao SAR government, addresses a ceremony to present a documentary on Chinese modernization to Portuguese-speaking countries' television networks in Macao, south China, Nov. 26, 2025. (Xinhua) Italys proposed 2026 budget law has provoked a wave of opposition that is coalescing into two national general strikes, the first led by the base unions USB, CUB, SGB, Cobas (small ostensibly left and militant formations) on November 28-29, followed by a separate strike called by the much larger CGIL trade union on December 12. The confrontation unfolding in Italy is a political eruption of the working class against a government steering the country into austerity and militarism. The fascist Meloni governments draft budget is a declaration of war on the Italian and international working class. Modeled after Trumps Big Beautiful Bill, it is crafted to restructure the economy toward war spending, corporate profit, and authoritarian rule. At its core is the massive diversion of public resources from wages, essential services, and social protections into a multiyear rearmament program aligned with the European Unions Re-Arm initiative and NATOs strategic directives. Tens of billions are stripped from healthcare, education, pensions, and local services to meet military-spending targets dictated by Brussels and Washington. Workers are being compelled to finance a war drive they oppose overwhelmingly. Workers in Rome hold a banner reading "Wrong budget law, general strike" as they gather during a public and private sectors' national strike called by the labor unions to protest the government's budget law, Friday, November 29, 2024. [AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia] The bill simultaneously deepens labor precarity by expanding subcontracting, deregulating hiring, and incentivizing employers to replace stable employment with short-term, low-wage jobs. It accelerates privatizations of public assets, handing infrastructure and services to corporate and financial interests. Every measure guarantees new revenue streams for speculators while raising costs and reducing access for the population. The budget expands repressive legislation criminalizing protests, increasing police powers, and tightening controls on dissent, to suppress the inevitable resistance to the social devastation it creates. It is a mechanism for offloading the crisis of capitalism onto the working class while preparing the economic and legal architecture for war. The working class has responded with anger and determination. Earlier this month, the base unions national assembly of cadres and delegates issued a mandate for a national general strike on November 2829. On this basis, USB, CUB, and other self-designated rank-and-file unions formally proclaimed the November 28 strike across all public and private sectors. USB and the base unions have framed their strike as a militant, anti-austerity action centered on wage recovery, defense of public services, opposition to war spending, and rejection of the governments social and economic policies. USB and CUB issued political indictments of the 2026 budget and the broader war agenda. Both denounce the shift of resources from wages and essential services to rearmament and condemn Italy and the EU for backing Israels genocide in Gaza. They oppose the conversion of industry and research to military purposes, the movement of arms through ports, and the expansion of repressive laws to silence dissent. The budget, they declare, loots workers futures through privatizations, subcontracting, and a planned 22 billion surge in military spending, serving corporate and imperialist interests at the expense of the working class. The CGIL, Italys largest union, has intervened nearly a week later with a separate and intentionally misaligned general strike planned for December 12. CGILs action is narrowly focused on the budget law, with demands concerning wages, tax justice, public health, education, pensions, precarious work, and industrial policy. This platform corresponds to CGILs longstanding institutional campaign for modest amendments to the finance bill. Its aim is to contain workers anger within state-approved channels and preserve the unions role within the government apparatus. CGIL is working to redirect the growing opposition back into appeals to the very government imposing austerity and militarization. Italys unrest is part of an international wave of resistance. Across Europe, workers face the same basic program: slashing social protections, increasing the burden on ordinary people, and diverting massive funds toward militarization. In Belgium, a general strike was called for November 26 against pension cuts, abolished wage indexation, and benefit reductions, while the government raises military spending to meet NATOs 2 percent target. In Portugal, a national strike on December 11 opposes draconian labor reforms under a right-wing government backed by the fascistic Chega party, even as Portugal commits to raising military spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. These protests are rooted in a broader crisis: European governments are using the NATO-Russia war as geopolitical cover and economic justification for austerity and rearmament. They are treating the war as an opportunity to accelerate a social counter-revolution, increase police powers, repress dissent, and make workers pay for the warmongering ambitions of their ruling classes. Italys budget is aligned with this trajectory. Its planned increase in defense spending reflects the broader NATO logic. In this sense, the USB and CGIL strikes are not only industrial actions: they are protests against Italys deepening role in imperialist war and the systematic impoverishment of the working class. The upcoming general strikes follow a major eruption of working-class opposition in Italy earlier in 2025, when mass protests broke out against Italys complicity in the genocide in Gaza. In September and October, tens of thousands took to the streets in more than 75 cities. Transport networks were disrupted, schools shut down, and port workers refused to load or unload arms shipments. This movement forced the union bureaucracies to call for mass actions, revealing the explosive potential of rank-and-file mobilization. The anger has not dissipated. It is flowing into opposition to the 2026 budget and the broader fight against militarism. What is emerging in Italy is the initial stages of a world revolutionary crisis. Across Europe, right-wing governments are intensifying austerity, militarization, and repression. The ruling classes are preparing for war abroad and class confrontation at home. Workers are beginning to push back. The greatest obstacle remains the union bureaucracies. The CGIL acts as an instrument to contain and disarm the working class. USB and CUB, despite their militancy, remain limited by a national framework and by leaderships tied to anarchist, Stalinist and bureaucratic traditions that cannot break decisively with the capitalist order. Their demands, however radical, deliberately avoid an open class struggle to overthrow the Meloni government and expand the fight to other countries. None of the problems facing Italian workers are Italian. Their root is the world crisis of capitalism. The working class must reject all nationalist framing of the struggle, all negotiations with the government, and all attempts by the union apparatus to limit the scope of the fight. An international network of independent workers committees, democratically controlled and coordinated, must be built in every workplace. These bodies, not union leaderships, can unify the struggle against austerity, against militarism, and against the capitalist system that generates both on the basis of a strategy for state power. Internationalism cannot be reduced to symbolic appearances by public figures or to the cosmetic language of parties that operate entirely within national boundaries. The participation in the strikes of individuals such as Greta Thunberg, Francesca Albanese, Roger Waters or Yanis Varoufakis does not in itself give the movement an internationalist character. Varoufakis in particular, responsible for SYRIZAs historic betrayal and the social catastrophe it produced in Greece, symbolizes precisely the adaptation of pseudo-left forces to the dictates of European capitalism. The path forward for workers in Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, and across Europe lies in a unified struggle to overthrow the social order that imposes austerity and war. Either the working class confronts the capitalist war machine and its political representatives, or it will be forced to pay for the next stage of imperialist conflict in blood. The general strikes of November 28 and December 12 mark an important step in this developing confrontation. Their ultimate significance, and their success, will depend on whether workers seize the initiative, break free from bureaucratic control, and advance a genuine international, socialist strategy against war and inequality. After months of boosting Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, the Revolutionary Communist Party (RCP) now admits the Your Party initiative is dead on arrival. November 24 saw the publication by the RCP of an explanatory comment, Where does the RCP stand on Your Party? Written by general secretary Ben Gliniecki, it admits, This weekend, Your Partys founding conference will take place. Unfortunately, the potential to forge a radical, working-class mass movement has been driven into a ditch by the reformist leaders and their petty squabbling, before adding the caveat, at least for now. What follows is a mournful presentation of What could have been had Corbyn and Sultana, after announcing Your Party in July, successfully channelled the wave of enthusiasm this aroused by giving political expression to the pro-Palestine movement and all the strike action erupting across the country, attacking the rich and the capitalist system as the cause of the crisis in Britain and similar. In other words, had Corbyn and Sultana listened to the friendly advice offered to them by the RCP, beginning with prominent member Fiona Lalis July 4 Open letter to Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, we would now be living in clover. Unfortunately, Gliniecki complains, we couldnt be farther from that today. Screenshot of "An open letter to Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana: 'Now is the time to be bold'" Instead, Your Partys founding conference this weekend is likely to be a mess of petty squabbles, with no viable programme to discuss and new Green Party leader Zack Polanskis approach, though reformist in content more belligerent and anti-establishment than anything this new party is officially putting out, with the result that the Greens are occupying the space to the left of Labour. Both Corbyn and Sultana need to shoulder the blame, primarily because left reformism holds no answers for the crisis of capitalism, the RCP solemnly concludes. To give credence to any of this belated wisdom demands that the RCP is again allowed to draw a veil over its enthusiastic support for Your Party, beginning with Lalis letter to Dear Jeremy and Zarah. This was documented in the August 22 World Socialist Web Site article, The Revolutionary Communist Party and Corbyn and Sultanas new party: Naked opportunism and political amnesia. It explained that whereas the RCP proclaims an agenda shared with all of Britains pseudo-left groups of joining and supposedly imparting a revolutionary character to the new party announced by former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and MP Zarah Sultana it has the additional task of reversing its claim, barely two years old, that Corbynite reformism is a dead letter in the working class and among young people. This was the basis for the International Marxist Tendency (IMT) relaunching itself as the Revolutionary Communist International. Lali, the RCPs national campaigns coordinator, cautioned against the mistakes that threw the Corbyn movement back when he led the Labour Party, including accommodating our movement to the representatives of the capitalist systemthe Blairites and the establishment. But she then proposed to Corbyn and Sultana that Our party should be based on an anti-capitalist and revolutionary programme. On July 24, with no indication that Jeremy and Zarah were listening, the RCP announced that it was getting on board and mobilising its members to help make a success of this newmuch-neededparty. Naturally the RCP would be building a revolutionary communist force within Your Party, but only by hoping to fill in the details of the rough outline already sketched by Jeremy and Zarah. The RCPs history of opportunism This was a return to political form for the RCP, we wrote: The group, now led by Alan Woods, was founded by Ted Grant. He broke from the Fourth International following the Second World War and subsequently built his entire perspective for decades on the argument that the postwar restabilisation of capitalism, made possible only by the suppression of revolutionary struggles by Stalinism, had disproved Trotskys revolutionary prognosis. Instead, for a protracted historical period, independent revolutionary action by the proletariat was impossible thanks to the completion of the democratic counter-revolution, necessitating extended entry into the Labour Party in Britain while advocating an essentially left reformist programme of achieving socialism through Labours nationalisation of the top 200 monopolies. The entire activity of what became known as the Militant Tendency, and continued by its splinter led by Woods, was based on the assertion that entry work in Labourjustified above all by its base in the trade unionscould push it to adopt a socialist programme. In 2015 the Woods group, then known as Socialist Appeal, urged workers, young people and trade unions to help the Corbyn revolution transform the Labour Party, insisting that he would not buckle before opposition from the ruling class like Syriza and its leader Alexis Tsipras had done in Greece because The Labour Party has a far greater historical weight and much deeper roots within the working class than Syriza ever had. It is not an ephemeral trend, but the traditional mass party of the British working class, with strong links to the trade unions. It was only after millions, especially among the youth, had begun turning away from discredited forces such as Tsipras and Corbyn and leaving the Labour Party in droves that, in mid-2022, the Woods group announced the building of a new independent party, proclaimed as the Revolutionary Communist Party, part of a new Revolutionary Communist International. Woods declared that reformism was a dead letter and that young people were being transformed into communists in their thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, probably millions. But this burst of rhetorical fervour was unceremoniously abandoned as soon as Corbyn and his allies set out to build Your Party as a trap for workers and young people exploiting the very reformist illusions the RCP claimed were a thing of the past. Woods now insisted that Given the weakness of the forces of genuine Marxism at the present time, the political vacuum created by Labours rightward lurch could only be filled by some kind of left reformist alternative. In any event it was too early to say what the actual physiognomy of the new party will be because the crucial question is whether the leadership of this party really stands for a fundamental transformation of society. Even after all the experiences suffered by workers, including Corbyns five years leading the Labour Party, Woods added, We cannot answer this question in advance. While standing on the programme of socialist revolution, the RCP would stand side by side with Corbyn in fighting for reforms without which the socialist revolution would be an impossible utopia. Alan Woods delivering a speech at the founding congress of the RCP, 2024. [Photo by Socialist Appeal / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 In opposition the SEP explained: The task of Marxists is not to start from the illusions workers have, but to systematically combat reformist illusions and raise the consciousness of the working class to an understanding of the revolutionary tasks that are posed by the objective situation. This includes a consistent effort to educate workers so they can draw the necessary conclusions from what the RCP acknowledges regarding Corbyn, Bernie Sanders and Syriza, that None have delivered a single meaningful reform because they have never waged a political struggle against the right-wing. Citing Russian Revolutionary and founder of the Fourth International Leon Trotsky, we concluded: Preparing the working class for socialist revolution is impossible without doing the political work to dismiss the reformist illusions of the masses to inform the workers that they are making a mistake, that their leaders will betray, all of which is raised in disparaging terms by the RCP. This, they claim, is all well and good in the abstract But it would still be utterly self-defeating and false, precisely because it is so abstract. For the RCP, a concrete programme is equated with first-name-terms appeals to Jeremy and Zarah. But unity with the masses does not mean even a hint of unity with the leaders, who must be exposed before workers as part of their political education and tempering. The working class in Britain and internationally faces a world in which the super-rich oligarchy monopolises an ever greater percentage of the worlds wealth and the imperialist powers build up their militaries for wars for territory and resources. Workers collapsing living standards are the price to be paid, and police-state measures deployed and right-wing parties cultivated to repress resistance The ruling class will respond to any challenge to the destruction of living standards and imperialist war with savage repression. This has been demonstrated by the Starmer governments arrest of hundreds of anti-genocide protesters and banning of Palestine Action under anti-terror laws. Victory will require a revolutionary mobilisation of the working classnationalising critical industries, confiscating the wealth of the billionaires and an international socialist strategy. The Mamdani Protocol While the SEP was fighting to alert the working class to these political realities, the RCP was frantically rowing back from its initial burst of enthusiasm for Your Party, while still insisting that its young members busy themselves with the search for some left reformist tendency to which they must, in the absence of at least 50,000 members, modestly suggest the adoption of a revolutionary programme. As late as November 5, the RCP was writing, Whether it be Polanski and Sultana in Britain, or Mamdani in the USA: those spearheading this new left revival are all partial expressions of the radicalisation within society, all well meaning and sincere individuals whom The communists will support in every positive step they take; in every struggle against the billionaires, landlords, and the rest of the capitalist establishment. The next day, following his election as Mayor of New York, the RCP wrote: The main question now is how Mamdani delivers in the fight against the billionaires. It was the turn of Zohran to be told, In his effort to deliver on his reforms and help the socialist movement take a real step forward, Zohrans only reliable allies are the workers and youth who propelled him into the mayorship. Calling on him to break from the Democrats and build a new workers party, the RCP suggested this would not simply be an electoral vehicle, but would organize a serious struggle of the working class The comrades of the Revolutionary Communists of America will be in the thick of these battles, fighting alongside our class. We are eager to discuss the way forward with Zohrans supporters in New York City and across the country, and will continue to offer our perspectives for how the movement around Zohran can succeed. While this political drivel was being formulated, Mamdanis people were busy requesting a meeting with President Donald Trump, which took place just two weeks later. Far from breaking with the Democrats, Mamdani spat in the face of all those who campaigned and voted for him based on his promises to take the fight to the fascist in the White House. President Donald Trump 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] Having witnessed the shipwreck of the pseudo-reformist Your Party project they endorsed, the RCP is making clear that it also intends to repeat this disastrous turn here in the UK at the first available opportunity. Preparing new betrayals Gliniecki states that whereas The antics of Corbyn and Sultana have isolated their party from the mass anger that exists in Britain today This situation wont necessarily exist forever. As well as the rise of the Greens, it cant be ruled out that something with a bit more promise could come out of this Corbyn and Sultana mess. That could happen quite quickly, by accident, and in spite of their appalling leadership. Its impossible to say what that would look like, which personalities would be involved, and how it would relate to other formations like the Greens. Whereas presently theres no mass movement around Corbyn and Sultana What is important is to understand that left reformism in Britain will revive, in one form or another Our task now is to prepare for that movement, in whatever form it takes, by strengthening the forces of communism. This is the essence not only of the politics of the RCP, but of all other pseudo-left groups still clinging desperately to Corbyn and Sultanas sinking ship. To the extent that they employ revolutionary phrases and Marxist terminology, this obscures their role in reinforcing the political stranglehold of the labour and trade union bureaucracy over the working class. Justified in terms of recognising the presently reformist consciousness of the working class, any struggle to raise workers consciousness and build a revolutionary alternative is opposed. The intransigence, vigilance, revolutionary distrust, and the struggle for every hands breadth of independence and not blissful optimism, listed by Trotsky as the essential traits of Bolshevism, are condemned as sectarianism. The RCP and other pseudo-left groups are not genuine advocates for socialism. They act as the last line of defence for capitalism through their insistence on tactical, critical support to strengthen the real movement represented, in turn, year after year, by Tsipras and Syriza, the Labour Party under Corbyn, Corbyn and Sultanas Your Party, Polanski and the Greens, Mamdani, or whatever fraudulent petty bourgeois alternative is thrown up next following their inevitable betrayals. In opposition, the SEP insisted as early as July 27: We will not be advocates of and apologists for Your Party. It is not ours. We will engage energetically with the many workers and young people who currently look to Corbyn for leadership and seek to educate them in the fundamental historical experiences of the past decade and beyond, which point to the necessity for a revolutionary, internationalist and socialist perspective and party. Our aim is to ensure that the working class does not spend its energies in a demoralising campaign for a party which will lead them to betrayal and defeat, to ensure that illusions in Corbynite reformism are dispelled as quickly as possible in preparation for the revolutionary class battles ahead. We can cite extensively from our record because we have nothing to be embarrassed about, because we take seriously our responsibility to the working class to provide a consistent revolutionary perspective. The RCP has no such scruples. It takes no responsibility for what it said a few months ago, or for educating the working class, even its members, in anything other than acceptance of each new pragmatic, opportunist turn. A huge blaze has engulfed a complex of residential high-rise towers in the northern New Territories district of Hong Kong. At the time of posting, the death toll stands at 44 but is almost certain to rise further, as 279 people are still unaccounted for. Currently 68 people are in hospital, 25 in a serious condition and another 16 classified as critical. Some 900 people are in emergency shelters. The fire began yesterday afternoon local time just before 3 p.m. in one of eight 31-storey towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po, and spread to all but one of the towers as a result of high winds. The buildings, which were undergoing renovations, were all surrounded by bamboo scaffolding and construction netting that likely contributed to the speed at which the blaze spread. Firefighters work to extinguish a fire which broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Wednesday, Nov. 26 2025. [AP Photo/Chan Long Hei] By 6:22 p.m., the emergency alert was raised to the highest level5. There were 128 fire trucks, 57 ambulances and 767 firefighters deployed to the blaze. They battled the inferno in very difficult conditions throughout the night. One firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, has died and another has been injured. Derek Armstrong Chan, the deputy director of fire service operations, described the conditions facing firefighters. Debris and scaffolding of the affected buildings [are] falling down. The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. He said that it was difficult to reach the upper floors, where the temperature was the most intense. The fire risk in Hong Kong has been extreme for most of the past week because of dry conditions. Red Fire Danger Warning was in force yesterday, according to the Hong Kong Observatory, a government weather service, and remains in place. The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, but the use of substandard and flammable materials by the company carrying out renovations and repairs contributed to its spread. Three mentwo directors and a consultant of the construction companyhave been arrested by police on suspicion of manslaughter. We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties, Eileen Chung, a Hong Kong Police superintendent, told the media. Hong Kong Secretary of Security Chris Tang told the media that police had discovered exterior netting, tarpaulin and plastic sheeting that burned far more intensely than permitted materials. In the one unaffected tower, styrofoam had been stuck to window frames. Fire Services Director Andy Yeung said the styrofoam panels were extremely flammable and would have caused the fire to spread far more quickly from flat to flat within each of the towers. The estate had been inspected in 2016 and found to require mandatory large-scale repairs. The owners corporation decided last year on a plan costing $HK330 million ($US42 million) that included the rebuilding of external walls. Work on the repairs and renovation began in July 2024. The deadly fire points to the dangers of the widespread use of bamboo scaffolding in Hong Kong. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, industry estimates from January suggest that 80 percent of major construction and renovation projects used bamboo scaffolding, which is lighter but above all cheaper than the steel alternative. In March, the Hong Kong government started to phase out bamboo scaffolding, citing worker safety. Between 2019 and 2024, there were 22 deaths involving bamboo scaffolders. The proposal, however, only applies to public building projects, and then only to 50 percent of such projects from March onwards. In comments to the South China Morning Post, Gary Au Gar-hoe, spokesman for the fire engineering division of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers, explained that bamboo scaffolding and the attached netting could catch fire. He said the fire in Tai Po reportedly began at the scaffolding on the lower levels of one of the buildings before spreading upwards to higher levels and into residential units inside. Au said the Building Departments guidelines mandate the application of a fire retardant layer on the netting. While the chemical coating can retard a fire and eventually put out the flames, if the fire is strong enough the netting can still help fuel the blaze. The [bamboo] scaffolding is flame retardant, but not non-combustible, he said. The engineer also pointed out that radiant heat from the intense inferno could have caused adjacent buildings to ignite. He agreed that the scale of the fire pointed to potential deficiencies in one or more areas, including the fire safety materials used in the scaffolding, fire safety management during the building works, and awareness among workers. The fire in the Wang Fuk Court complex is Hong Kongs deadliest since at least August 1962, when a blaze in the citys Sham Shui Po district killed 44 people. A fire at the Garley Building on Nathan Road in Kowloon in November 1996 killed 41 people and injured 81. The Wang Fuk Court complex, which was built in 1983, is government-subsided housing aimed at alleviating the heavy burden of housing costs in Hong Kong, notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the world in which to live. Even then, applicants have to meet strict requirements and often wait for years before getting an apartment. Already comparisons are being drawn with the inferno that engulfed the Grenfell Tower, a council housing complex in London, killing 72 people. As in Hong Kong, the working-class residents were living in a death trap after the local Conservative-run authority presided over a cosmetic facelift that cut corners to save money. The building was fitted with combustible cladding that allowed the fire to jump from floor to floor and created enormous difficulties for firefighters. Emergency personnel gather in a cordoned off area where National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein] Shortly after 2:00 p.m. in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, a shooter opened fire on two West Virginia National Guard soldiers, critically injuring both of them. The alleged shooter was identified by CNN and CBS News as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old from Afghanistan who came to the United States in 2021 and was a resident of Washington state. Neither of the soldiers has been identified beyond the fact that they were from West Virginia. Lakanwal and the two soldiers are both currently hospitalized. The shooting took place just two blocks from the White House. Police claimed 15 shots were exchanged. National Guardsmen and the shooter were both armed. According to police, the shooter ambushed the two Guardsmen and was then taken down by other Guardsmen who heard or witnessed the shooting. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the FBI, US Secret Service, Metropolitan Police and National Guard soldiers swarmed the area, while the Treasury Department and the White House were put into a lockdown status. Flights in and out of Reagan International Airport were also temporarily halted. As of this writing, police have yet to identify a motive in the attack. Initial reports indicate Lakanwal immigrated to the United States in 2021 following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan and the return to power by the Taliban. After US proxy forces in Afghanistan disintegrated following the US militarys withdrawal, approximately 200,000 people from Afghanistan, many who worked with and for US and allied forces during the 20-year occupation, were allowed to immigrate to the US under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Earlier this year, as part of Trumps mass deportation operation, TPS was terminated for millions of people, including the majority of Afghan-born that came to the US in 2021 and later. In terminating TPS for people from Afghanistan, the Trump administration argued that Afghanistan under Taliban rule was now safe. Reports indicate Lakanwal was legally in the United States until September of this year. The shooting is already being used by the Trump administration to justify further military deployments and attacks on democratic rights. Shortly after the shooting, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth publicly announced that President Trump, currently in Florida, requested additional troops be deployed to D.C. We will secure our capital, we will secure our cities, Hegseth said, adding, Thats why President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the Secretary of the Army, National Guard, to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen to Washington, D.C. Appealing exclusively to Christians, Hegseth added, I mentioned the faith of this country, the Christian faith, the prayers, I would ask for prayers for our National Guardsmen. Looking to the sky he added, Appeals to Heaven for our National Guardsmen on bended knee as a War Department as a nation. On his social media site, Trump characterized the shooter as an animal and said he will pay a very steep price. The only reason Guardsmen are in D.C. in the first place is because Trump ordered the troops deployed to the city in August under the pretext of fighting crime. In reality, the troops are part of Trumps ongoing efforts to establish a police military dictatorship. Since returning to the White House earlier this year, Trump has deployed National Guard units alongside federal agents in an effort to normalize heavily armed troops on US streets. Trump has also repeatedly threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act, ordered the creation of a quick reaction force to respond to domestic incidents and branded opposition to fascism, that is antifa, as domestic terrorism. In response to a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the D.C. deployment, last week U.S. Federal Judge Jia M. Cobb ruled Trump exceeded the bounds of his authority and that the Guard were being used for non-military, crime-deterrence reasons, in violation of Title 49 of the D.C. Code. While Cobb ruled the deployment illegal, she also issued an administrative stay on her decision for 21 days, allowing the Trump administration to appeal. Trump has ordered National Guard deployments throughout the country, including in Los Angeles; Memphis, Tennessee; Portland, Oregon and Chicago, Illinois. Judges have blocked deployments in Tennessee, Oregon and Illinois. As of this writing, over 2,000 National Guard soldiers are currently deployed in D.C. This includes nearly 1,000 from the city itself, with the rest from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia and Alabama. Earlier this month, the D.C. Guards deployment was extended through February 28, 2026. The shooting is being used by far-right elements to agitate against their political enemies. On his program following the shooting, Alex Jones of InfoWars featured Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes to lobby Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act. Rhodes was previously convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in Trumps failed coup. Trump pardoned him, alongside over 1,500 fascist foot soldiers earlier this year. Speaking on Wednesday, Rhodes declared, The left, the media, the uniparty and the deep state has been demonizing the National Guard as well as ICE for the duration of the Trump presidency. On the shooter, Rhodes, parroting Jones, added, Im curious to find out. Is it a leftist? A jihadist? Some antifa thats been brainwashed to believe that the National Guard are Nazis? Is it some whacked out trannie? Well find out. But regardless of who it is, the identity of the shooter, this is, this should be laid right at the feet of the radical left, right at the feet of the Democrats and right at the feet of the mainstream media that has demonized relentlessly and brainwashed people ... Miners and residents from the remote New South Wales (NSW) community of Cobar spoke with World Socialist Web Site reporters last week, voicing their opposition to Polymetals decision to rapidly reopen its Endeavor Mine following the tragic deaths of shift supervisor Ambrose Patrick McMullen, 59, and charge-up operator Holly Clarke, 24, in an underground explosion in the early hours of October 28. The blast left fellow team member Mackenzie Stirling, also 24, with serious injuries, including hearing damage. Sign at entrance to town, built into remains of original Cobar mine Located 685 kilometres west of Sydney, Cobar is a small community of about 3,500 people dominated by the mining industry, which began operations in the 1870s following the discovery of copper in the region. About 40 percent of the local workforce is directly employed in mining, with many others working in related industries servicing the areas copper, silver, gold, zinc and lead deposits. Within days of the fatal explosionand even before separate funerals were held for McMullen and Clarke, or the release of an interim report by the NSW Resources RegulatorPolymetals announced that the Endeavor Mine would reopen on November 5. By November 15, with no opposition from the NSW Labor government, the regulator, or the Australian Workers Union and the Mining and Energy Union, the mine had resumed operating at full production. Last Saturday afternoon, more than 640 people gathered at the Cobar Memorial Services Club to honour Holly Clarkes life. The capacity crowd heard speeches from family members and friends. Immediately after the explosion, the company told Endeavor Mine employees not to speak to the media or even to friends and family about the explosion, the deaths of McMullen and Clarke, or conditions at the mine. Despite these anti-democratic efforts to silence the working-class community, residents raised concerns about the reopening of the Endeavor Mine before a serious investigation into the tragedy had been conducted. The wife of a miner said she opposed the immediate reopening of the mine. I dont think this is right. Nobody knows what caused this, so to reopen the mine under these circumstances is disturbing for workers and their families. Theres been no exposure of what really happened. We need answers, and this must be done before any reopening of the mine, she said. I think the aim of everyone who works underground is to come out alive. Everyone must come out. Human life is more important than all the pieces of rock that are dug up. The company must put human life before anything else. I heard about the explosion because someone called to ask me where my husband worked. I wanted to know why they were asking, and they told me there had been an accidentan explosion. I was devastated. I couldnt sleep and kept trying to call my husband, but he wasnt picking up. I was devastated and upset. When I heard that one man [Ambrose McMullen] had died, I was heartbroken because I knew him. And then, when I learned that two had been killed, I was very sad, and I still cant get it out of my mind. It is very frightening for workers and their families when they dont know why this happened. Everyone needs answersnot just the residents of Cobar but people all over Australia. Even though my husband works in a different mine, he still works underground, and so the fear is still there for all of us. A miner who has worked as a shot-firer for more than ten years voiced concerns about the use of electric detonators, which he said were dangerous. He explained that the mine he works for in Cobar had already begun replacing them with electronic detonators even before the explosion at the Endeavor Mine. After this incident, we will probably not use electric detonators anymore. There are longer delays and other safety mechanisms with electronic detonators. Electric might be cheaper than electronic, but if youre going to evaluate safety on the basis of cost, then youre going to have more accidents, he said. He told the WSWS that he disagreed with the speedy reopening of the mine before any investigation had been completed. I heard about the reopening on the news and thought this was wrong. They announced it even before the funerals were held and while everyone was still in mourning. This is not right. Rubbish bins in Cobar are decorated with mining-themed designs A young farmer living in Cobar said Polymetals just needs to slow down and take more time to understand what happened and not rush into reopening so this doesnt happen again to somebody else. Were always told that the most important thing to come out of the mine is a miner, which is how wethe little peopletalk. But the big people dont think like that. Theyre always thinking about the money side of things, how to get the mine open and the paperwork done so they can get back to making money. The company wants to put a band-aid over things by closing the site off for a short while and then pretending it didnt happen. And the media are not reporting anything now. Theres no coverage, even on the internet, which is pretty strange. A Cobar worker employed in the service sector said, I knew Holly from social occasions. She was full of life and so happya beautiful person. Ambrose was very well respected in the community. He knew his job and had a lot of experience. She said she was shocked that the Endeavor Mine had reopened so quickly. They havent even investigated properly. They dont know what happened, she said. How can they know the same thing wont happen again? Theyve done this because they want to make more money. Its money before people. Managers and higher-ups sit in their offices; theyre not working underground. There needs to be a proper investigation before they go back to making money. Theyre putting workers in jeopardy. The community doesnt want it reopenedwe want to know what happened to two of our people. I dont have confidence in the official investigation. These people are called independent, but just because they say they are doesnt mean its true. The rich get richer and the poor get poorer, she continued, referring to the rising cost of living for ordinary people, especially in Cobar, which is isolated from larger towns and major shopping centres. In Cobar, we have limited shopping options. The cost of food and everything has gone up. Unless youre prepared to travel for hours, you have to pay what they charge. Theres not enough housing here. Its better than a lot of places like Sydney, but youre paying a lot for what youre getting, she said. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees has called for an independent investigation, led by rank-and-file workers, into the recent deaths of US Postal Service workers Nick Acker, 36, in the Detroit area and Russell Scruggs, Jr., 44, near Atlanta. We urge postal workers to come forward with information about safety conditions at their facilities by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous. Postal workers at a USPS processing and distribution center. [AP Photo/Ben Margot] The World Socialist Web Site conducted the following interview with a New York City Postal Service worker on safety at her facility. Her name has been changed to Kate to protect her from retaliation by USPS and the postal worker unions. * * * Kate: Ive been working in a post office for decades. Ive worked in many areas and many facilities, and the environments were always unsafe. But its dont be the troublemaker. Thats what youre told if you bring attention to itespecially in the beginning, when I worked in pen-turn. WSWS: What is a pen-turn? Kate: Pen-turn is the lowest level where all the bags are. But back then, they had these ramps, where the mail would come into this large machinery, and dust would all over the place. The bags are made out of fabric, so they hold a lot of dust. Now they are made of plastic, so they are easier to clean. Back then, we called them number two bags. They had these huge buckles. When you went to drop that mail, the buckle could cut you on the lower leg if you didnt know how to do it right. So, you have to learn to hold the buckle and drop the bag correctly. But they dont teach you that. So, yeah, you dont have the proper protective gear to work the mail. You dont have the proper lighting or the manpower. Also, those number two bags can be really, really heavy to pick up, so you have to ask for help, but then youve got to wait. And if you have to wait, youre not doing your job; youre delaying mail, which isnt goodespecially if youre new. When you first come in, youre designated as an unassigned regular, and you do everything. They train you on the trucks, they train you in pen-turn, and they train you on the machines; they train you to box mailyou do everything when youre a sub. Youre a sub for three to five years before you become an assigned regular, and then you can pick your assignment. But back then, I was at the bottom of the barrel, so I did everything, everywhere, and it was unsafe everywhere. Even to this day, you walk in here, youll find unsafe conditions. WSWS: Russell Scruggs, Jr., the worker who died in Palmetto had only been on the job for three weeks. He was a mail handler assistant. He fell, hit his head, and bled to death. Would he have been trained to do what he was doing when he fell? Kate: When I came in, the mail handlers had to do a weight test. That was the only test the mail handlers had to do. They had to be able to handle a certain weight capacity and to pull or push equipment. As far as safety procedures? When youre working in any area, whether its the first time or the hundredth time, youre never told what the proper safety procedure isnever. They put you to work with their most reliable employee, and that employee basically trains you on all the shortcuts theyve incorporated to get the job done faster. There are no proper safety protocols. WSWS: So there is no standard operating procedure. Do you feel its the same today? Kate: Yeah, because we dont have enough people. Just recently, they came in and abolished all the inside [non-carrier] job assignments, then reposted the jobs they wanted us to pick from. So, whoever doesnt have enough seniority to get the assignment they want goes back to the bottom of the barrel. It doesnt matter how many years you hadyou are now considered an unassigned regular. They just did this to us two weeks ago. The union stepped in and this time we got our assignments back. WSWS: Nick Acker was a maintenance mechanic who was killed in a mail sorting machine at a distribution center outside of Detroit. Workers filed a grievance with the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) on that machine 90 days before the accident. But nothing was done and the machine was left on idle and never shut down. Nick Acker and Russell Scruggs Jr. Kate: I worked the machines in our building. On the second floor, I worked on the DBCS (Delivery Bar Code Sorter). That machine was very, very fast, and handled a lot more mail. It was never turned off. Its always on idle because the supervisor didnt want to see that light red. The light red means the machine is off. He would ask: Why is my machine off? I need numbers. You turn my machine off, I dont get our numbers. They just want numbers. WSWS: How did they clean up the machine? Kate: On our breaks, when we left. Any problems we had with it, we were not allowed to turn the machine off. We had to go get the supervisor, and then the supervisor will decide whether it was worthy of turning offand THEN maintenance gets called. WSWS: Would any of those be because something has become a safety hazard? Give us an example of something they saw as worthy of turning the machine off. When the mail isnt reading, and youre getting all the mail going directly to the reject bin because theres dust or a piece of paper blocking one of the eyes. But if one of us stops it, that stop counts as a negative on our paperwork. We have to keep loading the machine while your partner goes and gets the supervisor. The supervisor makes an assessment, then we get maintenance, and then we stop the machine. Meanwhile, all that mail is running through that machine to the reject bin. WSWS: Have you ever witnessed any fatalities or injuries on the machines you were working on? Kate: No. But I had a sad experience working in meter breakup, which is where all the stamps get canceled, so they arent reusable. I was working with what they call an OG, one of the old gentlemen who were training the young people who were coming in. One day, he tells me, Okay, Im gonna go take my break, you take care of the front. I had to wait for the trucks to arrive to take the trays of mail off. After a while, I started thinking, hes been gone a long time. I mean, the OGs get a longer break than the newbies, and they would always go back and sit on the skids and sometimes take a nap because a lot of them had a second job. But this was an exceptionally long time. So I asked the guy I always saw him talking to about it and asked what I should do, and he told me, Dont worry about it, just go do whatever youre supposed to be doing. So I went back to work. And by the time they went back and checked on him, they found he was dead, lying on the skids, from a heart attack. And the most upsetting thing for me was when the supervisor said, Take him off the clock. Thats the first thing she said. They dont want to pay a dead man. That was early in my career, maybe six, seven years in. So, I havent personally seen any deaths machine-wise. But safety-wise, a major issue would be the temperature in the buildings. They dont give heat. Air conditioners that werent working in the summer. The windows dont work. When I worked in Midtown, the windows didnt open. Thats a safety hazard. The windows should open. The air conditioning is only on in half of the building, so they give you water. They donate water so you can work under these terrible conditions. WSWS: So, they donate water? Kate: Yeah, they did. They brought in cases of water, and it wasnt even cold, and not Poland Springs either; it was a lower level. Yeah, the most hazardous thing is the temperature. None of the equipment works properly if its too hot or too cold. Equipment like post cons, the skids, theyre not cleaned properly. They all have canvas on them, and theyre all filthy. And the weather is brutal on workers, too. You are so cold that youre wearing gloves and your street jacket while working. And then they want to tell you you cant put a [space] heater on because you need an extension cord, and that extension cord isnt safe. Okay, true, but working when its 30 degrees inside the building is safe? And youre slowing down because you cant move. Its frustrating. And when its hot, youre sweating, youre uncomfortable. WSWS: Every place youve been in with mail sorting machines has had no heat in the winter? Kate: Every single station Ive been to has had some issue with the temperature, seasonally; every place is never comfortable to work in. You cant expect to be comfortable like youre home. Thats what they tell you. Youre at work, okay? But it shouldnt be this cold at work, you know? Im saying I feel like Im standing outside, you know? But dont be the troublemaker. Dont be the person who says, That doesnt look right, thats broken. And there are never enough people there are never enough people to do the job. WSWS: Jonathan Smith, the APWU national president, sent a letter saying he was sorry about the death of Nick Acker and You know our goal is zero deaths on the job. But then, he said, were in favor of an investigation conducted by USPS and OSHA Kate: But what happens is that every time safety, OSHA, or anyone is going to come, management gets alerted, so the floors and the machines get cleaned. Everything is the way its supposed to be. So when OSHA investigates, it appears that theres no major issue. OSHA should pop in when its 19 degrees outside randomly walk into a station and ask What is the temperature in here? How is this safe when you have people working who are sick? Now, if I come to work sick, my coworkers get upset because Im making them sick. But if Im too sick to go in, I get penalized by management. But you know, were short, we need you! But, think about it, if Im sick and I come to work, I make [other people] sick. So now you have more people sick! WSWS: The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) is urging postal workers to form committees inside the postal facilities that are going to make sure that conditions are safe. You know, one of the things that US Postmaster General David Steiner said was that the deficit for the last fiscal year is $9 billion. Were going to be self-sufficient and continue Delivering for America with no reassessment, he said. Kate: I read that email. I dont know, morale is so important, and people dont care. How you feel about your job and about coming to work affects your productivity. And then you have union [reps] that will come and tell you, Okay, listen, take the write-up. After six months, were gonna have it expunged from your record. Because management wants it, management thinks it will make the other children behave. Asked about an independent inquiry into the deaths of Acker and Scruggs, she said, I support that. We have to get the truth. Fill out the form below to send information on conditions at your facility. Your identity will remain confidential. This is part three in a four-part series: [Part One] [Part Two] [Part Four] Trotskyism and the Struggle Against Pabloism The betrayals that shaped Tanzanias postcolonial trajectory cannot be understood outside the international struggle waged by the Trotskyist movement against Pabloism, a revisionist and opportunist current that emerged within the Fourth International led by Michel Pablo and Ernest Mandel. The revolutionary upsurge that followed the catastrophe of the Second World War shook both Europe and the colonial world. In Europe, large sections of the bourgeoisie, discredited by their collaboration with fascism, would have been unable to reestablish their power and stabilise capitalism without the decisive political intervention of the Stalinist bureaucracy and the economic might of US imperialism. Moscow instructed the Communist parties in France, Italy, and Germany to support bourgeois governments, disarm the resistance fighters, and suppress any independent initiative of the working class. In Greece, Stalinism ensured the victory of the bourgeoisie in the civil war by withholding vital support from the workers and partisans who had fought the Nazi occupation. These betrayals saved European capitalism from collapse and allowed it to reassert its grip on its colonies. Michel Pablo (right) with Ernest Mandel It was in this context that Pabloism arose within the Fourth International. Confronted with the temporary stabilisation of capitalism and the creation of deformed workers states in Eastern Europe, Pablo abandoned Trotskys insistence on building independent revolutionary parties of the working class. He called for dissolving Trotskyist organisations into the mass movements led by Stalinist, nationalist, or petty-bourgeois forces. Any attempt to characterise such movements by their class nature, he insisted, reflected old-type Trotskyist immaturity. Trotskyists must integrate themselves unconditionally into national-liberation movements even when these were bourgeois in leadership. The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) was founded in 1953 in opposition to this revisionism. Led by James P. Cannon of the American Socialist Workers Party, Gerry Healy of the British Socialist Labour League, and Pierre Lambert of the French Internationalist Communist Party, the ICFI defended the programme of Permanent Revolution and the need to construct independent Trotskyist parties. The consequences of Pabloism were disastrous. On the eve of the 1953 split the Fourth International had 22 official sections and sympathising groups in dozens of countries. Pabloism liquidated these cadres into Stalinist parties and bourgeois-nationalist movements and left the working class politically disarmed at the very moment when the anti-colonial revolutions were reaching their peak. Pablo spelled out his perspective in his 1959 article The African Revolution: Toward the Independence and Unity of Negro Africa, written under the pseudonym Jean-Paul Martin. Africa, he argued, was passing through a bourgeois-democratic phase led by figures such as Nkrumah, Sekou Toure, Senghor, and Nyerere. This leadership, he insisted, sought only the creation of the bases for capitalist development under African control after independence. Adding, The irresistible movement towards African independence and unification is in the hands, for the time being, of leaders and parties ideologically, if not socially, bourgeois in character. This is inevitable in the first phase of the developing African revolution. Trotskyists, he insisted, must work inside these nationalist movements, While giving critical support to the bourgeois African organizations to the extent that they lead an effective struggle against imperialism, and for independence and unification, Marxist cadres have the duty of preparing the formation of autonomous working-class parties. In other words, the assumption rested on the objectivist line that history itself would push the nationalist leadership to the left. The following year, as Nigeria, the Congo, Senegal, Mali, and Somaliland approached formal independence, the Pabloites asserted that the extreme left wings of nationalist movements and sectors of the trade-union leadership would naturally evolve into socialist forces and play a more and more important role in the young African states and will stake its claim to lead the African nation.[ 1 ] Nowhere was there a call for constructing Trotskyist parties. In Tanzania, the Pabloites shifted their appraisal of Nyerere. In 1963 they declared that his African Socialism takes the incidentals of socialism and ignores the methods of the workers states, and ignores its essentials, the expropriation of capitalism. Yet only four years later they were hailing Nyereres limited nationalisations, claiming that it is unquestionably a step along the Zanzibari road, the road of socialism, since it pronounces itself in favour of control over the nationalised means of production by the worker and peasant masses.[ 2 ] Similarly across Africa, the Pabloite line produced a series of political catastrophes. In Algeria, Pablo proclaimed the National Liberation Front (FLN) struggle against French imperialism as the living permanent revolution, dissolving the distinction between a bourgeois-nationalist movement and a socialist revolution. He served as an adviser to the FLN government until the 1965 coup that overthrew Ahmed Ben Bella forced him to flee. In South Africa, the Pabloites hailed the Stalinist Communist Party of South Africa, which was fully integrated into the bourgeois-nationalist ANC, as having turned squarely to the Revolution. In Kenya, they urged subordination to the left wing of Kenyattas Kenya African Naional Union (KANU).[ 3 ] In Angola, the Pabloites supported various petty-bourgeois guerrilla movements, including the Soviet-backed Peoples Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and even the CIA-backed National Front for the Liberation of Angola (FNLA), calling on Marxists to help them find their way to the programme of socialism.[ 4 ] They hailed the new regime in Zanzibar as an outpost of social revolution, ignoring the bourgeois-nationalist character of its leadership.[ 5 ] Third Congress of the ICFI (1966): Back: M. Banda, C. Slaughter Front: P. Lambert, G. Healy, M. Rastos, S. Just The ICFI warned of the consequences. In May 1961, seven months before Tanganyikas independence, the British Socialist Labour League (SLL) analysed the role of the national bourgeoisie with a warning: An essential of revolutionary Marxism in this epoch is the theory that the national bourgeoisie in under-developed countries is incapable of defeating imperialism and establishing an independent national state. This class has ties with imperialism and it is of course incapable of an independent capitalist development, for it is part of the capitalist world market and cannot compete with the products of the advanced countries... While recognising that leaders like Nyerere, Nkrumah, Mboya, Nasser, or Nehru could strike harder bargains with imperialism, Trotskyists insisted that they acted as buffers between imperialism and the mass of workers and peasants. The dominant imperialist policy-makers both in the USA and Britain recognize full well that only by handing over political independence to leaders of this kind [] can the stakes of international capital and the strategic alliances be preserved in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. For Marxists, the decisive question remained the political independence of the working class, secured through the building of a revolutionary socialist party. The SLL concluded: It is not the job of Trotskyists to boost the role of such nationalist leaders. They can command the support of the masses only because of the betrayal of leadership by Social-Democracy and particularly Stalinism, and in this way they become buffers between imperialism and the mass of workers and peasants. The possibility of economic aid from the Soviet Union often enables them to strike a harder bargain with the imperialists, even enables more radical elements among the bourgeois and petty-bourgeois leaders to attack imperialist holdings and gain further support from the masses. But, for us, in every case the vital question is one of the working class in these countries gaining political independence through a Marxist party, leading the poor peasantry to the building of Soviets, and recognizing the necessary connections with the international socialist revolution.[ 6 ] In 1964, three years after Tanganyikas independence, the SLL assessed Nyereres regime. Leaders like Nyerere represent a middle-class section prepared to supervise the continued exploitation of the workers and peasants in return for concessions for themselves. This is known as independence. The Newsletter went on to warn that the high hopes invested in the national-liberation leaderships would rapidly collide with reality: For millions of Africans, independence meant more than the ceremonial raising of a flag and the transfer of posts. The old nationalist leaders are already being challenged, and those who come after them will fare no better unless the working class takes the lead. The SLL insisted that no solution could emerge from within the confines of bourgeois nationalism or Stalinism. Other nationalist groups making more radical demands will only be driving a harder bargain with imperialism, not fighting to smash it. The only viable perspective lay in A Marxist leadership, basing itself on the working class, one that would consciously link the African revolution with the struggles of workers in the imperialist centres.[ x ] The elevation of bourgeois nationalism by Pabloism to the role of revolutionary leadership cut off the most militant layers of the anti-colonial movement from the programme of Permanent Revolution. The fragmentation of Africa into more than fifty states along colonial borders was not the inevitable outcome of a bourgeois-democratic stage, but the direct product of the counterrevolutionary role of Pabloism. Today, the ICFIs defence of Permanent Revolution stands vindicated. Nationalist movements like the MPLA, FRELIMO, the ANC, the FLN, KANU, ZANU-PF, once hailed by the Pabloites, have all demonstrated their bankruptcy. They have either collapsed, been overthrown, or survive as ruling elites presiding over regimes enforcing IMF austerity, privatisation, and the violent suppression of workers and rural masses. Trotskys warning that history would not leave one stone upon another of the old Stalinist and social-democratic parties now applies equally to the national-liberation movements. The fight waged by the ICFI remains decisive: the struggle for genuine national liberation and socialism in Tanzania, as in every country, requires the construction of a revolutionary Marxist party rooted in the working class and oriented to world socialist revolution. To be continued Anniversary is a serious film about a serious matter, the emergence and triumph of a totalitarian political movement in the US. Certain chilling scenes and images remain with the viewer despite the films too narrow or confused outlook that unfortunately limits its overall impact. Anniversary is one of a number of recent films that addressor attempt to addressthe burning question of mass state repression and fascism. Kyle Chandler and Diane Lane in Anniversary Polish-born director Jan Komasas film is set in the US very much at the present moment. It focuses on the upper middle class Taylor family. Ellen Taylor (Diane Lane) is a liberal-minded professor at Georgetown University, her husband Paul (Kyle Chandler) a restaurateur. The film opens at their 25th wedding anniversary, with their four children present: Cynthia (Zoey Deutch), an environmental lawyer; Anna (Madeline Brewer), a rebellious, gay stand-up comic; Birdie (Mckenna Grace), the youngest daughter and would-be scientist; and Josh (Dylan OBrien), an unsuccessful science fiction writer. Cynthia is there with her husband, Rob (Daryl McCormack), also a lawyer. Josh has brought his fiancee Liz Nettles (Phoebe Dynevor). We first see the smooth, sinister Liz as she practices greetings to the Taylor family in front of a mirror. At some point during the anniversary party, Ellen recognizes Liz as a former student, with whom she came into conflict some years earlier. As she tells Paul later that night, She [Liz] was just ... radical in her ideology. Supportive of acts to subordinate ... to the point of denigrating the Constitution. Its all rushing back now. All her draconian assertions in my classroom. I dug up her thesis paper. I found it to be dangerous and inflammatory for its anti-democratic sentiments. The Change: Birth of a New Nation. It advocates for a single-party system for national unity. Anniversary advances in one-year or two-year increments. Two years after the opening scene, Lizs book, The Change, has become an immense success. The family is now gathered for Thanksgiving. Liz is pregnant with twins. Josh has been transformed, into someone arrogant and overbearing, and evidently wealthy. The atmosphere is tense. Ellen dislikes and distrusts Liz more than ever. The Change movement, we learn, is being financed and backed by the powerful Cumberland Corporation. One of its television ads: Since the colonization of America, the Cumberland Company has envisioned the ideals of a singular, national harmony. Today, we are proud to partner with visionary author Elizabeth Nettles, whose latest work The Change details the path back to American solidarity. Join the nationwide movement that aspires to put United back in these States of America. We are the Cumberland Company. U.S.A.! As its symbol, The Change has adopted an American flag with the stars in the center, representing, in one characters words, a world without political parties that divided us into those on the left or the right, or ultimately those above and below. Ellen tells her son: You and your wife are doing very well for yourselves with your new occupation, but youre nothing more than bagmen for the Cumberland Company. Previously, in a fit of anger, Ellen has grabbed one of the flags outside a neighbors house and torn it up. This is captured on video, and the latter goes viral. CNN is running it on a loop. Ellen eventually loses her job and is placed on a watch list. Pauls restaurant business is also in trouble. One year later, Anna delivers a stand-up routine criticizing The Change. They will come for the outspoken and the intellectuals first. That is what history books teach us. She is attacked and beaten on stage. Birdie, in a voiceover, explains: She [Anna] suffered 35 stitches, a concussion and five days in the ICU. That was six months ago. She walked out of Lenox Hill Hospital and hasnt been seen since. We didnt hear from Anna again. Everything around us is changing. Acts of violence have erupted all over the country. Fear went mainstream. The political situation is deteriorating rapidly. Anna, in hiding, sends her mother a video message: Hey, Mom. Its me. I dont understand. Im sorry I havent been able to contact you before now, but those fuckers are trying to charge me with crimes and brand me an enemy of the state. I just cant tell you where I am. Im sorry. Another 12 months pass. Birdie again: There were no birthdays, holidays, anniversaries or celebrations the following year. Theres a new census to track Americans. Moses Ho [her Asian-American boy-friend] and his parents fled, just like hundreds of thousands of journalists, scientists, academics, intellectuals, artists and free thinkers. The final sequence takes place at the Taylors 30th anniversary, presided over by the now-thoroughgoing-fascist Josh and the Machiavellian Liz. Ellen and Paul grudgingly go through the motions, with the air of those living at gun point under military occupation. All hell breaks loose, as the television news announces a suicide bombing in Washington D.C. and the authorities descend on the Taylor family. As noted, there are strong moments here. The buildup of repression and fear within a continuously worsening political climate is authentically presented. It reminds one a little of the Frank Borzage films, Three Comrades (1938, written in part by F. Scott Fitzgerald) and The Mortal Storm (1940), with the latter film sharply depicting the malignant growth and influence of Nazism. Anniversarys final scene in particular is genuinely disturbing, as the full dimensions of a police state come into view. Lane, Chandler and the other performers are convincing. Their hearts are clearly in their work. Phoebe Dynevor and Dylan OBrien in Anniversary Dylan OBrien offers one of the strongest performances as Josh Taylor, the frustrated, failing novelist swept up by a right-wing political movement that ultimately makes him feel confident and influential, a semi-cultured petty bourgeois with the fierce need to bully and dominate, including family members. He evolves into a repugnant American Blackshirt (almost literally) in front of our eyes before falling victim himself to an act of treachery. Again, such a portrait brings to mind another, more highly developed film character, the Italian fascist functionary and central figure in Bernardo Bertoluccis The Conformist (1970) played by Jean-Louis Trintignant. These are all significant strengths. Anniversary fails to be more compelling than it is, because it lacks almost any historical or social connections and driving forces. Why has The Change emerged in the form it does? Why does it gain mass traction? What are the conditions under which the erstwhile democratic state turns toward dictatorship? What are the social and economic forces propelling this repressive movement? Aside from a few oblique references to the Cumberland Corporation, about whose operations we learn next to nothing, there is no indication of financial interests involved. The transformation of the US into a police-state dictatorship, not a small global question one hardly needs to add, comes about more or less seamlessly for almost entirely unexplained reasons. The difficulties lie with the conceptions behind the writing and making of Anniversary. The director Komasa (born in Poznan in 1981) informed IndieWire that his coming from Central Europe, from Poland had much to do with his approach to social processes. Weve been through so much in the history that for me, for everybody in Central Europe, we just distrust -isms. We dont trust communism, fascism, whatever -ism is there. Certain groups of people tend to fall for them, but then its a cycle, we all know its a cycle and it will change every couple of years. In another conversation, he remarked that he was fascinated with what I would call civilizational illnesses. My new film Anniversary also explores this: Its a dystopian look at the family structure. Its set in a future where your thoughts and your words can be tangible enough to cancel you or even kill you, and what pushes people apart is just the simple fact of what they think and what they believe in. This is very weak and reveals the severe damage done by Stalinism, falsely viewed as communism, and the anticommunist conclusions self-servingly drawn by a great many Eastern European artists and intellectuals. In the face of fascist movements or governments, in Europe or America, they have very little to fall back on. Any genuine resistance to fascist barbarism must inevitably gravitate toward anti-capitalism. But the filmmakers clearly ruled that out. The screenwriter Lori Rosene-Gambino told an interviewer that Komasa wanted to contain, like, civil war within a family. He didnt want outside shots and, you know, what happens with the military or the police state or any of that stuff. So it had to be all through dialogue, but it was also, the rule was to also not be a partisan film. (TV Squad) Anniversary The reference to non-partisanship presumably refers to the supposed choice between the Trump government and the official opposition in the Democratic Party. Here the element of intimidation comes into play. For a combination of reasons, there was clearly the desire not to provoke or arouse the extreme right. Hence, the highly vague and amorphous presentation of The Change, the absence of any inflammatory elements in its program: no reference to anti-immigrant chauvinism (except very loosely) or attacks on social programs, no anticommunism, no warmongering, etc. There is no mention of social inequality or the growth of the billionaire/trillionaire Oligarchy, the firmest backers of extreme right movements and authoritarianism. This political and ideological hollowing out renders Anniversary considerably less potent than it ought to be. Did intimidation also enter into the lackluster distribution of Anniversary? An article on The Wrap, headlined Did Lionsgate Bury the Political Thriller Anniversary Because of Trump?, suggested that was the case. The film, it notes, was financed and distributed by Lionsgate. But with a storyline that may have felt too close to our political reality, it seems to have been buried by the studio in a political climate where government retaliation against media has become commonplace. How brave! A film is too close to our political reality so naturally it deserves to be buried. What can one say? A partner in the talent agency that represents Komasa asserted, The film was buried because it is incendiary To me, its a sign of the world we live in. The Wrap also pointed out that the film was not reviewed by The New York Times, Los Angeles Times or Washington Post or many other outlets, highly unusual for a film with a significant theatrical release. Moreover, Only two cast members besides [Diane] Lane attended the premiere in October, discouraged by their agents and publicists to associate with the project, according to people close to the film. Representatives for Lane declined to comment for this story. But individuals close to the actress said she was sharply disappointed at the studios lack of support for the film. (Emphasis added.) The Wrap further observed that Anniversary was not the first project to be caught up in Hollywoods fear of Trumpthe premiere date of Apples political thriller series The Savant was postponed in September in the wake of Charlie Kirks death, as the show follows a woman who infiltrates online hate groups to prevent mass shootings. The show has still not been put back on Apples release calendar, a decision that star/producer Jessica Chastain publicly said she disagreed with. With Anniversary, it would hardly be surprising if Lionsgate made a calculated decision to avoid drawing the attention of the Trump and right-wing attack machine. All in all, the events surrounding the distribution or non-distribution of even such a blunted work as Anniversary point to the need of filmmakers to be far keener and politically astute and more aggressive in their work, and to genuinely tackle the very advanced crisis situation. A noncommittal or non-partisan (in the true sense of the word) stance is the very last thing we need. Elevenlabs AudioNative Player A customer waits at the check-out counter at the Friend's Meat Market and Grocery, which accepts EBT for the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Miami. [AP Photo/Lynne Sladky] Thanksgiving in the United States is taking place under conditions of deepening social and political crisis. For the vast majority of the population, there is nothing to be thankful for. The scenes of abundance and social harmony painted by Norman Rockwell in the middle of the 20th centuryalways an idealized fictionstand in stark contrast to a society in 2025 at the breaking point, dominated by a ruling class unmoored from reality. A review of the basic social indices produces an image of a bankrupt social order. According to the most recent government figures, 1 in 7 Americans in 2023 were food insecure, with the rate 1.5 times higher for children. The situation has only worsened due to the cutoff of food stamps, on which 42 million people rely, combined with $180 billion in additional cuts over the next decade that will reduce or eliminate eligibility for half of all recipients. The government has recently announced it will make all beneficiaries re-enroll, supposedly to combat fraud, throwing millions into uncertainty. The impact of these cuts and the government shutdown is already devastating. The Houston-area Super Feast Thanksgiving charity event, which normally feeds 25,000 people, expects double the normal attendance this year. A New York Times article on food insecurity in Middletown, Ohio, where Vice President JD Vance grew up, quoted one worker: I actually had a customer, who had not received their SNAP (food stamps), ask for a credit in tears. Another resident dealing with brain cancer was forced to strip down her Thanksgiving meal to turkey, mac and cheese and potatoes. Meanwhile, prices continue to climb. The US Retail Association predicts holiday spending will surpass $1 trillion for the first time, but the primary driver is not an increase in the quantity of goods purchased, it is the relentless rise in prices. A separate Deloitte survey found that overall spending will decline by 10 percent, with the sharpest drop among the poor. Holiday consumer confidence is at historic lows, with 57 percent predicting the economy will weaken in the next six monthsthe highest figure since 1997. CNN is reporting on the K-shaped holiday season, in which spending is driven almost entirely by high-income purchasers. A major factor in the rising prices is the impact of tariffs. These regressive taxes are borne by importers and passed directly onto consumers through higher prices, hitting workers the hardest. The governments response to this social reality is simply to cover it up. In September, the US Department of Agriculture suddenly announced it would no longer issue its annual food insecurity report, calling it subjective, liberal fodder that does nothing but fear monger. The White House is also refusing to release the full October unemployment report, citing the shutdown as a pretext. This is an expression of the callousness of the ruling class as a whole, not merely the Trump administration. Cutting $8 billion a month from food stamps throws the fate of tens of millions into turmoil. Meanwhile, the ruling elite is engaged in a massive accumulation of wealth. Ten billionaires increased their wealth by $700 billion this year. Elon Musk received a new $1 trillion pay package at Tesla. Larry Ellison became $100 billion richer in a single dayenough to fund the entire food stamp program for a year. A US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) study released last December found more than 770,000 people sleeping unhoused on a single night, the highest number ever recorded. This social catastrophe is driven by stagnant wages and ever-increasing rents. At the same time, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos owns about $700 million in residential properties, including three mansions in the same Florida neighborhood. When he tires of those, he can relax on his $500 million superyacht. This wealth comes from value expropriated from the working class. As Karl Marx explained, Accumulation of wealth at one pole is, therefore, at the same time accumulation of misery, agony of toil, slavery, ignorance, brutality, mental degradation, at the opposite pole, i.e., on the side of the class that produces its own product in the form of capital. To the extent that the staggering sums of wealth have any basis in real value and not merely financial swindling, it lies in the ruthless intensification of exploitation imposed on the working class. The deployment of AItechnology with the potential to dramatically increase the productivity of laboris being used instead to eliminate whole sections of the workforce. Mass layoffs have reached 1.1 million this year. The past month was the worst October for job cuts in two decades. HP announced 6,000 layoffs this week. Apple is laying off salespeople. Layoffs of 13,000 at Verizon have begun. While white-collar workers face displacement by AI, tens of thousands of blue-collar workers are also being thrown out of work. UPS, the auto industry and logistics companies are eliminating jobs on a massive scale. Hundreds of thousands of workers cannot afford basic necessities and now also face the threat of losing their jobs during the holidays. Other dimensions of the crisis include the deliberate undermining of basic safety measures, producing an unending series of deadly industrial disasters. The deaths of postal workers Nick Acker and Russell Scruggs, Jr., the UPS plane crash in Louisville, the explosion at the Tennessee munitions plantthe list goes on. Alongside this is the promotion of ignorance and backwardness as ideological cover for dismantling the basic infrastructure of modern society. Ralph Abraham, former surgeon general of Louisiana and now appointed deputy head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), previously halted promotion of mass vaccination in the state. The ruling class is also preparing for war to conquer markets, supply chains and raw materials. There are increasing calls in the press for the US to dramatically expand production of missiles, ships and advanced weaponry for a conflict with China, treated as all but inevitable. At home, the preparations for dictatorship are advancing rapidly. Trump threatened congressional Democrats with execution for issuing a statement calling on soldiers to refuse illegal orders. While the political establishment hints at military conspiracies inside the White House, it does nothing to warn the population or mobilize opposition. Mass opposition is precisely what it fears most. This is being carried out with active assistance of the trade union bureaucracy, significant sections of whom have flocked to Trump in support of his trade war policies. Seeking to scapegoat foreigners for job cuts the union bureaucrats have helped carry out, they falsely claim these measures will save American jobs. In fact, they have paved the way for even deeper layoffs and the rising cost of living. The reality is that society can progress no further while burdened by the capitalist profit system. The critical question is the movement of the working class, guided by an international socialist perspective, to smash the power of the oligarchy and fight for workers power. There is a growing resistance in the working class, expressed in the response to the investigations into working conditions by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), in the growing resistance to immigration raids and in other forms of opposition. Workers are seeking an explanation and a program around which to fight. This opposition requires a political perspective. Inequality is rooted in capitalism and oligarchic rule. The wealth of society must be expropriated from the capitalist class and placed under the democratic control of the working class. Rank-and-file committees and the IWA-RFC provide the means for organizing this struggle completely independently of the two corporate parties. Thanksgiving is not a moment for gratitude but for protest, for the development of a movement to end oligarchic domination and reorganize society on socialist foundations. SANAA, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- United Nations (UN) Special Envoy to Yemen Hans Grundberg said in a press release on Thursday that he participated in a mediation retreat in Muscat this week, hosted by Oman, suggesting the possibility of resuming peace talks between the Yemeni warring parties. According to the statement, the discussions focused on recent developments in Yemen and the wider region, and stressed the need for closer coordination of regional efforts in support of Yemen's political process. Grundberg said he talked with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed al-Khulaifi. Grundberg said he also met Yemen's Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Noman, along with several other Yemeni officials. A source in the UN Yemen envoy's office based in Jordan told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that new proposals were put forward during Grundberg's visit, including the reopening and operation of Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port, both under Houthi control. According to the source, the proposals presented by the Omani mediators also include a commitment from the Houthis to halt missile launches towards Israel and to stop targeting Israel-linked ships in the Red Sea in the future. The proposals also include that the Houthis would resume political talks with Yemen's internationally recognised government in return for the government forces stopping deployment on the frontlines. The source said the discussions also addressed the case of Yemeni UN staff members who were recently sentenced to death by a Houthi-run court on charges of collaborating with Israel in airstrikes on Sanaa in August, which killed 12 senior Houthi officials. The UN has denied the allegations. The proposals also include allowing humanitarian agencies to resume their operations in Sanaa. The discussions further explored the possibility of providing two passenger aircraft operated by a "neutral company" under UN supervision to support the operation and upgrading of Sanaa airport, as well as plans to repair infrastructure at Hodeidah port, according to the source. Both Sanaa airport and Hodeidah port were destroyed by Israeli airstrikes earlier this year in response to what Israel said were the Houthis' attacks on it. The shutdown of Sanaa airport, including the burning of civilian Airbus jets and severe damage to terminals, runways, and facilities, has caused deep frustration among Houthi supporters. Many of them are unable to travel through government-controlled airports for fear of being detained. The closure and damage to Hodeidah port have also cut off a major source of revenue for the Houthis. This has forced many traders to shift back to government-held ports, prompting Houthi authorities to raise taxes on importers, small retailers, and restaurants, according to commercial sources in Houthi-held capital Sanaa. In the months leading up to the Gaza war in October 2023, the Yemeni warring parties were observing a fragile, unofficial truce, marked by a significant reduction in hostilities but punctuated by sporadic clashes. After the Gaza war broke out, the Houthis launched missile and drone attacks on Israel and on Israel-linked vessels in the Red Sea as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians. The Houthis stopped their attacks on Israel after a Gaza ceasefire took effect on Oct. 11. Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group enters Caribbean Sea [Photo: southcom.mil] The Trump administration has dramatically escalated its war threats against Venezuela this week, issuing a pseudo-legal finding that equates the countrys government with Al Qaeda and staging another provocative flight by a B-52 strategic bomber and accompanying fighter planes within miles of Venezuelan airspace. With the largest US armada assembled in Latin American waters since the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, the Trump administration is poised to launch a new criminal war of aggression. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared that he has made up his mind on Venezuela but declined to elaborate on his supposed decision. Conflicting reports have suggested anything from a full-scale US war for regime change, to a decapitation operation to kill or capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, air strikes on Venezuelan infrastructure and government targets and even a bargain struck directly between Maduro and Donald Trump at the point of a gun. Trump suggested the last possibility in remarks to reporters aboard Air Force One Tuesday. Asked whether he would hold talks with Maduro, the US president said, I might talk to him, well see. But were discussing that with ... the different staffs. We might talk with Venezuela. Claiming that his goal was to save lives, he added in his typical mafioso fashion, If we can do things the easy way, thats fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, thats fine too. Whether any of this is genuine or merely a smokescreen for coming military action is unknown. The U.S. State Department on Monday issued a formal ruling classifying the so-called Cartel de los Soles (Cartel of the Suns) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Washington claims that this non-existent cartel is both headed by President Maduro and controls all levels of the Venezuelan government. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (or Secretary of War as the Trump administration chooses to call him) celebrated the announcement, claiming that it opened up a whole bunch of new options, presumably including the covert operations publicly disclosed by the administration earlier this month along with US airstrikes and an outright invasion of Venezuela. The aim, Hegseth said, is to control our backyard. At the same time, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an ominous warning that civilian aircraft should exercise extreme caution because of heightened state aircraft activity in Venezuelan airspace. The effect was to tighten a US blockade against the South American country with a number of major airlines canceling flights. The measure confirms the threat that US actions could produce a spiraling military escalation. US warships, including the worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, and roughly a dozen more US naval vessels, with a combined force of some 15,000 US sailors and Marines, supplemented by multiple advanced fighter jets dispatched to Puerto Rico, have been deployed in southern Caribbean waters near Venezuelas coast. The Trump administrations claim that this massive show of force has been mounted to stop narco-terrorists bent on inflicting hundreds of thousands of overdose deaths upon the American people is ludicrous on its face. The drug that is causing the overwhelming number of fatalities in the US is fentanyl, which comes through Mexico. What is trafficked from South America is cocaine, with only 8 percent of it moving through the southern Caribbean, and an even smaller share passing through Venezuela. As for the Cartel de los Soles, this was a name first coined to describe a pair of high-ranking Venezuelan National Guard officers who were recruited by the CIA to facilitate drug shipments to the US in the early 1990s as part of a supposed sting operation against Colombian narcotraffickers. It is not even mentioned in any US or international reports on drug trafficking. Meanwhile, Washington continues its murder spree against unarmed civilians in small boats who have been targeted with missile strikes in the southern Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Declared by UN officials to constitute extra-judicial executions and war crimes, these strikes have sunk at least 21 boats and killed some 83 individuals, including migrants and fishermen from Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador. This is not a law enforcement operation to stop drug trafficking. It is a criminal imperialist offensive aimed at securing resources, markets and strategic advantage for US capitalism and its transnational corporations, and it threatens to plunge the entire region into a catastrophic war. The claim that Washington is acting to halt illicit narcotics trafficking is merely a fig leaf for aggression. The push to rebrand Venezuelan state interests as narcoterrorism is a political weapon. It criminalizes not only the countrys head of statewho has a $50 million US price on his headbut the Venezuelan security forces and all state institutions. It provides a pretext for military action and is designed to shift public opinion toward normalizing extrajudicial murders and regimechange operations. Why this naked US aggression? Under conditions of a deepening US and global capitalist crisis, Washington and Americas ruling oligarchy view control over Latin Americas resources and the imposition of obedient client regimes as central to defending their waning global dominance. Venezuelas enormous oil reserves, the largest on the planet, make it a prime target. This was made abundantly clear by a leading Republican member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Florida Congresswoman Maria Salazar, who stated in an interview on Fox News Monday that were about to go in to Venezuela. A regime change war, she said, would be very good news for the American economy, adding, Venezuela for the American oil companies will be a field day because it will be more than a trillion dollars in economic activity. This predatory aggression is further driven by Venezuelas increasing strategic ties with US imperialisms premier rival, China, which now accounts for 80 percent of the countrys oil exports, thanks in large measure to Washingtons stifling sanctions regime. China is not only buying Venezuelan oil but has taken the badly needed commodity as payment on some $60 billion in loans to the country. It has invested billions directly into Venezuelas oil sector, while also engaging in the limited sale of arms. For its part, Russia has forged a strategic partnership with Venezuela, selling the country some $14.5 billion worth of arms, including advanced air defense systems such as the S-300VM. Meanwhile, Russias state energy giant Rosneft has established joint ventures with Venezuelas national oil company (PDVSA) in the exploitation of several oil and gas fields. Hundreds of Russian personnel are present in the country. A US attack on Venezuela would be aimed not at that country alone but at driving China and Russia out of the entire Western Hemisphere. The strategy of reversing the historic decline of US imperialism and the rise of China as South Americas principal trading partner with Tomahawk missiles and smart bombs is patently berserk, but it is driven by the logic of US imperialisms intractable crisis. A US war would not only destabilize the entire region but would have global ramifications stretching from Ukraine to the South China Sea. Those among the petty-bourgeois nationalist circles in Latin America who believe that either Beijing or Moscow will come to Venezuelas defense, however, should consider the recent vote on the UN Security Council ratifying Trumps colonialist project for completing the Gaza genocide in which both countries abstained. The fate of entire nations and peoples has become bargaining chips in the drive toward a third world war with no crime too terrible to contemplate. At home, the same US ruling class that is rushing toward a disastrous military adventure in Latin America is implementing police state measures to suppress dissent and protect its profits. The conflation of narcoterrorism with migration and internal enemies paves the way for the use of a war to expand military powers, carry out mass detentions and abolish democratic rights. It is the working class that will be forced to pay the price for the US capitalist crisis in blood and social repression as the Trump administration prepares to invoke the Alien Enemies Act and to deploy troops in major US cities. No faction of the bourgeoisieneither Democrats nor Republicanswill oppose imperialist war. The differences between the two capitalist parties have centered largely on foreign policy. The Democratic Party agrees with large portions of Trumps economic policies and has relentlessly facilitated Trumps attack on the working class. The Democrats have centered their opposition to Trump on what they see as his conciliation with Russia, particularly in relation to Ukraine. Whatever qualms raised by sections of the party as to the legality of the missile strikes in the Caribbean or the administrations riding roughshod over Congresss war powers, the Democratic leadership will acquiesce to an attack on Venezuela insofar as it advances the global confrontation of US imperialism with Russia and China. The struggle against US aggression cannot be advanced through reliance upon capitalist politicians in the US, bourgeois nationalist regimes like that of Maduro in Venezuela or Washingtons geo-strategic rivals in Beijing and Moscow; it must be rooted in the class struggle and the fight to unite workers across borders against imperialism and capitalist exploitation. The working class must advance its own independent political program to oppose imperialist war, defend democratic rights and expropriate the oligarchy, placing the commanding heights of the economy under workers control and ending capitalist exploitation and global plunder. Such a movement must organize rankandfile committees within workplaces and build international ties to coordinate strikes and political action against war, repression and austerity. The working class must demand an immediate end to the threatening US military deployments and covert operations against Venezuela. All warships, aircraft and troops must be withdrawn from the southern Caribbean and the wanton murder of civilians brought to an end now. The choice is stark: Either workers unite internationally to overthrow the capitalist system that breeds wars and social barbarism, or the ruling classes will drag the world into a new epoch of imperialist carnage. Are you a meatpacking worker? Speak out against the layoffs by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous. A sign sits in front of the Tyson Foods pork plant, April 22, 2020, in Perry, Iowa. [AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall] Last week, Tyson Foods announced it will close its massive beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, a facility that directly employs roughly 3,0003,200 workers in a town of about 11,000 people. The closure is scheduled to take effect on or around January 20, 2026, according to the companys WARN notice to the Nebraska Department of Labor. Workers have been told that they have no guaranteed transfers, meaning these are essentially permanent job losses. Built in 1990 and later acquired by Tyson, the plant has been an economic backbone of the city, employing a significant portion of the local workforce. Its ability to slaughter up to 5,000 heads of cattle per dayabout 5 percent of total US capacityturned Lexington into a crucial node in the beef supply chain. The impact will have devastating consequences for workers and for the community of Lexington, creating a chain reaction in which other small businesses depending on these workers will suffer as well. Workers and their families will be forced to uproot themselves in search of new jobs. The layoffs come on the heels of a massive jobs slaughter that has seen hundreds of thousands of jobs destroyed at UPS, Amazon and more. Slaughterhouses and meatpacking plants are among the most dangerous and deadliest workplaces in the United States. A study published this year by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that 81 percent of poultry workers were at high risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries. In 2023, the Economic Policy Institute reported an average of 27 workers a day suffer amputation or hospitalization, according to new OSHA data from 29 states. In addition, many workers are often immigrantsin some cases, undocumentedbecause these are the only jobs available to them. They face the dual threat of injuries inside the plant and the danger of being kidnapped and disappeared by ICE on the outside. Tyson has been carrying out a series of plant closures and mass layoffs across the country. In 2024, the company announced the closure of its pork plant in Perry, Iowaa small town on the outskirts of Des Moinesresulting in the loss of over 1,200 jobs, one-eighth of Perrys population of approximately 8,000. In 2023, Tyson Foods announced it would close four chicken plants across the country between late 2023 and early 2024, cutting 3,000 jobs. Despite claiming its beef division is under financial pressure, Tyson Foods is still one of the biggest and most profitable meat companies in the world. In 2025, the company brought in $54.4 billion in sales and made more than $2.2 billion in operating income, mostly from its chicken and prepared-foods businesses. The announcement is inseparable from broader political and economic forces. Although Tyson has not pointed to Trumps nationalist tariff policy as the cause of the Lexington shutdown, recent shifts in federal trade posture, including moves that would expand access for cheaper imported beef from countries, such as Brazil and Argentina, intersect with a domestic market straining under soaring beef production costs. Retail beef prices have risen sharply, with prices up over 13 percent for ground beef and 16 percent for steaks over the past year. The plant is non-unionized. However, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), whose members include thousands of meatpacking workers, sought to blame foreign workers by declaring: This decision also raises serious questions about our national priorities. The Administration and Congress should be working to strengthen these workers and their communities by boosting production here at home. Instead, our leaders are flirting with importing beef from Argentina and unleashing tariffs that cut off foreign markets to American beef, pork, and chicken. Meatpacking workers across this country deserve better. The unions have long promoted nationalism, which seeks to tie workers to this or that country and this or that ruling class, and the UFCWs comment fundamentally reflects this. The issue is not native-born workers versus foreign-born, but the working class versus the capitalist ruling class. That is, workers confronting the dictatorship of capital, which decides at will to destroy jobs, communities and livelihoods across the United States and the world. Workers should not accept the closure. What can be saved and won will only be decided through struggle. What is required is rank-and-file organizationdemocratic, worker-run committees that can coordinate resistance across plants, states and borders. Rank-and-file committees do not accept the inevitability of closures or the costs imposed by corporate accounting. They begin from what workers need: full pay, safe conditions and a fight to keep jobs where people live. More than 100 people have been killed in Southeast Asia during a week and a half of intense rains throughout the region. Most of the destruction has taken place in Vietnam and Thailand, though Malaysia has also been affected. At least 98 people have been killed in Vietnam as of Wednesday, while another 10 remain missing, since heavy rains began on November 16. An 800-kilometer stretch in the central region of the country has been the most heavily affected, with rainfall last week exceeding 1,900 millimeters in some areas. This is approximately equal to the average rainfall for the entire year. The worst-hit province is Dak Lak where 63 people have been killed. Many of the roads have been blocked, with rescue personnel dropping supplies to stranded survivors from helicopters. Shops and homes have been destroyed or are under mud. Damage to the region, including crops, is estimated at $US545 million. At least 186,000 homes have been damaged and 3.2 million livestock and poultry have been killed. Weve never experienced that much rain and such bad flooding, 45-year-old Pham Thu Huyen, a resident of Khanh Hoa Province, told the media. Rivers in the country surged to record-highs or near record-highs. The Ba River in Dak Lak Province surpassed its 1993 historic peak by 1.07 meters, while the Cai River in Khanh Hoa Province also reached a new high, according to Vietnams National Center for Hydrometeorological Forecasting. Vietnam is one of the worlds most flood-prone countries and has been particularly hard-hit this year, with major storms striking the country in September and October. This includes Typhoon Kalmeagi, which tore through the region in early November, striking the same central region of Vietnam, killing five. At the end of October, parts of Vietnams central region also experienced heavy rainfall, including 1,739mm of rain in a 24-hour period, the second-highest amount on record globally. This also led to widespread flooding and the deaths of 50 people. From January through October alone, at least 279 people have been killed in floods and landslides throughout the country. More rain is expected at the end of this week as Typhoon Koto, the 15th storm to form in the South China Sea, approaches Vietnam. While its path is currently unpredictable, heavy rains in the central region are expected from November 28 to 30. While natural disasters like intense rains and typhoons cannot be prevented, they can be planned for. Yet under capitalism, the drive for profits takes priority over all else, including the safety and well-being of a population living in a flood-prone region. Following its embrace of pro-capitalist reforms in 1986 under its Doi Moi program, the Stalinist regime in Hanoi carried out widespread construction with little regard for the impact on the environment. According to Kyoto Universitys Center for Southeast Asian Studies, by 1996 Vietnams four major urban districts had lost nearly two-thirds of water bodies, which are important for managing floods. Furthermore, Vietnams system of 7,300 reservoirs and dams throughout the country are outdated and poorly run, making flood management difficult and more dangerous. Many of these reservoirs and dams were built decades ago. According to the Department of Hydraulic Works Construction Management, only 19 percent of reservoirs have specialized monitoring equipment while just 30 percent have emergency plans in place. Just 9 percent are certified for safety. Flood warnings often rely on phone calls or sending official memos. All of this creates delays, which can lead to deaths when people are caught unawares. On top of this, many of the reservoirs are operated individually rather than as part of a single, planned system. Operational procedures are also based on outdated information, without taking into account the new conditions that have developed as a result of climate change. This means flood planning, including the discharge of water, may be carried out without consideration for broader conditions. Uncontrolled spillways are also particularly vulnerable. Environmental scientists have also pointed to the role of climate change in increasing the intensity of storms and their impact. Climate change is already shaping Vietnams exposure in several important ways, Nguyen Phuong Loan, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales, stated in October. That means a higher chance of flash floods, especially in densely populated urban areas, she said. Seas in the region have increased in temperature by almost one degree Celsius since the preindustrial era. As the atmosphere also warms, this increases the amount of moisture it can hold. According to NASA, for every degree Celsius that the atmospheric temperature rises, the amount of water vapor in the air increases by 7 percent. This leads to more intense rainfalls becoming more common. Cars and houses are submerged in floodwaters in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. [AP Photo/Arnun Chonmahatrakool] The latest rains have also impacted neighboring countries including Thailand. While large sections of the country have been impacted, flash floods hit nine of Thailands southern provinces, severely affecting 2.78 million people. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been flooded. The city of Hat Yai in Songkhla Province, where the government has declared a state of emergency, experienced 335mm of rain in a 24-hour period last Friday, the highest rainfall in 300 years. At least 33 people have been killed in Thailand so far, as well as one person in Malaysia, which has also been hit by floods. The Thai government has come under fire from survivors, who accused officials of inaction. They have pointed out that the government issued unclear evacuation notices and location of shelters. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, a spokesman for the government, responded by callously shifting blame onto the victims, claiming, Evacuation alerts were issued, but residents in several communities refused to relocate to temporary shelters. As in Vietnam, poor disaster management is rampant in Thailand, where floods are also common. The Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI), a Bangkok-based think tank, wrote in an article published in January: Thailands flood problems stem from three main issues: centralized policies with poor coordination on the ground, outdated early warning systems, and insufficient funding with misplaced priorities. TDRI explained that flood forecasts are typically only 33 percent accurate a day in advance due to poor weather monitoring equipment, while the SMS alert system is underdeveloped, meaning many residents do not receive warnings in time. While TDRI does not draw the conclusion, this mismanagement and lack of resources, as in Vietnam, is the result of prioritizing profit over social needs under capitalism. Bissau, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Guinea-Bissau's transitional President Horta Inta-A on Thursday signed a presidential decree appointing Maj. Gen. Tomas Djassi as chief of the general staff of the armed forces. According to a statement released by the Presidency's Office of Communication and Public Relations, the appointment was made in accordance with the constitution and relevant laws, and the decree took effect immediately. On the same day, the military, named "the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order," announced that, following an assessment of the current situation, the previously imposed movement restrictions and nationwide curfew would be lifted starting Friday. The high military command noted that the earlier measures included a nationwide curfew beginning at 7:00 p.m. local time on Wednesday. With the transitional president now sworn in, it said conditions are considered ready to restore public order and normal social functioning. The military reported that former President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, former Interior Minister Botche Cande, former Chief of the General Staff Biague Na Ntan, and former Deputy Chief of Staff Mamadou Toure are all in good health and remain under the supervision of the high military command until further notice. The statement further said that all public and private schools, training centers, markets, commercial centers, and private institutions would resume normal operations immediately, while other public institutions, including government ministries, will return to work once the transitional government is formally established. The high military command prohibited protests, demonstrations, strikes, and any activities that could affect national peace and stability. Inta-A was sworn in as transitional president for a one-year term on Thursday, following the military's declaration that it had fully assumed state authority. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Left: Monkey with Mask New York Ciry, 1992. Right: Tree Fairy Glen, Isle of Skye, Scotland, 2013. | Credit: Albert Watson/TASCHEN Many photographers build their career by finding a niche and staying in it. One, though, has spent five decades systematically ignoring this advice. And the results, collected in TASCHEN's new limited-edition monograph Albert Watson: KAOS, make a compelling argument that specialization might be overrated. The book opens with Albert Watson's breakthrough: a 1973 portrait of Alfred Hitchcock holding a plucked goose for Harper's Bazaar. From there, it moves swiftly through celebrity portraits (David Bowie, Steve Jobs, Mick Jagger), fashion editorials for Vogue, nudes that push physical boundaries, still lifes of Elvis's gold suit and Tutankhamun's golden glove, landscapes of his native Scotland, and documentary work from China to Morocco. It's a portfolio that would seem scattered and chaotic, if it weren't so consistently excellent. Advertisement Advertisement What holds this eclectic work together isn't a signature style in the conventional sense. Watson doesn't impose the same aesthetic on every subject. Instead, he brings what former Christie's photography head Philippe Garner describes as "graphic clarity"; an ability to distill each subject to its essence through meticulous craft. Whether photographing a Las Vegas dominatrix or a Scottish landscape, Watson captures both surface and depth simultaneously. Back story So how did he get here? Watson trained first in graphic design at Duncan of Jordanstone College in Dundee, then studied film at London's Royal College of Art. He only picked up a camera in 1964 when his wife Elizabeth gave him one. Using it, he says, didn't come naturally. "I was usually very disappointed with the results," he admits. "So I did learn technique, and I am still learning." That graphic design foundation proves crucial. Watson cites influences like Saul Bass and Milton Glaser: graphic designers who understood how visuals could fix messages in viewers' minds. His film training taught him to think in narrative terms and handle complex productions. The result is a photographer who approaches each project as problem-solving; constructing realities before his lens rather than simply capturing what's there. Left: Cindy Sherman, Polaroid, New York City, 1994. Right: Monkey with Gun, New York City, 1992 | Credit: Albert Watson/TASCHEN Today, his technical execution remains resolutely analogue. He rejects what he calls "Photoshop trickery", insisting that whatever he conceives must exist, either found or built, before his camera. "I have always been a printer," he adds. "I have printed everything myself." Even after moving to digital capture, he brought everything in-house to control every stage while maintaining film capability. Work ethic For photographers wondering how Watson sustained this pace (over a hundred Vogue covers, countless editorial features, commercial campaigns and personal projects spanning continents), the answer lies in his Scottish Protestant work ethic. "I am a worker," he states simply. His schedule might involve two weeks shooting fashion in Paris, then Cairo for a personal project, back to Paris for L'Oreal, then LA for a movie poster. He's been "thinking photographs every day for over 40 years". Advertisement Advertisement Interestingly, Watson's pursues personal projects between commercial jobs. His 1978 documentation of Canadian cowboy culture, his six-week reportage in China just as it opened after Mao's isolation, his Morocco project; these weren't just escapes from commercial work but essential to his development. The discipline he learned shooting Elvis's possessions at Graceland, for instance, informed his later monumental still lifes of Tutankhamun's artifacts. Left: Boy George, Polaroid, New York City, 1996. Right: Steve Jobs, Cupertino, California 2006 | Credit: Albert Watson/TASCHEN The KAOS Collector's Edition comes bound in faux chimpanzee fur, a typically eccentric Watson touch, along with 408 pages spanning his career. It includes an essay from Phillippe Garner, extensive Watson quotes, and previously unpublished Polaroids from his archives, which highlight how he tests concepts before final exposures. In an era pushing photographers toward narrow specialization and high-volume output, Watson's career offers a different model. Not the romantic notion of following your dreams, but the disciplined pursuit of craft across multiple genres, treating each project as a unique problem. As Vogue's Grace Coddington once asked him, "Does every shot have to be monumental?" Watson's answer, then and now: "Yes, it has to be." Albert Watson Kaos is published by Taschen on November 28 in the UK for 125, and goes on sale in the US from January for $150. Blake Lively was recently spotted at a Trader Joes store in Connecticut in a casual look. According to a source, the public outing was reportedly to soften the narrative amid the ongoing lawsuit with Justin Baldoni. Since the case has still been making headlines, the Gossip Girl alums image has allegedly taken a hit. Therefore, insiders claimed that her recent trip to the grocery store was reportedly to reshape the tone. Blake Lively is in visibility-through-normalcy mode with Trader Joe outing, per source Blake Lively Hits Up Trader Joe's in Patchwork Jeans, Chunky Knitwear, and Ugg Slippers. pic.twitter.com/ySXRsntwQo Best of Blake Lively (@bofblakelively) November 25, 2025 Blake Livelys Trader Joes outing amid the Justin Baldoni lawsuit has caught attention. Recently, the Hollywood bombshell was spotted at the grocery store in Connecticut in regular wear. She donned a woolen cardigan over a brown top and blue patchwork jeans. With heavy bags in both hands, the diva stepped out in a white beanie and brown boots. A source told Rob Shuter that Livelys team has allegedly been trying to shift the publics focus to her visibility-through-normalcy mode. Due to the legal battle, the actors reputation reportedly needs to be better. Hence, her camp is seemingly using an old-school technique. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flood the public with wholesome imagery, and it reshapes the tone around the tougher headlines, the insider explained. According to them, Livelys trip to the store was no accident, instead, it was reportedly set up to portray candid just like you moments. It would likely make her relatable to the common people. For those unversed, the Age of Adeline star filed a case against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment on the set of their 2024 movie, It Ends with Us. He denied the allegations and filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane. The counterclaim stated defamation and a civil extortion clause. After the court dismissed the filmmakers lawsuit, the legal battle became more intense. The case is still ongoing and has been making headlines often. Originally reported by Suushmmita Sen on Reality Tea. The post Blake Livelys Public Outing To Reshape Tone Around Lawsuit Source appeared first on Mandatory. Four years after purchasing a farm in the Santa Monica Mountains, celebrity chef Curtis Stone admits he still doesn't know how to properly use the equipment needed. Stone told Fox News Digital that he's still learning the ins and outs of farming, pointing out that his skills with a chainsaw and tractor are not the best. "Naivety I had no idea how involved it was owning a farm because every time the wind blows, a tree falls on a fence," Stone said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And then you got to get your chainsaw out, and between you and me, I'm not brilliant with a chainsaw, and they're pretty dangerous pieces of equipment," the star, who is married to actress Lindsay Price, added. Four years after purchasing a farm in the Santa Monica Mountains, celebrity chef Curtis Stone admits he still doesn't know how to properly use the equipment needed. Country Star Luke Bryan Takes The Stage And A Stand For Us Farmers Another piece of equipment he's still learning is how to drive the tractor, noting that he's "not brilliant" at it. Read On The Fox News App "I'm not a great farmer. I'm not gonna lie to you," the Getting Grilled star said. "But I do love the open space, and I do love the idea of having some animals out there one day. And I've got tons of veggies growing," Stone explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So, it's a whole lot of fun. I've just got to get the skills." While Stone says each person in the family has a certain number of chores, it doesn't necessarily mean it will get done. Stone told Fox News Digital that he's still learning the ins and outs of farming, pointing out that his skills with a chainsaw and tractor are not the best. Miranda Lambert Says She's 'Addicted' To Shooting Guns On Horseback In New Wild West Hobby "They do, they don't do any of them. But they do have allocated chores, but, yeah, none of them actually get done," he said. "Lindsay shows up for the wine harvest, because there's a little vineyard on it, so she kind of likes picking the grapes with me. I think she enjoys drinking the wine more than picking the grapes, but anyways, it makes a pretty nice job." WATCH: CURTIS STONE TALKS ABOUT HIS FARM IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Stone and Price purchased the farm, which is called Four Stones Farm, in August of 2021. It is located in Agoura Hills a city in the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone, who hails from Melbourne, Australia, is known for starring in Top Chef Masters, America's Next Great Restaurant, Take Home Chef and Crime Scene Chef. The author also owns two restaurants in Los Angeles: The Pie Room and Gwen Butcher Shop. The star shares two children with Price: Hudson and Emerson. Stone recalled the first Thanksgiving they had at their farm after purchasing the property and the kitchen disaster that took place. Curtis Stone and wife Lindsay Price share two children. Food Network Chef Defies Incredible Odds After Being Shot 11 Times In Violent Armed Robbery The chef said it all went downhill because he thought having just one oven would be enough for their Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't have enough firepower. I only had one oven. And I thought I'd be alright. It was a disaster," adding that he didn't "balance things out." WATCH: CURTIS STONE SHARES INSIGHT ABOUT FAMILY CHORES ON THE FARM "Too much stuff coming out of the oven. And the turkey ended up taking longer than I thought. Because the truth about the turkey, if you're roasting it, it's a guessing game," Stone said. "You look at it. You read everything. You weigh it! And you estimate it's going to take three hours and 20 minutes. What you really need is a probe thermometer, right?" in order to check the internal temperature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You need to cook poultry all the way through," noting it has to reach 160 degrees internally. "And that might take three, it might take two hours, it might four it depends on how big the turkey is. It depends on how hot your oven's running. So, you really got to check it," he noted. For the Thanksgiving disaster, Stone said that "nothing was ready." "My turkey was ready, and then I had no vegetables hot. I was like telling people to sit down, and then there's no food on the table," he explained. WATCH: CURTIS STONE SHARES THE MOST MEMORABLE CELEBRITY HOLIDAY MEAL "You wouldn't think that it happened to a chef, but it does. It happens to all of us sometimes. You live, and you learn," he said. "You just got to get on with it. Pour them another glass of wine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone also revealed the most memorable celebrity holiday meals he's made. He said Sharon Osbourne called him to ask how to make Yorkshire Pudding, and he told her he would make it for her and James Corden also got involved. Like What Youre Reading? Click Here For More Entertainment News "James Corden came into the butcher's shop, and I was downstairs, and he's starting to chat to me. I said I've got to run upstairs, and he goes, What are you doing upstairs? and I said, 'I'm making Sharon Osbourne's Yorkshire puddings.'" "He was like, Oh I want to see how you make them.' So, I had James Corden sitting on the kitchen counter while I was making Yorkshire puddings for Sharon Osbourne. I felt like that was pretty fun. That it was a bit of a British-studded Christmas that year." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adding that Osbourne loved the Yorkshire puddings, as did Corden. One of the most surprising things he's seen a celebrity eat was a dish with liver. He told his producer on "Getting Grilled" to ask celebrities one thing they would never eat, and guest Sebastian Maniscalco said he would never eat liver. "So, I made chicken liver parfait, but I watched him. I made him make it with me, so he had to pick up the livers, and he had to put them into the puree, into the food processor," Stone said. "And he was literally gagging as he was doing it. But you can imagine how funny that was. But he actually did taste it, and he said it was very good. So yeah, I've seen celebrities eat all sorts of stuff 'cause I've tricked them." One of the most surprising things he's seen a celebrity eat was a dish with liver. When asked who would be on his dream holiday dinner party guest list, he said it would be the Beatles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone has already cooked for Paul McCartney, revealing he made him a meal 20 years ago in New York City. He said he remembered that McCartney was vegan. Stone recalled that McCartney told him to "'whip up anything.'" "Oh my God, the pressure," he exclaimed. "I've got to do something fantastic, and I've got to do it fast." "This is before we all had plant-based things on our menu. We didn't have any vegetarian alternatives back then," Stone explained. "So, I think I cooked him some lentils and a few bits and pieces of veggies." "He enjoyed it. He called me up after the lunch and told me how nice it was. So, yeah, it was a big thrill." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stone's two go-to dishes for the holiday season include great stuffing and great gravy, adding that "if you have those two things, everything else works." He said he fries a turkey every year after trying one for the first time in America and thought it was "really good." Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt Says She'd Leave Hollywood But Only If Her Famous Family Goes Too "Don't drink too much before you decide to fry the turkey. That's my advice. But you need a big enough pot to be able to take the turkey. And I do brine mine," Stone explained. "So, I brine it overnight, but then I take it out, I pat it really well, I dry it right off. And then you just fry it at a really low temperature. It takes about 3540 minutes. That's much faster than roasting a turkey," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another family tradition is including kimchi on the table for Lindsay's mom, who is Korean. One of the biggest takeaways for Thanksgiving is making sure "everyone has a job," so that no one feels left out. Another important element to consider when cooking for a crowd, Stone said, is that the more food you make, the longer the prep and cook times. Click Here To Sign Up For The Entertainment Newsletter "It's hard to get it all hot. That's the one thing that is difficult to get everything out of the oven, off the stove all at the same time," Stone said. The chef even markets his own product, the Curtis Stone Electric Warming Mat, designed to keep dishes warm during holiday meals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Giving people jobs, having things coming out of different parts of the kitchen, maybe balancing the menu out so you do, maybe you want to do a cold Brussels sprout salad, you know, instead of hot sprouts and that takes something off your stove," Stone said. "So, balancing what you've got to work with and what you want to serve, that's important," the star added. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Original article source: Celebrity chef Curtis Stone admits farm ownership is tougher than he thought: 'I had no idea' NEED TO KNOW Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy was the second-eldest daughter of family patriarch Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. Rather than following her siblings into politics, Kick fell in love with a British nobleman and defied her family by marrying him Kick, however, died tragically after being killed in a plane crash when she was just 28 It can be easy to forget that within the so-called "Kennedy Curse" and the tragic deaths of President John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy are the losses of other family members, some nearly forgotten by history. Such is the case with Kathleen Kennedy. She was the fourth-eldest child and second daughter of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and his wife, Rose, and went by the nickname "Kick." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Born in 1920, sandwiched in between sisters Rosemary and Eunice and three years younger than JFK, Kick became "the only rebel of the family," according to Kennedy biographer Lynne McTaggart. CORBIS/Corbis via Getty John F. Kennedy (pulling wagon), and siblings Joe Jr., Kick, Rosemary and Eunice John F. Kennedy (pulling wagon), and siblings Joe Jr., Kick, Rosemary and Eunice "If you look at all nine [Kennedy] children, she was the only one who didnt march down the prescribed road," McTaggart, author of the 1983 biography Kathleen Kennedy: Her Life and Times, told the New York Post. In her early years, Kick's mother kept her daughter in check by sending her to an all-girls school in a somber Connecticut convent. But when she turned 18, her father became the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom and took his family overseas, where Kick was an instant hit. Bettmann Archive/Getty (L to R): Kathleen, Robert, Rose, Teddy, Patricia and Jean Kennedy (L to R): Kathleen, Robert, Rose, Teddy, Patricia and Jean Kennedy Kennedy biographers love to claim that Kick was no great beauty, but she found her own ways to stand out amongst the English debutantes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She did not hang back shyly or demurely," wrote Barbara Leaming in her 2016 biography, Kick Kennedy: The Charmed Life and Tragic Death of the Favorite Kennedy Daughter. "The newcomer was willing to laugh at herself her mistakes, her gaucheries and even her physical flaws in a way that was simply unknown among English girls." In the 2016 Smithsonian Channel docuseries Million Dollar American Princesses, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s daughter Kick Kennedy who was named after her great-aunt reflected on the eccentric nature of her namesake. She was idiosyncratically charming, the younger Kick shared. She would call the Duke of Marlborough Dukie Wookie and chewed gum walking down the streets of London. Imagno/Getty Kick (L) and Rosemary (R) Kennedy, with their mother, Rose (C), at Buckingham Palace in 1937 Kick (L) and Rosemary (R) Kennedy, with their mother, Rose (C), at Buckingham Palace in 1937 Kick and Rosemary made their royal debut in 1937, and not long after, she met William Cavendish, the Marquess of Hartington and future Duke of Devonshire. Kick affectionally called him "Billy." He was soft-spoken where she was boisterous, and they'd been raised in different, but equally posh, worlds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the most striking difference was that Billy was Protestant. For the devout Catholic Kennedys, this was a non-negotiable. Kick pleaded with her parents to accept their relationship, but was ultimately forced to return to America when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, signaling the start of World War II. She continued to pine for Billy and, in 1943, eventually found her way back to him by volunteering with the Red Cross. In May 1944, the couple tied the knot in a civil ceremony a mortal sin in the eyes of the Kennedys, especially matriarch Rose. Kick's eldest brother, Joe Jr., who was stationed in Britain with the U.S. Navy, was the only member of the family to attend. Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty William Cavendish, Marquess Of Hartington, and Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy on their wedding day, May 6, 1944 William Cavendish, Marquess Of Hartington, and Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy on their wedding day, May 6, 1944 Tragedy soon followed bliss. Four weeks after they were married, Billy was sent to the Belgian front. In August, Joe Jr. was killed when his plane exploded during a secret bombing mission over France. A month later, Billy was also dead, gunned down in Belgium by a German sniper. I cant imagine anything more devastating, the modern-day Kick said of her great-aunt in Million Dollar American Princesses. But the rule is, Kennedys dont cry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the aftermath of the war, Kick found love again with another nobleman. Peter Fitzwilliam, the 8th Earl Fitzwilliam, who was in the process of divorcing his first wife when they began their romance. Like the Marquess, he was also a Protestant. Like Kick's first marriage, this romance also incensed Rose to the point of shunning her once-favored daughter. In McTaggart's opinion, the eyebrow-raising relationship was a result of both Kick's rebellious nature and a bit of post-war recklessness. When youve seen so much tragedy during the war, it makes you feel that youd better live for the moment, the biographer said. Fitzwilliam had a lot of money and was a lot of fun." Once his divorce was final, Kick and Fitzwilliam boarded a flight to France to ask for her father's blessing. Despite inclement weather on May 13, 1948, their plane pushed on and crashed in Saint-Bauzile, Ardeche, in southern France. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. In a tragic bookend of her wedding, only Joseph Kennedy Sr. attended Kick's funeral, so as to keep her scandal apart from the family's growing political power in the U.S. "She was the star of the family, and it left them, particularly her mother, with terrible, unresolved agony over a relationship with the child that was closest to her," Leaming wrote. "Her mother was left with something that was so unresolved that she didn't go to her daughter's funeral, she didn't bring the body back here to bury her." Christopher Furlong/Getty The grave of Kathleen Agnes Cavendish (nee Kennedy), Marchioness of Hartington, in the churchyard of St. Peter's Church in Chatsworth, England The grave of Kathleen Agnes Cavendish (nee Kennedy), Marchioness of Hartington, in the churchyard of St. Peter's Church in Chatsworth, England Kick was buried in a small churchyard in Edensor, England, with a headstone that identifies her as "Kathleen Cavendish, Marchioness of Hartington." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While her husband was buried in Belgium, a plaque in front of the worn stone commemorates another important man in her life, who visited in the final months of his own. It reads, "In memory of John F. Kennedy, President of the United States, who visited this grave 29 June 1963." Read the original article on People Milwaukee rapper Chicken P, who was serving time at Dodge Correctional Institution, was extradited to Ohio, where he faces new allegations of sexual assault. The popular performer born Rahkeib Smith was convicted in March on gun- and drug-related charges in Milwaukee County. But he failed a drug test prior to sentencing, and was arrested and remanded back to jail just days before his subsequently canceled Summerfest 2025 show. At sentencing, he was given four years in prison and three years of extended supervision and was credited with 321 days of time served, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last month, the 30-year-old was extradited to Cuyahoga County, Ohio, where he was charged in April with four counts of rape, two counts of attempted rape, two counts of gross sexual imposition, abduction and public indecency. Chicken P raps for the crowd at the We Outside concert at the Wisconsin State Fair Park in 2021. Chicken P, who was born born Rahkeib Smith, has been transferred to an Ohio prison as he awaits trial on rape charges. A woman who was only identified in the indictment as "Jane Doe" is accusing Smith of rape by force between March 11 and 12 at a residence in Cleveland. The narrative of the charges are sealed, but Smith is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with Jane Doe without her consent and using physical force. "Smith knew or had reasonable cause to believe that Jane Doe's ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or because of advanced age," the indictment states. Smith allegedly touched the woman sexually at a time when she was unable to consent, and has also been charged with abduction. The public indecency charge claims that Smith engaged in sexual conduct or masturbation in a way that was likely to be seen by people nearby, outside his residence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith pleaded not guilty to the charges in a court hearing in Ohio earlier this month. If convicted, he faces several decades behind bars. His Ohio-based attorney, Ian Friedman, declined to comment on Nov. 26. Smith was at one point the most popular rapper living in Milwaukee and held that title for several years as the city's rap scene gained recognition nationally with the rise of social media and viral personalities. He had a record deal with 10K Projects, the indie label behind Ice Spice and Trippie Redd. The official Instagram account for Chicken P posted a statement on Nov. 26. "As many of you know, I am incarcerated right now due to false allegations," the statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I want to make it clear that I maintain my innocence and I am fully committed to clearing my name through the proper legal process. I look forward to proving my innocence and getting back to my music and my community as soon as possible." This story was updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee rapper Chicken pleads not guilty to Ohio rape charges NEED TO KNOW Miss International 2025 has crowned its newest winner Last year's 2024 winner was Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, who became the first-ever Vietnamese winner of the Miss International competition The pageant was held in Tokyo, Japan, on Nov. 27 Miss International has a new queen. On Thursday, Nov. 27, the international competition hosted its pageant at Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, eventually crowning Catalina Duque, who was there representing Colombia, as its new winner. 80 contestants from across the globe competed for the crown in the pageant, which was originally founded in Long Beach, Calif., in 1960. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Venezuelas ninth Miss International winner, Andrea Rubio from 2023, returned to the pageant this year as host and was joined by 2019 Miss International Japan Momi Okada and Max Powers. Kazuhiro NOGI / AFP via Getty Catalina Duque from Colombia. Catalina Duque from Colombia. The run of show for the pageant included the top 20 contestants competing in both swimsuit and evening gown, with the top 10 competing in public speaking by sharing their sustainable development goal initiatives. Last year, Vietnam's Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy took home the crown, marking the country's first-ever winner. 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. Thanh Thuy/Instagram Miss International 2024, Thanh Thuy. Miss International 2024, Thanh Thuy. This year's competition comes after the world of pageantry has been featured in the headlines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Miss Universe pageant was awash with controversy in the lead-up to the pageant, which took place on Nov. 21, following a confrontation between Miss Mexico (who ultimately went on to be crowned Miss Universe) and a pageant executive, Nawat Itsaragrisil. Later, the pageant made headlines after multiple judges resigned, including judge Omar Harfouch, who claimed a lack of transparency as well as the alleged formation of an "impromptu jury" in his reasoning for resigning. The pageant refuted Harfouch's claims in a statement posted shortly after his resignation announcement. Miss International/Instagram Miss International 2025 contestants. Miss International 2025 contestants. In the following days, some Miss Universe contestants also relinquished their titles, including Miss Cote d'Ivoire Olivia Yace, who wrote of her resignation that she "must remain true to my values: respect, dignity, excellence, and equal opportunity the strongest pillars that guide me." She also clarified that her resignation includes any future affiliation with the Miss Universe Committee. Brigitta Schaback also stepped down from the title of Miss Universe Estonia days after representing the country at Miss Universe 2025. The former titleholder, 28, announced the news with an Instagram post shared on Sunday, Nov. 23, writing, "My values and work ethics do not align with those of the National Director, Natalie Korneitsik." Read the original article on People Heavy lies the crown. Leaders of the Miss Universe Organization allegedly blamed Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry after she suffered a scary fall from the beauty pageant stage last week. Miss Haiti Melissa Sapini opened up about the startling incident and how leadership responded during a chat with People published on Wednesday. Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry suffered a scary fall from the Miss Universe stage on Nov. 19. Meekiimodez/Instagram Miss Universe officials shared an update on social media following Miss Jamaicas tumble. officialmissuniversejamaica/Instagram I dont know that they handled that correctly, Sapini, 22, told the outlet. The first thing [the pageant staff member] said was its because she wasnt paying attention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After he said that, then he was like, Of course, safety is our number one priority, this, that, Miss Haiti added. But its like, Are you serious? That was really scary. The Post has reached out to the Miss Universe Organization for comment. Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry during the 74th Miss Universe preliminary competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 19, 2025. Getty Images Miss Haiti Melissa Sapini during the 74th Miss Universe preliminary competition in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 19, 2025. Getty Images Henry, 28, had tumbled off the runway and face-planted into the crowd during the preliminary evening gown round at Miss Universe 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 19. Audience members quickly jumped up to check on the fallen beauty queen, and additional footage showed Henry being carried away on a stretcher. Although Miss Jamaica was rushed to the nearby Paolo Rangsit Hospital, officials said on social media that she didnt suffer any life-threatening injuries or break any bones in the fall. Miss Jamaica during the 2025 Miss Universe national costume presentation on Nov. 19, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Miss Universe President Raul Rocha provided another update about Henrys condition via Instagram on Monday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While he confirmed that the injured contestant was in good health and nearing discharge, Rocha stopped short of sharing any further details. 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 began. Miss Universe President Raul Rocha during the 73rd Miss Universe pageant in Mexico City, Mexico, on Nov. 16, 2024. Getty Images Out of respect for Dr. Henry and her family, the Organization maintains strict discretion regarding specific details of her medical status, he continued. We believe that matters concerning her health should be communicated only at the appropriate time and solely at the familys discretion, or by Dr. Henry herself should she choose to do so. Henrys sister later revealed that Miss Jamaica wasnt doing as well as we would have hoped following her fall, and pageant officials confirmed on Friday that the contestant would remain in the hospital for at least another week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that wouldnt be the only incident to plague this years competition. Miss Jamaica during the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 19, 2025. REUTERS Miss Haiti during the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, on Nov. 19, 2025. REUTERS Miss Universe exec Nawat Itsaragrisil was dismissed from the pageant on Nov. 4 after a tense confrontation with Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch resulted in several contestants walking out of a pre-pageant event in protest. Bosch, 25, was later crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Nov. 21. Miss Universe judge Omar Harfouch made headlines as well when he resigned from the pageant a few days before the pageant officially kicked off. Harfouch claimed that the Top 30 finalists had been chosen in secret long before the judges ever cast their votes. Nawat Itsaragrisil during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, on March 13, 2025. NARONG SANGNAK/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Omar Harfouch and Kevin Costner attend the 81st Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Sept. 5, 2024. Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Miss Haiti addressed the drama surrounding this years pageant and how it affected her and other contestants during her chat with People. There were so many little things, she told the outlet. Ill never forget it was before because we had a day in between prelims and finals just sitting in my room with my roommate thinking, Is this it? Were looking at each other. Were looking at these articles, and were not even talking. Were just looking at each other with our faces drained, Sapini added. And you just see dreams and hopes lost. Thats so sad to me. Just three months after influencers Kristin and Noah Schnacky tied the knot, they decided to spend Thanksgiving apart. Saying goodbye for our first Thanksgiving married because neither of us want to miss out on moments with our own family, Kristin, 28, wrote via TikTok on Tuesday, November 25, sharing a video of the couple hugging in a park. [We] realized this was the best choice for us. Kristin also captioned her upload, Tough decisions . Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Kristins announcement drew criticism from other social media users who lamented the pairs choice not to spend the holiday together, she seemingly hit back. (Kristin and Noah primarily share lifestyle and relationship content.) Us Weekly Ranks Dysfunctional TV Families by Their Most Unhinged Thanksgiving Episode Unpopular opinion, but so happy to be back home to see my whole family, she captioned a Wednesday, November 16, TikTok video, where she pretended to pout while listening to Elvis Presleys Blue Christmas. According to the social media personality, the song was her theme song since she was spending Thanksgiving in New York while Noah, 28, had flown south to Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kristin later revealed via her Instagram Stories that it was the first time she and Noah said goodbye since they got married in August. Kristin and Noah, who got engaged in February, said I do in a dreamy New York City wedding on August 27. A new chapter of our fairytale begins, introducing Mr. and Mrs. Schnacky, the proud groom wrote via Instagram days later. The influencers big day subsequently went viral after members of the New York Fire Department showed up as a tribute to Kristins late father, who died in the line of duty during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Yesterday, I truly understood what it means when firefighters say its a brotherhood. Kristin wrote via Instagram. Firefighters (new & retired) from my dads firehouse Rescue One showed up to my hotel and escorted me all the way to our venue where Noah was waiting at the altar. Courtesy of Kristin Schnacky/ Instagram She continued, They stopped their life to be a part of my special day to honor my dad. Walking out of the hotel to see all the firefighters with the two trucks instantly made me bawl my eyes out, it truly was symbolism of my dad walking me down the aisle, and I know its exactly how he would have wanted it, this one is for you, dad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Noah, for his part, replied in the comments section that he was honored the FDNY crew came to support their wedding. How to Watch Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade 2025: Date, Time, Performers, Floats and More Im stunned by the love the FDNY has, Noah commented. What an honor to have them as a part of our special day. Kristin, who was 3 years old when her dad died, has been vocal about honoring his legacy as she grew up. It's hard to tell if I remember him from the stories or if I remember him from just memory. I was a daddy's girl and my mom always says I was his prize, she recalled to CBS News at the time. He just loved me so much. Kristin further told the outlet that having the FDNY crew attend her wedding was the most special thing in the entire world. She and Noah also set her dads former uniform on a seat during the ceremony, where she was accompanied down the aisle by her paternal grandfather. A popular celebrity makeover stylist who appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show was reportedly found dead in the rooftop pool of his posh Minneapolis high-rise. Christopher Jon Hopkins, 61, known as The Makeover Guy, was discovered unresponsive in the 33rd-floor pool of the Churchill apartments around 10:20 p.m. Saturday, according to his husband of 37 years, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities said he had been swimming for an unknown period of time before his body was found. Christopher Jon Hopkins, 61, was a popular stylist known as The Makeover Guy. An autopsy has yet to determine what caused his death. A post on Hopkins LinkedIn page Wednesday said the stylist and authors heart failed him. We are deeply saddened to share that Christopher Hopkins, our beloved Makeoverguy, has passed away, the post said. His heart failed him on the eve of November 22nd, 2025. Christophers creativity, authenticity, and passion inspired so many lives. Rest in peace, Christopher. Hopkins reportedly launched his first salon in 1990 and made his TV debut with Oprah Winfrey in 1996, returning in 1999 as a rising celebrity stylist with clients such as Hillary Clinton and actress Lauren Holly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He eventually reinvented himself as a makeover guru for everyday, middle-aged women, releasing the 2008 bestseller Staging Your Comeback: A Complete Beauty Revival for Women over 45. Hopkins appread on Oprah in 1996 and again in 1999. YouTube/MAKEOVERGUY People fly in from all over the country every weekend for [our] full makeovers, Hopkins told the Minnesota outlet in a 2015 interview. Hopkins YouTube channel, followed by more than 579,000 subscribers, also showcased beauty tips and dramatic transformation videos. The last videos in his Makeoverguy Appearance Studios series were uploaded Monday two days after he died. Hopkins grieving husband, Richard Lindquist, described him as an amazing man, adding, Worldwide, people were fans of his, the outlet reported. The heartbroken spouse said he is still awaiting details from the Hennepin County Medical Examiners Office about what led to Hopkins death. Sabrina Dallafior addresses the 30th Conference of the States Parties after being appointed as the next Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) by the Conference in The Hague, the Netherlands, Nov. 27, 2025. Swiss diplomat Sabrina Dallafior was appointed the next Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) by the Conference of the State Parties on Thursday, for a term of four years. (Xinhua/OPCW) THE HAGUE, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Swiss diplomat Sabrina Dallafior was appointed the next Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) by the Conference of the State Parties on Thursday, for a term of four years. Agustin Vasquez Gomez, ambassador of El Salvador to the Netherlands and chair of the OPCW Conference of the States Parties, announced the decision, noting that no objections were received at the 30th session of the conference. Dallafior, currently serving as ambassador of Switzerland to Finland, will succeed Fernando Arias of Spain, the fourth OPCW director-general, who has served since December 2017. Dallafior will assume office on July 25, 2026. "Her extensive diplomatic experience, commitment to multilateralism, and strong understanding of international security will serve the Organization well at this pivotal moment," outgoing Director-General Arias said at the conference. Dallafior was recommended as the sole candidate for the post by consensus at the OPCW's 110th Executive Council session in October 2025. The OPCW, an intergovernmental organization seated in The Hague, Netherlands, is the implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention. With 193 member states, the OPCW aims to achieve a world permanently free of chemical weapons and to contribute to international security and stability, general and complete disarmament, and global economic development. Sabrina Dallafior addresses the 30th Conference of the States Parties after being appointed as the next Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) by the Conference in The Hague, the Netherlands, Nov. 27, 2025. Swiss diplomat Sabrina Dallafior was appointed the next Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) by the Conference of the State Parties on Thursday, for a term of four years. (Xinhua/OPCW) Sabrina Dallafior addresses the 30th Conference of the States Parties after being appointed as the next Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) by the Conference in The Hague, the Netherlands, Nov. 27, 2025. Swiss diplomat Sabrina Dallafior was appointed the next Director-General of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) by the Conference of the State Parties on Thursday, for a term of four years. (Xinhua/OPCW) The Gist Ladies Amelia and Eliza Spencer stepped out in London on Wednesday, November 26. The twins attended the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards They both wore off-the-shoulder Safiyaa gowns. Princess Diana's twin nieces have coordinated their looks once againand this time, they opted for a wardrobe staple: the little black dress. On Wednesday, Ladies Amelia and Eliza Spencer attended the 2025 Tusk Conservation Awards in London. The high-society sisters wore off-the-shoulder silhouettes, with Eliza selecting a stunning Safiyaa gown from the brand's fall 2025 collection. Her floor-length frock featured caped sleeves and beaded embroidery along the neckline. She added on a leather clutch with a gold buckle. Getty Images Lady Eliza Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer on November 26, 2025. Lady Eliza Spencer and Lady Amelia Spencer on November 26, 2025. As for Amelia, she modeled a sheath from the same label, though hers featured a collarbone-baring, crystal-trimmed rounded neckline with long sleeves. The crepe design also included a fishtail skirt. She completed her look with a crocodile embossed clutch and diamond-encrusted earrings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amelia and Eliza both wore their blonde tresses in loose waves, while their makeup included tones of coral and pink. The twins matched once again earlier this week, when they attended the Franca Fund Gala in Doha, Qatar dressed in glittering gowns. Some nights stay with us foreverthis was one of them , they wrote in a joint Instagram post on November 24. The sisters added that their appearance at the Franca Fund Gala on November 23 honored the life, vision, curiosity, and grace of the incomparable Franca Sozzani, who was editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia from July 1988 to December 2016, the same month she died at age 66. Getty Amelia Spencer and Eliza Spencer at the Franca Fund Gala in Doha, Qatar. Amelia Spencer and Eliza Spencer at the Franca Fund Gala in Doha, Qatar. The inaugural Franca Fund Gala supports the future of preventative genomics, Amelia and Eliza wrote, adding that the event was an unforgettable evening beneath the Qatari sky, surrounded by old friends and new ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amelia and Eliza sported metallic ensembles by Indian fashion designer Manish Malhotra. Amelia wore a silver halter-neck gown with scalloped beading and a sheer skirt, and Eliza donned an embellished strapless gold gown. The sisters also decked themselves in Chopard jewelry, with Amelia in a pair of emerald drop earrings and Eliza in a diamond necklace and matching earrings. Getty Amelia Spencer and Eliza Spencer at the Franca Fund Gala in Doha, Qatar. Amelia Spencer and Eliza Spencer at the Franca Fund Gala in Doha, Qatar. Read the original article on InStyle Stay Forte, which was made using classic prison-break movie tropes, manages to keep some suspense throughout, and the drama is not so much about what they did but how they managed to do it. It could have been the most inspiring true story from October 7 and its aftermath. Instead, its one of the most tragic. Three hostages held in Gaza Alon Shamriz, Yotam Haim, and Samer Talalka escaped from their Hamas captors in December 2023 and were shot to death in error by IDF soldiers a few days later. They came so close, against all odds, and were cut down as they approached the IDF patrol shirtless, holding a white cloth with Hebrew words written on it from hot sauce, the only writing material they could find as they hid in abandoned houses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This heartbreaking story of their escape and death has been turned into a gripping, dramatic movie now playing all over Israel, Stay Forte, directed by Doron Eran and written by Omri Rose and Tomer Almagor. Stay Forte, which was made using classic prison-break movie tropes, manages to keep some suspense throughout, and the drama is not so much about what they did but how they managed to do it. The film works hard to draw fully rounded portraits of the characters, so they become real to us, and it celebrates the fact that they escaped their captors and lived their final days thinking they had a chance. Stay Forte is a gritty prison drama where you root for the heroes to break free from their evil jailers at all odds, and the fact that its based as much as possible on what is known about the trios time in captivity makes it all the more moving. (L-R) Gaza hostages Alon Shamriz, Samer Talalka, and Yotam Haim (credit: Hostages and Missing Families Forum) Most of the detail in the script came from the testimony of a Thai agricultural worker who was kidnapped with them and was released in the first hostage deal after 50 days. For much of the film, we get to know the three hostages when they are held in a dark cell in the tunnels, where they are kept with Chitra (Roy Vongtama), the Thai hostage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hostages were very different types. Shamriz (Tomer Machloof), 26, whose character in the film is called Oren, was an engineering student, and Haim (Shahar Tavoch), 28, a drummer for the heavy metal band Persephore, who is named Nadav here, were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Talalka (Wael Hamdun), 24, a Bedouin who lived in Hura, was taken hostage from Kibbutz Nir Am, where he worked in the hatchery, and is known in the film as Aleef. Although all were in shock after being captured, Oren is instantly laser-focused on finding a way out. The guards break his glasses as soon as they throw him into the cell, but he takes a broken piece of glass and immediately begins to map the tunnels as he remembers them, hiding the drawing under his mattress. He conceals his anxiety under a steely mask of determination, and finds himself in the position of calming the very jittery Nadav, still wearing a Metallica T-shirt at the beginning. Aleef is thrown into a complex predicament: The guards, who revile him because they see him as a collaborator with the Israelis, nevertheless ask him to spy on the others for them. But he doesnt trust the terrorists and walks a tightrope, agreeing to be their spy but bringing any information he gleans from the captors to his fellow hostages. Although all the hostages are under almost incomprehensible pressure, they never turn on each other. They occasionally bicker, but they always share their food. One of the most moving scenes is when Aleef takes a single fig the guards gave him and breaks it into four equal parts. Hamas mind games STAY FORTE can be difficult to watch, as the Hamas guards play mind games with them, particularly with Oren, lying and telling him that his father has been murdered and that they are charging people money to look at his head. They call Nadav a red devil because of his red hair, and beat the two of them mercilessly and frequently, for no reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film also details their journey, as the IDF fights above ground, and they are moved to houses and different parts of the tunnels. Aleef is forced to listen to Hamas officials celebrating the attack and telling him how it is only the beginning. In one cinematically effective scene, their captors move them through a ghostly landscape near an abandoned amusement park. Sitting outside, they meet a young girl and an American woman, played by Selma Blair. Blairs character eventually relates how she was raped, a narrative that mirrors the testimony of released hostage Amit Soussana. Another American hostage they encounter is played by Judd Hirsch, of Taxi and Ordinary People, who talks about how he came to Israel seeking his roots, and who puts the October 7 attack in historical and biblical perspective, declaring in a quavering voice that he remains optimistic. While their captors all treat them inhumanely in different ways, when they eventually break out and hide in what they think is an abandoned building, they find a little girl there. She immediately realizes their identity, but they dont try to harm her, and when her father arrives, she simply leaves with him. Despite everything the three hostages have been through, they dont express a desire for revenge, only to be saved. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The scenes after their escape are well filmed, and the movie gives a plausible account of how they may have spent their final days. The three actors in the main roles all give excellent performances and work well together. Machloof, who plays Shamriz, has appeared in Tehran, and he makes Shamriz into a classic hero, always thinking of how he and the others can survive. Tavoch, as Haim, was memorable playing a nerdy intelligence officer in the Yom Kippur War drama Valley of Tears, and here he brings out Haims sweetness, as he consoles himself by playing a phantom drum and tries to keep their spirits up. Hamdun previously played a Bedouin who hid from terrorists with an Israeli cyclist in One Day in October, and he manages to convey the pressure Talalka is facing from all sides in a low-key, very effective performance. Stay Forte makes a strong case for us to look closely at this tragedy and not avert our eyes from it, and because the filmmakers created these memorable characters, we can pay tribute to these three very brave and resourceful young men. Rock stars might be known for living lavish lifestyles, but there's oftentimes a price to pay for worldwide fame and success: ongoing legal battles. Countless famous musicians have been dragged into court over everything from publishing rights to recording contracts, and Don Henley of The Eagles is no different. Luckily for the classic rock icon, however, a judge recently sided with the former Eagles member in a case that's more than a little bit confusing. It all started when rare books dealer Glenn Horowitz was one of three defendants charged in a criminal case of trying to sell allegedly stolen copies of over 100 pages of drafts of Hotel California, handwritten by Henley and Glenn Frey, according to Rolling Stone. Though New York prosecutors dropped the case mid-trial in March 2024, Henley filed a suit of his own against the accused thieves. But Horowitz wasn't about to back down. He retaliated by suing Henley and his manager, Irving Azoff, claiming that Henley knew or should have known that Horowitzs possession and sale of the lyrics was lawful" and accusing Henley and Azoff of "malicious prosecution and intentional infliction of emotional distress," per American Songwriter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, these claims didn't hold much water with Judge Kathleen Waterman-Marshall, who recently granted Henley and Azoff's motion to dismiss Horowitzs lawsuit. In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Dan Petrocelli, a lawyer for Henley and Azoff, praised Waterman-Marshall's decision, saying, The only malicious prosecution was Horowitzs own lawsuit, which the Court promptly and rightly dismissed. Horowitzs lawyer, Caitlin Robin, shared her own reaction to the ruling, explaining, We are appealing and moving to renew and reargue the judges dismissal against Don Henley and Irving Azoff. She added that Horowitz is still pursuing a malicious prosecution suit against the city of New York. Henley, for his part, has his own pending lawsuit in the state. He's still trying to reclaim the lyrics sheets, which reportedly remain in the custody of the Manhattan DAs office. Related: The True Story Behind This 'Satanic' Eagles Hit This story was originally published by Parade on Nov 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Dont you love this time of year? The leaves are changing colors, the air is crisper, everything is pumpkin-flavored and, perhaps the best perk, Thanksgiving TV episodes start to roll out. From Friends to Greys Anatomy, we know you have a favorite holiday special and we made our own list of the best Thanksgiving TV episodes to watch right now. Naturally, youll want to clear your viewing schedule on actual Thanksgiving week to watch this years new additions to the collection. But what about all of your favorites from Thanksgivings past? More from SheKnows Advertisement Advertisement Since were completely obsessed with all things Thanksgiving, were personally in the mood for a little pre-gaming prior to Turkey Day. This means streaming a variety of T-Day TV classics from the comfort of our own homes starting right now. Really, what could be better? So, pull on your fuzzy socks, get cozy on the couch (preferably with a hot pumpkin-flavored cuppa something) and kick back with hours upon hours of scenes so classic they deserve their own floats in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade. Schitts Creek, Turkey Shoot Nothing proves youre a tough guy like shooting a turkey or something like that. After David is unable to kill an insect in his motel room, Stevie jokingly invites David on an annual turkey shoot for Thanksgiving. And David Rose and the outdoors? They just dont mix. Watch the full episode here. Big Mouth, Thanksgiving Anyone whos gone to a family Thanksgiving as an adult might be familiar with the tradition of taking a walk to smoke a quick jay before the Thanksgiving feast. In this episode of Big Mouth, Missy does just that and completely loses her cool. The entire episode is awkward and cringe-inducing, but would anyone expect anything less from Big Mouth? Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Pangs In full disclosure, this episode wasnt without controversy. The storyline, centered on a Native American demon spirit, was culturally insensitive to say the least. However, it remains a favorite among fans for a few reasons namely, Spike (James Marsters) and Angel (David Boreanaz). Watch the full episode here. Friends, The One With All the Thanksgivings Could this episode be any cooler? To be clear, there are far too many amazing episodes in Friends history to choose just one. This one is filled with hilarious flashbacks of 80s Monica, pre-nose-job Rachel, Flock-of-Seagulls-coiffed Chandler and lovesick Ross rocking a questionable stache. Advertisement Advertisement If we had to choose a second place episode in this category, itd probably be The One Where Ross Got High, aka the time Rachel made her infamous meat trifle. Watch the full episode here. How I Met Your Mother, Slapsgiving And a hallowed new holiday tradition was born! In this episode, the slap bet has evolved far beyond its original scope and transformed into Slapsgiving. We must admit, well always be thankful that we can watch Marshall, Ted and the gang torture Barney with anticipation. Watch the full episode here. Gilmore Girls, Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving If were really being honest, every holiday episode of Gilmore Girls was the best episode ever. But in narrowing it down, this particular episode stood out. Why? We got to watch Lorelai and Rory attempt to cram four Thanksgiving dinners into one day. Plus, adorable Adam Brody (as Dave) officially started wooing Lane. Although that romance didnt last, it was cute to watch unfold. Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. Greys Anatomy, Holidaze Okay, so its not exclusively a Thanksgiving episode. But doesnt that make it all the merrier? From Thanksgiving to Christmas to New Years, Meredith and the rest of the surgeons celebrate the holiday season and bust out a very memorable rendition of Let It Snow in the OR. Watch the full episode here. New Girl, Thanksgiving New Girl (RIP) knocked it out of the park every year with a new Thanksgiving special, but their Season 1 Thanksgiving episode set the bar pretty damn high. When Jesss new boyfriend Paul (Justin Long) comes by for Thanksgiving, Jess panics about making sure everything is perfect (spoiler: it isnt). We wont give too much away, but theres a frozen turkey in a dryer, a violin performance, and a mysterious death. Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Thanksgiving Another Season 1 classic: When Amy throws a mandatory Thanksgiving dinner for the precinct, Jake does everything he can to get out of it (and pursue his own Thanksgiving tradition of eating MayoNut Spoonsies look it up if you dare). The rest of the gang is more enthusiastic about the dinner: Gina is eager to judge Amys decorating skills, Rosas avoiding her own family, and Terry just wants to eat. But Amys real target Holt gets derailed, and the evening doesnt go according to plan. Watch the full episode here. Gossip Girl, Blair Waldorf Must Pie! OK, OK. Well admit this isnt exactly the most heartwarming holiday episode on the list. Its basically one big drama-bomb after another, in fact. The truth comes out that Lily and Rufus used to date, sending Dan and Serena into a weird ew, should we be dating? spiral. With her and her dads pie tradition hanging in the balance, Blair revisits her troubled past. Nates dad takes too many pain pills and winds up almost dying. Advertisement Advertisement But if youre a loyal fan of Gossip Girl, you know all of those moments were pivotal to the growth of the characters. Besides, thats just kind of how GG rolls. Watch the full episode here. Bobs Burgers, An Indecent Thanksgiving Proposal If you like holiday episodes that are a bit subversive, this is the one for you. In this episode, the Belcher familys landlord, Mr. Fischoeder, offers to float them five months on their rent payment if they pretend to be his family to make a woman jealous. Of course, they say yes, and comedic disaster ensues including Bob getting wasted on absinthe in the kitchen and talking to the turkey. Watch the full episode here. Master of None, Thanksgiving Lena Waithe wrote and starred in this heavier Thanksgiving TV episode, which is based on her own coming-out journey. In the episode, Denise (Waithe) reflects on Thanksgivings throughout the years and her familys growing (albeit hesitant) acceptance of her. Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. Seinfeld, The Mom & Pop Store Elaine cant hear anything. George is criticizing the iconic parade floats. Kramer steals all of Jerrys shoes. And theyre all milling about a party, being their typical quirky yet lovable selves. Did we mention that it also cameos a young Bryan Cranston as dentist Tim Whatley? That alone is worth streaming for. Watch the full episode here. The O.C., The Homecoming While what happened between Ryan and Marissa during this holiday-themed episode was much more important in the grand scheme of the show (spending time in his hometown forces her to face her privilege), we cant help but be obsessed with Seths storyline. In trying to be a player, he bungles things big time when his two love interests, Summer and Anna, nearly run into each other in his parents kitchen. Awkward! Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. Boy Meets World, Turkey Day Like Marissas trip to Chino in The O.C.s Thanksgiving episode, Turkey Day on Boy Meets World fostered an important conversation about classism. How? By taking Cory out of his comfortable, white-picket-fence suburban family life and placing him and his family in the trailer park with Shawn and his family for the holiday. Suffice it to say, its a must-see. Watch the full episode here. Modern Family, Three Turkeys This episode kicks off with control-freak Claire agreeing to let Phil and Luke cook the turkey, so you just know shenanigans are in store. No way, no how is Claire going to be able to kick back and relax for that and, true to form, she cooks her own backup turkey. When she inadvertently blows a fuse box in the garage, cutting power at their house, they decide to move the dinner to Jay and Glorias while Jay and Gloria are supposed to be in Mexico. Surprise! Theyre not. Secrets, lies, suspicion, meltdowns yep, sounds about right. Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. The West Wing, The Indians in the Lobby This is West Wing, so you know its gonna be razor-sharp with biting wit. In this cheeky episode, a lot is going on, but heres all you really need to know: At one point, President Bartlet dials the Butterball Hotline, which sends his staff scrambling to protect his true identity after he calls himself Joe Bethersonton of Fargo, North Dakota. Watch the full episode here. That 70s Show, Thanksgiving When Laurie brings home a friend for Thanksgiving, family dinner starts to go awry fast when that friend cant stop flirting with Eric. So, theyre understandably distracted as dinner gets underway, but Kitty cant shake the nagging feeling she left something off the table. Only then does it dawn on her that she forgot to pick up Reds mom! Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. Cheers, Thanksgiving Orphans Any episode that ends in a food fight is a win in our book, and this one is a true classic. Although Carla has the best of intentions when she invites the whole gang over for a Thanksgiving potluck, it doesnt take long for everything to start falling apart. Hence, food fight. Watch the full episode here. Will & Grace, Homo for the Holidays When Will and Grace find out Jack never told his mom hes gay (and, in fact, she thinks hes been romantic with Grace), the pair invite her to Thanksgiving in an attempt to get Jack to open up. But Mommy Dearest has a surprise of her own that will catch all of them off guard. Advertisement Advertisement Watch the full episode here. WKRP in Cincinnati, Turkey Drop Even if you arent familiar with the late 70s radio station sitcom, Turkey Drop is a Thanksgiving TV episode for the masses. In the episode, the stations well-meaning manager decides to do a promotion for the station by dropping 40 live turkeys from a helicopter, assuming they would fly. The thing is turkeys do not fly. Watch the full episode here. A version of this article was published in November 2018. Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took a jab at President Donald Trumps administration and the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony, mocking the event and joking that "fascists have fun, too." Kimmel riffed on the pardoned birds, Gobble and Waddle, during his Tuesday show. "These are the birds that were spared," Kimmel said. "Their names are Gobble and Waddle, which is what Trump does every night at dinner: gobble and waddle." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement American Trucker Says Transporting Capitol Christmas Tree 3,000 Miles To Washington, Dc, Is 'Huge Honor' Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took a jab at President Donald Trumps administration regarding the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony, mocking the event and joking that "fascists have fun, too." The comedian then played a clip of Waddle being brought into the White House press briefing room, where press secretary Karoline Leavitt introduced the bird while holding her young son. "Hi Waddle, my goodness, he's a beautiful bird," Leavitt said. Read On The Fox News App A representative of the National Turkey Federation (NTF) then asked Waddle, "Want to give us a gobble?" Thanksgiving Travel Rush Is Underway At Airports Nationwide President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump pardon the national Thanksgiving turkey Gobble in the Rose Garden of the White House, Nov. 25, 2025. Waddle obliged, and Kimmel responded, saying "See? Fascists have fun, too. It's fun." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kimmel's "fascists" label for the Trump administration drew criticism from the conservative media watchdog NewsBusters, who flagged the clip. Click Here For More News About Media And Culture "On Tuesday, there was a moment of apolitical fun at the White House Unfortunately, ABCs Jimmy Kimmel just had to ruin it by reacting, 'See? Fascists have fun too,'" news analyst Alex Christy wrote. There's no love lost between Trump and Kimmel. Trump has repeatedly called for Kimmel's firing at ABC, and Kimmel is a fierce critic of him and his administration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (R) holds her son Nicholas as Waddle, one of the National Thanksgiving turkeys, visits the press briefing room of the White House, prior to the turkey pardoning ceremony with US President Donald Trump on Nov. 25, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Click Here To Download The Fox News App Original article source: Jimmy Kimmel calls Trump, Leavitt 'fascists' while joking about White House turkey pardons Welcome back to the Shiny Sheet recap of "Palm Royale," our rundown of the hit Apple TV+ series set in Palm Beach. Each week, we look at five Palm Beach-related or key moments in that week's episode of the series that is now in its second season. This week is Episode Three, "Maxine Solves a Murder." The Apple TV+ description for this episode says, "Maxine arranges a covert mission during the Dellacorte portrait ceremony. Evelyn grills the Club Ambassador, leading to an epiphany." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Watch out: There are spoilers ahead, so if you don't want to know, stop reading right now and come back after you've watched. First, a quick update: Maxine (Kristen Wiig) worked with Dinah (Leslie Bibb) and Robert (Ricky Martin) to get Linda (Laura Dern) out of a mental hospital, where she was being held by the Secret Service, who believed she tried to assassinate President Richard Nixon. Before sending Laura off to Cuba in the cargo hold of Douglas' (Josh Lucas) seaplane, Virginia (Amber Chardae Robinson) and Ann (Mindy Cohn) found Mary (Julia Duffy) in old bootlegger tunnels under the Rollins estate, where Evelyn (Allison Janney) and her new husband Eddie (Jason Canela) are settling. Norma (Carol Burnett) is set to begin planning the nuptials for Douglas and Mitzi (Kaia Gerber) once the divorce between Douglas and Maxine is finalized. Let's march in. 1. What is the deal with the portrait ritual? Much of the action in this episode revolves around Douglas and Mitzi's "ceremonial betrothal portrait." Now that the divorce is finalized, Douglas and Mitzi can plan their wedding, and Norma eagerly takes over. When Douglas hesitates to explain to Maxine why Norma is throwing a big bash that requires a heck of a lot of pomp for a scandal-borne circumstance he doesn't want to upset the newly single but still-attached Maxine Ann says that the ceremony happens whenever a member of a Palm Beach founding family gets married. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the ceremony, Perry (Jordan Bridges) does some drunken moves with the Donahue scepter, followed by Dinah with a sprinkle of oil and Mary with the Davidsoul family's orb. Mitzi glides into the room, resplendent in a cloak that Douglas whispers to Maxine was worn by Joan of Arc before she was burned at the stake. Norma presides from her throne. Douglas enters, wearing a hat straight out of "The Pirates of Penzance." The ritual ends with Ann taking a photo of the group, minus Maxine, of course. Carol Burnett as Norma in "Palm Royale," now streaming on Apple TV+. Was this ritual a thing in Palm Beach in the 1960s? Not with so much ceremony, chanting and clothes worn by martyrs, but engagement and wedding announcements have always been a staple of newspaper society pages. When then-Sen. John F. Kennedy became engaged to Jacqueline Bouvier, it made the society page of the June 25, 1953, edition of The Palm Beach Post. (Granted, no photo ran with the announcement.) The Shiny Sheet still runs engagement and wedding announcements. 2. We learn a little more about Norma's backstory and her current crimes One of the big reveals at the end of the first season of "Palm Royale" was that Norma is not Norma. Instead, she is Agnes, who was Norma's roommate at a Swiss boarding school. At the beginning of this third episode of season two, viewers get another look at where Agnes came from, as the episode begins with the real Norma's death, and nun who encouraged Agnes to take Norma's place in the Dellacorte family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Maxine prepares to leave town she plans to travel to Europe aboard the famed cruise liner the QE2, which had its maiden voyage in 1969 she learns more about Douglas' mother, Stella Rue Dellacorte. Douglas says she died of a broken heart, and "practically drowned in her own tears." But Maxine suspects that Norma wanted Stella out of the way, just like she wants to get rid of Maxine. Kristen Wiig as Maxine in "Palm Royale," now streaming on Apple TV+. 3. Is Norma a serial killer? It seems like she just might be. Once Linda escaped confinement, the Secret Service seized the Rollins mansion, all of Evelyn's possessions and the Rollins fortune. Maxine suggests that she, Evelyn, Dinah and Ann head to the bank to withdraw everything Evelyn has in cash before federal agents can take the goods. While helping Evelyn move all of the Rollins cash and valuables out of the bank, Maxine deduces that Norma is knocking off competition for the Dellacorte inheritance. Were serial killers a thing in or before the 1960s? Let's ask Jack the Ripper. Maybe the term "serial killer" wasn't widely used until the 1970s, but there were definitely people who killed a lot of other folks before then. It's also true that it was an FBI investigator who coined the phrase. So when FBI agent Virginia tells Evelyn and Maxine about this new type of killer "the boys in the basement" at Quantico are studying, Virginia wouldn't have been too far off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After talking with Virginia, Evelyn and Maxine are even more convinced that perhaps Norma takes trophies from the people she kills, and then keeps those trophies in a safe deposit box. Unfortunately, Norma also keeps the key to that safe deposit box on a keyring that is with her at all times. Maxine steals the keyring as Norma poses with the others for the betrothal portrait. Leslie Bibb as Dinah, Kristen Wiig as Maxine and Mindy Cohn as Ann in "Palm Royale," now streaming on Apple TV+. When Douglas and Maxine open the box, they are shocked to find only a bunch of rocks and pebbles with a note from Norma that says, "(Ahem) you, Maxine." (Remember, this is a family publication.) But Maxine is not deterred. She uses the keyring to get into the locked room where Norma is keeping Robert while he recovers from his gunshot wound. There, she realizes that Norma moved her trophies from her safe deposit box to her literal trophy room. Maxine confronts Norma, lays out the evidence and calls the FBI. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But before Maxine can say anything, Norma slides a gun out of her cane and yells, No, Maxine! No! Dont kill me! Dont! Maxine drops the phone as Norma shoots a chandelier that falls between them, giving Norma the cover of darkness to slide into a hidden door in the floor. Maxine, thinking Norma may have slid into a bootlegger tunnel that leads to the beach, runs to the ocean yelling for help from Evelyn. But Norma is gone. A ship passes in the background maybe the one on which Maxine was supposed to set sail. Amber Chardae Robinson as Virginia in "Palm Royale," now streaming on Apple TV+. 4. Could the Palm Royale get a new owner or owners? As Maxine prepares to confront Norma, Evelyn is at the Palm Royale confronting its manager (James Urbaniak). While Evelyn believed that the club's manager was helping Norma murder people, it turns out that he actually mortgaged the Palm Royale "to the hilt." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Evelyn and Maxine say they will buy the club to get it out of debt but first, Maxine has to confront Norma. While you know what happens next, did you notice that when the Palm Royale's porters came to take Maxine's bags from the "disgraced socialite suite," they grabbed the sacks of Evelyn's cash instead of Maxine's luggage? That doesn't bode well for a future ownership bid. Allison Janney as Evelyn in "Palm Royale," now streaming on Apple TV+. 5. A few little Palm Beach notes This is one of those things that makes this a truly Palm Beach recap: Did you notice that all of the action in this episode takes place on the same day? And that it takes the Palm Royale club manager and Evelyn just a short drive to get from Palm Beach to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale? Evelyn follows the manager after she and Maxine see him carry a trunk from Norma's house to a Palm Royale delivery van. He drives that trunk to Port Everglades, where Maxine is supposed to go later to hop on the QE2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We'd implore you to suspend reality for the sake of the plot. Plus, who knows how fast Evelyn can drive in that gorgeous convertible Stingray of hers? Between that and the very cool Palm Royale panel van, maybe this season of the series will do for automotive design what the first season did for fashion. Let's see a retro renaissance. Maybe it's time to go back to whitewall tires. Also, if that betrothal portrait ceremony was any indication, Douglas and Mitzi's wedding if it happens is going to be outstanding. Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at kwebb@pbdailynews.com. Subscribe today to support our journalism. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Daily News: 'Palm Royale' Episode 3 recap: Is Maxine on the trail of a killer? Warning: Spoilers and NSFW content ahead! South Park celebrated Thanksgiving early on Wednesday by roasting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with a musical parody of Kenny Loggins 1986 hit Danger Zone. Buzz: South Park Escalates Feud With Trump Administration With 5 Brutally Blunt Words After Hegseth demanded the release of tech billionaire Peter Thiel from the local jail only to get his *** kicked to the curb the defense secretary attacked the woke liberal town that is actually defying our government in an over-the-top video for the Department of War. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im here to kick bubblegum and chew *** and Im all out of ***! said the animated Hegseth. Although Trump urged him not to make a bunch of social media content in South Park, Hegseth defied those orders by using military resources for clicks to take down what he called an Antifa uprising. (In reality, the towns residents were running in the annual Turkey Trot, now sponsored by Saudi Arabia.) After Hegseth and the military tear-gassed the runners, the defense secretary dropped down to the streets via helicopter as the Danger Zone parody played. Buzz: 'American Pie' Star Says She Was Drugged, Woke Up In Hospital 8 Hours Later Pete Hegseth is a ******* ******! Pete Hegseth is a ******* ******! the song began. In real life and much to Loggins displeasure Trump used the Top Gun tune in his AI-generated, poop-dumping post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the song continued, the former Fox News host was shown choking a runner (whos wearing a turkey hat) and tackling another while taking a picture with a selfie stick. The parody song continued as Hegseth proceeded to wrangle up and detain more runners: Acting like a tough guy, posting it around the world. Making lots of content, like a little teenage girl. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The following post contains major spoilers for "Stranger Things" Season 5, Volume 1. Better stock up on tissues: There's about to be more nosebleeds in Hawkins, Indiana. Though there are still four more episodes to come in the final "Stranger Things" season, Volume 1 which released on Netflix Wednesday night ended on a whopper of a reveal: Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) has powers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The stunning development came in the final moments of Episode 4, as Will, his mom, and his friends faced off against Vecna and his army of Demogorgons in a brutal, fiery battle. Though Will & Co. spent much of Volume 1 trying to get ahead of Vecna's plan for Hawkins and the young children who live there, they ultimately fell short, bringing a terrified Will face-to-face with Vecna... but not for the first time. Read more: 12 Predictable TV Plot Twists We Saw Coming A Mile Away Will's connection to Vecna Noah Schnapp as Will Byers in Stranger Things Season 5 - Netflix As revealed by the first five minutes of Season 5, Vecna and Will first met when Will was initially taken to the Upside Down as a child. In the years since his abduction, Will has remained connected to both Vecna and the Upside Down, enduring waves of goosebumps, collapses, seizures, and all manner of unsettling physical symptoms whenever danger is looming. This season, Will discovered he could essentially become Vecna at times, seeing through Vecna's perspective as he planned to abduct the children of Hawkins. In Episode 4's momentous battle scene, Vecna asked Will, "Do you know why? Why I chose [the children] to reshape the world? It's because they are weak. Weak in body and mind. Easily broken. Easily reshaped. Controlled. The perfect vessels. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "And you, Will, you were the first," Vecna continued. "And you broke so easily. You showed me what was possible, what I could achieve. Some minds, it turns out, simply do not belong in this world. They belong in mine." With a wave of his hand, Vecna released Will from his grasp and disappeared back into the Upside Down. Will had a long moment with his own thoughts, closing his eyes and remembering Robin's recent advice about accepting who he really is. (In that conversation, Robin was talking about Will's sexuality, but hey, it applies to having superpowers, too.) And just as three Demogorgons were about to pounce on Mike, Robin, and Lucas, they suddenly froze in midair, unable to finish the job... because Will was stopping them. Yep, with outstretched arms and white eyes a la Bran Stark, Will suddenly controlled all three Demogorgons (two of them remotely!), crushing their limbs and causing all of them to collapse. When he was done, he lifted his head, eyes having returned to normal, and wiped his bleeding nose. Roll credits! What did you think of Episode 4's big Will twist? And how did you like Volume 1 overall? Grade it in our poll below, then hit the comments with your full reviews! Enjoyed this article? Sign up to TVLine's free newsletter, and add us as a preferred search source for the latest in TV, streaming and movie news. Read the original article on TVLine. A producer of an award-winning film about a man who was killed in Ukraine after he helped rescue hundreds of people said audiences had been moved by themes of "courage, loss and friendship". The documentary Hell Jumper, depicting aid worker Chris Parry, from Truro, won the International Emmy Award for Best Documentary earlier in November. Producer Colin Barr said: "People are genuinely just absolutely stunned by the selflessness" of the 28-year-old who shot footage as he evacuated civilians and travelled through the war-torn country in vehicles known as hell jumpers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Parry wore a body cam during rescues and Mr Barr said: "You can hear his breath, you can almost hear his heartbeat." In the film, Mr Parry said: "I just had to go out there and help, I can't just stand by and let this happen without at least trying to help." He died in January 2023 alongside another volunteer Andrew Bagshaw, as they tried to help evacuate a woman from an area of heavy bombardment in eastern Ukraine. Hell Jumper was made by Expectation for BBC Two and heard from his family and fellow evacuators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Barr said a 12-minute sequence of one of the rescues Mr Parry filmed "feels like an uninterrupted search as Chris runs from a bombed out building, in and out of shops trying to find a family waiting to be evacuated". The film also won the prize for Single Documentary at the Royal Television Society Programme Awards, and the Grand Jury Prize at the Rockie Awards. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. More on this story Related internet link The weather outside starts getting colder and Black Friday shopping lists get longer, signaling that the best time of the year is fast approaching: cookie-baking season. Whether you're baking them as gifts for friends and family or to win some award at your office's annual cookie swap, there is a lot to love about these little, sweet bites. One of my favorite parts about baking cookies during the holiday season is that the old recipe books tend to make their annual trip from the back of the cabinet onto the countertop, acting as a conduit for stories of Christmases and holidays from long ago and a starting point for new memories made around the mixing bowl. While these vintage cookie recipes may not appear in more contemporary recipe books or be featured at local bakeries, whether it's the holiday season or not, they are still delicious. If your older relative is visiting you this holiday season, whip out one of these old-school recipes and watch your kitchen transform into one from the past. While these grandma-approved cookie recipes may bring back childhood memories, rest assured that they can always be given new life with the help of modern ingredients and fun recipe modifications. Read more: Canned Foods That Were Popular 50 Years Ago But No One Eats Anymore Thumbprint cookies close-up of thumbprint cookies on a tray - AxOst/Shutterstock Thumbprint cookies are easily one of the most underrated types out there (not to mention, one of the most beginner-friendly cookies to bake). They also may just happen to be your grandma's childhood favorite. These cookies are typically round in shape with a thumbprint-sized depression in the middle of them. The thumbprint can be filled with an array of flavors, but most classic recipes will use some sort of jam or preserve. The cookie base is buttery and deliciously soft, yet slightly grainy making it the perfect complement to the filling. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are many countries that lay claim to the original thumbprint cookie recipe. For one, the cookies were published in Magdalena Dobromila Rettigova's 1826 Czech text "A Household Cookery Book" as dulkove kolacky ("dimple cookies"). The original recipe used both clarified and softened butter for the cookie base, though modern iterations call for a simple sugar cookie dough. There's also a similar cookie from Sweden called hallongrotta, or "raspberry cave," which can be traced back to the 1800s. The butter for these recipes was creamed with sugar until fluffy and light, and the pockets were often adorned with its namesake raspberry jam. These simple cookies are a favorite among sweets lovers, and you may see some recipes crop up nowadays, especially during the holiday season. Our pro tip? Always add the jam to the center of the cookies before baking them, as this allows the flavor to caramelize just slightly and better fuse with the cookie. We love serving them with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Peanut butter blossoms Peanut butter blossoms on a baking tray - RockArt Photography/Shutterstock Peanut butter blossoms are much older than many of the other cookie recipes on this list, though they are still certainly a "Boomer cookie." They are easily identifiable by their towering Hershey's Kiss center. This candy addition was first introduced in 1907, but the cookie didn't come until much later. In fact, the history of the peanut butter blossom actually intertwines closely with another brand: Pillsbury. The cookies were first entered in a Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest by Freda Smith in 1957 as chocolate candy-topped peanut butter cookies (what a mouthful!). Betty Crocker featured the recipe in cookbooks for years after that, most notably in 2008, and these cookies have remained a timeless staple for audiences everywhere. This cookie offers an excellent fusion of a soft, plush buttery cookie flavored with just enough peanut butter and the soft, melty Hershey's Kiss on top. I have fond memories as a child baking peanut butter blossoms with my family, including my grandmas and aunts especially unwrapping the candies intently and sneaking a few Kisses for myself when they weren't looking. Considering the number of Hershey's Kiss flavors that have been introduced since Smith graced us with this recipe, you have no shortage of different peanut butter blossom iterations to try. Benne wafers Bag of benne wafers with many cookies piled around it - oldecolonybakery/Instagram One of our favorite things about this list of grandma-approved cookies is that there are preparations for grandmas around the country (and world). Southern grannies may be familiar with benne wafers nutty, sesame cookies that have taken hold in port cities like Charleston. "Benne" is the Bantu word for "sesame," a plant that was brought to the coasts of the Lowcountry by enslaved Africans. Some sources credit the Williams family, owners of Onslow's Candy Store in Charleston, as being the creators and first people to sell wafer cookies made with the seeds, though the rise of traffic to Charleston following the First World War also helped more and more people fall in love with these cookies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you don't have a Southern grandma, you may have never been able to try these cookies though they are worth experimenting with if you are a fan of sweet and savory bakes. They're delectably snappy and light, and their paper-thinness makes them easier to eat. Kourabiedes Kourabiedes cookie on a plate - GJW24/Shutterstock We're on the move from the Lowcountry to Greece. While many of the cookies on this list are popular during the holiday season, kourabiedes Greek walnut sugar cookies are also a popular sweet served at Greek weddings. Traditionally, the Christmastime variation comes with whole cloves nestled inside of the cookies to signify the gifts of the Wise Men. However, clove is far from the only flavor used in the recipe; you'll also see them studded with chopped nuts and flavored with fragrant ingredients like orange flower water. It's difficult to nail down when exactly these cookies made their way across the Atlantic and into American home kitchens. A recipe for them was shared in a 1958 publication of Yankee magazine, during a time when immigrants from countries such as Greece were settling in a foreign land. It would appear that many other cultures also have their own variations of this cookie as well, including Russian tea cakes and Mexican wedding cookies. They're short and buttery and leave a trail of powdered sugar behind with every bite. Pecan sandies Pecan sandies on a cooling rack - Vezzani Photography/Getty Images You may only know pecan sandies as the cheap, not-so-great bagged cookies found in vending machines or in grocery stores. But there once was a time when people did, in fact, bake their own pecan sandies and they were downright delicious. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For the uninitiated, pecan sandies typically feature a shortbread or vanilla sugar cookie base, studded with (and often topped with) pecans. They're short and buttery, and the nutty pecans are the perfect complement to the relatively bland dough. Traditional recipes will require rolling the dough into a log before slicing it into smaller pieces, though some folks will also make drop cookies with the dough or bar-shaped treats, perfect for dipping into a cup of coffee. Pecan sandies were a cookie that I have memories of making with my parents and grandparents. The cookies have a very classic and basic flavor, and I think that the emphasis on old-reliable recipes is a must for the Boomer generation. Plus, Keebler initially trademarked "Sandies" in 1956 around the same time that many Boomers were growing up. Pecan sandies may not be as punchy and boldly flavored as other cookies, but that shouldn't make them any less beloved. Lace cookies Lace cookies on a plate - Bhofack2/Getty Images The first time I saw a lace cookie, I thought it was a batch that someone had messed up. They are about as paper-thin as a cookie can get and often go by the name "Florentine" though "lace" pretty accurately describes their appearance. As their name would suggest, these crispy cookies are the product of Italy. They're prepared by beating a softened butter dough (with a very low ratio of flour) with sugar and other standard cookie ingredients before baking. The softened butter and minimal amount of flour are what causes them to spread so quickly. Traditional Italian recipes are made with regional ingredients like ground almonds and orange, though other regions will incorporate chopped pecans, oatmeal, and even shredded coconut. Countless home cookbooks have published recipes for lace cookies over the years, and many folks have fond memories of baking these treats with their family. While they are a tricky recipe to get right especially when you're trying your hardest not to let other types of cookies spread as they bake -- the caramelized, toffee-like flavor makes them a must. Anzac biscuits Anzac biscuits on a cooling rack - Rachael Bowes/Shutterstock We're taking a big jump across the globe (might need a plane for this one) to Australia and New Zealand for Anzac biscuits. Their name is actually an acronym: Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. It was these individuals who may have received the cookies in care packages sent during World War I though, some sources say that the cookies were not made until after the war, around 1927. That said, a recipe for the cookie base a mixture of golden syrup and rolled oats was first published in 1920. The other flavorful ingredients that make an Anzac biscuit including coconut weren't added until later. Though the coconut may have degraded over time, the fact that these biscuits weren't made with eggs made them a more affordable and shelf-stable treat, and their delicious flavor allowed them to be sold en masse as a fundraiser for the war effort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anzac biscuits are definitely not as popular in America as they are in their home countries, but some Americans have taken to making them at home swapping out the golden syrup for a more widely accessible maple syrup alternative. Regardless, they have been a cookie born from thriftiness, as many of the classic Boomer recipes are. Hermit cookies close-up of Hermit cookies on a cooling rack - PizzaPasta/Shutterstock If you rifle through your old family cookbooks, you may come across a recipe for hermit cookies. They're a distinctly New England treat in Maine specifically that traces back to the 1800s. The recipes for these cookies were passed down from family to family and occasionally through church and community cookbooks. Every recipe is different. Some will incorporate dates, while others will stick to raisins, currants, cranberries, and nuts. Besides these add-ins, another defining feature of these cookies is that they're spiced with cinnamon, allspice, and cloves. Besides the round cookies, you'll also see a more bar-like form of these cookies crop up, though these are made with molasses so they have a sticky, toffee-like quality to them kind of like if Boston brown bread were a cookie. These cookies certainly aren't as popular as other New England and Downeast sweets like whoopie pies, though they are still delicious. If you find a recipe for them, just know that you may have to make some substitutions like buttermilk for sour milk. Just make sure to pass the recipe down to someone else so they too can enjoy them. Linzer cookies Linzer cookies on a plate - Viennetta/Getty Images You may not know them by their name, but you have probably seen Linzer cookies before. They're popular ones at cookie swaps (often brought by grandmas, or at least the ones I've had are), but aside from that, they don't crop up all too often. Their name is a nod to their origin: Linz, Austria. They're like the miniature version of the Linzer torte a pie-like concoction made with a nutty pastry base and sweet jammy filling. As such, the base of the Linzer cookies is often made with almond flour. Their nutty flavor contrasts the buttery, crumbly shortbread well, and draws attention to the sweet yet tart jam left open-faced in the center. Some recipes will fill the center with raspberry or strawberry jam, while others will use curd for a creamier and more decadent twist. The cookies are also often dusted with powdered sugar, which gives them a freshly fallen snow vibe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, if you've eaten a handful of Linzer cookies at family gatherings, you may be scratching your head trying to remember if you could actually taste the almond in the recipe. If you can't recall, you may have had a variation called Jammy Dodgers, a U.K.-based cookie that has a similar ingredient list and shape, sans the nuts. Kolackys Kolackys dusted in powdered sugar - drmeurocafe/Instagram Kolackys are another grandma-approved treat that resembles some of the other jammy sweets on this list. Kolackys are a uniquely shaped treat that is often stuffed with cream cheese and jam or preserves. They have ties specifically to Czech, Polish, and other Central European countries and may be spelled "kolace" or "kolache." Despite the similar spelling, there is a difference between these cookies and Texas kolaches, which are made with a yeasted dough and resemble buns more than cookies (though they are both Czech in origin I never said this whole cookie ordeal wasn't complicated). Semantics aside, the kolackys I'm talking about here are made with a piece of dough that's been pinched together in the center. They're almost cylindrical in shape and are made by spooning a log of jam onto a flat, diamond-shaped piece of dough. The middle corners are folded in to give the cookie its unique design. Modern iterations include cream cheese-based doughs (which help keep the dough pliable and easy to mold) and even ones made with softened ice cream. Granted, your grandma's kolackys recipe probably didn't have any of these newfangled ingredients in it, but it was probably just as good. Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Chowhound. LONDON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A man has been arrested at Manchester Airport as part of the investigation into the terrorist attack last month at a Manchester synagogue, local police said on Thursday. The 31-year-old was detained on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of terrorist acts after arriving at an inbound flight, said Greater Manchester Police. He remains in custody for questioning. Following his arrest, the total number of people held over the terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall on Oct. 2 became seven. On that day, attacker Jihad al Shamie rammed his car into worshippers gathering for the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur before stabbing others and attempting to force his way into the synagogue. Armed officers shot him dead. Two victims were killed in the attack, with several others injured. Coffee is one of the world's most beloved beverages, but behind that familiar cup lies a rich tapestry of plant varieties, histories, and flavors. While there are hundreds of coffee species, there are generally considered to be four main types of coffee beans that dominate global production: Arabica, Robusta, Liberica, and Excelsa. Each of these species brings its own unique characteristics, from growing conditions and resilience to flavor profiles and caffeine content. Understanding these differences can help you decipher coffee bean labels and tell you whether a bag of coffee beans is worthy buying. Arabica is the most widely cultivated and consumed, prized for its smoothness, complex flavors, and bright acidity. Robusta is hardier, higher in caffeine, and more bitter, making it common in instant coffee, espresso blends, and areas where pests and heat challenge Arabica cultivation. Liberica is a rarer species with enormous beans and trees, offering bold, woody, and fruity flavors that stand out in both traditional and specialty coffee markets. Excelsa shares traits with Liberica but adds its own unique tart, fruity, and sometimes wine-like notes, making it a sought-after choice for blends or specialty cups. Beyond these four main species, coffee enthusiasts also celebrate important varieties and cultivars, such as Typica, Bourbon, Gesha, Kona, and Blue Mountain, each with distinct flavors, histories, and growing requirements. In this guide, we'll break down each of the main types, highlight key varieties, and explore what makes them unique. Whether you're a casual coffee drinker or a budding home roaster, understanding the origins and characteristics of different coffee beans can transform the way you experience every cup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Don't Throw Away These 11 Veggie Scraps, Plant Them Instead Arabica Hand holding fresh roasted Arabica coffee beans - I Made Rai Yasa/Shutterstock Arabica, scientifically known as Coffea arabica, is the world's most beloved and popular coffee bean. Making up around 60% of global coffee production, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, it dominates both specialty cafes and your everyday morning brew. Its appeal and popularity are primarily because of its flavor, as Arabica coffee tends to be smoother, sweeter, and more nuanced than other strains, especially its main competitor, robusta. While Robusta is usually more bitter and has a higher caffeine content, Arabica is known for a broader, more robust flavor profile. Arabica began in Ethiopia, where it's native and genetically the most diverse. From there, coffee seeds traveled to Yemen, where people first started truly cultivating the plant. Over the centuries, Arabica has spread around the globe, largely carried on by trade routes. Two major lineages, Typica and Bourbon, have formed the genetic backbone of most of the Arabica grown today. However, there are dozens of Arabica varieties, each adapted to grow in different climates and regions. As a result, there is also a huge range of flavors, from fruity to floral to chocolaty, depending on where and how the coffee is grown and processed. The one downside to Arabica is that it's a little harder to grow. It's specific in its needs - it prefers higher elevations and steady rainfall and is also more vulnerable to disease than other types of coffee. Even so, its rich, varied taste and complexity make it the top choice for both coffee roasters and coffee drinkers. Typica Typica coffee beans on branches with hands reaching in - KAMONRAT/Shutterstock Typica is one of the foundational Arabica varieties and is hugely important both historically and genetically. The lineage of Typica coffee beans goes back to those Arabica plants that originated in Ethiopia and were later brought to Yemen. From Yemen, Typica spread via Dutch trade routes to Java in the 17th century and eventually made its way to the Americas and the Caribbean. For a long time, Typica was one of the dominant Arabica varieties planted in the Americas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What makes Typica so cherished is its quality. Well-grown Typica coffees are often described as clean, bright, and elegant. They often provide floral aromatics, like jasmine or orange blossom, a refined sweetness, like honey or brown sugar, and a light to medium body. The acidity is often crisp and citric, sometimes with fruity notes. Typica plants are known for being pretty, tall, with wide-spread branches. But despite their beauty, they're tough to farm. They take up a lot of space but yield less fruit than many modern hybrids and are exceptionally vulnerable to diseases like coffee leaf rust. Because of the low yield and disease issues, many farmers have switched to more resilient options. However, Typica's influence persists, with many of today's specialty coffee cultivars descending from Typica. Though not as popular as it once was, Typica remains a well-liked variety in the world of specialty coffee. Java Coffee berries on a tree in West Java - Algi Febri Sugita/Shutterstock The Java coffee cultivar has a storied place in Arabica's history. It's often linked to Typica, although its roots are a bit more complex; genetically, Java traces back to an Ethiopian landrace rather than a pure Typica line. Dutch researcher P.J.S. Cramer selected a few mother trees from Ethiopia in the early 20th century, then shipped their seeds to Java, an Island in Indonesia. Here, they showed resilience against leaf rust, and further research showed resilience against coffee berry disease, something that has made this cultivar especially valuable. From Java, this cultivar was eventually brought to neighboring islands, such as Timor, and areas in eastern Africa, like Cameroon. In terms of flavor, traditional Java coffees tend to have a rustic, smooth profile, often with an herbal or earthy aftertaste. Some producers will intentionally age their Java beans, sometimes for years, as this mellows the acidity and develops richer, almost woody or spiced notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The island of Java has grown coffee for centuries, has been a significant part of producing prized coffee, and continues to produce a number of coffee cultivars. In fact, at one time, Java became so synonymous with coffee that "java" became a slang word for coffee itself (and also the namesake for the Java programming language). It also spawned other names for coffee. Because of Java's historical importance, genetic resilience, and distinctive profile, this cultivar remains an influential part of coffee's global story. Kona Coffee trees growing in the Kona region of Hawai'i - Auseklis/Getty Images Kona coffee is one of the most iconic and exclusive Arabica cultivars. It's also one of the few truly American-grown coffees, grown on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Specifically, Kona comes from the slopes of Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the Kona districts, where volcanic soils, gentle rainfall, warm mornings, and stable night temperatures create ideal growing conditions. These plants aren't native to Hawai'i. Cuttings from Brazil first arrived in 1825 and were planted in Honolulu's Manoa Valley, where a coffee orchard was established. Three years later, Reverend Samuel Ruggles took some of those cuttings to plant on South Kona. Over time, Guatemalan Typica trees replaced those original Brazilian ones, and today, more than 90% of Kona coffee is "Kona Typica," according to the Hawai'i Coffee Industry. However, some Kona varieties from the Brazilian trees still exist and are referred to as "Old Hawaiian." Kona coffee is known for being smooth, mild, and balanced. It often holds notes of chocolate or nuts and has a gentle acidity and a sweet, clean finish. You may also see it described as having floral or tropical fruit undertones, thanks, in part, to its Typica-based genetics and careful cultivation. Because Kona coffee is grown in a very small, specific area, it's quite rare. That rarity contributes to its premium reputation (and often premium price). The U.S. government even regulates the "Kona" label, so only beans from that specific region can legally bear the Kona name. Jamaican Blue Mountain Jamaica's Blue Mountains, where the coffee is grown - Deron Levy/Getty Images Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee is the stuff of legends. It's grown in a very specific, misty, high-altitude region in Jamaica and is known for its extraordinary smoothness, balance, and prestige. Farmers pick this Arabica cultivar by hand, and the cherries are usually wet-processed, meaning the beans are washed to remove the excess outer material before the beans are dried. This process helps preserve the coffee's clarity and brightness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The history of coffee in Jamaica began in 1728 when the governor of Martinique gifted a coffee plant to his counterpart in Jamaica. The plant was derived from Ethiopian Typica stock, and over time, cultivation concentrated in the island's Blue Mountains. The Blue Mountains are a rugged region northeast of Kingston. The coffee grown here is highly regulated; only coffee from very specific altitudes and geographic zones can carry the "Jamaica Blue Mountain" name. The cool, foggy mountain climate, rich volcanic soil, and steady rainfall slow the beans' maturation, which contributes to their refined flavor. If you think that climate sounds similar to where Kona is grown, you're not wrong - Blue Mountain coffee can also be grown in Hawai'i. Blue Mountain coffee is famous for its mild acidity, silky body, and clean finish. Many people note floral or chocolate notes, but above all, there's a lack of bitterness that makes it feel very smooth and refined. Because production is limited and rigorously controlled, like with Kona, it's become one of the most expensive and exclusive coffees on the planet. Bourbon Yellow Bourbon coffee fruit on tree - Luamduan/Getty Images Alongside Typica, the other primary historically and genetically significant Arabica variety is Bourbon. It's believed to have first originated in Yemen. In the early 1700s it was brought to Ile Bourbon (now Reunion) in the Indian Ocean, hence its name. From there, the Bourbon variety spread to Central and South America and later to East Asia. Compared to Typica, Bourbon offers a higher yield, but it's still a relatively low-yield variety compared to modern hybrids. The trees tend to be tall, with round cherries and broader leaves than those of Typica. Unfortunately, Bourbon is also susceptible to pests and diseases, like coffee leaf rust. Like Typica, Bourbon has several sub-varieties, including Kent, Caturra, Tekisic, Villa Sarchi, and many more. These cultivars come from all over the world, including Central and South America, Africa, and even Australia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bourbon is highly prized for its well-balanced, sweet cup. Depending on where it's grown, you might taste notes of chocolate, fruit, floral undertones, or even caramel. It's a cultivar that shows why Arabica is so celebrated; it's complex, smooth, and refined. Despite its vulnerabilities, Bourbon remains a staple in specialty coffee because of this quality. While disease-resistant hybrids are becoming more common, Bourbon's genetic legacy lives on in many newer varieties. Ethiopian landrace Coffee tree forest in Ethiopia - Glen Berlin/Shutterstock In the context of coffee, Ethiopian landrace refers to wild or semi-wild Arabica varieties that have evolved naturally in Ethiopia's forests and mountain regions over centuries. Unlike more standard cultivars like Typica and Bourbon, landraces haven't been selectively bred or commercialized on a large scale. Instead, they're locally adapted, genetically diverse, and often unnamed. Because Ethiopia is coffee's ancestral homeland, these landrace varieties represent the largest store of Arabica genetic diversity in the world. Typica and Bourbon, on the other hand, come from more constrained genetic lines that have been introduced outside of Ethiopia and represent only a fraction of what Ethiopia has to offer. One of the most famous Ethiopian landrace varieties is Gesha (also spelled Geisha). Originally collected in the Gori Gesha forest in southwestern Ethiopia, Geisha later gained popularity through its cultivation in places like Panama. Its cup profile is delicate and tea-like, with floral notes like jasmine, citrus and tropical fruit tones, and a gentle sweetness. Beyond Gesha, there are hundreds, likely thousands, of distinct Ethiopian landrace varieties, many of which have only local or regional names. These cultivars are the genetic soul of Arabica, and their diverse family allows them to be complex, unpredictable, vibrant, and naturally rich. Robusta Robusta coffee plant - Ikhsansaputra/Shutterstock Robusta, or Coffea canephora, is the hardier, more resilient counterpart to Arabica, and the second-most common species of coffee in the world. Native to the forests of Central and Western Africa, Robusta was first described in the late 19th century. It then spread through Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Indonesia, where its disease resistance and high yield made it very attractive to coffee growers. Robusta thrives in the types of environments where Arabica usually struggles, like lower altitudes, higher temperatures, and more humid conditions. Its plants are vigorous, tend to cross-pollinate, and are more resistant to pests and diseases, all traits that make production more reliable and cost-effective. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are other differences between the two as well. Robusta generally has more caffeine, about twice as much, and a bolder, more bitter flavor. It also has less acidity and more earthy or woody tones, rather than the fruity or floral complexity of Arabica. Because of its robustness and lower cost, Robusta is commonly used in instant coffees, commercial blends, and espresso to provide body and crema. However, when roasted well, good-quality Robusta can deliver surprisingly rich flavors, including chocolate, nuts, and even floral or fruity undertones. While not as popular as Arabica, Robusta plays a critical role in global coffee production. It's cheaper to grow, more resilient to climate stress and disease, and helps stabilize the supply chain. As demand for coffee increases, Robusta's importance will likely continue to increase along with it. Liberica Liberica branch with large cherries - Nuh Ishak/Shutterstock Liberica coffee (Coffea liberica) is one of the lesser-known but fascinating commercial species, making up only about 1%-2% of global coffee production, according to Coffee-Dictionary.com. Liberica is native to West and Central Africa, from Liberia to Uganda and Angola. Later, it was introduced to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Unlike Arabica and Robusta, Liberica trees are massive, around 55 feet (17 meters) tall, and their cherries, leaves, and beans are among the largest in the coffee world. Liberica thrives in low to mid-altitude tropical zones with high heat and humidity, showing strong resistance to pests and diseases. Liberica's cup is bold, deep, and complex. Typical tasting notes include floral and fruity aromas, plus woody, smoky, and nutty undertones. It tends to have a full, syrupy body and relatively low acidity. Some roasts can even bring out nuances of dark chocolate or spices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Because of its resilience, most significantly heat- and disease-tolerance, and genetic uniqueness, Liberica is increasingly interesting to specialty coffee producers, especially in a changing climate. And while harvest and processing are more labor-intensive thanks to the height and big fruit, its unusual cup profile has earned it a small but devoted following. Excelsa Coffee fruit ready to be picked - TW27/Shutterstock Considered the fourth and final type of coffee bean, Excelsa coffee, often labeled Coffea excelsa, but more precisely classified as Coffea liberica var. Dewevrei, is something of a hidden gem in the coffee world. It was first discovered in Central Africa, around Lake Chad, in the early 1900s. For a long time, botanists considered it a distinct species, but in 2006, it was reclassified as a variety of Liberica. The trees of the Excelsa plants are also tall, though not quite as tall as pure Liberica trees. They thrive in warm, tropical climates and are remarkably resilient. Their resistance to pests, drought, and diseases makes them an ideal choice for regions where coffee growth is more challenging. Today, Excelsa is mostly grown in Southeast Asia, primarily Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia, as well as parts of India, though there are some wild populations that remain in Africa. What makes Excelsa particularly interesting is its flavor. It sits somewhere between a light and dark roast, bringing a tarty, fruity acidity with floral, woody, and even spiced notes. You may also notice smoky or winelike undertones and a syrupy body that gives it richness without feeling overly heavy. It also has a relatively low caffeine content, certainly lower than Robusta's and even lower than Arabica's. Thanks to its resilience and unique taste, Excelsa has started to gain attention in the specialty coffee world as a climate-resilient alternative. While it remains rare, making up only a small fraction of global production, its complexity makes it extremely valuable in blends or as a specialty single-origin bean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Chowhound. Most adults like to think theyre pretty smart until a simple trivia question knocks them straight off their high horse. The truth is, even the most basic facts can slip through the cracks thanks to school-day amnesia, Google dependency, and the fact that life has a way of crowding out random knowledge. Ask a group of grown-ups a handful of beginner-level trivia questions, and suddenly everyones sweating, guessing, or arguing with way too much confidence. Here are 15 supposedly basic trivia questions most adults cant actually answer. Lets see how many you get right. 1. What Is the Capital of Australia? Shutterstock Many people quickly answer Sydney or Melbourne, assuming these bustling metropolises with their vivid lifestyles must be the capital. However, the true capital is Canberra, a city meticulously planned and purposefully positioned between the two larger rivals. Its a fact often forgotten outside of Australia, overshadowed by the iconic landmarks and cultural allure of its more famous neighbors. This question highlights how popularity doesnt always equate to political significance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to National Geographic, Canberra was chosen in 1908 as a compromise to settle the rivalry between Sydney and Melbourne. The city was designed by American architect Walter Burley Griffin, who envisioned a city integrated with its natural surroundings. Today, it stands as a testament to the foresight of planners who prioritized functionality and symbolism over size. So, the next time you think of Australia, envision Canberra, the seat of its government. 2. What Is the Largest Organ in the Human Body? iStock The instinctive response might be to delve into the depths of biology and think of organs like the brain or liver. Yet, the largest organ is, in fact, the skin, an ever-present, protective layer that regulates temperature and guards against pathogens. Stretching across an average of 22 square feet on an adult, the skin is a complex system of cells and tissues. Its an astounding realization that skin, often taken for granted, plays such a vital, multifaceted role in our survival. Beyond its protective properties, the skin is also a sensory powerhouse, enabling tactile interaction with the world. It provides crucial insights into health, often reflecting internal imbalances through conditions like rashes or discoloration. Plus, as any dermatologist will tell you, caring for your skin is a lifelong responsibility that impacts overall well-being. Next time you look in the mirror, remember that what you're seeing is the body's largest organ at work. 3. Which Element Is Represented by the Symbol Au on the Periodic Table? Shutterstock If chemistry wasnt your strong suit in school, this question might leave you scratching your head. The symbol Au stands for gold, derived from the Latin word "aurum," meaning shining dawn. Gold has fascinated civilizations for centuries, influencing economies and sparking human ambition and exploration. Its atomic number is 79, making it one of the more well-known metals on the periodic table despite its elusive symbol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Royal Society of Chemistry, golds unique properties make it invaluable in electronics, medicine, and even space exploration. Its high conductivity and resistance to tarnish have made it essential in high-tech industries. Despite its opulence and historical significance, golds practical applications continue to evolve, securing its place beyond just jewelry and currency. So, next time you spot Au in a scientific context, think beyond the sparkle to its profound impact. 4. What Year Did the Titanic Sink? Shutterstock The sinking of the Titanic is a story etched into human consciousness, yet the exact year often slips from memory. It was 1912 when this unsinkable ship met its tragic fate on April 15th. As it sank into the icy North Atlantic after striking an iceberg, it took with it over 1,500 souls, marking one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history. This question highlights how significant events can become generalized over time, losing the specifics of their impact. Much of the Titanics enduring legacy stems from the lessons learned regarding maritime safety and engineering. Its story has been immortalized in countless films, books, and documentaries, each adding layers to its mythos. The Titanic serves as a poignant reminder of humanitys hubris and the relentless power of nature. So, when you recall the ill-fated voyage, remember 1912 and the profound changes it inspired. 5. Who Wrote the Novel 1984? Shutterstock When discussing dystopian literature, 1984 often comes to mind, but attributing it to the correct author can sometimes be a challenge. The novel was penned by George Orwell, a pseudonym for British writer Eric Arthur Blair. Published in 1949, the book explores themes of totalitarianism, surveillance, and individuality, cementing Orwells legacy as a prescient commentator on societal issues. Despite its original context, 1984 continues to resonate with audiences, highlighting fears and realities in an ever-changing world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a study by The New York Times, 1984 has seen resurgences in sales during times of political upheaval, reflecting its enduring relevance. Orwells exploration of Big Brother and oppressive regimes strikes a chord with readers concerned about privacy and freedom. His ability to weave fiction with political critique has made 1984 a staple in educational curricula worldwide. So, next time you delve into discussions about dystopian futures, remember Orwells iconic contribution. 6. What Is the Smallest Country in the World? Shutterstock Despite its minuscule size, the smallest country in the world holds significant influence over millions globally. Vatican City takes this title, encompassing just over 100 acres within Rome, Italy. As the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, its home to the Pope and treasures like St. Peters Basilica and the Vatican Museums. This question often surprises due to the outsized impact Vatican City has compared to its geographical footprint. The tiny sovereign state operates independently, with its own postal system, radio station, and even a dedicated army known as the Swiss Guard. Despite its size, Vatican City plays a pivotal role in global religious and diplomatic affairs. This unique status makes it a fascinating case study in power dynamics and cultural significance. So, even though its small, Vatican City looms large on the world stage. 7. What Is the Most Abundant Gas in the Earths Atmosphere? Shutterstock While oxygen is often assumed to be the most abundant due to its role in sustaining life, nitrogen actually holds that distinction. Accounting for approximately 78% of the Earths atmosphere, nitrogen is a colorless, odorless gas essential for biological processes. Though less discussed than oxygen, it plays an integral role in the life cycle, including plant growth and DNA formation. This question underscores how familiarity can sometimes cloud factual understanding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Dr. James G. Anderson from Harvard University explains, nitrogen is crucial in the formation of amino acids, the building blocks of life. Its availability in the atmosphere is vital for the nitrogen cycle, which sustains ecosystems by transforming nitrogen into usable forms. Understanding these cycles reveals the delicate balance that sustains life on our planet. So, when you breathe in, remember the silent majority of what fills your lungs is nitrogen. 8. What Is the Longest River in the World? Shutterstock A common misconception is that the Amazon River holds this title due to its immense water volume and ecological prominence. However, the Nile River is traditionally regarded as the longest, stretching over 4,135 miles through northeastern Africa. It spans 11 countries, providing a lifeline for agriculture, transportation, and culture throughout the region. This question illustrates the importance of distinguishing between length and influence. The Niles historical significance is intertwined with the rise and fall of ancient civilizations, most notably Egypt. Its waters have enabled agriculture in arid regions, acting as the backbone of societies for millennia. Despite modern debates over its length compared to the Amazon, the Niles contribution to human history remains indisputable. In considering the longest river, remember both its physical span and its profound impact on human development. 9. Who Painted the Mona Lisa? Shutterstock The Mona Lisa is arguably the most famous painting in the world, yet some might hesitate when asked about the artist behind this enigmatic masterpiece. Leonardo da Vinci, a quintessential Renaissance man, created this artwork in the early 16th century. Known for its subtle use of sfumato and the mysterious expression of its subject, the painting has captured the imagination of art enthusiasts for centuries. This question serves as a reminder of da Vincis unparalleled influence in art and science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, the Mona Lisa attracts millions of visitors each year, all eager to glimpse her enigmatic smile. The paintings fame is not just due to its aesthetics but also its storied history, including theft and countless reproductions. Da Vincis mastery of technique and innovation continues to inspire artists and historians alike. So, when you admire this iconic piece, think of the genius who brought it to life. 10. What Is the Square Root of 144? Shutterstock Math might not be everyones favorite subject, but some numbers are worth committing to memory. The square root of 144 is 12, a straightforward fact thats often left behind after school days. Understanding square roots is fundamental to grasping broader mathematical principles and applications. This question challenges the basic arithmetic that forms the foundation for more complex problem-solving skills. Knowing the square roots of perfect squares can simplify everything from algebra to geometry. These foundational numbers pop up in various scenarios, from calculating areas to understanding probabilities. Embracing such basic math facts can sharpen your mental agility and analytical abilities. So, while the number 12 might seem mundane, it holds the key to unlocking mathematical complexity. 11. In Which Year Did the Berlin Wall Fall? iStock The fall of the Berlin Wall was a pivotal moment in modern history, yet recalling the exact year can sometimes be elusive. It was 1989 when this symbol of division crumbled, marking the end of an era and the beginning of Germanys reunification. The event signified the collapse of communist regimes across Eastern Europe, heralding a new chapter of freedom and democracy. Understanding this historic event requires recognizing both its date and its profound implications for global politics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Berlin Wall stood for nearly three decades, dividing a city, a country, and ideologies. Its fall was celebrated worldwide as a triumph of human spirit and unity over oppression. The ripple effects of that moment continue to influence international relations and European identity. So, when discussing pivotal moments of change, remember 1989 and the hope it brought to millions. 12. How Many Continents Are There? Shutterstock This question might seem straightforward, but debates about what constitutes a continent can introduce confusion. Traditionally, there are seven continents: Africa, Antarctica, Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania (or Australia), and South America. These landmasses are defined by geographical boundaries and cultural distinctions, forming the basis of how we understand our world. Despite variations in educational curricula worldwide, the number seven remains the most widely accepted. The concept of continents extends beyond mere geography, influencing cultural, political, and economic discourse. They represent distinct ecosystems, histories, and interactions that shape human experiences. Studying continents provides insight into the diverse tapestry of life on Earth and the interconnectedness of global systems. So, while the number of continents may seem simple, it encapsulates a rich complexity worth exploring. 13. What Is the Fastest Land Animal? Shutterstock Quick reflexes might make you think of the cheetah, a marvel of speed and agility in the animal kingdom. Indeed, the cheetah holds the title, capable of reaching speeds up to 75 miles per hour in short bursts covering distances up to 1,500 feet. Its slender body, long legs, and unique respiratory system are all adaptations that make this incredible velocity possible. This question highlights the wonders of evolution and the extraordinary capabilities of natures creations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond its speed, the cheetahs hunting strategy involves careful stalks and rapid chases, requiring both precision and timing. Despite its prowess, the species faces threats from habitat loss and declining prey populations. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving the cheetahs legacy and ensuring its survival in the wild. When you marvel at the cheetahs speed, also consider the urgent need to protect these remarkable animals. 14. Which Planet Is Known as the Red Planet? Shutterstock Mars, often referred to as the Red Planet, has captivated human curiosity for centuries with its striking appearance and potential for extraterrestrial life. Its reddish hue comes from iron oxide, or rust, prevalent on its surface, setting it apart from other celestial bodies in our solar system. Missions to Mars aim to unravel the planets mysteries, from its geological history to signs of ancient life. This question taps into our enduring fascination with space exploration and the unknown. Mars has become a focal point for scientific endeavors due to its proximity and similarities to Earth. Robotic missions, such as those by NASAs Perseverance Rover, continue to gather data, paving the way for potential human exploration. The dream of visiting or even colonizing Mars fuels advancements in space technology and international collaboration. So, while Mars is famously red, its also a canvas for humanitys future in the cosmos. 15. What Is the Hardest Natural Substance on Earth? iStock The answer, diamond, might come to mind readily, yet many are surprised to learn about its exceptional hardness and uses beyond jewelry. Formed under extreme pressure and heat conditions, diamonds score a 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This quality makes them invaluable not only in adornment but also in industrial applications, cutting tools, and scientific equipment. This question underscores how natures wonders extend far beyond their superficial allure. Diamonds structure is a testament to carbons versatility as an element, with each atom bonded strongly to four others. While traditionally associated with luxury and status, diamonds also contribute significantly to technological advancements. Their ability to withstand and cut through the toughest materials positions diamonds as crucial components in various industries. So, when you think of diamonds, appreciate both their beauty and their unparalleled functionality. Have you ever found yourself stumped by a question that seemed so easy when you were in school? Youre not alone. Many grown adults struggle with some of the basic concepts they learned back in fifth grade. It's not that youre not smartits just that sometimes, life doesnt require you to remember the specifics of a fifth-grade curriculum. So, lets take a trip down memory lane and see if you can tackle these 15 test questions that might trip you up today. 1. What Is The Main Function Of The Leaf? iStock Remember the days when you had to memorize the parts of a plant and their functions? Leaves were a big deal back then. Theyre not just pretty to look at; their main function is to make food for the plant through photosynthesis. Sure, it might come back to you after a bit of thought, but for many of us, its one of those facts that fades away over time. According to a study by the Botanical Society of America, most adults won't recall this information unless they work in a related field. But why does this matter? Understanding basic plant functions helps us appreciate the natural world and its complexities. Even if you dont remember every detail from science class, knowing the basics can enrich your experience when youre out in nature. Plus, its a fun fact to share the next time youre sipping a coffee at your local plant-filled cafe. So, next time you see a leaf, just remember its not just part of the scenery. 2. What Is The Least Common Multiple Of 3 And 5? Shutterstock Math has a sneaky way of challenging you when you least expect it. The least common multiple (LCM) of two numbers is the smallest number that is a multiple of both. For 3 and 5, the LCM is 15. It feels simple, but without regular practice, math concepts like these can get a bit fuzzy over time. We dont usually calculate LCMs in our everyday lives, which is probably why this question can trip you up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why should you care? Well, understanding LCMs can help in various practical situations, like figuring out schedules or managing resources efficiently. Its a nifty little math trick to have up your sleeveespecially if youre ever caught up in a complex problem and need to break it down into simpler parts. Plus, its rewarding to solve something that seemed tricky at first. So next time youre faced with such a problem, take a deep breath and remember your fifth-grade math lessons. 3. How Do You Identify A Noun In A Sentence? Shutterstock Grammar might not be everyones favorite subject, but its essential for clear communication. A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea, and identifying them in a sentence is a basic skill taught in early education. Yet, its surprising how many adults hesitate when asked to point out nouns in a complex sentence. A study by the Linguistic Society of America found that over 60% of adults struggled with basic grammar identification without recent practice. But dont worry, its not as daunting as it seems. Understanding nouns can improve your writing and speaking skills, making you more articulate. Whether youre crafting an email or explaining a concept, knowing the basic building blocks of sentences is always helpful. Plus, it can be a fun exercise to break down sentences and see how theyre constructed. So, give yourself a grammar refresher and see how it enhances your communication. 4. What Is The Capital Of France? iStock Geography is another subject that might trip you up if you havent kept up with it. The capital of France is Paris, a city that most people associate with romance, art, and history. But its not uncommon for adults to momentarily blank on capitals, especially when theyre not frequently discussed. We tend to focus on more immediate concerns in our daily lives and forget these fundamental facts over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This matters because its a small way to stay connected to the world and understand global affairs. Knowing capitals can help you appreciate news stories better and give you a sense of connection to different cultures. Plus, its always handy to know when youre traveling or playing trivia games. So next time someone asks, youll be ready with the answer: Paris. 5. What Is The Water Cycle? Shutterstock The water cycle was a topic that seemed endlessly fascinating as a kid. Its the process by which water circulates between the earth's oceans, atmosphere, and land, involving precipitation, evaporation, and condensation. As adults, we might not think about it much unless its in the context of weather forecasts. A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) emphasized how understanding the water cycle is crucial for comprehending climate change impacts. You should remember the water cycle because it plays a vital role in our environment and weather patterns. Understanding it can make you more aware of how human actions affect the environment. Its one of those foundational concepts that help you grasp more complex ecological issues. So, next time you see rain, remember that its just one part of this incredible cycle. 6. How Do You Multiply Fractions? Shutterstock Ah, fractionsthe math topic that often stumps even the best of us. To multiply fractions, you multiply the numerators (the top numbers) together and the denominators (the bottom numbers) together. It sounds simple enough, but without practice, its easy to forget. Many adults admit to feeling a bit rusty when it comes to fractions in general, especially multiplication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Knowing how to work with fractions can be incredibly useful in everyday situations, like cooking or managing finances. Its also a skill that can come in handy if youre helping kids with their homework or engaging in DIY projects. The satisfaction of solving a fraction problem can be pretty rewarding, too. So next time youre faced with fractions, take your time and remember the basics. 7. How Do Plants Make Their Food? iStock We touched on this a bit with the function of leaves, but do you remember the full process? Plants make their food through a process called photosynthesis, using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. Its a fundamental concept in biology, but many people forget the details as they grow older. According to research from the University of Georgia, a surprisingly high number of adults cant accurately describe the process of photosynthesis. Understanding this process is important for several reasons. Its at the heart of how ecosystems function and how life sustains itself on Earth. By knowing how plants make food, you can better appreciate the importance of preserving our natural environments. Plus, its a fascinating process that showcases the wonders of nature. So, if youve been a bit hazy on the details, it might be time for a little refresher. 8. What Is An Example Of A Simile? iStock Similes are a fun part of the English language that make writing more vivid and relatable. A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words like or as. For example, as brave as a lion or quick like a fox are common similes you might remember. As we grow older and our writing evolves, we might not consciously think about using similes, but they remain an effective tool. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Similes enrich your language, making communication more engaging and expressive. Whether youre writing a story or just having a conversation, similes can help paint a clearer picture for your audience. Plus, theyre just plain fun to come up with. So challenge yourself to identify and use more similes in your everyday language. 9. What Is The Formula For The Area Of A Rectangle? Shutterstock Formulas were a key part of math classes, and the area of a rectangle was one of the first you probably learned. Its found by multiplying the length by the width, resulting in a straightforward calculation. Yet, when youre not using these formulas regularly, they can slip right out of your mind. Many adults find themselves reaching back to old school lessons when its time to work on a home project or other tasks requiring this basic math. So why is it important to remember this formula? It comes in handy more often than you might think, especially if youre planning renovations or even just rearranging furniture. Knowing how to calculate area helps you make informed decisions and ensures everything fits just right. Plus, its a small confidence boost when you can solve practical problems with ease. So keep this simple formula in your back pocket for those times when you need it. 10. What Are The Three Branches Of The U.S. Government? Shutterstock Civics class might seem like a distant memory, but understanding the structure of your government remains crucial. The three branches of the U.S. government are the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches. Each has its own specific functions and responsibilities, which are designed to ensure a balance of power. Yet, its easy to forget these details if you havent brushed up on them since your school days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is this knowledge vital? It empowers you to be an informed citizen, understanding how laws and policies come to be and how they impact you. Knowing the branches helps you grasp the bigger picture of governance and your role within it. It can also inspire you to participate more actively in civic duties, like voting or community discussions. So, take a moment to refresh your understanding of how your government works. 11. What Is A Conductor In Terms Of Electricity? Shutterstock Electricity is a fascinating field, and one of its basic concepts is conductors. A conductor is a material that allows electricity to flow through it easily, such as metals like copper and aluminum. While it might seem straightforward, its one of those terms that adults might hesitate to define clearly without a bit of thought. We encounter conductors in everyday life, from the wires in our walls to the circuits in our gadgets. But why is this knowledge important? Understanding conductors can help you make informed decisions about electrical safety and efficiency in your home. So whether youre choosing materials for a project or troubleshooting a problem, knowing how electricity works can make a big difference. It also gives you a deeper appreciation for the technology and infrastructure we rely on every day. So remember, the next time you flip a switch, conductors are making it all possible. 12. What Is The Difference Between Weather And Climate? Shutterstock Weather and climate are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to different concepts. Weather is the short-term atmospheric conditions in an area, while climate is the long-term average of weather patterns over time. These distinctions are important, especially in the context of environmental discussions. Many adults mix these up without realizing it, which can lead to misunderstandings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is it crucial to know the difference? Understanding weather and climate helps you interpret news and information about climate change and its effects. It enables you to engage in meaningful conversations about environmental policies and to make informed decisions. Plus, it can offer a sense of clarity when planning activities or anticipating seasonal changes. So, take a moment to reflect on these concepts to better understand the world around you. 13. What Are The Five Great Lakes? iStock The Great Lakes are a significant geographical feature in North America, but can you name all five? They are Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario. This might seem like a simple question, but many adults struggle to recall all the names without a bit of prompting. These lakes are a vital resource and play a crucial role in trade, tourism, and ecology. Why should you remember the Great Lakes? Knowing them gives you a better understanding of regional geography and the natural resources that impact the economy and environment. It also helps you appreciate the scale and significance of these freshwater systems. Plus, if youre traveling or playing trivia, its a handy piece of knowledge to have. So challenge yourself to remember all five, just like in your school days. 14. How Many Continents Are There? Shutterstock Counting continents seems like a basic task, but its surprising how many people hesitate over this simple question. There are seven continents: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, and Australia. This fundamental geography fact is something we learn early on, but its not uncommon for adults to second-guess themselves. We encounter continents in news, travel, and education, yet they sometimes merge in our minds over time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why is knowing the number of continents important? Its key to understanding global geography, which can influence everything from culture to economics. Being familiar with continents aids in comprehending global events and issues, helping you stay informed. It also enriches your travel experiences, giving you a broader perspective on the world. So next time youre asked, confidently say seven and know youve got your geography basics covered. 15. What Is An Ecosystem? Shutterstock An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. Though we learn about ecosystems in school, the details can become vague as we focus on other aspects of life. Yet, ecosystems are fundamental to understanding biology and environmental science. They range from small ponds to vast forests and play a crucial role in supporting life on Earth. Why should this matter to you? Understanding ecosystems helps you appreciate the complex interconnections in nature and the impacts of human activities. It empowers you to make environmentally conscious decisions and engage in conservation efforts. Plus, its fascinating to explore how different species and elements coexist and support each other. So whether youre hiking in a forest or watching a nature documentary, youll have a deeper appreciation for the ecosystems that sustain our world. NEED TO KNOW 17-year-old Bianca Adler, already the youngest woman to summit Mt. Manaslu, attempted Mt. Everest after years of intense physical and mental training Speaking with PEOPLE, she explains the practical realities of climbing, including bathroom logistics at base camps and higher altitudes using wag bags" Adler emphasizes responsible climbing, carrying all trash down and leaving the mountain better than she found it In March, 17-year-old Bianca Adler and her dad set off from Melbourne, Australia, for the ultimate adventure: climbing Mt. Everest. She wasnt new to extreme heights. Adler had already conquered peaks between 4,000 and 6,000 meters and made history on Mt. Manaslu, the worlds eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters, becoming the youngest woman to summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I trained intensely for all these peaks and kept preparing for Everest afterward, Bianca tells PEOPLE. Five to six days a week, Id do long cardio sessions on the stairmaster and spin bike, plus climbing-specific strength training." "My dad and I would tackle six- to eight-day hikes in the remote Australian Alps, covering 2530 km per day and rationing food and water," she adds. "That really trained me mentally, pushing through discomfort became second nature. Courtesy of Bianca Adler Bianca Adler climbing Mt. Everest Bianca Adler climbing Mt. Everest But climbing the worlds tallest mountain isnt just about physical endurance it comes with unexpected challenges, including the not-so-glamorous topic of bathroom breaks. Adler explains that going to the bathroom on the trail varies depending on where you are on the mountain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At base camp and Camp 2, theres a small tent with a barrel to squat over," she says. "Higher up, we carry wag bags plastic bags for waste that we bring down with us. Its a newer rule, but it helps reduce human waste on the mountain. Adler, who went viral sharing her climbing journey on TikTok and Instagram, points out that carrying every scrap of trash including your own waste at extreme altitude is no easy feat. Exhausted and low on oxygen, climbers often left waste behind, contributing to the mountains growing environmental problem. Roland Hunter, managing director of The Mountain Company, which organizes treks and expeditions in the Himalayas and Karakoram, told Forbes in July that as a result, Nepal is now stepping up enforcement. He explained to the outlet that climbers are now required to bring down at least eight kilograms (17.6 pounds) of trash or risk losing a $4,000 deposit that funds the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said that government-appointed officers inspect base camps to ensure they are clean before expeditions can proceed, and even human waste is transported in barrels from Base Camp to Gorakshep. Courtesy of Bianca Adler Bianca Adler pitching a tent Bianca Adler pitching a tent 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. This year, drones even helped airlift waste from higher camps, reducing risk for climbers, Adler says. Personally, I try to leave no trace, she adds. Everything I bring up food wrappers, gear, batteries, oxygen bottles comes back down with me. Read the original article on People We all know that traveling can be inherently stressful. Between worrying about what we forgot to pack, to wandering around unfamiliar places while hoping we get to where we're supposed to be on time, there's a lot of unknowns for people who are about to leave town. But, according to new research, people who are flying out of certain airports may experience a lot more stress than the rest of us. That's because these airports have been nominated as some of the most stressful by people who participated in a study organized by Sail Croatia. Curious as to whether or not your airport makes the list? Here's what they found after comparing large international airports around the globe. Sign up for our newsletter and get hidden gems, travel secrets, and stories like this delivered straight to your inbox! These are the 4 most frustrating airports The research reviewed data on 50 major airports, taking three factors into consideration. First, they looked at how often flights were delayed at the airport, next, they checked to see just how crowded the terminals are, and lastly, they looked into how many people have to find help looking for lost luggage. Each of the airports were then given a rating from 0 to 100, with the higher numbers indicating a worse experience. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the findings, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was the worst U.S. airport on the list, and the second airport globally. "This is the worlds busiest airport by passenger count, with 108 million people moving through annually, and terminals here are always overcrowded," the data concluded. "With so many flights to handle, the bags are often misplaced, as each year, 35,000 people look up online how to track down their lost luggage from Hartsfield-Jackson." onurdongel/Getty Images From there, these airports gave travelers the biggest headaches: Newark Liberty Intl Airport, which experiences delays 20.98 percent of the time, sees 5.68 million passengers, and has an annual 35,810 lost and found claims, for a final score of 51.24 SeattleTacoma Intl Airport, which experiences delays 28.89 percent of the time, sees 5.95 million passengers, and has an annual 1,400 lost and found claims, for a final score of 45.16 Harry Reid Intl Airport, which experiences delays 21.59 percent of the time, sees 5.16 million passengers, and has an annual 1,400 lost and found claims, for a final score of 34.90 "Air travel used to be expensive and something most people only did once or twice a year. Budget airlines changed that completely about 20 years ago. Passenger numbers have gone from 2 billion to nearly 10 billion today," a spokesperson from Sail Croatia said about the study via email. "More people can afford to fly now, which sounds great until you realize airports weren't built to handle this many passengers. So its no wonder that even famous terminals like Heathrow and Charles de Gaulle are struggling these days." Related: This is the least expensive airport in the U.S. What can travelers do to avoid common stressors when traveling Flying out of one of these spots, or else just interested in figuring out how you can avoid problems during your next visit to the airport? Maybe setting expectations can help. That's because a lot of the issues that appear to stress travelers out the most are outside of their control. For example, delays and cancellations can happen at any time, and there's very little you can do about it. Instead, you may be able to make these unexpected setbacks feel a lot less stressful if you prepare yourself for them in advance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's especially true if you are planning on flying out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where delays are known to be a common occurrence. As for crowd sizes, when flying out of an airport that is know to get pretty packed, consider booking your flights during off-peak hours. Not only will you have fewer people to navigate while you look for parking or your gate, you may also save a few bucks by traveling during the times when few people are looking to fly. Lastly, if you're making a short trip, consider packing everything you can in your carryon to avoid issues with your luggage. This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Airlines section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. As December begins, Christmas lights are popping up all across Rhode Island to welcome the holiday season, bringing joy and brightness to the dark, cold days of winter. Luckily, if you're a fan of Christmas lights, you don't have to go far to see them. Rhode Island has plenty of professional Christmas light displays ready to dazzle you this season, including everything from an outdoor light show across a 40+ acre zoo to the largest drive-through light show in eastern New England. Here are seven of the best Christmas light displays to check out in and around Rhode Island this holiday season. Holiday Lights Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo Roger Williams Park Zoo Holiday Lights Spectacular Winter nights turn Providence's zoo into the Holiday Lights Spectacular, a walkthrough experience with over 3.5 million twinkling lights spread across 40 acres. Festive light designs include sparkling snowmen, playful penguins, crystal snowflakes and other scenes from a winter wonderland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Holiday music will play throughout the zoo, and goods like hot chocolate and s'mores will be available for purchase. Tickets, which must be purchased online in advance, cost $15 for adults or $13 for children aged 2-12. When: 5-9:30 p.m. every night from Nov. 28, 2025 through Jan. 4, 2026, except Dec. 24-25 Where: Roger Williams Park Zoo, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Providence, RI Rhode Island Holiday Light Show The Rhode Island Holiday Light Show is not only the longest running drive-through holiday light show in the state, but also the largest light show in all of eastern New England. Several hundred dazzling displays light up the one mile route, accompanied by music synced to the lights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement General admission tickets cost $22 per car Sunday through Thursday or $27 per car on Friday and Saturday, though a Black Friday sale is currently offering $3 all online tickets. Flex, VIP and season passes are also available. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, though they will be more expensive in-person. When: 5-11 p.m. daily from Nov. 14 through Dec. 31 Where: Confreda Farms, 2150 Scituate Ave., Hope, RI Sparkling Lights at the Breakers Sparkling Lights at The Breakers: An Outdoor Magical Wonderland" can be viewed through Jan. 10, 2021. Back for its sixth season, Sparkling Lights transforms the historic Newport Breakers mansion into a 13-acre wonderland of holiday color and light. Stroll along a half-mile path with holiday music and thousands of glittering lights, tour the interior of the mansion while it is decked out for Christmas and enjoy holiday treats on the back terrace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tickets cost $45 for adults or $14 for children ages 6-17, with discounted tickets available for members. It is recommended to buy tickets online, as they are not guaranteed at the door. When: every day from Nov. 21 through Dec. 28 with admission times every half hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Where: The Breakers, 44 Ochre Point Ave., Newport, RI Christmas tree season: Here are 10 Christmas tree farms where you can cut down a tree in Rhode Island Pawtucket Winter Wonderland The 25th annual Pawtucket Winter Wonderland, RI's largest Christmas display and festival, will include weekend festivities on Dec. 9 and 10. A Pawtucket tradition, Pawtucket Winter Wonderland is headed back to Slater Memorial Park for its 27th year. The 40-acre holiday display has over 100 light displays and a walking trail with 650 lit Christmas trees. Other activities include horse-drawn hayrides, visits with Santa and his reindeer, live performances, an 18-foot talking snowman, food concessions and more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pawtucket's light festival is free for all to attend, though certain attractions may cost money. The event is cash-only. When: 4-8 p.m. on Dec. 6-7 and Dec. 13-14 Where: Slater Memorial Park, 401 Newport Ave., Pawtucket, RI La Salette Festival of Lights The La Salette Shrine in Attleboro has 10 acres of the property decorated with 400,000 Christmas lights for the 68th anniversary event, during the Shrine's 175th anniversary celebration, on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020. La Salette's Festival of Lights is back this year with 137 new displays and a "Rejoice in Hope" theme. Over one million lights span across the 10 acres of the Catholic shrine, stretching across trees, buildings and pathways to create a dazzling walkthrough. This Christmas festival is free to enter, though donations are welcomed throughout the shrine. When: 5-9 p.m. daily from Nov. 22, 2025 through Jan. 4, 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where: National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette, 947 Park St., Attleboro, MA Taunton Lights On Festival From left, Lydia Padva and Ahiyahlis Thompson, during Taunton's Lights on Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. Nicknamed "the Christmas City," Taunton has hosted their Lights on Festival for over 100 years. When the lights go on, the Taunton Green and its surrounding area are transformed into a winter wonderland with a Christmas tree, festive photo-ops and walk-through light displays. Beyond the lights, Taunton's holiday festival has live carolers, visits with Santa and food trucks. Admission to the lighting festival is free, but buttons are required for those 12 and older to access certain activities. Buttons are available for $5 at various places throughout town both before and during the event. When: Saturday, Dec. 6 from 3-8 p.m. If you can't make the lighting, don't worry the city's lights stay on all month long. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Where: Downtown Taunton, MA Christmas gifts: Holiday shopping for something special? 10 gifts made in Rhode Island Magic of Lights at Patriot Place With the pandemic continuing into the holiday season, Patriot Place hosted a socially distanced drive-through holiday lights event, Magic of Lights. The event continues into January. Those who want to stay in the car can head down to Gillette Stadium, home of the New England Patriots, for the drive-thru Magic of Lights display. The route of this light show winds through Patriot Place, an open-air shopping center next to the stadium. With over two million sparkling lights, dozens of displays and creative digital animations, this year's light showcase is set to be the brightest and longest Foxborough has seen. Along with driving through the signature 200-foot long enchanting tunnel of lights, participants will drive past designs like Christmas Barbie, Reindeer Road and the Bigfoot Monster Truck. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Admission costs $35 per car on the weekend, and tickets are currently on sale for $20 per car on any Sunday through Thursday. When: 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or 5-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from Nov. 22 through Dec. 25, except for Dec. 1-2 Where: 1 Patriot Pl., Foxborough, MA This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Here are the best places to see Christmas lights in Rhode Island 2025 A woman from Phoenix, Arizona, learned a harsh lesson about dealership practices after she ended up with two active car loans stemming from a trade-in dispute with a Honda dealer. According to AZ Family, Korissa Morgan initially brought her 2015 Honda Accord to the dealership for repairs. Instead, staff allegedly encouraged her to trade it in for a newer vehicle. She agreed and signed the digital paperworkonly to later discover through her loan company that the Accords balance was never paid off. A Costly Car Confusion When Morgan asked the dealer for clarification, they produced her contractyet the trade-in clause was missing entirely. What they told me doesnt match whats on the paper that I apparently signed, she told the outlet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reviewing the documents uncovered more discrepancies. Morgan said she purchased the car on July 12, yet the contract she was shown listed July 17. Fortunately, her insurance records supported her timeline, with coverage beginning on July 13. After locating the Honda Accord at the dealership, Morgan received a letter instructing her to remove the vehicle from their property instead of resolving the dispute. Rather than continue paying loans on two cars, Morgan chose to surrender the Accord, which she reportedly owed more on than its value. She is now driving what appears to be a third-generation Mazda3 hatchbacknot necessarily a major upgrade over the Honda, but its hatchback layout offers far more usable cargo space thanks to the wide, upright trunk opening. The mismatched dates and insurance coverage may strengthen her position, but the ordeal has already cost her financially. Situations like this highlight the importance of reading every contract thoroughly before signing, especially as several dealerships have reportedly taken advantage of buyers even to this day. In fact, the outlet noted that a recent CarEdge survey found that 82% of Americans dont trust car dealerships to treat them fairly. Travel time is precious, and nothing kills a trip faster than long lines, packed attractions, and crowds so dense you can barely see the landmark you came for. While iconic destinations will always have their place, travel experts say some of the most memorable experiences happen in cities and towns you dont see plastered all over Instagram. Thats why weve rounded up the best underrated U.S. cities that offer the culture, food, scenery, and charm of major hotspotswithout the stress, the wait times, or the shoulder-to-shoulder sightseeing. Whether youre looking for a quieter getaway or simply want to explore somewhere new, these alternative destinations deliver big-city excitement with a refreshingly laid-back vibe. Related: Underrated city name best European 'hidden gem' Instead of San Francisco, visit Sonoma County Photo by Gary Saxe on Getty Images Sonoma County has quickly become the smarter, more rewarding alternative to visiting San Francisco, offering travelers the same Northern California charm but with better affordability, more availability, and smaller crowds. While San Francisco is iconic, its also one of the most expensive and crowded cities in the country, with high hotel prices, pricey restaurants, and busy tourist zones. Sonoma, by contrast, delivers world-class experiences at a far more accessible cost, from boutique inns and farm stays to family-run restaurants and wineries that dont require splurging. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sonoma Countys food scene is one of its biggest draws, blending farm-to-table freshness with cultural diversity and budget-friendly dining, all typically at lower prices than San Franciscos equivalent spots. Culturally, Sonoma offers genuine local character without the crowds with feature art galleries, tasting rooms, indie shops, mission history, and community festivals that feel intimate rather than commercial. Above all, Sonoma moves at a gentler pace, more welcoming, relaxed, and human. For travelers seeking great food, rich culture, and beautiful landscapes without paying city prices or battling crowds, Sonoma County is clearly the better choice. Leah Fowler, travel advisor, said: Just 45 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge is Sonoma County. This region isn't just about wine. Sonoma Countys unique geography of valleys, mountains, rivers, and coast offers endless adventure opportunities. Its laid-back lifestyle and small-town charm provide a genuinely restorative retreat. For diverse, experience-driven travelers, its the must-see destination that serves as the perfect antidote to major cities. Sonoma County is where rustic authenticity meets sophisticated charm, offering unparalleled experiences. This is how memories are made. Here are some areas worth exploring: Sonoma Glen Ellen Kenwood Boyes Hot Springs Agua Caliente (includes Fetters Hot SpringsAgua Caliente area) El Verano Related: 5 smaller international ski towns for more slopes and less crowds Instead of Philadelphia, visit Lehigh Valley Lehigh Valley has become an appealing alternative to visiting Philadelphia, offering travelers the same blend of Pennsylvania history, vibrant culture, and excellent food but in a more relaxed, affordable, and accessible setting. While Philadelphia is famous for its landmarks and big-city energy, it also comes with higher prices, heavy traffic, crowded attractions, and costly hotels. In contrast, Lehigh Valley delivers rich experiences without the urban overwhelm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Food lovers especially benefit, as the culinary scene rivals larger cities while staying budget-friendly. With cozy cafes, farm-to-table spots, award-winning breweries, showcases artisan vendors, and bakeries at prices far below what youd find in Philly. Culturally, Lehigh Valley blends historic charm with modern creativity. The colonial architecture, museums, galleries, and live music venues give the area a youthful, energetic pulse. This alternative also offers outdoor beauty, with scenic parks, riverside trails, and preserved nature areas where you can hike, bike, kayak, or simply enjoy peaceful views without the crowds associated with Philadelphias more urban green spaces. Events and festivals, from Musikfest to Christkindlmarkt to farmers markets and seasonal fairs, feel more intimate and community-centered, giving travelers a deeper, more personal experience. Finally, something underrated is easy parking, short drive times between locations, and lodging options that are significantly more affordable than Philadelphia hotels, and Lehigh Valley becomes an incredibly convenient place to explore. Most of all, the region is welcoming and unhurried, offering a blend of small-town friendliness and cultural depth that allows visitors to slow down, savor local food, discover history up close, and enjoy meaningful moments without navigating big-city stress. For those seeking great dining, authentic culture, outdoor beauty, and affordability, Lehigh Valley stands out as the more enjoyable, and often more memorable, choice compared to Philadelphia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elspeth Huyett, marketer for Discover Lehigh Valley, shared with TravelHost: Located just 90 minutes from New York City and 60 from Philadelphia, Lehigh Valley offers an accessible, affordable, and refreshingly different experience for travelers looking to explore beyond the major metros.Lehigh Valley is also incredibly easy to reach its served by Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), with direct flights from several East Coast and Midwest hubs. Whether its a long weekend, a road trip base, or a seasonal escape, the region delivers big experiences in a manageable, small-city setting. Here are some areas worth exploring Allentown Jim Thorpe Bethlehem Easton Macungie Emmaus Instead of Billings, visit Great Falls Great Falls, Montana Great Falls has become a compelling alternative to visiting Billings, offering travelers a more scenic, culturally rich, and authentically Montana experience while remaining affordable and easy to explore. While Billings is the states largest city with busy highways, industrial areas, and a more commercial feel, Great Falls delivers a calmer pace, striking landscapes, and deep historical roots that make the region feel more connected to Montanas heritage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Great Falls food scene is smaller but more charming, with family-run cafes, steakhouses, craft breweries, and local diners that offer hearty, flavorful meals at friendlier prices than the bigger-city options in Billings; places around downtown and along the river showcase local beef, trout, pastries, and Montana-made brews without the higher prices or crowds. Culturally, Great Falls stands out for its artistic and historical significance: the C.M. Russell Museum celebrates the life and work of one of the Wests most iconic artists, while the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers immersive storytelling that brings the expeditions journey to life more vividly than any attraction in Billings. Related: The top travel destination for 2026 is this underrated U.S. mountain town Nature is where Great Falls truly shines. Nicknamed the Electric City for its historic hydroelectric dams along the Missouri River, it features the stunning Rivers Edge Trail, a 60-mile path that weaves through waterfalls, cliffs, and wide-open vistas that define Montanas rugged beauty. Visitors can explore Giant Springs State Park, one of the largest freshwater springs in the country, or walk to the dramatic Great Falls of the Missouri, which impressed explorers centuries ago and remain breathtaking today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The citys manageable size means easy parking, simple navigation, and short travel times between attractions, making it stress-free for families, road-trippers, and outdoor lovers. Events and local culture also feel more personal with rodeo nights, brew fests, art walks, and community gatherings offer genuine local flavor without big-city crowds. Great Falls provides everything people hope to experience in Montana: big skies, Western heritage, outdoor adventure, and warm hospitality, while remaining affordable, unhurried, and deeply connected to the landscape. For travelers seeking scenic beauty, culture, and authenticity without the tougher edges of a larger city, Great Falls is the more rewarding choice over Billings. Cameron McIntyre, Fora Travel Advisor, Great Falls, MT Montana may not be the first state one associate's with cities, but Great Falls is pretty great. Right on the Missouri River, Great Falls is an outdoor adventure hub. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Center is a must. The Great Falls themselves are a natural wonder. "Cowboy Artist", Charles M. Russell's log cabin studio is a National Historic Landmark not to be missed and believe it or not Great Falls has mermaids. The Sip'n Dip Louge at the O'Haire Motor Inn is 100% legendary. Here are some areas worth exploring: Downtown Great Falls Central Avenue Corridor Black Eagle Malmstrom Air Force Base North Great Falls Rivers Edge / Riverside South Great Falls The benefits of visiting an underrated city over a popular one Incase you need some more convincing there are some general benefits of smaller-scale travel that'll make a low-key getaway more appealing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shorter lines, fewer crowds, and more relaxed sightseeing More affordable hotels, restaurants, and attractions Easier transportation, whether you're flying in or navigating the city A more authentic, less commercialized travel experience Greater access to locals, culture, and community-driven events Between Sonoma County, Lehigh Valley, and Great Falls, these spots are destined to help you make the most of your time traveling. For more underrated travel destinations, subscribe to our newsletter! This story was originally published by TravelHost on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Attractions section. Add TravelHost as a Preferred Source by clicking here. First Watch, a popular brunch restaurant chain, already sets itself apart from other restaurants with its commitment to quality and sourcing high-end ingredients that give meals a fresher taste. But what really makes this breakfast chain stand out is Project Sunrise, a coffee partnership that tells a story of people and passion, focused on partnering with women coffee growers. Project Sunrise tells the complete story from the harvest, done by talented women farmers, to processing for shipment to arrive in the U.S. From bean to boat to in your coffee cup at breakfast at First Watch, every cup of Project Sunrise coffee reflects the journey of countless hands and hearts. Below, Shane Schaibly, Senior Vice President of Culinary Strategy, and Lilah Taha-Rippett, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain, fill us in on how First Watch has redefined breakfast coffee with this women-grown bean partnership. What is Project Sunrise? Emily Caldwell / The Manual Project Sunrise was born from a simple idea that aligns with First Watchs mission: serve an excellent coffee while making a positive impact, says Taha-Rippett. The program, which was crafted from the ground up in 2017, is First Watchs single-origin initiative, built around direct relationships with women who grow coffee in Huila, Colombia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As we explored how to make this a reality, we learned about an opportunity to partner directly with women coffee growers in Colombia. We chose Colombia-grown coffee for its exceptional flavor profile and because it allowed us to build something truly unique in our industry. No one was doing or had done this. Making an impact Emily Caldwell / The Manual We went straight to the source and built direct relationships with the women behind the coffee. Project Sunrise is the result: a single-origin coffee that tells a story and carries intentional impact, says Schaibly. By sourcing beans from women farmers and returning a premium to them, First Watch goes beyond making an incredible product they make an impact. What started as a small initiative has grown exponentially over the past eight years. allowing First Watch to give women growers more visibility, more opportunity, and a stronger voice in an industry that has long been male-dominated. Farm to cupping process First Watch From the beginning, each single coffee cherry is hand-picked at the point of perfect ripeness, undergoing several steps until it is dried and sorted. Once dried and sorted into 70-kilogram bags (about 154 lbs), the bags are trucked to the port for shipping, which can take between three and four days. The burlap bags travel by sea all the way from Colombia to the U.S. From there, the beans are transported to a facility in Birmingham, Alabama, where they are roasted to our Project Sunrise specifications before being delivered straight to our restaurants, Schaibly says. The process, however, isnt as simple as sourcing coffee for First Watch. Instead, Project Sunrise focuses on building relationships in shared values, co-developing a process alongside growers that is founded on mutual respect while meeting quality standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All Project Sunrise coffee is graded for defects, including size and color much like diamonds so only the best beans make it through. That quality control continues at each stage, from the bodegas in Colombia to the ports in the U.S. By combining traditional farming practices with these standards, were able to deliver a premium product while preserving the legacy of the women who grow it, Taha-Rippett shares. How the coffee pairs with the menu Emily Caldwell / The Manual First Watch is known for its modern take on breakfast and brunch classics. All our dishes are made to order using fresh ingredients in a kitchen without heat lamps, microwaves, or deep fryers. Quality and freshness are important to us and that comes through in both our menu and our approach to coffee, says Schaibly. With this in mind, the bright, sweet, and well-balanced flavor of coffee from Huila pairs perfectly with First Watchs meals, complementing both sweet and savory menu items. For the customer dining at First Watch, the company hopes each guest tastes a crisp, memorable cup of coffee that allows them to feel connected to where it came from. We want that sip to spark curiosity about origin and the people behind the cup, and to create a moment where quality and purpose sit in the same mug. Ultimately, we want them to feel as proud as we do, Schaibly says. Put aside any notions that New Mexico is an arid Southwestern state with little geographic variety. Reminiscent of the song, "This Land is Your Land," New Mexico's landscapes seem to encompass all of those in the U.S. combined. There are even special surprises, such as unexpected swimming holes in the heart of the desert. And whether you're visiting its desert basins, plains-mesas, or forested mountains, it's clear why New Mexico is nicknamed the Land of Enchantment. Known as the "jewel of northern New Mexico," Vermejo Nature Reserve sits in the northern corner of the state and offers a chance to explore 550,000 acres of wilderness. (That's nearly the size of Rhode Island!) One of four eco-reserves in New Mexico owned by environmentalist and billionaire Ted Turner, the reserve is carefully stewarded to optimize nature, while offering a responsible way to enjoy it. Endangered animals are protected and restored there, and the biodiversity is kept in balance. Streams trickle down alpine meadows, fish-filled lakes beckon, and snow-topped peaks stand graciously in the distance. Unique wildlife like bison, pronghorn, and elk roam the park, completing the sensation that you've stepped onto the set of a wild west film. The closest major airport to Vermejo is Colorado Springs in Colorado -- a three-hour drive away. Before heading west to the reserve, you'll pass by Raton, a charming New Mexico city with a historic railroad. Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank Choose your adventure at Vermejo Nature Reserve Three bison graze in a grassy meadow - Mtruchon/Getty Images The sheer scale of things at Vermejo Nature Reserve is enough to make your head spin. With 19 lakes to fish in, 30 miles of streams, more than 45 outdoor excursions, and 1,200 bison to see, it could be hard to choose what to do there. Luckily, unlike other large parks where you are left to figure it out on your own, Vermejo Nature Reserve offers Reserve Ambassadors to help guests co-curate bespoke itineraries. Imagine taking a wildlife safari at dawn, hiking to alpine lakes, and then sipping cocktails as the sun sets. Opportunities to angle for fish, such as rainbow, brown, and Rio Grande cutthroat trout arise there too, and you can also try your hand at trap shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you can't decide how you want to spend the day, Vermejo has pre-curated itineraries to choose from as well, such as one that begins with a guided wildlife safari, continues with a lakeside picnic, fly-fishing in mountain streams, and ends with dinner and gourmet s'mores under a star-lit night sky. There are seasonal itineraries as well, which include ice fishing, snow tubing, and snowshoeing in the winter, and tree conservation, greenhouse tours, and lawn games in the spring. For those who prefer a bit of sportsmanship with their adventures, you can take part in survivor skills challenges, climbing, and hiking challenges. Prefer going fast? You can mountain bike, gravel bike, and e-bike, or get rowing with canoes and kayaks. There's also animal tracking activities, geocaching, archery, and sharpshooting. You can also travel into Vermejo's historical past with a visit to their collection of charcoal kilns, a reproduction of those used by early homesteaders in the region. Live in the lap of luxury with a stay at Vermejo Nature Reserve Close-up shot of a glass of red wine with a blurred mountainscape in the background - Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock With so much to do and so many nooks to explore at Vermejo, it may behoove you to book a stay there. The stays are of the luxurious kind, with rooms going for upwards of $2,000 a night, for two people. The Bernal Lake Cabin is a well-designed cabin where you'll feel as if you'd traveled back in time, but are still living in the utmost comfort. It boasts two master suites, private decks, heated floors, and a choice between indoor and outdoor soaking tubs. Vermejo has a collection of cottages and three mansion stays. The first is Casa Grande, once belonging to Ted Turner himself. You'll feel grand in the turn-of-the-century, 25,000-square-foot mansion. Prance down the marble column halls, have a game in the billiards room, and prepare meals in the chef's kitchen. There are seven bedrooms to choose from at Casa Grande, which can be booked separately or together in a full buy-out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Turner House is another mansion stay and is even larger, with 10 rooms and 10 bathrooms. The elegant rooms boast old-world sophistication and include cozy sitting rooms, beverage bars, and an on-site spa. While 45 minutes away from Vermejo's main lodge, Costilla Lodge is a timber and stone, solar-powered property with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains loom in the distance, which is also special for its stunning lakes, hiking trails, and picture-perfect views. At an elevation of 10,000 feet you can survey the wilderness below from a large porch, cozy up to the fireplace, and enjoy meals from a dedicated chef. Meals at Vermejo are planned by Executive Chef Giovanni Lanzante and centered around locally-sourced, fresh ingredients. 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. TEHRAN, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei dismissed as "fabricated rumors" recent claims that Tehran had sent a message to the United States through third countries. Speaking in a televised address broadcast Thursday night, he appeared to reject Western media reports suggesting that a message sent earlier this month by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud ahead of the latter's U.S. trip was intended for Washington. "They fabricate rumors claiming that the Iranian government has sent a message to the United States through some country, which is pure lies and such a thing definitely did not exist," Khamenei said. According to media reports, Pezeshkian's letter stated that Iran "does not seek confrontation," aims to deepen regional cooperation, and remains "open to resolving the nuclear dispute through diplomacy, provided its rights are guaranteed." Khamenei, in his speech, strongly criticized Washington's backing of Israel's "wars and crimes" in West Asia, accusing the U.S. of fueling global conflicts for strategic and resource gains. Iranian officials had already stressed in recent days that Pezeshkian's message to the Saudi crown prince addressed only bilateral issues. Tehran and Washington held five rounds of indirect, Omani-mediated talks on Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions between April and June, with a sixth round expected before Israel launched surprise strikes on multiple sites in Iran, killing senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks. On June 22, U.S. forces struck Iran's nuclear facilities in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan. Iran retaliated the next day by targeting the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. A ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on June 24. Ohio families are spending a significant portion of their income on college education, ranking 10th in the nation, according to a recent survey. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A report from WalletHub reveals that Ohio families spend 57 percent of their yearly income on college, which amounts to more than $39,000. The high cost of education can lead to substantial debt and financial stress for many families. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sarah Short, a Community Development Specialist at Wright-Patt Credit Union, suggests considering trade schools or community colleges as cost-effective alternatives to traditional four-year universities. Or if you really want to have that traditional feel, a community college for two years and then you transferring for the other two, she suggested. Short emphasizes the importance of exploring scholarships, grants, and work-study programs to help offset college costs. She advises students and families to carefully consider their options and revisit loan agreements to find the best deals available. If its a possibility, there are some that you can consolidate, take all those multiple payments, narrow it down to one or two, she said. But the biggest thing is that budget and then seeing what options are out there for you to kind of narrow down on that. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Sometimes, Thanksgiving plans fall through, or you forgot to snag a reservation, and you have to figure something out last minute. Other times, you just don't want to deal with family. Whatever the case for missing a Thanksgiving feast, that doesn't mean you have to miss out on a good meal. That's why a number of casual San Antonio restaurants will be open on the holiday. From Korean barbecue to tacos, these nine eateries are staying open for Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 27) in the San Antonio area. Taco Palenque Though hours may vary by location, Taco Palenque took to social media to assure customers it will be open on Thursday, offering its usual lineup of Mexican food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find it: Multiple locations Kababchi Grill will be open on Thanksgiving. (Polly Anna Rocha) Kababchi Grill Kababchi Grill will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day for folks searching for Middle Eastern fare with Iraqi flair. Find it: 5500 Babcock Road, Suite 102, San Antonio, TX 78240 Kona Grill Kona Grill is open for dine-in and takeout service from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving, and the chain will offer a turkey dinner option Thursday through Sunday. Find it: 7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 1255, San Antonio, TX 78216; 15900 La Cantera Parkway, Suite 7300, San Antonio, TX 78256 A spread of steaks, sides and beers from Novo Brazil Brewing, which is open on Thanksgiving. (Courtesy of Novo Brazil Brewing Company) Novo Brazil Brewing The newly opened brewery will be open on Thanksgiving from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at its home inside North Star Mall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find it: 7400 San Pedro Ave., Suite 1635, San Antonio, TX 78216 Sichuan House The Chinese food favorite will be open for dine-in and takeout from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day with special roast duck on the menu for the occasion. Half a roasted duck is priced at $25, and a whole duck is $49. Find it: 3505 Wurzbach Road, Suite 102, San Antonio, Texas 78238 Sliced of beef and pork at KPOT, which will be open in San Antonio and Live Oak on Thanksgiving. (Polly Anna Rocha) KPOT Both KPOT locations will be open for all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue and hot pot from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Find it: Joe's Crab Shack Joe's Crab Shack will be open on Thanksgiving and will even offer a roasted turkey plate with sides and a slice of pie for $24.99. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find it: 212 College St., Suite 100, San Antonio, TX 78205 Luby's will be open on Thanksgiving. Pictured is the LuAnn Plate. (Taylor Kamnetz/MySA) Luby's Luby's will be open on Thursday, offering a carved turkey plate with sides and dessert for $13.99. Hours may vary between locations. Find it: Multiple locations Golden Corral All Golden Corral locations will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, according to a news release. The restaurant chain will have a holiday buffet featuring roasted turkey, glazed ham, traditional holiday sides and desserts. Find it: Multiple locations IHOP IHOP locations in San Antonio and beyond will be open on Thanksgiving Day, but hours may vary by location. Make sure to call the one you're trying to visit before making the drive to ensure it's open. Find it: Multiple locations This article originally published at Restaurants open on Thanksgiving Day in San Antonio. Thanksgiving is all about the food, but if you're going to spend all day making turkey and sides, you have to get some fuel in you to start the day. That's why several restaurants in San Antonio will be open in the morning on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, offering a selection of holiday and regular breakfast options. Whether you're looking for doughnuts or a pancake platter, these local joints and chain restaurants have you covered in San Antonio this holiday. Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia Mi Tierra will be open starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, offering both regular menu items and a special Thanksgiving meal priced at $22.95 per adult and $14.95 per child. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find it: 218 Produce Row, San Antonio, TX 78207 Alamo Biscuit Co. Alamo Biscuit Co.'s River Walk location will be open on Thursday, maintaining its regular 24-hour schedule. The restaurant will have holiday dishes, like smoked turkey, glazed ham and stuffing. All Jim's locations will be open for regular hours on Thanksgiving. (ROBIN JERSTAD /SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS) Jim's Restaurants All Jim's locations will be open for regular hours on Thanksgiving, the San Antonio-based chain said in a recent Facebook post. Jim's offers all kinds of breakfast favorites, including eggs Benedict, buttermilk pancakes and biscuits and gravy. Find it: Multiple locations Comfort Cafe Comfort Cafe will open at 11 a.m. on Thursday with an assortment of Thanksgiving options on the menu, including roasted turkey, sweet potato casserole and pumpkin pie available. The restaurant is usually pay-what-you-can, but on Turkey Day, the eatery is suggesting a donation of $35 for folks 13 and older. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find it: 6812 Bandera Road, Suite 101, Leon Valley, TX 78238 Whataburger As usual, Whataburger will be open on Thanksgiving, but hours can vary between locations. Breakfast is normally served from 11 p.m. to 11 a.m. at most Whataburger restaurants. Find it: Multiple locations Several McDonald's locations will be open on Thursday. The restaurant's sausage egg biscuit is pictured here. (Courtesy of McDonald's) McDonald's Several McDonald's locations will be open on Thursday, with varying hours between locations. Make sure to call the spot nearest you before visiting. Find it: Multiple locations IHOP A number of IHOP locations will be open for Thanksgiving, but hours can differ depending on the restaurant. It's wise to call before you head to a specific one. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Find it: Multiple locations Krispy Kreme Krispy Kreme locations will be open the morning of Thanksgiving for folks in search of doughnuts. The chain is even offering a special for $2 dozens with the promo code THANKS. Find it: Multiple locations This article originally published at These San Antonio restaurants are open for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day. CONNECTICUT (WTNH) Nutmeggers getting ready to cook Thanksgiving foods this week are searching these types of recipes, according to Google Trends. Connecticuts top-searched pie has been pumpkin pie. We had that in common with neighboring states Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. Connecticut officials emphasize driving safety heading into Thanksgiving However, Maine and New Hampshire went their own way, with their most searched pies being apple and chocolate, respectively. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Connecticut joined most of the country in their top search for a Thanksgiving side dish, which was stuffing. In this category, New Hampshire was the only state on the entire East Coast that searched for deviled eggs more than stuffing. Where to find free Thanksgiving meals, food distributions in Connecticut People in Connecticut were also searching for general Thanksgiving dessert recipes, potato recipes, squash ones, and sourdough ones, too. For the whole country, the top searched side dish was sweet potato casserole, the top pie was pumpkin pie, the top cocktail was mulled wine, and the top healthy recipe was cranberry sauce. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other top recipe searches across the country: Green bean casserole Cranberry sauce Stuffing Pecan pie Corn casserole Popular searches for how to cook a turkey included: Smoke Brine Cook in oven Deep fry Spatchcock The top non-traditional Thanksgiving recipes: Key lime pie Brussel sprouts Asian turkey Chocolate pudding pie Baked salmon 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 WTNH.com. If you're tired of crowded beaches and overrun resort towns, 2026 might be the perfect year to look somewhere a bit quieter. Popular destinations in Central America and the Caribbean can come with high prices, packed shorelines, and overbooked excursions. However, there's one coastal region that travelers are only now starting to discover. According to a new trend report from travel search engine Skyscanner, Limon, Costa Rica, is the No. 1 trending vacation destination for 2026. The company analyzed worldwide flight searches from January to June 2025 and compared them to the same period in 2024. The results showed that Limon saw a 289% jump in interest compared to the previous year. This spike is nearly three times greater than the second-highest destination on the list, India's Pink City of Jaipur. So what is driving all the attention to this under-the-radar location? To start, Limon offers a completely different side of Costa Rica than the well-known Pacific resorts. It sits on the Caribbean coast, with jungle views, miles of sandy beaches lined with coconut trees, and blue waters sheltering coral reefs. Life here is more relaxed than in other regions, like the Central Valley, home to San Jose, a highly-rated destination in Central America for solo travelers. Prices for lodging and food in Limon also tend to be lower than Costa Rica's more commercial areas. Read more: 8 Caribbean Islands Safe From Hurricanes Discover Limon's beaches, trails, and wildlife A sloth hanging from a tree branch in the Cahuita National Park - Roger Paris/Shutterstock When visiting Limon, most travelers base themselves near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. The town is known for reggae bars, colorful shops, and beachfront shacks serving everything from fresh seafood to jerk chicken. From here, it's easy to reach Playa Cocles, Playa Negra, and Punta Uva, three scenic beaches surrounded by greenery. Surfing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling are common in the area. Advertisement Advertisement South of Punta Uva is the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The refuge consists of a rainforest, mangroves, and lagoons that shelter some of Costa Rica's most endangered species, including manatees, ocelots, and jaguars. If you hike one of the forested trails, you might spot monkeys overhead, sloths resting on trees, or one of the hundreds of species of tropical birds that live here. Further north, near Playa Negra, Cahuita National Park offers easy to moderate hiking trails and a chance to see even more wildlife up close. Join a guided snorkeling tour through its protected marine areas that are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. If you have enough time in Limon, also visit the Jaguar Rescue Center. It's a rehabilitation site that helps injured animals before releasing them back into their natural habitats. 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. Sweden is encouraging visitors to travel to the country in pursuit of boredom. The tourism board has launched a campaign to promote slowing down and doing almost nothing, and the wellness benefits of having an empty schedule. Based on scientific research, which states that boredom helps the brain recover from the complexities of everyday life, the Scandinavian country has nominated itself as the perfect place for a getaway. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As one of Europes most sparsely populated countries, with vast forests and countless lakes, the tourism board said that Sweden is the perfect setting for sleep, relaxation and reflection. There are plenty of things to do in Sweden, says Susanne Andersson, CEO of Visit Sweden. But one of the best might be to come here, embrace the silence, and just be bored. While boredom doesnt have to mean doing nothing, it can mean having a quieter or slower holiday, Visit Sweden explained, via digital detoxes or nature holidays. Tourists may opt to go off-grid in a remote cabin, embark on a stargazing adventure in Swedish Lapland or take slow walks on snowshoes at ski resorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other options include journeying to the north of the country to seek out traditional food, such as grilled whitefish and smoked souvas, or reindeer meat. Meanwhile, those looking for a luxury boredom retreat may be drawn cold bathing in spa hotels and bath houses, such as the ones found in Helsingborg. Leisurely road trips along the Blue Highway, that connects the country to Norway and Finland, are also mooted as an antidote to speedy city breaks. Slow travel and wellness breaks have been on the rise for years, swapping action-packed trips for holidays that revolve around fewer activities and switching off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For those with the luxury of time, Visit Sweden has published a larger list of inspiration on ways to enjoy the benefits of boredom across the country. Read more: Doctors are now prescribing Sweden this is what happened when I ditched my phone for the Scandi wilderness NATO air planners looking east during the Cold War faced a vast, intimidating armada of bombers and attack aircraft. With superior numbers, the Soviet Union and the other Warsaw Pact nations brandished a massive hammer of both nuclear and conventional destructive force. Here are 12 Soviet combat aircraft that kept NATO awake at night: 12: Sukhoi Fitter series Sukhoi Fitter series The supersonic single-engined Sukhoi Su-7 (codename: Fitter) was a brutally fast attack aircraft. Relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture, it provided air mass but was flawed; most worrying for Soviet planners was its small payload, range, and long runway requirements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A long runway requirement made an aircraft vulnerable, as airfields were primary targets for any aggressor. Various efforts were made, including the installation of a new undercarriage and the use of RATO (rocket-assisted take-off), but something more radical was needed. The next-generation Fitter, the Su-17, featured a variable geometry outer (swing) wing section, which dramatically reduced field length requirements and improved range. The aircraft would later gain a more powerful engine, better sensors and targeting equipment and new weapons. The result was a fast, potent attack aircraft. It was widely exported as the Su-20 and Su-22. The Su-17 was the primary tactical fighter-bomber during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. It remains in service in limited numbers with a small number of air forces. 11: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 Flogger Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27 Flogger With breathtaking performance and carrying the most powerful aircraft gun fitted to a supersonic aircraft, the MiG-27 was a fast fighter-bomber based on the MiG-23 fighter (via the MiG-23B attack series). Compared to the fighter Floggers, the MiG-27 was heavily armoured, lacked a radar, and had a distinctive duck-nose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the author spoke to former Indian Air Force pilot Anshuman Mainkar, he noted, She was very fast at low levels, and her ability to hold steady was superb. With wings swept back fully and speeds exceeding 1000 km/h at low levels, the wings waggled and the noise and vibrations that set in gave an impression of a banshee just freed, screaming with abandon. It was powered by a single R-29-B-300 turbojet, rated at 25,400 lbf (113 kN) with afterburner. It was an unforgiving and sometimes dangerous machine, as Mainkar put it. In my opinion, it is the only fighter which has engine explosion as a standard aircraft emergency. Though not as fast as the fighter Floggers, the MiG-27 kept much of the Floggers famed acceleration and extremely high speed at low altitude. It could carry up to 4000 kg (8818 lb) of offensive weapons, including free-fall bombs and guided missiles. 10: Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot During the Great Patriotic War, the rugged Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik ground attack aircraft proved hugely important; it became as significant to the Soviet mythology of the war as the Spitfire is to the British. The Soviets revived the concept of a battlefield support aircraft in the 1960s with the Sukhoi Su-25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It first flew in 1975, though it is commonly said to be based on the US Northrop A-9 (loser to the A-10 Thunderbolt II in a USAF contest), but this is unlikely to be the case; all that is shared is a superficial similarity in configuration. The design prioritised armour and weapons carriage over high speed. The Su-25 features a powerful gun, the 30 mm dual-barrelled GSh-30-2 autocannon, which was developed specifically for the aircraft. This utilises the Gast principle: two barrels are operated by a single mechanism, with the recoil from firing one barrel loading and charging the second. It can carry up to 4340 kg (9568 lb) of guided and unguided weapons. A combat evaluation of the Su-25 came in 1980, during the war in Afghanistan. Formal deployment started in 1981, where the Su-25 proved formidable. The use of US-supplied Stinger missiles led to a period of vulnerability for the Su-25, necessitating upgrades. 9: Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle Ilyushin Il-28 Beagle Following its first flight in 1948, over 6630 Il-28s (NATO code name: Beagle) were manufactured, a vast force; it was the first successful Soviet jet bomber to reach mass production. It was powered by two Klimov VK-1 turbojets, each producing about 6,000 lbf of thrust, derived from the British Rolls-Royce Nene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a twin-engined medium jet bomber, it was broadly comparable to the British English Electric Canberra. In most metrics, including top speed, ceiling, range, and bombload, the Il-28 was inferior to the Canberra; however, in terms of ease and cost of manufacture, the Il-28 was superior, and it served in far greater numbers. The Il-28 bomber saw extensive wartime service across the globe. Deployed by over 20 nations, it fought in the Biafran and the North Yemen Civil wars. Used in air raids from Africa to Asia, it faced combat from RAF strikes to Saudi interceptions and remained active in Cold War conflicts. It was widely exported to Warsaw Pact and allied nations including China (as the H-5), Egypt, Poland, Czechoslovakia, and North Korea. Though retired by the USSR in the 1980s, some aircraft (like Chinas H-5 versions) remained in service into the 21st century, marking over 50 years of operational use. 8: Yakovlev Yak-28 Yakovlev Yak-28 The Yakovlev design bureau had proven itself with its fighters during the Great Patriotic War, and in the post-war era with the moderately successful Yak-25 Flashlight (and later the Yak-25RV Mandrake' high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft). The Yak-26 was an unsuccessful bomber derivative of the Yak-25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fitting the rather poor Yak-26 with larger more powerful Tumansky R-11 engines and a new wing of sharper sweep resulted in the excellent Yak-28. This twin-engined supersonic tactical aircraft, which first flew on 5 March 1958 and entered service in the early sixties, proved incredibly adaptable and served in almost every conceivable role. In the bomber role, it was assigned the NATO codename Brewer. As well as a tactical bomber, it was modified to serve in the reconnaissance, electronic warfare and even, quite notably, in the interceptor roles (as the Firebar). Such was the versatility of the Yak-25 family that it required no less than six NATO-codenames including a slew of Brewer subvariants (Brewer-A onwards) and Maestro (for the Yak-28U trainer). Yak-28s were deployed to forward bases in East Germany as part of Soviet shows of force during the Berlin standoff, but they did not engage in combat. During the invasion to suppress the Prague Spring, Yak-28s flew reconnaissance and patrol missions over Czechoslovakia. These were non-combat operations, primarily aimed at monitoring troop movements and intimidation. 7: Myasishchev M-4/3M Bison Myasishchev M-4/3M Bison The vulnerability of the American B-29 Superfortress in the Korean War made it clear that the piston-engined bomber could not survive against the new generation of high-performance jet fighters. A fast and very long-ranged bomber requirement was drawn up, one so demanding it was likely impossible with Soviet technology to answer without an overly large aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Myasishchevs four-engined bomber (NATO codename: Bison-A) failed to meet range requirements: it would not have been able to fly to North America and return. The 3M (NATO code-name: Bison-B) was an attempt to solve the range limitations with an in-flight refuelling capability and less thirsty (Dobrynin VM-7) engines. It still didnt solve the issue totally, and it was a failure in the nuclear bomber role with only a small number serving in this role. However, the improvements made for a potent aircraft for other missions, it was fast and with a large bombload and well suited to the maritime patrol role. Modifications across its life enabled Bisons to launch a variety of long-range air-to-surface missiles. The Bison could carry up to 17,727 kg (39,000 lb) of bombs, and the fastest variants could exceed 600mph. Including prototypes, 125 aircraft were manufactured. 6: Tupolev Tu-4 Bull Tupolev Tu-4 Bull Four USAAF B-29s crashed in the Soviet Union returning from attacks on Japan during 1944. Realising the Soviet Union was behind in heavy bombers, Stalin ordered a reverse engineering of the B-29. Reverse engineering the modern and extremely complex B-29 Superfortress was in itself a hugely impressive feat. The resultant Tu-4 first flew in 1947. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the Tu-4 (later given the NATO code name Bull) became the first Soviet aircraft to drop a mass-produced nuclear weapon, it leapfrogged the USSR into the atomic superpower league. With the potential to reach the United States, albeit one-way, the Tu-4 was a sobering prospect in the newly frosty Cold War. Better protected than the B-29, the Bull boasted a defensive armament of ten Nudelman-Suranov NS-23 autocannons. Its offensive load was around 8181 kg (18,000 lb) of bombs. A massive total of 847 Tu-4s were built. British and US interceptor crews practised how to attack Tu-4s using their own B-29s. 5: Tupolev Tu-16 Badger Tupolev Tu-16 Badger The Tu-16 (NATO codename: Badger) was a medium bomber that first flew in 1952. Notably, for an aircraft of comparable size to the British Valiant bomber, it was powered by only two engines. In later variants, the two huge Mikulin AM-3 M-500 each generated up to 21,000Ibf (93.2 kilonewtons) of thrust. Like most Soviet bombers, it initially failed to meet ambitious range requirements; however, it excelled in most other respects. It first served in the conventional bombing role before assuming the deterrent role with the Tu-16A variant. In this photo we see a Tu-16 being shadowed by an American Phantom II. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Defensive armament consisted of six 23-mm Afanasev Makorov AM-23 cannons, with an offensive load of up to 9000 kg. Weapon options included the enormous K-10S anti-shipping missile, which could be fitted with a nuclear warhead. The Tu-16 was the most important Soviet bomber from the late 1950s until the mid-1960s. It served in myriad roles, including nuclear bomber, maritime strike, airborne refuelling, ELINT and even search and rescue - it was even somewhat bizarrely used as a plane for carrying mail. An impressive total of 1507 aircraft were produced (excluding H-6 production). It remains in service today in China as the radically updated H-6K. In this photo we see a Tu-16 being shadowed by an American F-8H Crusader. 4: Tupolev Tu-95 Bear Tupolev Tu-95 Bear It is quite possible that a current Tu-95 pilots grandfather may have also flown the plane. A tiny number of military aircraft types that first flew in the early 1950s remain in active service today; the B-52 bomber and C-130 transport spring to mind for the Americans, and for the Soviets and then Russians, the utterly distinctive and horrendously loud 'Bear'. This large strategic bomber is known for its combination of sharply swept-back wings and four gargantuan NK-12 turboprop engines with contra-rotating propellers, which makes the plane extremely loud. The turboprop powerplant was chosen as, at the time of the aircraft's conception, Soviet jet engines could not offer the fuel efficiency required for strategic range. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though it does not have pure jet engines, the Tu-95 is extremely fast; at 575 mph (925 km/h), its the second fastest propeller-driven aircraft (after the Avanti business-aircraft). Other family members included the Tu-142 maritime patrol aircraft, Tu-114 airliner and Tu-116 VIP transport aircraft. Developed primarily for the grim nuclear task, the Tu-95 delivered the most destructive bomb of the Cold War, the apocalyptic 50-megaton AN602 'Tsar' bomb. Tested on 30 October 1961, this horrific device created a fire 8 kilometres wide and a mushroom cloud 7.8 times higher than Mount Everest. 3: Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack Tupolev Tu-160 Blackjack The heaviest combat aircraft to ever enter service, the Tupolev Tu-160 is a large supersonic variable-sweep (swing) wing strategic bomber. On a variable geometry wing aircraft, the wing sweep can be adjusted in flight to best suit the speed of the aircraft. Wings are set fully forward for take-off and landing, and fully back for supersonic flight. It is similar in configuration to the US Rockwell B-1B bomber, but is far larger and far faster (the faster and less stealthy B-1A never entered service). The Tu-160 has a blended wing-body configuration, which offers both a reduction of radar cross-section and aerodynamic advantages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Tu-160 has a maximum take-off weight of 275,000 kg (606,271 lb), the same weight as over four fully loaded wartime Lancaster bombers. It has a top speed of Mach 2.05, making it faster (by around 190mph or 305km/h) than the fastest operational carrier fighter in the US Navy today. The Tu-160 (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) first flew on 18 December 1981 and entered operational service in 1987. Because of its service entry date, it was not around for a great deal of time with the Soviet Air Force; it served for only four years before the nation it was conceived to fight for ended. 41 have been built, and in 2021 went back into production for the Russian air force. 2: Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder & Tu-22M Backfire Tupolev Tu-22 Blinder & Tu-22M Backfire The Tu-22 was a bomber of unorthodox configuration, with the two engines mounted below the tail, that entered service in 1962. It was beset with design issues and was considered a challenging and dangerous aircraft to fly. It did, however, offer a supersonic top speed. Among the most exciting roles the Tu-22 (in particular, the Tu-22K) was tasked with was the destruction of US aircraft carrier groups, a daunting mission they trained for in earnest. It was planned that these well-defended targets would be overwhelmed by 24-30 missile-launching Tu-22Rs, supported by Tu-22P jamming aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ironing out the many flaws of the Tu-22 led to the virtual redesign that was the Tu-22M. To save face, it retained the same Tu-22 designation. The new design relocated the engines and air intakes (which were later modified again), along with a host of other improvements. The Tu-22M features a variable geometry (swing) wing and is faster and longer than the Tu-22; its weight increased by two tonnes. Unusually, for an aircraft that first flew in 1969, the Tu-22M kept a defensive tail gun. Fast, long-ranged, and heavily armed, the Tu-22M was a formidable machine that remains in service today in updated forms. 1: Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer Sukhoi Su-24 Fencer Starting life as the rather exotic T-6, complete with lift jets and a fixed delta wing with downturned tips, by the time the Sukhoi Su-24 design was completed, it was a variable-geometry (swing-) wing design with side-by-side seating optimised for the long-range low-level penetration attack role. The Su-24 introduced automatic terrain-following radar to Soviet air power, allowing for very fast and low penetrations of hostile airspace to minimise the risk of radar detection. The Su-24 was comparable to the US General Dynamics F-111 (and somewhat bigger than the European Panavia Tornado IDS). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At maximum load-out, the Su-24 weighs approximately 43,755 kg (96,463 lb). It can carry up to 8000 kg (17,635 lb) of weapons on its nine hardpoints. It also boasts tremendous firepower from its internal 23-mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-6-23M Gatling-style rotary cannon. The Su-24 first flew in 1974, and around 1400 were manufactured. Various Su-24 variants were created for electronic warfare, reconnaissance and maritime attack. Unlike the F-111 and Tornado, the Su-24 uses a turbojet rather than a turbofan engine. Follow Joe Coles on Substack, Twitter X or Blue Sky. His superb Hush-Kit Book of Warplanes is available here. 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 ]]> An Ohio man was arrested in Utah last week for sexual exploitation crimes against minors. Wade Christofferson, 72, from Dublin, Ohio, appeared in U.S District Court in Utah on Tuesday, according to our news partner, WBNS. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christofferson is charged with attempting to sexually exploit a minor and with coercion and enticement. According to court records, the Dublin Police Department received a report that Christofferson allegedly sexually abused a victim who was around 7 and 8 years old. The attorneys office said that Christofferson allegedly sexually abused the child 15 to 20 times. Christofferson also allegedly abused a second minor in an explicit FaceTime call in Utah. In a complaint affidavit, Christofferson allegedly taught the 7-year-old Utah victim sexually explicit code words. Dublin Police Officers searched Christoffersons home the day they received the report and found a modified attic crawl space with the words H POTTER. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inside the crawl space, there were allegedly childrens writing on the walls, a mattress, pillows, and a blanket. During a search of his phone, there were allegedly searches for a criminal defense attorney sex crimes Columbus Ohio and In Ohio do clergy have to report child abuse confessions. Christofferson is set to extradited back to Ohio from Utah. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] President Donald Trump said that one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot by an Afghan national near the White House had died, calling the shooter who had worked with the CIA in his native country a savage monster. As part of his Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops, Trump said that he had just learned that Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, had died, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was fighting for his life. Shes just passed away, Trump said. Shes no longer with us. Shes looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The president called Beckstrom an incredible person, outstanding in every single way. This photo combo shows, National Guard members, from left, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (U.S. Attorneys Office via AP) Trump used the announcement to say the shooting by Rahmanullah Lakanwal was a terrorist attack as he criticized the Biden administration for enabling Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the U.S. without, in his opinion, sufficient vetting. The president has deployed National Guard members in part to assist in his administrations mass deportation efforts. This atrocity reminds us that we have no greater national security priority than ensuring that we have full control over the people that enter and remain in our country, Trump said. For the most part, we dont want them. THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WASHINGTON (AP) An Afghan national who worked with the CIA in his native country and immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 drove from Washington state to the nations capital where he shot two West Virginia National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., U.S. officials said Thursday. The suspect had worked in a special CIA-backed Afghan Army unit before emigrating from Afghanistan, according to two sources who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, and #AfghanEvac, a group that helps resettle Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the two-decade war. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, declined to provide a motive for Wednesday afternoons brazen act of violence which occurred just blocks from the White House. The presence of troops in the nations capital and other cities around the country has become a political flashpoint. Pirro identified the guard members at a news conference as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. The West Virginia National Guard said both had been deployed in D.C. since August. Both remained hospitalized in critical condition on Thursday, while the office of West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he met with the victims and their families and other guard members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Webster Springs, where Beckstrom is from, will hold three prayer vigils Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, according to a Facebook post from the Webster County Veterans Auxiliary. Pirro said that the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, launched an ambush-style attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. The suspect currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro said that its too soon to say what the suspects motives were. The charges could be upgraded, Pirro said, adding: We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge. The rare shooting of National Guard members on American soil, on the eve of Thanksgiving, comes amid court fights and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administrations use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump issued an emergency order in August that federalized the local police force and sent in National Guard troops. The order expired a month later. But the troops have remained in the city, where nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned, according to the governments latest update. The guard members have patrolled neighborhoods, train stations and other locations, participated in highway checkpoints and been assigned to pick up trash and guard sports events. The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington following Wednesdays shooting. The suspect who was in custody also was shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. Suspect worked with CIA during Afghanistan War A resident of the eastern Afghan province of Khost who identified himself as Lakanwals cousin said Lakanwal was originally from the province and that he and his brother had worked in a special Afghan Army unit known as Zero Units in the southern province of Kandahar. A former official from the unit, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said Lakanwal was a team leader and his brother was a platoon leader. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cousin spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. He said Lakanwal had started out working as a security guard for the unit in 2012, and was later promoted to become a team leader and a GPS specialist. Kandahar is in the Taliban heartland of the country. It saw fierce fighting between the Taliban and NATO forces after the U.S.-led invasion in 2001 following the al-Qaida attacks on Sept. 11. The CIA relied on Afghan staff for translation, administrative and front-line fighting with their own paramilitary officers in the war. Zero Units were paramilitary units manned by Afghans but backed by the CIA and also served in front-line fighting with CIA paramilitary officers. Activists had attributed abuses to the units. They played a key role in the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country, providing security around Kabul International Airport as the Americans and withdrew from the country. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a statement that Lakanwals relationship with the U.S. government ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation of U.S. servicemembers from Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lakanwal, 29, entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. Lakanwal applied for asylum during the Biden administration, but his asylum was approved under the Trump administration, #AfghanEvac said in a statement. The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the U.S., many of whom had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and others over allegations of gaps in the vetting process, even as advocates say there was extensive vetting and the program offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. Lakanwal has been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman. Wednesday night, in a video message released on social media, President Donald Trump called for the reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered under the Biden administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said in a social media post Thursday that Trump directed him to review the green cards of people from countries of concern. Edlow didnt name the countries. But in June, the administration banned travel to the U.S. by citizens of 12 countries and restricted access from seven others, citing national security concerns. Green card holders and Afghans who worked for the U.S. government or its allies in Afghanistan were listed as exempt. Attack being investigated as terrorist act FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Agents have served a series of search warrants, with Patel calling it a coast-to-coast investigation. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat, has previously questioned the effectiveness of using the National Guard to enforce city laws. Last week, a federal judge ordered an end to the deployment there, but the judge also paused her order for 21 days to allow the administration to remove the troops or appeal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, Bowser interpreted the shooting as a direct assault on America itself, rather than specifically on Trumps policies. Somebody drove across the country and came to Washington, D.C., to attack America, Bowser said. That person will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Western diplomats have claimed that the United States plan for Gaza risks leaving the Strip split in two in perpetuity. Multiple officials involved in the post-war process say current American efforts are focused almost exclusively on redeveloping the part of Gaza under Israeli control where virtually no one currently lives with no viable plan to disarm Hamas. Instead of acting as a peacekeeping force for the whole Strip, the international stabilisation force would be stationed solely in the green zone under the control of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), officials told The Telegraph. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It raises the prospect of the temporary yellow withdrawal line becoming entrenched as a second Berlin wall. b' 2711 US plans for green zone of Gaza ' European and Arab partners tried to raise concerns about the control of Gaza ahead of a key UN Security Council resolution this month, which put Donald Trumps plan on a legal footing. But The Telegraph has been told that the US vigorously rejected their attempts to amend the wording of the resolution. Officials say the wording significantly downgrades the power of a board of peace made up in part of Palestinian technocrats, leaving the part of Gaza not under Hamas control under effective American overlordship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a further sign of the stalling process, Israeli commanders are becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of a plan to disarm Hamas. The terror group currently controls 45 per cent of the territory, comprising all of Gazas major towns and nearly all its population. A senior Israeli defence official told The Telegraph that the IDF leadership has little confidence that the current Trump plan will deal with the terror group. They are pressing political leaders for permission to develop their own plan to disarm Hamas, the source said. The IDF is becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of a plan to disarm Hamas Six weeks after the ceasefire that enabled the release of the living hostages, Hamas has resumed almost total dominance over the parts of Gaza it controls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid apparent stalemate over how to remove the terror group, the US is focusing its attention on the future of the 53 per cent of Gaza now under IDF control, despite the fact that only a fraction of the Palestinian population currently lives there. Multiple western officials have told The Telegraph that, according to the US vision, the international stabilisation force posited in the Trump 20-point plan will be stationed in the green zone currently controlled by Israel. Led by Jared Kushner, Mr Trumps son in law, the Americans envisage building a series of new settlements for Gazans on the rubble of destroyed neighbourhoods to the east and south of the yellow line. These compounds would comprise temporary housing units about the size of a shipping container and could house up to 25,000 people each, according to The Atlantic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hope is that Gazans would be tempted to enter these compounds by the prospect of good medical care, education and working facilities. With, as yet, no firm plan to dislodge Hamas from western Gaza, it raises the prospect that the Strip could remain firmly divided in two. Israeli security officials have previously been quoted as describing what was intended to be a temporary state of affairs as Gazas Berlin Wall. The Americans plan to build new settlements for Gazans on the rubble of destroyed neighbourhoods - Khames Alrefi/Anadolu While some aid is getting into Hamas-controlled western Gaza, which comprises all the major towns and cities, no reconstruction will take place there while Hamas refuses to disarm, leaving hundreds of thousands languishing in tents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western diplomats are concerned that, given Mr Kushners apparent dominance over both US and Israeli policymaking for Gaza, the future of the eastern Strip could ultimately end up looking like the much-criticised AI Trump Gaza vision the president set out in February. Mr Trumps original 20-point plan stated that reconstruction and deradicalisation would take place in parts of Gaza where it was possible, even if Hamas remained in others. However, at the time, few envisaged that this model might apply to approximately half the Strip. Jared Kushner appears to dominate both US and Israeli policymaking for Gaza - Sipa US/Alamy Israeli military commanders, although publicly supportive of the US-led peace programme, remain focused on Hamas, which was significantly degraded during 24 months of war, but not defeated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are increasingly frustrated, including with some of our own politicians, a source said. They want a green light to develop an independent plan. Aryeh Lightstone, a key lieutenant of Mr Kushner, is central to the US vision for the new Gaza to the east and south of the yellow line. Formerly an aide to David Friedman, Mr Trumps first-term ambassador to Israel, he is said to be developing policy mainly from a beachfront hotel in Tel Aviv. He and Mr Kushner are believed to firmly back Benjamin Netanyahus opposition of the reunification of Gaza to the West Bank, which would be a key step for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Aryeh Lightstone and Mr Kushner are believed to back Benjamin Netanyahus opposition to reunification of Gaza to the West Bank According to the New York Times, Israeli soldiers will soon begin clearing a space for the construction of the first alternative safe community in the area of Rafah, Gazas southern city which has been almost totally destroyed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Almost daily reports persist of the IDF continuing to demolish structures to the east of the yellow line, although the military says they are still encountering Hamas fighters in the green zone, including those emerging from terror tunnels, and are working to destroy the tunnels. During an accompanied visit to Gaza in October, The Telegraph was shown the Shujaiyya neighbourhood, to the east of Gaza City, which was also entirely destroyed and has been tipped as a possible site for an alternative safe community. It is understood that the United States Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida, is currently intensively modelling and trialling how these communities could work in practice. A series of virtual conferences between key parties are expected to take place next month, at which decisions will be made. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some analysts have suggested that the US is seeking to replicate the partially successful safe neighbourhoods model it employed in post-surge Iraq. Neither the security arrangements for these communities nor the rules of engagement and mandate for the stabilisation force, have been decided, according to a diplomatic source. The US is reportedly seeking to replicate the safe neighbourhoods model it employed in post-surge Iraq - Khames Alrefi/Anadolu Given their experience of the war, and in particular the heavy loss of life that took place near Gaza Humanitarian Foundation food hubs over the summer, Palestinian civilians will be extremely reluctant to go near Israeli troops. Wary of the potential for Hamas fighters to infiltrate the civilian population, the IDF is similarly reluctant to deploy close to these communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Egypt is known to want to empower police from the Palestinian Authority or Fatah, but Israel rejects this due to the linkage it would form between the West Bank and Gaza. Azerbaijan and Indonesia are expected to commit small numbers of troops, but most likely in non-core roles such as guarding humanitarian corridors, demining, and potentially guarding alternative safe communities. In the build-up to the UN Security Council vote, European and Arab states argued for a weapons decommissioning body to be based out of Cairo to make the process palatable for Hamas, but the idea was vetoed by the US, a source said. Despite the discontent over Hamass regrouping by some Israeli generals, Western allies believe that, at the same time, it may suit the countrys leaders as it would provide a permanent unofficial buffer zone, and rule out any prospect of Gaza forming part of a future Palestinian state. 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. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 27, 2025. The CSTO has become an authoritative regional structure over the past decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. At a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin noted that the CSTO reliably guarantees security and stability in the Eurasian space and protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua) BISHKEK, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) has become an authoritative regional structure over the past decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. At a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin noted that the CSTO reliably guarantees security and stability in the Eurasian space and protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states. Given the current geopolitical tensions, it is logical that the task of promoting the collective interests and initiatives of the CSTO member states on the global stage has become a top priority, Putin said. During the meeting, it was announced that Russia will assume the CSTO chairmanship in 2026. According to Putin, one of the key priorities of Russia's chairmanship will be to develop cooperation among the member states to ensure the CSTO's technological leadership in the military sphere. "We will focus our efforts on improving the combat readiness of national contingents and strengthening the command and control of collective forces," said Putin. The meeting was chaired by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and also attended by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and CSTO Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov. Japarov emphasized that the CSTO has taken concrete steps to address current security threats and challenges and is working to strengthen its international authority. The organization has implemented practical measures in areas such as military-economic and military-technical cooperation and held a number of large-scale exercises this year, Japarov noted. "These and other events successfully ensured the coordination of the actions of the armed forces of member states and increased their readiness to carry out assigned tasks," the Kyrgyz president added. Following the session, more than 10 documents were signed, including the Declaration of the CSTO Collective Security Council and a statement on combating drug trafficking. It was also announced that Taalatbek Masadykov, the current deputy secretary general of the CSTO, will assume the post of secretary general of the organization on Jan. 1, 2026. The CSTO, a regional military alliance founded in 2002, groups Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and Secretary-General of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Imangali Tasmagambetov (from L to R) pose for a group photo at a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 27, 2025. The CSTO has become an authoritative regional structure over the past decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. At a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin noted that the CSTO reliably guarantees security and stability in the Eurasian space and protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua) Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov speaks at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 27, 2025. The CSTO has become an authoritative regional structure over the past decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. At a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin noted that the CSTO reliably guarantees security and stability in the Eurasian space and protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua) A meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) Collective Security Council is held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Nov. 27, 2025. The CSTO has become an authoritative regional structure over the past decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday. At a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Putin noted that the CSTO reliably guarantees security and stability in the Eurasian space and protects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its member states. (Office of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic/Handout via Xinhua) Former Kentucky State Representative and U.S. Senate candidate Charles Booker is considering another Senate run in 2026, according to a Nov. 26 social media post. In the Facebook post, Booker acknowledged calls for him to run for the Senate seat that U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Republican who was first elected to the office in 1984, will relinquish following the 2026 elections. "Family, I know we are all reflecting on the magnitude of this moment in time. I certainly am. There have been calls for me to make another run for U.S. Senate. I want you to know I am taking a strong look at it, because the status quo truly is crushing us," Booker wrote. "At the same time, the movement of regular people standing up to hate, corruption, and big money greed is growing every day. If we lock arms, I know this moment is ours." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Booker continued, writing, "This is not a time to sit on the sidelines. Nor is it a time to back down in the fight for our families and our future. So yes, I am considering it. More soon." Democratic Senate candidate Charles Booker speaks at a rally which featured Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison. Aug. 23, 2022 Who is Charles Booker? Booker's potential 2026 run would mark his third in a Senate race. In 2020, he was defeated in the primary for the Democratic nomination by Amy McGrath, who has announced she is running again in 2026. He ran again in 2022, winning the Democratic primary but losing to U.S. Sen. Rand Paul in the general election. Booker represented a portion of Louisville in the Kentucky House of Representatives from 2019-2021. He is also the founder of Hood to the Holler, a nonprofit advocacy group focused on community organizing, voting initiatives and racial justice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Booker announced his resignation from Gov. Andy Beshear's administration after more than two years serving as the head of the Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In October, he dispelled rumors about a potential run against Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, whose office is also up for election in 2026. "While I will always be a voice for the people of Louisville and willing to fight to preserve what makes this city great, I know the best way I can show up does not include me running for mayor," he wrote in a statement posted on social media. Who else is running in 2026 to represent Kentucky in the Senate? Several Kentucky candidates on both sides of the aisle have announced campaigns for the U.S. Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republican candidates include former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, U.S. Rep. Andy Barr and Lexington businessman Nate Morris. Democratic candidates include Kentucky State Rep. Pamela Stevenson, Lexington attorney and former U.S. Secret Service agent Logan Forsythe, former CEO of Cybermedia Technologies and Army veteran Joel Willett, thoroughbred trainer Dale Romans and McGrath. More: Who will replace Mitch McConnell in Senate? What to know about 2026 candidates Killian Baarlaer covers Louisville Metro Government. He can be reached at kbaarlaer@courier-journal.com or @bkillian72 on X. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Charles Booker considering run for Mitch McConnell's Senate seat When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Rock art from along the U.S.-Mexico border persisted for more than 4,000 years. | Credit: Steelman et al., Sci. Adv. 11, eadx7205 For more than 4,000 years, Indigenous Americans painted rock art depicting their conception of the universe in what is now southwestern Texas and northern Mexico, a new study finds. Innovative dating techniques revealed that the rock art, known as the Pecos River style tradition, likely first appeared almost 6,000 years ago and persisted until about 1,400 to 1,000 years ago, spanning roughly 175 generations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over this period, the style, found in a region known as the Lower Pecos Canyonlands, remained remarkably consistent in the imagery and the techniques used to create the paintings, which appear to follow a strict set of rules, the researchers reported in the study, which was published Wednesday (Nov. 26) in the journal Science Advances . The authors believe the artworks convey the creators' " cosmovision ," a culture's overarching worldview and conception of the universe. "Frankly, we were stunned to discover that the murals remained in production for over 4,000 years and that the rule-bound painting sequence persisted throughout that period as well," study co-author Carolyn Boyd , a professor of anthropology at Texas State University, told Live Science in an email. She compared the canyonlands to an "ancient library containing hundreds of books authored by 175 generations of painters," adding that "the stories they tell are still being told today." The ancient murals found on limestone rock faces across the canyonlands consist of elaborate multicolored paintings depicting animal- and human-like figures, as well as more enigmatic symbols. The artists who made them created visual narratives that relate myths and prescribe rituals, according to Boyd. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many of the 200-plus murals in the region are huge; some span over 100 feet [30 meters] long and 20 feet [6 m] tall and contain hundreds of skillfully painted images," Boyd said. An example of Pecos River-style artworks depicting a human-like figure holding a black spear thrower, with a dart in one hand and red darts and a staff in the other hand. | Credit: Courtesy of Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center The painters were nomadic hunter-gatherers, but their identity remains unknown, according to Boyd. "They were highly skilled problem solvers with a sophisticated cosmology and a robust iconographic system to communicate that cosmology," Boyd said. Dating rock art comes with significant challenges. But for their study, the authors used two independent radiocarbon methods that had typically not been used together to date paintings at 12 mural sites within the Lower Pecos Canyonlands. This ensured that the researchers could be confident that their dating results were consistent, study co-author Karen Steelman , a chemist and science director at the Shumla Archaeological Research and Education Center in Texas, told Live Science. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers also analyzed the iconography and compositional makeup of the murals at the sites, finding that, in many cases, the artists appeared to have adhered to a strict set of technical rules and established stylistic conventions, even though they were created over a 4,000-year-period. For example, the authors determined that the creators generally followed the same sequence when applying colored paints to the artworks a practice passed down over multiple generations. More characteristic designs of the Pecos River-style tradition, examples of which are found across the Lower Pecos Canyonlands. | Credit: adx7205_Figure_fig4_seq4_v1.jpg - Steelman et al., Sci. Adv. 11, eadx7205, Illustration by Carolyn E. Boyd The consistency that these complex murals display over several millennia, despite major environmental and technological changes for example in stone tools and fiber crafts indicate the persistence of an enduring cosmovision that must have been hugely significant to the hunter-gatherers, according to Boyd. This sophisticated cosmovision encompasses creation stories, the concept of time being cyclical and complex calendrical systems, among other elements. RELATED STORIES 12,000-year-old Aboriginal sticks may be evidence of the oldest known culturally transmitted ritual in the world Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 4,000-year-old rock art in Venezuela may be from a 'previously unknown' culture Ancient rock art in Argentinian cave may have transmitted information across 100 generations The researchers have identified elements of this belief system in later Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Aztecs , as well as among modern Indigenous American communities, like the Huichol of Mexico, she said. "These paintings may be the oldest surviving visual record of the same core cosmology that later shaped Mesoamerican civilizations and is manifested today throughout Indigenous America," Boyd said in a statement. "The murals are viewed by Indigenous people today as living, breathing, sentient ancestral deities who are still engaged in creation and the maintenance of the cosmos," Boyd told Live Science. NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. military plane soared over Florida's Eglin Air Force Base in November and released a drone made by the defense tech giant Anduril Industries to test whether it could take flight and conduct surveillance. The drone a winged model known as Altius nosedived 8,000 feet into the ground, according to an Air Force test summary, reported here for the first time. Shortly afterwards, a second Altius drone spiraled to earth during a separate test, the summary said. Anduril has become one of Silicon Valley's hottest defense bets as drones reshape warfare in Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump pushes the Pentagon to adopt cutting-edge technologies to counter China. The company has ridden a surge of investment into military tech that has helped its valuation more than triple since late 2022 to $30.5 billion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company is in the middle of a $900 million investment to build a drone manufacturing facility in Pickaway County near Rickenbacker International Airport. Anduril estimates its central Ohio facilities will total five million square feet and employ over 4,000 people upon its completion in 2035. Arsenal-1 will produce the company's Fury unmanned aircraft system before adding production of its Barracuda and Roadrunner drones later. Production is anticipated to begin sometime next year. Anduril has described its Altius drone, which can be used for surveillance and carry munitions, as battle-ready and says it has sent hundreds to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion started in 2022. The company says Altius can launch from ground, air, or sea and, depending on the model, offer long-range strike capabilities or the ability to fly for hours. Anduril's 33-year-old founder Palmer Luckey said in March that Altius drones have "taken out hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Russian targets." In August, he traveled to Taiwan to deliver the company's first batch of the drones there. But the previously undisclosed failure of the two Altius drones during the Air Force tests this month, as well as setbacks for Anduril's Ghost drone program - including in Ukraine - highlight a gap between the U.S. company's claims of battlefield readiness and the performance of some of its drones in testing and combat, according to interviews with more than a dozen people, including former Anduril staff, military officials, and people working with drones on the Ukrainian battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western drone makers, including Anduril, have had limited impact so far on the battlefield in Ukraine. Mykhailo Fedorov, a deputy prime minister of Ukraine, said on Telegram in November 2024 that of one million drones deployed to the front lines that year, 96% were Ukrainian-made. Shannon Prior, an Anduril spokesperson, said the incidents documented by Reuters are "isolated examples" across hundreds of tests. "We are constantly proving out new capabilities for all of our systems, pushing them to the limit so that we can learn, iterate, and improve our systems," she said. "Test failures are a natural - and intentional - part of that process." Prior added the Altius has previously flown "more than 2,000 hours" in tests, demonstrations and deployments, without providing details of what the results of those tests were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters could not determine how many Altius test flights have resulted in failures. An Anduril Industries Altius 600M drone is displayed at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade exhibition in London, Britain, Sept. 10, 2025. After the news agency contacted Anduril for comment, the company posted a blog detailing testing issues related to the Altius and Ghost drones, in addition to its command and control software, Lattice. "Those failures, and the learning they afford, are an essential and unavoidable part of the development process," the company said. A spokesperson for the Air Force Special Operations Command confirmed the Altius demonstration occurred this month but declined to comment further. On the same day as the Air Force demo, the Pentagon announced another purchase of Altius drones worth up to $50 million, part of a contract for "testing, training and supportability" of the drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Armed Forces of Ukraine declined to comment on the performance of Anduril's equipment, saying the effectiveness of weapons and military technology is restricted information, citing laws covering state secrets. Anduril founder Luckey pledges to move fast Anduril has a rapidly growing portfolio of weapons systems in development, spanning an autonomous warship it is co-developing with Hyundai to the Fury, a large drone designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets. "Were going to move fast, build what works and get it into the hands of the people who need it, Luckey said during a speech in Taiwan this summer. But Andurils setbacks underscore a broader challenge: Americas defense industry, long defined by costly world-class systems such as jets, missiles and aircraft carriers, must adapt to a battlefield where cheap, mass-produced drones have become central to modern warfare. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Pentagon didn't respond to a comment request. The war in Ukraine has provided an opportunity for the company to battle-test and promote its products as it looks to boost its business with the Pentagon and with Taiwan. The company sent about 40 models of its Ghost drone, which looks like a miniature helicopter and can be used for reconnaissance, to Ukraine early in the conflict that began in 2022, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. But the initial model struggled to withstand Russian electronic warfare, frustrating Ukrainian soldiers, according to four people familiar with the matter. The person with direct knowledge of the matter said the company misunderstood how both terrain and Russia's jamming of satellite-based navigation systems could derail flight plans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anduril spokesperson Prior said "everyone was having problems" with jamming from the outset of the war. She said that Anduril's "teams work side by side with end users every day to capture feedback, push software updates in real time, and adapt systems under combat conditions." Prior said an updated model, the Ghost X, was delivered to the frontlines in Ukraine in December 2023 and "proved that the lessons learned earlier in the year were addressed." Ghost X drone goes down in testing But the Ghost X has also had issues in more recent tests. A video shared with Reuters and separately posted in January 2025 on US ArmyWTF, an Instagram account run by an Army veteran, showed a Ghost model spinning out of control before crash landing near soldiers in an unidentified location. "I told you this would be a cluster," said one unidentified person in the video. A U.S. soldier assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, prepares the Anduril Ghost-X Medium-Range Reconnaissance (MRR) drone for flight during exercise Combined Resolve 25-1 at the Joint Multinational Readiness Centre, Hohenfels Training Area, Hohenfels, Germany, Jan. 15, 2025. U.S. Army/Sgt. Chandler Coats Reuters verified the footage as having been recorded during a weeks-long U.S. Army exercise in Hohenfels, Germany that began in mid-January, and included use of the Ghost X. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anduril said the incident occurred due to an issue with a rotor and said it was fixed. Major Geoffrey Carmichael, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division that was involved in the exercise, said that when units are experimenting with new technologies such as drones "hard landings, system failures, and weather-related impacts can occur." Of the Ghost X specifically, Carmichael said the drone "demonstrated strong performance in cold, high-altitude, and hot-weather environments" but that units identified areas for improvement, "particularly power management in extreme cold." Anduril, in its blog post, said U.S. Army units had "consistently praised" the reliability of Ghost X. Altius in Ukraine Anduril initially sent about 100 Altius drones to Ukraine in 2023, according to two sources. In March of this year, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a 30 million (about $40 million) contract paid for by a UK-led international fund to send an undisclosed number of Altius drones to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Britain's Defense Ministry told Reuters the deal was to provide advanced Altius drones to Ukraine to tackle Russian aggression in the Black Sea. It said the Altius drones were recently delivered to the Ukrainian Navy, "who have expressed their satisfaction with them." The Ukrainian Armed Forces didn't provide further comment. Anduril told Reuters it has "shipped hundreds of Anduril systems to Ukraine" and that "theyve proven effective against a large number of high-value enemy assets." In September, Luckey posted a photo on X showing him carrying a large metal case with the caption: Loading up and shipping out another truckload of leverage for Ukraine! The post did not specify what was in the box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has recently indicated it may be more open about its testing results. Earlier this month, Luckey asked his followers on X if the company should share more behind the scenes. Two days later, after making an announcement revealing a new high-end hovering drone called Omen, which the company has said is built for surveillance missions, the company posted a video on X of it crash landing into the dirt accompanied by the words developmental learnings. (Reporting by David Jeans in New York, Cassell Bryan-Low in London and Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; additional reporting by Tom Balmforth and Milan Pavicic in London and Max Hunder in Kyiv; Editing by Joe Brock and Michael Learmonth) This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Anduril faces setbacks from drone crashes per Reuters Arrests have been made following the theft of a dirt bike from a business in East Bridgewater, officials say. The initial incident happened on November 19, at a business on Plymouth Street. Three people wearing masks attempted to break into the business and then stole a dirt bike from a trailer, according to police. On Wednesday, police announced arrests have been made in Rhode Island. Police did not say how many people were arrested and did not release any names. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dirt bike has not yet been recovered, but the trailer used in this theft was stolen, according to police, who say they recovered that along with several other items. The investigation is ongoing, according to East Bridgewater police. The East Bridgewater Police department is seeking the identities of three masked individuals who they say stole a dirt bike, Wednesday. Photo Credit: East Bridgewater Police Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Australia is set to to overhaul its decades-old nature laws with a raft of major reforms including the country's first independent environment regulator. After a years-long deadlock, the Labor government struck a last-minute deal with the minority Greens party to get the laws passed, after talks with the opposition stalled. The changes include more protections for native forests, stricter rules for land clearing and a limit on fast-tracking of coal and gas projects but critics say more is needed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the laws were a win for nature and business and would speed up major projects linked to housing, renewable energy and critical minerals. With support from the Greens, Labor's proposed changes are expected to pass through the Senate on Thursday, the last sitting day for parliament this year. For months, the opposition - a coalition of the Liberals and Nationals - had also been negotiating with the government on the bill, with a focus on gaining more concessions for businesses. Liberals leader Sussan Ley labelled the Labor-Greens deal as "dirty" and said it would lead to job losses in forestry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The latest development comes five years after an independent review into Australia's nature laws found they were no longer fit for purpose. The government said the reforms would protect the environment for future generations and speed up projects in "key areas of national priority like housing, renewable energy and critical minerals". "Everyone agrees that the laws as they stand are broken and need to be reformed," Albanese said. "Getting these laws passed is vital to protect our environment and to boost productivity in our economy." Once passed, the new laws will also establish Australia's first-ever national environment protection agency as well as a set of national standards which would include rules on protecting endangered wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It will also remove exemptions for "high-risk land clearing" and bring regional forest agreements under federal laws, instead of state ones. Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters said her party had negotiated significant wins but criticised the government for not including a so-called "climate trigger" that could stop fossil fuel projects based on carbon emissions. Instead, a project must report its carbon emissions and provide plans on how they plan to reduce those to net zero by 2050. A "water trigger" will be included in the laws, meaning coal and gas projects must get federal approval for their water use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amanda McKenzie, the head of the independent climate organisation Climate Council, said while the deal would help native forests, new coal and gas projects "still get a free pass on climate pollution". "That is a gaping hole in a law that should protect nature from the ravages of climate change," she said. On Thursday, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said Australia - one of the world's biggest polluters per capita - would miss its 2035 emissions reduction targets unless it made significant changes. Earlier this year, the government announced it would cut emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels over the next decade. Current projections forecast emissions will fall by just 48 to 52 per cent instead. Two West Virginia National Guard members were critically injured in a daytime shooting near the White House by a man officials say drove from Washington state to launch an ambush-style attack, according to federal authorities. U.S. officials identified the wounded soldiers as Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Both were reported in critical condition on Thursday, however, later in the day, President Donald Trump announced that Beckstrom died from her injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal officials said Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, approached the Guard members on Wednesday and opened fire without warning using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Security footage showed the suspect came around the corner and immediately began shooting, said Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief. According to investigators and reporting from CBS News, Beckstrom was struck first and hit at least twice. The gunman then picked up her weapon and continued firing, hitting Wolfe. A third Guard member was stabbed with a pocketknife during the attack, authorities said. A fourth Guardsman fired at the suspect, and several troops then ran toward the shooter and restrained him on the ground until officers arrived, Carroll said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said the suspects gunshot injuries were not life-threatening. Investigators have not determined whether he was shot by a Guard member or a police officer. Authorities said they believe he acted alone, and they have not identified a motive. Beckstrom and Wolfe were both in critical condition as of Thursday. Beckstroms father told The New York Times that her injuries were severe, saying over the phone, She has a mortal wound. Its not going to be a recovery. West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey initially announced that two Guard members from his state had died, but later retracted the statement, saying his office was receiving conflicting reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Morriseys office said Thursday that he met with the soldiers, their families, and other Guard personnel. Both Beckstrom, from Webster Springs, and Wolfe, from Martinsburg, joined the West Virginia National Guard within the last several years. Beckstrom entered service in 2023; Wolfe in 2019. Federal authorities said Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, the program created to resettle Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces during the war. According to #AfghanEvac, he applied for asylum during the Biden administration and received it under the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Multiple officials, speaking to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity, said Lakanwal previously served in Zero Units, CIA-supported Afghan paramilitary teams that fought alongside U.S. personnel. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Lakanwal worked with U.S. forces in Kandahar but that the relationship ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan in 2021. A cousin interviewed by the Associated Press said Lakanwal, originally from Khost province, held several roles in the unit, including team leader and GPS specialist. Activists have accused some Zero Units of abuses, though the AP report did not detail his specific actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lakanwal had been living in Bellingham with his wife and five children, according to his former landlord, Kristina Widman. Multiple family members of the suspect have been interviewed by law enforcement, according to CBS News. No other suspects have been identified. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Lakanwal faces charges including assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. She said the charges may be upgraded depending on the victims conditions. We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge, Pirro said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI Director Kash Patel said the attack is being investigated as an act of terrorism, calling it a coast-to-coast investigation. Search warrants have been executed in multiple locations. Bellingham Mayor Kim Lund issued a statement Thursday, saying: It takes courage to say yes to the job of protecting fellow community members and protecting our country. We honor the courage of the two National Guard members who were wounded in service yesterday. There is no excuse for the heinous, violent attack they suffered. We are holding them and their loved ones in our hearts today, wishing them a full return to health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As mayor of Bellingham, I am directing local resources to be ready to support the FBIs investigation. We share the resolve to see justice and accountability for this violent attack. The terrible actions committed in Washington, D.C. yesterday are the actions of one person, not a community. They dont represent Bellinghams values. They dont reflect the values of either Washington. They dont represent what makes our communities great. In a message posted on social media Wednesday night, President Donald Trump said the shooting was a crime against our entire nation and called for a reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration, saying, If they cant love our country, we dont want them. Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser said Thursday that the attack was aimed at the nation itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Somebody drove across the country and came to Washington, D.C., to attack America, she said. That person will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Beckstrom and Wolfe were among nearly 2,200 National Guard members deployed to D.C. as part of Trumps crime-fighting initiative, which placed Guard troops in roles usually handled by local police, including patrols, checkpoints, and event security. A federal judge ordered an end to the deployment last week, but paused the ruling for 21 days while the administration decides whether to appeal or begin removing troops. After the shooting, Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard members to the capital. Federal officials have not clarified which states the new personnel would come from. MOSCOW (Reuters) -A Russian Soyuz MS-28 spacecraft with two Russian cosmonauts and one NASA astronaut on board successfully docked with the International Space Station on Thursday, Russian space agency Roscosmos said. But the agency later reported that the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan had sustained damage from the launch. It said the damage would be quickly repaired. The Soyuz 2.1a rocket lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 12:28 p.m. Moscow time (0928 GMT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late on Thursday, Russian news agencies quoted Roscosmos as saying the launch had taken place without incident, but damage was observed after an inspection of the launch area. "Damage to a number of elements of the launch pad was detected. An assessment of the state of the launch complex is being conducted now," the agencies quoted Roscosmos as saying. "All the necessary reserve elements are there to restore it and the damage will be eliminated very soon." It said the crew was on board the station and in good health. (Reporting by Anastasia Lyrchikova; Writing by Marina Bobrova; Editing by Andrew Osborn, Ron Popeski and Bill Berkrot) Japanese beer giant Asahi said on Thursday it had not received any specific demand from the hackers behind a "sophisticated and cunning" cyberattack that could have leaked the data of around two million people. "We have not been in touch with the attacker," CEO Atsushi Katsuki told a news conference as the company again delayed the release of financial results. "Even if we had a ransom demand, we would not have paid it," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maker of Asahi Super Dry, one of Japan's most popular beers, said on September 29 that it was hit by a cyberattack. It clarified on October 3 that it had been a ransomware attack. Usually in such an incident, online actors use malicious software to lock or encrypt a victim's systems and then demand payment to get them up and running again. The firm said the hackers could have accessed or stolen identity data -- such as names and phone numbers -- of about two million people, including customers, employees and their families. Asahi did not discuss details of the attacker at the news conference but later told AFP by email that outside experts had pointed to a high possibility of involvement by the hacker group Qilin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group, which is believed to be based in Russia, issued a statement that Japanese media interpreted as a claim of responsibility. "We thought we had taken full and necessary measures (to prevent such an attack)," Katsuki said. "But this attack was beyond our imagination. It was a sophisticated and cunning attack." Asahi had already delayed the release of third-quarter earnings and said on Thursday that full-year results had also been postponed. These and further information on the impact of the hack "on overall corporate performance will be disclosed as soon as possible once the systems have been restored and the relevant data confirmed", the company said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'Why our firm?' - "Regarding product supply, shipments are resuming in stages as system recovery progresses. We apologise for the continued inconvenience and appreciate your understanding," it said. Output at Asahi's 30 domestic factories was not directly affected by the system shutdown but production had to stop because of the company-wide problem. The brewer said early last month that production at six beer factories had resumed, while it was processing orders by hand in an effort to avoid potential drinks shortages. It will start restoring electronic ordering systems from early December, with an aim to nearly normalise the situation by February, Asahi said Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company needed to proceed carefully to make sure the attack does not spread to others, including its business partners and clients, Katsuki said. "Why our firm? I have no idea," he said. "We are angry." Other global brands have recently experienced similar attacks. Indian-owned Jaguar Land Rover was forced to seek emergency funding after a damaging cyberattack halted operations at its British factories. Japanese retailer Muji said in October that it had stopped its domestic online shopping service after a ransomware attack on delivery partner Askul. A survey released in June found that a third of Japanese businesses had experienced cyberattacks of some sort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Japan has always been a little bit complacent in terms of cybersecurity," said Renata Naurzalieva, director of Japan operations at business development consultancy Intralink. High-profile cases are "a terrible thing" but "I do hope that it opens the eyes for the wider sector that -- guys, you need to up your game", she told AFP. "A lot of Japanese companies... when they think about investment in cybersecurity, they still try to justify the return on investment," Naurzalieva said. But "it's not the return on investment that you're looking for, it's, 'can it protect my assets, can it protect my network data'." hih-stu/aph/dan/pbt Beijing intensified its pressure on Tokyo and demanded a clear declaration of its stance on the one-China principle as the two countries continued to clash on Wednesday over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan. On Tuesday, the Japanese cabinet adopted a written response to a lawmaker's question about Takaichi's remarks, noting that they "do not change the government's consistent position". Such statements were "far from enough", Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday. 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. "What China and the international community want clarified is: what exactly is Japan's so-called consistent position? Does Japan still adhere to the one-China principle?" Mao said, noting that Japan should "honestly, accurately and fully clarify" its stance. "Attempting to gloss over details or evade substance by referring only to abstract concepts in order to deceive others will not work." Takaichi on November 7 suggested that Japan could deploy its military forces in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. It was the first time a sitting Japanese leader had spoken so explicitly about how the country might react to a Taiwan contingency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remarks have sparked a strong response from Beijing, which has taken economic and diplomatic countermeasures. Takaichi has refused to retract her remarks despite Beijing's repeated protests. US President Donald Trump and Takaichi spoke by phone on Tuesday, hours after he held a call with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The calls have been seen as a message to Japan and other US allies to show restraint over the Taiwan issue. In an interview on Tuesday evening Washington time, Trump said he had great discussions with Xi and Takaichi. "I think that part of the world is doing fine," Trump said without elaboration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 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. Tokyo has repeatedly said its position is unchanged and it remains open to dialogue. In response, China has accused Japan of "deliberately evading" its call to retract the remarks and criticised it for not elaborating on what its "consistent position" is. "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 said on Monday. On Wednesday, Takaichi said she had not planned to get into the details of a Taiwan contingency when she made the comments that sparked the diplomatic row. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I didn't intend to mention any specifics," Takaichi told the Japanese parliament when asked about her remarks. "As I was asked about specific cases, I answered sincerely within that context." Mao also doubled down on the claim that crimes targeting Chinese in Japan had surged - an assertion that was the foundation for Beijing's warning against studying in the country earlier this month but has been denied by Japanese authorities. Mao urged Japan to "take concrete measures" to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions and noted that China's position on the recent diplomatic row was "very clear". "We solemnly urge Japan to retract its erroneous remarks and to demonstrate its political commitments to China through concrete actions." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State media continued to put pressure on Japan, with Communist Party mouthpiece People's Daily running another commentary on Wednesday arguing that Japan's remarks on Taiwan and military deployments showed a departure from its post-war legal obligations and peace commitments. The newspaper has been running similar commentaries for about two weeks. The commentary, written under the "Zhong Sheng" pen name often used to voice Beijing's position on global affairs, said Japan was trying to escape the constraints of its peace commitments, "with militarism slowly reviving and the foundation of post-war pacifism being shaken". "Japan can only be responsible to itself and the world by learning from history, upholding international law and its own pacifist constitution, and taking concrete actions to earn the trust of neighbouring countries and the international community," the article said. 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. On one Hawaiian island, paradise belongs to one man. Nearly every home, business, and stretch of coastline on the island of Lana'i falls under the ownership of billionaire tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison. As a viral Reddit post pointed out, Ellison owns 98% of Hawai'i's sixth-largest island, which he purchased in 2012 for around $300 million. His holdings include two luxury resorts, most of the housing, and nearly all of the island's commercial properties. "Roughly 4,000 people live there, so their daily life, jobs, development, and even utilities are all dependent on the decisions made by one individual," the post reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ellison cofounded the software company Oracle Corporation, of which he still owns 40% since leaving in 2014. According to Forbes, he is estimated to be worth more than $285 billion. When Ellison bought Lana'i, he publicly announced plans to transform the island into a model for environmental sustainability. But that vision has drawn skepticism over the past decade. The idea of a single billionaire owning practically all of a populated island is, to many, inherently at odds with sustainability and community resilience. With one landowner, land management decisions are completely centralized, meaning environmental and developmental policies depend largely on Ellison's business priorities rather than public or local consensus. This means locals have limited say in how their land and resources are used, which can sideline sustainable, community-driven conservation practices. This prioritization is clear in some of Ellison's attempts at sustainable infrastructure for Lana'i. Locals argue sustainable developments like clean energy grids have been implemented for luxury resorts instead of residential benefit. One of Ellison's most high-profile projects, a $500 million hydroponic lettuce farm, was touted as a breakthrough in sustainable agriculture but has failed to become viable, leaving many locals doubting promises of green transformation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Ellison's land and resource management company, Pulama Lanai, said it is creating opportunities in agriculture, resource management, conservation, and more on the island. "We strive to enhance and perpetuate the island's diverse species and fragile ecosystem through game management, natural species preservation, watershed management, erosion control, coastal resources and fisheries management, invasive species control, and conservation education," the site reads. "Pulama Lanai brings an integrated and comprehensive approach to protect and manage Lanai's natural resources." Regardless of these promises, commenters on Reddit remain uneasy about private ownership on such a massive scale and what it means for democracy, community, and sustainability. "Disgusting," one commenter wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "No individual should be able to own an entire island where 4000 locals live that is part of a state," another commenter added. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. 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. BRUSSELS, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A top European Commission official has accused the United States of attempting to blackmail the European Union (EU) into concessions on tech rules. On Monday, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said in Brussels that his country could modify its approach on steel and aluminum tariffs in exchange for the EU's reconsidering its digital rules. However, Teresa Ribera, top antitrust regulator for the European Commission, said Wednesday in an interview with Politico that this constituted blackmail. "The European digital rulebook is not up for negotiation," she underlined. The rules are a matter of sovereignty and should not be part of a trade negotiation, she added. "We respect the rules, whatever rules they've got for their market: digital market, health sector, steel, whatever ... cars, standards," she said, referring to the United States. "It is their problem. It is their regulation and their sovereignty. So it is the case here." The United States views the Digital Markets Act (DMA), one of the EU's flagship tech regulations, as discriminatory because the large technology platforms it regulates, like Microsoft, Google or Amazon, are almost all American. It also takes exception to the Digital Services Act, which seeks to curb illegal online speech. Washington regards these regulations as restricting social networks, including the platform X, formerly Twitter. Brazil's conservative-led Congress on Thursday reinstated much of a bill that makes it easier for companies to secure environmental permits, infuriating the leftist government and green groups. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had vetoed dozens of provisions of what has been dubbed the "Devastation Bill", but Congress has the power to override those actions. Lawmakers reversed around 80 percent of Lula's vetoes in a major blow to his government just days after Brazil wrapped up the hosting of COP30 UN climate talks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bill "kills environmental licensing in the country", said the Climate Observatory, a coalition of NGOs, vowing to take legal action against it. For some permits, all that will be required is a simple declaration of the company's commitment to preserving the environment. This move "contradicts the government's environmental and climate efforts, right after hosting COP30. Very bad news," Institutional Relations Minister Gleisi Hoffmann wrote on X. The government had warned a day earlier that overturning the vetoes could have "immediate and hard-to-reverse effects," citing the "alarming rise in extreme climate disasters." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawmaker Sostenes Cavalcante -- an ally of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro -- celebrated the move, accusing Lula of seeking to "undermine agribusiness, the only sector still performing well economically in Brazil." The Climate Observatory accused congressional leaders of hypocrisy for approving what it called "the worst environmental setback in Brazil's history" just days after appearing as "climate defenders" at COP30. The NGO said the bill will impact everything from major new agricultural projects to mining projects to the controversial paving of a major highway in the Amazon, which will be exempt from environmental licensing. Lula boasts an overall positive environmental record, having overseen a sharp decline in deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. However, he came under fire from environmentalists for backing a controversial oil-exploration project near the mouth of the Amazon River, which began in October. rsr-ll/fb/ksb Nov. 267-year-old Stella Bjorkman loves to draw. Though she usually prefers to sketch something out of nature, she jumped at the chance to design something a little more festive ahead of the holidays, creating a big rainbow heart to be turned into wrapping paper. "Well, I wanted people to be happy," she said. Bjorkman is one of dozens of children who attend after school programming provided by the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country in Columbia Falls. And she's also one of many who submitted designs to be part of the Daily Inter Lake's "Wrap Local, Give Local," which will offer readers nine wrapping paper designs created by members of the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the next four weeks, two wrapping paper designs will be featured in every Thursday copy of the Daily Inter Lake, with three designs in the final installment. The first designs will be included in the Thanksgiving edition. The designs will also be included in the weekly editions of the Hungry Horse News and Whitefish Pilot. Bjorkman said she's looking for rainbows when she picks out a good wrapping paper for Christmas, which is of course reflected in her design. When it comes to her Christmas presents, she's hoping for something pretty big this year. "Maybe a puppy?" she said with a small smile. "A boxer puppy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boys and Girls Club CEO Steven Crews said staff at the club asked their young patrons to draw some fun wrapping paper options in late October. The idea was first pitched by Daily Inter Lake Regional Publisher Anton Kaufer, who sits on the Boys and Girls Club's board of directors. The collaboration was inspired by the Arizona Daily Star's "12 Days of Cheer," which featured artist-designed wrapping paper to celebrate local creativity. Kaufer said the club's board loved the concept but wanted to give it a Flathead Valley twist by featuring the young artists of the Boys and Girls Club. "The club was a natural partner because of its deep ties to local families and its focus on helping kids grow, learn and dream big," Kaufer said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each sheet of paper features artwork created by club members on one side, with the back side featuring logos of the sponsors who helped make the project happen. There were many great drawings to choose from, but it came down to making sure they offered a few different choices, Crews said. Other designs include a palm tree, a sunset and waterfall, an ocean scene, a mosaic and a bear. The artists range in age from 6 to 10. "It was just down to choosing a variety, because we did have a couple of kids that did multiple pieces. So, really choosing ones that we felt like might stick out a little bit more," Crews said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pop-up wrapping paper stations will also be available around the Flathead Valley, with locations and more information to be posted on the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country social media pages. It's not quite Christmas yet, but the club is starting to prepare for its annual festivities. "We hold a Christmas party for our members every single year, where we provide a gift for every single member ... So no child is left out. Every kid receives a gift they can crazily unwrap and things of that nature," Crews said. Kids are also set to help decorate for Christmas on Wednesday, ahead of Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country has seen large growth over the last couple of years particularly in Columbia Falls, where the organization moved into the former elementary school building, now the Columbia Falls Kids Foundation Building. The Foundation helps support the Boys and Girls Club, Land to Hand, Ruis Wrestling Academy and Gateway to Early Learning Childcare. Previously located in a former church building across the street, the capacity for the Boys and Girls Club was at about 65 children, but since moving into the new home that has nearly tripled to 180. With the high cost of child care, Crews said keeping rates affordable is a key priority over the next few years. "We don't turn away any families with financial hardships. So even if they can't pay our membership cost, which is based on a sliding scale, we still work with the families," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The club is also honing in on how to optimize daily programming for members. Columbia Falls is part of the Youth Impact Network, a program used nationally by Boys and Girls Clubs that looks at policies and procedures, as well as surveys from club members, to figure out how to best serve the community. "We're really focused on giving [members] a voice, giving our youth a choice to say what they want to see and what they want to do at our club sites," he said. Though monetary donations are always welcome, Crews said new volunteers are needed. The club also accepts toy and snack donations. For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country, visit bgcglacier.org. Reporter Taylor Inman may be reached at 758-4440 or [email protected]. BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil's government will seek a cooperation agreement with the U.S. to fight money laundering and the illegal export of weapons, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad told reporters on Thursday. Haddad said U.S.-based funds are being used for money laundering and to disguise foreign investments in Brazil, after a high-profile police operation in the fuel sector uncovered entities incorporated in Delaware. (Reporting by Marcela AyresEditing by Alexandra Hudson) By Diego Vara PARAISO DO SUL, Brazil (Reuters) -When physician Pedro Lucas Porcela Aurelio unearthed a fossil in Brazil's southern Rio Grande do Sul state in 2014, he could barely imagine his discovery would later help scientists better understand the rise of early reptiles. Research identified that fossil as belonging to a four-legged ancient reptile, roughly the size of a small dog and with a long tail, dating back some 237 million years - making it one of the world's oldest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finding the fossil of the species formally named Gondwanax paraisensis was a result of Aurelio's longstanding love of paleontology, which he says has become much more than a hobby since he first started going on field trips in 1996. "I adopted it as part of my life," the 66-year-old nephrologist from the town of Paraiso do Sul, where he unearthed the fossil, told Reuters. He donated it to a local university, prompting new research that paleontologist Rodrigo Temp Muller detailed in a study published last year. Unearthed in a rock layer dating back to the Triassic period, between 252 million and 201 million years ago, the fossil comes from the time when dinosaurs as well as mammals, crocodiles, turtles and frogs first arose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "How can I touch millions of years? When I held it, I would sweat from emotion," said Aurelio. Muller said that many fossils currently found in local collections were discovered by Aurelio, praising his love for paleontology and awareness of fossil heritage as inspiring for both professionals and students. While still working as a doctor, Aurelio vowed to keep searching for fossils. "Here I can rub my hands in Triassic sediments. And honestly, I prefer that to washing blood off my hands," he said. "I'll continue field trips until the day I'm gone. As long as I have strength, I'll keep going." (Reporting by Sergio Queiroz and Diego Vara; Editing by Bill Berkrot) In Louisville, Kentucky, Cuqita Boyd was charged with DUI after a minor crash in January 2022, despite repeatedly asking for a portable breathalyzer, which the arresting officer did not provide. In a deposition, the officer explained that using breathalyzers "wasn't my thing." Boyd later got a breathalyzer test at the jail, which read 0.0, and a blood draw found no detectable alcohol in her system. Body camera footage shows the officer admitting she did not smell alcohol and that Boyd was not slurring her words, but claiming she was too slow to follow commands. Boyd spent 14 months fighting the charges before they were dismissed. Her family has sued, claiming the prolonged legal ordeal contributed to Boyd's death in May 2025 from high blood pressure complications. The post Brickbat: What Is This Breathalyzer You Speak of? appeared first on Reason.com. NEED TO KNOW Former Campbell's employee Robert Garza recorded a November 2024 conversation with executive Martin Bally, in which the latter allegedly made racist remarks and comments about the company's customers Then, in a Nov. 20 lawsuit, Garza claimed that he was wrongfully terminated for reporting Bally's comments On Wednesday, Nov. 26, Campbell's announced that Bally is no longer employed at the company Campbell's announced that former executive Martin Bally no longer works at the company following allegations that he made racist remarks and comments about the companys customers and products. The company said in a Wednesday, Nov. 26 statement, that Bally, the former Vice President and chief information security officer, no longer holds his position following the reports of the alleged comments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ballys alleged claims were publicized after former employee Robert Garza claimed in a Nov. 20 lawsuit that he was wrongfully terminated by Campbells after he reported Ballys alleged tirade to the company. The lawsuit included a recording of the November 2024 conversation between Garza and Bally. Garza recorded the expletive-laden rant and claimed that Bally made racist comments and allegedly admitted to using drugs at work. (It is legal in Michigan for one person who is party to a conversation to record another person without their consent, per Detroit Free Press, citing attorney Symantha Heath.) In Campbells statement on Wednesday, the corporation confirmed that it learned of the lawsuit and the audio recording on Nov. 20. "Neither Mr. Garza nor his lawyer ever notified us of the existence of an audio recording. The statement continued, adding that after review, they believe the voice on the recording is in fact Martin Bally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The comments were vulgar, offensive and false, and we apologize for the hurt they have caused. This behavior does not reflect our values and the culture of our company, and we will not tolerate that kind of language under any circumstances, the statement read, before concluding that as of Tuesday, Nov. 25, Bally is no longer employed by the company. JC MILHET/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Red and white Campbell s soup can on the shelves of a Walmart store in Florida City on August 5, 2025. Red and white Campbell s soup can on the shelves of a Walmart store in Florida City on August 5, 2025. Ballys various comments included remarks about the food, saying that the company makes highly processed food for poor people, according to WDIV. We have s--- for f------ poor people. Who buys our s---? I dont buy Campbells products barely anymore. Its not healthy now that I know what the f---s in it, Bally allegedly said, per the local news outlet. Bioengineered meat -- I dont wanna eat a piece of chicken that came from a 3-D printer. In response, Campbells said Ballys alleged comments about the food are not only inaccuratethey are patently absurd. The company said the chicken meat 'comes from long-trusted, USDA-approved U.S. suppliers and meets our high quality standards,' adding that all the soups are made with No Antibiotics Ever chicken meat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Campbells thanked its customers, saying, Were honored by the trust they put in us. We are proud of the food we make, the people who make it and the high-quality ingredients we use to provide consumers with good food at a good value. Bally and Garza met in November 2024 to discuss Garzas salary; however, during the sit-down, Bally allegedly made the aforementioned comments as well as derogatory comments about Indian employees. F---ing Indians dont know a f------ thing, he said, according to WDIV. Like they couldnt think for their f------ selves, Bally allegedly said, also calling them idiots. He also allegedly admitted to Garza that he went to work high on marijuana edibles. Getty Stock image of a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Stock image of a bowl of chicken noodle soup. After the conversation, Garza reported Ballys comments to his direct supervisor, J.D. Aupperle, in January 2025, Garza said in the suit. He claimed he was fired weeks later, on Jan. 30, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When PEOPLE reached out to Garzas attorney, Zachary Runyan, on Monday, Nov. 24, he said the situation has been very hard on his client. "He thought Campbell's would be thankful that he reported Martin's behavior, but instead, he was abruptly fired. We look forward to obtaining justice for Robert." 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. Garza's suit alleges he suffered stress, humiliation, embarrassment and mental anguish due to his supervisor J.D. Aupperle and Bally, CBS News reported. Garza is seeking compensation for emotional, reputational and economic harm, as well as attorneys' fees, according to the outlet. Read the original article on People We never thought that it was possible. It was kind of like the idea of peace in the Middle East, Ryan Jespersen, the Edmonton-based broadcaster, told Playbook about the possible alliance between Alberta and Ottawa that could clear the path for a new pipeline. On this weeks Playbook Canada podcast, co-hosts Nick Taylor-Vaisey and Mickey Djuric unpack the blooming alliance between Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, including how its landing in the West, why Carney is hedging so carefully about a possible new pipeline and whether their pending memorandum of understanding signals a genuine thaw in the frosty relationship between Alberta and the federal government. The hosts also break down Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievres campaign shake-up as longtime confidante Jenni Byrne gives way to strategist Steve Outhouse, raising fresh questions about what direction Poilievre is headed in next. And political analyst and podcast virtuoso Ryan Jespersen joins for a 200-second interview. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Norovirus cases, often referred to as the "stomach bug," have nearly doubled since the beginning of fall and are rising just in time for Thanksgiving. Wastewater data maintained by WasteWaterSCAN, a Stanford University-led tool for tracking the spread of disease, reported norovirus activity as being "high" nationally the week ending Nov. 11, representing a 52% increase in the median concentration compared to October, meaning more of the virus has been detected in the wastewater of more communities nationwide. The highly contagious disease has been steadily increasing since September, a typical pattern for viruses that spread most widely during colder months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The week ending Nov. 15 saw the percentage of positive tests nearly double since the first week of September, according to the most recent CDC data; 7.81% of tests came back positive for the virus the week ending Sept. 6, while 13.74% did so the week of Nov. 15. Hoping to avoid sharing something other than good times with your family this holiday weekend? Here's what to keep an eye out for. Norovirus is the last thing you want spreading at your Thanksgiving meal. Check our tips for keeping things safe. What is norovirus? Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms, often referred to as the "stomach bug" or "stomach flu," though it is not actually related to flu. It is typically contracted from contaminated food or water, and is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic and CDC. It is known for causing sudden, repeated vomiting and diarrhea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Once someone contracts norovirus, their body sheds billions of tiny, contagious virus particles. Another person can become ill after coming in contact with even a few of these particles. Usually, you'll stop being contagious about 48 hours after symptoms subside. You can continue shedding the virus in your stool for several weeks after recovery, however, according to the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic. There are different strains of the virus; if your body builds up a response to one type, you can easily become ill again with another. Cases are most common during colder weather months from November to April. The only silver lining that? It is typically short-lived, lasting one to three days in the system. Travelers walk through the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Nov. 25, 2025 in Arlington, Va. Airlines expect up to 31 million travelers will fly during Thanksgiving holiday between November 21 through December 1. People move through the Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan on Nov. 25, 2025, in New York City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel this Thanksgiving holiday, with AAA projecting that overall, 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday period. An aerial view of vehicles traveling along the Loop 1 highway on Nov. 24, 2025 in Austin, Texas. The AAA is expecting record-breaking travel during this year's Thanksgiving, making it the state's busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years. An estimated total of 5.8 million people will be traveling by road and the skies over the upcoming week. Travelers arrive at Union Station on Nov. 25, 2025, in Washington, DC. Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, and the American Automobile Association (AAA) projects a record number of travelers in 2025. Christmas tree lights are reflected in glass as passengers make their way through the terminal on the busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving holiday, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va. on Nov. 25, 2025. People move through the Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan on Nov. 25, 2025, in New York City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel this Thanksgiving holiday, with AAA projecting that overall, 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday period. A traveler arrives at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 25, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Travelers check in at an American Airlines desk at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 25, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Passengers make their way through the terminal at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on the busiest travel day of the Thanksgiving holiday, at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Va. on Nov. 25, 2025. Travelers arrive for their flights at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 25, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Travelers arrive for flights at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 25, 2025, ahead of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Members of the National Guard move through Union Station with travelers on Nov.25, 2025, in Washington, DC. Thanksgiving is the busiest travel holiday of the year, and the American Automobile Association (AAA) projects a record number of travelers in 2025. People walk on a metro platform near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Nov. 25, 2025 in Arlington, Va. Airlines expect up to 31 million travelers will fly during Thanksgiving holiday between November 21 through December 1. People move through the Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan on Nov. 26, 2025, in New York City. A record number of Americans are expected to travel this Thanksgiving holiday, with AAA projecting that overall, 81.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more during the holiday period. Thanksgiving travel in full swing as Americans head home 1 of 14 Travelers walk through the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Nov. 25, 2025 in Arlington, Va. Airlines expect up to 31 million travelers will fly during Thanksgiving holiday between November 21 through December 1. More: Norovirus strikes, again: How to survive a cruise with the stomach bug Symptoms of norovirus, better known as the stomach bug These are symptoms of norovirus infection, according to the Mayo and the Cleveland Clinics: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Stomach cramping or pain Sometimes, fever, headache or body aches may occur Dehydration is a significant concern once you have contracted the virus. Symptoms indicating that your body may need more fluids include: Urinating less or having dark-colored urine Dry mouth Weakness Dizziness Headache A person who is sick and has been infected with the virus will typically experience the symptoms suddenly. Children with the virus may be fussy, sleepy throughout the day and cry without tears. Symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus and last one to three days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Though a person infected with the virus may experience unpleasant symptoms, others may be asymptomatic and show no symptoms at all. But they can still be contagious and pass the virus to others. Children younger than 5, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop severe infections, according to the CDC. How does norovirus spread? One very important holiday tip: wash your hands. This especially goes for those on turkey duty. Norovirus is easily spread via close contact with someone who is infected (even if they don't have symptoms), touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth or nose, or, most commonly, eating or drinking contaminated food or beverages. The virus can and often does spread when someone who is infected or has come into contact with contaminated surfaces touches food that is being prepared or served. The virus is difficult to kill, as it can withstand hot and cold temperatures and many disinfectants. Don't spread something other than joy this holiday season The best way to avoid contributing to a whole new level of suffering on "Brown Friday"? Wash your hands with hot, soapy water for at least 20 seconds and do it often. Wash them before and after eating, before and after handling food and after using the bathroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement General food safety practices can also prevent a holiday catastrophe. Cook your food thoroughly and to the designated internal temperature (at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit as a general rule), clean and sanitize frequently touched surfaces and objects, especially if they have been in contact with food and wash fruits and vegetables before serving or eating them. If you are feeling sick, consider sitting out family gatherings for at least 2 days after your symptoms stop, according to the CDC. Avoid close contact with others, avoid handling food, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly clean up any bathroom messes. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cases of norovirus nearly double just in time for the holiday season Changes could be coming soon in how landlords set prices for rental properties they own. That's after the Department of Justice reports the settlement of a lawsuit with a Texas-based company called RealPage. Federal prosecutors say landlords across the country have been using an algorithm to track confidential rent data and raise rents. "RealPage probably impacts about 40% of the multifamily market," real estate developer Laolu Davies-Yemitan said. "That's a huge number." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Houston, 60% of households rent instead of own, according to Rice University's Kinder Institute. The institute reports that the median rent cost has increased by 9% in just one year. RealPage's software, according to experts, enabled landlords to share their rental data in real time rather than compete with each other. "You have Priceline for airlines, you have Hotels.com for hotels, and Airbnb as well. All of these software companies gather information about pricing, but not proprietary information about what revenue hotels, etc., generate," Davies-Yemitan said. "With RealPage, it was instantaneous because they have real-time data. Most reports and market research are facing issues because there was a lag time." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As part of the settlement, RealPage doesn't have to pay any fees or admit wrongdoing, but the company does have to stop using real-time data to provide pricing recommendations. For renters, Davies-Yemitan said, the settlement could mean more stability in rent prices. "Anything that promotes transparency and kind of keeps the markets honest, it's a win for consumers," he explained. The settlement still has to be approved by a judge before it can move forward. The DOJ has also announced lawsuits against six of the biggest landlords in the country for allegedly using RealPage data. Greystar, the country's largest landlord, has agreed to a DOJ settlement to stop using this type of software. Camden, based in Houston, has released a statement saying it disagrees with the allegations and will fight for dismissal. For more on this story, follow Pooja Lodhia on Facebook,X and Instagram. A Crestline man who was repeatedly beaten by a San Bernardino police officer now says he's been exonerated. Billy Hill was arrested after the incident, charged with two felonies for allegedly resisting arrest and attempting to take an officer's weapon. But both charges have since been dropped. "It's affected my life a lot," Hill said in an interview with Eyewitness News. "It's more mental than anything. The physical part I hope I get over it. But the cops are there to protect you right?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident occurred the night of June 6, 2024, when police were investigating a motorcycle crash in which someone allegedly fled the scene and attempted to hide the motorcycle. Responding officers confronted Hill, saying he matched the description of the suspect. "Apparently I matched the description, but I'm on my motorcycle, registered to me," said Hill. In a video the police department posted on YouTube shortly after the incident, Sgt. Chris Hill said that as officers attempted to arrest Hill, he resisted and refused to follow their commands. "The officers first tried to simply place his hands behind his back in order to complete a basic handcuffing procedure," said Gray in the video. "But as you can see, he resisted, by tensing up his arms, which prevented officers from being successful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An officer then attempted unsuccessfully to subdue hill by firing his Taser at him. Afterward, police said the video showed Hill attempted to grab the weapon from the officer. That's when the officer pulled out his baton and struck Hill multiple times in his legs. "The injuries were pretty bad," Hill said. "There were four fractures to my right tibia and two fractures to my left tibia, bruises, stitching." In a statement to Eyewitness News, San Bernardino's police chief said an internal investigation of the incident determined the use-of-force to be out of policy. "The involved officers received discipline," said Chief Darren Goodman. "The striking officer received discipline and did not return to field duty until he received corrective training and measures were established to monitor performance and ensure the corrective steps were successful." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement San Bernardino police Capt. Nelson Carrington also confirmed that the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training completed its own investigation, informing the department that the officer's actions did not rise to the level of decertification. Hill has filed a civil lawsuit against the city of San Bernardino, claiming unreasonable search and seizure, negligence, false arrest and battery. "The fact that all charges against me have been dropped is a massive relief, but it is not a surprise," said Hill in a statement released by his attorney. "I knew I did nothing wrong. "Furthermore, the Chief of Police admitting that the officers' actions were 'out of policy' is a crucial step toward the truth. It confirms that the force used against me was unjustified and violated the department's own standards. "While I am grateful the criminal charges are behind me, the physical and emotional impact of that night remains. My focus now is on ensuring full accountability so that no one else in our community has to endure what I went through." DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- A China-assisted safe water supply project in Tanzania's Zanzibar has been officially inaugurated, marking a significant boost to community health and grassroots development. Launched in August 2025, the project, the first of its kind on Zanzibar's Unguja Island, was implemented by China's Jiangsu Province. Wang Wei, leader of the China-aided Zanzibar schistosomiasis prevention and control expert team, said that China and Zanzibar worked closely to select three pilot communities on the Island. The initiative involved laying pipelines, building collection points, upgrading storage facilities, and installing disinfection systems. Wang noted that the project now provides safe and reliable water to roughly 18,000 people, relieving long-standing shortages and improving conditions for households, schools, and health facilities. Zhou Minghao, deputy director of the Health Commission of Jiangsu Province, highlighted that access to clean water reduces exposure to contaminated sources, lowering the risks of schistosomiasis, cholera, and other waterborne diseases. Chinese Consul General in Zanzibar Li Qianghua described the project as a "life-protecting initiative," emphasizing its role in reducing childhood illnesses and enhancing overall community well-being. Zanzibar's Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Hamad Omar Bakari commended the project's high standards and rapid progress, saying the new facilities end years of long walks to fetch water, particularly easing burdens on women and children. A judge dismissed the Georgia state criminal election fraud case against President Donald Trump and his co-defendants Nov. 26 at the request of a prosecutor. Peter Skandalakis, the executive director of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, said in a motion filed in the Fulton County Superior Court that he believes declining to prosecute the case any further would best "serve the interests of justice and promote judicial finality" in the case. The decision comes after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, whose office brought charges against Trump and several other co-defendants, was disqualified from the case as a result of a romantic relationship she had with another prosecutor. President Donald Trump speaks during the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony in the Rose Garden at the White House on Nov. 25, 2025. Trump celebrated the development on social media while repeating the false claim that he won the 2020 presidential election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The few remaining Democrat Witch Hunts will soon meet the same embarrassing end. We are going to keep winning, and continue to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump posted. The political persecution of President Trump by disqualified DA Fani Willis is finally over. This case should never have been brought. A fair and impartial prosecutor has put an end to this lawfare," said Steve Sadow, a lawyer for Trump, in a statement. Willis' office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The case alleged that Trump and others participated in a conspiracy to overturn former President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory, including by replacing the presidential electors for Georgia with Trump supporters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skandalakis said he appointed himself to handle the case after he was unable, as head of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, to secure another prosecutor to take on the case after Willis was disqualified. Prosecutor: 'No realistic prospect' for Trump to stand trial soon Skandalakis, in his motion, didn't downplay the seriousness of some of the allegations in the case. If proven, he said, they would establish a conspiracy "to overturn the results of the November 2020 Presidential Election in Georgia, and in other states across the country." But he said there is "no realistic prospect" that a sitting president would be compelled to stand trial in Georgia, meaning any case against Trump couldn't be revamped until at least 2029 about eight years after the underlying alleged actions took place. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks at a press conference next to prosecutor Nathan Wade after a grand jury charged former President Donald Trump and his allies with conspiring to overturn the state's 2020 presidential election results, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. August 14, 2023. Skandalakis added that he thought the strongest case against those who sought to overturn the 2020 presidential election was the federal case that was brought by former special counsel Jack Smith against Trump. He said the criminal conduct alleged in the Georgia case was "conceived in Washington, D.C., not the State of Georgia." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smith dropped the federal case after Trump won the 2024 election, citing a Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Skandalakis also dismissed the idea of taking co-defendants of Trump to trial on their own, writing that Trump was the lead defendant and, as the presidential candidate and later the sitting president, "bears the responsibility for any conspiracy, if it were proved at trial." "In my professional judgment, the citizens of Georgia are not served by pursuing this case in full for another five to ten years," Skandalakis wrote. Giuliani celebrates dropped case, despite unflattering words from prosecutor The development is a major victory for Trump's co-defendants, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. A spokesperson for Giuliani, Ted Goodman, said in a statement the development "is long overdue and represents a complete repudiation of the demonstrably false claims that partisan actors used to justify his improper disbarment." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Giuliani was disbarred in Washington, DC, and New York after courts concluded he baselessly attacked the validity of the 2020 presidential election results. Although Skandalakis advised against criminally prosecuting Giuliani in Fulton County, his judgment of the former mayor wasn't flattering. Skandalakis wrote that Giuliani victimized a "genuinely sympathetic figure," election worker Ruby Freeman, by falsely accusing her of voter fraud, which spurred "harassment and threats" against her. However, Skandalakis said alleged crimes against Freeman needed to be prosecuted in a separate county, which would be a decision for a different prosecutor. In civil legal proceedings, Giuliani settled with Freeman and her daughter after a federal grand jury ordered him to pay them $148 million in damages for defamation and intentionally inflicting emotional distress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Skandalakis also wrote that Giuliani made "wrong and baseless" claims to Georgia legislators as part of the alleged scheme to overturn the election. But he noted Giuliani hadn't sworn an oath to tell the truth. Contributing: Josh Meyer USA TODAY. This story has been updated with additional information. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Charges dropped against Trump in Georgia 2020 election case The Charlotte region was in the mix for a large economic development project that landed in the Triad this week, according to North Carolina incentives documents. Environmental Air Systems announced yesterday it is creating 300 jobs as part of a $20 million expansion in Asheboro. Records from the N.C. Economic Investment Committee, which approved incentives for EAS yesterday, state Rock Hill was one of three finalists for the project. Rock Hill and Asheboro were joined by Danville, Virginia, as the cities in consideration for the EAS expansion, records show. READ: From the NC coast to your plate, shrimpers fight for their livelihood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is unclear which Rock Hill site was targeted by EAS. Documents form the economic investment committee state EAS identified suitable building candidates in Rock Hill and Danville before choosing Asheboro. EAS is leasing former Klaussner Furniture facilities for its Asheboro project, the Triad Business Journal reported. The new operation will be around 300,000 square feet. EAS makes equipment for mechanical and electrical construction and engineering, plumbing, building services, building automation and controls, and HVAC service. The Asheboro operation will make sub-assemblies for the pharmaceutical, data center, semiconductor and health-care industries, among others. The company currently has over 1,300 employees across its seven North Carolina locations, state documents show. EAS and its parent company, Comfort Systems USA, operate five Triad-area sites in High Point, Greensboro, Archdale and Browns Summit, according to the Triad Business Journal. The Asheboro expansion will take place over a two-year span. Read more here. WATCH: From the NC coast to your plate, shrimpers fight for their livelihood A 59-year-old city of Chicago employee accused of threatening a state senator was ordered to be held in custody Wednesday. Joseph Haggerty appeared in court in Stephenson County, Illinois. He pleaded not guilty, and was ordered detained, pending trial. Haggerty, a Chicago plumbing inspector, was arrested Tuesday and charged with threatening a public official, Illinois State Police said. On Sept. 2, Sen. Andrew Chesney, a Republican of Freeport contacted state police regarding threats he received from Haggerty, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chesney's office said Haggerty sent two emails threatening to harm the lawmaker. The threatening messages were sent to Chesney's government email address the same day he participated in a press conference that focused on illegal immigration and President Donald Trump's proposal to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, Chesney's office said. The press conference was on the Tuesday after a violent Labor Day weekend. Gov. JB Pritzker said federal troops were not necessary, and Chesney on ABC7 Chicago criticized Pritzker for policies he said favor criminals over victims. Later that day, Chesney allegedly received a pair of back-to-back obscenity-laced emails from a Haggerty, threatening serious bodily harm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: Republican Indiana lawmakers targeted by bomb threats, 'swatting' over redistricting battle In one email, Haggerty allegedly wrote, "I would love to meet you on the street anywhere I would cave your (expletive) teeth in and make you sip your food through a straw for the rest of you (expletive) coward life. coward." Haggerty lives in a flag-flying home in Portage Park, according to records. He allegedly Googled Chesney and his email address, and sent the threats from his personal Gmail account. State police questioned Haggerty over the phone on Sept. 16, and in his summary report the special agent wrote, "Haggerty admitted to being angry a lot lately, especially about politics, and that he believed it was likely his anger that got the best of him, resulting in an email to Chesney. ... He definitely remembered that he did not intend to hurt anyone. ... Haggerty was remorseful for his email and wished to apologize." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I would, I would fully expect that the mayor and his office would take a decisive action to remove this person from that position of authority and off the rolls as a Chicago employee," Chesney said. On Monday, the Stephenson County State's Attorney's Office issued an arrest warrant. Haggerty turned himself in to state police in Chicago Tuesday. He was taken to Stephenson County, where he remains in custody. "I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigations for their professionalism, diligence, and swift action throughout this case," Chesney said. "Their commitment to public safety is exemplary, and I am grateful to know that Mr. Haggerty will be held accountable for these felony crimes. It is deeply troubling that an inspector for the City of Chicago issued violent threats against a sitting public official, and such conduct must be met with the seriousness it deserves." The Chicago Buildings Department has not received formal notice of Haggerty's arrest, but a spokeswoman said the city condemns violence or intimidation, and expects all employees to act with respect regardless of political affiliation or background. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: SpaceX, Starlink A Chinese study has outlined how the nation could jam Starlink access across the entirety of the island of Taiwan. It would require around 1,000 to 2,000 specially adapted electronic warfare drones for this hostile act to pay off, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The research, taken in tandem with recent news about Chinas advanced internet cable-cutting capabilities, ratchets geopolitical and world semiconductor ecosystem tensions even higher. Zhejiang University & Beijing Institute of Technology ran simulations to determine how the CCP-controlled Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) could deny their democratic foes access to Starlink. Musks constellation of 10,000-plus satellites has been a source of consternation among CCP strategists ever since Ukraine effectively made use of it to resist the Russian invaders. Access to tech like Starlink is just one of the speed bumps that have made Putins 3-day "Special Operation" extend towards a grueling near-four-year campaign. 1,000 2,000 electronic warfare drones According to the Chinese scientists, the complex, ever-changing satellite mesh networking coverage provided by Starlink could only be countered by a broad distributed jamming strategy. Hundreds or thousands of small, synchronized jammers would need to be deployed across the sky on drones, balloons or aircraft forming an electromagnetic shield over the battlefield, reports the SCMP. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To reach their unhappy-for-the-PLA conclusion, the scientists used actual Starlink data to create a simulated dynamic satellite mesh the size of Taiwan over 12 hours. A mix of wide and narrow-beam electronic noise-generating jammers featured in the test simulation. Airborne Chinese jammers, situated around 3 to 6 miles apart from each other, could form an effective 12-mile-high internet blocking mesh, it is now thought. Under ideal conditions, a successful Chinese Starlink blockade would require 935 coordinated interference nodes, suggests the research. With cheaper, more practical, lower-power drones, the number of airborne interferers would have to be scaled up to approximately 2,000 drones. Credit: SpaceX, Starlink Taiwans drone defenses Of course, hostile blanket drone coverage wouldnt exist unopposed in Taiwans skies. The home of computer and semiconductor giants like TSMC, Asus, and MediaTek has been investing in both foreign-bought and domestically produced drone and anti-drone military equipment. The ambitious and industrious Silicon Island (and aspiring 'AI island') might even be considering its own Iron Dome-inspired protective network, no doubt further infuriating its neighbor. Google Preferred Source Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. China's embassy in Japan has advised citizens to put travel plans on hold "in the near term", citing a spike in unprovoked assaults and discrimination. In a security warning issued on social media, the embassy reported a "significant" surge in requests for help since July. "Recently, several Chinese citizens in Japan have reported that they were verbally abused, assaulted and injured for no reason," it said. The advisory comes as relations between the two countries have hit their lowest level in recent years following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion to parliament earlier this month that Tokyo would be justified in mobilising its military for "collective self-defence" along with other nations if there was a conflict over Taiwan. 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 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. Beijing has reacted strongly, lodging protests repeatedly against what it has called Takaichi's "extremely erroneous and extremely dangerous" remarks. Takaichi, meanwhile, has not backed down and has refused to retract her comments. Beijing has also halted seafood imports from the country, advised Chinese citizens not to travel or study in Japan, and cancelled intergovernmental exchanges and cultural events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Relations between the two nations have long been troubled over historical and territorial disputes. Beijing has accused Japan's right-wing political factions of glorifying its wartime history and expanding the country's military capabilities. Mutual public perceptions have also soured. "In recent years, Japan's public security environment has continued to deteriorate," the embassy said. It cited data from Japan's National Police Agency that the number of criminal cases increased from 568,000 in 2021 to 738,000 in 2024 - a rise of 30 per cent. The number of felony cases increased by almost 66 per cent during the same period. Beyond warning Chinese travellers to stay away and instructing citizens already in the country to exercise caution, the embassy called on Japanese authorities to promptly investigate cases and protect the rights of Chinese nationals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Civil Aviation Data Analysis System, a platform focused on China's aviation industry, about 12 per cent of flights between China and Japan scheduled between November 24 and January 18, 2026, have been cancelled. On some routes, more than half have been cancelled. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said on Wednesday that "crimes against Chinese citizens were frequent in Japan", adding that, last week, "Japanese police arrested five suspects for allegedly assaulting Chinese citizens". It was likely a reference to a July attack in Tokyo on two people from Taiwan by five Japanese men. Last Friday, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected claims by Beijing that public safety was deteriorating in the country, citing data from police reports that showed the number of serious crimes committed in Japan between 2023 and 2025 against Chinese nationals had not surged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, Japan issued a safety warning to Japanese citizens in China, advising them to be extra cautious when travelling with children and to "avoid places frequently visited by Japanese people as much as possible". 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 has warned against foreign interference in its internal affairs following reports that US President Donald Trump privately pressed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to dial back her rhetoric on Taiwan. During a call on Tuesday, the US leader urged Takaichi not to provoke China, according to a Wall Street Journal report that cited government officials. While reportedly briefed on Takaichi's domestic political constraints, Trump asked her to "temper" her tone, but stopped short of echoing Beijing's demand for a full retraction. 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. Tokyo rejected the claims and denied that Trump advised Takaichi to avoid provoking Beijing over Taiwan, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said on Thursday afternoon. China's foreign ministry on Thursday declined to comment on the call between the two leaders, stating that it was a matter between the US and Japan. "The Taiwan question is China's internal affair and brooks no external interference," ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump-Takaichi call came hours after a phone conversation between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, which Beijing described as "positive, friendly and constructive". During the discussion, Xi reiterated Beijing's position on the Taiwan issue and stressed that the reunification of the island was a key feature of global relations forged over the past 80 years. Beijing sees Taiwan as 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. However, Washington opposes any forcible attempt to change the status quo and is committed to supplying it with weapons. Sino-Japanese relations have plunged since Takaichi said on November 7 that a Taiwan contingency could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan, and that Tokyo would be justified in mobilising its military for "collective self-defence", the first such comments for a sitting prime minister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remarks prompted a string of diplomatic protests and economic countermeasures from China. Beijing has cut intergovernmental exchanges, suspended imports of Japanese seafood, cancelled cultural events and advised its nationals not to travel to or study in Japan. It also warned that Japanese military intervention over Taiwan would be viewed as an act of aggression and would be met with retaliation. Beijing has repeatedly insisted that Takaichi must retract her comments, but she has not backed down. Tokyo said on Tuesday the remarks "do not change the government's consistent position". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday after the first party leaders' debate since Takaichi took office, Yoshihiko Noda, the leader of Japan's main opposition party, said Takaichi had made a "de facto retraction" by not mentioning any specific examples regarding Taiwan during the debate. Beijing dismissed the explanation. "Ceasing to mention the remarks and retracting them are two entirely different matters," Guo said on Thursday. "The Japanese side's attempt to obscure and cover up Sanae Takaichi's grave mistakes by no longer addressing them is nothing more than self-deception and a one-sided narrative, which China will never accept." 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. Scientists at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium believe this years sea turtle nesting season is a step in the right direction. Between April and October, a record-breaking 405 nests and 613 false crawls were observed on a 21-mile stretch of beach in Pinellas County. These numbers were the highest in 30 years. In comparison, 271 nests were observed in 2024 which was itself an increase. False crawls refer to when a nesting turtle comes up to a beach but does not dig a nest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tampas sea turtle hospital, pushed to the limit, fights to save a record number of rescues The reptiles, which can reach 300 pounds when fully mature, come ashore to nest under the cover of darkness. Approximately 100 eggs are laid. Carly Oakley, the aquariums sea turtle conservation program manager, explained that the numbers could reflect two scenarios. It is either that our conservation efforts are working and obviously making a difference. Therefore, there are more turtles to lay more nests, she said. Or other areas might have been more negatively impacted by the 2024 hurricanes so the turtles had to find somewhere else to nest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oakley believes that conservation efforts have played a role over the years. To exemplify, she explained that green turtles were taken off the endangered species list in October. However, they are still considered threatened within Florida. The more common loggerhead turtles are also considered threatened, rather than endangered, in the state. What these numbers mean going forward is that we are hopefully expecting to continue to see a rise in the number of nests that we are observing, Oakley said. 10 ways Floridians can help protect sea turtles and their habitat More areas on local beaches will likely be closed off to encourage nesting. Sea turtles have a 1-in-1,000% chance of growing up to be a reproducing adult, she explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since it takes 25 to 30 years for a sea turtle to mature, the impacts of recent seasons cannot be determined. Oakley said that scientists at the aquarium have noticed a three-year trend in nesting seasons including a high, moderate and low year. This, she explained, shows that sea turtles do not nest every year and rest for a period of time. While 2026 is expected to be a low year, this seasons numbers may indicate that there will be more nests than anticipated. The beach nourishment project underway in Pinellas County could have an impact in the future. The main thing that it does is provide more beach space for our sea turtles to lay their nests on, Oakley said. It gives them the opportunity to choose more locations. There are steps community members can take to support nesting and sea turtle safety. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If one notices a nesting sea turtle or hatchling in trouble, do not interact with it, Oakley said. They are federally protected. If someone is caught tampering with a sea turtle, they could receive a jail sentence. It is best to call local organizations like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to handle any potential issues, Oakley said. She added that its important to keep beaches clean and flat. She said that its essential to bury sand holes and knock down sand castles before leaving a beach. This ensures that there is an easy runway to and from the water for the sea turtles. Additionally, it is important to remove trash so it doesnt get caught on nesting turtles and hatchlings. This content provided in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com. Authorities say a store clerk is alive after being shot multiple times during a robbery in southeast Houston on Wednesday. The Houston Police Department said the shooting happened at about 1:30 a.m. outside a convenience store on Barberry Drive near Scott Street. According to HPD Lt. R. Willkens, the store clerk was closing up for the night, shutting panels on the front of the store, when two men approached him in ski masks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willkens said the clerk was carrying a bag of money that the suspects were after. "He (the clerk) ended up getting shot once initially in the very front of the store, and he took off running around the side -- collapsed on the side of the store. The bad guys got back over him and started fighting to get the bag, got the bag, and shot him several more times. And then they took off on foot," the sergeant said. Willkens said the worker may have been shot up to eight times. "Right after the shooting occurred, several of our sergeants got there very quickly and gave him a lot of help, first aid," Willkens said. "So far, our victim is living, so prayers for him. Hopefully, he will be OK." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said, at this point, they have no one in custody. Investigators said there was about $1,500 in the bag the clerk was carrying. While there are no arrests, police said they hope surveillance at the store can help find the suspects. Anyone with information is urged to contact HPD at 713-308-8800 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Cleveland Clinic is set to join the marketplace network of 22 Health, a division of Community Care Plan, to provide better access to patient care in Broward County, Florida, US. Cleveland Clinic will become part of the network effective 1 January 2026. This partnership will enable members of 22 Health to access around 12,000 more caregivers throughout five Cleveland Clinic hospitals and 40 outpatient centres in Florida, which include Cleveland Clinic Indian River, Cleveland Clinic Tradition, and Cleveland Clinic Martin North and South hospitals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Care will also be provided at several outpatient centres in South Florida and the Treasure Coast. The Community Care Plan has been serving the community for 25 years and is jointly owned by Memorial Healthcare System and Broward Health. The 22 Health division will provide Bronze, Silver and Gold health plans for families and individuals via the health insurance marketplace. Members of 22 Health will have access to multilingual support, pharmacy services, open access plans, and specialised programmes including chronic disease management and case management. Cleveland Clinic Florida market president and Cleveland Clinic executive vice-president Conor Delaney said: Cleveland Clinic is pleased to welcome 22 Health as part of our extensive network of medical coverage, expanding access to world-class, compassionate care in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This relationship underscores our ongoing commitment to advancing healthcare and expanding access to care across the region. 22 Health president and CEO Jessica Lerner said: This relationship allows us to provide our members with open and direct access to Cleveland Clinics caregivers and exceptional care, strengthening our extensive provider network and shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community. In October 2025, Cleveland Clinic and Select Medical opened a rehabilitation hospital in Fairhill, US, marking the fourth facility established through their collaborative partnership. "Cleveland Clinic to join 22 Healths provider network in Florida, US" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. In August 2025, the U.S Department of State released its annual "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices," which omitted previously reported human rights violations, including "political freedoms, corruption, gender-based violence, and LGBTQ+ persecution," according to Human Rights Watch. In November 2025, The Washington Post reported the State Department "instructed all U.S. embassies and consulates to begin preparing the annual country reports under these and numerous other guidelines that stand in sharp contrast to their historical focus on torture, politically motivated killings and persecution of minority groups." Snopes has been unable to independently verify the reports of these alleged new directives, and the State Department has not replied to requests for comment. However, an independent review of the "2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices" showed a clear cutback in the incidents reported compared with prior years. In late November 2025, online rumors purported that the U.S. Department of State, headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, declared that things like access to abortion; diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives; and LGBTQ+ rights would now be considered human rights violations under the administration of President Donald Trump. Users on social media, particularly on Facebook (archived, archived) shared the alleged news, with some proclaiming, "Donald Trump is now trying to redefine human rights as the opposite of human rights." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rumor suggested the State Department had issued new directives to its embassies across the globe. According to reporting by Reuters: A senior State Department official said that new instructions to U.S. officials on the report mandate they include "infringements on human rights in foreign countries," including on arrests or official investigations over speech as well as the state subsidization of abortions or abortion drugs and the total estimated number of annual abortions. Officials are also mandated to note the enforcement of diversity, equity and inclusion policies that "'provide preferential treatment' to workers on the basis of race, sex, or caste." Snopes was not able to independently verify the new guidance delivered to U.S. diplomats, and the State Department has not yet responded to our inquiries, so we have opted not to put a rating on this claim. We will update this article if we learn more. However, credible media outlets such as The Associated Press, The Washington Post, Reuters, Forbes, the BBC, CNN, NPR and NBC News have all reported on the updated directives from the State Department regarding its annual reporting of human rights violations across the globe. In sum, reporting indicated the Trump administration upended longstanding practices in what is covered in the State Department's annual "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices," which was released in August 2025, delayed from March 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August 2025, the AP reported that "the delay occurred because the Trump administration decided in March to 'adjust' the reports, which had been compiled during the Biden administration. Among other deletions, the reports do not include accounts from individual abuse survivors or witnesses." Following the delay but prior to the report's release, NPR wrote that State Department employees were "directed to 'streamline' the reports by stripping them down to only that which is legally required" so as to align them with U.S. policy and executive orders issued by Trump. The August 2025 report signified apparent changes in what the U.S. considered human rights violations, but according to media reports, official updated guidance was delivered to diplomats in November 2025, sparking the wave of social media posts on the subject. Snopes' independent review of the 2024 report showed significantly scaled-back information compared with years prior. This included the lack of any introduction from Rubio, a summary of the report from the department's figurehead that had been present in past years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Instead, the administration is reportedly turning the focus of the report to "emphasizing entitlements 'given to us by God, our creator' and issuing new guidance for U.S. diplomats to scrutinize the prevalence of abortion and gender-transition surgery among children," according to The Washington Post. The Post further reported that courts in the U.S. and outside of the country frequently rely on these reports, which cover 198 countries and have been compiled for about five decades. Indeed, the report was first mandated in 1974 and reports as far back as 1999 are available to view on the State Department's website. Multiple outlets reported an identical statement from State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott in which he said of the updates, "In recent years, new destructive ideologies have given safe harbor to human rights violations. The Trump administration will not allow these human rights violations, such as the mutilation of children, laws that infringe on free speech, and racially discriminatory employment practices, to go unchecked." "Mutilation of children" is a reference to transgender youth, and "racially discriminatory employment practices" refers to DEI initiatives, both of which have been publicly targeted by the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, the BBC reported that the new instructions also said countries that subsidize abortion or facilitate mass migration are infringing on human rights. Human Rights Watch, a nonprofit organization that "investigates and reports on abuses happening in all corners of the world," wrote of the Trump administration's updates: On August 12, 2025, the State Department released its 'Country Reports on Human Rights Practices' covering the year 2024. The report omits several categories of rights violations that were standard in past editions, including women, LGBT people, persons with disabilities, corruption in government, and freedom of peaceful assembly. The administration has also grossly mischaracterized the human rights records of abusive governments with which it has or is currently seeking friendly relations. Human Rights Watch pointed to the report's categorization of the war in Gaza, in which the "State Department disregards the Israeli authorities' mass forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, their use of starvation as a weapon of war, and their deliberate deprivation of water, electricity, medical aid, and other goods necessary for civilians' survival, actions that amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide." Further, the organization argued, "The State Department also fails to mention vast damage and destruction to Gaza's essential infrastructure and the majority of homes, schools, universities, and hospitals." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indeed, an independent review of the "2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Israel, West Bank and Gaza" revealed no mention of the above. Further, a section of the report under the subheading "War Crimes, Crimes against Humanity, and Evidence of Acts that May Constitute Genocide, or Conflict-related Abuses" featured only one sentence: "Terrorist organizations Hamas and Hizballah continue to engage in the indiscriminate targeting of Israeli civilians in violation of the law of armed conflict." In comparison, the same section of the 2023 report ran nearly 2,000 words, including detailed coverage of the conditions of prisons and detention centers. Other changes were highlighted by the Congressional Equality Caucus, a collection of members of the United States House of Representatives who aim to "promote equality for all people regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics." For instance, the caucus pointed out that "the report says there 'were no credible reports of significant human rights abuses' in Hungary in 2024, even though Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government continued its anti-LGBTQ rights crackdown." Reporting from the AP in 2024 showed growing backlash from the European Union to the Hungarian government's anti-LGBTQ+ stance, which continued with legislation passed in March 2025 that would allow for the banning of LGBTQ+ Pride events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The caucus also said the report did not accurately reflect what would traditionally be classified as human rights violations in years past, such as "Uganda's Anti-Homosexuality Law" and that "Brazil has the highest number of reported murders of transgender people in the world." Based on the reporting available, it appeared the State Department, through omission and changes in reporting requirements, attempted to modify what would be considered a human rights violation from the perspective of the U.S. government. However, as we have not been able to independently review the alleged document outlining the policy change, we have opted to leave this claim unrated. Sources: "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices." United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/reports-bureau-of-democracy-human-rights-and-labor/country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025. dam Taylor and Hannah Natanson. "Under Trump, U.S. Human Rights Reports Will Flag Abortion, Gender Care." The Washington Post, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/11/20/trump-rubio-human-rights-report/. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daphne Psaledakis and Simon Lewis. "New US Rules Say Countries with DEI Policies Are Infringing Human Rights." Reuters, 21 Nov. 2025, https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/trump-administration-reshapes-state-department-human-rights-report-2025-11-20/. "Ending Radical And Wasteful Government DEI Programs And Preferencing." The White House, 21 Jan. 2025, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/ending-radical-and-wasteful-government-dei-programs-and-preferencing/. Hansler, Jennifer. "State Department to Identify DEI Policies and Mass Migration as 'Human Rights Infringements' | CNN Politics." CNN, 20 Nov. 2025, https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/20/politics/state-department-freedom-speech-human-rights. "How Life Is Changing for Trans Americans under the Trump Administration." PBS News, 24 Nov. 2025, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-life-is-changing-for-trans-americans-under-the-trump-administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Israel, West Bank and Gaza." United States Department of State, https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/israel-west-bank-and-gaza/. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025. LGBTQ People 'Erased' from State Department's 2024 Human Rights Report | Congressional Equality Caucus. 15 Aug. 2025, http://equality.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/lgbtq-people-erased-state-departments-2024-human-rights-report. Mary Whitfill Roeloffs. "Abortion, DEI Now Considered Violations Of Human Rights, U.S. Officials Say." Forbes, 21 Nov. 2025, https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2025/11/21/abortion-dei-now-considered-violations-of-human-rights-us-officials-say/. "Trump Administration Calls out Human Rights Records of Some Nations Accepting Deported Migrants." AP News, 12 Aug. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/human-rights-report-deportations-free-speech-trump-83c42d2a096bf986aa6a222d0beeebb1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Trump Administration Moves Focus of Key Human Rights Report Away from Persecuted Identity Groups." NBC News, 21 Nov. 2025, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/tump-administration-reshapes-focus-human-rights-report-minorities-dei-rcna245100. Trump Administration Rewrites and Scales Back Annual Human Rights Report. 12 Aug. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy0lejvw25o. US Says Countries with DEI Policies as Infringing Human Rights. 21 Nov. 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx24200d7y9o. US State Department Debases Human Rights Diplomacy | Human Rights Watch. 24 Nov. 2025, https://www.hrw.org/news/2025/11/24/us-state-department-debases-human-rights-diplomacy. CAIRO, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China's Kunming Chuan Jin Nuo Chemical Co., Ltd. (CJN) signed an agreement on Thursday with Egypt's El Sewedy Industrial Development to build a major integrated phosphate chemical industrial complex in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone) east of Cairo. The Chinese company will invest 1 billion U.S. dollars in the project, which will cover 905,000 square meters in the Sokhna Industrial Zone within the SCZone, and create about 10,000 jobs, according to an Egyptian government statement. The complex will be constructed in three phases. The first phase, starting in 2026, will produce phosphoric acid and fertilizers. The second phase will introduce high-purity specialized phosphate chemicals, while the third will expand into new energy battery materials, said the statement. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, who attended the signing ceremony, praised the project as a milestone for attracting large-scale industrial investment. SCZone Chairman Waleid Gamal El-Dein said it helps localize specialized industries in Egypt. CJN Egypt CEO Huang Qiuhan cited Egypt's logistics, phosphate reserves, and competitive environment as key reasons for the investment. Westtown-East Goshen Regional police have issued an arrest warrant for a Chester Springs man on charges related to alleged contractor fraud Police say Brian Jarratt, 59, owns Apex Constructors, and an 87-year-old man and his wife paid him nearly $35,000 to renovate their home in East Goshen Township. Detectives say Jarratt did not complete the job, and now they're out about $20,000. "It's a shame. It really is," said Doug Bortle, who is the couple's neighbor, but also worked with Jarratt about 15 years ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Top-notch guy. Big homes. Great contractor. Never had a problem with pay," said Bortle. But now, Jarratt is facing several charges, including theft by unlawful taking and theft by deception. "It's frustrating to see those in their late years being taken advantage of financially, with their trust. It's unfortunate," said Westtown-East Goshen Police Detective David Hale. Detective Hale says Jarratt started his contractor career back in the 90s and was well-known. The couple hired Jarratt for previous projects, so that's why they called him for their latest one in March. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Communication would break down. There would be no shows. He would show up and then leave unexpectedly; come a week or two and then not come at all," said Detective Hale. He learned Jarratt's license had expired a few years ago. Eventually, the victims had to find new contractors. Bortle, who owns Precision Hardwood of West Chester, was also waiting to do their flooring. "(I) kept going over. They're not ready. They're not ready. There's a kitchen job and it's taking months," said Bortle, who says incidents like these give good contractors a bad reputation. Bortle hopes Jarratt is caught and others don't follow in his footsteps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If you're going to take the money, do the job, and if you can't do the job, don't do the job. Don't prey on the older people," said Bortle. Police fear there are more victims and urge people who may have been impacted to file a report. When it comes to hiring a contractor, they say it's important to do your research, talk to references, and contact the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the license information. We reached out to Jarratt, but did not hear back. If you know his whereabouts, contact Detective Hale at 610-692-9600 or dhale@wegopd.org. Anonymous tips can also be provided via CrimeWatch. Councillors have criticised the government's autumn budget for failing to address "unsustainable pressure" on special educational needs and disability (SEND) support. Liberal Democrat councillor Mike Cox, from Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, said he was "disappointed" the "crisis" was not mentioned. It comes after the government's spending plan was outlined by Chancellor Rachel Reeves on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The government has announced that SEND provision will be fully absorbed in its overall budget from 2028/29. More than 1.7 million pupils in England have special educational needs. Councils receive government funding primarily from the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), which is used to pay for schools, nurseries and SEND provisions. However the rising costs of SEND support have forced local authorities across the country into hundreds of millions of pounds of debt. Mr Cox, deputy leader for BCP Council, said the budget was "a missed opportunity to immediately return the SEND system to financial sustainability". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He acknowledged the changes proposed in 2028-29 but said: "This does not solve the fundamental issues at the heart of this crisis. "It also still relies on councils continuing to fund an unsustainable service for the next two years. "In the meantime, this creates immense pressure on our budget, and ultimately affects the services we offer our residents of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole." Councils have to borrow money to cover the gap between what they receive for SEND and what it costs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BCP Council said this borrowing leads to costs of 10m a year in interest payments. On Tuesday, Leader of BCP Council Millie Earl wrote to the government warning about the hole in the council's finances. She said the local authority was spending far more than it receives for SEND services, with an overspend of 69.8m for this year alone. 'A sticking-plaster' The DSG Statutory Override, introduced in 2020, has been extended until 2027/28. It means even if a council has a large overspend on SEND funding, that deficit does not count against its overall financial position when assessing whether the council can set a balanced budget, which prevents it from becoming insolvent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conservative councillor Nick Adams-King, leader of Hampshire County Council, called this "a sticking plaster" and the budget was "even more disappointing than expected". "Historic SEND deficits remain unresolved, and Hampshire is left waiting on the Local Government Finance Settlement for detail," he said. "Families and schools need clarity now, not promises of future envelopes." A government spokesperson said: "We have made 69bn available for council finances including more than 2bn for these three councils combined, so they can deliver better public services for local people in the South. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is alongside fixing the unfair funding system we inherited. "We will set out our full plans to reform the SEND system through the Schools White Paper early next year." More on this story Related Links By Nate Raymond (Reuters) -A panel of three federal judges in North Carolina on Wednesday cleared the way for a new congressional map to be used in the 2026 midterm elections, in a win for President Donald Trump's effort to help Republicans retain control of Congress next year. The judges rejected arguments by the North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP, Common Cause and several Black and Hispanic voters that the redrawn map the Republican-led North Carolina General Assembly enacted last month amounted to unconstitutional political retaliation and diluted the voting power of Black voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Circuit Judge Allison Rushing and U.S. District Judges Richard Myers and Thomas Schroeder, all appointed by Republican presidents including Trump, backed the state's contention that the mid-decade redistricting effort constituted nothing more than partisan gerrymandering, which the U.S. Supreme Court in 2019 ruled judges had no power to curb. In seeking a preliminary injunction against the new map, the plaintiffs in the two lawsuits before the court failed to establish a likelihood of succeeding on their claims, the judges said. "Claims of excessive partisanship in redistricting present political questions not suitable for resolution in federal courts," the judges wrote. "And the Supreme Court has rejected the argument that a mid-decade redistricting undertaken for partisan reasons presents an exception to this rule." Bob Phillips, the executive director of Common Cause North Carolina, in a statement said the ruling "gives blessing to what will be the most gerrymandered congressional map in state history." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement North Carolina was the third Republican-controlled state this year to heed Trump's call for a rare mid-decade redistricting, following Texas and Missouri. Other Republican states are either planning or considering similar moves, while Democratic-governed California initiated its own effort targeting five Republican-held districts in the state. Redistricting typically occurs only once a decade following the U.S. Census to account for population shifts. But Texas Republicans' decision to approve a new map intended to flip five Democratic seats has triggered a national redistricting battle as Trump pushes for an advantage to retain Republican control over the U.S. House of Representatives. A 2-1 panel of federal judges on November 19 blocked Texas' new map, but that decision was put temporarily on hold by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito while the justices weigh whether to block it longer term. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Sonali Paul) Hong Kong's worst fire in almost 80 years killed at least 65 people in an eight-building apartment complex, with more than 250 people still missing. Police at a community centre shared photos of the dead for families and friends to identify victims. Survivors and relatives at the centre recounted their experiences to AFP on Thursday: - Wong Sik-kam - Wong Sik-kam said his son, a firefighter, was battling the fire that destroyed his home of 40 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The blaze started in mesh-covered bamboo scaffolding and jumped from block to block, carried by the wind. "The fire started from the sixth block. Then it spread to the fifth and the fourth block and so on," Wong said. "Because the third block is attached to the first and second, when the third block caught fire, there was no way the other two could escape." Only the eighth block was spared. "They are considered lucky," said Wong, whose apartment in the third block was destroyed. Firefighters were already at the scene when his son warned him to flee. "My son was out and he called to tell me, 'Dad, there's a fire'. I opened the window and I saw the firemen who were rescuing the fourth, fifth blocks," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I thought it was just like a normal fire... it's just a bit of a commotion and it'd be put out," he said. "But it turned out to be that big that the whole estate went up in flames." The sight of firefighters rescuing people from other blocks made him realise the true scale. "I went to every unit and banged on their doors, (shouting) 'Fire! Fire! Let's get out! Let's get out!'" "We took the stairs, not the lift of course. This is just common sense. When we got down, we saw that there were already many who gathered (outside)." A shuttle bus was transporting residents to a nearby shelter while police cleared the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If (we were) too near, we were afraid it's dangerous. We were afraid that the scaffolding would fall on us." Wong said his son was going to units on the higher floors, where "maybe there are over 100 people who died". "Those who are elderly, those who didn't run away, they have suffocated to death because it's too hot. The heat killed them," Wong said. "He told me they will be bringing the bodies down, maybe there are over 100... we don't know yet. "I told him to be careful because it's been burning overnight, not sure if the structure would collapse," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wong spent the night at a community centre. "I couldn't sleep properly. The lights were all turned on, it was glaring. I only managed about two to three hours' sleep all night," he said. "I feel really unhappy," he said, crying. - Kwong Pui-lun - Resident Kwong Pui-lun said he has lived in the estate for 41 years and would go downstairs for a stroll every day at around 2 pm. "As soon as I stepped outside, I saw the smoke," Kwong said. He rushed home immediately, banging on doors to warn his neighbours. "I told them to take the stairs. We went down together, so they were not afraid," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They had to leave most of their possessions behind. "Luckily, I got my wallet and my bag. I live with my wife, so we left together," he said. Outside, fire services and ambulances had not yet arrived. "They weren't that fast. We were faster than them," Kwong said. "We crossed the street to the community centre, then the rescue vehicles started arriving in a hurry." "Some (people) were really scared," he said. "I helped to push some wheelchairs. Some people, you know, they have mobility issues, I helped them too." He said the centre was getting chaotic within two or three hours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Maybe they didn't know what to do during the disaster. Maybe it's their first time, I suppose," Kwong said. Social workers at the centre handed out medicines collected from hospitals to older residents. "The social workers here are doing a really good job," Kwong said. "They also woke them up to remind them to take their medication". "I still feel uneasy," he told AFP in the morning after hardly sleeping. "I went back to have another look -- it was still smouldering. Why is it still burning? There were only a few streams of water. "This can't be right." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said "quite a number" of his friends are missing. "We have informed the police... We hope those who are missing can let us know that they are safe," he said. Friends and relatives offered their homes so that Kwong and his wife would not have to sleep at the community centre. "They have been very caring towards us," a tearful Kwong said. "They said 'come stay at my house'." - Cheung - Cheung, who only gave her surname, said her sister and brother-in-law are missing. She said she saw the photos of bodies put up by police at the community centre in the hope of identifying victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "If the faces are unrecognisable, there are personal items for people to identify," Cheung said. "We could see the faces in the photos. The photos are categorised based on the gender of the bodies. Most photos are clear, some had dark colours. "I cannot find my family members in the photos," she said, adding she would return if more photos were put up. "I cannot describe my feelings. There were children... I cannot describe it," she said, her voice cracking. Cheung said she tried ringing her relatives but the line went to voicemail. "It was because they live in the first building that caught fire," said Cheung, whose sister's apartment was on the 23rd floor. bur-dhw/pbt Ramtha is located in northern Jordan near the border with Syria. Over the last decade, it has been a transit area for many Syrian refugees and displaced people. Jordanian security forces neutralized armed suspects in a raid in northern Jordan, Jordanian state media said on the morning of November 26. Jordans state Petra News said that thePublic Security Directorate (PSD) reported that a special security unit raided a site in Ramtha on Tuesday evening, sheltering two brothers wanted for extremist-related investigations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramtha is located in northern Jordan near the border with Syria. Over the last decade, it has been a transit area for many Syrian refugees and displaced people. It is near the northern Jordanian city of Irbid. Jordan has seen severalterrorist incidents in recent years. In 2016, dozens of suspects were arraigned on terror charges related to their role in having weapons and committing terrorist acts in Irbid. In 2017, Jordan executed ten people on terror charges, some for crimes dating back two decades. The recent report says that upon arrival to detain the suspects in Ramtha, the suspects opened heavy fire on the unit, injuring three officers who were hospitalized for treatment. The suspects, who had used their mother as a human shield, were killed during the operation. Authorities ensured the mother was unharmed. Anti-terrorism police secure an area as a raid takes place on November 25, 2025 in Ar-Ramtha, Jordan. (credit: Salah Malkawi/Getty Images) Petra News said, The raid also led to the seizure of firearms and ammunition at the location. A robot was used during the operation Al-Arabiya noted that the Jordanian security forces used a robot during the operation due to the presence of explosives. The robot helped in inspecting the site, with the aim of reducing risks to security personnel during engagements with wanted individuals classified as dangerous. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report said the robot type is called Parabot and is made by Paramount Group. This was based on a 2016 report at Defense Web. It was difficult to confirm if this was actually the case. Militaries are increasingly using robots to assist in operations. The robot is equipped with advanced armor materials to protect it from bullets. The Al-Arabiya report says it weighs up to a ton. The suspects in Ramtha were extremists wanted for a Takfiri campaign of incitement, which usually refers to those linked to ISIS-type groups. The suspects "had barricaded themselves inside the site and used their mother as a human shield to prevent them from being targeted. PhoLove in Milpitas, which received a lot of criticism after a viral video showed an employee slamming a slab of ribs onto the ground, has been cleared to reopen. But the video still has some people on edge. "I kind of was disgusted in what I saw," Sarah Do said. "Even my parents, they're not on social media and they saw the video and said, 'can you believe this'? As a Vietnamese person, it kind of makes me upset that this is the way that people may view Vietnamese cuisine in general." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video, that shows an employee slamming racks of ribs on the ground in an attempt to thaw them, was just one problem. VIDEO: Bay Area restaurant employee caught on video slamming slab of ribs onto ground An employee at PhoLove in Milpitas was caught on surveillance video slamming rib meat on the ground. The initial inspection also found other major violations - including cockroaches and a lack of proper sanitizing techniques. Environmental Health Director Dr. Marilyn C. Underwood tells us steps have been taken by the owner to right these wrongs. "We are still working with them on a number of other issues, but they are in business, operating safely," Dr. Underwood said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We tried to speak with the owners of Pho Love about the results of the inspection, as well as the incident that led up to it. Despite seeing people inside the restaurant, we were unable to talk with them. RELATED: Milpitas restaurant from viral meat-slamming video cleared to reopen following inspection The restaurant's owner Uyen Tran told the San Jose Mercury News he understands the outrage and is still in shock by what happened. The employee in the video has also been fired. Dr. Underwood says Tran has been cooperative in reopening safely and is grateful for the video and the chance to respond. "The most important person at any food facility is the person in charge, who under state law is responsible for making sure food is being prepared safely, and at most restaurants, that's way it's happening," Underwood said. "So, when there are these occasions when people see things that are not correct, we want them to be able to use that phone and to share it with us." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There will be a follow-up inspection soon to make sure things are still safe and healthy, as the restaurant looks to restore its reputation in the community. If you're on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he has authorized the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean country to help in its fight against drug trafficking. For a limited time, the U.S. can refuel aircraft and transport equipment and technical personnel at restricted areas within the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport, said Abinader, who made the announcement with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side. Hegseth was in Santo Domingo Wednesday to meet with the countrys top leaders, including Abinader and Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the first major public agreement that the U.S. has struck with a Caribbean nation as it seeks friendly allies to support its attacks against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region and beyond. Since the strikes began in early September, at least 83 people have been killed. Hegseth said the Dominican Republic was a regional leader willing to take on hard challenges. Thats why Im here today. Thats why we decided to come here first, he said. The Dominican Republic has stepped up. Hegseth said the U.S. would respect the Caribbean countrys sovereignty and laws as U.S. service members and aircraft prepare to deploy to the Dominican Republic. He did not provide additional details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Abinader said the scope of the agreement is technical, limited, and temporary. The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our Armed Forces, a decisive reinforcement to prevent the entry of narcotics and to strike a more decisive blow against transnational organized crime, he said. After a news conference where no questions were allowed, the office of the president issued a statement with more details, noting that several KC-135 tanker aircraft would be present to support air patrol missions, expanding monitoring and interdiction capabilities over a large portion of the maritime and air domains. They would also provide refueling services to aircraft from partner countries, thus ensuring sustained operations for monitoring, detecting, and tracking verified illicit smuggling activities, according to the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft would facilitate aeromedical evacuations, firefighting, weather reconnaissance, and disaster relief, the office said. Abinader noted that the Dominican Republic has seized nearly 10 times more drugs per year in the past five years than in the previous decade thanks to close collaboration with the U.S. Our country faces a real threat, a threat that knows no borders, no flags, that destroys families, and that has been trying to use our territory for decades," he said. "That threat is drug trafficking, and no country can or should confront it without allies. Hegseth praised Abinader, saying that the Dominican Republic understands the importance of standing up to narco-terrorists and narco-traffickers who flood our countries with drugs and violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were deadly serious about this mission, Hegseth said, asserting that the U.S. has the best intelligence, lawyers and process. We knowwhere theyre leaving from, where theyre going, what theyre bringing, what their intentions are, who they represent. Some experts believe the ongoing strikes are a tactic to try and pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down given that the U.S. military has built up its largest presence in the region in generations. Hegseths visit comes a day after Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. President Donald Trumps primary military adviser, met with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The prime minister has praised the strikes, drawing criticism ever since stating in early September that she had no sympathy for drug traffickers and that the U.S. military should kill them all violently. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Persad-Bissessar told reporters that U.S. marines were recently in the twin-island nation to do some work at an airport roadway and to train with local soldiers. They are not here on the ground, she said. We are not about to launch any campaign against Venezuela. She said that Trinidad has not been asked to be a base for any attack against Venezuela, and that Venezuela was not mentioned in conversations with the U.S. on Tuesday. Trinidad and Tobago is just a few miles away from Venezuela. Prior to visiting Trinidad and Tobago, Caine stopped by the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico to visit American troops there and boarded at least one U.S. Navy ship. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Caine and Hegseth had previously traveled to Puerto Rico in September. Earlier this year, the U.S. approached the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada with a request. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told Parliament earlier this month that any decision possibly allowing the Trump administration to install a temporary radar at the island's international airport will not be a secret, nor will it be one that violates domestic or international laws. No public announcement has been made since then. ___ Associated Press reporter Anselm Gibbs in Trinidad and Tobago contributed to this report. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america A drone attack on the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq causes major power outages in northern regions, damaging key infrastructure and halting gas supplies to power stations. A drone attack on an important gas and energy installation on Wednesday night caused power outages in the autonomous Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq. The strike at the Khor Mor gas field, which came in the wake of Iraqi elections, was the second one within days at the same site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous attacks against the Khor Mor gas field were attributed to Iranian-backed militias. The Kurdistan region recently improved its electricity infrastructure to enable 24-hour electricity for local residents. The Kurdistan region is autonomous and has its own local government. Sulaimani provinces key Khor Mor gas field was attacked by at least an explosive-laden drone late Wednesday, causing a major power outage in the Kurdistan Region after the transfer of natural gas from the field to power stations was completely suspended, Rudaw Media Network, a news channel in the Kurdistan Region, reported. US officials meet with Kurdish counterparts The attack came a day after US officials met with Kurdistan's electricity minister, and two days after the meetings with Kurdish officials. Smoke rises after a drone attack targeted oil facilities in the Zakho area of Iraq's Kurdistan region, Iraq July 16, 2025. (credit: Khalid Al-Mousily/Reuters) The US plans to soon open a large new consulate in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It appears the attack was a challenge to the US and the Kurdish Region, signaling that Iranian militias can cut off energy supplies to the Kurdish Region. We inform the citizens of the Kurdistan Region that tonight at 11:30, due to a drone attack on the Khor Mor field, all gas transfers to power stations have been halted, the Kurdish government said, Rudaw reported. Currently, teams from both the Natural Resources Ministry and the Electricity Ministry, along with Dana Gas company, are on the line to follow up on the consequences of the incident and normalize the situation. Our teams are trying to avoid a complete blackout, a government official said, adding that 80% of the regions electricity supply was at risk. Kurdistan Regional President Nechirvan Barzani said: I strongly condemn the terrorist attack carried out last night against the Khor Mor field. This attack targets the economic infrastructure and public services of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region and poses a direct threat to the countrys security and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kurdistan Regional Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said: I condemn the cowardly attack on the Khor Mor gas field in the strongest terms and urge the federal government to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice... The usual terrorists or whoever may be behind tonights attacks cannot be allowed to repeat these crimes or be released on bail, as in the past. THE KURDISTAN Region needs support from the US and others to confront the drones. It requires technology and new counter-drone methods. There are many methods to counter drones, such as using guns or missiles or lasers. They can also be jammed. Iranian-style kamikaze drones usually fly on a preplanned path using way points and do not necessarily have a person in the loop, meaning frequency jamming may not work. They can be shot down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has confronted numerous types of drone attacks over the last two years. I also urge our American and international partners to provide the defensive equipment necessary to protect our civilian infrastructure and to support us in taking serious action to deter these attacks on our people and our progress, Masrour Barzani said. Iraqi elections took place two weeks ago. Shiite pro-Iranian parties are seeking to consolidate power again in Iraq. They back militias that have carried out attacks in the past. The US has sanctioned most of these militias as terrorist groups. The drone attack also came after meetings between Masrour Barzani and Joshua Harris, the charge daffaires of the US Embassy in Iraq. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the X/Twitter account of the US Consulate in Erbil, Harris and Consulate General Gwendolyn Green met with the Kurdistan Region Minister of Electricity Kamal Mohmmad Salih to discuss US energy priorities in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. They discussed the urgency in full and transparent implementation, without further delay, of the tripartite agreement that reopened the Iraq-Turkiye Pipeline to ensure tangible benefits for Americans and Iraqis. Harris and Green also met with various Kurdistan Region leaders to discuss our shared interests of safeguarding Iraqs sovereignty, defeating terrorism, bolstering regional stability, and strengthening economic ties. We value the contributions of our Kurdish partners and look forward to continuing this critical dialogue to advance a strong and mutually beneficial US-Iraq partnership. The US officials said they support regional stability and defeating terrorism. They also support Iraqs sovereignty. The attack on the gas field is a direct challenge to all of these US policies. By Kanjyik Ghosh (Reuters) -Dutch chipmaker Nexperia, whose supply chain was broken up when the Dutch government took over the company in September, urged its Chinese units in an open letter on Thursday to help restore normal production. Nexperia's Dutch unit said in an open letter that it had made repeated and multiple attempts to restore dialogues but has failed to receive a response from its Chinese units. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nexperia makes billions of simple but ubiquitous chips for cars and other electronics and shortages have threatened automotive supply chains, leading to production slowdowns and halts. It manufactures most of its wafers in Hamburg, Germany, and then sends them to Dongguan, China to be packaged and sent on to customers. The Dutch government, on September 30, took control of Nexperia, which is headquartered in the Netherlands but owned by China's Wingtech , saying the move was necessary to prevent the company's former CEO from moving European operations to China from its current base in the Netherlands. In response, Beijing halted exports of Nexperia's finished products on October 4, a measure it has since partly relaxed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Separately, Nexperia's Chinese arm declared itself no longer subject to control by European management after the seizure and on October 26, the European side of the company stopped shipping wafers to it, citing non-payment. On Wednesday, China pushed for a company-led resolution following a call between China's commerce minister Wang Wentao and EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic. "Nexperia B.V. has made repeated and multiple attempts, both formal and informal, to re-establish the dialogue with Nexperias entities in China by means of direct outreach via calls, emails and proposed meetings," Nexperia's open letter stated. "Regrettably, Nexperia did not receive any meaningful response," it added. (Reporting by Kanjyik Ghosh in Barcelona; Editing by Leslie Adler and David Gregorio) US-based breakfast chain Eggslut is preparing to enter the UK's Manchester market in January 2026. The upcoming restaurant will be based at Centurion House on Deansgate, a short walk from central landmarks including Manchester Town Hall and the John Rylands Library. Eggsluts menu centres on egg-focused dishes, and includes the breakfast dishes such as the Bacon, Egg and Cheese, and the Pork Romesco, which features crispy pork belly, romesco sauce and an over-easy egg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long-standing staples include the Fairfax - a brioche bun with soft scrambled eggs, caramelised onions, chives, cheddar and sriracha mayo - served with Truffle Hash Browns. The menu will also include one of Eggsluts newer dishes: French Toast Sticks made from thick-cut brioche dipped in egg wash, fried, coated in cinnamon sugar and served with maple custard. Beverages at the new site will include a dedicated coffee offering developed with sustainable specialist provider Kiss The Hippo. The store will also serve cold brew options and matcha-based beverages. The Manchester branch will also provide catering services, supplying miniature bun sliders for corporate and professional settings such as offices, film and photo shoots, meetings and events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eggslut head of operations Pedro Ribeiro stated: Manchester has been crying out for an Eggslut for too long, and we were only too happy to make that dream a reality. The city is the perfect place to bring our kind of breakfast to a brand new area of the UK and we cannot wait to join such a fast-paced and buzzing food scene. In November 2025, Eggs Up Grill, another US breakfast-focused brand, outlined an expansion strategy for metro Atlanta in the US state of Georgia, opening up more than 25 territories for new franchise development. "Eggslut to expand into Manchester in 2026" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The News in Brief Friday, November 28, 2025 Tbilisi City Court has decided to keep twelve people in pretrial detention following their arrests related to the October 4 events near the Atoneli Palace. Judge Meia Melkadze approved the prosecution's request to maintain the measure.Prosecutors argued that the defendants posed a risk of fleeing and could commit new offenses if released. Defense lawyers rejected these claims and said the case materials do not show evidence of coordination or prior agreement among the defendants. They asked the court to replace detention with bail. Some lawyers suggested bail of 5,000 GEL, while others left the amount for the court to set. The lawyers for Temur Kurtsikidze and Giorgi Mumlaze asked for bail of 15,000 GEL each.Several defendants, including Beka Kelekhsashvili, Mamuka Labuchidze, Guriela Kardava, Vakhtang Fitskhelauri, Aleksandre Khabeishvili, Abo Naverian, Anton Uper, Avtandil Surmanidze, Giorgi Muladze and Temur Kurtsikidze, are charged under Article 19 222, Paragraph 2(a) of the Criminal Code. The charge concerns attempts to seize or blockade strategic or important sites as part of a group. They also face charges under Article 225, Paragraph 2 for participating in group violence.Mariam Mekantsishvili has been charged under Article 226 for organizing group actions.Nana Sander is charged under Article 225, Paragraph 1 for organizing group violence, which carries a sentence of six to nine years. She is also charged under Article 317 for calling for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order and the removal of state authorities, which carries a sentence of up to nine years.The European Court of Human Rights has declared the complaints in Pirtskhalava and Y. v. Georgia and Goginashvili v. Georgia inadmissible. The Ministry of Justice reported the decision and said the court accepted its position.The applicants claimed that a Supreme Court judge involved in their cases was biased. In the Pirtskhalava and Y. case they also argued that judge Sh. T. had not been appointed properly. The court rejected all three complaints about the judge's impartiality.In its decision, the court reviewed judicial changes introduced in Georgia since 2012. It looked at lifetime tenure for judges, new rules for appointing and promoting them, stronger independence for the High Council of Justice and constitutional changes affecting the selection of Supreme Court judges.The case involving Irakli Pirtskhalava was connected to the killing of Butha Robakidze. Pirtskhalava also said his trial was unfair because he could not question certain witnesses or challenge evidence. The court found no sign that his right to a fair trial had been breached and dismissed these claims as clearly unfounded. BISSAU, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The military command now governing Guinea-Bissau has authorized several international airlines to resume scheduled flights, a day after the armed forces seized full control of state power, according to an official notice issued Thursday. Caramo Camara, chairman of the board of the Civil Aviation Authority, said in a statement addressed to airlines and circulated to local media that Royal Air Maroc, Asky, TAP Air Portugal, Euroatlantic Airways and Air Cote d'Ivoire had received "high-level" authorization from the High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order to operate regular services to and from Bissau, the capital. Air Senegal was not among the carriers authorized to resume service. The announcement came as senior military officer Horta Inta-A was sworn in as transitional president for a one-year term on Thursday. The armed forces on Wednesday declared that they had taken full control of state power, citing actions by certain politicians attempting to destabilize the country. The military also imposed several emergency measures, including an immediate suspension of the ongoing electoral process, closure of public institutions, suspension of media activities, a mandatory curfew, and the closure of all land, sea, and air borders. Eiffage Genie Civil has received the first tunnel boring machine (TBM) designated for excavation of the Bobigny to Champigny Centre section of Line 15 East of the future Grand Paris Express project in France. The equipment, supplied by German manufacturer Herrenknecht, marks the third TBM intended for the project. The machine is scheduled to arrive at the construction location in Bobigny in early 2026, following which teams will begin its assembly at the Normandie Niemen launch site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Excavation work is set to start in early 2026, with plans for the TBM to drive southwards for more than 5km towards the Marcel Dassault ancillary structure, located just north of Rosny Bois-Perrier station. For this particular contract, a total of four TBMs will be used, said the company. Eiffage leads this phase of Line 15 East construction with support from partners Arcadis, Demathieu Bard, and Setec. In 2023, Eiffage Genie Civil was selected to lead a consortium that secured a 2.54bn ($2.94bn) design-and-build contract from Societe du Grand Paris for the section between Bobigny-Pablo Picasso and the Champigny Centre stations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consortium also includes eight architecture companies, namely Architecturestudio, Ar.theme Associes, fbcc, the BIG-Silvio DASCIA Architecture consortium, LA/BA, VIGUIER, and Wilmotte & Associes. The scope of work covers excavation of 17km of tunnels, construction of 15 related rail structures and two entrance structures, track-laying and path facilities, as well as installation of high- and low-voltage systems and electromechanical equipment within stations and tunnels. Six new stations - Bobigny-Pablo Picasso, Pont de Bondy, Bondy, Rosny Bois-Perrier, Val de Fontenay, and Nogent Le Perreux - will be constructed by the consortium. The project also involves development at the Champigny Centre station specific to Line 15 East, an operations centre at Rosny-sous-Bois, and property initiatives in Bondy and Le Perreux. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The consortium intends to limit environmental impact by using low-carbon concrete and fibre-reinforced concrete segments while proposing landscaping across 15 hectares of green space. Social commitments include allocating 1,272,000 working hours to social employment efforts and dedicating 25% of project revenue to small and medium-sized enterprises. Engineering teams from Eiffage Construction, Eiffage Energie Systemes. and Eiffage Rail will participate during the project phases. Following a design phase lasting approximately 15 months, construction will proceed, with a planned handover in 2031. Additionally, a partnership comprising Eiffage Genie Civil, SARPI (Veolia), and CEMEX was awarded an excavated material management contract valued at over 200m for Line 15 East by Societe du Grand Paris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group will oversee an estimated 7.5 million tonnes of earth generated by the works over an 84-month renewable period. This is the initial material management contract granted for Line 15 East. The consortium aims to reuse up to 99% of material after classification through designated recovery channels and plans to transport 60% of excavated material by river transport to reduce emissions. "Eiffage receives first TBM for Grand Paris Express Line 15 East" was originally created and published by World Construction Network, a GlobalData owned brand. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) A simple act of kindness outside a Walmart is gaining attention online after an off-duty El Paso County Sheriffs Office deputy was recorded helping a woman who said she didnt have proper shoes. Deputy Hugo Delgadillo was working an off-duty security job early Saturday morning when he says a woman approached him and told him, in Spanish, that she was experiencing homelessness and didnt have money for a pair of shoes. Delgadillo says she was wearing thin socks and worn-out sandals on a cold morning. He told her to give him an hour, and when he returned, he brought her new socks and a pair of shoes. Video of the encounter was eventually posted by FitFam on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delgadillo says the moment reminded him of a childhood experience, when a police officer once took him shopping through the Shop with a Cop program. I thought it was because I was well-behaved, and I had good grades. Later on, I came to find out that it was because I actually was from a low-income family, he said. He says that the encounter is one of the reasons he went into law enforcement. Growing up, I always knew that, since I had a little bit, I wanted to give more, he said. The video has drawn praise from many social media users who thanked the deputy for the gesture. Delgadillo says he doesnt see it as anything extraordinary; he simply wanted the woman to feel human and cared for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I wanted her to know that shes not any different than I am, he added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Parliament on Wednesday approved a non-binding resolution which calls for a default minimum age of 16 to access social media and AI chatbots to ensure "age-appropriate online engagement". Regulated under the block's Digital Services Act (DSA), online platforms are required to comply with national laws, which leave it up to each country to decide on minimum age requirements. According to a statement published on the European Parliament's website, lawmakers are calling for a harmonised EU digital minimum age of 16 for access to social media, video-sharing platforms and AI companions, while allowing 13- to 16-year-olds access with parental consent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also called for a harmonised European digital age limit of 13, under which no minor could access social media platforms, video-sharing services and AI companions. The resolution carries no legal weight and serves as a political statement expressing Parliament's position on the issue. Any binding legislation would require formal proposals from the European Commission, followed by negotiations between EU member states and Parliament in a process that typically takes years to complete. It also proposes additional measures, including a ban on addictive design features that keep children hooked to screens and manipulative advertising and gambling-like elements. The draft also calls for the outright blocking of websites that don't follow EU rules and to address AI tools that can create fake or inappropriate content. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Elon Musk's X and TikTok have faced formal investigations for breaching DSA rules in the past. (Reporting by Leo Marchandon, Julia Payne and Alessandro Parodi, editing by Charlotte Van Campenhout, Kirsten Donovan) By David Jeans, Cassell Bryan-Low and Supantha Mukherjee NEW YORK (Reuters) -A U.S. military plane soared over Florida's Eglin Air Force Base earlier this month and released a drone made by the defense tech giant Anduril Industries to test whether it could take flight and conduct surveillance. The drone a winged model known as Altius nosedived 8,000 feet into the ground, according to an Air Force test summary, reported here for the first time. Shortly afterwards, a second Altius drone spiraled to earth during a separate test, the summary said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anduril has become one of Silicon Valley's hottest defense bets as drones reshape warfare in Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump pushes the Pentagon to adopt cutting-edge technologies to counter China. The company has ridden a surge of investment into military tech that has helped its valuation more than triple since late 2022 to $30.5 billion. Anduril has described its Altius drone, which can be used for surveillance and carry munitions, as battle-ready and says it has sent hundreds to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion started in 2022. The company says Altius can launch from ground, air, or sea and, depending on the model, offer long-range strike capabilities or the ability to fly for hours. Anduril's 33-year-old founder Palmer Luckey said in March that Altius drones have "taken out hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Russian targets." In August, he traveled to Taiwan to deliver the company's first batch of the drones there. But the previously undisclosed failure of the two Altius drones during the Air Force tests this month, as well as setbacks for Anduril's Ghost drone program - including in Ukraine - highlight a gap between the U.S. company's claims of battlefield readiness and the performance of some of its drones in testing and combat, according to interviews with more than a dozen people, including former Anduril staff, military officials, and people working with drones on the Ukrainian battlefield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Western drone makers, including Anduril, have had limited impact so far on the battlefield in Ukraine. Mykhailo Fedorov, a deputy prime minister of Ukraine, said on Telegram in November 2024 that of one million drones deployed to the front lines that year, 96% were Ukrainian-made. Shannon Prior, an Anduril spokesperson, said the incidents documented by Reuters are "isolated examples" across hundreds of tests. "We are constantly proving out new capabilities for all of our systems, pushing them to the limit so that we can learn, iterate, and improve our systems," she said. "Test failures are a natural - and intentional - part of that process." Prior added the Altius has previously flown "more than 2,000 hours" in tests, demonstrations and deployments, without providing details of what the results of those tests were. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Reuters could not determine how many Altius test flights have resulted in failures. After the news agency contacted Anduril for comment, the company posted a blog detailing testing issues related to the Altius and Ghost drones, in addition to its command and control software, Lattice. "Those failures, and the learning they afford, are an essential and unavoidable part of the development process," the company said. A spokesperson for the Air Force Special Operations Command confirmed the Altius demonstration occurred this month but declined to comment further. On the same day as the Air Force demo, the Pentagon announced another purchase of Altius drones worth up to $50 million, part of a contract for "testing, training and supportability" of the drones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Armed Forces of Ukraine declined to comment on the performance of Anduril's equipment, saying the effectiveness of weapons and military technology is restricted information, citing laws covering state secrets. 'WE'RE GOING TO MOVE FAST' Anduril has a rapidly growing portfolio of weapons systems in development, spanning an autonomous warship it is co-developing with Hyundai to the Fury, a large drone designed to fly alongside manned fighter jets. "Were going to move fast, build what works and get it into the hands of the people who need it, Luckey said during a speech in Taiwan this summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Andurils setbacks underscore a broader challenge: Americas defense industry, long defined by costly world-class systems such as jets, missiles and aircraft carriers, must adapt to a battlefield where cheap, mass-produced drones have become central to modern warfare. The Pentagon didn't respond to a comment request. The war in Ukraine has provided an opportunity for the company to battle-test and promote its products as it looks to boost its business with the Pentagon and with Taiwan. The company sent about 40 models of its Ghost drone, which looks like a miniature helicopter and can be used for reconnaissance, to Ukraine early in the conflict that began in 2022, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the initial model struggled to withstand Russian electronic warfare, frustrating Ukrainian soldiers, according to four people familiar with the matter. The person with direct knowledge of the matter said the company misunderstood how both terrain and Russia's jamming of satellite-based navigation systems could derail flight plans. Anduril spokesperson Prior said "everyone was having problems" with jamming from the outset of the war. She said that Anduril's "teams work side by side with end users every day to capture feedback, push software updates in real time, and adapt systems under combat conditions." Prior said an updated model, the Ghost X, was delivered to the frontlines in Ukraine in December 2023 and "proved that the lessons learned earlier in the year were addressed." GHOST GOES DOWN IN TESTING Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the Ghost X has also had issues in more recent tests. A video shared with Reuters and separately posted in January 2025 on US ArmyWTF, an Instagram account run by an Army veteran, showed a Ghost model spinning out of control before crash landing near soldiers in an unidentified location. "I told you this would be a clusterfuck," said one unidentified person in the video. Reuters verified the footage as having been recorded during a weeks-long U.S. Army exercise in Hohenfels, Germany that began in mid-January, and included use of the Ghost X. Anduril said the incident occurred due to an issue with a rotor and said it was fixed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Major Geoffrey Carmichael, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army's 10th Mountain Division that was involved in the exercise, said that when units are experimenting with new technologies such as drones "hard landings, system failures, and weather-related impacts can occur." Of the Ghost X specifically, Carmichael said the drone "demonstrated strong performance in cold, high-altitude, and hot-weather environments" but that units identified areas for improvement, "particularly power management in extreme cold." Anduril, in its blog post, said U.S. Army units had "consistently praised" the reliability of Ghost X. ALTIUS IN UKRAINE Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anduril initially sent about 100 Altius drones to Ukraine in 2023, according to two sources. In March of this year, the UK Ministry of Defence announced a 30 million (about $40 million) contract paid for by a UK-led international fund to send an undisclosed number of Altius drones to Ukraine. Britain's Defense Ministry told Reuters the deal was to provide advanced Altius drones to Ukraine to tackle Russian aggression in the Black Sea. It said the Altius drones were recently delivered to the Ukrainian Navy, "who have expressed their satisfaction with them." The Ukrainian Armed Forces didn't provide further comment. Anduril told Reuters it has "shipped hundreds of Anduril systems to Ukraine" and that "theyve proven effective against a large number of high-value enemy assets." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Luckey posted a photo on X showing him carrying a large metal case with the caption: Loading up and shipping out another truckload of leverage for Ukraine! The post did not specify what was in the box. The company has recently indicated it may be more open about its testing results. Earlier this month, Luckey asked his followers on X if the company should share more behind the scenes. Two days later, after making an announcement revealing a new high-end hovering drone called Omen, which the company has said is built for surveillance missions, the company posted a video on X of it crash landing into the dirt accompanied by the words developmental learnings. (Reporting by David Jeans in New York, Cassell Bryan-Low in London and Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; additional reporting by Tom Balmforth and Milan Pavicic in London and Max Hunder in Kyiv; Editing by Joe Brock and Michael Learmonth) Does a video show the final verdict being handed down in the trial of Decarlos Brown for the killing of Iryna Zarutska, who was fatally stabbed while riding a train in Charlotte, North Carolina? No, that's not true: This video montage was originally posted on Instagram with a caption suggesting that it was a hypothetical outcome, "This an idea of what the court verdict will read". Brown was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 22, 2025. At the time of writing, Nov. 26, 2025 there has not been a date set for the trial. The video in the social media post is from an unrelated 2016 case. The video montage appeared in a post (archived here) published on X by @Katsbigopinion2 on Nov. 24, 2025. It is captioned: Not enough! Needs harsher punishment! This is a screenshot of the post: Image Source: Lead Stories screenshot from x.com/Katsbigopinion2/status/1993149553198112911. The post is a collage of three elements, a photo of Iryna Zarutska, a still image of the stabbing from the train security camera, and a courtroom video of a man with dreadlocks wearing a prison stripe uniform, reacting to the reading of a sentence of "life without parole". The text caption reads: Final Verdict in Court The courtroom footage (embedded below and set to begin at 36 seconds) is not related to the North Carolina case, it was posted on YouTube by WCPO 9 on Oct. 19, 2016. It shows the 2016 sentencing of Jaleel Smith-Riley in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the 2013 shooting death of Porshia Brooks during an attempted robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before being reposted on X, this misleading video montage was posted (archived here) on Sept. 12, 2025 on Instagram by @brandonmasonshow. The caption included with the post provided a semblance of a disclaimer. It does not clarify that the video shows an unrelated years-old case from another state. It reads: This an idea of what the court verdict will read for the man named Decarlos Brown Jr that stabbed 23 year old Ukrainian woman, Iryna Zariska on a train in North Carolina. Will he get the d**th penalty or life in prison? #breakingnews #trending At the time of writing, Nov. 26, 2025, a date for Brown's trial has not been scheduled. An Oct. 22, 2025 press release (archived here) from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of North Carolina announced: NEED TO KNOW Colorado State Senator Faith Winter has died at the age of 45 in a multi-car crash on the evening of Nov. 26 Colorado Governor Jared Polis confirmed the news in a statement, writing that the state was shaken by news of the tragedy, and calling Winter a "fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans" Per The Colorado Sun, Winter was mom to a son and a daughter and was engaged to marry former state Rep. Matt Gray, a fellow Democrat Colorado State Senator Faith Winter died on the evening of Wednesday, Nov. 26, in a multi-car crash south of Denver. Colorado Governor Jared Polis confirmed the news in a statement, writing that the state was shaken by news of the tragedy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I send my deepest condolences to her children, loved ones, friends, and colleagues across our state, he added. Noting that he had known her for over 20 years, Polis described Winter as a fierce advocate for hardworking Coloradans, women, and families, and our climate. Steve Nehf / The Denver Post via Getty Faith Winter Faith Winter He continued: I have had the honor of working with her on many issues to improve the lives of every person and family in our great state, and tackling climate change. I am deeply saddened for her family, her friends and colleagues, and her community. Faiths work and advocacy made Colorado a better state. Governor Polis concluded his statement by ordering flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor Winters passing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Rep. Shannon Bird posted on X that she was "heartbroken" by the news of Winters death, calling her a fierce advocate for Westminster and all of Adams County." According to The Colorado Sun, the accident happened about 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday in the northbound lanes of Interstate 25 near Dry Creek Road. Jesse Paul/Colorado Sun via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Faith Winter Faith Winter Deputy John Bartmann of the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office said one person was killed and three people were injured in the five-vehicle crash. He added that the cause of the wreck is under investigation and would take some time to figure out. The Colorado Sun notes that 45-year-old Winter was mom to a son and a daughter and was engaged to marry former state Rep. Matt Gray, a fellow Democrat. 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. Senate President James Coleman and Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez, both Denver Democrats, expressed their devastation at Winters death in a written statement, per CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Winter was a colleague whose presence brought warmth and an invaluable perspective to the Capitol, they said. We will miss her leadership, her partnership, and her deep commitment to a brighter Colorado. Meanwhile, Colorado House Speaker Julie McCluskie and Majority Leader Monica Duran said in a statement on X: Words cannot express how deeply heartbroken we are tonight as Colorado mourns the loss of an exceptional legislator, a champion for working people, and a steadfast defender of our environment and abortion rights. The Colorado Sun notes that Winter who was entering her 12th and final year as a state lawmaker because of term limits often had her dog Queso with her at the Capitol. The outlet also reports that her daughter sold Girl Scout cookies outside the House and Senate chambers. PEOPLE has contacted the Arapahoe County Sheriffs Office, South Metro Fire Rescue, and the Colorado General Assembly for an update, but didn't immediately receive a response. Read the original article on People By Leah Douglas, Jana Winter and Ted Hesson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Investigators led by the FBI's joint terrorism task force sought clues on Thursday to what drove an Afghan immigrant to open fire on two National Guard soldiers mere blocks from the White House in what officials called an "ambush" attack on Thanksgiving eve. The two soldiers, part of a militarized law enforcement mission ordered by President Donald Trump months ago and challenged in court by officials of the District of Columbia, were hospitalized in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect, who was wounded in an exchange of gunfire before he was arrested, was identified by the Department of Homeland Security as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. Trump, who was at his resort in Florida at the time of the attack, released a prerecorded video statement late on Wednesday calling the shooting "an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror." He said his administration would "re-examine" all Afghans who came to the U.S. during Joe Biden's presidency. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency later said that it has halted processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals indefinitely, "pending further review of security and vetting protocols." According to the DHS, Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program to resettle thousands of Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the Afghanistan war and feared reprisals from Taliban forces who seized control of their homeland after the U.S. withdrawal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DHS did not include other details of his immigration record, but a Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity said Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and was approved on April 23 of this year, three months after Trump took office. Lakanwal, 29, who resided in Washington state, had no known criminal history, the official said. The shooting unfolded at midday outside a subway station in a bustling commercial area within a few blocks of the White House. Secret Service agents placed the presidential mansion under a security lockdown immediately after the shooting as a precaution. In response to Wednesday's shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the president had asked to send another 500 National Guard troops to join the more than 2,000 Guard soldiers previously mobilized in the nation's capital. Vice President JD Vance, who was in Kentucky on Wednesday, said in a post on X that the shooting proved that the Trump administration's immigration policy was justified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We must redouble our efforts to deport people with no right to be in our country," he said. Critics of the Trump administration's immigration policy say it has employed illegally harsh tactics and swept up immigrants indiscriminately, including some with no criminal history and others here legally. ATTACK OUTSIDE SUBWAY STATION Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has clashed openly with Trump over the deployment of Guard troops in her city, told reporters hours after the incident, "this is a targeted shooting." At the same news briefing, Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the Washington Metropolitan Police Department, said the two Guard soldiers were "ambushed" and that the known assailant appeared to have acted alone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two soldiers, members of the West Virginia National Guard, were on a "high-visibility patrol" outside the entrance to a subway station when the suspect "came around the corner," drew a weapon and immediately fired at the pair, Carroll said. After an exchange of gunfire, other National Guard troops subdued the suspect, he said. Trump said in August he was ordering the National Guard deployment to fight crime in a city he said had become unsafe, despite objections from District of Columbia officials who challenged the move in court as an infringement on local government control. Wednesday's shooting came five days after a federal judge issued a ruling to temporarily block National Guard troops from performing law enforcement duties in the district without the mayor's approval, but the judge paused the effect of her order until December to allow an appeal from the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump, a Republican, has deployed troops in several other Democratic-led cities - Los Angeles, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and Memphis, Tennessee - to combat what he has described as lawlessness and violent unrest over his crackdown on illegal immigration. Democratic leaders of those cities have accused Trump of manufacturing pretexts for militarized shows of force to punish political foes. (Reporting by Leah Douglas, Jana Winter and Phil Stewart; Additional reporting by Idrees Ali, Jeff Mason, Steve Gorman, Jasper Ward, Kanishka Singh, Ted Hesson and David Morgan. Writing by Steve Gorman and Joseph Ax; editing by Paul Thomasch and Stephen Coates) More than three dozen babies have become sick in an infant botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart powdered formula, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Federal officials said Wednesday that 37 confirmed or suspected cases have been reported in infants who consumed the New York-based companys formula since August. The most recent case was logged on Nov. 19, and no deaths have been reported. The FDA publicly announced the outbreak on Nov. 8. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ByHeart recalled every can of formula it sold in the United States on Nov. 11. The company typically accounts for about 1% of the nations formula market and has been selling roughly 200,000 cans per month. California health officials previously confirmed that an open can of ByHeart formula fed to a sick infant contained the bacteria that can cause botulism. ByHeart has said laboratory testing also detected contamination in additional samples. FDA inspectors have visited the companys production sites in Allerton, Iowa, and Portland, Oregon, as part of the ongoing investigation. The agency said ByHeart formula is disproportionately represented among sick infants in this outbreak. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Illnesses began between Aug. 9 and Nov. 19. Cases have been reported in 17 states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. All affected babies, ranging from about 2 weeks to 9 months old, were hospitalized after drinking ByHeart powdered formula. Families of several infants have filed lawsuits in federal court, alleging the formula was defective and that the company acted negligently. The suits seek compensation for medical treatment, emotional distress, and other impacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Infant botulism is raretypically fewer than 200 U.S. cases a yearbut serious. As of Sept. 20, there had been 133 cases reported nationwide, nearing last years total of 145. The illness occurs when spores of a specific bacterium germinate in the large intestine and produce a toxin. Infants are especially vulnerable because their gut microbiomes are not yet mature enough to block germination. Exposure can come from contaminated dust, dirt, water, or honey, and symptoms can take up to 30 days to appear. Signs can include poor feeding, weak muscle tone, drooping eyelids, difficulty swallowing, loss of facial expression, and trouble breathing. Babies often appear floppy, doctors say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While powdered infant formula has been connected to isolated cases in the past, researchers have not previously documented a confirmed outbreak associated with a formula product. The only treatment for infant botulism is BabyBIGan IV medication developed through Californias infant botulism program from plasma donated by adults immunized against the toxin. It is the sole source worldwide and is used to reduce the severity of illness and shorten hospital stays. Because the toxin can impair breathing, infants frequently require ventilator support. Officials say the recall is not expected to disrupt national formula availability because ByHeart holds a small share of the market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That sharply contrasts with the 202122 supply crisis, when Abbott Nutrition recalled major brands during a separate investigation involving a different germ, Cronobacter sakazakii. Although no direct link was found between Abbotts formulas and those infections, the FDA closed the companys Michigan plant after contamination and other issues were identified, leading to months-long shortages. ByHeart itself previously recalled five batches of formula in 2022 after a packaging plant sample tested positive for Cronobacter sakazakii. In 2023, the FDA issued a warning letter to the company addressing needed corrective actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Inspectors later found mold, water leaks, and insects at a ByHeart facility in Reading, Pennsylvania, according to agency records. In response to recent safety issues across the industry, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the FDA to reevaluate infant formula ingredients for the first time since 1998. The effortcalled Operation Stork Speedis gathering input from formula companies, medical experts, and the public. FDA officials are currently reviewing the feedback before deciding next steps. Italy has introduced a new law to protect women from violence. The country has now ruled that perpetrators who commit femicide may be punished with life in prison, CNN reported. Italys parliament passed the nations newest law on Tuesday with bipartisan support. Femicide is the killing of a woman or girl specifically because of her gender. It often happens in cases involving domestic violence, intimate partners or gender-based hate. How severe is the issue of femicide in Italy? Italys newest law comes at a time when the nation is seeing a significant rate of violence against women. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who introduced the measure to combat femicide, said the country is now taking a number of steps to prevent violence against women. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We have doubled funding for anti-violence centers and shelters, promoted an emergency hotline and implemented innovative education and awareness-raising activities, Meloni said on Tuesday, per CNN. These are concrete steps forward, but we wont stop here. We must continue to do much more, every day. Per CNN, the countrys data shows that 106 femicides were recorded in 2024. The statistics also reveal that 62 of the 106 murders were committed by the victims partner or former partner. What happened in the case of Giulia Cecchettin in Italy? One of the most notable cases of femicide in Italy happened in 2023 when university student Giulia Cecchettin was murdered by her 23-year-old boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, who is now sentenced to life in prison, per CNN. Turetta wrapped his girlfriends body in bags and dumped it by a lake, BBC reported. Giulias sister, Elena, highlighted the root of the issue when she said the murderer is not a monster, but rather the healthy son of an extremely patriarchal society. Judge Paola di Nicola, who is one of the authors of Italys latest law, said the country will now record every case of femicide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Femicides will be classified, they will be studied in their real context, they will exist, Paola di Nicola said, per BBC. The post What Is Femicide? Italy Makes It Punishable With Life In Prison appeared first on Blavity. The towering inferno that burnt down multiple high-rises and killed dozens of people in Hong Kong was fuelled by highly flammable scaffolding material, fire safety experts said. At least 44 people died and nearly 280 were missing after a fire tore through several densely populated apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Wednesday. The death toll is the highest in a fire in Hong Kong since World War II, surpassing the 41 killed in a commercial building fire in the Kowloon district in 1996. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With winds fanning the flames leaping out of seven buildings, the fire was not expected to be brought under control until the end of the day on Thursday. Thick smoke and flames rise as a fire engulfs several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on 26 November 2025 (AFP via Getty) A concoction of factors led to the blazing inferno, including the dense development of the northern Tai Po district, home to 2,000 apartments in eight blocks housing over 4,600 people, experts said. A key factor was the flammable nature of the bamboo and plastic scaffolding covering the buildings, according to fire safety engineers. The fire spread at the Wang Fuk Court housing complex is likely due to a combination of factors, including the plastic scaffolding encapsulation, plastic sheeting, polystyrene, the bamboo structural scaffolding, and any other flammable components, said Alex Webb, a fire safety engineer at Australias CSIRO. Firefighters work at the scene as a major fire engulfs several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district (AFP via Getty) In the wake of the fire, Hong Kong authorities arrested three men from a construction company, including its two directors and an engineering consultant, on suspicion of manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have reason to believe that the companys responsible parties were grossly negligent, which led to this accident and caused the fire to spread uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties," police superintendent Eileen Chung said. The incident immediately drew comparisons to the 2017 London Grenfell Tower inferno that killed 72 people. Experts called for strict oversight of construction materials in such densely populated cities, including the use of fire-resistant scaffolding systems. In the case of the Hong Kong inferno, the use of highly flammable bamboo scaffolding in particular caused the rapid spread of fire, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many factors could have contributed to this, including the scaffolding, which may have provided a 'highway' for the fire to travel vertically, and a warm nest for embers from adjacent structures to ignite, said Anwar Orabi, a fire safety engineering lecturer at The University of Queensland. The bamboo scaffold acted as a continuous external fuel path. Dry culms have high surface-area-to-mass ratios and, when wrapped with plastic mesh, create a ventilated chimney that supports rapid flame spread, added Ehsan Noroozinejad, a specialist in smart resilient construction at Western Sydney University. People look on as thick smoke and flames rise during a major fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district (AFP via Getty) Engineers called for replacing bamboo scaffolding with a metal one to prevent such disasters in the future. Mitigating this fire risk is feasible, as metal scaffolding has long been used in many countries and could readily be adopted. By eliminating the use of bamboo scaffolding, the risk of extensive building damage and human fatalities could be dramatically reduced, said professor Guan Yeoh from the University of New South Wales. "Its time for change - to remove outdated practices and adopt modern methods of fire safety and protection. Bamboo scaffolding is highly flammable, and strict building regulations should be imposed to ban its use, Dr Yeoh, an expert in fire-resilient infrastructure, added. DAR ES SALAAM, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- China and Tanzania's Zanzibar have deepened cooperation in women's health through a joint training program on cervical cancer prevention, which was held on Wednesday at Abdulla Mzee Hospital. The program brought together health experts from a health delegation led by China's National Health Commission, the 35th batch of the Chinese medical team to Zanzibar, officials from Zanzibar's Ministry of Health, and hospital staff for a full day of technical training, dialogue, and field assessments. Abdulla Mzee Hospital Director Abood Khamis Maabad expressed gratitude to Chinese medical experts, noting that the program strengthened local capacity, advanced China-Tanzania medical cooperation, and laid a solid foundation for future efforts to improve women's health and cervical cancer prevention in the region. Experts delivered lectures on prevention, standardized screening techniques, and clinical procedures, offering practical guidance to local health workers. This was followed by a question-and-answer session, where participants raised concerns about operational difficulties in cervical cancer screening and case management. The Chinese experts provided targeted solutions and discussed future cooperation in personnel training, technical support, and pilot screening programs. A former firefighter has lost his claim of unfair dismissal after resigning over a disciplinary process which found he failed to intervene in workplace conflict. Watch manager Simon Bailey resigned from Avon Fire and Rescue Service in 2023 after receiving a final written warning and being transferred to an office-based role. The sanctions came after a tribunal upheld a formal complaint against him from female firefighter Sasha Acheson, regarding sexism and bullying in the workplace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bailey launched the claim of constructive unfair dismissal in July, citing breach of trust and confidence in how the fire service handled the allegations. Constructive unfair dismissal is when an employee resigns from their job because their employer has committed a fundamental breach of their contract - effectively forcing them out. Mr Bailey resigned in September 2023 after a misconduct panel largely upheld Ms Acheson's complaints, and imposed what he considered disproportionate sanctions. But in the report, published on 25 November, Judge Richard Woodhead ultimately concluded the fire service acted reasonably, the disciplinary process was fair, and Mr Bailey was not constructively dismissed. Sasha Acheson accused Avon Fire and Rescue Service of sexual discrimination and harassment [Sasha Acheson] As watch manager, it was part of Mr Bailey's role to challenge unacceptable behaviour among colleagues, the report stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation found evidence of sexist jokes on Mr Bailey's watch that he failed to challenge - including the repeated use of the outdated term "fireman". It also criticised his handling of an informal mediation which escalated into a heated exchange between Ms Acheson and another crew manager on 17 July 2021. The report said Mr Bailey described this colleague as "mildly aggressive" during the incident, puffing his chest and gesticulating very close to Ms Acheson. The report stated his apparent justification for not bringing the meeting to an end sooner relied on the fact that Ms Acheson "appeared to be giving as good as she got". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tribunal ruled Mr Bailey failed in his duties by "misjudging and mishandling the situation" by not intervening, despite signs of intimidation and a potential physical altercation. Judge Woodhead stated: "I believe that, as the line manager, you should have intervened given the way [the crew manager's] actions made Ms Acheson feel, and it would have been reasonable to be concerned about an escalation and/or threat of harm." It added Mr Bailey's leadership style fell short of values of respect and inclusivity, thus risking reputational harm and undermining public trust in the organisation. 'Extremely seriously' Judge Woodhead ultimately concluded the fire service's actions were within the range of reasonable responses and did not amount to a breach of contract. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Bailey's claim for constructive dismissal was therefore rejected. Following the outcome, chief fire officer Matt Cook told the BBC: "I take allegations of discrimination and harassment extremely seriously and I will always act to ensure that our values and standards are upheld. "I remain focused on improving our workplace to ensure all colleagues feel safe, supported and respected." Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. More on this story Related Internet Links San Francisco authorities hauled in a big catch after investigating one man's fishy activity. According to KRON4, a commercial trawl boat owner was found with over 2,000 pounds of unlawfully caught fish, some of which was hidden behind a false wall of the vessel. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife surveilled the fisherman after he was seen unloading burlap sacks off a boat and into a vehicle. He was then followed to a local restaurant, where he attempted to hide the fish and flee the scene. Among the fish in his possession were halibut, sole, sanddabs, and filleted salmon, none of which had been declared as commercial catch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon further investigation, officials found the false wall on the trawler, which is where more salmon fillets were discovered, per KRON4. In addition, the trawler contained 2,365 pounds of halibut, which was later sold by CDFW. The funds raised were donated to the Fish and Game Preservation Fund. Low salmon stocks have resulted in the fish's being put on a banned list since 2023 to help restore the population. The Pacific Fishery Management Council reported in February that only 6,100 fall-run Chinook salmon returned to spawn in the upper Sacramento River in 2023, a serious decline from the 175,000 average between 1996 and 2005, as KRON4 detailed. The publication noted salmon have been negatively affected by low water levels following drought conditions. Meanwhile, in addition to exacerbating the dry season, the warming climate has increased water temperatures, affecting salmon's natural habitat and reducing food sources for young salmon in the Pacific Ocean. Illegal river diversions are also an issue, further decreasing vital water supplies that healthy salmon need. In October, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill 460, which increased fines for anyone caught engaging in this activity. 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. At least 34 people have died and 52 others are missing after floods and landslides swept through Indonesias North Sumatra province following days of torrential rain, authorities said on Thursday. "Flooding and landslides occurred after several days of intense rainfall. Water levels in some areas remain above one metre," provincial police spokesman Ferry Walintukan told Metro TV. According to police data, 148 disaster incidents have been recorded since November 24 in 12 districts and cities. These include 86 landslides, 53 floods, seven fallen trees and two tornado events. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, experiences frequent floods and landslides during the NovemberMarch rainy season. Many vulnerable communities live along riverbanks or near unstable hillsides, and access to remote areas can be disrupted for days when roads and bridges are damaged. More than 1,000 police personnel have been deployed across affected districts to support evacuations, secure damaged areas and manage traffic around landslide sites, the disaster agency said. Abdul Muhari, a spokesman for the disaster agency said rainfall had intensified due to a tropical weather system forming just north of the island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said flooding also hit the neighbouring provinces of Aceh and West Sumatra. The escalating situation in Indonesia comes after reports of extensive flooding in Southeast Asia, with at least 33 people killed in southern Thailand. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said the person who was involved in a crash that killed a woman and two children in Suwannee County was an illegal alien who had been deported before. Uthmeier further states on social media that Martin Lagunas Ramirez had cocaine on him and was likely drunk while driving in the wrong lane. READ: FHP: Lake City woman, two kids among four killed in Suwannee County crash Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramirez was also killed when a third car struck his. The driver of the third car survived. According to FHP, all occupants were pronounced dead at the scene. The third driver was transported to Shands UF Health. FHP also states that Ramirez was unlawfully present in the United States from Mexico and that ICE was notified and re-entered through Texas in 2024. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Florida lawmakers arent abandoning school choice but theyre ready to enact guard rails on a system criticized as a free-for-all two years after throwing open the doors. In a harsh meeting last week, auditors laid out all the problems they found with the Florida Empowerment Scholarship program, from the tens of thousands of missing children in the states system to the money the state has shelled out to the wrong people. The amount of money which we cannot account for as being in the right place at the right time exceeds $270 million on any given day, Sen. Don Gaetz (R-Escambia) summarized. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another Republican equated the voucher system to a plane they launched into the air before it was fully built, a rare admission in a political environment that has more often seen lawmakers double down. In response, Gaetz filed his bill, titled SB 318, that he said would go a long way toward fixing the systems problems. The bill focuses on tightening Floridas school voucher system by separating scholarship funding from school district budgets, creating clearer application windows and standardizing paperwork so families and schools can plan with more certainty. The proposal also adds new verification steps to ensure public money follows the student like cross-checking enrollment records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It also aims to bring greater accountability to how scholarship dollars are distributed and monitored, which would include annual audits. Finally, the bill allows public schools to offer classes and services a la carte to scholarship students for a fee, which could pad tightening budgets. It also creates a fund to help shore up districts with declining enrollments. Our family empowerment scholarships are historic and successful, and hundreds of thousands of Florida families can tell you why, Gaetz said. But the architecture of our current system needs to be partially re-engineered in order to work. We cant just rearrange the deck chairs. Democrats, who spent the bulk of the meeting calling the situation Florida finds itself in predictable, quickly hopped on in support of Gaetzs proposal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They said School Choice, which now covers an estimated 20% of Florida students, was quickly devolving into a budget crisis for the state. We are practicing what we preach, Rosalind Osgood (D-Broward) said. Were doing Doge. Were holding everybody else accountable. So today is a message to the public that were also holding ourselves accountable. Lawmakers said members of the House were working on their own proposal. The bills will have to be passed in both chambers and reconciled into a final agreement before they can head to Gov. DeSantis desk next year. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. A Florida archaeologists decades-long persistence has helped solve one of Perus most puzzling geographical conundrums: the origin and purpose of the so-called Band of Holes in the countrys mountainous Pisco Valley. Charles Stanish, professor of archaeology at the University of South Florida, and an expert on Andean culture, spent years studying the more than 5,200 curious hillside shallow pits known to local residents as Monte Sierpe - serpent mountain. He surmised during numerous field trips since the 1980s that the holes were man-made indentations created during the pre-Inca period for a rudimentary market place, then adapted by Incan civilization into a sophisticated kind of accounting and storage system, likely for agriculture. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rival theories abounded from the sensible to the bizarre. Some analysts opined the holes might be an intricate network of water storage tanks; a more extreme postulation, aired on the Ancient Aliens television program and exploited by an enterprising travel company, was that they were crafted by extraterrestrial beings, perhaps to cover up the crash of their spacecraft. Now Stanish, in partnership with Dr Jacob Bongers of the University of Sydney, his former graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles, believes he has found the smoking gun. On their most recent expedition they used advanced drone technology to conduct the first comprehensive aerial mapping of the site, producing high-resolution images revealing striking patterns in how the holes were organized. The rows of holes, each between 3ft and 6.5ft wide, appeared segmented and mathematically structured, they said, a layout mirroring khipus, knotted-string devices the Inca used for counting and record keeping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monte Sierpe is extremely difficult to map from the surface, Stanish said. Even from the mountain above you cant see its full pattern because of the permanent haze in the area. And because there were few artifacts, archaeologists couldnt date or interpret it accurately. Even more conclusive, Stanish said, were the results of microbotanical analysis of sediment samples taken from inside the holes. Fossilized seeds revealed traces of crops such as maize and wild plants traditionally used for weaving and packaging goods. We proved that the seeds didnt fly in, they werent airborne, they had to be put there by humans, he said. We didnt get any, with one exception way down below, colonial-era seeds, and we got one carbon-dated to slightly pre-Inca, which was fascinating. And the coolest stuff was we found the reeds, the traditional reeds and the willows that the Inca and the Quechua peoples use to carry commodities, even up to the present day. So we got the reeds, we got the seeds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanish said future work will focus on further analysis of the recovered seed samples, while Bongers plans to lead an upcoming expedition for more excavation. But he said he believed his explanation for the Band of Holes existence was now pretty solid. If we do find anything that changes interpretation, well say that. But I doubt it, he said. He said he hoped that authorities in Peru would recognize the historical significance of the holes, and move to protect them. Im not worried about tourists, about foreigners coming, he said. Im worried about landowners getting the land and then irrigating it. People have to make a living, and I admire that. But, yes, this is a precious site, for the Indigenous peoples and for their pride, and its important to recognize that. Four Marion County Fire & Rescue employees were arrested and fired after a violent hazing incident involving a 19-year-old firefighter. The incident happened on Nov. 16 while all were on duty at Station 21 on Southwest 90th Street. Sheriffs deputies arrested Edward Kenny III, 22, Seth Day, 22, and Tate Trauthwein, 19, on charges of kidnapping, robbery and battery. Kaylee Bradley, 25, was arrested on charges of robbery and accessory to a robbery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheriff Billy Woods said the four employees were trying to a TikTok dance video the victim had on his phone. He said they started taunting him, but he ignored them. Sheriff Woods said things then turned violent. According to the sheriffs office report, they chased him around the parking lot and threw his boots in the woods near the station. The four are accused of them removing his belt, taking his pants off and dropping his boxers. Woods said they then beat him with his belt. They are also accused of dragging the victim across the parking lot. They didnt stop there. They decided to get a bottle of water and a towel and started waterboarding him, Woods said. According to the victim, three times. During this whole incident, the victim fought back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire Chief Jamie Banta said they fired the four suspects. Let me be absolutely clear. These individuals involved in this incident forfeited their right to wear the uniform the moment they chose an act and manner that endangered, harmed, and betrayed a fellow firefighter, he said. The 19-year-old victim is still employed and chose not to take leave. Chief Banta and Sheriff Woods said he told them hes not letting this stop him from doing his job. The department will undergo a review of policies and training to ensure employees act with professionalism. Any other employees involved in the incident may also face disciplinary action. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. "France expects the Israeli authorities to fulfill their obligations under the Vienna Convention and provide protection for diplomatic and consular staff and their buildings," a French source said. France has asked the Foreign Ministry for Israel to bolster security at the European countrys consulate in Jerusalem following protests against it, N12 reported on Thursday. The outlet stated that the ministry had received the request, which was submitted following protests in September and October, and was also sent to the police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "France expects the Israeli authorities to fulfill their obligations under the Vienna Convention and provide protection for diplomatic and consular staff and their buildings," a French diplomatic source told N12. The consulate, established in 1843 in the western part of Jerusalem, handles Frances diplomatic relations with the Palestinians in east Jerusalem, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. It also serves around 25,000 French citizens living in the citys western half. In recent months, the consulate was at the heart of a diplomatic spat between France and the Jewish state. Israeli media reported at the time of the protests that Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar had supported closing it after French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to recognize a Palestinian state. A picture shows the French consulate in Jerusalem on June 18, 2024. (credit: Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images) The same was reported by French newspaper Le Figaro in September, which noted that a source close to Macron had said the Foreign Ministry had informed France of the potential move. MK Ohad Tal confronts French consulate worker Further, N12 noted a more recent incident where, last week, Knesset members were at the location during a tour of the Israeli capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the report, Religious Zionist Party MK Ohad Tal, who was on the tour, confronted a French representative who was outside the consulate and asked, "Why do you work from here if you represent the Palestinians? This is Israel. We will make sure that you can no longer operate from here and represent our enemies." Referring to the incident, the French diplomatic source told N12 that "any attack on our staff at the consulate is unacceptable. There have been campaigns against the consulate for a long time. This cannot happen." The source continued, saying, "This is clearly a hostile act against a French representative; we are concerned." PARIS (Reuters) -French antitrust watchdog on Thursday dismissed a complaint filed against Microsoft by local search engine Qwant which accused the U.S. company of abusing its dominant position. The Autorite de la Concurrence, as the watchdog is known, said Qwant failed to bring elements sufficiently convincing to sustain its claims and also declined to enforce the interim action against Microsoft requested by Qwant. Qwant, which has historically relied on Microsoft's Bing platform to deliver search and news results, last month said that it expected its complaint to be dismissed and that it would challenge it in court or take it to other authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. tech company welcomed the ruling. "We agree with the decision and remain committed to providing high-quality search services and fostering innovation for consumers and partners in France and across Europe," a Microsoft spokesperson said. Qwant had alleged Microsoft imposed exclusivity restrictions on Qwant in search results and search advertising, hampering the latter's ability to develop its own search engine and its own artificial intelligence. The French company also alleged Microsoft favoured itself in allocating search advertising. Microsoft is a major player in the search-engine syndication sector, where it provides search results to smaller European rivals besides Qwant, such as Ecosia, DuckDuckGo and Lilo. Qwant did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Inti Landauro and Foo Yun CheeEditing by Tomasz Janowski) Two French prisoners escaped from jail after sawing through the bars of their cells and using bedsheets to get out of the facility, a prosecutor said Thursday. Guards noticed the break-out shortly before dawn, the prisons' authority said. The facility is in the eastern city of Dijon. The pair "seem to have sawn through bars" and "fled using bed sheets," Dijon prosecutor Olivier Caracotch said. He did not provide further details on how exactly they used the bedding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Union official Ahmed Saih, who represents prison officers at the facility, said the inmates used "old-fashioned, manual saw blades". The fugitives are a 19-year-old man held in pre-trial detention since October 2024 for attempted murder in a drug-related case, and a 32-year-old man incarcerated since 2023 over threats and violence against a partner, Caracotch said. A member of the prison staff stands behind the entrance door of the jail of Dijon central eastern France on November 27, 2025, from where two inmates escaped during the night from November 26 to November 27, 2025. / Credit: ARNAUD FINISTRE /AFP via Getty Images "Warning about the risk of a jail break for months" The prison break comes 10 days after another escape in the western city of Rennes. A 37-year-old convict, who had more than year left to serve for theft, fled during an outing with fellow prisoners to the city's planetarium. It was not immediately clear if he had been caught. The prison's director was fired by Gerald Darmanin, France's justice minister who is pushing through a plan to lock up the most dangerous drug traffickers in supermax prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement France has some of the worst prison overcrowding in Europe, ranking third worst after Slovenia and Cyprus, according to a Council of Europe report published in July. In early October, the national average was 135 inmates per 100 places available. Dijon prison, built in 1853, is in poor condition, with 311 inmates for 180 places, according to the justice ministry. "Prison is very hard here," an inmate released on Thursday after eight months, told AFP. "There were three of us in a cell: two on bunk beds and one sleeping on the floor." Staff unions have complained that the state is neglecting normal jails as it moves narco criminals into new supermax prisons. Three prison directors' unions criticized Darmanin in a statement on Wednesday, before the Dijon escape. They accused him of "devoting all the resources of a debt-ridden state" to the high-security prisons for those accused of drug trafficking and jihadist attacks, and neglecting the "vast majority" of other jails. "While the justice minister parades around in overfunded facilities, other (prison) services are suffering," they said in a joint statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saih said there had been reports of saw blades found inside the Dijon prison, and that staff had "been warning about the risk of a jail break for months." He called for more staff and better equipment, including "gratings that cannot be sawn through." Darmanin last week announced the Dijon facility was scheduled to receive $7.3 million, as part of a program to eradicate mobile phones from six French prisons. FDNY commissioner says faith is factor in leaving role after Mamdani win: "Emotional decision" House Speaker Mike Johnson says House GOP does not want to extend health care subsidies: sources CBS News correspondent surprises Pope Leo with White Sox baseball bat gift TOKYO, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- Japanese food and beverage giant Asahi Group Holdings Ltd. said Thursday that an investigation has found that personal information linked to around 2 million customers and employees may have been leaked in a recent cyberattack. Asahi Group disclosed the findings of an internal probe at a press conference, its first since the attack hit its domestic servers on Sept. 29, stating that the attacker gained unauthorized access to the data center network through network equipment located at a group company site. The company said that the data could have included the names, gender, home addresses, phone numbers and email addresses of workers and customers, adding that it has reported its findings to the government's commission on personal information protection. Acknowledging the "weakness" of its security, Asahi President Atsushi Katsuki said, "I painfully feel the responsibility of management" about the breach that forced a widespread suspension of company operations. Katsuki said the company expects to resume orders and shipments, currently being handled manually, from December once the system is restored, and aims to have these logistics operations normalized by February. Asahi has postponed releasing its earnings results for January to September, initially scheduled for Nov. 12. An army general has been sworn in as Guinea-Bissau's new head of state a day after an apparent coup. Gen Horta N'Tam becomes the transitional president for a period of one year. He took the oath on Thursday, in brief and muted proceedings at army headquarters. N'Tam, who until a day earlier had been head of the presidential guard, barely cracked a smile during his swearing-in or while stood outside flanked by officers while for cameras. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some civil society groups in Guinea-Bissau have accused outgoing President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of masterminding a "simulated coup" against himself with the help of the military, saying it was a ruse to block election results from coming out in case he lost. "This manoeuvre aims to prevent the publication of the electoral results scheduled for tomorrow, November 27," the civil society coalition Popular Front said in a statement on Wednesday. His closest election rival Fernando Dias has also echoed these claims. But Embalo has not responded to the allegations. He has said he has survived multiple coup attempts during his time in office. However, his critics have previously accused him of fabricating crises in order to crack down on dissent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military has already suspended the electoral process and blocked the release of the results of Sunday's presidential election which were expected on Thursday. An unnamed military source has told the AFP news agency that Embalo is being held by the army at its staff headquarters, where he is being "well-treated". In response to news of the apparent coup, the chair of the African Union (AU) Mahmoud Ali Youssouf demanded "the immediate and unconditional release of President Embalo and all detained officials". He also reminded Guinea-Bissau's leaders of "the imperative of respecting the ongoing electoral process". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sandwiched between Senegal and Guinea, the West African country is known as a drug-trafficking hub where the military has been influential since independence from Portugal in 1974. Guinea-Bissau has witnessed at least nine coups or attempted coups over the last five decades. President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has not commented on claims he helped to stage the coup against him [AFP via Getty Images] The latest of these, on Wednesday, saw a group of military officers announce they had seized control of the country. Earlier, government sources told the BBC that Embalo had been arrested. Gunshots were heard in the capital, Bissau, but it was not immediately clear who was involved in the shooting or if there were any casualties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The officers then appeared on state TV, saying they had suspended the electoral process. They said they were acting to thwart a plot by unnamed politicians who had "the support of a well-known drug baron" to destabilise the country, and announced the closure of its borders and imposed a night-time curfew. The election results were expected on Thursday - both Embalo and his main challenger, Dias, had claimed victory. Dias was supported by former Prime Minister Domingos Pereira, who had been disqualified from running. Late on Wednesday afternoon, Embalo told France 24 in a phone call: "I have been deposed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Government sources later told the BBC that Dias, Pereira and Interior Minister Botche Cande had also been detained. The same sources said the putschists had taken army chief Gen Biague Na Ntan and his deputy, Gen Mamadou Toure, into custody too. In a joint statement, leaders of election observation missions from the African Union and the West African bloc Ecowas expressed "deep concern with the announcement of a coup d'etat by the armed forces". They said the country had been prepared for the announcement of the election results after what it described as an "orderly and peaceful" process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's regrettable that this announcement came at a time when the missions had just concluded meeting with the two leading presidential candidates, who assured us of their willingness to accept the will of the people," they said. Portugal, the country's former colonial ruler, has called for a return to constitutional order, with its foreign ministry urging "all those involved to refrain from any act of institutional or civic violence". As of Thursday, the AFP news agency reported that Guinea-Bissau's borders had reopened. Embalo, 53, had wanted to make history as the country's only president to secure a second consecutive mandate in the last 30 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had initially said he would not seek a second term. Prior to the delayed polls, his legitimacy was questioned, with the opposition saying his term should have officially ended in February 2025. Guinea-Bissau is one of the poorest countries in the world with a population of more than two million people. Its coastline has many uninhabited islands, making it ideal for drug traffickers - with the UN dubbing it a "narco-state" as it has been a key transit point for cocaine coming from Latin America to Europe. [BBC] Additional reporting by Richard Kagoe [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 By Will Dunham (Reuters) -Whether they are a Siamese, Persian, Maine Coon, or Domestic Shorthair, there are hundreds of millions of cats living with people around the world. But despite their popularity as pets, the history of cat domestication has remained difficult for scientists to decipher. A new genome study is providing some insight into the matter by determining the timing of a key milestone in feline domestication - the introduction of domestic cats into Europe from North Africa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Domestic cats pounced into Europe roughly 2,000 years ago in early imperial Roman times, the researchers found, probably thanks to maritime trade. Some of these furry trailblazers may have been brought by sailors to hunt mice on ships that plied the Mediterranean carrying grain from the fertile fields of Egypt to ports serving Rome and other cities in the sprawling Roman Empire. The findings contradict a long-held idea that domestication occurred in prehistoric times, perhaps 6,000 to 7,000 years ago, as farmers from the ancient Near East and Middle East first moved into Europe, bringing cats with them. "We show that the earliest domestic cat genomes in Europe are found from the Roman imperial period onwards," starting in the first century AD, said paleogeneticist Claudio Ottoni of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, lead author of the study published on Thursday in the journal Science. The study used genetic data from feline remains from 97 archaeological sites across Europe and the Near East as well as from present-day cats. The researchers analyzed 225 bones of cats - domestic and wild - ranging from about 10,000 years ago to the 19th century AD, and generated 70 ancient feline genomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The researchers found that cat remains from prehistoric sites in Europe belonged to wildcats, not early domestic cats. Dogs were the first animal domesticated by people, descended from an ancient wolf population separate from modern wolves. The domestic cat came later, descended from the African wildcat. "The introduction of the domestic cat to Europe is important because it marks a significant moment in their long-term relationship with humans. Cats aren't just another species arriving on a new continent. They're an animal that became deeply integrated into human societies, economies and even belief systems," University of Rome Tor Vergata paleogeneticist and study co-author Marco De Martino said. The genome data identified two introductions of cats to Europe from North Africa. Roughly 2,200 years ago, people brought wildcats from northwestern Africa to the island of Sardinia, whose present-day wildcat population descended from these migrants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But those were not domestic cats. It was a separate dispersal from North Africa about two centuries later that formed the genetic basis of the modern domestic cat in Europe. The study's findings suggest that there was not a single core region of cat domestication, but that several regions and cultures in North Africa played a role, according to zooarchaeologist and study co-author Bea De Cupere of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences. "The timing of the genetic waves of introduction from North Africa coincides with periods when trade around the Mediterranean intensified strongly. Cats likely traveled as efficient mouse hunters on grain ships but possibly also as valued animals with religious and symbolic significance," De Cupere said. Cats, for example, were important in ancient Egypt, whose pantheon included feline deities and whose royalty kept pet cats, sometimes mummifying them for burial in elaborate coffins. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ancient Roman army, with outposts arrayed across Europe, and its entourage played an instrumental role in the dispersal of domestic cats throughout the continent, as attested to by feline remains discovered at the sites of Roman military camps. The earliest domestic cat in Europe identified in the study - one genetically similar to present-day domestic cats - dated to between 50 BC and 80 AD from the Austrian town of Mautern, site of a Roman fort along the Danube River. The study, however, does not unravel the timing and location of the initial feline domestication. "Cat domestication is complex," Ottoni said, "and what we can tell now is the timing of the introduction of domestic cats to Europe from North Africa. We can't really say much what happened before and where." (Reporting by Will Dunham in Washington, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien) Sitting at an empty Jakarta stall, Alfindo Hutagaol gobbled down some rice, green sambal and grilled dog meat -- a meal that is now banned in the Indonesian capital. The Muslim-majority archipelago is one of a handful of countries that still permit the sale of dog and cat meat, but a campaign against the practice has been gaining ground in recent years. While Muslims do not eat dog meat, it is popular in some of Indonesia's other communities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This week, Jakarta's authorities announced a ban in the capital on trade for the consumption of rabies-transmitting animals, including cats and dogs. The prohibition, with a six-month grace period before enforcement begins, was hailed by animals rights groups who have long lobbied against the trade. But for Alfindo, who spoke to AFP before the ban was announced, "there should be no such prohibition." "God created it to be eaten. Don't only look for the negative side, but also look for its benefits too," the 36-year-old told AFP. Dog and cat meat are not widely consumed in Indonesia, but in some communities canine meat is considered a home remedy for dengue fever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The trade "can't be eliminated suddenly", said another consumer, 43-year-old Sunggul Sagala, who described dog meat consumption as a "tradition" for some communities. The Tuesday announcement by Jakarta's governor covers trade for consumption of all rabies-transmitting animals, including bats, monkeys and civets. "This is a real example and real commitment from the Jakarta government as a global city that also advances animal welfare," said Merry Ferdinandez of the Dog Meat Free Indonesia (DMFI) coalition that lobbied for the ban. The move does not extend to other regions where consumption remains popular, but might "encourage" similar moves, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A poll commissioned by DMFI in 2021 found that 93 percent of Indonesians rejected the dog meat trade and wanted it banned. Yet a DMFI study the following year estimated 9,500 dogs, mostly wild animals caught on the streets, were brought into Jakarta for consumption that year, mostly from West Java, where rabies is endemic. Nationwide figures for dog and cat meat consumption are not available. - Rabies free - Jakarta has been officially rabies-free since 2004 -- one of 11 Indonesian provinces with that status -- and the ban was "one of the efforts" to maintain that, said the capital's food resiliency, maritime and agriculture agency head Hasudungan Sidabalok. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While it is no longer common to see dog meat sold openly either at markets or restaurants, he said 19 restaurants still serve the dish and at least two slaughterhouses are operating, expressing hope the new regulation would "minimise" such practices. "It's not an easy step because it is a habit or perhaps a culture for certain communities, which we hope can change," he told AFP. "The act of slaughtering or consuming dog meat... is still risky as it can transmit rabies to the slaughterers or consumers." Jakarta's government will publicise the ban during the six-month grace period, after which violators face sanctions ranging from written warnings to revocation of business licenses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasudungan said the government is preparing rules to detail further enforcement and sanctions against violators. - Like 'drugs' - Indonesian laws on food and animal husbandry do not explicitly ban the consumption of canine and feline meat, but a 2018 directive issued by the agriculture ministry stated that dog meat is not categorised as food. Some regions have already imposed their own bans, leading to arrests of traders. In the Central Javan city of Semarang, which banned the trade in 2022, authorities last year intercepted a truck carrying more than 200 dogs bound for a slaughterhouse, and arrested five people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Jakarta, increased oversight by authorities has already effectively forced the trade underground. Restaurants that once openly advertised dog meat dishes no longer do so, nor will owners speak to outsiders about the trade. Meat is also no longer sold openly in markets. The taboo around the trade means only trusted customers can buy it and the meat is now more expensive than beef, said Sunggul. Even before the ban, "the fact is that... purchasing dog meat is like looking for drugs," he said. There have been no explicit plans for how to deal with animals that may no longer have buyers. A similar ban on dog meat in South Korea has caused problems for traders left with animals that can no longer be sold and are not easy to rehome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And Alfindo argues dog meat fans might even be forced to prey on Jakarta's stray dog population if the ban is enforced. "The government should rethink the policy," he said, after finishing his dish. mrc/sah/tc A yearly food drive at Scranton Preparatory School met its goal of collecting food for the community and helping families during the Thanksgiving season. Students collected a little more than 200,000 pounds of food for this years Great Ignatian Challenge, a yearly service project where students and the community collect and distribute food. The challenge, now in its fifth year, began Oct. 24 and ended Tuesday. Students were challenged this year to collect 200,000 pounds of food; they collected 205,157 pounds. The food is donated to places like the Friends of the Poor and Catherine McCauley Center, the St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, St. Josephs Center and the NEPA Youth Shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior Patrick Hazzouri, a member of the challenge committee, was confident the school could surpass the goal. Most of the food was collected by the student body, with the committee creating incentives for students to donate, such as wearing a hoodie with their uniform or a free dress-down day. Other challenges were between grades for who could collect the most food. Kids do get really pumped up about it, senior Rebecca Remedios, the events coordinator, said. Doing these challenges is definitely what gets kids mostly to donate. The challenge received support from local businesses, including the Retro Cafe, Cadden Bros. Moving and Storage, ShopRite of Moosic and Schiffs Food Service. Rebecca said they are grateful for the support, and getting the word out about the challenge was key. Theyre just always willing to help, which we are so thankful for, she said. It does help us a lot because the school could only do so much. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rebecca said the collection was particularly important as the federal government shutdown and state budget impasse took place while it was underway. She felt people donated more because of those challenges. Food is packed up in boxes for the Great Ignatian Challenge Food Drive in Scranton Preparatory School in Scranton Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. (SEAN MCKEAG / STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER) People really do realize that there is a serious need for this, she said. Its really something that brings our community together, especially during this Thanksgiving time where families shouldnt have to worry about not being able to have a Thanksgiving dinner. Senior Addison Ahern, a member of the student organizing committee, commended her classmates for their effort in the drive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think every single person poured their heart and soul into this, she said. It wasnt really about the competition or the incentives or anything. Its more about the direct impact were making on the community and the families and the people we can feed directly with all the food that weve raised. In the five years the challenge has taken place, the amount of food the school aims to collect grows as the need has grown, starting at a little more than 65,000 pounds the first year, said Jeanine Pavuk, the schools director of annual giving and the challenges staff organizer. Our goal every year is to make sure we meet the need of the community, she said. As that need grows, so does our goal. Pavluk said the need is greater this year, as in addition to the budgetary challenges on the state and federal levels, the cost of food continues to go up. She admires the students work ethic in putting it together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are here every day convincing their friends, their classmates to help the community, she said. Its really what Prep is built on, being men and women for others. Pavuk said she hopes the drive helps Northeast Pennsylvania families be happy, healthy and thriving this Thanksgiving. She also appreciates that it teaches students how to reach out to the wider community. Although the challenge has ended, Pavuk said for the first time, drives will be held throughout the school year. She hopes students will see that the need for food doesnt end at Thanksgiving. Whatever the community needs per month is what well be looking to raise, Pavuk said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She admires the students for having brought the community together for the challenge. They built a community around this food drive of people who didnt necessarily all go together, and Im so proud of that, Pavuk said. Permian Basin Habitat for Humanity (PBHFH) will host a special announcement event at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 2 celebrating a significant land donation that will help expand affordable homeownership opportunities for local families and a rebrand to Permian Basin Habitat for Humanity. The event will be held at 1800 Rochester Ave. in Odessa. Program Speakers Include: * Jeff Meyers, Chief of Staff, PBHFH (emcee) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Joey Hopkins, Executive Director, PBHFH * Stephanie Houston, PBHFH Board Chair * Daniela Rivera, Habitat Homeowner * Cal Hendrick, Mayor of Odessa Speakers will highlight the impact of the land donation and how it will support Habitats mission to build safe, decent, and affordable homes for families in need. A ceremonial presentation and photo opportunity will follow remarks. Why This Matters This land donation represents a major step toward addressing the ongoing need for affordable housing in Odessa. It will directly support Habitats upcoming building projects and create long-term stability for multiple families in the community. The rebrand to Permian Basin Habitat better highlights the work Habitat does across West Texas. The post Habitat for Humanity to announce major land donation supporting future affordable housing appeared first on Odessa American. Hamas is reportedly establishing a base in Syria while aiding Hezbollahs efforts to rebuild rocket supplies in southern Lebanon, KAN News reports. Hamas terrorists are seeking to establish a military presence in Syria and are aiding Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel's public broadcaster KAN News reported on Wednesday. Hamas sees Syria as a suitable base for terror activity and members of the Damascus government, although not necessarily President Ahmed al-Sharaa, are allowing them to build a military presence in the country, the broadcaster added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the terror group is aiding Hezbollah's Radwan Force to strengthen its position in southern Lebanon, significantly strengthening it, including assigning companies of terror operatives to aid Hezbollah in expanding its presence and rebuilding its supply of rockets. KAN's report follows a similar report earlier on Wednesday that stated Palestinian Islamic Jihad has started to build a growing military presence in Syria. PIJ later denied this claim. This is a developing report. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday said that 500 additional National Guard troops would be sent to Washington following the shooting of two members of the force near the White House. Hegseth said during a visit to the Dominican Republic that US President Donald Trump asked him "to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen, to Washington DC." Two members of the National Guard were shot at about 2:15 pm (1915 GMT) near the Farragut West metro station, not far from the White House, authorities said in a press conference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI Director Kash Patel and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser said that the two members were in critical condition but not dead, as West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey had initially stated. The DC mayor spoke of a "targeted shooting. One individual who appeared to target these guardsmen, that individual has been taken into custody." Executive Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Jeffery Carroll said that "members of the DC National Guard were on a high visibility patrol... when a suspect came around the corner, raised his arm with a firearm and discharged at the National Guard members." Carroll added that the suspect was subdued by other members of the National Guard and then arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At this time, there is no indication that there is any other suspect," he said. "The one suspect that was involved in this incident, they were shot during the interaction and they were transported to the hospital for treatment." More than 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed in Washington for months. Trump ordered them to the US capital in August, citing allegedly rampant crime as the reason for their mobilization. Crime statistics do not support this claim. The capital took legal action against the deployment. A federal judge recently declared the deployment of the National Guard unlawful and ordered it to be terminated. However, she suspended her decision for three weeks to allow the Trump administration to appeal. The order therefore remains in effect until December 11. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The National Guard is a military reserve unit and part of the US armed forces. It is normally under the control of the states and is deployed in the event of natural disasters, riots or other emergencies. In certain situations, however, the US president can also take command. Special rules apply to Washington. Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Forty-four people, including a firefighter, are dead and hundreds are missing in Hong Kong after a massive high-rise fire Wednesday that hit multiple buildings in the small Chinese territory. The fire surpasses the previous most deadly fire since 1996 when 41 died in the 16-story Garley commercial building fire, CNN reported. Officials increased its classification to a more serious Category 5 event, the first one in Hong Kong in two decades, according to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hong Kong's leader John Lee called the fire "a major disaster." The Fire Services Department received reports of the fire at 2:51 p.m. local time in Tai Po, 12 miles north of downtown Hong Kong. The next day at 5:40 a.m., there were still flames at parts of the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex. Firefighters say there were additional dangers operating at night, slowing the progress. And temperatures inside the buildings were high. Awo directors and a construction consultant of a construction company were arrested for being "grossly negligent." They are facing charges of manslaughter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The complex was undergoing extensive renovations when the fire began. Tower blocks at Wang Fuk Court were covered in bamboo scaffolding and green construction netting, up to the rooftops. At least 279 still missing in the Tai Po area housing estate. Four of the fatalities died at a hospital. Officials added at least 29 remain hospitalized with seven in critical condition after fire engulfed seven high-rise buildings in a housing development. About 900 were in shelters. Winnie Ho, Hong Kong's housing minister, said a housing task force has identified 1,400 units across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, for those displaced. About 280 of those are them are located in Tai Po itself. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 800 firefighters at one point reportedly battled flames. Local officials pointed to bamboo scaffolding erected around the buildings for the work on the complex, built in 1983, which enabled the blaze to rapidly spread. Bamboo is the standard material for scaffolding in Hong Kong's construction industry and across much of Asia due its strength and light weight, although the Hong Kong government has been trying to move to metal due to worries about safety. Because of the bamboo scaffolding, neighboring buildings caught fire. Andy Yeung, the director of fire services, said his rescuers spotted polystyrene boards blocking windows of multiple apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These polystyrene boards are extremely inflammable and the fire spread very rapidly," he said. "Their presence was unusual so we have referred the incident to the police for further enquiries." Firefighters were unable to reach the top of a 31-story structure. The Wang Fuk Court comprises an eight-block area with more 1,900 flats for an estimated 4,000 residents. Former district councilman Herman Yiu Kwan-ho said earlier in the day that eight seniors and two babies were among 13 people who remained trapped. One of the dead was a 37-year-old firefighter, part of a company from nearby Sha Tin who were among the first on the scene after the blaze erupted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lee said he felt "extreme grief" over the death of the firefighter and sent his "deepest condolences" to the families of all those who had lost their lives and the injured. Rescued were a baby and an elderly woman. Initially, it was categorized as a Level 4 fire with footage and images depicting the inferno engulfing multiple adjacent buildings at the development, which had been undergoing major construction work. One resident told the media he rushed back from work to witness the buildings "catch on fire one by one." Residents of buildings close to Wang Fuk Court evacuated to temporary emergency shelters and a large exclusion zone was in force around the site with roads closed and all transport diverted. BANGKOK (AP) While the exact cause of the deadly inferno that swept across a Hong Kong apartment complex was unknown, questions have been raised about the role of the bamboo scaffolding that enveloped the buildings at the time of the fire. The blaze, which has left at least 94 dead, has focused attention on the use of the ancient construction technique used for more than 1,000 years. Bamboo poles lashed together using wire and other strong materials are often found at construction sites in Asia, and the scaffolding is commonly seen around Hong Kong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials said Wednesday's fire started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower, spread to the inside of the building and then to six other towers, likely aided by windy conditions. Officials are investigating why the scaffolding and other construction materials used in renovations to the exteriors of the buildings caught fire. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that forms tall, hollow stalks with strong fibers. The poles, harvested from 3-year-old plants, are lightweight, inexpensive and easy to transport. Theyre seen as easier to install and remove from the kinds of tight spaces found in a city as densely populated as Hong Kong. In the case of an accident, such as a collapse, they are seen as less dangerous than heavy metal poles. Bamboo scaffolding is also used for temporary structures, such as outdoor theaters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The bamboo poles are usually are imported from Zhaoxing, in neighboring Guangdong province, or from the nearby southern provinces of Guangxi or Guilin. But even Hong Kong is moving toward phasing out use of bamboo. A memo from Hong Kongs development secretary in March noted that the city planned to drive a wider adoption of metal scaffolding in public building works progressively. According to the Construction Industry Council, 2,500 bamboo scaffolders are registered in Hong Kong. Bamboo scaffolding-related accidents have claimed 23 lives since 2018. City leader John Lee said officials have met with with industry representatives to discuss a switch to metal scaffolding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eric Chan, the chief secretary for administration, acknowledged traditional bamboo scaffolding is inferior to metal for fire safety. For safety reasons, the government believes that a complete switch to metal scaffolding should be implemented in suitable working environments, he said. Ehsan Noroozinejad, a professor at Western Sydney Universitys Urban Transformations Research Centre, said steel or aluminum scaffolding is non-combustible, stronger and lasts longer, though it is heavier, slower to set up and costs more. For high-risk, occupied towers, metal is the safer baseline, Noroozinejad said. If bamboo is used, it must come with strict fire and inspection controls. In the case of the blaze that started Wednesday at the high-rise residential complex in the suburban Tai Po district, officials have pointed to flammable construction materials such as plastic netting and plastic foam panels used as window coverings as other potential factors in the rapid spread of the fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police arrested three men the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter. Authorities said they suspected some materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet fire resistance standards, allowing the unusually fast spread of the fire. Its clear that a large share, but not all, of the bamboo that had encased the buildings as they underwent renovations was incinerated. This incident is full of lessons, Devansh Gulati, founder of the fire safety firm Greenberg Engineering, told The Associated Press. He said just by chance, the wrong conditions combined in Hong Kong allowing the bamboo scaffolding to become fuel for the fire. Whatever the outcome of the investigation into what caused the fire, the days of using bamboo in Hong Kong appear numbered. ___ AP journalist Anton Delgado in Bangkok contributed to this report. SCRANTON For Lisa Kramer, giving meals to others is the embodiment of Thanksgiving: it allows her to serve others. Kramer was among dozens of employees at Hospice of the Sacred Heart who, along with their family members, put together and distributed bags filled with Thanksgiving food this week. Employees prepared the bags earlier this week, then gathered Thursday morning at Mansours Market Cafe and Eatery in the citys Hill Section and delivered them to patients and their families throughout the region. Deacon Marty Castaldi, the hospices chaplain, blessed the bags before employees and their families delivered them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials expected to deliver more than 700 meals during the distribution, which is in its 20th year. The bags include turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables and pumpkin pie. Kramer, a social worker in the hospices inpatient unit, has volunteered at the distribution for several years. She likes the camaraderie that she has with her co-workers, which puts what they do into perspective. Its a great way to start my Thanksgiving Day, to give back to our families and our patients, Kramer said. Its what Thanksgiving is all about, giving thanks for what we have in our lives and try to remember those (who are) are going through something. She said volunteering to distribute meals is her way of giving back to others. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nick Connors and his wife, Aly daughter and son-in-law of Ann Seechock, the hospices volunteer coordinator came from Philadelphia to Scranton for the holiday. It is the second year Nick Connors, a Philadelphia native, has volunteered. Scranton is a very nice, very tightknit community, and to be able to help is amazing, he said. Connors feels volunteering at the distribution is part of the holiday and hopes it will be a Thanksgiving tradition for him. He likes that many families are on hand to help. It feels great, Connors said. Theres so many people here, just being part of the community and a bunch of families coming out to help and make everyones Thanksgiving get a little better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Tara Welsh, back right, a licensed practical nurse at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, is assisted by her children, Kaylin, Alanna and Grant, putting bags of Thanksgiving meals into a vehicle to give to families Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) * Samantha Knowlton, an RN case manager at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, and volunteer Ryan Freedman, load a vehicle with meals Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. The meals were distributed to Hospice of the Sacred Heart families and patients. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) * Hospice of the Sacred Heart licensed practical nurse Justin Cognetti, left, and volunteer Grace Seechock bring out bags of Thanksgiving meals Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement * Bags prepared by employees at Hospice of the Sacred Heart sit ready for distribution at Mansours Market Cafe Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) * A card sticks out from a bag prepared by employees at Hospice of the Sacred Heart at Mansours Market Cafe Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. Employees delivered the bags of Thanksgiving food to families served by the hospice. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) * Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO Diane Baldi addresses employees and volunteers prior to distributing bags of Thanksgiving meals Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) * Deacon Marty Castaldi, chaplain at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, sprinkles holy water over bags of Thanksgiving meals prior to employees delivering them to families Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Show Caption 1 of 7 Tara Welsh, back right, a licensed practical nurse at Hospice of the Sacred Heart, is assisted by her children, Kaylin, Alanna and Grant, putting bags of Thanksgiving meals into a vehicle to give to families Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (Christine Lee/Staff Photo) Expand He credits his mother-in-law for organizing the distribution together. Hospice of the Sacred Heart CEO Diane Baldi estimated between 50 and 60 employees volunteered to prepare and give out 150 bags to families in nine counties. Employees delivered the meals as far away as Wyoming and Susquehanna counties, and southern Luzerne County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition to food, each bag also contained cards from area schools, which she said some families enjoy more than the meal itself. Baldi loves seeing employees come together to pack and deliver the bags, adding it makes the holiday less stressful for caregivers as they dont have to worry about making a meal. Its really giving back to the families, she said, adding families love seeing staff deliver meals. Its so rewarding for us. The hospice started the Thanksgiving distribution 20 years ago as a way to help families and caregivers. Baldi estimates employees have given out around 2,000 meals to families in that time. She said it aligns with the hospices mission to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families. Baldi said the gratitude families show toward employees makes it worthwhile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I count this whole team as my blessing and it just continues to amaze me, she said. Im in awe of it all the time. Dr. Frank Bucci Jr., the hospices founder and board chairman, said the distribution shows love to those who are going through struggles. He added giving is beneficial for families and employees. This is a way for us to give to the community, he said. This is Thanksgiving, so it makes it even that much more special for us. African Union Chairperson and Angolan President Joao Lourenco delivers a speech at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua) LUANDA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- African and European leaders on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in peace and security, development, climate action and migration at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit held in Luanda. Closing the two-day meeting, African Union Chairperson and Angolan President Joao Lourenco said discussions reflected a shared willingness to deepen dialogue and advance practical cooperation between the two continents. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which has mobilized more than 120 billion euros (about 138.8 billion U.S. dollars) in investment for Africa since its launch three years ago, aims to support local job creation, value-chain development, and strategic industries including raw-material processing, pharmaceutical production, and regional energy interconnections. According to the summit's joint declaration, both sides stressed support for multilateralism, the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and stronger cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, climate adaptation, green energy, digital transformation, agriculture, and health systems. They also pledged to boost investment, support Africa's industrialization, enhance regional integration, and adopt a balanced approach to migration that expands legal pathways while addressing irregular flows. A permanent follow-up mechanism will be established to monitor implementation of summit commitments. The next AU-EU Summit will be held in Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Nov. 24, 2025. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua) Guests pose for photos at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Nov. 24, 2025. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua) Hundreds attended a vigil on Tuesday night to remember fallen Alhambra Police Officer Alec Sanders, who was killed in the line of duty during a chase when his cruiser collided with a stolen SUV. Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed murder charges against 27-year-old El Monte resident Steven Zapata -- the man they say was driving the stolen SUV. The driver of an allegedly stolen SUV that collided with a police vehicle in Alhambra, killing a 28-year-old officer, has been charged with murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sanders' fellow officers memorialised him at Tuesday's vigil, sharing stories of a colleague and career cut short. Weighed with grief, officers of the Alhambra Police Department shielded the flames that burned in Sanders' memory. "A light of service, a light of courage, a light of joy for the job he loved so deeply," one speaker said. Standing shoulder-to-shoulder under the American flag, officers from agencies across Southern California showed up, as they often do for each other when one of their own has fallen. SEE ALSO: Alhambra community mourns police officer killed in pursuit crash A memorial at the Alhambra Police Department continues to grow for the 28-year-old officer killed after a chase ended in a violent crash. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I stopped whatever I was doing at that time, and I had to take a second to myself and just try to digest and try to understand why. I still don't get it. It still doesn't seem real," said Officer Triston Gibson with the Long Beach Police Department. Last Thursday, 28-year-old Sanders picked up an extra shift to cover for a colleague. Alhambra police began pursuing what they say was a stolen Hyundai SUV. The chase lasted just moments before Sanders' cruiser collided with the SUV at Edgewood Street and Valley Boulevard, killing Sanders and a female passenger in the SUV instantly. Another passenger was injured. Eyewitness News spoke to young Long Beach officers who had been with Sanders since day one in the academy there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His drive, nothing shook him," Gibson said. "He stayed calm under everything." "He would tell us, 'Why would you guys stop? Don't stop what you're doing. Continue to do the work,'" Officer Jeremy Mabini said. "He would want us to get back out on the streets." Sanders had served with the Alhambra Police Department for just eight months. RELATED: Memorial fund set up for 28-year-old Alhambra officer killed in pursuit crash A memorial fund has been established for Alhambra Officer Alec Sanders, the 28-year-old officer killed after a chase ended in a crash. "We ask for strength for the next moment, direction for the next step," a speaker said at the vigil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sonny Stringer knows that need for direction too well. "You're always thinking about it," he said through tears. The last time Alhambra officers gathered like this was for his son, Officer Ryan Stringer, who was killed in the line of duty in 2011. "I was concerned about the parents, the family. You go through hell," Sonny Stringer said. Now, he hopes to help comfort Sanders' family, who are still very raw in their grief. Sanders leaves behind a fiancee, several siblings and his mother -- who were all present at the vigil but too grief-stricken to speak. A hunter has to pay a fine for shooting a protected bird species in Darke County, according to a spokesperson with the Ohio Division of Wildlife. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] On the opening morning of the dove hunting season, two state wildlife officers received information that a hunter shot and killed a killdeer. A killdeer is a protected bird species. Its described as a brown and white bird with two distinct bands encircling the neck and upper chest, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson said the officers found the bird hidden in the bushes near the suspect. The officers took the bird as evidence, and the suspect was issued a summons for taking or possessing a nongame bird. The hunter was found guilty in the Darke County Municipal Court and ordered to pay $349, the spokesperson said. The division didnt identify the suspect. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The 13 detained Israelis crossed through the Golan Heights into Syria before being apprehended. The IDF detained 13 Israelis who crossed into Syrian territory from the Golan Heights after breaching the border in two separate locations, according to a statement released by the IDF on Thursday evening. Upon receiving reports of the breach, IDF forces responded and located the Israelis, resulting in a brief clash before the eight individuals were detained and returned to Israeli territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspects were then handed over to the Israel Police for interrogation, according to the IDF. At one breach site, eight suspects damaged a border fence as they infiltrated. Israel Police reported that the eight are suspected of having committed several offenses against an IDF soldier during the process of their arrest. Army Radio reported that circular saws were used to cut holes in a border fence opposite the Israeli town of Alonei Habashan. An Israeli man is seen crossing the Israeli border into southern Syria, on November 27, 2025 (VIA SECTION 27A OF THE COPYRIGHT ACT) Five additional suspects were arrested at the other breach site on Mount Hermon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel Police announced that further decisions regarding the detention of the suspects will depend on the development and findings of the investigation. The IDF condemned the incident, clarifying that the crossing of the border constitutes a criminal offense that endangers civilians and IDF troops. The Israel Police released a statement reminding the public that the crime of crossing the border into Syria or Lebanon is punishable by up to 4 years in prison. August border breach foiled In August, the same organized group of Israeli civilians illegally breached the Syria-Israel border and attempted to perform a cornerstone-laying ceremony with the intention of creating a settlement in Syrian territory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That group was identified as the "Pioneers of the Bashan," an activist organization made up of families and young adults. The IDF similarly responded to the August incident, pursuing the attempted settlers, detaining them, and bringing them back to Israeli territory for questioning. This is a developing story. Federal law enforcement sources have identified the suspected shooter accused of opening fire on two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old illegal Afghan national who entered the United States during the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, according to multiple reports. Sources told the New York Post that Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration program that resettled tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees after the fall of Kabul. Authorities say Lakanwal allegedly approached and opened fire on the Guardsmen near the Farragut West Metro Station shortly after 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, in what officials now describe as a targeted attack, before a third National Guard member returned fire and took him down, according to law enforcement sources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two Guardsmen were critically wounded and transported to area hospitals. The suspect who was also shot was taken into custody and removed from the scene on a stretcher, according to law enforcement sources. Federal officials have not publicly released a motive. However, sources told the Post the FBI is initially treating the shooting as a potential act of terrorism, pending further investigation. President Donald Trump: An act of evil an act of terror In a national address Wednesday evening, President Donald Trump condemned the attack: This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred, and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity. The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginia National Guard and their families. The love of our entire country is pouring out for them, and we are lifting them up in our prayers. President Donald Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C., following the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said: President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the Secretary of the Army to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen to Washington DC. We will never back down. We will secure our capital. We will secure our cities. A Pentagon official told the Post that approximately 2,100 National Guard troops are currently assigned to the District, including about 900 from the D.C. National Guard and roughly 1,200 from other states. DC Mayor: Guard members were targeted D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said early findings indicate the shooter deliberately confronted the Guardsmen. She described the incident as a targeted shooting in which the suspect appeared to target these guardsmen. Suspect reportedly overstayed visa Federal law enforcement sources told media outlets that Lakanwal overstayed the Special Immigrant Visa he received after entering the country under Operation Allies Welcome, meaning he was allegedly in the U.S. illegally at the time of the attack. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prior federal reports, the Biden administration admitted roughly 90,000 Afghan nationals under its 2021 emergency resettlement programs. A 2024 inspector general review found that at least 55 evacuees were initially flagged on the terrorist watchlist before additional vetting removed most from consideration. At least nine remained in the database as of July 2024, and eight were living inside the United States. Lakanwal reportedly lived in Bellingham, Washington, one of the cities that received refugee placements under the program. Security lockdowns followed the attack The shooting took place in one of the busiest areas of downtown Washington, near Farragut Square and two blocks from the White House. Within minutes, federal and local agencies including the FBI, U.S. Park Police, Metropolitan Police Department, Secret Service, and Metro Transit Police secured the area. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport briefly halted departures as law enforcement helicopters circled overhead during the early response. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Metro Transit Police advised travelers to avoid the Farragut West station during the investigation. Officials have not released updates on the victims conditions. Federal and local investigators continue reviewing the suspects background, travel history, immigration status, and potential ties as the investigation expands. This is a developing story. More updates are expected. Wetlands are vital ecological resources that provide several benefits in urban and peri-urban areas. They slow down flood waters, and act as a source of fishing and farming livelihoods. They also provide socio-cultural benefits for local communities. But some of these valuable ecosystems, due to their presence in prime locations, are at the centre of competing cultural, ecological and economic interests. Property development, especially, is a threat to wetlands. The 2025 Global Wetland Outlook emphasises that the protection of wetlands is key to sustainable development. However, since 1970, about 411 million hectares of wetlands have been lost. In Africa, degradation is widespread and many are in poor condition. We are a multidisciplinary team of researchers working in the area of resilience, sustainability and justice in urban transitions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Our research highlights some of the local-level issues and conflicting interests that are shaping the rapid destruction of the Sakumono Ramsar Site in Tema, Ghana. Under the Ramsar Convention, a Ramsar site is a designated wetland with special natural significance. We found institutional complicity and the lack of engagement with communities to be key drivers shaping current wetland conditions. Our study proposes a model for enforcing regulations and asserting the communitys right to nature for socio-cultural purposes. Read more: A root cause of flooding in Accra: developers clogging up the city's wetlands Tema: wetlands in an industrial city Tema was developed from a small fishing community into an industrialised port city by independent Ghanas first president, Kwame Nkrumah. Its purpose was to facilitate international trade and vibrant economic development. It is one of Ghanas most important cities and has been experiencing urban expansion and land use changes. This has led to encroachment in environmentally sensitive areas, including the Ramsar site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Sakumono wetland was officially designated a Ramsar site in 1992 to protect its rich biodiversity. It covers about 1,400 hectares and is protected by several regulations, including the Wetland Management Regulations Act, 1999. But the site has, over the years, witnessed rapid depletion and intense encroachment from property development. Approximately 80% of the Sakumono Ramsar Site has been encroached on, leaving only about 20% of the wetland intact. Population in the wetlands catchment area had grown from about 114,600 in 1984 to over 500,000 by 2000, indicating that large numbers of people live around and rely on the wetland. Although the exact number of people currently affected by the wetlands encroachment is unknown, the dense surrounding population suggests that many households, especially those engaged in farming and fishing, have likely experienced reduced access and livelihood displacement. Like other wetlands in Ghana, the Sakumomo Ramsar site risks eventual destruction if nothing is done to reverse current trends. The president of Ghana has called for heavy punishment for individuals who encroach on Ramsar sites. Both community and institutional respondents in our research claimed, however, that it was the political elites who were behind unbridled property development in the first place. Read more: Flooding incidents in Ghana's capital are on the rise. Researchers chase the cause Multiple and conflicting interests in wetlands management The main objective of our study was to analyse stakeholders perspectives on the use, value and management of wetlands. We evaluated the impact of these views on the sustainable management of ecologically sensitive areas. We conducted in-depth interviews with community residents, community leaders and opinion leaders. We also interviewed officials from metropolitan and municipal assemblies. The research was conducted in the Sakumono community, where the Sakumono Ramsar site is located. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conflicting views on wetlands value: while the value of the site lies in its economic and ecological benefits, community residents were more interested in its economic value. That is, how it provides livelihood opportunities through farming and fishing activities. Residents wondered why developers were allowed to exploit portions of the wetlands for building purposes, while they were prevented from fishing and farming. One of the residents said: See rich and influential people buying land in the wetland area and using it for building properties. But we are not permitted to fish there. For state institutions, protecting the wetland meant restricting access for community members. They encouraged activities such as tree planting and periodic desilting. Conflicting views on wetlands use: the views of stakeholders also showed the changing understanding of the use of wetlands. An official from the forestry commission revealed that the wetland was acquired by the state during the 1980s for conservation. But other institutional officials, such as those of the lands commission, revealed that it had become a prime area for property development. Powerful developers bypass the land registration process and build without a permit. The size of the Ramsar site has reduced because people are acquiring the wetland, including the buffer area, for residential development. Even though the wetland area is demarcated as a protected area, many of the politically connected developers go behind us and build without a permit. Conflicting views on wetlands management: our research revealed contradictions between state institutions and community stakeholders. For instance, traditional authorities were of the view that: Since the management of the wetland is not under our control, we are not responsible for the current developments taking place in and around the demarcated area. The traditional authorities said they were not consulted and did not benefit from the wetland. This perhaps explains why they watched on as destruction continued. A member of the traditional council said: As leaders of the community, we are not consulted about how the wetland is managed. You always hear the forestry commission accusing community leaders that we are selling the land. We cant sell land that does not belong to us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Towards a community-based stewardship model Communities should be at the centre of wetlands management. We propose a stewardship-based co-management model that enforces environmental and conservation regulations. It emphasises working with a range of stakeholders. This includes government agencies, traditional authorities and environmentally conscious community members. We call for an updated wetlands management plan that reflects recent changes, but that is also fair, responsible and protective for present and future generations. This is essential for building sustainable communities in Ghana and beyond. 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: Stephen Leonard Mensah, University of Memphis; Louis Kusi Frimpong, University of Environment and Sustainable Development , and Seth Asare Okyere, University of Pittsburgh Read more: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Louis Kusi Frimpong receives funding from African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics (APDD) through the Individual Research Fellowship (IRF). Seth Asare Okyere and Stephen Leonard Mensah do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Rights group Amnesty International has warned that Israeli authorities are still committing genocide in Gaza, waging new attacks and curbing critical aid access, despite the declared ceasefire. Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire deal more than 500 times in seven weeks killing at least 347 Palestinians and injuring 889 people since the deal that was meant to end its genocidal war came into effect on October 10. Nearly 70,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began more than two years ago. The rights organisation issued a statement on Thursday, as Israeli forces carried out a series of air strikes in southern and central Gaza, including in areas beyond the yellow line where they are supposed to remain withdrawn under the agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So far, there is no indication that Israel is taking serious measures to reverse the deadly impact of its crimes and no evidence that its intent has changed, said Amnestys Secretary-General Agnes Callamard. In fact, Israeli authorities are continuing their ruthless policies, restricting access to vital humanitarian aid and essential services, and deliberately imposing conditions calculated to physically destroy Palestinians in Gaza. The world must not be fooled. Israels genocide is not over, she said. Some of Israels strikes on Thursday morning targeted buildings in central Gazas Bureij camp and eastern Khan Younis, according to Al Jazeeras correspondents on the ground. They add to hundreds of attacks that Gazas civil defence says are brazen violations of the fragile seven-week ceasefire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also come as Israels military carried out another wave of raids and arrests across the occupied West Bank, including in the areas of Qalqilya, Tubas, Hebron, Tulkarem and Nablus. During their raid in Tubas, Israeli forces conducted field interrogations and assaulted at least 25 people who required medical treatment, according to a local Palestinian Red Crescent official quoted by the Wafa news agency. More Palestinian prisoners released The first stage of the Gaza truce moved closer to completion on Wednesday after Israel transferred the bodies of 15 Palestinian prisoners to Gaza authorities, a day after Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad handed over the body of another Israeli captive. Palestinian armed groups have now released all living captives and returned the remains of 26 of 28 captives stipulated to be transferred under the deal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said the latest handover shows the groups steadfast commitment to fully complete the exchange process and its ongoing efforts to finalise it despite significant difficulties. Israel, for its part, has freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and returned the bodies of 345, many of whom showed signs of torture, mutilation and execution. But the ceasefire continues to face major hurdles, including the presence of dozens of Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels on the Israeli-occupied side of the yellow line in southern Gaza 20 of whom Israel says it has killed over the past week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, Hamas urged ceasefire mediators to pressure Israel to allow the Hamas fighters safe passage. The group accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire by targeting the fighters who are besieged in the tunnels of Rafah. We hold (Israel) fully responsible for the lives of our fighters and call upon our mediators to take immediate action to pressure (Israel) to allow our sons to return home, Hamas said in a statement. Will the ceasefire progress to phase two? Meanwhile, discussions are under way on how to transition to the second phase of the ceasefire, which is to include deploying an armed international stabilisation force, tasked with demilitarising Gaza, and developing an international body to temporarily govern the Gaza Strip and oversee reconstruction. Turkish, Qatari and Egyptian mediators met in Cairo on Tuesday to discuss the second phase, reported Reuters. But major questions hang over nearly every part of the plan, as well as Israels commitment to seeing it through. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Until this moment, Israel has not given up on its plan to ethnically cleanse Gaza, said Muhammad Shehada, visiting fellow with the European Council on Foreign Relations Middle East and North Africa programme, told Al Jazeera. Either Gaza stays permanently as a refugee camp in ruins that is unlivable, uninhabitable, and that sustains conditions that are designed to bring about collapse to life there or Hamas retaliates and Israel uses it as an excuse to resume the genocide. Amnestys Callamard urged for continued global pressure on Israel to abide by international law and to not allow the ceasefire to serve as a smokescreen for Israels ongoing genocide. The international community cannot afford to be complacent: states must keep up pressure on Israel to allow unfettered access to humanitarian aid, lift its unlawful blockade and end its ongoing genocide, said Callamard. Mediators conveyed the offer, which included a clause permitting return to Gaza if the terrorists disarm, to Hamas leaders, but received no answer, N12 reported. Israel submitted a proposal to Hamas via intermediaries, offering terms that if Hamas terrorists hiding in terror tunnels in the Gaza Strip surrender, they would be arrested and imprisoned within Israel rather than killed, N12 reported on Wednesday. According to the reported proposal, the terrorists may be offered to return to the Gaza Strip following their arrest if they promise to disarm and not engage in terror activity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mediators conveyed the message to Hamas terrorists, but no response was given, according to the report. "We gave the terrorists in Rafah the option to live and be released from there. Up until this moment, they have not agreed to meet the conditions we set. It seems as if they have decided to become martyrs," an Israeli source told N12. This is a developing story. Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said he fully supports President Donald Trumps plan to deploy 500 more National Guard members to Washington, D.C., just hours after two troops were shot by an Afghan national who was in the country illegally. Comer, during an appearance on The Ingraham Angle on Fox News on Wednesday night, said D.C. needs more troops because the Democratic Partys anti-police officer rhetoric drove many local cops out of the city. He was joined by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) for the segment. We do need more National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., Jason, he told guest host Jason Chaffetz. You know, and Buddy Carter knows how dangerous Washington, D.C. is. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Right before Comer spoke, Fox News aired clips of several Democratic lawmakers criticizing the presidents deployment of the National Guard to American cities in recent months. That included footage of Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) saying the goal was to terrorize cities in September, followed by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) saying the same thing a month later. Comer was disgusted with those comments following the shooting, saying that type of rhetoric from the Democrats puts [troops] in peril. He then said the liberal metro council in D.C. passed so many liberal criminal justice reform bills that it made it nearly impossible for local cops to defend themselves. That has led to a headcount issue, Comer said. The morale was so low in the Washington, D.C. Police Force that many officers went to other cities to be police officers, he added. They didnt want to be in Washington, D.C., so they have a problem getting the number of police officers that they need. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His comments were made a few hours after two National Guard troops were shot. Both troops, FBI Director Kash Patel said, were in critical condition. Fox News National Correspondent Brooke Taylor later reported that law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who overstayed his visa after being let into the U.S. during President Joe Bidens term. President Trump said the animal who shot the troops will pay a very steep price. Soon after, Pete Hegseth said the president would be sending 500 more Guardsmen to D.C. Watch Comer above. The post James Comer Says Shooting of National Guard Members in D.C. Shows We Do Need More National Guard Troops in Washington first appeared on Mediaite. Meryam Halaika, 22, published four Arabic-language posts on Facebook calling for attacks and voicing identification with Hamas, according to the indictment. An indictment was filed on Wednesday against aKafr Kassem resident for incitement to terrorism and expressing support for a terrorist organization during the Israel-Hamas War, the Israel Police stated. Meryam Halaika, 22, published four Arabic-language posts on Facebook calling for attacks and voicing identification with Hamas, according to the indictment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to prosecutors, Halaikas posts included a green heart emoji associated with Hamas and appeals for humiliation and fear to befall Jews, alongside prayers for the success of our soldiers. Another post included a Quranic quote and called for victory and protection for fighters. In a separate message, the indictment says, Halaika described Gaza as resisting the worlds cancer called Israel, and praised men in Gaza for miracles, framing the violence as a path to freedom. Prosecutors add that she also uploaded an image of Israels map with the caption, Victory from God, an opening soon. #Palestine 7.10.2023. Police car at night (credit: POLICE SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) Rise in terror, incitement in West Bank, Jerusalem Last week, Israeli forces arrested over60 wanted suspects across the West Bank, including 18 Hamas operatives, during a series of raids targeting terror cells and weapons trafficking hubs. In the northern West Bank, troops detained 18 wanted Hamas operatives and inciters, along with suspects linked to recent attacks. In Jerusalem alone, Israel Police have arrested dozens of suspects for incitement and support for terrorism since the Israel-Hamas War began, including former Balad MK Haneen Zoabi. The Texas Department of Public Safety is preparing for the chaotic holiday season and is advising residents to travel safely. While millions of Texans are preparing to hit the road ahead of Thanksgiving and Christmas, Texas DPS reminded them to make a plan, drive responsibly, and pack an emergency kit. Texas is a big state and, like it or not, youre not always connected, said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee in a press release. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in keeping you and your family safe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Before Texans leave for the holidays, the agency reminded them to ensure their vehicles are in good condition by checking the oil, wipers, brakes, tires, and lights, and filling up on gas, according to the release. If they are traveling with a gun, officials asked them to keep it safely secured. Responsible gun storage helps prevent thefts and keeps firearms out of the wrong hands, the release reads. Texas DPS also offered numerous safety tips, like refraining from drinking and driving, eliminating distractions like cell phones, and buckling up, according to the release. Before residents leave, officials said they should check the weather and road conditions. They should also ensure their vehicle is properly maintained and their cargo is secure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While driving, officials encouraged defensive driving, avoiding cutting off large trucks because they take longer to brake, using the left lane only to pass, slowing down for bad weather, and moving over or slowing down for first responders or stopped vehicles. Should residents break down or get in a crash, they should clear the vehicle from the roadway If you can Steer It, Clear It, according to the release. On some highways, it can be illegal to leave ones vehicle in place when it is safe to move. If they see road hazards or suspicious activity, they should report it to the nearest law enforcement agency. Texas DPS also encouraged residents to pack emergency items in case their car breaks down. If you experience a breakdown or emergency on a rural highway, help may take time to arrive, Rippee said in the release. Thats why having an emergency kit and preparing for the unexpected is so important. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Travelers should pack a map or printed directions, water and non-perishable snacks, a first aid kit, medications and special supplies, and a blanket, warm clothing, and rain gear, according to Texas DPS. Travelers should also pack a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables or a portable battery charger, a basic toolkit, a tire gauge and spare tire, a portable phone charger, and an ice scraper for unexpected weather. Texas DPS also began its Thanksgiving highway crackdown on November 26, as The Dallas Express reported. The enforcement blitz will run through November 30, with troopers focusing on impaired driving and seat belt violations. Last year, the operation brought more than 45,000 traffic citations and warnings. According to KFDA, Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous times to drive nationwide, with drunk driving and speeding causing many deaths. Texas roads experience a major increase in traffic on both the days before and after the Thanksgiving holiday, Rippee said ahead of the holiday crackdown. Were asking everyone to be mindful, whether youre in [a] passenger vehicle or a commercial truck stay alert, be patient, follow the law and focus on getting to your destination safely. JUNIATA COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A man was found guilty of severing another mans finger with a machete during an argument last year at a Port Royal home. Online court records show, 59-year-old Brian Beers, of Port Royal, was found guilty Monday on a felony charge of aggravated assault and a misdemeanor charge of simple assault after a trial. He was also found guilty of a summary charge of harassment. Beers is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 6, court records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now abc27 Evening Newsletter Charging documents filed by Pennsylvania State Police detail the investigation that led to Beers being charged. Beers was living in a mans Port Royal home for three years, and the man wanted Beers to leave, leading the two to get into an argument on Sept. 26, 2024. According to court documents, the men were standing on opposite sides of a door that they were pushing back and forth on each other. When the door closed, and the two men were face to face, that is when State Police said Beers swung a machete, cutting off the other mans thumb. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses heard the victim scream, he cut my f****** thumb off, according to court docs. He was taken to Lewistown Hospital for treatment. State Police said Beers admitted to attacking the victim with a machete during questioning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. (Bernat Armangue/Russian Presidential Press Service/AP photos) Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal with Russia that was brokered by the United States, but a cautious Volodymyr Zelensky warned much work remains to be done. Following the meetings in Geneva, we see many prospects that can make the path to peace real, Zelensky wrote in an X post on Tuesday. There are solid results, and much work still lies ahead. This morning, I spoke with Prime Minister of the United Kingdom @Keir_Starmer. It was a good and very productive conversation. I thanked the Prime Minister for the condolences he expressed to the Ukrainian people. Last night, Russia launched another attack at a time when pic.twitter.com/8twO1mYLLr Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) November 25, 2025 News of the agreement came hours after a Russian missile barrage in Ukraine that left at least seven dead, the Associated Press reported. Meanwhile, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is meeting with Russian officials in Abu Dhabi in an effort to get the Russians on board with the peace plan. This story is developing. The post JUST IN: Ukraine Agrees to US-Brokered Peace Proposal But Zelensky Says Much Work Lies Ahead first appeared on Mediaite. Thanksgiving plans were messed up for families in South Los Angeles after a water main broke early Thursday morning. According to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a 24-inch pipe burst around 3:30 a.m. on Manchester Avenue at Hoover Street, flooding the area. Manchester Avenue from Vermont to the 110 Freeway looked like a river as crews worked to repair the break. Eventually, crews dug a large hole in the ground to turn off the water and replace the pipe. Bulldozers worked for hours to clear the scene and scrape mud off the roadways. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the water shut off, neighbors say their Thanksgiving plans have been impacted. "The water is off at my house. So, it's hard to do our last-minute cooking and all that. So, I'm just waiting for them to turn the water back on," said resident Walter Pratt Jr. "I know, especially my mom, she's cooking a lot for our family right now. I don't think she's going to be able to get a lot of that done," said Ian Scott. Service to hundreds is being affected, including homes, apartment buildings, commercial buildings and businesses. Crews on scene said the water may not be turned back on for all residents until Thursday evening. Some stretches of Manchester Avenue will remain closed until approximately 8 p.m., when the repairs are expected to be completed. The cause of the water main break is still under investigation. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) The family of a Nevada state senators son who was shot and killed inside a Las Vegas valley casino earlier this year is suing the property, claiming negligence. Aerion Warmsley, 20, is accused of shooting and killing Naonche Osborne, 23, inside the Aliante Casino and Hotel in North Las Vegas on March 27. In 2022, former Democratic State Sen. Pat Spearman identified Osborne as her adopted son following his arrest for a shooting in her home. >>Download the 8 News Now Vegas streaming app Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surveillance video the 8 News Now Investigators first obtained showed the incident unfolding around 4:30 a.m. on the casino floor when Warmsley and another individual were recorded talking with Osborne, police said. The two then walked away, but Warmsley returned moments later and engaged in another conversation with Osborne. Warmsley then pulled out a handgun and attempted to hit Osborne in the head, but missed, prosecutors said, citing the video. As Osborne tried to run, Warmsley fired, striking him in the head and causing him to fall. Warmsley then fired six more rounds at Osborne before rummaging through his pockets and taking unknown items, police said. He then drove off in a stolen Mercedes, allegedly carjacking several people before leading police on a chase. According to grand jury transcripts, Warmsley and another man spent the early morning hours of March 27 sitting in a stolen car in various locations at the casino. A security officer at the property interacted with the pair at least twice before Warmsley allegedly shot and killed Osborne. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Willecia Calhoun, identified in paperwork as Osbornes natural mother, filed the lawsuit on Nov. 24. Calhoun identifies herself as the administrator of Osbornes estate. Calhoun and her attorneys claim casino staff [failed] to manage, control, supervise, secure, and/or maintain the property in a reasonable and safe manner and/or failure to provide adequate and reasonable safety measures and/or adequate security personnel, documents said. Aerion Warmsley, 20, jumps out of a vehicle after a carjacking and police pursuit following the shooting death of Naonche Osborne, 23, inside the Aliante Casino and Hotel in North Las Vegas on March 27, 2025. Osborne was the adopted son of Democratic State Sen. Pat Spearman. (LVMPD) The lawsuit cites claims of negligence, saying the property, among other things, failed to provide adequate security for its patrons, invitees, and the public and failed to have [a] sufficient number of guards in visible areas as to deter crime. They claim the shooting was reasonably foreseeable. The lawsuit asks a judge to schedule a trial and for a jury to award damages in excess of $15,000, which is standard in Nevada civil cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warmsley faces charges in both state and federal courts. There is no state statute in Nevada specifically regarding carjackings: the action of threatening a driver with a weapon and stealing their vehicle. Instead, state prosecutors will prosecute a person for grand larceny of a motor vehicle. He was scheduled to appear in Clark County District Court on Dec. 2 for his attorneys, prosecutors and the judge to discuss the status of his case. A trial in his federal case was scheduled for January. In 2022, Osborne shot his cousin, David Spearman, in Pat Spearmans home, records said. A prior shooting at the home involving Osborne on Sept. 1, 2022, went unreported until the October incident, according to North Las Vegas police. A judge later sentenced Osborne to a year in county jail and to pay restitution, records said. A representative for Boyd Gaming, which operates the Aliante property, previously said the company declines to comment on pending litigation. 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 KLAS. A proposed law change could make it illegal to use artificial intelligence (AI) to make sexual images without consent in Guernsey. The States of Guernsey said the Committee for Home Affairs would look to address nine areas by amendments to the Sexual Offences Law 2020. One of the proposed changes involves using AI to create false sexual images and videos - known as deepfakes - without consent. Det Insp Thomas Lowe said: "Our main goal is always to safeguard victims and ensure offenders are brought to justice, and I hope these new amendments, when passed, will allow us to do that more effectively." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seven of the areas proposed to be tackled relate to sexual imagery and two would look to fix gaps identified since the law was introduced. Creating or taking intimate images without consent would also be come an offence, alongside sharing these images. Other new offences include cyberflashing, requesting deepfakes and possessing indecent cartoons or drawings of children. 'Protect the community' The changes would also broaden the application of Risk of Sexual Harm Orders, which could be used by a court to prevent a person causing any harm to children. Home Affairs President Marc Leadbeater said: "The committee was concerned to learn that Guernsey Police have dealt with cases involving intimate AI images or similar in recent months, and so was determined to act swiftly to protect victims of this type of offending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We will also be taking the opportunity to enhance some other areas of the legislation, with regard to indecent images of children, and the powers the criminal justice system has in order to protect the community." 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 In New South Wales, the turn away from plastic products has already begun. Single-use plastics such as grocery bags and cutlery have already been phased out, but now the Australian state is taking another step toward sustainability. According to ABC News, plastic bread tags, soy sauce bottles, and pizza savers (the little table-shaped pieces that keep pizza boxes from touching the food) are being added to the items to be phased out from the region. This move marks the second phase in the NSW Plastics Plan, which aims to reduce microplastics due to their impact. Microplastics infiltrate waterways, are consumed by animals, and are tied to cognitive decline in humans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Penny Sharpe, New South Wales' minister for the environment, spoke to the magnitude of the plastic problem and the need for continued action. "We're running out of landfill across New South Wales," Sharpe said, as quoted by ABC News. "A huge amount of it is ending up in our waterways, in our parks, making a mess everywhere," she added. The minister gave some stark statistics to back up these comments, adding that NSW generated over 935,000 tonnes (over 1 million tons) of plastic in 2024, with only 16% of it recycled. Ditching single-use plastic items is becoming more popular worldwide. More and more countries are acknowledging the potential impacts on human health and the environment and, as such, are making changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the U.S., California has a full ban on plastic bags set to go into effect by 2026, and Oregon and Illinois have similar proposals in the works. Meanwhile, government buildings in Baguio, the Philippines, continue to enforce a ban on single-use plastics. The move in NSW focuses on businesses. Jason Yat-Sen Li, a Member of the Legislative Assembly, explained: "They want to do the right thing, and now they've got a clear, practical path to reduce plastic waste. This is a real opportunity for businesses to lead." Next year, the government plans to continue the work, including banning lighter-than-air helium balloons, and government offices will begin using reusable cups to trial-run implementing them in restaurants. To do your part in eliminating plastic waste, you can find plastic-free alternatives to daily items. Small steps, such as taking reusable bags to the grocery store or having reusable to-go boxes, can lead us in the right environmental direction. 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. Police in Hong Kong have arrested three men from a construction company on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with a blaze that has killed at least 94 people and left hundreds of others missing in the city's deadliest fire in years. The fire that started Wednesday afternoon spread across seven of the complex's eight buildings, though the blazes on four of the towers were under control by morning, the city's fire services said. Officials said at least 70 people were injured, including 11 firefighters, with many suffering from burns and smoke inhalation. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters overnight. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire Services Department Director Andy Yeung said a firefighter was among the dead, and that the 37-year-old had been a firefighter for nine years. "All of our colleagues are deeply saddened by the loss of such a devoted comrade," he said in a news release. Firefighters work on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, to extinguish a fire that broke out the day prior at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories. / Credit: Chan Long Hei / AP As firefighters fought for a second day to extinguish the blaze, rescuers holding flashlights were going from apartment to apartment at the charred towers as thick smoke poured out from some windows at the Wang Fuk Court complex, a dense cluster of buildings housing thousands of people in Tai Po district, a northern suburb near Hong Kong's border with the mainland. Officials said firefighters were still working on a handful of apartments and trying to enter all of the units in the seven towers to ensure there were no further casualties. A firefighter works on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, to extinguish a fire that broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, the day prior. / Credit: Chan Long Hei / AP "Our firefighting operation is almost complete," said Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Services Operations. Firefighters were working hard "to prevent the debris and embers from flaring up. What's next is the search and rescue operation," he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was unclear how many people remained missing or trapped. Hong Kong leader John Lee said contact had been lost with 279 people early Thursday. Authorities did not provide updates on the missing people or how many were still inside the ravaged buildings Thursday during a news conference. Video showed rescuers searching in some apartments in the dark. Orange flames were still seen from inside several windows, though the whole complex was now largely a blackened ruin. Firefighters work to extinguish a fire that broke out Wednesday at Wang Fuk Court, a residential estate in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong's New Territories, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. / Credit: Chan Long Hei / AP It was not immediately known how the fire started, but officials said the flames started on the external scaffolding on one of the buildings, a 32-story tower, and later spread inside the building and then to nearby buildings, likely aided by windy conditions. The raging fire sent up a column of flames and thick smoke as it spread through the bamboo scaffolding that had been set up around the exterior of the complex. Live video from the scene showed firefighters aiming water at the intense flames from high up on ladder trucks as the skies darkened, with smoke billowing from windows and red-hot embers falling to the ground. Wong, a 71-year-old man, was photographed in tears outside the burning building claiming his wife was trapped inside. / Credit: Reuters Fire chiefs said high temperatures at the scene made it difficult for crews to mount rescue operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities suspected some materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet fire resistance standards, as the rapid spread of the fire was unusual. Police also said they found foam materials that are highly flammable outside the windows on each floor near the elevator lobby of the one unaffected tower, believed to be installed by a construction company. "We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent," said Eileen Chung, a senior superintendent of police. The three men arrested, aged 52 to 68, are the directors and an engineering consultant of the firm. Thick smoke and flames rise as a major fire engulfs several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on Nov. 26, 2025. / Credit: Yan Zhao/AFP via Getty Images The blaze was first reported in the mid-afternoon and was upgraded by nightfall to a level-5 alarm, the highest level of severity, the Fire Services Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters deployed more than 140 fire trucks and more than 60 ambulances to the scene. Police said they received multiple reports of people trapped in the affected buildings. Records show the housing complex consisted of eight blocks with almost 2,000 apartments housing about 4,800 people. It was built in the 1980s and had recently been undergoing a major renovation. Lo Hiu-fung, a Tai Po District Council member, told local TV station TVB earlier Wednesday that most of the residents trapped in the fire were believed to be elderly people. "Nearby residents please stay indoors and close doors and windows and stay calm and avoid going to areas affected by fire incidents," the Hong Kong Fire Services Department wrote on Facebook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. Tai Po is a suburban area in the northern part of Hong Kong and near the border with the mainland Chinese city of Shenzhen. The fire is the deadliest in Hong Kong in years. In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a level 5 fire that lasted for around 20 hours. Trump reacts to National Guard shooting in D.C. as details emerge about Afghan suspect FDNY commissioner says faith is factor in leaving role after Mamdani win: "Emotional decision" One of the National Guard troops shot in D.C. attack has died, Trump says At least 44 people have died in a major fire in several residential blocks in Hong Kong, 45 people were in serious condition and a further 279 still missing, Hong Kong authorities said early on Thursday. This significantly increases the number of victims following the devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in the Tai Po district of the city, which is a special administrative region of China. The authorities had classified the fire as a level 5 emergency, the highest level, about three hours after the alarm was raised at around 3:30 pm (1830 GMT) on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, it was reported that at least 29 injured people were treated in hospital. The cause of the fire remains unclear. Authorities have launched an investigation and intend to scrutinize the safety standards of the bamboo scaffolding and the green nets attached to the complex. According to a report in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire. Lee: Fire slowly being brought under control Among the dead was a firefighter, according to reports. As confirmed by the government of the Chinese special administrative region, the 37-year-old was found unconscious at the scene and was initially taken to hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Chief Executive John Lee, the emergency services gradually brought the flames under control, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported. All available emergency services were to be mobilized to fight the flames, he added. From Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences, Chinese state television reported. He assured the special administrative region of support. Fire engulfs several residential buildings The flames had engulfed seven residential blocks of the complex, reports cited the fire brigade as saying. Several calls were received from people trapped in their flats on Wednesday afternoon. The area comprises eight residential buildings, each with 32 storeys and a total of nearly 2,000 flats. The buildings were all surrounded by scaffolding for renovation work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Photos and videos from the scene showed large plumes of smoke rising from the scaffolded high-rise residential buildings. It was also visible how the facade scaffolding was ablaze over several storeys, with burning debris falling to the ground. Additionally, fires could be seen inside individual flats. Hundreds of emergency personnel on site Residents near the scene were advised to keep windows and doors closed and to avoid the area around the burning buildings. The Hong Kong police set up a telephone service for the public to obtain information about the victims. The South China Morning Post reported that more than 800 firefighters and paramedics with over 140 vehicles were deployed. Around 900 people sought shelter until late evening in the accommodation set up by the city. Even though the Rouse Simmons sank in 1912 in choppy Lake Michigan waters, its legacy continues to live on every holiday season. In the early 1900s, Wisconsin native Herman Schuenemann captained a Great Lakes lumber shipping vessel called the Rouse Simmons, a three-masted schooner known affectionately as The Christmas Tree Ship. Capt. Herman Schuenamann (center) and crew of the Rouse Simmons. While most ship captains who dabbled in the Christmas tree business sold their trees to middlemen wholesalers and grocers, Schuenemann sold directly to Chicago residents dockside by Clark Street Bridge. His insistence on keeping prices low and his tendency to give away 10% of his trees to families who could not afford them earned him the title Captain Santa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 'The Christmas Tree Ship and Captain Santa were Windy City heroes, said George V. Kisiel, chairman of Chicagos Christmas Ship Committee. Their arrival became a Christmas tradition, with crowds gathering and waiting at the dock. Folks would watch the parade of masts at the busy port, waiting for that glorious sight, a mast with a Christmas tree lashed aloft, appearing over the horizon, soon followed by the overwhelming scent of pine needles. A porthole from the Rouse Simmons is part of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society's collection at the Milwaukee Public Library's Central branch. The Rouse Simmons, which was built in Milwaukee, hauled Christmas trees on Lake Michigan in the early 20th century. Unfortunately, ship captains who supplemented their usual spring, summer and fall lumber shipping income with Christmas tree runs at the end of the year did so at great risk. Great Lakes weather worsens dramatically in late autumn, and by Thanksgiving, ship-wrecking storms can be a weekly, sometimes daily occurrence. Transporting a cargo of 5,000 trees lashed to the deck of a wooden three-masted schooner was a hazardous enterprise, said Kisiel. Capt. Schuenemann had lost his brother to the lake and was well aware of the dangers of the inland seas in November and December. Unfortunately, Schuenemann and the Rouse Simmons met their end the night of Nov. 23, 1912. The ship and its cargo foundered in a winter gale off shore between Kewaunee and Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Captain and crew were all lost. According to Kisiel, the sinking of The Christmas Tree Ship had a deeply painful impact on Chicago. On Nov. 24, 1912 as the usual crowd waited at the Clark Street Dock, hours passed without the arrival of the ship. The crowd gradually dispersed until only a lone child and her father remained. Ruthie Erickson held out hope for the ships arrival, and when her father tried to convince her to return home, her sad refrain echoes to this day in Chicago maritime folklore: Dad, she said. Without a Christmas tree, there is no Christmas. Rouse Simmons with Christmas trees at the dock in Chicago. More: November on the Great Lakes is deadly. The Edmund Fitzgerald and many others bear witness A Christmas tradition reborn Eighty-eight years after the sinking of the Rouse Simmons, the tradition of The Christmas Tree Ship was brought back to life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kisiel tells us the revival was one part perfect timing and two parts a whole lot of luck. In July of 2000, a group of Chicago mariners were aboard the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Mackinaw for the start of the annual Chicago-Mackinac sailboat race, Kisiel said. A discussion ensued about the turn-of-the-century schooners that brought Christmas trees to Chicago. The mariners began tossing around the idea of recreating the voyage and delivering Christmas trees to disadvantaged Chicago families. The idea sounded nice, but the obvious question remained: How could they bring back a tradition that ended partly because of how dangerous it is to sail on the Great Lakes during November and December? A spectator views the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw from a dock at the Cheboygan County Marina on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. That is where the United States Coast Guard comes in, because unlike most commercial and recreational Great Lakes vessels, the Coast Guard operates ships that are capable of tackling the inland seas year-round. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Every year around Thanksgiving, the USCGC Mackinaw, a 240-foot icebreaker vessel, leaves its port in Cheboygan and makes its way through the Straits of Mackinac and down through Lake Michigan, on a mission to examine and remove buoys in preparation for winter. In 2000, its captain was John Nickerson, and between him, Captain Dave Truitt (who would soon become the first chairman of Chicagos Christmas Ship Committee), and a few others, it was decided that the Coast Guard vessel would begin bringing Christmas trees down to Chicago. They were already headed that way anyway, Kisiel said with a chuckle. Crew members on the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw pose for a photo in 2021 with their annual cargo of Christmas trees. More: Trees loaded for Christmas ship's 100th anniversary Cheboygan embraces its Coasties and their annual Christmas mission Cheboygan-stationed Coastguardsmen have been transporting hundreds of Christmas trees to Chicago every year without fail since 2000. Even when the USCGC Mackinaw was unavailable in 2011 due to maintenance needs, another Coast Guard cutter, the Alder, was quickly dispatched to pick up and deliver the trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2018, the Coast Guards efforts have been greatly assisted by Cheboygans Coast Guard Connection Committee, of which Joanne Cromley is co-chair. According to Cromley, the committees mission is to help make Cheboygan feel like a home away from home for some 60 Coast Guard service members during their tour serving on the Mackinaw. We want the Coasties to feel that Cheboygan is a welcoming place and that we appreciate their service time here, Cromley said. Further, the Coast Guard Connection welcomes the families of service members and works to make the adjustment of moving to a new post as comfortable as possible. To Cromley, a big part of how the community comes together and works with the Coast Guard is by adding a volunteer and organizing component to the Christmas tree event. U.S. Coast Guard members and many in the Cheboygan community helped load Christmas trees onto the USCGC Mackinaw on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. First, the Christmas Ship Committee in Chicago fundraises throughout the year and procures donations to order 1,200 trees from Dutchman Tree Farms in Manton, Michigan. The trees are delivered to Cheboygan via 18-wheelers, and from there, Cheboygan volunteers take over. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, three area high schools send students to the docks and they help unload the trees from the trucks, place them on a conveyor belt that brings the trees onto the USCGC Mackinaw, and from there the students help store and secure the trees in the ship, Cromley said. Once all the trees are loaded and stored, the students receive tours of the Coast Guard cutter, giving them an opportunity to interact with its crew and see what its like to operate an icebreaker vessel on the Great Lakes. U.S. Coast Guard members and many in the Cheboygan community helped load Christmas trees onto the USCGC Mackinaw on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. But the volunteer efforts and community engagement doesnt end there. We also ask local children, seniors and families to write Christmas cards, Cromley said. We put out an ask for 1,200 Christmas cards, one to go with each tree, so that the families receiving the trees down in Chicago get a Christmas card from families in Cheboygan. We always, and I mean always, get more cards than we ask for. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cheboygan then sends off the Mackinaw with much fanfare, cheering and waving as the icebreaker heads out with a cargo of Christmas trees and cards. This year, the send-off party will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Cheboygan County Marina on Saturday, Nov. 29, with a 10 a.m. departure time. The date and time is subject to change due to weather or other factors. There is a strong sense of local pride in being the home port of the USCGC Mackinaw, Cromley said. We have a great local treasure by having a Coast Guard presence here, and the fact that the ship and its crew is involved in a Christmas tradition as special as this, that makes us all really proud to call Cheboygan home. Community members wave to the crew aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw during a send-off party held at the Cheboygan County Marina on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023. Tradition's impact goes beyond tree delivery Once the USCGC Mackinaw arrives at Navy Pier in Chicago, the Chicago Christmas Ship Committee, Ada S. McKinley Community Services and a number of other organizations host ship-welcoming events that include educational programing for high school students, choral performances, official memorials for lost sailors, a Chicago Fire Department helicopter flyover and a ship-decorating event, all of which culminates in volunteers boarding the cutter to unload the trees onto trucks that then depart to distribute the trees to needy families throughout Chicago. This tradition has an impact well beyond the simple delivery of free Christmas trees, Kisiel said. There are about 20 community organizations that we partner with to get the trees out into Chicago neighborhoods and to the families who need them. These organizations tell us that this annual event is their best opportunity to do outreach into the communities they serve, to tell local Chicagoans, Hello there, were here in your neighborhood. Were here if you need us. And by the way, heres a Christmas tree. The Coast Guard brought it all the way from Cheboygan, Michigan, and we just wanted you to have it. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ren Brabenec is a Brimley-based freelance writer and journalist with The Sault News. He reports on politics, local issues, environmental stories, and the economy. For questions, comments, or to suggest a story, email hello@renbrabenec.com. This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: 'Christmas Tree Ship' tradition lives on thanks to Cheboygan Coast Guard Nov. 27 (UPI) -- French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday the creation of a new voluntary military service amid concerns about a possible confrontation with Russia. Calling it an "act of trust in our youth," Macron made the announcement in a speech to troops stationed at a base just outside of Grenoble in southeast France, the BBC reported. The new service will launch next summer, offering monthly payments to recruits, mostly aged 18 and 19, of at least 800 euros, or about $930, a month for 10 months of training, according to the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The only way to avoid danger is to prepare for it," Macron said. "We need to mobilise, mobilising the nation to defend itself, to be ready and remain respected." The new initiative seeks to recruit 3,000 initial volunteers and steadily increase to 50,000 youth joining by 2035, "depending on evolving threats," with volunteers having the option to stay in the military or become reservists, the Wall Street Journal reported. French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced a new voluntary military service. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI "We can't go back to the times of conscription, but we're in need of mobilization," Macron said. Macron has actively sought to bolster Ukraine's defense against Russia's ongoing invasion. France recently signed a deal to sell Ukraine 100 advanced fighter jets. More broadly, Macron helped spearhead the creation of the so-called "Coalition of the Willing," a group of 34 mostly European countries willing to offer more security backing to Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his speech, Macron did not call out Russia, but said he was launching the initiative "at a time when all our European allies are moving forward in the face of a threat that weighs on us all, France cannot remain immobile," The New York Times reported. Other European countries, including Germany, Denmark and Poland, have looked into ways to increase the ranks of their respective armed forces, according to the Times. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the idea that he was planning to attack Europe. However, the specter of a confrontation between Russia and France has loomed, according to the BBC. Recently, Gen Fabien Mandon, France's chief of staff, raised alarms when he said the French military was planning around the assumption of a conflict with Russia in the coming years. PARIS, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced details of a new voluntary military service program set to be rolled out from mid-2026. Speaking at the Varces military base in southeastern France, Macron said the initiative draws on the experience of other European countries "at a time when all our European allies are moving forward to respond to a threat that weighs on us all." The program is designed to offer several pathways at its conclusion, allowing participants to reintegrate into civilian life, join the military reserves, or continue serving in the armed forces. According to French media, the scheme will last around ten months, be open to adults aged 18 and above, and offer a monthly allowance of at least 800 euros (927.5 U.S. dollars). Macron said about 3,000 volunteers will enter the program next summer, with participation expected to rise to 10,000 by 2030 and reach 50,000 by 2035. France suspended compulsory national service in 1997. The country currently has roughly 200,000 active military personnel and more than 40,000 reservists. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar) A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the murder of a Fall River man, Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III. 32-year-old Kendrick Williams of Fall River was arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, on Wednesday. Williams is being charged with: Assault and Battery by means of a Dangerous Weapon causing Serious Bodily Injury Carrying a Firearm Subsequent Offense Carrying a Loaded Firearm Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, Williams has warrants out of Plymouth County and was transferred to Bristol County for supervision for: Probation for Armed Home Invasion and Masked Armed Robbery with a Firearm (2 counts) Williams is currently connected to the murder of 31-year-old Taiquan Teixeira. The incident occurred on Saturday, November 22, around 4:30 p.m., when Fall River police were dispatched to the area of Leonards Package Store on 1331 Pleasant Street to reports of a fight. Once on the scene, police found Teixeira unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital, where he passed away shortly after. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams is currently being held without bail in Florida until he can be extradited to Massachusetts. 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 A man who threw a six-year-old boy off the Tate Modern has been found guilty of attacking two female nurses at Broadmoor Hospital. Jonty Bravery, 24, kicked one in the thigh and "clawed" at the face of a second, leaving her with blood dripping down her cheek. Bravery was given a life sentence for hurling the French boy from the art gallery's 10th storey balcony in 2019 and is being held at the high security hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He chose not to attend his trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where he was found guilty of two counts of assault in September 2024. Prosecutor Tom Heslop said Bravery is monitored by three members of staff "24 hours a day, seven days a week" and is kept in a room with only a mattress in it. The court was told staff tried to restrain Bravery after he tried to climb a ledge to throw himself from it. They put him on his mattress before turning him on to his back, Mr Heslop said. Body-worn footage played to the court showed the nurses struggling on the floor with Bravery before other staff rush into the room to help. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A panicked staff member can be heard shouting: "Jesus Christ, do something." Bravery "kicked out towards" Kate Mastalerz, hitting her in the thigh, the court heard. He also "clawed across" Linda McKinlay's face, leaving her with blood running down her cheek, Mr Heslop added. Finding him guilty of both charges, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring said Bravery "went too far". He adjourned sentencing until 8 January and asked for an update on Bravery's current mental health condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bravery was jailed for another 14 weeks after he admitted attacking other Broadmoor staff in 2020. More on this story Related internet links (This story was updated to add new information). Grief-stricken screams and wailing pierced the cold Thanksgiving air from family and loved ones who stood outside a one-story home on the city's east side. Yellow tape blocked them off from the visible fire damage seen on the exterior of the house, which also had a shattered window. At 10:17 a.m., Indianapolis Metropolitan Police were called to assist Indianapolis Fire at a home in the 3700 block of North Audubon Road after being notified that a person had been shot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Firefighters were originally there after a caller said the home was filled with smoke and children were inside. Officers found a woman shot at the scene, and she was taken to an area hospital in critical condition before later being pronounced dead. A man was also found shot, but pronounced dead at the scene. "The hardest part is that today is Thanksgiving," IMPD Officer Tommy Thompson said. "No family on this holiday should be going through what this family is going through right now. Standing out here in the cold weather, and having to go think about the loss of two lives. How devastating that is." In other news: The link between a man shot by Indy police and a killing days earlier Two young children were found unharmed inside the home. The Indiana Department of Children Services was called, but several family members were also at the scene and are cooperating with police, Thompson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Indianapolis Fire is conducting its own investigation into the fire, Thompson said. A department spokesperson has not yet responded to a request for comment. "I know we talk and say numbers are great and all these things, but today it really is about family," Thompson said in reference to crime numbers being down for 2025. "This community is affected, this family that's standing behind me is affected. This hurts really bad to think about on Thanksgiving." Police later announced an IMPD homicide detective was in communication with the Whitestown Police Department after a pursuit that happened earlier in the day ended in Tippecanoe County and may have a possible connection with the shooting. Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Man and woman dead, 2 children found safe inside home Thanksgiving A spate of winter weather is threatening travel around the Thanksgiving holiday, with rain, snow and powerful winds forecast to roll through the middle of the country this week. There are two systems bringing soggy and wintry conditions to different parts of the United States, according CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan. One brought wet weather over the Ohio Valley before reaching the Northeast later in the day, while the second continued to produce strong winds and heavy snowfall across a northern band of the Midwest, including the Great Lakes, on Wednesday. Snowfall forecasts as of Wednesday, Nov. 26. / Credit: Nikki Nolan/CBS News Winter storm alerts and other hazardous weather outlooks have been issued for parts of Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of Wednesday, the highest snowfall reports came from Victor, South Dakota, LaMoure, North Dakota, and Hermantown, Minnesota, which all saw between 7 and 8 inches of snow. Forecasters in Grand Forks, North Dakota, had said earlier in the week that residents could receive up to 6 inches of snowfall in that area, too. Twin Cities residents faced the latter portion of a two-part storm that initially arrived Monday evening with rainfall and brought snowfall in its second round Tuesday night, CBS Minnesota reported. Snowfall totals varied, but the National Weather Service said more than 10 inches of snow was recorded at Duluth International Airport. Blowing snow and biting cold will impact travel conditions Wednesday, with slick roads, slower commutes and a spike in crashes expected. A number of schools in the area closed due to weather. Winter weather alerts as of Wednesday, Nov. 26. / Credit: Nikki Nolan/CBS News Chicago was preparing for a bout of light rain and fog through Wednesday, when a cold front is expected to move through the area, CBS Chicago reported. Temperatures will likely drop below freezing on Thanksgiving and remain low into Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parts of upstate New York experienced powerful winds on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Meanwhile, downstate areas, including New York City, faced rainfall later in the day and on Wednesday, potentially hampering travel in the lead-up to Thanksgiving. Cold temperatures and blustery winds were expected to settle in on Thursday, CBS New York reported. Rainfall forecasts as of Tuesday, Nov. 25. / Credit: Nikki Nolan/CBS News The impacts of this week's winter weather will be most severe in areas closest to the Canadian border, where some places could receive up to 20 inches of snow, Nolan said, adding that high winds across the upper Midwest could potentially reach 40 mph, with even stronger gusts. That could possibly interrupt travel along major interstates, including I-29, I-90 and I-94, as well as major airports in Chicago, Duluth, Fargo, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Pierre, South Dakota. Along with New York City, a handful of metropolitan areas were expecting rain, including Atlanta, Birmingham, Boston, Cincinnati, Nashville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. Nolan said the rain could cause delays for drivers traveling along I-20, I-40, I-65, I-75 and I-95, in addition to air travelers at airports in the cities expecting rain, as well as Indianapolis and Memphis. A number of airports that could be affected are expecting huge crowds around the upcoming holiday. In Chicago, for example, airports are anticipating about 3.6 million passengers this week, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eye Opener: Ukraine agrees to peace proposal, official says Sen. Kelly responds to Pentagon investigation over video urging military to defy illegal orders Lindsey Halligan's appointment at center of Comey and James charges being dismissed Around 50,000 protesters are expected in a small German town this weekend as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) convenes to found a new youth wing. Giessen Mayor Frank-Tilo Becher on Thursday called on demonstrators to remain peaceful, warning that "the limits of the acceptable are exceeded when calls are made for violence or force is used." Becher said the university town, which dates back to the end of the 12th century, was tense ahead of the weekend, with huge numbers of participants expected to join around 30 protests. Giessen has a population of around 90,000, more than a third of them students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor said he was concerned that confidence in democracy was regularly under question. The question was whether Germans wanted to live "in an open, diverse and free society, or in a closed-off country in which many of us are no longer welcome and many things would no longer be allowed." The AfD is planning to establish a new countrywide youth organization called "Generation Germany." The group is to be headed by Jean-Pascal Hohm, a politician from the state of Brandenburg, where the state-level domestic intelligence agency has listed him as "confirmed right-wing extremist." The previous AfD youth wing was dissolved following a party conference decision in the spring, after it was listed as extremist by the federal intelligence agency. On Tuesday, the interior minister of the state of Hesse expressed concern at the events scheduled for the weekend, with particular reference to calls for violence from the left. Walking the myriad halls of the MEDICA convention gives a palpable sense of the innovation bursting at the seams of the medical device industry. From in vitro diagnostics (IVD) to novel technologies and advanced applications of AI across multiple imaging modalities, the convention, which took place on 17-20 November in Dusseldorf, Germany, offered attendees a widescreen view of the key innovation trends shaping the medical device industry. Focal areas of innovation for the medical device industry including diagnostics, treatment protocols, and the application of evolving technologies, all have the aim to improve patient outcomes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medical Device Network (MDN) highlights some of the key innovations observed at this years convention. Image credit: Ross Law/GlobalData. The first CE-marked AI software for ovarian cancer detection The use of AI is gaining a huge amount of traction in the healthcare space, particularly in medical imaging. According to GlobalData analysis, AIs application in healthcare is forecast to reach a valuation of around $19bn by 2027, with the global diagnostic imaging space forecast to reach a valuation of $81.4bn by 2034, up from $52.8bn in 2024. University of Turin spinout SynDiags offering aims to advance decisioning support for the early detection of ovarian cancer. OvAi, the companys software as a medical device (SaMD), is claimed to be the first EU CE-marked tool to aid in detecting ovarian lesions. According to the American Cancer Society, ovarian cancer is particularly hard to find early since it typically does not cause symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage, while pelvic exams are often unable to detect small tumours in the ovaries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SynDiags software uses AI to analyse ultrasound videos to identify anatomical features of ovarian tumours and highlight them for clinicians. Speaking to MDN, SynDiags CEO Daniele Conti said OvAis key aim is to standardise gynaecological ultrasound examinations. Conti commented: Today, the exam is variable, and largely dependent on the experience of an operator and the pelvic regions that are being looked at. The overall aim of our software is not to provide a diagnosis for ovarian cancer, but rather to provide an objective anatomical description. This means that, via our software, whoever is doing the exam will obtain a description of any lesion present in the ovaries in a very standardised, mathematical way, and according to international guidelines. A novel treatment for osteoarthritis During the convention, MDN met up with Allegro CEO Lucas Decuypere. The Belgian company is developing Hydrocelin, an injectable microparticle hydrogel to treat osteoarthritis, a joint disease that most commonly affects the knee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The underlying cause of osteoarthritis, for which there is no cure, is a disruption of the mechanical function of the synovial fluid. The condition is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Decuypere explained: Our technology is designed to increase the shock absorbing potential of the synovial fluid, which decreases in the case of osteoarthritis. As a result of injecting millions of microparticles, our technology brings the shock absorbing potential of the synovial fluid back to its original level. According to Allegros pre-clinical data, the treatment takes immediate effect upon injection, with patients having to receive annual doses thereafter to maintain its effect Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The company has completed its pre-clinical package, which Decuypere said showed a strong safety profile. Decuypere added: We've also done extensive testing on large animal models that has shown that we are able to effectively treat osteoarthritis, so the animals are lame-free after they get the treatment. We are now preparing for human clinical trials, which we anticipate initiating in the coming months. Image credit: Ross Law/GlobalData. Saliva-based pregnancy tests Salignostics has developed Salistick, a pregnancy test that uses saliva samples to determine if a woman is pregnant. The Israeli company attended Medica fresh from Salisticks commercial launch in Germany, adding to its existing European presence in countries including the UK and Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salignostics was spun out of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2017 by five co-founders, including deputy CEO Dr Guy Krief, who were experts in saliva research. Salistick uses the recombinant beta hCG (rhCG) as a biomarker a hormone that is essential for establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Salignostics' initial challenge was in devising a way or revealing this biomarker in saliva, since during the companys R&D, it realised that the fluid had a masking effect. The device consists of a detector and a microfluidics chamber, the technology of which reveals the biomarker. On the one end, saliva gets in. On the other, you get a filtered, clean sample ready to go for the detector. Thats how it works with all assays, Krief told MDN. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyond pregnancy testing, Salignostics is also developing its technology to diagnose conditions including Strep A and HIV all of which use the same rhCG as a biomarker. Krief explained: RhCG reflects not only the oral cavity, but the entire body situation, reflecting hormones, viral infection, bacteria and a range of other measures." The design of the device makes it easy to add in testing strips for other indications. Krief added: This gives us the possibility for fast development into other indications. All that needs to be done is to change the detector, and the detector can be based on commercial strips or platforms. We don't need to develop from zero. Bringing down language barriers in healthcare Not all innovations showcased at MEDICA 2025 centred on devices with direct treatment applications. Pocketalk was in attendance to exhibit its instant translation device that is designed to facilitate a two-way conversation between people that speak different languages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the UK Governments Office for National Statistics (ONS), one million people in the UK are unable to speak English well, or at all. In May 2025, the UKs National Health Service (NHS) outlined a framework for improving translation and interpretation services, acknowledging that these services within the NHS remain fragmented. With 92 languages available, Pocketalks device, also named Pocketalk, features a screen and microphone. When users speak into the device, it translates their voice into their chosen language and displays the translated text on screen. Pocktalks business development manager Matt Steel highlighted that in the case of the UK, there is a growing need for translation tools in areas that were previously less accustomed to migration and the ensuing language barriers this is leading to within healthcare settings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steel told MDN: Taking the UK as an example, the dispersion of people that speak different languages is becoming greater. What we're experiencing is that people are coming to the UK and living in places such as Devon or Norfolk. Historically, a wide range of different languages beyond English have not been spoken in these areas of the country, making the language barrier a challenge being experienced in healthcare settings on a more regular basis. Challenges around meeting the EU IVDR Amid the innovation on display at MEDICA, meeting compliance with the EUs In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR) is causing challenges for certain companies involved in the IVD space. A presentation during the convention highlighted that ongoing uncertainty around IVDR certification is having a detrimental effect on innovation in Europe. In July 2024, the EU extended the date IVDs in Europe must be certified under the IVDR to December 2029 for lower risk IVDs and 2028 and 2027 for medium- and high-risk IVDs, respectively. Those without certification for their IVDs by the required dates will lose European market access for their products. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MDN spoke with Notified Body DNV to learn more about the challenges being faced by those seeking IVDR certification. Molly Rogers, DNVs head of IVDR for Medical Europe, highlighted that the issues for manufacturers who are less far along in the IVDR certification process tend to centre on the amount of time it takes to engage with and get their applications reviewed by a Notified Body and schedule the likes of audits. Rogers said: This is especially true under the IVDR, given that the majority of manufacturers were previously self-declared. They never had to even look at a Notified Body before, with nobody ever having objectively looked at their technical file or rejected their IVDs intended purpose or anything like that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Rogers, companies with smaller regulatory teams are the most likely to have difficulty in becoming IVDR certified. Rogers shared that the issue of resource allocation becomes especially pronounced for companies DNV has seen that may not yet have their quality management systems (QMS) up to scratch. This being the case, these companies also need to allocate resources towards meeting ISO standard 13485 before they can address meeting the IVDRs requirements. Rogers added: Smaller companies may not have the resources in regulatory affairs, the experience of what it's like to interface with Notified Bodies, and to understand the requirements for the technical documentation and the nuances around it. Rogers view is that despite the revised IVDR implementation timeline, there is an underestimation for how soon time can evaporate. She advises that manufacturers do not delay in figuring out what they need to do to become IVDR certified. We urge manufacturers to engage with their Notified Body, and to not say, well deal with that next year,' she stressed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Notified Bodies can provide feedback on classification and purpose and how these factors apply for their devices. Just having that engagement first will dictate manufacturers regulatory strategy moving forward. This years MEDICA proved to be a huge showcase for innovation in the medical device space within Europe and the wider world. While challenges around regulation exist, it seems clear that innovation in the medical device industry is continuing to advance at pace across a multitude of healthcare disciplines. "MEDICA 2025: inside the medtech innovation engine" was originally created and published by Medical Device Network, a GlobalData owned brand. Former German chancellor Angela Merkel has made it clear that she does not blame Poland and the Baltic states for Russia's attack on Ukraine, describing the view as "fake news." A passage from her autobiography Freedom was placed "in the wrong context," Merkel told public broadcaster Phoenix on Thursday. The extract stated that the Baltic states and Poland rejected a dialogue format with Russia proposed by Merkel in 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, this was "not associated with an assignment of blame," Merkel insisted. "This war broke out, it has changed our world, it is an aggression by the Russian Federation, the Russian Republic, [Russian President] Vladimir Putin," Merkel said. "None of us - everyone, me, everyone else - was able to prevent this war." Regarding a statement by former foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel that there would have been no war in Ukraine if she had remained in power, Merkel said this was "completely speculative." She said that the coronavirus pandemic had a major impact because the usual dialogue formats collapsed, and she was not able to speak to Putin regularly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This coronavirus effect was "even more difficult when dealing with countries that are not democratically governed," she said. However, it had been clear to her for "many, many years" that there was a serious danger from Putin, she said. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at Nov. 26, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from Nov. 26 drawing Midday: 4-5-7 Evening: 2-3-2 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from Nov. 26 drawing Midday: 6-7-1-8 Evening: 2-7-0-2 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 26 drawing 08-12-15-23-43, Lucky Ball: 05 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Nov. 26 drawing AD-8C-10C-7D-3S Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Nov. 26 drawing 19-30-32-34-35 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 05-17-21-23-28 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from Nov. 26 drawing 01-11-12-14-17-25-26-37-43-46-52-55-56-64-65-66-67-68-69-77-79-80 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Classic Lotto 47 numbers from Nov. 26 drawing 03-14-18-25-41-42 Check Classic Lotto 47 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lotto Double Play numbers from Nov. 26 drawing 03-12-14-35-39-47 Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Nov. 26, 2025 Speaker Mike Johnson is expected to huddle via conference call with Indiana House Republicans this weekend ahead of their upcoming state House session to redraw congressional maps, according to two people familiar with the planning and an invitation viewed by POLITICO. The meeting, ahead of next weeks session, represents an escalation of Johnsons involvement in mid-cycle redistricting, a process driven by the White House: He has routinely said its an issue for individual states and one in which he has no direct involvement. House Republicans are expected to talk with Johnson on a conference call at 1 p.m. Saturday before convening on Dec. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Johnson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. POLITICO reported last week that Johnson called GOP Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray last Wednesday, after Bray, whose caucus has largely resisted redistricting, said Senate Republicans would not convene to advance new maps. In the call, Johnson expressed the importance of holding Republicans thin majority in the House ahead of the midterms, according to Bray. Indiana Republicans are weighing redrawing the 1st and 7th congressional districts, potentially yielding Johnson two additional seats. But earlier this week, Bray reversed course, saying his caucus would make a final decision on redistricting when they are expected to reconvene on Dec. 8. Multiple Indiana Republicans close to the process, and granted anonymity by POLITICO to discuss a matter that has resulted in personal threats to their safety, said they believe the Senate is still a handful of votes away from having support for the matter. A group of military officers has seized power in Guinea-Bissau and claimed to have arrested the president. The coup came a day before the West African nation, one of the poorest in the world, with a booming cocaine trade, was scheduled to announce the provisional results of its presidential election. The tiny country, wedged between Senegal and Guinea, has been marred by political instability and rocked by at least nine coups or attempted coups since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At about 1pm GMT on Wednesday, heavy gunfire rang out near the presidential palace and national electoral commission headquarters in Bissau, the capital, lasting for about an hour. There were scenes of pandemonium, with hundreds fleeing on foot and in vehicles amid fears of mass casualties. Gen Denis NCanha, head of the presidential military office, then appeared on state television to announce that Umaro Embalo, the president who had been favoured to win Sundays election, had been arrested. In his speech, flanked by heavily armed soldiers, Gen NCanha claimed to have uncovered a plan to destabilise the country involving national drug lords that had included the introduction of weapons into the country to alter the constitutional order. Soldiers patrol a street near the presidential palace in Bissau - PATRICK MEINHARDT/AFP via Getty Images In addition to halting the entire electoral process, he said military forces had suspended all media programming, closed the borders and imposed a mandatory curfew. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Embalo, vying for the presidency against the top challenger Fernando Dias, was seeking to become the first president in three decades to win a second consecutive term in Guinea-Bissau. Both sides had already claimed victory in the first round of voting. In addition to Mr Embalo, the presidents army staff and a number of ministers have reportedly been arrested. Heavy gunfire was heard in the capital - PATRICK MEINHARDT/AFP via Getty Images More than 6,780 security forces, including from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) stabilisation force, were deployed for Guinea-Bissaus vote and the post-election period. The countrys last presidential vote in 2019 was marked by a four-month post-election crisis as both main candidates claimed victory. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some critics of Mr Embalo, who claims to have survived three coup attempts during his time in office, speculated that the president might have orchestrated the coup himself a ploy to avoid leaving office in the event of an electoral defeat. President Umaro Embalo speaks to the media after casting his vote in the election - PATRICK MEINHARDT/AFP via Getty Images The incumbent president told France 24, the French television network, on Wednesday: I have been deposed. Guinea-Bissau has been called a narco-state by the UN, acting as a key transit point in trafficking cocaine from Latin America to Europe. The illicit trade appeared to be thriving under Mr Embalo. In September last year, the judicial police announced they had seized 2.63 tons of cocaine from a plane that landed in Bissau from Venezuela. The president was favoured to win Sundays election before his arrest - Luc Gnago In a report in Auguast, the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime said: Bissaus cocaine market is booming once again and has arguably become more profitable than at any point in the countrys history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guinea-Bissaus projected GDP growth for this year is 5.1 per cent, according to the International Monetary Fund. The average yearly income for the countrys 2.2 million population was just $963 (728) in 2024, according to the World Bank. 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. Police keep a presence following the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday afternoon and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey claimed in a post on X that both members of the West Virginia National Guard have passed away from their injuries, but said in another post about 20 minutes later that he was "receiving conflicting reports" about their condition. FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters that the two members are "in critical condition." In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the two guardsmen, "with both being critically wounded," are in two separate hospitals, and that the gunman was also severely wounded. Muriel Bowser, mayor of Washington, D.C., said at a briefing that the members were victims of a "targeted shooting." The shooting incident took place a few blocks away from the White House at around 2:15 p.m. local time, according to authorities. Following the shooting, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington, D.C. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade kicked off from the Upper West Side to Herald Square, and a crowd of millions is gathered in anticipation. "I just like the magic of Thanksgiving," spectator Megan Keebaugh said. "I came as a kid and I had such great memories of it, so I wanted to bring them this year," another attendee said. "For me it's tradition. And it's nice to start a new tradition with them," Joe Lattanzi explained his motivation to bring his family. Phil Taitt has more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eyewitness News' Phil Taitt also spoke with a marching band from Northern Arizona University, thrilled to perform at the parade. For many of the band members, this marks their first time visiting New York City. "We've been rehearsing for about two months, we first found out that we're going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Fall 2024, so we've had a lot of time to do a lot of the stuff behind the scenes, the logistics," one band member said. "We are having such a magical time... we're just so lucky," another performer added. Phil Taitt reports. Will Coss, the parade's executive producer, also spoke with Eyewitness News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There's a ton of excitement out here ... we've got brand new floats, balloons ... It's going to be an exciting show!" Coss emphasized. ---------- * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * More New York City 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. MADISON, Wis. (AP) A federal judge said Wednesday that the trial for a Wisconsin judge charged with illegally helping an immigrant evade federal agents will go on as planned next month, brushing past talk of a possible plea agreement. U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman told prosecutors and attorneys representing Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan during a hearing to assume the trial will begin as planned on Dec. 11 with jury selection. Federal prosecutors charged Dugan in April with obstruction and concealing an individual to prevent arrest. According to court documents, Dugan was set to hear a state battery case in April against 31-year-old Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, an immigrant who was in the country illegally. Federal agents learned he was scheduled to appear in her courtroom and traveled to the Milwaukee County Courthouse to apprehend him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dugan learned the agents were outside her courtroom and led Flores-Ruiz out through a private door, according to the documents. He found his way outside the courthouse but agents caught him after a foot chase. The Department of Homeland Security announced this month that he has been deported. Dugan faces six years in prison if she's convicted on both the obstruction and concealment charges. U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel said last week that plea negotiations were underway but Dugan wasn't interested in a deal. Her defense team has insisted she's innocent and is preparing for trial, arguing that she was acting in her official capacity as a judge when she led Flores-Ruiz out of her courtroom. Still, Schimel's remarks raised questions about what might happen next in the case. No one from Schimel's office or Dugan's attorneys mentioned the prospect of a deal during Wednesday's hearing, the last one scheduled ahead of Dugan's trial. They instead focused on the logistics of jury selection and trial procedure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Steven Biskupic, Dugan's lead attorney, told Adelman that the two sides have already stricken 34 potential jurors based on responses to a questionnaire they sent out gauging their political biases. The two sides said they may need two days to select jurors from the pool of 90 or so remaining prospects. Dugans indictment has intensified the clash between President Donald Trumps administration and local authorities over the Republicans sweeping immigration crackdown. Democrats accuse the Trump administration of trying to blunt judicial opposition to the crackdown by making an example of Dugan. The administration has vilified Dugan on social media, posting photos of her being led out of the courthouse in handcuffs and labeling her an activist judge. Biskupic said that he wants to make each potential juror fill out another questionnaire about their biases on the way into the courtroom on the selection days, saying publicity over the case is continuing. Adelman agreed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling told Adelman the government plans to call 25 to 28 witnesses, including federal immigration agents and witnesses who saw what happened in Dugan's courtroom and in the courthouse. Biskupic told the judge that the government also plans to introduce about a half-hour's worth of recordings made in Dugan's courtroom. The government's case will take at least four days, Frohling said. Biskupic did not offer any details about his witnesses or the potential length of his side of the case. Prosecutors and defense attorneys did not speak with reporters on their way out of the hearing. Dugan attended the proceeding but said nothing. She also left without speaking with reporters. The Miss Universe competition has been overshadowed by legal drama as its owners face charges of fraud in Thailand and an investigation into drugs and weapons trafficking in Mexico just days after the latest pageant concluded. The Miss Universe Pageant, which once belonged to United States President Donald Trump, has been owned by Thai mogul Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip and her company, JKN Global, since 2022. Jakrajutatip is wanted in Thailand after she failed to attend a Bangkok court hearing this week over a 30 million baht ($930,000) legal dispute with an investor in JKN Global. The Bangkok South District Court said on Wednesday that it had issued an arrest warrant for Jakrajutatip, whose current whereabouts are unknown, according to Thai media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jakrajutatip and JKN Global have been facing major balance sheet problems since 2023, when the company began to default on payments to investors, according to the Associated Press news agency. The company filed for rehabilitation with a Thai bankruptcy court in 2024, and reportedly owes about3 billion baht ($92.63m), according to the Associated Press. Earlier this year, Jakrajutatip and JKN Global were sanctioned by Thailands Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for publishing false or misleading information in the companys financial statement, and were fined 4 million baht ($124,000). The SEC statement said JKN Global did not fully disclose to investors that it signed an October 2023 agreement to sell 50 percent of its shares in the Miss Universe Pageant to Mexican businessman Raul Rocha Cantu and his company, Legacy Holding Group USA Inc. Jakrajutatip resigned from all positions in the company, but she is still a shareholder following the sanction, according to AP. She also did not attend the latest Miss Universe competition in Bangkok earlier this month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cantu is facing separate legal troubles in Mexico, where prosecutors said on Wednesday that he was under investigation for alleged arms, drug and fuel trafficking between Mexico and Guatemala, according to the AFP news agency. Prosecutors charged 13 people in connection with the case, although Cantu has not been formally named yet, the AFP said. The Miss Universe Pageant concluded on November 21 following a series of scandals throughout the competition season, including allegations that the competition was rigged. COAHOMA COUNTY, Miss. Three people were arrested after police found narcotics and alcohol-infused slushes being sold from a house in Mississippi on Tuesday, according to the Coahoma County Sheriffs Office. On Nov. 25, the sheriffs office said that they executed a search warrant in the 1400 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard after monitoring alleged drug activity at the residence of Courtney Chief Marshall and Tiohnnie Tee-Tee Marshall. According to the investigators, they found narcotics and alcohol-infused slushes were being sold from the house that is near a daycare facility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 1 injured after car crashes into South Memphis home Deputies said that children were going to the residence to purchase candy and drinks. CCSO said they seized a digital scale, marijuana, assorted candy, and a slush machine used for sales. Courtesy of Coahoma County Sheriffs Office The sheriffs office said that a child was in the living room, and they found Tiohnnie Marshall in the bedroom with a pound of marijuana, and he was taken into custody. The child was released to a family member. According to CCSO, Courtney Marshall, who was not at the house during the search, was then located and arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies said Maurice Smith was also arrested and charged with aiding and abetting in relation to the investigation. 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 WREG.com. RACHEL MADDOW: . And this this kind of sounds crazy, right? I mean, was this really going to happen? He was going to cut off his ankle bracelet. And in the chaos of this fight, fight, fight demonstration that his son had called for at the last minute in his house, he was going to cut off the ankle bracelet and flee his home and race to the U.S. embassy and take refuge in the U.S. embassy and then somehow have, like the U.S. government spirit him out of the country, fly him to the U.S. so he could escape having to go to prison. And Trump would keep him safe in the United States instead. I mean, the U.S. governments going to help him do that. Its crazy, right? Crazy, definitely way too cinematic and conspiratorial and crazy to believe. Until, oops, Trump kind of blurted out that maybe thats what was going on. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) REPORTER: Do you have any comment about Bolsonaros arrest, former Brazilian president? DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: So I spoke last night to the gentleman you just referred to, and were going to be meeting, I believe, in the very near future. REPORTER: Sir, are you willing the president is arrested today? TRUMP: What? REPORTER: Can you comment about the former Brazilian president being arrested today? TRUMP: No, I dont know anything about it. (CROSSTALK) REPORTER: Mr. President, are you willing are you TRUMP: Is that what happened? REPORTER: Yes, sir. Yes. TRUMP: Thats too bad. (END VIDEO CLIP) MADDOW: Thats too bad. He was. Oh, he was arrested. Thats Trump, President Trump on Saturday pretty clearly seeming to have no idea that Bolsonaro has been arrested overnight. He says, yeah, I spoke to him last night and were going to be meeting, I believe, in the very near future. Were you planning on going to Brazil, Mr. President? Because this this dudes on house arrest with an ankle monitor, he cant leave home. How are you going to be meeting with him in the very near future? I mean, Bolsonaro, they arrested him like 6:00 a.m. Saturday morning. He was rearrested for the most farfetched thing in the world, right? Trying to remove his ankle monitor. And apparently, they believe, try to flee the country. And Bolsonaro has come up with a story now that the only reason he took a soldering iron to his ankle monitor is because he said he was hallucinating. He said he was having a nervous breakdown because of a change in his medications recently, and that caused him to have a start hallucinating on Friday night. And thats what happened. He was basically tripping. And so thats what happened. And he cant be held accountable for his actions. But now heres the president of the United States on Saturday confirming that actually on Friday night, Bolsonaro might have been tripping, but he was talking to President Trump at the time, and they were making plans to be together, in Trumps words, in the very near future. He was under house arrest and about to start a 27-year prison sentence. How are you going to be together in the very near future? I mean, when Trump said that, he must have meant that Bolsonaro was coming to America, right? He definitely could not have done that without breaking off his ankle monitor and fleeing the country and going on the lam. And apparently, the president of the United States was like in on the plan? (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) TRUMP: So I spoke last night to the gentleman you just referred to, and were going to be meeting, I believe, in the very near future. (END VIDEO CLIP) MADDOW: Is that what you thought was going to happen? I mean, in any other presidency, this is like the end, right? This is a show stopping scandal. A U.S. president who appears to be in on a plan to jailbreak a fugitive former dictator and bring him to America, right? I mean, who knows? Maybe this is all just a big misunderstanding. Maybe it was a different Jair Bolsonaro he was speaking to, I dont know. But with any other president, everything would screech to a halt until this made sense. Right? Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) demanded the execution of the Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., appearing on Fox News to blame the disastrous policies of former President Joe Biden. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, arrived in September 2021 from Afghanistan under the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome program, and reportedly worked with the CIA-backed Zero Unit before being evacuated to the U.S. during that time. He was granted asylum earlier this year. I hope that the [Justice Department] and the judge in this case will put this terrorist down, Mace told Fox News anchor Kevin Corke on Thursday. He doesnt deserve to live! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The South Carolina Republicans remarks came less than 24 hours after the shooting, which left National Guard members Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Beckstrom, 20, in critical condition. Authorities say Lakanwal used a .357 revolver to ambush the pair before being apprehended. Mace quickly widened her focus beyond the attack, tying it directly to Bidens handling of the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. What were learning now is that the devastating withdrawal from Afghanistan has had devastating consequences, Mace said. Weve learned after the withdrawal that the Biden administration didnt fully vet the individuals that were coming from Afghanistan over here to the United States. She went further still, claiming that hundreds of additional potential terrorists may have entered the country during the Biden years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I believe that the vetting was very loose. We know on our southern border during the Biden administration, we had a number hundreds of potential terrorists that came across the southern border into the United States, she said. We know that there are terrorist cells all across the country waiting to act, we dont know when. Watch above via Fox News. The post Nancy Mace Calls for Execution of DC Shooting Suspect in Fox News Interview: Put this terrorist down! first appeared on Mediaite. (photo credit: MS NOW) The father of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom told The New York Times on Thursday his daughter is not expected to recover from the mortal wound she suffered a day earlier, when an Afghan migrant shot her and another troop in Washington, D.C. Im holding her hand right now, Gary Beckstrom told The Times when reached by phone. She has a mortal wound. Its not going to be a recovery. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He declined to speak further, the NYT said. Beckstrom was identified alongside fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, as the two victims of Wednesdays heinous attack. She is a native of Summersville, West Virginia, and has been serving the country since mid-2023. Both Beckstrom and Wolfe had been deployed to D.C. since August, when President Donald Trump sent troops to the nations capital to crack down on crime. Trump and Pete Hegseth both said on Wednesday that they would be sending 500 more National Guard members to D.C. following the attack. The suspected shooter is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who entered the U.S. on a visa, following President Joe Bidens withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021; Lakanwal overstayed his visa and remained in the U.S. illegally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump on Wednesday night ripped Lakanwal as an animal who will pay a very steep price for the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel said on Thursday that the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. He also confirmed the bureau was looking into Lakanwals communications with individuals in Afghanistan. CBS News White House correspondent Weijia Jiang reported it was an ambush attack at a subway station only a few blocks away from the White House. The shooting took place around 3:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday. A man who answered the phone at Sergeant Wolfes house, when The Times called on Thursday, said, All we need right now are prayers for my son. The post National Guard Member Sarah Beckstroms Dad Says She Will Not Recover From Mortal Wound first appeared on Mediaite. Washington, DC Authorities in the United States have identified the two National Guard members shot in Washington, DC, in what the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism. US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Thursday named 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe as the West Virginia National Guard members who were shot a day earlier, just blocks from the White House. She said both service members had gone through surgery and were in critical condition. They had been deployed to the US capital as part of what President Donald Trump has described as an anti-crime initiative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A lone gunman opened fire without provocation, ambush style, armed with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, Pirro told reporters at a news conference. The attacker has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the US in 2021, shortly after the withdrawal of Western forces from Afghanistan. Pirro said that Lakanwal was a resident of Washington state and had driven across the country before the attack. He has been charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm. He remains hospitalised after sustaining wounds that officials said did not appear to be life-threatening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pirro, a former Fox News host, added the charges could be upgraded if either of the National Guard members do not survive. FBI director Kash Patel said the attack was being investigated as terrorism and a search warrant has been executed at Lakanwals home. Speaking earlier on Fox News, US Attorney General Pam Bondi said the wounded personnel were fighting for their lives. Everyone, pray today for these two soldiers, these two guardsmen, the man and woman, she said. But if something happens I will tell you right now, I will tell you early, we will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that man. The attack came at a time of heightened scrutiny over Trumps decision to deploy the National Guard to Washington, DC, and other US cities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has said the deployment is needed to respond to high rates of crime in the US capital. Critics have decried the move as an incendiary show of force out of step with the needs of the federal district. A judge last week ruled that Trumps deployment of the National Guard was illegal, but delayed enforcement of the decision until December 11. After Thursdays attack, the Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard soldiers to Washington, DC, adding to the nearly 2,200 military members already stationed there. Revetting Afghans In the wake of the attack, the Trump administration pledged to re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under [former President Joe] Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration announced it was pausing all processing of immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals. On Thursday, the administration announced it was reviewing all asylum cases processed under Biden. The director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services said the administration was also reviewing every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern. Trump administration officials have continued to focus on the Biden administrations withdrawal from Afghanistan, which was conducted after a deal struck by Trump and the Taliban during the Republican leaders first term. During the withdrawal, the Biden administration launched Operation Allies Welcome to quickly relocate Afghans to the US, including those who had worked alongside US forces and Western entities in Afghanistan for more than two decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement About 77,000 Afghans came to the US under the programme. Ties to the CIA On Thursday, CIA director John Ratcliffe said in a statement that the attacker had worked with the agency as a member of a partner force in the southern Taliban stronghold of Kandahar before coming to the US. The New York Times and several other US media reported that Lakanwal was a part of the so-called Zero Unit, a shadow Afghan force that worked alongside the CIA. Human Rights Watch has accused the unit of extrajudicial and civilian killings and other abuses. A friend told The New York Times that Lakanwal had a history of mental health issues and had been haunted by the units conduct. Fear among evacuees The attack has sparked fear for Afghan evacuees in the US and those still seeking relocation from Afghanistan after many were already reeling from the Trump administrations hardline restrictions on refugees and asylum seekers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many Afghans who worked with US and Western forces face threats of reprisals from the Taliban government. In a statement, Shawn VanDiver, the president of the AfghanEvac humanitarian advocacy group, urged the media, elected leaders and decision-makers and other people of influence not to demonize the Afghan community for the deranged choice this person made. Richard Bennett, the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, echoed that sentiment, saying the entire Afghan community must not be punished due to the actions of one individual. That would be terribly unjust and complete nonsense, he said. Cool heads must prevail. ATF and Secret Service Police officers are seen after reports of two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) The suspect alleged to have shot and killed two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, is an Afghan national, according to three law enforcement sources who spoke with CBS News. Fox News National Correspondent Brooke Taylor later reported that law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Sources ID him as Rahmanullah Lakanwal Brooke Taylor (@Brooketaylortv) November 27, 2025 Taylor added that officials said Lakanwal, 29, came to the U.S. legally during the Biden administration under the Operation Allies Welcome initiative, and overstayed his visa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Operation Allies Welcome was a program that sought to resettle Afghans who worked with the U.S. during its occupation of Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021. The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon near Farragut Metro Station mere blocks away from the White House. The suspect was also shot in the chaotic scene, and all three were transported to a local hospital. Not long after the shooting, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, confirming that he had been informed of the situation. The president referred to the suspected gunman as an animal and vowed that he or she would pay a very steep price. Moments after the post went live, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey broke the news that the two troops had succumbed to their injuries. However, the Morrisey later retracted the statement. The guardsmen are in critical condition. Lakanwal is reportedly not cooperating with authorities. The post National Guard Shooting Suspects Name Released first appeared on Mediaite. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said at a Thursday news briefing that the National Guard members shot were Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. The guard members were hospitalized in critical condition after Wednesday afternoons shooting. Pirro said that the suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, drove across the country from Washington state to launch an ambush-style attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shooting happened roughly two blocks northwest of the White House near a metro station. At least one of the guard members exchanged gunfire with the shooter, said one law enforcement official who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The suspect, who was in custody, was also shot and had wounds that were not believed to be life-threatening. Hearing gunfire, other troops in the area ran over and held down the gunman after he was shot, according to Jeffery Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief. It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, Carroll said, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this point, we have no other suspects, Carroll said at a news conference. Social media video shared in the immediate aftermath showed first responders performing CPR on one of the troops and treating the other on a sidewalk covered in broken glass. The suspect currently faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro said that its too soon to say what the suspects motives were. The charges could be upgraded, Pirro said, adding, We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The rare shooting of National Guard members on American soil, on the day before Thanksgiving, comes amid court fights and a broader public policy debate about the Trump administrations use of the military to combat what officials cast as an out-of-control crime problem. The Trump administration quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Lakanwal had been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 79 miles north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman. He entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The initiative brought roughly 76,000 people to the U.S., many of whom had worked alongside U.S. troops and diplomats as interpreters and translators. It has since faced intense scrutiny from Trump and his allies, congressional Republicans and some government watchdogs over gaps in the vetting process and the speed of admissions, even as advocates say it offered a lifeline to people at risk of Taliban reprisals. Prior to his 2021 arrival in the U.S., the suspect worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, John Ratcliffe, the spy agencys director, said in a statement. He did not specify what work Lakanwal did, but said the relationship ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation of U.S. service members from Afghanistan. The U.S. Navy has deployed a salvage vessel to comb the depths of the South China Sea for the remnants of a jet and helicopter that crashed last month. A MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz went down less than an hour apart on Oct. 26. All personnel involved in the crash were recovered safely and in stable condition. The USNS Salvor, a Safeguard-class salvage ship operated by Military Sealift Command, arrived on location on Nov. 12 to conduct recovery efforts, a statement from the U.S. Seventh Fleet read. Recovery efforts are still ongoing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The cause or causes of the crashes are still under investigation. Recent data shows significant spike in US military aircraft accidents At 2:45 p.m. on the day of the crash, the MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter went down in the waters of the South China Sea while conducting routine operations, the U.S. Pacific Fleet said at the time. The carriers strike group deployed assets that were able to rescue the three crew members from the helicopter, which was assigned to the Battle Cats of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 73. At 3:15 p.m., an F/A-18F Super Hornet fighter jet from the Strike Fighter Squadron 22 Fighting Redcocks also crashed while conducting routine operations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two crew members on the jet were able to successfully eject from the cockpit and were rescued. The U.S. Navy has lost several F/A-18s within the last year, an expensive deficit with each jet costing $60 million. The USS Gettysburg accidentally shot down an F/A-18 in December 2024, an F/A-18 attempting to land on the USS Harry S. Truman in May fell overboard, another F/A-18 fighter jet slipped off the hangar deck of the Truman in April and an F/A-18E crashed during a training flight off the coast of Virginia in August. A man was fatally stabbed inside the Huntley Apartment Complex in Buckhead early Wednesday morning, prompting residents to demand answers about the incident. Atlanta police discovered the victim with a knife wound to the chest in a hallway and pronounced him dead at the scene. Another man involved in the dispute was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital and is expected to survive. A lot of residents came down to look at what was happening, said Prince Jones, a resident of the Huntley Apartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The incident, which police say was a dispute between acquaintances, has left residents of the high-rise shaken. Everybody is kind of shook about it, Jones said. TRENDING STORIES: Right now it looks like there was a dispute inside an apartment between acquaintances, Lt. Christopher Butler of the Atlanta Police Department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some neighbors mentioned previous incidents at the high-rise. Weve seen some police cars sometimes, the neighbor said. Despite this, recent Atlanta Police crime statistics indicate that Zone 2, where the complex is located, had the lowest amount of violent crimes with 608 incidents. People who live in the building say they are concerned about the lack of information regarding the stabbing. Im kind of shook about it because its kind of scary, Jones said. Public anger over a spiralling flood control scandal involving Philippine officials and lawmakers was reflected in the huge crowds that attended an anti-corruption rally in Manila in mid-November, but a video that social media posts claimed showed the protest was in fact filmed in Nepal months earlier. The user who originally posted the video told AFP it was filmed near his office in Kathmandu during a deadly uprising that toppled the country's government in September. "Here are millions, November 16, 2025," reads overlaid Tagalog-language text on a Facebook reel shared on the same day and viewed more than 779,000 times. The video shows a top-down view of a crowd-filled street. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It circulated on the first day of back-to-back anti-corruption rallies in Manila called by the Iglesia ni Cristo, a religious group that has historically been a powerful voting bloc in the Philippines, with police estimating a crowd in the hundreds of thousands (archived link). The protest called for accountability over a spiralling flood control scandal, with scores of construction firm owners, government officials and parliament members -- including President Ferdinand Marcos's congressman cousin -- accused of pocketing funds for substandard or so-called ghost infrastructure projects. A day after the demonstrations, Philippine prosecutors filed the first criminal charges in the case, promising "many" more indictments (archived link). Screenshot of the false Facebook post captured on November 24, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The same video was also shared in similar Facebook and Instagram posts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it does not show the mid-November protest in Manila. A combination of reverse image and keyword searches led to the same footage shared on TikTok on September 8 (archived link). The video was shared on an account that also posted similar clips of protests in the same area, with one post containing the hashtag "New Baneshwor" -- an area in Kathmandu containing Nepal's parliament and other government offices (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared video (left) and the TikTok video from September 2025 (right) At least 76 people were killed during demonstrations in Nepal on September 8 and 9 that were triggered by a brief government ban on social media and led by protesters under the loose "Gen Z" umbrella title (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anger during the September rallies ran much deeper after years of economic stagnation and entrenched corruption that primed the country of 30 million people for upheaval. Parliament, courts and government offices were torched, before four-time premier KP Sharma Oli was ousted. The user who posted the TikTok video, Mahesh Kumar Shrestha, said he filmed the video. "The video posted in my TikTok is [in] Kathmandu, Nepal -- protest against government by GenZ," he told AFP on November 22, adding that he filmed the protest from his office on Madan Bhandari Road in Kathmandu. The footage corresponds to Google Street View imagery near Shrestha's office (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the falsely shared video (left and centre) Google Street View imagery of Kathmandu (right), with corresponding features highlighted by AFP The false claim was also debunked by Philippine fact-checking organisation FactRakers (archived link). AFP previously debunked a similar false claim that misrepresented Nepal protest footage as an anti-corruption rally in Manila. The entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland, Oregon. (Stock photo by hapabapa/Getty Images) Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel joined a lawsuit alongside 21 other state attorneys general against the U.S. Department of Agriculture over guidance issued by the department. The lawsuit said the new guidance would eliminate eligibility for legal immigrants who had previously been eligible to receive such benefits, including those who had been granted asylum or refugee status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guidance, issued at the end of October, was intended to provide instructions on how to implement program changes passed in July as a part of H.R. 1, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which narrowed eligibility for noncitizens. The guidance in reality goes beyond the act, arbitrarily excluding from SNAP many lawful permanent residents who remain eligible under the statutory scheme established by Congress, the lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court of Oregon Eugene Division said. Nothing in the bill, the filing continues, would prohibit individuals who were at one point refugees, individuals granted asylum, or parolees, now groups no longer eligible for SNAP, from gaining eligibility for the program if and when they gain status as lawful permanent residents. The law is clear on who can receive SNAP benefits, yet the Trump Administration is trying to strip rightful recipients of the support they need to feed their families, Nessel said in a press release from her office. It is my hope that the Court puts an end to this unlawful guidance and stops the White Houses ongoing chaos and confusion over Americans ability to put food on the table. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit is seeking an injunction to the changes that would prevent states from implementing the eligibility changes in question. Nessel and 20 other attorneys general sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins last week asking for clarification on the new guidance, but they did not receive a response from Rollins. The lawsuit also alleges that the U.S. Department of Agriculture misapplied its own rules on new regulations about SNAP error rates within states the legislation passed in July gave a 120-day window for states to address their error rates, but the guidance issued in October stated that the window for that exclusionary period would end on Nov. 1 a Saturday, one day after the guidance was issued. The calculation was done based on the day of the passage of the bill initially, not when the guidance was issued, which Nessel and the other attorneys general argue is incorrect based on federal laws. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Network Rail in the UK has completed a trial of real-time train location technology on the Heart of Wales line, aiming to improve operational safety at rural level crossings. The U-Cross system, developed by Universal Signalling, was tested over two weeks earlier this month on an 11-mile segment between Llandeilo and Llandovery, covering 20 user-worked crossings. The system provides signallers with live data on train positions, allowing them to make quicker decisions when users request to cross the tracks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement User-worked crossings, which are common on rural lines, require individuals such as farmers and landowners to contact the signaller before crossing. Under current procedures, signallers use information from several sources, which can result in delays for those waiting to cross. During the trial, U-Beacon Universal Locator Beacons were installed along the track, and Transport for Wales trains were fitted with readers and communications equipment. The trains automatically transmitted their positions to the signaller when approaching or clearing a crossing. The systems monitoring capability collected over 400,000 data points for analysis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Installation was completed in two and a half overnight line blocks, without the need for advance line side design work. According to the project team, this demonstrated potential efficiency and cost benefits for future signalling renewals and upgrades, as well as improved safety for crossing users. Universal Signalling CEO Stephen Head said: U-Cross is the first stepping stone towards our vision for next-generation digital signalling thats affordable for rural lines. What truly sets this apart is the speed of deployment, which drives down cost to the railway. Weve automated and productionised as much of the process as possible, stripping out much of the cost base. Fitting 11 miles of track in just two and a half overnight possessions, with no prior design work, shows whats possible with our system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The next phase will assess the extension of the technology to the full 96-mile Heart of Wales line, which includes 126 crossings, before considering wider deployment on other rural routes. The trial was delivered through a collaboration between Universal Signalling, Network Rail Wales & Borders, and Transport for Wales, with co-funding from the Innovation Acceleration Forum. Network Rail Wales and Borders operations manager Anthony Aldred said: Managing access to the railway at user-worked crossings is a key part of keeping our network safe for the people and communities who rely on it. In rural areas, where signallers rely on information from multiple sources, U-Cross gives them a clear, instant view of train locations and visual confirmation of whether a crossing is safe to use, while defaulting to established procedures if a fault is detected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U-Cross system was first demonstrated at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence in Onllwyn, South Wales last year, and has since been identified as a potential development for rural rail operations. "Network Rail completes live train tracking trial at user-worked crossings in Wales" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Democrats overperformed with young men in the off-year elections. Now comes the hard part: Replicating those results in the midterms amid an ideological divide in the party. While Democrats across the board outdid their partys performance in 2024 by wide margins, their gains with young male voters were even more drastic in several races. Party leaders are bullish Democrats can maintain that momentum heading into next year. I never want to hear again that the Democratic Party has a problem with young men, DNC Chair Ken Martin said at a press conference. We're going to keep working hard to keep them in our camp and our coalition, for sure, but we won across the board with every major constituency that left our party last year, and that should tell you something again, that the Democratic Party is back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martin said young people feel disillusioned by the lack of opportunities in the job market, a sentiment that he thinks voters largely attribute to the Trump administration. That hypothesis played out in several key races where Democrats consistent messaging on affordability paid off. In Virginia, Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger won men aged 18-29 by a larger margin than any other age group of male voters, per network exit polls. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill beat GOP opponent Jack Ciattarelli by a 14-point margin with the demographic. And in New York City, more than 6 in 10 men in the youngest age group went for democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. Democrats strong showing with young male voters comes amid constant worries from within the party that the economic anxiety, cultural alienation and the allure of conservative manosphere content pulled young men toward the Republican Party in recent years. But the across-the board wins paper over an ideological divide thats brewing in the party: Will young men be won back by moderation, or by Mamdani? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mamdani attracted praise from all corners of his party for his ability to reach young men by exploiting the media landscape that catapulted Trump to political success. Still, not all Democrats are convinced that his approach should be a blueprint for Democrats heading into 2026. Lucas Holtz, a senior political adviser at the center-left group Third Way, said Sherrills and Spanbergers decisions to position themselves as moderate alternatives will be more effective at reaching young male voters in key swing states next year. In the same vein that we have to be running on lowering costs, making life more affordable, we also have to be hitting Trump, and I think that goes hand in hand with what Spanberger and Sherrill did really well on cultural issues, he said. They ran mainstream campaigns all the way they didn't get bogged down in any far- left, culturally alienating positions that I think Mamdani really did get bogged down in. But John Della Volpe, the director of polling at the Harvard Kennedy Schools Institute of Politics and a one-time Biden adviser, says the party may have a lot to learn from Mamdani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The specificity of the Mamdani campaigns promises, in addition to his focus on listening, not lecturing, allowed the democratic socialist to capitalize on the lack of trust young men have in the political establishments of both parties, he said. That can come from the right in Charlie Kirk, it can come from the left in Mamdani, but it's about understanding that psychology and those motivations to create some level of trust so you can then engage in a more political conversation about why this policy and this candidate is better than that candidate and that policy, he said. In the run-up to this year's elections, voters consistently ranked the economy as their top priority and young voters in particular tend to express more pessimism than their older peers about the nations fiscal outlook. In addition to offering a positive vision for affordability, Democrats effectiveness at tying economic frustrations to the Trump administration in the off-year elections provides a helpful model for the 2026 midterms, Della Volpe said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jane Rayburn, a Democratic pollster who worked on the Mamdani campaign, said Democrats succeeded in making an affirmative case for their party rather than simply offering a negative attack on Republicans, an approach that she sees as key to winning young male voters. I do think that all of these campaigns but particularly Mamdanis one, really tried to not treat these voters like a monolith, and two, actually had, candidly, non-condescending and inclusive conversations with these voters to bring them into the dialogue, Rayburn said. To keep making inroads with young male voters next year, Democrats will have to focus on candidate authenticity, giving voters something to vote for, and bringing back some hope and joy into campaigns, she said. Still, Republicans argue that Democrats gains this year were an aberration and not a reversal of a trend of young men racing toward the GOP. Republican strategist Matt Gorman said young men tend to tack closer to the median voter and are more prone to electoral swings than female voters which he says presents an opening for Republicans to win them back in the midterms, particularly as President Donald Trump and other Republicans pivot toward an affordability message. Young women lean very far left on the average, so they're likely to stick with Democrats, as expected before this, after this. But winning back independents, including young men, with a message of affordability is where there is a road map towards next year, he said. LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday declared a nationwide emergency following two mass abductions of schoolchildren and a spate of attacks against civilians. Tinubu said the government will recruit 20,000 additional police officers, raising the total to 50,000. He also authorized the intelligence service to deploy forest guards to protect remote areas from armed groups. My fellow Nigerians, this is a national emergency, and we are responding by deploying more boots on the ground, especially in security-challenged areas, he said in a statement. The constitution allows the president to declare emergency during national crises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recent attacks by armed groups and threats from U.S. President Donald Trump have heaped pressure on Nigeria. Last week, gunmen took 25 students in Kebbi state and more than 300 in Niger state. Those abducted from Kebbi were rescued and united with their parents, while there is an ongoing search for the others. Trumps claims of persecution of Christians and threat of guns-a-blazing intervention have highlighted the critical security crises in the country. Tinubu also called for enhanced protection in schools, churches and mosques in remote areas to deter attacks. Analysts say Tinubu's plan for more boots on the ground may not be enough to reverse the tide of insecurity. I dont think it goes far enough. This is because the ruling elites are yet to awaken to the major reality that the issue has gone beyond throwing bodies at the problem in terms of recruitment for the security forces, Confidence McHarry, a senior security analyst at SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based geopolitical consultancy, told The Associated Press. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said the hiring initiative is likely to fail without addressing the root causes of conflicts, like government accountability, local grievances and welfare of troops. Multiple armed groups operate across Nigeria, including religious sects like Boko Haram and its splinter group, Islamic State West Africa Province, and others who attack mainly for money. The last time a state of emergency was declared for insecurity was in 2013 in Nigeria's northeast region to address an emerging threat from terrorist groups. ___ Associated Press writer Ope Adetayo contributed to this report. Volunteers prepare for a food distribution at the Shepherds Closet food pantry in Elephant Butte in Sierra County on Nov. 25, 2025. In the states most SNAP-reliant county, food bank manager Tami Smith said food lines wont become any shorter anytime soon. (Courtesy Tami Smith) Like she does every Tuesday afternoon when the bell rings at the Shepherds Closet in Elephant Butte, Tami Smith stepped out the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to greet a growing line of hungry people at the food pantry she runs. Then, like she also does every Tuesday, she joined some of them in prayer. This week, ahead of Thanksgiving, she said she read from Isaiah 41:10. It was a reminder, she said, that, There will always be trials and tribulations in life, but God will carry you through every storm. Then she helped 138 households comprising 523 people get food for the week, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A little more than 45% of Sierra Countys roughly 11,500 residents rely on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, according to the state Health Care Authority. That makes it the county with the highest rate of SNAP participation in New Mexico, which also is the state with the highest SNAP reliance in the United States. Tami Smith has volunteered at Sheperds Closet for a decade. (Courtesy Tami Smith) The countys high rate of SNAP reliance made the food pantry even more vital earlier this year when federal cuts and stoppages threw the program into upheaval, Smith said. The food pantry distributes at least 36,000 pounds of food a month, she said, to people who line up beginning at 7:30 a.m. and come from as far away as Alamogordo, Socorro or Las Cruces. When you have food insecurity, and then you have all this going on with SNAP, people panic, she said. They want to make sure that they have enough food for their family. And we have multi-generational families here. Its not uncommon to have 11, 12, 15 people in the household. Those people have turned to Shepherds Closet during a chaotic year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement First, federal cuts to The Emergency Food Assistance Program left Roadrunner Food Bank, which supplies most of the pantrys food, with 30 fewer truckloads, primarily of dairy products. The food pantry in Elephant Butte had to make up the difference with canned food, Smith said. Then, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act President Donald Trump signed in July contained provisions that cut SNAP and imposed future work requirements, along with other measures that prompted longer lines at the food pantry. Finally, when the federal government shut down Oct. 1, Smith said she knew to expect even longer lines. Shes worked as a volunteer at the pantry for a decade, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was severe fear and panic during the pandemic, and we see that same stuff right now, because its still so uncertain, she said. And people, especially during the holidays, they panic because they dont think they can get enough food. Shepherds Closet volunteers package Christmas boxes each year for their holiday distribution. (Courtesy Tami Smith) The food line has not shrunk even though the state stepped in to pay for SNAP itself, first with a $30 million payment that covered SNAP through the first days of November and later with a $162.5 million payment meant to cover the program through January. And the line has stayed long even after the 43-day federal government shutdown ended, Smith said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As long as theres still that fear out there, the lines are not going to go down, she said. It would take the government to agree all the time, which wont ever happen. Amid the panic, Smith said Shepherds Closet will continue opening every Tuesday to give out as much food as people need without judgment. I dont ask many questions, because thats not my business, she said. God says, Feed my people. Thats what I do. A federal court in North Carolina is allowing the state to use a new Republican-drawn congressional map that would help the GOP pick up another seat in the House during next year's midterm elections. A three-judge panel of U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina unanimously denied preliminary injunction requests in a pair of lawsuits that said in part that the new map was aimed at diluting the voting strength of Black voters, in violation of the 14th Amendment. The judges found that the challengers "presented no direct evidence" that the Legislature enacted the map for racially discriminatory purposes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Instead, the direct evidence shows that the 2025 redistricting was motivated by partisan purposes," the panel wrote Wednesday in a 57-page opinion. The Supreme Court in 2019 allowed political gerrymandering, finding that partisan gerrymandering claims present political questions beyond the reach of the federal courts." The Republican-controlled North Carolina Legislature last month approved a map aimed at expanding the number of Republican seats in the House. Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, does not have the power to veto the map. The challengers, in a pair of consolidated lawsuits, asked the court to block the state from using the new borders of two congressional districts for next year's midterms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The map aims to flip North Carolinas 1st Congressional District, which President Donald Trump narrowly won in 2024. It's represented by Democrat Don Davis, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus. Davis responded to the ruling in a statement Wednesday night. Although the courts decision keeps North Carolina at the center of this national mid-decade redistricting battle, we will continue to show eastern North Carolina families why they matter most," he said. "We will not let these blatant power grabs silence the voices of eastern North Carolinians. Republicans hold 10 of the states 14 congressional districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has led the charge for Republican-led legislatures to redraw congressional maps heading into the midterms, when the GOP will be defending a slim majority in the House. That move has prompted some Democratic-led states, like California, to pursue new maps of their own. Texas sparked a national redistricting battle after it approved a new Republican-drawn map in August. The Supreme Court recently got involved and is reviewing a challenge to the Texas map. Republicans in Missouri also approved a revised map this year to bolster their party, and the Justice Department joined a Republican-led lawsuit challenging a Democratic-drawn map in California that voters approved this month. After the court's ruling Wednesday, North Carolina Senate Republican leader Phil Berger said the map is designed to bolster Trump's agenda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Democrat-run states like California do everything in their power to undermine President Trumps administration and agenda, North Carolina Republicans went to work to protect the America First Agenda," he said in a statement. "North Carolinians voted to send President Trump to the White House in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and this new map reflects that support. President Trump deserves a Congress that will fight for American citizens and move his agenda forward. The three-judge panel also rejected a claim that the Legislature had improperly relied on 2020 census data, which the maps challengers had argued is no longer an accurate depiction of the states population. Plaintiffs presented no evidence showing the current population of the 2025 plans congressional districts, much less any evidence that any population deviations are constitutionally severe, the judges wrote. Bob Phillips, the executive director of Common Cause North Carolina, one of the nonprofit groups that challenged the new map, criticized the panels decision and defended a claim by the challengers that the map violated the First Amendments protections against retaliation and political expression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ruling gives blessing to what will be the most gerrymandered congressional map in state history, a map that intentionally retaliates against voters in eastern North Carolina for supporting a candidate not preferred by the majority party, Phillips said in a statement. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- In a world increasingly moving towards multipolarity, two major international gatherings held in recent days have captured global attention, with significant agreements reached in the absence of the United States. The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Belem, Brazil, passed a key document on Saturday, underscoring the irreversible trend of global green transformation. On the same day, the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, adopted a joint declaration that emphasizes multilateral cooperation in addressing global challenges. Despite the absence of the United States at both events, the international community pushed forward, achieving consensus and taking significant steps to tackle climate change and foster inclusive global development. U.S. ABSENCE CREATES SPACE FOR GLOBAL CONSENSUS On Sunday, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the G20 summit closed, banging a ceremonial gavel on the table. Traditionally, Ramaphosa was supposed to hand the gavel over to the leader of the country taking over the next rotating chairmanship of the G20, but U.S. President Donald Trump opted not to attend the summit. Washington had asked Ramaphosa to hand it over to a junior embassy official, but the South African president refused. Not only did the U.S. government refuse to participate in the summit, but it also pressured South Africa to prevent the adoption of any summit outcome document without U.S. approval, drawing widespread international criticism. The COP30 meeting, held in Belem, Brazil, also saw no high-level U.S. representatives in attendance, marking the first time that the United States did not send any senior officials to a United Nations (UN) climate conference. The United States' absence from the two events signals a retreat of its global responsibilities, and shows that it cares more about its interests rather than the global green finance and technology transfer that it used to advocate verbally, said Noha Bakir, a professor of political science at the American University in Cairo. The outcomes of these two summits mean the world can rely on new reliable powers and that the world has a new approach to enter a post-unipolar phase where the Global South has a real influence, led by countries that advocate good international governance, she said. "Ironically, the absence of President Trump may create more space for real consensus, because people won't be constantly looking over their shoulder at him and trying to anticipate or navigate his conduct and his positioning," Richard Calland, a professor from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, told the BBC. At a time when the concerns of the Global South are becoming more prominent, the absence of the United States weakens its ability to shape global agendas and signals a gradual erosion of its international influence, said Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. RISE OF THE GLOBAL SOUTH Despite U.S. opposition to the issuance of a joint declaration at the G20 summit, the gathering managed to reach an agreement on the very first day of the conference. At the COP30, after intense negotiations, the conference was extended by one day and reached a landmark political document. The declaration of the G20 summit emphasizes addressing global challenges through multilateral cooperation and calls for increased support for developing countries to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development. Meanwhile, the document adopted at the COP30 covers multiple issues, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, climate finance, and international cooperation, and for the first time, it incorporates trade issues into the outcome document. Both meetings highlighted a key trend: The international community, even in the face of U.S. interference and threats, was able to forge agreements and make progress, with the Global South becoming an important force in advancing global economic governance and climate governance. It demonstrates the emergence of a more balanced international order where the Global South plays a central role in advancing fairer cooperation, pragmatic development solutions and a more representative global system, said Paul Frimpong, executive director of the Africa-China Center for Policy and Advisory, a think tank based in Ghana. Xu Feibiao, a researcher at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, believes that the two events demonstrated the growing willingness and capability of the Global South to participate in global governance. The Global South is now taking on global governance responsibilities with greater confidence, pushing for inclusive, sustainable and mutually beneficial development pathways, he said. GLOBAL PROGRESS WITHOUT U.S. PARTICIPATION "Can the world move on without the U.S.?" The New York Times asked in a report on Sunday. The answer, as evidenced by the successful outcomes of both the G20 and COP30, is "yes." "The G20 should send a clear message that the world can move on with or without the U.S.," said South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, before the summit. "We will mark them absent and continue with the business." Many international experts agree that the absence of the United States at the events reflects a deeper shift in the global order, one where multilateralism can thrive without the involvement of a single power. Despite the absence of the United States, both meetings still achieved significant outcomes, which in itself indicates that the global agenda is no longer fully dependent on a single major power to drive it, said Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a researcher at Al Riyadh Center for Political and Strategic Studies. The absence of the United States reflects a decline in its presence and leadership in multilateral settings, weakening its ability to directly shape international laws and commitments, said Dahham Al Enazi, a Saudi political analyst. The meetings revealed three main trends: the rising role of the Global South in setting agendas, the shift of the climate discourse towards actionable tools and financing, and political compromises that reflect the balance of power, he said. Maya Majueran, founding director of the Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka, believes that both outcomes underline a simple truth: The world is willing and capable of advancing global cooperation without U.S. leadership. "Rather than slowing down, global cooperation accelerated. And in doing so, it sent a clear message: the world is no longer waiting for Washington," he said. A pedophile is facing 35 years in federal prison for using the internet to target a North Texas minor for child pornography. Emmanuel Jacobo Reyes, a 27-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced on November 25 to 35 years in federal prison for one count of producing child porn and one count of receiving child porn, according to a release from the Department of Justice. Reyes lived in North Carolina at the time, and his victim lived in North Texas. The defendant admitted that he enticed a minor victim living in the North Texas area to engage in sexually explicit conduct, produce visual depictions of such conduct, and transmit the depictions to Reyes, the release reads, citing court documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Richland Hills Police Department provided information to the FBI in Fort Worth. Agents reviewed content from the minor victims phone, including screenshots of video chats between Reyes and the victim. As Reyess face was visible in some of the screenshots, agents were able to find his social media profile, confirm his identity, and determine his location, the release reads. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allyson Monte prosecuted the case, according to the release. Reyes pleaded guilty in July 2025, and U.S. District Judge Terry Means handed down his sentence. The case was part of the FBIs national mission Operation Restore Justice, aiming to find, track, and arrest child sex predators, according to the release. In total, the five-day operation led agents to rescue 115 children and arrest 205 child sex offenders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims especially child victims and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable, said Attorney General Pam Bondi at the time. FBI Fort Worth and FBI Raleigh investigated this case, with assistance from Richland Hills Police and Raleigh Police. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice, the release reads. The DOJ also works with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which collects and shares information about abuse through its website and 24/7 hotline, 1-800-THE-LOST. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FBI urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report suspected child exploitation to their local FBI office, the agencys internet tip line, or to 1-800-CALL-FBI. Earlier in November, the Texas Department of Public Safety raised the reward to $4,000 for convicted child sex offender and Cuban illegal alien Ismael Arias, as The Dallas Express reported at the time. He allegedly failed to comply with sex offender requirements in Harris County. Also, earlier this month, Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted three child sex abuse suspects at the Texas-Mexico border in the span of a week, as The Dallas Express reported. The month before, officials announced child sex offenders in Denton and Collin counties had been sentenced to prison. By Ted Hesson, Tim Reid and Jana Winter WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration on Thursday blamed Biden-era vetting failures for the admission of an Afghan immigrant suspected of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., but the alleged gunman was granted asylum this year under President Donald Trump, according to a U.S. government file seen by Reuters. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, entered the U.S. on September 8, 2021, under Operation Allies Welcome. The resettlement program was set up by former Democratic President Joe Biden after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 that led to the rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the country's takeover by the Taliban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FBI Director Kash Patel and Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, both Trump appointees, said during a press conference on Thursday that the Biden administration had failed to conduct adequate background checks or vetting on Lakanwal before allowing him to enter the U.S. in 2021. Neither official provided any evidence to support their assertion. Patel said Lakanwal, who had worked with U.S. government forces during the U.S. war in Afghanistan, was improperly allowed to enter the U.S. because "the prior administration made the decision to allow thousands of people into this country without doing a single piece of background checking or vetting." The program, which allowed more than 70,000 Afghan nationals into the U.S., according to a congressional report, was designed with vetting procedures, including by U.S. counter-terrorism and intelligence agencies. But the large-scale and rushed nature of the evacuations led critics to say the background checks were inefficient. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement AFGHAN SUSPECT HAD WORKED WITH CIA Under the Operation Allies Welcome program, Afghans evacuated to the U.S. were granted a two-year "parole" that allowed them to live and work legally and then apply for a more permanent status. The document reviewed by Reuters said Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and was approved on April 23 of this year, three months after Trump took office. Lakanwal, 29, who resided in Washington state, had no known criminal history, the official said. The government file on Lakanwal said he had been vetted by the U.S. because of his work with U.S. government partners during the war in Afghanistan, and no potentially disqualifying information had been found. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This animal would've never been here if not for Joe Biden's dangerous policies which allowed countless unvetted criminals to invade our country and harm the American people," said Abigail Jackson, a White House spokeswoman. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said in a statement that Lakanwal had worked with CIA-backed local units in Afghanistan. "The Biden Administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the U.S. Government, including CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation," Ratcliffe said. "This individual - and so many others - should have never been allowed to come here." The shooting of U.S. troops on American soil by an immigrant is likely to reverberate across the American political landscape. Trump has already ordered the deployment of 500 more troops to Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Lakanwal was in the country legally, the incident plays directly into Trumps narrative on immigration. He has made cracking down on both legal and illegal immigration a centerpiece of his presidency, and this case may give him an opening to broaden the debate beyond legality to include closer scrutiny of the vetting of immigrants. In a video message posted by the White House on Wednesday, Trump called Lakanwal an "animal" and the shootings "an act of terror." Trump called for a "re-examination" of all Afghan nationals who entered the U.S. during the Biden administration. All immigration applications by Afghan nationals were suspended by the Trump administration on Wednesday night. U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement that the Trump administration would review all Biden-era asylum cases, expanding on a review of Biden-era refugees reported by Reuters earlier this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source familiar with the matter said the suspension included applications by Afghans who had worked with the CIA. The attack has also revived Trump administration criticism of the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. The withdrawal led to a collapse of the Afghan government that was much quicker than expected. The evacuation of thousands of Afghans fueled concerns by Republicans that potential terrorists could sneak into the U.S. (Reporting by Tim Reid and Ted Hesson, additional reporting by Erin Banco and Jana Winter; editing by Ross Colvin and Nia Williams) While Beijing has remained largely offstage during US President Donald Trump's latest push to end the war in Ukraine, China still sees significant stakes in how any peace deal could reshape its strategic environment - from the global balance of power to post-war reconstruction opportunities, according to observers. A Trump-brokered peace plan to end the nearly four-year war, first reported last week, remains fluid, but the proposed settlement has reportedly been reduced to 19 points after the original 28-point draft was widely criticised by Ukraine and Europe as too favourable to Russia. Trump, who had sought to accelerate negotiations by setting firm deadlines, on Tuesday backed away from a Thursday cut-off for Kyiv to agree to his plan. 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. He said the proposal had been "fine-tuned" as he dispatched American negotiators, including son-in-law Jared Kushner, to Moscow and Kyiv for further high-level meetings. "The deadline for me is when it's over," he told reporters aboard Air Force One. "And I think everybody's tired of fighting." Jared Kushner (left) takes part in talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Photo: Reuters alt=Jared Kushner (left) takes part in talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Photo: Reuters> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sergey Ryabkov, Russia's deputy foreign minister, said on Wednesday that Moscow was in close contact with China about diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, but Beijing had not taken part in the ongoing negotiations. In a phone call with Trump on Monday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated support for "all efforts conducive to peace" and called for "a fair, lasting and binding peace agreement soon" that would resolve the crisis "at its root". China's leverage lies less in the White House-led peace talks than in long-term reconstruction, the evolving US-China-Russia triangle and the military lessons it draws from the war, according to Li Lifan, an expert on Russia and Central Asia at the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences. "China remains relatively calm on this issue, and I am confident Beijing can accept whatever arrangements are ultimately made," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The real question is whether the parties will take China's interests into account, particularly in post-war reconstruction. That possibility remains." Beijing's interests were not covered in the newly revised peace plan, largely because reconstruction had not yet been addressed, he added. "Beijing is waiting for the right moment to participate," he said, adding that China maintained crucial leverage in areas such as large-scale construction, influence over Russia and economic investment for Ukraine's rebuilding. The initial 28-point plan caught many off guard with controversial demands that Ukraine surrender territory in the eastern Donbas region, abandon its ambition to join Nato, cap the size of its army and use frozen Russian assets to fund post-war construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those sections were later removed or revised in the latest draft, with Trump, acknowledging the backlash, describing his original proposal as a "concept" or "map" rather than a firm blueprint to guide negotiations. With US-China tensions easing after the Xi-Trump summit in South Korea earlier this month, Beijing could gain additional leverage through Trump's transactional diplomacy, especially as his highly anticipated visit to China, scheduled for next year, approaches, according to Li. "If a peace agreement is signed, how will Russia's interests be guaranteed? The West will certainly prioritise Ukraine, but Russia's interests must also be addressed," he said. "Washington will consider them, but who will bear responsibility? I suspect there will be expectations that China will contribute, perhaps through reconstruction, the return of children or psychological trauma relief." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump valued the US-China-Russia triangle, including his proposal for a summit of the three leaders, which made him somewhat reliant on Beijing, Li noted. From Beijing's perspective, the war also offered valuable lessons. "Both the Russian and Ukrainian armies are models for study, with real combat experience. Their operational practices, wartime assessments and intelligence analysis provide insights China may actively absorb," he said. But with limited influence on Ukraine and Europe, China may have little chance to join the peace talks, despite efforts to position itself as a mediator. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "With capital and technological advantages, Chinese companies are sensitive and may quickly enter reconstruction. But Beijing will remain cautious, avoiding any perception of siding with Russia in the war, and will not send troops to Europe for peacekeeping," Li said. "Reconstruction may be the only entry point." A damaged building is seen amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters alt=A damaged building is seen amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region, Ukraine, on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters> Some scepticism over China's post-war role in Ukraine Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing, was sceptical about a role for China in both resettlement talks and post-war rebuilding, noting that Beijing had largely been sidelined in the current negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Ukraine and Europe will not accept China because of its close ties with Russia. The US will not accept China either, since Trump will never allow outsiders who contributed nothing to claim credit," he said. "Russia might be willing, but China cannot play a role, as Europe and Ukraine will never agree. Moreover, Russia already depends heavily on China. Would it really allow Beijing to boast, 'I rescued you from the mire of war'? Impossible." The war in Ukraine and Western sanctions have increased Russia's economic dependence on Chinese markets, increasing Beijing's leverage in energy, technology and finance. Despite mounting criticism from the US-led West, especially Europe, Beijing has deepened its "no-limits" partnership with Moscow, viewing it as a counterbalance to Washington while expanding trade and jointly denouncing US "hegemonism" and Nato's role in both Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Shi was also unconvinced about the prospects of Trump's peace plan or the chances of a lasting settlement to the protracted war. The current negotiations - framed around 19 points - were likely to stall around critical issues such as Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, post-war security guarantees and the role of the European Union and Nato, he said. "In short, I believe the Russia-Ukraine conflict may well pause with a comma or a semicolon, but never with a full stop," he said. A man walks under the light coming from an excavator on a non-illuminated street during blackout hours in Kyiv on Wednesday. Photo: AFP alt=A man walks under the light coming from an excavator on a non-illuminated street during blackout hours in Kyiv on Wednesday. Photo: AFP> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Russia's ambitions of aggression are far from over, and Europe, with its substantial advantages on the ground, will never tolerate this indefinitely. For now, all sides are focused on courting the unpredictable Trump." "The outlook remains uncertain," Li conceded. "Whether Putin will accept the 19 points is unclear; he may raise further conditions. Russia seeks gains on the battlefield, not just at the negotiating table," he said, pointing to intensified Russian attacks during the talks as a way to secure bargaining power. Both experts cautioned, however, that Beijing was also wary that a settlement of the war could free up US resources to focus on the Indo-Pacific, potentially intensifying efforts to contain China. "Thus, Beijing may lean towards supporting Russia as a pole in a multipolar world, maintaining strategic ties," Li said. "Trump emphasises the US-China-Russia triangle, and China must keep Russia close." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But China would remain alert to possible US-Russia back-room deals, he added. "China will continue to take a broad strategic view of relations with Moscow though, because under Putin, Russia will not easily betray China's interests as it increasingly depends on Beijing," Li noted. 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 firefighter was terminated from the Columbus Division of Fire after pleading guilty to operating a vehicle while impaired. Given his past criminal history, questions are emerging as to why he was hired in the first place. On May 3rd, around 2:30 a.m. Saxon Angell-Perez was arrested after Columbus police officers saw a black pickup truck hit traffic cones in the Short North area, according to our news partners, WBNS. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Body cameras show officers trying to initiate a traffic stop on the truck, but the truck pulled into a parking lot, where the occupants of the truck ran. In the video, Angell-Perez tells officers that he is a Columbus firefighter and that he ran because of adrenaline. The body camera footage shows Angel-Perez refusing field sobriety tests and speaking aggressively toward officers. Officers spent three hours trying to get Angell-Perez to comply with the test before taking him to the hospital for a blood draw. Angell-Perez pleaded guilty to the OVI charges in the Franklin County Municipal Court. The Columbus Division of Fire charged him in July with dishonesty, attendance violations, neglect of duty, and failure of good behavior. Angell-Perez was terminated in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Angell-Perez was hired in June 2022. On his application, he admits to taking Adderall in 2016 and pleading guilty to felony charges. According to court records, in 2020, Angell-Perez pleaded guilty to drug abuse, felony cocaine possession, and a misdemeanor hazing charge. In the court records, prosecutors in Athens County said Angel-Perez provided cocaine to fraternity pledges and participated in hazing involving Ohio University student Collin Wiant and others. News Center 7 previously reported that Wiant died after multiple rounds of hazing at his Ohio University fraternity in 2018. Angell-Perez completed the Athens County Empowerment program, which allowed participants to complete community service and have their cases dismissed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Civil Service Commission background removal standards for the Columbus Division of Fire say that applicants will be removed from eligibility for any admissions or convictions of a felony as an adult. However, Angell-Perez was not removed. Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther said he was unaware of Angel-Perezs background and, in a statement, said, As dangerous and reckless as the prior offense was, Ohio law prevented Director Clark from using it to disqualify this individuals application for employment. As soon as the May 2025 instance of misconduct was identified, Director Pishotti acted to terminate Mr. Angell-Perez for dishonesty, attendance, neglect of duty, and failure of good behavior. I support Director Pishottis judgment and the actions she took to terminate this individual from service to our city. Angell-Perez is appealing his termination and seeks to return to the Columbus Division of Fire. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] An Ohio man is accused of biting a state trooper after a crash in October, according to our media partner WBNS-10 TV. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The state trooper responded to a report of a hit-and-run driver in Union County on Oct. 21, according to court documents. Our media partner obtained dash camera video that shows the trooper talking with the driver, who is identified as Joseph Seanuier III, 48. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seanuier has prior convictions, including possession of crack cocaine, theft, carrying a concealed weapon, and domestic violence. The trooper asks where Seanuier is coming from and his license, but he said he doesnt have one, WBNS-10 reported. After Seanuier gets out of the car, the trooper said he is under investigative detention due to a crash on US 33. The trooper reportedly found a pocket knife during the search, WBNS-10 reported. Seanuier is then directed to get into the passenger side of the cruiser when the trooper asks if he had been drinking due to an odor of alcohol on him. The driver said he got drunk as (expletive) last night bro, WBNS-10 reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the trooper is reading Seanuier his Miranda Rights, Seanuier allegedly bit the trooper. OSHP didnt release this portion of the video to WBNS-10, due to it being used as evidence. Seanunier was indicted on several charges, including assault, failure to stop after an accident, and operating a vehicle under the influence. WBNS-10 reported that he was scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday, but failed to do so. The Union County Prosecutors Office said an arrest warrant will be filed. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Ohio State is likely to end eight majors and phase out more than 260 courses in compliance with Senate Bill 1, Ohios sweeping higher education law. At the Nov. 20 Board of Trustees committee meeting, board members approved phasing out 366 courses, pausing 18 courses and leaving 25 courses still under consideration. The university will also likely end eight majors and combine 27 other programs into five majors. Senate Bill 1 became law on June 27 and required numerous changes at public universities, including barring DEI programming. The law also required universities to cancel courses with fewer than 15 students and deactivate programs that graduate fewer than five students per year. See previous coverage of S.B. 1 in the video player above. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Columbus earns top marks for its LGBTQ+ equality There are four majors each within the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences slated for deactivation: Integrated major in mathematics and English (BS) Medieval and Renaissance studies (BA) Music theory (BM) Musicology (BM) Biochemical science (AS) Landscape horticulture (AAS) Sustainable agriculture (AS) Sustainable agriculture (AAS) Ohio State said it typically defines courses with fewer than 18 students over two semesters as low-enrollment classes. The university identified 409 courses as low-enrollment and is waiting for further determination on the 43 classes that were not canceled. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ohio State said the 18 courses that were paused are predominantly associated with the College of Nursing, which houses 16 of the paused classes. The remaining two are under the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Most courses that have not been paused but are still awaiting action are either graduate school business courses, rural sociology courses or nursing courses. Baby Olivia Act passes Ohio House, heads to Senate Ohio State will also merge majors into new programs of study, largely in cultural studies programs. The university will create a new French and Italian major, and Spanish and Portuguese major out of existing language programs. Ancient history and classics will join modern Greek under the existing classics major, and religious studies and world literature will be folded into the existing comparative studies major. Finally, Arabic, Hebrew, Jewish studies and Islamic studies will be merged into a new Near Eastern and South Asian studies major. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senate Bill 1 does allow for exceptions, which must be approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education. OSU said it requested waivers for 12 programs and temporary waivers for an additional 20, and is awaiting action from the state. Ohio State said it considered exceptions for programs like labs, studios or graduate-level courses that are tailored toward small groups. Regional campuses, internships and new courses were also considered for exceptions. The course changes passed out of the Academic Affairs and Student Life Committee, a good indication that they will be completed when university trustees have their full meeting on Dec. 4. 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV. EDMOND Oklahoma County prosecutors said no charges will be filed in response to activist pastor the Rev. Derrick Scobey's claim that his wife, Angela, was groped by an employee of a store in Edmond on Nov. 8 because the "evidence does not meet the legal requirements" to do so. In a statement Wednesday, Nov. 26, District Attorney Vicki Behenna and First Assistant DA Mykel Fry said prosecutors had reviewed "the entire investigation by the Edmond Police Department" of claims by Scobey, vice chairman of the Oklahoma County jail trust. Meanwhile, Scobey faces a misdemeanor charge of trespassing, related to the incident, in Edmond Municipal Court, a city spokesman said. The status of that case could not be determined on the eve of Thanksgiving Day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Prater, who was district attorney in 2021 when Scobey was arrested during a prayer vigil for former death row inmate Julius Jones in front of the Governor's Mansion, is now an associate municipal judge in Edmond. Prater dropped a misdemeanor charge against the pastor in early 2022. Scobey, senior pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, did not return a call and text message from The Oklahoman. "The DAs Office wants to be clear that we do not, and are not, questioning the customers account of feeling uncomfortable during the interaction with the salesperson," according to the statement. "We understand the impact unwanted touching can have on someone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "However, under Oklahoma law, sexual battery requires evidence of an intentional, lewd and lascivious touching of a persons body or private parts without their consent. Based on evidence provided to our office, there is insufficient evidence to prove the crime of sexual battery." More: The Rev. Scobey says he will file complaint after incident with Edmond police, his wife What the Rev. Scobey said happened to his wife at White House Black Market, and why the DA's Office said it would file no charges White House Black Market, 1454 S Bryant Ave. in Edmond's Spring Creek Plaza shopping center, where the Rev. Derrick Scobey says his wife, Angela, was sexually assaulted on Nov. 8. The District Attorney's Office says the evidence "does not meet the legal requirements to file felony criminal charges." Scobey and his wife live in Edmond. She was shopping at White House Black Market, a women's boutique at 1454 S Bryant Ave. in Edmond's Spring Creek Plaza shopping center when the incident occurred. He said he was at the church at the time. Angela Scobey called her husband. He drove to the store and demanded that police be called and an employee be arrested on the spot. The pastor was asked to leave but did not. The employee called police who asked Scobey to leave. He would not, and he was arrested on a trespassing complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As prosecutors, we are obligated to follow the law and evaluate cases strictly on the evidence available. While the conduct may have been unwelcome, it does not rise to the level of a felony criminal offense under Oklahoma statute," the DA's statement said. A DA spokesman later clarified that "no charges," felony or misdemeanor, were warranted against the employee. More: Edmond exposes and expunges 'the good, the bad and the ugly' of its past as a sundown town Angela Scobey's response to the DA's decision not to file charges Ebenezer Baptist Church, as it appeared shortly after a news conference hosted inside the building on Friday, July 25, 2025, Angela Scobey issued a statement Wednesday evening, Nov. 26, regarding the Nov. 8 incident at White House Black Market, the employee's reported explanation that touching her was intended as "styling," and the DA's decision not to prosecute. Here are excerpts: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The District Attorneys decision was based on the belief that 'lewd and lascivious intent' could not be proven. "When asked whether I believed the act was sexual, I replied, 'I do not think so.' I certainly was not aroused, and did not know the offenders psychology. I answered with leniency toward the offender, not as a legal expert. "To be clear: The (store employee) intentionally touched an intimate part of my body, made unprofessional remarks, and did so without my consent. I immediately pushed his hand away, stepped forward to distance myself, and promptly reported the incident. "I strongly disapprove of any touching of intimate areas without consent. The encounter was inappropriate, disrespectful, and unacceptable, but it has not deterred me from speaking up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I also want to acknowledge our long-standing support for Oklahoma County District Attorney Vicki Behenna. We have collaborated with her office on community events and initiatives that serve the people of Oklahoma County. "Although I disagree with the decision in this case, I understand that legal perspectives may differ, and I respect her position. I choose to move forward without resentment, continuing to value her dedication to community. "To anyone who has experienced unwanted contact: Your voice matters. Reporting matters. Consent matters. Unwanted touching is not 'styling.' It is not 'accidental.' It is not harmless. It is a violation of personal boundaries and personal dignity. "I will continue to advocate for accountability and for improved training so victims are not placed in the difficult position of interpreting legal intent. I am grateful for the community members, witnesses, and supporters who have encouraged me to speak out. No one has the right to touch another persons intimate areas without permission. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My hope is that sharing my experience encourages others to speak up and helps build a safer, more respectful community for all." The Rev. Scobey, supporters, take complaints to Edmond Community Policing Board The Edmond Police Department is shown in the Public Safety Center, 100 E First St. The Rev. Scobey also took his complaints to the Edmond Community Policing Board at its meeting Nov. 20. The board of nine has five members appointed by the mayor and four appointed by each of the four City Council members. On the agenda was: "Discussion of Edmond Police Department Sexual Assault Response," including victims rights notification procedures and personnel training. Also: "Discussion and the implementation of community Sexual Assault Advocacy event with community partners." No recordings, transcripts, or minutes of the meeting were available, but the next day, Scobey's Facebook page had a post credited to "Pastoral Social Media Team" that said: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Pastor Scobey highlighted Edmond's concerning history of racial disparity in arrests, emphasizing that the disproportionate number of African American arrests doesn't reflect the community's demographics and he is calling for change." Also, a protest planned for Nov. 15 in front of White House Black Market in support of Angela Scobey, did not materialize. The shopping center's owners or managers had posted signs saying protests and demonstrations were prohibited on the private property. Scobey told The Oklahoman he didn't know anything about the organizations that attempted to organize the protest. More: No rise in arrests due to NBA YoungBoy concert; Scobey says remarks misconstrued Rev. Derrick Scobey speaks at a media availability to gather support against the special permit that Standard Iron and metal is asking the Oklahoma City Council to approve before a sale of the business and property near the JFK neighborhood,, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Staff writer Richard Mize covers Oklahoma County government and the city of Edmond. He previously covered housing, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com, starting in 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. A protest planned for Nov. 15 in front of White House Black Market, 1454 S Bryant Ave. in Edmond's Spring Creek Plaza shopping center, in support of Angela Scobey, wife of the Rev. Derrick Scobey, did not materialize, perhaps because of this prohibiting it. Scobey says his wife, Angela, was sexually assaulted on Nov. 8. The District Attorney's Office says the evidence "does not meet the legal requirements to file felony criminal charges." This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: DA: No charges in White House Black Market incident in Edmond Phones confiscated by the Department of Corrections are pictured. (Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections) OKLAHOMA CITY The Oklahoma Department of Corrections may soon have a new tool to eliminate the use of contraband cellphones among inmates following a decision from the Federal Communications Commission. Kay Thompson, an Oklahoma Department of Corrections spokesperson, said the agency is in talks with different companies to provide technology to jam cellphone signals within state prisons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The FCC earlier this year advanced a proposal that for the first time could allow state prisons to use cellphone jamming technology to block phone signals amid a rise in contraband phones in prisons. The federal agency announced it is taking public comments on proposed rules, a step necessary to allow the jamming technology. Thompson said contraband cellphones are a growing problem in Oklahoma prisons. From January to August, the agency confiscated 4,475 cellphones, she said. The gates to the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester are pictured on Sept. 5, 2025. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice) Inmates use the phones to coordinate violence, harass victims and for other criminal activity, she said. Being able to use jamming technology is another tool to help us combat cellphones, which will negatively impact the introduction of all contraband and make our facilities safer for both staff and inmates, said Oklahoma Department of Corrections Director Justin Farris. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cellphones are often smuggled into prison by visitors, staff or with drones. Drones drop them onto prison property, Thompson said. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and 12 other attorneys general sent the federal agency a letter in support allowing jamming devices. Current FCC interpretation of federal rules prohibits the use of jamming devices in prisons, his office said. A 1934 federal law allows only federal authorities the authority to block public airwaves. Its time that our rules and policies catch up with the needs of 21st century technology and stop any and all criminal activity from occurring through illicit means of communication within our prison walls, Drummond said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said the agency does not anticipate asking lawmakers for additional funds to implement a program to jam cellphones behind prison walls because it has enough money in its technology budget. However, some other projects may need to be put on hold, she said. We dont know what the technology is going to be or even an estimated cost at this point, Thompson said. A past concern was that jamming devices could impact users outside of prison boundaries. But Thompson said technology has evolved to a point where the jamming devices can be targeted and not impact those outside prisons. She said the project would not impact staff because employees are already prohibited from bringing in cellphones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thompson said the jamming technology would be rolled out starting with the maximum-security Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester and then into larger, medium-secure facilities. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Despite a deal meant to end hostilities, Hezbollahs rearming and ongoing Israeli strikes signal growing instability on the northern front. Israeli tensions with Hezbollah are rising a year after there was a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was supposed to end the conflict with the terrorist group. Hezbollah started a conflict with Israel in October 2023 after Hamas attacked Israel. In September 2024, the IDF began a series of escalating strikes on Hezbollahs leadership and arms depots. Eventually, this included a small ground incursion into Lebanon. Hezbollah suffered many losses. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since the ceasefire began on November 27, 2024, much has happened. Lebanon chose a new prime minister and president, who both vowed to disarm Hezbollah. But they have not been willing to actually confront the group. They also havent directly challenged Hezbollah, but rather, they speak in general terms about having the Lebanese state control arms. They did use the army to collect some weapons from Palestinian groups in various refugee camps. This was only made possible by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas supporting the handover. As such, Hezbollah is still in Israels crosshairs. People gather to attend the funeral of Hezbollah's top military official, Haytham Ali Tabtabai, and of other people who were killed by an Israeli airstrike on Sunday, despite a US-brokered truce a year ago, in Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon November 24, 2025. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMED AZAKIR) An example of how Hezbollah is increasingly in Israels sight lines is clear from the almost daily precision airstrikes against it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt.-Col. Nadav Shoshani, the IDF international spokesperson, wrote on X/Twitter on Thursday: One year ago today, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon went into effect. Under that agreement, Hezbollah was supposed to fully disarm and dismantle its terror and military infrastructure. They did neither. Instead, Hezbollah has spent the year rebuilding and rearming with the backing of the Iranian regime. As long as Hezbollah poses a threat to Israel, we will continue to do whatever is necessary to defend ourselves. Regional Arab-language media outlets are focused on the possible increase in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Over the past year, there have been 669 Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, and 360 Hezbollah fighters have been killed, UAE-based news site Al-Ain News reported. As it enters its second year, the already faltering ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon appears more fragile than ever, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Al-Ain quoted Defense Minister Israel Katz, who at a session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on Wednesday said: We have not seen a better security situation on the northern border in 20 years. Al-Ain also reported: the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, UNIFIL, recorded more than 10,000 Israeli air and land violations inside Lebanese territory during the first year of the ceasefire. The UN claimed that since the cessation of hostilities agreement last year, UNIFIL has recorded more than 7,500 air violations and about 2,500 land violations north of the Blue Line, the report said. US also wants to see Hezbollah disarmed BEIRUT IS being pressured by Israel to disarm Hezbollah. The US also wants to see Hezbollah disarmed. It is not clear how this will be accomplished or what the definition of disarming actually is. Is it just Hezbollahs heavy weapons or the AK-47s also? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanon has condemned Israels continued strikes, suggesting that it is harder for Beirut to disarm the group under fire. Lebanon is supposed to remove Hezbollah from areas south of the Litani, and the Lebanese Army and other state security branches are supposed to remain the only armed forces in the country, Al-Ain reported. But a year later, none of these goals has been achieved, as Israel still occupies five border positions inside Lebanon and launches daily raids, including on the suburbs of the capital, Beirut, and even the Bekaa region. The report also quoted Israels Alma Institute for Research about the strikes on Hezbollah. This is where it got the data. According to this re-reporting of the data, 47% of the Israeli attacks were south of the Litani River, 38.4% north of the Litani, 13% in the Bekaa Valley, and 1.6% in Beirut. Meanwhile, Iran is increasing its backing of Hezbollah, at least in terms of rhetoric. Beirut-based newspaper Al Akhbar, which is pro-Hezbollah, reported: Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Irans supreme leader, affirmed that Tehran will not abandon its support for Hezbollah, stressing that the ferocity of the Israeli enemy has shown everyone the disastrous consequences of disarming the resistance for Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hezbollah has repeatedly been a support and savior for the Lebanese people, and has put an end to the transgressions of the Zionist occupation. [The] positions and statements of Lebanese officials indicate that the Lebanese government has realized the true importance of Hezbollahs presence, and has also realized the falsehood of Netanyahus claims, Al Akhbar quoted Velayati as saying. Lebanese MP Ali Ammar, who is a member of the Hezbollah bloc in parliament, said: The resistances [Hezbollah] weapons will remain as long as there is an Israeli enemy occupying land and violating holy sites and sanctities, and these weapons will remain as long as this enemy has not surrendered to international resolutions and charters and to the latest agreement related to the war on Lebanon. The party that prides itself on science just brushed aside a mountain of workplace research, when the Democratic National Committee ordered Washington staff to return in person five days a week, starting in February. The move that instantly triggered union backlash and public sparring. Supporters framed the edict as a bid for speed and collaboration. But the data on flexible work is clear, and this decree cuts against it. If Democrats want to win in 2026, they should stop treating flexibility as a perk and start treating it as campaign infrastructure. Hybrid work has been tested at scale, not just debated on social media. In a randomized trial of 1,612 employees, a peer reviewed Nature hybrid experiment found that two days from home reduced quit rates by one third while leaving performance and promotions unchanged across two years. These are not narrow laboratory effects. They translate directly to organizations that live and die on talent retention. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Retention matters more in politics than in most sectors. A party committee is a knowledge shop where judgment, relationships and pattern recognition compound over cycles. When employers harden attendance rules, experienced people leave first. The Becker Friedman Institute warns that strict mandates drive out senior employees and sap hard-won institutional memory, creating a costly tenure brain drain. And a large-scale analysis of more than 3 million workers found abnormally high turnover following return-to-office mandates at S&P 500 firms. When institutional memory walks, operations slow. In a midterm cycle with razor-thin margins, that is self-sabotage. Managers often believe proximity equals productivity; however, the evidence keeps puncturing that belief. A pattern summarized in a Gallup engagement brief shows higher engagement for hybrid workers than either fully remote or strictly on-site teams. Engagement is the oxygen of campaign work. Burn out specialists with unnecessary commuting and badge swipe theater, and the party will miss the moments that decide control of Congress. The Nature trial documented especially strong retention gains for women and long commuters when given a hybrid schedule in its retention findings. Those are exactly the groups parties need to keep to sustain field, analytics, compliance and content teams. Insisting on five days in D.C., a high-cost city, narrows who can serve. That means fewer working parents, fewer people with disabilities, and fewer early career staff who cannot afford D.C. rents. Pew Research reported in 2025 that many remote workers would likely leave if they lost the option to work from home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is also an optics problem. The DNC just experienced a public staff blowup over the order. Voters already distrust institutions that set rules for others while living by a different set internally. If the party that campaigns on worker dignity dismisses its own staffs evidence-based request for flexibility, opponents will weaponize the gap between message and management. Unintended consequences follow mandates, and legal counsel has been flagging them. Employer surveys show that strict returns raise accommodation disputes and fuel churn. Practitioners report elevated turnover and harder hiring after mandates, patterns reflected in HR analyses of return-to-office impacts. A Fortune 500 can sometimes absorb those shocks. A political committee heading into a national midterm cannot. Every lost staffer slows content, analytics, compliance and rapid response. Every open role shifts focus from persuasion to replacement. The strongest argument for a five-day decree is speed. Campaign decisions move quickly, and proximity can help coordination. The record from modern campaigns shows a better route. Teams win by meeting voters where they are, and distributed tools multiply reach. In 2020, the Biden operation built a large digital field program that replaced planned in-person structures with distributed outreach and relational organizing, documented in a Time election analysis and a Michigan case study. Vendor reports from Impactive and Mobilize describe how relational texting, virtual trainings and volunteer-hosted events scaled contacts in battlegrounds, as shown in the Impactive case study and the Mobilize case study. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This approach is not a pandemic one-off. Researchers and practitioners have codified it in guides to distributed organizing and in academic reviews of blended tactics. That history matters because 2026 will demand wider reach and faster experimentation, not tighter geofencing. Hybrid structures enable asynchronous collaboration across time zones, quicker message testing, and broader inclusion of specialized volunteers who cannot relocate. The DNCs edict pushes the organization in the opposite direction. It shrinks the pool of available staff, drains mid-career expertise, and slows digital iteration by tethering work to a single building. The empirical risks are already visible. Large employers that forced returns saw higher turnover and weaker hiring pipelines. When that pattern hits a political committee, the cost is not just recruiting it is fewer persuasive messages shipped, fewer doors knocked by organized volunteers, and fewer rapid responses in media cycles that punish delay. Democrats do not need a culture fight over offices. They need a disciplined plan to retain talent, widen their pipeline, and convert volunteer energy into votes. The research record favors hybrid flexibility that protects speed while lowering attrition and sustaining engagement. The DNCs five-day rule ignores that record, invites brain drain, and hands opponents an easy narrative about values not lived inside the building. Reverse the decree, set a clear hybrid standard, and let distributed organizing do its job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gleb Tsipursky, Ph.D., serves as the CEO of the hybrid work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts and authored the best-seller Returning to the Office and Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. WASHINGTON, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said Wednesday it has halted all immigration processing related to Afghan nationals indefinitely, after two U.S. National Guard soldiers were shot and critically wounded near the White House earlier in the day. The move came as U.S. President Donald Trump described the attack as "an act of terror," saying the suspect came from Afghanistan in 2021. Trump said on social media that the government must "re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan" during former President Joe Biden's administration and take measures to remove anyone "who does not belong here or add benefit to our country." He added that "the animal that shot the two National Guardsmen ... will pay a very steep price." The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been living in Washington state, NBC News reported, citing senior law enforcement sources. Authorities are still working to confirm all the details surrounding the individual who is now in custody, said the report. The attack took place at around 14:15 local time (1915 GMT) near the Farragut Square Metro Station, said a statement from Joint Task Force D.C., which oversees the National Guard deployments to Washington. In a social media post, Trump said that the two guardsmen, both of whom are "critically wounded," are in two separate hospitals, and that the gunman was also severely wounded. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed in a post on X that the injured were from the West Virginia National Guard. When the incident happened, Trump was at his resort in Palm Beach ahead of Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance was in Kentucky, said a Reuters report. "The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Following the shooting, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. In August, Trump placed the police department in Washington under direct federal control and deployed the National Guard to the nation's capital. More than 2,000 National Guard soldiers are currently on duty in Washington, according to multiple media reports. President Trump foisted much of the blame on establishment Republican advisers after voters ousted him from power in 2020. Traditionalists like chief of staff John Kelly and Attorney General Bill Barr had hemmed him in, Trump griped. If only hed been able to build a Cabinet that was truly, unquestioningly loyal to the MAGA agenda and to him. Politics doesnt often give us the chance to put hypothetical scenarios to the test. Trumps second term is different. With the GOP establishment now a distant memory, the president has been able to build exactly the sycophantic imperial court he swore would have salvaged his doomed first term. Instead, the American people are watching chaos unfold on a level that seems shocking even for Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nearly a year into his second term, the Trump presidency is clearly directionless. The White House has given up even hinting at domestic legislative priorities. Once a political punchline, lawmakers now find themselves longing for the days when Trump at least pretended to be interested in something like Infrastructure Week. Trump summed up his apathy last month when he declared that he couldnt even think of anything else for Congress to do. We got everything done, he boasted during his Tokyo press conference in October. Were done for four years. We dont need anything more from Congress. That will come as a surprise to the Americans facing accelerating job losses and steadily rising prices, two problems Trump promised to solve on Day One of his term if elected and which are now far worse than when President Biden left office. Meanwhile, Americans already shaky consumer confidence has spiraled in the face of Trumpian inaction. New figures released this week show the Consumer Confidence Index hitting its lowest point since April, driven by growing worries about the huge number of corporate layoffs ripping through the economy. At the same time, Trump has seemingly lost interest in the National Guard troops and ICE agents hes left on the streets in blue cities like Washington, D.C., and Chicago, where clashes with American citizens are rapidly hitting a moral and legal breaking point. Facing injunctions from federal judges and mass protests from locals, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced this week that he would recall the Texas National Guard troops he shipped out to Chicago in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abbotts big news passed without comment from Trump. He was too busy overseeing design plans for his personal ballroom, a vanity project some Republicans fear has completely pulled the president away from his actual duties. Its easy to see why. Trumps apathy is also jeopardizing American foreign policy. Its hard to believe, but the presidents first term at least suggested the concept of some kind of foreign policy ideal, notably his controversial gambit to foster a diplomatic rapprochement between North Korea and the United States. But with Secretary of State Marco Rubio sidelined and the State Department gutted of senior staff, the current Trump administration lacks even the bare bones outline of a foreign policy strategy. Nowhere is that clearer than in Trumps recent effort to jam through a Russia-Ukraine peace deal so poorly structured that even congressional Republicans balked at the thought of attaching their names to it. The plan emerged not from Rubios State Department but from the minds of Trump loyalists Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and its amateur status alienated not just American politicians but European diplomats and even Witkoff and Kushners Ukrainian counterparts, who preferred total destruction to the incoherent plan presented to them last week. The White House abandoned the plan within days yet another indicator that Trump is now simply making things up as he goes along, with little interest in whether his plans succeed or even make sense. This is the same man congressional Republicans have effectively invested with the unappealable power to wage war against Venezuela for any reason he chooses. Are you sure thats a good idea, guys? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement America has suffered through bad presidents before, but weve rarely been cursed with a president who simply doesnt care about doing the job. Trumps overwhelming apathy has created power vacuums across every part of our government, and his band of grifting loyalists are rushing in to steal what they can while the boss is clocked out. This isnt a model of effective government, its a blueprint for collapse. What a perfect description for the vapid, lazy mess Trumps MAGA agenda has become. Max Burns is a veteran Democratic strategist and founder of Third Degree Strategies. 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. The Brief One person was killed and several others seriously injured in a multi-vehicle I-43 crash involving a semi in Ozaukee County. Additional crashes shut down parts of I-43 in Ozaukee and Sheboygan counties and caused a pileup in Wauwatosa. Authorities warned drivers of icy roads as heavy holiday travel continues across Wisconsin. SAUKVILLE, Wis. - One person was killed and several others were seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-tractor-trailer Wednesday afternoon in Ozaukee County, one of many southeastern Wisconsin crashes related to the days winter weather. Ozaukee County fatal crash What we know The Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded around 3:11 p.m. to a crash on Interstate 43 at State Highway 33 in the Town of Saukville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigators said a semi tractor-trailer traveling southbound on I-43 lost control and jackknifed before crossing the median into the northbound lanes. The semi was then struck by two northbound vehicles a 2013 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van and a 2018 Ford Fusion. The semi came to rest in the northbound lanes, blocking both lanes of traffic. Authorities said the two northbound vehicles became pinned underneath the semi-trailer. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android The driver of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials later identified this person as 71-year-old Thomas Paine of Johnson Creek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 29-year-old Racine driver of the Ford Fusion suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to Aurora Medical Center in Grafton. A third vehicle, a Subaru Forester traveling northbound, also struck the semi and came to rest in the gore area between the northbound lanes and the exit ramp to State Highway 33. The Subaru was carrying three Chicago occupants. The driver, a 36-year-old Chicago man, and front passenger, a 36-year-old Chicago man, were hurt. A 1-year-old child in a safety seat in the back of the vehicle was not hurt. The driver of the semi, a 49-year-old West Allis man, was not hurt. Northbound lanes of I-43 were closed for more than five hours as first responders worked at the scene and traffic was diverted at State Highway 33. All northbound lanes reopened at about 8:35 p.m. Other crash Dig deeper Southbound lanes were closed at County Trunk LL in the Town of Port Washington after a semi jackknifed and blocked both lanes, forcing traffic to divert onto County Trunk D near Belgium. Sheboygan County incident What we know Crews also came across two crashes in Sheboygan County, both involving I-43. In one incident, a semi-trailer jackknifed off the road and landed in a ditch. Minutes later, responders encountered another crash where a truck towing a trailer hit a road sign and slid into a ditch. Over in Wauwatosa What we know In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin DOT video appeared to show a large pileup involving a county bus near Highway 100 and Capitol Drive. Drivers encouraged to stay safe What they're saying Authorities said no injury reports had been confirmed from any of the crashes as of Wednesday evening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Drivers traveling ahead of the holiday reported difficult conditions as snow, ice and falling temperatures complicated travel. "Just that theyre icy. I just left work by the hospital next door. Sidewalks are icy, roads are icy, so a little bit. Its looking like about an hour to get home," said Megan Spitzer, who lives in Milwaukee. "Its not bad. My car can get through most of the snow so Ive been in worse," said Nick Tegel, who was traveling to Illinois. AAA estimates about 1.4 million Wisconsinites will be hitting the road for the Thanksgiving holiday. Officials are urging drivers to slow down, leave extra space and give room to emergency crews responding to crashes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Road closures were expected to last several hours as first responders worked the scenes, with updates to be provided as conditions improve. The Source The Wisconsin Department of Transportation and Ozaukee County Sheriff's Office provided information. Disguised vaping devices are increasingly appearing in U.S. classrooms, hidden inside everyday items such as pens, highlighters, and even backpacks. These products allow students to vape without drawing attention, which has raised concerns among parents, teachers, and public health experts. In one example, a person shared photos in a Facebook group for the Northlake, Illinois, community. Someone called the devices "purposely deceptive" and warned local families about this growing trend. What's happening? While the photos shared in the Facebook post were vapes disguised as pens, vapes are also being disguised as other ordinary school supplies across the country, such as Sharpies, highlighters, or even concealed in backpacks with built-in vape compartments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Genesee County Sheriff's Office in Michigan, these devices are "odorless, silent, and disguised as everyday items," making them much harder for adults to detect. According to a WPEC report, news crews found vapes in Texas classrooms disguised as highlighters, USB drives, and other typical school supplies. In fact, a crew member was asked if they could identify that the vape was a fake school supply, to which they confirmed: "If you're not looking for it, there's no way that you'd see that." Why are disguised vapes important? Experts warn that camouflaged devices make vaping easier to hide and normalize among teens. "Kids are being preyed upon," said Dr. Lawrence Quang, chief of pediatric emergency medicine at Christus Children's Hospital, per WPEC. " [These companies] are willfully skirting the law." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Educators have reported that some students even vape in class without being detected. The U.S. Surgeon General has already declared that youth e-cigarette use is an epidemic, and current data shows that most confiscated vapes in some districts contain THC, which heightens safety concerns. The vaping industry's impact doesn't stop at schools. Disposable vapes generate mounting plastic and electronic waste, as most contain nonrecyclable casings, toxic metals, and lithium batteries that often end up in landfills or waterways. Environmental experts have warned that these single-use devices contribute to the broader plastic pollution crisis and pose fire and contamination risks when tossed in regular trash. What's being done about disguised vapes? Several states have passed laws banning vape marketing aimed at minors, such as packaging with cartoon imagery or candy themes. The Food and Drug Administration also issued a warning to the maker of High Light Vapes a product designed to look like a highlighter for concealing its true purpose as a tobacco product. Community groups like the Genesee County Prevention Coalition urge parents to talk early and often with kids about vaping and to check school supplies for hidden devices. The Facebook post shows that awareness is also a valuable step against this deceptive trend. 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. Peru sentenced former President Martin Vizcarra to 14 years in prison, joining a number of former leaders to be jailed for corruption in the country. The court said Vizcarra had taken hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes from construction firms in exchange for public contracts during his time as governor. The former leader is expected to serve his sentence in the same prison where three other ex-presidents are held. Despite years of progress in cleaning up its political systems, corruption has become worse in much of Latin America in recent years, draining already strained public coffers. Estimates show that corruption costs regional countries as much as 5% of their annual GDP. Filipino coffee chain Pickup Coffee is preparing for a fastpaced expansion across the Philippines up to 2027/28. We want to open at least 20 stores per month for the next 24 to 36 months, Pickup Coffee president and CEO Francis Flores told BusinessWorld. As of August 2025, the company operated 420 locations nationwide and believes there is still significant room to grow, particularly in Northern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Flores noted that most existing outlets are concentrated in central business districts, leaving potential sites in shopping centres, hospitals, airports and hightraffic transport hubs largely untapped. Founded in 2022, Pickup Coffee describes itself as a techdriven coffee startup that offers premiumstyle drinks at lower price points. Its signature green kiosks and carts serve espresso beverages, milkbased drinks, matcha, teas, cold brew, blended frappes, yoghurt drinks and pastries. The brands core customer base consists largely of business process outsourcing employees seeking relatively lowcost coffee during latenight and earlymorning shifts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alongside its kiosk model, the company is also building out a larger cafe concept under the Pickup Prime banner. Two Pickup Prime outlets are currently operating: one at Ayala Malls Vertis North in Quezon City and another at SM Seaside City Cebu. A third fullformat cafe is planned for Bonifacio Global City by mid2026. Beyond the domestic market, Pickup Coffee runs 50 outlets in Mexico as part of its efforts to establish a presence overseas. The company expects demand to remain strong, pointing to the Philippines status as one of Southeast Asias bigger coffeedrinking markets. Young people are always on the move and have more active lifestyles. We see out-of-home coffee consumption continuing to grow, Flores said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also observed that interest in entrepreneurship is rising, particularly among younger Filipinos. In previous generations, the goal was to climb the corporate ladder, he continued. Many Gen Zs now want to build their own businesses. When you talk to graduating students, a lot of them prefer to work for a startup. "Pickup Coffee targets 20 new stores monthly across Philippines" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro swatted down a question about whether the National Guard should have been in Washington, D.C., saying she was not even going to humor it because Americans should kiss the ground and thank God President Donald Trump deployed Guardsmen there. The question came up at a press conference on Thursday morning, a day after two troops were shot by an Afghan national who was in the country illegally. I want to ask if you could please comment to obviously we understand [the suspect came in] under the Biden Administration and it, the words are it was a failed withdrawal, a female reporter asked Pirro. There are people who are also upset with the president, believing the National Guard members should not have even been there, if it were not for the executive order. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Upon hearing that, Pirro shook her head and went off on the reporter. I dont even want to talk about whether they should have been there, Pirro fired back. She continued, We oughta kiss the ground and thank God that the president said its time to bring in more law enforcement to make sure a city, that had the fourth highest homicide rate in the country, that that violence was quelled. Im not even gonna go there! The question was similar to what New Yorker writer Jane Mayer said on X the night before. Mayer said the poor Guardsmen should never have been deployed it was for political show and at what a cost. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung ripped Mayer for her a ghoulish behavior and told her to shut the f*ck up afterwards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pirro, at another point in the press conference, shared the names for the two Guardsmen who were shot 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe and 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom. Both remain in critical condition, she said. FBI Director Kash Patel said the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. He also confirmed the bureau was looking into suspected shooter Rahmanullah Lakanwals communications with individuals in Afghanistan. We will ensure that our law enforcement partners are out there to make sure the world can enjoy our nations capital, Patel said. We will not let this heinous act prevent people from visiting our beautiful capital. Watch above, via Fox News. The post Pirro Scoffs at Question on National Guard in DC: We Oughta Kiss the Ground and Thank God Trump Sent Troops In first appeared on Mediaite. Bonnie Blue isnt backing down even after being arrested in Bali and her first public comment made that very clear. The 26-year-old adult content creator, whose real name is Tia Billinger, broke her silence after being arrested in Bali on suspicion of violating local morality laws. Her five-word message came as she was... Trump administration officials say they are undertaking a broad re-examination of asylum cases and green cards issued to citizens of certain countries, after the shooting of two national guard members near the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) named the suspect in the shooting as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the US under a policy set up under Joe Biden after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and continued under Donald Trump. Hours after the shooting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced processing of immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals was indefinitely suspended pending further review. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The DHS said the administration was expanding that to include a review of all asylum cases approved under the Biden administration. DHS did not clarify whether it is reviewing all asylum cases from only Afghanistan or from other countries, as well. The USCIS director, Joseph Edlow, said in a statement he was also directing a full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern, at Trumps request. Edlows statement did not specify which countries were considered countries of concern. USCIS pointed at a travel ban Trump imposed in June on citizens of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Burundi, Laos, Togo, Venezuela, Sierra Leone, and Turkmenistan. Late on Thursday, USCIS also announced it would start considering country-specific factors for applicants from countries included in the travel ban as significant negative factors in certain immigration applications. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps second term in office has been marked by a harsh immigration crackdown, and the president signaled shortly after the shooting that he considered the attack justification to reconsider refugee and asylum status granted under previous administrations. We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country, the president said on Wednesday. If they cant love our country, we dont want them. Speaking from Palm Beach on Wednesday evening, Trump cast the shooting as the result of lax vetting of migrants from Afghanistan, a country that he described as a hellhole on earth, a claim echoed by other senior officials, including the FBI director, Kash Patel, and Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia. The suspect came to the US in September 2021 under an Operation Allies Welcome program that gave some Afghans who had worked for the US government entry visas to the US. The CIA said he worked with CIA military units during the US war in Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lakanwal was granted asylum this year under Trump, according to a US government file seen by Reuters. He had no known criminal history and the government file said he was vetted because he worked with US government partners in Afghanistan during the war, and no potentially disqualifying information was discovered. Related: Shock and dismay after national guard troops shot near White House The shooting took place near the Farragut West metro station in the capital city. The guard members were named as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. On Thursday, Trump announced the death of Beckstrom. He said that Wolfe was still fighting for his life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect was also shot and had injuries not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. National guard troops have been positioned across Washington since August, when the Trump administration declared a crime emergency and ordered them in to support federal and local law enforcement. There are an estimated 2,375 national guard troops activated in Washington. Trump said in his speech that he directed the rebranded war department to send an additional 500 guard members to Washington after the shooting. The US district judge Jia Cobb recently ruled that Trumps national guard deployment was likely unlawful and must be halted, but the order does not go into effect until next month. The Trump administration is appealing against the ruling. Reuters contributed to this report. Police in Malawi are investigating how four police dogs went missing from a presidential palace in the capital, Lilongwe, during the political transition in September. Godfrey Arthur Jalale, who served as State House deputy chief of staff under former President Lazarus Chakwera, has been arrested in connection with the theft of the four German Shepherds. He denies the charge. Chakwera vacated the palace after losing the elections to President Peter Mutharika. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Late on Wednesday, police denied reports that Chakwera had been arrested but confirmed securing a search warrant for his residence after information suggested the stolen dogs were being kept there. Chakwera, who came second with 33% of the vote in the September election, is facing numerous allegations of public resources mismanagement, especially during the handover. His Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has accused Mutharika's administration of "harassing and intimidating" the former leader. Chakwera has not commented. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local media have reported the theft of state property from two presidential residences - the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, and Sanjika Palace, in Blantyre, the country's second biggest city. The four dogs, valued at $2,300 (1,700), were taken out of the palace between 19 September and 4 October, according to the state prosecutors. In a statement on Wednesday, police said they had "intensified investigations following reports of property looting" from Kamuzu Palace. "The Malawi Police Service assures the public that the investigation is progressing smoothly," it added. MCP MPs boycotted parliamentary sessions on Wednesday and camped out at Chakwera's residence in Lilongwe amid reports that he faced arrest following a heightened police presence, local media reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chakwera, a pastor before entering politics, accepted defeat and has kept a low profile since the election. He made his first public appearance last week when he announced that he had accepted a Commonwealth appointment to help mediate in Tanzania's post-election unrest. Mutharika, who first served as president between 2014 and 2020, campaigned on a pledge of a "return to proven leadership" - which resonated with Malawian voters. He returned to power in a country that is in deep crisis, with a severe shortage of fuel and foreign currency. The former law professor was rarely seen in public during the campaign, in contrast to Chakwera who held numerous rallies across Malawi. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a result, speculation about Mutharika's health is rife and there are questions about whether he has the stamina to lead Malawi again at the age of 85. More about Malawi from the BBC: [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 When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The JUNO detector seen from the outside. | Credit: JUNO collaboration The first results from the world's largest neutrino detector have just been published, and they reveal the most precise measurements of neutrino parameters yet. After running the detector the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), in southern China for just shy of two months, the researchers were able to measure the parameters of the different types, or "flavors," of neutrinos with unprecedented precision. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The results narrow down the value of two key neutrino parameters: the mixing angle describing how different neutrino mass states combine to form the neutrino flavors, and the difference between these mass states squared. "Before switching on JUNO, these parameters came from a long series of experiments Half a century of effort is distilled in the numerical value of these two parameters," Gioacchino Ranucci , deputy spokesperson for JUNO, told Live Science. "In 59 days we have overcome 50 years of measurement. So this gives an idea of how powerful [JUNO] is." The facility's first results were published to the preprint server arXiv and have been submitted to the journal Chinese Physics C for peer review. The ghostly mystery of neutrinos The JUNO detector contains 20,000 tons of liquid in a central sphere. When struck by a neutrino, the liquid produces a flash of light that is picked up by the array of sensors surrounding the sphere. | Credit: JUNO collaboration Neutrinos are perhaps the most mysterious of the known particles. Every second, trillions of them pass through your body. However, they very rarely interact with you or any other matter and weigh next to nothing , giving them the nickname "ghost particles." This makes the neutrino one of the hardest particles to study, as most will simply go through a detector without leaving a trace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But physicists are eager to know more about neutrinos because they may be able to break the Standard Model of particle physics, which is our best explanation of the subatomic world. While it is an incredibly successful theory, it is not quite complete and something that it did not predict was that neutrinos would have mass. The discovery that ghost particles do, in fact, have mass (for which the 2015 Nobel Prize in physics was awarded) is due to something called neutrino oscillation. Neutrinos come in three flavors (electron, muon and tau), and they switch between these identities as they move through time and space. The reason for this strange phenomenon is not yet fully understood, but it may hold the key to exciting new physics. "The oscillation phenomenon means that neutrinos are so far the only particle for which there is a property that the Standard Model does not predict," Ranucci said. "So, neutrinos are the only portal to physics beyond the Standard Model." To explore neutrino properties and probe beyond the Standard Model, scientists have built large detectors deep underground. Here, Earth's crust forms a natural shield from most other particles, while the ghost particles pass through and have the chance to make their presence known in the detector. Final preparations for JUNO. Inside the white sphere is 20,000 tons of liquid which, when struck by a neutrino, produces a flash of light that is picked up by sensors surrounding the sphere. | Credit: JUNO collaboration JUNO is the latest and largest of these neutrino detectors. It is a 115-foot-wide (35 meters) sphere that holds 19,700 tons (20,000 metric tons) of a liquid scintillator. This liquid is specially formulated to interact with a neutrino and produce a flash of light. Around the edge of the tank, there are sensors that can pinpoint the flash and provide useful information about the neutrino that caused it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Previous neutrino detectors have worked on the same principle; JUNO is simply much bigger. It contains 20 times more liquid scintillator than any previous experiment, making JUNO significantly more sensitive to neutrinos. This has allowed physicists to measure the parameters that describe the oscillation between different neutrino flavors with unprecedented precision, according to the researchers. A hunt for new physics The JUNO team has high ambitions for the future, and these first results show they are on track to meet those goals. With more time and more data, the researchers hope to achieve even better precision on these oscillation parameters. related stories Heaviest antimatter particle ever discovered could hold secrets to our universe's origins Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astronomers propose making a neutrino detector out of the Pacific Ocean Evidence for Stephen Hawking's unproven black hole theory may have just been found at the bottom of the sea Over its lifetime, JUNO may be able to solve longer-standing mysteries in physics. Physicists expect to be able to order the neutrino mass states from the heaviest to the lightest and perhaps even find clues as to why we don't see as much antimatter as matter in the universe. For now, these ghostly particles have given tantalizing whispers of physics beyond our current theories. With bigger and better neutrino detectors, our understanding of the universe is coming into sharper focus. Editor's note: The headline and lead image of this story was updated on Nov. 27, 2025 AU, EU leaders commit to closer cooperation at Luanda summit Xinhua) 09:10, November 27, 2025 African Union Chairperson and Angolan President Joao Lourenco delivers a speech at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Nov. 25, 2025. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua) LUANDA, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- African and European leaders on Tuesday reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in peace and security, development, climate action and migration at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit held in Luanda. Closing the two-day meeting, African Union Chairperson and Angolan President Joao Lourenco said discussions reflected a shared willingness to deepen dialogue and advance practical cooperation between the two continents. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU's Global Gateway initiative, which has mobilized more than 120 billion euros (about 138.8 billion U.S. dollars) in investment for Africa since its launch three years ago, aims to support local job creation, value-chain development, and strategic industries including raw-material processing, pharmaceutical production, and regional energy interconnections. According to the summit's joint declaration, both sides stressed support for multilateralism, the peaceful settlement of conflicts, and stronger cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, climate adaptation, green energy, digital transformation, agriculture, and health systems. They also pledged to boost investment, support Africa's industrialization, enhance regional integration, and adopt a balanced approach to migration that expands legal pathways while addressing irregular flows. A permanent follow-up mechanism will be established to monitor implementation of summit commitments. The next AU-EU Summit will be held in Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen attends the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Nov. 24, 2025. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua) Guests pose for photos at the 7th African Union-European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, Nov. 24, 2025. (Photo by Julio Kikebu/Xinhua) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Laman Ismayilova A fascinating evening of art has taken place at Heydar Aliyev Palace, a celebration of dance dedicated to the 60th anniversary of People's Artist Tarana Muradova, well-known dancer and choreographer, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the Baku Choreography Academy and an Associate Professor at the Department of Folk and Modern Dance, as well as President of the Azerbaijan Dance Union, Azernews reports. The festive evening, organised with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Baku Choreography Academy, opened with warm and heartfelt messages addressed to the honoree. For more than 45 years, Tarana Muradova has represented Azerbaijani dance art on the worlds greatest stagesLa Scala, Aspendos, the Bolshoi Theater, the Kirov Theatre, and UNESCO. Her artistic legacy has long become a symbol of Azerbaijan, and her students have grown into bright stars of choreographic art. On behalf of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Baku Choreography Academy, and numerous distinguished guestsprominent dance figures from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkiye, Georgia, Hungary, and Russia, congratulatory messages were read and international awards were presented. The evening was hosted by well-known TV presenter Saleh Baghirov. The stage of the Heydar Aliyev Palace featured masterpieces of Azerbaijani dance culture and dances of the world performed by the country's leading ensembles. The audience enjoyed performances by students of the Baku Choreography Academy, the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, the State Song and Dance Ensemble, and the ballet company of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Special guestsmultiple world champions Eldar Jafarov and Anna Sazhina, Denis Tagintsev and Anna Melnikova sparked particular excitement. The hall erupted in applause after every performance. The program included works by Gara Garayev, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Fikrat Amirov, and Eldar Mansurov, along with contemporary and traditional music. This day became truly exceptional: for the first time in 11 years, Tarana Muradova returned to the stage, and she did so at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, the very place where she once began her ascent in choreography. This stage is native, special, and symbolic for her. The culminating moment of the evening was her original choreography, "Black and White" to the hit "Azerbaijan" by People's Artist Emin Agalarov. It was an elegant and bold fusion of modern ballroom choreography with subtly woven elements of national dance. The audience witnessed a new Tarana Muradovadynamic, daring, contemporary, yet faithful to her roots. Each of her movements sounded like a declaration of love to art, like a story of an entire creative life. The philosophy of the dance unfolded as a metaphor for life itself: morning and evening, light and darkness, triumphs and trials. The black-and-white concept was not merely an artistic deviceit was the honoree's confession, her candid story of the years lived, of struggle and inspiration, of the bright and dark paths of fate that merge into a single whole in dance. A special place in the program was given to the composition "Uzundere", an ancient Azerbaijani dance, once performed in a new arrangement by a chamber orchestra and an ensemble of folk instruments, which greatly impressed the national leader, Heydar Aliyev. At his initiative, in 1997, Tarana Muradova created her own choreographic interpretation, presenting a unique synthesis of classical and folk dance. This dance became one of the leader's favourites. With "Uzundere," Tarana Muradova represented Azerbaijan on the international stage. Its performance at the anniversary evening served as a tribute to history, tradition, and the memory of the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev. The audience rose to their feet to welcome Tarana Muradova, offering endless applause, flowers, and heartfelt smiles. The celebration carried on behind the scenes, where everyone wished to congratulate her and capture a photo with an artist who has devoted her life to national dance, its preservation, growth, and promotion on the world stage. Once again, Tarana Muradova demonstrated that art has the power to captivate hearts and stages in any era, and that one can continue to dance at any ageso long as each movement is filled with love. Police keep a presence following the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey claimed in a post on X that both members of the West Virginia National Guard have passed away from their injuries, but said in another post about 20 minutes later that he was "receiving conflicting reports" about the condition of the two National Guard members. FBI Director Kash Patel told reporters that the two members are "in critical condition." In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump said the two guardsmen, "with both being critically wounded," are in two separate hospitals. Police keep a presence following the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Law enforcement officials visit the crime scene following two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Police keep a presence following the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Law enforcement officials visit the crime scene following two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Law enforcement officials visit the crime scene following two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) FBI Director Kash Patel (front) speaks during a press conference following the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Police keep a presence following the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on Nov. 26, 2025. Two U.S. National Guard members were shot near the White House on Wednesday and a suspect is in custody, according to local authorities. (Xinhua/Hu Yousong) Entering some National Parks is about to get more expensive for foreign visitors. The Federal Government announced on Tuesday a new $100 per person fee. "For some people, they just want to come here to see the beautiful view over here. So, it's going to be really hard for them to come here from now," tourist Get said. Get, originally from Thailand, was taking in the iconic views of the Yosemite Valley on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's one of 11 National Parks, from Yellowstone in Montana to the Everglades in Florida, and Acadia in Maine, where the added fee will go into effect on January 1. "What they kind of show in the verbiage on the Park site is that they are trying to reinvest this into the Park Service," Jacob Hawley said. Hawley sees dozens of foreign travelers a day. The Mariposa Visitors Center is often their last stop before heading into the park. "They're (from) all over the world. And, you know, we're getting quite a bit of travelers, especially for the month of October," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Starting in the new year, Park Rangers will ask visitors for identification, and those without U.S.-issued IDs will pay what the government calls a "nonresident surcharge" to keep its most popular parks "beautiful and running well." "Maybe it could be a deterrent - if you increase the fee, then less people would come," Pierre-Loues said. Under the new rules, Pierre-Loues from Paris, with his group of six, could pay an extra $100 per person. "I can see the $250 America the Beautiful pass being the way to go if I was a foreigner," Hawley says. The pass covers a carload of travelers and grants access to all parks for a year, making it a smarter option for many groups. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The foreign travelers are coming to, you know, Sequoia Kings Canyon, Yosemite, then Grand Canyon. So, they're already doing all those parks," Hawley says. Officials at the Interior Department say the new fee is a small fraction of total trip costs for foreign visitors. It is in direct response to an executive order signed by President Trump. For news updates, follow Gabe Ferris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. President Vladimir Putin has said he is ready to document in writing the renunciation of a Russian attack on Europe as part of diplomatic negotiations. He said it was a "lie" and "complete nonsense" to claim that Russia intends to invade Europe. "To us, that sounds ridiculous. The truth is: We never intended to do that; But if they want to hear it from us, well, then we'll document it. No question," Putin said at a press conference concluding his visit to the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Putin has repeatedly rejected accusations from German and other European politicians that Russia wants to invade other European countries after Ukraine. However, his assurances have been repeatedly doubted in the West, especially since he invaded Ukraine. Even before the invasion of Ukraine, he claimed that Russia did not intend to do so. Putin: Ready for negotiations on ending war in Ukraine Putin also reiterated his willingness for peace negotiations. Next week, US representatives are expected in Moscow for talks on a possible end to the war that has been ongoing for over three and a half years. The discussions are also expected to cover security guarantees for Ukraine and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a basic prerequisite for an agreement, Putin again mentioned the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk and Luhansk provinces in the Donbass region of eastern Ukraine. Otherwise Russia will continue the war to achieve its goals of full control there, Putin said. Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that he was receptive to the latest U.S. plan to end the conflict in Ukraine, but insisted the country's forces would have to give up territory. Putin made the comments to reporters during a visit to the central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan ahead of U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff's visit to Moscow next week. Witkoff is expected to discuss a version of the Trump administration's 28-point peace plan that's been criticized for allowing Russia to keep territory seized by force and barring Ukraine from joining the western NATO military alliance. The Russian leader said the U.S. government is now taking some of its positions into account and that the U.S. plan "can be used" as the basis for future agreements, the state-run TASS news agency reported. However, the plan needed to be refined into "diplomatic language," while other points were non-starters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia currently controls about 20% of Ukraine, about 1,500 square miles, since launching its invasion nearly four years ago. Putin said Russian forces would continue their advance in the eastern Donbass region, The Moscow Times reported. "Ukrainian forces will have to leave the territories they currently occupy, and then the fighting will stop," he said. "If they don't, we will achieve this by military means." Russia analyst Tatiana Stanovaya wrote in a post on X that Putin "feels more confident than ever about the battlefield situation and is convinced that he can wait until Kyiv finally accepts that it cannot win and must negotiate on Russia's well-known terms." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected calls for the country to cede territory and has insisted that any peace deal include security guarantees against further Russian aggression. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Russians are peddling the narrative around the world that Ukraine allegedly cannot defend itself," Zelensky said in a post X Wednesday. "They are saying that Ukrainian warriors cannot defend themselves. The daily combat results of the Ukrainian army, our special forces, and deep strikes -- these are all proof that Ukraine can defend its interests." Putin also stated that signing any agreement with Ukraine was pointless, implying that it was illegitimate because it had not held elections during the conflict, The Kyiv Independent reported. However, the paper pointed out that Ukraine's constitution prohibits elections from being held under martial law, which was declared at the beginning of the conflict in 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin has advertised the effectiveness of Russian weaponry at a meeting of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military alliance. "We propose launching a large-scale programme to equip the collective armed forces with modern Russian weapons and technology that have proven their effectiveness in real combat operations," he said on Thursday at a gathering of the alliance in Kyrgyzstan, according to the Russian news agency Interfax. Russia regularly tests new weapons systems in its war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Planning was under way for joint military training, Putin explained in Bishkek, with a focus on air capabilities and defence. The CSTO is a military alliance dominated by Russia. It currently includes the former Soviet republics of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Belarus. Armenia froze its membership of the alliance in February 2024 after tensions with Russia increased following Armenia's defeat by Azerbaijan in the conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. A Queens man accused of riddling his 25-year-old nephew bullets during a fight over food at a backyard barbecue has been convicted of murder, officials said Thursday. A jury on Tuesday found Durran Morgan guilty of second-degree murder, assault and weapons possession in connection with the May 27, 2023, killing. The jury deliberated for less than two hours following the four-day trial, which began on Nov. 20, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What should have been a joyous holiday weekend turned to complete tragedy when the defendant shot and killed his 25-year-old nephew over a petty dispute about food payment, Katz said. He also seriously injured his own niece during a shooting that happened in view of other relatives. Gun violence is never the answer to any argument. Morgan, 40, who claimed to be an Iraq War Marine veteran when he was arraigned, is expected to be sentenced Dec. 16. Hes facing 50 years to life in prison. During the trial, prosecutors proved that Morgan never served in the Marines, officials said. He was accused of killing his nephew Chevaughn Millings during an argument over who was paying for the chicken purchased for the barbecue, prosecutors said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 9:15 p.m. shooting happened in front of several relatives during a cookout at the familys St. Albans home on Pineville Lane. As Millings and Morgan argued over who was going to pay for the chicken, the defendants nephew pushed him out the side door of the home, relatives told police at the time. Morgan retaliated by reentering the home through the front door, pulling a gun from his waistband and furiously shooting his nephew 10 times, prosecutors said. The gunmans 20-year-old niece, who was standing near Millings, was also hit multiple times in the leg and grazed by a bullet on her forehead. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Medics rushed both victims to Jamaica Hospital, where Millings died. Morgans niece survived and is still recovering, prosecutors said. Im in shock confused, Millings mother, who gave her name as Vern, told the Daily News shortly after the shooting. Hes kind and hes helpful, she said of her slain son. Hes hardworking. He loved to draw. He loved to sing. And hes always helping me to do everything. Neighbors said the family was known for loud gatherings and that Morgan had twice before been accused of domestic violence. Morgan fled to Georgia after the shooting but later returned to New York to surrender at the 113th Precinct stationhouse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He had previously been arrested on accusations he beat his daughter with a belt and had high-powered ammunition hidden in his home four months before killing Millings, but had been released without bail, court documents show. In 2019, Morgan was accused of grabbing his 41-year-old girlfriend by the hair and throwing her to the ground, bruising her head and elbow. The case was later dismissed and sealed. And in 2016 Morgan was arrested for DWI. Police said he was pulled over in Bensonhurst for driving erratically and registered a .137 on a breathalyzer, close to double the legal limit. (NewsNation) Senior law enforcement officials have identified the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., as an Afghan national. FBI agents named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, as the suspect. Law enforcement officials added that Lakanwal allegedly used a handgun in the shooting. FBI Director Kash Patel said Wednesday two members of the West Virginia National Guard are in critical condition following the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump: Animal who shot National Guard members will pay a very steep price At 2:15 ET, members were on patrol near 17th and I Street Northwest when a suspect discharged a firearm at the members, coming around a corner. Other Guard members were able to subdue a suspect and detain them as more law enforcement arrived. Please, send your prayers to those brave warriors who are in critical condition and their families, Patel said. The Guard members are being treated at a local hospital. Officials say there is no indication other individuals were involved. The service members who were shot were armed, officials said, and whether they were able to fire their weapons is part of the investigation. Rahmanullah Lakanwal came to US in 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 as part of the Biden administrations Operation Allies Welcome in the aftermath of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His permission to be in the U.S. expired in September of this year, and he is now in the country illegally, according to federal law enforcement sources. Body found near Portland, Oregon, identified as missing hunter Lakanwals last known location was Bellingham, Washington. Rahmanullah Lakanwal served alongside U.S. forces in Afghanistan A close relative of Lakanwal stated the 29-year-old served alongside U.S. Special Forces troops in Afghanistan. Lakanwal was stationed at a base in Kandahar for part of his service. He came to the U.S. after the Taliban took over in Afghanistan and eventually settled in Washington. What is Operation Allies Welcome? Operations Allies Welcome was an effort in 2021 led by the Department of Homeland Security to support vulnerable Afghans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The operation included aiding those who worked alongside Americans in Afghanistan for the past two decades, as they safely resettle in the United States. 2 in custody after missing pregnant woman found dead in Michigan Only a fraction of the evacuees were protected under Temporary Protected Status. The Biden administration initially designated Afghanistan for TPS in May 2022 and extended it in September 2023. The Trump administration announced the termination of the status in May, saying Afghanistan was safe enough for return. 500 more National Guard being deployed to DC after shooting Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that 500 more National Guard troops will be deployed to D.C. after the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats why President Trump has asked me, and I will ask the secretary of the Army to the National Guard to add 500 additional troops, National Guardsmen, to Washington, D.C., Hegseth told reporters Wednesday during a trip to the Dominican Republic. US woman missing after not returning to cruise ship in Caribbean U.S. officials confirmed to NewsNation that the FBI will initially investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism. The FBI is preliminarily investigating this as an act of terrorism, but is not ruling out other possibilities if that is where the investigation takes them, officials said. 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 NewsNation. The FBI believes they have identified a suspect who shot two West Virginia National Guardsmen near the White House earlier today. That alleged shooter may have Washington ties, according to CNN, citing the FBI. According to CNN, the suspected shooter is believed to have immigrated from Afghanistan to Washington in August 2021. CBS and the Associated Press have identified the alleged shooter 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, of Bellingham. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The guardsmen were performing high visibility patrols when they were shot, according to police officials, who added the suspected shooter was subdued and taken into custody. It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard, said Jeffrey Carroll, an executive assistant D.C. police chief, adding that it was not clear whether one of the guard members or a law enforcement officer shot the suspect. At this point we have no other suspects, Carroll said at a news conference. The Washington, D.C. mayor described the attack as a targeted shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At last check, the two were critically injured. Following the shooting, President Donald Trump has asked for 500 more National Guard troops to be deployed to D.C. Nearly 2,200 troops are currently assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the governments latest update. It does not appear that Lakanwal has a criminal record in Washington. Its believed he immigrated to Bellingham in 2021, around the same time as when Operation Allies Refuge and World Relief welcomed nearly 1,700 Afghan refugees to the country. The agency has not confirmed that Lakanwal was a part of that group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to KIRO 7, World Relief said: We are shocked and devastated by reports of two members of the National Guard being shot near the White House in Washington, D.C. We are praying for these service members swift recovery and for their families. We have not received confirmation of the identity of the alleged perpetrator. Regardless, once law enforcement does confirm his identity, we cannot confirm whether or not we have served any client without permission from our federal government partners. We are eager to support law enforcement in any way possible. We believe that the perpetrator should face due justice under the law. Regardless of the alleged perpetrators nationality, religion or specific legal status, we urge our country to recognize these evil actions as those of one person, not to unfairly judge others who happen to share those same characteristics." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal agents are working to determine a motive. KIRO 7 spoke to neighbors in Bellingham who believe they knew the suspects family, and described them as kind and quiet. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Several Palestinians were injured during a large-scale operation by Israeli security forces in the West Bank, according to a media report from Wednesday. The Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli forces had "severely beaten" 10 residents near the city of Tubas. Four were taken to hospital. Israel's army did not initially comment on the allegations when asked. The Israeli military had previously announced that the army, the Shin Bet domestic intelligence service and Israel's border police had launched an operation in the north of the West Bank during the night as part of a "broad counterterrorism operation." No details were given at first. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palestinian media reported that Tubas and several neighbouring towns were affected. Israeli forces searched buildings there and asked residents to temporarily leave their homes. Schools and shops in the area remained closed for the time being. Tensions in the occupied West Bank have escalated since the massacre led by the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in Israel on October 7, 2023, and the resulting Gaza war. The Palestinian Ministry of Health says more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since then in Israeli military operations, armed clashes and attacks. At the same time, radical Israeli settlers are increasingly attacking Palestinians in the West Bank. Shocked residents of an Ormond Beach neighborhood expressed sympathy for the owner of a small dog that was taken from her leash and killed by a wild coyote recently. The incident took place around Sanchez Park, near the Ormond Terrace neighborhood, according to social media posts on Nextdoor.com. Kristyn DiVerniero, who claims to be part of the dog owners family, said the five-pound Yorkie was not on a long leash. "She was a few feet from her mom but behind her mom. They were about to enter the garage which was the normal routine. The coyote took the leash right out of her hand. FWC has returned the deceased dog to us. The collar and the leash were still attached," she wrote on Nextdoor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WESH-TV identified Lynn Blanford as the dog's owner in a Nov. 26 broadcast. As of Thursday, Nov. 27, it was not clear when the attack occurred. A coyote walks along the grassy shoulder of South Ocean Blvd. near Sloan's Curve on October 12 , 2020 in Palm Beach, Florida. Attempts to reach the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Blanford, and DiVerniero were unsuccessful on Thanksgiving Day. Neighbors express sympathy over Ormond Beach coyote attack Several neighbors took to Nextdoor to express their condolences to Blanford and to share their concern over rampant, recurrent coyote appearances in the area. Elaine Davis wrote that there's a whole pack of coyotes living in those woods right there between the park and Ridgewood (Avenue), calling it a serious and dangerous situation. I had one about a month or two ago come up the middle of Melrose (Avenue), Davis wrote. I had my little dog out on a leash and it started to run at me in front of my house. I immediately put my little dog inside and grabbed the gun and came back out but it was gone that quick. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allison Pellgrin said she lives close to Blanford and was heartbroken for her neighbor. Everyone in the neighborhood has just been sick over this, Pellegrin wrote. My neighbor across the street gave me a whistle because I walked my dogs very early in the morning. Kristyn DiVerniero commented that an eyewitness jumped out of his truck to assist, but it was too late. "We are worried people are assuming it was a long leash and therefore the dogs are safe on a short leash We dont want anyone else to go through this, she wrote. Coyote sightings are common in Florida neighborhoods Coyotes are found in all of Floridas 67 counties, according to FWCs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The close relatives to domestic dogs are extremely adaptable and can be found in rural, suburban and urban landscapes. And even though they are generally shy and elusive, encounters between people and coyotes in Florida are occurring more often, according to the agency. While adults are not the targets of coyote attacks, coyotes can and do prey on domestic cats and small dogs. Most coyote attacks on pets occur either at night or in the early evening or morning hours (dusk and dawn), according to FWC. For pet owners, there are some ways to avoid coyote attacks, according to the agency: Do not allow pets to roam freely in the neighborhood. Keep cats indoors, as free-roaming cats are at a high risk of being preyed on by coyotes and other animals. Walk small dogs on a short leash that is less than 6 feet, especially at night, dusk or dawn. Be extra careful if you are going to walk your pet in wooded areas or areas that have heavy foliage, where coyotes may rest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to FWC, it is important never to feed coyotes either intentionally or unintentionally. Clean up pet food, fallen fruit and seed around bird feeders coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will be drawn to and eat all of these potential food sources, FWC says. These tips can help Florida residents avoid conflict with coyotes. Removing coyotes from a given area to eradicate their presence is an ineffective and inefficient method, the agency says. Instead, Hazing the animal by making loud noises and acting aggressively will typically cause a coyote to leave an area, according to FWCs website, but you may need to increase and continue hazing efforts until the coyote is effectively deterred and leaves the area for good. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Installing an alarm system or motion-activated sprinklers can also be more effective alternatives to deter coyotes from residential areas. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Ormond Beach neighborhood concerned after coyote kills dog Black Friday sales typically begin before Black Friday actually arrives, and that was the case again in 2025. Retailers around the world promoted lower prices, including laptop deals at Best Buy. So when the iPad Air dropped in price from $1,012 to $17 on MediaWorld's website in late November, customers snatched it up quicker than you can say "Christmas miracle." But that miracle was a mistake, and now the Italian company wants the iPads back. Wired broke the story of MediaWorld's blunder, which saw shoppers buy the iPads online and pick them up in-person with no issues. The mistake wasn't discovered until 11 days after the fact, and MediaWorld promptly reached out to customers via email. The company wants the iPads, which might be a viable alternative to the MacBook Air, to be returned for a $17 refund, plus a $23 discount toward a future purchase. Or customers can choose to pay around $821 to keep them. MediaWorld contends that Italian regulations enable them to void the sales since the error was obviously an error. But there's a question of what shoppers are supposed to recognize, versus what the company outright tells them. Also, under the same regulations, customers should've been contacted by mail, and not email. As of this writing, MediaWorld has not announced whether it will continue to demand that customers take action to correct the company's pricing mistake, or if the sales will be allowed to stand. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Every Rule The Hells Angels Live By E-commerce issues can cause massive retail losses Customer making a credit card online shopping payment - Garun .Prdt/Shutterstock MediaWorld's iPad pricing error in November 2025 isn't the first time an online retailer experienced a major E-commerce issue. In 2010, Las Vegas-based clothing company Zappos lost over $1.6 million thanks to its sister website, 6pm. The 6pm site suddenly maxed all items out at a price of $49.95. The mistake went unnoticed for six hours, but rather than contacting customers, Zappos, which is one of the brands owned by Amazon, ate the loss instead. Anthropologie, a clothing and lifestyle retail brand headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, made a big mistake of its own in 2017. One of the company's high-end sectional couches, regularly retailing for $8,000, was actually marked down to $0. Customers only had to pay the $149 delivery charge. Many people jumped on the offer, but the company discovered the mistake, and cancelled all the orders. Similar 100 percent-discounted glitches have occurred in other companies too, including handbag retailer Marc Jacobs in 2022. In this case, the company also managed to catch the error before any orders were fulfilled. The problem for consumers is that there's no real way to know if website prices are incorrect. Even hugely discounted items might be right, and while "free" sounds too good to be true, if the offer is still online hours afterward, it can be impossible to know for sure. Of course, the only thing you can do is click, or ignore, and either way, you might be disappointed in the end. 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. WASHINGTON, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The suspect in the shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House on Wednesday has been identified as an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021, U.S. media reported. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been living in Washington state, NBC News reported, citing senior law enforcement sources. Authorities are still working to confirm all the details surrounding the individual who is now in custody, said the report. The attack took place at around 14:15 local time (19:15 GMT) near the Farragut Square Metro Station, said a statement from Joint Task Force D.C., which oversees the National Guard deployments to Washington. In a social media post, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the two guardsmen, both of whom are "critically wounded," are in two separate hospitals, and that the gunman was also severely wounded. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed in a post on X that the injured were from the West Virginia National Guard. When the incident happened, Trump was at his resort in Palm Beach ahead of Thursday's Thanksgiving holiday, while U.S. Vice President JD Vance was in Kentucky, said a Reuters report. "The White House is aware and actively monitoring this tragic situation. The President has been briefed," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement. Following the shooting, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. In August, Trump placed the police department in Washington under direct federal control and deployed the National Guard to the nation's capital. More than 2,000 National Guard soldiers are currently on duty in Washington, according to multiple media reports. The possibility of introducing a rent cap in Guernsey will be looked at by the committee for housing. Committee president Deputy Steve Williams admitted he was concerned by the rising cost of renting a property, with latest figures showing the average rent was 2,112 per month. Rents in the island have risen by more than 50% in the last five years and at the end of September were 1.8% higher than the end of June and 2.8% higher than the end of September 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some politicians have blamed the impact of States relocation grants for rent increases. In an update to States members, Williams said he had spoken to Jersey's housing minister about the rent caps that were agreed there earlier this year. Williams said: "It's an interestingly complicated and sensitive area, rent capping and there are lots of examples around the world, I think, where it's not going terribly well. However, it is something we want to have a look at. "We don't want to scare the rental market in terms of scaring lenders away, however we are concerned about affordability, so it's something we will certainly look to address and see what possibly we can do whilst trying to tread as carefully as we can within the market." Modular 'pilot project' Under questioning from Deputy Andy Cameron, Williams said his committee had already investigated using modular housing to get houses built during the current political term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said it was likely the only way to get a development started and completed this term would be through modular construction. He admitted the committee had been in conversation with the States Property Unit about a "pilot project" using modular methods on a government owned site. "We've got more work to do with them in terms of assessing the viability of the business plan and then bring something forward and we're also canvassing around for suitable locations. "So yes, I personally think it's the only way we're going to make some sort of hit on the market in terms of trying to ease the pressure in the market and release the logjams." New roles delegated in his update to States members, Williams said the committee was exploring how unused accommodation such as vacant dowry units could be used for housing as a short-term measure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Williams said his committee was "considering covenants on land to lock in discounts for first-time buyers ideally selling properties at 75% of market value." He said he had also investigated ramping up property tax rates to encourage owners to bring empty properties back into use. 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 A luxury watch dealer who defrauded 50 customers out of more than 1m has been jailed. Adam Moore-Lynch, who ran Manchester Watch Hub on King Street in Manchester city centre, promised to sell on clients' high-value watches while taking a commission for himself. However, the 28-year-old sold pieces including Rolexes, some worth up to 120,000, and kept the money. Moore- Lynch, of St Andrews Crescent, Dumbarton, pleaded guilty to fraud, converting criminal property and carrying out a business with intent to defraud creditors. Police say the watches including Rolexes have never been recovered [GMP] He was sentenced to five years and one month at Manchester Crown Court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said its investigation started when Moore-Lynch was arrested in January 2024. Det Con Michelle Wilkinson from GMP's Complex Fraud Investigation team, said the victims had suffered "significant financial and emotional loss". "The watches have not been recovered, and it is highly likely they were subsequently sold to unsuspecting buyers, which further complicates efforts to recover the victims' property." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Related internet links A court in Russia on Thursday convicted eight people on terrorism charges over an attack on a bridge linking Russia to Moscow-annexed Crimea that is a key supply route for Kremlin forces in the war with Ukraine. The court sentenced all of the defendants to life in prison. The October 2022 attack on the bridge came when a truck bomb blew up two of its sections and required months of repairs. The blast killed the truck driver and four other people in a car nearby. Moscow decried the attack as an act of terrorism and retaliated by bombarding Ukraines civilian infrastructure, targeting the countrys power grid over the winter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Ukrainian Security Service, known as the SBU, claimed responsibility for the attack. Eight people including Russian, Ukrainian and Armenian citizens were arrested. Five others, including three Ukrainian and two Georgian nationals, were charged in absentia. Artyom and Georgy Azatyan, Oleg Antipov, Alexander Bylin, Vladimir Zloba, Dmitry Tyazhelykh, Roman Solomko and Artur Terchanyan were charged with carrying out a terrorist attack and illegal arms trafficking. Solomko and Terchanyan also were accused of smuggling explosives. The Russian authorities accused them of aiding Ukraine in organizing the attack. All of those arrested have denied the charges and insisted they didnt know the truck carried explosives, according to Russian media reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lt. Gen. Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU, said in a 2023 interview that he and two other trusted staff members prepared the attack and used other people without their knowledge. A military court in Russias southern city Rostov-on-Don about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of the border with Ukraine began trying the accused in February 2025 behind closed doors. The Russian authorities have accused Maliuk of organizing the attack. Antipov, an entrepreneur whose logistics company handled the shipment of the cargo in the truck that exploded, went to Russias Federal Security Service, the FSB, as soon as he heard about the blast and failed to reach the driver of the car. He hoped to assist the investigation, he and his wife Irina told the Mediazona independent news site. Security officials initially let him go, but days later he was arrested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A video published by Mediazona showed Antipov addressing the courtroom after the verdict and insisting, We are innocent. We are innocent. We all passed eight of us we all passed the polygraphs. We all proved our innocence. We cooperated fully. We went to law enforcement ourselves and gave our testimony. Not a single person has testified against us," Antipov said from a glass cage in the courtroom, where he stood alongside other defendants. All the witnesses say we are innocent. All the evidence says we are innocent. All 116 volumes (of case files) say we are innocent. Show the people the truth." The bridge connecting Crimea and Russia carries heavy significance for Moscow, both logistically and psychologically, as a key artery for military and civilian supplies and as an assertion of Kremlin control of the peninsula it illegally annexed in 2014. After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine attacked the bridge twice in October 2022 with a truck bomb and in July 2023 with sea drones. The second attack killed two people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge over the Kerch Strait that links the Black and Azov seas carries road and rail traffic on separate sections and is vital to sustaining Russias military operations in southern Ukraine. The bridge is the longest in Europe and a subject of considerable pride in Russia. Construction began in 2016, about two years after Russias annexation of Crimea, and was completed in little more than two years. The bridge was built despite strong objections from Ukraine and is the most visible and constant reminder of Russias claim over Crimea. Irish author Sally Rooney has told the High Court it was "almost certain" she cannot publish new novels in the UK and may have to withdraw her current books because of the banning of Palestine Action under terrorism laws. Rooney says UK legislation may mean she cannot be paid royalties by her British publisher or the BBC because it could leave both at risk of being accused of funding terrorism. In August, she said she intended to use royalties "to go on supporting Palestine Action". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group was banned in July after the home secretary accused it of causing serious damage to property. Its co-founder is challenging that ban in the High Court, arguing it interferes with the right to protest. The author of Normal People, which was adapted into one of the most watched BBC dramas of recent years, has supported the campaign to reverse the ban. In two witness statements provided to the High Court, Rooney said she believed that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza - and Palestine Action's activity in the UK was from a "long and proud tradition of civil disobedience - the deliberate breaking of laws as an act of protest". She went on: "I myself have publicly advocated the use of direct action, including property sabotage, in the cause of climate justice. It stands to reason that I should support the same range of tactics in the effort to prevent genocide." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has regularly denied that its actions in Gaza amount to genocide and says they are justified as a means of self-defence. Rooney said the ban on Palestine Action under terrorism laws also had far reaching consequences for her as an author and her right to free expression. She explained she periodically receives royalties from the BBC's adaptions. In August she declared in an Irish Times article that she intended to use those royalties "to go on supporting Palestine Action". Following that statement, she said she had been advised that any such payment to her for those televised dramatisations could be a breach of terrorism laws. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That warning had come from the independent producer of the two BBC dramatisations of her novels. It told her agent that it had received "unambiguous legal advice" that if it knew or suspected that Rooney was using royalties from the TV dramas to fund Palestine Action, sending her the money would be a terrorism offence. "It is therefore unclear whether any UK company can continue to make payments to me, even when it had agreed to do so," said Rooney. Demonstrators gathered outside the High Court during the opening of the case [BBC] Rooney told the court that this legal uncertainty affected her rights as an artist - and her publisher's too. "If... Faber & Faber Limited are legally prohibited from paying me the royalties I am owed, my existing works may have to be withdrawn from sale," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "My novels have been influential and popular in Britain, where I am among the best-selling literary authors of the last decade. "The disappearance of my work from bookshops would mark a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression. "It is also almost certain that I can no longer publish or produce any new work within the UK while this proscription remains in effect." Rooney publicly revealed in September that she did not believe she could travel to the UK anymore because of her stance. "I am and will continue to be a committed supporter of Palestine Action. If that support is criminalised, I will effectively be prevented from speaking at any future public events in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Is it likely that I could ever again collaborate with British public institutions like the BBC as I have done in the past?" The hearing continues through Thursday with a final day of submissions next week. A Seattle woman is looking for answers after her father was found shot to death inside his Mount Baker apartment last week. LauriAnna BigBeaver says she and her brothers learned about what happened when they saw the news reports and recognised the apartment building. She says she just knew something was wrong. I decided to call my dad. And when I called him, it just went to voicemail. And that was the very first time in my life that it has ever went to voicemail. Because hes never missed any of my calls. So I think that kind of solidified that it was him, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seattle police found Juan Carlos Barcelo Rivero shot to death inside his apartment in Seattles Mount Baker neighborhood last Tuesday night. Two days later, LauriAnna gave birth to a daughter, who will never get the chance to meet her grandfather. Now, LauriAnna is just hoping to get justice for her dad. Police say the suspect ran off before officers arrived and is still at large. If you have any information about the suspect or the incident, you can contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tipline at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted. A GoFundMe has been created to support the family. Members of Congress tend to be wealthier than the American public. But some are ultra-rich: There are eight US senators worth roughly $50 million or more. Half of them were only elected last year, and six of them are Republicans. You probably already knew that members of Congress tend to be wealthy. What you may not realize is that some of them are ultrawealthy. Eight members of the US Senate are worth about $50 million or more, according to their most recent financial disclosures. One of them may be a billionaire. And there are several others who, though not nearly as wealthy, are still multi-millionaires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Six of the eight wealthiest senators are Republicans. And four of those six were only elected last year. That's no coincidence: Ahead of a 2024 election cycle in which costly Senate races were expected in several states, GOP leaders explicitly sought to recruit wealthy businessmen to run for seats in the upper chamber. That allowed the party to rely on self-funding by those candidates, decreasing the burden shared by the party's donor base. This list is based on an analysis of the assets and liabilities disclosed in each senator's annual financial disclosures covering 2024, which are the most recent available. Assets owned by their spouses are included. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of Congress are not required to disclose the exact dollar values of their assets and liabilities, but rather a range of values. They are also not required to disclose the value of their personal residences. Senators are listed in descending order based on the sum of the minimum value of their assets. Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia Republican Sen. Jim Justice of West Virginia may be the sole billionaire serving in the US Senate. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images Sen. Jim Justice is by far the wealthiest senator at least on paper. The West Virginia Republican disclosed owning over $1 billion worth of assets in 2024. The bulk of that value is tied up in various coal and mining companies that Justice owns, along with the luxury Greenbrier resort. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, there's some reason to doubt that Justice is a billionaire. Though he was listed as a billionaire by Forbes for several years, he was removed from the list in 2021 after it was revealed that he owed a significant amount of debt. Last year, Forbes reported that Justice and his companies were in so much debt, he had a negative net worth. Spokespeople for Justice did not return a request for comment. After serving as governor since 2017, Justice was elected to the Senate in 2024, succeeding retiring Sen. Joe Manchin, who was also wealthy. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott of Florida is worth more than $240 million. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Sen. Rick Scott is worth somewhere between $243 million and $744 million, according to his financial disclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Florida Republican's largest assets include his personal residence in Naples and a series of airplanes he owns, both of which are valued between $25 million and $50 million. The rest of mostly held in various investment funds. Scott was elected to the Senate in 2018. He first entered politics in 2010, when he ran for governor of Florida and narrowly won the election. Before that, he co-founded a chain of for-profit hospitals and was an investor. Earlier this year, the Florida senator got into something of a spat with a colleague over wealth. During a hearing on a bill to ban stock trading in July, Sen. Josh Hawley while seated beside Scott noted that he's "not a billionaire, unlike others on this committee." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott later said it was "disgusting" to criticize lawmakers for their success. "I don't know when in this country it became a negative to make money," Scott said at the hearing. "This idea that we're going to attack people because they make money is wrong. It's absolutely wrong." Sen. David McCormick of Pennsylvania Republican Sen. David McCormick of Pennsylvania owns assets worth at least $135 million. Scott Eisen/Getty Images Republican Sen. David McCormick of Pennsylvania owns assets worth at least $135 million, according to his 2024 disclosures. That includes over $50 million in equity in Bridgewater, the hedge fund where he was CEO from 2020 to 2022. McCormick also owns a ranch investment property in Colorado worth between $25 million and $50 million, plus other multimillion-dollar properties in Dallas, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. He and his wife also have significant investments in corporate, municipal, and US Treasury bonds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also has a "dynasty trust," which allows their holders to pass wealth on to future generations without incurring certain wealth transfer taxes. The Pennsylvania Republican disclosed liabilities worth between $14 million and $66 million, including a mortgage and a line of credit he took out in 2024. McCormick was elected to the Senate in 2024 after defeating Democratic Sen. Bob Casey. Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana Republican Sen. Tim Sheehy of Montana is worth more than $100 million. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Sen. Tim Sheehy is worth at least $100 million but he could be worth north of $300 million. The Montana Republican's 2024 disclosure includes an ownership interest in an entity called "Turtle Lake Holding Company" worth over $50 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That holding company holds millions of shares in Bridger Aerospace, the aerial firefighting company that Sheehy founded before entering politics. He also disclosed owning two properties in Montana valued between $5 million and $25 million. His one liability, a mortgage, is valued between $1 million and $5 million. Earlier this year, Sheehy put one of his properties up for sale for $10.25 million. The Montana Republican was elected in 2024, defeating Democratic Sen. Jon Tester. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia Democratic Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia is worth more than $76 million. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Sen. Mark Warner is the wealthiest Democratic senator on Capitol Hill, boasting a net worth between $76 million and $303 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Much of the Virginia senator's wealth is tied up in various investment funds. For example, he and his wife have between $7 million and $35 million in SPY, an exchange-traded fund that holds stock in all companies in the S&P 500 index. He also has millions of dollars invested in municipal bonds. Warner was elected to the Senate in 2008. He was previously governor of Virginia, and before he entered politics, he was a venture capitalist who invested in a variety of tech companies. Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts of Nebraska is worth more than $74 million. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images Sen. Pete Ricketts is worth between $74 million and $293 million, according to his disclosure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nebraska Republican is the son of Joe Ricketts, who founded the stockbroker TD Ameritrade and whose family owns the Chicago Cubs. TD Ameritrade was acquired by Charles Schwab in 2020, and between $26 million and $155 million of the younger Ricketts's net worth comes from Charles Schwab stock. He also has personal residences in Omaha and Washington, DC that are each worth between $1 million and $5 million. Ricketts was appointed to the Senate in 2023, succeeding fellow Republican Sen. Ben Sasse. He was previously the governor of Nebraska. Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut is worth more than $70 million. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Sen. Richard Blumenthal and his wife own at least $70 million in assets, making him the second-wealthiest Democrat in the Senate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Connecticut Democrat's disclosures indicate that the vast majority of that sum comes from various investments held by his wife, Cynthia, who is a member of the Malkin family. Blumenthal's father-in-law, Peter Malkin, is the chairman emeritus of Empire State Realty Trust and Malkin Holdings. The family owns a stake in the Empire State Building. Blumenthal was elected to the Senate in 2010, succeeding Sen. Chris Dodd. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio is worth roughly $50 million. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images Sen. Bernie Moreno owns at least $50 million in assets, according to his 2024 disclosure. Much of that wealth comes from real estate holdings, including two residences in Florida, one residence in Washington, DC, and land in Ohio. He also has significant investments in mutual funds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to entering politics, Moreno owned a series of car dealerships and founded a blockchain company. Moreno was elected to the Senate in 2024, defeating Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown. Read the original article on Business Insider An aspiring influencer could be deported after her alleged dine-and-dash stunts at several restaurants in New York City landed her behind bars. Pei Chung began menacing restaurants in Brooklyn this past October ... her M.O. involved running up a tab with pricey items before complaining she couldn't pay her bill, which resulted in eight arrests, according to the New York Post. TMZ After eating at Mole Mexican Bar and Grill in Williamsburg on Friday, the 34-year-old allegedly refused to pay the bill ... she was arrested for theft of services and was held in jail at Rikers Island on $4,500 bond. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chung's been hit with an immigration warrant, according to the Department of Corrections' website, and her current immigration status is unknown. She came to the United States on a student visa in 2019 to attend Pratt Institute, where she remained until 2021, and a law enforcement source told the New York Post Chung had overstayed her visa. Chung often shared posts on Instagram bragging about the meals she was enjoying, and made a habit out of showing off expensive clothing and accessories. TMZ Chung is $40,000 behind on rent on her studio apartment -- monthly rent is $3,350 -- in Williamsburg. She's being evicted ... a judge ordered her to leave by December 1, but she could still be in custody at the end of this month. She may end up facing a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement hearing and the possibility of being deported. The New York Post reports she was ordered by a judge Wednesday to get a psychiatric evaluation ... her attorney told the judge Chung doesn't comprehend the charges against her and asked for the evaluation. Chung did not appear in court. Emotions ran high at the Wake County Justice Center on Wednesday as the man accused of killing 55-year-old Derick Godwin made his first court appearance. Investigators say 24-year-old Rueben Santiago shot Godwin in the head during Thursday's morning commute on Highway 64 near Lizard Lick. Godwin did not survive. Santiago is now charged with first-degree murder. When he came out, all I could feel was anger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Godwin's sister, Faith Dullaghan, attended the hearing and became overwhelmed the moment she saw her brother's accused killer. "Complete anger. Complete anger. I thought that I had it under control," she said, recalling the moment she shouted from the gallery before the judge told her, "Ma'am sit down or leave." Dullaghan said she didn't expect to react the way she did, but seeing Santiago in person felt far different than looking at photos. "When he came out, all I could feel was anger." She believes her brother's death was the result of road rage. I want people to remember that silly, comical laugh that he had. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He didn't have to kill him, and the grief is beyond what you can understand when it's such a senseless death," she said. As she mourns, Dullaghan is remembering her brother as a compassionate, hard-working man who "had an infectious smile". "He was always funny. I want people to remember that silly, comical laugh that he had," she said. "I loved my brother and my brother loved me." Derick Godwin (Photo: Faith Dullaghan) She now hopes to start a foundation aimed at combating road rage. "We need to focus on the problem. Why are people so angry that they go out and want to take someone else's life?" she said. "No one wants this to happen to their brother, their uncle, their son, their father. It's just horrific." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dullaghan said she is committed to pursuing justice for Godwin in the months ahead. "I will be a force for my brother for as long as I live," she said. Derick Godwin (Photo: Faith Dullaghan) Santiago asked for a court-appointed capital defender and will remain held without bond. If convicted, he could face life in prison or the death penalty. After a chilly and windy Thanksgiving Day, a winter storm is expected to sweep southern Wisconsin over the weekend. From late Nov. 28 to late Nov. 29, most of south central and southeast Wisconsin will be under a winter storm watch, according to the Milwaukee/Sullivan National Weather Service. Impacted counties include Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Sauk, Columbia, Dodge, Washington, Iowa, Dane, Jefferson, Lafayette, Green, Rock and Walworth. In southeast Wisconsin, the snowfall will "gradually ramp up" starting overnight between Friday and Saturday, NWS meteorologist Andrew Quigley said. Light snow showers are expected between midnight and sunrise, before the storm intensifies to moderate and heavy snowfall throughout the day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The snow will continue into Sunday morning and then taper off by Sunday afternoon, Quigley said. Depending on how the storm system moves, snowfall totals could range anywhere from four to 12 inches, he said. Anyone planning to travel Saturday may want to reconsider their plans, Quigley added. "If possible, do your travel during the day Friday because conditions will really start to deteriorate Saturday," he said. This weekend's storm comes just days after Wisconsin first major storm of 2025, which blanketed some parts of far northwest Wisconsin in more than two feet of snow. The northern parts of the state could see some flurries or light snow from the impending storm system but will avoid any significant impact, Quigley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "That's some good news for the folks in northern Wisconsin as they dig out from a very big storm there this week," he said. As for Thanksgiving Day, southeast Wisconsin will see "quite cold and blustery" weather, as breezy northwest winds sweep the area, Quigley said. Temperatures will range between the high 20s and low 30s, with wind chills in the upper teens. By Thursday night, wind chills will drop to the single digits. "Those that are heading out to turkey trots, to visit family should definitely bundle up," Quigley added. "Winter is pretty much here." Wisconsin weather radar What to do in a winter storm During a winter storm, NWS advises staying inside, stocking up on food and water, and charging essential devices in case of power outages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you are without shelter, you can visit the 211 Wisconsin website or call 211 to locate nearby warming services. NWS also advises against driving during a storm, as snow, sleet or ice can create dangerous driving conditions. For live updates on winter road conditions and accidents in Wisconsin, check out the 511 Wisconsin map. What is a winter storm watch? NWS issues several different type of alerts, dependent on the severity of the weather event. Here's what each one means: A Winter Storm Warning means snow, sleet or ice is expected, so take action. A Winter Storm Watch means those conditions are possible, so be prepared. A Winter Weather Advisory means wintery weather is expected, so be careful. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Winter storm to sweep southeast Wisconsin on Thanksgiving weekend St. Petersburgs leadership planned to open applications for a $160 million storm recovery program this month. The federally funded initiative became another casualty of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Mayor Ken Welchs final City Hall on Tour event of 2025, held Nov. 20 at the Coliseum, highlighted local resources for residents struggling to make ends meet during the holiday season. They also received an update on Sunrise St. Pete. City officials expect to help 98 households rebuild storm-damaged homes, assist 288 with eligible repairs and provide disaster relief reimbursements to an additional 784 once the program begins. Amy Foster, housing and neighborhood services administrator, said they anxiously await a grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyve let us know that they have 40 days of work that they need to do first, Foster told the St. Pete Catalyst. Weve done everything we need to do to open applications. Homeowners can receive $375,000 for reconstruction, including elevation, $100,000 for rehabilitation and $50,000 for previously completed storm repairs. The city will offer $15,000 for up to six consecutive months of rent, mortgage or utility payments to all eligible residents. However, the initiative prioritizes tenants for relief reimbursements and the lowest-earning households, particularly those with age-dependent or disabled members, for rehabilitation and reconstruction funding. City Council members approved the initial $61 million residential recovery program in early October. Foster said Oct. 2 that the shutdown wouldnt impede the city from launching Sunrise St. Pete hurricane recovery initiatives in November. She was less certain the following week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The HUD contingency agreement did say these programs would continue on while the government was shut down, Foster said Oct. 9. We may have heard information yesterday that thats not accurate. So, we are trying to get to the bottom of that. Asked Nov. 20 if the 43-day shutdown, which ended Nov. 12, was preventing the city from opening applications, Foster said, Absolutely. The city has done its part. Foster noted the administration has hired program-specific staff and the Sunrise St. Pete call center is open, even though were not being reimbursed for that. Our stance all along has been to continue moving forward as if we are opening any day now, she said. People have been waiting a long time for recovery. The sooner we can get these dollars into peoples hands, the better. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Call center staff will help ensure residents have everything they need, including permits and financial documents, to be successful in their application and receive long-awaited assistance, Foster said. The shutdown exacerbated ongoing affordability challenges. Approximately 155,000 federal workers were furloughed or went without pay in Florida. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay received 241 calls related to the shutdown; over 25% came from active duty military members or veterans. Nearly 97,000 Pinellas County residents rely on federal food benefits to eat. Now in its third year, the City Hall on Tour series allows residents to speak with the mayor and administrators from every city department. Multiple nonprofits, including the St. Pete Free Clinic, Daystar Life Center and Salvation Army, featured prominently at the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People are trying to decide, do I feed my kids or pay my rent? Foster said. And the SNAP benefits, in particular, were a big deal for many families. Welch said the strength of this event is that you can connect people, not only to city departments but to outside partners who might be able to help, depending on the problem. He also stressed the importance of bringing government to the people, after work, with food, so they actually talk with staff, St. Pete Fire Rescue or the St. Petersburg Police Department. Deneen Wyman, the citys new community engagement coordinator, told attendees that we know the past few months havent been easy. She said officials want residents to feel supported as the holidays approach. Thats why we partner with local nonprofits, who are here tonight, offering resources, services and care, Wyman continued. Their generosity is a reminder that even in tough times, St. Pete shows up for each other. For more information on Sunrise St. Pete, visit the website here. This content provided in partnership with stpetecatalyst.com. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. Dempsey Lord Smith, a former independent broker/dealer managing $1 billion in assets, has decided to join Cambridge Investment Research as a wholly owned firm. Dempsey Lord Smith makes the move after operating as a broker/dealer for 18 years under the leadership of CEO and founder Jerry Dempsey. Now, the Rome, Ga.-based advisory firm will broker/dealer with Cambridge, which is competing with larger competitors LPL Financial, Osaic and Cetera to draw advisors. Dempsey Lord Smith made the move after deciding that it was no longer necessary to run a broker/dealer to sustain growth and scale. This partnership allows us to build on the strong community we've created while giving our advisors access to a deeper set of tools, technology and services, Dempsey said in a statement. Together with Cambridge, we can accelerate their growth far faster than if we continued building it alone. Dempsey left Raymond James in 2007 to start the firm with John Lord, vice president of compliance, and Ernest Smith, vice president of sales and marketing. They then built it into an advisor and employee network of about 88 people, according to data from ISS MI MarketPros Discovery Data. About 75 of them will be coming over in the move to Cambridge, according to the announcement. The leadership team will remain in place in the move, including Dempsey, who holds just below a majority stake, and Smith, Lord, and Duvan Brock, all of whom have a minority stake, according to the same data from Discovery. Republic Capital Group and Williams Private Wealth Advisory & Consulting served as financial advisors on the move. Earlier this year, Cambridge lured a team from the AmeriFlex Group, a hybrid RIA and supervisory jurisdiction office of Osaic, which had 129 advisors and approximately $11.87 billion in client assets. Louisvilles St. Xavier High School recently became the first Kentucky high school to acquire its own license plate, according to a Nov. 12 Facebook post from school administrators. St. Xavier got the license plate through the special license plate program, which aims to provide opportunities for Kentuckians to support their hobbies, nonprofits, schools, veterans and others through the states vehicle registration process, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Any nonprofit organization based in Kentucky can apply for a special license plate, and completed proposals are reviewed during the Special License Plate Committees quarterly meeting. St. Xavier senior vice president for special initiatives Michael Littell said the St. Xavier Alumni Association has been very interested in getting a license plate after seeing regional colleges with their own. After the state requirements changed, school administrators started the application process earlier in 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [We] demonstrated that we felt that we were a statewide organization because we have alumni, parents, grandparents [and] parents of alumni living in over 100 counties in Kentucky, he said. We had a pretty strong footprint to present to them. By early summer, Littell was notified that the plate would soon be in production. The license plates can be purchased at the County Clerks Office. St. Xavier will receive $10 of the initial charge of $44, according to KYTCs plate list application page. The proceeds from the license plates will go toward the schools need-based scholarship fund. The school has a pretty robust scholarship program thats a very popular area for support. We provide over $3.5 million in scholarships a year to our students We felt that would be a good way to connect with the license plate opportunity," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Littell said St. Xavier has a very motivated community that is interested being supportive. Since the school announced the license plate, Littell has seen interest in the initiative online, with some posting photos of the plate on their car. As some St. Xavier students start driving, administrators are hopeful families will take the opportunity to add that plate to the vehicle that he is going to end up using to come to school, Littell said. The school is blessed to have such a significant, supportive alumni and parent community, and thats why things like this work, he said. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: St. Xavier in Louisville becomes first KY high school to get specialty plate Thanksgiving has arrived, and whether you're preparing to host the holiday gathering at your home or traveling to one elsewhere, a midday caffeine boost might be just what the doctor ordered. While banks, post offices, and some retail, grocery, and restaurant chains will be closed on the holiday, consumers looking for a cup of coffee are in luck, as most Starbucks locations will remain open on Nov. 27. The chain's hours vary by location, meaning some will be open while others can be closed. The company recommends customers check with their closest location to confirm their specific holiday hours. Customers can also use the store locator function on the Starbucks app or website for information regarding their local Starbucks shop. SpongeBob SquarePants, the newest balloon, makes his way through Times Square during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Nov. 25, 2004. The Pikachu balloon makes its way down 6th Ave. in Manhattan during the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 22, 2018. The Red Power Ranger faces high winds on Central Park West in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Tom the Turkey leads off the 2021 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade down Central Park West in New York City. The Goku balloon makes its way down the street during the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on Central Park West in New York. Bluey made her debut at the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on Central Park West in New York. Grogu on Central Park West during the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Marshall from Paw Patrol floats along the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade route along Central Park West. Macys unveiled new inflatable balloons for the 2026 Thanksgiving Day Parade Derpy and Sussie from the years hit film KPop Demon Hunters. Felix the Cat to KPop Demon Hunters: How Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons changed 1 of 9 SpongeBob SquarePants, the newest balloon, makes his way through Times Square during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Nov. 25, 2004. Restaurants open on Thanksgiving: What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving? Details on Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, more What restaurants are open on Thanksgiving? In addition to Starbucks, here is a list of restaurants that will be open on Thanksgiving. Hours are listed for the companies that provided them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McDonald's; hours vary by location Dunkin'; hours vary by location Waffle House IHOP; hours vary by location Krispy Kreme; shops close at 2 p.m. Wendy's; hours vary by location Burger King; hours vary by location Cracker Barrel Subway; hours vary by location Whataburger What restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving? The following restaurant chains will be closed on Thanksgiving. Chick-fil-A Chipotle Taco Bell Raising Cane's Firehouse Subs Cheesecake Factory; only locations in Hanover, Maryland, and Las Vegas will remain open Texas Roadhouse Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers First Watch Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is Starbucks open or closed on Thanksgiving Day 2025? What to know Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Post-holiday travel plans might be impacted by potentially dangerous weather sweeping through much of the northern United States through the weekend, while rainstorms soak southern states. Storm systems in the Pacific Northwest and the Great Lakes region are making road travel more dangerous and could trigger flight delays and cancellations during what the Federal Aviation Administration said is the busiest Thanksgiving holiday travel since before the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 6 million travelers are expected to fly during the holiday travel period that officially runs from Tuesday evening through Sunday, NPR reported. Airports are operating at full capacity following the extended government shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those traveling by plane on Thanksgiving day will mostly have good weather, but delays are expected in Buffalo, Cleveland, Syracuse, N.Y., Chicago and Seattle, according to the National Weather Service. A winter storm made many roads impassable in North Dakota Tuesday night and into Wednesday, but those roads have reopened, including Interstates 94 and 29. The storm system that caused those travel disruptions is moving east into the Great Lakes area, where a larger storm system is active and also moving eastward. Seattle and other parts of the Pacific Northwest are seeing a storm system moving out of the area, but another is coming on its heels and could disrupt air and road travel through the weekend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The storm system that is exiting the Pacific Northwest is moving into the northern Great Plains, which could bring more winter weather capable of making travel dangerous while causing flight delays and cancellations. The NWS said travelers should expect delays or slower traffic on Saturday and Sunday, especially in the central United States on Saturday and in the east on Sunday. Weather could affect flights at the Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City airports late Friday, and lake-effect snow could impact travel across the Great Lakes region. Wrap-around snow showers also might affect travel in northern New England. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Further west, the NWS said Winter Storm Bellamy will expand as it exits Montana and moves into the Northern Plains. which will affect Black Friday travels in the Dakotas and south across the Missouri Valley. The storm system will move into the Midwest by Saturday, where it could disrupt air travel in Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Kansas City, St. Louis and as far south as Houston and the Dallas-Fort Worth area, where heavy rains and thunderstorms are anticipated. The Chicago-O'Hare International Airport will be especially vulnerable to weather-caused flight disruptions, according to the NWS. Thunderstorms could cause localized flash flooding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston and the middle and lower Mississippi Valley. On Sunday, the NWS said air travel might be affected in Atlanta, Boston, Denver, Detroit, New Orleans, New York City, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and the nation's capital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Winter Storm Bellamy is expected to affect northeastern states and bring mostly rainfall to the I-95 corridor, which could affect air travel throughout the area. Some snowfall and lake-effect snow are likely in the Great Lakes, while rain showers and thunderstorms could impact the Southeast, from Virginia and the Carolinas to the northern Gulf Coast. The central and southern Rocky Mountains also might see significant amounts of snowfall that could move into the High Plains, moving from Colorado and western Kansas into northern New Mexico, as well as parts of the Texas Panhandle and western Oklahoma. Rain showers also might affect travel in areas are far west as Arizona, the NWS said on Thursday. STAR-ADVERTISER STAR-ADVERTISER The suspect arrested for allegedly forcing a father to jump from a moving vehicle with his children at Nimitz Beach on Monday now faces charges of robbery and kidnapping, police said. Joshua Lopes-Keli, 36, is charged with three counts of kidnapping, robbery in the second degree, and unauthorized control of the moving vehicle. His bail is set at $1 million, and he was also arrested on a no-bail parole violation warrant, the Honolulu Police Department said in a news release. On Monday evening about 7 p.m., a 30-year-old father rescued his two young daughters as a thief drove away with their pickup truck, forcing the dad to jump out of the moving vehicle with his children. The father was preparing to leave the beach near Kalaeloa Airport when a man approached their truck, asking for a ride. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the father declined, the suspect shoved him to the ground, entered the truck, and drove off with the children inside, police said. The father was able to get into the back seat, unbuckle his children, and jump out of the moving vehicle with them. The father and both children, ages 7 and 3, were injured, and were treated by Honolulu Emergency Medical Services paramedics and taken to a hospital in serious condition. Just after 9 p.m., about two hours after the carjacking, District 8 Crime Reduction Unit officers arrested a 36-year-old suspect at the Ka Makana Ali i mall in Kapolei. The stolen vehicle had been located unoccupied in Kapolei earlier in the night. See more : Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 0 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 ? . An Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been identified as the suspected shooter in the ambush attack that killed one National Guard member and wounded another just blocks away from the White House on Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security said. The CIA said Thursday that Lakanwal previously worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar that ended in 2021 following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The suspect was shot by another Guard member and taken into custody, officials said. He is currently hospitalized. No other suspects have been identified in connection with the shooting, multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Friday the suspect will be charged with murder in the first degree. On Thursday, she said he was facing charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Here's what we know about the suspect so far. This story will be updated as additional information is confirmed. Suspect entered U.S. 4 years ago Lakanwal, 29, entered the United States in 2021, multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News on Wednesday. Undated photo of Rahmanullah Lakanwal Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said on X that the suspect was paroled into the U.S. on Sept. 8, 2021, under a Biden-era program for Afghan nationals called Operation Allies Welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement President Trump described him as "a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on Earth," in a video message late Wednesday. He said the suspect's status was extended "under legislation signed by President Biden." A Department of Homeland Security official told CBS News the suspect was paroled into the U.S. on humanitarian grounds back in 2021. That was the main legal mechanism the Biden administration used to welcome tens of thousands of Afghan evacuees after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. Lakanwal later applied for asylum with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in 2024 and his application was granted in 2025, the DHS official said. But his request for a green card, which is tied to the asylum grant, is pending. Many of the Afghan nationals who were admitted to the U.S. in 2021 were issued special immigrant visas offered to those who worked alongside the military during its 20-year war, while others were given a temporary humanitarian status known as parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 8,000 people from Afghanistan were also granted deportation relief under a separate program called temporary protected status, which Biden extended in 2023 but Mr. Trump chose to end earlier this year. Suspect had worked with U.S. forces and CIA in Afghanistan A CIA spokesperson confirmed Thursday that the suspect worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, during the war in Afghanistan. CBS News has also learned that the suspect led a team in the former Afghan national armed forces that worked directly with U.S. and British forces. According to a former Afghan commando who spoke with CBS News on Thursday, Lakanwal led a unit of Afghan special forces in the south of the country and worked closely with the international troops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former commando told CBS News that Lakanwal was left deeply troubled by the death of a close friend and fellow Afghan commander in 2024, whom he said had unsuccessfully sought asylum in the U.S. Multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News on Thursday that a running theory of investigators is that the suspect suffered from paranoia and other mental health challenges that indicated he believed authorities sought to deport him from the U.S. Suspect isn't cooperating The suspect was subdued at the scene of the shooting and taken into custody by National Guard members and law enforcement officers, Jeff Carroll, executive assistant chief of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, told reporters Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At this time, he isn't cooperating with authorities, law enforcement sources said. Police say suspect was "lone gunman" who "ambushed" National Guard Carroll said the suspect appeared to be "a lone gunman that raised the firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard" as they patrolled near a mass transit station in downtown D.C. The suspect had four rounds in his handgun initially, multiple sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News. The first victim a female Guard member was struck immediately and collapsed where she stood. She sustained at least two gunshot wounds during the ambush, the sources said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then, the suspect took her weapon and used it to continue shooting, striking the second Guard member, according to multiple sources. A third Guard member, who was not injured, ultimately returned fire, ending the attack. One of the victims, 20-year-old Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, has died, President Trump said Thursday. The second victim, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was in critical condition after undergoing surgery, Pirro said earlier Thursday. The Guard members were on "high visibility patrols," Carroll said, part of a monthslong deployment of National Guard troops from D.C. and several states ordered by President Trump. Suspect drove from Washington state Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pirro said Thursday morning that the suspect drove to D.C. from Bellingham, in Washington state, with "the intended target of coming to our nation's capital." She said the suspect lived with his wife and, officials believe, five children. FBI Director Kash Patel said a search warrant had been executed at the suspect's last known address in Washington state. Based on what was found at the address, law enforcement were able to find people associated with him in San Diego. "During that process, we seized numerous electronic devices to include cellphones, laptops, iPads and other material that is being analyzed as we speak," Patel said. "Interviews were conducted and are going to continue to be conducted, and we will go anywhere in the country or the world where the evidence leads us." Multiple family members of the suspect in Washington state have been interviewed by investigators following a search of the suspect's Bellingham home, multiple law enforcement sources told CBS News on Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal law enforcement, led by the FBI, are scrutinizing and analyzing the suspect's digital footprint, the sources said. The Department of Homeland Security had earlier spelled his last name as Lakamal. Trump reacts to National Guard shooting in D.C. as details emerge about Afghan suspect One of the National Guard troops shot in D.C. attack has died, Trump says Major snow storms could impact travel for millions of travelers across the U.S. The suspected mastermind of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions has been extradited from Italy to Germany, judicial sources told dpa on Thursday. The 49-year-old Ukrainian national was transferred to German police after three months in Italian custody. He is expected to arrive shortly in Karlsruhe, where the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office is based. An extended legal battle over the extradition was settled in Italy's highest court last week. German prosecutors accuse the man of causing the explosions on the Baltic Sea gas pipelines in 2022. The suspected mastermind of the Nord Stream pipeline explosions has been extradited from Italy to Germany, prosecutors confirmed on Thursday. The 49-year-old Ukrainian national was transferred to German police after three months in Italian custody, where he spent most of his time in a high-security prison in Ferrara. He also went on hunger strike for several days due to alleged mistreatment. The suspect was flown to Germany by helicopter under the supervision of German authorities. After landing in Karlsruhe, he was led from the helicopter to a car by heavily armed police officers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday, he is set to appear before a judge, who is expected to issue the arrest warrant. The Ukrainian national is then to stand trial in Germany, with Hamburg currently under consideration as the venue. An extended legal battle over the extradition was settled in Italy's highest court last week. German prosecutors accuse the man of jointly causing the explosions on the Baltic Sea gas pipelines in 2022. He is said to have coordinated a team of seven suspects who planted explosive devices on the gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea in September 2022. The attacks made headlines around the world. The explosions damaged both the Nord Stream 1 and the Nord Stream 2 pipelines so severely that no gas could be transported through them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one has yet been brought to justice for the attacks on the former German-Russian project. Six other suspects in the case remain at large, while Poland has refused to extradite another Ukrainian suspect to Germany. The suspect was detained while on holiday with his wife and children in Italy at the end of August. He is believed to have travelled to various European countries several times before without drawing the attention of law enforcement. A woman used social media posts to invite support towards proscribed terrorist organisations, prosecutors have told a court. The trial of Natalie Strecker, 50, who has denied two counts of inviting support for Hamas and Hezbollah has started at Jersey's Royal Court. The prosecution said in a series of social media posts from 20 June to 11 October 2024, Mrs Strecker invited support for the groups, which are both banned organisations under Jersey's Terrorism Law 2002. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Crown advocate Luke Sette also used WhatsApp messages and voice notes sent by Mrs Strecker to argue she had invited support for Hamas and Hezbollah. The trial continues. Mr Sette opened the prosecution's case by saying the case was not about political issues in Palestine or "silencing those campaigning about what's been called a genocide in Gaza". However, the prosecution went through posts by Mrs Strecker on social media platforms X and TikTok to argue she had invited support for Hamas and Hezbollah. In one post on X brought up in court, the defendant allegedly said: "As we witness the genocide of Palestinians with no intervention by what appears an inherently racist international community and as Israel has been bombing civilians in Lebanon alongside strikes in Syria, I believe Hezbollah maybe Palestine's last hope." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The prosecution showed another video posted on X on 9 October last year in which the court was told Mrs Strecker described Hamas as "the resistance". The court also heard in an interview with the police after her arrest, Mrs Strecker was asked if she thought Hamas were a terrorist organisation. She replied: "I think they have undertaken terrorist acts, but they have legitimate grievances. "Does that mean I support them? No." The prosecution also played WhatsApp messages and voice notes Mrs Strecker had allegedly sent friends. As one voice note was played in court, Mrs Strecker broke down in tears. Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. Related internet links The Trump administration has said it will re-examine green cards issued to individuals who immigrated to the US from 19 countries. The head of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, Joseph Edlow, said the president had directed him to conduct "a full scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern". When asked by the BBC which countries were on the list, the agency pointed to a June proclamation by the White House that included Afghanistan, Cuba, Haiti, Iran, Somalia and Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes in the wake of an Afghan national allegedly shooting two National Guard troops in Washington DC on Wednesday, gravely injuring them both. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came to the US in 2021 under a programme that offered special immigration protections to Afghans in the wake of America's withdrawal from Afghanistan. US President Donald Trump said the shooting underlined a major national security threat. Edlow's social media post on Thursday about the sweeping green card review did not explictly mention that attack. "The protection of this country and of the American people remains paramount, and the American people will not bear the cost of the prior administration's reckless resettlement policies," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There were no further details about what the re-examination would look like. The June proclamation his agency highlighted to the BBC set out an aim to restrict foreign nationals from entering the US to protect from "foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats". The administration said security concerns and the overstay rate of business, student and tourists visas were among the reasons for a country to make the list. "The Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, controls Afghanistan," the proclamation said. "Afghanistan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other countries whose green card holders will undergo this examination include Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo and Libya. Wednesday's attack on members of the US military prompted a forceful response from Trump. "This attack underscores the greatest national security threat facing our nation," he said. "The last administration let in 20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners from all over the world, from places that you don't even want to know about. No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival." Last week, the same agency behind the green card review, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced a review of all refugees admitted under former President Joe Biden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the US suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans, with Citizenship and Immigration Services saying the decision was made pending a review of "security and vetting protocols". President Donald Trump smiles as he walks from Marine One to the White House after landing on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C., on November 22, 2025. Credit - Alex WroblewskiAFP/Getty Images A judge dismissed the Georgia election interference case against President Donald Trump and others on Wednesday after a request from the prosecutor, making the historic racketeering prosecution the latest in a string of legal cases against Trump that have dissolved since he was reelected to a second term. Pete Skandalakis, the executive director of Georgias nonpartisan prosecutor council who took over the prosecution earlier this month, filed a motion requesting to drop the case on Wednesday, which a judge later approved. In his filing, Skandalakis claimed that it is not illegal to question or challenge election results. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case stemmed from a phone call between Trump and Georgias Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021, during which Trump urged Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes. Trump and 18 others were indicted in August 2023 for allegedly participating in a plot to overturn the states 2020 election results. Trump initially faced 13 counts, including violating state racketeering laws, conspiring to commit forgery, and making false statements. But the case stalled last year after it was revealed that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who brought the charges, was in a relationship with the special prosecutor she had appointed to oversee the case. A state appeals court in December blocked Willis from the case, but the case was allowed to proceed. Skandalakis, who was tasked with finding a new prosecutor to replace Willis, ultimately took the case over himself, pointing to difficulties finding another attorney to do so. The cases dismissal ends the last remaining attempt to criminally prosecute the President for his efforts to overturn his 2020 electoral defeat. Trump has faced a number of legal battles in recent years. But since he was reelected last November, several of those cases have gone up in smoke. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are some of the major cases that were brought against Trump and where they currently stand. Federal election obstruction case In August 2023, then-Department of Justice Special Counsel Jack Smith charged Trump with conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election. Prosecutors alleged that Trump repeatedly promoted election fraud lies and pressured state officials to undermine the results of the election. Trump pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case stirred debate about Trumps potential immunity, since it was the first time a President was indicted over actions taken during their time in the White House. In February 2024, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Trump wasnt immune from prosecution, but Trump appealed the case. In July 2024, the Supreme Court ruled that the President is entitled to at least presumptive immunity from prosecution for his official acts. About a month after the Supreme Courts ruling, Smith filed a superseding indictment against Trump. But after Trump won the 2024 election, Smith moved to drop the charges, citing a long-standing Department of Justice policy that gives sitting Presidents immunity from federal prosecutions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, though, Smith released a report that said that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial. Federal classified docs case In June 2023, Smith filed a separate case against Trump, charging him with illegally mishandling classified documents. Prosecutors alleged that Trump took classified documents from the White House to Mar-a-Lago in January 2021, and that he obstructed government officials investigation into the matter. A Trump-appointed federal judge dismissed the case in July 2024, arguing that Smiths appointment as Department of Justice Special Counsel hadnt been confirmed by Congress. The department later said it would reopen the case, but after Trump was reelected last year, Smith moved to drop the charges. New York hush money case In May 2024, a New York jury convicted Trump of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in the lead-up to the 2016 election. With the ruling, Trump became the first former U.S. President to be convicted of a felony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the conviction could have led to up to four years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines, Trump didnt serve jail time and didnt face probation or fines. In Januarydays before Trump was sworn in for his second terma Manhattan judge sentenced Trump to unconditional discharge, saying that it was the only lawful sentence that wouldnt interfere with Trumps legal protections as President. New York fraud case New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a civil lawsuit against Trump and top executives at the Trump Organization in 2022. The suit alleged that the defendants exaggerated Trumps wealth, in an attempt to receive better loan terms. Trump and the other executives named in the suit denied the allegations. In February 2024, a New York judge ruled that Trump had committed fraud, ordering him to pay $355 million in penalties. Those penalties increased in the following months, surpassing $520 million with interest. But in August, a New York appeals court threw out the multimillion-dollar penalty, with the majority of the judges on the panel calling it excessive. The appeals court upheld the initial ruling that found Trump liable for fraud, and it agreed with other punishments that had been levied against him, including prohibiting Trump from holding a corporate leadership role at any New York company for three years. James said she would appeal the ruling. New York defamation and sexual abuse case E. Jean Carroll, a well-known writer, alleged in her 2019 memoir that Trump raped her in a New York City department store in the 1990s. Trump denied the allegation, and has publicly condemned and attacked Carroll since. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Carroll brought two civil lawsuits against Trump. A jury in 2023 found Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming Carroll, but not for rape. He was ordered to pay the writer $5 million. In 2024, the jury in the other case ordered Trump to pay Carroll $83.3 million for making defamatory comments about her. Trump appealed both cases. In December, an appeals court panel maintained that Trump must pay Carroll $5 million; he requested that the full appellate court reconsider, but that request was rejected in June. A spokesperson for Trumps legal team said earlier this month that the President is asking the Supreme Court to review the case. A federal appeals court in September upheld the $83.3 million judgment against him. Contact us at letters@time.com. Dividend income hunters tend to seek the highest yield, and the more intelligent investment is a company with a steadily increasing payout ratio as time progresses. Firms that make consistent growth in dividends and also have robust support of free cash flow would have an increased chance of producing an accruing increase when compared to single-period high-yield stocks. Two large-cap names that fit that profile were recently highlighted by Wolfe Research, which include Merck & Co. (MRK) and Qualcomm (QCOM). Both posted considerable dividend growth over the last several years and maintained a moderate level of payout along with a substantial amount of cash, which is the financial position that allows further increases to be possible. They might not be the best in the yield tables, but a mix of current and future earnings, along with the prospects of increasing rewards, is what income investors should value. More News from Barchart Heres a closer look at why Wolfe sees MRK and QCOM as candidates for big payout growth ahead. Dividend Stock #1: Merck & Co. (MRK) Founded in 1891, Merck & Co. makes medicines and vaccines for people and animals. Its best-known products include the cancer drug Keytruda and the HPV vaccine Gardasil. The company also partners with other big drugmakers and keeps a busy pipeline in oncology and immunology while expanding its animal-health portfolio. The company currently boasts a large market cap of around $235 billion. After facing a tough period in the first half of 2025, the stock bounced back, rising about 29% over the past six months versus the sectors 14% median, driven largely by strong Keytruda sales and improving earnings momentum. www.barchart.com From a valuation perspective, Merck looks appealing. Its forward price-to-earnings ratio sits near 10, well below the sector median of 19, suggesting the stock may be undervalued. The company also yields roughly 3.4%, more than double the sector median, making it attractive for income-focused investors. Mercks dividend profile supports future raises. The company pays out only about 42% of earnings in dividends and has increased its payout each year since 2021. The board recently approved a $0.85 quarterly dividend for Q1 2026, up from $0.81, and dividends have climbed roughly 38% over the past five years, a sign of steady income growth backed by healthy cash flow. When Donald Trump won the presidential election in 2024, he swept Tennessees 7th congressional district by 22 points, but the dramatic shift away from Republicans is turning heads ahead of next weeks special election. Voters are casting ballots on Tuesday in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Republican Rep. Mark Green. Green beat Democrat Megan Barry in the congressional race last year by more than 21 points. But a new poll out of the district shows the race neck-and-neck between Republican Matt Van Epps and Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Van Epps is leading Behn by just two points, 48 percent to 46 percent, according to a new poll of likely voters and those who already cast ballots. While Van Epps holds the advantage for Election Day voting, the substantial closing of the gap suggests an even nastier political climate for Republicans than previously anticipated headed into next years midterms. The expectation among strategists is not that Behn will win, but it has raised questions about what an over-performance by a Democrat in a deep red state means for next years battle for the House. Trumps approval in the district is completely underwater, the poll showed. After winning the state by double-digits, only 47 percent approve of his job performance while 49 percent disapprove. The change has been driven by Independents, with 59 percent disapproving. Matt Van Epps is a former state commissioner running in the Tennessee special election. / www.mattfortn.com/ The president, late Tuesday, took notice. After repeatedly ranting against early voting, including as recently as last month, he posted an urgent call to voters to get out for the last day of early in-person voting on Wednesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PLEASE VOTE FOR MATT VAN EPPS, who has my Complete and Total Endorsement, Trump wrote of the GOP candidate, a former state commissioner and combat veteran. Democrats believe even a close race will help drive momentum heading into next years midterms after the party earlier this month saw a series of off-year victories in New Jersey, Virginia and Pennsylvania, which gave the party its greatest confidence boost since a GOP sweep more than a year ago. Democratic state Rep. Aftyn Behn is running in the close special election to fill the vacant seat to represent Tennessee's 7th congressional district. / www.aftynforcongress.com/ Both Republican and Democratic groups have spent millions in the district ahead of the special election. Some of the biggest spenders include MAGA Inc., which supports Trump, and has dropped more than $1.3 million on the race, and Conservatives for American Excellence PAC, which has also spent more than $1 million, according to Federal Election Commission filings. The largest groups supporting the Democratic candidate include the House Majority PAC, which spent more than $930,000, and Your Community PAC, which spent more than $500,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a national Democratic strategist who works on House races, the Republicans are dumping money into the Trump +22 district in a desperate last minute attempt to avoid a Democratic overperformance. The presidents party has a long history of losing seats in midterms, and the current House makeup, with one of the smallest GOP majorities ever, puts Democrats in a strong position to reclaim the majority. Behn closing the gap even slightly suggests a greater number of Republican seats are on the line less than a year from now. Republicans are going to lose the House majority next year not just because of traditional swing districts, the strategist noted, pointing to a historically unpopular agenda even in Trump country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans currently hold 219 seats. Democrats hold 213 seats. There are three vacancies, including in Tennessees 7th congressional district, as well as two seats left empty by Democrats. The runoff for the safe-blue seat in Texas will take place on January 31. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greenes surprise exit from Congress in January will further narrow the GOP majority. In a desperate attempt to hold onto power after the midterms, Trump has been pressuring red states to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the 2026 elections to help give Republicans a greater advantage. However, his pressure campaign set off a scramble across the country, with blue states also taking steps in response. With both red and blue states making moves to redistrict and a series of legal battles playing out in the courts, the presidents push could result in an even break or even backfire on Republicans ahead of next years contests. AP Photo/Alex Brandon President Donald Trump is reportedly not seeing eye to eye with the architect he tasked with building the new White House ballroom. Trump demolished the entire East Wing of the White House in October to make room for the new 90,000-square-foot structure, telling Fox News this month that he could have built the ballroom without destroying the East Wing, but that it looked like hell. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Washington Post, the architect, James McCrery II, has warned the president that such a massive building would dwarf the White House, which is 55,000 square feet. On Wednesday, the Post reported: Trumps desire to go big with the project has put him at odds with architect James McCrery II, the people said, who has counseled restraint over concerns the planned 90,000-square-foot addition could dwarf the 55,000-square-foot mansion in violation of a general architectural rule: dont build an addition that overshadows the main building. A White House official acknowledged the two have disagreed but would not say why or elaborate on the tensions, characterizing Trump and McCrerys conversations about the ballroom as constructive dialogue. McCrery declined an interview request with the Post. The paper noted that administration officials have said that the presidents dedication to the ballroom project has at times veered into micromanagement. Trump has said construction will cost about $300 million and that it is being financed by private donors. This month, a consumer watchdog group reported that a majority of the donors have recently faced federal enforcement actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These giant corporations arent funding the Trump ballroom debacle out of a sense of civic pride, said Public Citizen Co-President Robert Weissman, who co-authored the report. They have massive interests before the federal government and they undoubtedly hope to curry favor with, and receive favorable treatment from, the Trump administration. Millions to fund Trumps architectural whims are nothing compared to the billions at stake in procurement, regulatory and enforcement decisions. The post Trump Reportedly Arguing With Ballroom Architect, Who Warns It Will Dwarf the White House first appeared on Mediaite. US President Donald Trump says the shooting of two members of the National Guard in Washington earlier on Wednesday was an "act of terror," speaking in a brief video address. "Two members of the National Guard serving in Washington DC were shot at point blank range in a monstrous, ambush-style attack just steps away from the White House," Trump said, speaking from Palm Beach, Florida. "This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation, it was a crime against humanity," Trump said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two members of the National Guard were shot near the Farragut West Metro station, not far from the White House, at about 2:15 pm (1915 GMT), local police said in a press conference about two and a half hours after the incident. Executive Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department Jeffery Carroll said that the only suspect in the shooting had been subdued by other members of the National Guard, arrested and transported to hospital for treatment. The US president said that "based on the best available information, the Department of Homeland Security is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan - a hell hole on Earth." Trump went on to blame his predecessor, Joe Biden, saying the suspect "was flown in by the Biden administration in 2021... his status was extended under legislation signed by president Biden, a disastrous president, the worst in the history of our country." The president said that "every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden" must now be re-examined. "We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country." WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for his government to re-examine Afghan immigrants who entered the United States during the former President Joe Biden's administration. The president called the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington "an act of terror," saying the suspect came from Afghanistan in 2021. "This heinous assault was an act of evil, an act of hatred and an act of terror," Trump said in pre-taped remarks from Florida, where he is spending the Thanksgiving holiday. "We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden." (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington) The two members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot in Washington on Wednesday were among more than 2,000 troops deployed to the nations capital as part of President Donald Trumps crime-fighting mission that involved taking over the local police department. The president quickly ordered 500 more National Guard members to the city after the shooting. The members were shot about two blocks from the White House. Officials said they were hospitalized in critical condition. Washingtons mayor said they were victims of a targeted shooting. Heres a look at the National Guards presence in Washington: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump declared a public safety emergency but officials say crime was already falling Trump launched the deployment on Aug. 11 when he declared a public safety emergency and said his administration also would be removing homeless encampments. He said he aimed to reduce crime. But the citys attorney general said violent crime in the district reached 30-year lows last year and was down an additional 26% this year. West Virginia among several states with guardsmen in the district There were 2,188 troops assigned to the joint task force that took over the citys policing, according to the governments latest update. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As of early November, the D.C. National Guard had the largest number on the ground with 949. West Virginia was next with 416 guardsmen. Last week, at least 160 West Virginia troops volunteered to extend their deployment to Dec. 31. The others returned to West Virginia on Nov. 17. Other states with forces in Washington early this month were Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama. Officials with several of the states told The Associated Press they planned to end their deployments by Nov. 30 but indicated that also depended on whether they received orders to extend their stay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The D.C. National Guard has had their deployment order renewed through the end of February. Military presence and landscaping Some troops have been armed and provided a military presence in public spaces, especially in federal parks, subway stations and Union Station. Others have done yard work, removed graffiti and cleaned parks. In early October, the joint task force said troops cleared 1,150 bags of trash, spread 1,045 cubic yards (0.8 cubic meters) of mulch, removed 50 truckloads of plant waste, cleared 7.9 miles (12.7 kilometers) of roadway, painted 270 feet (82 meters) of fencing and pruned 400 trees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, most task force daily updates offered only new troop figures and no summaries of beautification efforts. Their presence has unnerved some residents, who see it as presidential overreach on law enforcement. Others say they approve, particularly of a contingent of National Guard troops focused on community improvement efforts. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, a Democrat whose city budget and laws are determined by Congress, has walked a fine line between appeasing Trump and pushing back on the deployment. She has acknowledged that the campaign has helped push down crime, while arguing that the out-of-state National Guard deployment has not been an efficient use of those resources. Carrying handguns and rifles Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some National Guard troops have been armed since late August. The military said some units on certain missions would have handguns and others would have rifles. These missions would include units on patrol throughout the capital. All units with firearms were trained and operating under strict rules for use of force, the military said. The joint task force said the militarys rules allowed force to be used only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. It said troops were committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of Washingtons residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Court battles On Nov. 20, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to end the deployment, saying it illegally intruded on local officials authority to direct law enforcement in the district. U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb put her order on hold for 21 days to allow for an appeal. The District of Columbia had challenged the deployment, saying it was an illegal use of the military for domestic law enforcement. The lawsuit said it violated Washingtons Home Rule Act, signed by President Richard Nixon in 1973, and wrongly asserted federal control over units from other states. Cobb found that while the president does have authority to protect federal functions and property, he cant unilaterally deploy the D.C. National Guard to help with crime control as he sees fit or call in troops from other states. Donald Trump has a lot to be thankful for this week. On Wednesday, a Georgia prosecutor decided to drop criminal charges accusing the president of conspiring to overturn his 2020 defeat in the state. While good news for Trump, it was bad news for the rule of law and history itself. Peter Skandalakis decision not only lets the president get away with his outrageous effort at election interference in a critical swing state, but his rendition of what Trump did and why he did it muddies the historical record. As the New York Times noted, Skandalakis, who is the executive director of the states nonpartisan prosecutor council, shredded the case originally brought by Fani T. Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, taking it apart charge by charge in a 22-page filing. He did so in the face of a mountain of evidence that Trumps conduct in the Peach State was particularly egregious. Not only did the president enlist a rogues gallery of co-conspirators to threaten state election officials, but early in January 2021, he also asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find enough votes that would reverse his defeat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trump put it in an hour-long conference call to the secretary, All I want to do is this. I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have. Because we won the state So what are we going to do here, folks? I only need 11,000 votes. Fellas, I need 11,000 votes. Give me a break. Theres no way I lost Georgia, Trump added. Theres no way. We won by hundreds of thousands of votes. When Raffensperger resisted his entreaties, Trump threatened him. If he didnt determine that thousands of ballots in Fulton County were cast illegally or destroyed, the secretary would be subject to criminal liability. When Raffensperger refused, Trump warned, You have a big election coming up, and because of what youve done to the president you know, the people of Georgia know that this was a scam. Because of what youve done to the president, a lot of people arent going out to vote, and a lot of Republicans are going to vote negative because they hate what you did to the president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Surely, this was one of the most infamous exchanges in which a person serving as president of the United States had ever participated. It was also criminal. Thats what a grand jury found when it indicted the president and his accomplices on racketeering charges in August 2023. As the Times observed, Trumps indictment prompted a unique moment in the history of the American presidency, when he traveled to Atlanta to be booked at the county jail. Mr. Trumpwould soon embrace his scowling mug shot as a symbol of defiance [that] his campaign [marketed] on coffee mugs, posters and pins. When the indictment was handed down, the case against Trump appeared strong and the evidence compelling. In the event of a conviction, he could not have pardoned himself because the indictment was brought at the state level, and he would not have been saved by the Supreme Courts presidential immunity decision, which applies only to prosecutions brought by the federal government. But the case soon got caught up in a soap opera involving Willis, who was accused of violating professional ethics for having an affair with a lawyer whom she had hired as the cases lead prosecutor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although she denied any wrongdoing, Willis was removed from the case in December 2024. As a result, the council that Skandalakis heads was left with the unenviable task of finding someone to lead the prosecution of a criminal defendant who, even after his indictment in Georgia, once again resided at the White House. Earlier this month, apparently after looking in the mirror, Skandalakis announced he had found the man for the job. He assured everyone that he had no agenda and assumed responsibility for the case against Trump only after careful and deliberate consideration. Want more sharp takes on politics? Sign up for our free newsletter, Standing Room Only, written by Amanda Marcotte, now also a weekly show on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. In his Wednesday motion seeking the dismissal of the case, which was quickly approved by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, Skandalakis sounded that theme again. The case against the president, as well as the others, was, as he put it, already on life support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But unlike family members who must make the emotional decision to withdraw loved ones from life-sustaining treatment, I have no emotional connection to this case, he claimed. As a former elected official who ran as both a Democrat and a Republican and now is the Executive Director of a non-partisan agency, this decision is not guided by a desire to advance an agenda but is based on my beliefs and understanding of the law. Skandalakis even quoted former U.S. Attorney General Robert Jackson, whose views about the power and responsibility of prosecutors are widely admired. If ever the Shakespearean warning about those who doth protest too much seemed apt, Skandalakis overly long preface to his motion surely qualifies. Nevertheless, it didnt take him too long to show his hand. It is not illegal, he said, to question or challenge election results. Our nations foundational principles of free speech and electoral scrutiny are rooted in this very freedom. Then, in a strange moment of whataboutism he added, The State of Georgia is no stranger to such challenges. In 2018, Ms. Stacey Abrams questioned the legitimacy of Brian Kemps victory in the gubernatorial race. Likewise, in 2020, many Republicans struggled to accept the reality that President Donald J. Trump did not win the popular vote in Georgia or in other key states and therefore lost the presidential race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After this, Skandalakis went through the indictment point by point. He poked holes in everything Willis had done and, as if writing lines provided by the president himself, Skandalakis concluded that at no point did Meadows or [Trump] explicitly solicit the Secretary of State to violate his oath of office. Then, having reached that judgment, he doubled back to offer alternative interpretations of what Trump said and did. In one, he suggested that Trump was instructing the Secretary of State to fictitiously or fraudulently produce enough votes to secure a victory in Georgia. But in another, Trump, genuinely believing fraud had occurred, merely asked the Raffensperger to investigate and determine whether sufficient irregularities exist to change the election outcome. How the statement I need 11,000 votes. Give me a break, can reasonably be interpreted as a request to investigate and determine whether sufficient irregularities exist to change the election outcome is beyond me. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there were indeed different plausible interpretations of what the president did and why he did it, resolving those differences should have been left for a jury to decide following a full adversarial trial. Instead of letting that process play out, Skandalakis has whitewashed history and deprived all of us, and future generations, of the chance to make up our own minds about what did and could have happened in Georgia in 2020 and 2021. The post Trump tried to interfere in 2020 and he just got away with it appeared first on Salon.com. Nov. 27 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump has withdrawn South Africa's invitation to next year's G20 summit in Miami, Fla., escalating a row with Johannesburg. Trump made the announcement Wednesday on his Truth Social platform as this year's summit of the wealthy nations, held in South Africa, came to an end without the United States participating. "South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere, and we are going to stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately," the American leader said in the statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has escalated his criticisms against South Africa since returning to the White House. In February, he threatened to cut U.S. funding to the African nation over a new law allowing authorities to expropriate land in the public interest as part of efforts to redress racial inequalities rooted in apartheid. Though the law states that property cannot be expropriated arbitrarily and allows expropriation without compensation only in limited cases, Trump accused South Africa of "confiscating land" in violation of the human rights of White South Africans. Trump has since escalated his rhetoric, alleging that White South Africans face genocide -- a claim rejected by South African officials and regional leaders and not supported by available evidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Trump announced that the United States wouldn't be attending the G20 summit in Johannesburg due to "Afrikaners ... being killed and slaughtered and their land and farms ... being illegally confiscated," the African National Congress described Trump's allegations as "part of a long and disgraceful pattern of imperial arrogance and disinformation." "These statements are not borne of ignorance, they are deliberate attempts to distort the reality of South Africa's democracy and to mobilize racial fear for political gain in the United States," the African National Congress, the ruling political party of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, said Nov. 8 in a statement. "Donald Trump's continued siding with racist and right-wing movements across the world is well-documented and consistent with his dangerous rhetoric. From defending White supremacists at Charlottesville to vilifying African nations as 'expletive countries,' his record speaks of a man driven by prejudice, not principle." Trump on Tuesday reiterated his allegations that Afrikaners were being killed and their land being stolen from them, while stating that at the conclusion of the G20 summit in Johannesburg, the South African delegation "refused" to hand over the G20 presidency to a senior U.S. Embassy official who attended the closing ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, the office of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said that since the United States did not participate in the summit, it handed over the instruments of the G20 presidency to a U.S. Embassy official at South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation. The office added that it will continue to participate as a full, active and founding member of the G20. "It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the U.S., President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country," his office said in a statement. Tunisia has freed prominent lawyer Sonia Dahmani, a vocal critic of President Kais Saied, after a year and a half in prison. Dahmani, who is also a media commentator, is widely seen as a leading dissenting voice in Tunisia, and her arrest prompted local protests demanding her release and international criticism. She was convicted over comments during a television appearance that questioned the governments stance on undocumented African refugees and migrants in Tunisia. When asked whether they would try to stay and conquer Tunisia, Dahmani said: What kind of extraordinary country are we talking about? The one that half of its youth want to leave? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A court said the comments had insulted Tunisia and spread false information intended to harm it. As Dahmani was released from a prison in Manouba near Tunis, dozens of her family members and activists chanted: The police states era of repression is over. She told reporters, I hope this is the end of the nightmare for me and all the other prisoners. Her lawyer Sami Ben Ghazi said the justice minister had issued a release order under a system that enables prisoners to apply for release after serving half their sentences. The National Syndicate of Tunisian Journalists welcomed Dahmanis release and called for the release of other detained journalists. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement International and local rights groups said Dahmanis imprisonment last year marked a deepening crackdown on dissent in the North African country. During a sweeping power grab in July 2021, Saied suspended parliament and expanded executive power so he could rule by decree. Since then, the president has jailed many of his critics. Many of the powers that Saied had taken for himself were later enshrined in a new constitution, ratified in a widely boycotted 2022 referendum, while media figures and lawyers critical of Saied have been prosecuted and detained under a harsh fake news law enacted that same year. Saied says his actions are legal and aimed at ending years of chaos and rampant corruption. Widespread crackdown Amnesty International said this month that a crackdown on rights groups has reached critical levels with arbitrary arrests, detentions, asset freezes, banking restrictions and suspensions targeting 14 NGOs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Human Rights Watch said more than 50 people, including politicians, lawyers, journalists and activists, have been subjected to arbitrary arrest or prosecution since late 2022 for exercising their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and political activity. Early in Saieds tenure, his government focused its crackdown on the Ennahdha Party. Tunisian courts have handed several jail sentences to Ennahdhas leader, former Parliament Speaker Rached Ghannouchi, in cases that his supporters said are politically motivated. Even Saieds former allies have not been spared in the crackdown. Nadia Akacha, the Tunisian presidents former chief of staff, who was considered one of his closest and most influential aides, was sentenced to 35 years in prison in absentia in July. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has announced an indefinite halt on processing immigration requests for Afghan nationals effective immediately. The halt in processing comes after the two West Virginia National Guard members who deployed to the nations capital were shot Wednesday afternoon just blocks from the White House. ALSO READ: 2 National Guard members shot in an ambush attack just blocks from the White House Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The suspect in that incident has been identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, according to the Associated Press. Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. The decision to stop processing these requests is pending further review of security and vetting protocols, with the agency emphasizing that the protection and safety of the American people remains its singular focus. The duration of the halt is described as indefinite, leaving uncertainty about when processing might resume. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No details have been provided regarding how this decision will affect Afghan nationals who are currently in the process of immigration requests. This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates. The decades-long mystery surrounding strange, unknown objects spotted throughout the skies has long remained under classification and shielded from the American public. However, the shroud of secrecy is being removed in a new documentary, "The Age of Disclosure." "For a very long time, the public, Congress and even the president have been kept out of the loop on this subject," director Dan Farah told Fox News Bret Baier. "In the last few years, senior members of Congress, senior members of the administration thanks to whistleblowers have found out what's been going on, and they are now in pursuit of the truth for themselves and for the American people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Filmed over the course of three years, the documentary includes interviews with 34 senior members of the U.S. government, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio , to pull back the curtain on an alleged "80-year global cover-up" of non-human intelligence potentially existing on other planets. Ufo-like Drones Targeted Police Helicopter Over Air Base Before Vanishing: Report Director Dan Farah's documentary "The Age of Disclosure" features interviews with 34 senior U.S. officials revealing an alleged 80-year government cover-up of non-human intelligence. "Every single person I interviewed made it very clear that it was no longer a question of whether this was a real situation," Farah said. "It's a very real situation." Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farah added that the interviewees featured in the film each had "direct knowledge of this issue," while insisting each individual has "extreme credibility." In the films trailer, Rubio can be heard revealing details about unknown objects spotted over sensitive military areas. Ufo Tracker Maps Eerie Clusters Of Unidentified Objects Lurking Beneath Us Shorelines: 'We're Being Lied To' "The Age of Disclosure" includes interviews with 34 high-ranking government officials regarding the credibility of non-human life on other planets. "We've had repeated instances of something operating in the airspace over restricted nuclear facilities, and it's not ours," Rubio said. The film comes at a time when public discourse regarding the existence of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena or UAPs have reached the highest levels of government, with discussions surrounding the classification of information often making its way to the floor of Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farah's film says the U.S. government is involved in a "high-stakes, secret Cold War race with adversarial nations like China and Russia" to investigate objects that have not originated from humans. Reporter's Notebook: Military Whistleblowers Testify To Congress About Unexplained Ufo Encounters Director Dan Farah's new documentary, "The Age of Disclosure," explores an alleged 80-year government cover-up of non-human intelligent life and UAP encounters. "What really stood out to me about Age of Disclosure is the large number of military and intelligence officials who are going on the record saying that not only do aliens or UFOs exist, but that we have a very active program of retrieving this technology and attempting to reverse-engineer it," Kent Heckenlively, author of "Catastrophic Disclosure," told Fox News Digital. The information is corroborated by high-level officials featured within the documentary, with Jay Stratton, a former Defense Intelligence Agency official and director of the governments UAP Task Force, revealing just how high the stakes are in this otherworldly race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The first country that cracks the code on this technology will be the leader for years to come," Stratton said in the films trailer. Explosive New Documentary Probes '80-Year Global Coverup' Of Ufo Secrets For a topic that has notoriously been shielded from the publics eye, Heckenlively applauded the films effort to hold the government accountable when it comes to transparency about UAP discoveries. "I think that any rational person who watches this movie has to come to one of two conclusions," Heckenlively said. "Either this is a complete and total psychological operation by the government on the current population, or there has been a tremendous psychological operation against the public in the past. At some point in history, the government has been lying to us. The question is, is that just in the past, or is that now?" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Farah echoed the same sentiment, telling Baier that members of Congress and the Trump administration are working to break through decades of government officials refusing to release information to the public. House Witness Testifies Ufos Nearly Activated Russian Nuclear Missiles During 1982 Incident "Now we have leaders in Congress and in the administration that are trying to get to the bottom of it, and there are people in this film who are respected in their fields who say they have seen these craft and have seen the recovered non-human bodies," Farah said. Farah did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In light of the new revelations staring down the American public, Heckenlively remains hopeful that the information will be received not with panic, but with curiosity. "I think that the human race would do a lot of growing up if we found out we lived in a very crowded neighborhood," he said. "We would be curious, we'd want to fit in. I think we would up our game if we knew that there were species out there that didn't have some of the negatives associated with the human race." Click Here To Download The Fox News App "My suspicion is that if these aliens do exist, they've gone through a lot of the same growing pains that we have, and they may not want to share that. So there may be some advantage to keeping themselves mysterious to our greater world. I'm somewhat suspect of why these aliens have not revealed themselves, but I'm open to the possibility that there may be a good explanation." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Age of Disclosure" is playing in select theaters in New York, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and is also available worldwide to purchase or rent on Amazon Prime Video. Fox News Digital's Kiera McDonald and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report. Original article source: UFO documentary pulls back curtain on psychological operation after decades of government cover-up: expert Sometimes success can cause its own problems. A community might be able to support one or two of a certain kind of business, but when one company has success, it's natural for copycat brands to enter the space. There's only so much new demand that can be created, and at some point, oversaturation can cause multiple businesses to fail. In some ways, that's what going on with Uber and Lyft. Although both companies provide a needed service, their pricing is constrained not just by the cost of cabs and car services, but also by each other's existence. If Uber charges more than Lyft, a certain amount of customers simply use the other brand. It's a vicious cycle that often ends in both companies merging or going out of business. Too much competition can drive restaurants out of business, and that's part of what pushed Bennigan's, a once-thriving chain, to the brink of extinction. Bennigan's had too much competition Back in the early 2000s, Bennigan's an American take on an Irish pub was a fast-growing chain that reached over 300 restaurants. The company collapsed, however, because of market conditions somewhat beyond its control. "These restaurants share many subtle and complex challenges that extend beyond this difficult economic climate," thenTechnomic President Ron Paul told MarketWatch Money Morning. "To some extent, they've become victims of their own success a mature category with too many units and not enough differentiation, at least in the eyes of consumers." With so many similar choices in the casual dining restaurant market, consumers have little incentive to choose Bennigan's over similar competitors such as TGI Fridays or Ruby Tuesday Inc., the website shared. "All these bar and grill concepts are very, very similar," former Technomic Executive Vice President Bob Goldintold The New York Times, according to Kiplinger. "They have the same kind of menu, decor, appeal," making it more difficult to establish brand loyalty among customers. More Restaurants Bennigan's was a quick success story, but its collapse and near death was sudden as well. "Known for its happy hours more than its food, the chain's sudden near-collapse in 2008 was epic: Its owner filed for Chapter 7 liquidation, shuttering the 150 corporate-owned restaurants overnight (more than 100 franchises survived), as well as all of the Steak and Ale restaurants. Two years earlier, it had closed all of its New York state and Connecticut locations," the magazine reported. The UK government aims to cut down household energy bills by 150 ($198) a year on average by shifting some costs to general taxation and abolishing a scheme that funds home efficiency upgrades. Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, who presented the Budget yesterday, announced the transfer of 75% of the cost of 'Renewables Obligation' to general taxation. Treasury documents estimate this change will save an average of 2.3bn each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This move comes as energy bills have been increasing despite a drop in wholesale power and gas prices, putting pressure on ministers to find better ways to cover rising grid and policy costs. Household energy bills in the UK are the most expensive in Europe, reported Bloomberg. Additionally, from April next year, the government will scrap bill charges that currently pays for energy-efficiency upgrades for fuel-poor households. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) currently compels energy companies to fund measures such as insulation and new heating systems for households for those that have low-income. Energy UK chief executive Dhara Vyas said: The proposal to cut the ECO programme significantly reduces the overall funding available for vital home improvements that would lower bills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It will also have an impact on the companies and supply chains that have made plans to invest and recruit and have again been hit by a change in policy. Last month, the ECO scheme faced criticism after the National Audit Office highlighted risks of possible fraud and substandard work within the programme. Environmental groups, however, condemned the decision to abolish the scheme outright instead of improving it, reported Reuters. Greenpeace UK head of politics Ami McCarthy said: Eliminating insulation support and its funding could leave millions of households stuck in fuel poverty, living in cold, damp homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These changes will reduce Ofgems price cap by 134 in January, bringing it down to 1,624. The Budget also allocates an additional 1.5bn for the Warm Homes Plan, adding to the 13.2bn announced earlier this year. "UK announces plan to cut household energy bills by 150" was originally created and published by Energy Monitor, a GlobalData owned brand. Nov. 27GRAND FORKS Though they may not be doling out assignments or writing notes on a chalkboard, the donors of the University of North Dakota's Deeded Body Program are still considered teachers. They're called "silent teachers," said John Opland, manager of the program. The university is lucky to have them, he said. "We are blessed, to put it mildly," Opland said. "(Students) are always impressed at how many cadavers we have. ... There are a lot of students, especially students that want to be surgeons, who love anatomy. They love dissecting and they're obviously very grateful that they get so many people who want to do it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Deeded Body Program allows individuals to donate their bodies to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences for students to learn from. It was started in 1972 after the Anatomical Gift Act was passed. The program receives most donations from alumni or family of alumni, Opland said. The program takes any age, and has seen donors as young as 21 and as old as 106. UND works with funeral homes in the area to prepare the cadavers, which usually teach for up to three years. UND loans cadavers out to Minot State University and Dickinson State University, as it has the only cadaver program in the state. UND's occupational therapy department also has a satellite campus in Casper, Wyoming, so cadavers are also sent there. UND also receives cadavers from Wyoming, as well as Montana, South Dakota and northern Minnesota, on top of other places across the country. "We've had them flown in from Arizona, Texas, California, Oregon, Indiana," Opland said. "We get about 50 to 60 cadavers a year." The cadavers are held in the gross anatomy lab "gross meaning you can see it with your naked eye," Opland said in the SMHS building. There are about 30 cadavers teaching at a time, laying on clamshell tables or submerged in fluid in the two submersibles. A cooler in the back of the lab can store up to about 95 additional cadavers waiting to teach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Opland said facilities are at capacity, and the program can't take in any new donors, though Opland continues to encourage people to fill out the bequeathal form. "I still encourage people to sign up because three, five, 10 years from now we might be in a completely different position," he said. "There are a few schools who have called me and they're like, 'what are you guys doing to get the word out,' because they're struggling to get cadavers." Multiple students working in the lab, both learning from the silent teachers and serving as teachers assistants, say having a body to learn from gives them more knowledge than a textbook can provide. Undergraduate students Molly McGrath, Jolea Kraft and Randi Herndon all said working with cadavers is a good opportunity to enhance their education and a step above learning from just a textbook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McGrath, a pre-med senior studying biology with minors in chemistry and psychology, said she was hesitant to touch or get close to anything when she first entered the lab, but she's gotten more comfortable with it as a teaching assistant. To see real life examples of anatomy and "being able to hold a human heart or human brain in your hand is just such a crazy experience," she said. Kraft, a senior kinesiology student pre-physical therapy with a minor in nutrition and public health, added that it was "awesome to see all the structures and follow all of the tracks with the organs and the body systems." Herndon, a pre-med junior studying medical lab science, said she's grateful for the program because "I know that most schools don't get the opportunity we do, especially as undergrads, to be able to go in there and experience what it's like to work with cadavers." Undergraduate students learn from cadavers that have already been dissected by graduate students, Opland said. For graduate students, the experience differs. Graduate students come in three main classes med students, physical therapy students and physician's assistant students. Upper level med students dissect a cadaver as a project, though they also examine other cadavers worked on by other students. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacob Tupa, a fourth-year med student and MD Class of 2026 president, said he's applying to residency for ear, nose and throat, so in his dissection he has been mostly focused on the head and neck and everything in that area muscles, nerves, blood vessels and bones. "Doing the dissection, you realize how kind of intricate you have to be and careful, obviously, because some structures are very delicate and fragile," he said. "We're fortunate enough to have people who willingly donate their bodies for us to learn, and it's going to help me be a better physician one day. I think that's really kind of a big selling point, at least for UND and for our medical school is that we get these experiences. So I'm very grateful for that." Melissa Drill, a second-year physical therapy student and anatomy teaching assistant, said seeing the human body in real time for all of its beauty the muscles, nerves, arteries, joints, fascial structures while taking other classes is a helpful hands-on opportunity for a physical therapy student. "You have to take a step back and remember these are human beings that very selflessly donated their bodies to us, and it's an incredible privilege we have to learn from these selfless donations these individuals and their families made," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jackson Hopfauf, a second-year medical student, said working with the cadavers is an invaluable part of his education. Textbooks sometimes don't get every nuance correct, he said, and cadavers show the subtle differences in anatomy from person to person. "Seeing everything in a three-dimensional shape almost shapes my clinical reasoning going forward," he said. "It kind of inspired me to pursue radiology in the future. ... I feel like it's a debt I can never truly repay. These silent teachers influenced my life so much." The students have an opportunity to express their thanks to the donors and their families through the interment ceremony Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UND has every three years. Silent teachers at the end of their teaching are cremated. A majority will go back to loved ones if that was the decision made, while others will be put into UND's plot at the Memorial Park North Cemetery. UND has one monument and three plots at the cemetery. Of the three vaults, UND is still on the first one, Opland said. The next interment ceremony will take place in 2027. The United States is looking to pull ahead of China in the race to navigate the Arctic, according to a Department of Homeland Security document, and warns that a shortage of U.S. shipbuilders could hamper the effort. The Department of Homeland Security said in a document titled "The Icebreaker Collaboration Effort U.S. National Workforce Development Plan" that in 2025, there was an "unprecedented" number of Chinese military and research vessels in the Arctic, operating in or near U.S. waters. Chinas continued expansion of its icebreaking fleet poses a potential challenge to U.S. maritime sovereignty if future Chinese operations fall outside legal parameters, according to a document outlining the U.S. policy and workforce development on Icebreakers, a ship that is able to cut through frozen ice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arctic fossils indicate ice shelf is not as stable as previously thought, scientists say The Department of Homeland Security says it has a plan to tackle the shortage of shipbuilders in the U.S. The Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security have prioritized funding and building icebreakers to compete with countries like China. Liu Shiping/Xinhua via Getty Images - PHOTO: A drone photo shows China's research icebreaker Xuelong 2 breaking the ice to lead the way in the Arctic Ocean, Aug. 5, 2025. The Arctic and polar regions are increasingly critical to U.S. national security, economic prosperity and global leadership, especially as other nations expand their capabilities in these locations, Robert Law, who serves as under secretary of strategy, policy and plans at DHS said in the document adding that the administration has a plan national workforce plan to build ships domestically and work with Canada and Finland to secure the Arctic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Law says the plan will support U.S. security, growth and leadership in the Arctic through public and private partnerships. The U.S. Coast Guard, which has jurisdiction over Arctic waters, commissioned the icebreaker USCG Cutter Storis, which is the first polar icebreaker acquired in over 25 years. Senate votes to overturn Biden-era Arctic protections. Why environmental groups are concerned. The USCG requires additional modern vessels to effectively secure U.S. polar interests in the 21st century, the report says. There are some challenges, according to the report, mainly a labor shortage of U.S. shipbuilders, and that China is undercutting the U.S. in shipbuilding. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Department of Homeland Security said that recruiting shipbuilders in the U.S. "will require a coordinated effort. "Expanding current efforts and commitments to the education and training of the industries involved in icebreaker shipbuilding will ensure success, the plan says. "The United States Government should consider a holistic approach that focuses on strengthening existing programs, expanding stakeholder dialogue, exploring new initiatives, and recommending the establishment of new programs when identified. By Humeyra Pamuk WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Trump administration last week ordered U.S. diplomats abroad to lobby against pro-migration policies and raise concerns over what it says are migrant populations committing violent crimes, according to a State Department cable seen by Reuters. The cable, sent on Friday to dozens of U.S. embassies across Europe, Canada and Australia, argues that crime and human rights abuses linked to mass migration and "individuals of a migration background" were a significant concern in Europe and the West. It says these incidents threaten public safety and social cohesion around the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It instructs U.S. missions to report to Washington on such crimes and abuses and to provide analysis of how the host country reacts, while pushing the governments to reform migration policies and limit any programs that enable mass migration. "We encourage your government to ensure that policies protect your citizens from the negative social impacts of mass migration, including displacement, sexual assault, and the breakdown of law and order," reads one of more than a dozen talking points the State Department provided to U.S. diplomats in the cable, which was first reported by the New York Times. Anti-immigration was a major part of Donald Trump's presidential campaign. After taking office, he launched an aggressive enforcement campaign, surging troops to the southern border and pledging to deport millions of immigrants who were in the U.S. illegally. The Republican president has repeatedly blamed migrants in the U.S. illegally for fueling violent crime, although studies show immigrants are not more likely to commit crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration has also worked to internationalize its restrictive approach. In September, top officials urged other nations to join a global campaign to roll back asylum protections, a major shift that would seek to reshape the post-World War Two framework around humanitarian migration. Late last month Trump slashed the limit on refugee admissions for fiscal 2026 to a record low 7,500 from the 100,000 who entered under then-President Joe Biden in fiscal 2024. Trump said his administration would focus on bringing in white South Africans of Afrikaner ethnicity. A State Department spokesperson, asked for comment on the cable, said mass migration was a human rights issue and that it regularly led to a rise in violent crimes. The spokesperson did not provide any data to support the assertion. The cable, which quotes Trump as saying that "a nation without borders is not a nation," also asks governments to resist practices that "disproportionately favor migrant populations at the expense of local communities, including displacement, legal consequences for criticizing mass migration." (Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; Additional reporting by Costas Pitas and Christian Martinez; Editing by William Mallard) Parts of the US midwest and the Great Lakes region are bracing for a strong storm this weekend, as an estimated 82 million Americans travel to gather in celebration of Thanksgiving. Some parts of the country are expecting cold, snowy conditions, and the weather has already caused some travel delays. On Thursday morning more than 800 flights were already delayed, most in the northern states. Although delays were expected, airports have largely recovered from the government shutdown, during which thousands of federal employees worked without pay, leading to staffing shortages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a winter storm watch message from the National Weather Service, heavy snow is likely to hit parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan, between six and 10 inches, beginning on Friday afternoon and going through Saturday evening. The National Weather Service is warning of potentially hazardous conditions that may affect travel on Friday night. In the north-east of the country the temperature is likely to dip, with colder air extending across the eastern half of the US on Thursday, and reaching down to Texas on Friday or Saturday, potentially sweeping away the thunderstorms that are currently predicted. Conditions are generally expected to stay warm in most other southern states, although a storm system is expected on Saturday near the Mississippi River valley. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In New England, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) said it expected some rain, as well as snow in the Pacific north-west. According to a travel forecast by the American Automobile Association (AAA), around 82 million people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving weekend, by air and by road. The website FlightAware tracked 6,630 delayed US flights on Wednesday. The United States operates one of the world's most powerful navies, yet the industry responsible for building America's warships is struggling to attract workers. It's a significant enough concern that US Navy Secretary John Phelan has raised it publicly and one that carries real implications for maintaining America's fleet strength as China continues to expand its naval power. Currently, China is the only navy with more ships than the US Navy at least in terms of modern warships of over 1,000 tons. However, for the full picture, we need to consider the capabilities of the fleets. Generally, the more advanced capabilities of American destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers (including the USS Gerald R. Ford the Navy's most lethal warship) all help to negate the numerical deficit. That being said, China continues to add to its fleet, and history is not always on the side of even technologically advanced but smaller navies. A point corroborated in a recent study published by the US Naval Institute website, which concluded that 25 out of 28 naval wars were won by the fleets with the greatest numbers of ships. Against this backdrop, the recent statement by the US Navy Secretary that it's hard to attract shipyard workers is even more worrying. The main problem identified by Phelan is that of pay. Speaking at a defense summit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he said, "I think this is an issue of wages to be honest." He went on to say that shipbuilders struggle to attract workers when they can make the same money working for Amazon or Buc-ee's. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 10 Of The Largest Navies In The World, Ranked By Self-Reported Total Naval Assets Just how big is the wage problem in US Naval shipbuilding? Cranes and naval ships at a naval shipyard - Carmen K Sisson/Getty Images Doing a side-by-side comparison of wages across industries isn't straightforward; wages are almost always dependent on the role's responsibilities. However, we can get an idea of the concerns by comparing the salary of a shipyard welder against an "average" Buc-ee's or Amazon worker. According to ZipRecruiter, shipyard welder salaries vary by state, with the lowest being in Florida with an hourly rate of $19.34, the highest wages are in Washington, where the average hourly wage for the same job is $29.31. For comparison, Buc-ee's wages begin at $18 to $21 per hour for "associate" level employees, with team leads getting between $21 and $24, with department managers between $31 and $33 per hour. For Amazon, we can look at "fulfillment and transportation workers" wages. The company recently announced that US-workers in this sector would see their pay increased to $23 per hour. Amazon also notes that when benefits and incentives are included, the "average total compensation" exceeds $30 per hour. While these figures all remain roughly in the same ballpark, there is also another consideration. Shipyard roles demand far more than a typical retail or warehouse shift. A typical shift can involve welding in confined spaces, working at height, and handling heavy steel in hot, noisy, and often hazardous conditions. It's a physically demanding job that requires technical training and long apprenticeships. When compared with jobs offering similar wages for safer, cleaner, and less-demanding roles, it's easier to understand why the top manufacturers of US Navy ships are struggling to attract and retain staff. China's overwhelming shipbuilding capacity advantage US Navy shipyard with cranes and a massive building - Kate Scott/Shutterstock The drought of workers in US Naval shipyards is all the more worrying when considering the size of China's Navy and its current shipbuilding output. According to an analysis published by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China's shipbuilding industry is now so large that it's estimated it can outbuild the US by a factor of 230. This is primarily why the Chinese Navy now outnumbers America's, but also why it's more modern. A massive 70% of Chinese navy ships were built after 2010, the figure drops to 25% for US Navy ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More importantly, China's shipyards have the capacity to keep expanding at a pace the US can't currently match. In fact, in 2024, China was responsible for over 50% of the world's shipbuilding output, with the state-owned China State Shipbuilding Company producing more tonnage in one year than the entire US shipbuilding output since the end of World War two. Although this figure is for commercial vessels, it still ably demonstrates the point. Bearing this in mind, it's easy to see why the Navy secretary is worried. He argues that the first step is to raise wages so that they genuinely compete with the likes of Amazon and Buc-ee's. This alone won't solve the issue, but it's essential for attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. Other steps that have been proposed to ease the crisis include better training, improved working conditions, affordable housing, and increased benefits. Such measures will be essential if America hopes to reverse its shipbuilding decline. 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. SANTO DOMINGO (Reuters) -Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Wednesday the United States is aiming to allow further deployments of troops and aircraft to tackle drug trafficking. Speaking in the Dominican Republic, which has authorized the temporary deployment of U.S. elements, Hegseth said he was hoping other countries would accept U.S. military presence on their soil. "A model that we hope to expand with other countries that want to associate with us to ensure that the drug terrorists... receive this message that we are associating with more countries, with more elements to stop them," Hegseth said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He added that the Dominican Republic will continue to help lead the fight against drug traffickers. The U.S. has ramped up operations in the Caribbean in recent months, including strikes against alleged drug-trafficking vessels which have killed dozens. (Reporting by Paul Mathiasen; Writing by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Kylie Madry and Alistair Bell) The US has suspended processing all immigration requests from Afghans, after an Afghan man was identified as the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House. The US Citizenship and Immigration Services said the decision was made pending a review of "security and vetting protocols". The suspect of Wednesday's shooting, which left two National Guard members critically injured, is said to have arrived in the US from Afghanistan in September 2021. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement US President Donald Trump said the attack was an "act of terror", adding that he would take steps to remove foreigners "from any country who does not belong here". Tens of thousands of Afghans entered the US under special immigration protections following the chaotic US withdrawal from the country in 2021 under former President Joe Biden. The Department of Homeland Security named the suspect in a press release as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, "a criminal alien from Afghanistan". It said Lakanwal had entered the US during the presidency of Joe Biden in September 2021, under a programme for Afghans named called Operation Allies Welcome. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, the Taliban had taken back control of Afghanistan following a chaotic withdrawal of US forces. An official told the BBC's US news partner CBS that Lakanwal had applied for asylum in 2024, and that his application had been granted earlier this year. Lakanwal's is reportedly 29 years old, and he is said to not be co-operating with authorities' investigation. Trump said following the shooting that the US "must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden". [BBC] The Joint Task Force DC, which is co-ordinating the National Guard deployments to the nation's capital, said the attack took place at around 14:15 EST (19:15 GMT) on Wednesday near the Farragut Square Metro Station. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The soldiers had been on a high-visibility patrol near the corner of 17th and I streets - a busy lunch spot for office workers. Metropolitan Police Assistant Chief Jeff Carroll said the suspect "came around the corner" and "immediately started firing", adding that the soldiers had been "ambushed". Other National Guard members nearby heard the gunfire and intervened, holding the suspect down until police arrived, he said. The suspect was shot four times, law enforcement sources told CBS. One witness described to the BBC his experience of hearing gunshots, as people ran in panic and tried to take shelter in a nearby shop. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another witness, who was in his car close to the metro station, showed the BBC footage he took of the two soldiers lying on the street in their uniforms while being treated by medics. Details on the identities of the soldiers have not yet been provided by officials. A third person, apparently the alleged gunman, was also seen on the pavement being treated. In the wake of the attack, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the president had asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to the American capital. "This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington DC safe and beautiful," the Pentagon chief said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are currently nearly 2,200 National Guard troops in the city. They are a reservist force that can be activated to serve as military troops, but have limited power as they cannot enforce the law or make arrests. The troops were deployed in August to tackle what Trump called "out of control" crime in Washington. Overall crime in the city has fallen since the force was sent, which Trump credits to the troops' presence on the streets. There have been similar deployments in other Democratic-led cities across the US, which have faced legal challenges by opponents who accuse the Trump administration of overreach. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump imposed a travel ban on nationals of Afghanistan - and 11 other countries - earlier this year. Afghan nationals holding Special Immigration Visas - available to those who worked directly with the US military and feared retribution from the Taliban as a result of that co-operation - were among a few exceptions to the sweeping bans. The Taliban returned to power following the US withdrawal in 2021. Trump has also ended a programme that granted deportation protections for thousands of people from Afghanistan. The temporary protected status programme allowed migrants to get work permits if the US government deemed it unsafe for them to return to their home countries due to war. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional reporting by Tom Bateman [BBC] Follow the twists and turns of Trump's second term with North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher's weekly US Politics Unspun newsletter. Readers in the UK can sign up here. Those outside the UK can sign up here. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A Utah man who was spared execution this fall after developing dementia during his 37 years on death row died Wednesday of apparent natural causes, according to the state's Department of Corrections. Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, was set to die by firing squad in September, but the Utah Supreme Court blocked the impending execution in August after his attorneys argued his dementia had become too severe. A judge had scheduled a new competency hearing for mid-December to reevaluate his mental state. Menzies was convicted of abducting and killing 26-year-old mother of three Maurine Hunsaker near Salt Lake City in 1986. Her body was discovered two days later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her husband, Jim Hunsaker, told The Associated Press he felt a happy feeling when he heard Menzies had died, and as though 100 pounds had been lifted off him. I think a lot of it is going to be just healing now," he said. I dont think there was a day that I didnt think about it. He expressed frustration about how the state's judicial system handled the case, saying his family for decades has experienced one disappointment after another. It seems like everything went his way, he said. Menzies would have been the seventh U.S. prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977, when the U.S. reinstated the death penalty. He selected the method when given a choice decades ago. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Utah Supreme Court said this summer that the progression of Menzies' disease raised a significant question on his fitness to be executed. A state medical professional agreed in a new mental competency report published this month, saying Menzies lacked a rational understanding of why he was facing execution. He's one of numerous U.S. prisoners who have died naturally while on death row. More than half of all prisoners sentenced to death in the U.S. spend more than 18 years awaiting execution, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Menzies abducted Hunsaker from a convenience store where she worked on Feb. 23, 1986, while he was on parole. She later called her husband to say she was robbed and kidnapped, and that her abductor intended to release her. Days later, a hiker found her body at a picnic area about 16 miles (25 kilometers) away in Big Cottonwood Canyon. She had been strangled and her throat was slashed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said he hopes Hunsakers family will finally have some closure and peace. "For decades, the state of Utah has pursued justice on her behalf. The path has been long and filled with pain, far more than any victims family should ever have to endure," Brown said. Police say Hunsakers thumbprint was found in a car that Menzies was driving, and her purse was recovered in Menzies apartment. Menzies also had her wallet and other belongings when he was jailed on unrelated matters. Were grateful that Ralph passed naturally and maintained his spiritedness and dignity until the end, his legal team said in a statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Utahs last execution played out by lethal injection just over a year ago. The state hasnt used a firing squad since the 2010 execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner. ___ Govindarao reported from Phoenix. Associated Press writer Matthew Brown contributed from Billings, Montana. Venezuela has banned six major international airlines from landing in the country after they failed to meet a 48-hour deadline to resume flights there. The airlines had temporarily suspended their routes into the capital, Caracas, after the US warned of "heightened military activity" in the area. Angered by this, the Venezuelan government issued the carriers with an ultimatum that expired on Wednesday. While a number of smaller airlines continue to fly to Venezuela, thousands of passengers have been affected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US has deployed a large force to waters off Venezuela, which it says is to combat drug trafficking but which Venezuela's leader has denounced as an attempt to overthrow him. Venezuela's civil aviation authority, which reports to the country's ministry of transport, announced on Wednesday that Iberia, TAP Portugal, Gol, Latam, Avianca and Turkish Airlines would lose their landing and take-off rights with immediate effect. In a reference to the heightened US military activity off the coast of Venezuela, it also accused the airlines of "joining the actions of state terrorism promoted by the United States government and unilaterally suspending air commercial operations". The US has deployed 15,000 troops and the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, to within striking distance of Venezuela. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The US says the aim of the deployment, the largest by the US in the region since it invaded Panama in 1989, is to combat drug trafficking. US forces have carried out at least 21 strikes on boats they say were carrying drugs, killing more than 80 people. However, they have not provided evidence that the boats carried drugs and many analysts have pointed out that the US deployment is unusually large for a counter-narcotics operation. The Venezuelan government thinks the aim of the operation is to depose President Nicolas Maduro, whose re-election last year was denounced by the Venezuelan opposition and many foreign nations as rigged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Amid the rising tensions, the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) issued a warning on Friday to flight operators operating in Maiquetia, the international airport serving Caracas. It urged airlines "to exercise caution... at all altitudes due to the worsening security situation and heightened military activity in and around Venezuela". It was in the wake of that warning that the now-banned airlines suspended their flights to Venezuela. An attempt by aviation industry body Iata to defuse the situation - by stressing that its member airlines were keen to restore operations - failed to appease the Venezuelan government. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In recent days, both Maduro and his US counterpart Donald Trump have signalled a willingness to hold direct talks. Asked about it on Air Force One, Trump said that he "might talk" to Maduro, but also warned that "we can do things the easy way, that's fine, and if we have to do it the hard way that's fine, too". Maduro, meanwhile, uploaded a video of himself driving around Caracas pointing to Christmas decorations, in what appeared to be an attempt to show that life in the city was going on as normal. Delmaine Donson/Getty Images; Jenny Chang-Rodriguez Day traders say trading outside their day jobs can be like living a double life. Many who aspire to go full-time say they've developed strategies to balance work with their side hustle. Their top tips included setting stop losses, trading the premarket, and trading overnight. Flicking through multiple screens. Checking the markets at 1 a.m. Trading from the bathroom stall at work. Being a day trader isn't easy particularly if you're a trader who still supports yourself with a regular 9-5 day job people living the life told me after work at a day trader happy hour in New York's Financial District. The event, hosted by trading education and mentorship company BullMentor, is a relatively new phenomenon, but it's gaining popularity as a growing number of people pursue what they see as a more modern version of the American dream: to one day quit their jobs and support themselves primarily by trading the market. That simply isn't the reality for most day traders, many of whom are in the red or only quasi-profitable. While many claim their ultimate goal is to trade full-time, fewer than 40% of traders report being able to do so, according to a survey conducted by the trading company Quantified Strategies this year. Five people, many of whom walked into the bar still dressed for the workday, told me about the arsenal of strategies they had developed to manage the stress of living their double life, which frequently conflicts with work hours. Their playbook largely revolves around automating trades, capitalizing on their office's work-from-home policy, and, among the most determined traders, waking up in the dead of the night to try to lock in some gains before they have to get up for work. Melissa Avutan, the CEO of Bull Mentor and a day trader who worked in analytics, said she believed the best approach was what she calls a "set-it-and-forget-it" method. In a typical day, she'll do research during the premarket and purchase 1-day option contracts or set stop losses on specific trades, which automatically sell a position to avoid further losses. Avutan, who has been trading for around two years, said she believed it was "insane" to try to trade minute-by-minute during work hours, though she's aware of some people who do so and think they can manage the stress. She suspects most who do so are unprofitable. Kevin Law, a 44-year-old trader who works in investment banking, said he employs a similar strategy. He'll open short positions in the morning, go back to work, and then try not to check the markets until the following day. Two people from Aliquippa who are accused of threatening a woman with a gun, kidnapping her, and taking her to Pittsburgh faced a judge for the first time on Wednesday. The case is now heading to trial, but several charges were dropped. Tyrone Turner and his girlfriend, Ariel Harper, are both charged in the alleged kidnapping and robbery of a woman in Aliquippa on November 17. Police said the woman was terrified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Couple arrested, accused of kidnapping woman in Beaver County, taking her to Pittsburgh Yeah, scared. Very scared, said Det. Sgt. David Mosura of the Aliquippa Police Department. The woman who was kidnapped testified at the hearing. She said she was work-friends with Ariel Harper, and had asked if she could come over and do laundry instead of going to the laundromat. She said Harper and Tyrone Turner came to pick her up. But in the car, there was an argument about money. When they got to Harpers apartment, the woman said Turner pointed a gun at her. Back in the car, the woman said she fought with Harper over her purse and phone, saying Harper took both. She said Turner dangled the purse out the window and threatened to drop it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said she realized they were not going where she thought they were in Beaver when she saw signs to Pittsburgh. The alleged victim said Turner threatened that he was going to have her raped and murdered. Thats when she said she got out of the car at a red light in Beechview and ran to an antique store and called 911. Its quick thinking. Its smart thinking, Mosura said. We dont encourage anybody to fight or to put themselves in more serious danger. If you have the opportunity to escape, escape. If you have the opportunity to get out and run? Get out and run. The judge dropped the robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery charges from both Harper and Turner, after defense attorneys argued the couple didnt rob or try to rob the victim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge kept the kidnapping charges for trial. Theyre due back in court in January. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW India's opposition Congress party accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led alliance of rigging votes to win bellwether elections in India's poorest state Bihar. But footage of a burning building circulating online with claims of post-election protests in the eastern state is old and was filmed in neighbouring country Nepal. "There was a huge uproar in Bihar over vote theft; the BJP office in Patna was set on fire," reads a Hindi-language Instagram post shared on November 17, 2025. The post included a video that shows smoke billowing from a multi-storey house with the entrance ablaze. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This is Bihar, Modi ji, you have chosen the wrong state to steal votes," reads superimposed text on the clip. Screenshot of the false Instagram post captured on November 20, 2025, with a red X mark added by AFP Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed a "resounding" victory for his party and its allies in a key local election in the country's poorest state of Bihar (archived here and here). The eastern state of 130 million people was widely seen as a bellwether and a test of Modi's ability to translate New Delhi's booming economy into gains for its poorest citizens. But in days following the polls, Congress and its allied parties intensified allegations of electoral irregularities (archived link). The opposition alliance has repeatedly accused the Election Commission of siding with BJP, claiming large-scale manipulation -- or "vote theft" -- helped the ruling alliance secure a comfortable victory (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video was shared with similar claims on Instagram and Facebook posts. The clip, however, predates the Bihar elections and was in fact filmed in Nepal. There have also been no official reports of widespread protests in the eastern state following the election results. Nepal protests Reverse image search on Google found the same video posted on the Instagram handle of local Nepali news outlet 'Flop Birgunj' on September 9, 2025 (archived link). Birgunj, known as "Gateway of Nepal", lies in the southern part of the Himalayan nation and is located 223 kilometers (139 miles) from Bihar (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The post is captioned, "Arson at Birgunj Mayor Rajesh Man Singh's residence". Screenshot comparison of the false post (L) and the Instagram video Romi Raja Samani, a journalist and owner of the Instagram handle, confirmed to AFP he filmed the video during the Gen Z protests that rocked Nepal in September. "I recorded this video in September. It shows the Gen Z protests in Nepal. The house burning in the video belongs to our city Birgunjs mayor Rajesh Man Singh. This has nothing to do with any political party in India," Samani told AFP on November 10. Media outlet India Today shared the video in its September report covering the Nepal protests (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Birgunj Mayor Rajesh Man Singh shared photos of the same house on his official Facebook page on October 20, 2025 (archived link). AFP compared these images with the house seen in the false post video and identified matching details. Screenshot comparison of the false post video (L) and Rajesh Singh's Facebook post with similarities highlighted by AFP. In September, Nepal was rocked by deadly youth-led protests after the government imposed a social media ban, triggering widespread anger over corruption, economic hardship and rising violence (archived link). The demonstrations quickly escalated into a nationwide uprising. Crowds set parts of the parliament building and the Supreme Court on fire, forcing the government to collapse. Police reported at least 76 deaths over two days of unrest, including 63 protesters, 10 escaped prisoners and three police officers. AFP has previously debunked misinformation about the Bihar elections. Conservatives had an extreme reaction to a video posted by Ohio gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on Monday with many convinced it must be AI. Even worse for Ramaswamy: One of the ideas proposed in the clip was apparently so extreme that people inclined to support his candidacy were convinced the video was a smear made by his Democratic opponent, Dr. Amy Acton. Politics: Republicans Are Already Jockeying To Succeed Trump In 2028 In the original video, later deleted and reposted in a reedited form, Ramaswamy proposes ideas to make life for Ohio citizens more affordable, including year-round schooling and a 9-hour school day from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As you can see in the video below, Ramaswamy claims the plan could reduce child care costs and make parenting more affordable, according to the Columbus Dispatch. Republicans are currently accusing OH Dem gov candidate Amy Acton of posting an AI video of Vivek Ramaswamy suggesting year-round school for kids. One big problem: the video is real and was up for hours on TikTok before that portion was edited out. We have the original here. https://t.co/ztfSBfrEhKpic.twitter.com/wLjeetLTjN MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) November 25, 2025 Ramaswamys campaign issued a statement to the Dispatch saying that the video was legit, but that his suggestion was more like a casual back-and-forth on TikTok and not a serious policy rollout. A spokesperson for Acton told the paper that they simply shared a clip initially posted by Ramaswamy, and said it was not surprising he was trying to distance himself from his proposal. Politics: White House Rips Journalist Over DC Shooting Post: 'Respectfully, Shut The **** Up' He later posted another video. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately for Ramaswamy, Republicans who saw the video thought the year-round school idea was so, so, so not Republican that they assumed Actons camp created a deep fake video to make him look bad to voters. This video is made by AI (Vivek does not want year round school) but it is getting millions of views and lots of engagement in quote tweets with little push back. Probably the most successful example of a political deepfake I've seen so far. One of the reasons deepfakes work https://t.co/QeTRSKdzRH Austin Padgett (LudwigNeverMises) (@LudwigNverMises) November 25, 2025 If we are playing this game, we are done. A Democrat candidate circulated a fake AI video of Vivek Ramaswamy promoting something he never said. pic.twitter.com/FWsNypgDhB Tim Pool (@Timcast) November 25, 2025 If youre a candidate and you share AI-altered videos of another candidate and pass it off as reality, you should be fined a lot of money. Gabe Guidarini (@GabeGuidarini) November 25, 2025 Acton made sure to point out the disconnect with Ramaswamys supporters over the video. Agreed. The bad news for Vivek Ramaswamy is that his plans for Ohio are so backwards, his own party is convinced theyre AI. Spoiler alert: theyre not. https://t.co/LwMspvMHsH Dr. Amy Acton (@amyactonoh) November 25, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaswamy tried to counter the controversy by posting another video in which he accused Democrats like Acton of distorting my position on education, but didnt mention the year-round proposal from the earlier video. Democrats like @amyactonoh drone on about educational inequality while creating the very problem with her disastrous public school closures during COVID. She owes our kids an apology. Now its up to us to fix their mess & we will. pic.twitter.com/NLrijOmmEG Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 26, 2025 A 2020 study published in the National Institute of Health said that there was no real proof that year-round schooling improved academic outcomes, but suggested that some at-risk student populations might benefit. This isnt the first time Ramaswamys views about the American education system have come back to bite him. Politics: Donald Trumps Gross Answer To National Guard Member Funeral Question Draws Fury Online Last December, he was heavily criticized after declaring that American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long, and that a culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian, will not produce the best engineers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement HuffPost reached out to Ramaswamy, who is a stakeholder in BuzzFeed, the parent company of HuffPost, for comment, but no one immediately responded. According to 270towin.com, he currently has a 3% lead over Acton. Related... Read the original on HuffPost Democratic state Rep. Shaun Scott of Seattle (left) is proposing a new payroll tax on large employers in Washington. He took part in a discussion on the state's tax system during the Budget Matters Summit on Nov. 12, 2025 in Seattle. (Photo courtesy of Washington State Budget and Policy Center) Democratic state lawmakers are once again eyeing a statewide version of a Seattle tax on companies with large payrolls and high-paid employees. Proposed legislation crafted by Rep. Shaun Scott, D-Seattle, aims to raise more than $2 billion a year. His idea is for this money to go to education, health care and human service programs facing steep reductions in federal funding under the Republican-backed Big, Beautiful Bill President Donald Trump signed into law this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott will discuss his proposal at a news conference Tuesday. Representatives of the Washington Federation of State Employees, Service Employees International Union and pro-tax groups will join the first-term Democratic Socialist legislator. His is the latest salvo and likely not the last in a tax debate expected to dominate the 2026 session that begins Jan. 12. Senate Democrats are drawing up designs for a possible income tax on millionaire-earners and reigniting talks on a so-called wealth tax that made it through the chamber on the final day of last session. All this because the states budget continues to face a shortfall and many Democrats are wary of going much further with cuts. Republicans are slamming Scotts proposal, arguing it will drive businesses from the state and hurt wages. They point to billions in new taxes Democrats pushed through the Legislature this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scott said his idea would help budget writers by making sure there is a stream of revenue to backfill what the federal government takes away. Though theres been some paring of federal resources already, he said action is needed this session because deeper cuts arrive in 2027 and 2028. Absent proactive measures by the Legislature, thousands of residents will find themselves facing greater food insecurity, less access to health care and higher costs for education, he said. Scotts legislation is modeled on Seattles JumpStart payroll expense tax and is similar to the approach Senate Democrats proposed this year but discarded in favor of other new taxes to help erase a multi-billion dollar shortfall in the state budget. This years bill, Senate Bill 5796, would remove the cap on employer payroll taxes and impose a new 5% tax on payroll expenses above the Social Security threshold of $176,100 per year. Companies with $7 million or more in payroll expenses would be subject to the tax. Those already paying the Seattle levy would be exempt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Rebecca Saldana, D-Seattle, sponsored the bill, which is still alive heading into the 2026 session. As written it would raise about $2 billion a year, per a fiscal analysis. How the new proposal would work Scotts bill would create the Well Washington Fund to maintain the economic health of the state, according to a draft of the legislation. If passed and signed into law, it would take effect July 1, 2026 and generate an estimated $2.2 billion a year, Scott said. It targets private employers whose workers earn more than $125,000 a year. It would impose a 5% tax on payroll expenses above that salary threshold. Companies with more than 50 workers, payroll in excess of $7 million and gross receipts of more than $5 million would pay the tax, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Businesses may not deduct from employee wages to pay this tax. Like the Senate bill, if the firm already pays the Seattle levy, it would be exempt from this one, Scott said. Roughly 4,300 businesses would be covered, he said. The states largest health care and social services providers would likely be exempt, Scott added. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US His proposal directs all money collected in the first year into the general fund, the main account used to support public schools and state government operations. Starting the second year, 51% of the tax receipts would go into the Well Washington account and 49% into the general fund. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Expenditures from the new account would be limited to higher education, health care, especially Medicaid, cash assistance programs, and energy and housing programs. A 25-member oversight board of which 20 would be lawmakers would be created. Its role would be to make recommendations to legislative budget committees on where money in the Well Washington account would be best spent. Wrong approach A top House Republican on Wednesday called the proposal the wrong approach to a serious problem and warned it could drive businesses out of state and hurt the states economy. Youre destroying your own tax base, said Rep. Chris Corry, R-Yakima, the deputy leader of the House Republican Caucus. If you want to incentivize businesses to pay people less money, this is it. In the long run, I think it will cost the state more than it makes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corry chided Democrats pursuit of a new business tax so soon after enacting a raft of them earlier this year. There will always be a need. There will always be an excuse. The excuse this year is not that were spending more than we take in. Its the Trump administration, Corry said. We will offer what we believe are solutions to help manage the states fiscal challenge without resorting to new taxes. Rep. April Berg, D-Mill Creek, who chairs the House Finance Committee, said Wednesday she had not seen the draft legislation. She also didnt think it would be the last revenue bill to emerge. Everythings on the table. Members are going to have lots of ideas as we enter another season of dealing with a deficit, she said. The father of a 6-year-old Washington County boy pleaded guilty Wednesday to a felony charge in connection with a utility vehicle rollover crash that left another young boy seriously injured. On Jan. 6, 2024, Samuel Kelleys son drove two visiting boys in the Kelley familys Polaris Ranger 500 utility vehicle in the 9000 block of Lansing Avenue North near Grant. As the child was driving, the vehicle rolled onto its right side and pinned one of the young boys underneath. The boy was found unconscious and seriously injured, according to authorities. I let my son operate an ATV with two other kids with him, that he shouldnt have been operating due to his age, Kelley said during the hearing. Child drivers Around 8:30 a.m. Jan. 6, a Washington County Sheriffs Office deputy found Kelley, 56, kneeling on the ground next to the UTV. The upper cage of the UTV was pinning down the boys neck, and the 1,065-pound UTVs body pinned down his legs. The boys face was turning blue, likely due to lack of oxygen, according to the criminal complaint. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The boy was taken to the hospital with a bruised lung, broken leg and was put into a medically induced coma. He was discharged Jan. 15, 2024, according to the complaint. Both parents of the young driver, Samuel and Katie Kelley, were charged last December in Washington County District Court with one felony count of child endangerment. On Wednesday, Kelley said that though his wife was home at the time, he was the sole adult responsible for the care of all three 6-year-old boys and that no other adults were responsible for the incident. What happened? According to the complaint, the child who was driving said he and his friends decided to take the UTV out for a ride and went to get their helmets. On Wednesday, Kelley admitted to the court that, though he was aware of the age restrictions of operating the large vehicle, he allowed the boys to do so. He stated that he helped the boys get ready to ride, even buckling their helmets beforehand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kelleys son told police he was driving the UTV along a trail near the neighbors house when the UTV started spinning because of the fresh snow, according to the complaint. (He) stated that he let go and the UTV rolled onto its passenger side, pinning (the) victim underneath. According to the boy, the victim was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. Neither adult present in the home supervised the boys while they operated the UTV, according to the complaint. Kelley pleaded guilty to one felony count of child endangerment. In court on Wednesday, he verbally took responsibility for the incident. Judge Patrick Flanagan ordered that Kelley undergo a pre-sentence investigation ahead of his official sentencing on Feb. 24. At sentencing, Kelley could face up to three years of probation. He would also have to complete an ATV safety course and complete 100 hours of community service. Related Articles The Labour Welsh government has lost a vote in the Senedd, after opposition members joined together to attack the UK government's Budget. The vote was on a motion, written by the Conservatives and backed by Plaid Cymru, which accused Sir Keir Starmer's government of failing to deliver for Wales. The symbolic vote, which has no bearing on the Welsh government but shows what a majority of the Senedd thinks, was passed by 25 votes for and 24 against. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the first time the opposition has won in the Senedd since the Caerphilly by-election, where Plaid Cymru took the seat from Labour. The by-election loss means it is harder for Labour's 28 Senedd members to get decisions through the 60-member parliament, forcing them to find the support of at least two other opposition members. A crucial vote will come in January, when the Welsh government will try to pass its own spending plans for the next financial year. If it cannot convince the opposition to vote with Labour Senedd members and agree a deal, the Welsh government budget will face automatic cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both the Tories and Plaid Cymru have said they would not want that situation to occur. The Conservatives have already taken part in talks, as has Liberal Democrat Jane Dodds and independent MS Russell George. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced an extra 500m for the Welsh government in Wednesday's Budget on Wednesday - a sum Plaid Cymru said was "tiny". In a Senedd debate, Tory Senedd finance spokesperson Sam Rowlands called the Budget an "omnishambles", with proposals published in error by the Office of Budget Responsibility before the announcement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This autumn budget should have offered clarity, ambition and a plan for growth," he said. "Instead, it delivered uncertainty, instability and neglect, all rooted in Labour's decision to continue raising taxes and its refusal to get welfare spending under control." Heledd Fychan, who speaks on finance on behalf of Plaid Cymru, said the Budget was "completely silent on reforming our outdated and unfair funding arrangements, silent on the devolution of the Crown Estate and correcting historic underinvestment in our rail infrastructure, of which HS2 is just one symptom of a larger problem". She welcomed the end of the two-child benefit cap but criticised the Budget's tax decisions, saying ordinary people were paying more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds said the Budget made Wales feel like an "afterthought". "There is no return of the billions owed from the HS2 funding misclassification, no movement on devolving the Crown Estate, no action on taxing the excess profits of major banks, no commitment to invest in tidal or offshore wind sectors, where Wales should be leading, not waiting," she said. In response, Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said the budget "will mean... those children who, under a Conservative government, saw their future getting bleaker year-on-year will now see their future made better by a Labour government". Drakeford promised "child poverty, having gone up inexorably, will now come down here in Wales". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following the debate, the Tories, Plaid Cymru, Dodds, George and independent MS Rhys ab Owen all voted for a motion stating the UK government "is failing to deliver for the people of Wales", with Labour members voting against. More top stories WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) A federal grand jury in Wichita has indicted a western Kansas farmer on multiple charges. The U.S. Attorneys Office said Wednesday that David L. Mongeau, 54, of Holcomb, was indicted on two counts of making a false statement and 17 counts of bank fraud/attempted bank fraud. Kansas mayor says honest mistakes led to voter fraud charges Mongeau is accused of filing a crop loss insurance claim and receiving payment despite selling thousands of bushels of wheat that were supposedly ruined. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The United States Department of Agriculture is investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case. For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here. To watch our shows live on our website, click 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 KSN-TV. People came to the William Way Community Center on Thanksgiving Day for more than just a meal. They came for something they may not have been able to find at home. "William Way has meant so much to me, especially during the holidays, since I don't have many immediate family. It's so affirming to have a place to go," Rick White said. "I'm from Alabama, and I can't be with my family today, so this is my family today," Joshua Wall told Action News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He brought a friend with him. "And I said, 'No processed food today. Let's have a homemade meal because that feels like home,'" recalled Wall. "It's wonderful. It feels like family here, and I haven't even met anybody yet," Chris Moore said. "I'm glad I came. I had nowhere to go, nothing to do today. My family is all long deceased. So this has kinda become my family," volunteer Jimmy Orrell said. Volunteers served a proper Thanksgiving dinner to dozens of members and allies of the LGBTQ community, ensuring everyone left not only with a full belly, but with a full heart, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You go home feeling good. You set up tables, you serve food, and you just feel good about it," volunteer Santo Guerrera told Action News. "My perception of William Way is this is love, this is home," White said. The building that the center has called home for almost 30 years will no longer serve as its hub in a few weeks. The repairs needed for the aging building on Spruce Street are too expensive. Move-out is December 18. All programming will continue temporarily at St. Luke's church on South 13th Street. A permanent location has not been determined yet. Staffing say this place has always been about much more than just its physical address. "We don't keep our programs and activities contained to these walls. We like to go out as much as we can," acting executive director Darius McLean said. "The William Way holiday meals are here to stay. You can see us right outside (on Spruce St.) on December 25 passing out to-go Christmas meals." A woman has died and a man has been seriously injured after they were attacked by a shark while swimming at a remote beach in the Australian state of New South Wales. Police said the woman, believed to be aged in her 20s, died at the scene, while the man, also believed to be in his 20s, was airlifted to a hospital in Newcastle in critical condition. Paramedics had been called to Kylies Beach, in Crowdy Bay National Park about 300km north of Sydney, early on Thursday morning local time, police said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Authorities praised a bystander who put a makeshift tourniquet on the man's leg before the paramedics arrived, which "potentially saved his life". "The courage from some bystanders is amazing in this situation," NSW Ambulance Superintendent Josh Smyth told reporters. "To put yourself out there is heroic and obviously it did give us time to get to that male patient." The shark involved was likely a "large bull shark", the Department of Primary Industries said. Bull sharks, which can be found in both fresh water and salt water, are "one of the few sharks that are potentially dangerous to people", the Australian Museum says. They are the third deadliest shark species, according to the International Shark Attack File. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beach has now been closed and "smart" drumlines - which lure sharks with baited hooks so they can be tagged and re-released - were being deployed. Surf Life Saving NSW said surrounding beaches would also be closed for 24 hours while drones surveilled the area. "This is a terrible tragedy and our deepest condolences go to the families of the woman and man involved," Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steve Pearce said. "For now, please remain clear of the water at beaches in the vicinity and follow the direction of lifeguards." This is the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year. The most recent was less than three months ago, when a man was killed in a rare shark attack in Sydney's northern beaches. The Oregon Department of Environmental quality levied 10 penalties in October, totaling $462,425. Recipients included a company operating gas stations in Woodburn and Tangent with multiple underground storage tank violations; a county that failed to conduct methane emissions monitoring at a landfill; and two wastewater treatment facilities that exceeded permitted discharge limits. Recipients can appeal their fines by requesting a hearing within 20 days of receiving their penalty letter. DEQ sometimes reduces or eliminates fines after appeals. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Recipients also may be able to resolve part of their penalty by completing or sponsoring an environmental improvement project instead of paying a fine. The Oregon Department of Environmental quality levied 10 penalties in October, totaling $462,425. Oregon Department of Environmental Quality levies 10 fines in October Here are the citations: Circle K Stores, Woodburn, $277,008: For multiple underground storage tank violations at two of its gas stations, in Woodburn and Tangent, including failing to investigate suspected fuel releases, operate functional release detection equipment, conduct required testing of equipment, and keep required records. The company did not appeal, and the penalty is due. Northwest Natural Gas Co., Mist, $68,200: For operating a new emissions source without an air quality permit modification at its underground natural gas storage facility northwest of Mist. The company has paid the fine. It will use 80% of the penalty to sponsor a supplemental environmental project. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Douglas County Public Works Department, Roseburg, $35,270: For failing to conduct quarterly methane emissions monitoring at the Roseburg Landfill. DEQ also cited, but did not fine, the county for additional violations, including failing to submit a required monitoring report for 2023 and failing to document corrective action taken as a result of monitoring readings exceeding limits. The county has appealed the fine. City of St. Helens, $33,090: For failing to implement an erosion and sediment control plan at a construction site and failing to implement a stormwater pollution control plan at a former paper mill the city owns. The city has appealed the fine. Erickson, Central Point, $8,507: For failing to conduct required stormwater monitoring and submit timely discharge monitoring reports. The company has paid the fine. Seaport Midstream Partners, Portland, $7,800: For discharging partially treated wastewater from the groundwater remediation system at its facility to the Willamette River, in violation of its permit, causing an oily sheen on the river and posing a significant threat to the environment. The company has paid the fine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City of Port Orford, $6,300: For exceeding the discharge limits in its wastewater treatment plant permit for multiple pollutants and failing to submit required reports. The city exceeded limits for total suspended solids, pH, fecal coliform bacteria and enterococci bacteria. The city has until Dec. 3 to file an appeal. Hubert Willer, Ione, $6,300: For constructing an unpermitted road crossing with six culvert pipes in Willow Creek, polluting the creek and violating water quality standards. Willer has appealed the penalty. Black Butte Ranch, Sisters, $3,450: For exceeding the limit for ammonia in its wastewater treatment plant permit, which allows it to discharge treated wastewater to Indian Creek. The company has paid the fine. Petrocard, Salem, $16,500: For underground storage tank violations at its Pacific Pride cardlock fueling station on Industrial Drive NE, including failing to install a compliant method of underground storage tank release detection and failing to maintain required records. The company has appealed the penalty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tracy Loew covers the environment at the Statesman Journal. Send comments, questions and tips: tloew@statesmanjournal.com or 503-399-6779. Follow her on X at @Tracy_Loew This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Woodburn and Salem gas stations among recent Oregon DEQ fines With a market cap of $164.1 billion, Accenture plc (ACN) is a global professional services company, delivering strategy, consulting, technology, and operations services across major regions worldwide. It provides capabilities spanning systems integration, cloud, AI, security, software engineering, and industry-specific business process services. Companies valued over $10 billion are generally described as large-cap stocks, and Accenture fits right into that category. The company serves a wide range of sectors and partners with organizations like AWS to support transformative digital initiatives. More News from Barchart Shares of the Dublin, Ireland-based company have fallen 37.4% from its 52-week high of $398.35. Accentures shares have declined 2.4% over the past three months, lagging behind the broader S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 5.1% gain over the same time frame. www.barchart.com In the longer term, ACN stock is down 29.2% on a YTD basis, underperforming SPXs over 15% rise. Moreover, shares of the consulting company have dropped 31.4% over the past 52 weeks, compared to the 13% return of the SPX over the same time frame. The stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since March. www.barchart.com Accenture posted Q4 2025 results on Sept. 25. The company reported better-than-expected adjusted EPS of $3.03 and up 8.6% year-over-year. Revenue also exceeded expectations at $17.6 billion, rising 7.3% and supported by strong performance in key segments such as financial services and products. Investor sentiment further improved as Accenture reported robust $21.3 billion in bookings and issued upbeat fiscal 2026 guidance, with projected Q1 revenues of $18.10 billion - $18.75 billion, well above consensus. However, the stock fell 2.7% on that day. In comparison, rival Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) has outpaced ACN stock. AVGO stock has surged 67.4% on a YTD basis and 135.5% over the past 52 weeks. Despite the stocks weak performance over the past year, analysts remain moderately optimistic on Accenture. It has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the 24 analysts in coverage, and the mean price target of $284.29 is a premium of 14.1% to current levels. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com President Donald Trump warned South Africa that it will not be invited to next years G20 summit in Miami after what he perceived to be a snub against the United States. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa quickly clapped back, calling Trumps salty social media post regrettable. On Wednesday, Trump, 79, repeated his claim that a white genocide was taking place in South Africa, promoting a debunked right-wing conspiracy theory. He also said he was offended by a protocol dispute at the G20 summit held in Johannesburg last week. Donald Trump and Cyril Ramaphosa met at the White House in May. / JIM WATSON / AFP via Getty Images The meeting was attended by leaders from Japan, China, Australia, France, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, Turkey, and other countries. But while the U.S. is usually present, Trump refused to attend or to send any White House officials to the event. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a total disgrace that the G20 will be held in South Africa, he wrote in a post on Nov. 7. No U.S. Government Official will attend as long as these Human Rights abuses continue. In a G20 tradition, President Ramaphosa declared the event closed by banging a gavel on a block. The gavel is then traditionally handed over to the leader of the next country to hold the rotating presidency. The White House instead attempted to send a staffer from its South African embassy to accept the gavel handover. However, South African officials felt handing the gavel to a junior diplomat was an insult and a breach of protocol. Trump posted, At the conclusion of the G20, South Africa refused to hand off the G20 Presidency to a Senior Representative from our U.S. Embassy, who attended the Closing Ceremony. The G20 closing ceremonywithout Donald Trump. / Leon Neal / Getty Images He added, Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida next year. South Africa has demonstrated to the World they are not a country worthy of Membership anywhere, and we are going to stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramaphosa posted a lengthy statement on X, saying, As the United States was not present at the summit, instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the Headquarters of South Africas Department of International Relations and Cooperation. He said while the U.S. was expected to participate in all the G20 meetings, it elected not to attend the summit in Johannesburg of its own volition. The president added, South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. Ramaphosa said that South Africa would never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations. Donald Trump slams South Africa on Truth Social. / Truth Social His statement ended by noting it was regrettable that despite numerous attempts to reset South Africas diplomatic relationship with the U.S., President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In his Truth Social post, Trump claimed Americas absence from the G20 was because the South African government refuses to acknowledge or address Human Rights abuses endured by Afrikaners, and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German colonists. To put it more bluntly, Trump said, they are killing white people, and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them. It is the latest move in the ongoing feud Trump has with South Africa over his claims they are discriminating against the white population of the country. President Trump seems determined to stoke the feud with South Africa. / The Washington Post / The Washington Post via Getty Im When Ramaphosa met with Trump at the White House in May, he played the president a video of what he claimed were the burial grounds of white farmers allegedly killed by Black South Africans trying to take their land. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump then confronted Ramaphosa with unsubstantiated claims that South Africas Black-led government is anti-white and perpetrating a white genocide against local farmerswhile Elon Musk, the South African-born billionaire, stood on the sidelines of the Oval Office. Have they told you where that is, Mr. President? Ramaphosa said in response to the claims. Id like to know where that is, because this Ive never seen. Fact-checkers later established that the footage Trump played didnt actually show the burial sites of over a thousand white farmers. The white crosses on display had been temporarily erected as a memorial to a white farming couple shot dead on their premises in 2020. Trump claimed the Fake News Media were not covering the genocide. Defense tech founders who raised VC funding in 2025 Dirac, Pilgrim, Onebrief Defense officials are signaling a shift away from traditional contracting and toward startups. VC funding for the space has hit $19 billion, up from $10 billion last year, per PitchBook. Business Insider has compiled its coverage of the top defense funding rounds of 2025. Defense and aerospace startups have already raised more than $19 billion in 2025, according to data firm PitchBook. This comes as the Pentagon, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, calls for a total overhaul of the military's acquisition system to "focus on speed and volume," he said in a speech earlier this month. The military's push towards faster and cheaper innovation is resonating in Silicon Valley, with investors pouring record amounts of cash into AI-powered weapons, drones, and other defense-focused startups. The "objective is simple," Hegseth continued. "Transform the entire acquisition system to operate on a wartime footing." Last year, global venture capital investments in defense and aerospace companies totaled over $10 billion. All signs point to this year nearly doubling last: As of late November, global defense and aerospace funding has surpassed $19 billion, per PitchBook. As if Silicon Valley needed any more reassurance from the military's top brass of its bet on defense tech, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll recently said the Army aims to work less with traditional defense businesses and procure more weapons from startups. These proclamations highlight the Trump administration's push to modernize the Defense Department and its armaments with Silicon Valley's best and brightest. The enthusiasm has spurred something of an arms race on the opposite coast. In El Segundo, Calif., where a handful of traditional defense contractors are headquartered, startups are setting up shop in warehouses adorned with American flags and squat racks and racing to build battlefield-ready tech. They've constructed FPV drones, used AI to automate factory floors, and sent capsules to space. Last week, an El Segundo-based nuclear startup said it split the atom. It's also led to mega rounds and soaring valuations. In February, Saronic, which makes autonomous ships, raised $600 million at a $4 billion valuation led by solo capitalist Elad Gil. Anduril Industries, Palmer Luckey's autonomous weapons startup, raised $2.5 billion at a $30.5 billion valuation in June; Peter Thiel's Founders Fund led the round with a $1 billion check. In mid November, Chaos Industries, a startup building radar tech to help militaries detect autonomous threats, raised $510 million led by Valor Equity Partners at a $4.5 billion valuation. VideoCuban Counselor in Fiji: 'In Chinese doctors, I see radiance of humanity' | South Pacific Medical Aid "Thanks to the Chinese medical team, I have once again seen the light and hope of life." At the Ophthalmology Center of the Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji, Teresa Delgado, wife of the Cuban Counselor in Fiji, handed a handwritten letter of gratitude to the medical aid team from Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University during her postoperative checkup. 2025-11-27 22:26:20 Chinese troops are increasing patrols and surveillance near Nepal, using drones, vehicles and high-altitude outposts to monitor strategic areas close to Indias Arunachal Pradesh. Eleven railway workers were killed and two injured in Yunnan, China, when a train testing seismic equipment collided with them on a curved track at Luoyang Town Railway Station in Kunming. World's Least-Visited Country: Some destinations often remain under the radar due to factors such as geographical isolation, limited tourism infrastructure, or a preference for preserving natural and cultural environments over mass tourism. However, there is one such country that remains the least-visited country. Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) has launched a new insurance Syndicate 2454 in South Africa, operating from Sandton. The new units underwriters will handle both insurance and reinsurance risks across South Africa and neighbouring nations, focusing on specialty insurance lines. In support of this expansion, ASR has bolstered its team in South Africa, with further appointments planned throughout 2026. Xolisa Bangeni has joined as captives manager, bringing experience in finance and risk management. Bangeni is tasked with developing and structuring captive programmes for large corporates. His previous roles include risk finance consulting at Marsh and managing portfolios and investments at Hollard. Additionally, Xolile Kahla has taken up the position of construction underwriter and brings engineering and construction knowledge from previous roles at Munich Re and Zurich. Together with Corinne Beadsmoore, who leads business development for ASR Southern Africa, these recent appointments are aimed at extending ASRs reach by providing Lloyds capacity directly to local intermediaries and working in collaboration with South African insurers. ASR CEO Mikir Shah said: South Africa has always been and remains a key market for us, and this launch allows us to write risks directly in the market, ensuring we are close to our customers while offering AA-rated global capacity. Given South Africas recent sovereign S&P upgrade, along with a successful hosting of the G20, this is an excellent time for the continent, and I look forward to ASR supporting economic development in South Africa. South Africa British High Commissioner Antony Phillipson commented: This initiative underlines the strong and growing partnership between the UK and South Africa in financial services. By bringing Lloyds capacity closer to local markets, ASR is helping businesses manage risk and unlock opportunities, reinforcing South Africas position as a hub for innovation and resilience. "Africa Specialty Risks opens new Syndicate 2454 in South Africa " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. E-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding expects to stay ahead of its Chinese Big Tech peers in artificial intelligence-related capital expenditure, as the firm's AI and cloud computing unit posted its fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue growth. Alibaba Cloud on Tuesday reported a 34 per cent year-on-year revenue growth to 39.8 billion yuan (US$5.6 billion) in the three months ended September 30, as the Hangzhou-based parent's overall revenue in its financial second quarter reached 247.8 billion yuan. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post. The AI unit's level of revenue growth in the September quarter aligned with those of its US peers - Microsoft's Azure and Google Cloud - which posted 40 per cent and 33.5 per cent gains, respectively, according to a research note by Jefferies equity analyst Thomas Chong. 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. "High level of growth [for Alibaba Cloud] is expected in the December quarter," Chong said. "After more than 40 companies reported earnings, Jefferies reaffirms its 2026 outlook that AI would continue to shine with multiple catalysts ahead." In his post-earnings call with analysts on Tuesday, Alibaba CEO Eddie Wu Yongming, who also serves as Alibaba Cloud's chairman, said the strong demand for AI could lead the company to boost investment in AI infrastructure. Earlier this year, Alibaba committed US$52 billion in capital spending for computing resources and AI infrastructure - China's largest-ever computing project financed by a single private business. As "the pace at which we can add new servers is insufficient to keep up with the growth in customer orders", the company would not rule out scaling up capital expenditure, Wu said. Alibaba Cloud reported a 34 per cent year-on-year revenue growth to US$5.6 billion in the September quarter. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images alt=Alibaba Cloud reported a 34 per cent year-on-year revenue growth to US$5.6 billion in the September quarter. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images> Alibaba's intention to boost its AI-related capital outlay - beyond what domestic peers such as Tencent Holdings and Baidu were spending - reflects its aim to spearhead China's efforts in the race for global AI leadership. Alibaba Cloud had already become one of China's major AI developers, as it doubled down on creating advanced open-source systems under its Qwen family of AI models. It recently made a significant foray into the consumer AI market via its multipurpose Qwen chatbot app. Advances, innovations, discoveries and breakthroughs in the field of medicine, no matter which nation, state or institution they originate from, are the shared heritage, collective gain and common joy of humanity. President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdo?an said, speaking at the 11th Turkish Medical World Congress and TUSEB Aziz Sancar Science, Service and Incentive Awards Ceremony held at the Be?tepe National Congress and Culture Centre in Ankara. Erdo?an noted that this age-old principle has increasingly lost ground in todays profit-oriented global order, adding: A world where every sick person cannot access treatment, where medical developments that become final products are not offered equally to all, cannot be considered fair, equal or livable. Just as human life cannot be exploited and human dignity cannot be commercialised, neither health nor illness can be exploited or treated as a market commodity. A human beings body and soul, health and illness, cannot be used purely for commercial purposes nor as tools of domination. We must openly discuss this, take risks, lead this transformation, and struggle for it. A world that remained silent on Gazas hospitals cannot easily transform into a just one, the Turkish President added, also, criticising the international communitys silence on Israels attacks on Gaza: For two full years, the world watched hospitals in Gaza being bombed and patients, healthcare workers, children and even innocent babies in incubators being killed. Transitioning from such a world to a just and humane one will not be easy. But the day humanity collectively rejoices in saving a single life, the day we see every newborn babys health as our own joy, believe me, the world will become a paradise. That is what we are working for; you, too, are striving for the same goal. Highlighting the country's resilience during the pandemic, Erdo?an said: The strength, capabilities and shock resistance of the Turkish health system were clearly demonstrated during COVID-19. Yet we are not satisfied with what we have. Over the last 23 years, every step we took in healthcare was made in consultation with our scientists. With Gods will, we will achieve much more together. He added that despite major achievements, Turkiyes targets have not yet been fully reached: Being in the top league in terms of medical infrastructure is not enough. Being one of the most admired countries in equal access to healthcare is not enough. Providing free state-funded healthcare is not enough. Training physicians above global standards is not enough. We must also become one of the worlds leading countries in scientific researchespecially in medicine and pharmaceuticals. We must advance further in R&D and take new steps in the production of medical devices. Erdo?an emphasised the need for a comprehensive national strategy in the field of health technologies: Despite all my personal efforts, I know we are still far from our targets. As in the defence industry, we face internal and external obstacles. But just as Turkiye overcame challenges in the defence sector, it will, God willing, overcome them in domestic drug and medical device production as well. By working, producing and persevering in the face of difficulties, we will elevate Turkiye to an entirely new level. Stating that Turkiyes people-centred approach has transformed its healthcare system, Erdo?an noted: Over the past 23 years, we have built a widespread, high-quality and accessible healthcare system. Today, with more than 1.47 million healthcare workers, we provide first-class healthcare services to our 86 million citizens. Since 2002, we have increased the number of personnel by 288 per cent. Erdo?an added that 80% of public hospitals have been renewed or rebuilt, and that 25 city hospitals are currently in service, with 13 more under construction. Thanks to our strong healthcare infrastructure, Turkiye now offers high-level medical services globally, not only to neighbouring countries, but to Europe and beyond. We have implemented countless projects, investments and reforms that would take hours, even days, to list. President Erdo?an received the World Health Organisation (WHO) Europe Award, presented by WHO Regional Director for Europe Dr Hans Kluge, in recognition of Turkiyes extraordinary humanitarian efforts for the Palestinian people and its leadership in medical evacuations from Gaza. Nobel laureate Turkish scientist Prof. Dr Aziz Sancar also attended the ceremony. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. began sales of its first smart glasses powered by its Qwen AI models, marking a rare foray into consumer hardware. The new Quark S1 glasses include built-in translucent displays that superimpose contextual information on the users view of surroundings. Equipped with cameras, bone conduction microphones and swappable batteries rated to last 24 hours, this new product aims to offer the Chinese market something along the lines of Meta Platforms Inc.s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Most Read from Bloomberg It marks an extension of Alibabas ambitious reorganization into an AI-first business. The company made a big splash with its Qwen app release last week, consolidating its various consumer AI services into a single, upgraded program that quickly attracted more than 10 million users. Chief Executive Officer Eddie Wu this week said the company has seen exceptional user retention with the new release. Alibaba has also integrated the Qwen suite into its Quark desktop browser and is now broadening its reach with the Quark wearables lineup. Alongside the S1, which starts at 3,799 yuan ($537), Alibaba will offer a 1,899-yuan Quark G1 model that eschews the micro-OLED displays. Both are powered by Qualcomm Inc.s Snapdragon AR1 platform, a chip designed specifically for augmented-reality glasses that includes neural processing units for AI tasks. WATCH: Alibabas Quark S1 glasses start at 3,799 yuan ($537). Bloomberg Intelligences Matthew Bloxham has more.Source: Bloomberg The S1 is available to buy immediately from Alibabas Tmall, JD.com, ByteDance Ltd.s Douyin and more than 600 stores across 82 cities in China. International versions will come next year, with some available via platforms like AliExpress, according to a spokesperson from Alibabas Quark unit. Smart glasses, particularly ones touting artificial intelligence capabilities like transcription, have proliferated in China over the past year. Many so far have come from startups like Even Realities, which aim at augmenting conventional glasses rather than reinventing them. Market tracker IDC saw 1.6 million shipments of smart glasses in China in the year to September, with Xiaomi Corp. claiming roughly a third. That figure rises past 2 million units once glasses with built-in displays are included. Alibabas entry will undoubtedly bring new dynamics to the competitive landscape of Chinas smart eyewear market, said IDC research director Sophie Pan. More recently, Metas $799 Ray-Ban Display pair showed a more ambitious approach to the category, with integrated screens and a separate wrist band for gesture controls. Metas most advanced model is bulkier, heavier and pricier than usual, but it has drawn the contours of a promising path for development. Allianz is planning to reduce its workforce in the travel insurance segment by between 1,500 and 1,800 employees over the coming 1218 months, reported Reuters, citing sources. Most affected positions are within call centres as the company moves forward with integrating AI into its processes, the source added. Of Allianz Partners total workforce of 22,600 employees worldwide, around 14,000 are responsible for handling customer queries and claims by phone. Citing unnamed sources, German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung recently reported that Allianz Partners intends to reduce its workforce. In a written statement to Bloomberg, the company said it is exploring how to leverage AI in the coming years. Allianz added: We anticipate these changes will create opportunities for learning, growth and new roles within the company but may also impact positions which are heavily reliant on manual processes today. In June, Allianz made headlines by letting go of 650 employees from its UK insurance business amidst ongoing market pressures. The insurer has notified employees that the redundancies will affect positions across its commercial, specialty and personal insurance divisions. Recent financial results show that Allianzs net income attributable to shareholders for the third quarter of 2025 rose by 15.2% to 2.8bn ($3.24bn), compared to 2.4bn in the same period last year. Operating profit during this period increased by 12.6% to 4.4bn from 3.9bn a year earlier. In the first nine months of 2025, net income attributable to shareholders was 8.11bn, up 8.7% from 7.4bn in the same period a year earlier. "Allianz to axe up to 1,800 jobs in travel insurance segment" was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. Valued at a market cap of $249.8 billion, American Express Company (AXP) is an integrated payments company based in New York. It is best known for its premium charge cards and credit cards, offering payment, expense management, and travel-related services to consumers, small businesses, and large enterprises. Companies worth $200 billion or more are typically classified as mega-cap stocks, and AXP fits the label perfectly, with its market cap exceeding this threshold, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the credit services industry. The company differentiates itself through rewards-focused, high-spending cardmembers, strong brand loyalty, and partnerships with merchants and travel providers. Its focus on affluent customers, premium benefits, and tailored financial products continues to drive growth in billings, card spending, and membership revenue. More News from Barchart This credit card giant is currently trading 3.9% below its 52-week high of $377.23, reached on Nov. 12. Shares of AXP have gained 14.8% over the past three months, outpacing the Financial Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLF) 1.4% drop during the same time frame. www.barchart.com In the longer term, AXP has soared 18.8% over the past 52 weeks, considerably outperforming XLF's 2.9% return over the same time period. Moreover, on a YTD basis, shares of AXP are up 22.2%, compared to XLFs 8.7% surge. To confirm its bullish trend, AXP has been trading above its 200-day and 50-day moving averages since early May, with slight fluctuations. www.barchart.com On Oct. 17, shares of AXP soared 7.3% after its better-than-expected Q3 earnings release. The companys revenue increased 10.8% year-over-year to a record $18.4 billion, surpassing consensus expectations by 2.4%. Moreover, its EPS soared 18.6% year-over-year to $4.14, beating analyst estimates by 4.5%. Observing the strong momentum, American Express raised its fiscal 2025 revenue and earnings guidance, further bolstering investor confidence. Strong spending growth among card members and robust early demand and engagement for its U.S. Consumer and Business Platinum Cards supported its results. AXP has also outperformed its rival, Visa Inc. (V), which gained 6.8% over the past 52 weeks and 5.9% on a YTD basis. Saudi Aramco has selected Citigroup to advise on the planned sale of a stake in its oil export and storage terminals business, reported Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter. The appointment follows a competitive process involving several major investment banks, with Citigroup emerging as the preferred adviser in recent days. Previously, the company mandated JPMorgan Chase as a sell-side adviser for separate sales of stakes in its oil and gas pipeline infrastructure. The proposed transaction could raise several billion dollars for Aramco, although discussions remain at an early stage. No final decisions have been made regarding the structure or timing of the sale, according to the report. The Saudi energy company is expected to begin a formal sale process next year, which may attract interest from large infrastructure funds. This move aligns with its broader strategy to divest assets, including parts of its real estate portfolio, as it seeks to generate capital for future investments. Aramcos oil storage and export network includes major facilities at Ras Tanura on the Persian Gulf and terminals on the Red Sea. The company owns interests in product terminals in the Netherlands and holds leases for crude and product storage in Egypt and Okinawa, Japan. Bloomberg said that Aramcos decision to explore the sale of a stake in the oil terminals business comes as the company responds to changing market conditions. Oil prices have declined by around 16% this year, prompting the company to delay some projects and consider asset sales to maintain investment capacity. While the impact on earnings has been offset by increased production, asset sales are considered a means to strengthen Aramcos financial position. Citigroup declined Bloombergs request to comment on the appointment, and Aramco did not immediately respond to requests for comment, without disclosing further details of the stake sale. In September this year, a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners, part of BlackRock, was reportedly in negotiations with several banks to secure up to $10.3bn (SR38.62bn) in financing for Aramcos Jafurah gas development deal. JPMorgan and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking are said to be among the financial institutions in discussions to support the transaction. "Aramco selects Citigroup for oil storage terminals stake sale " was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Australia has moved to tighten its grip on crypto exchanges and custody providers with legislation that promises tougher oversight and steep penalties for failures in asset protection. Key Takeaways: Australia has introduced its first full regulatory framework for crypto custody and exchange platforms. The bill would require crypto firms to hold an AFSL and comply with ASIC supervision. Lawmakers say the reforms aim to boost productivity while strengthening investor protection. The government says the proposed reforms could unlock as much as $24 billion in annual productivity gains while strengthening safeguards for Australians who entrust digital assets to private platforms. Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino on Wednesday introduced the Corporations Amendment (Digital Assets Framework) Bill 2025, which establishes the countrys first comprehensive regulatory framework for companies that hold crypto on behalf of customers. Australias Crypto Bill Advances to Second Reading in Parliament The bill passed its first reading in Parliament and immediately proceeded to a second reading, opening debate on its core principles before detailed examination. We take Australias crypto industry seriously, the ministers said in a joint statement, adding that blockchain and digital assets present big opportunities for our economy, our financial sector, and our businesses. The legislation follows a Treasury consultation launched in September, which Mulino previously described as the cornerstone of the governments digital asset roadmap. While the local industry broadly welcomed the draft, several participants called for simpler rules and clearer definitions. At the heart of the bill is a licensing overhaul. Crypto exchanges and custody providers will be required to obtain an Australian Financial Services License (AFSL), bringing them under the supervision of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). The framework introduces two new license categories, digital asset platform and tokenized custody platform, reflecting the different roles firms play in holding and moving customer funds. Mulino said the reforms target companies that control customer assets rather than the underlying technology. He warned that its currently possible for a company to hold an unlimited amount of client crypto without any financial law safeguards. New Australia Bill Sets Custody and Disclosure Rules for Crypto Firms Under the bill, licensed firms would have to comply with ASIC standards for transactions, settlement processes, and asset custody. Austrian dairy group SalzburgMilch is planning to join forces with local peer Pinzgau Milch Produktions. In a joint statement yesterday (24 November), the companies said they are deepening their existing collaboration and planning a strategic merger, with the goal of creating a joint company. SalzburgMilch and Pinzgau have worked together on the manufacture of various dairy products. The deal awaits the approval of Austrian competition officials. Markus Buchmayr, managing director of Pinzgau, said: The merger allows us to optimally utilise synergies, implement future-oriented plans and simultaneously further strengthen the regionality and quality of our products in order to remain successful in the domestic market as well as in the export market, which is so important to us. The two dairies receive milk from around 3,400 suppliers. All their sites in Salzburg, Lamprechtshausen, Maishofen and Kossen in Tyrol will remain in operation and further developed, the companies said. SalzburgMilch, Austrias third-largest dairy group, sources milk from around 2,400 farming suppliers. It markets more than 600 products. The company has production plants in Salzburg and Lamprechtshausen and employs around 450 people. It processes 331 million kilograms of milk annually. In 2024, SalzburgMilch generated sales of 350m ($405m), more than 40% of which was generated through exports. Pinzgau, headquartered in Maishofen, is a contract manufacturer of dairy products including drinking milk, butter, yogurt and cheese. It reported a turnover of 155m in 2024, with exports making up 47% of its sales. The company employs around 250 people and is supplied by about 1,000 farms Nearly 60% of the milk is organic. Its plants are in Maishofen, Salzburg, and Kossen, Tyrol. Andreas Gasteiger, the managing director of SalzburgMilch, said: "We are pooling our resources to secure the long-term viability of the farming structure and to keep added value within the region." A deal would follow other mergers in Europe's dairy industry in the last 12 months. In April, Arla Foods and German dairy cooperative DMK Group announced plans to merge. The pair said in a joint statement that the deal will create the largest dairy cooperative in Europe, with members in Denmark, Sweden, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. Last December, Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina set out plans to merge with smaller Belgian peer Milcobel. They said that based on the companies combined 2023 annual figures - excluding Milcobels Ysco business, which has been divested - the new organisation would have a pro-forma revenue of more than 14bn. Chinese tech giant Baidu (BIDU, 9888.HK) is cutting an undisclosed number of jobs across major divisions and restructuring artificial intelligence teams, as the company moves to streamline operations following a loss-making quarter, according to multiple sources. Baidu has axed staff in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, affecting multiple major business units from its mobile ecosystem group, which includes its bread-and-butter search business, to intelligent cloud and technology platform groups, according to employees affected by the move. One Beijing-based employee in the mobile ecosystems unit said four of the nine people on his team received severance notices in separate meetings with human resource managers this week, and were expected to leave in December. The affected employees were given compensation packages that included one month's pay for each year of service, and between one and three months of additional salary, according to one employee, who added that it was the largest lay-off at Baidu in recent years. Another employee in Guangzhou said he signed the severance agreement, despite an initial hesitance, because the compensation package was reasonable. It was not immediately known how many employees would be laid off. Baidu did not respond to multiple requests for comment on Thursday. The Beijing-based company has been downsizing its payroll in recent years. It had 35,900 employees at the end of 2024, a drop of 9.8 per cent from the previous year. Baidu's job cuts come after the company posted a third-quarter loss in spite of a 50 per cent jump in AI-related revenue in the three months ended September 30. People visit a Baidu booth during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, China July 26, 2025. REUTERS/Go Nakamura REUTERS / Reuters However, the AI surge did not offset a lacklustre quarter as revenue for the period declined 7 per cent year on year, owing to sluggish demand in its advertising business amid slower overall economic growth. For the quarter, the company reported an 11.2 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion) loss on asset write-downs during the period. Baidu also restructured its AI model development by establishing two separate units for foundational models and application models, according to a Wednesday report by local media outlet Jiemian. The new units, reporting directly to founder and CEO Robin Li Yanhong, will be responsible for the company's Ernie AI model series. Responsibility for the company's flagship AI model has been handed to a younger cohort of managers, mirroring a strategy seen at DeepSeek and ByteDance, where rising talent is being pushed to the forefront of AI research. Baidu also replaced Xue Su as head of its ChatGPT-like Ernie bot app, known as Wenxin in China, according to one source familiar with the matter. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bank of America Corporation (BAC) is a prominent financial institution known for delivering a broad spectrum of services, including banking, investing, and asset management. Its operations span across numerous countries, supporting individual, corporate, and governmental clients with tailored financial solutions. The company integrates advanced technology to enhance service efficiency and customer experience. With a market capitalization of $379.22 billion, the company is considered a mega-cap stock. More News from Barchart BACs stock reached a 52-week high of $54.69 on Nov. 12 due to strong investor sentiment, and is only down 4% from that high. Over the past three months, the stock has gained 6.1%. On the other hand, Invesco KBW Bank ETF (KBWB) has gained only 2.8% over the same period. Therefore, BAC is the clear outperformer compared to its banking peers. www.barchart.com Over the longer term, a marginal outperformance persists. Over the past 52 weeks, BACs stock increased by 10.5%, while it is up 21.5% over the past six months. On the other hand, the Invesco KBW Bank ETF gained 9.7% and 21% over the same periods, respectively. The stock has been trading above its 200-day moving average since late May, and is currently hovering near its 50-day moving average. www.barchart.com On Oct. 15, BAC reported its third-quarter results for fiscal 2025. The companys total revenue, net of interest expense, increased by 10.8% year-over-year (YOY) to $28.09 billion, exceeding Wall Street analysts expectations of $27.28 billion. This growth was predicated upon higher net interest income. The companys EPS was $1.06, up 30.9% from the prior years period and higher than the $0.94 that Street analysts had expected. While the stock gained 4.4% intraday on Oct. 15, it dropped by 3.5% the following day. BAC noted that revenues grew faster than expenses, resulting in solid operating leverage and an efficiency ratio below 62%. Q3 also marked the annual and sequential rise in average deposits, showing good momentum. We compare BACs performance with that of another banking giant, Wells Fargo & Company (WFC), which has climbed 10.7% over the past 52 weeks and gained 16.9% over the past six months. Therefore, BAC has been the clear outperformer over the past six months. Prosper Stars & Stripes, a long/short equity fund, recently released its third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the third quarter of 2025, Prosper Stars & Stripes achieved a net return of +9.8%. In comparison, its long/short equity hedge fund peer group, as indicated by the HFRX Equity Hedge (Total) Index (the HFRX), reported a total return of +3.8%. Additionally, the long-only small-cap Russell 2000 Index (the Russell) had a total return of +12.4%. Year to date, the fund returned +8.6% compared to a total return of +13.6% for the HFRI and +10.4% for the Russell. The Composites long book delivered strong performance in both the third quarter and year-to-date 2025. The short book detracted from performance both in the third quarter and year-to-date in 2025. In addition, please check the funds top five holdings to know its best picks in 2025. In its third-quarter 2025 investor letter, Prosper Stars & Stripes highlighted stocks such as BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR). Headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri, BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) provides various nutrition products. The one-month return of BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) was -0.81%, and its shares lost 60.36% of their value over the last 52 weeks. On October 28, 2025, BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) stock closed at $30.59 per share, with a market capitalization of $3.854 billion. Prosper Stars & Stripes stated the following regarding BellRing Brands, Inc. (NYSE:BRBR) in its third quarter 2025 investor letter: Bridgepoint Group agreed to acquire a majority stake in ht.digital, a London-headquartered digital asset assurance specialist. Sky News reported a valuation of 200 million (approximately $262 million), though Bridgepoint did not officially disclose financial terms. The transaction is expected to complete in H1 2026 subject to regulatory approvals. Bridgepoint Development Capital V, a fund focused on fast-growing European businesses, will make the investment, according to Bridgepoints announcement. Bridgepoint Partner Matt Legg said institutional adoption and regulatory requirements are driving audit demand. ht.digital was spun off from Harris & Trotter LLP in 2023. ht.digital verifies crypto company asset holdings and conducts blockchain transaction audits. Offices operate in London, Malta, and the Cayman Islands. Regulatory Pressure Drives Audit Demand Regulatory scrutiny of digital asset transparency has increased. European Central Bank policymaker Olaf Sleijpen warned about stablecoins (crypto tokens pegged to dollars) growing 48% to $300 billion. The warning points to regulatory pressure driving audit demand. Verification engagements have grown substantially. Tether, a major stablecoin issuer, received a BDO audit covering $181 billion in assets in Q3 2025. The figure demonstrates billion-dollar scale attestation work. Major exchanges and stablecoin issuers adopted stricter audit requirements after FTX collapsed in late 2022. Institutional adoption continues growing. JPMorgan tokenized private equity funds through its Kinexys blockchain platform. CEO Jamie Dimon declared crypto is real at an October conference after years of skepticism. Growth Metrics Attract Private Equity Investment ht.digital delivered nearly 100% organic revenue growth over the last two years. The firm has over 700 clients globally across exchanges and institutional platforms. Bridgepoints investment will support international expansion and technology development as ht.digital scales. The partnership builds on recent European expansion. Bridgepoint describes the market as growing rapidly. Ondo Finance manages $1.8 billion in digital assets requiring verification infrastructure. Nick Newman, Founder and CEO of ht.digital, described Bridgepoint as understanding how to scale professional services and technology firms. Private equity investment in crypto audit firms has been limited since the FTX collapse. The deal marks one of the first major transactions in the sector. Read original story Bridgepoint to Acquire Majority Stake in Crypto Audit Firm ht.digital by Zoran Spirkovski at Coinspeaker.com Presidency Communications Director Burhanettin Duran highlighted Turkiyes active role during the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, stating, Throughout the G20 program, Turkiye demonstrated a strong commitment to both regional peace and global economic stability. The summit engagements produced extremely valuable outcomes in terms of deepening cooperation and strengthening international solidarity. Duran shared his remarks on social media regarding President Recep Tayyip Erdo?ans participation at the summit, noting that the meetings were highly productive under Erdo?ans leadership. He emphasised that the President clearly conveyed Turkiyes perspectives and proposals during the summit sessions and the post-summit press conferences. The Communications Director also underlined the significance of Erdo?ans numerous bilateral meetings with state and government leaders, which focused on cooperation opportunities in critical sectors such as defence, trade, energy, technology, and aviation. Turkiyes expanding diplomatic network on a global scale was once again evident during these discussions, Duran said, adding that Erdo?an drew attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, emphasising Turkiyes stance and calling for more effective international action. Regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, Duran noted that Turkiyes constructive approach to promoting peace and regional and global security once again stood out. He continued: Our President stressed the need for a more inclusive global economic order to counter growing inequalities, highlighting that G20 nations must take greater responsibility and that sustainable, balanced economic structures can only be achieved through joint efforts. Throughout the G20 program, Turkiye demonstrated a strong commitment to regional peace and global economic stability. The summit engagements yielded highly valuable results in terms of deepening partnerships and reinforcing international solidarity. Duran also recalled Erdo?ans announcement that Turkiye will host and preside over the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in November next year. He described the intensive diplomatic traffic, numerous negotiations, and climate-focused engagements over the past months as a clear demonstration of Turkiyes growing international influence, noting, This process stands as a tangible success in Turkiyes determined climate diplomacy. Highlighting Turkiyes proactive role in climate action, Duran emphasised, President Erdo?ans 2053 Net Zero Emissions Target demonstrates that Turkiye embraces a development model that considers both today and the future. The green transformation, prioritized across sectors from energy and transportation to urban planning and production, lays a strong foundation for leadership in the COP31 process. Under First Lady Emine Erdo?ans patronage, the Zero Waste Movement has grown into a global environmental initiative, representing one of the most inspiring success stories for a more sustainable world. Reducing waste, using resources efficiently, and promoting a nature-respecting lifestyle are goals that align perfectly with the spirit of COP31. We believe that this historic gathering in Turkiye will place the heart of climate diplomacy in Anatolia, with global solutions resonating from our country. We extend our gratitude to all contributors and wish the event every success. BSV Backer Calvin Ayre Tied to Wirecards Missing $2.2B. Photo by BeInCrypto Calvin Ayre, billionaire gambling mogul and main financier of Bitcoin SV (BSV), has been identified as the "single customer" behind Wirecard's fabricated 1.9 billion (or $2.19 billion) Asian payment network. Investigators traced hundreds of millions of euros through complex shell companies across Prague, Montenegro, Antigua, Manila, and Spain, each tied to Ayre's gambling operations. The Wirecard Collapse and Missing Billions Wirecard AG collapsed in June 2020 after revealing that 1.9 billion reported in Asian trustee accounts did not exist. The German payment processor's implosion wiped out more than 20 billion ($23.1 billion) in investor value and sparked one of Europes largest financial fraud investigations. CEO Markus Braun and other executives currently face trial in Munich on charges that include fraud, breach of trust, and market manipulation. The company claimed substantial revenues from third-party acquiring (TPA) partnerships across Asia. Yet, auditors from Ernst & Young never verified these accounts. When the truth emerged, Wirecard's stock price crashed from over 100 ($115.76) to nearly zero within days. The scandal exposed regulatory failures and raised concerns about how such large-scale fraud could remain undetected for years. https://x.com/Schuldensuehner/status/1277103934927233024?s=20 Fugitive ex-COO Jan Marsalek vanished in June 2020 and remains at large. German officials suspect he fled to Russia with help from intelligence operatives. Investigations by Germany's public broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk (BR) analyzed more than 500,000 financial transactions from Wirecard Bank's 2018 data. Mapping intricate money flows that enabled the fraud, the investigation revealed: BR identified Ayre as the beneficial owner of funds channeled through Wirecard Bank's TPA accounts. At least 135 million ($156 million) went to companies in Antigua, most sharing offices at 44 Church Street with former Antiguan finance minister Errol Cort, a close Ayre associate. Payments also reached Ayre-linked entities such as RGT in Spain (6.6 million), Tyche Consulting in the Philippines (8 million), and Pittodrie Finance in Hong Kong (177 million). A parallel investigation by The Rage reports these funds flowed from Ayres illegal gambling operations. These offshore structures allowed anonymous transfers of large sums while giving the impression of genuine TPA business. Wirecard's auditors accepted these movements as evidence of legitimate third-party revenue, further masking the firms nonexistent Asian operations. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, 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 begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model . Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of NORMA Group SE ( ETR:NOEJ ) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. One way to achieve this is by employing the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example! The 16.39 analyst price target for NOEJ is 20% more than our estimate of fair value Story Continues We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. 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 (1.6%) 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 8.4%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = 10m (1 + 1.6%) (8.4% 1.6%) = 157m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 157m ( 1 + 8.4%)10= 70m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 436m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 13.1, the company appears about fair value at a 4.2% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. XTRA:NOEJ Discounted Cash Flow November 27th 2025 Important 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. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own 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 NORMA Group 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 8.4%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.613. 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. See our latest analysis for NORMA Group SWOT Analysis for NORMA Group Strength Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market. Opportunity Expected to breakeven next year. Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows. Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Paying a dividend but company is unprofitable. Revenue is forecast to decrease over the next 2 years. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For NORMA Group, we've put together three further elements you should explore: Risks: To that end, you should be aware of the 2 warning signs we've spotted with NORMA Group . Future Earnings: How does NOEJ's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every German 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. Staying with mine production for the minute, Australia accounts for 37% of total world lithium production. Indonesia is the top nickel miner at 59% of the world total, China mines 69% of the worlds rare earth elements and 79% of its graphite, and the DRC accounts for about three-quarters of world cobalt mine production. ( Mineral Commodities Summary 2025, by the US Geological Survey ) Despite a long mining history, Canada is really only a major miner of two commodities. It is the worlds largest producer and exporter of potash and the second-largest producer and exporter of uranium. While Canada is among the top 10 producers of cobalt, graphite, lithium and nickel all now considered critical minerals it accounts for only 5% of the global mine production of each of these minerals. In 2024, China held a 96% share of global refined graphite, 78% of the worlds refined cobalt, 70% of its lithium, and 44% of its copper. According to the International Energy Agency, China has an average market share of 70% for 19 out of 20 key minerals. For rare earth elements, it accounts for 91% of global refining production. Rhetoric aside, where does Canada, a relatively small country in terms of mineral refining capacity, stand in terms of developing enough capacity to become independent of China, the leading refiner of critical minerals? Is Canada even globally relevant? [It] will expand critical minerals processing capacity in Canada, creating jobs, boosting [the] long-term supply of minerals essential to energy technologies and advanced manufacturing. More on that soon," he said. I'm pleased that an agreement valued over $1 billion is in the process of being finalized, Carney said in a speech to the Canada-U.A.E. Business Council covered by CBC News . In conjunction with the UAE announcement, Carney said Ottawa is working on a $1-billion project aimed at expanding critical minerals processing capacity in Canada. Fed up with Donald Trumps tariffs, Canadas new government is on a mission to double non-US exports over the next decade and unleash $1 trillion in new investment in Canada over five years, according to a Nov. 21 press release . The funding is expected to include energy, AI logistics, mining and other strategic industries. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has just returned from a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he extracted a $70 billion investment pledge from the Gulf state. Story continues Chinas near-monopoly on critical minerals processing gives it serious heft in trade relations. In recent months, Beijing has leveraged its position to tighten export restrictions on minerals, including rare earths, graphite, antimony, gallium and germanium. Canada has established domestic infrastructure for processing minerals such as aluminum and uranium, and has a few smelters and refineries for copper, nickel and zinc. But for the key energy-transition metals like lithium and rare earth elements, refining capacity is currently minimal or non-existent. Canadas first rare earths refinery was opened in 2024 in Saskatchewan. At full operation, the CAD$74 million facility is expected to produce 400 tonnes of NdPr metals per year, used to make permanent magnets. By comparison, China in 2024 produced 83,697 tonnes of NdPr metal. The United States is the primary export destination for 52% of all Canadian mineral exports and 63% of critical minerals. The latter are concentrated in the upstream stages of the value chain, meaning that further processing often occurs after export. Canada certainly has ambitions to grow its critical minerals supply chain, from mining to refining to the manufacture of end products. The Canadian Mineral Minerals Strategy was published by the Canadian government in 2022, underscoring the need to secure and diversify supply chains. Canada's critical minerals list contains 34 minerals deemed essential for economic or national security. According to a recent piece by HillNotes, Securing critical minerals supply chains entails, among other measures, identifying the parties involved in extracting and processing critical minerals in this country While foreign direct investment plays a crucial role in supporting this sector, concerns have been raised about foreign ownership of these resources. Maps embedded into the article show that 30 of Canadas 55 critical mineral mines are owned by companies whose parent company is based in Canada. For the other 25 mines, their parent companies are based in Brazil, the United States and Switzerland. The Tanco mine in Manitoba, which produces cesium, tantalum and lithium, is 100% owned by a Chinese company. Canada is home to 45 advanced graphite, lithium and REE projects. Thirty-one are owned by a Canadian-domiciled company. Only eight of the 32 critical mineral processing centers are owned by Canadian companies. The other 24 are owned by parent companies that reside in the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Brazil, France, Germany and Luxembourg. At the end of October the Canadian government announced the first round of projects under a G7 critical minerals production alliance envisioned as a counterweight to Chinas dominance in the sector. According to Global News, the 25 initiatives include offtake agreements for a Quebec graphite mine and investments to scale up a rare earth elements refinery in Ontario. Nouveau Monde Graphites Matawinie mine near Montreal secured agreement to buy part of the mines future production from the federal government, Panasonic and Traxys, a Luxembourg mining company. Canada is also backing a Norwegian companys plan to build a synthetic graphite plant in St. Thomas, Ontario, with up to $500 million in potential financing from Export Development Canada. Graphite is used in the anodes of electric vehicle batteries. Vianode from Norway said in January it has signed a multi-billion-dollar supply deal with GM for its electric vehicles. Global News said A Ucore Rare Metals facility in Kingston, Ont., was also conditionally approved for up to $36 million in federal money to help scale up its processing of two rare earth elements samarium, used to make heat-resistant magnets in nuclear reactors, and gadolinium, a component of nuclear reactors and MRIs. The refinery is expected to begin production in 2026. Global demand for critical minerals is expected to increase significantly, with some estimates suggesting the energy sector's needs could grow sixfold by 2040. Will Canada be ready to meet the challenge by growing its domestic mining and refining capacity? The numbers are daunting. Global News cites a report the Canadian Climate Institute that estimated Canada would need capital investments in the range of $30 billion by 2040 to meet domestic demand alone. One area of potential growth is rare earth elements. Canada has some of the largest known reserves and resources of rare earths in the world, the manager of government relations at the Saskatchewan Research Council said in 2022. The USGS quantifies that with an estimated 830,000 tonnes of rare-earth oxide equivalent reserves in 2024. Compare this to Chinas 44 million tonnes and Brazils 21 million tonnes. Another CBC News article says its estimated that Canada has more than 14 million tonnes of rare earth oxides, with 21 mining projects in various stages of development, from exploration to resource estimation. The projects are in the Northwest Territories, Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Alberta and in Saskatchewan, according to Natural Resources Canada. But Canada only has one producing rare earths mine, Nechalacho in the Northwest Territories. The countrys first REE mine is owned by Cheetah Resources, a subsidiary of Vital Metals, which processes the ore in Saskatchewan before being sent to Norway for separation. China has thousands of mines, and while the number of rare earth mines is not publicly available, it hosts the largest REE mine in the world, the Bayan Obo mine in Inner Mongolia. In 2024 Chinas rare earths production reached 270,000 tonnes, which was more than two-thirds of the world's total, reports Investing News Network and Statista. Canadas REE production does not even register on the USGSs 2024 mine production table. Despite the governments best intentions, Canada has a long way to go in both the mining and refining of critical minerals if it ever wants to become relevant let alone break free of dependence on China. By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) shares have caught some attention lately, especially as the companys share price has slipped around 10% year-to-date. Investors are weighing the longer-term value proposition in light of recent performance trends. See our latest analysis for Canadian National Railway. While Canadian National Railways share price has slipped about 10% year-to-date, the modest recovery in recent days suggests some buyers are starting to circle back. Despite that, a 13% total shareholder return decline over the past year highlights that momentum remains muted and questions about future growth and valuation continue to shape investor sentiment. If youre watching how sentiment is shifting, this might be a good time to broaden your investing horizons and discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership With recent share price weakness but underlying financial growth, investors are left to wonder whether Canadian National Railways current valuation is overlooking its potential or if the market has already fully accounted for what comes next. Most Popular Narrative: 60% Undervalued Canadian National Railways last close of CA$132.03 sits well below the narrative fair value. This offers a marked opportunity if the thesis holds true. The current price sets the stage for big expectations as described in the most popular narrative by TibiT. This is the central pillar of my bull thesis. This trend will fundamentally re-wire North American logistics, creating a surge in demand for land-based freight. CN is perfectly positioned to capture this demand. Its network is not just a railroad; it is the future artery for North America's industrial heartland, connecting new manufacturing hubs in the U.S. South and Midwest to Canadian resources and coastal ports. This provides a structural tailwind that should reverse the recent slowdown and drive volume growth for the next decade. Read the complete narrative. Curious which bold projections fuel this upside? The narrative hinges on a powerful logistics catalyst, impressive earnings stamina, and a future profit engine typically reserved for industry leaders. Want the full backstory that transforms todays depressed price into tomorrows standout value? Dive in to uncover the quantitative drivers behind this fair value call. Result: Fair Value of $132.87 (UNDERVALUED) Have a read of the narrative in full and understand what's behind the forecasts. However, persistent macroeconomic headwinds or prolonged operational disruptions could quickly challenge even the most optimistic outlook for Canadian National Railways recovery. Famed investor Cathie Wood has loaded up on another 437,345 shares of CoreWeave (CRWV) as they tumbled amid valuation concerns and macroeconomic uncertainty driven selloff in AI stocks. The transaction was split across two of her flagship exchange-traded funds (ETFs). In total, Wood now owns nearly 0.79 million shares of the artificial intelligence infrastructure company. More News from Barchart At the time of writing, CoreWeave stock is down roughly 50% versus its high in late October. www.barchart.com Should You Also Buy CoreWeave Stock? Woods decision to scoop up CRWV shares following a massive selloff signals confidence in the companys long-term prospects. According to Bank of America estimates, global hyperscale spending will surge 67% in 2025, and another 31% to handily surpass $600 billion next year. And CoreWeave, which operates high-performance computing data centers and provides GPU-as-a-Service solutions, sits directly in the path of this massive capital deployment wave. Investors should also note that the AI infrastructure firms relative strength index (14-day) is below 26 currently, suggesting bearish momentum is finally exhausting. This further bolsters the case for owning CoreWeave stock heading into 2026. CRWV Shares Are Now Trading at an Attractive Valuation CoreWeave shares remain worth owning due to the structural shortage of AI infrastructure capacity as well. Major tech companies are now committing about 30% of their sales to AI infrastructure investments, triple the historic norms. More importantly, the artificial intelligence stock, following recent weakness, is trading at a more attractive valuation of less than 9x sales. CoreWeaves partnerships with major AI developers and hyperscale cloud firms desperately racing to expand their computational capabilities make up for another great reason to own its shares. According to Barchart, options pricing also currently signals CRWV could be trading at about $92 by late February. Whats the Consensus Rating on CoreWeave? Wall Street analysts also agree that the selloff in CRWV shares has gone a bit too far. The consensus rating on CoreWeave stock currently sits at Moderate Buy with the mean target of about $131 indicating potential upside of more than 85% from here. China's CATL has commenced the work on what is expected to become Spains largest battery manufacturing facility. The 4.1bn ($4.8bn) project is being developed with automaker Stellantis in the northeastern region of Aragon. Located in Figueruelas, a town of around 1,300 residents, the plant is scheduled to start production in late 2026. The investment is supported by more than 300m in European Union funding. Spains Industry Minister Jordi Hereu, as reported by Bloomberg, said: Were building the best investment model in Spain and in Europe. He called the factory in Figueruelas the best contribution that Spain can make to the re-industrialisation of Europe. According to Reuters, local unions said roughly 2,000 Chinese workers will be involved in building the facility, with plans to employ and train about 3,000 Spanish workers once operations advance. CAAR Aragon director general David Romeral said: "We don't know this technology, these components - we've never made them before. "They're years ahead of us. All we can do is watch and learn." CAAR Aragon is a network of automotive companies in Aragon. CATL has indicated that some Chinese engineers and managers are already on site in Figueruelas, with several hundred more expected by the end of this year and close to 2,000 by the end of next year. UGT union Aragon secretary general Jose Juan Arceiz added: "They are the ones who know how to make a gigafactory. He added that unions were awaiting skill requirements from CATL in order to design training programmes with the local university. Arceiz said: "As the plant ramps up, there will be more jobs for Spanish workers. "This project needs to succeed, and everyone has to do their part." Spain, the second-largest vehicle producer in Europe, is seeking to build a position as a regional centre for battery manufacturing, helped by comparatively lower labour costs and industrial energy prices. Alongside the CATLStellantis project, three further battery plants are planned in the country, involving Envision AESC, Volkswagens PowerCo and InoBat. However, technological capabilities remain an obstacle. Stellantis shipping manager Roque Ordovas Mangiron said: Before it was mostly German technology, and now its Chinese. What difference does it make? Here in Spain, what we offered was always labour. The Aragon regional administration said it is processing work permits for incoming staff and is working intensely to attract additional parts of the battery supply chain to the area. The project comes in a backdrop of European automotive industry bodies calling for tighter rules on local content in vehicle and battery production, in part to shield domestic manufacturers from Chinese competitors. Chinas CATL and carmaker Stellantis held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday for their joint venture to create a major lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery plant in the Aragon region of northeastern Spain. The deal, first announced last year, marks one of the largest Chinese industrial investments in the country. On Wednesday, executives from the joint venture said the project is expected to create 4,000 jobs. It follows criticism of the project as media reports have suggested up to 2,000 Chinese workers may be involved in the construction, replacing local employees. Andy Wu, CEO of the joint venture, declined to confirm these figures, saying the final numbers have not yet been decided while the company is still selecting a subcontractor. The plant will run entirely on renewable energy and is scheduled to begin production by the end of 2026, with a projected output of 50 gigawatt-hours of LFP batteries per year, supplying electric vehicles across Europe. Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism Jordi Hereu described the groundbreaking as a strategic milestone for Spains energy transition and industrial modernisation. Speaking at the ceremony, he highlighted the partnership as a reflection of strong confidence between Spanish and Chinese companies, and underscored Spains role in Europes electrification efforts, according to Xinhua. Related Spain has been relatively open to Chinese investment compared with some EU countries. The nation was generating more than half of its electricity from renewable sources last year and relies on imported critical raw materials, solar panels, and green technologies to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels. And Chinese control over these materials is substantial. The joint venture's Chinese half, CATL, is the worlds largest EV battery manufacturer. The company's customers include Tesla, BMW, and Volkswagen, and it is pursuing further European expansion. Existing production in Erfurt, Germany, has been ticking over since 2022, while full-scale production in Debrecen, Hungary, is expected to begin in the coming months. CATL also has a significant influence over the global EV supply chain through large-scale mining investments in lithium, nickel, and cobalt, in China and abroad, including projects in Indonesia and Bolivia. Cetera Financial Specialists has added Callero Capital Management to its Tax & Accounting Channel, bringing approximately $265m in assets under administration. Cousins Matthew Callero and Christopher Callero, who led the firm, will now operate under Ceteras platform from their base in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. The move follows a year-long due diligence process. Calleros chose Cetera as the partner best-positioned to support both organic and inorganic growth. Callero delivers wealth management and retirement planning services to a client base that includes individuals, families, and business owners. The firm prioritises a collaborative, multi-generational team approach to ensure clients receive consistent support both as they prepare for and move through retirement. Callero Capital Management president Matthew Callero said: The decision to move has been many months in the making and followed an exhaustive search among independent broker-dealers. We believe that Cetera's back-office support is vital for a growth-minded advisory firm like ours. We're honoured to partner with Cetera to support our client service model and pursue our firm's growth goals. Cetera is the premier partner that truly supports our vision for Callero Capital's future. Cetera operates as a wealth management platform for independent advisers and institutions, supporting about 12,000 advisers and institutions across its multi-channel network The company offers various affiliation models and technology solutions to assist financial professionals in expanding or transitioning their businesses. Cetera managed more than $625bn in assets under administration and $284bn in assets under management, as of 30 September 2025. Cetera tax and accounting channel leader Andy Watts said: Matt and Chris are outstanding additions to the Cetera Financial Specialists community. Their client-first approach and ambitious growth mindset make them an excellent fit for Cetera, and we look forward to offering the resources and support they need as they enter their next phase of growth. In May 2025, Cetera partnered with Jump, a provider of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for financial advisers, to implement Jumps AI-powered meeting assistant within its operations. Cetera Financial Specialists has added Callero Capital Management to its Tax & Accounting Channel, bringing approximately $265m in assets under administration. Cousins Matthew Callero and Christopher Callero, who led the firm, will now operate under Ceteras platform from their base in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Spain just fired a shot across Europe's industrial landscape, and the echo could be loud. Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) and China's CATL have broken ground on a 4.1 billion battery plant in northern Spain, a project that could be seen as Europe leaning on Beijing even as policymakers try to counter China's reach. Madrid is treating it as a win: Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's government welcomed the investment despite criticism over CATL's plan to rely on its own staff during the build-out. For investors, the move could be a sign that Europe's energy transition still runs through Chinese technology, whether politicians like it or not. Spain's Industry Minister Jordi Hereu framed the Figueruelas factory as a catalyst for Europe's re-industrialization, saying it could be the best contribution Spain makes to the continent's manufacturing revival. The venture itself is navigating controversy after reports that roughly 2,000 Chinese workers could be deployed to build and equip the plant. Andy Wu, who leads the joint venture, said subcontractor details remain in progress and emphasized a plan to hire strong local talent, while a spokesman added that hundreds of workers from China will arrive first and remain for one to two years to train local teams. Production could start by the end of next year, rising to 30 percent of capacity by 2028 and ultimately nearly 4,000 employees and about 50 gigawatt-hours of output by 2030. Europe's broader battery race offers a stark contrast. Despite billions of euros in backing, projects like Britishvolt in the UK and Northvolt in Sweden have gone insolvent, while Automotive Cells Co. and Volkswagen's PowerCo have scaled back plans amid softer EV demand. CATL, meanwhile, keeps expanding, including a Hungarian facility designed to produce several battery types. Contemporary Star Energy, the Stellantis-CATL venture, is contributing about 94 percent of the funding for the Spain site. China's ambassador to Spain, Yao Jing, said Beijing will maintain its commitment to sharing technology, while Hereu suggested the partnership could be an early step toward a version of European strategic autonomy that remains open to cooperation with countries like China. WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Chinese purchases of American soybeans are "right on schedule", U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Tuesday, citing an agreement for Beijing to buy 87.5 million metric tons of the U.S. product over the next three and a half years. The U.S. and China will always be natural rivals, Bessent said in an interview with CNBC, but the two countries' relationship is in a good place. On Monday, President Donald Trump touted relations with China as "extremely strong" after a call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The call came weeks after the two leaders met in South Korea, where they agreed to a framework for a trade deal that has yet to be finalized. Trump and Xi could have four meetings in the coming year, Bessent said. Trump may attend the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, which will be hosted by China in 2026, while Xi will be in the United States for the annual meeting of Group of 20 industrialized nations. The two leaders will also make state visits to each other's countries, Bessent said. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Andrew Heavens and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) The Mercedes star, the brand logo of the vehicle manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, rotates on a building at the main plant. Bernd Weibrod/dpa Mercedes-Benz boss Ola Kallenius said he expects conditions in China to remain difficult amid "incredibly intense" competition in the sector. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, "the market dynamics are not quite as they have been for 15 or 20 years," Kallenius told the Automobilwoche trade journal in an interview published on Thursday. "This is coupled with incredibly intense competition. 100 automotive companies are vying for a market that can hold perhaps 30 to 40," he said. A shakeout is imminent, but will take time, he predicted. "This means that this intense competition will continue for the next few years." He said it was "absolutely possible" for the luxury carmaker to maintain or even expand its market share with the right product strategy and the right industrialization strategy. "But we are not naive. We are realistic. The next few years in China will be tough," he said. Mercedes needs to be producing "in China for China," he said, partly in order to keep costs and efficiency. China is the largest sales market for Mercedes-Benz, followed by Europe and North America. The manufacturer sold 125,100 vehicles in the country over the third quarter, a decline of 27% compared to the same period last year. Over the last 60 days, over $25 billion in insider transactions have flooded the stock market across multiple sectors, and overwhelmingly, theyve been sell orders. At first glance, billions of dollars in outflows from corporate insiders sounds like a bad omen. More News from Barchart Barcharts insider trading data allows investors to dig deeper into these sales and what they actually mean. The chart below is a snapshot of insider trades over the last two months, and as you can see, it is mostly red, indicating net outflows. A sum of all sale transactions over the past 60 days reveals insiders dumped an alarming $25.187 billion in company stock. www.barchart.com Many investors view insider buying as a positive indicator that things are going well, and that executives are bullish on their own company. On the flip side, insider selling is taken as a big red flag. But it is important to take a closer look at these huge outflows and see whats actually happening. Upon examining three of the biggest sales from Rollins (ROL), Corebridge Financial (CRBG), and Dell Technologies (DELL) insiders, it is clear that things arent always so black and white. Rollins (ROL) www.barchart.com Rollins, known for owning multiple pest control and environmental services brands, saw a major insider sale recently that raised eyebrows. The sale: 20 million shares sold on Nov. 10, 2025 Price: $56.93 per share Total value: $1.14 billion Seller: Gary W. Rollins Voting Trust (beneficial owner holding 33% of shares) Remaining holdings: 160.2 million shares Yet Rollins share price has been hitting all-time highs this year, with positive year-to-date returns. The company also completed a recent $1 billion equity raise. This might have been an executive getting some liquidity or simply preparing to make another investment. We dont know for sure. What we do know is that the share price didnt falter, and the market received news of the sale positively. Corebridge Financial (CRBG) www.barchart.com Corebridge is a popular financial services firm handling consumer financing and insurance products. The top level shows 32.6 million shares sold by an insider for over $1 billion. The sale: Crypto trading firm Portofino Technologies has suffered another wave of senior staff departures months after losing its chief financial officer and general counsel, according to a person familiar with the matter. Chief revenue officer Melchior de Villeneuve recently left the Swiss firm, said the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the matter is private. Chief of staff Olivia Thurman confirmed that she resigned from the company. Two senior developers, Olivier Ravanas and Mike Tryhorn, and two junior developers are also said to have left the crypto market maker. De Villeneuve, who joined in January, according to his LinkedIn profile, didn't immediately respond to requests for comment. Nor did Ravanas and Tryhorn. Portofino did not respond to multiple emailed requests for comment through an external spokesperson or to CEO Leonard Lancia's Telegram account prior to publication. In an email sent after the report was published, Lancia disputed CoinDesk's characterization of the departures. "The wording used implies unilateral resignations and individuals having 'left,' which does not reflect the nature of those departures," he wrote, while declining to elaborate. "Portofino does not comment on individual employment matters. Reporting must not imply unilateral departures where that is not the case, and any language suggesting that must be amended," he wrote in a subsequent email. The company has struggled to retain staff. Celyn Armstrong, general counsel and head of compliance, left the firm earlier this year. His exit followed that of Mark Blackborough, the company's former chief financial officer, who left in April. Thurman had been at Portofino for almost 18 months and joined from Centerview Partners. Portofino raised $50 million in equity funding in late 2022. It was founded by two former Citadel Securities leaders Leonard Lancia and Alex Casimo in 2021. The Swiss firm told CoinDesk in March that it was exploring opening new offices in New York and Singapore. Read more: FCA-Regulated Crypto Trading Firm Portofino Technologies Sees Staff Exodus UPDATE (Nov. 27, 14:16 UTC): Adds CEO comments after email exchange. Energean plc (LSE: ENOG) reported a 35% quarter-on-quarter jump in third-quarter output and confirmed it remains on track to meet its 2025 production targets, despite a turbulent geopolitical backdrop and a temporary shutdown of its Israeli operations earlier this year. It averaged 151,000 boe/d in the first nine months of 2025 and generated $828 million in adjusted EBITDAX, while advancing flagship growth projects in Israel, Egypt, Croatia, and Greece, and securing ExxonMobil as a partner in its deepwater Greek exploration acreage. The company delivered higher Q3 output, tightened production cost guidance, strengthened its balance sheet through a 400 million bond refinancing, and accelerated development across its East Mediterranean portfolio, including new export routes from Israel and progress on Greeces first full-scale carbon storage project. Production rose sharply in Q3 to 176,000 boe/d, driven by strong Israeli gas demand following Junes temporary shutdown. Nine-month average production of 151,000 boe/d remains aligned with full-year guidance of 145,000155,000 boe/d. Costs remained contained at $6/boe excluding royalties, helping offset weaker liquids pricing and earlier operational disruptions. Safety and emissions performance improved, with Energean cutting scope 1 and 2 intensity to 7.7 kgCO?e/boe. Israel continues to anchor the portfolio at 109,000 boe/d year-to-date. Key commercial steps included: A 15-year transmission deal with Israel Natural Gas Lines for up to 1 bcm/yr via Nitzana, supporting exports to Egypt. A binding long-term gas sales agreement with Dalia Energy worth more than $2 billion. A letter of intent with Cyprus Cyfield for potential supply to a new power plant, supported by a proposed new FPSO-to-Cyprus subsea pipeline. Katlan, Energeans next major Israeli development, is progressing ahead of schedule, although accelerated payments lifted full-year capex guidance. First gas remains slated for H1 2027. One of Energeans highest-impact milestones was securing ExxonMobil as partner in Greeces Block 2 in the Ionian Sea. Energean will remain operator for the exploration phase, retaining 30% working interest. Exploration drilling is targeted for late 2026/early 2027, positioning Greece as an emerging frontier in the East Mediterranean gas play. Energeans Prinos carbon storage project, positioned as Greeces first commercial-scale CCS hub, received environmental approval for Phase 1 and its first tranche of EU Recovery & Resilience Facility funding. The project will store up to 1 Mtpa in its initial stage. American Signature, parent company of furnishings retailers American Signature Furniture and Value City, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, according to a Nov. 22 filing in United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware. The company pointed to unfavorable economic conditions driven by the Trump administrations tariff policies and a slower housing market as reasons for its slumping sales. For nearly 75 years, American Signature has served as a family-owned furniture destination that communities could rely on to provide style, quality, and value, said Rudy Morando, co-chief restructuring officer for ASI. In the face of the ongoing macroeconomic headwinds that have impacted the entire home furnishing industry, the company has carefully evaluated its options to assess the best path forward in the current operating environment. Through that review, we determined that entering a court-supervised process will provide the best opportunity to maximize value. We deeply appreciate our team members, customers, and partners and are determined to serve them throughout this process. More from Sourcing Journal The Ohio-based company is owned by retail entrepreneur and American Eagle Outfitters CEO Jay L. Schottensteins SB360 Capital Partners, which in addition to owning American Eagle also owns Aerie, DSW, Designer Brands and Schottenstein Stores Corporation. As part of the Chapter 11 filing, the company will pursue a sale at auction within 45 days, to elicit higher value for the benefit of all stakeholders. American Signature also said it anticipates entering into a stalking horse asset purchase agreement with ASI Purchaser LLC, which would acquire substantially all of the companys assets and assume limited liabilities, subject to court approval. The company said that it has secured around $50 million in debtor-in-possession financing from Second Avenue Capital Partners LLC, which also is a Schottenstein affiliate. That financing will support certain operations and the companys efforts to maximize value through the Chapter 11 cases and sale process. American Signature has filed several customary motions seeking authorization to continue payment of employee wages and benefits, maintaining certain customer programs and satisfying post-petition obligations to vendors and partners, pending court approval. Gilead Sciences has secured the rights to Sprint Biosciences preclinical oncology programme for up to $400m, sending Sprints stock soaring by more than 110%. This deal will see Gilead hand over $14m upfront for the three-prime repair exonuclease 1 (TREX1) blocker, which constitutes a novel immunotherapy approach. Through the agreement, Sprint could see up to $386m in regulatory, commercial and milestone payments, taking the deals total consideration up to $400m. In a 24 November statement, Sprints CEO Johan Emilsson noted that the company chose to sell the programme so that the biotech can shift toward more flexible, value-driven exit opportunities. Gileads new asset works by inhibiting the TREX1 protein, an exonuclease that plays a key role in DNA replication and repair. While aberrant forms of the TREX1 protein are commonly associated with autoimmune diseases, these proteins also appear to play some role in cancer pathology. According to Sprint, the inhibition of TREX1 through its preclinical programme can amplify the immune response while inhibiting the further growth of tumour cells. The company has proved this in the in vivo setting, with preclinical data revealing that blocking TREX1 can boost type I interferon signalling, while dampening tumour growth. It appears that the deal has put Sprint on the radar of certain investors, as the company's share value shot up by 118% from $0.66 at market close on 21 November to $1.55 at market open on 24 November. Oncology remains a key growth area This asset acquisition is not the first Gilead has made in the oncology sector this year, having signed six deals in the indication in 2025, according to GlobalDatas Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center. GlobalData is the parent company of Pharmaceutical Technology. This includes a licensing agreement with biotech Kymera Therapeutics, which saw the US pharma hand over $750m for the companys adhesive cancer drug in June 2025. In August 2025, Gilead subsidiary Kite Therapeutics made a bid to enhance its innovative cancer portfolio by acquiring in vivo chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T) specialist, Interius BioTherapeutics, for $350m. Across the wider pharma landscape, oncology remains a key target, with the indication being involved in the highest number of deals, with 2,707 deals so far in 2025. The most valuable deal was signed by Abbott Laboratories, which recently bet on precision oncology diagnostics with its $23bn acquisition of Exact Sciences. GSK has also signed a deal for up to $12bn with Chinese biotech Hengrui Pharma, which will see the two companies collaborate on the development of up to 12 medicines across multiple therapeutic areas, including oncology. Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL) has been on a tear since the favorable court decision about monopolistic advantages. The chart below shows the percentage returns in Google stock compared to the other Magnificent 7 names Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Meta (META), Nvidia (NVDA), Microsoft (MSFT), and Tesla (TSLA) over the past year. www.barchart.com Theres more going on here than just a court victory and I mean besides the obvious point that Google is the only Mag 7 stock that is truly beating the tape. More News from Barchart The answer? Google appears to have won the finish line to artificial intelligence (AI) monetization. Not only that, theyve won by a wide margin, and stock market capital is flowing out of the other hyperscalers to the victor. Gemini Helps Blaze a Path to AI Victory Googles Gemini gained 8% user growth in the most recent quarter, with web traffic to the chatbot surging in September after the launch of new AI image generation tools. Rave reviews for Gemini 3, including from Salesforce (CRM) CEO Marc Benioff, have also pushed the stock higher this month. Google's tensor processing unit (TPU) demand is exploding as Gemini gains wide acceptance. More adept than traditional GPUs at handling complex AI workloads, and with a longer life cycle, Google delivers 50% productivity improvement with TPU than what is offered using NVDA hardware. As a result, developers are switching to Gemini midstream at an increased cost to substitute. Plus, Google is already generating income across all spectrums, while relative newcomers like OpenAI (parent company of Gemini rival ChatGPT) are still burning through billions of cash. Is Google the 'Big Oil' of AI? In an industry where everyone is renting from each other, Google designs its chip; owns the data centers; runs the software; manages the pricing; manages the margins; and handles distribution. In the energy industry, this is called vertical integration when you own the supply chain from wellhead to gas tank. Its the kind of business model that makes companies like ExxonMobil (XOM) world leaders. What Google has done is copy Exxons model and carry over that integration, from chips to clouds. Global customers are already familiar and comfortable with their brand, reputation, and execution, allowing them to rely on a single AI solution. Chinas Great Wall Motor (GWM) is planning to build its first car manufacturing plant in Europe, with a goal of producing 300,000 vehicles a year in the region by 2029, reported Reuters, citing a company executive. Parker Shi, president of GWM International, said the company is assessing several locations for the facility, including sites in Spain and Hungary. The move comes as part of efforts to revive weaker sales in Europe. Shi was speaking at GWMs headquarters in Baoding, in Chinas Hebei province. Shis remarks mark the first formal update on the privately owned groups European manufacturing plans since 2023. GWM president Mu Feng said the company intended to step up its presence in the region and had begun the process of evaluating potential plant locations. Shi noted that labour and logistics expenses are among a range of factors complicating the choice of site, particularly as the carmaker would initially transport components into Europe for assembly. He added that the group is closely tracking European Union (EU) industrial policy, including any shifts in investment conditions and customs duties. Shi said: "All the business cases need to be workable. Otherwise, it will be difficult for us because it's going to be a huge investment for a long term." Shi has maintained an international focus since he became part of the company in 2002. Chinese vehicle manufacturers have increasingly turned to international expansion in response to a sustained price battle in their home market, driven by excess capacity. Their attempts to grow in Europe and other key markets, however, have been met by higher import duties on electric cars, where Chinese producers have been especially active. In Europe, GWM faces competition both from established global brands and from Chinese peers such as BYD. BYD is considering Spain as its preferred location for a third European site, in addition to existing plants in Hungary and Turkey. GWM already runs overseas manufacturing operations in Russia, Thailand and Brazil. The company has set a target of selling a million vehicles a year outside China by 2030. Shi said he sees continued scope for Chinese manufacturers in Europe across different technologies. The proposed European factory is expected to produce models ranging from internal combustion engine vehicles to full battery-electric cars. To target mass-market buyers in Europe, GWM is preparing new products including a multi-powertrain version of the Ora 5 compact sport utility vehicle, which it plans to introduce in mid-2026. The company has started taking orders for the all-electric Ora 5 in China, with prices from 109,800 yuan ($15,480). Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) is one of the Canadian penny stocks to buy right now. On November 7, H.C. Wainwright analyst Heiko Ihle reiterated a Buy rating on Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) and set a $3.20 price target. The positive stance came a day after the company reported improvements in the volumes of materials mined in the third quarter. H.C. Wainwright asserts a Buy rating on Galiano Gold Inc. (GAU) as Q3 Results Impress Copyright: tomas1111 / 123RF Stock Photo The company mined 1.3 Mt of ore at the Abore deposit, representing a 57% increase from the second quarter, at an average grade of 0.9 g/t gold. It also mined 0.1 Mt of ore at the Esaase deposit at an average grade of 0.7 g/t gold. Mining costs at the two mines averaged $3.38 per ton, 6% lower than Q2 2025. Galiano Gold ended up processing 32,533 ounces of gold, a 7% increase from the second quarter Importantly, we emerge from the quarter with a very strong financial position, and our Abore drilling program continues to deliver exciting results, delineating a mineralized system extending 200 meters below our current Mineral Reserve across a substantial 1,600-metre strike length, said Matt Badylak, Galianos President and Chief Executive Officer. The company exited the quarter in a strong cash position of $116.4 million. Its also finalizing a $75 million revolving credit facility with FirstRand Bank Limited. Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) is a gold mining company that operates and manages the Asanko Gold Mine in Ghana, West Africa, which it jointly owns with Gold Fields. Its activities include gold production and exploration for new deposits. While we acknowledge the potential of GAU 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 Mexican Stocks to Invest In and 10 Best Cryptocurrency Stocks to Buy for the Long Term. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. He also explained how increased efficiency could also create more jobs in cybersecurity. "It will affect every job, every application, every database, and it will make people highly more efficient," Dimon said. "Like a lot of you clicking away, taking notes. You won't have to do that because it will you can just summarize what Jamie said. You push a button, and you don't have to waste all that time." More immediately for JPMorgan, according to an interview on CNN earlier this month, Dimon sees head count remaining steady, or even rising, as AI continues to roll out, "if we do a good job." The comments echoed those Dimon made at a town hall for the firm's employees in Columbus, Ohio, earlier this year, where he said that AI will "change some of your jobs," whether as a "copilot," a solution for "drudgery," or by eliminating them. "It will eliminate jobs," Dimon said at a Fortune-hosted conference earlier this month. "People should stop sticking their heads in the sand." Jamie Dimon's penchant for straight talk means that Dimon is willing to admit that job cuts are coming. In order to get a better understanding of what they're thinking, we've highlighted some of the most revealing statements about bank head count in the age of AI below. These can range from bank tellers to dealmakers making multi-billion-dollar salaries, as well as a veritable army of software engineers who will turn this generative AI dream into a reality. But you know who else is listening? Their employees. Many of the largest bulge-bracket banks employ over 100,000 employees each, and the FDIC-insured commercial banking sector, more broadly, employs nearly 2 million people. Banks' plans, and increasingly, actions, around generative AI give a glimpse into how the technology will enhance and replace human workers. When bank CEOs start talking about AI, the financial world lights up from meme accounts to markets. Their predictions about how generative AI will change work can move stocks, reshape strategy, and set the tone for the rest of corporate America. We look at the public record to see what banking's top executives are saying about head count. But what does efficiency mean for employees? Does it mean fewer jobs? Story Continues "We use it for risk and fraud recognition, and bad guys are going to use it," Dimon said. "So, we have to use it to counter the bad guys. We have to use it to get better and better in cyber." Other executives at the firm are even more explicit about how headcount at the firm is changing now. In operations, the "tip of the spear" on using this new technology, executives expect head count to trend down 10% through 2029, according to Marianne Lake, the CEO of consumer and community banking. Jeremy Barnum, the firm's CFO, said they're "asking people to resist head count growth where possible and increase their focus on efficiency." While a more efficient future with an equal number of working and non-working weekdays may exist in the coming decades, according to Dimon, for now, hiring may slow. David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said AI will enable the bank "afford more high-value people." MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images David Solomon's most definitive statement about how AI will affect Goldman actually came from a memo he released earlier this year alongside the firm's president John Waldron and CFO Denis Coleman. The memo, announcing the third iteration of the bank's cross-bank initiative OneGS, explains that AI will drive efficiency at the firm. Driving efficiency will mean slowing hiring and reducing roles at the firm, which is no stranger to job cuts, with a yearly culling of some employees. "We're asking people to resist head count growth where possible and increase their focus on efficiency," the memo said. This will be part of a broader initiative to find the "right team structure" and to gain "more agility." When Business Insider obtained the memo and reported on it, a spokesperson for the bank told us that the firm anticipates an increased head count at the end of 2025, and in the third quarter of 2025, it announced it had grown its global workforce 5% to about 48,000 positions. Slowing hiring and increasing head count don't need to be contradictory; instead, the firm is focusing its hiring on the right talent. "We need more high-value people," Solomon told Axios in October. "We can afford more high-value people to expand our footprint and continue to grow and broaden our business." Solomon continues to believe that AI will grow the firm's head count over the next 10 years. "There are obviously things where we're going to have a lot fewer people but I'd love to have the capacity to go get more people to spend time with clients," Solomon said at a conference last month, noting that AI will have its most immediate impact on software development. Speaking more generally earlier this month, he said that "disruption" will happen, but "our economy is very nimble, very flexible." "And when you look at the technology that has flooded over hundreds of years into our society, we adapt," Solomon said. "We find new businesses. We find new jobs. I don't believe it will be different this time." The adoption may come quicker than previous changes, like the creation of the internet or the rollout of electricity. And Solomon shares the views of others that professional workers may take the hardest hit. "The need for some white-collar office jobs will be diminished, but they'll be picked up in other parts of the economy," said Solomon. Jane Fraser, CEO of Citi Jane Fraser, CEO of Citigroup. John Lamparski/Getty Images Back in 2023, Jane Fraser wrote a LinkedIn post walking through her big picture thoughts about AI at the bank. She, like her peers at the bulge brackets, saw big-time transformation ahead. "In the near term, generative AI will drastically improve productivity," she wrote. "Over the long term, it has the potential to revolutionize all functions across our bank and the industry changing how we write code, onboard clients, service customers, detect fraud, develop market research and strengthen compliance and controls." On a recent earnings call, Fraser explained how it was already increasing productivity. "AI-driven automated code reviews have exceeded 1 million so far this year and are dramatically improving our developers' productivity," Fraser said. "This innovation alone saves considerable time and creates around 100,000 hours of weekly capacity." Fraser also highlighted how AI is helping their customer service teams resolve client inquiries faster, their wealth advisors provide more personalized advice, and the firm is launching an agent-based AI pilot to tackle more complex tasks. When she was asked by CNBC this month if productivity increases from AI will lead to layoffs, Fraser said her "fear" is that AI might "pinch" the job market "before it pays." But, with adoption only at 10% globally, she said, it's a long way before adoption is widespread enough to see what it will do for layoffs. Fraser said adoption will need to be closer to 50%. "It's not there yet, and we don't know how quickly," Fraser said. Charles Scharf, CEO of Wells Fargo Charles Scharf, CEO of Wells Fargo Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Wells Fargo has already shrunk its headcount by nearly a quarter since Charles Scharf joined in 2019, and he expects that trend to continue. "It's likely we'll have less headcount as we look forward ... we'd like to do much of it through attrition as possible," Scharf told Reuters this month. He said the lower headcount is an "outcome" of the firm's focus on areas where it's "way too inefficient" and "way too bureaucratic." From 2018 to June of this year, the firm had a $1.95 trillion asset cap, hindering its ability to grow. In the same interview, Scharf called out those who are saying that AI won't reduce jobs. "The opportunities that exist in AI are very significant, and anyone who sits here today and says that they don't think they'll have less head count because of AI either doesn't know what they're talking about or is just not being totally honest about it," he said. Brian Moynihan, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan, Bank of America CEO John Lamparski/Getty Images Bank of America has set a new industry standard, with a minimum wage of $25 an hour across the company. And while CEO Brian Moynihan conceded on a September Bloomberg TV interview that generative AI adoption has shrunk the size of some departments, the bank is focusing on training employees to do what LLMs cannot. "The key to that is really redeploying people and re-skilling them," he said. "We have to be more mindful about training them along multiple dimensions than we might have been two or three years ago." Read the original article on Business Insider Serbian dairy company Imlek is set to change hands ten years after private-equity investor MidEuropa acquired the business. London-headquartered MidEuropa is selling Imlek in a transaction led by investment firm AJFH subject to regulatory approvals. Financial details were not disclosed. AJFH is the family office of entrepreneur and investor Andrej Jovanovic, who is teaming up with Imlek CEO Bojan Radun to purchase the company, described in a separate statement as the leading dairy business in Serbia and the Balkans region. Based in the Padinska Skela area in Serbias capital city Belgrade, Imlek operates four production facilities processing 400 million litres of milk annually supplied from more than 3,500 farmers, according to the statement. Imlek also supplies a range of dairy products such as butter, yogurt, protein and flavoured milk drinks, cheese and kefir. As well as its namesake line, the company also owns the Moja Kravica, Mlekara Subotica, Grekos and Jogood brands. It sells products in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Macedonia. AJFH and Radun are joining forces to lead this regional champion into its next phase of growth, the statement read, noting the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter. Just Food has asked AJFH for details on the investment split, what its growth plans are for Imlek and for details on the dairy group's annual revenues and profits. Jovanovics was the co-founder and former owner of Serbian snack producer Marbo Products, now a subsidiary of PepsiCo. He was also CEO of local food-and-drinks business Moji Brendovi. Radun, meanwhile, has been CEO of Imlek since 2018. He also previously headed up local confectionery business Bambi and holds a significant interest in juice producer Nectar, according to the statement. Imlek is a remarkable company with deep roots, strong brands, and exceptional people, Radun said. Together with Andrej Jovanovic and the AJFH team, I am confident we can unlock even greater potential and reinforce Imleks role as the trusted dairy brand across the region. MidEuropa acquired Imlek as part of its transaction for Danube Foods Group, which had revenues of 400m ($461m today) in 2014. "Imlek CEO teams with AJFH to buy Serbian dairy business" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. Elon Musk said it's "crazy" that none of Tesla's rivals want to pay for its self-driving tech. Tesla has been talking about licensing its Full Self-Driving tech for years. FSD has faced scrutiny, with regulators launching a probe after reports of Teslas running red lights. Elon Musk can't understand why Tesla's rivals don't want to pay for its self-driving tech. The Tesla CEO said on Tuesday that other automakers aren't interested in licensing the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) software, despite his warnings that they risk dying out without it. "I've tried to warn them and even offered to license Tesla FSD, but they don't want it! Crazy" wrote Musk in a post on X. "When legacy auto does occasionally reach out, they tepidly discuss implementing FSD for a tiny program in 5 years with unworkable requirements for Tesla, so pointless," he added, following up with two dinosaur emojis. Tesla's Full Self-Driving technology enables the car to handle most tasks autonomously, but it still requires human supervision. Licensing it to other automakers has long been floated as a way for Tesla to monetize its autonomous vehicle push. Musk told investors in April 2024 that Tesla was in discussion with one major automaker over a deal, and in January said the EV giant had seen "significant interest" in paying for FSD. "I think the interest level from other manufacturers to license FSD will be extremely high once it is obvious that unless you have FSD, you're dead," the billionaire said on a January earnings call. Musk's latest comments suggest that Tesla won't be striking deals anytime soon. FSD speedbumps FSD and its predecessor, Autopilot, have faced significant regulatory scrutiny over the past few years. Last month, the US auto regulator launched an investigation into reports that Tesla vehicles equipped with FSD were running red lights and driving the wrong way down the road. It followed another probe covering 2.4 million FSD-equipped Teslas last year. Tesla has also faced numerous lawsuits over FSD and Autopilot. In August, Tesla was found partially liable for a deadly crash involving Autopilot and ordered to pay $242 million in damages. The company said it intends to appeal. None of this has stopped Tesla from going all in on self-driving. The company is racing to meet Musk's ambitious goal of expanding its robotaxi service to eight to 10 metro areas by the end of the year, and has recently cleared crucial regulatory hurdles in Nevada and Arizona. Given the ongoing volatility in the crypto world, Japan has prepared new regulations to protect investors. On 25 November 2025, Japans Financial Services Agency (FSA) revealed that it is implementing a new rule requiring crypto exchanges to maintain dedicated liability reserves. This fund will compensate users in the event of hacks, operational failures, or any such security incidents. Notably, the mandatory reserve requirements for the crypto exchanges will be based on trading volume and risk. According to local media, the move follows years of security breaches on Japanese crypto platforms, especially the Mt Gox incident. Just last month, Japans defunct Bitcoin crypto exchange Mt Gox- officially pushed back its creditor repayment deadline by yet another year. Nobuaki Kobayashi, the court-appointed rehabilitation trustee, confirmed that repayments (originally expected by 31 October 2025) will now be due by 31 October 2026. DISCOVER: Best New Cryptocurrencies to Invest in 2025 Mandatory Reserves Could Range From $12.7 Million To $255 Million Given the new recommendations, the mandatory reserve funds of the crypto exchanges can range from 2 billion to 40 billion. This will of course depend on trading volume and risk exposure. Furthermore, the FSA plans to submit the legislative amendment to parliament in 2026. This means, implementation will shortly follow approval in first half next year. Notably, the said crypto exchanges will be permitted to fulfill part of their reserve requirements through insurance coverage i.e. no large cash reserves but adequate user protection. EXPLORE: Top Solana Meme Coins to Buy in 2025 Japans FSA Advances Reforms That Would Permit Banks To Hold And Trade Bitcoin Parallel to security upgrades, Japans FSA is advancing reforms that would permit banks to hold and trade digital assets like Bitcoin for the first time ever. Currently, the 2020 legislation prohibits banks from golding crypto. But could the shift happen sooner rather than later? Japans cryptocurrency market continues to experience rapid growth with over 12 million registered crypto accounts as of February 2025. Discover: The 12+ Hottest Crypto Presales to Buy Right Now Read original story Japan Moves To Mandate Bank-Style Emergency Reserve Funds For Crypto Exchanges After Mt Gox Fiasco by Akriti Seth at 99bitcoins.com Photo by BeInCrypto Kakao Bank has reportedly shifted to active stablecoin development under founder Kim Beom-soo, while Naver is finalizing a merger with Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, South Korea's largest crypto exchange. These moves come as lawmakers push forward stablecoin bills that could reshape the country's digital financial landscape. Kakao Accelerates Stablecoin Development According to a local media report, Kakao Bank is building blockchain infrastructure for its planned stablecoin, "Kakao Coin," following an internal review. With its large user base across messaging, banking, and payments, Kakao aims to use its network to drive stablecoin adoption. Kim Beom-su, the founder of Kakao, is reported to lead the project. He was acquitted of market manipulation charges in his first trial in October. The move occurs during a global increase in stablecoin usage. TRM Labs reports that stablecoins accounted for 30% of all on-chain crypto transactions in 2025, with record volumes in August 2025. While financial institutions expand digital asset integration, Kakao positions itself as a key issuer despite regulatory uncertainty. South Korea's National Assembly has yet to enact comprehensive stablecoin regulation. This uncertainty forces firms such as Kakao to advance their projects amid competition and unclear rules. Naver-Dunamu Merger Reshapes Competition On Wednesday, Naver Financial and Dunamu are to hold their respective board meetings to approve an equity swap that will make Dunamu a wholly owned Naver subsidiary. The 20 trillion won merger unites Navers payment infrastructure (80 trillion won in annual payments) with Upbit, South Koreas leading crypto exchange. Dunamu founder Song Chi-hyung receives a 30% stake, reducing Naver's share to 17%. The merger is likely to enable instant stablecoin distribution on Navers platforms and leverage Dunamus regulatory experience. It may also lead to a US listing, as BeInCrypto reported. Once legislation is clear, the partnership could help Naver-Dunamu become a top issuer of won-backed stablecoins. Analysts say the merger, combining expertise in artificial intelligence, data, payments, and digital assets, could set the standard for stablecoin rollouts in South Korea. The move is widely seen as transformative for the nation's fintech sector. Legislative Race Shapes Regulatory Future Regulation remains the key hurdle. Majority Floor Leader Kim Byung-kee, a Democratic Party lawmaker, introduced the "Value-Stable Virtual Asset Issuance and User Protection Act." The bill mandates 100% cash or sovereign bond reserves, a 3% contingency fund, and issuance on public blockchains such as Ethereum or Solana. German confectionery group Katjes is reportedly close to striking a deal to buy snack brand Graze from Unilever. According to Sky News, Katjes is in advanced talks to acquire Graze for around 35m ($46.2m). Unilever declined to comment when approached by Just Food. At the time of writing, Katjes had not responded to requests for comment. Unilever acquired Graze in 2019 from private-equity firm The Carlyle Group. At the time, Sky News claimed the consumer goods company had paid around 150m for the brand. Graze originally started as a subscription-only service selling boxes healthier snacks centred on nuts and seeds. Last week, Reuters reported Unilever was weighing up whether to offload there UK brands Marmite, Colman's and Bovril. Back in March, when Unilever announced the sale of meat-free brand The Vegetarian Butcher, the company said it was looking to sharpen its portfolio for long-term growth and scalability, focusing on fewer, bigger brands. In January, Unilever also offloaded its pasta sauce retail range in Germany to Italian food producer Casalasco Group. The previous month it revealed received a binding offer from Dutch meat, snacks and soups producer Zwanenberg Food Group to acquire the Unox and Zwan food brands. The deal remains subject to competition approval in the Netherlands. Last month, Katjes acquired a 25% stake in German cookie-dough business SD Sugar Daddies for an undisclosed sum last month. The privately-owned group has bought UK businesses in the past. In 2022, Katjes snapped up gluten-free baked goods firm Genius Foods through its venture-capital arm Katjes Greenfood. Katjes also holds a majority share in UK vegan-confectionery business Candy Kittens after a deal struck in 2019. "Katjes Group in talks to buy Graze from Unilever " was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. Naver, South Koreas answer to Google, has moved closer to a deal that will see it snap up Upbit, the countrys biggest crypto exchange. Naver and its financial subsidiary Naver Financial plan to hold board meetings on November 26 to confirm a stock swap deal with Dumau, the Upbit operator. But the boards decisions appear to be a fait accompli, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported, quoting anonymous sources close to the deal. And Naver founder and chair Lee Hae-jin is scheduled to personally explain the merger plan with Dunamu at the meeting, before facing the media for a press conference on November 27. Dunamu CEO Song Chi-hyung will also attend the press event, to be held at the Naver headquarters in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province. The deal, details of which were first unveiled in September, will see Naver, which has a market cap of $39.2 billion, take control of Dumau. Upbits trading volumes over the past 24 hours were worth over $2 billion, Coingecko data shows. Naver-Dunamu merger roadmap Lee will reportedly unveil a merger roadmap to the board, which he is likely to make public at the press conference. The Naver board meeting appears to have been hurriedly arranged. Yonhaps sources said it will be held in a hybrid format, with some members joining in-person and others attending via video conferencing apps. Yonhap and other South Korean media outlets have confirmed that the merger between the two companies will involve a stock swap. This will see Dunamu shareholders exchange their existing shares for newly issued Naver Financial shares at an exchange ratio of 1:3. That means Dumanu shareholders are set to receive thee Naver Financial shares for every Dunamu share they own. Navers ownership stake in Naver Financial is currently 69%. The merger deal would see that stake diluted to around 17%, with Dunamu becoming a wholly owned Naver Financial subsidiary. However, regulatory red tape still poses a potential obstacle to the deal. South Korean lawmakers have accused Upbit of operating a de facto monopoly in the domestic crypto market. Upbit is one of only five exchanges in the country with a license that permits Korean won-crypto pairings. In October, the South Korean newspaper Seoul Kyungjae wrote that the domestic crypto market has effectively solidified into an Upbit monopoly. According to the South Korean financial regulator, the Financial Supervisory Service, Upbits share of total domestic crypto trading volumes in the first half of 2026 was 71.6%. Naver Financials flagship service is Naver Pay, South Koreas biggest digital payment platform. The firm also operates asset management and lending services for retail and business users. Tim Alper is a news correspondent at DL News. Got a tip? Email at tdalper@dlnews.com. Locksley Resources has begun its maiden El Campo drilling programme at the Mojave Project in California, marking a key phase in the companys exploration strategy. Earthworks contractors have mobilised to the El Campo Rare Earths Prospect, initiating drill site preparations for the five-hole diamond drilling campaign. This programme aims to assess the down-dip continuity of high-grade rare earth element-bearing breccia zones and shear structures, which have been previously mapped and sampled at surface. The drilling is expected to produce essential geological data to validate Locksleys exploration model and confirm the extension of mineralisation at depth. Situated in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project encompasses more than 491 claims spanning contiguous prospect areas including the North Block, Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. Locksley has also announced that following the conclusion of the US Government shutdown, the US Bureau of Land Management has accepted the required reclamation bond for the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM). The acceptance of this bond fulfils the final condition necessary for the approval of the expanded plan of operations. With the bond in place, the DAM diamond drilling programme is now fully permitted and ready to proceed, allowing for up to 16 drill-holes totalling approximately 2,300m. The Mojave Project is home to the historic DAM, which was last in operation in 1937. Demand for antimony is strong due to its vital applications in defence systems, semiconductors and metal alloys, stated the company. To maximise efficiency and minimise mobilisation costs, the company has planned a sequential drilling campaign at DAM. Upon completing the REE programme at El Campo, the diamond drill rig will be mobilised directly to the DAM prospect. This approach ensures a continuous stream of exploration updates and data throughout the first quarter (Q1) and Q2 2026, enabling the company to test the high-grade potential of both strategic commodities. Locksley Resources managing director and CEO Kerrie Matthews said: We are finishing 2025 with strong momentum. By commencing operations at El Campo and finalising the bond for DAM, we have effectively opened two fronts for exploration. To maximise efficiency and reduce mobilisation costs, the company has structured a sequential drilling campaign. The diamond drill rig at El Campo will mobilise directly to the DAM prospect upon completion of the El Campo REE programme. This ensures a continuous flow of exploration news and data through Q1 and Q2, 2026, testing the high-grade potential of both strategic commodities. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, 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. Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model . Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of Kawan Food Berhad ( KLSE:KAWAN ) as an investment opportunity by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. When compared to the industry average discount of -29%, Kawan Food Berhad's competitors seem to be trading at a greater premium to fair value Story Continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.7%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 8.5%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = RM19m (1 + 3.7%) (8.5% 3.7%) = RM414m Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM414m ( 1 + 8.5%)10= RM183m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM313m. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of RM1.0, the company appears around fair value at the time of writing. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. KLSE:KAWAN Discounted Cash Flow November 27th 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. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own 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 Kawan Food 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 8.5%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. 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. See our latest analysis for Kawan Food Berhad SWOT Analysis for Kawan Food Berhad Strength Currently debt free. Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Good value based on P/E ratio compared to estimated Fair P/E ratio. Threat Dividends are not covered by cash flow. Looking Ahead: Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Kawan Food Berhad, there are three important factors you should further examine: Risks: For example, we've discovered 2 warning signs for Kawan Food Berhad that you should be aware of before investing here. Future Earnings: How does KAWAN's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Renaults consensus analyst price target has been trimmed slightly, adjusting from 46.78 to 46.00. This modest decrease comes as market expectations shift amid a complex landscape for European automakers, who are balancing both risks and opportunities. Read on to discover the factors behind these updates and how you can stay informed as the Renault story continues to evolve. Analyst Price Targets don't always capture the full story. Head over to our Company Report to find new ways to value Renault. What Wall Street Has Been Saying Recent analyst coverage of Renault reflects both optimism and caution, as firms weigh the automaker's prospects against significant industry headwinds. The following sections summarize the latest bullish and bearish perspectives from major research houses. Bullish Takeaways BNP Paribas Exane, led by analyst Samuel Perry, reinstated coverage of Renault with an Outperform rating and a EUR 45 price target. This signals confidence in the companys ability to navigate the current market environment. The Outperform rating suggests recognition of Renaults execution quality and growth momentum, particularly as analysts look for strong cost control and transparency in a challenging sector. Despite broader industry risks, analysts see valuation support emerging. However, they note that upside may be partially priced in at current levels. Bearish Takeaways Goldman Sachs analyst Christian Frenes initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a EUR 36 price target, emphasizing the tumultuous times for European car manufacturers. The firm highlights pressures such as Chinese competition, ongoing electric vehicle shifts, currency volatility, tariffs, and stricter EU emission regulations. Goldman Sachs questions industry-wide negative industrial stub valuations, viewing them as premature. The firm notes that while Renault presents value, it may lack the attractive value seen in some premium peers. Do your thoughts align with the Bull or Bear Analysts? Perhaps you think there's more to the story. Head to the Simply Wall St Community to discover more perspectives or begin writing your own Narrative! ENXTPA:RNO Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025 What's in the News Maersk on Wednesday denied published reports that it has set a timeline to resume services through the Red Sea and Suez Canal shipping route. In a customer advisory, the worlds second-largest container line said As the safety of crew, vessels and cargo remains our top priority, we currently have no specific timing to change the Gemini east-west network to sailing through the Red Sea. Gemini is Maersks cooperative service arrangement with German carrier Hapag-Lloyd (HLAG.DE). The advisory follows media reports after the Suez Canal Authority on Tuesday released a statement that it had signed an agreement with the Copenhagen-based carrier to resume sailings through the Suez Canal by early December 2026. The trans-Suez route is the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient way for us to serve you with transport between Asia and Europe, said Maersk (MAERSK-B.CO). As efforts to stabilize the Red Sea continue to gain momentum, we are closely monitoring developments and explore (sic) opportunities for a safe and sustainable return to east-west Suez transits. A Maersk spokesman in an email to FreightWaves said that the signing was an extension of an existing agreement and not related to the Red Sea. He shared the text of the announcement which called for a normalization of Suez transits over time. Major carriers since early 2024 have diverted container and tanker voyages away from the Red Sea around the tip of Africa after Houthi militia in Yemen attacked shipping in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Fewer ships meant Egypt saw a drastic decline in toll revenue leading to concerns it would be forced to cut spending on social services at a time of increasing instability throughout the Middle East. The authority said 1,156 vessels transited the canal in November, up from 1,000 a year ago, as toll revenue increased by 21%. Considering the Gaza ceasefire progress, we closely monitor developments in the region, and we are continuously conducting detailed security assessments, Marsk said. When security conditions warrant it, Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk will carefully coordinate with our respective customers and important stakeholders to ensure an orderly transfer to a Suez-based network with minimal disruption to our customers supply chains. For other Maersk services the company said it will resume Suez transits when conditions permit and only once assessed to be safe and sustainable. This article was updated Nov. 26 to include a statement by Maersk. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here. Related coverage: CMA CGM connects U.S. services with new Vietnam barge Major U.S. exchanges are voicing concern as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) considers exemptions that could speed the introduction of tokenized stocks into mainstream markets. The debate escalated this week after the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) submitted a letter to the SECs Crypto Task Force, warning that broad exemptive relief could distort market structure and give lightly regulated crypto firms a competitive edge. Major Exchanges Urge Caution as SEC Considers Fast-Track Tokenization Exemptions The November 21 letter outlines what the WFE describes as mounting alarm over platforms offering tokenized versions of U.S. equities without the protections that apply to traditional securities. Many of these instruments are promoted as equivalents of listed shares but lack legal ownership rights, voting power, or clear channels for investor redress. Source: SEC The timing is significant, as SEC Chairman Paul Atkins has been working on what he calls an innovation exemption, a framework that would permit crypto firms to launch blockchain-based products under conditional relief while the agency finalizes long-term digital-asset rules. Atkins has argued that tokenization is inevitable and central to the Trump administrations strategy to position the U.S. as the hub of global digital finance. The agency is now reviewing proposals for tokenized stocks, bonds, and partnership interests, with major financial institutions already seeking approval. Tokenized stocks aim to represent traditional shares on a blockchain ledger, enabling round-the-clock global trading, faster settlement, and fractional access. Some structures replicate a stocks economic performance without conferring actual ownership, while others attempt to place registered equity directly on-chain. As securities, these instruments must be registered or fall under targeted SEC exemptions, a decision now at the center of the current debate. Exchanges argue that the stakes are high. In its letter, the WFE warned that if exemptions are granted too broadly, unregulated crypto platforms could siphon trading activity away from traditional markets, weakening price discovery and creating discrepancies between tokenized and underlying share prices. The group cited examples from overseas markets where synthetic stock tokens traded at materially different valuations, raising questions about accuracy and investor protection. The WFE also warned that tokenized equities could disrupt clearinghouse systems built around netting and collateral management, functions designed to reduce systemic risk. 24/7 Wall St. Over the past two years, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG)(NASDAQ:GOOGL), and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) have collectively committed nearly $3 trillion to AI infrastructure. Microsoft alone plans $80 billion in fiscal 2025 capex, mostly data centers; Alphabet raised its 2025 guidance to $75 billion; and Amazons AWS is on pace for $100+ billion annually by 2026. The stated goal: lock in dominance before rivals do. Wall Street cheers every upward revision, sending these stocks to repeated all-time highs. Earnings calls overflow with phrases like once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and land-grab phase. Analysts now bake in 20% to 30% cloud and AI revenue growth for the next half-decade. Yet beneath the euphoria is a quiet accounting choice that is making those rosy numbers possible -- and one investor says it wont end well. Doing the Work Investors Refuse To Michael Burry, the man who correctly called the subprime mortgage crisis in 2008, has taken aim at AI hype. Not just targeting Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), which he says is supplying an AI build out that doesn't have the end user demand to support it, but also the hyperscalers, accusing them of systematically under-depreciating the very GPUs and servers they brag about buying. In his new Substack, "Cassandra Unchained," Burry calls it one of the more common frauds of the modern era, not outright Enron-level fabrication, but aggressive life extensions that inflate current profits at the expense of future writedowns. He's doing the hard work most investors won't: digging into the SEC filings to find nuggets of concern companies don't want you to see. Depreciation of assets is one of them. Extending Life Beyond Usefulness Depreciation is the accounting process of spreading the cost of a physical asset (like servers or GPUs) over its estimated useful life. Instead of expensing the full purchase price in year one, a company recognizes a portion of the cost as an expense each year, reducing reported profits gradually while matching the expense to the periods the asset generates revenue. By extending the assumed life of these assets, companies are lowering their annual depreciation expense and boosting near-term earnings. If they shorten them -- which Burry argues they should -- it has the opposite effect. Burry says the industry could be understating depreciation by $176 billion between 2026 and 2028, enough to inflate combined earnings by roughly 20%. The timing is deliberate, as most of these chips wont hit the back half of their assumed lives until 2026 to 2027, conveniently after the current hype cycle peaks. With Microsoft (MSFT) poised to generate tremendous revenue from the top two artificial intelligence startups, MSFT stock is a buy at this point for investors looking for increased exposure to AI and/or Big Tech. Among the other important, positive attributes of MSFT stock are its strong financial results, its relatively low valuation, its high exposure to software, and its low risk, More News from Barchart About Microsoft One of the worlds leading software makers, MSFT markets the Windows operating system, along with the Office suite of software. The firm also provides cloud services through its Azure unit. Although the tech giant has a huge market capitalization of $3.5 trillion, its forward price-earnings ratio is a relatively low 29.8 times, while its trailing P/E ratio is just under 33 times. In Microsofts fiscal first quarter that ended in September, its revenue climbed 18% versus the same period a year earlier to $77.7 billion, while its operating income jumped 24% year-over-year to $38 billion. Suggesting that the name can rise a great deal in the longer term, its Relative Strength Index was just 32 as of Nov. 25. www.barchart.com The Implications of MSFT's New Deal With Anthropic Under the deal between Microsoft, Anthropic, and Nvidia (NVDA) announced on Nov. 18, Anthropic agreed to spend $30 billion on MSFTs compute capacity, along with obtaining up to 1 gigawatt of additional computing power from the tech giant. Further, Nvidia will invest as much as $10 billion in Anthropic, and MSFT will provide the startup with up to $5 billion. Also noteworthy is that Anthropic will scale its Claude AI model on Microsoft Azure, powered by NVIDIA technology. Although Microsoft has made some minor deals with Anthropic in the past, this appears to be the first time that the two firms have signed major, multibillion dollar contracts. And as a result of these agreements, the tech giants cloud unit is likely, for the foreseeable future, to get large amounts of revenue from the two hottest, biggest startups in the AI space: Anthropic and OpenAI. Those revenue streams should help enable MSFTs Azure to continue growing very rapidly in the longer term. (MSFTs sales from Azure and other cloud services jumped 40% year-over-year in MSFTs Q1). While many people call into The Ramsey Show seeking advice on things like buying a home or getting out of debt, some people call in sharing situations that arent exactly standard personal finance topics. Take Eden, for example. Eden, who lives in Missouri, called in seeking help on an alarming situation: how do I stop my fiancees mother from stealing her student loans? Must Read Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP According to Eden, his fiancees mother has been managing her daughters finances for years. In fact, Edens fiancees student loans have been going directly into her mothers checking account, and from there the mother has been transferring the student loan money into a savings account for her daughter. But Edens fiancee doesnt control this savings account, and can only view the accounts balance with permission from her mother. What in the Britney Spears conservatorship is going on here, dude? asked host George Kamel. Why does she have control of a grown womans finances? Excellent question, replied a frustrated Eden. Edens fiancee had recently transferred from university to community coverage in order to complete her nursing program. And while the couple confirmed that Edens fiancees student loan payments were being sent to the university, the couple isnt sure that the student loan funds are now making their way to the community college. In fact, Eden says he and his fiancee noticed that money tends to go missing from time to time. Her mom was actually taking little amounts, said Eden. Making matters worse, Edens future mother-in-law seems to dodge the question whenever he and his fiancee ask about the savings account. With this in mind, Kamel and co-host John Delony weighed in with what could be a hard truth for Edens fiancee to accept: this may not just be a case of an overbearing mother it could be financial fraud. I would not get married until we solve this Shes essentially committed identity theft and fraud, said Kamel of Edens fiancees mother, assuming the accusations are true. And Delony agreed, calling the situation a huge red flag. Kamel and Delonys advice was blunt: Edens fiancee needs to take control of her finances immediately. That starts with freezing her credit report to prevent new loans from being taken out in her name, pulling her credit history to review all current debts, and contacting the community college to confirm whether student loan funds were actually paid toward tuition. Crypto-focused financial technology company MoonPay has been approved to operate as a New York Limited Purpose Trust Company, giving it a green light to offer crypto custody and over-the-counter (OTC) trading services to institutions under the oversight of one of the most closely watched financial regulators in the U.S. The company, known for providing crypto on-ramps and payments infrastructure, is now part of a short list of digital asset firms including Coinbase, PayPal and Ripple that hold both a BitLicense and a Trust Charter from the New York State Department of Financial Services (NYDFS). The dual licenses allow MoonPay to expand its reach into regulated services for institutional and enterprise clients. The charter gives MoonPay the legal framework to act as a fiduciary, meaning it can safeguard digital assets on behalf of clients, a key requirement for firms like banks or asset managers considering crypto exposure. Receiving our New York Trust Charter reflects our commitment to meeting the highest standards of compliance, security, and governance, said Ivan Soto-Wright, MoonPays CEO, in a statement. It enables us to deepen relationships with global financial institutions, expand our regulated service offerings, and continue bridging traditional and digital finance in a trusted way. While MoonPay is best known for enabling crypto purchases through credit card and other fiat payment methods, the launch of MoonPay Trust Company broadens its ambitions. In theory, it now has a clearer route to issue a stablecoin that complies with New York rules, though any such move would require separate NYDFS approval. A regulated trust charter also signals credibility to traditional financial institutions, which remain cautious about working with crypto firms due to ongoing regulatory uncertainty in the U.S. MoonPays new status could make it a more attractive partner for banks, fintechs and global payment networks looking to enter the crypto space without running afoul of regulators. Jensen Huang, the chief executive of Nvidia, dismissed suggestions of a bubble - Lisi Niesner/Reuters Nvidia has insisted it is not facing an Enron-style financial scandal, as the chipmaker hit back at short-sellers betting against an AI bubble. The worlds most valuable company has sought to ease market concerns by writing to analysts to contest claims by Michael Burry, the trader who predicted the 2008 housing crisis. In particular, Nvidia said it is not artificially inflating revenues, rejecting claims by Mr Burry that the AI sector is being propped up by a string of circular deals, rather than genuine demand from businesses using the technology. The note to analysts emerged as Nvidias shares suffered a fresh sell-off on Tuesday, plunging 6pc after it emerged rival Google was in talks to offer its own chips to Facebook owner Meta. This also led to shares in Alphabet, Googles parent company, climbing by 4pc as investors anticipate the business gaining ground on Nvidia in the race to dominate AI. Nvidia became the first company to be valued at $5tn in October, although its share price has fallen in recent weeks owing to concerns that AI stocks have become overvalued. It was worth around $4.2tn on Tuesday. In its note to analysts, first reported by Barrons, Nvidia pushed back on claims it has been fuelling an AI bubble and insisted its business does not resemble historical accounting frauds. Nvidia said that unlike Enron the US energy giant which collapsed into bankruptcy in 2001 it has not been attempting to conceal any debt and is not distorting its sales. It also rejected comparisons to WorldCom and Lucent, one-time US telecoms giants that were both accused of fraud at the height of the dotcom bubble. Nvidias rebuttal comes after Mr Burry, who inspired the book and Hollywood film The Big Short, has raised concerns over the tech giants accounting techniques, including its reporting of share compensation schemes. He has claimed that a web of circular deals among the worlds biggest AI companies, led by Nvidia, amounts to suspicious revenue recognition and that true demand for a wave of AI tools is ridiculously small. Almost all customers are funded by their dealers, he said in a post on social media last week. The investor has also claimed the way Nvidias graphics chips are accounted for is incorrect, claiming they have a much shorter use life than has been suggested. Last month, he revealed bets against Nvidia and Palantir of more than $1bn (760m), allowing him to make a significant profit if the stock fell. However, in its note to analysts, Nvidia said: Nvidias underlying business model is economically sound, our reporting is complete and transparent, and we care about our reputation for integrity. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is telling employees to lean into artificial intelligence as much as possibleand to stop worrying that doing so will automate them out of a job. Speaking at an all-hands meeting last Thursday, the day after the chipmaker reported another quarter of record results, Huang reacted sharply to reports that some managers inside the company were urging teams to dial back their AI use. Business Insider listened to the meeting. My understanding is Nvidia has some managers who are telling their people to use less AI, Huang said. Are you insane? I want every task that is possible to be automated with artificial intelligence to be automated with artificial intelligence, he added. I promise you, you will have work to do. Huang told staff that Nvidias own software engineers use AI coding assistant Cursor, and urged workers to keep relying on AI tools even when they fall short. If AI does not yet work for a particular task, he said, employees should use it until it does and jump in and help make it better, because we have the power to do so. Silicon Valley leans into AI Nvidia isnt alone in this strategy to use AI to build AI. Microsoft in June told staffers that using AI is no longer optional and is baking tools like GitHub Copilot into internal workflows, while Meta plans to factor employees AI usage into performance reviews. Google in June also told engineers to start using the companys own Gemini AI for coding, and Amazon employees actually asked the company if it could adopt Cursor for coding purposes as well. Inside Nvidia, though, Huang made it clear to employees that AI will help them, not replace them. He pointed to the companys growing workforce, saying Nvidia hired several thousand people in the most recent quarter while noting headcount is probably still about 10,000 short. Nvidia is also establishing new offices in the U.S. and Asia, including in Shanghai and Taipei. All eyes on Nvidia Of course, theres been a lot of talk about an AI bubble recently, and Huang acknowledged these discussions with employees too. He told employees the market did not appreciate Nvidias incredible quarter: After delivering record-shattering earnings and raising its guidance for the next quarter, the stock initially jumped but then fell the next day as investors again questioned how long the AI spending boom can last. If we delivered a bad quarter, it is evidence theres an AI bubble. If we delivered a great quarter, we are fueling the AI bubble, Huang said, adding Nvidia is in a no-win scenario. If we delivered a bad quarter, if were off by just a hair, if it just looked a little bit creaky, the whole world wouldve fallen apart. By Stephen Nellis SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, has gone on the defensive against skeptics of its $4.5 trillion valuation, down from a historic $5 trillion, by waging an information campaign on Wall Street and social media. Last week, the company issued a detailed memo to sell-side stock analysts with a point-by-point rebuttal of claims made by Michael Burry, who was featured in the book and movie "The Big Short," and others writing on Substack. Burry, who shot to fame for betting against the U.S. housing market ahead of the 2008 financial crisis, is widely watched by investors for his comments on markets and the economy; he has stepped up criticism of Nvidia in recent weeks in a new newsletter. The memo, seen by Reuters, was published in full by research firm Bernstein on Wednesday. In it, Nvidia responded to a Substack essay by a different author that purported to use an AI analysis of Nvidia's public financial disclosures to show that inventories were piling up and customers were unable to pay. Nvidia also provided a detailed rebuttal, pointing to its publicly available disclosures, to say why it should not be compared to historical accounting frauds such as WorldCom, Lucent or Enron. But Nvidia did concede that its most recent Blackwell chips had lower gross margins and higher warranty costs than previous models due to the Blackwell's complexity. Nvidia did not respond to a request for comment on the memo. The memo was published by Bernstein a day after Nvidia's shares declined following the release of a report from technology publication The Information saying Meta Platforms was in discussions with Alphabet's Google to use Google AI chips that compete with Nvidia's semiconductors. Nvidia publicly responded to the story on X, saying it is "delighted by Google's success" but that its chips remain "a generation ahead" of its rivals. The post itself drew questions and criticism from users on X who wondered why Nvidia was taking to social media to defend itself against Google, which is one of Nvidia's major customers. "Surely someone at Nvidia sees how bad this looks ... right?" wrote Susan Zhang, a researcher at Google's DeepMind, with more than 38,000 followers. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus) Nvidia is usually the company other firms have to respond to. Not the other way around. But on Tuesday, the $4 trillion chipmaker did something rare: It took to X to publicly defend itself after a report suggested that one of its biggest customers, Meta, is considering shifting part of its AI infrastructure to Googles in-house chips, called TPUs. The defensive move came after Nvidia stock fell over 2.5% on the news, and near the close, while shares of Alphabetbuoyed by its well-reviewed new Gemini 3 model, which was acclaimed by well-known techies such as Salesforce CEO Marc Benioffclimbed for a third day in a row. The catalyst was a report from The Information claiming that Google has been pitching its AI chips, known as TPUs, to outside companies including Meta and several major financial institutions. Google already rents those chips to customers through its cloud service, but expanding TPU use into customers own data centers would mark a major escalation of its rivalry with Nvidia. That was enough to rattle Wall Street, and also Nvidia itself. Were delighted by Googles successtheyve made great advances in AI, and we continue to supply to Google, Nvidia wrote in a post on X. Nvidia is a generation ahead of the industryits the only platform that runs every AI model and does it everywhere computing is done. Its not hard to read between the lines. Googles TPUs might be gaining traction, but Nvidia wants investors, and its customers, to know that it still sees itself as unstoppable. Brian Kersmanc, a bearish portfolio manager at GQG Partners, had predicted this moment. In an interview with Fortune late last week, he warned that the industry was beginning to recognize Googles chips as a viable alternative. Something I think was very understated in the media, which is fascinating, but Alphabet, Googles Gemini 3 model, they said that they use their own TPUs to train that model, Kersmanc said. So the Nvidia argument is that theyre on all platforms, while arguably the most successful AI company now, which is [Google], didnt even use GPUs to train their latest model. Why Google suddenly matters again For most of the past decade, Googles AI chips were treated as a clever in-house tool: fast, efficient, and tightly integrated with Googles own systems, but not a true threat to Nvidias general-purpose GPUs, which monopolize more than 90% of the AI accelerator market. Part of that is architectural. TPUs are ASICs, custom chips optimized for a narrow set of workloads. Nvidia, in its X post, made sure to underline the contrast. Oil was nearly flat as investors await the next steps in US-led efforts to end the war in Ukraine, while looking ahead to an OPEC+ gathering this weekend. Brent was above $63 a barrel, marginally higher for the week, in thin trading due to the Thanksgiving holiday in the US. Prices swung in the past two sessions as investors weighed White House optimism over a peace deal and potential implication for Russian supplies against familiar quandaries that led past attempts to fail. Most Read from Bloomberg With presidential envoy Steve Witkoff set to lead an American delegation to Moscow next week, the picture remains blurred for now. Russias Vladimir Putin said Thursday the US plan could prove the basis for a deal, but that some points require discussion. Almost 20 oil traders and investors interviewed by Bloomberg said they either werent expecting a peace deal at all, or if one did materialize, it would take time to boost flows of Russian barrels. OPEC and its allies, meanwhile, are set to meet Nov. 30. Eight of the groups members decided earlier this month to pause further output increases in the first quarter of next year, after ramping up supplies at speed over 2025. Crude is on track to register a fourth monthly drop in November, the longest losing run since 2023. Prices have been tugged lower by prospects for a surplus, as supplies run ahead of demand, and more recently, the diplomacy over Ukraine. Geopolitical volatility continues and hopes of a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have neutralized the supply concerns arising from new US sanctions on key Russian producers, Barclays analyst Amarpreet Singh wrote in a note. Even if there was a diplomatic breakthrough, it would be unlikely to lead to a material increase in Russian output in 2026. --With assistance from Charlie Zhu, Sarah Chen and Peter Millard. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2025 Bloomberg L.P. That viewpoint was completely different from what I heard from the executives I met in Asia. Here, the concern was much more about having control over both data and costs. On these metrics, open source models tended to win out. Jinhui Yuan, the cofounder and CEO of SiliconFlow, a leading Chinese AI cloud hosting service, said that his company had developed numerous techniques to run open source models more cost-effectively, meaning using them to accomplish a task was significantly cheaper than trying to do the same thing with proprietary AI models. Whats more, he said that most of his customers had found that if they fine-tuned an open source model on their own data for a specific use case, they could achieve performance levels that beat proprietary modelswithout any risk of leaking sensitive or competitive data. That was a point that Vertexs Pang also emphasized. He cautioned that while proprietary model providers also offer companies services to fine-tune on their own data, usually with assurances that this data will not be used for wider training by the AI vendor, you never know what happens behind the scenes. Using a proprietary model also means you are giving up control over a key cost. He says he tells the startups he is advising that if they are building an application that is fundamental to their competitive advantage or core product, they should build it on open source. If you are a startup building an AI native application and you are selling that as your main service, you better jolly well control the technology stack, and to be able to control it, open source would be the way to go, he said. Cynthia Siantar, the CEO of Dyna.AI , which is based in Singapore and builds AI applications for financial services, also said she felt some of the Chinese open source models performed much better in local languages. Hello and welcome to Eye on AI. In this edition.Gemini 3 puts Google at the top of the AI leaderboardsthe White House delays an Executive Order banning state level AI regulationTSMC sues a former exec now at Intel Google Research develops a new, post-Transformer AI architectureOpenAI is pushing user engagement despite growing evidence that some users develop harmful dependencies and delusions after prolonged chatbot interactions. I spent last week at the Fortune Innovation Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where I moderated several panel discussions around AI and its impacts. Among the souvenirs that I came back from KL with was a newfound appreciation for the extent to which businesses outside the U.S. and Europe really want to build on open source AI models and the extent to which they are gravitating to open source models from China. My colleague Bea Nolan wrote a bit about this phenomenon in this newsletter a few weeks ago, but being on the ground in Southeast Asia really brought the point home: the U.S., despite having the most capable AI models out there, could well lose the AI race. And the reason is, as Chan Yip Pang, the executive director at Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India, said on a panel I moderated in KL, that the U.S. AI companies build for perfection while the Chinese AI companies build for diffusion. One sometimes hears a U.S. executive, such as Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, willing to say that they like Chinese open source AI models because they offer good enough performance at a very affordable price. But that attitude remains, for now at least, unusual. Many of the U.S. and European executives I talk to say they prefer the performance advantages of proprietary models from OpenAI, Anthropic, or Google. For some tasks, even an 8% performance advantage (which is the current gap separating top proprietary models from Chinese open source models on key software development benchmarks) can mean the difference between an AI solution that meets the threshold for being deployed at scale and one that doesnt. These execs also say they have more confidence in the safety and security guardrails built around these proprietary models. Story continues But what about the argument that open source AI is less secure? Cassandra Goh, the CEO of Silverlake Axis, a Malaysian company that provides technology solutions to financial services firms, said that models had to be secured within a systemfor instance, with screening tools applied to prompts to prevent jailbreaking and to outputs to filter out potential problems. This was true whether the underlying model was proprietary or open source, she said. The conversation definitely made me think that OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which are rapidly trying to expand their global footprint, may run into headwinds, particularly in the middle income countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America. It is further evidence that the U.S. probably needs to do far more to develop a more robust open source AI ecosystem beyond Meta, which has been the only significant American player in the open source frontier model space to date. (IBM has some open source foundation models but they are not as capable as the leading models from OpenAI and Anthropic.) Should bridge countries band together? And thats not the only way in which this trip to Asia proved eye-opening. It was also fascinating to see the plans to build out AI infrastructure throughout the region. The Malaysian state of Johor, in particular, is trying to position itself as the data center hub for not just nearby Singapore, but for much of Southeast Asia. (Discussions about a tie-up with nearby Indonesia to share data center capacity are already underway.) Johor has plans to bring on 5.8 gigawatts of data center projects in the coming years, which would consume basically all of the states current electricity generation capacity. The stateand Malaysia as a wholehas plans to add significantly more electricity generation, from both gas-powered plants and big solar farms, by 2030. Yet concerns are growing about what this generation capacity expansion will mean for consumer electricity bills and whether the data centers will drink up too much of the regions fresh water. (Johor officials have told data center developers to pause development of new water-cooled facilities until 2027 amid concerns about water shortages.) Exactly how important regional players will align in the growing geopolitical competition between the U.S. and China over AI technology is a hot topic. Many seem eager to find a path that would allow them to use technology from both superpowers, without having to choose a side or risk becoming a servant of either power. But whether they will be able to walk this tightrope is a big open question. Earlier this week, a group of 30 policy experts from Mila (the Quebec Artificial Intelligence Institute founded by AI godfather and Turing Award winner Yoshua Bengio), the Oxford Martin AI Governance Initiative, and a number of other European, East Asian, and South Asian institutions jointly issued a white paper calling on a number of middle income countries (which they called bridge powers) to band together to develop and share AI capacity and models so that they could achieve a degree of independence from American and Chinese AI tech. Whether such an alliancea kind of non-aligned movement of AIcan be achieved diplomatically and commercially, however, seems highly uncertain. But it is an idea that I am sure politicians in these bridge countries will be considering. With that, heres the rest of todays AI news. Jeremy Kahn jeremy.kahn@fortune.com @jeremyakahn If you want to learn more about how AI can help your company to succeed and hear from industry leaders on where this technology is heading, I hope youll consider joining me at Fortune Brainstorm AI San Francisco on Dec. 89. Among the speakers confirmed to appear so far are Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian, Intuit CEO Sasan Goodarzi, Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi, Glean CEO Arvind Jain, Amazons Panos Panay, and many more. Register now. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com COCO sells coconut water, sparkling water, coconut milk, and oil products in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East through it brands Vita Coco, Runa, and Ever & Ever. Its third-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report showed a 37% jump in net sales (to $182 million), net income of $24 million ($0.40 per diluted share), $204 million in cash with no debt, and increased full-year net sales guidance to an upper end of $595 million. Its no wonder COCO shares are up 44% in the last year and they could rise more. MoneyFlows data shows how Big Money investors are again betting heavily on the stock. Big Money Thirsty for Vita Coco Institutional volumes reveal plenty. In the last year, COCO has enjoyed strong investor demand, which we believe to be institutional support. Each green bar signals unusually large volumes in COCO shares. They reflect our proprietary inflow signal, pushing the stock higher: Source: www.moneyflows.com Plenty of staples names are under accumulation right now. But theres a powerful fundamental story happening with Vita Coco. Vita Coco Fundamental Analysis Institutional support and a healthy fundamental backdrop make this company worth investigating. As you can see, COCO has had strong sales and earnings growth: 3-year sales growth rate (+10.9%) 3-year EPS growth rate (+149.9%) Source: FactSet Also, EPS is estimated to ramp higher this year by +22.4%. Now it makes sense why the stock has been generating Big Money interest. COCO has a track record of strong financial performance. Marrying great fundamentals with MoneyFlows software has found some big winning stocks over the long term. Vita Coco has become a top-rated stock at MoneyFlows. That means the stock has unusual buy pressure and growing fundamentals. We have a ranking process that showcases stocks like this on a weekly basis. Its seen seven outlier inflow signals in the last year, rising 48% since the first one. The blue bars below show when COCO was a top pick on the Outlier 20 reportBig Money loves it: Source: www.moneyflows.com Tracking unusual volumes reveals the power of money flows. This is a trait that most outlier stocks exhibitthe best of the best. Big Money demand drives stocks upward. Vita Coco Price Prediction The COCO action isnt new at all. Big Money buying in the shares is signaling to take notice. Given the historical gains in share price and strong fundamentals, this stock could be worth a spot in a diversified portfolio. Disclosure: the author holds no position in COCO at the time of publication. If you are a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) or are a serious investor, take your investing to the next level and follow our free weekly MoneyFlows insights. By Carmel Crimmins DUBLIN (Reuters) -The world economy is undergoing transformative changes beyond U.S. tariffs and Europe needs to start finding growth at home because its traditional sources of income are drying up, European Central Bank chief economist Philip Lane said. Europe has barely grown since the pandemic as China is crowding it out on key export markets, industry is losing competitiveness, domestic consumers would rather save than spend, and now U.S. tariffs on imports are adding to the pressure on overseas sales. China, long a top consumer of European goods, has also built up rival industries with top know-how, shifting from being a buyer to a competitor, narrowing the window for European exports, Lane told the Reuters Econ World podcast. "The comparative advantage pattern in the world has turned," Lane said. "China's now very strong in lots of sectors." "Regardless of the geopolitics, there's also a basic economic reality: the kind of relative attractiveness of exporting versus domestic sales has changed." US NOT SUCH A BIG WORRY? U.S. tariffs may exacerbate Europe's export problem but Lane was sanguine on the issue, arguing that the AI boom and high government spending were keeping U.S. demand high, limiting the trade hit. "Under those circumstances, the ability of firms to pass through tariff hikes to the American importer and also the American consumer is reasonably robust," Lane said. "The U.S. is important, but it's not the predominant driver of the European economy." However, tariffs did reroute global trade flows, particularly in Asia, and Europe now faces more Chinese competition even at home, Lane argued. "China is now exporting more to Southeast Asia, Southeast Asia is exporting more to the U.S., and China is also exporting more to Europe and to other parts of the world economy," Lane said. "That is a very big reconfiguration for the world." FOCUS ON THE DOMESTIC MARKET Europe should never voluntarily retreat from export markets since trade is a positive-sum exercise, but a domestic market of 350 million people provides ample opportunity for growth, if the bloc only managed to remove more of its internal barriers, he said. "The lesson from the U.S. is really having a genuine single market," Lane said. "We need the scale ... if we're going to really have a return on the kind of investments that are most germane in a basically digital economy." "To get to scale, it's pretty difficult when you break up the European Union into 27 member countries," Lane said. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. (Bloomberg) -- Apollo Global Management Inc. Chief Executive Officer Marc Rowan rejected the notion that adding private assets to retirement and insurance portfolios can pose a systemic risk, calling concerns about such holdings overblown. Most private credit held by insurers and pension fund buyers is rated investment grade, the CEO told investors Monday, pushing back on the idea that the asset class is less transparent than traditional loans. Lenders can get direct access to borrowers management, he said. And Apollos exchange-traded private credit fund with State Street Corp., for example, provides price updates daily. Elsewhere at Apollo, he said, the firm has traded $6 billion in its investment-grade private credit business. People have really just lost their minds, and the headlines get more and more hysterical and have almost nothing to do with the substance, Rowan said as part of a presentation on Apollos retirement services business. Alternative asset managers have been snapping up insurers in recent years, gaining access to a stable source of long-term capital to fuel their investments. Apollo pioneered the model, with its insurance arm, Athene, investing in financial products created by its asset-management division. Rowan pointed out Monday that Apollo has a first-mover advantage in this area. Recently, though, the close ties between private equity and insurers have drawn scrutiny, as the latter had traditionally put their money in the most liquid parts of the market like high-grade bonds and stocks. The recent blow-ups of auto-parts firm First Brands Group and subprime auto lender Tricolor Holdings have exacerbated fears about credit losses across the financial industry. Last month, economists at the Bank for International Settlements took a broad look at how practices have changed within the industry and estimated that publicly traded North American life insurers would face a capital shortfall of about $150 billion in the event of a severe economic downturn. Thats more than triple the figure two decades ago. If we look at the insurance business, to me, there is a looming systemic risk coming through, UBS Group AG Chairman Colm Kelleher said at a global summit in Hong Kong earlier this month. Rowan addressed those comments during Apollos third-quarter earnings call, telling analysts that Athene doesnt use Egan-Jones Ratings Co., whose business practices are being scrutinized by the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Colm is just wrong, he said earlier this month, referring to the UBS chairs comments. A rising gross margin indicates that a company is scaling efficiently. It signals a shift away from expensive hardware testing toward high-margin software and service operations. This is the holy grail for tech sector investors, as it suggests the business can grow without costs spiraling out of control. Perhaps the most critical data point for long-term investors is gross margin. In the third quarter of 2024, WeRides gross margin was a thin 6.5%, typical for a hardware-heavy manufacturing phase. In this latest report, that figure expanded to 32.9%. Product Revenue: This segment, which includes the sale of Robobuses and autonomous sweepers, grew 428% to $11.1 million. Total revenue for the quarter hit RMB 171 million (approx. $24 million USD), representing a 144.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven by two distinct engines: WeRide reported a 761% year-over-year (YOY) jump in robotaxi revenue, which marks a potential inflection point for the industry. For the first time, the firm is offering evidence that it has moved from R&D mode to commercial viability, and Wall Street has taken notice. WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD) shares jumped 14.7% to $8.26 after its third-quarter earnings release. Despite geopolitical headwinds and a 73.8% year-to-date (YTD) decline, WeRide finally gave investors something concrete: real revenue growth and improving margins . For years, the autonomous vehicle (AV) sector has been defined by a frustrating narrative of high cash burn and distant promises. Investors have watched billions of dollars vanish into research and development (R&D) with very little revenue to show for it. Now as November ends, that narrative is beginning to shift. A dramatic expansion in gross margins indicates WeRide is transitioning from hardware testing to a scalable, high-value software business model. The company has now successfully launched fully driverless commercial operations in Abu Dhabi, paving the way for a highly profitable global expansion strategy. Story Continues While WeRide is not yet profitable, it is moving in the right direction. The net loss for the quarter narrowed by 71% to $43.2 million. Adjusted for non-cash items, the loss was $38.7 million. This reduction is significant because it shows that revenue growth is outpacing operating expense growth. A Blueprint for Profit: The Abu Dhabi Model WeRide's revenue jump is not an accidentit is the direct result of a strategic pivot. While the United States has effectively closed its doors to Chinese autonomous technology, WeRide has found a lucrative market in the Middle East. In October 2025, WeRide secured the world's first city-level fully driverless robotaxi permit outside the U.S. in Abu Dhabi, a transformative agreement. The permit allows the company to remove the safety driver from the front seat, the biggest expense in the robotaxi business model. Partnering with Uber (NYSE: UBER), WeRide sells the vehicles and provides the autonomous tech, while Uber handles customer acquisition. This structure delivers upfront product revenue and ongoing service revenuewithout the need for a consumer-facing fleet. CEO Tony Han revealed that a robotaxi breaks even at roughly 12 trips per day. The company's current utilization target is 25 trips per day with 24/7 service, which would make each vehicle a standalone profit generator. Cash Is King: A Billion Dollar War Chest Autonomous driving is a capital-intensive business. Critics often cite high cash burn rates as a reason to steer clear of this part of the transportation sector. However, WeRides latest report offers a strong rebuttal to liquidity concerns. As of Sept. 30, 2025, WeRide held approximately $764.1 million in cash, cash equivalents, and wealth management products. This figure excludes the roughly $308 million raised during the companys recent dual listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in November. When combining these figures, WeRide effectively has over $1 billion in accessible liquiditya massive competitive advantage. The case provides a multi-year runway to continue R&D (which currently accounts for 73% of operating expenses) without the immediate need to dilute shares further. Because of these facotors, WeRide is financially positioned to weather economic downturns while competitors may struggle to raise funds. The Geopolitical Pivot: Risk vs. Reward Investors must acknowledge the elephant in the room: The U.S. Commerce Department has issued a final rule banning Chinese connected vehicle software starting in 2027. This effectively locks WeRide out of the American market. However, the market reaction to the Q3 earnings suggests this risk is already priced in. By succeeding in the UAE and securing new permits in Singapore and Switzerland, the company has proven that the Total Addressable Market (TAM) outside of the United States is large enough to support a viable business. WeRide now holds autonomous driving permits in eight countries, including Belgium, France, and Singapore. The company has accumulated over 55 million kilometers of Level 4 (L4) autonomous mileage, a data advantage that is difficult for new entrants to replicate. The companys success in the Middle East validates the thesis that autonomous driving is a global revolution, not just an American one. Beyond the Taxi: The Dual Flywheel Effect While the robotaxi segment is grabbing headlines, WeRide is not a one-hit wonder. The company operates a dual-flywheel strategy that leverages its technology to generate immediate cash flow while the robotaxi network scales. The companys WePilot 3.0 system achieved Start of Production (SOP) in November 2025. WePilot 3.0 is an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) sold directly to automakers for mass-market passenger cars. WeRide is currently rolling this out with partners and has been nominated by the GAC Group for future models. Selling software to carmakers generates immediate revenue and provides vast amounts of driving data, which in turn helps refine the algorithms used in the robotaxis. Despite the 14.7% rally, WeRide shares are still trading down approximately 74% YTD. This steep decline attracted significant short interest, which rose nearly 35% in October. The strong earnings report likely triggered a bit of a short squeeze, forcing bears to buy back stock to cover their losses. For new investors, the Abu Dhabi Model offers tangible proof of concept. If WeRide can replicate this unit-economic success in Singapore and Dubai, the current valuation (trading significantly below its IPO levels) could represent a deep-value opportunity in the artificial intelligence sector. The article "From Science Project to Solvent: WeRides 761% Revenue Surge" was originally published by MarketBeat. SK Biopharmaceuticals has in-licensed its second radiopharmaceutical this time from a US-based academic organisation in a bid to enhance its oncology pipeline. Through its deal with the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF), the South Korean biotech has acquired the institutions carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9)-targeting preclinical asset, WT-7695. Although financial details of the deal were not disclosed, SK now has the exclusive global rights to develop, manufacture and market WT-7695, which was previously forged in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. WT-7695 is a small molecule radiopharmaceutical that targets and binds to the transmembrane protein, CA9, which plays a key role in maintaining intracellular pH. The target is highly expressed in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and a variety of solid tumour types, including pancreatic and colorectal cancer while demonstrating low expression in normal tissues. Under hypoxic conditions, CA9 often contributes to cancer cell growth and metastasis. According to SK, preclinical studies involving WT-7695 demonstrate the drugs potential to become a best-in-class radiopharmaceutical candidate. Following its acquisition of the radiopharmaceutical, SK will conduct global clinical trials, which will be conducted in the US. SKs deal with the WARF follows the companys call to license neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1)-targeting radiopharmaceutical, SKL35501, from Full-Life Technologies in July 2024. These oncology deals add a new area of focus to SKs pipeline, which is primarily dedicated to drugs targeting the central nervous system (CNS). WT-7695 and SKL35501 are joined by a p300 degrader currently in the discovery stage in SKs oncology portfolio. CA9 target takes APACs fancy While CA9 remains a relatively new target within the oncology field, certain institutions and companies across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region are betting on the target. This includes Australian biopharma company Telix Pharmaceuticals, which is currently planning to conduct its first in-human study on its radionuclide drug conjugate (RDC) hopeful, TLX-252. According to GlobalDatas Pharmaceutical Intelligence Center, the trial is set to initiate in 2026. GlobalData is the parent company of Clinical Trials Arena. Meanwhile, Japanese biotech PeptiDream filed an investigational new drug (IND) application with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on 25 November for its CA9-binding radiopharmaceutical, [225Ac]PD-32766. If approved, this will see the candidate enter Phase I trials in ccRCC. Czech commercial bank Ceskoslovenska obchodni banka (CSOB) has selected Camunda as its process orchestration and automation platform to modernise its core banking operations. Under the partnership, Camunda will simplify CSOBs product portfolio, optimise internal workflows, and reduce system complexity. CSOB selected Camunda after a request-for-proposal process that involved more than 40 internal stakeholders, based on its scalability, performance, and cost-effective features. The implementation is part of CSOBs broader transformation programme, which aims to establish an advanced platform across the organisation. CSOB executive director Tomas Sobotka said: Camunda helps us simplify our complex process landscape and enables faster, more scalable operations that directly enhance customer experience. This transformation will strengthen our readiness for future innovation, while ensuring operational excellence across all channels. Camundas platform is expected to help CSOB eliminate duplicate system architectures and lower future infrastructure costs. It supports the bank by advancing the delivery of new products by enabling parameterisation rather than custom software development. This approach is intended to speed up time-to-market for new offerings. The technology will also support CSOBs integration with third-party providers and extend its services beyond traditional banking. It will help the bank unify processes across both digital and branch channels. Camunda sales senior vice president Frederic Meier said: Were proud to support CSOB on its journey toward process excellence in core banking. Our platform empowers organisations like CSOB to overcome complexity, accelerate digital transformation, and build more resilient operations. "CSOB selects Camunda to support core banking transformation" was originally created and published by Retail Banker International, a GlobalData owned brand. ZURICH (Reuters) -Two Swiss lawmakers asked prosecutors to examine whether gifts by Swiss business leaders to U.S. President Donald Trump - including a Rolex watch and a gold bar - violated Switzerland's anti-bribery laws, although a source close to the delegation said they complied with the laws of both countries. Switzerland this month struck a framework agreement with the U.S. to cut a 39% tariff on Swiss goods to 15%. The deal came 10 days after a delegation of Swiss business leaders visited Trump in the Oval Office, bearing the gifts. "The gifts were presented to the Presidential Library on behalf of the group who attended the meeting, in full compliance with both U.S. and Swiss law," a person close to the business delegation told Reuters, adding that the presents were cleared with the White House ethics counsel. Raphael Mahaim and Greta Gysin, both Green Party members of parliament, said in a letter to the public prosecutor that the legality of the gifts should be assessed by the judicial system. "The end does not justify all means, especially when respect for important provisions of our legal order is at stake," they wrote, asking the prosecutor to determine whether the gifts violated the Swiss Criminal Code. The public prosecutor did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Executives of MSC, Rolex, Partners Group, Mercuria, Richemont and MKS took part in the meeting with Trump, according to a statement seen by Reuters. Rolex and MKS declined to comment. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. When asked for comment, Alfred Gantner, a co-founder of Partners Group who attended the meeting, said publicprivate collaboration had delivered a much-needed resolution to the Swiss-U.S. tariff dispute. The other companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Under Swiss law, any person can report an offence to a criminal justice authority, which then decides whether criminal proceedings are initiated. It is unclear whether the prosecutor will open a proceeding. Mahaim said he does not expect legal consequences for the tariff deal of any future finding by the judicial system. Offering a foreign public official an "undue advantage" to influence a decision can carry up to five years in prison or a fine. The lawmakers' letter listed the gifts but did not name which companies or individuals presented them. (Reporting by Emma Farge in Geneva and Ariane Luthi in Zurich; Editing by Ros Russell and Bill Berkrot) The US administration is in discussions with Taiwan regarding a potential agreement that could see Taiwanese semiconductor investment in US operations, as well as the training of US workers in advanced manufacturing, reported Reuters, citing familiar sources. The arrangement would involve Taiwanese companies including contract chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) committing new capital and expertise to broaden their presence in the US. Currently, Taiwans exports to the US face a 20% tariff, with Taipei negotiating to decrease this as part of a broader trade deal. Semiconductors, which are essential for a wide range of high-tech products, are presently exempt from tariffs while the US works to strengthen its domestic production capabilities, the news agency said. A source indicated that the total US investment expected from Taiwan would be less than that pledged by other regional economies and would include support to develop science park infrastructure, drawing on Taiwans experience. The sources requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations. South Korea has pledged $350bn and Japan $550bn in US investment under agreements that lowered US tariffs on most of their goods to 15% from 25%. The timeline for finalising the Taiwan deal remains unclear and the specifics are still under negotiation. The workforce training component of the agreement has not previously been reported. The US Trade Representatives office did not respond to a request for comment, according to Reuters. Previously, US President Donald Trump said that some skilled foreign workers may be required for training Americans in advanced manufacturing facilities. TSMC, which did not comment on the ongoing trade talks, has faced challenges in sourcing suitable workers for its US projects, the news agency said. In January, TSMC CEO and chairman C.C. Wei said that construction of a new Arizona plant has taken at least twice as long as similar projects in Taiwan, citing a lack of skilled workers and supply chain issues. TSMC, for example, brought half of the construction workers from Texas to Arizona, increasing costs due to relocation and accommodation, he said. Taiwans Office of Trade Negotiations noted in a statement that discussions on supply chain cooperation with the US are ongoing under a Taiwan model. Taiwan began developing its science parks in the 1980s, establishing a comprehensive supply chain for semiconductor production, Reuters said. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai, speaking to reporters in Taipei, said: The two sides are at the stage of exchanging documents to firm up certain details. Undoubtedly, the world is changing fast. Artificial intelligence, generative AI, and machine learning are reforming how we live and work, and have already had a dramatic impact on the stock market and the economy. Now, we may be on the verge of yet another fundamental shift, according to Melius Research analyst Rob Wertheimer. He says that hundreds of billions in value will shift to Tesla (TSLA) in the next five years because of the companys improved full self-driving (FSD) software. More News from Barchart The analyst points out that less than 1% of Americans have ridden in a self-driving car, and the rollout will still shock most people, when Teslas FSD software rolls out to the masses. He warns that legacy automakers will be left in the dust because of outdated architecture and weak supplier systems. Our point is not that Tesla is at risk, its that everybody else is, he wrote in a research note. TSLA stock is a must own stock, Wertheimer says, because the world is about to change dramatically. He points specifically to the A15 chip for FSD software that Tesla is due to release next year as a massive catalyst. Is he right? Lets take a closer look at Tesla today. About Tesla Stock Tesla is the world's largest automaker, with a market cap of $1.4 trillion. The Texas-based company gets most of its automotive sales from its Model Y electric SUV and its Model 3 electric sedan. Other models include the luxury Model S sedan, the luxury Model X SUV, and the Cybertruck. Tesla vehicles include advanced technology, including large, centralized touchscreens, autopilot features, and over-the-air software updates. Shares are up over 4% this year, which is about in the middle of the pack compared to other automakers. General Motors (GM) has the best performance of the year, up 36%, while Toyota (TM) and Honda (HMC) are up less than 5% and Stellantis NV (STLA) is down nearly 20% on the year. www.barchart.com But TSLA stock stands out when you look at its price-to-earnings ratio, which is a whopping 280 when none of the other automakers listed have a P/E above 15. So, investors are paying a massive premium for Tesla stock right now in hopes that it will provide larger gains down the road. Tesla Misses on Earnings Tesla had an interesting third quarter. Faced with the expiration of the federal tax credit on EVs, the company pushed hard for customers to finalize their sales before the end of the quarter and that worked, because the company reported revenue of $28.09 billion, which was up from $25.18 billion a year ago. However, margins sank from 10.8% a year ago to 5.8% in the current quarter and net income of $1.95 billion was down from $2.18 billion in Q3 2024. Tesla missed on earnings per share, posting $0.37 per share, when analysts were expecting $0.41 per share. A Living Semitic Memory In an age of global mobility and dispersal, the phrase Christians of the East evokes both immediacy and distance. It gestures toward regions where the great monotheistic traditions emerged -- Sumer, Assyria, ancient Israel -- and toward communities that now live in Amsterdam, Sodertalje, Stuttgart, Sydney, Jerusalem, Kerala, and the Caucasus. Yet the term often circulates as a slogan rather than as a recognition of the extraordinary linguistic, liturgical, and theological inheritance carried by Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, Assyrian, Ethiopian, and other Semitic-rooted Churches. Their history is not regional but planetary. Syriac and Aramaic Christianity reached India, Kerala, Assam, and even Tibet, where Lhasa once served as an episcopal seat of the Church of the East -- an anecdote the Dalai Lama accepts with gentle amusement. Christianity travelled along the Silk Road long before the Latin Church appeared in Jerusalem. And in the Arabian Peninsula, Jewish and Christian communities flourished together before the rise of Islam. When the Jerusalem Patriarch Sophronius welcomed the Caliph 'Umar to Jerusalem in 637, the Christian landscape comprised Greek-speaking Byzantines, Armenians, Copts, Ethiopians, Syriac Orthodox, and Assyrians/then-Nestorians. The categories "Catholic" and "Protestant" did not yet exist. Why then do we speak of these Christians as if they were marginal, almost an endangered curiosity? Why ignore the immense spiritual, linguistic, and cultural patrimony they have preserved through centuries of persecution and exile -- often without real support from their Western Christian brethren? The West excels at humanitarian aid or at storing manuscripts in libraries, but it has rarely grasped the theological depth of the Semitic Churches, whose languages and categories of thought differ fundamentally from the Greek and Latin frameworks that shaped Europe. These days, for the first time in his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV is visiting Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomaios, Archbishop of Constantinople and primus inter pares among the Byzantine Orthodox Churches, at the Phanar in Istanbul. The visit takes place in a region where the Ecumenical Patriarchate exercises spiritual leadership over much of the Eastern Orthodox world, even as present-day Turkey defines itself as secular and officially "non-confessional." Paradoxically, in this same landscape, numerous Orthodox parishes have been opened or revived -- particularly of Russian tradition, belonging either to the Moscow Patriarchate or to the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate -- revealing both the vitality and the fragmentation of contemporary Orthodoxy. The Bishop of Rome will then continue his journey to the Middle East, with a visit to Lebanon, a country whose social, political, and economic fabric has been profoundly shaken. Lebanon remains home to the Roman Catholic Maronite Church -- rooted in West-Syriac, originally Aramaic-speaking -- together with a remarkable constellation of Eastern Catholic and Orthodox communities. The Pope's encounter with these Churches highlights the fragile equilibrium of a land where Christianity is woven into the very identity of the nation, yet where insecurity and crisis place immense pressure on all religious minorities. In this 1700th anniversary year of Nicaea, the Pope's meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch -- and his visit to Lebanon's seventeen Christian communities, especially the Syriac-rooted Maronites -- reveals anew the plurality of theological languages that formed the first Creed: the Greek Fathers' conceptual rigor, the Latin West's juridical coherence, and the Aramaic Churches' Semitic sense of relational unity in the Messiah. These encounters recall that the Nicene faith is multi-rooted, and that its deepest coherence is found not in uniformity, but in the harmony of these ancient voices. The Council of Nicaea gathered an already overwhelmingly Gentile Christianity, debating the identity of a Jewish Messiah in Greek philosophical terms, at a moment when Arian and semi-Arian currents strongly influenced much of the then-episcopates. At the heart of this patrimony lies Aramaic, the language of the Targum, the Talmud, and of Jesus. Aramaic is not an exotic relic. It is heard in the Kaddish in every Jewish community worldwide; it shapes Passover hymns, the Zohar, and the daily liturgy of Jews from Iraq and Syria. In Israel today, Aramaic is not perceived as foreign but as a part of Hebrew's own breathing space. This proximity has encouraged a quiet but significant revival of interest: Bar-Ilan University, Hebrew University, Haifa, and Ben-Gurion University now study Jewish and Christian Neo-Aramaic dialects together. Researchers map the speech patterns of former communities from the Hakkari mountains, the Nineveh plain, and northern Iran, rediscovering a shared Semitic past in which Jewish and Syriac Christian bilingualism was common and natural. In Jerusalem, long before the pandemic, students from the Jewish Quarter yeshivot would stop at the nearby Syriac Orthodox parish to ask the mukhtar about Talmudic Aramaic terms preserved in the liturgy. These encounters -- quiet, unadvertised -- revealed that Aramaic is not simply a Christian heritage language but part of a living Semitic continuum that connects communities usually separated by theology or politics. Meanwhile, in the historic heartland of Syriac Christianity, Tur Abdin, the depopulation continues silently. Villages that once sustained the Turoyo dialect naturally -- through families, markets, fields, and monastic chant -- now host only a few dozen households, often elderly. A symbolic "return movement" from Sweden or Germany exists, but it cannot recreate the ecological conditions necessary for a language to survive. A worldview, a rhythm of prayer, and the very grammar of an identity become fragile but fights for its redeployment. Yet paradoxically, other regions show unexpected vitality. Across the Gulf -- UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman -- Syriac, Assyrian, and Malankara Christians gather in large numbers. Their liturgies are full, their choirs impressive, their parishes active. But the conditions of migrant life -- short-term contracts, limited religious education, no inter-generational stability -- mean that while faith thrives, language transmission collapses. Children grow up with English, Malayalam, Tagalog, or Arabic. Aramaic becomes a liturgical sound rather than a domestic language. One of the most dynamic centres of Aramaic Christianity today lies not in Mesopotamia but in India, where the Malankara and Mor Toma traditions preserve and renew Aramaic chant, West-Syriac hymnody, and a rich theological heritage. Here, Aramaic is not nostalgia but cultural creativity. It is taught in seminaries, sung in new compositions, woven into Malayalam sermons, and carried forward by communities that understand themselves as heirs of both Semitic and South Asian worlds. India proves that Aramaic can live when it adapts rather than retreats. Meanwhile, the Assyrian Church of the East, under Patriarch Awa III, has embarked on a redeployment across the Russian Federation and the Caucasus. New parishes appear in Krasnodar, Rostov, and North Ossetia; older communities in Georgia and Armenia reconnect with their liturgical roots. Still, these communities remain divided among multiple jurisdictions: Syriac Orthodox, Syriac Catholic, Assyrian Church of the East, Chaldean Catholic, Maronite, Ancient Church of the East. This fragmentation often appears as a weakness. Yet it also reveals a paradoxical truth: the pre-Chalcedonian traditions are more resilient it can face violence, exile, and statelessness. These Churches have a long experience with marginality. They never expected earthly protection and thus learned to survive with little. Their resilience is not only demographic but theological, rooted in a spiritual worldview shaped by Semitic categories of identity, exile, and fidelity. This leads to a deeper contemporary insight: Christianity cannot be understood without its Semitic matrix. The early Church prayed, argued, and confessed largely in Aramaic idioms. Concepts that later became abstract in Greek -- ousia, physis, hypostasis -- were originally expressed through Semitic verbal roots emphasising relationship, presence, and action, not metaphysics. In Syriac thought, faith (hymnuta ) means fidelity and steadiness; parsopa () is a face, a personal presence; qnoma () is a concrete mode of existence. These categories reveal a Christianity that is dynamic, embodied, relational, far closer to the prophets and to Jewish liturgical consciousness than to later philosophical structures. The year 2025, marking the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, has prompted renewed discussions on how Greek and Semitic theological languages intersect -- and where they diverge. Much will be said about Greek terms like ("of one essence"), indispensable in the formulation of the Creed. Yet these debates only make full sense when illuminated by the Aramaic categories that shaped early Christian experience. A term like finds no precise equivalent in Aramaic. Instead, Syriac expresses the same mystery through the Messiah's revealed presence, the one who makes the Father known in his own "face" and action. Theology, in this view, is less about substance and more about encounter. Far from relativising doctrine, this deepens it. It shows that Christianity possesses several theological grammars, each legitimate, each expressing a different facet of the same revelation. In a world fragmented by identity and ideology, the Semitic traditions remind us that unity does not require uniformity, but harmonised diversity rooted in shared revelation. Another contemporary development deserves attention: the surprising rise of Syriac and Assyrian visibility in the public life of Northern Europe. In the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Sweden, members of these diasporas now serve in municipal councils, regional assemblies, and national parliaments. They campaign on issues of minority rights, integration, and cultural protection. Their political involvement is often marked by internal rivalries -- Assyrian vs. Aramean, Church-of-the-East vs. West-Syriac -- but it represents a remarkable transformation: one of the oldest Christian peoples, long persecuted in their ancestral lands, now helps shape European democracies. Their presence in public life gives renewed legitimacy to their historical narrative and strengthens their ability to advocate for endangered Aramaic-speaking populations in the Middle East. The modern world increasingly reduces religious identity to numbers, geopolitics, or survival statistics. But the Christians of the East carry something deeper: a living memory of how the first centuries of Christianity thought, prayed, argued, and hoped. Their survival is not merely demographic: it is conceptual. They preserve the ancient "immune system" of the Christian body, much like the thymus, the gland that shapes biological immunity in early life and then diminishes but never disappears. In this sense, their presence in Israel is striking. The State recognizes the Syriacs as Assyrians (\Ashurim) and the "non-Arab" Aramaics (\Aramaim) as a distinct national identity. Associations such as "Aramit -- Second Jewish Language" explore shared Jewish--Christian linguistic heritage. Israeli Christians and Jews study Targumic and Talmudic Aramaic together. The future of the Christians of the East remains uncertain. Tur Abdin seems to empty but resist. Syria and Iraq struggle to retain their remaining faithful; Lebanon trembles under economic collapse. Armenia faces geopolitical instability. Yet at the same time, digital tools connect choirs from Kerala, monks from Tur Abdin, Aramaic teachers in America's, Sweden, and liturgical scholars in Jerusalem. Aramaic is widely broadcasted on YouTube... Exile, paradoxically, has made the tradition more global, more visible, and perhaps more capable of renewal. Perhaps, a century from now, the Aramaic-speaking Churches -- scattered yet faithful, wounded yet creative -- will have regained their breath. And perhaps they will once again offer to the entire Christian world the depth, fidelity, and luminous simplicity of the faith first confessed in the languages of Abraham, the Prophets, and the Messiah. Alexander is a psycho-linguist specializing in bi-multi-linguistics and Yiddish. He is a Talmudist, comparative theologian, and logotherapist. He is a professor of Compared Judaism and Christian heritages, Archpriest of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem, and International Counselor. With a market cap of $220 billion, Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) is a prominent Massachusetts-based biotechnology and life sciences company that provides a wide range of products and services for research, diagnostics, and laboratory operations. Its offerings include analytical instruments, laboratory equipment, reagents, consumables, and software solutions, serving pharmaceutical, biotech, healthcare, and academic sectors globally. Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally described as large-cap stocks, and Thermo Fisher Scientific fits this description perfectly. Known for its scale and innovation, it enables scientific research, drug development, and clinical diagnostics, making it a critical player in the life sciences and healthcare ecosystem. More News from Barchart TMO shares have retreated 2.2% from their 52-week high of $610.97 touched on Jan. 30. Moreover, TMO stock has surged 21.8% over the past three months, outpacing the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLV) 16.6% decline during the same time frame. www.barchart.com However, TMO is up 14.9% on a YTD basis, lagging behind XLVs 15.4% rise. Additionally, shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific have surged 16.3% over the past 52 weeks, surpassing the XLVs 9.2% increase over the same period. TMO stock has been trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages since early October, indicating a recent uptrend. www.barchart.com On Nov. 24, Thermo Fisher Scientific priced a 2.1 billion ($2.4 billion) euro-denominated bond offering through its finance subsidiary, consisting of 1.0 billion floating-rate notes due 2027 and 1.1 billion ($1.3 billion) fixed-rate notes due 2035, both at par and fully guaranteed by Thermo Fisher. The offering, expected to close around Dec. 1, 2025, will fund general corporate purposes, including potential acquisitions, debt repayment or refinancing, working capital, capital expenditures, or share repurchases, with any interim proceeds held in short-term liquid investments. Following the announcement, Thermo Fishers shares rose 2% in the next trading session. Leading competitor IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (IDXX), has outperformed Thermo Fisher, with shares up 85.4% year-to-date and 78.9% over the past 52 weeks. Turkey-based food manufacturer Eti Gda has struck a deal to acquire Canadian snacks group Trubar. Eti Gida, which markets biscuits, cakes and confectionery, is to pay C$201m (US$143.1m) for the snack-bar business. Under the terms of the deal, Eti Gda will pay C$1.64 per common share in cash, which Trubar said was a 64% premium to the company's share price last Friday, the last trading day before the deal was announced. Vancouver-based Trubar said its board had unanimously determined the transaction is in the best interest of the company and will recommends shareholders vote for the offer at a meeting in January. Trubar directors and officers who hold a total of 16% of the companys shares have agreed to back the offer. Kingsley Ward, Trubars executive chairman, said: "This proposed acquisition represents a significant milestone for our company and delivers on our commitment to creating strong value for shareholders. Eti Gda is an ideal acquirer for Trubar at this stage in the brands development given ETI Gdas successful track record of scaling CPG brands over the last six decades. Earlier this week, Trubar filed third-quarter results that included an 88% jump in revenue to C$21.6m amid better retail distribution and improved DTC sales. It is forecasting annual revenue of $65-70m. The company booked income from continuing operations of C$190,000. In last years third quarter, it recorded C$4.1m. Eti Gda has nine factories including one in Romania and employs more 7,000 staff. The company distributes its products to over 60 markets. "Turkeys Eti Gda moves for Canada snacks firm Trubar" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. U.S. Bank has begun testing custom stablecoin issuance on the Stellar blockchain, marking one of the most progressive moves yet by a major U.S. financial institution toward programmable digital money. The development was announced during the banks Money 20/20 podcast episode, The Tokenized Future of Banking, featuring leaders from U.S. Bank, SDF, and PwC discussing how tokenization will reshape the future of financial services. The initiative shows a growing shift among major financial institutions toward programmable moneydigital assets built with safeguards and compliance features required by traditional banking. Why U.S. Bank Chose Stellar for Stablecoin R&D During the podcast, Mike Villano, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Asset Products at U.S. Bank, emphasized that safety and control are non-negotiable when bringing tokenized assets into the banking environment. For bank customers, we have to think about protections around know-your-customer, the ability to unwind transactions, the ability to claw back transactions, Villano said. One of the great things about the Stellar platform, as we did more research and development on it, was learning that they have the ability at their base operating layer to freeze assets and unwind transactions, Villano added. Stellar says its architecture was built specifically for issuing assets and moving money at scale. With 99.99% uptime over more than a decade, fast 35 second settlement, and transaction fees that cost a fraction of a U.S. cent. Institutional Confidence in Stellars Reliability Jose Fernandez da Ponte, President and Chief Growth Officer at the Stellar Development Foundation, pointed out that institutional-grade reliability is the foundation of Stellars appeal. When you are doing mission-critical systems, when you are doing financial services, and you are moving consumers money, you need to make sure that your blockchain is going to be there, he said. We are honored to have the confidence of U.S. Bank and our partners at PwC. We take that confidence and that trust very, very seriously, said Villano. ECB Warns Stablecoins Are Rising Fast With Spillover Risks On Monday, the European Central Bank (ECB) warned that the rapid expansion of stablecoinsdespite their still-limited footprint in the euro areaposes emerging financial-stability risks, especially as interlinkages with global markets deepen. The findings come from the ECB report Stablecoins on the rise: still small in the euro area, but spillover risks loom, prepared by Senne Aerts, Claudia Lambert, and Elisa Reinhold, which examines structural vulnerabilities, use cases, and cross-border risks tied to the accelerating stablecoin ecosystem. By Kirstin Ridley LONDON (Reuters) -Informants who blow the whistle on serious tax avoidance or evasion in Britain could be awarded up to 30% of the tax collected under a novel, U.S.-style reward scheme outlined by the UK tax authority HMRC on Wednesday. HMRC said such tax offences normally involved large companies, wealthy individuals or offshore avoidance schemes. But taxpayers involved in the schemes, anonymous tipsters and those acting on behalf of others would be among those excluded from the programme, it added. Finance minister Rachel Reeves heralded the move in her second annual budget, in which she unveiled annual tax rises worth an annual 26.1 billion pounds ($34.5 billion) to meet her deficit-reduction targets. Britain's tax gap is in sharp focus. The country lost an estimated 46.8 billion pounds in unpaid tax for the 2023-2024 tax year, HMRC data shows, with 5.5 billion lost to tax evasion in 2022-23 - a figure lawmakers have said is probably a vast understimate. U.S. agencies have awarded whistleblowers billions of dollars collectively for tips resulting in enforcement action. But in Britain, there have been only limited payouts for informants, although the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has called for whistleblowers to be financially rewarded for tipoffs that can risk their jobs, careers and sometimes their lives. HMRC said under its strengthened reward scheme, informants could get between 15% and 30% of the tax collected, excluding penalties and interest, if tipoffs lead to a collection of at least 1.5 million pounds in tax. However, payouts will be handed out at the agency's discretion and are not guaranteed, it said. Judith Seddon, a partner at law firm Ashurst, called for a broad consultation into how the scheme would work and clarity on eligibility requirements to avoid cases from collapsing due to procedural weaknesses or unclear processes. "The government has been signalling for some time that it wants to close the 'tax gap' and this whistleblowing incentive is a clear effort to support that objective," she said. Nick Barnard, a partner at law firm Corker Binning, noted that such a scheme would demand hefty resources to investigate reports that would vary in quality from "good, to well-meaning but unfounded, to out-and-out vexatious". "Whilst whistleblowing might seem like a no-lose situation, it is not. HMRC should know better than anyone that there is no such thing as a free lunch," he said. ($1 = 0.7566 pounds) (Reporting by Kirstin Ridley; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama ) Burning Rock Biotech (BNR), a precision oncology company from China, has shown exceptional technical momentum and price appreciation. BNR has surged 405% over the past year, hitting a 2-year high on Wednesday. Despite strong technicals, BNR is a highly speculative and risky stock. Todays Chart of the Day is not a buy recommendation. Investors should exercise caution, diversify, and use strict stop-loss strategies with BNR. Todays Featured Stock Valued at $209 million, Burning Rock Biotech (BNR) focuses on the application of next-generation sequencing technology in the field of precision oncology. Its business consists of NGS-based therapy selection testing for late-stage cancer patients as well as NGS-based cancer early detection. Burning Rock Biotech is based in Guangzhou, China. What Im Watching I found todays Chart of the Day by using Barcharts powerful screening functions to sort for stocks with the highest technical buy signals; superior current momentum in both strength and direction; and a Trend Seeker buy signal. I then used Barcharts Flipcharts feature to review the charts for consistent price appreciation. BNR checks those boxes. Since the Trend Seeker signaled a new Buy on Oct. 22, the stock has gained 107.05%. More News from Barchart www.barchart.com Barchart Technical Indicators for Burning Rock Biotech Editors Note: The technical indicators below are updated live during the session every 20 minutes and can therefore change each day as the market fluctuates. The indicator numbers shown below therefore may not match what you see live on the Barchart.com website when you read this report. These technical indicators form the Barchart Opinion on a particular stock. Burning Rock hit a new 2-year high of $23.45 in morning trading on Nov. 26. By Pete Schroeder WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. bank regulator approved new final rules aimed at easing leverage requirements for banks, requiring firms to set aside less capital as a cushion against losses of low-risk assets. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation approved the new final rules for the "enhanced supplementary leverage ratio," and other bank regulators are expected to similarly approve the new rules, which were first proposed in June. An FDIC staff memo estimated the new rules would reduce capital overall for large global banks by $13 billion, or less than 2%. However, the depository institution subsidiaries at those banks would see capital requirements fall by an average of 27%, or $213 billion. Officials have said banks will not be able to pay more to shareholders under the relaxed rule, as the overarching holding companies remain constrained by other capital requirements. Banks must comply with the new standard by April 1, but are permitted to voluntarily adopt the rule as early as the beginning of 2026. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AIMS TO SPUR GROWTH The relaxed requirement is one of the first steps by banking regulators to ease stricter rules and policies put in place following the global financial crisis. The Trump administration wants to trim rules to spur economic growth, and regulatory officials have argued the current requirements have proven too onerous and can hinder bank activities such as lending. But critics contend that easing safeguards increases financial institutions' risk and is unjustified. The final rule is similar to the one proposed, and would require banks to set aside capital against assets based on how large a role each firm plays in the global financial system. Banks had argued the leverage requirement, which sets capital requirements blind to the riskiness of a certain asset, was meant to serve as a backstop but had increasingly become binding to bank activities thanks to the rapid rise in government debt in recent years. Some government officials had worried an overly strict requirement could disincentivize large banks from facilitating Treasury market trading, particularly during times of stress. The FDIC also approved a proposed rule that would lower leverage requirements for smaller banks. The proposal would trim the community bank leverage ratio, which applies to banks with less than $10 billion in assets, from 9% to 8%. (Reporting by Pete SchroederEditing by Rod Nickel) Not long after cutting its sales forecast for 2025, Valneva has decided to decrease its operational footprint in France by shutting a facility tasked with both operational and research and development (R&D) activities. The French vaccine specialist plans to close its 3,178m facility in Nantes. Instead, it will focus its work in Lyon, the city in which the company was originally established. In an emailed statement to Pharmaceutical Technology, a Valneva spokesperson said that 30 positions would be terminated as part of the move. At the end of 2024, the biopharma had a total of 713 employees. The spokesperson added that no R&D work will be discontinued as a result of the shuttering. Research will be centralised at the vaccine makers site in Vienna, where the majority of R&D is already conducted. The consolidation comes a week after Valneva released financial reports from the first nine-months of 2025. Despite revenue growth, the company downgraded its 2025 guidance it now expects product sales of between 155m ($179.7m) and 170m, down from a 170m-180m target revealed in its Q1 report. A big hit to Valnevas books came when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the companys chikungunya vaccine Ixchiq due to safety concerns. The licence suspension means the vaccine a key product in Valnevas commercial portfolio is prohibited from being shipped or sold in the US. The biopharma said the suspension significantly impacted sales in its travellers segment, leading to an adjustment of guidance. Valneva stated it has responded to the FDA and is awaiting further information from the US regulatory agency. Ixchiq is one of three commercial vaccines developed by Valneva, alongside Ixiaro/Jespect for Japanese encephalitis and Dukoral for cholera. On the same the Nantes news was announced, Valneva unveiled full data from a Phase II study of its Lyme disease vaccine candidate, which is being jointly developed with Pfizer. The findings demonstrated a robust immune response and favourable safety profile across all age groups six months after a third booster dose. Pending positive Phase III data, Pfizer plans to submit regulatory applications to the FDA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2026. Valneva is part of a vaccine sector with an uncertain future in the US amid regulatory reform targeted to the modality. Several policy shifts and leadership changes overseen by health secretary Robert F Kennedy (RFK) Jr have drawn criticism from scientists and public health experts. Analysts predict the vaccine sector will become volatile moving forward under the Trump administration. Investors traditionally target emerging markets for higher growth opportunities, and China falls into that bucket. However, investing in China has always carried risks as the country remains clouded in secrecy, plagued with human rights issues and less transparent with capital markets. Now, with President Donald Trump in the White House, the relationship between the worlds two largest economies has become even dicier as the two trade barbs on tariffs and rare earth minerals, among other issues. To avoid the volatility of China, Vanguard has developed a solution to target the largest emerging markets, such as Brazil, India and Taiwan, through its Vanguard Emerging Markets ex-China exchange-traded fund, or VEXC, which simply strips out China. Made In China? House Panel Demands Answers From Amazon "VEXC is an option for investors who seek low-cost index exposure to emerging markets stocks but who may want to avoid companies located in China because of these companies unique risks," a Vanguard spokesperson told FOX Business. Read On The Fox Business App Chinese President Xi Jinping Launched in September, the ETF aims to mirror the FTSE Emerging ex China Index, with over 1,000 companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor and Infosys. The fund, recommended as a long-term investment, is closing in on $50 million in assets, and has returned about 4% since its launch, slightly trailing the 4.9% gain of its benchmark. THE ETF REPORT: NEWS & ANALYSIS For the year, the FTSE Emerging ex China has advanced more than 26%. Trump, China's Xi Have A Phone Call, Meeting Plan Trump, who runs hot and cold on China, recently held a call with President Xi Jinping, which he described as productive. "I just had a very good telephone call with President Xi, of China," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. "We discussed many topics including Ukraine/Russia, 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. Our relationship with China is extremely strong! 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." To avoid the volatility of China, Vanguard has developed a solution to target the largest emerging markets, such as Brazil, India and Taiwan, through its Vanguard Emerging Markets ex-China exchange-traded fund. Xi has invited Trump to visit Beijing in April, an invitation he accepted. "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," Trump said. Venture Global has accused Shell of trying to damage its business by waging a campaign against it over the past three years, the Financial Times has reported, citing an internal message that Venture Globals owners sent out to staff. [Shells] action relies on completely baseless claims and is an unfortunate continuation of their three-year campaign to damage Venture Global. This behaviour should be very concerning to Shells employees, board of directors and shareholders, Michael Sabel and Robert Pender, who co-founded Venture Global, wrote to employees in their Thanksgiving message. Shell has sued Venture Global for selling LNG on the spot market while foregoing long-term supply contracts because of delaying the commissioning phase of its first LNG plant at Calcasieu Pass. Shell and other major oil and gas firms accused Venture Global in 2023 of profiteering by selling on the higher-price spot market LNG cargoes that should have been supplied under their long-term contracts. The U.S. firm used a loophole to do that by extending the deadline for officially commissioning the Calcasieu Pass export project. In August, Shell lost the arbitration against Venture Global as the tribunal ruled that the U.S. company had not violated its contractual obligations with its long-term clients. Venture Global claimed that it was under no obligation to honor its long-term commitments until the plant was officially commissioned, which happened earlier this year. Meanwhile, it managed to build a second LNG facility that produced its first LNG at the end of 2024before the first one was officially commissioned. Now, Shell is appealing the first courts decision on the arbitration case, taking it to the New York Supreme Court earlier this month. The supermajor has alleged that Venture Global had withheld information from Shell and the arbitration court hearing their original case. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. The artificial intelligence revolution isnt just another tech cycleits the defining economic event of our lifetime, according to investor Chris Camillo, who says the current moment presents an asymmetric risk-reward opportunity that dwarfs concerns about short-term market volatility. Camillo, founder and CEO of TickerTags and a trader featured in Jack Schwager's Unknown Market Wizardsa book profiling top-performing, under-the-radar tradersshared his high-conviction AI thesis on the "Iced Coffee Hour" podcast with hosts Graham Stephan and Jack Selby. He warned that AI is advancing "100 times faster than the internet" and will reshape entire industries over the next two to four decades. This is the biggest thing that we will likely ever see in our lives, Camillo said on the podcast. The biggest technological cycle that weve ever seen in the history of the world. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.86/Share 7 Million Gamers Already Trust Gameflip With Their Digital Assets Now You Can Own a Stake in the Platform AIs Geopolitical Backstop Makes It Too Big to Fail What makes this cycle different from past tech bubbles, according to Camillo, is the geopolitical dimension. The race for AI supremacy with China effectively requires the U.S. government to backstop American AI ambitions due to national security risks. This competition adds confidence that the infrastructure is too big to fail, Camillo said on the podcast. The economic implications are staggering. Camillo told the podcast hosts that AI advancement will make all of industry meaningfully more productive, meaningfully more efficient over the next 20 to 40 years, generally making companies more profitable and helping humanity climb out of a cycle of scarcity. Examples like OpenAIs Sora video generation tool demonstrate how quickly AI is evolving, Camillo said, suggesting entire industries like Hollywood and movie production companies could be fundamentally restructured or eliminated. Why Market Corrections Are Actually Opportunities Camillo dismissed concerns from investors like Michael Burry about AI infrastructure companies being overleveraged or computer chips having short useful lifespans during the podcast. He said that even if these short-term concerns prove accurate, they dont matter because they dont change the larger long-term story. Trending: Bill Gates Invests Billions in Green Tech This Tree-Free Material Could Be the Next Big Breakthrough His investment philosophy centers on focusing on the much larger, long-term AI story rather than little mini cycles or short-term bumps. Market corrections or drops are opportunities unless they disrupt the core AI thesis, Camillo said. If the reason for a drop is based on sentiment and fear, its exciting rather than concerning. For much of its history, consumers strongly associated Volkswagen with "German engineering," a concise marketing phrase that linked the brand with quality and precision manufacturing. As the market rapidly evolves with electric vehicles in pole position, Germany's biggest automaker is stepping away from that aspect of its brand identity and embracing Chinese innovation, according to the Financial Times. On Nov. 25, Volkswagen's Chief Technology Officer, Thomas Ulbrich, spoke to reporters about the automaker's near-future plans. Ulbrich disclosed that VW "could, for the first time, develop cars outside Germany," the outlet reported. China is the world's largest automotive market, accounting for almost 30% of global sales and according to the International Energy Agency, it's the undisputed champion of EV adoption. While the United States floundered on electrification, China's full-court press created fertile ground for EV innovation and fabrication, courting foreign automaker investments. Consequently, Volkswagen believes that developing and manufacturing new EVs in China can cut costs in half, due in large part to supply chain efficiencies and robust support infrastructure for the country's immense EV landscape, Reuters reported. Earlier this year, Volkswagen's ID.7 Pro S model clocked a stunning 585 miles (941 kilometers) on a single charge during a test, indicating the legacy brand had no intention of being left behind as drivers worldwide continue to make the switch to EVs amid ever-rising energy costs. EV drivers pocket a considerable amount just by not buying gas, and installing solar panels can supercharge those savings. TCD's Solar Explorer makes the process hassle-free, curating competitive quotes from vetted techs and saving customers up to $10,000 on new installations. Switching to solar can drop household electricity bills to $0 or even less. Home solar makes charging at home even cheaper, and Qmerit provides free, instant estimates for EV drivers interested in installing a Level 2 charger. Lower energy costs are only part of the consumer-side equation, but Volkswagen seemed confident that consolidating the bulk of its EV development and manufacturing in China's built-out and fast-moving landscape could bring down costs. Although VW doesn't plan to export its Chinese-made cars to Europe, its focus on China clearly hints at the potential for significantly reduced sticker prices on Volkswagen EVs. Passengers at the Ben Gurion International airport near Tel Aviv on September 18, 2025. (photo credit: Chaim Goldberg/Flash90) Varadi told the transportation minister during their meeting that In the next three years, we will add 4,000 jobs in Israel, and about 500 employees will be hired directly by Wizz. Wizz Air is pushing to establish an operational base for the Hungarian airline in Israel, which would invest $1 billion in the Israeli market and base 10 new aircraft in the country, the CEO Jozsef Varadi told Transportation Minister Miri Regev in a meeting with her on Thursday. Regev and representatives from the Civil Aviation Authority met with the Wizz Air CEO on to discuss negotiation the terms of the deal. Varadi told the transportation minister during their meeting that In the next three years, we will add 4,000 jobs in Israel, and about 500 employees will be hired directly by Wizz. In accordance with the plan, Wizz Air showed interest in building 50 runways in addition to the 20 currently in use. By implementing the planned expansion, the Hungarian airline aims to increase its annual passenger volume in Israel from 3 million to 7 million. Wizz Air. (credit: REUTERS) Varadi added, Our plans for the Israeli market are to launch new routes, to add more seats, KAN News reported. The CEO confirmed that the company's goal is to open the Ben-Gurion base in April of 2026, with a possible extension for Ramon Airport, in Eilat. Miri Regev pushes Wizz Air for Eilat flights and low fares Miri Regev emphasized that she has the prime minister's full backing to advance this matter. "I dont intend to blink for a second. We all want flight prices to go down, according to KAN News. As a condition for Wizz Air's establishment of services in Israel, the country requires the company to operate domestic flights to Eilat, international flights from Ramon Airport, and maintain service even during wartime, reported KAN News. During the meeting, Regev, to encourage airlines to fly from the southern airport, offered Wizz almost a full exemption of operational fees. This action encouraged Varadi to clarify that for Wizz Air, the main interest is Ben-Gurion Airport, but stressed that the company is very open to operating at Ramon Airport, adding: There are almost two million citizens in the southern region who we want to bring into our aviation market, reported KAN News. A the same time the visit took place, senior figures in Israels aviation industry and the Histadrut criticized the plan. Adv. Eyal Yadin, Chairman of the Transport and Seaports Workers Union in the Histadrut, sent a letter to Miri Regev on Thursday morning requesting that she halt the advancement of the agreement, Passport News reported. The Minister of the Economy, SME, Energy, and Tourism, Lex Delles, participated in the European Space Agency (ESA) Council meeting at the ministerial level on November 26 and 27, 2025, in Bremen, Germany. The purpose of the meeting was to determine the major strategic orientations and the agency's budget for the period spanning 2026 to 2029. Held every three years, the Council provided an opportunity for the Luxembourg delegation, comprising Minister Lex Delles, representatives of the Ministry of the Economy, and the Luxembourg Space Agency, to reaffirm the Grand Duchy's commitment to the various ESA programs and its support for the proposal put forward by Director General, Josef Aschbacher, for the coming years. The ESA proposal focuses on five major ambitions: Protecting the Planet and Climate: Through the development of technologies and missions to combat climate change, monitor the environment, and promote a sustainable space economy. Fostering Exploration and Discovery: By strengthening European leadership in space science and exploration. Reinforcing European Autonomy and Resilience: Notably by ensuring independent access to space and developing secure connectivity systems. Driving Growth and Competitiveness: By stimulating technological innovation, strengthening industrial capacities, and attracting private investment. Being a Source of Inspiration for Europe: Through the promotion of space education and the reinforcement of international cooperation. In line with its national space strategy, Luxembourg is investing in high-potential thematic areas and markets for the Grand Duchy, whether they are commercial markets or those linked to major EU programs. For the 2026-2029 period, these include: human and robotic exploration, Earth observation, navigation, secure communications and connectivity, space transportation systems, and commercialization. These investments are materialized through Luxembourg's subscription to the optional and mandatory ESA programs related to these thematic domains. Luxembourg's financial commitment to the various ESA programs totals 149.3 million for the 2026 to 2029 period. The total budget allocated by all Member States to ESA programs following the Ministerial Council amounts to 22,1 billion. Furthermore, an envelope of 115.8 million will be allocated to the national LuxIMPULSE program, implemented with the assistance of the ESA, for the same period. Following the Government Council's agreement last Friday on the draft law submitted to it, a total amount of 265.1 million will therefore be dedicated to supporting the development of the Luxembourg space ecosystem over the next three years. This commitment will allow Luxembourg-based companies, through ESA's principle of "geographic return," to access European support programs. This will enable them to develop their technologies, products, and service solutions that can be commercialized in the years to come, thereby generating significant added value for the Luxembourg economy. "Our membership in the European Space Agency (ESA) since 2005 has proactively supported the development of the Luxembourg space ecosystem. These programs have direct economic benefits for Luxembourg's space industry. They are instruments that effectively enable Luxembourgish companies and public research organizations to develop technologies, products, and services, thus supporting the development of the space sector as a major axis of economic diversification. Luxembourg fully shares the ambitions of the ESA centered around the five major themes that have been presented," declared Lex Delles. Press release by the Ministry of the Economy and the Luxembourg Space Agency Thousands of Optus customers were left without phone or internet services yesterday after copper thieves damaged critical network infrastructure, triggering a major outage that also disrupted access to Australias Triple Zero emergency line. This impacted seaside communcations in Frankston and Morning Peninsula in Victoria. Optus confirmed that approximately 14,500 customers were affected after vandals targeted copper cabling at a key network site overnight. The damage caused widespread service disruptions across mobile and fixed-line connections, leaving many unable to make calls including emergency calls. The incident comes at a particularly sensitive time for the telecommunications giant, which is already facing intense scrutiny from the Federal Government over a series of failures involving Triple Zero connectivity. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Department of Communications are currently investigating Optus handling of emergency call routing after previous outages raised concerns about network resilience. In a statement yesterday, Optus said technicians were deployed immediately after the vandalism was detected and were working around the clock to restore services. This was a deliberate act of criminal damage to essential infrastructure, the company said. We understand how concerning it is for customers to lose connectivity, particularly the ability to reach emergency services. Restoring access to Triple Zero is our top priority. Police are investigating the theft, which adds to a growing national trend of criminals targeting copper cabling due to rising scrap metal prices. Such thefts have disrupted telecommunications, power, and transport networks in recent years, prompting renewed calls for tougher restrictions on metal resellers. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said todays outage was deeply troubling, especially given the ongoing inquiries into Optus emergency call performance. Any interruption to Triple Zero services is unacceptable, the Minister said. We expect carriers to ensure Australians can rely on critical communications infrastructure. Optus must urgently provide a full account of todays incident and demonstrate how it is mitigating risks moving forward. Emergency services also expressed concern, urging residents to use mobile phones on other networks or seek alternative assistance if Triple Zero access failed. Optus has not yet provided a timeframe for full restoration but said updates would continue as repair crews replace the stolen and damaged cabling. Police are appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity near network infrastructure in the affected areas. See previousl Optus coverage by iTWire here - Peak communications consumers body, the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) has issued a blistering attack on the Australian telecommunications industry in the wake of the recent Optus emergency services outage. The electric vehicle, or EV, craze has truly taken hold in Australia, with more Aussie car owners investing in these sleek, clean, cruising machines. EVs have become increasingly popular nationwide for a few key reasons, ranging from environmental benefits to financial advantages like saving on fuel and vehicle servicing. For homeowners with rooftop solar , charging their EV is essentially a carbon-neutral operation. As Australias EV market has expanded, so too has access to secondhand models and even flexible financing options like EV car loans, making EV investments more accessible for Aussie families and young professionals. And beyond the environmental considerations, EVs are sporty, sleek, and fast, making them a pleasure to drive. It's no wonder they're gaining popularity in Australia. So whats new in the world of EVs as we move into the 2026 market year? Lets take a closer look at some of the EVs we can expect to hit Australian shores in the coming months. BYD Sealion 8 SUV The Chinese EV behemoth BYD is expanding into the seven-seat arena with the new offering of the Sealion 8, a plug-in hybrid that pairs everyday electric driving with a petrol back-up for the longer trips. Three variants are listed for Australia, including Dynamic FWD, Dynamic AWD, and Premium AWD, with the last two utilising a DM-p layout with e-motors at both front and rear, and DiSus-C adaptive damping. Headline figures released by BYD include system outputs of up to 359 kW and 675 Nm, as well as a staggering 0 to 100 km/h claim of 4.9 seconds for the AWD grades. Furthermore, the FWD model outputs 205kW/315Nm, by no means scrappy numbers that will catch attention in any family SUV wishlist. Inside, the spec sheet reads like a tech enthusiast's dream, with a 15.6-inch centre screen, a 10.25-inch driver display, and a whopping 21-speaker audio system, plus massage seats to top off the interior amenities. BYD claims that local suspension tuning has been carried out specifically for Australian roadsa sensible move in this class of vehicle. Orders will open to the public in December 2025, with pricing to be announced closer to launch. Well just have to keep our eyes peeled for updates from the manufacturers. Hyundai Elexio E-GMP SUV The Korean automotive giant is also set to introduce a new EV in 2026 in Australia, with the Elexio arriving as an E-GMP-based SUV that targets families with space requirements, those interested in rapid charging speeds, and boasts a tech-forward cabin. The South Korean company claims it will land locally on Australian shores in early 2026 with a huge 88.1kWh battery, which it claims charges from 30 to 80 per cent in about half an hour. A 722 km driving range figure, calculated using China's CLTC standard, should translate to a real range in the roughly 550-kilometre bracket. Luggage space for the Elexio is listed at a whopping 506L, expandable up to 1540L, with 46 storage areas dotted through the cabin for ease of use. Audio specifications include a Dolby Atmos system, complete with eight high-quality Bose speakers. At the same time, a huge 27-inch 4K widescreen, powered by Qualcomm's nimble Snapdragon 8295 chip, takes the majority of the dashboard space. This vehicle may even convert those who swear theyll never drive an EV. Honda Super-ONE Perhaps the biggest surprise announcement is that the Japanese manufacturer Honda has announced the tiny Super-ONE "kei car" EV for Australian drivers in the second half of 2026, intending it as a playful, compact option for dense and crowded inner-city locations. Unveiled at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, Honda focuses on the driving experience, highlighting a "Boost Mode" that sharpens driver response and emits a synthesised engine note to match the sensation of stepped acceleration. The tone of this vehicle is unmistakably urban-focused, with development drawing on Japanese kei-car concepts and with a sharp focus on light, direct and controlled steering. When it comes to size, the Super-ONE is less than 3.6 metres in length, and also less than 1.6 metres wide, so it should fit into tight parking bays and thread through narrow city streets with ease. So city drivers, keep this model in your sights! While little else is known regarding the firm's actual specs and features, Honda is making a big deal out of confirming a local testing program to ensure that the ride and handling will suit Australian roads perfectly. Skoda Kodiaq The trendy European brand is expanding its electrified range down under, adding a new plug-in hybrid option to its next-generation Kodiaq range in early 2026. This new model will sit between its Sportline and RS models, with a comfort and ease leaning angle. Power for the vehicle is provided by a 1.5 TSI petrol engine paired with an 85kW electric motor, resulting in a total system output of 150 kW and 350 Nm. The company quotes a speed of 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 8.4 seconds, which is impressive. A key draw for family buyers, electric-only driving range (via a yet-to-be specified battery capacity) is claimed at up to 112 kilometres, and is also backed by 11kW AC and 50kW DC charging. Skoda is claiming a staggering frugal combined fuel use of around 1.85L/100km. Keep an Eye out for these New EVs in 2026 From BYD to Hyundai, Honda, and Skoda, the Australian auto market can expect some exciting full EV and plug-in hybrid models to arrive over 2026. Which one of these exciting new EV models are you considering for your next ride? The British tend to use the term carer for the people who help other persons with needs. It seems to emphasize its root word, care, with implications for family members, volunteer helpers, and professionals who fill that role. The American term tends to be caregiver; its usage has become more common. Even when I worked in health care, I had never used either of those terms. But over the last fifteen years, I evolved an intimacy with that jargon, all about the pervasive practical considerations and necessary actions that help a needing person to live, even through that persons end, and a bit afterward. When my wife died at home, it wasnt really a surprise. There were changes in the last weeks that we as family, and the daytime caregivers, had noticed. She was eating less than usual, even when sipping at her favorite chocolate nutrition. She was losing weight, and her skin, which we had kept clear of pressure sores for so long, developed blebs in unusual places. Perhaps she was less alert, or more withdrawn. Over the previous few weeks, we had notified her primary care physicians office of the need for a home hospice referral, but because of some snafu, the correct wording wasnt used, and the paperwork stalled. We even called a community home hospice agency, but they didnt respond in time either. Years before, we had already obtained a POLST (Portable Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment, our states green form), signed by a doctor, that made clear my physician wifes choices in advanced directives: no CPR, tube feedings, or IV treatments. By then, she could no longer talk. During my career, I had attended a number of hospital deaths, as oncologists do. And in my practice, I made my own home hospice visits when I could. My professional role was limited, but I understood the general outline for families, if not the details. And I had learned to temper my own expectations. That Monday morning was a sunny one for December. After the caregivers arrived, I told them that my wife might have a change in her breathing patterns, that she might have trouble swallowing, or she might even develop choking. They got her up uneventfully, and moved her to see the outdoor view through our living room window. Sometime later, a caregiver came to me, saying that she seemed to pause after breathing, one of the patterns I had described. She was peaceful when I arrived. As one caregiver remembered it, her eyes were open but distant; earlier that morning her eyes seemed to show some sadness in response to a soothing phrase. She was calm, then had one last quiet sigh; it was soundless, not agonal or moaning, there was no inhaling gasp, but she had no more. We moved her immediately back to the bedroom so she could lie in her bed. I leaned down and kissed her, and we covered her normally with a blanket. I know that I called our adult daughters, each at work, but dont remember the conversations. Since we didnt have an active home hospice referral, I knew that firefighters could pronounce her death; my own license had lapsed in retirement. I called 911, making sure they knew it wasnt an emergency, but that we needed their assistance. The firefighters arrived quietly and were gentlemanly; they listened, reviewed the POLST, examined the body, and did their documentation. However, the bureaucracy of a home death in our city was more complicated. Even with the POLST, the firefighters were obligated to call in the police. They too arrived quietly, were also gentlemanly and sympathetic, but they were required to photograph her and her prescribed medication, and they interviewed the caregivers privately about the last time, if any, they had administered medication, and other matters. The firefighters left, but the police stayed quite awhile until they were cleared by the Medical Examiners office. Evidently that office had to make a determination about forensic issues, and their own role. At the end of their day, they released the case without further examination, and delivered a coded number that would allow her legal transportation from the home. But our situation was further complicated: We had arranged for a research brain autopsy to be done at the University Alzheimer Disease Research Center. The autopsy had a practical biological time limit, but the special transfer was delayed until well after midnight. The procedure was done in time, even though there was a further bother in transporting the body to the funeral home. ADVERTISEMENT Our daughters were magnificent in dealing with matters I couldnt fathom, from dealing with the funeral home and deciding on religious details and service particulars, to notifying friends and family of our changes, while considering accommodations and travel issues. Having clergy available was wonderful. Friends helped. But husbands are supposed to die first, right? I had my own serious medical diagnosis and limited prognosis delivered 18 months beforehand. I deliberately re-drafted my Last Will then, updating the provisions for my wifes care after my death. I also took care of purchasing a cemetery plot, close to where her own mother is buried. I hadnt thought it would be timely. After the funeral, further events were not so much about caregiving, as much as spousal duty. The caregivers were told to keep coming to the house, because I required their help in unwinding the years of needs and caring that they knew so well. We had a lot of supplies to pack up, and a lot to give away, over the ensuing days. There were still other tasks and decisions that I had to do myself. I wont detail the frustrations for a surviving spouse and Executor, from death certificate errors to dealing with governmental, medical, and financial bureaucracies. Somehow this Care Giving Old Guy remained cognitively intact (or faked it well enough) to be fairly civil in dealing with those issues. So Irene died in our own home, in her own chair and bed, peacefully, spending some time facing our view window on a sunny day. The house was surprisingly busy for a while; I even joked that the number of women was close to bursting point. But in the evenings, in the winter darkness, it was quieter here than ever. A chronic insomniac doesnt sleep any better in the stillness. Ron Louie is a pediatric oncologist. China urges Japan to take concrete actions to ensure safety of Chinese citizens, institutions Xinhua) 09:33, November 27, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday urged Japan to take concrete actions to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Japan, as crimes targeting Chinese nationals have been on the rise. "Just last week, we noted that Japanese police arrested five suspects involved in assaults against Chinese citizens," spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press briefing, adding that Japan has also seen a rise in extreme and threatening remarks targeting China online. Mao said that the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan have been recently repeatedly harassed, both online and offline, by right-wing provocateurs. "We urge Japan to take China's concerns seriously and adopt effective measures to ensure the safety and legitimate rights of Chinese citizens and institutions in Japan," the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Benedict Cumberbatch needed surgery following a surfing injury. Benedict Cumberbatch needed shoulder surgery The Thing With Feathers actor, who was seen with his arm in a sling at the Cannes Film Festival in May, damaged his shoulder as a result of "overdoing" his favourite pastime and went under the knife after spending over a year in pain. He told the Smartless podcast: I started in my forties and Im near the end of my forties and Im still feeling like Im starting. But I had a short operation, so I havent done it at all for about six months. But I love it." Of his injury, he added: Its a long time of ill use and a lot of surfing in very bad conditions and overdoing it. I had a torn rotator cuff and then also a frozen shoulder on top of it, which I only found when I went into it to do the repair to the rotator, which was a complete tear. I lived with chronic pain for about a year and a half. The 49-year-old star "really fell in love" with riding the waves when he was stuck in New Zealand amid the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 after shooting The Power Of The Dog. He said: It was a bit scary to begin with, but utterly magical and extraordinary. One of the best places on Earth to be, as it turned out. And there was a little right-hand break in Te Awanga in Hawkes Bay. It was where I learned. I really fell in love with it." Benedict - who has sons Christopher, 10, Hal, eight, and Finn, six, with his wife Sophie Hunter - loves the way surfing brings together unlikely groups of people. He said: "I fell in love with the view of the coastline. I fell in love with that connection to the ocean, how present you are and the community as well. "This extraordinary group of people where all is kind of forgiven as long as you dont take their wave. "You know, the drug dealer would be there and the head of the local police force would be there. Just all of human life was around you. "I cant explain to anyone who hasnt surfed what that feeling is, of nature giving you a ride from somewhere out in the ocean towards the shoreline. Its just magic when it works. The Secretary for Security, Chan Tsz King, has designated national security risk monitoring as one of the major priorities of his Secretariat for 2026. Presenting his first sectoral Policy Address for 2026 at the Legislative Assembly, Chan announced that, for the next year, the focus will continue on perfecting and refining several laws and legal regimes, as well as enforcement mechanisms aimed at reinforcing national security in Macau. As the Secretary remarked, the focus will not only be on adjusting legislation but also on perfecting the risk monitoring system and enforcing an early warning mechanism to prevent risks before they become threats. Chan further stressed that the security sector will assist the government in optimizing the organizational structure and operational mechanisms of the National Security Committee; support the National Security Affairs Adviser and Technical Adviser in performing their duties; and collaborate with other sectors to establish a national security risk monitoring and early warning indicator system and enforcement mechanism. He added that the sector will continue advancing the legislation of the Law on the National Security Committee of the Macau Special Administrative Region and the Law on the Prevention, Investigation, and Suppression of Terrorist Acts, as well as reviewing and amending relevant supporting regulations, strengthening maritime, land, and port security surveillance, and optimizing contingency plans for large-scale events. Another area the Secretary said he would address was combatting crimes endangering national security to prevent interference and disruptive acts by external forces. The preventive mechanisms are also said to extend to cybersecurity. 800 new eyes in the sky Chan announced that 800 new video surveillance cameras, under the street surveillance system Eyes in the Sky, will be installed by 2027. The new cameras are part of the sixth phase of the citys surveillance system (680), as well as 120 cameras to be installed in new areas of Zone A of the new landfills. To improve surveillance beyond land, the Secretary also proposes upgrading and expanding the Intelligent Maritime Surveillance System. The system is a primary tool of the Customs Service for monitoring coastal waters, detecting suspicious activities, and combating cross-border crimes such as illegal immigration and smuggling. Among the updates, Chan mentioned upgrading the night-vision equipment and the drone management system. This system also aims to update the Automatic Identification System (AIS), which uses AI-powered video analytics to track registered vessels and control maritime traffic. This aligns with the GuangdongHong KongMacau Greater Bay Area (GBA) initiative to develop smart city and smart port infrastructure. The system is expected to be further integrated with the customs surveillance zones in the cooperation zone in Hengqin. Cybersecurity to be tackled with cooperation One of the concerns expressed by lawmakers during the debate on the Policy Address for the Security sector concerned the large number of cybersecurity attacks and phone and online scams. In response, Chan said that authorities have been amending all relevant legislation to increase protection for people and companies, but noted that, due to its nature, this type of crime can only be prevented or tackled through international and inter-regional cooperation. The Secretary mentioned that local authorities have already established international and regional cooperation and information-sharing mechanisms to help prevent losses to local residents and companies. He also noted that the local Cybersecurity Operation Centre has been updated annually, providing guidelines on vulnerability management and technical guidance. He also remarked that operators, namely telecommunications and internet providers, as well as electricity and water supply, among others, have been called to provide feedback, which has been taken into account in drafting a technical specification for cybersecurity vulnerability management of critical infrastructure. It is expected to be released by year-end and take effect in January 2026. Regarding cybersecurity work on non-critical infrastructure, the Judiciary Police (PJ) director, Sit Chong Meng, said that in recent years, many related facilities and businesses have experienced cyberattacks involving data theft by hackers. In response, authorities carried out preventative work last year, assisting in reviewing whether the systems of food delivery platforms, chain supermarkets, and ride-hailing platforms that store large amounts of local residents data meet security standards. On the topic, several lawmakers expressed support for amending the local anti-cybercrime laws to increase the scope of penalties, create a deterrent factor, and shield Macau from this type of criminal activity. deepfakes have not yet caused losses In response to lawmakers questions about cases of AI deepfake scams, the PJ director said that this year, there were only three reports involving AI deepfake technology fraud, mainly involving altering appearance and voice to impersonate well-known figures in Macau to commit fraudulent investment schemes. So far, none of these cases have resulted in any losses. Robot dogs lack patrol efficiency, says Security Chief During the debate on the 2026 Policy Address for the Security sector, the Secretary, Chan Tsz King, revealed that authorities had held internal discussions about introducing robotic patrol dogs. Still, Chan noted that it was decided this technology is not yet mature and therefore not efficient enough. He remarked that despite this, authorities are open to continuing to study the potential uses of such equipment in the near future, hoping it can be applied to daily patrols, security work for large-scale events, and fire protection. Regarding the same topic, Unitary Police Service Commissioner Leong Man Cheong stated that authorities also need to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of these tools, as prices vary from several hundred thousand to one million patacas, depending on different specifications and purposes. Like this: Like Loading... Firefighters battled one of Hong Kongs deadliest modern blazes for a second day today (Thursday), fighting to control the fire that blackened several high-rise towers and killed at least 44 people. Three men from a construction company were arrested, and rescues were continuing. Thick smoke still poured out of the Wang Fuk Court complex in Tai Po district, a northern suburb near the border with the mainland, around midday Thursday. The fire that started midafternoon Wednesday had spread across seven of the complexs eight buildings, and four of the towers were under control by morning, the citys fire services said. One firefighter was among the 44 people confirmed dead, officials said. At least 62 people were injured, many suffering from burn and inhalation injuries. Three men, the directors and an engineering consultant of a construction company, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police have not directly named the company where they work. We have reason to believe that those in charge of the construction company were grossly negligent, said Eileen Chung, a senior superintendent of police. Police on Thursday also searched the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, which The Associated Press confirmed was in charge of renovations in the tower complex. Police seized boxes of documents as evidence, according to local media. Phones for Prestige rang unanswered. Authorities suspected some materials on the exterior walls of the high-rise buildings did not meet fire resistance standards, allowing the unusually fast spread of the fire. Police also said they found Styrofoam which is highly flammable attached to the windows on each floor near the elevator lobby of the one unaffected tower. It was believed to have been installed by the construction company but the purpose was not clear. Secretary for Security Chris Tang said they would investigate the materials further. The fire started on the external scaffolding of a 32-story tower, then spread on the bamboo scaffolding and construction netting to the inside of the building and then to the other buildings, likely aided by windy conditions. Firefighters aimed water at the intense flames from high on ladder trucks, but conditions for fighting the fire and rescuing people remained challenging. The temperature inside the buildings concerned is very high. Its difficult for us to enter the building and go upstairs to conduct firefighting and rescue operations, Derek Armstrong Chan, deputy director of Fire Service operations said. Firefighters said the operation could last until at least Thursday evening. The housing complex consisted of eight buildings with almost 2,000 apartments for about 4,800 residents, including many older people. It was built in the 1980s and had been undergoing a major renovation. About 900 people were evacuated to temporary shelters overnight, and Hong Kong leader John Lee said around midnight that contact had been lost with 279 people. Rescues were continuing, but an updated figure wasnt available by midday Thursday. Resident Lawrence Lee was waiting for news about his wife, who was still trapped in their apartment. When the fire started, I told her on the phone to escape. But once she left the flat, the corridor and stairs were all filled with smoke and it was all dark, so she had no choice but to go back to the flat, he said, as he waited in one of the shelters overnight. Winter and Sandy Chung, who lived in one of the towers, said sparks flew around them as they evacuated last night. Although they were safe, they were worried about their home. I couldnt sleep the entire night, Winter Chung, 75, told the AP on Thursday. John Lee said the government will prioritize the disaster and halt promotion for the Dec. 7 elections for the Legislative Council, the citys legislature. He didnt say if the elections could be delayed but said decisions would come a few days later. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed condolences to the firefighter who died and extended sympathies to the families of the victims, according to state broadcaster CCTV. He also urged efforts to minimize casualties and losses. The fire was the deadliest in Hong Kong in decades. In November 1996, 41 people died in a commercial building in Kowloon in a fire that lasted for around 20 hours. CHAN HO-HIM & HUIZHONG WU, HONG KONG Like this: Like Loading... India has lodged a protest with China over what it called an arbitrary detention of an Indian citizen at the Shanghai airport after the traveler from a northeastern state said she was held for hours because Chinese authorities refused to recognize her passport. The woman, who was stopped by Chinese authorities during a layover in Shanghai en route to Japan on Nov. 21, said she was told her passport was invalid because her birthplace, the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, is considered to be Chinese territory. Pem Wang Thongdok said in a post on X that she was held at the airport for 18 hours. While India maintains Arunachal Pradesh to be one of its states in the northeast, Beijing calls it a part of China and names it Zangnan, or Southern Tibet. The latest episode adds pressure to a relationship already strained by the military standoff along the Himalayan frontier, restrictions on trade and technology, and competing regional interests. It comes at a time when the two nuclear-armed rivals have been working to stabilize their ties following the deadly border clash of June 2020. The strain highlights how the continuing dispute over Arunachal Pradesh remains a major obstacle to improving relations between the Asian neighbors. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Tuesday said Chinas border inspection authorities handled the case in accordance with laws and regulations and that it had fully protected the legitimate rights and interests of the person involved. She denied claims that the individual was detained or harassed. Mao also reiterated that Zangnan was a Chinese territory and that Beijing never recognized the state of Arunachal Pradesh, which it claims was illegally established by India. Indias Foreign Ministry responded late Tuesday, stating that Arunachal Pradesh was an integral and inalienable part of India. No amount of denial by the Chinese side is going to change this indisputable reality, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a statement. He said Chinese authorities havent been able to explain the womans detention, which was in violation of several conventions governing international air travel. The action by the Chinese authorities also violate their own regulations that allow visa free transit up to 24 hours for nationals of all countries, Jaiswal said. MDT/AP Like this: Like Loading... The Legislative Assembly (AL) passed the amendments to the Advertising Law in the first reading on Tuesday. The bill proposes regulations on endorsements and online advertising, and establishes specific rules for advertising in the real estate, medical devices, and health products sectors. In the brief debate that followed the bills presentation, several lawmakers expressed concerns about the boundaries of online advertising, claiming they are unclear and that some blurred lines could constitute loopholes. In response, the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Anton Tai, noted that online advertising spans multiple jurisdictions, making it impossible to achieve comprehensive regulation across all jurisdictions. Tai remarked that the local law aims to clearly distinguish cases based on whether the advertising content is connected to Macau, including whether the advertiser has a business location or address, or operates a personal social media account. One of the most heated topics of debate was whether videos made by online influencers introducing products or services constitute advertising. In response, Tai said it depends on whether the results stem from paid collaborations and involve commercial interests. The amendments also adjust the fines for administrative violations and introduce a new warning mechanism, as well as a mechanism for preventive measures. Regarding physical advertising, the bill aims to simplify bureaucratic procedures for installing advertising materials by moving from the current permit system to a registration system. Still, Tai remarked that, in the case of some projects involving external wall-mounted advertisements, these will require permits from the Public Works Bureau as well as the acquisition of specific insurance covering any accidents resulting from the fall of those structures. Like this: Like Loading... Sands China Limited (SCL) and the Macao University of Tourism (UTM) have launched a new culinary program, the Sands China Western Culinary Elite Programme, with four spots annually for three years. Following a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed Tuesday, UTM rector Fanny Vong, speaking on the sidelines, stated, Students will have this opportunity to work while also receiving scholarships to study culinary arts abroad. The initiative is intended to serve as a model of collaboration between the industry and academia to cultivate talent, resulting in students returning to Macau to contribute within the industry. The program features an eight-week training period at the world-renowned Ecole Ducasse culinary school in France and will adopt the hire-then-train method, primarily targeting top graduates from UTMs Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management program. Vong, speaking to the media, said, UTM had previously signed a cooperation agreement with this French culinary management institute, the very renowned Ecole Ducasse Institute. This agreement means they recognize a number of our courses and credits. Therefore, students currently enrolled in our culinary management program can go to Ducasse and complete their courses there in a shorter timeframe. She continued, Leveraging this foundation and combined with strong support from the industry, our students will receive financial support through these scholarships. Even better, besides receiving scholarships to study culinary arts abroad, they will have jobs waiting for them upon their return. This year marks the 30th anniversary of UTM, and the rector said the recruitment of new teachers is currently in progress for the development of the universitys expansion in Hengqin. Over the past three years, we have seen a continuous increase in applicants, and the number of students who actually register and enroll has broken our records. This year also hit a new high, close to one thousand, she said. UTM is prioritizing meeting local demand for enrollment, which is relatively high at the postgraduate level, for masters and doctoral programs, reaching over 70-80%. Remaining spots will go to students from the Greater Bay Area, mainland China, or other regions. The rector said, Currently, we have two main segments. For the university, we have degree programs, including undergraduate programs, with over 2,800 students currently. The other segment is continuing education, where we offer further studies, internationally integrated courses, etc. Based on recent data, last year alone saw over 20,000 participants on average. She concluded with the results of previously conducted surveys, stating, In recent years, we have found that among graduates entering employment, over 70% work in fields directly related to their studies specifically within the broader service industry, meaning areas like travel agencies, airlines, hotels. The alignment rate for our students within the broader service industry is quite high. Of course, we also see a significant number of students in recent years choosing to pursue further studies, continuing their education here in our programs, she said. The signing ceremony was followed by an Innovative Hospitality Management symposium. The event showcased industry-academia dialogue on the application of technologies like artificial intelligence and robotics in hospitality, exploring how to drive the sectors sustainable development.Ricaela Diputado Like this: Like Loading... * Tai Po inferno | Hong Kong high-rise blaze kills at least 14 * Forewarned, Forearmed | Chan Tsz King sets national security risk monitoring and early warning as top priorities * Local authorities arrested a local man for smuggling meth and etomidate e-cigarette cartridges from Hong Kong to Macau * Healthy Macao: SSM warns of increasing overweight rates * Plans for Hengqins high-speed rail station-city integration project underway, with a direct connection to Macaus LRT Hengqin Port DOWNLOAD PDF Thursday, November 27, 2025 edition no. 4847 Like this: Like Loading... The Philippines card payments market is projected to grow by 18.8 percent in 2025 to P4.2 trillion ($72 billion), led by ongoing financial inclusion efforts and improving acquiring infrastructure, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company. GlobalDatas Payment Cards Analytics indicates the total card payment value grew by 20.5 percent in 2024, with the market reaching P3.5 trillion ($61 billion). The expansion is supported by the availability of basic bank accounts, the rise of digital-only banks and a gradual shift from cash to electronic payments. - Advertisement - Card payments in the Philippines are expanding from a relatively low base, supported by a rising banked population, targeted financial inclusion policies and a steady build out of acceptance infrastructure, said Ravi Sharma, lead banking and payments analyst at GlobalData. The growth is reinforced by regulatory initiatives from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), including the National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 20222028, which aims to boost consumer trust in formal financial services and encourage greater card usage among individuals and merchants. Debit cards are a key element of this growth. In 2025, debit cards are expected to account for 35.1 percent of the total card payment value. Their increased use is linked to the expansion of bank accounts and financial access points, aided by the BSPs Circular 992 from 2018, which allowed banks to offer basic deposit accounts with simplified Know Your Customer (KYC) checks, no minimum balance and no maintenance fees. Credit and charge cards, despite lower penetration in terms of cardholding, are set to dominate spending. They will represent 64.9 percent of the total card payment value in 2025, surpassing debit cards in transactional value. This dominance is attributed to value-added propositions such as rewards, cashback, air miles and merchant discounts, which incentivize cardholders to use credit lines for high-ticket and discretionary spending. Beyond card issuance, the acceptance network is steadily expanding. However, high point of sale (POS) installation costs and merchant service fees still constrain uptake among small merchants. Providers are addressing this by rolling out more economical mobile POS and SoftPOS offerings. For example, Singapore-based HitPay partnered with Ingenico in October 2025 to launch an all-in-one payment solution for Philippine small and medium enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to accept major credit cards and local mobile wallets, which is expected to indirectly bolster card usage at smaller merchants. The BSP and the government are utilizing multiple channelsincluding micro banking offices, electronic money issuers, microfinance providers, pawnshops and remittance agentsto extend formal financial services into unbanked and underserved regions. The National Strategy for Financial Inclusion 20222028 is designed to foster inclusive digital finance, strengthen financial education and enhance consumer protection, which collectively support confidence in card-based and other electronic payment mechanisms. Looking ahead, the total card payments in the Philippines are forecast to almost double between 2024 and 2029, Sharma said. The growth will be underpinned by the continued financial inclusion initiatives, the expansion of POS and low-cost acceptance solutions and sustained consumer preference for value rich credit card propositions. Although annual growth is expected to slow from 18.8 percent in 2025 to 12.2 percent by 2029 as the market matures, the structural shift from cash to cards will keep the Philippines among the faster growing card payment markets in the region, said Sharma. The European Parliament has delivered a decisive setback to Algeria and its Polisario-backed lobbying efforts by endorsing the European Commissions delegated act on the labelling of agricultural products from Moroccos southern provinces. The vote, held on Nov 26, rejected an objection motion spearheaded by far-right and anti-Morocco groups, clearing the way for full implementation of the Morocco-EU agricultural agreement. This outcome confirms the legal and commercial validity of the October 3 exchange of letters between Rabat and Brussels, which amended the existing farm trade deal to explicitly include products from Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab under the same preferential access conditions as those from the rest of the Kingdom. Labels will now indicate the regions of origin for goods produced in Moroccos southern provinces, strengthening traceability and compliance standards while facilitating market access. The vote is widely seen as a blow to Algeria and the Polisario, whose lobbying in Brussels sought to derail the agreement by questioning its legality. Their objection failed to gain traction, reaffirming the EUs recognition of Moroccos territorial integrity in the context of trade relations. By rejecting the motion and validating the Commissions approach, the European Parliament has reinforced the strategic partnership between Morocco and the EU. The decision not only secures uninterrupted agricultural exports but also sends a clear political message: the Sahara regions are integral to Moroccos trade framework with Europe. Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau appeared on State television on Wednesday, November 26, declaring that they had seized power, just three days after national elections marked by rival claims of victory from President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and opposition candidate Fernando Dias. Citing what they called an attempt to manipulate electoral results involving national politicians and a well-known drug lord, the military announced the immediate removal of the president, the suspension of all state institutions, the shutdown of media outlets and the closure of borders. Embalo told France 24 that he had been arrested in what he described as a coup led by the army chief of staff, though he said he was not harmed. The country, long marred by political instability and drug trafficking, witnessed gunfire near the presidential palace and the National Electoral Commission as soldiers sealed off key institutions and reportedly detained the commissions chief. Dias and Domingos Simoes Pereira, leader of the main opposition party, were also arrested. International bodies swiftly condemned the takeover. The United Nations expressed deep concern, urging restraint and a return to constitutional order, while the African Union and ECOWAS denounced the military action as a direct assault on the democratic process and demanded the immediate release of detained officials. Domestic civil society groups, however, accused Embalo and the army of orchestrating a simulated coup to block the provisional election results due on 27 November, alleging an attempt to extend his tenure despite a long-running legitimacy dispute over the expiry of his mandate. With West Africa already facing a surge of military takeovers since 2020 including in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso the events in Guinea-Bissau underscore the regions deepening vulnerability to political upheaval. Elizabeth Olsen has always "idolised the British countryside". Elizabeth Olsen would love to live in England one day The 36-year-old actress was recently mocked for hailing the British countryside as her ideal eternity world - but Elizabeth has now doubled-down on that suggestion. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Elizabeth explained: "My go-to answer has now been mocked by a British journalist. "Ive always idolised the British countryside, and I was like, 'Well, now I feel dumb for answering that way.' I love looking at the cliffs and the sea, and wearing all my outdoor gear because its rainy and cold, in a charming little town with lots of great people and one great restaurant. So it would be some fantasy version of that, but then a part of me is like, 'Should I just say Venice, Italy in February?' Maybe thats just an easier response because it exists." Elizabeth also hopes that her happiest self will arrive at some stage in the future. The movie star said: "As much as its a rule and a very clever rule for this world and this story I dont know if we can quantify when we are happiest. "We look back at the past with nostalgia, and we look at the future with hope, but we have a hard time being present. I do have very clear memories where I cant stop saying how happy I am, but I would like to think [my happiest self] is somewhere in my future. I would rather it not be somewhere in my past." Elizabeth recently revealed that she used to dream of living in England one day. The Hollywood star told Variety: "When I was in high school, I dreamt of being a very old lady on the coast of England, alone actually. "I might have had an animal, and it would be like foggy and wet and kind of cold, and I would go on long walks and I would be in a small town that had like one of each thing you need like one bakery, one coffee shop, one fishmonger, one cheese shop, one like community centre, one theatre. It was always just me because I like meeting new people and I like being a part of a community, and I always imagined I would die alone." The death toll from a Marburg virus outbreak in Ethiopia has risen to six, the Ethiopian Press Agency reported on Wednesday, November 26. The outbreak was first confirmed on 14 November 2025, with initial fatalities reported three days later. According to the health ministry, the virus has been detected in 11 individuals, five of whom are currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have isolated 349 people suspected of having contact with infected individuals, releasing 119 after completing the required surveillance period. Marburg virus, belonging to the same family as Ebola, typically causes severe headaches and haemorrhaging, and has historically exhibited fatality rates as high as 80%, often within eight to nine days of symptom onset. The Ethiopian health authorities continue to monitor and treat affected individuals while containing the spread of the virus. President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake a working visit to Mozambique from 0203 December 2025 at the invitation of President Daniel Francisco Chapo, where he will lead South Africas delegation to the 4th South AfricaMozambique Bi-National Commission (BNC), in Maputo, on 02 December 2025. The visit follows a series of preparatory engagements, including the Senior Officials Meeting from 30 November to 01 December 2025 and the Council of Ministers Meeting on 02 December 2025, alongside a Business Forum on the same day. The trip underscores the historic and strategic ties between the two nations, shaped through decades of solidarity during the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. On 03 December 2025, President Ramaphosa will also participate in the official launch of the Sasol Hydrocarbons Processing Integrated Infrastructure in Inhassoro, Inhambane Province. The BNC, co-chaired by both presidents, has been a key coordination platform since its inauguration on 22 October 2015, followed by sessions on 25 August 2017 and in March 2022. This fourth session aims to assess progress on prior commitments, deepen economic and trade cooperation, and broaden collaboration on regional, continental and global issues of shared interest. 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: Patients are treated during a record 2024 dengue epidemic in Brazil. Brazilian authorities on Wednesday approved the world's first single-dose dengue vaccine, which they hailed as a "historic" achievement as cases of the mosquito-borne disease soar globally due to rising temperatures. Dengue, known for intense flu-like symptoms, crushing fatigue and body aches, reached record global levels in 2024 and researchers have attributed its spread to climate change. Brazil's health regulatory agency ANVISA authorized the use of Butantan-DV, developed by the Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo, for people aged 12 to 59. Currently, the only dengue vaccine available worldwide is TAK-003, which requires two doses administered three months apart, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The single dose, developed after eight years of trials across Brazil, will allow for faster and simpler vaccination campaigns. "This is a historic achievement for science and health in Brazil," Esper Kallas, director of the Butantan Institute, a public research center, told a press conference in Sao Paulo. "A disease that has plagued us for decades can now be fought with a very powerful weapon," he added. The new vaccine showed 91.6% efficacy against severe dengue during the clinical trials which involved more than 16,000 volunteers. Dengue's unpleasant symptoms have earned it the nickname "breakbone fever." It can provoke hemorrhagic fever in severe cases, and death. It is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which have expanded beyond their usual areas, leading to dengue cases in Europe or parts of the United States where they were not typically found. Globally, the WHO reported more than 14.6 million cases and almost 12,000 deaths in 2024, the highest number ever recorded. Half of these deaths took place in Brazil. Researchers at Stanford University in the United States published a study in 2024 estimating that global warming was responsible for 19% of dengue cases that year. Brazil has reached an agreement with the Chinese company WuXi Biologics to deliver approximately 30 million doses of the vaccine in the second half of 2026, Health Minister Alexandre Padilha told the press conference. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Lockdown and social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with increased developmental concerns about young children in Scotland, research suggests. A study of almost 258,000 children in Scotland found that, after accounting for pre-pandemic trends, there was an increase in the proportion of toddlers showing any developmental issues throughout the period of lockdown and social distancing measures between March 2020 and August 2021. This increase was greater for those who experienced a longer period of social distancing measures with up to a 6.6% increase. Researchers say the findings provide important new data on how the COVID-19 pandemic public health and social measures from March 2020 were associated with early child development, including speech and language skills, physical movement or emotional growth. Study methods and scope in Scotland The University of Edinburgh led study measured relationships between lockdown measures and developmental concerns identified by the health visitors of young children. The study is the largest known analysis of data assessing COVID-19 measures on child developmental outcomes at a population level in the United Kingdom or Europe. The researchers assessed data from routine health reviews and examined the proportion of children with any concerns raised by health visitors regarding their development over time. The study assessed more than 80% of all children in Scotland who were aged 13 to 15 months and 27 to 30 months between January 2019 and August 2023. Key findings on developmental concerns Researchers found evidence of increased developmental concerns among children, with up to a 6.6 percentage points increase in the proportion of children with at least one developmental concern across the 72 weeks where lockdown measures were in place from March 2020 to August 2021. Findings were consistent across different types of developmental concerns, including problem solving, speech and behavior. The proportion of children with developmental concerns remained higher than pre-pandemic levels even after lockdown and social distancing measures were removed in August 2021. Notably, developmental concerns at 13 to 15 months continued to rise even after the public health and social measures were lifted, while developmental concerns at the 27 to 30 month reviews stopped increasing but remained above pre-pandemic levels. Research context and expert commentary The study, in partnership with Public Health Scotland, was conducted as part of the wider COVID -19 Health Impact on long-term Child Development in Scotland (CHILDS) study. Researcher Dr. Iain Hardie of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, said, "COVID-19 public health and social measures played a vital role in curbing the spread of infections during the pandemic. However, the findings of our study suggest that they also appear to have been associated with increased early childhood development concerns." Principal researcher and originator of the CHILDS study Professor Bonnie Auyeung, of the University of Edinburgh's School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, said, "It has been a privilege to work with our partners in Public Health Scotland on this research. With its integrated health care system, Scotland is well positioned to enable this kind of population level study, and it is exciting to see our work being published in The Lancet Regional HealthEurope. "We hope this work will help inform the discussion about how best to support children from the COVID-19 era as they develop over the coming years." The team added that although the study provides evidence of an association between lockdown measures and developmental concerns in young children, it is important to note that the influence of other factors occurring at the same time cannot be ruled out. The research team also included scientists from Public Health Scotland, the University of Dundee, the University of Sheffield and the Istituto Italiano di Technologia in Italy. CHILDS builds upon the previous COVID-19 in Pregnancy in Scotland (COPS) study which examined the effects of the SARS- CoV-2 infections and COVID-19 vaccinations to the point of birth and the newborn period. CHILDS examines subsequent health and developmental outcomes in children during their early childhood period. More information: Iain Hardie et al, COVID-19 public health and social measures (PHSM) and early childhood developmental concerns in Scotland: an interrupted time series analysis, The Lancet Regional Health - Europe (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2025.101525 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 simple neck scan can identify men with double the risk of heart failure, according to research led by University College London. A carotid ultrasound, like the ultrasound for pregnant women, is quick and painless, using a small handheld device moving gently over the neck to scan the arteries underneath. When around 1,600 men over the age of 70 received the scan, it showed the "flexibility" of their carotid arterieshow much they stretch and expand with each heartbeat. Researchers found that the quarter of men with the least flexible carotid arteries were 2.5 times more likely to develop heart failure than those with the most flexible carotid arteries. These people could be encouraged by doctors to eat more healthily, do more exercise and take medications, if needed, to help reduce their risk of developing heart failure. GPs do not currently routinely carry out the cheap and easy scan on healthy patients without symptoms. But, where GP surgeries have the capacity, offering a neck scan to older people to measure the flexibility of their arteries could help them better understand their risk of future heart failure, according to the researchers. Having relied upon data from the British Regional Heart Study, which began in the 1970s and only involved men, researchers highlight that these findings next need to be looked at in women. Dr. Atinuke Akinmolayan, an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellow who led the research from University College London (UCL) and is now a GP, said, "The carotid ultrasound is a safe, cheap and painless investigation, and our findings suggest it may be able to provide an early warning sign for heart failure. "More research is needed, especially to see if this works for women, but this is something GPs could look at offering to people over the age of 60, where possible and believed needed. "A patient who gets an ultrasound result indicating they may be at higher risk of future heart failure could have an important conversation with their doctor about lifestyle changes they could make to lower that risk." Current uses of carotid scans Doctors tend to scan the two carotid arteries, which run up either side of the neck, when someone has had a stroke or is at risk of a stroke following a transient ischemic attack, known as a "mini-stroke." A scan can identify carotid artery diseasea build-up of fatty material which can cause a stroke by breaking off and traveling into the brain or by narrowing the arteries and stopping blood reaching the brain. However, the carotid arteries may be a red flag for heart failure also. This is because, when the carotid arteries become less flexible, they do not expand properly to let blood through. This can raise blood pressure, which forces the heart muscle to work harder. Over time, this can lead to heart failure. Details of the study and findings The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, looked at 1,631 British men, aged 71 to 92, who had a carotid artery ultrasound between 2010 and 2012 as part of the British Regional Heart Study. A carotid ultrasound, sometimes called a Doppler scan, takes an average of 15 to 30 minutes for most people, although this can vary. A small handheld sensor is moved back and forth over the neck, generating sound waves which bounce off the arteries. That provides an echo which changes in frequency when blood flow is reduced in the blood vessels because they are narrowed by built-up fatty material. The narrowing identified by a carotid scan can then be used to calculate the arteries' flexibility, after factoring in other measures, including blood pressure. Researchers were able to identify the quarter of men with the least flexible carotid arteries, and the quarter of men whose carotid arteries were most flexible. They then compared the rates of heart failure in each group over an average of six years after their neck scans. Even after considering other causes of heart failure, like age, weight, smoking and whether people had previously suffered a heart attack, the quarter of men with the least flexible carotid arteries had 2.5 times the risk of developing heart failure, compared to the quarter with the most flexible carotid arteries. Carotid artery thickness and heart attack risk In a separate finding, looking at the thickness of people's carotid arteries rather than their flexibility, the study found that men with thicker carotid arteries were more likely to have a heart attack or die from one. For every "unit" increase in the thickness of the carotid artery wallwith a unit equaling 0.16 millimetersthe risk of having a heart attack increased by about 29%, even after considering other relevant factors like age and weight. However, the thickness of the carotid arteries was not found to be significantly linked to future heart failure in the study. There are around 200,000 new cases of heart failure diagnosed every year in the UK. It occurs when the heart is not pumping blood around the body as well as it should, most commonly when the heart muscle has been damagedfor example, after a heart attack. Heart failure can cause extreme fatigue, shortness of breath and fainting. Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the British Heart Foundation (BHF), said, "The findings of this study are interesting and show that stiffening of arteries is associated with increased risk of heart failure, most likely due to the heart having to work harder against the resistance caused by these stiffer arteries. "It is an important signal that whenever we detect such changes in the carotid arteries, we should also be thinking of the potential impact on the heart and an increased risk of heart failurewhich we have treatment strategies to prevent." More information: Atinuke Akinmolayan et al, Carotid IntimaMedia Thickness, Carotid Distensibility, and Incident Heart Failure in Older Men: The British Regional Heart Study, Journal of the American Heart Association (2025). DOI: 10.1161/jaha.124.037167 Journal information: Journal of the American Heart Association Hugh Grant claimed he only went into acting "to be famous and make a lot of money". Hugh Grant shocked Justice Smith The Substance actor shocked his Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves co-star Justice Smith with his candid confession and the 30-year-old star is still unsure whether or not he was joking. During an appearance on the What Are We Even Doing? podcast, host Kyle MacLachlan asked Justice if he had got along with Hugh during filming. He replied: "I did. Oh, I love Hugh. "When I worked with him, I was like, 'Hugh, you know, do you still love what you do? Do you still love this?' "And he was just like, 'No.' He said, 'I've never loved it.' He's like, 'I just wanted to be famous and make a lot of money.' And I said, 'Really?' He said, 'Yeah.' "He is so funny. And he's like, 'I've always hated the acting part of it.' And I was like, 'Oh.' But he said it with such sincerity." Justice was so "stuck" on the conversation, he brought it up with Rosamund Pike while filming Now You See Me: Now You Don't to get her take on whether Hugh was being serious or "just British". He recalled: "She's like, 'No, I'm pretty sure he's just British.' I'm like, 'Are you sure?' I think 'cause it stuck with me. I was like, 'Oh, I guess you can be a really good actor and just want to like just do it for the fame and money.'" Both host Kyle and his guest agreed the 62-year-old star is a "perfectionist" and pushes himself hard with his work. Kyle said: "Here's the thing about Hugh that I think I 'cause I got a vibe about him. "I've known Hugh for a long time, and he has the same spiel that he does. I think the thing that is so challenging for him is that he's such a perfectionist, and he takes it so seriously. "It's like everything, he wants it to be perfect. You know, he's got, I think, control issues, but I feel like it's the torture of that experience as opposed to kind of letting it all go and just, you know, doing what he does. But I got to believe that he finds joy in it." Justice ultimately concluded that Hugh's proclamation was a sign of just how great an actor he is. He said: "I would hope that he was joking, but also that British humour is so dry and like sometimes hard to permeate that I don't know 'cause he was so sincere. "Then I watch him...he does the work, he puts a lot of effort into what he does. We were working on a silly comedy together, and you could tell he really cares about it. "He's such a good actor, he'll make you believe that he doesn't." Body of gas victim left out to rot Body of gas victim left out to rot Body of gas victim left out to rot Body of gas victim left out to rot The body of a 59-year-old man who died after inhaling toxic chlorine gas in Vasai was found decomposed after it remained outside a mortuary freezer at the Navghar Primary Health Centre (PHC) for more than 21 hours.Relatives of the deceased, Dev Pardiwala, said no staff were present when they reached the PHC with his body on Monday night. When they returned the next morning to claim the body, hospital workers told them that the post-mortem would instead be conducted at JJ Hospital in Mumbai.By then, family members said, the body had bloated and begun to emit a strong stench an indignity they insist could have been avoided had it been placed in a deep freezer. Forced to manage the situation themselves, the relatives sprayed deodorant before taking the remains to JJ Hospital on Tuesday afternoon.It is a shocking violation of human rights and basic human dignity, said Pardiwalas cousin, Dileep. Pardiwala, a real estate agent, collapsed while trying to escape a hazardous chlorine gas leak from a long-abandoned cylinder near his building, Rashmi Plaza, on Monday evening.He was trying to get to an open space for fresh air, like all other residents. But as soon as he reached the ground floor, he collapsed at the entrance, Dileep said. He was declared brought dead at a nearby private hospital, which advised the family to take the body to a government facility for post-mortem.From there, the family was sent to the Vasaigaon government hospital and later redirected to Navghar PHC. When we reached at 10pm, there was no doctor. The private ambulance driver managed to get us the mortuary key, but there was no one to place the body in a freezer. So we left it on a platform and locked the room, Dileep said.On Tuesday morning, doctors at Navghar PHC informed the family that the post-mortem would have to be done at JJ Hospital as the local facility lacked the required set-up. Its 1.30pm and were still trying to arrange an ambulance to take the body to Mumbai. The stench is unbearable, said another cousin, Rajesh.If the doctors had told us last night that the post-mortem wouldnt happen here, we could have taken him to JJ straight away.Advocate Sadhna Dhuri demanded action against civic officials, alleging systemic negligence. First, Dev died because officials failed to dispose of a hazardous chlorine cylinder in time. Then, they couldnt even preserve his body. This is a complete collapse of Vasais health infrastructure, she said.Why was the body not kept inside a freezer? Why was it left in an open environment for more than 21 hours? It is a violation of human rights. The relatives reached JJ Hospital with the mortal remains 24 hours after his death.Local resident Fazle Haque Qureshi said this was not an isolated incident.In July, too, Navghar PHC failed to preserve the body of a man who was electrocuted. The mortuary wasnt working then either we had to arrange a freezer ourselves.Navghar PHC in-charge Dr Supriya Shinde said the centres four-body capacity was fully occupied.We informed the relatives and police that the freezer was full. They kept the body on a platform in the mortuary room, she said. The Anti-Narcotics Cell of Mumbai Police on Wednesday grilled socialite and influencer Orhan Awatramani, alias Orry, in a major drug seizure case, an official said. Orhan arrived at the Ghatkopar unit of the ANC around 1.30pm, the official said. He had been asked to visit the ANC office last Thursday (November 20) but had sought more time. According to the police, Orrys name cropped up during the interrogation of Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh, a key accused in the Rs 252 crore mephedrone seizure case. The case is centred around a large-scale mephedrone manufacturing setup in Sangli. Shaikh allegedly claimed that he used to organise rave parties in India and abroad for certain film and fashion celebrities, a politician, and a relative of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim. Orhan was among those named by Shaikh, as per the police. Shaikh, nicknamed Lavish because of his lavish lifestyle, was deported from Dubai last month. Shaikh was a close aide of Salim Dola who oversaw mephedrone manufacturing and distribution across India, the police had said earlier. On Wednesday the police interrogated Orry for six to seven hours. The police kept the temperature of the room deliberately high, switching of the air-conditioner, to keep the influencer uncomfortable, the official said. A senior officer said they suspect that Orry came into contact with the gangster Dawood Ibrahims kin in Dubai. Asked about his sources of income, Orry told the police that he was working for a telecom major on a salary of Rs 3 lakh per month. The police, however, said his lifestyle was disproportionate to his source of income. The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC), currently investigating a Rs 252 crore drug haul, suspects that the Dola gang, led by Dawood Ibrahims close aide Salim Dola, earned Rs 9 lakh per kilogram of mephedrone. The police said that the drug cartel had deep transnational links but their business was hampered in 2024 when the Sangli drug factory was dismantled by the crime branch. The police has arrested 13 in connection with the case. According to the police, the Dola gang operated from Dubai but manufactured drugs in India. All the alleged accused used to work in Sangli and other factories on behalf of the Dola gang. Their clients from Bollywood were handled by a close aide of Dawood Ibrahim, the police said. Police said that these high-profile clients were supplied premium quality drugs. The clients were provided premium psychotropic substances, from which the Dola gang earned huge profits, the police said. However, the gang incurred major losses when the Sangli drug factory was busted. Working on small leads last year in March, we busted a drug factory and seized 122 kg of premium mephedrone, which is estimated to be worth Rs 122 crore. This proved beneficial in establishing the Dubai links, said Navnath Dhavle, DCP of ANC, Mumbai. The dismantling of a factory in Bhopal was another significant operation, in which 61.2 kg of mephedrone worth Rs 92 crore was seized. Acting on specific intelligence, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) successfully busted a clandestine mephedrone manufacturing facility in Bhopal, in a meticulously coordinated operation, code-named Operation Crystal Break. The Surat and Mumbai police also supported the DRI during this operation, the police said. According to the police, the Bollywood clients were supplied drugs by these companies. The gang was most active when they shifted to Dubai in 2022. Another drug trafficker, Salim Shaikh, also known as Shera Batla, was very confident about the drug haul. However, when these two factories were dismantled, the Dola gang started to fear that their businesses would be affected and they would be arrested, the police added. The gang had developed local connections to supply drugs to their clients. The network used to either report to Salim Shaikh or to a close aide of gangster Dawood Ibrahim. The locals would produce and distribute the drugs and get a commission. We have arrested 13 people who were involved in the procurement and sale of drugs. All these accused worked in the factories operated by the gang, the officer added. Meanwhile, Orry, a social media influencer and a close aide of Bollywood celebrities, was questioned by the ANC on Thursday in connection with the case. Although Orry has denied supplying drugs to such parties, we highly suspect that he was the distributor of drugs. We are investigating the matter, a senior official told Mumbai Mirror. The police suspect that there are more suppliers in the Dola gang and further investigation is underway. At a time when artificial intelligence is playing a growing role in hiring decisions, new research suggests that humans working with these systems are more likely to go along with their biases than to counter them. The University of Washington study is among the first to explore how AI influences human decision-making in the hiring process. Participants were asked to review resumes that had been scanned by large language models with varying degrees of bias built in. When asked to identify their preferred candidates, researchers said they mirrored the inequitable choices of the AI. In contrast, participants acting alone or in collaboration with an LLM that exhibits no race-based preferences assigned candidates of different races to roles at relatively equal rates. The research raises important questions as companies increasingly integrate AI into their recruiting and hiring processes, with some simultaneously making deep cuts to human resources teams typically tasked with carrying out these screenings. A lot of regulations and recommendations for how to use AI systems in high-risk tasks like hiring say that you should be using human collaboration, that its one of the most important ways to mitigate harms, said Kyra Wilson, a doctoral student at UW and the lead researcher. The findings show, thats not really effective. Such findings have troubling implications at a time when companies are trying absolutely everything when it comes to AI, and in many cases theyre making a lot of mistakes, said Herman Aguinis, professor of management at George Washington University School of Business. Many brands including IBM, Workday and Recruit Holdings, parent company of the job sites Indeed and Glassdoor are deploying AI while making deep cuts to human resources teams, he noted. Workday declined to comment. IBM and Recruit did not immediately respond to a request for comment. That approach is especially risky considering that AI is like a power tool, which is used most effectively by more experienced employees but also is capable of causing lots of damage, said Aguinis, who is also a scholar with the Academy of Management. While an expert carpenter fabulously uses a power tool thats much faster and more accurate, if you give that to a beginner, they make mistakes and maybe cut a finger off, he said. The same thing happens in talent management. Lisa Simon, chief economist at Revelio Labs, said the study highlights the risk of AI reinforcing human bias in employment decisions instead of making recruiting and hiring processes more equitable. Recruiting remains an intensely human set of tasks, she noted, for which reducing bias has always been a significant challenge. Its so easy for people to become biased; if theres reinforcement to go with gut instinct, its sort of a snowball effect where its easier to go with a biased decision if someone else supports it, Simon said. The study builds on work the researchers published last year, which found that large language models powering resume-scanning programs overwhelmingly favoured white-associated names over others. Wilson wanted to extend the inquiry because she knew that in the real world, people are interacting with the system and making those decisions in collaboration with the AI rather than outsourcing the decision-making completely. In the latest study, which the researchers presented last month at the AAAI/ACM Conference on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Society in Madrid, more than 520 participants worked with LLMs that researchers seeded with varying degrees of racial bias. They evaluated resumes from equally qualified candidates across 16 job categories, ranging from housekeeper to nurse to computer systems analyst. Participants were given a job description and the names and AI-generated resumes of five candidates, which would include two White men and two who were either Asian, Black or Hispanic. A candidates race could be ascertained by their names and certain resume entries, such as involvement in identity-based employee affinity groups. A fifth distractor candidate of a randomly selected race (but different from the others) and lacking qualifications was included in each set to obscure the purpose of the study. Participants had four minutes to review the application materials and AI recommendations before selecting the three candidates they thought were most suitable for the given occupation, according to the study. When picking candidates without input from AI, or when working with AI trained to be neutral, participants chose White and non-White applicants at relatively equal rates, the study found. But when they teamed up with moderately biased AI participants, their choices tended to mirror the programs: if the model leaned toward non-White candidates, so did they. If the system preferred White applicants, humans followed suit. The findings point to potential real-world consequences of AI-assisted hiring decisions, which many companies are exploring, Wilson warned. Bias can sometimes be hard to see in these systems, she said. Especially when youre just making a single decision, you dont necessarily see how that will have broader effects when more decisions are stacked together. When interacting with the most biased programmes, the human participants made slightly less biased decisions than the AI, the researchers found. Humans went along with AIs picks roughly 90 per cent of the time in these cases, which suggests that even when users do register bias in the systems, they dont do much to mitigate it. Sara Gutierrez, chief science officer at SHL, which offers human resources solutions and psychometric assessments to businesses, said the study is a valuable illustration of how bias can spread when people are exposed to flawed AI recommendations. Whenever any kind of human subjective choices are made, there tends to be some bias at play, Gutierrez explained. While in some cases this is motivating companies to explore AI with the hope it can help empirically move towards objectivity and fairness, along with speeding up their processes, the study illustrates that the opposite is also possible, she added. Efficiency gains you get from an AI tool or process mean nothing if that tool isnt reliable or fair, Gutierrez said. Speed without accuracy is just going to get you to the wrong outcome faster. On August 14, 2024, the Metro 1 achieved a remarkable feat. Its ridership crossed 5 lakh in a single day. The Metro operators were so elated that they issued a press release congratulating themselves. What they did not mention was that this achievement still fell far short of their projected daily ridership of 7.24 lakh. Nevertheless, the press release contained one revealing detail. It noted that the only other time the Metro 1 crossed 5 lakh single day ridership was in January 2019, when BEST buses went on strike for nine days. The January 2019 workers strike was a response to a crisis in BEST, engineered by the BMC commissioner. By 2018, the BMC commissioner had forced BEST to discontinue one-fifth of its long routes, increased bus fares to a point that share-autos and taxis become competitive, downsized its fleet by 900 buses, and suspended issuing of bus passes. BEST workers insisted that BEST is a public service and must remain so. But the commissioner was fixated on one goal: laying the ground for bringing in private operators. By August 2019, the new vision for BEST had become clear. Bus operations would be handed over to private firms, BEST would be downgraded to a mere feeder service for the Metro, and when the time was right, BESTs depots would be sold to builders. In short, to make prestigious projects like the Metro look respectable, the BEST was to be incapacitated. Transforming BEST into a feeder service meant discontinuing many long routes, except those not serviced by rail. These long routes had served commuters well for decades, but the goal was to compel people who wanted to travel longer distances to take the Metro. Despite all the tall claims of moving people from cars to mass-transit, the authorities were keener on increasing Metro ridership by forcing passengers out of BEST. The problem, of course, was that only a small proportion of bus commuters who shifted out of BEST would take the Metro. For longer distances, most would fall back on the affordable but overloaded suburban railway. For short distances, they would move to share-autos and taxis, buy a two-wheeler, or simply walk. In effect, removing long routes would curtail mobility options and reduce overall welfare. Further, it made no social or economic sense. BEST has always been a very affordable mode of transport for Mumbaikars. Before the recent fare increase, bus fare was Rs 1/km, a fraction of Metro 1 fare of Rs 3.50/km, or the Aqua-line fare of Rs 2.1/km. Even with the fare hike, long-distance bus travel remains cheaper than the Metro. Therefore, by discontinuing long routes, authorities effectively deprived working people of a more affordable transport option. Second, switching modes (say from bus to Metro and back to bus) entails a cost in terms of time, money and effort. The authorities find it difficult to understand that door-to-door trip time and trip cost are crucial factors in determining the choice of transport, and commuters often find it more convenient to stick to a single mode than to switch between modes. Third, a road based public transport, unlike railway systems, is flexible and sensitive to land use changes and shifting demand. When changes in routes and capacity need to be made, these are relatively cost-free. Unlike elevated and underground systems, routes can be drawn up to link specific neighbourhoods to schools, hospitals, and parks, giving low-income residents genuine access to the city. Fourth, the subsidies per BEST passenger are a fraction of those for big-ticket projects like the Metro. Despite all the clamour about BESTs inefficiency, the average loss per passenger of BESTwhich has received no comparable investment subsidies from the governmentin 2017-18 was around half that of the Metro 1. Mumbais once world-class bus system has been decimated by policy. BEST has been starved of investment for upgrading fleet and operations. It has been deprived of a steady stream of funding. And it has suffered due government policy of encouraging private vehicles and the failure to reduce traffic congestion. For years, the BEST demanded that BMC and the traffic police introduce measures for reducing traffic congestion like dedicated bus lanes, traffic management, and parking. The BMC has done nothing. Instead, the authorities have continued to describe the crisis of BEST in purely financial terms. They have focused only on measures to cut costs and increase revenuesby discontinuing long routes, increasing fares, bringing in private operators, and now by deciding to commercialise depots. They have applied a shopkeepers mentality to run the citys bus system, to salvage an expensive and exclusionary Metro. In doing so, they have ignored the social and economic costs of crippling Mumbais once remarkable bus system. Hussain Indorewala is the co-convenor of Aamchi Mumbai Aamchi BEST, a citizens forum for public transport United States President Donald Trumps foreign policy is unconventional, but its also becoming predictably unpredictable. He sets audacious deadlines, takes previously unthinkable positions and keeps his options open. It seemed like he was ready to abandon Ukraine with a 28-point peace plan highly favourable to Russia, but the Ukrainians understood the gambit and acted accordingly. Ukraine could still come out ahead at the end of this nerve-wracking exercise. After tough talks in Geneva over the weekend, Washington and Kyiv hammered out an agreement that was more palatable to the young democracy. What seemed like an unbreakable Thanksgiving deadline has been extended. Ukraines NATO aspirations, a long way off even without Russias objections, were no longer automatically vetoed. And Ukraine is working to fill in the blanks on poorly worded security guarantees. On Monday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said finding a dignified path forward appears doable. Zelensky has grown more astute at handling Trump since foolishly sparring with him in the Oval Office in February. Knowing the initial deal was dangerous for his country, Zelensky remained calm and offered to negotiate. Trump warned over the weekend that if Zelensky didnt agree to a ceasefire, he could fight his little heart out - without US help. Now that outcome seems less likely. It would be a mistake to force any settlement that leaves Ukraine vulnerable to reinvasion by a rearmed Russia. Putin has walked away from a deal that might preserve Ukrainian sovereignty before, and Trumps mistake earlier this year was not hitting his Russian counterpart harder and faster. He eventually imposed serious sanctions on Russian oil firms and arms continued to flow into Ukraine. Yet Putin still feels emboldened to continue as he makes small but consistent gains on the ground, no matter the human cost. Negotiations are unsatisfying, as they implicitly reward Putin for his aggression. The reality is that Ukraine is losing ground, and more of the same from Russia would mean much more suffering for Ukrainians this winter. On Monday night, Putin unleashed yet another massive salvo at Kyiv that targeted badly degraded electricity infrastructure. He wants the civilians of Kyiv to freeze this winter. Ukraines people are incredibly resilient and ready for the looming hardship. The countrys overstretched and outnumbered forces continue to hold the front line, extracting staggering casualties from the enemy for every additional square mile he captures. If Russia wants to fight on, so will Ukraine. But theres nothing wrong with talking so long as American negotiators never forget who is really to blame for this awful conflict. The Washington Post It all began with a 16mm projector. It was pretty, it was heavy and we decided to haul it via multiple flights and continents to our office in Aram Nagar, a quiet suburb and erstwhile refugee colony, which is now the hub of what can be best described as images made for consumption. Now, we had a magic machine in our hands, but no visuals to show. We had no idea how to produce visuals onto photochemical film, especially when there are images everywhere around us, including our pockets. This was quite a conundrum. The most straightforward solution we could think of was going to Chor Bazaar and find images on film material. And thus, our journey commenced. We recommend a little trip there to anyone facing creative lethargy. What we found was wild. What you will find will be wild, promise. Chemistry with images Working with Bollywoods discarded reels along with very serious educational documentaries, home films, wedding footage and some new visuals put us on a path of joyful jumbling. It in a way determined our artistic language unafraid of mixing content and materials. If youve seen our style and aesthetic, a lot of Harkats visual language traces back to these handmade intersections. But we often (everyday) get the question, why film, why photo-chemistry, why analogue devices. And very honestly, one doesnt have a straightforward answer to this question. Just like humans with our various multiplicities, this craft and its meaning in our lives is also rainbow-like. The base of the answer is rooted in a sense of play and masti. To be able to love image-making, to make with ones hands, to be present in a moment of discovery. This practice of working with mechanical devices and chemistry in the darkroom has a way of merging with how ones body functions. Its slow, its tedious and it needs your intuition as much as it needs your attention. Shoot, play, repeat Working with film has been a liberating experience, and as we grew as artists, we wanted others to experience this as well. Hence, right from the first 16mm Festival in 2017, workshops have been a key part of our programming. So is the ek-minute competition, where you submit an idea and get 50ft (roughly one minute) of film to execute your work. You not only shoot on black and white film, but also develop with us, edit it manually and finally, play it on a 16mm projector at the festival. We bring in analogue films from around the world, and international practitioners who dive deeper into the topic than we could have ever imagined, actively growing a community of makers who are technically capable to work in film. We arent just a festival for fans of silver-screen charm, but our intention is a deep transference of knowledge. The films made during those workshops have travelled to festivals and institutions and have even been exhibited in museums. Taking stock of film Thanks to the festival (and we thank ourselves here a little), we get to travel the world, experiment with new techniques and meet new people who put a whole new spin on filmmaking. We work with Kodak to bring the freshest stock for filmmakers in India to deliver whatever they may dream of. With our practice, we join a world that has constantly been making on celluloid and never stopped. As we write this, the films screened from real reels this year are being made. How? Well, they require the very physical performance of the filmmakers. Because we make some of our films live in front of an audience. With live music. Yes, thats how we spend our mornings at Harkat. We dance wildly between projectors in our own theatre when nobodys watching. The writers are founders of Harkat Studios, and curators of the Harkat 16mm Film Festival. Visit altshows.com to sign up for the open lab. Columbia, CA Mother Lode State Senator takes a tour of Columbia College/Tuolumne County Fire Department (TCFD) Station 79 to learn about its program. Firefighters welcomed District 4 Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil to the station last week. They discussed the program, which is supported by the CAL Fire TCU and the Tuolumne County Firefighters Department Schedule A contract with paid staffing, engine maintenance, mentorship, training, and on-the-job experience for students looking to make firefighting a lifelong career. The staff relayed how the program provides students the opportunity to work alongside paid professionals staffing the SAFER grant-funded Engine 791 at the same station. Alvarado-Gil was also told that the program has produced thousands of career firefighters for many California fire departments and departments in other states by gaining experience, training, and being provided mentors by CAL Fire and TCFD. During the tour, they also discussed recruitment and retention, and station staffing levels by college firefighters and paid staff. The senator heard about how the staff assisted with the TCU Lightning Complex Fires and how the college fire academy provides instructional assistance and support. Simon Cowell says he stays young by washing his own blood to battle the effects of aging. Simon Cowell reveals his unexpected approach to anti-aging The 66-year-old star - who has 11-year-old son Eric with fiancee Lauren Silverman - has opened up on the unusual practice he has embraced as he tries to look after his body as he gets older. He told the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast: "I go to this wellness clinic where they actually take your blood, they rinse it, they filter it, they put it back into your body." Simon explained that he undergoes tests at the clinic, where they "tell you your age". He added: You do all these tests and they tell you your age so Ive actually aged backwards by eating better, more exercise, less stress, certain supplements. "My brain is still there, I still have the energy. The media mogul behind shows like The X Factor and American Idol admitted he previously debating freezing himself. He added: "I actually was going to freeze myself. I thought, Why not? "Then I found out they chop your head off, so you come back in two thousand years as a floating head. Im like, No, I dont want that.' Simon also reflected on how his loved ones - and being a father - keep him grounded. He said: "Id be lost if I hadnt had Eric, and Lauren, the two of them. Id reached a point in my life I felt lost, I was getting very down. When I hear Eric laugh and I see him happy, theres nothing that compares to that. Everything about you as a human being changes. "Youre there to protect him and guide him, hopefully steer him in the right direction. Meanwhile, Simon recently revealed he talks to himself and his "guardian angel" about peace daily. The TV personality told Britain's HELLO! magazine: "I talk to myself every day and say, 'I just want peace.' "I have a guardian angel, and I talk to it about peace. That's all I want." Sonora, CA The 4th Annual Christmas Town Sonora Lighting Ceremony was held on Wednesday night (11/26) in downtown Sonora, kicking off the holiday season. A crowd of several hundred people enjoyed the activities at the Sonora Fire Museum, where kids and adults performed skits and sang Christmas carols. Then, across the street, the Saint James Episcopal (Red) Church brought cheers from the audience as the Christmas tree was lit after a countdown from ten. The white lights sparkled with the outline of the church, and the colorful Christmas tree was a sight to behold, with many attendees making sure to get a close-up look at both. The welcoming of the holiday season continues tomorrow evening, Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, in downtown Sonora with the 42nd annual Christmas Parade along Washington Street in downtown Sonora, Friday, November 28, 2025, evening, with the goal to bring the community and visitors to the downtown district this holiday season. Additionally, many other Christmas Town events will begin next week. NEW YORK (AP) As the Justice Department gets ready to release its files on sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell, a court battle over sealed documents in Maxwells criminal case is offering clues about what could be in those files. Government lawyers asked a judge on Wednesday to allow the release of a wide range of records from Maxwells case, including search warrants, financial records, survivor interview notes, electronic device data and material from earlier Epstein investigations in Florida. Those records, among others, are subject to secrecy orders that the Justice Department wants lifted as it works to comply with a new law mandating the public release of Epstein and Maxwell investigative materials. The Epstein Files Transparency Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Donald Trump last week. The Justice Department submitted the list a day after U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer in New York ordered the government to specify what materials it plans to publicly release from Maxwells case. The government said it is conferring with survivors and their lawyers and that it will redact records to ensure protection of survivors identities and prevent the dissemination of sexualized images. In summary, the Government is in the process of identifying potentially responsive materials that are required to be disclosed under the law, categorizing them and processing them for review, the department said. The four-page filing bears the names of the U.S. attorney in Manhattan, Jay Clayton, along with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Also Wednesday, a judge weighing a similar request for materials from Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case gave the department until Monday to provide detailed descriptions the records it wants made public. U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman said he will review the material in private before deciding. In August, Berman and Engelmayer denied the departments requests to unseal grand jury transcripts and other material from Epstein and Maxwells cases, ruling that such disclosures are rarely, if ever, allowed. The department asked the judges this week to reconsider, arguing in court filings that the new law requires the government to publish the grand jury and discovery materials from the cases. The law requires the release of Epstein-related files in a searchable format by Dec. 19. Epstein was a millionaire money manager known for socializing with celebrities, politicians and other powerful men. He killed himself in jail a month after his 2019 arrest. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 of sex trafficking for luring teenage girls to be sexually abused by Epstein. She is serving a 20-year prison sentence. In initial filings this week, the Justice Department characterized the material it wants unsealed in broad terms, describing it as grand jury transcripts and exhibits. Engelmayer ordered the government to file a letter describing the materials in sufficient detail to meaningfully inform victims what it plans to make public. Engelmayer did not preside over Maxwells trial, but was assigned to the case after the trial judge, Alison J. Nathan, was elevated to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Tens of thousands of pages of records pertaining to Epstein and Maxwell have already been released over the years, including through civil lawsuits, public disclosures and Freedom of Information Act requests. In its filing Wednesday, the Justice Department listed 18 categories of material that it is seeking to release from Maxwells case, including reports, photographs, videos and other materials from police in Palm Beach, Florida, and the U.S. attorneys office there, both of which investigated Epstein in the mid-2000s. Last year, a Florida judge ordered the release of about 150 pages of transcripts from a state grand jury that investigated Epstein in 2006. Last week, citing the new law, the Justice Department moved to unseal transcripts from a federal grand jury that also investigated Epstein. That investigation ended in 2008 with a then-secret arrangement that allowed Epstein to avoid federal charges by pleading guilty to a state prostitution charge. He served 13 months in a jail work-release program. The request to unseal the transcripts is pending. By MICHAEL R. SISAK and LARRY NEUMEISTER Associated Press SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he has authorized the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean country to help in its fight against drug trafficking. For a limited time, the U.S. can refuel aircraft and transport equipment and technical personnel at restricted areas within the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport, said Abinader, who made the announcement with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side. Hegseth was in Santo Domingo Wednesday to meet with the countrys top leaders, including Abinader and Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre. It is the first major public agreement that the U.S. has struck with a Caribbean nation as it seeks friendly allies to support its attacks against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region and beyond. Since the strikes began in early September, at least 83 people have been killed. Hegseth said the Dominican Republic was a regional leader willing to take on hard challenges. Thats why Im here today. Thats why we decided to come here first, he said. The Dominican Republic has stepped up. Hegseth said the U.S. would respect the Caribbean countrys sovereignty and laws as U.S. service members and aircraft prepare to deploy to the Dominican Republic. He did not provide additional details. Meanwhile, Abinader said the scope of the agreement is technical, limited, and temporary. The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our Armed Forces, a decisive reinforcement to prevent the entry of narcotics and to strike a more decisive blow against transnational organized crime, he said. After a news conference where no questions were allowed, the office of the president issued a statement with more details, noting that several KC-135 tanker aircraft would be present to support air patrol missions, expanding monitoring and interdiction capabilities over a large portion of the maritime and air domains. They would also provide refueling services to aircraft from partner countries, thus ensuring sustained operations for monitoring, detecting, and tracking verified illicit smuggling activities, according to the statement. Additionally, C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft would facilitate aeromedical evacuations, firefighting, weather reconnaissance, and disaster relief, the office said. Abinader noted that the Dominican Republic has seized nearly 10 times more drugs per year in the past five years than in the previous decade thanks to close collaboration with the U.S. Our country faces a real threat, a threat that knows no borders, no flags, that destroys families, and that has been trying to use our territory for decades, he said. That threat is drug trafficking, and no country can or should confront it without allies. Hegseth praised Abinader, saying that the Dominican Republic understands the importance of standing up to narco-terrorists and narco-traffickers who flood our countries with drugs and violence. Were deadly serious about this mission, Hegseth said, asserting that the U.S. has the best intelligence, lawyers and process. We knowwhere theyre leaving from, where theyre going, what theyre bringing, what their intentions are, who they represent. Some experts believe the ongoing strikes are a tactic to try and pressure Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down given that the U.S. military has built up its largest presence in the region in generations. Hegseths visit comes a day after Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. President Donald Trumps primary military adviser, met with Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. The prime minister has praised the strikes, drawing criticism ever since stating in early September that she had no sympathy for drug traffickers and that the U.S. military should kill them all violently. On Wednesday, Persad-Bissessar told reporters that U.S. marines were recently in the twin-island nation to do some work at an airport roadway and to train with local soldiers. They are not here on the ground, she said. We are not about to launch any campaign against Venezuela. She said that Trinidad has not been asked to be a base for any attack against Venezuela, and that Venezuela was not mentioned in conversations with the U.S. on Tuesday. Trinidad and Tobago is just a few miles away from Venezuela. Prior to visiting Trinidad and Tobago, Caine stopped by the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico to visit American troops there and boarded at least one U.S. Navy ship. Caine and Hegseth had previously traveled to Puerto Rico in September. Earlier this year, the U.S. approached the tiny Caribbean island of Grenada with a request. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told Parliament earlier this month that any decision possibly allowing the Trump administration to install a temporary radar at the islands international airport will not be a secret, nor will it be one that violates domestic or international laws. No public announcement has been made since then. ___ Associated Press reporter Anselm Gibbs in Trinidad and Tobago contributed to this report. ____ Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america By DANICA COTO Associated Press RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) A federal three-judge panel on Wednesday allowed North Carolina to use a redrawn congressional map aimed at flipping a seat to Republicans as part of President Donald Trumps multistate redistricting campaign ahead of the 2026 elections. The map targets the states only swing seat, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Don Davis, an African American who represents more than 20 northeast counties. The 1st District has been represented by Black members of Congress continuously for more than 30 years. The three-judge panel unanimously denied preliminary injunction requests after a hearing in Winston-Salem in mid-November. The day after the hearing, the same judges separately upheld several other redrawn U.S. House districts that GOP state lawmakers initially enacted in 2023. They were first used in the 2024 elections, helping Republicans gain three more congressional seats. After Trumps push, Democrats return fire Trump broke with more than a century of political tradition by directing the GOP in North Carolina and several other states this year to redraw maps at mid-decade without courts requiring it to avoid losing control of Congress in next years midterms. Democrats need to pick up just a handful of seats to win control of the House and impede Trumps agenda. Besides North Carolina, Republican-led legislatures or commissions in Texas, Missouri, and Ohio all have adopted new districts designed to boost Republicans chances next year. In California, voters countered by adopting new districts drawn to improve Democrats chances of winning more seats. And the Democratic-led Virginia General Assembly also has taken a step toward redistricting with a proposed constitutional amendment. Thus far, many lower courts have blocked Trumps initiatives, only for the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court to put those rulings on hold. That includes a recent ruling in Texas, where a redrawn U.S. House map was engineered to give Republicans five more House seats. North Carolina GOP seeks one-seat swing North Carolinas Republican-controlled General Assembly gave final approval on Oct. 22 to the redrawn map. Democratic Gov. Josh Steins approval wasnt needed. North Carolina Republican Senate leader Phil Berger said Wednesdays court decision thwarts the radical lefts latest attempt to circumvent the will of the people in a state that voted for Trump in 2016, 2020 and 2024. As Democrat-run states like California do everything in their power to undermine President Trumps administration and agenda, North Carolina Republicans went to work to protect the America First Agenda, Bergers statement said. But others called Wednesdays decision a bad one. This ruling gives blessing to what will be the most gerrymandered congressional map in state history, a map that intentionally retaliates against voters in eastern North Carolina for supporting a candidate not preferred by the majority party, said Bob Phillips, Executive Director of Common Cause North Carolina. The ruling covers two lawsuits. One filed by the state NAACP, Common Cause and voters sought a preliminary injunction on First Amendment grounds. They said Republican lawmakers unconstitutionally targeted North Carolinas Black Belt instead of Democratic-voting areas with higher white populations because in 2024 they organized and voted for their preferred candidates and had sued over the 2023 configuration of the district. In the second lawsuit, filed by voters, the case for a preliminary injunction rested in part on an argument that the use of five-year-old Census data due to the mid-decade redrawing of districts violates the Constitution, including the 14th Amendments one-person, one-vote guarantee. Additionally, they said, mapmakers relied on race in violation of the First and 14th Amendments. Attorneys for the Republican lawmakers argued that their map-drawing intentions were political and allowable, not racial, and were part of a nationwide partisan redistricting arms race. They rejected assertions about old Census data and retaliation over activities protected by the First Amendment, saying they dont align with Supreme Court precedent. Judges allow other districts from 2023 map Republicans now hold 10 of the states 14 House seats thanks to the 2023 map and they hope to flip an 11th under the latest redrawing of the 1st District and the adjoining 3rd District. In North Carolina, Trump got 51% of the popular vote in 2024 and statewide elections are often close. Candidate filing for many 2026 North Carolina races begins Dec. 1. The latest challenge said the October map would drop the Black voting-age population in the 1st District from 40% in the 2023 map to 32%. Republicans in part moved counties in the 1st District with significant Black - and usually highly Democratic - populations to the 3rd District currently represented by Republican Greg Murphy. Recent election results indicate both the 1st and 3rd would favor Republicans. Many of the plaintiffs challenging the 1st District changes sued earlier over the 2023 House map, alleging that Republicans unlawfully diluted Black voting power. But judges dismissed those claims. ___ Mattise reported from Nashville, Tennessee. By GARY D. ROBERTSON and JONATHAN MATTISE Associated Press BRUSSELS (AP) Money is as central to Europes vital support of Ukraine as ammunition and intelligence. Yet, the blocs most viable funding mechanism involves seizing billions of dollars worth of Russian assets that U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed taking over. The first draft of Trumps 28-point peace plan called for an investment scheme for Ukraines reconstruction controlled by the U.S. but financed by $100 billion in frozen Russian assets matched by another $100 billion from the European Union with 50% of profits sent back to Washington. The plan surprised Europeans, who have spent years fiercely debating the fate of Russias frozen fortune. Those funds are central to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyens plan to both maintain pressure on Russia and increase support for Ukraine as mysterious drone incursions and sabotage operations rattle European capitals. I cannot see any scenario in which the European taxpayers alone will pay the bill, she said Wednesday in Strasbourg, France to applause from lawmakers in the European Parliament. The 27-nation EU has sent Ukraine almost $197 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly four years ago. While theres no consensus on how to provide more aid, theres near unanimity on seizing the Russian assets to cover the estimated $153 billion for Ukraines budget and military needs for 2026 and 2027. The Commission has proposed paying that bill with joint debt taken on by the EU and grants by individual nations, but its main source is the $225 billion assets frozen at Euroclear, a Brussels-based financial institution. That is, if the Trump administration doesnt get them first. Perks of the deal Trumps brash negotiating style left many in Europe suspecting he wants a quick deal that forces Europeans to make it work and pay for it. All while the U.S. profits. Analysts say the proposal was essentially a U.S. attempt to snatch these assets, coming as Brussels and Washington relaunch trade negotiations over tariffs. Agathe Demarais, a senior fellow at the Berlin-based European Council on Foreign Relations, said the proposal was akin to a signing bonus for a peace deal heavily slanted towards Russia. Fabian Zuleeg, chief executive of the Brussels-based European Policy Centre, called the U.S. takeover of the assets outrageous, but suggested it might also be acceptable to Europeans if that is ultimately the price to pay for a good deal. After intense discussions between the U.S., Germany, France, the United Kingdom and representatives from the European Commission, the investment scheme was removed from the new draft peace plan. Russia has already signaled its total rejection of the new draft. The assets frozen in Belgium A quick seizure of Russias frozen assets by the EU would not only secure Ukraines defense budget, but also empower Brussels at the negotiation table, Demarais said. If the EU rushes to seize Russias central bank assets before Washington grabs them, the bloc may be able to drastically curb Trumps interest in a bad deal, she said. The European Commission has proposed taking direct ownership of the assets. Under von der Leyens leadership, it could then issue a loan to Ukraine, which would be repaid only if Moscow provides war reparations to Kyiv. The bulk of these assets are held in a clearinghouse called Euroclear in Belgium. However, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has refused to approve their use as collateral for a massive loan for Ukraine, citing fears that Russia would retaliate against Belgian interests. We are a small country, and retaliation could be very hard, De Wever said in October. Yet the Belgian position on thawing the assets was influenced by an impasse in local politics over deep federal debt. After months of domestic political wrangling ended last week in a deal, politicians from Riga to Lisbon started hoping that De Wever would be able to lift his objections to seizing Russian assets. Swedens Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said after the Brussels meeting on Wednesday that the clock is ticking and that seizing the assets was the only realistic financing option that would make a real difference and one that would be most fair to taxpayers in Europe. Kaja Kallas, the EUs top diplomat said Wednesday there is now broad EU support for Belgium. It would send the strongest message to Moscow that it cannot wait us out, and we need to make this decision fast, said Kallas. On Dec. 18, De Wever will join the other EU national leaders for a summit in Brussels over, among other subjects, seizing the Russian assets. ____ Associated Press writers Geir Moulson and Kirsten Grieshaber contributed from Berlin. By SAM McNEIL Associated Press PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A group of militants armed with assault rifles attacked a roadside police checkpoint overnight in northwest Pakistan, killing three officers before fleeing, police said Thursday. Officers returned fire at the checkpoint in Hangu, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and It was not immediately clear whether the attackers also suffered losses or injuries, District Police Chief Khan Zeb said. An investigation and a search operation to track down the assailants were underway Thursday, he said. Though no group claimed responsibility, suspicion is likely to fall on the Pakistani Taliban. Officials have blamed the group for similar attacks in recent years. The latest assault came days after two suicide bombers and a gunman stormed the headquarters of security forces in the northwestern city of Peshawar, killing three officers and wounding 11 others. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on Thursday praised the officers killed in Hangu for their bravery and sacrifice, saying police in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were playing a critical role in combating militants. The military has also stepped up intelligence-based operations against militants in recent weeks. In the latest raid, security forces killed 22 militants in Dera Ismail Khan, a district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on Wednesday, the military said on Thursday. It identified the killed militants only as Khawarij, a term Pakistan uses for Pakistani Taliban. In a separate incident, three children were killed Wednesday when an explosive device detonated outside their house in Bolan, a district in the southwestern Balochistan province. Authorities are still investigating, police official Jan Mohammad Khosa said Thursday. Pakistan has experienced a surge in violence in recent years and the government often assigns responsibility to the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, also known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. The TTP is separate from but allied with Afghanistans Taliban government. The increase in attacks has strained relations between Pakistans government in Islamabad and authorities in Afghanistans capital Kabul, with Pakistan accusing the TTP of operating freely inside Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Afghanistan denies the allegation, but tensions escalated after the Taliban blamed Pakistan for an Oct. 9 drone strike that caused explosions in Kabul. The ensuing clashes killed dozens of soldiers, civilians and militants before Qatar brokered a ceasefire on Oct. 19 that remains in place. ___ Abdul Sattar in Quetta, Pakistan, contributed to this report. By RASOOL DAWAR Associated Press Zandra Rhodes has led tributes to late fashion icon Pam Hogg. Pam Hogg has died with tributes pouring in The fashion world has been paying their respects to the late Scottish designer - who was known for dressing huge stars like Kate Moss, Debbie Harry and Beyonce - following her death this week. In a statement on Instagram, her family said: "The Hogg Family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Pamela. "We are grateful in the knowledge that her final hours were peaceful and surrounded by the loving care of cherished friends and family." Her cause of death has not been revealed, and while her age was never confirmed publicly, she was believed to have been in her 60s. Speaking to Vogue magazine, designer Zandra said: Pam Hogg was an eccentric, dominant London character. In the early 1980s, alongside the likes of BodyMap, Pam reinvented lycra catsuits and disco fashion. "In more recent times, she lit up London with her fantastic fashion shows at Freemasons Hall. "A prominent figure across the arts, fashion, and British music scenes. The fashion world wont quite be as vivid or rebellious now Pam is no longer with us. She will be greatly missed. British broadcaster Fearne Cotton replied to the family's statement on social media as tributes started to flood in. She commented: "Pam. Oh Pam. What a joy it was to know you. Ill miss you Pam. Andi Oliver added: "What a WOMAN!! The one and ONLY!!! Menswear designer Kim Jones also offered some kind words, describing Hogg as a "warrior queen" who remained "strong right to the end". Bella Freud wrote: "How sad to think of the fashion world without her shining brilliance. Garbage led tributes from the world of music, hailing her as "our revered Scottish fashion queen". The band said: "The Iconoclastic and fantastic Dr Hogg may have left the runway but you will be found in the long and storied history of British fashion and in the imaginative, pioneering work of each and every young fashion designer who now dares to trail in your wake." They added: The world has lost a bone fide original. A one of one. A jewel of a human being. You will be so missed dear Pam. Duran Duran's Nick Rhodes described his "dear friend" as a "fiercely creative designer". He wrote: "It was my great privilege to have known Pam for several decades as a dear friend. "She was a fiercely creative designer who carved out her own unique identity. "Mostly operating outside of the fashion system, she made extraordinary collections with minimal budgets, regularly hand-sewing many of the outfits herself. "There is a new star in the dark sky tonight, it will be the one that shines the brightest. Individuals named Adalia are often perceived as possessing natural grace, dignity, and a refined presence that commands respect. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate social situations with poise and diplomacy. Adalias are frequently described as having innate wisdom and a calm, measured approach to challenges, which makes them excellent problem-solvers and trusted advisors. Their thoughtful nature often leads them to consider multiple perspectives before making decisions, and they have a remarkable ability to maintain composure under pressure. Their noble bearing is complemented by a genuine warmth and compassion that draws others to them, creating natural bonds of loyalty and admiration. While they carry themselves with elegance, they also demonstrate resilience and inner strength when facing adversity, embodying the true essence of nobility through both character and action. Adalias often become pillars of their communities or social circles, not through forceful dominance but through consistent reliability, ethical conduct, and genuine care for others. They tend to be natural mentors and guides, using their influence to uplift those around them rather than for personal gain. Women named Ahuda are typically characterized by their warm, nurturing nature and deep capacity for emotional connection. They often possess an innate ability to create strong bonds with others, demonstrating loyalty and devotion in their relationships. Their loving disposition is complemented by a strong sense of responsibility toward those they care about, making them reliable and trustworthy companions. Ahudas tend to be intuitive and empathetic, with a natural understanding of human emotions that allows them to provide comfort and support to others. They often exhibit creative expression and artistic sensibilities, channeling their deep feelings into various forms of artistic or humanitarian pursuits. While gentle in nature, they also demonstrate remarkable resilience and inner strength when faced with challenges, drawing upon their deep-seated values and connections to overcome adversity and maintain their caring nature through life's difficulties. Women named Alexandrina typically exhibit a remarkable blend of strength and compassion that reflects their name's meaning as 'defender of mankind.' They are often natural leaders who approach challenges with strategic thinking and moral conviction, yet maintain a deeply caring nature that makes them protective of those they love. This combination of intellectual rigor and emotional intelligence allows them to navigate complex situations with both wisdom and empathy. Their classical name often instills a sense of historical consciousness and personal responsibility, leading them to be highly principled individuals who value tradition while embracing progress. Alexandrinas tend to be resilient in adversity, drawing on an inner strength that others find inspiring, and they frequently become pillars of their communities or families. While they can be determined and occasionally stubborn in their convictions, this is typically balanced by their capacity for understanding and their commitment to serving others rather than personal ambition. Women named Almira typically exhibit a blend of intellectual curiosity and emotional depth that makes them compelling individuals. They often possess strong analytical abilities combined with creative insight, allowing them to excel in both logical and artistic pursuits. Almiras are known for their quiet confidence and observational skills, preferring to understand situations thoroughly before acting. Their strength lies in their resilience and adaptabilitythey can navigate challenging circumstances with grace and determination. In relationships, Almiras are loyal and supportive, often serving as trusted advisors to friends and family. They value authenticity and depth in their connections, avoiding superficial interactions. While they may appear reserved to strangers, those who earn their trust discover a warm, witty, and deeply empathetic individual. Their combination of intelligence, strength, and compassion makes them natural leaders and valued members of any community. Cultural & Historical Significance Almundina holds deep significance in Spanish Catholic culture as a name directly associated with Marian devotion. The name gained prominence during the medieval period in Spain, particularly in regions with strong Mozarabic Christian communities who maintained their faith under Muslim rule. The most famous bearer, Saint Almundina of Cordoba, became a symbol of religious perseverance when she was martyred in 853 AD for refusing to renounce Christianity. Her story represents the resilience of Christian communities during the Islamic rule of Al-Andalus and continues to inspire devotion in modern Spain. The name embodies the fusion of Visigothic naming traditions with deep Catholic reverence for the Virgin Mary, serving as a testament to Spain's complex religious history and the enduring power of faith through centuries of cultural change. In contemporary Spanish culture, Almundina remains a symbol of cultural identity and religious continuity, particularly in regions that value their medieval heritage. The name connects modern bearers to a rich historical narrative of faith, resistance, and cultural preservation. Andret is typically characterized by unwavering loyalty and a strong sense of duty to his uncle, King Mark. As a court official and knight, he demonstrates the medieval virtues of fealty and service, often putting his king's interests above personal considerations. His personality reflects the complex nature of courtly life, where political savvy and discretion were essential for survival and advancement. In many versions of the Tristan legend, Andret displays keen observational skills and a methodical approach to problem-solving, making him an effective administrator and trusted confidant. However, this same loyalty can manifest as stubbornness or single-minded pursuit of his duties, particularly when confronting threats to his uncle's rule or honor. His character embodies the medieval ideal of the faithful retainer while also showcasing the psychological tensions that arise when personal relationships intersect with political responsibilities in a royal court setting. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Anemona carries rich cultural significance rooted in Greek mythology, where the anemone flower was said to have sprung from the tears of Aphrodite as she mourned the death of her lover Adonis. According to legend, the blood of Adonis stained the white petals red, creating the vibrant red anemones we know today. This mythological connection gives the name a poetic, romantic quality that has resonated across cultures. In Roman culture, the anemone was associated with anticipation and protection against evil, while in Eastern traditions, particularly in China, the flower symbolizes forsaken love and bad luck in love relationships. The name's floral nature connects it to themes of nature, beauty, and the transient quality of life, as the anemone flower is known for its delicate petals that are easily scattered by the wind. Throughout European art and literature, the anemone has appeared as a symbol of both tragic love and natural beauty. In Victorian flower language, it represented anticipation and fading hope, while in Christian symbolism, the red anemone sometimes represented the blood of Christ. The name's persistence in Romanian culture reflects the country's strong connection to floral names and nature-inspired nomenclature. This cultural layering makes Anemona a name that carries centuries of symbolic meaning while remaining fresh and relevant in modern naming practices. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Arnatt has deep roots in Christian European tradition, particularly within Frankish and Anglo-Saxon cultures where eagle symbolism held significant spiritual meaning. In medieval Christianity, the eagle represented both divine vision and the ability to soar above earthly concerns, making it a popular choice for religious figures and nobility seeking to embody these qualities. The name appears frequently in monastic records and ecclesiastical histories, suggesting it was particularly favored among clergy and educated classes who appreciated its dual meaning of both physical and spiritual elevation. Throughout the Middle Ages, Arnatt remained a name associated with leadership and spiritual authority, often given to bishops, abbots, and scholars. Its usage declined after the Reformation but saw occasional revivals during periods of Gothic and Romantic interest in medieval names. The name carries connotations of tradition, stability, and connection to early Christian history in Western Europe, making it particularly significant in regions with strong medieval Christian heritage. Cultural & Historical Significance Asdza holds profound significance in Navajo culture as it represents not just womanhood but the essential feminine principle in the Navajo worldview. In traditional Navajo cosmology, Asdzaa Nadleehi (Changing Woman) is one of the most important deities, representing the cyclical nature of life, seasons, and the earth itself. The name connects the bearer to the fundamental Navajo concept of Hozho - beauty, balance, and harmony - with women traditionally serving as the center of family and clan structures. As carriers of cultural knowledge, weavers of stories and textiles, and maintainers of ceremonial traditions, women named Asdza embody the strength and resilience that has sustained Navajo people through centuries of change while preserving their unique identity and spiritual practices. The name reflects the matrilineal nature of Navajo society, where clan identity and property traditionally pass through the mother's line, making women the guardians of cultural continuity. A Russian low-cost airline has tested a humanoid robot as a flight attendant, demonstrating how artificial intelligence could assist cabin crew in the future. Humanoid robot assists passengers on Russian flight Volodya, developed by Unitree Robotics, greeted passengers, checked boarding passes, and performed safety demonstrations during a Boeing 737 flight from Ulyanovsk to Moscow. The robot, dressed in a blue T-shirt to match the rest of the crew, even walked the aisle mid-flight before returning to its seat. According to Aerospace Global News, Volodya veered up front to help perform pre-flight safety instructions, before retreating to its window seat to await take-off and interacted with passengers during the flight. Pobeda, a subsidiary of Aeroflot, confirmed the test was a demonstration and that human flight attendants remained responsible for all safety and service tasks. The airline said the robot essentially demonstrated that it is not quite ready to replace the human crew and noted that Volodya is unable to reliably stay upright in particular instances, such as during turbulence. Manufacturers described the machine as sensitive and reliable, capable of tasks including Tai Chi, backflips, soldering, and handling delicate objects. Pobeda assigned Volodya to the flight to assess its potential as a cabin crew assistant on a fully booked flight. The experiment is part of broader high-tech innovations in aviation. For example, Otto Aerospace is developing the Phantom 3500, a windowless jet using cameras to provide immersive outside views. The nine-passenger aircraft is designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce fuel consumption by around 60%, with launch planned for 2027 and a pre-order of 300 units by FlexJet. While Volodyas trial showed AI can support crew tasks and interact with passengers, Pobeda emphasised it remains a supervised experiment, highlighting both the promise and current limitations of humanoid robots in aviation. Cultural & Historical Significance Athilda is a name with deep roots in early Christian Anglo-Saxon England, emerging during the 7th century when Christianity was establishing itself across the British Isles. The name reflects the syncretism between pre-Christian Germanic traditions and the new Christian faith, with 'elder tree' symbolism representing both ancient nature worship and Christian concepts of wisdom and protection. During this period, women bearing this name often played significant roles in the conversion of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, establishing religious houses and promoting literacy. The name appears in early medieval chronicles and saint's lives, particularly associated with noblewomen who used their status to advance Christian causes. Its usage declined after the Norman Conquest but remained preserved in religious texts and local traditions, representing a bridge between England's pagan past and Christian future. Cultural & Historical Significance Aubin holds significant cultural importance as a traditional French name with deep religious roots. The name's prominence began with Saint Aubin of Angers in the 6th century, whose legacy established it as a respected name throughout French history. As Bishop of Angers, Saint Aubin was renowned for his charitable works and spiritual leadership, leading to his veneration and the naming of numerous churches and towns in his honor, particularly in western France. The name became associated with French Catholic identity and intellectual tradition, often chosen by families valuing both religious devotion and cultural heritage. Throughout the centuries, Aubin maintained its status as a dignified, traditional choice that reflected French aristocratic and bourgeois values. The name appears in historical records of clergy, scholars, and professionals, suggesting its association with education and refinement. In regional contexts, especially in Brittany and the Loire Valley, Aubin became part of local identity, with place names and family lineages preserving its legacy. The name's endurance through various historical periods demonstrates its resilience and continued cultural relevance in French-speaking communities worldwide. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Batul holds profound significance in Islamic culture as it is one of the honorific titles given to Maryam (Mary), the mother of Prophet Isa (Jesus) in Islamic tradition. In Arabic, 'Batul' literally means 'virgin' or 'chaste,' and it symbolizes spiritual purity and devotion. Maryam al-Batul (Mary the Virgin) is revered as one of the most righteous women in Islam, mentioned prominently in the Quran for her piety and miraculous conception. The name carries strong religious connotations and is often chosen by Muslim families to honor this esteemed figure and to express hopes for their daughter's moral character and spiritual devotion. Throughout Islamic history, the name has been associated with women of high moral standing and religious commitment. In many Muslim communities, naming a daughter Batul is seen as invoking divine blessings and setting an aspirational standard for the child's character development. The name also reflects the importance of female virtue and spiritual excellence in Islamic teachings, serving as a constant reminder of the high status accorded to righteous women in the faith. This cultural significance has ensured the name's enduring popularity across different Muslim societies and historical periods. Individuals named Berowalt are typically perceived as possessing formidable inner strength and natural leadership qualities. They often exhibit a protective nature toward those in their care, combined with a quiet confidence that inspires trust in others. Their personality reflects the bear symbolism of their name they can be gentle and nurturing in peaceful circumstances but fiercely determined when facing challenges. This duality makes them excellent in crisis situations where both compassion and strength are required. Berowalts tend to be methodical thinkers who prefer careful planning over impulsive action, much like the strategic hunting patterns of bears. They value loyalty deeply and form strong, lasting bonds with family and close friends. While they may appear reserved initially, they possess deep emotional intelligence and are often sought as advisors and mediators. Their natural authority is rarely aggressive but rather emerges from demonstrated competence and reliability, making them respected figures in both professional and personal circles. These individuals typically display remarkable resilience and the ability to endure hardship without complaint. They approach life with a grounded, practical mindset and have a strong connection to tradition and family heritage. Their strength is often mental as much as physical they possess the courage to stand by their convictions and protect what they value most. The combination of bear-like strength and ruling wisdom creates a personality that is both formidable and deeply trustworthy. Women named Bletsung are often characterized by a profound sense of purpose and spiritual depth. They tend to be contemplative individuals who value integrity, commitment, and service to others. Their 'consecrated' nature manifests in strong moral principles and a tendency to approach life with seriousness and dedication. Bletsungs are typically reliable, trustworthy, and often serve as moral compasses within their communities, embodying the name's meaning through their consistent ethical behavior and spiritual awareness. In interpersonal relationships, Bletsungs are known for their loyalty and depth of connection. They form meaningful bonds rather than superficial acquaintances and often serve as confidantes and advisors. While they can be reserved initially, their warmth and genuine concern for others become apparent over time. Professionally, they excel in roles requiring dedication, attention to detail, and ethical commitmentoften gravitating toward education, healthcare, religious service, or charitable work where they can live out their values of service and consecration. Cultural & Historical Significance Branigan is an Irish surname with deep roots in Gaelic culture, originating as O Branagain, meaning 'descendant of Branagan.' The name traces back to ancient Irish clans, particularly associated with County Mayo and surrounding regions in the west of Ireland. As with many Irish surnames, the Branigan family history is intertwined with Ireland's turbulent past, including the Norman invasions, English colonization, and the Great Famine that led many Branigans to emigrate worldwide. The name carries the legacy of Irish resilience and cultural preservation through centuries of political and social challenges. In Irish tradition, surnames beginning with 'O' denoted 'descendant of,' indicating the importance of lineage and clan identity in Gaelic society. The Branigan name represents a connection to Ireland's rich oral tradition, where family histories and clan affiliations were carefully preserved and passed down through generations. During the mass emigration periods of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Branigans carried their name and heritage to new lands, particularly the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where they contributed to the development of Irish diaspora communities while maintaining cultural ties to their homeland. Individuals named Bree are often perceived as energetic, independent, and naturally charismatic. They tend to possess a strong sense of self and confidence that draws others to them, much like a hill standing prominently in the landscape. Their energetic nature makes them proactive and driven, often taking initiative in both personal and professional settings. Brees are typically adaptable and resilient, able to navigate challenges with grace and determination. They often exhibit a blend of practicality and creativity, making them effective problem-solvers who can approach situations from multiple perspectives. Their independent streak means they value personal freedom and self-expression, yet they maintain strong social connections and are often described as loyal friends and partners. The name's connection to elevated terrain suggests individuals who are ambitious and aspirational, always seeking to reach higher ground in their endeavors while maintaining a grounded, practical approach to life's challenges. This combination of lofty goals and down-to-earth execution makes Brees particularly effective in leadership roles and creative pursuits where vision and practicality must coexist. Individuals named Calandra are often characterized by their creative expression, optimistic outlook, and communicative nature. Like the lark bird they're named after, they tend to be morning people who approach life with enthusiasm and energy. Calandras typically possess strong artistic sensibilitiesmany excel in music, writing, or visual artsand have a natural gift for uplifting others with their positive energy. They're known for their adaptability and resilience, able to navigate challenges with grace and maintain their cheerful disposition even in difficult circumstances. Socially, Calandras are often the heart of their friend groups, using their excellent communication skills to build strong relationships and create harmony in their environments. Their combination of creativity, optimism, and social intelligence makes them natural leaders and inspirations to those around them. While they can be sensitive to criticism, they generally recover quickly and use setbacks as learning opportunities. In professional settings, Calandras often thrive in creative industries, education, or fields requiring strong interpersonal skills, where their natural warmth and expressive abilities can shine. Cultural & Historical Significance Carolan carries deep roots in Irish history as both a surname and given name. Originally derived from the Gaelic O Cearbhallain, meaning 'descendant of Cearbhallan', it connects to ancient Irish clans known for their musical and artistic contributions. The name gained prominence through Turlough O'Carolan, the legendary blind harpist whose compositions became cornerstones of traditional Irish music. His legacy transformed the name into a symbol of Irish cultural resilience during periods of English domination, representing the preservation of native arts and traditions. As a feminine given name, Carolan represents a modern reclamation of Irish heritage, blending traditional masculine strength with contemporary feminine identity. It symbolizes the resilience of Irish culture through centuries of change while honoring the artistic and intellectual traditions that define Ireland's cultural legacy. The name's evolution from surname to feminine given name reflects broader social changes in how Irish identity is expressed and celebrated globally, particularly among diaspora communities seeking to maintain cultural connections. Women named Chayka are often perceived as vibrant, nurturing individuals with a strong connection to family and community. They typically exhibit warmth and emotional intelligence, making them natural caregivers and peacemakers in social situations. Their life-affirming nature manifests in optimism and resilience, allowing them to navigate challenges with grace and maintain positive outlooks even during difficult times. Chaykas tend to be deeply intuitive and spiritually aware, often drawn to creative expression or healing professions. They possess a natural curiosity about the world and a desire to understand life's deeper meanings. While gentle in demeanor, they demonstrate remarkable inner strength and determination when protecting those they love or standing up for their beliefs. Their presence often brings comfort and inspiration to others, reflecting the life-giving quality embedded in their name. These individuals typically value authenticity and meaningful connections over superficial relationships. They approach life with a sense of wonder and appreciation for simple joys, often serving as anchors of stability and sources of encouragement within their social circles. Their combination of emotional depth and practical wisdom makes them valued friends and trusted advisors. Ke Huy Quan was blown away with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Ke Huy Quan was 'blown away' with Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom The 54-year-old actor starred opposite Harrison Fords iconic archaeologist in director Steven Spielbergs 1984 action blockbuster, and Quan has reflected on what was the best adventure of [his] life. During an interview with Collider, he said: Even when we were in Sri Lanka, I didn't even know that they built that village. I thought it was an actual village that we got to shoot in, and all the people were just local people, you know? But I was mesmerized by everything I was watching. I was just fascinated. I was having an incredible time, but yet, I didn't know what we were making. I hadn't seen Raiders [of the Lost Ark], at that time, or any of the Star Wars films. So, I had no clue that they were incredibly famous, successful filmmakers. I knew that they were really good at the job, and they were just like big kids. The Goonies star - who was 12 years old at the time - recalled walking up to the walls of the Temple of Doom on the movies London set to see if they were real. He recounted: Not only was I on set with all of these incredibly talented people, but I got to be out of school. I had my own tutor, so as a kid, you can imagine how fun that is. And every day it was just like going to the playground. Once when we were finished with Sri Lanka, we moved to London, where we shot all the interior stuff at Elstree Studios, and those were all practical sets. It wasn't hard for me, as a kid, to react to, to look scared, or to look excited, because everything felt real to me. By law, I was required to get three hours in, and I was in the trailer with her, but the whole time I was with [my mom], my mind was on the set because I wanted to go back. It was that much fun. The Zootopia 2 star revealed he also spent time in Spielbergs office during breaks, where he played arcade games with the director. Quan said of Spielberg: He's a big kid. He loves those games, plays with them every day. There was one game in particular that I remember vividly. It's called Pole Position. In that video game, you race cars on this racetrack, and he was so good with that game. While he had loved his time making Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Quan wasnt prepared for the magic of watching the movie at the cinema. He said: That was my first time ever watching the movie put together, complete with sound effects, with music. It was also my first time watching a movie on the screen. Prior to that, as you can imagine, when we immigrated to America, we didn't have any money, we didn't have a car. Going to the movie theater to watch a movie, it was the last thing on our mind. My parents, my older siblings they were all really busy, working and learning English at the same time. And what we watched at home was those rented TVB, Hong Kong TV video cassettes. That was it. I had no exposure to Hollywood movies. The first time I watched a movie in a movie theater, I was in it. Cultural & Historical Significance Cheyanna represents a modern evolution of Native American naming traditions adapted for contemporary usage. The name draws from the Cheyenne people, an Algonquian tribe originally from the Great Plains region, known for their rich cultural heritage and historical significance in American frontier history. The French-influenced spelling reflects the colonial interactions between French explorers and Native American tribes during the 18th and 19th centuries. This name embodies the blending of indigenous American culture with European linguistic influences, creating a unique identity that honors Native heritage while adapting to modern naming conventions. The dual reference to both the tribe and the capital city of Wyoming adds geographical and cultural depth to the name's significance. The cultural importance of Cheyanna extends beyond its linguistic origins to represent a broader appreciation for Native American history and the preservation of cultural identity. As a name that gained popularity during the late 20th century, it reflects growing awareness and respect for indigenous cultures among non-Native populations. However, it's important to note that the use of Native American names by people outside these communities has been subject to discussions about cultural appropriation versus appreciation. The French spelling variation adds another layer of cultural complexity, representing the historical interactions and sometimes conflicts between European settlers and indigenous peoples. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Chilam carries deep significance in Native American cultures, particularly among tribes of the northern regions where snowbirds (juncos) are prominent. These small birds are celebrated for their ability to thrive in winter conditions, symbolizing resilience and adaptability. In many indigenous traditions, the snowbird appears in creation stories and seasonal ceremonies, representing the continuity of life through harsh winters and the promise of spring's return. Among contemporary American communities, Chilam has been embraced as a name that honors indigenous heritage while carrying universal themes of endurance and transformation. The name connects the bearer to natural cycles and ecological wisdom, reflecting growing interest in names with environmental and cultural depth. It represents a bridge between traditional native values and modern American identity, embodying respect for nature's rhythms and the strength found in adaptation. Individuals named Ciri are often perceived as possessing a natural leadership quality combined with creative intelligence. They tend to be independent thinkers who approach challenges with both strategic thinking and intuitive insight. The name's connection to 'lordly' origins suggests someone who carries themselves with dignity and confidence, while its feminine adaptation in Spanish culture adds layers of grace and emotional intelligence to this authoritative foundation. Ciri's are typically seen as adaptable and resilient, able to navigate different social situations with ease. They often exhibit strong communication skills and a natural curiosity about the world, making them excellent problem-solvers and innovators. The blend of traditional roots and modern femininity in the name suggests someone who respects heritage while embracing progress, creating a personality that balances wisdom with openness to new experiences. Their strength is often expressed through quiet determination rather than overt dominance, making them effective leaders who inspire through example rather than command. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Claudios holds significant historical weight through its connection to the Roman gens Claudia, one of the most prominent patrician families in ancient Rome. This family produced numerous consuls, emperors, and influential figures throughout Roman history, including Emperor Claudius who ruled from 41-54 AD. The name's association with lameness originally referred to physical disability but evolved to symbolize overcoming adversity, as Emperor Claudius himself overcame physical challenges to become an effective ruler. In Dutch context, the name gained particular relevance through historical figures like Claudius Civilis, who led the Batavian Revolt against Roman rule in what is now the Netherlands. This connection gives the name a distinctive Dutch historical resonance, linking it to early resistance movements and regional identity. The name's classical origins combined with its specific Dutch historical associations create a unique cultural blend that appeals to those interested in both classical antiquity and local history. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Cruim holds deep roots in Scottish Gaelic culture, particularly in the Highlands where it originated as a descriptive name referring to physical characteristics or landscape features. In ancient Scottish tradition, names describing physical attributes were common and carried no negative connotation, instead reflecting the practical, observant nature of Gaelic naming conventions. The name appears in several clan histories and medieval records, often associated with individuals known for their resilience and adaptability. Throughout Scottish history, Cruim became associated with figures who demonstrated strategic thinking and the ability to navigate complex situationsqualities metaphorically linked to the 'crooked' or winding path of wisdom. In Celtic mythology and folklore, the concept of 'crookedness' was sometimes associated with druidic wisdom and the understanding that the most direct path is not always the wisest. The name appears in various historical documents from the 12th to 18th centuries, particularly in regions like Argyll and the Inner Hebrides where Gaelic culture remained strong. Cultural & Historical Significance Darla emerged as a given name in the late 19th century, primarily in English-speaking Christian communities where endearing terms were sometimes adopted as formal names. The name gained significant popularity in the United States during the early 20th century, particularly following Darla Hood's rise to fame in the Our Gang comedies, which cemented the name in American popular culture. In Christian contexts, the name carries connotations of being 'beloved' or 'cherished,' reflecting biblical themes of love and devotion. The name's evolution from a term of endearment to a proper given name illustrates the trend in Western naming conventions where affectionate nicknames became formalized, particularly among Protestant communities that valued simplicity and emotional resonance in naming practices. Throughout the 20th century, Darla maintained its association with sweetness and traditional values, often chosen by parents who wanted to express their affection for their newborn daughter through her very name. The name's Christian significance lies in its embodiment of cherished love, mirroring the concept of being beloved in the eyes of God and family. Women named Davonna are often perceived as compassionate, loyal individuals with strong moral foundations. They typically exhibit natural leadership qualities combined with emotional intelligence, making them effective in roles that require both strength and empathy. Their 'beloved' meaning often manifests in their ability to form deep, meaningful relationships and create supportive communities around them. Davonnas are frequently described as resilient yet gentle, possessing an inner strength that allows them to navigate challenges while maintaining their caring nature. These individuals tend to be creative problem-solvers who approach situations with both practical wisdom and spiritual insight, often serving as pillars in their families and social circles. The combination of their biblical roots and feminine adaptation gives them a unique balance of traditional values and contemporary understanding. They're often drawn to helping professions and community service, where their natural empathy and organizational skills can benefit others. Their personality reflects the dual nature of their namesake - the strength of a leader and the heart of a caregiver, creating women who are both capable and compassionate in equal measure. Individuals named Devy are typically characterized by their strong sense of duty, loyalty, and practical approach to life. They often exhibit a calm, steady demeanor that makes them reliable in challenging situations. Their 'servant' oriented nature doesn't imply submissiveness but rather a genuine desire to be helpful and supportive to others. Devys tend to be the backbone of their social and professional circles, providing stability and dependability that others naturally gravitate toward. Beyond their practical reliability, Devys often possess deep spiritual or philosophical inclinations. They approach life with thoughtful consideration and are rarely impulsive in their decisions. This contemplative nature combines with a strong work ethic, making them excellent in roles requiring patience and persistence. While they may not seek the spotlight, their quiet competence and genuine care for others often earn them deep respect and lasting relationships. Their strength lies in their ability to serve without losing their own identity or principles. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Diara holds deep cultural significance throughout French-speaking West Africa, particularly in countries like Mali, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Guinea. It originates from the Bambara and Manding language groups, where names carrying positive meanings are traditionally given to children seen as blessings to their families. In many West African cultures, names are not merely identifiers but carry spiritual weight and ancestral connections, with Diara specifically representing a child perceived as a divine gift or special blessing to the community. The name reflects the region's historical trading cultures where the concept of 'gift' extends beyond material possessions to include talents, character, and destiny. During the colonial period, the name maintained its cultural importance as a symbol of resistance against cultural erasure. Today, it continues to be cherished as a connection to West African heritage, with families choosing it to honor traditions while embracing modern identities across the African diaspora. Women named Drina are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of strength and grace, reflecting the name's dual heritage. They typically exhibit the protective, leadership qualities suggested by the 'defender' root meaning, combined with the flowing, adaptable nature associated with river symbolism. This creates individuals who are both resilient in adversity and flexible in approach, capable of standing firm in their convictions while remaining open to different perspectives. Drinas tend to be deeply connected to their cultural roots and family traditions, often serving as keepers of family history and cultural knowledge. They possess a natural elegance and diplomatic skill that allows them to navigate complex social situations with ease. Their personality often balances a strong sense of independence with genuine warmth and nurturing tendencies, making them both reliable friends and effective leaders who inspire loyalty and respect. This combination of steadfast principles and emotional intelligence makes Drinas particularly effective in roles requiring both compassion and determination. Missy Elliott has called on record label bosses to get her and Christina Aguilera's cover of Car Wash on streaming services. Photo: Avalon The 54-year-old rapper and 44-year-old pop idol put their own spin on the 1976 Rose Royce classic for the soundtrack to the 2004 animated film Shark Tale. However, for some unknown reason, it's never been made available on streaming platforms. After being inundated with messages from fans asking for the track to be uploaded to the likes of Spotify and Apple Music, the Lose Control hitmaker has asked Universal Music Group and Geffen Records to help. She penned on X: "@UMG .@GeffenRecords, the fans tagged me wanting to know why the song Car Wash on #Sharktale soundtrack not on some streaming sites... Can you please help out because many of them have been asking as you can see and miss it." Missy became the first female rapper inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, something she always felt seemed so far out of reach. Appearing on Good Morning America ahead of the ceremony, she said: Words cannot describe. It just hasnt clicked. Recently, the hip-hop legend teased she has been experimenting in the studio. She told the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast: "I have something in the works. "It's just different. It's me being experimental again... I got some stuff coming. Some fire." Missy released the EP Iconology in 2019, and her last full-length release was 2005's The Cookbook. Meanwhile, last year Missy's debut solo single The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) was sent into outer space. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California used their Deep Space Network to transmit the song 158 million miles from Earth to Venus at the speed of light, taking just 14 minutes to land. The Get Ur Freak On rapper posted to X: YOOO this is crazy! We just went #OutOfThisWorld with NASA and sent the FIRST hip hop song into space through the Deep Space Network. My song The Rain has officially been transmitted all the way to Venus, the planet that symbolizes strength, beauty, and empowerment. The sky is not the limit, its just the beginning. Individuals named Eadlyn are often perceived as possessing a natural generosity and diplomatic nature, living up to the 'friend' aspect of their name's meaning. They tend to be socially adept, building strong networks and maintaining loyal friendships throughout their lives. There's often an air of refinement and stability about them, with a practical approach to resources and relationships that others find reassuring and trustworthy. Eadlyns typically demonstrate good judgment in both personal and professional matters, with an innate understanding of social dynamics and resource management. They often excel in roles requiring mediation, leadership, or community organization. While they appreciate comfort and stability, they're rarely ostentatious about their achievements or possessions, preferring to use their resources to benefit their circle of friends and family. This creates a personality that balances ambition with genuine concern for others' wellbeing. Cultural & Historical Significance Elthia holds significant cultural importance within Christian traditions as a name embodying the healing ministry central to Christian theology. The name evokes the biblical concept of divine healing and Christ's role as the Great Physician, making it particularly meaningful in communities that value spiritual and physical restoration. Throughout Christian history, names meaning 'healer' have been associated with saints, missionaries, and caregivers who embodied Christ's compassion through service to the sick and suffering. In medieval Christian communities, Elthia was sometimes given to children born during times of plague or illness as a prayer for protection and healing. The name carries echoes of early Christian deaconesses and monastic healers who established the first Christian hospitals and care facilities. In modern Christian contexts, Elthia continues to represent the integration of faith and healing ministry, often chosen by families involved in medical missions or healthcare professions who see their work as an extension of Christ's healing ministry on earth. Individuals named Faryn typically exhibit strong adventurous qualities combined with deep spiritual conviction. They are natural explorers who approach life with curiosity and courage, often taking calculated risks that others might avoid. This adventurous spirit is balanced by a strong moral compass and sense of purpose, making them effective leaders in challenging situations. Their willingness to venture into unknown territorieswhether physical, intellectual, or spiritualmakes them pioneers in their chosen fields. Faryns are characterized by their resilience and adaptability, able to navigate changing circumstances with grace and determination. They possess excellent problem-solving skills and often thrive in environments that require quick thinking and creative solutions. Their adventurous nature is complemented by strong interpersonal skills, allowing them to build diverse networks and form meaningful connections across different cultures and communities. This combination of courage, faith, and social intelligence makes Faryns particularly effective in roles that bridge different worlds or require cultural sensitivity. Cultural & Historical Significance Fitzgilbert represents one of the most significant naming traditions brought to England and Ireland by the Normans after the 1066 conquest. The 'Fitz' prefix, derived from the Old French 'fils' meaning 'son of,' became a hallmark of Norman aristocracy and their descendants. This naming convention was particularly important in establishing lineage and inheritance rights during the feudal period, serving as both a personal identifier and a statement of noble ancestry. The name Fitzgilbert specifically connects to the widespread popularity of the name Gilbert in medieval Europe, which itself derived from the Germanic elements 'gisil' (pledge) and 'berht' (bright). In Ireland, the Fitzgeralds and other 'Fitz' families became powerful Anglo-Norman dynasties that shaped Irish history for centuries, with Fitzgilbert de Clare (Strongbow) playing a pivotal role in the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. The name reflects the complex cultural fusion of Norman, English, and Celtic traditions that characterized medieval Britain and Ireland. The cultural significance extends beyond mere nomenclature to embody the social and political transformations of medieval Europe. Fitzgilbert names were markers of status and power, often associated with land ownership, military command, and administrative authority. As these Norman families intermarried with local nobility across Britain and Ireland, the name became a symbol of the emerging Anglo-Norman identity that would dominate English and Irish aristocracy for generations. The persistence of Fitzgilbert and similar names in historical records provides valuable insights into medieval genealogy, social mobility, and the gradual assimilation of Norman conquerors into the cultures they dominated. Today, the name serves as a living connection to this pivotal period in European history. Women named Francena are often perceived as possessing a blend of grace and strength, reflecting the name's dual meaning of French heritage and freedom. They typically exhibit refined manners and cultural sophistication, combined with an independent spirit that values personal autonomy. Francenas are frequently described as diplomatic and charming, able to navigate social situations with ease while maintaining their authentic selves. Their personality often balances traditional values with progressive thinking, creating individuals who respect heritage while embracing innovation. In professional settings, Francenas often demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail, coupled with creative problem-solving abilities. They tend to be lifelong learners with broad cultural interests and appreciation for the arts. In personal relationships, they are known for their loyalty and emotional intelligence, often serving as peacemakers and confidantes. The combination of cultural awareness and personal independence typical of Francenas makes them adaptable to various situations while maintaining a strong sense of self. Their name seems to influence their approach to lifehonoring tradition while courageously pursuing their own path. Individuals named Gaspard typically exhibit a blend of intellectual curiosity, refined taste, and quiet confidence. They often possess a natural elegance and sophistication that makes them stand out in social situations, though they may prefer observation over active participation. Gaspards tend to be deep thinkers who enjoy exploring complex ideas and solving intricate problems, making them well-suited for academic, scientific, or artistic pursuits. Their analytical nature is balanced by a creative streak, allowing them to approach challenges from unique perspectives. Many display a certain reserve that can be mistaken for aloofness, but this usually stems from their thoughtful and contemplative nature rather than disinterest in others. In relationships, Gaspards are typically loyal and discerning, valuing quality over quantity in their social connections. They make thoughtful friends and partners who remember important details and offer insightful advice. Their association with the 'treasure' meaning often manifests in their ability to recognize and nurture hidden potential in people and situations. While they may not be the most outgoing individuals, their quiet confidence and genuine interest in others create meaningful, lasting relationships. Gaspards often have a strong sense of personal integrity and may hold themselves to high standards, expecting similar commitment from those close to them. Their combination of intelligence, refinement, and depth makes them respected figures in their personal and professional circles. Cultural & Historical Significance Gaylen emerged as a feminine given name in English-speaking Christian communities during the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States. The name carries Christian cultural significance through its association with joy, celebration, and the festive spirit that aligns with Christian values of community, fellowship, and the celebration of life's blessings. While not directly biblical, the name's connotation of festivity resonates with Christian traditions of gathering, worship celebrations, and the joyful aspects of faith. In Christian naming practices, names that evoke positive emotions and community values have often been favored, making Gaylen a meaningful choice for families seeking a name that reflects both Christian joy and contemporary appeal. The name's usage peaked during the 1950s-1970s, coinciding with a period when many Christian families were embracing modern-sounding names that still carried positive spiritual connotations. This era saw the name adopted primarily in Protestant communities, where it represented a departure from strictly biblical names while maintaining connection to Christian virtues through its meaning. Cultural & Historical Significance Genevie is a modern variation of the traditional French name Genevieve, which holds deep cultural significance in French history. The name traces back to Saint Genevieve, the patron saint of Paris who lived in the 5th century and famously defended the city against Attila the Hun through prayer and leadership. Her legacy established the name as symbolic of French resilience, faith, and feminine strength. Throughout French history, the name has been associated with grace, intelligence, and spiritual depth, often chosen to honor both religious tradition and national identity. The shortened form 'Genevie' maintains these cultural connections while offering a contemporary feel that bridges traditional French heritage with modern naming preferences. In French culture, the name continues to represent the ideal combination of feminine grace and inner fortitude, embodying values that have been cherished for centuries while adapting to contemporary sensibilities. The name's evolution from Genevieve to Genevie reflects the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity in French naming practices. Cultural & Historical Significance Hannela is a Hebrew feminine name derived from the root name Hannah, which holds significant importance in Jewish tradition and biblical history. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as the mother of the prophet Samuel, known for her devout faith and answered prayers. In Jewish culture, the name symbolizes devotion, grace, and divine favor, often given to express gratitude for a child's birth or to honor ancestral traditions. The name carries particular resonance in Israeli society where Hebrew names maintain strong cultural connections to Jewish identity and heritage. Throughout Jewish diaspora communities in Europe, particularly in Germany and Eastern Europe, Hannela and its variations became popular among Ashkenazi Jews, often serving as a bridge between traditional Hebrew naming customs and local linguistic influences. The name's enduring popularity reflects its deep roots in religious texts while adapting to contemporary naming practices. Cultural & Historical Significance Harding emerged as an English surname during the medieval period, reflecting the Norman influence on English naming practices after 1066. The name's components'hare' and 'valley'suggest origins in specific geographical locations where hares were abundant, indicating the name's function as a locational identifier. This transition from surname to given name occurred gradually, with the name gaining Christian significance through association with religious figures and communities that valued traditional English names alongside biblical ones. In American history, Harding gained substantial cultural prominence through President Warren G. Harding, whose administration represented the transition from Progressive Era reforms to the Roaring Twenties. The name carries connotations of traditional leadership and establishment values, while also reflecting the adaptability of English naming conventions across different Christian denominations. Its continued use, though modest, demonstrates the enduring appeal of names that combine historical depth with strong, masculine qualities valued in many Christian traditions. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry are hosting "dear friends" for the Thanksgiving holiday. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are celebrating Thanksgiving with 'dear friends' The 44-year-old royal explained that she was "grateful" to be spending the holiday with her husband, their two children Prince Archie, six, and Princess Lilibet, four, and friends at their home in Montecito, California in the latest edition of her As Ever newsletter on Thursday (27.11.25). Meghan wrote to her customers: "I am so thankful for your support and warmth as we've grown As Ever throughout the year, and the way in which you've invited this collection to be a part of your home. "Please know that as I look around my home and see my husband and children, family, dear friends (and also navigate the timing on the turkey and the love and the layers that come with hostessing) - I feel grateful. "Wishing you a Thanksgiving with full hearts and full bellies." Meghan - who relocated to California with Harry after the pair stepped down as working royals in 2020 - also reflected on a busy few months following the launch of her lifestyle and cooking brand As Ever earlier this year. She wrote: "Being able to play a small role in your memories, family moments, special celebrations, and daily routines is not lost on me - from the jam you layer onto morning toast or slather onto PB+J for your kids' lunchboxes; the honey you stir into your tea; the candle you light to welcome the day or to close it out with a cozy bath; the bottle of bubbles you pop to celebrate, or the wine you sip as you toast your loved ones - you've invited us in. "Thank you for supporting As Ever. It really does mean the world to me." Meghan also revealed that she would be getting her children to help with the preparation for the Thanksgiving dinner as she gave her tips for hosting the perfect holiday celebration. The Suits star told People magazine: "Chop your veggies and herbs in advance to save time on the day, and also for those finishing touches, whether youre serving homemade or store-bought dishes. "Your kids can join in too! They can proudly say they helped. "Top tip on the carrots - keep the tops and blend them with parmesan, olive oil and pine nuts for a refreshing take on pesto to elevate your holiday spread. Served with creamy mashed potatoes, a green salad speckled with flower sprinkles and rich gravy (my husband would never forgive me if I didnt add that to the table), this is sure to please your entire gathering." Cultural & Historical Significance The name Healy holds significant cultural importance in Irish heritage, originating from the Gaelic O hEalaighthe, meaning 'descendant of Ealadhach.' This ancient Irish surname emerged from prominent families in counties Cork and Sligo, where the Healy clans were respected as poets, scholars, and landowners. The name reflects the deep connection to the Irish landscape, specifically referencing sloped or inclined lands that characterized their ancestral territories. Throughout Irish history, bearers of the Healy name have been involved in various cultural and political movements, including the Gaelic revival and Irish independence efforts. The name carries with it the legacy of Irish resilience and the preservation of cultural identity through centuries of change and challenge. In Christian contexts, the name Healy has been borne by several religious figures and clergy throughout Irish Catholic history. Many Healys served as priests, bishops, and religious educators, contributing to the preservation of Christian traditions in Ireland. The name's connection to the land also resonates with Christian symbolism of spiritual growth and foundation, making it a meaningful choice for families with both Irish heritage and Christian faith. The enduring presence of Healys in religious, educational, and community leadership roles demonstrates how the name has maintained its cultural significance across generations. Cultural & Historical Significance Ifor is a name deeply rooted in Welsh history and culture, with its origins tracing back to medieval Wales where it was borne by several prominent noblemen and chieftains. The name gained particular significance through figures like Ifor ap Cadifor in the 12th century and Ifor Hael ('Ifor the Generous') in the 14th century, who became legendary patrons of Welsh poets and bards. This association with nobility and patronage cemented Ifor's status as a name representing leadership and cultural stewardship in Welsh society. The name's uncertain etymology adds to its mystique, with possible connections to both Welsh and Norse traditions. While some scholars suggest Welsh origins meaning 'lord,' others point to Scandinavian influences through the name Ivor, meaning 'bowman' or 'archer.' This dual heritage reflects Wales' complex historical interactions with Norse settlers and the broader Celtic world. Throughout Welsh literature and history, Ifor has maintained a presence as a distinctly Welsh name that embodies traditional values of leadership, generosity, and cultural pride. Women named Intisara are typically perceived as strong-willed, determined individuals with natural leadership qualities. They often exhibit remarkable resilience in facing challenges and possess an innate ability to turn difficult situations into opportunities for growth and success. Their triumphant nature manifests not just in personal achievements but in their capacity to inspire and uplift others around them. Intisaras are known for their strategic thinking and ability to navigate complex situations with grace and determination. These individuals often display a balanced combination of compassion and strength, making them effective in both personal and professional relationships. They tend to be goal-oriented with a clear vision of what they want to achieve, yet maintain a sense of humility about their accomplishments. Their personality often reflects the name's meaning through their persistent nature and ability to overcome obstacles that might deter others. Intisaras typically excel in positions of responsibility and are valued for their reliability and problem-solving capabilities. Cultural & Historical Significance Jadira is a modern Christian name that draws its significance from the precious gemstone jade, which has been valued across cultures for millennia. In Christian contexts, the name connects to themes of creation and God's natural world, with green symbolizing growth, renewal, and the lushness of Eden. The gemstone association brings connotations of purity and protection, aligning with Christian values of moral integrity and divine safeguarding. While not directly biblical, the name resonates with Christian appreciation for natural beauty as evidence of divine creation and has gained popularity in Latin American and Spanish-speaking Christian communities where nature-inspired names hold special significance. The name represents a bridge between traditional Christian naming practices and contemporary ecological awareness, reflecting how modern Christian families incorporate environmental stewardship into their faith expression through naming choices. People named Jala are typically characterized by their remarkable individuality and emotional depth. They possess an innate ability to understand complex emotional landscapes, making them exceptionally empathetic and perceptive individuals. This emotional intelligence allows them to navigate social situations with grace and build meaningful, lasting relationships. Jalas often demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and innovative thinking, approaching challenges with fresh perspectives that others might overlook. Their 'special' nature manifests as quiet confidence rather than arrogance, and they tend to lead through inspiration and example. While fiercely independent in thought and action, Jalas maintain strong connections to their roots and cultural heritage, embodying the perfect balance between individuality and community belonging. They are often described as having a calming presence and the ability to bring clarity to confusing situations, much like their name's symbolic connection to clear water. Their unique perspective on life makes them valuable friends, creative collaborators, and thoughtful leaders who appreciate both tradition and innovation. In contemporary naming practices, Janetta occupies a niche position as a heritage name that appeals to parents seeking something traditional yet distinctive. While it never reached the widespread popularity of names like Emma or Sophie, it maintains a steady, if infrequent, presence in Scottish birth registrations and among families of Scottish descent internationally. The name has experienced a slight resurgence in recent years as part of the vintage name revival trend, particularly among parents who appreciate its melodic quality and cultural significance. Modern Janettas often find their name serves as a conversation starter about Scottish heritage, and many appreciate the balance it strikes between being recognizable yet uncommon. Current usage patterns show it appearing most frequently in Scotland, followed by countries with significant Scottish diaspora communities like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where it functions as a marker of cultural identity and family continuity. Individuals named Jazzy are often perceived as creative, energetic, and expressive, with a natural flair for the arts and social interaction. They tend to possess an infectious enthusiasm that draws others to them, combined with a unique sense of style and rhythm that makes them stand out in any crowd. Their personality typically blends the gentle, nurturing qualities associated with floral names with the spontaneous, improvisational spirit of jazz musicmaking them adaptable, innovative, and often skilled at thinking on their feet. Jazzy-named individuals usually excel in environments that allow for self-expression and creativity, whether in artistic pursuits, social settings, or careers that require original thinking and communication skills. They are often described as having a 'spark' that energizes those around them while maintaining a warm, approachable demeanor that makes others feel comfortable and inspired. This combination of vibrant energy and genuine warmth makes them natural leaders in creative projects and social circles alike. Women named Jolanka are often perceived as graceful, intuitive, and culturally sophisticated individuals. They typically exhibit a natural elegance combined with practical intelligence, making them adept at navigating social situations while maintaining their authentic selves. Their dual cultural heritage often manifests as adaptability and open-mindedness, allowing them to connect with diverse groups and appreciate multiple perspectives. Many Jolankas demonstrate artistic sensitivity and emotional depth, often expressing themselves through creative pursuits or cultural activities. In personal relationships, Jolankas are known for their loyalty and nurturing qualities, often serving as the emotional anchor in their families and social circles. They tend to be diplomatic communicators who value harmony but aren't afraid to stand up for their principles when necessary. Their combination of German practicality and Eastern European warmth creates a unique personality blend that is both grounded and spiritually aware. These women often possess strong intuition and cultural awareness that helps them excel in fields requiring cross-cultural understanding or creative expression. Women named Josune are often perceived as strong-willed, compassionate, and deeply connected to their cultural roots. They typically exhibit a blend of traditional values and modern independence, reflecting the Basque cultural duality. Their namesake connection to Jesus often translates into a strong sense of morality, empathy, and dedication to helping others, while their Basque heritage lends them a resilient and determined character. These individuals are known for their loyalty to family and community, often serving as pillars of support in their social circles. They tend to be practical problem-solvers with a quiet strength that others find reassuring. The combination of religious significance and cultural pride in their name often results in individuals who are both spiritually grounded and culturally aware, capable of bridging traditional values with contemporary perspectives. Josune's typically demonstrate remarkable adaptability while maintaining core principles, much like the Basque culture itself which has preserved its identity through centuries of change. They often possess a quiet confidence and inner strength that enables them to navigate challenges with grace and determination. Their personality reflects the name's meaning of 'addition' or 'increase' - they tend to enrich the lives of those around them through their supportive nature and cultural wisdom. Individuals named Kayanna are often perceived as having a balanced combination of spiritual depth and practical capability. The 'keeper of the keys' aspect suggests someone who is trustworthy, responsible, and capable of handling important matters with discretion and wisdom. They tend to be natural leaders who others look to for guidance and direction. The purity element indicates a person of strong moral character, integrity, and sincerity in their relationships and endeavors. Kayannas typically exhibit a nurturing quality, often serving as confidantes and supporters within their communities. These individuals often demonstrate excellent organizational skills combined with emotional intelligence, making them effective in both leadership and supportive roles. They tend to be deeply principled yet approachable, maintaining high standards while remaining compassionate toward others. The dual symbolism of their name often manifests as a personality that values both spiritual growth and practical achievement. Kayannas are typically seen as pillars of their communities - reliable, ethical, and dedicated to making positive contributions. They often excel in roles that require both moral clarity and practical problem-solving, from education and counseling to community leadership and creative pursuits. Prince William's children "love" Fawlty Towers. Prince William's children are Fawlty Towers fans The Prince of Wales - who has Prince George, 12, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, seven, with wife Catherine, Princess of Wales - told the classic sitcom's star John Cleese that his household have been enjoying "a lot of family laughs" at the show, having recently introduced it to his brood. Speaking to the 86-year-old comic - who played hotelier Basil Fawlty in the 1070s comedy series - at the Tusk Conservation Awards, William said: My children have just discovered Fawlty Towers, they literally love it, weve been having a lot of family laughs. William had been "reminiscing" and "reliving" the show all over again with the children watching". He added: "Its brilliant. The 43-year-old royal is royal patron of the Tusk Trust, and he spent time with ambassadors John and Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, 78, ahead of the organisation's awards ceremony, which honours workers safeguarding Africas animals and habitats. He noted Ronnie was one of the Tusk Trust's longest-serving ambassadors, and told John's wife, Jennifer Wade that "it's so good you're part of the Tusk family". Earlier this month, William visited Brazil for his fifth annual Earthshot Prize Awards and to deliver a speech at the Cop30 climate conference, and he admitted his trip to South America had "reinforced" his sense of urgency about the environmental crisis. He said at the event: My visit to Brazil earlier this month for the Earthshot Prize and for Cop30 reinforced my sense of urgency. It reminded me that when we unite behind a shared purpose, we can accelerate solutions that make both people and planet healthier. Africa has the worlds second-largest rainforest and like the Amazon, the Congo Basin rainforest is under increasing threat from human exploitation... Tonight is a reminder that our planet continues to face serious environmental concerns. We must continue our efforts to protect nature and highlight the critical role that biodiversity plays in supporting all life on earth. William praised the "locally-led conservation" efforts in Africa that are part of the charity's ethos to provide practical solutions to sustain our precious natural landscapes and vital biodiversity. He added: "I am immensely proud that over the last 35 years, Tusk has invested in over 250 such projects spanning more than 25 countries across Africa, working collectively to improve protection for over 60 species. Humanity thrives when nature is given the space to provide us with the clean air, water and food that we all require. That is why the insight and expertise of the Tusk awards winners should inspire us to drive change. We must continue to amplify their voices and support their vital work. The prince was joined at the ceremony by his cousins Zara Tindall and her husband Mike Tindall, and Lady Eliza and Lady Amelia Spencer. William has been patron of the Tusk Trust since 2005 and helped launch their awards ceremony in 2013. Individuals named Keelan are often perceived as graceful, intuitive, and possessing a quiet strength that belies their delicate appearance. They tend to be observant and thoughtful, with a natural curiosity about the world around them. Their slender namesake seems to translate into an ability to navigate complex situations with finesse and adaptability. Keelans typically exhibit a blend of creativity and practicality, often demonstrating artistic talents while maintaining grounded perspectives. These individuals value deep connections with others and tend to form meaningful relationships rather than superficial acquaintances. Their communication style is often gentle yet persuasive, and they possess an innate ability to understand subtle emotional cues. While they may appear reserved initially, Keelans reveal layers of warmth, loyalty, and surprising resilience when comfortable in their environment. The name's Celtic origins seem to imbue bearers with a connection to tradition and history, often manifesting as respect for cultural heritage and family values. Their combination of sensitivity and strength makes them particularly effective in roles requiring diplomacy, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Cultural & Historical Significance Kesara holds a unique position in Spanish naming traditions as a name that bridges ancient botanical heritage with contemporary feminine identity. The name's connection to saffron (azafran in Spanish) ties it to Spain's rich agricultural history, particularly in the La Mancha region where saffron cultivation has been celebrated for centuries. This association with the 'red gold' spice connects Kesara to themes of value, rarity, and cultural pride in Spanish heritage. In modern Spanish culture, the name has evolved to represent not just the spice itself but the qualities it embodies - warmth, vibrancy, and the golden essence of Mediterranean life. The name's youthful connotations align with Spain's celebration of family, vitality, and the importance of passing cultural traditions to new generations. As Spain continues to balance its deep historical roots with contemporary European identity, names like Kesara represent this harmonious blend of old and new. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Kono holds deep significance within Miwok culture, representing a connection to ancestral traditions and the natural world of California's Sierra Nevada foothills. As one of the indigenous peoples of central California, the Miwok people have maintained rich oral traditions, basket-weaving skills, and spiritual practices tied to their environment for thousands of years. Names like Kono often reflect family lineages, geographical features, or spiritual concepts that are considered sacred knowledge within the community. In Miwok society, names were not merely labels but embodied personal identity and cultural continuity. The preservation of traditional names like Kono represents resistance against cultural assimilation and a commitment to maintaining indigenous heritage. Today, the name continues to be used by Miwok families as a way to honor their ancestors and keep their language alive, serving as a living testament to the resilience of Native American cultures in the face of historical challenges. Symbolically, Krasava represents the holistic integration of beauty in its multiple dimensions - physical grace, moral virtue, spiritual harmony, and cultural authenticity. The name carries profound metaphorical weight as the embodiment of the Slavic concept of 'krasota,' which transcends Western notions of beauty to include wholeness, integrity, and natural perfection. Like a masterfully crafted piece of folk art or a perfectly balanced ecosystem, Krasava symbolizes the ideal of beauty that emerges from harmony between form and function, individual and community, tradition and innovation. The name suggests someone who transforms raw experience into meaningful pattern, much like an artist shaping materials into significant creation or a gardener cultivating order from natural chaos. In broader symbolic terms, Krasava connects to cyclical natural processes and seasonal transformations, reflecting the Slavic reverence for the beauty inherent in growth, decay, and renewal. It carries associations with spring blossoms, harvest abundance, and the enduring patterns of folk traditions that survive through generations. The name also symbolizes cultural resilience - the beautiful that persists despite historical challenges and changing circumstances. In contemporary contexts, Krasava represents the increasing value placed on authentic cultural identity and the beauty of diversity in an era of globalization. It stands as a symbolic affirmation that true beauty integrates rather than separates, preserves while evolving, and finds expression through both individual uniqueness and cultural continuity. Cultural & Historical Significance Lester has deep roots in English history, originating from the city of Leicester in England. The name derives from the Old English 'Ligora' (people of the river Legra) and 'ceaster' (Roman fort), reflecting its Roman and Anglo-Saxon heritage. Throughout Christian history, the name gained prominence through various saints and religious figures associated with Leicester, including Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne who was bishop of Leicester in the 7th century. The name's connection to fortified places made it symbolic of spiritual strength and protection in Christian contexts, often given to boys with the hope they would become strong defenders of faith and community. During the Middle Ages, Lester became established as a surname before transitioning to a given name, particularly in English-speaking Christian communities where biblical and virtue names were preferred. The name carried connotations of stability and protection, qualities highly valued in Christian theology. In American history, Lester became popular among Puritan communities who appreciated its strong, traditional sound and the symbolic meaning of spiritual fortification. The name's usage spread through British colonization and maintained its Christian associations while adapting to various cultural contexts across the English-speaking world. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Lyel holds deep significance in Scottish culture as a surname that evolved into a given name, representing the core Scottish values of loyalty and clan allegiance. Originating from the Gaelic 'Liaghal', it was borne by families known for their steadfastness during Scotland's turbulent history, particularly during the clan wars and Jacobite rebellions. The name carries the weight of Scottish resilience and the tradition of familial bonds that formed the backbone of Highland society. Throughout Scottish history, bearers of the Lyel name were often recorded as trusted advisors, loyal clansmen, and keepers of traditions. The name's association with loyalty made it particularly respected in a culture where clan loyalty could determine survival. In modern times, it represents a connection to Scottish heritage while maintaining its original meaning of faithfulness and reliability, serving as a bridge between ancient Gaelic traditions and contemporary Scottish identity. Cultural & Historical Significance Macniall is a name deeply rooted in Scottish Gaelic heritage, originating from the patronymic tradition where 'Mac' means 'son of' and 'Niall' refers to a champion or cloud. The name carries significant historical weight in Scottish clan culture, particularly associated with the Western Isles and Highlands. It represents a connection to ancient Celtic warrior traditions and the complex social structures of medieval Scotland. Throughout Scottish history, bearers of this name were often chieftains, warriors, and leaders who played crucial roles in the political and military landscape of Scotland, especially during the formation of the Scottish kingdom and subsequent clan conflicts. The name embodies the Gaelic concept of heritage and lineage, where one's identity was intrinsically linked to their paternal ancestry and the heroic deeds of their forebears. This cultural significance extends to modern times, where the name serves as a living connection to Scotland's rich historical tapestry. Individuals named Maddox are often perceived as strong-willed, independent thinkers with a natural leadership quality. They tend to possess a blend of traditional values and modern perspectives, making them adaptable yet grounded. The name's meaning of 'beneficent' or 'generous' often manifests in their character through a protective nature toward loved ones and a willingness to support others in need. Maddoxes are typically confident and assertive, yet they balance this strength with emotional intelligence and loyalty. Their Celtic heritage often translates into a deep appreciation for family, tradition, and storytelling, while their modern usage gives them an innovative edge. They're frequently seen as reliable problem-solvers who approach challenges with both practicality and creativity. The combination of historical weight and contemporary appeal in the name often results in individuals who respect tradition while embracing progress, making them effective in bridging different perspectives and communities. This unique blend of characteristics makes Maddoxes often successful in leadership roles where both strength and compassion are required. Individuals named Madilynn are often perceived as creative, adaptable, and socially aware. They tend to possess a unique blend of traditional values and modern perspectives, making them well-suited for navigating diverse social situations. Madilynn's typically exhibit strong communication skills and emotional intelligence, allowing them to connect easily with others while maintaining their individuality. Their combination of classic roots and contemporary flair often translates into personalities that are both grounded and innovative. These individuals frequently demonstrate resilience and versatility, able to adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to their core values and identity. They often show a natural grace in social settings and possess an intuitive understanding of interpersonal dynamics. The name suggests someone who balances warmth with intelligence, creativity with practicality, and independence with strong relational bonds. People with this name are often seen as bridge-builders who can connect different groups and perspectives, making them valuable in collaborative environments and leadership roles that require both empathy and strategic thinking. Cultural & Historical Significance Magdalena derives from the Hebrew 'Migdal' meaning 'tower' and is most famously associated with Mary Magdalene, one of Jesus Christ's most prominent followers in the New Testament. Mary Magdalene's story has evolved significantly throughout Christian history, from being misidentified as a repentant prostitute to her modern recognition as a key apostle and witness to Christ's resurrection. This transformation reflects changing attitudes toward women in religious leadership and has made Magdalena a name symbolizing redemption, devotion, and spiritual strength across Christian cultures. The name carries particular significance in Catholic and Orthodox traditions, where Mary Magdalene is venerated as a saint. In many European countries, especially Poland, Spain, and Germany, Magdalena remains a popular choice that connects children to both religious heritage and cultural identity. The name's association with towers and elevation has also given it connotations of strength, protection, and spiritual ascent, making it appealing across various Christian denominations and beyond. The cultural impact extends to literature, art, and music, where Mary Magdalene has been depicted as a complex figure of faith, love, and transformation for centuries. Beijing takes global lead in crop germplasm preservation Xinhua) 09:45, November 27, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- Beijing has taken the global lead in the preservation of crop germplasm resources, the municipal government announced on Wednesday. The city has a germplasm bank of 2.144 million accessions, including the world's most diverse range of crop species. Beijing is home to 29 seed enterprises that have been selected as key national players -- the highest number across China -- and it registers more new crop varieties than most other provincial regions each year. These achievements are supported by the Beijing Seed Ordinance, which aims to establish the city as a "seed capital." Technological innovations have been pivotal, with breakthroughs such as AI-based plant protection models debuting at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The agricultural technology contribution rate in Beijing has reached 75 percent, driven by advancements in molecular breeding and other core technologies. Beijing plans to deepen efforts to improve its seed industry over the next five years, focusing on technology-driven and reform-oriented development, according to a government official. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) Coronation Street legend Lynne Verrall has died at the age of 76. A Coronation Street icon has died The actress - who played Geraldine Spellman on the ITV soap in 2017 - passed away in Paris, France, on November 8 after battling a long illness. On Thursday (27.11.25), her agent Samantha Boyd told industry magazine The Stage: "Lynne was always ready to try any role, to grow and learn and develop. She embraced life to the full." A French fundraising page has launched in Lynne's honour to fight motor neurone disease - the neurodegenerative disease that the Coronation Street actress suffered from before she died. It reads: "Our dear friend Lynne faced MND with her trademark wit and courage - and even in the toughest moments, she never lost her spark (or her sense of humour). "In true Lynne fashion, she even left a gift in her will to ARSLA, the MND association here in Paris, to help others facing this awful illness. "If youd like to honour her memory - and give this disease the middle finger (ARSLAs brilliant campaign slogan!) - you might consider a small donation to support their work. "I can just imagine Lynne laughing at that and saying, Thats the spirit - dont make a fuss, but thank you, darling.'" Lynne was diagnosed with motor neurone disease - which causes progressive muscle weakness - shortly after filming wrapped on the 2023 French comedydrama Greek Salad. The late star's lifelong pal Sue Dunderdale - who started up the touring firm Pentabus, which Lynne was an original acting member of, in 1974 - is quoted by The Sun as saying: "She faced it with incredible courage. She was extraordinary. "She remained in Paris because shed been happy there. She created this wonderful persona of an eccentric, charming Englishwoman. "She was a fantastic actor but never got the recognition she deserved." Lynne was born in Wellington, Shropshire, in March 1949, and her acting career - which spanned over 50 years - began when she trained at Birmingham School of Acting. After graduating, Lynne toured with the New Shakespeare Company as an understudy for the role of Celia in As You Like It. She moved to Paris in 2012, and Lynne played an Englishwoman in a handful of French short films. From June 2017 and March 2018, the late actress played Geraldine Spellman in Coronation Street on an intermittent basis. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Marchland holds significant cultural weight in Christian European history, particularly during the medieval period when border territories, or 'marches,' represented both physical and spiritual frontiers. These borderlands were often sites of cultural exchange, conflict, and missionary activity, making the name symbolic of Christian expansion and the defense of faith in liminal spaces. In Christian tradition, the concept of 'march' evolved to represent not just geographical boundaries but also spiritual frontiers where believers encountered and converted pagan populations. The name became particularly prominent among clergy and missionaries who worked in these contested regions, serving as both spiritual leaders and community defenders. Throughout European history, from the Spanish March against Moorish territories to the Eastern Marches of Germany, individuals named Marchland often played crucial roles in maintaining Christian presence in these volatile border zones. The name thus embodies the Christian ideal of carrying faith into new territories while standing firm against external threats. Individuals named Myrna are often perceived as having gentle yet resilient personalities. They tend to be compassionate and empathetic, with a natural ability to understand others' emotions. Their connection to the meaning of 'sweet oil' or 'fragrance' often manifests in their ability to bring comfort and harmony to their surroundings. Myrnas are typically thoughtful and introspective, possessing a quiet strength that allows them to navigate challenges with grace. These individuals value deep connections and meaningful relationships, often serving as peacemakers in their social circles. While they may appear reserved initially, they reveal warm, engaging personalities to those they trust. Myrnas combine sensitivity with practical wisdom in their approach to life's challenges, making them reliable friends and advisors. Their natural inclination toward healing and comfort makes them well-suited for caring professions or roles that require diplomacy and understanding. The name's association with precious substances reflects the valuable qualities these individuals bring to their communities and relationships. Individuals named Nathacha are often characterized by their warm, nurturing personalities and innate ability to bring joy to others, much like the Christmas season their name celebrates. They typically possess a natural generosity of spirit and emotional intelligence that makes them excellent caregivers, friends, and community builders. Their Christmas-associated origins often manifest in a personality that values tradition, family connections, and creating meaningful celebrations. Nathachas tend to be creative problem-solvers with strong intuitive abilities, combining practical wisdom with emotional depth. These individuals often demonstrate remarkable resilience during challenging times, drawing strength from their connection to renewal and birth symbolism inherent in their name. Their compassionate nature makes them natural peacemakers, while their association with new beginnings gives them an optimistic outlook that inspires those around them. Many Nathachas develop strong artistic or creative talents, using their expressive abilities to bring beauty and harmony to their environments. The name's spiritual connotations often translate into individuals who seek deeper meaning in life, value authenticity in relationships, and possess a strong moral compass that guides their decisions and interactions with others. Women named Oppida typically exhibit a unique blend of strength and nurturing qualities, reflecting their name's connection to fortified communities. They often demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and natural leadership, with an innate ability to create safe, supportive environments for those around them. Their personality combines practical wisdom with deep emotional intelligence, making them both effective problem-solvers and compassionate companions. Many Oppidas show a strong interest in history, preservation, and cultural traditions, often becoming guardians of family heritage or community knowledge. These individuals tend to be resilient and adaptable, capable of weathering challenges while maintaining their core values. They often possess a quiet confidence that inspires trust in others. While they can be protective and sometimes cautious, this stems from their deep commitment to the wellbeing of their community rather than personal timidity. Oppidas frequently excel in roles that require both strategic thinking and emotional connectionsuch as education, community organizing, or cultural preservationwhere their natural talents for building and maintaining strong social structures can flourish. In contemporary naming landscapes, Oralie represents the growing trend toward revived vintage names that offer both historical depth and distinctive character. While it remains relatively uncommon compared to its variations Aurelia and Aurora, Oralie has seen a steady increase in usage among parents seeking names that are both elegant and unique. Its current popularity is particularly notable in regions with strong French cultural influences, such as Quebec, Louisiana, and parts of New England, where it appeals to families wanting to honor their heritage without choosing overly common names. The digital age has significantly impacted Oralie's modern usage, with naming websites and social media platforms introducing the name to a wider audience of parents drawn to its beautiful meaning and melodic sound. Current naming data shows it's often chosen by parents with interests in literature, history, or the arts, who appreciate its cultural richness and the positive personality associations it carries. The name's modest but growing popularity suggests it may follow the trajectory of other vintage revivals, transitioning from obscure to fashionable in coming years as more parents discover its golden appeal. Cultural & Historical Significance Ormemund is a name deeply rooted in early Christian Anglo-Saxon culture, combining martial prowess with spiritual devotion. The name emerged during the Christianization of England when traditional warrior virtues were being reinterpreted through a Christian lens. As a compound of elements meaning 'spear' and 'protector,' Ormemund represented the ideal of the Christian warriorone who defends both physical communities and spiritual values. During the Viking Age, names like Ormemund gained particular significance as Christian kingdoms needed military leaders who could also serve as moral exemplars and defenders of the faith against pagan invaders. The name appears in various historical records from Northumbria and Mercia, often associated with local nobles who served as both military commanders and patrons of monasteries. This dual role reflects the medieval Christian concept of the miles Christi (soldier of Christ), where physical protection and spiritual guardianship were seen as complementary duties. Several saints and martyrs bearing variations of this name further cemented its association with Christian sacrifice and defense of the faith. The cultural significance of Ormemund extends beyond its historical context to represent a particular ideal of Christian masculinity that balances strength with compassion, and courage with wisdom. In medieval Christian society, the name symbolized the integration of Germanic warrior traditions with Christian values of protection and service. This made it particularly appealing to noble families who needed to maintain military readiness while embracing their new faith. The name's persistence in historical records, even as many Old English names fell out of use after the Norman Conquest, suggests it held special resonance. Today, the name serves as a cultural touchstone for understanding how early English Christians navigated the complex relationship between their martial heritage and their spiritual commitments, creating a distinctive synthesis that would influence English Christian identity for centuries. Individuals named Oxnaleah are typically perceived as grounded, reliable, and possessing strong protective instincts. The agricultural origins of the name suggest a personality that values stability, hard work, and practical solutions to problems. They often exhibit patience and methodical thinking, much like the steady ox that inspired their name. These individuals tend to be natural caretakers who create safe environments for those around them, whether in family, professional, or community settings. Their strength is not merely physical but manifests as emotional resilience and the ability to bear burdens without complaint. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, lasting bonds with those they trust and are known for their unwavering loyalty. The Christian heritage of the name often correlates with strong moral convictions and a sense of duty toward helping others, though this may express itself in quiet, practical ways rather than overt religiosity. They typically approach challenges with deliberate consideration and are valued for their consistency and dependability in both personal and professional relationships. Women named Rolande are often perceived as possessing a natural dignity and quiet strength that commands respect. They tend to be reliable, principled individuals with a strong sense of personal integrity, much like the heroic namesake from which their name derives. Rolandes are typically seen as loyal friends and family members who value tradition and stability, yet they also possess an inner resilience that allows them to face challenges with courage and determination. These individuals often exhibit a blend of practical wisdom and romantic idealism, able to navigate the real world while maintaining high personal standards. They're frequently described as having a regal presence without being pretentious, combining grace with substance. Their connection to the name's heroic origins often manifests as a quiet leadership quality and the ability to inspire others through example rather than loud proclamation. Rolandes tend to be thoughtful decision-makers who consider the long-term consequences of their actions, and they often become the moral compasses in their social and professional circles. In contemporary naming practices, Roussel continues primarily as a surname rather than a first name, though it occasionally appears as a given name in traditional French families seeking to honor heritage. According to French naming statistics, Roussel ranks as the 84th most common surname in France, with particular concentration in northern departments like Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Normandy. The name has experienced stable usage over the past century, neither dramatically increasing nor decreasing in popularity. In the 21st century, there's been a modest revival of interest in traditional French names, which has benefited Roussel's visibility. Internationally, the name maintains presence in French-speaking communities in Canada, Belgium, and Switzerland, while also appearing in the United States and United Kingdom through immigration. Modern bearers often appreciate the name's distinctive sound and historical depth, though some may choose to anglicize it to Russell in English-speaking contexts for ease of pronunciation. Women named Russu are often perceived as embodying the qualities of their floral namesake - beautiful yet resilient, gentle yet strong. They typically display a natural elegance and grace in their demeanor, combined with an inner strength that allows them to weather life's challenges with poise. Like the rose that grows thorns to protect its beauty, Russus often develop a quiet determination and self-protective wisdom. They tend to be deeply intuitive and emotionally intelligent, with an ability to understand and nurture relationships. Their personality often balances romantic idealism with practical sensibility, making them both dreamers and doers. Many Russus exhibit artistic tendencies and a strong appreciation for beauty in all its forms, from nature to human creativity. They're often described as having a 'quiet magnetism' - not necessarily the loudest voice in the room, but possessing a compelling presence that draws people to them. In social situations, Russus tend to be selective about their friendships, preferring deep, meaningful connections over superficial acquaintanceships. Their loyalty to loved ones is typically unwavering, much like the perennial rose that returns year after year. Russell T Davies still hasn't started writing the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas special. Russell T Davies hasn't started writing next Doctor Who special The beloved BBC sci-fi show will return in 2026 with a new festive episode, but the showrunner admitted with just over a year to go, he is yet to put pen to paper. Asked if he'd started writing yet, he told RadioTimes.com: "Not at the moment because I'm busy on [spinoff The War Between the Land and the Sea]. "I'm also shooting a show in Manchester, so next year my plate clears and we'll get to work on that." However, Russell reassured fans he has the plot all figured out, even if he hasn't actually started fleshing the story out. He added: "I know exactly what happens in it, don't worry about that." The War Between The Land And The Sea is a five-part series starring Russell Tovey as everyman 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. The series marks the end of the Doctor Who partnership between Disney+ and BBC, after the streamer struck a deal in October 2022 to become the global home for the franchise outside the UK. The platform has exited the TARDIS and will move on after the upcoming spinoff, but the BBC remains fully committed. They previously announced the Christmas 2026 special, with plans for the next series being confirmed in due course. Russell recently admitted he hopes next month's spinoff can show the worth of the Whoniverse. He told Empire magazine: "I wanted to show the BBC what this universe is capable of. And the potential that it has, and the punch that it can deliver." Symbolically, Saeger represents much more than its literal translation as 'seaman.' It embodies the universal human experience of navigationboth through physical journeys and life's metaphorical passages. The name signifies the wisdom to read life's currents and tides, understanding when to move with flow and when to chart an independent course. It represents the courage required to venture beyond safe harbors while maintaining the practical skills needed for successful navigation. In psychological terms, Saeger symbolizes emotional intelligencethe ability to understand complex emotional landscapes and guide oneself and others through them. The name also carries connotations of protection and safe passage, invoking the ancient belief that names could influence destiny. For modern bearers, it serves as a constant reminder that life, like the sea, requires both respect for its power and confidence in one's ability to navigate its challenges. The symbolic meaning extends to leadershiptrue leadership being not about commanding from safety but about skillfully guiding through uncertainty while maintaining responsibility for those who follow. Cultural & Historical Significance Safiyyah holds profound significance in Islamic culture as the name of one of Prophet Muhammad's wives, Safiyyah bint Huyayy, who was from the Jewish Banu Nadir tribe. Her conversion to Islam and marriage to the Prophet symbolized unity and reconciliation between different communities. The name represents purity of heart and spiritual cleanliness in Islamic tradition, often given to girls with the hope they embody these noble qualities. Throughout Islamic history, numerous notable women have borne this name, contributing to scholarship, poetry, and community leadership while maintaining the name's association with dignity and wisdom. The name's cultural importance extends beyond its historical roots. In many Muslim societies, naming a daughter Safiyyah expresses parents' aspirations for their child to possess inner peace, wisdom, and spiritual purity. The name carries connotations of nobility and refinement, reflecting the high status of the original bearers in Islamic history. Contemporary Muslim families continue to choose this name not only for its beautiful sound but for the virtuous characteristics it represents - qualities that remain relevant and admired across generations and cultural boundaries. Individuals named Salman are often perceived as protective, reliable, and peace-loving. They tend to embody the name's meaning of 'safety' by creating secure environments for those around them, whether in family, professional, or social contexts. Many Salmans display strong leadership qualities combined with a calm demeanor, making them natural mediators in conflicts. They often possess deep loyalty to their principles and loved ones, showing steadfastness in adversity. The historical association with Salman al-Farsi also suggests traits of intellectual curiosity, spiritual depth, and cross-cultural adaptability. These individuals typically balance traditional values with modern perspectives, making them effective bridges between different generations and cultures. While each person is unique, the name Salman generally carries expectations of wisdom, protection, and the ability to navigate complex situations with grace and intelligence. Many named Salman develop a strong sense of responsibility toward their communities and families. Individuals named Samah are typically characterized by their generous spirit and compassionate nature. They often exhibit exceptional emotional intelligence, showing understanding and forgiveness even in challenging situations. Their innate generosity extends beyond material possessions to include their time, attention, and emotional support for others. Samahs are known for their ability to create harmonious environments, often acting as peacemakers in conflicts due to their tolerant and accepting demeanor. These individuals possess a natural warmth that makes others feel comfortable and valued in their presence. They tend to be excellent listeners who offer thoughtful advice without judgment. Their generosity of spirit often makes them popular within their social circles, though they remain humble about their positive impact on others. The name's meaning seems to manifest in their personality through consistent acts of kindness and a genuine desire to help those in need. Many Samahs develop strong interpersonal skills and often pursue careers in helping professions where their natural empathy and generosity can benefit others. Individuals named Samman are typically perceived as dignified, principled, and respected members of their communities. They often exhibit strong moral character, reliability, and a natural authority that earns them the respect of others. These individuals tend to be conscientious about maintaining their reputation and honor, making them trustworthy and dependable in both personal and professional relationships. Their sense of dignity often translates into composed behavior even in challenging situations, and they typically approach conflicts with wisdom rather than aggression. Samman's are often seen as natural leaders who lead by example rather than authority, embodying the virtues their name represents. They usually value family honor and community standing, making them protective of their loved ones and committed to social responsibilities. While they can be somewhat traditional in their outlook, they balance this with practical wisdom and a strong sense of justice that makes them effective mediators and advisors. Their personality often combines quiet strength with approachability, creating individuals who command respect without demanding it, and who build lasting relationships based on mutual trust and ethical consistency. Symbolically, Selwine represents the profound connection between personal relationships and spiritual fulfillment. The name serves as a metaphor for the idea that true prosperity ('sl') is found not in material wealth but in genuine friendship ('wine'). In Christian symbolism, this aligns with teachings that emphasize community as the foundation of spiritual life and the biblical concept that 'where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.' The name also symbolizes historical resilience, representing how cultural values can persist through centuries of change and disruption. Metaphorically, Selwine embodies the bridge between individual integrity and community responsibilitythe understanding that personal character finds its fullest expression in relationship to others. In a modern context, the name carries symbolic weight as an antidote to contemporary isolation, reminding us that human connection remains the most reliable source of meaning and happiness. It represents the enduring truth that our greatest blessings often come through the relationships we nurture and the communities we build. Individuals named Seumas are often perceived as possessing a blend of traditional values and independent thinking. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities, determination, and a sense of responsibility toward their community and heritage. The name carries connotations of reliability and steadfastness, with many Seumas figures throughout history demonstrating loyalty to their principles and cultural roots. There's often an intellectual or artistic dimension to the personality associated with this name, reflected in the many Gaelic poets, writers, and cultural figures who have borne it. The supplanter meaning suggests someone who can adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining core identity, capable of both respecting tradition and forging new paths. This combination makes Seumas a name associated with individuals who balance cultural preservation with personal innovation, often showing deep connection to their heritage while engaging with contemporary challenges. Cultural & Historical Significance Shavana is a modern variant of the traditional Hindu name Shivani, which holds deep religious significance in Hinduism. The name directly connects to Goddess Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva, representing the feminine aspect of the divine. In Hindu mythology, Parvati as Shivani embodies the ideal wife, mother, and spiritual partner, symbolizing both gentle nurturing qualities and fierce protective energy. The name is particularly significant in Shaivism, where devotees see Parvati as the accessible form of the divine mother who mediates between humanity and the transcendent Shiva. Throughout Indian history, names derived from Shiva and Parvati have been among the most popular, reflecting the enduring devotion to these primary Hindu deities. The name carries centuries of cultural heritage, appearing in ancient texts, temple inscriptions, and folk traditions across the Indian subcontinent. During festivals like Maha Shivaratri and Teej, the divine couple's relationship is celebrated, reinforcing the cultural importance of names like Shavana that honor this sacred partnership. The name also represents the ideal of spiritual partnership and the belief that divine grace flows through the feminine principle. Cultural & Historical Significance Shikyna derives from the Hebrew concept of Shekhinah, representing the divine presence or dwelling of God in the world. In Jewish mysticism and theology, the Shekhinah is often described as the feminine aspect of God, embodying compassion, nurturing, and immanence. This concept has been central to Kabbalistic thought, where the Shekhinah represents both the presence of God in creation and the exiled aspect of divinity that requires reunification with the masculine divine. The name carries profound spiritual weight, connecting the bearer to centuries of Jewish mystical tradition and the idea that divinity can be experienced directly in the physical world. Throughout Jewish history, the Shekhinah has been associated with the Tabernacle, the Temple in Jerusalem, and the community of Israel, making it a name that evokes both historical continuity and spiritual immediacy. In modern times, the concept has been embraced by feminist theologians and spiritual seekers who appreciate its representation of the divine feminine. Individuals named Stanciyf typically exhibit a remarkable combination of strength and sensitivity that makes them both reliable and deeply compassionate. Their foundational personality trait is stability they approach life with a grounded perspective that allows them to remain calm and focused during turbulent times. This stability manifests as exceptional loyalty in relationships, professional consistency in their careers, and unwavering commitment to their principles. However, this solid foundation supports surprising depth and complexity; Stanciyfs often possess rich inner lives and creative talents that may not be immediately apparent. They tend to be excellent listeners and thoughtful advisors, offering wisdom that comes from careful observation and reflection. Their connection to the 'rocky cliff' meaning often translates into being protective of those they care about, creating safe spaces for emotional vulnerability while maintaining strong boundaries against negative influences. While they may take time to warm up to new people, once trust is established, they form bonds that withstand the test of time and circumstance. Their combination of practical problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence makes them natural leaders who inspire through example rather than charisma alone. SBS's popular variety show "Running Man" is in hot water after viewers took to social media to complain about a game segment featuring actress Ahn Eun Jin that they deemed inappropriate and uncomfortable to watch. According to a report from Koreaboo, the guests in the episode were the cast of the SBS drama Dynamite Kiss. At the center of the controversy was the segment entitled "Kissing Game," where comedian Yang Se Chan, blindfolded, had to identify the "Mafia" based on a lipstick mark left from a kiss on his face or forehead. Viewers strongly reacted to footage showing Yang excited over the possibility of receiving a kiss from Ahn Eun Jin. "I'd be grateful if she kissed me. I'd love that. I hope my lips are in good condition today. Again, I'm OK with it being on the lips! I'm open to it" After the "Mafia" pecked a kiss on his forehead, Yang looked pretty flustered. "Let me see. This time, I need one on my forehead!" On the set, Ahn Eun Jin looked surprised to find out that the expectation was for her to participate directly. "You didn't tell me I would have to kiss anyone for real.." Read more: Ahn Eun Jin Reveals the Real Reason Behind Her Dramatic Weight Loss Coverage by theqoo also underlined the reactions of the casts. "I bet [Yang Se Chan] is doing this so that he could get a kiss from her!" At one point, after Kim Jong Kook encouraged her by saying it was "just like acting," Ahn Eun Jin kissed Yang Se Chan's arm. Then Yang and Haha continued teasing her. "Could it be her? What's that? You need another one to make sure? Hmm... Let me see. This time, I need one on my forehead!" Although Ahn Eun Jin was eventually revealed to be the "Mafia" and joined in with enthusiasm, viewers were incensed when the episode finally aired. Hundreds of comments online slammed the show for "sexual harassment" and being tone-deaf to today's standards. The reactions on theqoo ranged from shock to frustration. "Ugh." "They're still playing this kind of half-baked games in 2025???" and "Has everyone lost it? Is this really a 2025 broadcast?" Another viewer was more blunt with their criticism of the concept. "There are so many better things they could've done... like kissing on paper, or using lip-shape stickers, or literally any other kiss-themed game. This is the worst. Just seeing the screenshots is unpleasant.." SBS has not yet issued a public response. READ MORE: Ahn Eun Jin Reveals 'My Dearest' Helped Her Financially: 'Now I can buy whatever I want' Cultural & Historical Significance The name Stratford carries significant cultural weight as both a given name and a place name, most famously associated with Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This connection lends the name a literary and artistic heritage that spans centuries. In Christian contexts, the name has been borne by several notable religious figures and has been used in Anglican communities, particularly in England and former British colonies. The name's origins in Old English ('strt' meaning street and 'ford' meaning river crossing) reflect its practical geographical roots while simultaneously suggesting metaphorical crossings or transitions in life's journey. Throughout history, Stratford has maintained an air of sophistication and tradition, often associated with educated, upper-middle-class families who value both cultural heritage and academic achievement. The name also appears in various historical records of English nobility and clergy, further cementing its association with establishment and tradition. Individuals named Suffield are typically perceived as grounded, reliable, and deeply connected to tradition and family heritage. They often exhibit a strong sense of responsibility and stewardship, reflecting the name's agricultural origins and connection to the land. These individuals tend to be practical problem-solvers who approach life with methodical care and patience, much like a farmer tending crops through seasons. Their personality often combines quiet strength with nurturing qualities, making them excellent caretakers and community builders. Suffields are frequently described as having an innate connection to nature and cycles of growth, which manifests in their patient approach to relationships and projects. They typically possess a strong moral compass rooted in traditional values, and while they may appear reserved initially, they reveal deep loyalty and commitment to those they care about. Their steady demeanor and reliability make them pillars in their communities and families, often serving as stabilizing forces during times of change or uncertainty. The name suggests someone who values substance over appearance and who understands the importance of nurturing things to fruition over time. Traditional associations with the name Suileabhan suggest individuals of remarkable perception and depth. The 'black-eyed' descriptor historically indicated not just physical appearance but a quality of seeingof understanding things at a fundamental level. People with this name are often characterized by their observational skills and ability to process information deeply before acting. They tend to be strategic thinkers who consider multiple perspectives, making them excellent problem-solvers and trusted advisors. There's often a contemplative quality to Suileabhans, who may prefer listening to speaking and who value genuine connection over superficial interaction. These personality traits are complemented by a strong sense of loyalty and protectiveness toward family and community, reflecting the clan heritage associated with the name. Suileabhans typically demonstrate resilience in facing challenges, drawing strength from their cultural roots and personal convictions. They often possess a creative streakwhether in arts, writing, music, or innovative thinkingthat allows them to express their deep perceptions in tangible ways. While they can be private individuals, those who earn their trust find steadfast friends and allies who offer wisdom, support, and unwavering commitment to relationships and causes they value. Cultural & Historical Significance Sulis holds profound significance as the Celtic goddess of the thermal springs at what is now Bath, England. The name represents one of the most important examples of religious syncretism in Roman Britain, where the native Celtic deity was seamlessly merged with the Roman goddess Minerva to create Sulis Minerva. This fusion demonstrates how Roman conquerors respected and incorporated local British religious practices, creating a unique Romano-British religious identity that lasted for centuries. The archaeological evidence from the Temple of Sulis Minerva reveals extensive worship practices, including over 130 curse tablets addressed to Sulis, making it one of the largest collections of curse tablets from Roman Britain. These tablets, written on lead and thrown into the sacred spring, show Sulis was petitioned for justice and retribution, expanding her role beyond healing to include judicial and protective functions. The enduring legacy of Sulis continues to influence modern understanding of Celtic-Roman religious integration and the spiritual importance of water in ancient British culture. Cultural & Historical Significance Synnve has deep roots in Scandinavian culture, particularly in Norway where it originated from Old Norse elements. The name combines 'sol' (sun) and 'ny' (new) or 'gfa' (gift), creating the beautiful meaning 'gift of the sun.' This reflects the importance of sunlight in Nordic regions where long winters made sunlight particularly precious. Historically, the name was popularized through the 1857 novel 'Synnve Solbakken' by Bjrnstjerne Bjrnson, which became a cornerstone of Norwegian national romantic literature. The character Synnve represented ideal Norwegian femininity - pure, strong-willed, and virtuous - cementing the name's cultural significance throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. In modern times, while less common than in previous generations, Synnve maintains its status as a classic Norwegian name that evokes national heritage and natural beauty. The name carries with it a sense of tradition and connection to Norwegian identity, often chosen by families wanting to honor their Scandinavian roots. Its literary origins continue to influence its perception, associating it with wholesome values and rural Norwegian life. The name's enduring appeal lies in its combination of poetic meaning and cultural authenticity, making it a cherished choice for those seeking a name with both beauty and substance. Women named Truc are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of strength and gentleness, much like the bamboo plant itself. They typically demonstrate remarkable resilience in facing challenges, able to bend without breaking under pressure while maintaining their core principles. This flexibility is complemented by an inner strength that allows them to withstand difficult circumstances and emerge stronger. Truc-named individuals are often described as deeply principled yet adaptable, with a quiet determination that inspires confidence in others. They tend to be thoughtful decision-makers who consider multiple perspectives before acting. Their personality often includes a natural elegance and grace, combined with practical wisdom that makes them reliable friends and trusted advisors. Many display artistic sensibilities and a strong connection to nature, reflecting the poetic and environmental associations of their name. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Turi carries profound cultural significance rooted in Mediterranean traditions, particularly in Spanish and Italian contexts. Originating as a diminutive of Salvatore in Southern Italy and Sicily, Turi embodies the rugged, passionate character of these regions. The bear symbolism connects to ancient Iberian traditions where bears were revered as powerful forest guardians and symbols of wilderness strength. This connection to nature reflects the agricultural roots of many Mediterranean communities where the name first flourished. In Sicilian culture specifically, Turi (often as Turiddu) holds literary and operatic importance through works like Pietro Mascagni's 'Cavalleria Rusticana,' where the character Turiddu represents the tragic, passionate Sicilian spirit. The name appears in numerous folk tales and regional stories, often given to characters who embody traditional values, strength, and loyalty to family. Throughout history, the name has maintained its regional authenticity, rarely becoming mainstream but remaining a cherished choice in communities valuing heritage and cultural continuity. This cultural embeddedness makes Turi more than just a nameit's a connection to specific geographic identities and historical narratives. In contemporary naming practices, Ulla maintains a distinctive presence that balances traditional heritage with modern appeal. While not among the most popular names in German-speaking countries, it enjoys steady usage particularly among families valuing cultural continuity and strong, meaningful names. The name has experienced a modest revival as part of the broader trend toward vintage names with substance and history. In Scandinavia, Ulla remains more common, especially in Sweden and Finland where it fits comfortably within the naming traditions. Modern parents choosing Ulla often appreciate its international usability, easy pronunciation across languages, and the powerful meaning behind its simple, elegant sound. The name's popularity has been influenced by several factors including the success of prominent Ulla's in various fields, the growing appreciation for Scandinavian design and culture globally, and the search for names that are both distinctive and meaningful. Social media and global connectivity have also contributed to its cross-cultural appeal, with the name appearing in international contexts more frequently. While it may never reach the popularity heights of some contemporary names, Ulla's enduring qualities ensure it remains a compelling choice for parents seeking a name with depth, strength, and cultural significance. Individuals named Verina typically exhibit strong protective instincts and natural leadership qualities. They are often described as reliable, responsible, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of those around them. Their protective nature extends beyond physical safety to emotional and psychological support, making them excellent caregivers, counselors, and community leaders. Verinas tend to be perceptive and intuitive, able to sense when others need assistance or guidance. They possess a quiet strength that others find comforting and reassuring in times of crisis. While they may appear reserved initially, Verinas form deep, lasting bonds with those they trust and will go to great lengths to defend and support their loved ones. Their combination of practical wisdom and emotional intelligence makes them natural problem-solvers who approach challenges with both compassion and determination. This blend of strength and sensitivity often positions them as pillars in their families and communities. Cultural & Historical Significance Yedidyah holds profound significance in Jewish tradition as the birth name given to King Solomon by the prophet Nathan, bestowed upon him by God through David (2 Samuel 12:25). This name represents divine favor and special relationship with God, symbolizing the covenant between God and the Davidic line. Throughout Jewish history, the name has been used to express hope for a child's spiritual connection and divine protection. In modern Israel, Yedidyah carries both religious weight and cultural pride, often chosen by families seeking to honor biblical heritage while maintaining a distinctly Hebrew identity. The name embodies the ideal of being cherished by the divine, making it particularly meaningful in religious contexts and among families with strong Jewish traditions. Its usage reflects continuity with ancient Jewish naming practices while adapting to contemporary Israeli society. A Seoul police inspector widely known as the real-life inspiration behind Ma Dong Seok's character in the hit crime film "The Roundup" has been booked on suspicion of driving under the influence after a minor collision. Authorities familiar with the case confirm this. Officials say no injuries were reported, but the incident has drawn significant public scrutiny due to the officer's past notoriety. AllKpop first reported details surrounding the arrest, noting that police issued official statements on the developing case. According to police reports on November 25, "the Seoul Suseo Police Station booked Inspector A on charges of driving under the influence in violation of the Road Traffic Act." Coverage from YTN also outlined the events leading up to the booking. A neutral sentence precedes the description of the accident. Inspector A "is accused of causing a minor collision near Gangnam Severance Hospital in Dogok-dong, Gangnam District, at around 8:30 p.m. the previous evening while driving under the influence." READ MORE: 'I Am Boxer' Breaks the Internet With Ma Dong-seok vs. Dex Fight Simulation Here's Who Dominates! Authorities confirmed that no one was harmed in the incident, but additional findings intensified the seriousness of the case. Reports stated that "Inspector A's blood alcohol concentration was above 0.08 percentthe threshold for driver's license cancellation in South Korea." Police officials have since launched a broader inquiry. Officials said they are "currently investigating the circumstances of the case.." Separate administrative steps were also taken following the incident. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency "has suspended Inspector A from duty and launched an internal inspection." Inspector A gained public recognition several years earlier after appearing on a television variety program. During that broadcast, he was introduced as the real-life officer who helped dismantle the "Wang Geon" criminal organization, a group featured in "The Roundup," and the individual who served as the basis for Ma Dong Seok's on-screen character. As the investigation continues, authorities have not disclosed additional identifying information about the officer, following standard practice for active internal reviews. Because he was in a well-known movie before, people are still very interested in him. READ MORE:From Lee Min Ho to Ma Dong SeokThese 2025 K-Dramas Shockingly Ranked as the Year's Biggest Disappointments Individuals named Zahur are often perceived as having gentle yet resilient personalities, much like the flower their name represents. They tend to be creative, aesthetically inclined, and possess a natural elegance in their approach to life. Their calm demeanor often masks a strong inner strength, allowing them to weather challenges while maintaining their grace and composure. These individuals typically have a nurturing quality that makes them excellent friends and family members. Zahur's personality often includes a deep appreciation for beauty in all forms, whether in art, nature, or human relationships. They are frequently described as intuitive and emotionally intelligent, with an ability to understand others' feelings without needing explicit explanation. While they may appear reserved at first, they possess a warmth that blossoms gradually, creating lasting and meaningful connections with those around them. Their combination of sensitivity and resilience makes them well-suited for careers in creative fields, education, or healing professions. People named Zev are often characterized by a unique blend of strength and sensitivity that mirrors the complex nature of wolves in the wild. They typically possess strong leadership qualities combined with deep loyalty to their family and close friends - what might be called their 'pack.' Zevs are known for their strategic thinking and patience, approaching challenges with careful planning rather than impulsive action. They often exhibit high emotional intelligence, able to read social dynamics and understand people's motivations with remarkable accuracy. While they can appear reserved or independent to outsiders, those within their trusted circle experience their protective, affectionate, and deeply committed nature. This combination of traits makes Zevs natural leaders who inspire confidence and loyalty in others. Their personality reflects the wolf symbolism - fiercely independent yet deeply social, strong yet nurturing, making them both respected figures and cherished companions in their personal and professional relationships. Washington, DC, USA (PANA) Subject to approval by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Management and Executive Board, completion of the first and second reviews of two fund- supported programmes would unlock US$78 PRNewswire Hong Kong, November 27: SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has awarded Ruijie Networks the world's first European Union (EU) Radio Equipment Directive - Network Bridge (RED-NB) certification for an enterprise access point (AP) product, together with the SGS Cybersecurity Mark. - SGS awards Ruijie Networks the world's first EU RED-NB certification and Cybersecurity Mark, reinforcing its leadership in cybersecurity and digital trust. This landmark achievement provides Ruijie with robust compliance support for entry into the EU and other markets recognizing RED, significantly enhancing its competitive edge. It also underscores SGS's leadership in cybersecurity standardization and regulatory compliance. The SGS Cybersecurity Mark is a trusted certification label that verifies products have undergone rigorous testing and evaluation against recognized cybersecurity standards. It assures regulators, businesses and consumers that certified products meet high levels of security, resilience and compliance, helping manufacturers demonstrate digital trust in global markets. As enterprises face escalating digital threats - with global cyberattacks rising by an estimated 44% year-on-year in 2024 and costing an average of USD 4.44 million per data breach - SGS is strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities to help organizations navigate both regulatory and technical challenges. Regulations such as the United States' NIST IR 8259A IoT Device Cybersecurity Capability Core Baseline, EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the upcoming 2027 EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) are reshaping compliance landscapes, while the sophistication of cyber threats demands faster, more effective responses. SGS, alongside its cybersecurity evaluation specialists - Brightsight and Gossamer - provides a comprehensive portfolio of services covering training, assessment, testing and certification across a wide range of products, including: - IP and chipsets - Embedded hardware/software - Telecom and mobile devices - Identity authentication and payment systems - Medical devices - Automotive systems - IoT and industrial control equipment As part of a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, SGS's strong local presence in the Asia-Pacific region - including mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea and Singapore - empowers clients like Ruijie to launch secure, compliant solutions globally. This collaboration reflects SGS's broader commitment to digital trust. SGS DIGITAL TRUST: Across technologies, services and organizations is a global framework that enables customers to build, demonstrate and sustain trust across the digital ecosystem. It helps organizations strengthen resilience, transparency and confidence in connected products, services and infrastructures through a unified SGS service structure, providing a consistent, coordinated approach to navigating today's complex digital trust landscape, built on proven expertise. These initiatives directly support SGS's Strategy 27: Accelerating Growth, Building Trust - enhancing performance and agility through expert-led cybersecurity services, while reinforcing financial resilience by helping clients mitigate risks and avoid costly breaches. SGS cybersecurity services empower industries to build robust and resilient information security systems through high-quality assessments, expert regulatory guidance and innovative digital trust solutions. Learn more about SGS DIGITAL TRUST and its comprehensive range of cybersecurity services. For inquiries in the APAC region, please contact Ross Wang, Senior Manager of Business Development, Cybersecurity, Connectivity & Products | Tel: +86 159 1631 9680 About SGSSGS is the world's leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability. Our brand promise - when you need to be sure - underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource. SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW). (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) Artieda is on a visit to India along with a delegation of Swiss pharma and biotech firms. Goyal said on X, "Co-chaired a meeting with @SECO_StateSec Ms. Helene Budliger Artieda with Swiss pharma and biotech companies. Discussions focused on avenues of further cooperation in R&D and expanding investment opportunities for Swiss pharma companies to leverage India's robust healthcare sector." He also added that both sides "discussed the progress made under the India-EFTA Trade & Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with an aim to further enhance collaboration across key sectors for mutual growth." https://x.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1993887219753619545 With the India-EFTA TEPA talks progressing, both countries are seeking ways to boost trade and encourage innovation-driven investments that can strengthen healthcare delivery and manufacturing capacities. To boost Pharma exports, earlier this week, Goyal held an interaction with key stakeholders from India's pharmaceutical ecosystem, focusing on strengthening industry growth and regulatory reforms. In a social media post on Monday, the minister stated that he had an engaging discussion with industry representatives aimed at enhancing India's position in the global pharma landscape. He said, "Had an engaging interaction with key stakeholders from India's pharma ecosystem, focusing on strengthening our regulatory frameworks and accelerating growth. Discussed industry perspectives on innovation, data protection frameworks, investment commitments and opportunities to scale manufacturing in India." The meeting highlighted India's focus on building stronger partnerships with global players in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Goyal further reiterated the Modi Government's commitment to developing a future-ready, innovation-led pharma sector capable of boosting competitiveness and attracting high-quality investments. He added that the government remains focused on delivering affordable, world-class healthcare solutions. (ANI) Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - UN human rights experts on Thursday expressed concern about reports of trafficking of women and girls for sexual exploitation and sexual slavery and children for recruitment and use as fighters in the escalating violence in El Fasher Tesla India announces the opening of its first Tesla Centre in Gurugram on Thursday, marking a major step in its plan to expand electric mobility in the country. The Model Y, priced from INR 59,89,000, is available for order with home charging support. The company says the vehicle has earned top global safety ratings and remains one of the most purchased cars around the world. Deliveries for new orders are set to be completed within the year. The new centre at Orchid Business Park will offer retail, after-sales service, delivery and charging, all from one location. Inaugurating the new Tesla centre, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the opening of the Tesla Center is a proud moment for Gurugram and signals a new milestone for the city's development. He also noted that Haryana is becoming a major hub for investors, contributing 3.6 per cent to India's GDP and showing strong growth in exports, rising from Rs 70,000 crore earlier to Rs 2,75,000 crore in 2025. The CM stated that the state offers strong connectivity through road and air routes and has benefited from projects such as the KMP global corridor. He added that Haryana is emerging as a center for mobile and automobile manufacturing, along with major production in agri-vehicles and two-wheelers. He highlighted the presence of 12 lakh small industries, a new MSME department and reduced red-tape through the removal of outdated laws. Saini said that Haryana is also preparing for future technologies by building an AI hub in Gurugram and creating a Department of Future to adopt deep-tech systems. A Rs 2,000-crore fund is planned to support start-ups, while an integrated manufacturing sector is being developed in Hisar. The Haryana Chief Minister hopes Tesla will bring further growth to the state and assures the company full support. He also hopes Tesla will set up allied units in Haryana. Sharad Agarwal, General Manager of Tesla India, said in a statement that the company aims to support India's shift toward clean energy by building a setup that fits easily into people's daily lives. He says the Gurugram center brings together an experience space, test drives with Model Y, V4 Superchargers and after-sales care under one roof. He adds that Tesla's charging network will expand quickly to make electric driving simple for users. The centre is designed for rising EV demand in northern India. Visitors can learn about new technologies, charge their vehicles, and see Optimus Gen 2, which is also displayed in Mumbai and Delhi. Tesla says the display of robotics highlights the company's progress in AI and automation. This launch comes after Tesla India entered the market in July and began widening its presence through experience centers in Mumbai and Delhi, along with three charging sites across these cities. With the upcoming commissioning of One Horizon in Gurugram, Tesla will operate four charging stations with 16 Superchargers and 10 Destination Chargers. The company says the Supercharging system allows Model Y to charge up to 275 km in 15 minutes, supporting a quick "Plug In, Charge and Go" experience. (ANI) PNN New Delhi [India], November 27: M+V Altios, a trusted partner for international companies entering and expanding in India, marks a major milestone - 25 years of supporting global businesses in one of the world's most dynamic markets. This journey parallels India's transformation from an emerging economy into a critical hub within global value chains. From Market Entry to 360 InternationalisationFounded in 2000 by German entrepreneur Klaus Maier and Francesco Motka, M+V Altios began with a clear mission: make India accessible, operationally manageable, and strategically viable for foreign companies. What started as a market-entry consulting firm has evolved into Internationalisation 360 - a complete model integrating market strategy, operations, HR, compliance, sales acceleration, sourcing, and post-entry growth. Today, with 250+ experts across 8 Indian cities, M+V Altios supports 1,200+ global companies across sectors including engineering, automotive, energy, healthcare, EV, precision manufacturing, aerospace & defence, and consumer goods. India's Rise as a Global Strategic HubIndia has rapidly shifted from being a destination market to becoming a core node in global manufacturing, sourcing, and innovation supply chains. With GDP growth of 7.5%+, a 1.4 billion-strong workforce, and an MSME ecosystem contributing 30% of GDP and 45% of exports, India now serves as a vital pillar for global expansion. M+V Altios has observed this transformation firsthand. European clients, especially SMEs and Mittelstand companies, now look beyond sales opportunities. They are establishing R&D centres, developing supplier clusters, and building India-based subsidiaries that serve the wider APAC region. The company's integration into the Altios International network in 2021 further expanded its reach, connecting clients to 40+ offices in 25 countries. This seamless global ecosystem supports two-way internationalisation: helping foreign companies succeed in India and enabling Indian companies to expand into Europe, Southeast Asia, North America, and beyond. A 25-Year Evolution Aligned With India's GrowthAs India liberalised, M+V Altios continually expanded its portfolio to serve deeper needs: - 2000 - Launched first India office for market entry support - 2006 - Added compliance, HR, and accounting solutions - 2012 - Introduced logistics and interim management - 2018 - Built sales performance and efficiency practices - 2021 - Joined the Altios International Group - 2024 - Rolled out global sourcing and supplier development This evolution reflects not only India's shifting economic landscape--from import-driven to innovation-led, but also the company's own cultural growth. What began as a team primarily versed in German business practices is now a truly multicultural, cross-border organisation, bridging European, American, and Asian business cultures. This expertise ensures smoother collaboration between international headquarters and Indian teams, accelerating long-term success. Creating Platforms for Global Business LeadershipFor over a decade, India Day in Germany has served as a flagship platform hosted by M+V Altios, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to explore India's opportunities. The event has become a pillar of Indo-European business collaboration. This success led to the Sales Networking Meet in India, a unique forum connecting CXOs of foreign subsidiaries with government, financial, and industry stakeholders. What started as a modest gathering in 2010 has grown into a high-impact leadership platform, offering insights into market strategy, cross-cultural management, and local execution challenges. The 2025 edition held special meaning as it aligned with M+V Altios's 25-year celebration, marking a quarter-century of trusted partnerships and shared progress. The next major events are already planned: - India Day in Germany - 2026 - Sales Networking Meet - 2027 Both platforms strengthen the bridge between European SMEs and India's dynamic business landscape--helping leaders translate internationalisation into sustainable growth. The 3Ps Shaping the Future: People, Purpose & the Next PhasePeopleA people-first culture has been central to M+V Altios' success. Long-term employees, cross-functional teams, and loyal clients have grown together, reflecting deep trust and shared learning. The team's ability to navigate cultural nuances across multiple regions continues to be a competitive advantage. PurposeGuided by Altios Vision 2030, the company's purpose is clear:Enable two-way global growth by helping international companies scale in India and supporting Indian companies expanding abroad.This embodies sustainable, balanced globalisation. Next PhaseAs India moves toward becoming a $5 trillion economy, M+V Altios sees the country not just as an investment destination but as a launchpad for global collaboration and innovation. The future will focus on connecting people, cultures, and capabilities--empowering businesses to act locally while thinking globally. Partner With M+V Altios for Your Global Expansion Journey Whether you're entering India, scaling operations, building supplier networks, or expanding internationally, M+V Altios provides the expertise, infrastructure, and cross-border support to ensure long-term success. Ready to explore opportunities in India or abroad?Connect with our experts today and build your global growth story with M+V Altios. (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.) Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said that the government has launched a special initiative to help citizens reclaim their unclaimed assets lying in banks, under the campaign 'Aapki Poonji Aapka Adhikar'. Speaking to the media at the sidelines of the Financial Awareness Mega Camp organised by Punjab National Bank (PNB), he said that the scheme aims to ensure that the rightful owners receive their long-forgotten deposits. "There are numerous unclaimed assets in the country. We have launched this special scheme and directed all the banks that during the special three-month drive identify the people through KYC and other processes and return the unclaimed amount to those who actually own it, and render them the unclaimed amount with due procedure. An amount of over Rs 50 lakhs has been distributed till now," Chaudhary said. He emphasised that the drive is focused on transparency and accountability in financial systems, helping people reconnect with their rightful savings. The campaign, launched as part of a broader financial awareness effort, seeks to educate citizens about their entitlements and encourage them to claim dormant funds. It also reflects the government's continuing efforts to strengthen public trust in the banking sector. Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, who also attended the event, welcomed the initiative and called it a strong step towards financial inclusion. "This is a wonderful initiative. 'Meri Poonji, Mera Adhikar', crores of rupees of the public were lying in bank accounts in some form or the other... Such an initiative is very unique in itself. It is in the public interest that the public gets its money," she told the media. Gupta added that transparency has been the central idea behind the campaign. "There can be no more transparency than this. The biggest example of clear intentions and policies is that today, the public is getting its money. So far, people have received Rs 85 crore," she noted. She also said that the government will continue to work with banks to organise camps where citizens can claim their rightful money. "We will organise camps in collaboration with banks, and the money that is rightfully theirs will be given to them," she added. The 'Aapki Poonji Aapka Adhikar' initiative is part of the government's larger mission to bring unclaimed deposits back into the hands of their owners, promoting both awareness and financial empowerment. (ANI) PNN New Delhi [India], November 27: The Corporate Connect Magazine proudly presents two prestigious awards that celebrate India's most dynamic companies and innovative leaders. The Indian Business Excellence Awards 2025 and Global Titan: Company of the Year 2025 recognise and honour outstanding achievements across diverse industries, highlighting companies that drive change, push boundaries, and deliver remarkable results. This initiative showcases Corporate Connect's commitment to fostering a collaborative environment, nurturing innovation, and motivating companies to pursue excellence. It not only shines a spotlight on companies and professionals but also celebrates the innovation and excellence that shape the Indian business realm. Through this honour, we aspire to recognise and motivate companies to pursue excellence, nurturing a collaborative and growing business environment. Datamatics Solution Business Limited Datamatics Business Solutions Ltd (DBSL) is a strategic growth partner delivering transformative AI-powered data solutions, intent-driven demand generation, and comprehensive outsourced marketing and CPA services, alongside advanced Finance & Accounting (F&A) offerings. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, DBSL merges industry expertise and cutting-edge technology to accelerate growth and efficiency for enterprises worldwide. Trusted by more than 500 organisations--including over 200 Fortune 1000 companies--DBSL serves clients in 120+ countries. By harnessing data intelligence, automation and continuous innovation, DBSL consistently drives measurable business outcomes and empowers organisations to achieve smarter, sustainable growth on a global scale. Shipglobal.in Aayush Anand Co-founder & CEOAward Category: The Most Reliable International Shipping Partner 2025-26 ShipGlobal.in is India's leading cross-border logistics-tech platform, helping more than 20,000 exporters, including 1,000+ D2C brands, ship effortlessly across the globe. By digitising paperwork and integrating with marketplaces such as Amazon, Walmart and Etsy, ShipGlobal.in turns complex international shipping into a hassle-free experience. With a pickup network in 30+ cities and trusted partners such as UPS, USPS, Delhivery and DHL, ShipGlobal.in delivers reliably to 220+ countries, making global trade simple, transparent, and affordable for every MSME and D2C seller. Internzvalley (OPC) Pvt Ltd Syed mujtaba shahid: Founder & Managing DIrectorGlobal Titan: Company of The Year 2025 Dedicated to providing top-notch Upskilling opportunities for students and professionals, Internzvalley (OPC) Pvt Ltd fosters the path for personal and career growth. The company ensures to offer customised training and mentorship from industry leaders that prepare students for every step of their internship journey. Further, Internzvalley works in close collaboration with partner companies to offer varied placement opportunities on the completion of internships. Xtragen Technologies Pvt. Ltd. Sunil Wangnoo (Co-Founder & CEO)Category: High-precision GPS/GNSS Receivers Founded in 2022, Xtragen Technologies Pvt Ltd is an exciting, rapidly growing start-up in the MSME sector, proudly contributing to the Make in India initiative through its Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Their state-of-the-art systems are crucial to the military and aviation sectors, providing reliable global positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) solutions that have a profound impact worldwide. With features such as anti-jamming technology and robust construction that meet military standards, their resilient GNSS systems truly excel in challenging environments. Under the inspiring leadership of Sunil Wangnoo, Xtragen Technologies is committed to delivering exceptional solutions that make a meaningful difference Veganday Lifestyle Pvt Ltd Akshat Jain, Prakhar Sharma, Founder, Co-Founder & CPOHealthier, Innovative & Cruelty Free Innovations 2025 Veganday stands at the forefront of plant-based innovation, driven by Founder Akshat Jain and Co-Founder Prakhar Sharma. Using patent-pending technology, the company makes vegan bases that turn into fresh & creamy plant-milks when blended with water for just 1min. Their special variant 'Milky Magic' smells, tastes and works just like dairy milk. It works perfectly with kadak chai, creamy coffee and also makes fresh dahi. Their approach reduces packaging and shipping footprint by 10 times, resulting in a ~50% reduction of price of their offerings compared to Tetrapaks. They have raised an angel round of investment. Nemmadi Uday Simha Prakash, CEO and Co-FounderGlobal Titan Company of The Year 2025 Nemmadi, led by CEO and Co-Founder Uday Simha Prakash, is a pioneering inspection and quality assurance company dedicated to enhancing transparency and trust in the real estate sector. With advanced technology, rigorous processes and customer-first practices, Nemmadi delivers reliable home inspections that empower buyers with clarity and confidence. Recognised as the Global Titan Company of the Year 2025, Nemmadi continues to set new benchmarks in service excellence, innovation and industry impact. Sparsh Bio-Tech Pvt Ltd Dr.Ashok Maru - Managing DirectorExcellence in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing - 2025 Sparsh Bio-Tech Private Limited is an exclusive GMP-certified facility by the European Union and the World Health Organisation, with a dedicated b-Lactum & Cephalosporin facility, manufacturing finished formulations in Tablet, Capsule & Dry Syrup forms. Sparsh is a 100 % Export Oriented Unit located in the city of Jamnagar, situated in the state of Gujarat, INDIA. Sparsh is a 3 Star Export House and has its facility and products registered in more than 40 countries across the globe. Sparsh has an in-house research and development unit approved by the Government of India - Ministry of Science & Technology. Spharaka Networks Private Limited Rajeev Raj, Co-Founder & CEO, Ravikumar Nalluri, Co-Founder & CTOVisionary Startup in AI & Cybersecurity 2025. Spharaka Networks, led by Rajeev Raj, Co-Founder & CEO and Ravikumar Nalluri, Co-Founder & CTO, has been recognized as the Visionary Startup in AI & Cybersecurity 2025. The company pioneers intelligent, secure, and autonomous cyber defense ecosystems powered by advanced AI threat detection and autonomous response. Its next-gen approach helps enterprises build proactive, adaptive, and self-healing digital infrastructures. As cyber risks grow more complex, Spharaka Networks continues to collaborate with industry partners and thought leaders to shape the future of autonomous cybersecurity. Futurex Management Solutions LimitedRavi Gahlot (Founder & CEO) Futurex Management Solutions Limited is a trusted Pan-India business solutions partner, empowering organisations to streamline and manage their non-core operations with precision and expertise. The company delivers a comprehensive suite of services across technology solutions, software development, staffing, HR and payroll management, financial accounting, statutory compliance, and taxation. Under the visionary leadership of Ravi Gahlot, Founder & CEO, Futurex offers a strong reputation for reliability, innovation, and long-term partnership. His strategic direction and commitment to service excellence have enabled Futurex to provide customised, scalable, and outcome-driven solutions that support clients in achieving operational efficiency and sustainable growth. Daikcell India Pvt Ltd Divakar Chauhan - CEOBusiness Beyond Boundaries-Company Growth Stories 2025 "Daikcell India, founded in early 2023, has rapidly established itself as a promising player in the Indian power-solutions space. The company specialises in voltage stabilisers, servo stabilisers, lithium batteries, solar panels, and related home electrical appliances. In just ten months of full operations, it reportedly achieved monthly sales of 2 crore, all without external equity funding. Daikcell emphasizes product reliability, energy efficiency, and pan-India delivery to build trust in households and businesses across regions with unstable power." Ananth Info Solutions Asuapthy Raja, C.E.O.The Most Prestigious Brand To Follow 2025 Ananth Info Solutions is an SAP Silver Partner, specialising in innovative solutions and expert consultation to streamline business operations. Supporting organisations optimise processes, improve productivity and achieve their objectives; the company holds deep expertise in SAP technologies. Its sole vision is to provide tailored SAP solutions that streamline business processes, improve efficiency and ultimately drive growth. Asuapthy Raja, the CEO of Ananth Info Solutions, ensures offering excellence in the solutions with expertise in implementation, support, and innovation and takes the company to higher latitudes. Growth Wings Marketing Private Limited MOHD SHAKIR ANWAR, Founder & CEOCompany Of The Year 2025 An innovative digital marketing and technology company, Growth Wings Marketing Private Limited, is led by a team of seasoned professionals with Mohd Shakir at the helm. The company is known for empowering more than 150 brands across various sectors, including Automobile, Technology, BFSI, Real Estate, Hospitality and more. It works with a core mission to amplify brand presence, accelerate growth and deliver measurable success through ROI-focused strategies. Growth Wings Marketing is committed to driving success through cutting-edge marketing strategies and top-notch customer service. Mohd Shakir's visionary leadership and dynamic approach have propelled the company to establish itself as a leading marketing solutions provider. Thakur N' Associates Thakur Nishchay Singh, FounderThe 10 Most Trusted Law Firms to Watch _ 2025 A reputed legal service provider, Thakur N' Associates, is known for its unwavering commitment to excellence. Founded in the year 2019, Thakur N' Associates has established itself as a pioneer in all types of legal practice. The firm has held a wide range of clients since its inception and has been maintaining a leading position in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. Led by the dynamic legal professional Thakur Nishchay Singh, the firm offers innovative solutions to address the most complex legal challenges of businesses and individuals. Nishchay Singh is a renowned Land acquisitions and Recovery cases practitioner in the Rapur District with years of expertise. (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.) PNN Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 27: The Maharashtra Visionary Summit 2025 at Radisson Blu, Mumbai International Airport, Mumbai organized by TimesAspire Unicom Network Pvt. Ltd., emerged as one of the most influential leadership platforms of the year, bringing together eminent personalities from business, academia, public service, social impact, and human resources. Guided by the strategic leadership of CEO Fiza Bi Ameen, Director Zaheer Samnani, and Program Director Dr. Vivek Trivedi, the summit successfully showcased Maharashtra's forward-looking vision and its expanding contribution to India's national development. The summit received valuable support from various Ministries of the Government of India and the Government of Maharashtra, reinforcing its goal of promoting leadership, innovation, and state-led nation-building. This grand event was executed seamlessly by the core team--Varun Uchil (Head Operations), Sanket Parmar (Head Communications), and Sushant Kulkarni (Sr. Manager Research & Innovation)--whose expertise ensured a world-class experience for all dignitaries and participants. A Summit with a Vision for National Growth The Maharashtra Visionary Summit 2025 served as a vibrant platform to discuss the state's commitment to innovation, industrial progress, skill development, sustainability, and social upliftment. Leaders from diverse sectors shared insights into how Maharashtra continues to pioneer national economic growth, empower its workforce, and build an inclusive and future-ready society. The summit also honoured outstanding organizations and individuals who have played transformative roles in shaping industries and contributing to nation-building. Excellence in Education Honoured Institutions setting benchmarks in academic excellence and student development were recognized: * The Cathedral & John Connon School* Klay Preschools and Daycare* NADP (National Academy of Defence Productions)* Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth's Centre for Online Learning These institutions were celebrated for their innovative learning practices, digital education leadership, and commitment to shaping India's future leaders. Hospitality Sector Recognition The award for excellence in hospitality was presented to: * The Corinthians Resort & Club Recognized for exceptional service standards and contributions to Maharashtra's tourism landscape. People's Choice Companies to Work For Companies celebrated for building exceptional workplace cultures included: * Diasorin Healthcare India Private Limited* Generic Engineering Construction and Projects Limited* IIFL Capital Services Limited* Meine Bharat* Onward Technologies Limited* Ergode IT Services Pvt. Ltd* Chandukaka Saraf & Sons Pvt. Ltd These organizations exemplify strong people-centric leadership, growth opportunities, and sustainable corporate practices. Celebrating Women Trailblazers A major highlight of the summit was the recognition of women leaders who are redefining leadership across sectors. Honorees included: * Leucadia Milly Sandeep - Chief People Officer & Group HR Head, Posha Metal Industries Pvt. Ltd* Aruna Kartik Desai - Co-Founder & Administration, Sweekar - The Rainbow Parents* Lydia Amit Naik - Head HR & Admin, The Bombay Dyeing & Manufacturing Co. Ltd* Shalini Desai - VP Operations, Peoplefy Info Solutions Pvt Ltd* Mayuri D. Tupekar - Director & Head of HR-India, Cogitech Solutions Pvt Ltd* Vidyashree Rai - Group Chief People & Culture Officer, Puretech Digital - A Genesis Company* Janvi Desai - Senior Director, IIFL Capital Services Limited* Namrata Goyal - Director, Filmstoc & Secretary, Mijwan Welfare Society* Shantha Martin - Director, Merc Logistics Pvt Ltd* Shanta Vallury Gandhi* Alina Alam - Founder & CEO, Mitti Cafe* Sshrdha Gandhi - Business Head & Support Services, Conservve Buildcon* Sara Arfeen Khan These women were honoured for their excellence, impact, and inspiring contributions to the Indian workforce. Recognizing Top CEOs & Business Leaders Industry pioneers driving innovation and sustainable growth were felicitated: * Dr. Mangesh Amale - Founder & MD, Velox Solutions Pvt Ltd* Prashant Nagre - Managing Director, Fermenta Biotech Ltd A key highlight was the recognition of: Prem Kumar Charles - Country Manager & Managing Director, Diasorin Healthcare India Private Limited His exceptional contribution to strengthening India's healthcare capabilities and advancing diagnostic innovation received special appreciation. Other dignitaries honoured included: * Shri Ajit Kumar Saxena - CMD, MOIL Limited* Arvind Goel - Vice-Chairman, Tata AutoComp Systems Limited* Rupesh Sanghavi, Founder & CEO, Ergode IT Services Pvt Ltd.* Chintan Modi - President, IIFL Capital Services Ltd* Rajneet Kohli - Executive Director - Foods, Hindustan Unilever Limited NGO Excellence & Social Impact Awards Organizations creating measurable social change were recognized: * Vipla Foundation (Save the Children India)* Pipal Tree Foundation* SURYODAY TRUST In the Social Impact category, the National Fundraiser Award was presented to: * Asif Wadia - Director, Over & Beyond Top Visionary HR Leaders of Maharashtra HR leaders shaping future-ready organizations were honoured: * Sonali Chavan - Director, Talent & Culture, Fairmont Mumbai* Satish G. Pawar - Head HR, Stanley Black & Decker India Pvt Ltd* Anil Kumar Mishra - Head HR & Administration, Shreya Life Sciences Pvt Ltd* Dr. Brillian SK - Chief People Officer, TimesPro* Ajit Kumar Pandey - AGM - HR & Admin, Kalpataru Projects International Ltd* Dr. Rajani Tewari - Chief People Officer - HR, Greencell Mobility Pvt Ltd* Seema S. Shirsath - Head HR, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth's Centre for Online Learning* Pradeep Kumar Gulati - CHRO, Generic Engineering Construction And Projects Ltd* Deepali Khairnar - Director HR & IT, IAC International Automotive India Pvt Ltd* Jonika Jain - CHRO, Edme Insurance Brokers Ltd* Megha Modi - Propietor, Ecolux HR Consultancy* Anand Krishna Kulkarni - Group Head - T&D & Talent Acquisition, J.B.Boda Group Special Acknowledgment by the Government Shri Pratap SarnaiK, Transport Minister, Government of Maharashtra, acknowledged and appreciated the initiatives of the Maharashtra Visionary Summit 2025, emphasizing the importance of collaborative leadership in driving the state's growth vision. Attendees also who Graced the Event The summit was further enriched by the presence of eminent guests: * Arfeen Khan - Corporate Trainer, Author & Actor* Prof. Dr. Dinesh Gupta (Aanandshree)* Anand Chari - Deputy General Manager, BSE* Dr. Harish K. Ahuja - Head of Sustainability, Carbon & Power Markets, SSE, NSE* Dr. Manju Mangal Prabhat Lodha - Chairperson, Lodha Foundation* Ms. Nabomita Mazumdar - President of India Awardee, Founder of Nabomita A Vision Towards a Stronger Maharashtra, a Stronger India The Maharashtra Visionary Summit 2025 reaffirmed the state's commitment to national growth through innovation, leadership, and collective progress. With impactful discussions, inspiring journeys, and recognition of exceptional achievers, the summit stood as a landmark platform shaping the future of Maharashtra--and India. Visit: https://www.timesaspire.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 Gurugram (Haryana) [India], November 27: Furthering its mission to enable underserved consumers to access financial products and make informed choices, Paisabazaar has introduced Udyam registration, GST registration, and GST filing services across its retail stores. These services are aimed at self-employed individuals--one of the most credit-challenged segments--who often face barriers arising from inadequate documentation, insufficient financial records, and limited familiarity with digital channels. At these stores, trained experts would provide consumers with expert advice, curated recommendations according to need and profile, and documentation assistance along with complete guidance on a range of financial aspects. Santosh Agarwal, CEO of Paisabazaar, said, "For self-employed consumers and small business owners, access to credit and other financial products has traditionally been challenging and complex. We, at Paisabazaar, are aiming to address this challenge through our phygital model to empower small businesses. This initiative is in line with our brand purpose - Har Sapna Hoga Sach - helping every Indian make smart financial decisions." The primary focus of these stores is on small business owners and shopkeepers, assisting them through every step related to their business and credit needs. Along with the FST and Udyam services, consumers can walk in and also explore various credit options, such as business loans, personal loans, home loans, etc., at these stores and get end-to-end assistance in choosing the right option for their credit requirements. In addition to these services, consumers visiting Paisabazaar retail stores can check their free credit score and explore the best available loan and credit offers. Trained experts also assist them in understanding their credit profile, improving their credit health, and making better financial decisions. Currently, Paisabazaar retail stores are operational in Gurugram (Jail Road), Noida (Sector 15) and New Delhi (Lajpat Nagar), where consumers can avail Udyam, Aadhaar and GST registration, along with expert assistance for GST filing. The company plans to expand its retail presence to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, where credit demand is growing rapidly. The number of these stores will be further increased as the initiative continues to deliver positive outcomes. Paisabazaar, a part of PB Fintech (listed since 2021), is India's largest marketplace for consumer credit and free credit score. Over the last 11 years, Paisabazaar has earned the trust of over 55 million consumers. Paisabazaar has built 65+ partnerships withBanks, NBFCs, and fintechs to offer a broad range of credit products. Paisabazaar is ISO (27001:2013) and PCI DSS certified organisation, with industry-best controls, to safeguard the best interest of consumers. (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) Net banking in India is set to change in a big way with the introduction of a new system designed to make online payments simpler and safer for users. Speaking to ANI, Noopur Chaturvedi, MD and CEO of NPCI Bharat BillPay Limited, explained how the new "NetBanking 2.0" experience unlocks a smoother way for customers to complete digital transactions. Chaturvedi said the current net banking process often pushes users to a webpage where they must enter an ID and password, which many people forget, causing the payment to drop midway. She said the new system removes this friction by taking customers directly to their own banking apps, making the journey more familiar and easier. "The customer gets routed to their own banking apps, and they can complete the transaction in the comfort of a familiar app," she said. The platform also adds a QR-based option, which uses a dynamic QR code generated during a transaction. Customers can scan it using their bank app to finish the payment. According to Chaturvedi, this design reflects how people have become comfortable with QR-based payments in recent years. "We have also incorporated a manner in which a dynamic QR gets shown up, and the customer can use their banking app to scan it and complete the payment," she said, adding that the entire system is built with a mobile-first approach as smartphone use continues to rise across India. Chaturvedi said the company is not focusing on numerical targets but on how many banks and payment players join the new system. More participation, she said, will help build confidence and strengthen the payment network. She noted that existing net banking transactions stand at nearly 300 million a month, and the hope is to exceed that number eventually. On safety, Chaturvedi said fraud prevention was an important aspect for the system from the very beginning. She said they are using new technologies to alert banks if a suspicious transaction appears. "We attempt to use new technologies like AI and ML to create fraud management systems which can identify and trigger a message to the bank," she said. She added that having a central settlement platform makes spotting fraud easier because it provides a clearer view of activity across the ecosystem. For customers, the immediate change will be the availability of three payment paths: using their bank app, scanning a QR code, or continuing with the existing net banking website if their bank has not yet migrated. She said the aim is to give users a choice while also providing clearer information on grievances, chargeback timelines, and merchant settlements. "A lot of transparency, standardisation and ease is what everyone in the ecosystem can expect immediately," she said. Chaturvedi clarified that earlier references to cash payments pertained only to bill payment systems and were not linked to the new net banking platform launched today. (ANI) VMPL New Delhi [India], November 27: CCTech (Centre for Computational Technologies), a pioneer in digital engineering transformation and computational technology solutions, has announced the launch of its large-scale recruitment initiative, 'CCTech Talent Verse Job Fair 2025'. Scheduled for Saturday, November 29, with registrations starting from 9 am to 12 pm at the company's Pune headquarters, the hiring drive aims to onboard more than 70 experienced professionals across its Pune and Ahmedabad centers. The event represents CCTech's accelerated investment in strengthening its core technology verticals including Artificial Intelligence (AI/ML), Cloud-Native Full Stack Development, and Computational Engineering, as the company scales its product development and digital transformation offerings for global industries. The Talent Verse job fair will host specialised interview tracks for senior technical leadership and advanced engineering positions. Candidates will have the opportunity to meet CCTech's executive leadership and department heads to explore career opportunities in areas shaping the future of engineering innovation. Key open roles include: * Artificial Intelligence (AI/ML): Engineers and Data Scientists focused on integrating advanced AI into engineering simulation workflows * Full Stack & Cloud: Software Development Managers, Team Leads, and Senior Full Stack Developers * Computational Engineering: Experts in designing CAD and simulation systems * IT Project Leadership: Experienced Project Managers and software development managers to lead enterprise level cloud applications. "The demand for deep-tech expertise is growing exponentially, and the 'CCTech Talent Verse Job Fair 2025' reflects our commitment to building India's strongest indigenous talent pool capable of solving global engineering challenges," said Nem Kumar, Founder, Director & COO, CCTech. He further added, "We are not just hiring employees, we are seeking visionary leaders and problem-solvers who want to shape the next wave of digital engineering. This initiative is an investment in the next generation of Indian engineers, giving them the tools and ecosystem to turn advanced technical capability into real-world, high-impact solutions across industries from manufacturing to sustainable energy." Registration Link: https://www.cctech.co.in/careers/talent-verse/job-fair-pune-nov-2025 About CCTech CCTech is a global technology consultancy organisation specialising in engineering software solutions, digital transformation, and automation for the AEC, manufacturing, oil & gas, and renewable energy sectors. The company is committed to democratizing BIM, CAD, CAM, and CFD technologies by reducing complexity through AI-driven automation, thereby meeting the unique needs of its customers. Bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and industry challenges, CCTech collaborates closely with Autodesk teams in the development of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Infraworks, Fusion, ACC, and more, while partnering with enterprises to address their critical engineering challenges. In addition to providing comprehensive services in custom software development, cloud integration, and AI-powered analytics, CCTech offers innovative product solutions such as SimulationHub Web Services (SWS) Platform, a fully managed, intelligent platform that empowers organisations of all sizes to execute sophisticated CFD calculations efficiently, helping them navigate complexity and accelerate time-to-market for sustainable growth. (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.) Actor-politician Hema Malini has shared her first emotional post following the death of her husband and legendary actor Dharmendra, expressing her deep grief and remembering him as the centre of her life. The actress took to X on Thursday to pay tribute to the legendary actor, who passed away on November 24, days ahead of his 90th birthday on December 8. In her emotional note, Hema reflected on their decades together and described Dharmendra as "everything" to her, whose presence had shaped her life. The veteran actress, along with a picture of the legendary actor, wrote: "Dharam ji. He was many things to me. Loving husband, adoring father of our two girls, Esha & Ahaana, friend, philosopher, guide, poet, my 'go-to' person in all times of need, in fact, he was everything to me! And always has been, through good times and bad." "He endeared himself to all my family members with his easy, friendly ways, always showing affection and interest in all of them. As a public personality, his talent, humility despite his popularity, and universal appeal set him apart as a unique icon, unequaled among all the legends. His enduring fame and achievements in the film industry will last forever," she added. Calling her loss "indescribable," she expressed how difficult it is for her to accept a life without him. "My personal loss is indescribable, and the vacuum created is something that will last through the rest of my life. After years of togetherness, I am left with myriad memories to relive the many special moments..." https://x.com/dreamgirlhema/status/1993911851776979392?s=20 In another post, she also shared a carousel of old memories with the caption, "Some memorable moments..." along with pictures of the two together through different phases of life. https://x.com/dreamgirlhema/status/1993913134940352997?s=20 The final rites of the actor were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. (ANI) Veteran actor Mohanlal expressed his happiness and pride as the 4K restoration of the Malayalam classic Kireedam (1989) made its world premiere at the ongoing 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. The restored version of the film was showcased under the Special Screenings section, and also drew warm response from audience and cinema lovers. Sharing his emotions on X, Mohanlal said he was deeply appreciative of the effort behind bringing back a film so close to his heart. Describing the experience as "delighted" and "an honour," the actor wrote about the meticulous work that went into reviving the film before presenting the full statement. "Delighted to share the world premiere of the 4K restoration of Kireedam (1989), presented as part of the Special Screenings at the 56th IFFI, Goa. The film has been meticulously restored by NFDC-National Film Archive of India from a 35mm release print, thankfully preserved by the archive for several decades after the original camera negative had decomposed. The final grading was supervised by the film's cinematographer, S. Kumar. It is an honour to witness this classic return to the screen." He further expressed appreciation for India's archival efforts, noting how important such work is for future generations. Calling the revival "heartening," Mohanlal added He went on to appreciate India's archival efforts as he shared how important such work is for future generations. Calling the revival "heartening," Mohanlal added, "It is heartening to see Kireedam revived under the National Film Heritage Mission. My best wishes to NFDC-NFAI as they continue preserving and presenting India's cinematic heritage for future generations, in both digital and analog form." Take a look https://x.com/Mohanlal/status/1993626391506796590?s=20 Directed by Sibi Malayil and written by A.K. Lohithadas, Kireedam remains one of Malayalam cinema's most celebrated dramas. The film follows the emotional downfall of Sethumadhavan, a young man whose dreams of becoming a police officer are destroyed by tragic circumstances, a powerful performance that earned Mohanlal a National Award Special Jury Mention. On the work front, Mohanlal was last seen in Hridayapoorvam. He is now gearing up for the release of Vrusshabhaa, a Telugu-Malayalam bilingual period action drama scheduled to hit theatres this Christmas. (ANI) Pretoria, South Africa (PANA) - The World Health Organization (WHO) in the African region, Member States and partners have agreed on a roadmap to protect communities during public health emergencies, becoming the first region to formally establish systems that hold both governments and WHO jointly accountable for preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in their shared operations Veteran actor Pankaj Kapur made an appearance at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa as he walked the red carpet for the special screening of his acclaimed 1990 film 'Ek Doctor Ki Maut.' The film, celebrated as one of the most powerful critiques of systemic failure in Indian society, returned to the big screen through a newly restored print showcased at the festival. During his interaction with ANI on the sidelines of the festival, Kapur reflected on the rising use of Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking. The actor, known for his thoughtful perspectives, shared that while technology continues to evolve, it can never replace what he described as the essence of cinema, i.e "human feeling." Highlighting the irreplaceable value of "emotions" and "humanity," Kapur expressed caution about fully depending on technological innovation. "I don't have much knowledge about this. But I think that no matter what technique comes into the world, as far as emotions are concerned, until they are not there, the work will not be complete. Technology may reach any level, but it cannot go beyond humanity. It cannot go beyond human emotions," he said. Speaking about watching Ek Doctor Ki Maut in its restored version, the veteran actor shared his appreciation for the restoration effort. Noting the "new colouring" and "new sound" that breathed life into the classic, he praised the NFDC team for their meticulous work. "I felt very good that the picture has been restored. It has a new colouring, a new sound, a new mixing. The NFDC people have done a very good job in restoring it. So I am grateful for that and I am very very happy about it," he added. Directed by Tapan Sinha, Ek Doctor Ki Maut is based on the real-life struggle of a dedicated scientist whose groundbreaking work on a leprosy vaccine is buried under bureaucracy, envy, and professional humiliation. Kapur's role as Dr. Dipankar Roy remains one of his most powerful performances, widely regarded as a landmark in Hindi parallel cinema. The 56th IFFI, which began in Goa on November 20, will conclude on Friday, November 28. (ANI) Actor Aamir Khan recently shared a heartwarming story about taking his son Azad to meet legendary actor Dharmendra. Speaking on the sidelines of the 56th International Film Festival of India, Aamir said, "I used to go and sit with him. One day, I took Azad with me, my son. I said, I want you to meet someone, because Azad has not seen his work really. But he came with me and we spent a couple of hours with him and it was really wonderful." While talking about the veteran actor, Aamir said, "Dharamji was not only such a fine actor, but he was a great human being. He was so gentle, he was like a gentle giant." "And he was very loving, no matter who he would meet, whether it's a colleague, whether it's someone not from the industry, he would always be very warm and soft in meeting people," the 'Lagaan' actor added. Aamir called the demise of Dharmendra a 'great loss' to the film industry. "Dharamji was an Institution, his Satyakam still teaches us, he was a wonderful person, he was a great actor and it's a great loss for all of us," he said. The '3 Idiots' actor also talked about Dharmendra's command on his language. He shared, "He had such a good command of his language. I mean, his Hindustani was so clean. It was amazing to hear him, even in live events when he would speak, he had such grace." He further added, "I remember I was there at the book launch for Yusuf Saab Dil Kumar Ji and there he spoke, he spoke so in such dignity." Dharmendra, fondly known as the industry's 'He-Man', passed away on November 24 at the age of 89, marking the end of an era in Indian cinema. The final rites of the actor were held at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Vile Parle. Actors Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, Ranveer Singh, and Deepika Padukone were spotted arriving at the cremation ground to pay condolences to the Deol family. To honour his life and legacy, the Deol family organised a prayer meet, titled 'Celebration of Life', on Thursday at Seaside Lawns, Taj Lands End in Bandra, Mumbai. Maniesh Paul, Ananya Birla, Nimrat Kaur and Pooja Hegde were among the attendees. At the fireside chat of IFFI, Aamir was also asked about iconic moments in his career, but he said that each film has been an equally important journey, and any so-called "iconic moment" is for the audience, not him, to decide. He explained that he has always been guided by instinct, not strategy. As a child fascinated by stories, he grew up listening to narrations meant for his producer father, often hiding behind curtains before being invited to sit openly. Those years, he said, became an unplanned gurukul, shaping his script sense long before he entered cinema. Aamir also mentioned that because of this relationship with stories, he has never repeated himself simply for comfort. Whenever he finishes a particular kind of film, he feels no excitement in doing another similar one. This instinct has often gone against industry conventions whether it was choosing Lagaan, Sarfarosh, Dil Chahta Hai, Taare Zameen Par or Ghajini at times when they were not considered commercially "safe". Yet the audience embraced them, often redefining trends instead of following them. The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) began in Goa on November 20, will conclude on Friday, November 28. (ANI) The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) turned nostalgic as legendary filmmaker Ramesh Sippy paid an emotional tribute to actor Dharmendra while revisiting the timeless legacy of Sholay during an 'In-Conversation' session titled '50 Years of Sholay: Why Sholay Still Resonates?'. Hosted by his wife, actor-producer Kiran Sippy, the session saw Ramesh Sippy recount behind-the-scenes memories that highlighted Dharmendra's unmatched dedication, humility and passion, qualities that shaped some of the most unforgettable moments in 'Sholay'. He got emotional recalling his long association with Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24. Sharing a defining memory from the film's shoot, Sippy said that during a horse-riding action sequence, the saddle slipped, causing the actor to fall. "My heart stopped for a moment," said Ramesh Sippy, "but Dharam ji just stood up, dusted himself off, and was ready to go again. He always wanted to push himself and try new things." Ramesh Sippy shared one of the most eagerly awaited announcements for cinephiles: the re-release of Sholay this time with its original ending intact, as per the press release shared by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. When the film was first released in 1975 during the Emergency, the then-censor board objected to the climax where Thakur Baldev Singh kills Gabbar Singh using his spiked shoes, insisting that a police officer could not be portrayed seeking revenge. Reluctantly, the filmmaker and his team had to reshoot the ending. "Now you will see the movie as it was made," an elated Sippy told the audience, celebrating the long-overdue restoration of his creative vision. The director described how he sought a completely new visual palette for the film. At a time when Hindi cinema's dacoit dramas were mostly shot in Rajasthan and the Chambal valley, Ramesh Sippy scouted and discovered the rugged terrain near Mysuru and Bengaluru. The rocky backdrop gave Sholay a distinctive look never seen before in Indian cinema. The filmmaker shared how Sholay broke new ground in cinematography, action choreography and storytelling. He credited Dharmendra and the ensemble cast for trusting his vision at a time when many of the film's concepts were unprecedented in Hindi cinema. He also spoke briefly about Amjad Khan's casting as Gabbar Singh, the technical brilliance of cinematographer Dwarka Divecha, and the meticulous planning that went into iconic sequences--from the "magic hour" lighting to elaborate action scenes. This setting also added an unusual contrast--Gabbar Singh, with his raw UP accent, terrorising a landscape in South India. Speaking about Amjad Khan's unforgettable portrayal, Sippy revealed that Danny Denzongpa was the original choice but was unavailable due to overseas shooting commitments. Amjad Khan, recommended by writers Salim-Javed, impressed Sippy with his theatrical prowess, and the rest became cinematic history. The iconic filmmaker also noted that the screenwriting duo had initially pitched a two-line concept to Manmohan Desai, who passed on it. But the Sippys' father-son duo, that is, the great GP Sippy and son Ramesh Sippy, immediately recognised its potential. Within a month, the screenplay was complete, and a mercurial villain was born when Sippy told Salim-Javed he wanted a character who was unpredictably dangerous. That is how Hindi cinema got one of its finest villains of all time, stated the maker of Sholay. Sippy emphasised that Sholay was a product of extraordinary teamwork. Among the many firsts introduced by the film, one should note that it was the first Indian film to bring in a professional fight-sequence team from the UK. It pioneered safety protocols for action scenes in Hindi cinema, informed Kiran Sippy. During the interaction with the audience, the filmmaker also stated that Cinematographer Dwarka Divecha set new benchmarks with his visual storytelling. He also recalled Production Manager Ajiz Bhai played a pivotal role behind the scenes. The evocative lighting of Jaya Bachchan's evening lamp sequence took days to capture, waiting each day for the perfect "magic hour.", revealed the master film-maker. He also reminisced about the timeless song "Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Todenge", penned by Anand Bakshi and composed by R.D. Burman, which continues to echo across generations. For many in the audience, Ramesh Sippy's heartfelt memories served as a reminder that behind the grandeur of Sholay stood an actor whose spirit and humanity made the film timeless. To commemorate the 50-year milestone, IFFI showcased the iconic Sholay motorbike on its festival grounds, drawing large crowds of admirers reliving the world that Dharmendra and Ramesh Sippy helped create. (ANI) Senior BJP leader and MLA Mahesh Tenginkai on Wednesday commented on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Congress leadership in Karnataka, stating that the ruling party's internal rift has begun to reflect in the governance of the state. Speaking to ANI, Tenginkai said the current situation within the Congress appears deeply fractured. "It is Congress's internal matter, and we cannot comment. However, it seems there are nearly three groups within the Karnataka Congress now. Their internal politics will create major cracks in the coming days, which will severely impact the state's politics," he said. He further alleged that key issues concerning the people of Karnataka are being neglected due to the ongoing tussle within the ruling party. "It is not just farmers' issues; several other concerns are surfacing. Development work has been completely ignored for the last two years. In the midst of their internal rift, they have forgotten all these matters," he stated. Tenginkai stressed that whoever assumes the position of Chief Minister must keep development as the top priority. "No matter who becomes the CM, development should never be compromised. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah earlier downplayed speculation about a leadership change in the state, terming it an "unnecessary debate" and attributing it to recent discussions about a cabinet reshuffle. The Chief Minister clarified that the senior party leadership would make the final decisions regarding the reshuffle, as two of the total 34 ministerial posts in Karnataka are currently vacant and would be filled during the process. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday reiterated his loyalty to the Congress and dismissed speculation over his resignation as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President. Amidst ongoing rumours of a change of Chief Minister in Karnataka, CM Siddaramaiah on Monday said the Congress party high command will take the final decision on the issue. He said the state cabinet reshuffle will be discussed with the Congress's top leadership following the Bihar assembly elections. (ANI) The DSD-DEEP programme, a transformative digital learning initiative under the MMDUP (Mukhya Mantri Dakhyata Unnayan Prakalpa) Skill Mission of the Directorate of Skill Development (DSD), is rapidly reshaping the future of Tripura's youth. Designed to equip learners with modern, industry-relevant skills, the programme offers an engaging, flexible e-learning experience to boost digital capability across the state. The mission of DSD-DEEP is clear--to empower young people with essential digital skills that prepare them for employment, entrepreneurship, and self-reliance. Through this initiative, candidates across Tripura are learning critical IT skills, AI tools, workplace readiness, and life skills. The training is delivered through MKCL's advanced digital platform, which provides interactive lessons, assessments, and hands-on practice. From remote villages to urban centres, the programme is helping learners build confidence, strengthen digital literacy, and unlock new opportunities. "DSD-DEEP is not just a course--it is a movement towards a digitally skilled and empowered Tripura," the department stated. Speaking about the ongoing efforts, Sutirtha Paul, Joint Director, Skill Development Department, Government of Tripura, said that the Skill Development Department is conducting such programmes across multiple locations. "We are providing training to students through ITI, teaching them important computer-based skills involving both hardware and software. They are also learning company-related job rules that will help them in professional environments," she said. This year, 140 students have been successfully enrolled, with training conducted by MK Seal. The department emphasised that learners are receiving a supportive environment and quality training made possible through the assistance of a partner corporation. "We brought MKCL to Tripura so that children can gain advanced knowledge and become more capable. Today, the training has been successfully completed, and certificates have been distributed," Paul added. He also expressed his eagerness to share the students' success stories in the coming days. With continuous expansion plans, the DSD-DEEP initiative is steadily becoming a cornerstone of Tripura's digital growth and youth empowerment journey. "The Skill Development Department is conducting programmes in various places. We are providing training to all the students through the ITI, teaching them many important skills. Through computer-based training, they are learning both hardware and software. There are company-related job rules as well, which they will follow while working on computer-related tasks," Paul said. "This year, we were able to enrol 140 students. The trainer conducting the sessions here is MK Seal. We believe that the children will get a good learning environment and proper space for training. This initiative has been carried out with the support of one of our corporations. We plan to implement similar programmes in many other places as well," she added. (ANI) Tripura Governor N Indrasena Reddy graced the Constitution Day programme held at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kunjaban in Agartala. Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the importance of rules and discipline in every institution, including schools. "Just as schools function smoothly by following their rules, a country also runs efficiently when its citizens follow national laws." He explained that all the country's rules and guiding principles are compiled in a single book known as the Constitution. This Constitution establishes the legal framework, rights, duties, and guidelines that govern the nation's functioning. Every country operates according to its own Constitution, which ensures order, justice, and democratic governance. Students and teachers enthusiastically participated in the programme, making the observance of Constitution Day both informative and inspiring. India celebrated the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution on Tuesday with a solemn national ceremony held in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, reaffirming India's collective commitment to the ideals and values of the Constitution. President Droupadi Murmu presided over the ceremony, which was attended by the Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries. The President released the Constitution of India in nine languages--Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia and Assamese--prepared by the Legislative Department. The President, in her address, underscored the Constitution's pivotal role in guiding India's democratic journey and called on citizens to uphold its core principles -- justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. The President said that the all-inclusive vision enshrined in constitutional ideals provides direction to our governance system. She said that in 2015, the year of Babasaheb Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary, it was decided to celebrate November 26 annually as Constitution Day. That decision has proven to be really meaningful. On this day, the entire nation reaffirms its respect for our Constitution, the foundation of Indian democracy, and its makers. 'We, the people of India,' express faith in our Constitution, both individually and collectively. The Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect a few months later, on January 26, 1950. The document was extensively debated and agreed upon by the Constituent Assembly. The document established India as a "Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic" with the aim of securing Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all citizens. It is the longest written Constitution in the world, demarcating the separation of powers, structure of administration, courts and legislative departments for the country. The Constitution calls for adhering to constitutional supremacy. (ANI) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh on Wednesday said that the government will not celebrate the completion of its three years in office. Instead, it will present its vision for the future to the people. He stated that concrete developmental steps and transparent governance remain the government's top priorities. In the Assembly, the 'work-stoppage' motion brought by the BJP over the Panchayati Raj elections was rejected. The Chief Minister accepted the discussion on behalf of the government and maintained decorum in the House. He said the BJP's strategy to create uproar in the Assembly fell flat as the government continues to function strictly within the framework of law. The CM asserted that Congress is the Constitution's strongest custodian. He noted that the provision for women's reservation in Panchayati Raj Institutions was introduced by the Congress, ensuring more involvement of women in grassroot democracy. Regarding the upcoming panchayat elections, he clarified that the government is working entirely in accordance with the law. "We are functioning as per legal provisions, and the panchayat elections too will be conducted within the ambit of the law," he said. He further said that the BJP is divided into five factions, which is why Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur remains under constant pressure. The Chief Minister alleged that the BJP is attempting to create unnecessary controversies to hide its internal conflicts. The Chief Minister further assured that the state government is committed to fulfilling its promises to the people and will continue to accelerate development initiatives across Himachal Pradesh. Earlier in the day, Sukhu laid the foundation stone of the Himachal HAAT, a project aimed at boosting rural livelihoods and women's economic empowerment. The initiative is part of the Himachal Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission, which markets products made by rural women across the state. "Through the platform, rural women have already achieved sales worth Rs 25 lakh. Their locally made products are now being packed and marketed online. This is a proud moment for us, it's a step toward an Aatmanirbhar Himachal Pradesh," the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister announced that the Congress government will complete three years in office on December 6, for which a state-level celebration will be held. Sukhu reiterated that his government is committed to reversing the damage done by the BJP government. "We are reforming the education and health sectors, improving tourism, and reclaiming state resources that were sold off earlier. We are accountable to the people's court," he said. (ANI) Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Wednesday accused the BJP-led Central government of systematically undermining the Constitution and eroding the federal structure of the country. He said that Punjab was the "worst example" of how Constitutional rights were being denied. Addressing a 'Save Constitution' event in Moga, Warring said that the BJP government was weakening both secularism and federalism while polarising communities across the country. He alleged that the Centre was consistently discriminating against Punjab, even attempting to "snatch away the state's capital." "The way the BJP is treating Punjab is the worst example of undermining the federal structure guaranteed by the Constitution," he said, adding that constitutional institutions were being misused to target opposition parties. Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, Warring said it had failed to stand up to the Centre or safeguard state interests. "The AAP is either aligned with or afraid of the BJP," he remarked, alleging that the Bhagwant Mann-led government had become the weakest ever in Punjab. In an informal interaction with reporters, he said the AAP government lacked the courage to confront the Centre on issues concerning Punjab. Senior Congress leaders, including DCC president Hari Singh Khai, former minister Dr Malti Thapar and Col Babu Singh, were present at the event. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party National President Jagat Prakash Nadda hosted a special dinner party to celebrate the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) landslide victory in the recent Bihar Assembly elections. To mark the victory in Bihar, a dinner party was held at the BJP National President JP Nadda's home. Home Minister Amit Shah, Election Incharge Dharmendra Pradhan, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, BJP leader Vijay Sinha, Bihar President Dilip Jaiswal, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, and all those responsible for the Bihar elections attended the dinner party. As per the sources, the Home Minister said in Wednesday's meeting and dinner party that the NDA's victory in the Bihar elections is a victory for the entire country, "Bihar's victory is a victory for every Indian's resolve to drive out infiltrators from the country." "The people have unwavering love and trust in Modi's leadership. The people of Bihar wholeheartedly supported the duo of PM Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar," he said. Furthermore, he said that the Bihar elections are a victory for the NDA's unity and strength, and that the five NDA parties fought together like the five Pandavas. "The people of Bihar have shown that the NDA government led by Modi, which not only promises but also delivers, is the people's choice. The hard work of JDU workers in this victory cannot be praised enough. Lastly, he addressed the issue of infiltrators," said the Home Minister, as per a release. "Mandate to take action against West Bengal infiltrators. Some of the leaders will get the duty for the West Bengal election in 2026," he announced. (ANI) The Assam Cabinet has approved the report of the Group of Ministers (GoM) in connection with the proposal for the grant of Scheduled Tribe (ST) status to six major communities of the state. Announcing the Cabinet's decisions, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the state Cabinet has approved the GoM report on the proposal to grant ST status to six major communities of the state, namely Tai Ahom, Chutia, Moran, Motok, Koch-Rajbongshi, and Tea Tribes (Adivasis). "The report will be placed in the Assam Legislative Assembly and thereafter sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The three-member GoM was headed by Dr Ranoj Pegu, with the other two members being Pijush Hazarika and Keshab Mahanta," the Assam Chief Minister said. He further said, "I hope that this report will represent the aspirations of all of us." "Tomorrow (November 27), the Tribal Affairs department will send this report to the Assam assembly, and the Speaker of the state assembly will allow the report to be tabled in the ongoing session of the state assembly. The Speaker will decide when the report will be tabled," the Chief Minister said on Wednesday. The Chief Minister also said that the state Cabinet has approved the modification and transfer of three bighas of land at the Government Muga Farm, Reshom Nagar, Khanapara, under the Handloom, Textiles and Sericulture Department, to the Cultural Affairs Department for the establishment of a state-of-the-art museum. It may be noted that the museum, a priority initiative aimed at preserving and showcasing one of Assam's most significant heritage textiles, will be developed with the support of JSW I&P Holdings Pvt. Ltd. It will feature the Vrindavani Vastra, to be brought on loan from the British Museum, London. The state Cabinet has approved the Assam Survey and Settlement Training Centre Teachers' Service Rules, 2025, to regulate the recruitment, service conditions, and career progression of teachers at the Assam Survey & Settlement Training Centre (ASSTC), Dakhingaon, Guwahati. (ANI) Chinese brand debuts MagiCCrystal CaHA Filler and presents patented ACDMT and PCDETT technologies with leading clinicians Dr. Wang Wenting and Dr. Chen Lorraine RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aphranel, a China-based original aesthetic brand by SHANGHAI MOYANG BIOTECHNOLOGY, participated in the 4th Saudi Arabia Aesthetic Medicine Scientific Congress (SAAM 2025) in Riyadh, presenting its MagiCCrystal calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) filler and collaborating with Chinese clinicians Dr. Wang Wenting (Guangzhou Yestar) and Dr. Chen Lorraine (Shanghai LELITE M) to demonstrate advances in regenerative materials and injection protocols. SAAM 2025 Particpants SAAM 2025, one of the Middle East's most influential aesthetic medicine conferences, drew more than 2,500 participants from the United States, Germany, Switzerland, the Middle East, and other regions, spanning aesthetic dermatology, laser therapies, plastic surgery, and medical aesthetics. Aphranel's presence alongside Chinese experts highlights the growing integration of China's aesthetic technologies and treatment concepts into global practice. At the congress, Aphranel introduced core innovations behind its CaHA platform: ACDMT "raspberrylike" throughpore microsphere technology PCDETT physical crosslinking gel technology These proprietary approaches are designed to balance immediate shaping with controlled, longterm collagen regeneration, while supporting precise degradation profiles and safety. Clinical education featured: Dr. Wang Wenting (Guangzhou Yestar): live demonstration of refined injection layer selection and dosage control. Dr. Chen Lorraine (Shanghai LELITE M): strategy framework "deep first, then superficial; outer first, then inner," showcased via live teaching. Both experts were among the first Chinese clinicians to share techniques on the SAAM stage, received recognition from international peers, and were interviewed by Saudi state television. Beyond the venue, the Aphranel team visited local aesthetic institutions for technical exchanges on regenerative materials and protocol design, positioning MagiCCrystal CaHA as a shared platform for SinoSaudi professional dialogue. This visit by Aphranel and Chinese experts to Saudi Arabia demonstrated the maturing capabilities of China's aesthetic industryfrom product research and development to technical application. Building on core technological advantages and domestic clinical validation, Aphranel plans to accelerate international expansion, deepen collaborations, and broaden market access, enabling more Chinaorigin regenerative technologies and products to serve global patients and practitioners. The company aims to contribute a meaningful "Chinese momentum" to the global aesthetic market as a growing force in regenerative materials. Pricing, availability, indications, and regulatory status of MagiCCrystal CaHA vary by market. Clinicians should refer to local labeling and guidelines. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2832644/photo.jpg West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday lashed out at the Centre and the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the deaths of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the state, questioning the haste in implementing the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. CM Banerjee demanded to know who was responsible for the deaths of BLOs in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where the BJP is in power. While addressing the media at Red Road in Kolkata, CM Banerjee said, "I cannot say anything about this. I have the entire record of who died by suicide, who died due to trauma. Several people are still dying by suicide. Who is responsible for the BLOs death in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan? What was the need to implement this in a hurry? They threaten the BLOs that they will be put in jail and have their jobs taken away. I want to ask you, how long will your job stay? Democracy will remain, but your job will not be there." The Chief Minister alleged that BLOs were being threatened with jail and job loss. Additionally, CM Banerjee criticised the ECI for not meeting with a delegation of BLOs. "You should not die by suicide because life is very precious, yet they have no mercy and took 48 hours just to meet the BLOs and listen to them. Look at the audacity of a small leader! [State CEO] We have the records of all the deaths. Who is responsible for the BLO deaths in Gujarat and MP? BJP is in power there. Why are they rushing the SIR? Are they all saints? They are threatening the BLOs by saying their jobs will be taken away. Who will save your jobs when you are threatening others?" she added. The Chief Minister demanded to know why the ECI was not meeting with a 10-member delegation of BLO representatives of her government. "BLOs are dying everywhere. Their demands are justified. Can you imagine that they had to sit for 48 hours just for a meeting? When I was coming back yesterday [from Bongaon], some people wanted to speak to me, and I heard their grievances and did what was necessary. But why should the BLOs wait for 48 hours just to make their case heard? What kind of arrogance is this? They [ECI] are not meeting more than four representatives from our end. We have said that we will send a 10-member delegation. Why? Will they decide now who they will meet?" she questioned. CM Banerjee questioned the feasibility of completing the electoral roll revision work within the given timeframe. She also alleged that the enumeration forms show wrong distribution figures. "How can you complete the work of three years in two months? This is a farming season. Even the journalists are not at home all day. Even the enumeration forms and distribution figures are wrong. We will follow the Constitution and work as per it. Whatever guidance the freedom fighters have given us, we will follow their guidelines and not the BJP's guidelines." Earlier, Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Kumar Agarwal stated that the office had received complaints about BLOs facing pressure and falling ill. The CEO further disclosed that the District Magistrates of four districts have been asked to submit detailed reports. During an earlier press conference on Monday, CEO Agarwal said, "We are receiving complaints that BLOs are under pressure and some are falling ill. We have asked the District Magistrates (DMs) to assist them. There are also reports that some BLOs have died. We have asked the DMs of four districts to send the police and PM (postmortem) reports. We will receive their reports in a day or two; only after that will we be able to take action, and on that basis, we will be able to inform the Election Commission of India that the BLOs died on duty due to SIR." On Tuesday, the Chief Minister also pointed out that while her government does not oppose the SIR process, genuine voters must not be removed. She emphasised that governments are meant to be changed by the people, but, she said, currently it is the system itself that is being altered."We never said it (SIR) isn't required. We said you cannot remove any genuine voter -- those who have voted, who are beneficiaries of state schemes, and who have been living here for years. You cannot remove them. The public elects the government to power, but now the system is changing. The Election Commission will decide who gets to choose the government. It is supposed to be an impartial body, not the BJP's Commission," Mamata Banerjee said. (ANI) Supporters of expelled AIADMK leader and former Tamil Nadu minister KA Sengottaiyan flocked to the Tamila Vettri Kazagham (TVK) office on Thursday ahead of Sengottaiyan officially joining the party. Visuals outside the party saw a bus full of supporters in front of the TVK office while the party's General Secretary N Anand welcomed the supporters who had come from Gobichettipalayam, the assembly constituency represented by Sengottaiyan. KA Sengottaiyan resigned as Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) on November 26 amid speculation of him joining TVK. He had been expelled from AIADMK on October after being accused of maintaining contact with individuals who had previously been expelled from the party, which violated party discipline and brought disrepute to the organisation. Following his expulsion, Sengottaiyan had announced that he would approach the court to challenge the way he had been dismissed from the party. He also alleged that AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is acting as a dictator in the party. "I was MLA even before he came to party. He should have been given a notice atleast to ask for an explanation is what our party law says. He (Palaniswami) is acting as a dictator and acting against party law is worrisome. In 1975 end our founder MGR brought law that cadres should elect General Secretary and it's should not be changed. I say this because I want to show what cadres think. Everyone knows how he became CM through Chinnamma (Sasikala). Our party was caved and our government was saved by BJP, what help did we gave to them is, in 2024 came out of BJP alliance," Sengottaiyan had said earlier on November 1. However, AIADMK General Secretary has maintained that his decision was made in accordance with the law. He questioned how the AIADMK could remain silent when someone weakens the party. the AIADMK leader had said, "When he (Sengottaiyan) attends events in his constituency, there are no pictures of our leaders, Amma, or Thalaivar. He was with those who were expelled from the party, like O. Panneerselvam Workers should know that this is not my action, but is in accordance with the law. When someone tries to weaken the party, this party will not remain a mute spectator." KA Sengottaiyan hails from Kullampalayam village near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district has been a nine time AIADMK MLA, first elected in 1977. When the AIADMK split into the Janaki and Jayalalithaa faction, he supported the latter group, contesting with the 'Rooster' symbol and winning his home constituency. He was well known for planning the campaign tour schedules of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. He met with TVK chief Vijay following his resignation as MLA earlier on Wednesday. (ANI) Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Founder and President Thol. Thirumavalavan, reacting to the meeting between expelled AIADMK leader K.A. Sengottaiyan and TVK Chief and actor Vijay, said he does not believe Sengottaiyan will have a significant impact in this election (2026 Tamil Nadu election). He added that Sengottaiyan should instead focus on fighting within the AIADMK and work to save his party. The VCK chief further asserted that Sengottaiyan has found a safe space to do his politics. "I don't believe he (Sengottaiyan) will make a significant impact in this election. He found a safe place to do his politics. If he is really an ideological personality, he has to fight within the party( AIADMK). He has to try to save his party. That is gratitude towards Jayalalitha Madam," Thirumavalavan told ANI. Meanwhile, on Thursday, expelled AIADMK leader and former Tamil Nadu minister KA Sengottaiyan arrived at the Tamila Vettri Kazagham (TVK) office on Thursday ahead of officially joining the party. Visuals outside the party saw a bus full of supporters in front of the TVK office while the party's General Secretary N Anand, welcomed the supporters who had come from Gobichettipalayam, the assembly constituency represented by Sengottaiyan. Meanwhile, supporters of former Tamil Nadu Minister KA Sengottaiyan gathered outside the TVK office. Earlier, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) expelled senior party leader KA Sengottaiyan following allegations that he had acted in ways contrary to the party's principles, policies, and code of conduct. Sengottaiyan was accused of maintaining contact with individuals who had previously been expelled from the party, thereby violating party discipline and bringing disrepute to the organisation. AIADMK General Secretary and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had urged all party members to sever all ties with Sengottaiyan and refrain from any contact with him. Following his expulsion, Sengottaiyan announced that he would approach the court to challenge the manner of his dismissal from the party. He also alleged that AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami is acting as a dictator in the party. "I was MLA even before he came to party. He should have been given a notice atleast to ask for an explanation is what our party law says. He (Palaniswami) is acting as a dictator and acting against party law is worrisome. In 1975 end our founder MGR brought law that cadres should elect General Secretary and it's should not be changed. I say this because I want to show what cadres think. Everyone knows how he became CM through Chinnamma (Sasikala). Our party was caved and our government was saved by BJP, what help did we gave to them is, in 2024 came out of BJP alliance," Sengottaiyan had said earlier on November 1. However, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi Palanaswamy has maintained that his decision was made in accordance with the law. He questioned how the AIADMK could remain silent when someone weakens the party. Tthe AIADMK leader had said, "When he (Sengottaiyan) attends events in his constituency, there are no pictures of our leaders, Amma, or Thalaivar. He was with those who were expelled from the party, like O. Panneerselvam Workers should know that this is not my action, but is in accordance with the law. When someone tries to weaken the party, this party will not remain a mute spectator." KA Sengottaiyan hailing from Kullampalayam village near Gobichettipalayam in Erode district, has been a nine-time AIADMK MLA, first elected in 1977. When the AIADMK split into the Janaki and Jayalalithaa faction, he supported the latter group, contesting with the 'Rooster' symbol and winning his home constituency. He was well known for planning the campaign tour schedules of late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. He met TVK chief Vijay following his resignation as MLA earlier on Wednesday. (ANI) Internal security, strategies to combat Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism), counter-terrorism efforts, drug control, cyber security, and border management are among the top key issues to be discussed in the all-India conference of Director Generals and Inspector Generals of Police in Chhattisgarh from November 28 to 30. The three-day high-profile security conference is being held for the very first time in Chhattisgarh's capital, Raipur, officials said. The 60th edition of the annual national conference is scheduled to be inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. At the same time, the valedictory session is likely to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The event is being organised at the new Marine Drive complex in New Raipur, where Directors General of Police and Inspectors General from across the country will participate. "The conference will deliberate on key issues related to internal security, including strategies to combat Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism), counter-terrorism efforts, drug control, cyber security, and border management," said the officials privy to the development. According to official sources, this year's conference will place "special emphasis on Naxal-affected regions." In recent times, joint strategies of state police and central forces in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh have yielded remarkable successes. "Plans in this direction will also be discussed," said the officials. Significantly, this will mark Prime Minister Modi's second visit to Chhattisgarh within a month, as he had attended the State Foundation Day celebrations on November 1. The sources also clarified that PM's programme may change as per the situation. PM Modi also attended the 59th edition of the conference, held from November 30 to December 1, 2024, at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The deliberations focused on critical components of national security, including Counter Terrorism, Left Wing Extremism, Coastal Security, New Criminal Laws, and Narcotics, among others. The President's Police Medal for distinguished service was also awarded during the conference. The conference also provided an interactive platform for senior police professionals and security administrators in the country to freely discuss and debate diverse national security-related issues, as well as various operational, infrastructural and welfare-related problems faced by the police in India. Its deliberations included the formulation and sharing of professional practices and processes to address challenges in crime control, law and order management, and internal security threats. PM Modi has consistently shown a keen interest in the DGP-IGP conference. The Prime Minister not only listens attentively to all contributions but also fosters an environment of open, informal discussion, allowing new ideas to emerge. He encouraged the annual DGsP-IGsP conference to be organised all across the country since 2014. The conference has been held in Guwahati (Assam), the Rann of Kachchh (Gujarat), Hyderabad (Telangana), Tekanpur (Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh), the Statue of Unity (Kevadiya, Gujarat), Pune (Maharashtra), Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh), New Delhi, and Jaipur (Rajasthan). (ANI) According to the Shopian Police Press release, major raids were conducted in the district on Friday. The police were carrying out meticulously coordinated searches at multiple locations across the Shopian district, targeting individuals and premises linked with the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), proscribed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir (JeI-J&K) has been banned multiple times by the Indian government. The most recent ban was imposed in 2019 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged "anti-national separatist activities" and links with militant groups like Hizbul Mujahideen. The ban was extended for another five years in February 2024. Jamaat-e-Islami is an Islamist movement founded in 1941 in British India by the Islamic author and theorist Syed Abul A'la Maududi. After the partition of India in 1947, the movement split into independent organisations in the successor states, 'Jamaat-e-Islami' Pakistan and 'Jamaat-e-Islami' Hind in India. Further details of the raid are awaited. Anantnag Police had also carried out coordinated raids in the district on November 12 amid a massive crackdown against the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). A team of the Jammu and Kashmir Police's State Investigation Agency (SIA) also conducted a raid on the Kashmir Times office in Jammu on November 20. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary asked the investigative agencies not to "pick-and-choose" media organisations for raids, saying there should not be any pressure on the press. "The agencies are doing their work. If a raid has to be conducted, it should not be done on a pick-and-choose basis. If they have done anything wrong, action should be taken, but not just to create pressure. The Press is the fourth estate, and it should get space to practice journalism," Surinder Choudhary told reporters. The Kashmir Times was established in 1954 by Anuradha Bhasin's father, Ved Bhasin, as the oldest English-language daily newspaper from Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI) Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Thursday expressed concern over the ongoing tussle over the Karnataka Chief Minister's post, and urged Mallikarjun Kharge to "resolve the issue as soon as possible." Alvi likened the current internal rift in the party to the alleged sidelining of former Rajasthan Chief Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vasundhara Raje, saying that while every party faces turmoil, the current tussle is concerning. "Every political party goes through such turmoil. We know what happened with Vasundhara Raje in Rajasthan. We are concerned about Karnataka. The head of the Congress party is not Rahul Gandhi but Mallikarjun Kharge; he should resolve this issue as soon as possible," Alvi told ANI here. Amid the power tussle in Karnataka, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said a decision will be made after a discussion among the high command, CM Siddaramiah, and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. The speculation stirred as the Karnataka government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge stated that it will be a collective decision. "I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The decision will be made after a discussion with all of these. There is a team. I am not alone. The entire high command team will discuss and make a decision," he told reporters. Earlier today, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar shared a social media post amid speculation of a power tussle between him and CM Siddaramaiah, reiterating, "Keeping one's word is the greatest strength in the world." Earlier on Wednesday, senior Congress MLA and former minister KN Rajanna said the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) should decide the chief minister, and hence "dissolve the assembly and face elections". "Let's dissolve (the Assembly) and face the elections. Then let's work together under the leadership of DK Shivakumar and come up with a majority. Then let him serve as the CM for 5 years. Wasn't it the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) that elected Siddaramaiah? Now the decision should be made by the CLP," the Congress MLA told reporters. While CM Siddaramaiah has termed it an "unnecessary debate" and DK Shivakumar reiterated his loyalty to the Congress and dismissed speculation over his resignation as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, Deputy CM has also sought a meeting with senior party leader Sonia Gandhi on November 29 to discuss the ongoing issues. (ANI) Congress leader Surendra Rajput on Thursday responded to Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statement on the Ram Temple flag-hoisting ceremony, asserting that Pakistan should stay within its limits, as no Indian will tolerate interference in the nation's internal matters. Referring to Pakistan's ongoing issues with Afghanistan and Balochistan, the Congress leader declared that Pakistan itself is heading toward division. He emphasised that India has a strong democracy and constitution, unlike Pakistan, where the constitution changes every 8-10 years. "Pakistan should stay in its limits as no Indian tolerates interference in our internal matters. We have a healthy democracy, strong constitution, and it does not change every 8-10 years like them. Pakistan is inviting its death by commenting on India's matters... Pakistan is about to get break down... We can solve our own matters," Rajput told ANI. Earlier, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the flag-hoisting ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir and alleged that India's judicial process is discriminatory toward minorities. The ministry further alleged that several historic mosques in India continue to face threats of desecration and demolition. Further, it asked the goverment of India to "uphold its responsibilities by ensuring the security of all religious communities, including Muslims, and by protecting their places of worship in accordance with international human rights obligations". But India on Wednesday slammed Pakistan over its remarks on flag-hoisting at Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya, rejecting its comments "with the contempt they deserve" and asking it to turn "its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights records". Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to questions at the weekly media briefing, said Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others."We have seen the reported remarks and reject them with the contempt they deserve. As a country with a deeply stained record of bigotry, repression and systemic mistreatment of its minorities, Pakistan has no moral standing to lecture others. Rather than delivering hypocritical homilies, Pakistan would do better to turn its gaze inwards and focus on its own abysmal human rights records," he said. On November 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted a saffron flag on the "shikhar" of the sacred Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. The Dhwajarohan Utsav symbolised the completion of the temple's construction. The programme took place on the auspicious Panchami of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha. The flag was hoisted 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 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. (ANI) Amid the ongoing power tussle within the Karnataka Congress, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that he will visit Delhi if the party high command calls him. This comes after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that a decision regarding the speculated tussle in the state will be made after a discussion among the high command, CM Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. "If the high command calls, I will go to Delhi," Siddaramaiah told reporters. The speculation stirred as the Karnataka government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. However, it was business as usual for the Chief Minister, who steered clear of remarks on the CM post during his press conference in Bengaluru. He instead announced a relief package of Rs 1,033 crore for crop damage across 14 lakh hectares due to excessive rainfall in the state. Karnataka CM said, "This time, the state has received excessive rainfall. Crops have been damaged in about 14 lakh hectares. Compensation must be given to farmers. I had visited districts like Kalaburagi, Yadgir, and a few others, where damage to maize, sugarcane, and tur is severe. We appealed to the Central Government, and they will send a Central team here. We are hopeful that they will provide compensation. Financial assistance will be given for 17 lakh hectares." "If it is irrigated land, Rs 25,500 per hectare will be given. If it is multi-crop land, Rs 31,000 per hectare will be provided. The State Government is providing Rs 1,033 crore for a total of 14 lakh hectares. This programme is being launched today, under which the total number of beneficiaries covered is 14,24,124. The State Government is providing Rs 1,033 crore for a total of 14 lakh hectares," he added. Earlier today, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the decision regarding the CM post will be a collective one. "I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The decision will be made after a discussion with all of these. There is a team. I am not alone. The entire high command team will discuss and make a decision," he told reporters. Karnataka Minister HK Patil said that he will discuss the matter with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge if he calls him for a meeting. Speaking to ANI, HK Patil said, "If he calls, we will sit and discuss with him. Wherever high command calls, we will have to go." (ANI) For the Chintan Shibir commencing today at Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram near Dharampur in Valsad district, members of the State Council of Ministers and senior officials, under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, departed early this morning from Ahmedabad Railway Station on a journey by the Vande Bharat Superfast Train. According to the Gujarat CMO, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began the Chintan Shibir in 2003 with the objective of making state administration more citizen-centric and more effective. Upholding this tradition under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the State Government has organised the 12th edition of the Chintan Shibir this year with the theme ''Samuhik Chintan thi Samuhik Vikas taraf' (Collective thinking to Collective Development), giving the initiative towards a more sensitive, technology-driven, and transparent governance approach aligned with administrative needs. According to the Gujarat CMO, to participate in this shibir, the Chief Minister, Council of Ministers, Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Kumar Das, senior secretaries of the State Government, and other senior officials chose to forgo their official vehicles and departed from Ahmedabad as co-travellers in the Indian Railways' Vande Bharat Superfast Train. (ANI) On the ongoing levels of Delhi pollution, AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) Delhi President Saurabh Bhardwaj said that the "courts are not taking suo muto action, despite knowing that the BJP is involved in manipulating air pollution data.", on Friday. He said, "Today, there is a question in the minds of the people of Delhi. When the AAP was in power in Delhi, whenever there was a shortage of medicines in the hospital or any other problem, the High Court or the Supreme Court was known for taking suo motu action. If pollution levels increased, the judges were known for taking suo motu action." "Can't the Delhi High Court see today that fake data is being shown by sprinkling water on all AQI monitoring stations? Can't the Supreme Court see that whenever AQI increases, AQI monitoring stations are shut down? Don't you think that, after seeing this, the courts should act themselves? For how long has the public been knocking on the doors of the courts with their lawyers? I request that the court take action in these cases because the way the data is being manipulated is becoming increasingly prevalent.", he said. He said, "The public, as a result, will keep falling sick, and the BJP government will say it has just reduced pollution figures as an excuse. " He demanded that action be taken against the officers of the DPCC (Delhi Pollution Control Committee) and CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) "who are involved in manipulating the data instead of controlling pollution." He said, "Well, first of all, the question of how to control pollution is different. Here, the problem is how they are literally manipulating pollution data. DPCC and CPCB, the authorities which are responsible for reducing pollution, are now involved in manipulating data. Action should be taken against their officers, and they should be suspended." On Thursday, Delhi's air quality was in the "Very Poor" category, with an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of approximately 355. Air quality fluctuated, with some monitoring stations recording AQI levels in the "Severe" category (above 400) in the morning. The primary pollutant was PM2.5. A layer of toxic smog engulfed Delhi on Thursday as the air quality continues to be in the 'very poor' category as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, a day after the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) revoked Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Stage III restrictions. Environmentalist, Vimlendu K Jha said, " In Delhi, more than half of the air quality monitoring stations are showing a rating of 400 plus of AQI, which is of the 'severe' category and in some areas, the AQI is even reaching 450 plus, which is basically 'hazardous', and this is if we take into account government monitoring stations. But if I factor in the private monitoring stations, the situation is worse, with my own device showing an AQI of 397 in my home." (ANI) DSSV, Inc. allegedly failed to accurately record employees full time worked. Allegedly, this may resulted in missed wages for employees. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP, filed a class action complaint alleging that DSSV, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The DSSV, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 25STCV31831, is currently pending in the Los Angeles County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . 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Employees were paid less than they would have been had they been paid for actual recorded time rather than "rounded" time. When the hours shown on the wage statement were added up, they did not equal the actual total hours worked during the pay period, as a result Defendant violated Cal. Lab. Code 1194, 1197, and 1197.1 . For more information about the class action lawsuit against DSSV, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP Madhya Pradesh Leader of Opposition (LoP) Umang Singhar slammed the state government on Thursday over the delay in the arrest of the accused in rape of six-year-old girl in Raisen district, calling it shameful for the state. Speaking to reporters, the Congress leader further said that the state government appeared to be only holding meetings while the accused still remains absconding. "The state government is only holding meetings, but why is the accused still not arrested? I think if this had been any other issue, like communal tension, then in that case the accused's house might have been demolished and the family might be detained. But it is a serious matter that if a minor was raped, and the government failed to catch the accused then it is a matter of shame," Singhar said. He further alleged that the state government always failed in maintaining law and order in the state. The situation remained the same in the last two years and the recent incident is another example of it. "Don't the government feel ashamed? Do the ministers and officers not feel the pain of the family suffering from it? I believe it is a very shameful situation for the state," LoP Singhar added. According to the police, the incident occurred on November 21 under the jurisdiction of Gauharganj police station area where the minor was playing outside her home. The accused, identified as Salman Khan (alias Nazar) lured her with chocolates, took her to the forest and raped her. The girl was found in nearby forest area and immediately taken to the Obaidullaganj Hospital, where the doctors confirmed rape. She was referred to Bhopal AIIMS. The police registered a case into the matter and began a search for the accused. Earlier on Wednesday, hundreds of locals staged a massive protest demanding the immediate arrest of the accused in the rape case of a six-year-old girl. "We want justice for the victim. We want the accused to be punished. We have gathered here to demand justice for the minor," a local woman told ANI. Raisen Collector Tanmay Sharma said the police were searching for the accused. "Several teams have been sent to the possible locations and soon we will arrest the accused. The victim has come out from the ICU ward. She is getting proper treatment," he said. (ANI) In a first-of-its-kind action near the town bordering Myanmar, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday conducted searches at various locations across Mizoram, Assam and Gujarat. The search operations were carried out under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, at various locations across Aizawl and Champhai in Mizoram, Sribhumi (Karimganj) in Assam, and Ahmedabad in Gujarat. ED initiated an investigation on the basis of an FIR registered by Mizoram Police under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, wherein 4.724 kgs of Heroin valued at Rs 1,41,66,000 were seized from six individuals. From the financial analysis of the arrested persons, financial linkages between Mizoram-based firms and Gujarat-based firms were established. "Gujarat-based firms supplied Pseudoephedrine tablets (Schedule-A, B, C substances in the NDPS-RCS Order 2013) and Caffeine Anhydrous (Pre-Precursor used in manufacturing of Methamphetamine Tablets) to firms based in Mizoram, with links to drug smugglers who carry out their smuggling and hawala transactions through habitual offenders of Champhai, Mizoram. Financial linkages of the Mizoram-based firms have also been found with Kolkata-based shell entities, who had procured the said consignment of Caffeine Anhydrous," said the ED. The agency stated, "The precursors used in the production of Methamphetamine are transported from India to Myanmar through the porous international borders, where they are manufactured, and the final products are transported from Myanmar to India majorly through the state of Mizoram." As per the ED, huge credits of Rs 52.8 crores were noted in bank accounts of narco hawala operators, including cash deposits in Assam, Mizoram, Nagaland, West Bengal, Tripura and Delhi. "The detailed statements of narco hawala operators are going on." During the investigation under PMLA, 2002, the agency said that the search proceedings led to the recovery of cash amounting to Rs 35,00,000 along with other evidence in digital devices, which are being examined. (ANI) Amid the ongoing turmoil in the Karnataka Congress over the Chief Minister's post, BJP MP Damodar Agarwal on Thursday sharply criticised Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his recent comments on the issue, even suggesting that the Congress be renamed the "Muslim League." Agarwal accused the party of becoming an instrument of "Muslim appeasement." "What he says does not hold any major significance, but what the so-called heir of the Gandhi family's verdict does. Congress has made itself a tool for Muslim appeasement, and I would suggest Kharge to rename the party as 'Muslim League'," Damodar Agarwal told ANI. Earlier on Wednesday, Mallikarjun Kharge said the party high command, which includes him, Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi, will "deliberate" and "resolve" the speculations around the Chief Ministerial post. Kharge's remarks come amid growing speculation about a change in the Chief Ministerial face of Karnataka, fueled by the "power-sharing agreement" of 2023 between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which has been cited frequently in political circles. Speaking with ANI about the speculations, Kharge downplayed the 'internal conflict' within the party and said, "Only the people there can say what the government is doing there. But I would like to say that we will resolve such issues. People in the High Command - Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and I will sit together and deliberate on this...We will give the mediation that is required." Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that he will visit Delhi if the party high command calls him. This comes after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that a decision regarding the speculated tussle in the state will be made after a discussion among the high command, CM Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. "If the high command calls, I will go to Delhi," Siddaramaiah told reporters. The speculation stirred as the Karnataka government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. (ANI) Amid the continuing leadership dispute in the Karnataka Congress, state minister Satish Jarkiholi said on Thursday that party workers have urged the high command to step in and settle the matter. Earlier in the day, Jarkiholi was greeted by supporters chanting slogans in his favour to become the next Chief Minister. "Everyone has requested to resolve this CM-DCM matter. It will get resolved soon," Satish Jarkiholi told ANI. Earlier today, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he would visit Delhi if the party high command called him. This comes after Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge stated that a decision regarding the speculated tussle in the state will be made after a discussion among the high command, CM Siddaramaiah, and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar."If the high command calls, I will go to Delhi," Siddaramaiah told reporters. The speculation stirred as the Karnataka government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20. However, it was business as usual for the Chief Minister, who steered clear of remarks on the CM post during his press conference in Bengaluru. He instead announced a relief package of Rs 1,033 crore for crop damage across 14 lakh hectares due to excessive rainfall in the state. Karnataka CM said, "This time, the state has received excessive rainfall. Crops have been damaged in about 14 lakh hectares. Compensation must be given to farmers. I had visited districts like Kalaburagi, Yadgir, and a few others, where damage to maize, sugarcane, and tur is severe. We appealed to the Central Government, and they will send a Central team here. We are hopeful that they will provide compensation. Financial assistance will be given for 17 lakh hectares." "If it is irrigated land, Rs 25,500 per hectare will be given. If it is multi-crop land, Rs 31,000 per hectare will be provided. The State Government is providing Rs 1,033 crore for a total of 14 lakh hectares. This programme is being launched today, under which the total number of beneficiaries covered is 14,24,124. The State Government is providing Rs 1,033 crore for a total of 14 lakh hectares," he added. Earlier today, speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Mallikarjun Kharge stated that the decision regarding the CM post will be a collective one."I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The decision will be made after a discussion with all of these. There is a team. I am not alone. The entire high command team will discuss and make a decision," he told reporters. Karnataka Minister HK Patil said that he will discuss the matter with Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge if he calls him for a meeting. Speaking to ANI, HK Patil said, "If he calls, we will sit and discuss with him. Wherever high command calls, we will have to go." (ANI) Tensions flared in the state capital here on Thursday as Youth Congress workers staged a protest against the SIR issue, intensifying their ongoing 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhodo' campaign. The demonstration, which began peacefully, quickly escalated when protestors attempted to cross police barricades and block major roads in the heart of the city. Large groups of Youth Congress members gathered near the party office before marching towards the Vidhan Sabha. Raising slogans such as "Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhodo," the protestors demanded accountability from the government and called for immediate action on the SIR concerns. However, the situation became tense when the demonstrators broke through police barricades to reach high-security zones. The road blockade disrupted traffic movement, prompting swift intervention by law enforcement personnel. Police deployed additional forces to control the crowd and prevent further escalation. Several Youth Congress workers were detained after they refused to disperse despite repeated warnings. They were taken to nearby police stations in buses arranged by the authorities. Police officials stated that the detentions were made to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of commuters. Youth Congress leaders condemned the police action, alleging that their peaceful democratic protest was met with undue force. They vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed. The Youth Congress has announced that more such protests will take place in the coming days as part of its nationwide campaign. Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai, on July 24, claimed that special intensive revision (SIR) of the voter list in Bihar was causing chaos and that voters were worried and troubled by the exercise. "The Bihar elections are approaching, and the Election Commission has decided in haste. Whatever work is to be done, it should have been done with proper preparation," Rai told ANI. Earlier in the day, Independent MP from Purnea, Pappu Yadav, criticised the Election Commission of India, calling it "Dhritrashtra" over their decision to revise electoral rolls in Bihar, and accused them of "not respecting" the constitution or following Supreme Court advice. Pappu Yadav's remark comes after the Supreme Court allowed the EC to continue the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, while advising them to consider allowing Aadhaar, ration cards, and electoral photo identity cards as admissible documents for voter identity. Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Yogender Chandolia supported the SC's move and said that the names of foreign nationals, like those from Nepal, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, must be removed. He also said that such individuals should be sent back to their countries and added that this exercise should be carried out in other states as well. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing on multiple petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls to December 2 (Tuesday). Earlier, the Supreme Court sought the Election Commission's response on a plea filed by Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) founder Vaiko, challenging the decision to undertake the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Tamil Nadu. Several other parties, including the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and actor-turned-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), have also moved to the apex court against the SIR exercise in the state. DMK's plea was mentioned before a bench headed by former CJI BR Gavai. The apex court said it will list the case for hearing. RS Bharathi, Organising Secretary, had approached the apex court challenging the constitutional validity of the SIR of the electoral roll and seeking quashing of the October 27 notification of the ECI, which extended the SIR to Tamil Nadu based on earlier guidelines issued on June 24. It challenged the ECI's orders dated June 24 and October 27, which directed the conduct of SIR. The SIR and the ECI's orders, if not set aside, can, without due process, arbitrarily disenfranchise lakhs of voters from electing their representatives, thereby disrupting free and fair elections and democracy in the country, which are part of the basic structure of the Constitution, said the petition. TVK's plea, filed through Advocates Dixita Gohil, Pranjal Agarwal, Shikhar Aggarwal, and Yash S. Vijay, has also sought the quashing of the poll body's notification. The plea states that SIR constitutes a gross violation of constitutional protections under Articles 14, 19, 21, 325, and 326 and is contrary to statutory provisions under Sections 21 and 23 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 (ROPA). Additionally, the plea contends that SIR amounts to a de novo (afresh) preparation of electoral rolls without any recorded reasons or justification, violating the statutory requirement under ROPA. The SIR process, the plea contends, violates the right of continuity of electors on rolls by allowing deletion of names without notice or hearing. Thus, it contravenes Supreme Court precedents and statutory safeguards under Rule 21A of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the plea states. Meanwhile, currently, a nationwide SIR is being carried out in 12 states and union territories, with the final elector's list to be published on February 7, 2026. These states and UTs are: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. According to the Election Commission, printing and training took place from October 28 to November 3, followed by an Enumeration Phase from November 4 to December 4. The draft electoral rolls will be published on December 9, followed by a claims and objections period from December 9 to January 8, 2026. The Notice Phase (for hearing and verification) will take place between December 9 and January 31, 2026, with publication of Final Electoral Rolls on February 7, 2026. The opposition has strongly opposed the SIR process, alleging that it is aimed at striking the names of voters from underprivileged communities off the voter lists. (ANI) Youth Congress workers on Thursday staged a protest in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, against the ongoing second phase of Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in the country. The demonstration quickly turned chaotic when protestors climbed up on barricades, prompting police to use water cannon to disperse the crowd. Congress has constantly opposed the SIR process, accusing the BJP-led central government and the Election Commission of India of "deleting" the names of voters from the underprivileged community from the voter list. In opposition to the SIR process, Congress has launched a nationwide 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhodo' campaign. A similar protest was also organised in Uttar Pradesh's capital, Lucknow, under the Congress party's 'Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhodo' campaign. The demonstration there also turned chaotic when protestors attempted to cross police barricades and block major roads in the city's heart. Large groups of Youth Congress members gathered near the party office before marching towards the Vidhan Sabha. Raising slogans such as "Vote Chor, Gaddi Chhodo," the protestors demanded accountability from the government and called for immediate action on the SIR concerns. The road blockade disrupted traffic movement, prompting swift intervention by law enforcement personnel. Police deployed additional forces to control the crowd and prevent further escalation. These protest comes amid the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls in 12 states and union territories, with the final electors' 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. Earlier, Congress leader Sachin Pilot raised concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process, saying that several issues have emerged this time, including reports of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) dying by suicide. Speaking to the reporters in Raipur, Pilot said, "The SIR has been launched in several states. SIR has been conducted many times in the country before, but this time, many questions are being raised about the SIR. In many states, BLOs are committing suicide... We do not want even a single invalid voter to be on the list." "But if a citizen of the country, who has the right to vote, is deliberately deleted because they are poor, Dalit, backwards... the Congress Party will not tolerate injustice by deleting that person's name... If the Election Commission's intentions are not impartial, if it is not working selflessly and is working under pressure, then we will work to expose it... The Congress Party is organising a massive event at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on the December 14th," he said. The first phase of SIR was completed in Bihar ahead of the state's Assembly elections. (ANI) The chief minister said the state has expanded access to free healthcare, noting that schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and the PM Jan Arogya Yojana have made it easier for poor families to access treatment. Addressing the inauguration event, CM Yogi said, "Today the world has progressed a lot, and in accordance with today's demands, we cannot keep ourselves behind in providing the best health facilities. 8-10 years ago, it was a difficult task for a poor person to get treatment... but in the last 6-7 years, under the Prime Minister Jan Arogya Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Yojana, work is being done to provide free health services of 5 lakh rupees per year to 50 crore people across the country. In Uttar Pradesh, we have expanded its scope..." Notably, Ayushman Bharat, a flagship scheme of the Government of India, was launched as recommended by the National Health Policy 2017, to achieve the vision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) was launched on September 23, 2018, in Ranchi, Jharkhand, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AB PM-JAY is the largest health insurance scheme in the world, which aims to provide health cover of Rs 5,00,000 per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalisation to over 10.74 crores poor and vulnerable families (approximately 50 crore beneficiaries) who constitute the bottom 40% of the Indian population. The households included are based on the deprivation and occupational criteria of the Socio-Economic Caste Census 2011 (SECC 2011) for rural and urban areas, respectively. The Government fully funds PM-JAY, and the implementation costs are shared between the Central and State Governments. Earlier in the day, the chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, along with Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, conducted an on-site inspection at Jewar Airport and also held a review meeting. The Jewar airport, officially named Noida International Airport, is a major greenfield airport project located near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, India, intended to serve the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). (ANI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday reaffirmed his government's commitment to conducting transparent and timely examinations in the state, addressing concerns linked to the recent paper leak controversy. Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said that the state acted promptly as soon as the issue surfaced. "A case was filed, and the accused were arrested," he said, adding that the government responded directly to the demands raised by students. "As our children demanded, a CBI investigation should be conducted. A CBI investigation was conducted." Dhami further stated that the government also accepted students' demand for the cancellation of the compromised exam. "After this, they demanded the cancellation of the paper, and we decided to reschedule the exam. And the exam was rescheduled," he noted. The Chief Minister alleged that despite these steps, "some people tried to make it an issue at that time," suggesting attempts to politicise the situation. Reassuring the student community, he said, "I want to say that all papers will be held on time as per the calendar." The state government has repeatedly emphasised that strong measures are being taken to ensure accountability and prevent recurrence of such incidents. Earlier on Wednesday, he participated in the grand Cooperative Fair organised at MB Inter College, Haldwani, on the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives-2025. On this occasion, the Chief Minister took significant steps towards empowering the state's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperative societies. He provided Rs 16.97 crore in financial assistance to women SHG members engaged in animal husbandry and vegetable production under the mid-term Deendayal Upadhyay Cooperative Welfare Scheme, and Rs 75.50 lakh to NRLM SHGs, according to the release. The gathering present at the event extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister. Addressing the gathering at the inauguration of the fair, CM Dhami said that the event, being held on the occasion of the International Year of Cooperatives and the silver jubilee of the state's formation, will provide new momentum to the cooperative-based economy of Uttarakhand. He informed that the seven-day fair is based on the theme 'Tourism Development Through Cooperatives', and will provide a platform to products prepared by cooperative societies, self-help groups, and farmers. (ANI) The Ramakrishna Mission in Kolkata is gearing up to celebrate Bhagavad Gita Jayanti on December 7. Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj announced that invitations have been sent to prominent dignitaries, including the President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Governor of West Bengal CV Ananda Bose, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and other Assembly members. The mission is also extending invitations to celebrities from Bengal and various sections of society. This year's celebration promises to be a grand affair, with a unique door-to-door invitation approach. "We've sent invitations to the President of India, the Prime Minister, the Deputy Speaker, and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha two days ago. The Governor of our state will be invited. Our Chief Minister, along with all the Assembly members in West Bengal, were also invited last time. Invitations are being sent this time as well... Invitations will be sent to everyone, from every section of society... This time, we'll go even further and invite Bengal's celebrities. This time, we have made this arrangement of going door to door and giving invitations to everyone...," said Swami Pradiptananda Maharaj. Bhagavad Gita Jayanti commemorates the day Lord Krishna imparted the sacred text of the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The event is significant in Hinduism, and the Ramakrishna Mission's celebration is expected to draw large crowds. Speaking further about the participation of saints, he said, "Nearly 2000 saints from various states of India have expressed their desire to attend the festival, and we are delighted to invite them. Three platforms will be designated for the saints..." He added, "Only saints will be present on all platforms, and these saints will deliver sermons from their respective states in their own languages... We have requested them to speak for five minutes on the Geeta Ji in the language of the state they come from..." He said, "The names of about 14 saints will come from Nepal, and five saints from the Lama sect are also coming... 125 people who discuss the Gita daily have requested us, and their visas have been made. 125 Bangladeshi brothers from Gita Prachar Mandal are also coming this time to recite the Gita. So, keeping this grand event in mind, Gita Jayanti will be celebrated on 7th December..." (ANI) SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Falcam, an industry leader in quick-release ecosystem solutions, reintroduces its flagship remote lighting system Move LightGo. It is a groundbreaking remote lighting-angle control system designed to simplify on-set lighting for photographers and filmmakers. Move LightGo combines 14-bit high-precision angle control with versatile power and remote-control options, offering significantly improved lighting setup efficiency, broad Bowens-mount compatibility, and multi-unit coordination for professional shooting environments. Product Highlights 1. 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He added that legal procedures must not be weaponised against elected representatives or citizens. Islam's detention under the NSA had triggered political debate in the state, with AIUDF leaders claiming it was an attempt to silence the opposition. Earlier, Nagaon district police had arrested AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam for his alleged controversial remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack. "A video surfaced on social media in which AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam made a very wrong statement on the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Following this, a case was registered, and he was arrested," Deka said. On May 1, Assam Police arrested 36 individuals, including a sitting MLA from the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), for reportedly expressing pro-Pakistan sentiments on social media and other platforms. Aminul Islam, an AIUDF MLA from the Dhing Assembly constituency, is among those arrested. The arrests were made across multiple districts. The Nagaon police in Assam arrested AIUDF MLA Aminul Islam over his "derogatory remarks" about the Pahalgam terror attack. According to Nagaon SP Swapnaneel Deka, a video surfaced on social media in which Islam made a very wrong statement on the recent terror attack in Pahalgam. (ANI) Amid speculation over a possible change in leadership in Karnataka, state Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said on Thursday that he and Chief Minister Siddaramiah will travel to Delhi if the party's leadership asks them to do so. "If the High Command asks me and the CM to come to Delhi, we will go," Shivakumar told reporters at Vidhana Soudha. He was replying to a question on Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks that the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister may be called to Delhi for a discussion. Shivakumar earlier said he has not yet been called to Delhi by the party leadership. "No one has called me (to Delhi) yet. I will be here tomorrow as well. Today, I am going to Mumbai for a private event, and I will be back by tonight," he told reporters. Siddaramaiah had also said that he would visit Delhi if the party high command called him. Kharge said on Thursday that a decision concerning leadership will be made after a discussion among party's central leaders apart from Siddaramiah and Shivakumar. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Kharge stated that it will be a collective decision. "I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The decision will be made after a discussion. There is a team. I am not alone. The entire high command team will discuss and make a decision," he told reporters. Earlier on Wednesday, Congress MLA and former minister KN Rajanna said the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) should decide the name of the chief minister. "Let's dissolve (the Assembly) and face the elections. Then let's work together under the leadership of DK Shivakumar and come up with a majority. Then let him serve as the CM for 5 years. Wasn't it the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) that elected Siddaramaiah? Now the decision should be made by the CLP," the Congress MLA told reporters. "The high command said not to talk about leadership. That's why I won't talk about it. My personal wish is that Siddaramaiah should be the CM for five years. The AICC will clarify in the next couple of days. Otherwise, the second option is that Dr G Parameshwara should become the CM," he added. (ANI) Assam Legislative Assembly passed 'Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025' on Thursday with strict punishment such as jail-term upto 10 years on second marriage. Speaking at the assembly after the bill was tabled, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cited the example of Turkiye to justify the need for the bill. He said that the bill is "not against Islam" and urged people to back the bill and be a "true muslim." "Islam can't promote polygamy. If this bill passes, then you will get a chance to be a true Muslim. This bill is not against Islam. The true Islamic people will welcome this Act. Countries like Turkey have also banned Polygamy; there is an arbitration council in Pakistan...," Assam CM said. The bill passed in the Assam Assembly prohibits and eliminates practices of polygamy and polygamous marriage in the state of Assam and matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. The draft law will apply across the state, except in Sixth Schedule areas, and to the members of any Scheduled Tribe within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366, read with Article 342 of the Constitution of India. The bill proposed a 7-year imprisonment for any offenders for unlawful polygamy and a 10-year imprisonment for concealing a previous marriage. Additionally, under the new act, compensation and legal protection will be provided for women in illegal marriages. An offender with repeated violence will face stricter penalties. "The Gaonburah, Village Head, Quazi, parents or the legal guardians of the contracting party of the polygamous marriage, shall if, dishonestly or fraudulently hides, and intentionally takes part in the performance or solemnization of polygamous marriage, shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years and shall be liable to a fine which may be extended upto Rs 1 lakh," said in the bill. After the passing of the bill, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, in a post on X, said that the passing of the bill is "a strong stride towards justice for our NariShakti." https://x.com/himantabiswa/status/1993942225747951924?s=20 "Assam moves with resolve. Women's rights will not be compromised. Through the Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill 2025, we secure legal protection, strict penalties and real accountability. A strong stride towards justice for our NariShakti." (ANI) Uttarakhand Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd.) on Thursday released two books authored by young writer Sambhavana Pant, both focusing on the life, personality, and leadership journey of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The books, titled "Pushkar Dhami: Himalaya ki Jeevant Ushma" and "Pushkar Dhami: The Vibrant Heat of the Himalayas," were unveiled at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. Congratulating author Sambhavana Pant, the Governor praised her talent and said daughters symbolise divinity and possibility. He noted that her work beautifully portrays how Pushkar Singh Dhami's early life--shaped by the struggles of the mountains, the influence of his grandfather Khem Singh, the grace of his mother, and the discipline instilled by his soldier father--moulded him into a dedicated leader. Highlighting Dhami's tenure, the Governor said the Chief Minister has led several historic initiatives across sectors, placing Uttarakhand at the forefront of development in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a Developed India 2047. He recalled Dhami's prompt presence during crises such as the Silkyara tunnel incident and challenges in Joshimath, Dharali, and Tharali, praising his firm decisions to strengthen law and order and his leadership in hosting major national and international events. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dhami became emotional as he shared memories of his childhood in the hills and the hardships his mother faced as a soldier's wife. He said he never aimed for stature but carried a deep desire to serve society. He thanked the author and assembled dignitaries for honouring his journey. Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj said Uttarakhand, under Dhami's leadership, is witnessing transformative development similar to the national vision advanced by Prime Minister Modi. Acharya Pramod Krishnam praised Dhami for making decisions aligned with societal and national needs. Author Sambhavana Pant said her books capture the Chief Minister's conduct, values, and vision, tracing his rise from humble beginnings to the state's leadership. She expressed gratitude to all dignitaries and dedicated the works to the people of Uttarakhand. (ANI) Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Thursday addressed the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in Delhi, highlighting emerging trends in warfare. He noted that new domains such as cyberspace and space, as well as cognitive warfare, challenge traditional concepts of borders and sovereignty, making them "functionally porous." The CDS cited "Operation Sindoor" as an example, demonstrating how modern weapons can target an adversary's entire natural, network, economic, and information spaces. He emphasised that these trends will continue to shape the future of warfare. Chauhan pointed out that these trends are evident in conflicts like Eastern Europe and West Asia, where borders are being redefined. He also mentioned claims over sovereign territories, such as Greenland, as examples of diluted sovereignty. "The new domains of warfare, like cyber, space, and cognitive domain. They all challenge the absolute concept of borders, territorial integrity, and even citizenship. So sovereignty has become functionally porous...These conceptual trends manifest in politics and wars, like what we are witnessing in Eastern Europe, and today, when we're talking about peace talks, it's about redefining borders over there. In West Asia, we see a similar trend, with even claims over the sovereign territories of other nations, like Greenland, being manifestations of it: a dilution of sovereignty. The next geopolitical trend which I see is a diminishing utility of conventional deterrence," said CDS General Anil Chauhan. The CDS emphasised the diminishing utility of conventional deterrence and the thin line between rhetoric and actual capability, which is causing instability in the global nuclear domain. He also highlighted the importance of multi-domain warfare, citing "Operation Sindoor", which showed how national infrastructure is now a key aspect of warfare. "Thin boundary between rhetoric and demonstration of actual capability, causing instability in the global nuclear domain. The more we use the domain or the technology, the more lucrative it becomes to deny it to you by war or use of force. This will lead to the expansion of multi-domain operations, and domains will continue to expand as human beings become more accustomed to ever more technologies and domains. Call it a natural progression or law of inevitability, but multi-domain operations will become part of human life. Cyber, media, etc," added Gen Chauhan. Chief of Defence Chauhan highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, stating that the increasing use of technology and domains makes them more vulnerable to denial through war or force. He emphasised that multi-domain operations will become a natural part of human life as technology advances. Chauhan noted that warfare is no longer confined to traditional domains like land, sea, or air, but will be conducted simultaneously across multiple domains, including cyber and media. He identified two key trends: the expansion of battle space and non-linearity, which have collapsed traditional notions of front, intermediate, and depth. "Warfare is no longer confined to land, sea or air; it should be conducted simultaneously across all these domains, which I am talking about, which will be identified and, of course, they will keep emerging as we get used to new domains and new technologies in the future. The second trend which I notice is non-linearity and the expansion of the battle space. Non-linearity had existed in the past as well, but today it is acquiring a new meaning with the spatial aspect in the expansion of the battle space; the old notions of front, intermediate, and depth have completely collapsed. Almost the entire natural space, its network, economy, and information space of the adversary actually lies within the reach of today's modern weapons, and Operation Sindoor was an example of it," he added. In the end, General Anil Chauhan underscored the unpredictable nature of time and warfare as echoed in Chanakya's wisdom and principles. He highlighted how technology is diminishing geography's role in strategy, ushering in a revolution in military affairs through the convergence of AI, hypersonics, robotics, autonomous systems and sensor-driven battlefield transparency. Geopolitically, eroding sovereignty, rising force propensity and nuclear proliferation signal a volatile future, demanding armed forces evolve doctrines for multi-domain operations. Emphasising intellectual honesty and self-enemy knowledge, Gen Chauhan stressed that victorious commanders apply strategy flawlessly, preparing soldiers who train unlike daily practitioners for catastrophic-stakes conflicts to secure Viksit Bharat@2047. Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 commenced today at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, bringing together military leaders, global strategic experts, diplomats, industry leaders and young scholars. President Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session today, with Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, delivering the Keynote Address. Organised by the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, the Dialogue centres on the national vision of Sashakt, Surakshit and Viksit Bharat. It examines India's security challenges and technological frontiers in an increasingly contested global landscape. The Second day of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue will centre on a high-level special session led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will unveil key initiatives and deliver a major address on defence reforms for a Sashakt, Surakshit and Viksit Bharat. The day will then proceed to thematic sessions. Across two days, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 aims to create a comprehensive platform for strategic deliberation on India's future security architecture. The Dialogue underlines that India's strategic transformation will be driven by moral clarity, technological excellence, deeper self-reliance and a whole-of-nation approach. (ANI) The Assam assembly on Thursday passed the Assam Satra Preservation and Development Commission Bill, 2025, for the protection, preservation, management, maintenance and regulation of the cultural heritage of the Satras and their lands for matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. After the bill was passed, Assam Chief Minister Hemanta Biswa Sarma, while speaking to the reporters, stated that the Bill will focus on retrieving the land illegally occupied by the infiltrators in the state. "The Bill will definitely help to empower our culture...empower our civilisation, and also the eviction drive which is going on in several parts of the state...Through this Bill, we also try to get the land which was illegally occupied by the infiltrators...It will be our land...It will be our cultural hotspot," he said. Meanwhile, the 'Assam Prohibition of Polygamy Bill, 2025 has also been passed by the Assam Legislative Assembly on Thursday. The Bill proposes strict punishment, including a jail term of up to 10 years, for a second marriage. Speaking at the assembly after the bill was tabled, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma cited the example of Turkiye to justify the need for the bill. He said that the bill is "not against Islam" and urged people to back the bill and be a "true muslim." "Islam can't promote polygamy. If this bill passes, then you will get a chance to be a true Muslim. This bill is not against Islam. The true Islamic people will welcome this Act. Countries like Turkey have also banned Polygamy; there is an arbitration council in Pakistan...," Assam CM said. The bill passed in the Assam Assembly prohibits and eliminates practices of polygamy and polygamous marriage in the state of Assam and matters connected therewith and incidental thereto. The draft law will apply across the state, except in Sixth Schedule areas, and to the members of any Scheduled Tribe within the meaning of clause (25) of Article 366, read with Article 342 of the Constitution of India. The bill proposed a 7-year imprisonment for any offenders for unlawful polygamy and a 10-year imprisonment for concealing a previous marriage. (ANI) Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 commenced today at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, bringing together military leaders, global strategic experts, diplomats, industry leaders and young scholars, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. President Droupadi Murmu graced the inaugural session today, with Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi delivering the keynote address. Organised by the Indian Army, in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies, the Dialogue centres on the national vision of "Sashakt, Surakshit and Viksit Bharat." It examines India's security challenges and technological frontiers in an increasingly contested global landscape, the release added. In the special address, President Murmu commended the Indian Army for its role in strengthening national security and driving development in border regions. She stated that India's deterrence posture is anchored in moral clarity and responsible action, reflecting the country's civilisational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The President emphasised that new domains such as cyber, space and cognitive warfare demand forces that are technologically agile and future-ready. She appreciated that the Indian Army is reforming its doctrines, modernising its structures, and investing deeply in human capital, including expanded engagements and opportunities for youth and women. She expressed confidence that these reforms will strengthen India's journey towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047, the release added. In his keynote address, General Upendra Dwivedi underlined that the Chanakya Defence Dialogue has evolved into a vital platform since its inception in 2023, reflecting the Indian Army's commitment to comprehensive transformation. He noted that India operates in an increasingly multipolar and turbulent world marked by rising multidomain conflicts, making it imperative for the military to remain decisive and future-ready. Guided by the Prime Minister's 5S vision of "Sammaan, Samvad, Sehyog, Samridhi and Suraksha" (respect, dialogue, cooperation, prosperity and security), he outlined the Army's three-phase transformation pathway: HOP 2032 for accelerated transition, STEP 2037 for consolidation and JUMP 2047 for an integrated, next-generation force design, added the release. Highlighting the success of recent reforms, he identified four key drivers for the next leap: Deeper self-reliance through indigenisation, Faster innovation in critical technologies, Systemic adaptation of defence structures and Stronger military-industry-academia fusion. He expressed confidence that CDD 2025 will generate actionable insights for this journey. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, in his address, underlined 2025 as the Ministry of Defence's "Year of Reforms" and positioned defence self-reliance as central to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He highlighted that 75% of the capital procurement budget is now earmarked for domestic industry, with a dedicated share for the private sector, driving indigenisation, innovation, and a growing defence industrial base. Emphasising the strong GDP multiplier of domestic defence spending and the rapid rise in domestic production and exports, he stressed that technological and industrial strength in defence is now the foremost priority for safeguarding India's national security in an increasingly turbulent global environment, added the release. The CEO of NITI Aayog, BVR Subrahmanyam, underlined that India's future must be shaped in the midst of multiple global transitions- demographic, economic, technological, climatic and cultural- that are fundamentally altering the world order. He noted that as many advanced economies age and their populations shrink, Asia will drive global growth and trade, even as climate stress and rapid advances in technologies like artificial intelligence transform production, warfare and cognition itself. In this context, he stressed that India, already among the world's leading economies, must leverage its demographic window, build resilient democratic institutions, and pursue long-term national security and economic strategies anchored in defence modernisation, technological self-reliance and agile partnerships, so that India's rise remains benign and beneficial for the wider world. Prof K Vijay Raghavan, former Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, emphasised leveraging technology for enduring strategic superiority through three parallel investment streams. In the short term (0-3 years), he advocated agility via startups, academics and retrofitting legacy platforms with sensors and AI for asymmetric warfare, prioritising 80% solutions now over perfect ones later. Mid-term (3-10 years) to focus on controlling value chains, indigenous software for unpredictable systems and a level playing field for private sector R&D. He said that the long-term (10-30 years) demands bold investments in basic sciences such as materials, biotech, and cognitive warfare to avoid dependency, urging the establishment of a Defence Technology Council to accelerate mission-driven progress toward Viksit Bharat@2047, added the release. The inaugural day of Chanakya Defence Dialogue also featured three substantive thematic sessions that brought together senior policymakers, defence leaders, strategic experts and industry voices. These sessions covered a wide spectrum of issues, beginning with Op SINDOOR: A Sovereign Strategic Victory, followed by Changing Status Quo: Vitalising Defence Reforms, and concluding with Civil-Military Fusion: Drivers for Change. Each session explored contemporary challenges and future pathways in national security, defence transformation and India's strategic posture. In the end, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, delivered a compelling keynote at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025, underscoring the unpredictable nature of time and warfare as echoed in Chanakya's wisdom and principles. He highlighted how technology is diminishing geography's role in strategy, ushering in a revolution in military affairs through the convergence of AI, hypersonics, robotics, autonomous systems and sensor-driven battlefield transparency. Geopolitically, eroding sovereignty, rising force propensity and nuclear proliferation signal a volatile future, demanding armed forces evolve doctrines for multi-domain operations. Emphasising intellectual honesty and self-enemy knowledge, Gen Chauhan stressed that victorious commanders apply strategy flawlessly, preparing soldiers who train unlike daily practitioners for catastrophic-stakes conflicts to secure Viksit Bharat@2047. The Second day of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue will centre on a high-level special session led by the Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who will unveil key initiatives and deliver a major address on defence reforms for a Sashakt, Surakshit aur Viksit Bharat. The day will then proceed to thematic sessions. Across two days, the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2025 aims to create a comprehensive platform for strategic deliberation on India's future security architecture. With powerful guidance from President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, senior military leadership, policymakers, global experts, and scholars, CDD 2025 will reinforce the Indian Army's commitment to shaping a strong, secure, and developed India. The Dialogue underlines that India's strategic transformation will be driven by moral clarity, technological excellence, deeper self-reliance and a whole-of-nation approach. (ANI) The Indian Naval Academy (INA), Ezhimala, will host the Passing Out Parade (POP) for the Autumn Term on November 29, 2025, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. The event marks the culmination of an intensive and transformative training regimen, as cadets prepare to join the ranks of the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, and friendly foreign navies as Officers. General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), will review the parade as the Reviewing Officer. The POP is one of the most prestigious and enduring traditions of the Indian Navy, reflecting its values of discipline, honour, and professional excellence. The parade will feature immaculate drill, precise coordination, and high standards of military bearing, the release added. Participating in the parade will be Midshipmen and cadets from the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, as well as international trainees from Bangladesh, the Maldives, Mozambique, Myanmar, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, underscoring India's strong maritime partnerships and collaborative defence engagements. The ceremony will be witnessed by distinguished dignitaries, senior naval leadership, proud parents, instructors, and mentors who have guided the cadets through their rigorous training. Highlights of the event include the Review of the Parade, award of medals and trophies to outstanding performers, and the ceremonial Shipping of Stripes, marking the formal commissioning of the cadets as Officers. The event will be streamed live on the Indian Navy's official Facebook and YouTube platforms, allowing audiences across India and abroad to witness this significant and inspirational milestone. (ANI) Congress MLC and son of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Yathindra Siddaramaiah, on Thursday backed his father, CM Siddaramaiah, for the Chief Ministerial post, saying that he is not aware of any "power sharing agreement" between Siddaramaiah and state Deputy CM DK Shivakumar. Yathindra expressed amazement over the discussion on the leadership change, asserting that "there's no need to change the CM". However, he clarified that the high command's decision on the issue will be final. "In my opinion, there's no need to change the CM. Siddaramaiah will remain the full-time CM. I don't know why the issue of leadership change is being discussed repeatedly. I don't know if there was any discussion on power sharing before...the high command's decision is final," he said to the reporters. "No one told me about power sharing. This isn't the first time MLAs have gone to Delhi to lobby. This has happened before in different parties. We stand by the high command's words. There's no need for change. There shouldn't have been any unnecessary changes. I personally say that Siddaramaiah will remain the CM for five years. The high command will review everything and decide what's best," he added. Yathindra Siddaramaiah's remarks come amid growing speculation about a change in the Chief Ministerial face of Karnataka, fueled by the "power-sharing agreement" of 2023 between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar, which has been cited frequently in political circles. Earlier in the day, Deputy CM DK Shivakumar said that he and Chief Minister Siddaramiah will travel to Delhi if the party's leadership asks them to do so. If the High Command asks me and the CM to come to Delhi, we will go," Shivakumar told reporters at Vidhana Soudha. On Thursday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said that a decision concerning leadership will be made after a discussion among the party's central leaders, apart from Siddaramiah and Shivakumar. "I will call everyone and have a discussion. Rahul Gandhi will also remain present in that discussion. Other members will also remain present. CM and Dy CM will also remain present. The decision will be made after a discussion. There is a team. I am not alone. The entire high command team will discuss and make a decision," he told reporters. Meanwhile, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has also implied that he remains in the race for the Chief Minister's post amid demands from Dalit organisations for a Dalit Chief Minister. "I have always been in the CM race. In 2013, I was the president of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC). We brought the Congress government to power then. I have never said that I brought the government to power alone. Everyone worked together. People voted and made the party win. I was defeated at that time. I don't know what would have happened if I had won. They give the KPCC president a chance. That is not followed in some cases," Parameshwara said. (ANI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested an accountant member of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT), Jaipur, in connection with an investigation into an organised network allegedly involved in settling pending appeals at the ITAT bench. On November 26, during searches conducted at his residence in Jaipur, cash of 20 lakh, along with incriminating documents, was seized. Following the arrest, he was produced before the court on 27 November 2025, which granted police remand until 1 December 2025. In continuation of the operation over the past three days, the CBI has seized more than 1.30 crore in cash, along with transaction records, property documents, and other incriminating materials pointing to the existence of an organised syndicate. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has busted a major corruption scandal involving officials of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) in Jaipur. Based on source information, the CBI has arrested an advocate, a Judicial Member, an Assistant Registrar, and others for allegedly indulging in corrupt activities, including taking bribes to settle appeals pending in the ITAT bench in favour of appellants. The CBI registered the instant case on Tuesday against the accused Advocate ITAT and others, including the Member and Assistant Registrar, ITAT, Jaipur. Earlier, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested a key absconding accused linked to the operation of a transnational cybercrime network, and busted an illegal call centre in Lucknow that was allegedly targeting US nationals, the agency said in a release on Thursday. (ANI) 2025 Kuliang Forum held in New York People's Daily Online) 09:59, November 27, 2025 The 2025 Kuliang Forum, themed "Echoes of History," was held in New York on Nov. 25 local time. Yu Shaoliang, president of People's Daily, and Xie Feng, China's ambassador to the United States, delivered video remarks, and Ge Haijiao, chairman of the Bank of China, gave a speech. More than 150 guests from various sectors in China and the United States attended. Participants noted that, in this special year marking the 80th anniversary of China's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the global victory in the Anti-Fascist War, friends from both China and the U.S. gathered in New York to commemorate the years when the two nations fought side by side for world peace. They reflected on how to draw inspiration from history for the future. Important consensuses reached between Chinese and American heads of state have provided direction for mutual achievement and shared prosperity. Guests emphasized the importance of taking responsibility to continue exploring and sharing new-era Kuliang stories and contributing to the promotion of China-U.S. friendship. The forum was guided by People's Daily and organized by People's Daily Digital Communication Co., Ltd. During the event, guests gave keynote speeches and participated in roundtable discussions on a range of topics. The venue featured exhibitions including "The Shine of the Bond with Kuliang: Stories of China-U.S. Friendship and Cooperation" and a themed exhibition titled "Echoes of History," as well as a custom edition of People's Daily digital bulletin board. A China-U.S. friendship image collection campaign was also launched. The event included numerous prominent Chinese and American speakers and attendees, including officials and representatives from media, cultural, and financial institutions, alongside representatives of American families with historic ties to China, including the Snow, Stilwell, Chennault, and Fang Li Bangqin families. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) HERZLIYA, Israel and CALGARY, AB, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Innocan Pharma Corporation (CSE: INNO) (FSE: IP4) (OTC: INNPF) (the "Company" or "Innocan"), a pharmaceutical technology company focusing on developing innovative drug delivery platform technologies, is pleased to announce its financial consolidated results for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and provide a Company update. Iris Bincovich, CEO of Innocan, said: "As published in the esteemed Journal of Precision Nanomedicine and Frontiers in Pharmacology journal, Innocan continues to advance the pre-clinical development of LPT-CBD to support compliance with both the FDA and the CVM requirements for development. Preliminary pharmacokinetic and safety evaluations of LPT-CBD in minipigs, provide encouraging support for Innocan's regulatory strategy to advance LPT-CBD IND-enabling studies in alignment with FDA standards. In addition, meaningful pre-clinical data provides clinically translatable insights supporting the intended chronic use of LPT-CBD for pain management. Despite an unstable US market, the Consumer Wellness business continued to demonstrate resilience and solid profitability, together with continued strengthening of the Company's balance sheet. We are progressing towards the next important milestone of a U.S. public offering. FISCAL 2025 NINE MONTHS SELECT FINANCIAL RESULTS (unaudited) (US$ in millions) Nine Months Ended 30 September Percentage Change 2025 2024 Revenues 21.624 24.036 (10.0 %) Gross Profit 19.501 21.778 (10.5 %) Gross Margin 90.2 % 90.6 % Operating Profit (Loss) (0.333) (0.328) 1.5 % Revenues totaled US $21.6 million, representing a decrease of 10% on a reported basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Gross Profit totaled US $19.5 million representing a decrease of 10.5% on a reported basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. Gross Margin remained high at 90.2% despite the decline in revenues in nine months ended September 30, 2025. Operating loss remained stable totaled US $0.333 million, representing an increase of 1.5% on a reported basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. "The Company continues to deliver strong gross margins, reflecting the strength of our business model and operational execution. B.I. Sky Global has maintained its leading position across all categories and preserved its market share on Amazon, despite challenging conditions in the United States," said Roni Kamhi, CEO of B.I. Sky Global and COO of Innocan Pharma. "We developed and implemented a strategic response to tariffs and optimized our supply chain, resulting in substantial cost savings and improved gross profit performance. This positions the Company well for outperformance as the market recovers." The Company will hold an earnings call & Investor update on Thursday November 27, 2025, at 1:00 pm EST at the following link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89775829140?pwd=LavOpbrncp0TPHe77KAYRRoKiXQ0Xb.1 Meeting ID: 897 7582 9140. Passcode: 783106 One tap mobile +13017158592,,89775829140#,,,,*783106# US (Washington DC) +13052241968,,89775829140#,,,,*783106# US The Company's full set of unaudited condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, and accompanying management's discussion and analysis can be accessed by visiting the Company's website at www.innocanpharma.com and its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. About Innocan Innocan is a pharmaceutical company that operates under two main segments: Pharmaceuticals and Consumer Wellness. In the Pharmaceuticals segment, Innocan focuses on developing innovative drug delivery platform technologies based on advanced cannabinoids science, to treat various conditions to improve patients' quality of life. This segment includes its primary drug delivery technology, LPT-CBD loaded liposome platform facilitating exact dosing and the prolonged and controlled release of CBD into the blood stream. The LPT delivery platform research is in the preclinical trial phase for two indications: pain management and epilepsy. In the Consumer Wellness segment, Innocan develops and markets a wide portfolio of innovative and high-performance self-care products to promote a healthier lifestyle. Under this segment, Innocan is a 60% shareholder in the joint venture company, BI Sky Global Ltd., which company focuses on advanced targeted online sales. https://innocanpharma.com/ For further information, please contact: For Innocan Pharma Corporation: Iris Bincovich, CEO +1-516-210-4025 +972-54-3012842 +442037699377 [email protected] NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information Certain information set forth in this news release, including, without limitation, information regarding research and development, collaborations, the filing of potential applications with the FDA and other regulatory authorities, the potential achievement of future regulatory milestones, the potential for treatment of conditions and other therapeutic effects resulting from research activities and/or the Company's products, requisite regulatory approvals and the timing for market entry is forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. By its nature, forward-looking information is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond Innocan's control. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by Innocan, including expectations and assumptions concerning the anticipated benefits of the products, satisfaction of regulatory requirements in various jurisdictions and satisfactory completion of requisite production and distribution arrangements. Forward-looking information is subject to various risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in this news release. The key risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: general global and local (national) economic, market and business conditions; governmental and regulatory requirements and actions by governmental authorities; and relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, customers, business partners and competitors. There are also risks that are inherent in the nature of product distribution, including import / export matters and the failure to obtain any required regulatory and other approvals (or to do so in a timely manner) and availability in each market of product inputs and finished products. The anticipated timeline for entry to markets may change for a number of reasons, including the inability to secure necessary regulatory requirements, or the need for additional time to conclude and/or satisfy the manufacturing and distribution arrangements. As a result of the foregoing, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information contained in this news release concerning the timing of launch of product distribution. A comprehensive discussion of other risks that impact Innocan can also be found in Innocan's public reports and filings which are available under Innocan's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking information as actual results may vary materially from the forward-looking information. Innocan does not undertake to update, correct or revise any forward looking information as a result of any new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2570689/Innocan_Pharma_Logo.jpg SOURCE Innocan Pharma Corporation The Punjab government has rejected the request of Khadoor Sahib MP and NSA detainee Amritpal Singh for temporary release to attend the Winter Session of Parliament beginning December 1, 2025. The decision was issued by the Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Home, Punjab, in compliance with directions of the Punjab & Haryana High Court. Earlier, on November 10, the Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea filed by Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) MP (Member of Parliament) from Punjab's Khadoor Sahib, Amritpal Singh, challenging his April 2023 detention under the National Security Act (NSA). A bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and NV Anjaria has, however, allowed Amritpal Singh to approach the jurisdictional High Court seeking the same relief. The apex court requested the High Court to decide Amritpal's plea within six weeks, taking into account Singh's prolonged detention. "We are requesting the High Court to dispose of it (Amritpal's plea) expeditiously, preferably within six weeks", the Court observed. During the hearing, Senior Advocate Colin Gonzalves, appearing for Singh, submitted that the Waris Punjab De leader has been under detention for more than three years now. Thus, the senior lawyer sought the apex court to hear the matter, considering his clients' prolonged detention under the NSA. Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju, representing the Central government, argued that six weeks' time is less for the High Court to deal with the matter, as there will be replies filed by either party. However, the apex court was of the view that in habeas corpus pleas where detention is challenged, there is a need to proceed expeditiously. "In habeas corpus and detention matters, time is of the essence", the Court remarked. Thus, it permitted Singh to approach the High Court seeking the same relief. Meanwhile, Amritpal is lodged in Assam's Dibrugarh jail after he was detained under the NSA following his arrest on April 23, 2023. Amritpal Singh lived in Dubai before returning to Punjab in 2022, following the death of Punjabi Actor Deep Sidhu. After his return, he became the chief of Deep Sidhu's pro-Khalistani organisation, Waris Punjab De. He was arrested from Moga's Rode village after he and his supporters on February 23, 2023, staged a protest at the Ajnala police station and clashed with police personnel in an attempt to free one of his aides, who was taken into custody for making inflammatory and pro-Khalistan statements. His detention has been extended twice, once in April 2024 and for the second time in April 2025, since he was taken into custody in 2023. After the latest extension of his detention in April 2025, the pro-Khalistani leader moved to the Supreme Court. (ANI) Patiala House Court on Thursday sought an explanation over the production of the seven accused 24 hours after their arrest from Judicial custody in Tihar Jail. The court refused to grant police custody and remanded the accused persons to judicial custody till tomorrow. These accused were in judicial custody in a case lodged at Parliament Street Police Station. Now, they have been arrested in the case lodged at Kartavya Path in connection with the protest at India Gate on Sunday. Duty Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) Animesh Kumar called a report from the concerned SHO over the production of accused persons 24 hours after their arrest. Investigation officer (IO) produced seven accused, namely Satyam, Kranti, Abhinash, Mehul, Noimmembuk, Vagisha and Ayesha. IO moved an application and sought 2 days' police custody of Vagisha and Ayesha. He also sought judicial custody for the other five. He submitted that these accused have been arrested on the basis of CCTV footage of a protest carried out at the India Gate. The court asked when they were arrested. The IO submitted that they were arrested on November 26 between 12 PM and 3 PM from Tihar jail. The court asked the IO why they are being produced before this court 24 hours after their arrest? Why were they not produced before the concerned Magistrate? The IO submitted that these accused persons were produced before another court after expiry of their judicial custody in the case lodged at Parliament Street Police Station. After hearing the submissions, the court directed that a report be filed before the concerned Magistrate on Friday at 2 PM. Till then, all seven accused were remanded in judicial custody. The court on Wednesday granted 3 days' police custody to six accused persons arrested in a case linked to the protest organised near India Gate. During the hearing, Senior police officers, Joint CP Deepak Purohit and DCP Devash Mahala, were also present. While seeking remand of six accused persons on Wednesday, DCP Devesh Mahala also made submissions, citing the anti-terror law UAPA and Naxal Links in the case against the accused. In a detailed submission before the court, the Delhi Police had strongly argued that the accused are supporting the banned organisation; therefore, their actions fall within the ambit of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). It was submitted that organisations banned by the Government of India are governed under the UAPA. Anyone extending support to such entities, knowingly or unknowingly, can be treated as an offender under the law. Delhi police also argued that freedom of speech is not an absolute right, and restrictions under Article 19(2) of the Constitution were applicable in this case. Delhi Police said that some of them blocked the road on November 10. Their mobile are to be sent to FSL. It informed the court that the accused were using mobile phones with auto-delete features, and that the devices had been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis. Police said the accused were supporting Hidma's organisation, which is already banned. They all should be majorly aware of these facts. Police also said that chilli spray was recovered from Akshay, Akash and one other accused. It was also submitted that 10 police personnel got injured in the protest near India Gate. While seeking the accused's remand earlier on Monday, it was submitted that the accused had protested at India Gate. They violated the order issued by the public servant and used criminal force to obstruct the public servants. It was also submitted that they also raised slogans in favour of Moist Madvi Hidma. They also used pepper spray. They raised slogans of Lal Salam, police said. They are required to be interrogated to unearth the conspiracy and to inquire thier links with most organisations, if any, Delhi police had said. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated the Skyroot's Infinity Campus in Hyderabad, Telangana via video conferencing today and unveiled Skyroot's first orbital rocket, Vikram-I, with the capability to launch satellites to orbit. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister remarked that today the nation is witnessing an unprecedented opportunity in the space sector and highlighted that India's space ecosystem is experiencing a major leap with the private sector taking flight. Noting that the scope of reforms is continuously expanding, PM Modi highlighted that just as space innovation was opened to the private sector, India is now moving towards opening the nuclear sector as well. He emphasized that a strong role for the private sector is being laid in this field, which will create opportunities in small modular reactors, advanced reactors, and nuclear innovation. He underlined that this reform will give new strength to India's energy security and technological leadership. PM Modi emphasized that Skyroot's Infinity Campus reflects India's new thinking, innovation, and youth power, and underlined that the innovation, risk-taking ability, and entrepreneurship of the country's youth are reaching new heights. He stated that today's program is a reflection of how India will emerge as a leader in the global satellite launch ecosystem in the coming times. He extended his best wishes to Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, noting that the two young entrepreneurs are an inspiration for countless young space entrepreneurs across the country. He stressed that both of them trusted themselves, did not shy away from taking risks, and as a result the entire nation is witnessing their success today, with the country feeling proud of them. Pointing out that India's space journey began with limited resources but emphasized that the nation's ambitions were never limited, PM Modi remarked that from carrying rocket parts on a bicycle to developing the world's most reliable launch vehicles, India has proven that the height of dreams is determined not by resources but by resolve. "ISRO has for decades given new wings to India's space journey and stressed that credibility, capacity, and value have established India's distinct identity in the sector," PM Modi said. He remarked that the expansion of the space sector is evident, as it has become the foundation for communication, agriculture, marine monitoring, urban planning, weather prediction and national security. He stated that this is why historic reforms were undertaken in India's space sector, with the government opening it to private innovation and preparing a new Space Policy. The Prime Minister remarked that efforts were made to connect startups and industry with innovation, and IN-SPACe was established to provide ISRO's facilities and technology to startups. "In just the past six to seven years, India has transformed its space sector into an open, cooperative, and innovation-driven ecosystem,"PM Modi said, stating that the program is a reflection of this transformation. Emphasising that India's youth always place national interest above all and make the best use of every opportunity, PM Modi remarked that when the government opened the space sector, the country's youth, especially the Gen-Z generation, came forward to take full advantage of it. He highlighted that today more than 300 space startups are giving new hopes to India's space future, and noted that most of these startups began with small teams--sometimes two people, sometimes five, sometimes in a small rented room--with limited resources but with determination to reach new heights. "This spirit has given birth to the Private Space Revolution in India", underlined the Prime Minister, stating that Gen-Z engineers, designers, coders, and scientists are creating new technologies, whether in propulsion systems, composite materials, rocket stages, or satellite platforms, and stressed that India's youth are working in areas that were unimaginable just a few years ago. He remarked that India's private space talent is establishing a distinct identity across the world and added that today, for global investors, India's space sector is becoming an attractive destination. Underscoring that the demand for small satellites is continuously increasing across the world and noted that launch frequencies are also rising, PM Modi remarked that new companies are entering the field to provide satellite services and emphasized that space has now established itself as a strategic asset. He underlined that in the coming years the global space economy is set to grow manifold, and stressed that this represents a very significant opportunity for India's youth. "India possesses space sector capabilities that only a few countries in the world have, noting the presence of expert engineers, a high-quality manufacturing ecosystem, world-class launch sites, and a mindset that encourages innovation," he said, noting that India's space capability is both cost-effective and reliable. He remarked that global companies want to manufacture satellites in India, avail launch services from India, and seek technology partnerships with India, and therefore stressed that the nation must make the most of this opportunity. The Prime Minister remarked that the changes being witnessed in the space sector are part of the broader startup revolution taking place in India. He highlighted that over the past decade, a new wave of startups has emerged across diverse sectors such as FinTech, AgriTech, HealthTech, ClimateTech, EduTech and DefenseTech, with India's youth, particularly the Gen-Z generation, providing innovative solutions in every field. Lauding the Gen-Z generation of India, the PM said that their creativity, positive mindset and capacity building abilities can be a source of inspiration for the Gen-Z generation of the world. The Prime Minister emphasized that India has now become the world's third-largest startup ecosystem and noted that there was a time when startups were confined to a few big cities, but today they are emerging from small towns and villages as well. He underlined that the country now has more than 1.5 lakh registered startups, with many of them having achieved unicorn status. Underscoring that India is no longer confined to apps and services and is now advancing rapidly towards deep-tech, manufacturing, and hardware innovation, the Prime Minister thanked the Gen-Z generation. He highlighted the semiconductor sector as an example, noting that the historic steps taken by the government are strengthening the foundation of India's tech future. PM Modi further emphasized that semiconductor fabrication units, chip manufacturing, and design hubs are developing across the country, and underlined that from chips to systems, India is building a strong electronics value chain. He stated that this is not only part of the resolve for self-reliance but will also make India a strong and reliable pillar of the global supply chain. Noting that the future will depend greatly on the research being carried out today, the Prime Minister underscored that the government is focused on providing maximum opportunities for youth in research. He said the coming era belongs to India, its youth, and its innovations. He recalled that a few months ago, on the occasion of Space Day, he had spoken about India's space aspirations and affirmed that within the next five years India will take its launch capacity to new heights and create five new unicorns in the space sector. He remarked that the progress of the Skyroot team makes it certain that India will achieve every goal it has set. The Prime Minister assured every young person, every startup, scientist, engineer, and entrepreneur that the government stands firmly with them at every step. Indian space startup Skyroot's Infinity Campus, is a state-of-the-art facility with around 200,000 square feet workspace for designing, developing, integrating and testing multiple launch vehicles, with a capacity to build one orbital rocket every month. Skyroot is India's leading private space company, founded by Pawan Chandana and Bharath Dhaka, both alumni of Indian Institutes of Technology and former scientists of ISRO turned entrepreneurs. In November 2022, Skyroot launched its sub-orbital rocket, Vikram-S, becoming the first Indian private company to launch a rocket to space. (ANI) The Vice President CP Radhakrishnan, who is also the Chancellor of Panjab University, has approved the schedule for the upcoming Panjab University Senate Elections. The proposed schedule suggests that elections for principals and staff of technical and professional colleges be held on September 7, 2026, followed by polling for professors, and then for associate and assistant professors of university teaching departments, on September 14, 2026. Elections for heads of affiliated arts colleges, along with professors and associate and assistant professors of these colleges, as well as registered graduates, are planned for September 20, 2026. Faculty-wise elections on campus are set for October 4, 2026, with scrutiny and counting scheduled immediately after each polling day. The approval has been formally communicated to the Vice Chancellor of Panjab University, Prof. (Dr.) Renu Vig, through an official letter issued by Sarita Chauhan, under Secretary at the Vice-President Secretariat. According to the communication, the election schedule proposed by the university in its correspondence dated November 9, 2025, has been cleared without any changes. Copies of the approval letter have also been sent to Praveen P Nair, IAS, PS to the Union Minister of Education, and VP Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh. Sources said the notification brings an end to the prolonged delay in holding the Senate elections. The Senate, which has a tenure of five years, completed its term on October 31, 2024. Before the new Senate could be elected, the Centre had dissolved the previous Senate, halting the election process. The approval comes amid continuous protests on campus. For the past 25 days, members of the 'PU Chandigarh Bachao Morcha' had been staging a sit-in demanding the announcement of the election dates. Several organisations joined the agitation, which also saw a call to shut down the university on November 26. Protesters had warned of gheraoing all BJP offices in Punjab on December 3 if the schedule was not announced. With the Vice-President's nod coming ahead of the threatened demonstrations, student groups termed it a victory. Members of the 'Panjab University Bachao Morcha' announced that they would take out a 'victory march' on Friday afternoon, calling the approval a win for the students' movement. (ANI) After the four-hour review meeting of the Congress party on the Bihar Assembly polls results, Congress MP Tariq Anwar on Friday said that the All India Congress Committee (AICC) would prepare a roadmap for the future, and corrective measures would be taken regarding the results. Speaking to reporters after the review meeting, the Congress leader said that a very detailed review has been conducted in groups of ten by Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi. "A very detailed review has been conducted, and in groups of ten, Congress President Kharge ji, Rahul ji and Venugopal ji have spoken one-on-one with everyone. Now, after this entire discussion, the AICC will prepare a roadmap for the future, and action will be taken. It is true that corrective measures will be taken," Anwar said. On being asked about the future alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), he said, "We have not decided anything yet. This was a review meeting, and the leaders shared their opinions. Later, AICC will decide what they have to do or not." Congress leader Musavvir Alam asserted that AIMIM Chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, along with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), set a narrative that had an impact not only on Seemanchal but also on other districts and other areas of Bihar. "The Congress party conducts a review after the elections. Our leader also reviewed the situation. The Owaisi factor was there in Seemanchal. He, along with the BJP, set a narrative that had an impact not only on Seemanchal but also on other districts and other areas of Bihar. The Congress party is a party with a strong ideology. It is not disheartened by the election defeat. The Congress will move forward under the leadership of Rahul ji and Kharge ji, and we will perform well in the coming days," Alam told ANI. Further, after meeting with the party leadership regarding the Bihar elections, Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh said that corrective steps will be taken and that the matter of improvement was discussed. "All were heard constituency-wise. Corrective steps will be taken and the matter of making improvements was discussed," Akhilesh Prasad told ANI. Meanwhile, Congress party general secretary KC Venugopal on Thursday stated that the mandate of the Bihar polls was "not a genuine mandate, but a grossly managed and fabricated outcome."Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, and many other leaders attended the meeting. "Today's 4-hour review meeting with our candidates & leaders from Bihar, under Hon'ble Congress President and Hon'ble LOP's leadership, made one thing absolutely clear: the Bihar election was not a genuine mandate, but a grossly managed and fabricated outcome," the X post from Venugopal said. https://x.com/kcvenugopalmp/status/1994080412629651626 The Congress leader mentioned that the meeting highlighted how the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enabled targeted voter deletions, and claimed that the dubious additions to the Mahila Mukhyamantri Rozgar Yojana were used to influence voters even at polling stations. "They highlighted how SIR enabled targeted voter deletions and dubious additions, how blatant cash bribery under the so-called MMRY scheme was used to influence voters even at polling stations, and how identical margins across constituencies exposed a pattern that no independent election commission would ever overlook," the post read. He alleged that whatever happened during the Bihar assembly elections was nothing short of a direct assault on democracy. Venugopal claimed that these issues point to "organised electoral malpractices and brazen violations of the Model Code of Conduct, carried out under the watch of an ECI." "These issues point to organised electoral malpractices and brazen violations of the Model Code of Conduct, carried out under the watch of an ECI that has increasingly behaved like an active collaborator in the BJP's election rigging. What happened in Bihar is nothing short of a direct assault on democracy. The Congress Party will not allow this stolen mandate to become the new normal. The fight to protect India's democracy continues - fearlessly, relentlessly, and with the people by our side," the post added. On November 14, the ruling NDA secured another term in Bihar, winning 202 seats and a three-fourths majority in the 243-member House. This is the second time the NDA has crossed the 200-mark in the assembly polls. In the 2010 polls, it had won 206 seats. In the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 89 seats, Janata Dal (United) won 85, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJPRV) won 19, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAMS) won five, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha won four seats. In Mahagathbandhan, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won 25 seats, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) - CPI(ML) (L) - two, Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) - one, and Communist Party of India (Marxist) - CPI(M)- one seat. (ANI) According to Srinagar Police, searches were conducted at the residences of Umar Sultan Guru, Mohd Abdullah Wani (son of Late Mohd Akber Wani), Gh. Mohd Bhat, Haji Mohammad Ramzan Lone, Shahid Zahgeer, Mohd Ramzan Naik, Bashir Ahmad Lone, Peer Giyas Ud Din, and Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Nowgam Chowk. Raids were also carried out at Jamiat-ul-Banaat, Kashmir University, Umer Colony (Lal Bazar), Rahat Manzil (JK Yateem Khana), Bagh-i-Nand Singh, Chattabal, as well as at Chinar Publication Trust and Al-Kousar Book Shop in Maisuma, police said. Meanwhile, acting on credible intelligence inputs, Handwara Police conducted a raid at Jamia Islamia Institute in Waripora, Handwara, as part of an investigation into suspected unlawful activities and possible links to banned organisations. Officials said that a police team searched the premises and recovered multiple electronic devices during the operation. The seized equipment has been sent for forensic analysis to determine its usage and verify suspected connections, including any affiliation with Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). Police said the operation was carried out strictly under legal procedures and reiterated that the probe remains active."Handwara Police is committed to taking firm action against individuals or entities found involved in unlawful or anti-national activities," an official said. The official added that "transparency and accountability are guiding principles of the ongoing probe." Earlier, Shopian Police conducted coordinated searches at several locations in the district, targeting individuals and premises linked with Jamaat-e-Islami, proscribed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). On November 12, Anantnag Police had also carried out raids across the district as part of the intensified action against the banned outfit. (ANI) In a major crackdown, the Delhi Police have solved the case of a 25-year-old woman who was reported missing from Dayalpur on November 21, after it emerged that she had been murdered and her body dumped in Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district. Police said the woman's family had initially lodged a missing persons complaint at PS Dayalpur. During the search, her mother expressed suspicion that her daughter had been abducted. Based on this, a case under Section 140(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered and an investigation launched. The Delhi police team suspected the accused. The woman's husband, Faizal (28), was traced and arrested. During interrogation, Faizal confessed to killing his wife. He told police that on November 20, while he, his wife and a friend were returning home in a car, the victim was shot inside the vehicle. The accused then disposed of her body in Baghpat and fled. In his instance, the victim's body was recovered from the Baghpat area. Sections 103(1) and 3(5) of the BNS were subsequently added to the case. The i20 car allegedly used in the crime has also been seized. The police stated that a 17-year-old Child in Conflict with Law (CCL) who assisted Faizal in the murder has been apprehended. The post-mortem report is awaited, and further investigation is underway. (ANI) As a result, it takes about a year and a half to issue a building permit for a factory in Israel - more than twice as long as required by law. Thirty per cent of applications have been in process for over two years, and 11 per cent for over three years. It takes an average of 2.7 iterations to approve a request, and only 25 per cent are approved in the first iteration. Each application involves many approving bodies, sometimes up to 40. Design control is the longest phase, 210 days on average. No significant difference was found between the time it takes to issue a permit for a new plant and the expansion of an existing plant, a surprising statistic that illustrates that the barrier is systemic. (ANI/TPS) US President Donald Trump came down heavily after two National Guards were shot at point-blank range in the national capital on the eve of the thanksgiving holiday. Calling it an act of terror, he said swift and certain action would be taken and shared that the suspect was an Afghan as per information by the Homeland security. In his address from Florida, Trump said, "Earlier today on the eve of the thanksgiving holiday, two members of the National Guard serving in Washington DC were shot at point blank range in a monstrous, ambush styled attack just steps away from the White House. This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation, it was a crime against humanity. The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginian National Guards and their families." Trump said that as the country is filled with anguish and grief for those shot at, "we're also filled with rightous anger and ferocious resolve". He said that as the President of the United States, "the animal who perpetrated this atrocity, pays the steepest possible price. I can report tonight based on the best available information, the Department of homeland security is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan- a hellhole on earth." Trump alleged that the Afghan person was flown in by the Biden administration in 2021, "on those infamous flights.... his status was extended under legislations signed by President Biden" and added, "this attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. The last administration let in 20 million unknown foreigners from all over the world". He said that US will now re-examine every single alien who has entered the US from Afghanistan under Biden administration and ensure removal of those who don't love America. "We are not going to put up on these kinds of assaults on law and order by people who shouldn't even be in our country. We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country. If they can't love our country, we don't want them. America will never bend or yield in the face of terror. At the same time, we will not be deterred from the mission the service members were so nobly fulfilling." He announced that he has directed the Department of War to mobilise and additional 500 troops "to help protect our capital city. We will make America totally safe again and we will bring the perpetrator of this barbaric attack to swift and certain justice if the bullets going in the opposite direction haven't already done that." He said that the Guards were serving their duty to protect the nation, when they were "gunned down in a savage attack" and asked people to say a prayer this Thanksgiving for them. According to CBS News, the suspect has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021, and as per law enforcement, he is believed to have acted alone. Earlier on Wednesday (local time), two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, DC. The guardsmen engaged in gunfire with the suspected shooter, who was detained and transported away from the scene on a stretcher. Their conditions are unknown, according to the Governor of West Virginia, Patrick Morrisey. (ANI) Canadian High Commissioner Christopher Cooter noted India and Canada are moving towards "renewed trust", advancing collaboration in priority areas and taking steps aimed at boosting shared prosperity. Speaking at an event in the capital on Wednesday, he stressed that the two countries had the "tools, resources and the talent" to shape a relationship that would be not just resilient but "transformative". Building on this, he pointed to recent high-level engagements that have set the tone for the current momentum. Cooter referred to the recent meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the recent G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg, following their earlier interaction at the G7 Summit in Kananaskis. During these discussions, both leaders welcomed the New Roadmap for India-Canada relations unveiled in October and agreed to begin negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), shaping the framework for the next phase of cooperation. According to him, the CEPA represents an important signal for the trajectory of the bilateral partnership, with the potential to open new avenues for businesses, accelerate cooperation in emerging technologies and bolster the resilience of supply chains. He underscored that this aligns with India's broader growth ambitions. He said Canada was prepared to serve as a dependable partner as India seeks to achieve its growth objectives for 2030 and beyond. This readiness, he noted, is reflected in the strong economic engagement between the two countries. Bilateral trade stood at USD 22 billion in 2024, with both sides aiming to reach USD 50 billion by 2030. Canada is looking to step up investments in clean technologies, AI, quantum computing, aerospace and advanced manufacturing, sectors it sees as pathways to employment, economic security and long-term sustainability. These areas of interest tie into the broader push for next-generation cooperation. Cooter also pointed to the launch of the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership (ACITI), calling it an initiative that adds a strong international element to ongoing collaboration. He noted that this complements bilateral efforts by expanding multilateral innovation channels. He said India and Canada could now move ahead by using the October roadmap to strengthen supply chain security and accelerate innovation in critical industries; rely on resumed free trade discussions to support economic and technology cooperation; develop joint programmes ranging from clean energy to climate-resilient agriculture to confront global challenges while fostering shared prosperity; and widen academic linkages and talent mobility while keeping people-to-people ties at the core of the relationship. (ANI) STOCKHOLM, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Boliden will announce guidance for 2026 on Friday December 5, at 07:45 (CET) and invites to a press and analyst conference the same day at 09:00. The presentation can be followed via webcast and telephone. To participate via the webcast, please use the link below: https://boliden.videosync.fi/2025-12-05-2026-guidance-release To participate in the telephone conference, please register 5 minutes before the opening of the conference via the link below. After the registration you will be provided with phone number and a conference ID to access the conference. If you wish to ask a question, please dial *5 on your telephone keypad to enter the queue. https://service.flikmedia.se/teleconference/?id=5008209 After the call, presentation material and the recorded webcast will be available on our website: https://www.boliden.com For further information, please contact: Olof Grenmark Director Investor Relations +46 70 291 5780 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/boliden/r/invitation-to-presentation-of-boliden-s-guidance-2026,c4273639 The following files are available for download: SOURCE Boliden South African President Cyril Ramaphosa called the action by the United States regrettable on not inviting South Africa for the G20 Summit 2026 which will take place in Miami next year. He said that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country. Calling the Summit hosted by South Africa this year as one of the most successful summits, he said, "The summit produced a declaration that affirmed the indisputable strength and value of multilateralism in response to the most pressing challenges facing the world." Addressing the remarks by Trump, President Ramaphosa said, "South Africa will continue to participate as a full, active and constructive member of the G20. We call on members of the G20 to reaffirm its continued operation in the spirit of multilateralism, based on consensus, with all members participating on an equal footing in all of its structures. It is regrettable that despite the efforts and numerous attempts by President Ramaphosa and his administration to reset the diplomatic relationship with the US, President Trump continues to apply punitive measures against South Africa based on misinformation and distortions about our country." He added, "Its G20 membership is at the behest of all other members. South Africa is a sovereign constitutional democratic country and does not appreciate insults from another country about its membership and worth in participating in global platforms. South Africa respects the sovereignty of all countries and will never insult or demean another country or its standing and worthiness in the community of nations." The South African President said in the post that as the United States was not present at the summit, instruments of the G20 Presidency were duly handed over to a US Embassy official at the Headquarters of South Africa's Department of International Relations and Cooperation. "As one of the founding members of the G20, South Africa has always valued the spirit of consensus, collaboration and partnership that defines the G20 as the premier forum for international economic cooperation. In keeping with this approach, the United States was expected to participate in all the meetings of the G20 during South Africa's Presidency but unfortunately, it elected not to attend the G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg out of its own volition." He appreciated the participation by US entities such as businesses and civil society organisations in large numbers in G20 related activities such as the B20 and the G20 Social. https://x.com/PresidencyZA/status/1993828582892667299?s=20 Earlier, US President Donald Trump has said that South Africa will not be invited to the 2026 G20 Summit in Miami, announcing the decision while sharply criticising the South African government over what he described as "horrific Human Rights abuses." In a post on his social media handle "Truth Social,' Trump wrote, "the United States did not attend the G20 in South Africa because the South African Government refuses to acknowledge or address the horrific Human rights abuses endured by Afrikaners and other descendants of Dutch, French, and German settlers." "To put it more bluntly, they are killing white people and randomly allowing their farms to be taken from them," he added. Trump also criticised major US media outlets for not reporting on the issue. "Perhaps, worst of all, the soon to be out of business New York Times and the Fake News Media won't issue a word against this genocide. That's why all the Liars and Pretenders of the Radical Left Media are going out of business!" he said. "At the conclusion of the G20, South Africa refused to hand off the G20 Presidency to a Senior Representative from our US Embassy, who attended the Closing Ceremony. Therefore, at my direction, South Africa will NOT be receiving an invitation to the 2026 G20, which will be hosted in the Great City of Miami, Florida, next year," he added. Announcing further steps, Trump added that the US would halt financial contributions to South Africa. "South Africa has demonstrated to the world that they are not a country worthy of membership anywhere, and we are going to stop all payments and subsidies to them, effective immediately," he said. Pakistani Judge, a part of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), Ali Baqar Najafi, opined that the Noor Mukadam murder case is the direct result of a "vice" spreading in society known as "living relationship," Dawn reported. In his Wednesday statement, the judge from the socially conservative country appeared to have been indicating towards a live-in relationship, where two unmarried individuals live together. Noor, 27, was found murdered at the Islamabad residence of Zahir Zakir Jaffer in July 2021. In May, a three-judge Supreme Court bench, led by Hashim Kakar and including Ishtiaq Ibrahim and Najafi, had upheld the death sentence awarded to Zahir, who was convicted by an Islamabad trial court in 2022, as per Dawn. Last month, the apex court had taken up Zakir's review petition challenging the capital punishment awarded to him. During the hearing, Justice Najafi told senior counsel Khawaja Haris Ahmed, representing the convict, that it would be more appropriate for him to start arguments after going through the additional note he had not yet issued at the time. Later, Najafi was sworn in as a judge of the FCC, established earlier this month after the 27th Constitutional Amendment, as per Dawn. In an additional note on the Noor murder case, which was uploaded on the SC website on Wednesday, Najafi upheld the sentence handed to Zahir and observed that "the present case is a direct result of a vice spreading in the upper society which we know as 'living relationship' [sic]". He stressed that such relationships ignored "societal compulsions" and "defy not only the law of the land but also the personal law" under Sharia. Noor was found murdered at a residence in Islamabad's upscale Sector F-7/4 on July 20, 2021. A first information report was registered later the same day against Zahir, who was arrested at the site of the murder, Dawn reported. In February 2022, a district and sessions judge sentenced Jaffer to death for the murder and handed him 25 years of rigorous imprisonment, finding him guilty of rape. His household staff, Mohammad Iftikhar and Jan Mohammad -- co-accused in the case -- were each sentenced to 10 years in prison, as per Dawn. (ANI) US President Donald Trump denounced the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, describing it as a "horrific assault" and "an act of terror," as federal agencies continued to investigate the attack that took place a day before Thanksgiving. The shooting occurred at close range in central Washington, prompting a swift reaction from the administration. Addressing reporters, Trump criticised former president Joe Biden's earlier immigration policies, claiming the suspect had entered the United States from Afghanistan in 2021 and referring to the country as a "hellhole." Authorities identified the accused as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in 2021. Officials believe he acted alone. Citing information from Homeland Security, Trump again noted that the suspect was Afghan. "Earlier today on the eve of the thanksgiving holiday, two members of the National Guard serving in Washington DC were shot at point blank range in a monstrous, ambush styled attack just steps away from the White House," he said. "This heinous assault was an act of evil and an act of hatred and an act of terror. It was a crime against our entire nation, it was a crime against humanity. The hearts of all Americans tonight are with those two members of the West Virginian National Guards and their families," he added. Trump said the country was feeling both sorrow and determination after the attack, stating that "we're also filled with rightous anger and ferocious resolve." He pledged the strongest possible response, saying that as President, "the animal who perpetrated this atrocity, pays the steepest possible price." He said Homeland Security was confident the suspect in custody was a foreign national who had entered from Afghanistan, calling it "a hellhole on earth." Trump alleged that the suspect was brought into the United States by the Biden administration in 2021 "on those infamous flights," and claimed the individual's status was later extended under legislation signed by Biden. He said the shooting underscored what he viewed as a major national security concern. "This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. The last administration let in 20 million unknown foreigners from all over the world," he said. Outlining further actions, Trump said, "We must now reexamine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden." He added, "We must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country. If they can't love our country, we don't want them." In an earlier post on Truth Social, Trump expressed support for the National Guard and said he had ordered an additional 500 Guard personnel to Washington after the shooting. He referred to the gunman as an "animal" and said he would "pay a very steep price." "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price," he wrote. He added, "God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!" The shooting happened on Wednesday afternoon just blocks from the White House, in what officials have described as a deliberate act. FBI Director Kash Patel and Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said both soldiers remained in critical condition in hospital. (ANI) US President Donald Trump urged Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during a recent phone conversation to avoid heightening tensions with China over Taiwan, Kyodo News reported, citing The Wall Street Journal. The discussion came as Tokyo-Beijing strains intensified following Takaichi's remarks in parliament earlier this month, where she indicated that a Chinese attack on the island could trigger a scenario requiring Japan's defence forces to act. According to Kyodo News, the newspaper said Trump's guidance was measured and that he "didn't pressure Takaichi to walk back her comments," quoting individuals familiar with the exchange. A Japanese government source told Kyodo News on Thursday that both leaders spoke about working together to ease the diplomatic friction with China during their call. Trump has frequently praised Takaichi's firm national security posture, and during his recent trip to Japan, he highlighted the strength of the bilateral alliance. However, as reported by Kyodo News, her comments have angered Chinese President Xi Jinping at a sensitive moment for Trump, who is currently seeking to maintain stable ties with Beijing. The Wall Street Journal, citing a person briefed on the discussion, wrote that Trump suggested Takaichi soften her tone on Taiwan, acknowledging that she faced political constraints at home and likely could not entirely retract statements that had provoked China. Japanese officials were reportedly unsettled by Trump's message, interpreting it as a sign that he does not want the Taiwan issue to disrupt the thaw he achieved with Xi last month, which included a Chinese pledge to increase purchases of American agricultural products amid the ongoing trade dispute. Trump told reporters he had a "great talk" with Takaichi on Monday night and believed both Japan and China were "doing fine." His call with the Japanese leader came shortly after he spoke with Xi. Tensions between Tokyo and Beijing escalated after China condemned Takaichi's November 7 response to parliamentary questioning, in which she said that a military strike on Taiwan could create a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. The remarks were widely seen as implying that her administration might authorise the Self-Defense Forces to support the United States in the event of a blockade or other coercive measures by China against Taiwan. Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Takaichi said she reaffirmed strong Japan-US coordination during her call with Trump but declined to offer further details, including whether the subject of her Taiwan-related comments came up. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is a breakaway province that must eventually be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary, and insists the matter is strictly an "internal affair." (ANI) The Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force have been executing several mission profiles to deepen interoperability as the bilateral exercise Garuda 2025 continues in full swing. Sharing the details in a post on X, the media coordination centre of the Indian Air Force said in a post on X, "#ExerciseGaruda25: Maintaining a high operational tempo, the Indian Air Force and French Air and Space Force crew are working seamlessly together, executing varied mission profiles and showcasing outstanding proficiency." It further highlighted how the professionalism, precision, and cohesive teamwork continue to deepen interoperability and reinforce the strength of the bilateral partnership. https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/1993583776400916916?s=20 The 8th edition of Exercise Garuda is being held at Mont-de-Marsan, France, from November 16 to 27, as confirmed by the Ministry of Defence in an official statement. The airlift support provided by the C-17 Globemaster III, for the induction and de-induction phases of the exercise, while the IL-78 air-to-air refuelling tankers are utilised for extending the range and endurance of the participating fighters. According to the ministry, the exercise features the IAF's Su-30MKI fighters operating alongside French multirole aircraft in complex simulated air combat scenarios. The missions focus on air-to-air engagements, air defence operations, and coordinated strike missions. This exercise aims to refine tactics and procedures in a realistic operational environment, enabling mutual learning and fostering interoperability between the IAF and the FASF. Exercise Garuda 25 also provides an opportunity for professional interaction, exchange of operational knowledge, and sharing of best practices between the two Air Forces. Participation in this exercise underscores the lAF's commitment to engage constructively with friendly foreign Air Forces through multi-lateral exercises, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of air operations, the statement added. India and France have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations, sharing a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership (SP) that encompasses all aspects of bilateral cooperation, with a strategic component. Launched on January 26, 1998, India's first-ever Strategic Partnership embodied the core vision of both countries to enhance their respective strategic independence by drawing upon a strong and enhanced bilateral cooperation. Defence and security, civil nuclear matters and space constitute the principal pillars of the strategic cooperation between India and France, which now includes a strong Indo-Pacific component. (ANI) Hifzur Rahman, presently serving as the Indian Ambassador to Chad has been appointed as the Ambassador to Libya, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. In an official statement, the MEA said, "Dr Hifzur Rahman, presently Ambassador of India to the Republic of Chad, has been appointed as Ambassador of India to the State of Libya. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly." Though separated by geography, India and Libya have enjoyed strong bilateral ties. Earlier this year in February, the 1st India-Arab Universities' Presidents' Conference was organised in New Delhi. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh inaugurated the Conference on February 5, 2025 and delivered the keynote address. From the Arab side, the Conference was led by Libya's Minister of Education, Imran Muhamed Al-Qeeb, who delivered his special address, according to MEA press release. MEA noted in a previous statement that India opened its Diplomatic Mission in Tripoli in 1969. The high-water mark of Indo-Libya relations was the visit of Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Libya in 1984. India has regularly supported Libya in international fora and welcomed the UNSCR 1506 adopted on 12 September, 2003, lifting sanctions imposed on Libya. MEA further noted that following the launching of the Pan-African e-governance initiative, a Centre in Libya for telemedicine, tele-education, e-governance, etc. was set up. Under this initiative all nations in Africa were being connected to India through satellite network. After revolution re-activation of this center was under process and will be taken up under e-VBAB project upon improvement of security situation. India and Libya have enjoyed close economic ties. In 1978, the two countries signed a framework agreement on "Protocol on Industrial, Economic and Scientific Cooperation". This was the beginning of consultations on economic cooperation between the two countries under Indo-Libyan Joint Commission (ILJC). The economic cooperation between the two countries spans the entire spectrum of commercial activities. Indian companies have been active in Libya for over 30 years. "A number of projects have been executed in Libya by major Indian PSUs like BHEL, NBCC, OVL, IOC, Oil India, and private companies Punj Llyod, Unitech, KEC, SSB, Dastur Engineering, Shapoorji Pallonji, SECON, Global Steel (Ispat Group Company), NIIT, Sun Pharma, Simplex Projects, and DS Construction. These projects included building of hospitals, housing, schools, roads, power plants, airports, dams, transmission lines", MEA said. (ANI) The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has sought an official response from the government amid growing "rumours" about the health of jailed party founder Imran Khan, urging authorities to immediately facilitate a meeting between him and his family, Dawn reported. The appeal follows repeated refusals in recent weeks to allow Imran's sisters to meet him at Adiala jail, prompting them to question his whereabouts and stage sit-ins outside the facility. According to Dawn, these concerns intensified as unverified claims about Imran's health, including posts speculating about his death, circulated widely on X, with some Indian outlets amplifying the rumours. The hashtag 'Where is Imran Khan?' also trended on the platform on Thursday morning. In a statement issued on X, the PTI said "rumours of a despicable nature" were being spread from "Afghan and Indian media, and foreign social media accounts" regarding Imran's condition. The party demanded that the "current government and the interior ministry immediately and clearly dismiss and clarify the rumour and immediately arrange a meeting between Imran and his family". It further insisted that "a formal and transparent statement should be issued on behalf of the state regarding the health, security and current status of Imran". PTI also called for a probe into those circulating rumours of a "sensitive nature" and said the "facts be presented before the nation". The statement warned that "the nation will not tolerate any uncertainty regarding the status of its leader (Imran)". Reiterating its stance, the party said the government was responsible for ensuring Imran's "security, human rights and constitutional rights", adding that PTI would take "every legal and political step to counter these rumours and bring the truth to light", Dawn reported. Meanwhile, PTI leader Meher Bano Qureshi described the rumours about Imran's condition as alarming. She said on X that "the government is responsible for Khan sahib's safety and is duty-bound to issue a statement updating the nation", adding that the "best, most credible way possible is to allow Khan sahib's sisters, lawyers and party members to meet with him". Separately, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif responded to growing speculation by referencing a video in which Imran had criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for requesting facilities in jail. Asif claimed, "He (Imran) himself has a TV in his jail cell ... and his food comes from outside," adding, "There are exercise machines available for him as well." Recalling his own incarceration, Asif said, "We used to sleep on the cold floor and eat the food [prepared] at the jail," describing conditions with limited blankets and no hot water. By contrast, he alleged that Imran had "a double bed and velvet bedding", and said the jail superintendent personally attended to him. Asif remarked that Imran should "listen to his own speech on the jail's loudspeaker," adding that "he (Imran) should fear God." Imran, 73, has been in custody since August 2023 and is currently imprisoned in Adiala jail in a 190 million-pound corruption case. He also faces trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act linked to the events of May 9, 2023. PTI has repeatedly voiced concerns regarding his health while in detention, Dawn noted. (ANI) New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has drawn attention after he revealed the "weirdest thing" he has noticed during his recent visit to the White House while waiting for President Donald Trump. In a recent interview, Mamdani was asked to describe the "weirdest thing" he saw at the White House. Speaking on "The Adam Friedland Show," Mamdani said he spotted a "UFC" coffee-table book among Trump''s reading materials and added he had "no idea" that the White House was preparing to host a mixed martial arts event on the South Lawn in June 2026. Recalling the moments leading up to the meeting, Mamdani explained, "I sit down, waiting for the time of the meeting, and in front of me are all of these different coffee-table books." He added that "one of them is UFC at the White House. I had no idea, and I was just flipping, flipping through that." When asked whether the book featured fighters in action, Mamdani clarified that the images were mock-ups showing how the UFC''s octagon-style arena might appear on the South Lawn. The upcoming event, which Trump had hinted at earlier this year as part of commemorations for America''s 250th anniversary, is set for June 14, 2026 -- coinciding with the president''s 80th birthday. When questioned on whether he planned to attend, Mamdani simply responded, "No," accompanied by a laugh. In a separate conversation with NBC, Mamdani stood by his earlier criticisms of Trump, reiterating that he views the president as a "fascist" and a "despot" despite their recent cordial encounter. He told Meet the Press that "everything that I''ve said in the past I continue to believe... I think it is important in our politics that we don''t shy away from where we have disagreements." His remarks underscored that the political divide between the two remained intact even after their in-person meeting. This tension contrasted sharply with the viral moment the pair shared during their appearance before the media at the White House. When a reporter pressed Mamdani on whether he still considered Trump a fascist, the president stepped in, saying, "That''s OK. You can just say it. That''s easier... It''s easier than explaining it. I don''t mind." The exchange, marked by unexpected ease between two ideological opponents, quickly spread online and drew widespread commentary. The combination of Mamdani''s candid recollection of the meeting, his continued criticism of Trump, and the light-hearted media moment has kept public attention focused on the unusual dynamic unfolding between the incoming New York mayor and the president. (ANI) Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday while Co-Chairing the Third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, said they held talks on furthering defence cooperation. Singh noted that both nations adopted shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to meet the Indonesian Defence Minister General Retd. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin in New Delhi. Our defence cooperation built on our commitment to maintain regional security has grown manifold during the recent years. During the deliberations today, we had a free and frank discussion to further strengthen our defence cooperation and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." https://x.com/rajnathsingh/status/1993952758274425324?s=20 "I'm very happy to meet you here and welcome you to India for this third India-Indonesia defence ministers dialogue. India and Indonesia share civilizational ties which go back thousands of years. India and Indonesia are maritime neighbors sharing the historical, cultural, civilizational, and the historical linkages. Values of pluralism, inclusiveness, and the rule of law are common to both our countries, and these shared values have given direction to our contemporary relations. As two leading democracies in Asia, we share many commonalities that help lay the foundation of sustained defence, trade, cultural and diplomatic cooperation," he said while addressing the Indonesian side. Singh noted the growing cooperation in bilateral and multilateral arena between both nations. "In recent times, the comprehensive strategic partnership between our countries is characterized by growing cooperation in bilateral and multilateral arena, including frequent high-level interactions. Both India and Indonesia adopted shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific between India and Indonesia," he said. He noted that during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Indonesia, both countries signed an agreement which enhanced defence cooperation between both nations. "During visit of our Prime Minister to Indonesia in May 2018, as well as the signing of the enhanced agreement on defence cooperation, by frequent meetings with His Excellency Prabowo Subianto as defence minister, further strengthened both our countries' commitment to augment defence cooperation," he said. Singh was all praises for the 352-member band and marching contingent display from Indonesian Military Academy during India's Republic Day celebrations, which Subianto attended as the Chief Guest. "A state visit of President Prabowo Subianto to India from 23 to 26 January 2025, during which he was also the chief guest of our Republic Day parade, has infused fresh impetus to India-Indonesia relations with a renewed focus in defence and security. I must add the colorful and spirited 352-member band and marching contingent display from Indonesian Military Academy captivated us all with their splendid march past," he added. Singh said that India-Indonesia ties have flourished through the years and they share the foundation of regional security. "Through the decades, our defence ties have flourished, built on the foundation of the mutual commitment to regional security. Today serves as a testament to the growing strength of our defence cooperation, which is an important pillar of our cooperation," he said. Singh said that he looked forward to further discuss frankly on deepening the bilateral ties. "Excellency, during the deliberations today, I look forward to have free and frank exchange of views to further deepen and our bilateral defence cooperation," he said. The Ministry of Defence on Wednesday had said that the two ministers will review regional security developments, discuss multilateral issues and explore new areas to deepen bilateral defence cooperation during the dialogue. (ANI) Senior journalist Shams Kerio has sharply criticised Pakistan's ruling establishment, warning that the country's deepening crises stem from the absence of a coherent internal and external policy. Speaking from Karachi, Kerio said that the lack of clarity in decision-making has worsened governance, destabilised border regions, and left the economy in a dire state. "The country's problems are multiplying because our internal and foreign policies are not clear," Kerio stated, pointing to what he described as "policy paralysis" within successive governments. He asserted that Pakistan's leadership has failed to articulate a consistent diplomatic approach or a national security framework, resulting in uncertainty at home and abroad. Kerio also highlighted the worsening law and order situation, noting that incidents of violence, abductions, and unrest have surged across multiple provinces. He particularly emphasised that the terrorist spillover from Afghanistan continues to haunt Pakistan, with militant activities still posing a grave threat. "The terrorism that came from Afghanistan has not been completely controlled," he said, warning that this ongoing instability has made both Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) unsafe and volatile. The journalist highlighted that these persistent security challenges have also crippled Pakistan's economy, discouraging investment and damaging industrial output. "When there is no peace in Balochistan and KP, how can the economy function?" he questioned. Criticising the ruling class for inaction, Kerio urged the government to formulate clear policies and engage transparently with neighbouring countries. He said the absence of diplomatic clarity and internal consensus has not only isolated Pakistan internationally but also deepened domestic unrest. "The leadership must sit together, confront reality, and address these national issues with sincerity," he urged, adding that until Pakistan defines its priorities, "the cycle of instability will continue." Kerio's remarks reflect growing public frustration over the government's failure to ensure security, stability, and economic relief amid what many observers describe as one of Pakistan's most uncertain political periods in recent years. (ANI) Accriva Diagnostics, Inc. allegedly failed to pay employees for overtime wages due to missed meals and rest periods. Additionally, Defendant failed to reimburse employees for personal business expenses, as required to execute the job duties. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** SAN DIEGO, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Diego employment law attorneys, at Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP , filed a class action complaint alleging that Accriva Diagnostics, Inc. violated the California Labor Code. The Accriva Diagnostics, Inc. class action lawsuit, Case No. 25CU058808C, is currently pending in the San Diego County Superior Court of the State of California. A copy of the Complaint can be read here . The Law Office of Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP According to the lawsuit filed, Accriva Diagnostics, Inc. allegedly failed to provide employees with legally required meal and rest breaks . Specifically, Defendant would from time to time interrupt employees with work assignments while they were clocked out for their legally required meal breaks. As a result, Defendant allegedly paid less than they would have been paid had they been paid for actual recorded time. When the hours shown on the wage statements were added up, they did not equal the actual total hours worked during the pay period in violation of Cal. Lab. Code 226(a)(2). The Complaint further alleges that Accriva Diagnostics, Inc. required Employees to use their personnel cellular phones without reimbursing expense. California Labor Code Section 2808 expressly states that "an employer shall indemnify his or her employee for all necessary expenditures or losses incurred by the employee in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties" Employees incurred expenses related to use of their personal cellular phones. For more information about the class action lawsuit against Accriva Diagnostics, Inc., call (800) 568-8020 to speak to an experienced California employment attorney today. Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP is an employment law firm with offices located in San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Riverside and Chicago that dedicates its practice to helping employees, investors and consumers fight back against unfair business practices, including violations of the California Labor Code and Fair Labor Standards Act. If you need help in collecting unpaid overtime wages, unpaid commissions, being wrongfully terminated from work, and other employment law claims, contact one of their attorneys today. **THIS IS AN ATTORNEY ADVERTISEMENT** Media Contact Nicholas De Blouw Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP (800) 568-8020 [email protected] https://www.bamlawca.com/ SOURCE Blumenthal Nordrehaug Bhowmik De Blouw LLP Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin hailed the longstanding ties between India and Indonesia during the third Defence Minsiters' Dialogue here in the national capital and expressed optimism towards building a stronger optimism in ties. Speaking at the Defence Ministers' Dialogue, Sjamsoeddin thanked India for the warm hospitality. "It is a great honor to participate in this dialogue to further deepen the longstanding relations between our two countries, India and Indonesia." He conveyed appreciation for the exceptional hospitality and warm reception accorded to the Indonesian National Defence Forces contingent during the Republic Day Parade in India and wishes from President Prabowo. "Indonesia and India are not only maritime neighbors, but also comprehensive strategic partners. We have long and deep historical and cultural and religious between two countries. Defense cooperation has long been an important pillar of this relationship and today's dialogue carries forward for the strong momentum we have built together", Defence Minister Sjamsoeddin said. He added, "In 2018, the visit of India Defense Minister to Jakarta revitalized our defence cooperation through the ceremonial signing of the Defense Cooperation Agreement. Building on that momentum, the 2020 dialogue in New Delhi reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening defence cooperation, particularly in defense industry collaboration and technology cooperation. We both sides emphasizing the importance of translating discussion into concrete and practical deliverables". Sjamsoeddin expressed confidence towards the dialogue, noting, "I am confident that our dialogue today will produce concrete outcomes that strengthen trust and advance the strategic partnership between our two defense establishments." Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday noted that as two democracies in the Indo-Pacific, both India and Indonesia can lay foundation for cooperation. Singh, while Co-Chairing the Third India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue with Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, noted that both nations adopted shared vision on maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. "I'm very happy to meet you here and welcome you to India for this third India-Indonesia defence ministers dialogue. India and Indonesia share civilizational ties which go back thousands of years. India and Indonesia are maritime neighbors sharing the historical, cultural, civilizational, and the historical linkages. Values of pluralism, inclusiveness, and the rule of law are common to both our countries, and these shared values have given direction to our contemporary relations. As two leading democracies in Asia, we share many commonalities that help lay the foundation of sustained defence, trade, cultural and diplomatic cooperation," he said. According to the ministry, the two ministers will review regional security developments, discuss multilateral issues and explore new areas to deepen bilateral defence cooperation. The Indonesian minister is on a two-day visit to India from November 26 to 27. The ministry noted that the visit reflects the growing momentum in India-Indonesia defence engagement and signals a shared commitment to expand the partnership. In recent times, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries is characterised by growing cooperation in the bilateral and multilateral arenas, including frequent high-level interactions, which is further strengthened by the Act East policy of India. The meeting comes as India-Indonesia moves closer to signing the BrahMos cruise missile deal, in a major boost for the indigenous defence industry. Defence sources told ANI that almost all the procedures are completed in the negotiations and only a nod from the Russian side is required for moving forward towards signing the contract. India and Indonesia have been discussing the deal for a long time. The issue was discussed in detail during a high-level visit in January this year when top Indonesian political and military leadership was in New Delhi. India has been able to sell the missiles to the Philippines and is looking to expand the market for the unique weapon system, which has now proved itself in war, also during the recent India-Pakistan conflict in May this year. Senior Indian military leaders visited Indonesia recently, including the Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan. (ANI) The High Commission of India in Colombo on Thursday expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected families and conveyed solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka affected due to landslides and extreme weather conditions. In a post on X, it said, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives and extensive damages caused by the recent landslides and extreme weather conditions in Sri Lanka. The Indian Embassy in Sri Lanka extends heartfelt condolences to the affected families and conveys solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka." https://x.com/IndiainSL/status/1993960835438530989?s=20 Sri Lanka is confronting one of its most severe weather disasters in recent years, as days of heavy rainfall and multiple landslides have killed 31 people, left 14 missing, and displaced thousands across the island, the Disaster Management Center (DMC) said on Thursday, Xinhua reported. According to the latest situation report, extreme weather has affected 17 districts, impacting 1,158 families and 4,008 individuals. The DMC said 10 people have been injured, three homes have been destroyed, and 381 houses have been partially damaged. At least 131 people have been relocated to temporary safe centres. Badulla District has recorded the highest number of fatalities with 18 deaths, followed by Kegalle with seven and Nuwara Eliya with 4. One death each was reported in Hambantota and Kurunegala, DMC said, as per Xinhua. Authorities warned that continued rainfall may trigger further landslides, floods, and road closures, particularly in central and hilly regions, Xinhua reported. Amid the worsening conditions, the Department of Examinations announced the postponement of the University Entrance examinations scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The Commissioner General of Examinations said the decision was made after heavy rains disrupted transportation in several districts and forced the closure of major roads. Emergency teams are continuing search-and-rescue operations in high-risk areas as the government urges the public to remain alert to landslide warnings and rising water levels. (ANI) At least 11 people were killed on Thursday when a test train struck a group of maintenance workers on the track in Kunming, the capital of China's Yunnan province, state-run Xinhua reported. Two others were injured and have been hospitalised. According to China Railway Kunming Group Co. Ltd., the accident took place early in the morning at Louyangzhen station. Railway authorities said the cause of the collision is still under investigation, though operations at the station have since resumed. Xinhua said emergency teams were immediately deployed after the crash. "After the accident, the railway authorities immediately activated the emergency response plan and, together with the local government, organised rescue efforts and medical treatment for the injured," the agency reported. The incident comes just a day after a major tragedy in Hong Kong, where a high-rise apartment building caught fire, killing 55 people, according to CNN. Another 23 people were injured in the blaze, including eight firefighters. Officials said 51 victims died at the scene and four later succumbed to injuries in the hospital. China, which operates one of the world's largest railway networks, has reported several fatal train accidents over the years, though such incidents have reduced significantly. In 2022, a train derailed in Guizhou province after striking debris from a landslide near Rongjiang county, killing the conductor and injuring eight others, according to state media, Al Jazeera reported. (ANI) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday reached Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail, where Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were held in connection with a web of corruption charges. The KP CM, along with other PTI lawmakers and supporters, gathered in front of the prison in protest over the growing concerns about Khan's health, fuelled by speculation triggered by claims from the former PM's sister, Aleema Khan, who was denied permission to meet Khan by the authorities. Visuals from the site show security outside Adiala Jail remained tight as the PTI supporters gathered around the area. This comes after the sit-in at the Gorakhpur checkpost near Adiala Jail, led by Khan's sister Aleema Khan and PTI supporters, was called off following negotiations with police. According to ARY News, citing official authorities, police held initial talks with Aleema Khan and PTI leaders at the protest site. They assured them that meetings with the former prime minister would be arranged. Earlier, Aleema Khan had been leading a determined sit-in outside Adiala Jail, saying she would not leave until she was allowed to meet her brother. She repeatedly stated that she and her family were prepared to remain at the checkpost for as long as necessary, according to ARY News. She alleged that Imran Khan is being kept in solitary confinement, calling the treatment "oppressive" and "illegal". Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Afridi announced that PTI lawmakers from the National Assembly, provincial assemblies and the Senate will stage a peaceful protest outside the Islamabad High Court (IHC) every Tuesday to oppose delays in cases concerning Imran Khan and his wife, Dawn reported. He also stated that the party's peaceful push for Khan's release would continue and that he himself would visit Adiala Jail every Thursday until he was allowed to meet the former prime minister. Addressing PTI workers at an event in Peshawar, Afridi said the lawmakers would remain at the IHC until 1 pm and then march to Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail along with Imran Khan's sisters to stage a sit-in outside the prison, Dawn reported. He urged PTI secretary general Salman Akram Raja to ensure the attendance of all party representatives, stressing that workers must hold their Members of the NAs and Members of the PAs accountable for attending the weekly protests. According to Dawn, Afridi said those who won elections using Imran Khan's name must now stand up for justice for the jailed PTI founder, who he claimed was facing mistreatment in custody. The chief minister also announced a political gathering in Peshawar on December 7. (ANI) India and Indonesia on Thursday agreed to deepen the defence cooperation between the two nations by stepping up the maritime security coordination and enhancing collaboration in defence technology. During the 3rd India-Indonesia Defence Ministers' Dialogue discussions, co-chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Indonesian counterpart, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, both leaders centred their talks on strengthening defence industry partnership, expanding military-to-military engagements and reinforcing a shared strategic vision for a free, open, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific. According to a release by the Ministry of Defence, both sides reiterated the significance of a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and noted the strong convergence between the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. They also agreed to intensify cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience and joint operational readiness, and to deepen engagement through regional frameworks, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association under India's chairmanship. Indonesia further welcomed India's proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to advance work on technology transfer, joint R&D, certification harmonisation and supply-chain linkages. "India and Indonesia reiterated the importance of maintaining a free, open, peaceful, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, guided by international law and respect for sovereignty. Noting that the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative share relevant fundamental principles, Indonesia reiterated that India remains a key partner in promoting peace and cooperation in the region. Both sides agreed to enhance cooperation through multilateral frameworks such as Indian Ocean Rim Association under India's chairmanship. Both countries committed to enhancing practical cooperation in maritime domain awareness, cyber resilience, and joint operational readiness," the release stated. "The Dialogue reaffirmed the strong foundation of bilateral defence cooperation, including the Defence Cooperation Agreement and the work of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee. Indonesia appreciated India's proposal to establish a Joint Defence Industry Cooperation Committee to further strengthen collaboration in areas such as technology transfer, joint R&D, certification harmonisation, and supply-chain linkages," it added. The two ministers also reviewed progress in military engagements, noting the growing scope of joint exercises such as Super Garuda Shield, Garuda Shakti, Samudra Shakti and MILAN, as well as the upcoming Air Manoeuvre Exercises. They agreed to continue officer exchanges, joint training programmes and institutional visits to further strengthen interoperability. Indonesia acknowledged India's experience in submarine development and supply-chain management, particularly the Scorpene-class programme, as valuable for its future capability plans. The ministers also discussed cooperation in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals, with both sides exploring joint research, technology transfer and training to boost military health resilience. "India's experience in submarine development and supply-chain management, including Scorpene-class programs, was acknowledged as highly valuable for Indonesia's future plans. Both countries also discussed collaboration in defence medicine and pharmaceuticals, including joint research, technology transfer, and training programs to strengthen military health resilience," the release read. The Dialogue also saw both countries reaffirm support for a just and lasting peace in Palestine, while Indonesia expressed readiness to contribute peacekeeping personnel to Gaza under a UN mandate. They also recognised opportunities to collaborate in humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction and multilateral peace efforts. In a symbolic gesture reflecting the warmth in bilateral ties, India announced it would gift horses and a ceremonial carriage to Indonesia from the Indian Army's Remount Veterinary Corps, the release stated. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Dialogue and committed to sustaining high-level exchanges and practical cooperation across defence and security areas to strengthen peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (ANI) Additional Interior Secretary Salman Chaudhry told Pakistan's Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights on Thursday that the UAE had unofficially halted visa issuance for Pakistani passport holders, except for blue and diplomatic passports. Addressing the committe, he further said that both the UAE and Saudi Arabia had "stopped short of imposing a complete ban" on the Pakistani passport, adding that "If a ban is imposed, getting it removed would be difficult." Committee chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri also confirmed the remarks, saying the restriction stemmed from repeated incidents where Pakistani visitors were found engaged in unlawful activities inside the UAE, Dawn quoted. She said the UAE imposed the bar amid growing concerns that Pakistanis arriving there were "getting involved in criminal activities, " Dawn reported. She added that only a handful of visas had been granted recently, "and those too after much difficulty". The issue has been simmering for months. Pakistanis faced widespread visa rejections as early as July, prompting Pak's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to raise the matter with his UAE counterpart. During a meeting on July 11, UAE Lt Gen Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan promised "full support" but did not reverse the restrictions, Dawn reported. Earlier in April, UAE Ambassador to Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi had claimed that visa issues were "resolved" and that Pakistanis could access a five-year visa, a statement now contradicted by Islamabad's own officials. Concerns over misuse of visit visas by Pakistani nationals have surfaced repeatedly. In January, Pakistan's Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis was informed that some UAE visas had been "unofficially closed". (ANI) As Cyprus gears up for its Presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026, the potential sealing of the highly anticipated European Union-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is a primary aspiration, according to Annita Demetriou, the President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Demetriou emphasised the strategic significance of India as a key ally and pledged Cyprus's full support to expedite the landmark trade deal. "We have to; we have to seal that, and we aspire to that, because we do believe that India is a very important ally," Demetriou stated, highlighting the mutual benefits of the agreement. "As a full member of the European Union for 20 years now, we will try to assist in any and every possible way. Because we do believe that is for the benefit of both of us and Cyprus," she affirmed, adding that her nation would pass the message that "through synergies and collaborations, we can do more." The Cypriot President also expressed strong support for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, seeing it as a critical avenue for further collaboration. "We are much in favour of IMEC, the further collaboration of Europe and India, and I think that Cyprus can play its own unique role towards that, and I think that very soon we will have very positive notifications about it," she noted. Discussing Cyprus's potential contribution to strengthening the IMEC corridor, Demetriou stressed the need to upgrade bilateral relations with India across multiple sectors. "First is that Cyprus at the bilateral level, between Cyprus and India, should upscale even more the relations in various sectors, such as, as you correctly mentioned, shipping, trade, education, and connectivity," she elaborated. She stressed that at the European level, regarding IMEC and broader agreements between Europe and India, "we can do a lot." She acknowledged the growing regional interest in Indian collaboration. "It's not by luck that recently you have seen Greece and other countries aspire... I want to have further collaboration with India. And you can understand that in Cyprus, we will play our own vital role towards that," she added. Demetriou concluded this point by reiterating the Presidency's goal, "We want to see what more... we can do in order to achieve that." Addressing the ongoing situation concerning Turkey's occupation of Northern Cyprus, President Demetriou expressed deep gratitude for India's steadfast support. "We always had your support. India stood firmly... next to Cyprus all these years, corresponding positively to the Agreed Framework, which is the resolutions of the United Nations and of the Security Council," she shared. "And we are greatly grateful for it." She specifically acknowledged India's contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission. "Also, I need to refer to your presence in UNFICYP that all these years, India has been supporting us, and this is something we truly cherish." Demetriou emphasised the profound importance of India's stance, hoping for a swift resolution. "Your support means a lot, and we hope that soon we will be able to establish peace, stability and security in our country as well," she said. Concluding with a vision for regional peace, she stated, "Cyprus can be a catalyst to the security and peace enforcement that we want for the neighbourhood, for Europe and for the whole world as well. That is why we believe that India has a strong position and leverage to remark about everything that we need. It needs to be passed forward in order to accomplish that goal." (ANI) According to the Yonhap News Agency, the move comes in the wake of widespread outrage over the death of a South Korean college student, who was reportedly tortured by an online job-scam ring in Cambodia. The incident prompted the South Korean government to intensify efforts against transnational criminal networks in the region. According to the South Korean Foreign Ministry, the sanctions target criminal organisations engaged in voice phishing and other online fraud, including members linked to Prince Group and Huione Group. Prince Group is known for operating online scam rings in Cambodia's Prince Complex and Mango Complex, luring South Koreans with promises of high-paying jobs. At the same time, Huione Group operates a widely used online payment platform that is used for money laundering, Yonhap News Agency reported. "The government has been making all-out and comprehensive efforts to respond to transnational crimes that pose serious threats to the lives and property of our citizens," the ministry said, adding that the sanctions are an extension of ongoing measures and consultations with other countries to eradicate such crimes, as reported by the Yonhap News Agency. South Korea recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China to cooperate on countering voice phishing and online fraud, following talks between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping. Many of these scam operations in Southeast Asia are reportedly run by, or linked to, Chinese nationals or companies, Yonhap News Agency reported. Additionally, Seoul has signed an MoU with Cambodia to establish a task force within the Cambodian police to tackle online scams targeting South Koreans and ensure better protection of its citizens abroad. (ANI) Nepal on Thursday issued its new banknote for the NPR 100, featuring an updated map that includes the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, which came into circulation from today. In a public notice, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central bank of the Himalayan nation, stated that the newly introduced NPR 100 note was designed to include refined security and identification elements to enhance authenticity and usability. In October last year, the NRB entrusted a Chinese company with printing the new banknotes. The design of the NPR 100 denomination was approved by the Nepalese Cabinet during a meeting led by the former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in May 2024. The contract for printing was awarded to China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation. On May 20, 2020, Nepal issued a new map incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani through a constitutional amendment. Under the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, the NRB is responsible for designing the notes, though any changes to the design or size of the notes require government approval. The new note features Mount Everest on the left side and a watermark of the Rhododendron--the national flower of Nepal--on the right. The centre of the note includes illustrations of Nepal's map and the Ashoka Pillar, while the main design highlights a one-horned rhinoceros with its calf. For visually impaired users, a tactile black dot has been added near the Ashoka Pillar to help identify the denomination by touch. The note retains the colour and size of the previous version and includes a depiction of Maya Devi printed in silver metallic ink inside an oval on the left side. The guarantee text, which assures the government's payment of NPR 100 to the bearer, remains printed on the note. For security, the banknote contains a 2-millimetre special security thread that appears red when viewed straight and green when tilted. The note carries the signature of the then-Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari and includes a series number marked "2081" in Nepali numerals at the bottom. The NRB had commissioned the Chinese company to design, print, supply, and deliver 300 million 100-rupee notes. The total printing cost is estimated at approximately USD 8,996,592. At the current exchange rate, this amounts to over NPR 1.2 billion, making the cost of printing each 100-rupee note roughly NPR 4 and 4 paisa. India's position on the Kalapani region, including Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, is that it is part of its territory. This claim is based on India's interpretation of the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, which defined the border with Nepal based on the Kali River. India maintains that the river originates at the Kalapani village, while Nepal argues it originates further north, at Limpiyadhura. This difference in interpretation leads to the disputed territory. (ANI) French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday announced the launch of a new voluntary military service programme for young citizens aged 18 and 19, which is set to begin in the summer of 2026, Euronews reported. According to Euronews, the scheme aims to induct 3,000 participants in its first year, with the government targeting an expansion to 10,000 by 2030 and up to 50,000 by 2035. Macron said that the recruits will be selected during a "day of mobilisation", based on their motivation and the requirements of the French armed forces. Volunteers will undertake a 10-month service period, starting with a month of basic military training, including weapons handling, followed by nine months posted with military units operating within French territory, as reported by Euronews. Participants will receive remuneration and will be deployed on domestic missions, including Operation Sentinelle -- France's large-scale internal security operation launched in 2015. The French President emphasised that the programme is intended to strengthen national preparedness amid an "acceleration of crises", adding that France must "be ready and be respected". However, Macron ruled out reviving universal conscription, which was suspended in 1996 and officially abolished in 2001, noting that such a move would require mobilising between 600,000 and 800,000 youths annually, Euronews reported. The move also signals a shift away from Macron's earlier Universal National Service project, which sought to introduce a civic engagement programme for all young people. Earlier this week, Macron clarified that the new scheme was not designed to send French youth to Ukraine, following controversy sparked by the French Chief of Defence Staff General Fabien Mandon, who warned that France must be prepared to "accept losing its children" amid rising tensions with Russia, as reported by Euronews. The programme's introduction comes as France seeks to manage its financial constraints and reduce national debt. Currently, 12 European nations maintain compulsory military service, with Macron citing Norway's selective service model -- where around 15 per cent of each age group serves for 12 months -- as an example, Euronews reported. (ANI) GOTHENBURG, Sweden and VASTRA GOTALAND, Sweden, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CEO Dr Martin Edlund:"Minesto moves forward with a funded and reinforced action plan for commercial breakthrough." Significant events July-September 2025 In July Minesto announced a reorganization over the last year was completed, resulting in readiness to deliver commercial projects and reduced fixed costs. Reshaping of the organization include relocation geographically, management team set-up and product development focus. The completed reorganization resulted in a reduction of fixed costs by approximately 35%. In August the company appointed new CFO, Alexander Jancke, strengthening the business development agenda with start October 2025. Former CFO Gustav Kvibling leaves his position to pursue opportunities outside the company. Together with project partners Sev, Capture Energy and IVL, Minesto completed a planning and project set-up workshop for the 25 MSEK Microgrid Project awarded by Swedish Energy Agency. In parallel with the project, Minesto has added an integration of two local end-user applications of tidal energy in the Faroe Islands to strengthen customer involvement. On 16 September 2025, Minesto announced that the Board of Directors, conditional on the subsequent approval of an extraordinary general meeting, had resolved on a rights issue of shares of approximately SEK 152.4 million. The subscription price was determined to SEK 1.85 per share. Minesto received guarantee commitments subject to customary conditions which, in aggregate, amount to SEK 99.0 million, corresponding to approximately 65.0 percent of the Rights Issue. After the end of the period On 28 October, Minesto announced the outcome of the company's rights issue of up to 82,364,595 shares. 33,436,356 shares, corresponding to approximately 40.6 percent of the Rights Issue, had been subscribed for with the support of subscription rights. Additionally, applications for subscription of 575,828 shares, corresponding to approximately 0.7 percent of the Rights Issue, had been received for subscription of shares without the support of subscription rights. In aggregate, the subscriptions with the support of subscription rights and the applications for subscription without the support of subscription rights correspond to approximately 41.3 percent of the Rights Issue. Hence, guarantee commitments of 19,501,329 shares, corresponding to approximately 23.7 percent of the Rights Issue, will be utilized. The Rights Issue provides the company with proceeds of approximately SEK 99.0 million before deduction of costs related to the Rights Issue. On 30 October, Git Sturesjo Adolfsson resigned as a member of the Company's Board. Deputy Board Member Andreas Gunnarsson assumed her position. The Board of Directors resolved to allow Fenja Capital to set off its outstanding loan claims, including accrued interest, totalling approximately SEK 22.2 million as payment for part of the shares that Fenja Capital has been allocated and subscribed for in the Rights Issue. On 8 October, Minesto invited investors and the public with an interest in technology and energy systems to a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the tidal energy kite Dragon 4 "Iunn" as she was brought home for a break from production duty at the company's demonstration site in the North Atlantic where it produces electricity to the Faroe Islands grid. The event attracted around 150 guests, presentations are available on the company's youtube channel. In October, Minesto was part of a high-level Swedish delegation to South Korea aiming to explore new partnerships and strengthen bilateral collaboration in the green transition. The delegation was led by HRH Crown Princess of Sweden and supported by Swedish minister for Foreign Affairs and Swedish minister for Infrastructure and Housing. The delegation was part of Focus Asia Sweden's strategy for trade and investment in the region. Extensive tidal and ocean current resources make South Korea a highly attractive market for Minesto. In November, Minesto participated in high-level Swedish business delegation to Canada in connection with the royal couple's state visit. The delegation, led by the Swedish Minister for Energy and Business and Minister for Defence, aimed to strengthen Swedish-Canadian relations and promote innovation with focus on AI, defence & security and electrification. Significant ocean resources with tidal streams and political support for ocean energy make Canada a highly attractive market for Minesto. Minesto was selected to be part of InnoEnergy's annual industry event The Business Booster, this year in Lisbon in October. InnoEnergy, initiated by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), is Europe's investment company at the forefront of clean energy transition and Minesto was invited as one of the industrial scale-ups driving Europe's energy transition. During the third quarter, Minesto continued to attract credible media publicity the tidal energy kites were featured in Forbes online as well as in a new in-depth TV documentary, airing on Arte and available in German and French. The Group in summary 1 January30 September 2025 Total operating income for the period amounted to SEK 17,046 thousand (19,320) and mainly consist of capitalised development work. Net sales amounted to SEK 0 thousand (75). Operating loss for the period amounted to SEK 28,158 thousand (32,884). The negative result is largely attributable to business development and administration related to technology development. During the period personnel costs of SEK 17,045 thousand (19,222) has been capitalised as development work. At the end of the period, the intangible fixed assets amounted to SEK 567,805 thousand (531,569), of which capitalised development costs SEK 549,991 thousand (514,633) and capitalised patent expenses SEK 17,814 thousand (16,937). During the period, payments of SEK 4,416 thousand (27,803) were received from public funding schemes, of which SEK 54 thousand (26,474) is approved claims and the remaining part is advance payments. Grants of SEK 1,263 thousand (716) were accounted for during the period, of which SEK 1,263 thousand (716) has reduced the acquisition value of the capitalised development costs. Cash flow for the period amounted to SEK 8,182 thousand (39,418). At the end of the period, cash and cash equivalents amounted to SEK 26,422 thousand (54,790). At the end of the period, equity amounted to SEK 554,230 thousand (571,836) divided into 205,911,488 shares (194,116,040), of which loss for the period amounted to SEK 30,138 thousand (32,731). The Interim Management Statement t is available to download at Minesto's website: www.minesto.com/investor/investor-information CEO comment: Minesto moves forward with a funded and reinforced action plan for commercial breakthrough This Third quarter and beyond have been a busy period for Minesto. First and foremost, we have secured funding by a rights issue to keep pushing our commercial agenda forward. This was achieved in a tough capital market with proceeds of SEK 99 million before deduction of transaction fees and loan payback. The size of this investment is satisfactory and immediately creates momentum in reinforcing our action plan for commercial breakthrough. However, the overall message from the capital market to Minesto is clear: the commercial roll-out needs to accelerate. Let me give you a brief run-through on how we execute our plan to deliver business based on our groundbreaking innovation. A unique sales team The volume of sales offers is on the rise, as well as the number of markets where step-in offers are made. It is no secret that most actors in a novel market are "late movers" so the increasing volume in market activities and sales offers is key to push customers into faster and larger commitments. We have expanded and organized a multidisciplinary commercial team with expertise in key areas necessary for promoting our power plants: Site identification expertise (ocean flow simulations etc.) Power plant design adaptation to maximize production yield Design of tidal energy parks and associated business simulation Construction of project investment cases Energy system analysis for assessment of the value of adding tidal energy production Our approach is process-oriented where re-use and improvement iterations of product descriptions, tender documentation, legal-frameworks and content of customer offers also supports an increased volume of sales activities, but even more so the quality of our work. Given the novel nature of our ocean energy sector and the uniqueness of our technology, we have been forced to and succeeded with putting together a truly unique sales team to deliver business. Putting the Rights issue investment to work The purpose of our recent investment round is to strengthen our commercial offer and contribute to risk reduction of investment offers for Dragon farms (tidal array projects). This marks a substantial shift in focus, built on the following core activities. Since August, with substantial technical contributions from partners and funding from the Swedish Energy Agency of 25 MSEK, we are expanding the test site in Vestmanna into a complete microgrid-system for sales and delivery. With this system, we will be able to address non-grid connected needs in the Faroe Islands, but also to offer tidal microgrids in all suitable commercial contexts globally. We have end-customer involvement to make it into a complete microgrid business set-up where we will be paid for fossil fuel and CO2 emission reductions. We are also adding substantial value to the project investment case at Hestfjord in the Faroe Islands via site development activities. We have progress in a range of areas to further reduce environmental risks (an example of this includes sound measurements), to make assessments of production yield more robust (with simulations of array design) and improvements of our maintenance set-up. This work is all done in close collaboration with SEV and other potential commercial partners. Our goal is clearly within reach, to secure that the world's first commercial tidal array at scale will be a Minesto Dragon Farm. We limit site development investments to the Hestfjord project, but all aspects of maturing that project has merits for other Dragon Farm opportunities, both existing and new. In this way, our ability to on-board project development partners and site project investments is significantly increasing. Our extended sales capability combined with the site-development achievements in Hestfjord makes it possible for us to revisit existing partnerships in markets such as Wales, Taiwan and the Philippines, but also to add new ones in a range of markets such as Canada, Ireland and Japan. Our go-to-market model is based on forming strategic partnerships with project developers in basically all relevant tidal markets. We have serious interest from potential partners across the globe and are organized to engage with all of them. The value of tidal energy from our Dragons Minesto continues to lead the industry in terms of LCOE, with a 2,5 M EUR/MW in CAPEX, thanks to our outstanding power-to-weight-ratio and efficient energy conversion. With the first 30 M EUR investment for the first tidal energy farm (10 MW), we foresee an LCOE at 150 EUR/MWh outperforming other ocean renewables. Notably, this is the world-first installation and standard cost-reductions from learning and increased scale will enable large scale (multimegawatt) commercial build out at competitive cost-levels. As an extension to our business development work on analyzing our cost-competitiveness, we now also assess how our tidal electricity production contributes to the total cost of electricity to serve consumers in a given market. In-short, markets with a solid tidal resource can shape a cost-efficient roadmap towards net-zero if they rely on our Dragons. If not, the cost of storage, build of over-capacity and system losses makes it economically unfeasible to reach net-zero relying only on the so-called mature renewables, solar and wind. We conclude that for our target markets an energy system including our tidal technology will be able to cut cost-of-electricity in half compared to a renewable scenario without us. The message we send to potential customers and energy stakeholders is that it may be perceived as risky to "bet" on our novel renewable energy technology, but it is even more risky to stick to existing solutions that are proven insufficient to deliver an affordable energy transition towards sustainability. Thus, our tidal energy offer has a key role to play with its base-load characteristics and competitive cost levels. We are, more than ever in the driver's seat to be the true pioneers, delivering the large-scale commercial breakthrough for ocean renewable energy. /Martin Edlund, CEO of Minesto Contact Cecilia Sernhage, Chief Communications Officer +46 735 23 71 58 [email protected] This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/minesto-ab/r/interim-management-statement-1-january---30-september-2025,c4273429 The following files are available for download: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Thursday met Ousmane Bougouma, President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly of Burkina Faso, and discussed the growing development-oriented partnership between the two countries. He highlighted how the Indian Parliament is leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Sansad to enhance transparency and efficiency in legislative functioning. "Delighted to welcome Mr. Ousmane Bougouma, President of the Transitional Legislative Assembly of Burkina Faso, and the accompanying delegation to the Parliament of India. Exchanged views on the warm and friendly ties between our countries and the growing Development-Oriented Partnership that continues to add new dimensions to our bilateral cooperation," Om Birla said in a post on X. "Highlighted how the Indian Parliament is leveraging Artificial Intelligence and Digital Sansad to enhance transparency, efficiency, and technological advancement in legislative functioning. Appreciated his participation in the capacity-building programme organised by PRIDE and conveyed India's readiness to organise customised training modules in the future," he added. Lok Sabha Speaker assured him of India's continued support in advancing Burkina Faso's development goals. Earlier in the day, the Speaker also met a delegation from Cyprus led by Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives. The meeting was part of a series of diplomatic engagements by the Cypriot side in recent days aimed at strengthening democratic cooperation and expanding parliamentary diplomacy. Birla said India and Cyprus enjoy long-standing ties built on shared democratic values, mutual trust and close collaboration. He recalled Cyprus conferring its highest civilian honour, the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year, calling it a symbol of the deep goodwill between the two countries. The Cypriot delegation thanked India for its support on global platforms and endorsed New Delhi's firm stand on terrorism. "The Cypriot delegation expressed appreciation for India's guidance and support at the global stage and fully endorsed India's principled stand on zero tolerance towards terrorism. They also highlighted the important role India and Europe share in ensuring peace and stability in Cyprus. Both sides agreed on the need to expand cooperation in parliamentary training, capacity building, research exchange and people-to-people engagement," a release said. (ANI) The IDF and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) said the operation was triggered by efforts by Palestinian terror groups to entrench themselves in the area, alongside an uptick in attempted attacks. Troops moved into Tubas, Tammun, and al-Aqaba, with Palestinian media reporting a curfew, blocked roads, and bulldozers piling earth across key routes. Soldiers carried out arrests and searched for weapons. The operation is expected to last several days. The raid comes amid continued violence since Hamas's October 7, 2023, massacre. Since then, 63 civilians and Israeli security personnel have been killed in attacks inside Israel and in Judea and Samaria, while eight additional members of the security forces have died in clashes during raids in Palestinian cities. The sweep follows the killings of two wanted Palestinian terrorists in shootouts in northern Samaria. On Tuesday, near Jenin, troops killed Sultan al-Ghani, the gunman behind the 2024 murder of Gideon Perry, and arrested five suspects while seizing firearms and explosives. On Monday in Shechem (Nablus), Israeli forces killed Ala Raouf Shetiyya, responsible for a 2024 car-ramming attack that killed two Israeli soldiers. Ahead of the current operation, the IDF dropped leaflets in Tubas warning that the area had "become a haven for terrorism" and urging residents to halt terror activity or face military action. (ANI/TPS) Pakistan is going through its darkest time and witnessing "Hitler-era-like repression," with citizens being killed, beaten, and jailed without accountability, said Noreen Niazi, sister of jailed and former Prime Minister Imran Khan. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Noreen Niazi called Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir a "dictator" and described Shehbaz Sharif's government as the most "unpopular" in the country's history. "Pakistan is going through its darkest period. We used to read stories of tyrants; now we are living one. People are abducted and killed. I met a young man in Peshawar--shot in the head on November 26 last year--paralysed, his body destroyed. There are countless such cases," she said. "Sometimes I feel like the stories we heard about the Hitler era--the way people were dragged into basements--are repeating here," she added. Noreen's brother, Imran Khan, the patron-in-chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been in jail since August 2023 in multiple cases. The government has placed an undeclared ban on meetings with him for over one month. Noreen Niazi, and Imran Khan's other sisters, Aleema Khan and Dr Uzma Khan, camped outside Adiala Jail along with other Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) members after being denied a meeting with him for a month. They were reportedly attacked by Pakistan's Punjab Police last week. "We have been going there for the last four weeks, and they are not letting us meet him. This is why such rumours are spreading (that he has been killed)," she said. When asked about the action meted out against her, Noreen called out the police for their "misbehaviour." "For the first time in Pakistan, they don't care whether it's a child, an elderly person--nothing. They have been given the licence to assault anyone they find. As if no one will question them," she said. She warned that public frustration is mounting. Citizens are increasingly fed up with the government and the incarceration of Imran Khan, and even a small trigger could set off widespread protests. "I think just one spark is enough--then even they won't know to what extent people will go. The oppression is too much. People are coming out, and they will continue to come out. Even today, people are sitting there. We were also there on Tuesday till midnight. I think just one spark is enough--then even they won't know to what extent people will go. The oppression is too much," Niazi said. "They are very unpopular people. They have no public support. Imran Khan's strength is public support--people from every background stand with him. No one stands with this government. People are angry and fed up. When you oppress your own people, they will never support you," she added. Niazi explained that Shehbaz Sharif's position is largely backed by powerful forces behind the scenes, which she believes is why the current system in Pakistan continues despite public discontent. "They lost all elections. They inflated numbers--if someone got 1,400 votes, they made it 101,400. They stole everything. That is why they are weak. And the weaker they are, the more force they use. They have the support of foreign forces," she said. She expressed disappointment in the international community, saying that foreign powers are aware of human rights violations but choose not to act. "Pakistanis abroad have a voice and freedom that those inside the country lack, and they should use it to speak out against oppression," she added. (ANI) Noreen Niazi, sister of jailed and former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, spoke of the extent of media censorship in her country, claiming that the establishment has been witch-hunting individuals invested in journalism and subjecting them to such a form of oppression that they don't speak up after their release. "Censorship in Pakistan is so extreme that they apprehend media people. Shorab Barkat, who used to run a channel, has been picked up. Before, they picked up journalist Agha Sheikh Sarwar. They (authorities) oppress them so much that when they are let out, they're not even allowed to speak," Niazi told ANI in an interview. She said that the situation in Pakistan is such that popular names in the media remain in exile and can't return since their passports have been "blocked" and their land has been confiscated by the authorities here. "Major popular names in Pakistan's media are currently outside the country. They've fled and can't return. Their accounts in Pakistan are blocked, their properties have been confiscated, and their passports have been blocked. Those who are still here are courageous," Niazi said. "We used to hear and read about Hitler. Just like Hitler used to lock people in basements, the same thing is happening in Pakistan," she added. Niazi, one of the three sisters of Imran Khan, who has been in jail since May 2023 after being found guilty of corruption, labelled the incumbent Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as "extremely unpopular", claiming they lack public support. She accused the Shehbaz Sharif government of "rigging elections" and said that it oppresses its own people because it is a "weak" government consisting of people who lost the elections. "They are extremely unpopular. They have no public support. Imran Khan has the public's support. People at every level are standing with him. But people are angry and upset with them. If you oppress your own citizens, then obviously the people will never support you. These people lost all the elections. Then they rigged all the elections. They made a government of all defeated people. This is why this government is weak and thus oppresses people," Niazi said. No expectations, she asserted when asked about the reaction of the international community in relation to treatment being meted out to Imran Khan. She said that her only hope was that the people of Pakistan would stand up to the government to fight for their rights. "I have no expectations of the international community because their governments are similar to ours. They know the extent of human rights abuse in Pakistan. Yet, they have no reaction. We have no hope from them, but from people within the country. These people (the Pakistan government) have support from other countries," Niazi said. She stated that Western countries are aware of the "fraud" in the elections, but they will not act against Pakistan's government. "Countries like England and the USA are supporting the Pakistan government in this. They released their own reports claiming the entire election was a fraud. They know everything, yet they will not do anything, because they need these people, so that these people (Pakistan government) remain the rulers of Pakistan, and the condition of Pakistan remains the same," Niazi said. (ANI) BEIJING, Nov 28 (News On Japan) - The Chinese Embassy in Japan reiterated its call for citizens to refrain from traveling to the country after issuing a renewed advisory on November 26th, warning on social media that those already in Japan should take extra precautions to stay safe as embassy officials report a rise in requests for assistance from Chinese nationals who say they have faced discrimination since July. According to the embassy, cases seeking help have been increasing for several months, with November described as a period in which such incidents were particularly noticeable, although neither the total number of cases nor the specific details of the complaints were disclosed. The Japanese government, for its part, rejected Chinas suggestion that public safety in Japan has deteriorated, maintaining that the country remains a safe environment for visitors. Source: BIZ Africa has taken decisive steps to reclaim control over value creation from its natural resources as global demand for critical metals accelerates. The Marrakech Declaration adopted by Moroccos International Mining Congress, held Nov. 24 -26, marks a strategic milestone in continental resource governance. The energy transition narrative long focused on replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources has fundamentally shifted. Todays reorganization of energy systems increasingly depends on specific periodic table elements including copper, nickel, lithium, and cobalt, essential for low-carbon technologies from electric vehicles to data centers. Critical metals have become the nerve center of energy system transformation, reshaping 21st-century geopolitical balances. Against this backdrop, Moroccos International Mining Congress and the resulting Marrakech Declaration establish political and technical frameworks transforming assumed dependency into sovereignty leverage. Morocco occupies a significant role, steering several structural initiatives from the Origination-Transit-Certification corridor (OTC) to the African Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework aimed at governing continental mining operations. Energy Transition Minister Leila Benali emphasized that Africa, holder of minerals that have become indispensable for energy and digital transition, finds itself at the heart of an industrial challenge that far exceeds its historical role as raw material supplier. AMSG) The Marrakech Declaration, described as a founding act, marks Africas entry into a new era of mineral sovereignty. It formally adopts the African ESG Framework, designed to address limitations of international standards considered poorly adapted to continental realities. The AFRICA principlesAccountability, Equity, Resilience, Inclusion, Cooperation, Added Valueprovide foundations for facilitating sustainable financing access, strengthening investor confidence, and directing local transformation. A digital platform hosted in Morocco will support African ESG framework implementation, coordinating certifications and connecting producers with responsible buyers, enabling Africa to retain substantially more value created from its resources. On the sidelines of the congress, Morocco reached another milestone, formalizing a strategic partnership with Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) through a MoU between the Ministry of Energy Transition and the AMSG, The MoU, initialed by Mrs Benali and AMSG Secretary General Moses Micheal, consolidates continental cooperation in a responsible and sustainable mining governance, provides for backing structural initiatives, on top of which the African ESG framework and The OTC Corridor, launched in December 2024 in Marrakech. OTC Corridor, conceived as a shared regulatory space, aims to strengthen producer country credibility, secure flows, and reduce dependence on foreign certifications often disconnected from African realities. American tech giant NVIDIA has identified Morocco as a priority market for expansion following its June entry into South Africa, signaling the continents growing importance in global artificial intelligence infrastructure development. The company recently sent a delegation to meet key economic stakeholders in Moroccos capital, according to industry reports. This strategic move reflects Africas determination not to miss the technological transition after largely missing earlier industrialization opportunities. NVIDIAs African expansion began with a partnership with Cassava Technologies, controlled by Zimbabwean billionaire Strive Masiyiwa, to establish the continents first AI factory in South Africa. The collaboration makes Cassava, which operates in 26 countries with 4,000 clients and generated $906 million in 2023 revenue, NVIDIAs regional reference partner. Expansion is planned for other data centers in Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Nigeria, stated an official announcement. The facilities will leverage Cassavas pan-African high-speed, low-latency fiber optic network and sustainable data centers to deliver AI as a service. Morocco presents several strategic advantages attracting NVIDIAs attention. Abdelilah Kadili, president of Tamkine Foundation and AI expert, notes that this strategic movement forcefully illustrates that Africa has become a space of major opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence. The kingdoms proximity to Europe, attractive tax framework for technology companies, and ambition to become a regional digital hub strengthen its positioning. Hicham Kasraoui, strategy consultant at BearingPoint, explains that Morocco quickly developed an AI strategy following national conferences gathering the entire ecosystem. Redouane El Haloui, president of Apebi, Moroccos IT professional association, emphasizes that being a technological hub means not just welcoming companies but building a solid ecosystem capable of attracting and connecting major global players to African dynamics. Omar Benmoussa, IT expert, highlights essential requirements for maximizing such investment: developing AI and high-performance computing skills, improving digital infrastructure including cloud computing capacity, and establishing an incentive regulatory framework encouraging AI investments. A recent so-called academic meeting in Tindouf between senior Iranian officials and Polisario separatists has lifted the veil on the troubling reality of ties in the open between the Polisario, Iran, and Hezbollah forged in full connivance with Algeria. But can a drowning man save another from sinking? This question looms large as the Maghreb faces renewed attempts to destabilize its security architecture. According to Moroccan daily Al Ahdath Almaghribia, the meeting- initiated by Algeria and disguised as an intellectual exchange -signals Tehrans persistent ambition to use the Maghreb as a gateway for exporting Shiite ideology and its militant proxies deeper into Africa. Despite Hezbollahs waning influence in Lebanon and Syrias pivot away from its former Iranian-Algerian axis, Algiers and Tehran appear determined to engineer a new Hezbollah in Tindouf. Polisario leaders have amplified this narrative, publicizing the presence of Iranian clerics such as Sheikh Hassam El Ali, Sheikh Moussa Erravii, and Sheikh Khalev Darouich. This overt display of alignment raises alarms far beyond North Africa. American think tank, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), recently warned that the Polisario-Iran rapprochement risks replicating the disastrous Yemeni and Lebanese models. Its analysis underscores that Algerias sponsorship of a proxy entity in Moroccos Sahara serves one purpose: creating a permanent zone of instability in Africa and at Europes doorstep. The warning echoes revelations by German daily Die Welt, which exposed a phone call between Mustapha Mohamed Lemine, a former Polisario representative in Syria, and a Hezbollah operative. In that conversation, Lemine pledged allegiance to Irans so-called axis of resistance, stretching from the Golan Heights to the Moroccan Sahara via southern Lebanon and Gaza. More disturbingly, he requested Hezbollahs military assistance to attack Israels diplomatic mission in Morocco, a stark reminder of the Polisarios terrorist inclinations. This is not an isolated case. Polisario leaders, emboldened by Algerian backing, have repeatedly called for terror operations against Moroccan cities. Reports even suggest Algeria sought Iranian drones for Polisario militias, further cementing the nexus between state sponsorship and transnational terrorism. Spanish intelligence has voiced growing concern over Sahrawis in Tindouf, some with ties to terror networks in the Sahel, posing a significant security risk to Spain and Europe. These developments strengthen calls from US Congressmen to designate the Polisario as a terrorist organization. The European Union lawmakers rejected on Wednesday a motion aimed at blocking the new farming deal between Morocco and the EU, including products from Moroccan Saharan territory. By rejecting the motion, tabled by pro-polisario lobbyists paid by Algeria, the European Parliament sends Algerian regime a strong message saying that the new EU-Morocco agricultural trade agreement recognizes the Sahara as a Moroccan territory. The move also reaffirms the legality and legitimacy of the trade deal which is in line with the UN Security Council resolution 2797 endorsing Moroccos autonomy plan for the Sahara under the Kingdoms sovereignty. Under the new amended agreement, the agricultural products originating from Moroccan Sahara will benefit from the same preferential tariffs as those applied to all Moroccan products under the EU-Morocco Association Agreement. The text introduces technical adjustments relating to consumer information on the origin of the products. The Moroccan Saharan agricultural products will bear a label mentioning the regions of their production Laayoune-Sakiat el Hamra or Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. Moroccos enemies were pushing for Western Sahara labeling of fruit & vegetables exported to European market. But they failed amid mounting international recognition of Moroccanness of the Sahara. Morocco remains the EUs top trading partner in Africa, with bilateral trade exceeding 60 billion euros annually. The Southern Provinces alone account for over 200,000 tons of exports to Europe each year, valued at 590 million euros, supporting nearly 140,000 jobs. The vote is widely seen as a blow to Algeria and the Polisario, whose lobbying in Brussels sought to derail the agreement by questioning its legality. Their objection failed to gain traction, reaffirming the EUs recognition of Moroccos territorial integrity in the context of trade relations. By rejecting the motion and validating the Commissions approach, the European Parliament has reinforced the strategic partnership between Morocco and the EU. The decision not only secures uninterrupted agricultural exports but also sends a clear political message: the Sahara regions are integral to Moroccos trade framework with Europe. Palestinian Ambassador to Morocco Jamal Choubki praised King Mohammed VIs vision for achieving a just and durable solution to the Palestinian cause during remarks Wednesday in Ifrane at the closing ceremony of Bayt Mal Al-Qods Agencys winter university program. The ambassador specifically highlighted the significance of the royal message addressed to Coly Seck, chairman of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, on International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The position articulated by the monarch clearly defines an applicable political program on the ground that aligns perfectly with that of the Palestine Liberation Organization, Choubki told the Moroccan Press Agency. The three-day winter university, themed Digital Platforms and the Challenge of Preserving Institutions During Crises, brought together Palestinian and Moroccan students for collaborative programs. Students from Al-Qods University worked alongside counterparts from Al Akhawayn University on initiatives spanning artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, benefiting from Moroccan expertise in these technical fields. Choubki expressed profound gratitude to the king, the Moroccan people, and government, emphasizing the kingdoms continuous efforts supporting resilience among Jerusalem residents through Bayt Mal Al-Qods Agency initiatives. These programs operate under royal guidance as King Mohammed VI chairs the Al-Qods Committee. The ambassador noted that the academic collaboration strengthens bonds between Moroccan and Palestinian peoples while reinforcing Jerusalem residents steadfastness in accordance with royal directives. Students and professors developed several new programs during the session, demonstrating practical outcomes from the institutional partnership. The winter university represents part of Moroccos sustained commitment to supporting Palestinian institutions and communities, particularly in Jerusalem, through educational cooperation and technical capacity building that addresses contemporary challenges facing Palestinian society. LOS ANGELES, Nov. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a breakthrough that combines privacy, cryptographic integrity and intelligent automation, a purpose-built AI model for smart contract development has been successfully deployed inside a confidential virtual machine on Secret Network. Solidity-LLM, a large language model developed by ChainGPT, is now running within SecretVM, the Confidential Virtual Machine framework that underpins Secret Network's latest evolution in decentralised computing. This is the first time an AI model trained exclusively to write and audit Solidity code has been embedded into a Trusted Execution Environment. The implications for blockchain development are significant. Developers can now leverage artificial intelligence to generate, optimise and analyse smart contracts without ever exposing the source code or proprietary logic to a third party. Privacy is preserved by design, and verification is built into the cryptographic structure of the system. At the heart of this development lies SecretVM, a privacy-preserving compute layer built atop hardware-based TEEs, including Intel's TDX and AMD's SEV. SecretVM offers confidentiality, execution integrity and remote attestation in a single runtime. It allows sensitive workloads, such as AI inference, financial computations or cross-chain coordination, to run inside a sealed enclave. In practical terms, even the node operator cannot access the data, inputs or outputs processed by the AI. "Confidential computing is no longer an abstract concept," said Luke Bowman, COO of the Secret Network Foundation. "We've shown that you can run a complex AI model, purpose-built for Solidity, inside a fully encrypted environment and that every inference can be verified on-chain. This is a real milestone for both privacy and decentralised infrastructure." Solidity-LLM was developed by ChainGPT to address the specific needs of Ethereum and EVM-compatible smart contract development. It is a 2-billion-parameter model trained on over 650,000 curated Solidity contracts. This domain-specific approach gives the model a nuanced understanding of contract logic, optimisation patterns and security practices that general language models cannot replicate. Now, running within SecretVM, the model operates entirely in private, enabling confidential, on-chain software development for the first time. Christopher Duggan, Head of Marketing, ChainGPT said, "We've spent the last year building and fine-tuning a model that understands the real structure of Solidity. What makes this deployment so important is that developers can now use the model without sacrificing their IP or exposing critical business logic. Everything stays encrypted and verifiable." This deployment solves a long-standing paradox in AI-assisted development. Traditional coding assistants require developers to upload source code to a centralised cloud platform. In doing so, they risk exposing intellectual property, user data and business logic. Within SecretVM, however, Solidity-LLM performs inference in an environment that is both encrypted and verifiable. Cryptographic proofs ensure the integrity of the enclave, meaning developers and institutions can trust not only the AI's output but also the infrastructure within which it operates. The architecture supporting this deployment is both robust and flexible. Solidity-LLM runs as a containerised workload inside SecretVM, leveraging Docker to support diverse language frameworks and integration methods. Access is provided via API, SDK or direct smart contract interfaces. Developers can treat the model as a programmable agent in its own right, capable of interacting with contracts, tools and governance frameworks, all without revealing sensitive inputs. The use cases are far-reaching. For developers and builders, it means confidential co-development. Code can be generated, tested and optimised in private, with no fear of leaking proprietary logic. For auditors and security professionals, the system offers a trusted environment to review and analyse contracts with AI assistance. No data leaves the enclave, maintaining confidentiality throughout the audit process. For institutions and enterprises, this architecture provides a clear path to blockchain automation without the compliance and privacy risks associated with conventional AI tools. Smart contracts can now be generated and deployed in a way that aligns with regulatory standards, particularly in sensitive sectors such as finance, healthcare or governance. The implications for decentralised finance and DAOs are especially compelling. Smart contract agents can now operate autonomously inside a cryptographically verified environment. They can manage upgrades, execute governance decisions or coordinate cross-chain logic, all without disclosing internal states or decision-making data. Researchers and AI engineers also benefit. SecretVM supports federated training and fine-tuning across encrypted datasets. This allows for collaborative AI development without compromising data sovereignty. It enables secure multi-party computation, where models evolve in tandem with decentralised networks rather than in corporate silos. This integration shifts the trust model for AI on-chain. It moves from opaque clouds to verifiable compute, from public exposure to private collaboration, and from centralised inference to decentralised autonomy. Developers retain ownership of their data, their code and their infrastructure. The roadmap includes confidential model fine-tuning, orchestration of multiple AI agents and cross-chain deployments. As artificial intelligence continues to merge with blockchain infrastructure, the underlying challenge remains the same - how to build trust without giving up control. This deployment offers a practical and proven answer. SOURCE Secret Network Foundation The 17th MEDays Forum commenced in Tangier, gathering over 7,000 participants from more than 120 countries to address global economic challenges under the theme Fractures and Polarization: Reinventing the Global Equation. A prominent opening panel positioned Morocco as Africas most reliable investment destination. Former Kenyan Foreign Minister Raphael Tuju congratulated Morocco on recent United Nations support for its Western Sahara autonomy plan, attributing the diplomatic victory to decades of consistent engagement. He emphasized that Moroccos investment appeal extends beyond financial considerations to encompass social, cultural, linguistic, and infrastructure advantages often overlooked in economic discussions. Tuju underscored Moroccos strategic location bridging Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside its modern infrastructure including the Al Boraq high-speed rail system, which surpasses American train technology. Hardly any other African country can match Moroccos infrastructure, he stated in an interview with Morocco World News. When Morocco succeeds, Africa succeeds, he stated. Stephane Tiki, Vice President of the Francophone Employers Association, highlighted Moroccos gateway status to the French-speaking economic sphere, noting that 44 of Africas 54 nations are Francophone. He urged African countries to recognize unique strengths and build partnerships based on complementary assets rather than copying development models. Alexandre Medvedowsky, President of ESL & Network France, outlined key factors attracting investors: robust infrastructure, clear national vision, growing industrial sectors including automotive and aeronautics, and Moroccos extensive business networks across Africa. His group established operations in the Kingdom a decade ago, following COP22 in Marrakech. The panel demonstrated Moroccos multifaceted appeal as a hub built on diplomacy, geography, and long-term strategic planning. As global supply chains restructure and traditional alliances face uncertainty, Morocco offers an alternative path shaped by regional integration and continental strengths, providing investors confidence in sustainable opportunities across diverse sectors and communities. The belated publication of the UN Security Council Resolution 2797 was a diplomatic earthquake that exposed Algerias role as a party to the conflict. In a desperate bid to dilute its own responsibility, Algiers tried to alter the Arabic version of the text, pushing for two parties instead of all parties, with the goal of framing the conflict as an issue between Morocco and the Polisario. The attempt backfired spectacularly when the resolution was published after an unusual 24-day delay caused by Algerias interventions. The published version retained the original wording which cited Algeria among the parties to the conflict. The resolution shattered the myth of Algeria as a mere observer, confirming the geopolitical and regional aspect of the conflict which was stoked, perpetuated and fueled by Algiers. The Council made it clear that negotiations must include Algiers without semantic games. Eleven Security Council members voted in favor of the resolution, none against and three abstentions. Russias veto, loudly promised by Algerian media, never materialized. The text passed comfortably, cementing Moroccos autonomy plan as the only serious and credible basis for future talks as well as being referred to as the most feasible outcome. The referendum option? Buried for good. Algerias frantic lobbying did not stop extending to the translation phase in a desperate attempt. In the aftermath, Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf embarked on a media tour to downplay the resolutions impact. His claims ranged from misleading to outright false allegations, insisting on two parties when the resolution explicitly refers to four parties. He claimed that the same Algeria that retaliates against countries backing the autonomy plan is a neutral mediator. This narrative has collapsed under decades of financial and military support for the Polisario. Marrakech hosted the 93rd General Assembly of Interpol which elected Frances Lucas Philippe as new president for a four-year term. Philippe succeeds Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi of the United Arab Emirates, whose mandate has ended. Beyond the election, the Marrakech assembly became a platform to celebrate Moroccos growing stature in international security cooperation. Delegates and senior officials praised the Kingdoms proactive approach to combating terrorism, organized crime, and cyber threats, as well as its leadership in digital innovation and police training. Abdellatif Hammouchi, head of Moroccos DGSN and DGST, held high-level talks with Faisal Shahkar, UN Police chief, who conveyed the UN Secretary-Generals commitment to deepen security partnerships with Morocco. Shahkar highlighted Moroccan police expertise, multilingual capabilities, and operational readiness as assets for international deployments. Ibrahima Senghor, head of Interpols National Central Bureau in Dakar, lauded Morocco as a model for Southern countries, citing its advanced equipment and technological progress. Similar praise came from Malis police chief Youssouf Kone, who credited Moroccos cooperation for strengthening security in West Africa, and Burkina Fasos police director, who called Morocco a continental leader under King Mohammed VIs vision. Hosting Interpols 93rd General Assembly in Marrakech underscores global confidence in Moroccos security architecture and its role as a hub for international collaboration. Officials agreed that Moroccos expertise and commitment to innovation position it as a reference point for modern policing in Africa and beyond. OPEC+ members are expected to stick with their decision to pause oil production increases when the group meets online this Sunday, signaling a cautious approach amid growing signs of oversupply and persistent weakness in prices. Delegates told reporters the meeting is likely to be straightforward, with ministers simply reaffirming the policy agreed earlier this month to suspend output hikes during the first quarter of 2026. The pause, driven largely by Saudi Arabia and its partners, reflects concern that global inventories are rising faster than demand as Brent crude continues to hover near $63 a barrel. The meeting comes at a delicate moment for energy markets. U.S. President Donald Trump is pressing for a Ukraine peace deal that could eventually free up more Russian oil supply, while production elsewhere continues to surge. Analysts say the combination of easing geopolitical risk and resilient non-OPEC output is weighing heavily on market sentiment. OPECs own analysis points to faster growth from the United States, Brazil, and Guyana, with non-OPEC liquids expected to rise by about 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) next year. Global demand, meanwhile, is forecast to increase by 1.6 million bpd to 106.2 million bpd strong, but no longer enough to tighten balances. The result is a market shifting from deficit to balance, and potentially toward surplus, if demand softens further. The International Energy Agency projects an even looser picture, warning that inventories could swell by as much as 5 million bpd in the first quarter of 2026 a record glut that would further pressure prices. Still, OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al Ghais pushed back against talk of oversupply, accusing some media of misinterpreting the groups latest Monthly Oil Market Report. There was a misrepresentation by some media... about the market being in a surplus next year, al Ghais told CNBC, insisting that OPEC expects a balanced market in 2026. For now, OPEC+ plans to maintain voluntary output cuts by Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and others through early 2026. But several members have begun reviewing long-term production capacity, suggesting that if prices stabilize, incremental increases could resume later in the year. Market watchers expect Sundays meeting to confirm the pause and underscore a wait-and-see strategy one designed to preserve unity and flexibility as the worlds largest oil alliance navigates slowing demand growth, rising supply, and an uncertain geopolitical outlook. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Shale drillers are finding new and exciting ways to boost production in the Permian and elsewhere. This can make the industry more resilient to international price swingsbut never fully resilient and never for very long. The pain from the prolonged price depression is beginning to bite in. Back in October, Kpler warned that U.S. oil production could shed 700,000 barrels daily if international oil prices slid lower than $60 per barrel. The analytics firm cited drilled but uncompleted well data showing the inventory of these wells had shrunk by between 25% and 30% in the Bakken and the Eagle Ford basins since the start of 2025. Now, Reuters is reporting that the Permian is also feeling the pinch, with towns dependent on the oil industry starting to suffer the economic consequences of a downturn. The publication interviewed industry executives and local business owners to find that the key industry of the region is retrenching, spending less, and idling rigs. Everyone has, of course, heard about the layoffs in Big Oil majors. The majors themselves have framed it as part of a long-term strategy to become leaner. Reuters suggests that they are having trouble maintaining the workforce, citing Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing that overall employment in the U.S. oil industry declined by 4,000 between January and July this year. Over the same period, however, production of crude oil has continued to grow, creating a perhaps confusing picture. Related: Indias Nayara Energy Defies Sanctions With Record Russian Intake The confusion goes away once focus shifts to those drilling efficiency gains that Bloombergs Javier Blas detailed earlier this month, noting supermajors race to lower drilling costs in the shale patch by researching cheaper proppants, for instance, and surfactants that help the oil flow more easily from the rock. The focus, he wrote, citing the industry, was to maximize recovery rates from existing wells. The best place to find oil is where you already know you've got oil, Chevrons chief executive, Mike Wirth, told Blas in an interview. We know where the oil is. If we left 90% of the oil behind, it would be the first time in history that we didn't figure out how to do it. So, thats one reason drilling rigs are downwhile production keeps climbing higherbut it is not the only reason, based on what Reuters reports from the Permian. We've had dialogue with the administration, letting them know that oil prices in the low to mid $50s make returns increasingly difficult for investment. This will eventually make current production levels unsustainable, the chief executive of Admiral Permian Resources told Reuters. Meanwhile, as international prices decline, the cost of drilling a well has gone up by between 5% and 10% from last year, according to the boss of Latigo Petroleum. The economics are completely upside down from where they were just in January. It's more expensive to drill a well and you're getting 20% less for your oil, Kirk Edwards told Reuters. Ironically, the pervasive perception of unrelenting production growth in the U.S. shale patch has become the chief reason for bearish oil price predictions, expecting supply to exceed demand for oil for a prolonged period of time. Analysts regularly cite record-breaking output numbers as evidence that oil supply keeps growing despite price movements, suggesting that U.S. shale is more resilient than what the industry itself says it is. Investment returns at $55 to $60 per barrel are not what they were at the same price five years ago because the best wells have been drilled, Admiral Permian Resources CEO told Reuters, which also noted a slowdown in oilfield service activity as evidence of a broader downturn in the shale industryeven if the number of barrels per day produced by that industry are still climbing. In fairness, that trend emerged earlier in the year as reported by the biggest oilfield service providersevery one of them reported slower business in North America and stronger business abroad. The early signs, therefore, were out there for everyone to see, but instead, analysts doubled down on booming shale output, driving a global supply overhang, which kept the pressure on prices high. Although majors and large independents can operate below $50/bbl, this price level would enforce cautious activity for most, Kpler analyst Johannes Raubal wrote in October. A severe, sustained $50/bbl scenarioa view held by some agencies and banks like Goldman Sachswould cripple US crude supply, he warned. Yet heres JP Morgan, predicting continued growth in U.S. shale oil production, leading to a further slump in oil prices, potentially as low as $30 per barrel. The trends in the U.S. shale industry suggest it will not come to that because production would stop growing long before that. And the first time the Energy Information Administration reports a negative change in output, prices will rebound like there was never a danger of a supply overhang, let alone one so substantial that it could push Brent crude below $40. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The White Houses lead envoy is heading to Russia for a sixth time. Ukraine fears a peace that heavily favors Moscow. A leaked phone call shows the US envoy advising a Kremlin official on how to sweet-talk the White House. And Russias invasion -- now in its 46th month -- has pushed Ukraines beleaguered armed forces closer to the breaking point. Theres a lot that happened in the six days since a US-drafted peace proposal first leaked not to mention the circumstances under which it was drafted. The 28-point plan jolted what until recently had been sputtering efforts to halt the Russian war, something that Trump had pledged to do within 24 hours of taking office in January. Heres what you need to know as of November 26, as diplomats and negotiators from Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and many other European capitals wrangle over details over a concrete, and controversial plan. The Main Sticking Points? After the US plan leaked, and then was given to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian leader sent his chief of staff and other officials to Geneva for urgent talks with US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Zelenskyy reportedly was blindsided by the plan, which echoed most of the hard-line positions that Russia has held before the invasion. The Geneva talks, however, produced an "updated and refined" framework a reworked 19-point plan -- that would deliver a sustainable and just peace, both the White House and Zelenskyy's office said. But Zelenskyys comments suggested the thorniest issues might still be on the table. That includes the fate of a chunk of the Donetsk region that the Kremlin has been hellbent on seizing. Moscow has repeatedly said it must control all of Donetsk, one of five Ukrainian regions Putin baselessly claims are Russian. Ceding land that Ukraines forces have kept out of Russias clutches, at great cost, would be a massive concession by Kyiv and could have political repercussions for Zelenskyy. Other pitfalls include the Kremlins insistence that Ukraine be forever barred from joining NATO and a potential cap on the size of Kyivs military. The US draft would require Ukraine to enshrine in its constitution that it will not join NATO and the alliance to formalize a pledge that Ukraine will never be admitted. That approach may be unpalatable for Ukraine, which wants freedom to choose its geopolitical partners and currently has its NATO aspirations codified in its constitution. Ukraine also wants to be able to defend itself from any potential future Russian attack. In previous negotiations, Russia called for Ukraines military to be under 100,000 personnel. The initial US draft would cap it at 600,000. A European counterproposal would raise that to 800,000 in peacetime. Several top Republican senators have criticized the initial US plan, including former Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. "A deal that rewards aggression wouldnt be worth the paper its written on. America isnt a neutral arbiter, and we shouldnt act like one, he said in a post to X. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt claimed there had been tangible progress, saying there were only a few delicate, but not insurmountable, details that must be sorted out." Sixth Times A Charm? A real estate developer with no diplomatic background, Steve Witkoff is the man tapped by Trump to lead efforts to find an end to Russias war. Hes met with Putin five times already, traveling to Moscow on his private jet. Some of Witkoffs prior actions have raised alarm bells to outside observers, who fear he is being manipulated or that he misunderstands the wars deeply intractable historical contours. Witkoff has relied on translators provided by the Kremlin for his conversations with Putin and other officials, rather than using translators authorized by the US Embassy. After Witkoffs last meeting with Putin in August, US and European officials said the envoy misunderstood the geography of Ukrainian territory Putin was claiming. Representative Don Bacon, a Republican who has criticized the Trump administrations engagement with Russia, called for Witkoff to be fired. For those who oppose the Russian invasion and want to see Ukraine prevail as a sovereign & democratic country, it is clear that Witkoff fully favors the Russians. He cannot be trusted to lead these negotiations. Would a Russian paid agent do less than he? He should be fired. https://t.co/dxMsda0YV5 Rep. Don Bacon ?????????????????????? (@RepDonBacon) November 25, 2025 Sending Witkoff back to Moscow, a visit Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov confirmed would happen next week, is a sign that the White House is eager to cement some or all of the points that were set in Geneva and Abu Dhabi. Another wild-card: Trump mentioned his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, might accompany Witkoff, something neither Ushakov nor Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on. Kushner was reportedly present for previously undisclosed US meeting involving Witkoff and Russian who is also not a diplomat but who has played a starring, unconventional role in negotiations with the Americans: Kirill Dmitriev. Wait, A Leaked Phone Call? In late October, Dmitriev, a sharp-tongued, Harvard-trained businessman who heads Russias sovereign wealth fund, traveled to Miami, Florida. He met with Republican Representative Anna Luna, giving her what he said were undisclosed Russian files on the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He also gave her a box of chocolates and a book of Putin quotes. Meanwhile, Dmitriev met with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna over the weekend, to discuss (among other things) files related to the Kennedy assassination. He gifted her flowers, chocolates, and a collection of Putin quotations. ("Great Words From a Great Man.") https://t.co/mRtUR8et4x pic.twitter.com/i7KJdn8pTn Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) October 27, 2025 Dmitriev had been blacklisted in 2022, along with other Russian officials, in punishment for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Trump's Treasury secretary has called him a "Kremlin propagandist." It later emerged that Dmitriev, who was given an exemption by US authorities to travel, had secret meetings with Witkoff and Kushner while in Miami reportedly leaving some White House and State Department officials in the dark. After news of the US proposal emerged last week, several US senators said that Rubio told them the draft was Russian in nature, influenced by a Russian, though Dmitriev was not named. Rubio, who was in Geneva, insisted it was a US draft. 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. https://t.co/JWbAQ04kcw Marco Rubio (@marcorubio) November 23, 2025 On November 25, not long before Trump announced Witkoff would travel to Moscow, Bloomberg News published a transcript of what it said was telephone call between Witkoff and Ushakov. The call took place on October 14, two days before Trump and Putin held their own call, on October 16 -- and about two weeks before Witkoff met Dmitriev in Miami. According to the transcript, Witkoff advised Ushakov on how to charm Trump on a possible peace deal. I would make the call and just reiterate that you congratulate the president on this achievement, that you supported it, you supported it, that you respect that he is a man of peace and youre just, youre really glad to have seen it happen. So I would say that, Witkoff was quoted as saying. I know what its going to take to get a peace deal done: Donetsk and maybe a land swap somewhere, Witkoff reportedly said. Bloomberg did not say how it obtained the recording, which was likely made by US intelligence agencies who routinely monitor and eavesdrop on foreign officials conversations. RFE/RL could not independently verify the transcript. Trump partially confirmed the fact of the call, though not its content: Hes got to sell this to Ukraine. Hes going to sell Ukraine to Russia. Thats what a dealmaker does. "They're talking to Russia now, Steve Witkoff is going over, maybe with Jared I'm not sure about Jared going, but he's involved in the process, smart guy they're going to be meeting with President Putin, I believe, next week in Moscow. https://t.co/i1iUh1ZuUq via @YouTube Mike Eckel (@Mike_Eckel) November 26, 2025 Ushakov also appeared to confirm the fact of the call, telling a Russian state TV reporter that it was leaked to undermine the backchannel negotiations. He later told the newspaper Kommersant that his conversation with Witkoff had occurred via the WhatsApp messaging app. It is unlikely that such a leak could have come from the participants in the conversation, he was quoted as saying. By RFE/RL More Top Reads From Oilprice.com After decades of reliance on coal, South Korea has announced plans to close all coal-fired power plants by 2040. For Australia, this signals a likely steep decline in its coal exports in the coming decades, as one of its main trade partners reduces its coal use. The Australian government is now preparing for a fall in its coal exports, as South Korea, the third-biggest importer of Australian coal, plans to shift away from the dirtiest fossil fuel. Australia expects to export around $1.5 billion worth of thermal coal to South Korea in 2025, according to the analytics firm Kpler. Korea is home to the worlds seventh-largest coal power fleet and accounts for around 8 percent of global trade. At present, coal contributes roughly 30 percent of the countrys electricity. South Korea announced at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil this month that it would be joining the Powering Past Coal Alliance, a group of around 60 countries and 120 sub-national governments, businesses, and organisations that are phasing out the use of fossil fuels. Kim Sung-hwan, South Koreas minister of climate, energy, and environment, said the move reflected Koreas commitment to accelerating a just and clean energy transition. Kim stated, The shift from coal to clean power is not only essential for the climate. It will also help both the Republic of Korea and all other countries increase our energy security, boost the competitiveness of our businesses, and create thousands of jobs." In response, James Bowen, the director of consultancy ReMap Research, said that Australian coal exports could fall in value by around 50 percent over the next five years. While Australia continues to rely heavily on coal exports for revenue, the government has recently introduced more ambitious domestic green energy plans. The government recently announced the aim to increase the proportion of electricity from renewable energy from about 42 percent over the past year to 82 percent by the end of the decade. The pledge will mean the closure of 62 coal plants, with 40 having already established retirement dates. The announcement could well put pressure on other Asian countries that are still heavily reliant on coal, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, to consider an accelerated transition away from the fossil fuel. In the past, South Korea has faced criticism for not working fast enough to transition to green. For example, the government aims for 20 percent renewable electricity by 2030, which is far below the global share of 60 percent renewable electricity outlined in the IEA Net-Zero Emissions scenario. However, its renewable energy capacity has increased significantly in recent years. Green energy capacity in South Korea increased sixfold between 2013 and 2023, although greater electricity grid expansion and modernisation are needed to support this growth. In April, for the first time, fossil fuels contributed less than half of South Koreas total electricity generation, at 49.5 percent, according to the global energy think tank Ember. This is the lowest contribution since the 50.4 percent figure recorded in May 2024. This was driven by a decline in coal generation, which fell to 18.5 percent in April. Meanwhile, fossil fuels contributed 60 percent of electricity generation on average in 2024. South Koreas coal output was 36 percent lower in April 2025 compared to April 2021, helping to reduce power sector emissions by an estimated 6.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide. However, in 2024, the countrys power sector emitted five tonnes of CO2 per capita, which is roughly triple the global average. Korea has begun to transition away from coal thanks to heavy investments in its clean energy sector. In 2024, South Koreas largest source of clean electricity was nuclear, at 30 percent, while wind and solar power accounted for around 6 percent. In April this year, solar power contributed a record 9.2 percent share of electricity generation in South Korea, far higher than the previous 8.7 percent record in May 2024. South Korea added 1.56 GW of solar power between January and May 2025, which is 61 percent higher than during the same period of 2024. Nicolas Fulghum, a senior data analyst at Ember, stated, Recent months show faster deployment of solar power, but South Korea is still trailing behind other advanced economies that are driving rapid deployment of wind, solar and batteries. Enabling a faster rollout of these key clean energy technologies in the South Korean market represents a major opportunity to strengthen South Koreas domestic energy supply and reduce dependence on imported gas and coal. South Koreas ambitious goal to reduce its reliance on coal in the coming decades signals a significant shift in the global coal trade. However, while Korea has gradually ramped up its renewable energy capacity in recent years, the government must do more to accelerate the countrys green transition if it hopes to meet its climate targets and reduce dependence on coal in line with its recent pledge. By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com After the discovery of oil in Surinames territorial waters in January 2020, the government in the capital Paramaribo pitched its hopes on an oil boom matching that of neighboring Guyana. You see, decades of economic mismanagement, excessive spending, and corruption wreaked havoc on the former Dutch colonys economy. Over the last decade, gross domestic product (GDP) collapsed, plunging by over 10%, hitting Surinames population of over 600,000 particularly hard. This exploded in violence during February 2023, with protestors storming parliament, placing greater pressure on the government to find a solution. As Guyanas oil boom gained momentum, with production commencing in December 2019, partners TotalEnergies and APA Corporation announced in January 2020 that they had made a significant oil discovery in Surinames territorial waters. This occurred with the Maka Central-1 wildcat well in Block 58 offshore Suriname. The well, which was drilled to 20,670 feet (6,300 meters), found 240 feet (73 meters) of oil pay and 164 feet (50 meters) of light oil and gas condensate pay. This was followed by four additional major discoveries in Block 58, where TotalEnergies is the operator holding a 50% working interest with the remainder held by APA Corporation. Source: APA Corporation Investor Relations. While there was considerable conjecture about when those discoveries would be developed, President Chan Santokhi was claiming as early as 2021 that Suriname would see first oil from Block 58 by as early as 2025. This proved to be wishful thinking on the part of Surinames former president. Not only does it typically take a decade or even more to develop major offshore petroleum projects, with a global average of seven to 10 years, but by 2022, TotalEnergies was increasingly concerned by a swathe of poor drilling results. As a result, the French supermajor and APA by 2022 elected to delay the multi-billion-dollar final investment decision (FID) for Block 58. The main drivers of that decision were conflicting drilling and seismic results, along with the high gas-to-oil ratio of earlier discoveries. This delayed the development of Block 58, which is believed to contain up to 6.5 billion barrels of oil. That unforeseen development derailed Paramaribos planned economic recovery driven by oil extraction. During October 2024, TotalEnergies announced the final investment decision for Block 58, approving a $10.5 billion project to develop the Sapakara and Krabdagu oil discoveries. The development called GranMorgu is targeting an oil reservoir estimated to contain more than 750 million barrels of recoverable oil reserves. The facility, which includes an all-electric floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel with the capability to retain all gas produced from lifting operations, will be commissioned in 2028. The GranMorgu development will have a nameplate capacity to lift 220,000 barrels of crude oil daily. Surinames national oil company (NOC) Staatsolie exercised the right to acquire a 20% interest in the operation by raising the required funds through a combination of issuing bonds, cash reserves, and a syndicated loan. When GranMorgu commences operations, it will make a significant contribution to Surinames beaten-down economy, although it may not be the economic silver bullet anticipated by Paramaribo. There is significant hydrocarbon potential in offshore Suriname, indicating the country is ideally positioned to enjoy a massive oil boom. Block 58 lies contiguous to the prolific Stabroek Block in offshore Guyana, where Exxon discovered at least 11 billion barrels of oil. There is considerable speculation that the abundant petroleum fairway contained in that oil block continues into Block 58. If this is the case, it will support further major oil discoveries and the development of facilities, which will boost production. TotalEnergies, during June 2025, signed an agreement securing a 25% working interest in Block 53 offshore Suriname. The remaining 45% is held by APA, which is the operator, and Malaysias NOC Petronas with 30%. It is in this block that APA made the Baja-1 discovery in August 2022. The wildcat well which was drilled to 17,356 feet (5,290 meters), contains 112 feet (34 meters) of net oil pay. The petroleum system discovered forms part of the same structure as the Krabdagu discovery in Block 58. This points to the discovery possessing considerable potential, although APA returned most of Block 53, except for the area around the Baja-1 well to Staatsolie after the exploration period expired during December 2023. Petronas is also enjoying success with its offshore hydrocarbon acreage in Suriname, where it holds interests in Blocks 9, 10, 48, 52, 53, 63, 64, and 66. It is 1.2-million-acre Block 52 offshore Suriname, where Petronas is the operator and controls 80% with 20% held by Staatsolie, which holds the most near-term potential. Exxon initially held a 50% working interest in the hydrocarbon acreage but chose to exit, transferring its share to Petronas, giving it a 100% stake, although Surinames NOC exercised its right to acquire 20% of the block. During November 2025, Petronas declared the commerciality of the Sloanea natural gas field in Block 52. This was preceded by Staatsolie, in its role as Surinames hydrocarbon regulator, approving the development of a natural gas field for the Sloanea-1 discovery. The FID for the Sloanea-1 discovery is expected during the second half of 2026, with first gas slated for 2030. While neither party has yet to release information to quantify the volume of natural gas targeted, it is believed to be quite a substantial find. Petronas also made two oil discoveries in Block 52 with the Roystonea-1 and Fusaea-1 wildcat wells during 2023 and 2024, respectively. Those petroleum discoveries are yet to be fully evaluated, but Block 52 is estimated to contain at least 500 million barrels of crude oil. Petronas also signed a production sharing contract (PSC) with Staatsolie for Block 66 in June 2025. This agreement awarded an 80% working interest to Malaysias NOC, with the remaining 20% held by a subsidiary of Staatsolie. By signing the PSC, Petronas, which is the operator, agreed to drill two exploration wells in the 837,687-acre block. By Matthew Smith for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Despite uneven results caused by production setbacks in Gabon and a Q3 earnings and revenue miss, the company's production hit the upper range of estimates and it retains ample liquidity. Vaalco Energy, an oil and gas producer with a global footprint, is recommended as a strong buy for investors with a high-risk profile due to its strong balance sheet, low valuation multiples, and dividend yield. Vaalco Energy (NYSE:EGY) is small cap, Houston, Texas-based producer of oil and gas. Its original focus was offshore in the African country of Gabon, but a few years ago it diversified through a beneficial merger that expanded its global footprint. The company delivered a strong Q-4, 2023 earnings report that included news of its further diversification and entry into Cote d'Ivoire. The stock rallied to nearly $8.00 per share following the release of that report. A mixed report for Q-2 that year took the wind out of the company's sails, and thus began the long slide to the current $3.33 level. Now the Q-3 report is out, and there could be some reason for optimism for a rebound in the companys shares, despite a miss on EPS and revenue. At a glance, the company trades at low multiples and is currently well below its 200 Day SMA of $3.90 per share. This bodes well for finding a favorable recommendation on EGY. In this article, we will dig into the particulars on EGY and come up with an investment recommendation for the stock. First we will take a quick look at the macro picture for oil. The crude oil macro The oversupply narrative is dominating trading in upstream equities. Crude oil has fallen about 30% thus far this year and may not have yet tested a bottom. Compounding current sluggishness is the war premium that had added back ~$10.00 to the price has leaked away as two of the three international hotbeds of belligerence-Israel/Gaza, and Ukraine/Russia, have shown signs of slowing to a simmer recently, a step down from outright hostilities. Peace, while a noble objective, is not good for business in oil and gas, as fears of a supply interruption keep traders long futures contracts in times of belligerence. When things calm down, the contracts are dumped on the market and must find a home, at a price. One spot worth keeping an eye on is Venezuela, as the U.S. turns the screws on the Maduro regime. A war in our hemisphere, so near the booming Guyanese ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) Stabroeck project, could have profound consequences. Geopolitical volatility makes it important to pick your entry points carefully when investing in upstream oil and gas companies. There is good news on the horizon for those who take the plunge, however. Fortunately, demand remains strong and has decades to run if the new forecast from the International Energy Agency (IEA) is any guide. Fears of stranded barrels being written off on oil companies' balance sheets are less prevalent than a few years ago. The thesis for Vaalco Vaalco has been growing production since its merger with TransGlobe in 2022. This transformed the company from sole reliance on its Gabonese assets to a diversified player with a number of levers to pull globally. A move last year into Cote d'Ivoire was viewed favorably, and EGY just farmed into another offshore block in that country. In the short run, the company's focus has been on ramping up production in its Egyptian concession and Gabon. Results have been uneven with production progress and efficiency increases in Egypt, offset by a production turnaround and an FPSO refurbishment, combined with rig-related drilling delays in Gabon. This has pushed expected production from a new drilling campaign to the right, adversely impacting the stock. As the slide below notes, the shutdown and the near completion of the FPSO refurbishment, and then next the arrival of, Borr Drilling's Norve jack up is underway and should spud the first well sometime this month. Vaalco trades at a low EV/EBITDA multiple-2.8X, and a low flowing barrel valuation- $19K per barrel. Analysts here and on Wall Street rank the company as a strong buy. Price targets are $10.00 per share, but EPS estimates point to small losses over the next couple of quarters, which could delay any rally in the stock. The company has a quarter of its Q-4 production hedged at $ 60 and plans to increase this to about half. In 2026, EGY plans to hedge about 40% of its daily output. The company is returning capital to shareholders through a 6.5% dividend yield. The company has a small amount of LT debt and has been implementing a capital reduction and cost-cutting program that should improve cash flow and production. Catalysts for EGY An explorer's job is to find oil and gas. Full stop. Operating oil and gas assets is also enhanced by the adjacency of other assets. Sometimes this is called critical mass. It enables cost optimization through several avenues. Gaining operatorship over a block where seismic has already been shot for $3 million seems like a reasonably derisked proposition to me. Someone thought Block CI-705 offshore, Cote d'Ivoire, was prospective enough to shoot seismic, which isn't cheap, so it could be like the last person to pull the handle on a slot machine. Or it could lead to nothing. That's exploration. Dry holes are instructive as well. TotalEnergies, (NYSE: TTE) drilled a test in 2021, and DH'd it. Why did they drill it? Why does anyone think this area might be prospective? Well, if you go back 400 million years and put the puzzle pieces together to form Gondwana, you find the area now known as Cote d'Ivoire fits nicely adjacent to the areas known as Guyana and Suriname. That should cement it in your head as to what the Geo-types have in the back of their minds at EGY. This sort of thinking about the Atlantic Margin has led to the well-publicized discoveries in Guyana, Suriname, and Namibia. Snapshot of Atlantic basin (Google Maps) This is all down the road a piece, even in the success case. In the near term, we have the upcoming drilling campaigns in Gabon, Egypt, and the Baobab field in Cote d'Ivoire -EGY's legacy position from the TransGlobe merger. No catalyst discussion would be complete without at least a mention of EGY's 60% interest in Block P, offshore Equatorial Guinea. As of this date, a Plan of Development has been approved, and a Joint Operating Agreement is in place. Although Venus (Not to be confused with Total's Venus discovery offshore Namibia) As the slide below discusses, there is future prospectivity in this block. And the two producers and one injector needed to bring on Venus could be done in 2026. Canada is taking a backseat after several successes in the company's Cardium and Mannville plays in Alberta, with no further drilling planned until 2026. The slide below shows the 2.50-mile horizontal section performing nearly as well as the 3.0-mile type curve. Q-3, 2025 for EGY Most notably, the company hit the upper range of most production estimates, but cash flow suffered due to softness in Brent prices. Guidance for the full year expects 5% uplift YoY. Capex was reduced due to the issues with Gabon to optimize cash flow for the quarter. Even so, the company had to call upon its revolver for current expenses. Otherwise, the company has no debt. Company filings Risks to the thesis for EGY Even great deals can get cheaper. Picking an entry point can be frustrating as fundamentals continue to weaken. That's the era we are in right now. As I laid out in the Macro, there are many moving pieces driving oil prices, and most of them are not supportive. No matter how good the price of EGY stock looks relative to the recent past, it can always get cheaper when the market turns against upstream investors. Your takeaway EGYs report reads pretty well. And EGY management is due some deference for their experience in West African operations, going back decades. Their balance sheet management also speaks well for the company. Borrowing money to support operations when interruptions in other projects present cash flow hiccups is no big deal. The company retains ample liquidity, assuming refurbishment with the FPSO goes according to plan. In my view, Vaalco's strong balance sheet, prospects for improving cash flow in the next year, and low multiples, put a buy target squarely on the company at its current level. The company is currently trading in a range well below its 50 and 200 day SMAs, which is probably more induced by the depressed pricing of Brent than anything else. I am giving EGY a Strong for investors with a high risk profile, seeking capital growth and competitive shareholder returns. By David Messler for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Hawaii has a plan to generate all of its energy from low-emission sources by 2045. It is a bold plan, as the states administration admits, and it is also a plan that will see Hawaii start importing liquefied natural gas. Hawaiians pay the highest electricity rates in the United States. They pay even more than Californians, who also have an administration with significant ambitions in the net-zero transition. With Hawaii, however, the reasons for the high rates include its geographical isolation, which makes it necessary to ship fuel oil for its power supply, adding to the final cost of the electricity produced with this fuel oil. Indeed, the final cost of baseload electricity in Hawaii is so high that locals pay the highest electricity bills even though they consume the least grid-delivered electricity in the United States, according to the Energy Information Administration. At the same time, also per the EIA, Despite having the third-lowest total energy consumption among the states, Hawaii uses 16 times more energy than it produces. Hawaii, then, is not in the most enviable position with regard to energy supply, especially reliable, baseload supply. It gets close to a quarter of its electricity from solar panels, although the data sheets noting this information do not mention the fact that this is not a consistent, round-the-clock supply. It does have some battery storage, including a large-scale installation with a capacity of 185 MW. This is nowhere near enough to cover demand. The island states administration closed its last coal-powered plant three years ago. Related: Indians Serentica Renewables to Invest $11 Billion in Clean Energy Hawaiis previous administration was dead set against natural gas in view of the 100% low-carbon energy goal. The current administration is more flexible, so it recently signed a preliminary deal with Japans JERA for long-term delivery of liquefied natural gas. Switching to gas-powered generation is expected to lower costs, especially over the long term, once Hawaii builds LNG import infrastructure. Advocates of zero-hydrocarbon generation are protesting the plans. Their arguments come down to that same 100% low-carbon generation goal, even though electricity costs have been climbing in tune with the phase-out of coal and the growth in solar. To net-zero advocates, any reliance on hydrocarbons is a step off the right track to net zero. More practical minds, however, note that energy affordability is a serious concern worth prioritizing. What is happening in Hawaii is quite similar to what is happening in Germany, which could serve as a cautionary tale to anyone planning a net-zero transition from hydrocarbons to weather-based sources of electricity. Germany also has firm net-zero plans in place that focus on the buildout of massive wind and solar generation capacity. Because this capacity depends on the weather, the country needs substantial baseload backup; and for that, it needs gas. Germany has been building LNG import capacity at breakneck speed to replace shunned Russian pipeline supply, in evidence that its massive wind and solar capacity cannot handle demand on its own, even with batteries. Like Hawaii, Germany plans to switch from gas to hydrogen at some distant point in the future, if green hydrogen ever starts making economic sense. In the meantime, however, its either gas or blackouts. One might point out that this sort of dilemma is a no-brainer. Yet those dedicated to net zero argue that Hawaiiagain like Germanycould get hooked on gas and be unable to wean itself off it by 2045. In the end, it comes down to priorities: deciding whether it is more important to have an uninterrupted, affordable electricity supply or have an intermittent, expensive supply and lower emissions. It seems Hawaiis current administration prefers the former option. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Funding extension led by European technology investor Hi Inov with participation from existing investors UVC Partners and Capnamic Ventures MUNICH, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rencore today announced it has extended its Series A funding to a total of USD 15 million. The extension round was led by European technology investor Hi Inov, with continued participation from existing investors UVC Partners and Capnamic Ventures. The additional capital will accelerate Rencore's international expansion in Europe and North America and further strengthen its position as a leader in AI and Agent Governance for enterprise Microsoft 365 environments. Co-founders of Rencore from left to right: Torsten Mandelkow and Matthias Einig Rencore provides a cloud-based governance platform that enables large organizations to manage collaboration, security, compliance, and automation across Microsoft 365, the Power Platform, and AI-driven services such as Copilot and enterprise agents. The solution gives IT and compliance teams deep visibility into their environments, allows them to enforce policies, reduce risk, and automate remediation across collaboration and AI data sources. Building on its established success in Microsoft 365 governance, Rencore has extended its platform to include advanced capabilities for AI and Agent Governance. This enables enterprises to control how AI systems interact with business data, ensure responsible AI use, and align with new standards for trust, risk, and security. With the growing adoption of AI in large organizations, these capabilities are becoming essential for CIOs and IT leaders managing Copilot deployments and other AI integrations at scale. The Rencore AI and Agent Governance solution is already used by leading enterprises to identify and manage AI agents and Copilot integrations across their Microsoft environments. Customers use Rencore to detect and mitigate data exposure risks, enforce security and compliance policies, and ensure that AI systems operate within organizational and regulatory boundaries. Rencore serves some of the world's largest enterprises, including Amgen, Honeywell, Lufthansa Group, and Siemens Healthineers, helping them to secure collaboration environments, improve operational efficiency, and prepare their data estates for safe AI adoption. "AI adoption across the enterprise is creating a new layer of complexity in governance, security, and compliance," said Julius Jurging, Partner at Hi Inov. "Rencore is uniquely positioned to solve these challenges by extending its proven Microsoft 365 governance foundation into AI and Agent Governance. We are convinced that Rencore will play a defining role in how enterprises establish control and trust in the age of AI." "Enterprises today need to govern not only their data but also the AI systems that use it," said Matthias Einig, CEO of Rencore. "This investment allows us to accelerate our mission of helping organizations adopt AI responsibly and securely, while scaling our presence in Europe and North America. The demand for AI governance is growing fast, and Rencore is ready to lead this next stage of enterprise transformation." Rencore will use the new funding to expand its AI and Agent Governance capabilities, grow its product and engineering teams, and scale its go-to-market operations in Europe and North America. The company will continue to work closely with enterprises, system integrators, and managed service providers to help them implement sustainable governance frameworks for collaboration and AI. This next phase of growth focuses on enabling customers to innovate securely, maintaining full control and compliance while adopting AI at scale. About Rencore Rencore is a Munich-based software company specializing in governance, security, and compliance solutions for Microsoft 365, the Power Platform, and enterprise AI. Its cloud platform enables organizations to inventory, analyze, and control collaboration and automation environments at scale. Rencore's customers include global enterprises and public sector organizations that rely on its technology to maintain security, ensure compliance, and govern AI responsibly across the modern workplace. Website: rencore.com About Hi Inov Hi Inov is a European B2B venture capital fund founded by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, with offices in Paris, Lyon, and Munich. Hi Inov supports high-growth European companies from Seed to Series A and B, focusing on driving transformation in the industrial and service sectors through innovative technological solutions. With a highly experienced team, a strong German-French foundation, and an extensive network, Hi Inov provides strategic guidance to help companies scale from early-stage ventures to global category leaders. Backed by over 350 million in capital from entrepreneurs, mid-sized and large corporations, and institutional investors, Hi Inov integrates sustainability and energy efficiency into its investment strategy and portfolio support. Hi Inov's European portfolio includes market leaders such as Deepki, Platform.sh, 360 Learning, Agorapulse, Customers for Trade, awork, and Ninox. Website: www.hiinov.com About UVC Partners UVC Partners is a leading venture capital firm investing in European B2B tech startups, with offices in Munich and Berlin. Managing over 600 million in assets, UVC Partners typically invests between 1 million and 10 million initially, with up to 30 million per startup, focusing on DeepTech, ClimateTech, Mobility, and Software/AI. As an independent partner of UnternehmerTUMEurope's leading startup ecosystemUVC Partners has unique access to proprietary deal flow, over 1,000 corporates and SMEs, and top talent from the Technical University of Munich, one of Europe's leading technical universities. UVC Partners' portfolio includes Flix, Isar Aerospace, planqc, Proxima Fusion, Reverion, Tacto, TWAICE, DeepDrive, STABL, and many more. All portfolio companies and founders benefit from the team's extensive investment and exit experience, its ability to build sustainable industry leaders, and the UnternehmerTUM networkparticularly when it comes to accelerating market entry. Website: www.uvcpartners.com About Capnamic Capnamic is a leading European early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Cologne, Munich, and Berlin. The VC invests in outstanding teams from the German-speaking region from pre-seed to Series A. All portfolio companies benefit from Capnamic's unique network of global investors and industry partners, as well as hands-on support, mentoring, and knowledge sharing. The Capnamic team brings extensive expertise, including over 100 investments, numerous successful exits and IPOs, and a strong entrepreneurial track record within the investment team. The General Partners are Christian Siegele, Christian Knott, Jorg Binnenbrucker, and Olaf Jacobi. Website: capnamic.com SOURCE Rencore GmbH Angola inaugurated on Thursday its first plant to process non-associated natural gas as the African oil producer looks to develop a standalone gas industry, too. The plant, worth $4 billion, was inaugurated by Angolas President Joao Lourenco in the presence of Minerals and Petroleum Minister Diamantino Azevedo. The gas processing facility was built in the Soyo municipality by New Gas Consortium (NGC), which is a first for Angola as it targets to develop and produce non-associated gas located in the offshore gas fields. Historically, gas in Angola has been captured as a by-product of oil extraction, the so-called associated gas. The plant will be operated by Azule Energy, which is a joint venture of BP and Eni. NGC, for its part, is an incorporated joint venture of Azule Energy with Sonangol P&P, Chevron, and TotalEnergies. The non-associated gas of Phase 1 of the project will come from the Quiluma and Maboqueiro shallow waters field with additional potential of gas from Blocks 2, 3, and 15/14 areas. The plant has the capacity to process 400 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscfd) and 20,000 barrels of condensate per day, and will supply gas to the Angola LNG plant, boosting domestic gas supply and Angolas exports. The new plant was completed six months ahead of schedule and its start-up turns a new page in Angolas energy history, Minister Azevedo said at the inauguration. Angola is betting big on natural gas developments as a short-term increase in oil production is not expected to last, despite the West African country leaving OPEC over capped production. Companies operating in Angola have recently started up two oil projects, but they have also begun to target non-associated offshore gas plays, hoping that a massive gas resource could be waiting to be tapped. Earlier this year, Azule Energy discovered a major natural gas reservoir offshore Angola in the first gas-targeting exploration well in the oil-producing country. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Australia needs to accelerate efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to hit its own targets, the countrys Climate Change Authority said today. Currently, Australias emissions are falling in line with plans, but these plans envisage a reduction of between 62% and 70% from 2005 levels by 2035. The country is currently on track to achieve a reduction of just 48% from 2005 levels, the Climate Change Authority said, as quoted by Reuters. Australias efforts to decarbonise have affected the reliability of energy supply, prompting a backlash that led the main opposition party in the country to say earlier this month it would drop the emission reduction targets if elected. The Liberal Party, which was crushed by the Labour Party in this years general election, vowed to remain in the Paris Agreement and work on slashing Australias emissions, but without sacrificing household prosperity for the sake of reaching net zero. Our emissions reduction goals will never come at the expense of Australian families and this is the principle that will guide every decision we take, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley said, as carried by ABC News. We remain committed to Paris and we made it very clear it isn't our policy to set long-term targets, but net zero would be a welcome outcome, Ley added. Australia is one of the worlds top three exporters of LNG, and it is also a major producer of coal. Industry advocates warn that decarbonisation efforts would harm some of Australias biggest export revenue contributors, and successive governments seem to have recognised this by stopping short of decapitating gas production. Indeed, just this year, the Labour government gave the go-ahead to an extension for Woodside Energys North West Shelf project that would see gas production continue until 2070. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chinas demand for liquefied natural gas is on course for yet another annual decline this year, estimates from BloombergNEF suggest. The outlet expects Chinese LNG demand to be 5% weaker this year than last, at 73 million tons. Such a development would dethrone China as the largest LNG importer in the world, with the dubious import-dependence crown going to Japan. The BloombergNEF forecast follows reports earlier this week that revealed Chinas LNG imports have been on the decline for 13 months straight. The countrys November total in imports is seen at 5.81 million tons, which would be a 5.5% decline from a year ago, Kpler said this week. The decline would be significantly smaller than the ones registered for the previous two months, both of which were at over 10% on the year. Bloomberg noted in its report on this years LNG imports that China used to be the fastest-growing import market for liquefied gas prior to 2022 and the spot market price surge following Russias invasion of Ukraine. As prices changed, so did Chinas demand. At the time, BNEF forecast Chinas LNG imports for 2025 at as much as 100 million tons. Since then, the forecasting outlet has had to revise its projections repeatedly to reflect the close link between price movements and purchasing behavior. There has also been another factor affecting Chinas appetite for liquefied gas, and that is the Power of Siberia pipeline from Russia, which has been pumping ever-growing volumes of gas. Earlier this year, the two countries also signed a deal for the expansion of the pipeline, which would double its capacity to over 100 billion cu m of natural gas per year. Meanwhile, China has also been working on boosting its domestic natural gas production, and the efforts have been paying off, with output hitting an all-time high earlier this year. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Japan could restart two reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Japan, the worlds largest, as soon as January, if a regional assembly endorses next week the governors decision to allow the start-up, Jiji press agency reported on Thursday. Last week, Hideyo Hanazumi, governor of the Niigata Prefecture where the nuclear power plant is located, gave his approval for the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), to restart units 6 and 7 at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa. Before the Fukushima meltdown in 2011, nuclear energy accounted for about 30% of Japans electricity mix. The disaster prompted the closure of all reactors for safety checks. Since 2015, Japan has restarted 14 reactors out of 33, while 11 others are currently in the process of restart approval. The assembly of the Niigata Prefecture is expected to vote on the governors decision in a regular session that begins on Tuesday, December 2. If the assembly approves the restart, too, the two units at the nuclear power plant could resume operations in January, the Jiji agency quoted the plants director as saying. TEPCO, which also operated the nuclear power plant in Fukushima prior to the 2011 disaster, has planned for years to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in the Niigata prefecture. Last month, TEPCO said that it carried out a full round of integrity checks at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa after fuel loading of Unit 6 was completed, confirming that primary facilities can sufficiently perform the functions required for reactor startup. But the company faces backlash over its restart plans and proposal to contribute monetarily to vitalizing the regional economy. Local residents and anti-nuclear activists in Japan oppose the restart and have slammed TEPCOs proposal as a bribery of the local residents to accept the restart of the plant. Opinion polls suggest that local residents are split on whether TEPCO should be allowed to restart the nuclear power plant. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The Khor Mor gas field in Kurdistan, one of the biggest gas fields in Iraqs semi-autonomous region, has been shut down after a rocket attack hit a storage tank and caused a fire, the joint field operator, UAE-based firm Dana Gas, said on Thursday. Dana Gas, which operates the Khor Mor field under a consortium with Crescent Petroleum, OMV, MOL, and RWE, said that a liquid storage tank at the Khor Mor facility was struck by a rocket attack. Footage from the strike shows a major fire at one of the condensate tanks: ???????????? BREAKING ???????????? Kurdistan- iraq ???????? The Khor Mor gas field facilities come under what is reported as a drone attack in the early morning hours pic.twitter.com/DMwD5Qp5zI ????????? ?????? (@AzizSapphire) November 27, 2025 An engineer on the ground told Oilprice.com: The worst attack weve seen two years of work gone in a second. The new condensate tank and export units hit. We finished it just two months ago. Thankfully, zero casualties, zero injuries. Production has been shut down to extinguish the fire and conduct a situation assessment, Dana Gas said, adding that there were no injuries to personnel. The rocket attack is the most serious at a field in Kurdistan since three days of drone strikes at oilfields in the semi-autonomous region shut in a large part of the output in the middle of July. The rocket attack has not affected Kurdistans oil production and exports, which resumed at the end of September. But the Khor Mor gas field supplies gas for domestic electricity generation, which is in precarious state even without sudden halts to gas output. The attack at Khor Mor has led to blackouts in the Kurdistan region, Aziz Ahmad, deputy Chief of Staff to Kurdistans Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, said in a post on X condemning the attack. The usual terrorists on the federal governments payroll have once again attacked our critical Khor Mor gas field, leading to blackouts in neighbourhoods across the Kurdistan Region, Ahmad said, possibly referring to Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Electricity exports to the rest of Iraq roughly 10% of the countrys entire generation have also flatlined, the official added. How many attacks must happen before the US government simply allows the KRG to purchase kinetic anti-drone equipment for us to defend our skies and critical infrastructure? The Iraqi government isnt interested. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The global energy and industrial sectors run on rare earth elements (REEs), a group of 17 metals indispensable for everything from EV batteries and smartphones to wind turbines and catalytic converters. While REEs are often found in small quantities, generally as trace impurities bound with similar elements, they are not exactly rare, with some like cerium more abundant than lead. However, only ~1% of rare earth elements (REE) are recycled globally due to the complexity of separating them from other materials, the low concentrations in products, and the energy-intensive and hazardous nature of current recycling methods. In contrast, critical minerals like aluminum and cobalt have much higher recycling rates, approaching 100% in some cases. And, aluminum scrap has now become one of the most valuable critical minerals in Europe, with the bloc working hard to ensure more recyclable material stays within the continent. According to EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic, over a million metric tons a year of aluminum scrap is currently leaving Europe in the form of exports, far too much for the continent. Europe is a net exporter of aluminum scrap, with exports reaching a record 1.26 million tonnes in 2024. Increased U.S. tariffs on primary aluminum have led to a surge in scrap exports from Europe to the United States, while a significant portion of these exportsup to 65%--are going to Asian countries including China, India, and Turkiye, while others are sent to non-EU OECD countries. Whereas U.S. President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on primary aluminum and semi-manufactured products to 50% in June, aluminum scrap is exempt from the import tariffs. However, this trend predates the second Trump administration, with Consultancy Project Blue estimating that Europes exports of aluminium scrap to non-EU countries grew at a roughly 9% annual clip between 2018 and 2024. Related: The Hidden Energy Agenda Behind Trumps Ukraine Peace Framework Europe has set a target for recycled products to meet 25% of the continent's critical minerals demand by 2030. Europe needs more recycled aluminum because recycling is a far less energy intensive process, needing only 5% of the energy needed for primary production. With high energy costs forcing many European primary aluminum smelters to close, the continent is struggling with scrap shortages due to increasing exports, which is exacerbating the critical raw material challenge. Europe's leaders are now worried that they will not meet this target, with European Aluminium estimating that 15% of the continents recycling furnace capacity is currently idle for lack of feedstock. But not all aluminum scrap is created equal. High-purity scrap, such as used beverage cans, is in high demand in Europe and a big reason why the Aluminum Association is calling for an immediate ban. Europe recycles ~75% of its aluminium beverage cans, much higher than 43% by the United States. In contrast, scrap grades such as "Zorba" and "Twitch" made from mixed-up material, frequently from end-of-life vehicles, are difficult and expensive to process, hence the blocs willingness to export them. Recycling Potential The potential of recycling critical minerals and rare earths is huge. A past study found that simply boosting the collection rate of batteries, bulbs, and magnets could improve the recycling rate of REE from the current 1% to 20-40%. That would amount to up to 5% of global REE mine production, or nearly half of the U.S. annual mine supply. But we could do even better. As Simon Jowitt, assistant professor at UNLVs Department of Geoscience, has told ArsTechnica, much more than 40% of REE could be recycled depending on adoption rates of technologies like EVs. To be fair, recycling that amount of rare earths would not be a walk in the park. The diverse types of electronics being recycled would not necessarily contain enough rare earths and in the right proportions to make recycling those elements profitable. In many cases, the manufacturers usually are not responsible for running recycling operations, meaning they might not even be privy to which components contain what materials. Here, the United States REE industry needs to borrow a leaf from Europe. The EUs Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment WEEE requires manufacturers of electronic devices to not only finance or perform the recycling of those devices but also requires sellers to offer free e-waste collection, with specific rules applying to retailers and consumers. Sellers of new electrical goods must provide a free "take-back" service for similar old products, while larger stores must accept small items for recycling without a purchase. This is part of a larger system that aims to promote responsible disposal, reuse, and recycling of electronics. But ultimately, it might all boil down to political will--or lack thereof. The permitting process in the U.S. is ridiculously long, and can take up to three decades compared to just two years in countries like Australia and Canada. Navigating a regulatory minefield of labyrinthine local, state and federal rules stifles U.S. mining companies compared to their Chinese competitors. By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com By Oregon State Representative E. Werner Reschke: November 12, 1981 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this Nation throughout its history. In keeping with Americas heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. On this day of thanksgiving, it is appropriate that we recall the first Thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1621. After surviving a bitter winter, the Pilgrims planted and harvested a bountiful crop. After the harvest they gathered their families together and joined in celebration and prayer with the native Americans who had taught them so much. Clearly our forefathers were thankful not only for the material well-being of their harvest but for this abundance of goodwill as well. In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks. As we celebrate Thanksgiving in 1981, we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do as individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance. Let us recommit ourselves to that devotion to God and family that has played such an important role in making this a great Nation, and which will be needed as a source of strength if we are to remain a great people. Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim Thursday, November 26, 1981, as Thanksgiving Day. In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twelfth day of November, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and sixth. Ronald Reagan By Jason Williams Williams is founder of the Taxpayers Association of Oregon, OregonWatchdog, OregonCatalyst. In 2025, I have found myself awestruck by my fellow Oregonians. Here is why: As you know, there was a big gas tax passed by politicians this year. Over seven months, every effort to block citizens from participating in the discussion was used in order to pass this tax that they knew voters did not want. A referendum petition was launched, and within just two weeks over 150,000 voters took to the streets to sign it or help others sign it. It is historic. It is beautiful. After Charlie Kirk was killed, we saw spontaneous candlelight vigils sprout up across Oregon. These people were peaceful, even as angry liberals passing by would scream obscenities and threats at the women and children who were mourning the loss of someone who was murdered. These Oregon vigil attendees were not only peaceful, but they also showed amazing grace when they prayed for Charlie Kirks shooter (this was before Erika Kirks famous extension of forgiveness). For six years, Leftist protestors have been rioting in Portland under a tolerating city council, media, courts and a hamstrung police. During the 2025 ICE building riots, we saw something never seen before at these protests counter protesters showing up in large numbers. They showed up waving American flags and banners saying that they appreciated ICE agents protecting them. It was a stunning display of compassion and bravery. The rioters were utterly stumped and humiliated by their presence. Despite the awful politics of the Federal government shutdown, many families found themselves in a bind when SNAP benefits ran out especially the thousands of Oregonians who have been laid off this year. The sheer number of local restaurants and businesses offering free meals and food was mind boggling. Here is just a sample from the Portland area; AG Burrito Shop, Astera, Baja Fresh, Bar West, Bing Mi, Bleau Door Bakery, Burgerville, Bumburgers, Cafe Olli, Cafe Yumm! Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, DB Dessert Company, Delicious Donuts, Donut Land Tualatin El Sombrero, Feral, GeekEasy Cafe, Grind Wit Tryz, Golden Triangle PDX, Grassa, Harlow, Heretic Coffee, Hog Wild BBQ Ice Queen, Just a Dash, Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant, Javelina Indigenous Dining, Laughing Planet Cafe Legacy Coffee, Mama Chows Kitchen, Magna Kusina Memoire Ca Phe Mikiko Mochi Donuts, Miss Delta BBQ, Mirisata, Montavilla Brew Works, Norah Nans Taqueria, Oregon City Farmers Market, Pica Drip, Pleasure Burger, The Pharmacy PDX, Pizzeria Stellina, Salvi PDX, Sunnys Diner, Warren Country Inn Life has been hard for us Oregonians. We suffer worse by many metrics (drugs, crime, poverty, taxes, homelessness), yet we are going to extraordinary lengths to help each other during this terrible season we are in. I thank God this Thanksgiving for Oregonians. By Taxpayers Association of Oregon OregonWatchdog.com Karen from Portland wrote us at the Taxpayers Association of Oregon a very special and heartfelt note saying she couldnt gather extra signatures for the Stop the Gas Tax referendum petition drive. She detailed that due to a June stroke she was unable to get out and gather more names outside of herself. Karens story is a powerful reminder that many Oregonians are in a troubled spot (recovery, hurt, injury, unemployment, disability) and cannot fully participate in direct Democracy as they wish they could. This is why we need to stand up for those who cant. When you gather signatures for a petition, you are speaking for the most vulnerable among us. Please gather signatures for this stop the gas tax petition drive and get those completed signatures in. If you are sitting on your petition, please return it to your local petition captain or mail it ASAP to: Taxpayers Association of Oregon PO Box 23573 Tigard, OR, 97281 Please support our watchdog journalism of 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). 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. 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: Scientist Thomas Kruijer uses the thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to analyze meteorite samples. Credit: Blaise Douros When a meteor streaks across the sky, it's not just beautiful. It's nature's way of delivering a time capsule to Earth. Contained within are hints about the very beginning of the solar system and how planets, including our own, formed. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientist Thomas Kruijer and collaborators describe how meteorites tell the story of the early solar system in a recent paper in Space Science Reviews that will also become a chapter in an upcoming textbook. "The holy grail, the ultimate goal, is to understand how you form habitable planets like Earth," said Kruijer. "How do you form the planet that we stand on and walk around on every day, and how do you form a planet that eventually is able to harbor life on it? That is still vigorously debated." How planetesimals and meteorites form But researchers have some well-founded ideas. When the solar system began to form, gas and dust from a giant molecular cloud was pulled into a flattened disk of material around the sun. That protoplanetary disk was very hot at first but eventually started to cool and coalesce. Gravity caused dust clumped together into larger and larger pieces. Eventually this formed small bodies, 1100 miles across, called planetesimals. "These planetesimals are thought to be the building blocks of larger planets, so they're actually very important. To understand how Earth formed, you also need to know how planetesimals formed," said Kruijer. "I think we are somewhat like detectives or historians, in a way. We are trying to develop a sequence of these events." The main clue for this detective work comes in the form of meteorites. Many of these space rocks come from the asteroid belt, a graveyard for some of the first bodies that formed in the solar system. By analyzing meteorites in the laboratorya field known as cosmochemistryscientists can determine the age and compositions of samples that are over 4.5 billion years old. "It's maybe a sample the size of your fingernail, and that rock that you hold is the oldest thing on Earth," said Kruijer. "For all these years it has stayed the same, and it has recorded that information about the time that it formed." Kruijer examines the TIMS data that can be used to determine the age and compositions of meteorite samples. Credit: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Types of meteorites and their significance The authors describe the various types of meteorites and what information each provides. Undifferentiated meteorites come from planetesimals that mixed together and formed without melting. They harbor calcium aluminum-rich inclusions that were possibly the first materials to condense out of the protoplanetary disk. Also inside are chondrules, small spheres that can be easily dated and demonstrate when a body formed. In contrast, differentiated meteorites underwent heating and melted. Heavier materials like iron sank inward to form a planetesimal core while light materials rose to the mantle. "That's quite special because Earth is also thought to have an iron core, but it's so deep under our feet that we can never access it," said Kruijer. "By studying iron meteorites, you can also study the cores of planetary bodies." LLNL is home to many analytical tools that are used to analyze meteorite samples. The Laboratory specializes in measuring isotopes, ages and chemical compositions of very small samples very precisely and accurately. For example, when NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission became the first U.S. mission to collect a sample of material from an asteroid and return it to Earth, scientists at LLNL performed some of the analysis. The team aims to do the same for samples from the upcoming Artemis missions to the moon. In preparation, they are analyzing historical lunar samples that were returned from the Apollo missions. 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. "We are currently ramping up our scientific capabilities in anticipation of Artemis," said Kruijer. "This is a major thrust area for cosmochemistry at LLNL. We want to sustain and strengthen our ability to study lunar samples." These analytical techniques are mission-critical for the Laboratory. State-of-the-art capabilities in cosmochemistry feed into nuclear forensics, an area of research at LLNL that seeks to extract information about the provenance and history of nuclear materials. Eventually, Kruijer wants to see results from meteorite sample analysis feed into large-scale astrophysical models of the protoplanetary disk. He hopes the paper's compilation of meteorite research will serve as a valuable resource for early-career scientists and experts in adjacent fields. "You can ask AI to summarize the latest developments in this field. That gives you some idea, but there's a lot of nuance and precise language that's used in scientific papers," he said. "I think having a well-curated review paper that is written by experts who understand all the nuances, and that's still really important." More information: Maria Schonbachler et al, Initial Conditions of Planet Formation: Time Constraints from Small Bodies and the Lifetime of Reservoirs in the Solar Protoplanetary Disk, Space Science Reviews (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11214-025-01216-z 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 image represents cryo-EM density maps for the two extreme conformational states that the group II intron acquires during folding, through a continuous dynamic movement of its structured helical motifs. Credit: Shekhar Jadhav/EMBL RNA is a central biological macromolecule, now widely harnessed in medicine and nanotechnology. Like proteins, RNA function often depends on its precise three-dimensional structure. A recent study published in Nature Communications by Marcia group, has captured, for the first time, a ribozyme in motionalmost frame by frame. The researchers recorded how this tiny RNA machine folds, flexes, and assembles itself, revealing its intricate choreography in unprecedented detail. Using an integrative structural biology approach combining state-of-the-art techniquescryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), RNA biochemistry and enzymology, image processing, and molecular simulationsthe scientists observed the assembly of a self-splicing ribozymean RNA molecule that can "cut and paste" its own sequence, essentially editing itself to become operational. They captured the dynamic behind-the-scenes process by which the self-splicing ribozyme folds into its functional structure. The research was led by the team of Marco Marcia, former EMBL Group Leader and currently Associate Professor and SciLifeLab Group leader at Uppsala University, Sweden. This breakthrough was made possible thanks to the cutting-edge facilities and expert services at EMBL Grenoble, which enabled the integration of advanced structural biology methods with RNA biochemistry and enzymology. The Marcia group also benefited from close collaboration with the Center for Structural Systems Biology (CSSB) Hamburg, where innovative cryo-EM image processing approaches tailored for this specific project were developed, and the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), which provided high-level molecular simulation expertise. "Determining RNA structures is a challenging taskthe inherent flexibility and negative charge make RNA a notoriously difficult target for structural studies," said Shekhar Jadhav, former predoctoral Fellow at EMBL Grenoble, now a postdoc at Uppsala University, Sweden. "Persistent efforts and extensive screening on electron microscopes ultimately led us to visualize elusive RNA dynamics." The result is the most complete "molecular film" to date of an RNA molecule building itself, revealing how it avoids the biological equivalent of outtakes: misfolded, non-functional states known as kinetic traps. Representation of a dynamic cryo-EM density maps for the two extreme conformational states that the group II intron acquires during folding, through a continuous movement of its structured helical motifs. Credit: Shekhar Jadhav/EMBL How one domain orchestrates the RNA storyline At the heart of this production is Domain 1 (D1), the ribozyme's central scaffold and, as it turns out, its director. This domain acts as a molecular gate, cueing the other domains (D2, D3, D4) to enter at precisely the right moment during the folding process. Subtle movements in key parts of the D1 molecule prompt one of its sections to open up and make way for the next. Each domain joins the scene only when the previous one is correctly in place, creating a seamless sequence of molecular choreography that prevents structural errors and ensures a flawless finale: the formation of a structure that can catalyze a chemical reaction, essential to the ribozyme's function. Capturing the hidden takes By analyzing hundreds of thousands of single RNA molecules, the team reconstructed intermediate 'takes' that were invisible in static crystal structures. These fleeting frames show how the RNA explores alternative poses before settling into its final conformation. "To capture these fleeting frames, we had to develop novel cryo-EM image-processing strategies," said Maya Topf, Group Leader at CSSB, Professor at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, and a collaborator on the study. "This is a great example of how computational innovation and high-quality cryoEM data can reveal the hidden conformations of molecular machines." SAXS data and molecular dynamics simulations offered complementary insight into conformational plasticity, helping the scientists refine each structural frame and assemble the full storyline. The researchers found that the energy needed by the ribozyme to shift between different shapes was very small, which not only allows the RNA to move smoothly from one form to another in real life, but also makes it easier for computers to accurately simulate these natural transitions without the molecule getting stuck in unrealistic positions. "One major strength of this work is the synergy between these cutting-edge new structural data on RNA and our advanced molecular simulations of this challenging system," said Marco De Vivo, Head of Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab and Associate Director for Computation of Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia in Genoa, and one of the collaborators on this study. "This combined approach has clarified, at an unprecedented atomistic level of detail, the dynamic that drives the entire assembly of this RNA molecule, which now opens new avenues for drug discovery efforts targeting RNA." 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. From ancient scripts to modern spin-offs Group II introns, the ribozymes featured in this molecular film, are thought to be the ancestors of the spliceosome, the complex machinery that edits RNA in human cells. By revealing how these molecules fold efficiently and avoid kinetic traps, the study provides new insight into how early RNA-based life may have evolved its RNA editing tools. Beyond evolutionary lore, this work also sets the stage for RNA design and engineeringguiding how future biotechnologies might script RNA molecules to fold correctly for use in therapeutics or nanobiotechnology. Opening the door to RNA AI The detailed datasets and molecular mechanisms uncovered in this study offer a valuable benchmark for training and testing AI models. Some of the RNA structures resolved here have already been used in international CASP competitionsthe same predictive challenge that gave rise to AlphaFoldas recently described in the journal Proteins. "This work is expected to play a key role in shaping artificial intelligence approaches to RNA structure prediction, paving the way towards a new 'AlphaFold for RNA,'" said Marcia. This convergence of experimental precision and machine learning marks a new phase for RNA structural biology, where AI and cryo-EM and complementary experimental approaches can learn from each other to predict, visualize, and understand the dynamics of life's most versatile molecule. More information: Dynamic assembly of a large multidomain ribozyme visualized by cryo-electron microscopy, Nature Communications (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-65502-8 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 A new tool shows it is possible to turn down the partisan rancor in an X feedwithout removing political posts and without the direct cooperation of the platform. The Stanford-led research, published in Science, also indicates that it may one day be possible to let users take control of their own social media algorithms. A multidisciplinary team created a seamless, web-based tool that reorders content to move posts lower in a user's feed when they contain antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity, such as advocating for violence or jailing supporters of the opposing party. In an experiment using the tool with about 1,200 participants over 10 days during the 2024 election, those who had antidemocratic content downranked showed more positive views of the opposing party. The effect was also bipartisan, holding true for people who identified as liberals or conservatives. "Social media algorithms directly impact our lives, but until now, only the platforms had the ability to understand and shape them," said Michael Bernstein, a professor of computer science in Stanford's School of Engineering and the study's senior author. "We have demonstrated an approach that lets researchers and end users have that power." The tool could also open ways to create interventions that not only mitigate partisan animosity, but also promote greater social trust and healthier democratic discourse across party lines, added Bernstein, who is also a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence. For this study, the team drew from previous sociology research from Stanford, identifying categories of antidemocratic attitudes and partisan animosity that can be threats to democracy. In addition to advocating for extreme measures against the opposing party, these attitudes include statements that show rejection of any bipartisan cooperation, skepticism of facts that favor the other party's views, and a willingness to forgo democratic principles to help the favored party. Preventing emotional hijacking There is often an immediate, unavoidable emotional response to seeing this kind of content, said study co-author Jeanne Tsai. "This polarizing content can just hijack their attention by making people feel bad the moment they see it," said Tsai, a professor of psychology in the Stanford School of Humanities and Sciences. The study brought together researchers from the University of Washington and Northeastern, as well as Stanford, to tackle the problem from a range of disciplines, including computer science, psychology, information science, and communication. The study's first author, Tiziano Piccardi, a former postdoctoral fellow in Bernstein's lab, created a web extension tool coupled with an artificial intelligence large language model that scans posts for these types of antidemocratic and extreme negative partisan sentiments. The tool then re-orders posts on the user's X feed in a matter of seconds. Then, in separate experiments, the researchers had a group of participants who consented to have their feeds modified, view X with this type of content downranked or upranked over 10 days, and compared their reactions to a control group. No posts were removed, but the more incendiary political posts appeared lower or higher in their content streams. The impact on polarization was clear, said Piccardi, who is now an assistant professor of computer science at Johns Hopkins University. "When the participants were exposed to less of this content, they felt warmer toward the people of the opposing party," he said. "When they were exposed to more, they felt colder." 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. Small change with a potentially big impact Before and after the experiment, the researchers surveyed participants on their feelings toward the opposing party on a scale of 1 to 100. Among the participants who had the negative content downranked, their attitudes improved on average by two pointsequivalent to the estimated change in attitudes that has occurred among the general U.S. population over a period of three years. Previous studies on social media interventions to mitigate this kind of polarization have shown mixed results. Those interventions have also been rather blunt instruments, the researchers said, such as ranking posts chronologically or stopping social media use altogether. This study shows that a more nuanced approach is possible and effective, Piccardi said. It can also give people more control over what they see, and that might help improve their social media experience overall, since downranking this content not only decreased participants' polarization but also their feelings of anger and sadness. The researchers are now looking into other interventions using a similar method, including ones that aim to improve mental health. The team has also made the code of the current tool available, so other researchers and developers can use it to create their own ranking systems independent of a social media platform's algorithm. More information: Tiziano Piccardi et al, Reranking partisan animosity in algorithmic social media feeds alters affective polarization, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.adu5584. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adu5584 Jennifer Allen et al, Platform-independent experiments on social media, Science (2025). DOI: 10.1126/science.aec7388 , www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aec7388 Journal information: Science 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: Map of EU countries' performance toward the SDGs. The study co-led by UMH and UAM shows a clear pattern: Northern and Benelux countries are the most efficient, while Southern and especially Eastern Europe advance more slowly. Spain ranks 20th out of 27. Credit: Aparicio et al. (Expert Systems with Applications, 2025). European Union countries are progressing toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but not at the same pace. A study co-led by Miguel Hernandez University of Elche (UMH, Spain), Wroclaw University of Economics and Business (Poland), and the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM, Spain) reveals that Northern and Benelux countries are advancing the fastest. At the same time, Southern and Eastern Europe show slower progress. The findings are published in Expert Systems with Applications. Researchers Juan Aparicio and Juan Francisco Monge, from the Operations Research Center (CIO) at UMH, co-led the development of a mathematical model designed to more accurately measure the efficiency with which EU member states are progressing toward the SDGs using their available resources. "Our model offers a more realistic picture of Europe's progress," explains Aparicio, first author of the study. "It not only shows who is closer to achieving the SDGs but also incorporates each country's initial resource endowment, providing clues about whether its strengths are being effectively used." The challenge of measuring progress using hundreds of variables To avoid distortions when comparing countries with different characteristics, the research team relies on the Benefit of the Doubt (BoD) model, which lets the data determine the weights of each indicator rather than imposing external criteria. Assessing SDG performance requires analyzing dozens of interconnected variables related to poverty, education, energy, gender equality, and other key areas. As the number of indicators grows, datasets become more dispersed, making it harder to identify stable patterns. This is known as the curse of dimensionality, a phenomenon that can reduce model accuracy or lead to misleading conclusions. "The challenge is particularly evident in Europe," explains Monge, "where the shared policy frameworksuch as the European Climate Lawallows us to compare countries with similar economic development, but using very large datasets. There are 17 SDGs evaluated with 102 indicators, 34 of which are used across multiple goals. And not all countries have complete data for all years." Given these constraints, the analysis focused on 2019, the most recent year with sufficiently complete information across EU countries. Avoiding the curse of dimensionality with Ensemble-DEA Applying the BoD approach to more than 100 variables introduces distortions. To address this, the researchers developed an enhanced version of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and broke the problem into smaller, more manageable components. The new method, called Ensemble-DEA, generates thousands of submodels, each using only eight indicators, and then aggregates their results. The process incorporates bootstrap resampling, in which some countries appear repeatedly in random subsamples to reinforce reliability. "Simplifying it a lot, it is like measuring something many times with different rulers to make sure the final value is the right one," says Monge. The authors demonstrate that this ensemble approach produces more stable, balanced, and fair evaluations, even when comparing countries with very different sizes, development levels, or data availability. A two-speed Europe The results confirm a clear territorial pattern: Scandinavia and the Benelux regionwith Sweden, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg at the topare the most efficient performers in SDG progress. Several Eastern European countries occupy the lower end of the ranking, with uneven results in gender equality, innovation, and environmental sustainability. Spain ranks 20th out of 27, consistent with other socioeconomic indicators that place more developed welfare states toward the top and countries with weaker welfare structures toward the bottom. The study also reveals two structural divides: a northsouth gap and a westeast gap, both of which are clearly reflected in SDG performance. More information: Juan Aparicio et al, Enhancing the Benefit of the Doubt model through 'Ensemble-DEA': achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, Expert Systems with Applications (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.eswa.2025.129010 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: Dogs were the first of any species that people domesticated, and they have been a constant part of human life for millennia. Domesticated species are the plants and animals that have evolved to live alongside humans, providing nearly all of our food and numerous other benefits. Dogs provide protection, hunting assistance, companionship, transportation and even wool for weaving blankets. Dogs evolved from gray wolves, but scientists debate exactly where, when and how many times dogs were domesticated. Ancient DNA evidence suggests that domestication happened twice, in eastern and western Eurasia, before the groups eventually mixed. That blended population was the ancestor of all dogs living today. Molecular clock analysis of the DNA from hundreds of modern and ancient dogs suggests they were domesticated between around 20,000 and 22,000 years ago, when large ice sheets covered much of Eurasia and North America. The first dog identified in the archaeological record is a 14,000-year-old pup found in Bonn-Oberkassel, Germany, but it can be difficult to tell based on bones whether an animal was an early domestic dog or a wild wolf. Despite the shared history of dogs and wolves, scientists have long thought these two species rarely mated and gave birth to hybrid offspring. As an evolutionary biologist and a molecular anthropologist who study domestic plants and animals, we wanted to take a new look at whether dog-wolf hybridization has really been all that uncommon. Little interbreeding in the wild Dogs are not exactly descended from modern wolves. Rather, dogs and wolves living today both derive from a shared ancient wolf population that lived alongside woolly mammoths and cave bears. In most domesticated species, there are often clear, documented patterns of gene flow between the animals that live alongside humans and their wild counterparts. Where wild and domesticated animals' habitats overlap, they can breed with each other to produce hybrid offspring. In these cases, the genes from wild animals are folded into the genetic variation of the domesticated population. For example, pigs were domesticated in the Near East over 10,000 years ago. But when early farmers brought them to Europe, they hybridized so frequently with local wild boar that almost all of their Near Eastern DNA was replaced. Similar patterns can be seen in the endangered wild Anatolian and Cypriot mouflon, which researchers have found to have high proportions of domestic sheep DNA in their genomes. It's more common than not to find evidence of wild and domesticated animals interbreeding through time and sharing genetic material. That wolves and dogs wouldn't show that typical pattern is surprising, since they live in overlapping ranges and can freely interbreed. Dog and wolf behavior are completely different, though, with wolves generally organized around a family pack structure and dogs reliant on humans. When hybridization does occur, it tends to be when human activitiessuch as habitat encroachment and huntingdisrupt pack dynamics, leading female wolves to strike out on their own and breed with male dogs. People intentionally bred a few "wolf dog" hybrid types in the 20th century, but these are considered the exception. 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. Tiny but detectable wolf ancestry To investigate how much gene flow there really has been between dogs and wolves after domestication, we analyzed 2,693 previously published genomes, making use of massive publicly available datasets. These included 146 ancient dogs and wolves covering about 100,000 years. We also looked at 1,872 modern dogs, including golden retrievers, chihuahuas, malamutes, basenjis and other well-known breeds, plus more unusual breeds from around the world such as the Caucasian ovcharka and Swedish vallhund. Finally, we included genomes from about 300 "village dogs." These are not pets but are free-living animals that are dependent on their close association with human environments. We traced the evolutionary histories of all of these canids by looking at maternal lineages via their mitochondrial genomes and paternal lineages via their Y chromosomes. We used highly sensitive computational methods to dive into the dogs' and wolves' nuclear genomesthat is, the genetic material contained in their cells' nuclei. We found the presence of wild wolf genes in most dog genomes and the presence of dog genes in about half of wild wolf genomes. The sign of the wolf was small but it was there, in the form of tiny, almost imperceptible chunks of continuous wolf DNA in dogs' chromosomes. About two-thirds of breed dogs in our sample had wolf genes from crossbreeding that took place roughly 800 generations ago, on average. While our results showed that larger, working dogssuch as sled dogs and large guardian dogs that protect livestockgenerally have more wolf ancestry, the patterns aren't universal. Some massive breeds, such as the St. Bernard completely lacks wolf DNA, but the tiny Chihuahua retains detectable wolf ancestry at 0.2% of its genome. Terriers and scent hounds typically fall at the low end of the spectrum for wolf genes. We were surprised that every single village dog we tested had pieces of wolf DNA in their genomes. Why would this be the case? Village dogs are free-living animals that make up about half the world's dogs. Their lives can be tough, with short life expectancy and high infant mortality. Village dogs are also associated with pathogenic diseases, including rabies and canine distemper, making them a public health concern. More often than predicted by chance, the stretches of wolf DNA we found in village dog genomes contained genes related to olfactory receptors. We imagine that olfactory abilities influenced by wolf genes may have helped these free-living dogs survive in harsh, volatile environments. The intertwining of dogs and wolves Because dogs evolved from wolves, all of dogs' DNA is originally wolf DNA. So when we're talking about the small pieces of wolf DNA in dog genomes, we're not referring to that original wolf gene pool that's been kicking around over the past 20,000 years, but rather evidence for dogs and wolves continuing to interbreed much later in time. A wolf-dog hybrid with one of each kind of parent would carry 50% dog and 50% wolf DNA. If that hybrid then lived and mated with dogs, its offspring would be 25% wolf, and so on, until we see only small snippets of wolf DNA present. The situation is similar to one in human genomes: Neanderthals and humans share a common ancestor around half a million years ago. However, Neanderthals and our species, Homo sapiens, also overlapped and interbred in Eurasia as recently as a few thousand generations ago, shortly before Neanderthals disappeared. Scientists can spot the small pieces of Neanderthal DNA in most living humans in the same way we can see wolf genes within most dogs. Our study updates the previously held belief that hybridization between dogs and wolves is rare; interactions between these two species do have visible genetic traces. Hybridization with free-roaming dogs is considered a threat to conservation efforts of endangered wolves, including Iberian, Italian and Himalayan wolves. However, there also is evidence that dog-wolf mixing might confer genetic advantages to wolves as they adapt to environments that are increasingly shaped by humans. Though dogs evolved as human companions, wolves have served as their genetic lifeline. When dogs encountered evolutionary challenges such as how to survive harsh climates, scavenge for food in the streets or guard livestock, it appears they've been able to tap into wolf ancestry as part of their evolutionary survival kit. 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: Spinner dolphins off the island of Molokini. Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain New research has revealed that marine mammals who live far below the ocean's surface are not immune from the burden of toxic forever chemicals, with whales and dolphins showing unprecedented levels of PFAS contamination. Dr. Katharina Peters, a marine ecologist and research leader of the University of Wollongong's (UOW) Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab, contributed to the study, led by Te Kunenga ki Purehuroa Massey University. The study is titled "No place to hide: Marine habitat does not determine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in odontocetes." The findings challenge the assumption that a deep-sea habitat offers protection from human-made per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, otherwise known as PFAS. "Whales and dolphins are considered indicator species because they reflect their ecosystem. We expected that species feeding mainly in deep water, like sperm whales, would have lower PFAS contamination than coastal species like Hector's dolphins, which are closer to pollution sources. Our analyses show that this is not the case: there really seems to be no place to hide from PFAS," Dr. Peters said. Published in Science of the Total Environment, the findings raise concerns about the long-term health of marine species and the invisible legacy that forever chemicals are leaving in the environment. PFAS are human-made chemicals that accumulate through the food chain and can disrupt immune, endocrine and reproductive systems, raising concerns for both individual and population health in humans and animals, including cetaceans. Dr Katharina Peters, from UOW's Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab. Credit: Michael Gray The scientists analyzed tissues from 127 animals across 16 species of toothed whales and dolphins in New Zealand waters, from bottlenose dolphins to deep-diving sperm whales. For eight of the 16 species, including New Zealand's endemic Hector's dolphin and three species of beaked whales, this was a global first for PFAS assessment. The researchers looked at how the acquisition of forever chemicals varied according to species, sex, age and the habitat in which they predominantly live and feed. Study co-author Dr. Frederik Saltre, a researcher with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Australian Museum, said they found that habitat is a poor predictor of PFAS concentrations. "Even offshore and deep-diving species are exposed to similar levels of PFAS, highlighting how widespread pollution, compounded by climate-driven stressors, poses a growing threat to marine biodiversity," he said. The trans-Tasman collaboration involving UOW, Massey University, Manaaki WhenuaLandcare Research, University of Auckland, UTS, and the Australian Museum, is the first of its kind to assess PFAS across a wide range of species, over the same period, living in different marine habitats. More information: Karen A. Stockin et al, No place to hide: Marine habitat does not determine per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in odontocetes, Science of The Total Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180701 Journal information: Science of the Total Environment 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: Eels are widely consumed in Japan, which opposed adding new restrictions on their trade. The world's top wildlife trade body voted Thursday to effectively ban all international trade in the critically endangered oceanic whitetip shark but rejected a proposal to protect more species of eel. The decision to upgrade protection of the shark species was welcomed by conservation groups that have warned oceanic whitetips are on the brink of extinction. "This was our last hope," said Barbara Slee, senior program manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare. "This listing might just spare them from extinction." The species has suffered dramatic declines linked to the shark fin trade, and is one of dozens of shark species proposed for greater protections at the meeting of signatories to the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The 50-year agreement protects the world's most endangered animals and plants, and regulates trade in over 40,000 species. Earlier, members meeting in Uzbekistan's Samarkand rejected new protections for eels that had been fiercely opposed by top consumers of the fish, led by Japan. Eel populations are falling worldwide, scientists say, largely due to factors linked to human activity such as the pollution of waterways, destruction of wetlands, hydroelectric dams, and fishing. European eels are considered critically endangered and their trade has been restricted by CITES since 2009. Eels cannot be bred in captivity, so much of the trade is in wild-caught baby eels, with one species virtually indistinguishable from another. Infographic on the world's eel species and their main habitats. The European Union and Panama sought to bring all 17 eel species under CITES Appendix II, placing new restrictions on trade. The "harvest for international trade is a major cause of international decline," the EU's representative warned. But Japan dismissed the proposal as unscientific and "excessive," backed by multiple countries including African nations who warned it would place undue administrative burdens on their authorities. In a sign of the pressures around the issue, countries voted by secret ballot, a relatively uncommon procedure at the gathering, with nearly 75% of votes against. The result was "not very surprising," said Oliver Tallowin, senior program officer for wildlife use and trade at the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. Japan's opposition had been made clear early on in a submission running over 100 pages. There are also differing views on the pressures other eel species face, said Tallowin. "International trade has to be a threat to the species and... that was something we couldn't say with any sense of certainty," he told AFP. For Andrew Kerr of the Sustainable Eel Group, "the short-term commercial and financial side won the debate massively." Kerr, who has called eel trafficking the "greatest wildlife crime" on the planet, said the vote was a "real pity," but there were some silver linings. A separate resolution proposing measures including more data gathering on eels and conservation capacity-building was approved later in the day. "We've had a missed opportunity this morning, but then the fact that everyone's talking about eel, that's a huge victory too," Kerr said. The resolution means more data will be collected that could support protection of all eel species in the future, added Tallowin. "Once something has been rejected... that doesn't mean it's going to go away." Votes are finalized later in the meeting, though it is unusual for them to be revised. 2025 AFP Hyatt Place Cancun Airport inaugurated near Cancun International Cancun, Q.R. Governor Mara Lezama participated in the inauguration of the Hyatt Place Cancun Airport Hotel. The new airport hotel was inaugurated Wednesday in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. On hand for the inauguration were Christophe Lorvo, Area Vice President for Mexico and General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Mexico City and Charles El-Mann, Director of Parks Hospitality Holdings. During the ceremony, Governor Lezama noted that every investment that comes to Quintana Roo opens a door to the well-being of our people, and emphasized that this hotel is an example of a project with a human face and a future for the families who depend on tourism and work every day to get ahead. She affirmed that Quintana Roo offers certainty and a long-term vision from a humanist government with a feminist heart that promotes growth with social justice. She highlighted that the hotel is located in the heart of the airport area, one of the destinations most dynamic points, which registered more than 22 million passengers from January to September. The Governor emphasized that the new infrastructure strengthens the states competitiveness by expanding the tourism offerings geared toward business travelers, meetings and leisure. Governor Mara Lezama November 26, 2025. This is where shared prosperity truly comes into its own because this hotel not only opens doors for those already in the industry, but also for those seeking an opportunity to enter the workforce. Each new position represents economic stability, a secure income, and the possibility for more families to build a future with dignity, explained Mara Lezama. One of the aspects that the Governor highlighted with the most enthusiasm was that the hotel is managed by a woman, Andrea Medina, whose leadership sends an inspiring message to girls and young women in the state. She also acknowledged the coordination with the Benito Juarez City Council and its mayor, Ana Paty Peralta, emphasizing that every advance in Cancun is based on collaborative work. Every action in Cancun is based on coordination, dialogue, and the vision that this municipality is the driving force of tourism in the country, she stated. The governor also stated that the new Hyatt Place sends a clear message to the world: In Quintana Roo, investment is made because there is direction, certainty, and a deep commitment to inclusive development. She celebrated that the project will contribute to a competitive and modern state that respects its identity and is committed to sustainability. Hyatt Place Cancun Airport hotel Christophe Lorvo explained that the new Hyatt Place Cancun Airport, the first near an airport in Mexico, is strategically located just minutes from the Cancun International Airport, which caters to the business sector. He expressed his gratitude for the commitment of his team, who did an exceptional job. He expressed his gratitude to Mara Lezama for joining them at this inauguration and for welcoming them to Cancun. Cancun Mayor Ana Paty Peralta de la Pena said the new hotel represents new options to generate well-being and prosperity for the residents of Benito Juarez. Bernardo Cueto Riestra, Secretary of Tourism, stated that with this new infrastructure, Quintana Roo continues to solidify its position as a leading tourist destination. He thanked the Hyatt Group for its confidence in the state and for contributing to shared prosperity. The inauguration of the new Hyatt Place Cancun Airport hotel November 26, 2025. Mara Lezama thanked Parks Hospitality Holdings and Hyatt Corporation for their confidence in the state, noting that business confidence is built on results and stability. The 156-room hotel, developed by Parks Hospitality Holdings (PHH) and operated by Hyatt Hotels Corporation, created 40 direct jobs and 500 indirect jobs. Promoting initiatives to enhance the reliability of NPO support TOKYO, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- transcosmos today announced its registration under the Good Giving Mark Certification System, operated by a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation, Japan Center for NPO Evaluation (JCNE), in support of the system's objectives. Good Giving The Good Giving Mark is a third-party review and certification system designed to ensure the effectiveness of governance systems and fund management at non-profit organizations. Companies and individuals use the system as a benchmark for selecting reliable organizations for donations and support. The certification system involves rigorous reviews from diverse perspectives, including organizational existence, compliance, fund management, and information disclosure. Organizations that meet these criteria will receive the mark as proof of reliability. As part of its efforts to create corporate shared value (CSV) and advance sustainability, transcosmos will strengthen partnerships with highly reliable NPOs to address social challenges through donations and collaboration. Going forward, transcosmos will continue working to solve social challenges with a focus on transparency and reliability by proactively utilizing the Good Giving Mark system. About Good Giving Mark system JCNE, an independent certification body, launched the Good Giving Mark in April 2025. The system provides assurance to users when making contributions and providing support to non-profit organizations. Its goal is to create an environment where companies and individuals can donate and collaborate with confidence. Official website (no translation available): https://goodgiving.jcne.or.jp transcosmos Sustainability Initiatives In 2021, transcosmos established the transcosmos SDGs Committee chaired by the Representative Director & Chairman, and put in place a framework specifically designed to execute its initiatives towards meeting social challenges and expectations with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. In addition, with the purpose of creating a sustainable society and boosting the well-being of society as a whole, transcosmos has set out its fundamental sustainability policy. Committed to our purpose of expanding our social impact as a business and ultimately maximize the well-being of society as a whole through solving social challenges, we, transcosmos, are engaging in meaningful business activities to become a Sustainable Transformation (SX) Partner for all. transcosmos SDGs Committee Note, an open media platform (no translation available): https://note.com/tci_sdgs/ *transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 184 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ SOURCE transcosmos inc. China Daily: On November 27, the Chinese government released a white paper titled Chinas Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era. This is the first time in 20 years that the Chinese government has comprehensively stated Chinas policy on arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation by releasing a white paper. What is the background and significance for China to release this new white paper? Guo Jiakun: China released white papers on arms control twice, in 1995 and 2005. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Peoples War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and the founding of the United Nations. At this crucial historical juncture, the white paper, Chinas Arms Control, Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in the New Era released by the Chinese government, is of great significance. The current international security and arms control situation is complex and severe. Regional conflicts and turmoil are becoming more frequent, and the international arms race continues to escalate. Today, humanity again has to choose between peace and war, dialogue and confrontation, win-win cooperation and zero-sum game. It once again finds itself at a historic crossroads. The white paper systematically states Chinas views and policies on the international security and arms control situation in the new era, and comprehensively elaborates on Chinas positive endeavor, practical measures and remarkable achievements in constructively participating in the process of international arms control over the past 20 years, especially since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. It shows Chinas sense of responsibility and commitment as a major country to actively take the lead in global security governance and safeguard international peace and security. The white paper points out that China has always constructively participated in the process of international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation, actively contributed Chinas wisdom, initiatives and solutions, and is committed to improving the international security environment, enhancing international security cooperation, resolving international security dilemmas and improving global security governance. China is committed to be a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and a defender of international order. Releasing the new white paper on arms control is a concrete measure for China to actively practice the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China will always stand on the side of peace and justice and is a staunch force for safeguarding world peace and security. China is willing to work with all peace-loving countries to advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, consolidate and develop the international arms control system with the United Nations at its core, and build a community with a shared future for humanity. CCTV: Prime Minister Takaichi said yesterday at the debate with opposition party leaders that having renounced all rights and claims under the Treaty of San Francisco, we are not in a position to recognize Taiwans legal status. Does China accept that statement? Guo Jiakun: Chinas recovery of Taiwan is a victorious outcome of WWII and an integral part of the postwar international order. A series of instruments with legal effect under international law, including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation, and the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, have all affirmed Chinas sovereignty over Taiwan. The question regarding the status of Taiwan was already resolved once and for all when the Chinese people won the victory of the War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression in 1945. On October 1, 1949, the Central Peoples Government of the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) was established and has since been the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is a change of government in which China, as a subject under international law, did not change and Chinas sovereignty and inherent territorial boundaries stayed unchanged. Thus, the government of the PRC naturally and fully enjoys and exercises Chinas sovereignty, including sovereignty over the Taiwan region. The 1972 Sino-Japanese Joint Statement states that The Government of Japan recognizes the Government of the Peoples Republic of China as the sole legal Government of China. 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. The so-called Treaty of San Francisco was issued with the exclusion of important parties to the WWII, such as the PRC and the Soviet Union, in order to seek a separate peace deal with Japan. The document goes against the provision that each government pledges not to make a separate armistice or peace with the enemies in the Declaration by United Nations signed by 26 countries in 1942, including China, the U.S., the UK and the Soviet Union and violates the UN Charter and the basic principles of international law. Anything set out in the treaty, including on the sovereignty over Taiwan or the handling of the territory and sovereign rights of China as a non-signatory, is thus entirely illegal and null and void. Prime Minister Takaichi deliberately chose not to mention the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamationtwo international legal documents with full effect and underscored in the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between China and Japan, and other bilateral treaties and she singularly brought up the illegal and invalid Treaty of San Francisco. That once again shows that the prime minister remains unwilling to own up to the wrongdoing and turn back from the erroneous course, and continues to damage the political foundation of China-Japan relations established under the spirit of the four political documents between the two countries, showing no regard for the authority of the UN and openly challenging the postwar international order and basic norms in international law, and even seeks to play up the so-called notion that Taiwans status is undetermined. That just compounds the wrongdoing. China firmly rejects that and calls for utmost vigilance from the international community. We once again urge the Japanese side to reflect on and correct its wrongdoing, retract the erroneous remarks, and take practical steps to honor its commitments to China and do what is least expected of Japan as a UN member state. Beijing Youth Daily: Last week, when attending the 20th G20 Summit, Premier Li Qiang announced that China and South Africa jointly launched the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa which has drawn much attention. Can you brief us on the main contents of the Initiative and Chinas considerations? Guo Jiakun: Launching the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa was an important consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September, 2024. At the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Premier Li Qiang announced that China and South Africa jointly launched the Initiative, which received widespread attention and recognition from various parties. The international community widely believes that the Initiative reflects Chinas leading role in supporting Africas modernization and will further enhance Africas capacity for independent development, and inject strong impetus into the development and revitalization of the Global South. The Initiative closely echoes the theme of the G20 Summit, focuses on the AU Agenda 2063, and responds to Africas needs and aspirations. It calls upon the international community to uphold six principles in the cooperation with Africa: justice and equitability, openness and win-win, putting the people first, diversity and inclusiveness, sustainable development, and peace and security. The Initiative also lists areas such as trade facilitation, green development, poverty reduction and peoples wellbeing, healthcare, climate change, localized development of enterprises, and value addition in the value chain as key areas of cooperation. The Initiative supports the African side in exploring modernization paths that suit their national conditions, and enhancing Africas voice and representation in international affairs. This reflects the common call of African countries at present, and sends out a strong voice of the times to promote multilateralism. China is a strong supporter and sincere companion of Africas modernization. Supporting modernization in Africa is a common responsibility of the international community. China calls on all African countries and important development partners to actively support and participate in the Initiative, respect Africas right to choose its path to modernization independently, support Africas efforts to realize peace and development and make concrete contributions to Africas early realization of modernization. Shenzhen TV: Its reported that regarding Sanae Takaichis statement in the debate with opposition party leaders, the leader of the main opposition party in Japan said that considering that Takaichi has stopped referring to a specific contingency example, she has effectively retracted her remarks. Does China share that observation? Guo Jiakun: Japanese Prime Minister Takaichis erroneous remarks seriously violated the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, eroded the political foundation of China-Japan relations, and triggered outrage among the Chinese people. Stop referring to is not the same as retracting the remarks. The two are completely different in nature. The Japanese side hopes to downplay Prime Minister Takaichis erroneous remarks and make it go away by not referring to them. That is just self-deceiving and wishful thinking, and China would absolutely not accept that. NHK: Reports suggest that U.S. President Trump asked Japans Prime Minister Takaichi to lower the volume on Taiwan. Can you confirm if this was influenced by his earlier conversation with President Xi? Guo Jiakun: The phone call between the leaders of the U.S. and Japan is a matter between the U.S. and Japan. I have no comment on that. The Taiwan question is Chinas internal affair which brooks no interference by any external forces. CRI: Recently, UN Human Rights Councils Special Rapporteur on the negative impact of the unilateral coercive measures on the enjoyment of human rights Alena Douhan visited Cuba and pointed out in the preliminary findings that the U.S. sanctions have been substantially exacerbating the economic and humanitarian situation in Cuba and violated norms of international law. The Special Rapporteur called on the United States to lift all unilateral coercive measures applied to Cuba. Whats Chinas comment? Guo Jiakun: We noted relevant information. The Special Rapporteurs report is fully consistent with the UN General Assembly resolution calling for an end to the embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba that was once again overwhelmingly adopted last month. China opposes the U.S.s blockade and sanctions against Cuba. China urges the U.S. to heed the call for justice from the international community, immediately lift the blockade and sanctions against Cuba and remove the country from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. CCTV: Its reported that the recent flooding in Thailand has killed at least 41 people. Whats Chinas comment? Are there any Chinese people among the dead or injured? Guo Jiakun: The severe flooding triggered by days of torrential rains in southern Thailand has caused serious deaths and injuries and economic loss. Our hearts go out to the Thai people who have been affected. We believe that under the strong leadership of the Thai government, people in the affected area will rebuild from the disaster soon. Based on our knowledge, so far there have been no Chinese deaths or injuries. How to Do It is Slates sex advice column. Have a question? Send it to Jessica and Rich here. Its anonymous! Dear How to Do It, Im a woman with a super high libido. As an outlet when Im not having regular sex, I enjoy sexting with strangers on Reddit. I dont share pictures of myself, but men on there are more than happy to show me whatever I want to see. A few months ago, I started dating a man I met online. We clicked right away, wanted all the same things, and both agreed we could see a future with each other. After we were intimate for the first time, I realized that his nether-regions looked familiar I went back to check (the photos were still in our chat history) and sure enough, he was one of the guys I had sexted with over the course of a few months. It didnt feel right not to say something, so I told him right away. I thought wed just laugh it off, and it would be a funny secret wed share. Instead, he was shocked, disgusted, and ended things right then. He said he could never be with a woman with my sexual interests (interests he shared!) or someone who anonymously sexts with strangers online. I was flabbergasted. He acted like I had cheated or done something horrible when he was right there doing it with me! I still dont understand why he was so upsetit feels unbelievably hypocritical. Whats your take? Not Wife Material Get sex advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear How to Do It, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to How to Do It following up) Submit Rich Juzwiak: I share my take with our writer that this is unbelievably hypocritical, and it seems like a classic example of the misogynistic double standard that men will wield over women about their sex lives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jessica Stoya: She really nailed it with the sign-off, Not Wife Material, which I hope was sarcastic and aimed at this modern Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson-style rebrand of just the same old Madonna-whore dichotomy. Rich: Right. The whole, I can have extracurricular lovers, but you cant. You go down on me, but I wont go down on you. Incidentally, Ive also seen gay guys act like this. There was a guy I was talking to once at a club, and he literally looked at my phone to see if I had Grindr on it. Then I saw him on apps later. He wanted to check to make sure I wasnt that kind of guy, but he is that kind of guy. Really, really wild. I dont even know what that is when its gay on gay. That is just selfish. Jessica: Oh, thats the Jesus-gigolo dichotomy. Advertisement Rich: Thats right. Perfect. Jessica: Im not sure if the statement that the writer does not understand why he was so upset is rhetorical or a question, but Ill address it like a question. So I really believe it is a much smaller-scale manifestation of the same reason that all of these mostly male politicians, who have been caught in all kinds of sex scandals, then collude on tactics for banning the rights of LGBTQ+ to conduct their sex lives and family units as they please. People like this have internalized shame, and they can just shove it in a corner and have this cognitive dissonance when its about them. Advertisement But seeing it in another person, I dont know if it attracts a magnet for all the stuff theyve been shoving down and letting fester inside them around their inability to accept their own sexual practices, or if its like a schoolyard bully kind of thing, but theyre like, Oh, I am now confronted with this example of someone else doing the exact same thing I do, and now I have to crush it, shame it, and belittle it. Advertisement Advertisement Rich: I think psychologically thats absolutely whats happening in a lot of cases. I also think that there are people who feel like its an alpha thing, and maybe this is the explanation for the guy in the club who is an app guy but didnt want his very casual sex partner to be one. For me, not for thee. There may be, in some cases, an intentional wielding of this power where its like, actually, I want rights for me and not for you, and thats how I conduct my life. So I think that theres probably a mixture there. Who knows which side this guy falls on? Related From Slate I Discovered What Really Gets Me Going in Bed. Now the Hard Part Is Finding a Woman Willing to Participate. Read More Jessica: Its probably a blend, and theres likely some way that both of these things operate on each other. Its more like when youre making a short drink versus a cocktail. Whats the ratio? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rich: Exactly. When somebody does something extreme, it is useful to talk and think about it, and to write your local advice columnist and have them chew it over. But I think, practically speaking, this was ultimately a good thing that happened because this guy showed who he was very early on. I dont think this behavior is acceptable at all. I cant imagine a scenario in which you actually go on and keep seeing somebody who talks this way to you, and who thinks youre disgusting for liking the things he likes. So this is a great example of a bullet dodged by somebody filtering themselves out. This was a success story in a messed-up way. Jessica: Yeah. Even though the experience of someone from a position of hypocrisy venting their shock, disgust, and other negative criticisms at you is uncomfortable, let this possibly counterintuitively encourage you to continue to be up front about what you like because then you get it over with really fast. Advertisement Advertisement Rich: Its the same reason why I like to have the open relationship conversation very early on. If youre not looking for that somewhere down the line, at minimum, then why would we even bother pursuing something? Get it out of the way. Get stuff out of the way. And understand that when youre coming this close to somebody (I have my hand a few inches from my face), youre going to see parts of them that are unsightly sometimes. Thats part of the process. More Advice From Slate After almost 14 years of living on different continents, my partner (51M) and I (40F) are finally living in the same house, sleeping in the same bed, and planning a wedding. Im elated. Its been a long time coming, and aside from some logistical weirdness, its been a wonderful experience, and were very happy. However, theres one thing I dont like. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. A few months back, I was strolling along the Detroit River when I saw a man sitting on a bench pull a sandwich from a brown paper bag. It was, as far as sandwiches go, nondescript seemingly just two pieces of white bread, probably welded together with peanut butter and jelly, pimento cheese, or a couple of slices of pale turkey with some mustard. Then, I watched the man bow his head over this unremarkable lunch. It was a brief pause, barely enough time to formally address a higher power, let alone say anything of note. But whatever his prayer, I immediately coveted this gentlemans spirit of thankfulness. We often preach the importance of gratitude to mental health in modern culture; what simpler way to practice those tenets than a quick blessing over food? I decided right then and there that I, an insolent heathen, wanted to learn to say grace. But how on earth does a person start saying grace from scratch? Im, at best, agnostica former altar boy and Catholic kid who one day stumbled into a Baptist church youth group at 13 and turned Jesus Freak for a year. After hearing a preacher say, I know a lot of good people who are still going to hell, I thought, Hmmm, maybe this is complete bullshit. Soon after that, I started a far-from-distinguished career working in restaurants, an entire industry with a reputation for godlessness, and I never once looked back to church for any guidance in my life. I became a food writer, restaurant reviewer, pasta-maker, and a ferocious yet critical eater. In short, although food has been a constant source of joy in my life, its mostly felt like work, and saying grace has not been part of the job description. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Then I met Paddy Lynch, a funeral director at Lynch & Sons (his family was the basis for the HBO show Six Feet Under), who, on a daily basis, deals with matters of grief, religion, and often gratitude. Lynch grew up Irish Catholic, was a theology major in college, spent some time in Haiti teaching English and computer literacy, and is an all-around great dude. I dont get the sense that Lynch, a man with whom I have drunk multiple bottles of wine, is deeply religious, at least in a very strict or puritanical sense. But, as a funeral director, he seems to understand more about spiritual health than most snake oilspraying wellness counselors. Its a beautiful discipline, Lynch says about saying grace, though he admits he rarely does it anymore. I had a roommate in college who always paused were talking four seconds. Most people wouldnt notice it, but I did. Lynch has always admired this commitment to giving thanks, but for him, the beauty of prayer has never been tied to a specific religion. [Its] the same way I admired an Egyptian friend in college who was Muslim, he says. He still got down and faced Mecca five times a day. Advertisement Advertisement Lynch went on to explain how saying grace means many different things to many different people. For Catholics, he says, its mostly about guilt, acknowledging that we have things that other people dont. You could essentially reduce it to that age-old, grandmotherly scolding, Theres starving people in other countries, ya know! Guilt is a powerful motivator for gratitude. Especially now, as millions of Americans SNAP benefits are toyed with and Palestine continues to be starved and bombed; meanwhile, Im over here writing about different kinds of steak tartare. Having a job that I can easily reduce to thinking about sandwiches or ruminating over apples yes, of course I feel a little guilty. Maybe thats why the man by the river made such an impression on me. Advertisement Of course, another tenet of Catholicism is that the Eucharist itself is literally Jesus presenting himself as sustenance. Which I want no part of. I dont want to eat a Cobb salad or a meatloaf sandwich and think, What up, God? Get in my belly and welcome to the show. Thats not what Im looking for. In fact, Im not looking for God at all. I just want a certain agnostic sense of peace and gratitude, and a better relationship with my food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The thing is, I fear that relationship has become isolated. I feel increasingly complicit in an industry that becomes viler and greedier by the year. I try to make good choices (no fast food, no Amazon, avoid grocery store conglomerates when possible, and embrace farmers market produce when I can), but it doesnt feel like enough. At home, I am often eating mindlessly in front of a laptop or my phone, and I desperately want to change that. I want to take more time, eat a little slower, show a little more appreciationmaybe saying a blessing is a way to do those things? Recently, I had some downtime in an airport, a place where thoughts often drift and the scope of life is funneled through the prospect of ones own airborne death. It should be said that this was also the Denver airport, my least favorite. DEN is too small, the baggage claims are always crowded, the carpets are rank and off-putting, and every time Im there I get the general smell of piss emanating from the downtrodden restrooms into the airports corridors. Advertisement I celebrated this loathsome airport with an out-of-season tomato sandwich with insipid mozzarella cheese on clunky ciabatta bread procured from Hudson News, the kind that takes forever to chew successfully. I unfurled the caprese from its light, crinkly plastic wrapper, and in that moment, looking at my own sad sandwich, I decidedalone, without any influence from peers or priestto bow my head. I dont know if Id call it a prayer, per se, but I stopped myself to say thank you and to consider the heavy circumstances around the sandwichthat I needed this food to live, that there are a lot of people out there who dont have access to this food. I also thought, in the grand scheme of things, here I am with the freedom to travel across the country, which is inherently a pretty decent lottery ticket in this life (at least a scratch-off win). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to oversell it, but the lasting effects of that silent, caprese-sandwich prayer have been fascinating. Weeks later, I still think about it. I can recall everything about the momentthe touch of the wrapper, the confoundingly tasteless nature of the tomatoes and mozzarella. But I can also remember where I was sitting, where my bag was laid, and the faces of a couple that walked by me before I bowed my head. Even now, I feel an attachment to this moment that normally would have escaped my memories entirely. Over the next month, I bowed my head over a multitude of meals, trying to establish some sort of prayer rhythm. Ive prayed over mostly meals that I madesome pasta with butternut squash, a red sauce loaded with vegetables, a pasta al tonno with a can of Ortiz tuna. Ive bowed and whispered over dozens of eggs and some leftover sweet-potato fries, and once, silently said grace hunched over some bread and olive oil like the Eucharist itself (lets be honest, the body of Christ does need a little extra virgin olive oil). Advertisement Each time, the prayer changed. Sometimes it was silent, sometimes it was out loud. Most of the time it was a quick, Thank you for this food and for this life. Mind you, I have zero clue who I am actually thanking when Im bowing my head over a bowl of soup. Other times, I found myself talking directly to the animal whose life was sacrificed for my meal. As Im typing this, it sounds so ridiculous and contrived. But, in every case, I made sure to say thank you. And that small, silly act has always felt somewhat radical. Advertisement Advertisement I love this line from a poem by Wendell Berry, a beautiful writer, farmer, and conservationist, who often writes about the importance of conscious eating: So, friends, every day do something that wont compute. I cant help but feel like saying grace is something that doesnt compute in a modern world, where we are more and more disconnected from our food. Whether its the Australian wagyu flown from the other side of the globe, or the fact that four major companies control 85 percent of the countrys beef, I feel alarmingly distant from the meat I consume. I feel an increasing sense of duty to take a moment of silence, especially when it comes to eating meat. Advertisement Advertisement Related From Slate The One Drink Most Americans Ignore Is the Key to a Perfect Thanksgiving Read More I should note that in each instance Ive said grace, Ive found myself doing it alone. Admittedly, Ive been a little embarrassed to bow my head in front of other people in an intimate setting, or start a nonreligious prayer, or even give a toast (what I would consider to also be a prayer). I am afraid to do it publicly at a restaurant or say it out loud among friends. How do I get over this hump? Well, I asked a real-life nunSister Margaret Chapman of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Southeast Michigan. Advertisement I do grace when Im with a group, says Sister Margaret, before dropping a bomb. But honestly, I admit that I dont do it very often outside of that. Sister Margaret reveals that shes also a little shy about doing it in public, and its nice to know Im in the company of a nun. Advertisement I have this one friend who [says grace] quite regularly, and quite comfortably. It kind of surprises me. Makes me feel a little guilty, she laughs over the phone. Theres that Catholic guilt that Im looking for for motivation. At the convent, Sister Margaret and the other nuns pray as a grouponce in the morning, usually over Scripture, then again in the evening. The evening prayer, she tells me, is much different than the morning prayer. The evening prayer is about three or four minutes long, usually meant as a pause to refer back to the mornings theme. We often include gratitude for all the people who brought the food to the table, the farmers, the growers, the workers, she says. Oh, and the person cooking the meal? They always say grace. Im intrigued by the evening prayer, which seems to be a little more shapeless, moody, and intuitive. In short, exactly the kind of grace Im in search of. I ask Sister Margaret directly if the evening prayers are indeed a little more fluid. Absolutely, she says. You just take a second to put yourself in a space of gratitude. It doesnt have to be just gratitude for the food thats in front of you. It can be gratitude for the whole day. For people who were responsible for bringing the food to your plate. It can be anything. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A beautiful discipline, as Paddy Lynch put it. Saying grace is something Im still trying to hone, attempting to integrate as a regular part of my existence. This week, its the Super Bowl of saying grace, a time when saying what youre thankful for is normalized. However, in my family, we dont ever say grace or give thanks. Usually, somebody just blurts out, Dinners ready! and then one by one people grab a plate, sit at a table, on the couch in front of the TV, or on the porch. This year, though, Im actually going to try saying something. Ill ditch the fear, and share my newfound love of saying grace with family. Probably not a prayer, per se, but more like a toast. I cant believe this all came about because I saw a man praying over his drab-looking sandwich, but here we are. Advertisement Please dont read this as preachy or enlightened. Im still more apt to load a YouTube video about Pluribus theories or a childs ranking of Zelda games before I say a silent invocation, but Im continually fighting that urge, too. Something Sister Margaret told me continues to ring through my ears: I can only imagine how much better the world would be if we all practiced gratitude. For me, I have found that the easiest way to practice that gratitude is over a meal. And while God is absent from my prayers, something about it feels just a little subversive, like fighting against what modern society has conditioned me to do. As Wendell Berry instructs, Do something that wont compute. Creating an extra step, a gracious pause, before consuming anything these days doesnt necessarily calculate. But whenever I do it, it feels like an inch toward becoming a more thankful person, and maybe even spiritual repair. Helping clients expand their business through integrated use of LY marketing solutions TOKYO, Nov. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- transcosmos is delighted to announce that the company has received the Best Planner award at the LY Corporation Partner Award 2025 hosted by LY Corporation (Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan; President and Representative Director, CEO: Takeshi Idezawa). This award recognizes individual planners who have made exceptional contributions to clients by solving challenges and driving through the integrated use of LY marketing solutions during the first half of fiscal year 2025. Highly regarded for its initiatives, transcosmos's plannera member of Digital Agency Business Division, CX Business Headquartershas been honored as a Best Planner. LY Corporation Partner Award 2025 Best Planner About LY Corporation Partner Award Among LY Partner Program partners, the LY Corporation Partner Award recognizes partners who have made exceptional solution proposals as well as partners who have contributed to sales growth and market development in the advertising business. About Best Planner Award The Best Planner Award, which transcosmos has received, honors planners who have created unprecedented user experiences and helped businesses grow in line with LY's concept of Connect One (*) through the integrated use of LY marketing solutions. *Connect One is LY's new product concept designed to support companies and stores in comprehensive business management by connecting a wide range of business solutions to their LINE official account. Find out more about Connect One here (no translation available): https://www.lycbiz.com/jp/brand/connect-one/ transcosmos will continue to help clients expand their businesses by leveraging its advanced expertise and know-how while maximizing the value of LY marketing solutions. *transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 184 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ SOURCE transcosmos inc. Trainers Jessica Millner and Matt Hostetler both hit career milestones on Wednesday, Nov. 26 at Northfield Park, with Millner winning two races to reach 1,000 career victories and Hostetler getting his first taste of training success. Rattling Pine ($10.40) was strong as oak on the front-end in the fourth race to give Millner win number 999. The son of Dejarmbro-Pinery led throughout and held off Bo Nanza Chip (Lavern Miller) to win by a neck in 1:59 for driver John Ciocca Jr. The gelding took his first win in eight outings since joining the barn of Millner, the sole owner of the nine-year-old. Millner then reached four digits as Annie L ($2.60) trekked to the lead in the first quarter for Justin Irvine and cruised to a two-length victory in 2:00.4 in the 10th race. The sophomore Long Tom-Pandora As filly won for the first time in five starts for Millner and co-owners Andrew Coblentz, Ayers Ratliff, and Edward Weber. Millner, who began her training career in 2010, joined the thousand-win club in her 8,607th start. The Litchfield, Ohio-based conditioner has set a new personal earnings record this year with more than $1.1 million. Her best yearly win total came in 2022, with 109. A race before Ciocca kicked off the milestone double for Millner, he steered Kids Silly Filly ($8) to victory to provide Hostetler his maiden-breaking win. The three-year-old daughter of Schoolkids-Uwantonemoreplayer, owned by Hostetler, went coast-to-coast in 2:02.2 to win by a length for her first lifetime victory. The triumph was Hostetler's first in 13 starts since he made his debut at Northfield on Sept. 17. The Middlefield, Ohio resident's trainees have earned cheques in more than half of his starts to date. Aaron Merriman, who took his 17,000th win on Tuesday, won five races on the 16-dash program. The reinsman scored with Inquisitive Dan ($2.20), Dcrockinmoondancer ($3.60), Thornbush Hanover ($3.60), Jesmach Allmyheart ($4.20), and Bounding Delight ($4). His win total this year now sits at 834, which tops the United States dash-winning standings. (Standardbred Canada) Hall of Fame driver David Miller recently left the northeast to return home to Ohio, and he wasted no time making it to the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway winners circle. Miller, who was victorious in his last drive as an east coast regular last Sunday, won his first start as a member of the Dayton colony when he guided Louisville Gb to victory in the $39,437 Fillies and Mares Open Handicap Pace Wednesday, Nov. 26. A pair of Virgil Morgan Jr. trainees occupied the front early with Hey Hey Mama (Luke Hanners) and Trick Of The Light (Tyler Smith) sitting first and second, respectively past the opening panels in :28.3 and :57.1. Louisville Gb pulled off the rail from fourth on the backstretch and was right behind the leader at the three-quarters in 1:24.2. Miller had Louisville Gb half-in, half-out behind Hey Hey Mama, who was looking for her fourth straight Dayton Open win, around the final turn. He then pulled the plugs on on Louisville Gb at the top of the lane, and the British-bred mare responded with a :28.2 final quarter into a stiff headwind to record the half-length score in 1:53. Hey Hey Mama was five lengths better than Hungry Lizzo (Trevor Smith) for second. Louisville Gb, a five-year-old daughter of Sweet Lou-The Player Hanover, is trained by Robert Cleary for the partnership of Kenneth Jacobs and Wendy Storrier. She is now 19-for-40 lifetime. The mare returned $4.20 to win. Miller also won the 14th-race finale with Pizzelle ($2.40), whom he drove to a 2-1/2-length score in 1:54.4. Oh Look Magic dominated the co-featured $39,437 Open Handicap Trot for back-to-back wins at the top level. Caviar Gold (Tyler Smith) timed the gate but was a step slower than Oh Look Magic, who flew forward from his assigned outside post six. Chris Page then guided the five-year-old Lookslikeachpndale-Miami Magic gelding to fractions of :27.2, :56.2 and 1:23.4, and Oh Look Magic cruised to a 3-1/4-length win over Caviar Gold in 1:52.2. Drink Up Drink Up (Marvin Luna) completed the triactor. Oh Look Magic ($2.40) has won five of six Dayton Raceway starts this season, all in Open company, for Burke Racing Stable and Weaver Bruscemi LLC. Burke trains the gelding, a 23-time winner from 82 lifetime appearances. Page won four races on the 14-race card. Dayton Raceway will be dark on Thursday for the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday and will return on Friday. (With files from Dayton Raceway) Woodbine Mohawk Park would like to inform all trainers that qualifiers on Friday, Nov. 28 have been rescheduled. The qualifiers have been moved to Saturday, Nov. 29 at 9:30 a.m. The rescheduling is due to the forecasted snow in the Campbellville, Ont. area on Thursday night into Friday morning. (With files from Woodbine) When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Getty / Bloomberg Huawei has introduced Flex:ai, an open-source orchestration tool designed to raise the utilization rate of AI chips in large-scale compute clusters. Announced on Friday, November 21, the platform builds on Kubernetes and will be released through Huaweis ModelEngine developer community. It arrives amid continued U.S.export restrictions on high-end GPU hardware and reflects a growing shift inside China toward software-side efficiency gains as a stopgap for constrained silicon supply. Aside from being equipped to help China ...create an analogue AI chip 1000 times faster than Nvidias chips, Huawei claims Flex:ai can raise average utilization by around 30%. It reportedly does this by slicing individual GPU or NPU cards into multiple virtual compute instances and orchestrating workloads across heterogeneous hardware types. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Smaller tasks that might otherwise underuse a full accelerator are stacked alongside one another, while larger models that exceed the capacity of a single device can span multiple cards. The tool includes a smart scheduler, dubbed Hi Scheduler, that redistributes idle resources across nodes in real time, automatically reassigning compute to wherever AI workloads are queued. Flex:ais architecture builds on existing open-source Kubernetes foundations but extends them in ways that are still uncommon across open deployments. Kubernetes already supports device plugins to expose accelerators and schedulers, such as Volcano, or frameworks like Ray can perform fractional allocation and gang scheduling. Flex:ai appears to unify them at a higher layer while integrating support for Ascend NPUs alongside standard GPU hardware. The launch resembles functionality offered by Run:ai, an orchestration platform acquired by Nvidia in 2024, which enables multi-tenant scheduling and workload pre-emption across large GPU clusters. Huaweis version, at least on paper, makes similar claims but does so with a focus on open-source deployment and cross-accelerator compatibility. That may give it broader relevance in clusters built around Chinese silicon, particularly those using Ascend chips. The open-source code has not yet been released, and Huawei has not published documentation or benchmarks. When it does become available, key questions will include the granularity of slicing, how Flex:ai interacts with standard Kubernetes schedulers, and, crucially, whether it supports widely used GPU types via standard plugins. The company has said that researchers from Shanghai Jiao Tong, Xian Jiaotong, and Xiamen University contributed to the tools development. Follow Tom's Hardware on Google News, or add us as a preferred source, to get our latest news, analysis, & reviews in your feeds. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the 140 satellites for the company's Transporter-15 mission stands on its launch pad at California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Nov. 26, 2025. | Credit: SpaceX A massive fleet of tiny satellites is stuck on Earth for a few more days after SpaceX called off an attempt to launch them into orbit on Wednesday (Nov. 26). SpaceX scrubbed the planned launch of 140 satellites, all aboard the same Falcon 9 rocket , just over 15 minutes before their planned liftoff from a seaside pad at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The company did not disclose a reason for the delay. The next opportunity to launch the mission, called Transporter-15, will be Friday (Nov. 28), at 1:19 p.m. EST (1819 GMT). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "There are a thousand ways that a launch can go wrong and only one way that it can go right," a SpaceX spokesperson said during live launch commentary . "So, given that, we are overly cautious on the ground, and if the team or the vehicle sees anything that looks even slightly off, we'll stop the countdown." Transporter-15 is a SpaceX rideshare mission designed to carry dozens of small satellites into orbit for a variety of customers. SpaceX initially hoped to launch the mission on Nov. 19, but has seen repeated delays for the flight. The satellites riding aboard the Falcon 9 are an ecclectic mix of commercial satellites, Earth-observation spacecraft and other vehicles. The Earth imaging company Planet Labs, for example, has 36 small "SuperDove" satellites riding alongside two of its larger Pelican Earth-observation satellites. The European Space Agency , meanwhile, has a pair of HydryoGNSS satellites on board to monitor Earth's water cycle. Previous Booster 1071 missions Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement NROL-87 | NROL-85 | SARah-1 | SWOT | Transporter-8 | Transporter-9 | Transporter-13 | NROL-146 | Bandwagon-2 | NROL-153 | NROL-192 | 18 Starlink missions Two launch providers, ExoLaunch and SEOPS, each have a collection of different spacecraft aboard Transporter-15 for various clients. Varda , a company that launches experiments that can return to Earth on reentry capsules, will fly its fifth spacecraft, called W-5, on the mission. And there are dozens of other satellites representing companies from around the world, including Taiwan and Italy. The Falcon 9 rocket on Transporter-15 includes a first stage that has flown 29 times before. If all goes well, the first stage will return to Earth after liftoff to land on SpaceX's drone ship "Of Course I Still Love You" in the Pacific Ocean so it can be returned to shore for eventual reuse. 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) The threat actor known as Bloody Wolf has been attributed to a cyber attack campaign that has targeted Kyrgyzstan since at least June 2025 with the goal of delivering NetSupport RAT. As of October 2025, the activity has expanded to also single out Uzbekistan, Group-IB researchers Amirbek Kurbanov and Volen Kayo said in a report published in collaboration with Ukuk, a state enterprise under the Prosecutor General's office of the Kyrgyz Republic. The attacks have targeted finance, government, and information technology (IT) sectors. "Those threat actors would impersonate the [Kyrgyzstan's] Ministry of Justice through official looking PDF documents and domain names, which in turn hosted malicious Java Archive (JAR) files designed to deploy the NetSupport RAT," the Singapore-headquartered company said. "This combination of social engineering and accessible tooling allows Bloody Wolf to remain effective while keeping a low operational profile." Bloody Wolf is the name assigned to a hacking group of unknown provenance that has used spear-phishing attacks to target entities in Kazakhstan and Russia using tools like STRRAT and NetSupport. The group is assessed to be active since at least late 2023. The targeting of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan using similar initial access techniques marks an expansion of the threat actor's operations in Central Asia, primarily impersonating trusted government ministries in phishing emails to distribute weaponized links or attachments. The attack chains more or less follow the same approach in that the message recipients are tricked into clicking on links that download malicious Java archive (JAR) loader files along with instructions to install Java Runtime. While the email claims the installation is necessary to view the documents, the reality is that it's used to execute the loader. Once launched, the loader then proceeds to fetch the next-stage payload (i.e., NetSupport RAT) from infrastructure that's under the attacker's control and set up persistence in three ways - Creating a scheduled task Adding a Windows Registry value Dropping a batch script to the folder "%APPDATA%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup" The Uzbekistan phase of the campaign is notable for incorporating geofencing restrictions, thereby causing requests originating outside of the country to be redirected to the legitimate data.egov[.]uz website. Requests from within Uzbekistan have been found to trigger the download of the JAR file from an embedded link within the PDF attachment. Group-IB said the JAR loaders observed in the campaigns are built with Java 8, which was released in March 2014. It's believed that the attackers are using a bespoke JAR generator or template to spawn these artifacts. The NetSupport RAT payload is a old version of NetSupport Manager from October 2013. "Bloody Wolf has demonstrated how low-cost, commercially available tools can be weaponized into sophisticated, regionally targeted cyber operations," it said. "By exploiting trust in government institutions and leveraging simple JAR-based loaders, the group continues to maintain a strong foothold across the Central Asian threat landscape." South Korea's financial sector has been targeted by what has been described as a sophisticated supply chain attack that led to the deployment of Qilin ransomware. "This operation combined the capabilities of a major Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) group, Qilin, with potential involvement from North Korean state-affiliated actors (Moonstone Sleet), leveraging Managed Service Provider (MSP) compromise as the initial access vector," Bitdefender said in a report shared with The Hacker News. Qilin has emerged as one of the most active ransomware operations this year, with the RaaS crew exhibiting "explosive growth" in the month of October 2025 by claiming over 180 victims. The group is responsible for 29% of all ransomware attacks, per data from NCC Group. The Romanian cybersecurity company said it decided to dig deeper after uncovering an unusual spike in ransomware victims from South Korea in September 2025, when it became the second-most affected country by ransomware after the U.S., with 25 cases, a significant jump from an average of about 2 victims per month between September 2024 and August 2025. Further analysis found that all 25 cases were attributed exclusively to the Qilin ransomware group, with 24 of the victims in the financial sector. The campaign was given the moniker Korean Leaks by the attackers themselves. While Qilin's origins are likely Russian, the threat actors self-identify as "political activists" and "patriots of the country." It follows a traditional affiliate model, which involves recruiting a diverse group of hackers to carry out the attacks in return for taking a small share of up to 20% of the illicit payments. One particular affiliate of note is a North Korean state-sponsored actor tracked as Moonstone Sleet, which, according to Microsoft, has deployed a custom ransomware variant called FakePenny in an attack targeting an unnamed defense technology company in April 2024. Then, earlier this February, a significant pivot occurred when the adversary was observed delivering Qilin ransomware at a limited number of organizations. While it's not exactly clear if the latest set of attacks was indeed carried out by the hacking group, the targeting of South Korean businesses aligns with its strategic objectives. Korean Leaks took place over three publication waves, resulting in the theft of over 1 million files and 2 TB of data from 28 victims. Victim posts associated with four other entities were removed from the data leak site (DLS), suggesting that they may have been taken down either following ransom negotiations or a unique internal policy, Bitdefender said. The three waves are as follows - Wave 1 , comprising 10 victims from the financial management sector that was published on September 14, 2025 , comprising 10 victims from the financial management sector that was published on September 14, 2025 Wave 2 , comprising nine victims that were published between September 17 and 19, 2025 , comprising nine victims that were published between September 17 and 19, 2025 Wave 3, comprising nine victims that were published between September 28 and October 4, 2025 An unusual aspect about these leaks is the departure from established tactics of exerting pressure on compromised organizations, instead leaning heavily on propaganda and political language. "The entire campaign was framed as a public-service effort to expose systemic corruption, exemplified by the threats to release files that could be 'evidence of stock market manipulation' and names of 'well-known politicians and businessmen in Korea,'" Bitdefender said of the first wave of the campaign. Subsequent waves went on to escalate the threat a notch higher, claiming that the leak of the data could pose a severe risk to the Korean financial market. The actors also called on South Korean authorities to investigate the case, citing stringent data protection laws. A further shift in messaging was observed in the third wave, where the group initially continued the same theme of a national financial crisis resulting from the release of stolen information, but then switched to a language that "more closely resembled Qilin's typical, financially motivated extortion messages." Given that Qilin boasts of an "in-house team of journalists" to help affiliates with writing texts for blog posts and help apply pressure during negotiations, it's assessed that the group's core members were behind the publication of the DLS text. "The posts contain several of the core operator's signature grammatical inconsistencies," Bitdefender said. "However, this control over the final draft does not mean the affiliate was excluded from having a critical say in the key messaging or overall direction of the content." To pull off these attacks, the Qilin affiliate is said to have breached a single upstream managed service provider (MSP), leveraging the access to compromise several victims at once. On September 23, 2025, the Korea JoongAng Daily reported that more than 20 asset management companies in the country were infected with ransomware following the compromise of GJTec. To mitigate these risks, it's essential that organizations enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), apply the Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) to restrict access, segment critical systems and sensitive data, and take proactive steps to reduce attack surfaces. "The MSP compromise that triggered the 'Korean Leaks' operation highlights a critical blind spot in cybersecurity discussions," Bitdefender said. "Exploiting a vendor, contractor, or MSP that has access to other businesses is a more prevalent and practical route that RaaS groups seeking clustered victims can take." Tsinghua unveils framework for AI use in education China Daily) 10:17, November 27, 2025 [Photo/tsinghua.edu.cn] Tsinghua University has unveiled a comprehensive framework for the use of artificial intelligence in education, emphasizing the prohibition of AI for ghostwriting, plagiarism, fabrication, or other misconduct among graduate students. The guideline positions AI as an auxiliary tool, with teachers and students as the primary agents in education. Graduate students are reminded that AI cannot replace the academic training and intellectual labor they must complete independently. Supervisors are tasked with providing clear guidance on AI use and maintaining oversight to ensure academic integrity and originality. The guideline mandates proper disclosure of AI use, prohibits academic misconduct, and forbids using sensitive or unauthorized data in AI models. It calls for vigilance against AI "hallucinations "and stresses multisource verification to prevent cognitive complacency from AI reliance. Instructors are responsible for determining AI use according to course goals, explaining principles to students, and overseeing AI-generated teaching materials. They are encouraged to guide students toward a critical understanding of AI and help them develop essential competencies. Students are encouraged to regard AI as aids within course boundaries, but are prohibited from submitting AI-generated text, code, or output as their own work. The guideline's development followed extensive research and consultation led by Li Manli, a professor at Tsinghua's School of Education. This included a global survey of 70 AI education documents from 25 universities and interviews with over 100 students and instructors. Building on Tsinghua's experience with AI in education, the guideline supports the integration of AI in over 390 courses across 10 areas, including AI learning companions and teaching assistants. Wang Shuaiguo, director of the university's online education center and primary drafter, described the guideline as a "living system" meant to evolve with technology. He emphasized that it should not restrict innovation but grow alongside technological advancements. The guideline also encourages innovative AI applications in teaching and learning, recognizing and promoting exemplary practices. It establishes "red lines" for misconduct while highlighting "green lights" for responsible, meaningful experimentation. "We hope this will not become a document that restricts innovation," Wang said. "It should be a living system one that continues to grow as the technology evolves." (Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun) Whats the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving? Listening to a 20-minute protest song about the Vietnam War, of course. If youre a true Alices Restaurant devotee, you also watch the 1969 movie, even if its stuffed with more filler than the turkey. While both are based on real events, the filmmakers cooked up a much less appetizing dinner of baloney. Advertisement 15 Montana Was Perfectly Nice to Arlo Guthrie In the film, Guthrie decides to head east after being bullied out of the Montana town where he was attending college, but in fact, he was still enrolled during Thanksgiving 1965. He lamented that Montana got a bad rap in the movie. Advertisement 14 The Commune Was a Lot Smaller The church where Alice Brock lived is portrayed as a large commune of around 50 of Alices kids, but in reality, there were less than a half dozen who regularly visited or would stay overnight, Guthrie said. There were a few who would live there longer, but always at the invitation of Alice or Ray. 13 There Was No Mari-Chan In a frankly commonplace display of weird fetishism, Alices Restaurant invented a Chinese woman solely for Guthrie to romance. In real life, Guthrie was dating an English woman at the time. 12 There Was No Shelly, Either Much of the films action concerns a character named Shelly, who drives a wedge between Alice and her husband before dutifully getting killed in a motorcycle accident, but he was invented to inject some non-litter drama into the narrative. Advertisement Advertisement 11 Rays Jealousy Was Invented as a Symbol The tension in Alice and Rays marriage illustrates the supposedly fatal flaws of the hippie life, but it, too, was invented to enhance the drama. It turns out theres actually no downsides to free love. Alice and Ray did divorce while the movie was filming, but it was unrelated. 10 Alice Was Pretty Anti-Heroin Alice Brock hated the way she was portrayed in the movie, specifically as a dope-taking, free-loving woman. She resented the insinuation of her relationship with a heroin user, as she insisted that she didnt know anybody who shot heroin. Advertisement 9 Alice and Arlo In a 2008 interview, Alice Brock decried how the film "misrepresented me, embarrassed me, and made me into an object." She especially objected to the suggestion that shed slept with Guthrie. "I wasn't sleeping with everybody in the world, for example and not Arlo Guthrie! Advertisement 8 Guthries Buddy Was Fictionalized In the film, the friend who is arrested with Arlo Guthrie is named Roger Crowther, but in real life, it was songwriter Rick Robbins. For his part, Robbins complained in 2006 that "they had to fill up the movie with stuff, and it was all fiction was complete bull. Advertisement 7 The Envelope Didnt Have Guthries Name On It In both the song and the movie, the fuzz tracks down Guthrie after finding an envelope in the illegally dumped trash with his name on it, but according to the local newspapers report, the envelope was addressed to the area man Robbins and Guthrie had been visiting, presumably Ray Brock. When you think about it, that makes a thousand times more sense. 6 Officer Obie Denied Handcuffing Guthrie Guthries account of his dealings with Officer Obie is full of hostility that police chief William J. Obanhein insisted wasnt there. "I didn't put any handcuffs on them, and I didn't take the toilet seats off, 'cause we don't have any seats, he said, only raising further questions. Advertisement 5 About Those Toilet Seats It turns out that the toilet seats Guthrie claimed in both the song and the movie were supposedly removed to prevent the detainees from harming themselves were actually removed long before they got there, at least according to Obie. I told the architect who designed the cells you can't have things like that 'cause when people come in here, they're like to rip them off," he said, still confusingly. Advertisement 4 Guthrie Was Never in Danger of Getting Drafted The point of the story ends up concerning Guthries efforts to avoid the draft, but in reality, he knew it was never going to be a problem. He had such a high draft number that he was not going to get called unless theres a squirrel invasion in New Hampshire. Advertisement 3 Woody Guthrie Survived the Song In the movie, Arlo is devastated to learn that his father, folk legend Woody Guthrie, has passed away before he had a chance to say goodbye, but Woody Guthrie didnt die until October 1967. Since Alices Restaurant was released the same month, its safe to say he was still kicking during its events. 2 Alice Sold the Church After the Movie At the end of the movie, Alice muses that maybe they should sell the church, but actually, it was all the attention from the movie that made her start thinking about giving it up. In 2014, she confirmed that there were stories about people stopping by the church, knocking on the door, looking in the windows, and noted that we sold the church at that point. Advertisement Advertisement You won't find dumbbells or weight machines in the gym Sean Keogh runs. At Calisthenics Club Houston, it's all about training with body weight. "That's all we do," Keogh said but that's enough to keep new members coming through the doors, excited to learn moves like handstands and pullups. Keogh and his members have plenty of company. These days, content creators, independent gyms and megachains alike are promoting calisthenics, an age-old form of fitness that uses little or no equipment and instead relies on body weight for resistance. In July, President Donald Trump reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test, intending that youth across the country will again practice old-school exercises like situps, pushups and pullups. It's little surprise that these no-frills moves are making a comeback in our over-scheduled society, said Anatolia Vick-Kregel, director of the Lifetime Physical Activity Program at Rice University. "We don't always have time to go to the gym," she said. "This is what you can do at home or in your office." Another reason might be economic, said Michael Stack, an exercise physiologist and president of the Physical Activity Alliance, a coalition of groups that promote physical activity. With no equipment required, calisthenics-based programs are affordable for exercisers and profitable for gyms that offer them. Plus, people may have gotten used to exercising with few accoutrements during the pandemic. "This trend has been building," Stack said. "The (COVID-19) pandemic definitely accelerated it." How effective are calisthenics? There's plenty of research to suggest that calisthenics can improve everything from muscle strength to aerobic conditioning, Vick-Kregel said. "Body weight is phenomenal," she said. But there are limits to its effects, said John Raglin, a professor of kinesiology at the Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington. "It can be effective," Raglin said. "But I think the idea that it can or should replace the use of even simple equipment is wrong-headed." Sometimes, Raglin said, using equipment can actually make exercises simpler or safer to perform. Many people, for example, do pushups with improper form. "If you're not strong enough or you have joint issues or arthritis, then lying on a bench and using small hand weights can actually be safer and more practical," he said. It all depends what your goal is Beyond safety, people looking to significantly increase their strength or muscle size will likely see more dramatic results if they use weights, Raglin said. Doing so "utilizes more of your muscle and generates more force than you could otherwise," he explained. Lifting weights also damages muscle tissue in a way that can be productive, as muscles grow larger through the body's repair process. Over time, though, it may take larger amounts of weight to keep seeing gains. Progress plateaus as the body gets used to exercises it's done before. It's not impossible to grow muscle through calisthenics, Vick-Kregel said; it's just harder to continuously level up exercises for sustained progress without increasing external weight. "After you've done a couple workouts of squatting with your body weight, your body's going to need external load to get stronger or to build muscle tissue," Stack agreed. In other words, if you're after bulging biceps, you may need more than calisthenics to get there. But if you're just looking to get moving and improve your health, your body is probably enough. Particularly for the roughly 75% of Americans who aren't meeting federal physical activity guidelines which call for at least 75 minutes of vigorous or 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, plus two strength-training sessions calisthenics are a great option, Stack said. "Body weight is the simplest apparatus you can use," Stack said. "I would encourage anyone who's not exercising to start exercising with just their body." How to begin a calisthenics routine First, assess your current fitness and mobility, Vick-Kregel said. With the help of a mirror, workout buddy or trainer, see if you can do exercises like planks, pushups and squats with correct form. If not, look for modifications, such as doing pushups from your knees. Once you feel confident with the fundamentals, aim to perform calisthenics in 10- to 30-minute chunks, two to three times a week, she suggested. (For a little more structure, you can consult the The Five Basic Exercises Plan, or 5BX, a classic calisthenics program developed by the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1950s.) Progressively increase the duration and intensity of your workouts as you get fitter. "Gradual progression is critical," Vick-Kregel emphasized. As you get more experienced, though, calisthenics can be performed at high intensity. Keogh maintains that these exercises are not just for beginners. There are plenty of ways to increase the difficulty of body-weight exercises over time, making them both highly challenging and effective, he said. For doubters, Keogh has a blunt message: "Try it." PHOENIX A Republican lawmaker wants to provide financial help to women who choose to give birth, saying it could provide enough incentive to deter abortions. Rep. Nick Kupper is sponsoring House Bill 2004 to provide a new tax credit a deduction of state taxes owed up to $4,000 in the year of a birth for people who meet certain income restrictions. Its specific aim, stated in the proposed legislation, is to "encourage women in this state to carry their unborn children to full term.'' But the measure by the Surprise lawmaker is written in a way that doesn't get into legal or moral questions about abortion or attempt to regulate it. House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos said Democrats could get behind it. Kupper noted the perennial debates at the Capitol about abortion. He also acknowledged the legal right of women to terminate a pregnancy. What's missing, he said, is a discussion of the reasons. "I looked at the stats,'' Kupper said. "And from what I was able to see, it appears that 93% of women choosing to abort, if it's an elective abortion, they say it's a lack of finances, security or support,'' he said. "And a lot of that falls on men sucking.'' Data produced by the Arizona Department of Health Services, however, is a bit murkier. The department, which is required to keep track of such things, reports that there were 12,888 abortions in Arizona in 2023, the most recent year for which statistics are available. Its breakdown of the reasons cited falls into different categories. In most cases, more than 9,300, the reason listed is that abortion is elective. Another more than 4,100 declined to specify a reason. Most of what remains falls into the "other'' category, which includes everything from not wanting to have children, to financial reasons and being unprepared, to personal emotional and mental health issues. But Kupper said that, whatever the reason, there is more the state can and should do to take care of women. "If we can help support women in a financial way somewhat, why would we not?'' he said. Income restrictions He's structured his HB 2004 in a way to help only those most in need. As written, it would provide a $2,000 a credit in the year a child is born to single individuals or $4,000 to married couples filing jointly. But the full credit would be available only to those below the federal poverty level. That's $21,150 for a two-person household or $26,650 for a family of three, with higher figures for larger families. The credit would be reduced above that level, to the point it would disappear at 145% of the federal poverty level. "Obviously, it's not for every pregnancy because if you're wealthy, then finances aren't an issue,'' Kupper said. Most significantly, this would be a refundable tax credit. Individuals and couples would get an actual check from the state if the credit exceeds their tax liability. Kupper said that makes the most sense, as many who are at or below the federal poverty level may owe little or no state income tax. What his legislation also does is avoid the whole hot-button issue of abortion. "In no way, shape, or form does it force anybody to give birth,'' he said. "I just want to give an option.'' Kupper said he does not yet have any estimate of how much his proposal would reduce state tax revenues. "We spend a lot of money on a lot of stupid things as governments, and not just Arizona,'' Kupper said. "But I think if we can spend some money on taking care of our people, that's one of the things we can agree across the aisle.'' De Los Santos agreed. "Democrats invented the child tax credit,'' he said. "We are always looking for ways to make life more affordable for working families and working moms.'' Still, De Los Santos said, there's that unanswered question of the price tag, with legislative budget analysts saying the state could be headed for a budget deficit. "If we can find a way to pay for this that doesn't cut health-care programs or doesn't cut education, we're very open,'' he said. Separate proposal The new child tax credit isn't Kupper's only foray into using tax policy to deter abortions. His HB 2011 would offer tax breaks to individuals to offset their medical and related costs to adopt frozen embryos that the biological parents no longer want or need. The proposal is not without precedent. For more than a decade, Arizona's tax code has allowed adoptive parents to reduce their taxable income by the amount of unreimbursed medical and hospital costs, counseling, legal fees and agency fees. What Kupper wants to add is language that expands that to "human embryo adoptions.'' In essence, what's involved here are frozen embryos typically created through in vitro fertilization but which end up not being used by the original couple. At that point, the choice could come down to allowing the unnecessary embryos to be destroyed. One alternative is what have become known as "snowflake adoptions,'' a name that relates to both the fact the embryo was frozen and the idea that each is unique. Agencies can pair the biological parents with someone who may be having trouble conceiving, allowing the adoptive mother to go through pregnancy and childbirth. "IVF adoption is already happening,'' Kupper said. He said families who adopt the embryos should get the same tax breaks as already exist for other kinds of adoptions. The relief is on a one-time basis. "You're still going to have the cost of any other child if you adopt one of these embryos once they're born,'' Kupper said. Kupper said his HB 2011, dubbed the "Investing in Life Act,'' falls into line with other programs the Legislature has adopted, often on a bipartisan basis, such as subsidized child care. "We're trying to promote life,'' he said. "We have all these other things for the families in general because we want to promote a healthy environment for everybody. For me, this is an extension of that.'' De Los Santos said he has not studied this measure and has no comment. The Celebrity Race Across the World stars were forced to catch a flight for a second time this series, breaking the rules of the show. It's unusual that the teams have had to catch two flights across the BBC series. In episode five, daughter Anita Rani and dad Bal, Strictly couple Molly Rainford and Tyler West, as well as siblings Roman Kemp and Harleymoon, are instructed to take their second flight of the series. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the end of the episode, it was revealed that Beyond Paradise actor Dylan Llewellyn and his mum Jackie were still 370km away from the checkpoint. Originally, the BBC show was going to be titled Flightless because the contestants are tasked with racing across the world without getting a plane, with a budget of roughly the cost of an airline ticket. Along with air travel, smartphones and credit cards are also banned. Why Celebrity Race Across the World break rules to get a flight in filming. (BBC/Studio Lambert) As the final approaches, the teams had to take a flight to the fifth checkpoint Medellin from Betancur airport, in Colombia. Rainford and West were the first to receive the message: "Due to planned strikes on the approach to Medellin, for your safety, teams will be shuttled to Betancur airport and will board the next available flight." Narrator John Hannah explained the reasoning behind the second flight. He said: "Due to rumoured armed attacks in the Antioquia region, the Colombia police and army are on high security alert. For safety, teams must fly to make a final approach to the checkpoint of Medellin." Slideshow: Celebrity Race Across the World in fun pictures Roman Kemp and Harleymoon are celebrating with coconut drinks on Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Anita Rani and Bal take a boat trip on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Anita Rani and Bal have been bonding on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Anita Rani and Bal carrying all their things in the rucksacks for Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Dylan Llewellyn and his mum Jackie throw themselves into Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Dylan Llewellyn and Jackie are swimming on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Dylan Llewellyn's mum Jackie enjoying the views on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Dylan Llewellyn and Jackie have not spent so much time together on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Harleymoon and Roman Kemp are seen wrapped on the Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Harleymoon and Roman Kemp looking confused over the map route on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Harleymoon and Roman Kemp are enjoying taking part in Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Celebrity Race Across the World 1 of 11 Roman Kemp and Harleymoon are celebrating with coconut drinks on Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) Rainford admitted she felt "sad about flying" because she had felt they were making progress. Meanwhile, Harleymoon acknowledged the impact the flight could have on the show. She said, "This could be a game-changer, though, because if the flight isn't until the afternoon, we could all be on it!" Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rani and her dad, Bal, missed the last flight departing that day and were told to "wait until tomorrow to continue the race". "I guess we are stranded," the presenter told the cameras. This time, Rainford and West, as well as Harleymoon and Roman Kemp were filmed on their flights. Why are Celebrity Race Across the World stars getting a flight? Molly Rainford and Tyler West wait on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) It's not the only time they caught a flight this series. Filming in Nicaragua was not granted for Celebrity Race Across the World. So, at the third checkpoint, which marked the halfway point of the race, the teams were informed of an unexpected announcement. It said: "It is not possible for the race to continue through Nicaragua. Teams must fly to Liberia, where the race will resume." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rainford was delighted to share that the destination was in Costa Rica. "I've been reading my maps!" She said to the group. Of the move, Rani said: "Onwards and literally upwards." Narrator John Hannah explained the reason behind the drastic measure in the voiceover on Thursday. He said: "As the permission to film in the neighbouring country of Nicaragua was not granted, teams will resume the race just 90km away from its border in Liberia, Costa Rica." Although there were no filmed moments of the teams on the flight, a shot was captured from the cockpit and another from an aeroplane window. This is typical of these scenes on the Race Across the World franchise. Only eight minutes separated the top three teams. Once on the ground at the airport, the pairs left in the same order with the usual allowed time given. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement TV cameras were filming as Rainford and Tyler left the airport to continue the race. It had been explained earlier on by the narrator that: "In a shake-up to the leaderboard, Molly and Tyler have risen to the top. Dylan and Jackie have clambered out of last place for the first time." When have the rules been broken on Race Across the World? Anita Rani and Bal are starring on Celebrity Race Across the World. (BBC/Studio Lambert) It isn't the first time that the Race Across the World stars have had to get a flight during the franchise. In the 2025 series, the contestants had to catch a flight in China. Yahoo UK understands the contestants flew over the Himalayas, and there was no way for them to make that journey on land without scaling the mountains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the 2024 series, the contestants flew from Sokcho in South Korea to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. This rule break dates back to series two, when contestants flew over Ecuador due to civil unrest at the time. These flights are all acknowledged onscreen. Brief explanations are provided for why the plane trip was necessary for it to take place. Celebrity Race Across the World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer. PRAGUE (Reuters) -The Czech lower house voted late on Wednesday to return the 2026 draft budget to the outgoing government for re-working, raising chances of a legislative delay and higher-than-expected deficit. Czech billionaire Andrej Babis' populist ANO party, winner of an October election and leading talks on forming the next government, has sparred with the outgoing centre-right cabinet over its 2026 budget plan, saying it lacks billions of euros to cover expected expenses. While the outgoing government has concentrated on budget consolidation to cut the fiscal deficit below European Union rules, analysts expect some loosening based on ANO campaign promises to boost wages, cut some taxes and spend more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower house lawmakers voted 105-64, led by ANO and its coalition partners, in favour of returning the draft budget in a session that ran late into Wednesday. 20 DAYS FOR NEW DRAFT The outgoing government has 20 days to amend the draft. It has said it could not legally raise the deficit further. This month it re-submitted the 2026 budget plan with a deficit target of 286 billion crowns ($13.72 billion), up from 241 billion expected in 2025. ANO, which aims to form a government by mid-December, has said the budget was missing nearly 100 billion crowns for transport infrastructure and other spending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its nominee for finance minister, Alena Schillerova, told Czech Television on Wednesday that a realistic plan must be drawn up even at the cost of increasing the deficit. Finance ministry forecasts put the fiscal deficit - which includes the budget as well as local and regional administrations, the health insurance system and various off-budget funds - at 1.9% of GDP in 2026, the same as this year. That is below the EU's ceiling of 3%. The budget dispute raises risks the plan may not pass through parliament by the end of the year, leaving the country to enter 2026 on a provisional setting that limits spending to 1/12th of last year's expenditure per month. ($1=20.8490 Czech crowns) (Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) The seminar on the film industry in the new era. A seminar on the film industry in the new era, part of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival, took place in HCMC recently. The discussion had two sessions, with session one featuring guests including Doctor Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son, and director Victor Vu. Opening the event, Dinh Thanh Huong, Vice Chair of Galaxy Group, shared optimistic figures about the domestic film industry. Vietnams market growth reached more than 20 percent compared to 2019. Malaysia, South Korea and Japan have only recovered to about 60 percent of 2019 levels. Vietnamese films accounted for 42 percent of national market share last year, while this years figure climbed to 62 percent, a remarkable success for the local film industry. Over the past year, Galaxy had several notable releases such as Mua do (Red Rain), Dia dao (Underground: The Sun in the Dark), Tu chien tren khong (Air Deathmatch), and Tham tu Kien (Detective Kien: The Headless Horror). Collectively, these works earned thousands of billions of VND in box-office revenue and were highly rated for content quality. Associate Prof Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assemblys Committee for Culture & Society, said that for Vietnamese cinema to grow sustainably, it needs a diverse ecosystem. Cinema doesnt just mean a single film, but it includes writers, directors, producers, theaters, and studios. He noted that the film industry faces many obstacles related to the Land Law, Public-Private Partnership Law, and taxes. To promote the development of the industry, these bottlenecks must be removed. He emphasized that the Film Law should support economic development, especially the cultural industry. Although public-private partnerships in the cultural sector are encouraged, there has been no circular or clear guidance on the implementation, thus leading to significant difficulties. Film investment is risky and long-term, unlike infrastructure projects such as bridges or residential buildings where timelines for profitability can be calculated. Tax policies must be more favorable to attract private investors. There is already a legal framework for cultural-sector PPPs, but without guiding circulars, the process remains stalled, Son said. He also stressed that people are the core of the film industry, yet human resources are currently its weakest link. Although there have been improvements, the workforce issue remains and requires fundamental solutions, he noted. Scandals affecting films During the seminar, speakers also expressed concern about dealing with films that have production completed and content approved, but then later face issues such as actors personal scandals or public boycotts. These problems can lead to heavy losses and affect hundreds of crew members. In recent years, many films have suffered because actors became entangled in legal trouble or personal controversies. Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Head of the Culture and Arts Department under the Central Propaganda Commission, said this is a pressing issue. So far, film evaluation processes have followed laws, decrees, and circulars. However, such incidents raise questions about updating and revising legal documents. Lan emphasized the Code of Conduct issued by the Ministry of Culture for people working in the arts. But when incidents fall outside the code, everything depends on the audiences reception. Most people tend to boycott, and sometimes we must accept that. She expressed sympathy for filmmakers, whose work is risky because even with significant investment of time and money, an unforeseen issue involving a single individual can severely impact the entire project. Lan said relevant agencies are researching the matter, but noted that it is complicated and cannot be solved overnight because each case differs in nature. From a filmmakers perspective, director Victor Vu said that to maintain his momentum and status, each person must constantly evolve and learn. Audience tastes change rapidly, and falling behind means losing connection with the market. This requires continuous updating, not only in themes and storytelling but also in techniques and creative approaches. He emphasized the core essence of each film. Globally popular themes such as love, family relationships and tragedies continue to resonate. Presenting these themes through an international cinematic language can help Vietnamese films reach wider audiences and create opportunities in both domestic and international markets. Tuan Chieu A customer is looking to buy a child car seat ahead of the mandatory regulation taking effect (Photo: Ngo Minh) Buyers are lost in a price "matrix," where a lack of understanding can lead to wrong choices. Clause 3, Article 10 of the 2024 Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety clearly stipulates: from January 1, 2026, children under 10 years old and under 1.35 meters in height are not allowed to sit in the same row as the driver, except when the vehicle has only one row of seats. The driver must use or give instructions on the use of appropriate safety restraints for children. Violations will be fined from VND800,000 to VND1 million according to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP. This is a major step forward in raising traffic safety standards. But as the effective date approaches, choosing an appropriate car seat has become a pressure point for parents. The market is heating up, and users are overwhelmed by price differences and quality concerns. Demand rises Just a few years ago, car seats mainly targeted well-off customers familiar with safety culture. But the demand has surged unexpectedly.. According to VietNamNets findings, the number of people researching and buying child car seats at many mom-and-baby stores in Hanoi has increased several times compared to last year. Most customers are families with young children within the regulated age and height range. A sales consultant at the Chilux baby product showroom on Xa Dan Street, Hanoi, said sales of child car seats in the last three months have increased 23 times. Bich Hang, the owner of a baby product shop in Cau Giay, said: We used to display car seats, but few people cared so we stopped selling them. In the last two months, demand has risen sharply, so we are planning to restock. Rising demand has triggered a supply race. Vietnams child car seat market now features many well-known global brands such as Joie, Chilux, Chicco, Maxi-Cosi and Zaracos, officially distributed with warranties and certified to meet ECE R44/04 or R129 (i-Size) standards. Prices typically range from VND2 million to VND7 million, while high-end models cost tens of millions of dong. Alongside officially distributed products, used seats are also available, often Japanese, Korean or European domestic models. Their quality may be good, but they lack warranty and are difficult to verify. Prices range from VND1.7 million to VND1.9 million. However, the fever also brings risks. Many uncertified or untested seats have begun appearing on e-commerce platforms for less than VND1 million. We sellers are worried, but the biggest worry is that customers might buy low-quality seats. If something happens, the consequences are unpredictable, Hang said. Users now desperate for information Previously, many Vietnamese parents preferred holding their children or letting them sit freely in the back seat. Now, the mandatory requirement has created a psychological jolt. Le Manh Linh, admin of the Anh Em Me Xe forum, said: When our family welcomed a new member, I invested in a child seat worth more than VND10 million for our Ford Ranger Raptor even before any mandate. Car seats are costly but worth it, comfortable for kids and easy to install. Lan Anh (Nam Tu Liem, Hanoi), the owner of a Mazda CX-5, admitted: I knew child car seats are safer, but I ignored them because I thought traffic speed here is not high. Now that the law requires it, Im rushing to research, but its too confusing. On online forums and car groups, discussions about child car seats are the hottest topics. Parents exchange advice frantically. Many admitted that they always knew car seats were necessary but postponed buying until the law forced them to act. What parents should consider While many parents are careful when seeking to buy seats, others fall into the trap of buying cheap seats with no ECE R44/04 or R129 certification, just to comply when encountering traffic police. This is a common mistake, as the core purpose is protecting the childs safety. Linh Trang The audit determined that Coca-Cola had overstated its losses by more than 762 billion VND, or approximately $30.6 million. Authorities subsequently demanded more than 471 billion VND (about $18.9 million) in taxes owed, with fines and late payment fees bringing the total amount due to over 821.4 billion VND (more than $33 million). Previously, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Finance had confirmed that the investment license for Coca-Cola Beverages Vietnam Limited was set to expire on September 27, 2025. The 30-year project originally began on September 27, 1995. In February 2025, Coca-Cola Vietnam submitted a formal declaration stating it would no longer pursue project goals after the license expired. Under Article 48, Clause 1(c) of the 2020 Investment Law, investors are required to complete termination procedures when a project reaches the end of its licensed period. According to the 2020 Investment Law and Decree No. 102/2024/ND-CP, investors are granted up to 24 months to handle asset liquidation and land-related matters following project closure. The Coca-Cola project in Ho Chi Minh City is located in Linh Xuan Ward and originally carried a total registered investment of more than $715 million (equivalent to 13 trillion VND based on the exchange rate at the time of certification). In July 2025, Coca-Cola Vietnam inaugurated a new plant in the Phu An Thanh Industrial Park in Ben Luc District, Tay Ninh Province. The facility, covering 19 hectares, represents the largest of Coca-Colas three manufacturing sites in Vietnam and is capable of producing up to one billion liters of beverages per year. Tran Chung Ryman Healthcare Limited (Ryman) today announced its results for the six months ended 30 September 2025, delivering its first positive free cash flow1 result in a decade. Chief Executive Officer Naomi James said the result represents a major milestone in Rymans transformation. Weve turned an important corner in our transformation, with the balance sheet reset providing a robust foundation for sustainable performance. The business has stabilised, momentum is returning, and we are delivering results with meaningful progress achieved against FY26 priorities. Our focus is now moving to accelerating performance across our portfolio of high quality retirement villages. Cost-out initiatives are tracking ahead of expectations, while a refreshed sales strategy is rebuilding momentum and demonstrating confidence in Rymans new standard 30% deferred management fee (DMF) offering. Following its $1.0 billion equity raise in February 2025 and the full refinancing of its $2.0 billion bank facilities in November, Rymans balance sheet reset is now complete with its new funding structure aligned with its operating model. Operational highlights Pricing model changes fully embedded with significant uplift in average DMF on ORA sales from 20.7% in 1H25 to 28.8% in 1H26 Sales volumes rebuilding with two quarters of sequential growth; 704 sales in 1H26 (Q1: 337 / Q2: 367) Increasing utilisation of recently delivered care capacity and strong growth in room pricing Kevin Hickman main building and final stage at Nellie Melba both completed in July 2025 Financial highlights First positive free cash flow1 result in over a decade of $56.2 million Total revenue up 13%, with growth in both pricing and utilisation, while total costs fell 2% Net loss after tax of -$45.2 million (-4.4cps) with reduced fair value movement from the prior year but with property valuations stable in 1H26 Full bank refinancing achieved of $2.0 billion with an average facility tenor of five years and improved pricing and covenants Strategic highlights Annualised cost-out1 achieved to date of $40 million; FY26 target now lifted to $5060 million (from $46 million) as turnaround advances Strategy and capital management review progressing with update to be provided at an investor day on 3 February 2026 The New Zealand Governments formation of a Ministerial Advisory Group to recommend changes to the aged care funding model marks an important step toward sector reform and long-term sustainability. Financial results Rymans financial performance has strengthened significantly with total revenue growth of 13% underpinned by its increasing resident base and strong fee growth. Total costs fell 2%, driven by cost-out initiatives gaining traction, stronger performance across both mature and developing villages and lower interest costs. This led to a $57.6 million reduction in losses before tax and fair value movements1. Free cash flow lifted to $56.2 million, up $108.7 million, driven primarily by strong development cash flows, reflecting new units being sold down and the scaling back of development investment. Cash flow from existing operations was broadly flat, with improving cash from village operations offset by increased bought back stock on hand. Net profit declined from $82.0 million in 1H25 to a loss of -$45.2 million, with the improvement in operating earnings being offset by lower fair value movements. Earnings per share declined from 11.9cps to -4.4cps, reflecting lower profit and higher shares on issue. First time segmentation of retirement village and aged care financials has provided greater insight to business performance, aligned with FY26 strategic priorities. Sales and operational performance Improved sales performance and disciplined execution drove a clear rebuild in sales momentum in the first half. Higher contract conversions were supported by quality leads from well-attended village open days and targeted pricing and incentives. As a result, Ryman has lifted FY26 sales guidance to 1,3001,400 ORA sales, up from the previous range of 1,1001,300. Total vacant RV stock increased from 1,239 at March 2025 to 1,335 at September 2025, partly due to the delivery of 179 new units, including major apartment stages at Kevin Hickman and Nellie Melba. Vacant RV stock under contract increased slightly from 367 to 380, supported by a stronger focus on lead quality reflected in improved conversion rates and settlement times. James said: We remain focused on selling down stock as a significant opportunity to drive cash flow. We are confident our sales effectiveness will support continued progress over FY26. Importantly, our significantly higher DMF value on new contracts will underpin revenue growth and improved business performance in the years ahead. Resident sentiment remains positive with net promoter scores (NPS) improving across all accommodation types in 2025 and recognised externally through awards voted on by residents and their families. Aged care occupancy is high across Rymans mature villages, with capacity in five recently opened care centres filling ahead of expectations, demonstrating strong demand for Rymans high quality aged care offering. Care pricing has seen robust growth year on year, with average daily room premiums up 10% in New Zealand and average refundable accommodation deposit (RAD) balances up 5% in Australia. Development update Following a comprehensive Trans-Tasman recruitment process, Ryman Healthcare is pleased to share the appointment of Richard Stephenson as Chief Development and Property Officer. Richard brings deep sector experience, with more than 20 years working across the retirement living and aged care sectors in New Zealand and Australia. The addition of Richard to the Senior Executive Team positions Ryman for a return to disciplined growth and supports the continued delivery of high-quality communities for residents. Richard will join Ryman in early 2026 and will lead development and property functions across New Zealand and Australia. Delivery of remaining in-flight projects is progressing to plan, with sites under active development down from seven to four. The opening of the Kevin Hickman main building in July marked the fifth main building opened in the past 18 months. The final stage of Nellie Melba opened in July, completing the village. The main buildings at Northwood and Patrick Hogan are under construction and expected to open in mid-2026 and the first half of 2027 respectively. Remaining stages at Hubert Opperman have undergone a comprehensive redesign, reducing capital intensity and optimising unit mix to better meet market demand. Updated plans are expected to be finalised and approved next calendar year, allowing for the commencement of construction, which will be delivered under the outsourced model. The timing of future stages at developing villages will be aligned with market demand, reflecting Rymans commitment to a disciplined approach to growth. At our investor day in February, well share more on the land bank review, including sites which have been earmarked for future development and additional sites selected for divestment. Were pleased to have already secured two sales from the review, with Park Terrace contracted for $42 million and Mount Eliza for $35 million in recent weeks. said James. Aged care reforms progressing Ryman welcomes the New Zealand Governments announcement of a Ministerial Advisory Group to ensure the aged care sector can sustainably meet future demand. This is a critical step toward addressing the funding gap in aged care. Sustainable funding is essential to both maintaining existing capacity and growing the additional capacity needed for future growth in demand, and we are ready to play our part in the solution. said James. The Ministerial Advisory Group will provide direct advice to the Ministers of Health and Seniors on reforms to New Zealands aged care funding model. The group will deliver its recommendations ahead of the 2026 General Election, with the Government signalling its intention to implement changes from 2027. Earlier this year, Ryman confirmed it was reviewing its aged care bed capacity in New Zealand due to sector-wide underfunding, and two care centres have since been closed. Recent reforms to the Australian Aged Care Act are enhancing the Governments co-contribution funding model, with clinical costs fully government-funded and accommodation and other living costs means-tested. Changes to refundable accommodation deposits (RADs) - including a 2% annual retention capped at 10% over five years - are expected to generate a meaningful revenue uplift. Balance sheet reset complete In November 2025 Ryman successfully completed a full refinancing of its $2.0 billion syndicated loan facilities, extending the average tenor to five years and introducing a new structure that enhances flexibility and better aligns with Rymans operating model. In addition, Ryman listed on the ASX on 1 October 2025, broadening access for Australian and international investors to a proven operator with the largest retirement living and aged care business in New Zealand and a growing footprint in Australia. Ryman is undertaking a review of its capital management framework in FY26, including its dividend policy, with an update to be provided at the February 2026 investor day. Net tangible assets (NTA) per share is down slightly to $4.06 at 30 September, reflecting steady investment, property valuations and previously announced restatements to the March 2025 balance sheet relating to suspended contributions. Industry recognition In October, Ryman won several resident and family-voted awards, including National Best Group Provider, the Aged Care Large Facility South Island Award for Ernest Rutherford Village, and an Enduring Excellence Award for Diana Isaac Village at the Seniors New Zealand NZs Best Awards for retirement villages and aged care facilities. Our team feels privileged to serve more than 15,000 residents who call Ryman villages home and make our communities such special places to live. said James. Outlook Sales in the second half of FY26 are expected to remain broadly in line with the first half, reflecting mixed market conditions and the timing of unit delivery, which was weighted toward the first half. We anticipate ongoing variability as the property markets recover at differing speeds - Victoria is showing positive momentum while Auckland is yet to show meaningful improvement. Cost-out initiatives are ahead of plan, with annualised costs savings achieved up from $23 million at March 2025 to $40 million at September 2025. Ryman now expects to achieve annualised savings of $5060 million by the end of FY26, up on prior guidance. Updated FY26 guidance: Sales of ORAs2 (occupation basis) of 1,300 to 1,400 at higher DMF (FY25: 1,523, previous guidance: 1,1001,300) Annualised cost saving target1 of $5060 million (FY25: $23 million, previous guidance: $46 million) Build rate of 330 including 80 aged care beds and 250 RV units (FY25: 950, previous guidance: 266330) Capex1 of $235265 million (FY25: $535.3 million, previous guidance: $260320 million) including $170190 million on development activity (FY25: $458.2 million, previous guidance: $180-230 million) and $6575 million on existing operations (FY25: $77.1 million, previous guidance: $8090 million) Ryman's guidance for FY26 reflects the current environment and its assessment of future trends. Our near-term focus remains on continuing to build sales momentum, releasing cash from the business and driving operational efficiencies. Ryman is well positioned for cash flow growth with significant leverage to a housing cycle rebound, New Zealand aged care funding reforms, the strengthening demographic tailwinds from an ageing population and growing scarcity of quality care. said James. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: December 11th Morning Report December 10th Morning Report CDI APPOINTS JULIAN SMITH AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR EROAD director Cameron Kinloch to step down in March 2026 RUA - Pro Rata Rights Offer December 8th Morning Report GEN - Dividend Reinvestment Plan Strike Price Fletcher Building Update on Funding Facilities December 5th Morning Report Pacific Edge Names Simon Flood Chairman Designate At a regular press briefing held this afternoon, journalists raised questions about a dramatic escape incident at a Cambodian court. According to Cambodian police, six inmates opened fire right after being brought to the Svay Rieng provincial court on November 18. Among them were five Vietnamese male suspects and a woman - also Vietnamese - who allegedly provided the firearm used in the escape. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. When asked for updates and information on potential consular protection measures, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated that according to Vietnams Embassy in Cambodia, local authorities had indeed arrested six Vietnamese nationals on November 18 in Svay Rieng following their escape. Immediately after receiving the report, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instructed the Vietnamese Embassy in Cambodia to coordinate with Cambodian authorities to verify the facts and implement necessary citizen protection measures. During the same press conference, reporters also inquired about another incident in which a South Korean national was found dead inside a large bag in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese police have arrested two South Korean suspects for investigation. Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang responded: According to our information, Vietnamese authorities have already notified the diplomatic mission of South Korea in Vietnam. Investigations are ongoing to clarify the case. Addressing the deadly apartment fire in Hong Kong (China) that resulted in multiple casualties, the spokesperson extended condolences: We express our deepest sympathies to the families of the victims. Immediately after receiving information about the fire, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directed the Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Macau (China) to contact local authorities, check for any Vietnamese citizens affected, and remain in touch with the Vietnamese community in the area. They are also prepared to initiate consular protection if necessary. According to the latest updates from the Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau, there have been no reports of Vietnamese citizens affected by the incident. Tran Thuong Samsung appears poised to break a long-standing tradition in its Galaxy S lineup, as the Galaxy S26 Ultra may receive a long-awaited battery upgrade - its most significant in years. Samsung may finally break the 5,000mAh barrier with a 5,200mAh battery in the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Photo: PhoneArena A new leak suggests that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will come equipped with the highest battery capacity ever seen in a flagship Samsung smartphone. For nearly a decade, Samsung has stuck to 5,000mAh batteries in its Ultra models, despite user calls for better battery life. But change is finally on the horizon. Galaxy S26 Ultra may pack a 5,200mAh battery Sources indicate that the Galaxy S26 Ultra will follow the current trend of becoming slimmer and lighter than its predecessor - a design approach that usually limits battery capacity. However, Samsung is reportedly planning to increase the battery size to 5,200mAh, breaking the 5,000mAh plateau that has remained unchanged for years. Even more exciting, previous reports also point to an upgrade in fast charging capabilities - up to 60W. The combination of a larger battery and significantly faster charging would mark a major improvement in user experience, directly addressing one of the most requested features in premium smartphones. Pressure from Apple and the iPhone 17 Pro Max Many believe this move is not just innovation for innovations sake, but a necessary step to remain competitive - especially after Apple gave the iPhone 17 Pro Max a larger battery matching Samsungs previous benchmark. Samsungs delay in upgrading battery capacity has long frustrated fans, who feared the company had no plans to improve one of the Ultra series key weaknesses. Some even speculate that Samsungs decision to bump the S26 Ultras battery is a strategic response to Apples bold upgrade - a defensive move to maintain competitive parity. Even if the change is driven by pressure, its still welcome news for users who will ultimately benefit from better battery life and faster charging. Lessons learned from the canceled Galaxy S26 Edge project Beyond competition with Apple, the canceled Galaxy S26 Edge project may also have contributed to this development. According to leaks, Samsung hit the limits of current lithium-ion battery technology during the S26 Edges development. That experience likely influenced the S26 Ultras design - enabling the company to optimize the internal layout to increase battery size while maintaining a slim profile. This approach contrasts with Apples philosophy. While Cupertinos iPhone Air line focuses on ultra-thin design, the Pro and Pro Max models are bulkier to accommodate larger batteries and upgraded cameras. Slimmer phones, longer battery life - the new premium standard Though their design philosophies may differ, the battle between Apple and Samsung is creating a new standard: top-tier phones with longer battery life, without compromising on design. If Samsung can indeed fit a 5,200mAh battery into a thinner, lighter Galaxy S26 Ultra, it would be a noteworthy technical achievement. However, the tech community is even more eager for the next frontier: the shift to new battery materials - particularly silicon-carbon batteries, which promise significantly higher energy density than current lithium-ion tech. Samsung has previously mentioned ongoing research into these next-generation batteries. Should companies like Samsung or Apple successfully bring silicon-carbon batteries to commercial products, smartphone battery life could be transformed entirely. Hai Phong Hundreds of people wait to submit applications to buy social housing in Hanoi The social housing market is witnessing serious irregularities: agents reserving spots to sell to real buyers, inflating application fees, charging for online submissions to reselling products for hundreds of millions of VND, or undermining the policys purpose of supporting low-income groups. In response, the PM and the Ministry of Construction have ordered local authorities to strengthen inspections and strictly deal with all forms of profiteering. Lawyer Truong Anh Tu, president of TAT Law Firm, said that although the law prohibits transferring social housing within five years, disguised transactions still take place through deposits, authorizations or verbal agreements. Having followed social housing policies and the housing market for years, he said it is a common phenomenon. The lawyer pointed out three causes behind distortions in the social housing scheme. The first is the significant price gap compared to commercial housing. Many social housing projects are selling for VND1230 million per sqm, while commercial units nearby range from VND4570 million per sqm. This huge gap turns social housing into assets for trade, despite the transfer ban, he said. The second issue is the approval process based on self-declarations. Declared information, such as housing status, income and priority groups, needs verification, yet the lack of interconnected databases creates loopholes that allow individuals to bypass rules and legitimize their applications. Brokers are the third factor driving profiteering. Many people openly make reservations, claim to have internal connections (with competent agencies), or promise priority placement. This shadow market is thriving and competing directly with the official market. According to the lawyer, this is a clear sign of policy manipulation. Under the Housing Law 2014 and related decrees, social housing can only be transferred after full payment and after the five-year minimum period. However, the lawyer warned that disguised transactions render this rule ineffective in practice, creating legal risks for end buyers who could lose both deposits and the right to own social housing. No filing through agents or intermediaries At the third meeting of the central steering committee on housing and real estate policies on November 11, PM Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the need for transparency and prevention of misconduct, including hoarding, price manipulation, speculation and profiteering in the review, sale and rental of social housing. Hanois social housing segment has recently become active again as a series of new projects have been launched, with prices ranging from VND18.4 to 29.4 million per sqm. Luyen Van Phuong, deputy director of the Hanoi Construction Department, said the transparent oversight and anti-profiteering measures have been applied since early this year. The department has issued detailed guidelines on selling, renting and rent-to-own procedures, ensuring residents follow legal requirements. Authorities have reminded households and individuals applying for social housing to fill out forms according to the templates under circular 05/2024 by the Ministry of Construction. Applications must be submitted directly to the developer, not through agents or intermediary real estate platforms. We have publicly listed all submission locations on the departments information portal and on the official websites of each projects developer. Residents must not submit documents through any unauthorized individuals or organizations, Phuong said. The department also requested the Hanoi police to instruct commune-level police where projects are located to detect and handle agents illegally collecting or filing applications on behalf of applicants. Many applications anticipated To make social housing more accessible to the public and prevent exploitation, the Department of Construction has posted detailed information about each social housing project, including location, selling price, rental price, time and locations for direct application reception. Phuong said that when receiving a proposal from an investor, the Department reviews and immediately publicizes it on the electronic information portal so that people can prepare their applications. In the announcement, the authorities continue to warn people not to submit applications through intermediary platforms, not to place deposits, and not to give any money to any organization or individual impersonating the investor. At the same time, all organizations and individuals are strictly prohibited from exploiting the social housing policy and the needs of the people to collect money or deposits illegally. By the end of this year, some social housing projects in Hanoi will begin receiving applications for purchase, rental, and rent-to-own. Due to high demand that may lead to an overload, the Department recommends that people regularly monitor the Department of Construction's website to avoid missing the reception window. Hong Khanh Mathematician and teacher Le Ba Khanh Trinh The news about your retirement received a lot of attention. How did you feel about it? Actually, I officially retired a few years ago. But that was just a procedure on paper because, during that whole time, I was still working, still collaborating with the High School for the Gifted, and continued teaching selected teams of excellent teachers in some places. Recently, when I felt my health declining, the High School for the Gifted held a gratitude ceremony for my retirement, and that was when the information spread more widely. I accepted retirement with a calm mindset, without regret. The core issue is whether you still care about the work and whether you are still truly useful. I still do what I did before: I teach students, I do professional work, and I even demand myself to improve further. Now that I have more time, I feel that the quality standard must be even higher. In 1979, at the IMO in the UK, you won a Gold Medal with a perfect score of 40/40, and also won a special prize for your unique solution. People gave you the title "Vietnam's Golden Boy of Mathematics." What do you think of this title? Honestly, at that time, I didn't hear anyone call me that. Now I do. Frankly speaking, I only heard the phrase "Golden Boy of Mathematics" in recent years when I'm already a bit older (smiles). After more than 40 years devoted to teaching, instructing and nurturing many generations of outstanding students, what do you think when you look back at your journey? That was an arduous journey, but those very hardships gave me a lot of motivation to study and work. I was fortunate to teach and accompany students who were well-behaved, intelligent, and had good foundations and conduct. They were very polite, think maturely, and especially have sharp minds. A large part of my work was successfully completed thanks to the system of gifted schools, which select outstanding students, giving me the opportunity to bond with them, support them, and help them develop. You said that journey was both arduous and glorious, and although you don't care about glory, many generations of students and colleagues greatly admire you. What are your thoughts? I don't put too much thought into the word "glory." But subjectively speaking, I think I have suitable motivation, progress, and working environment. I don't know if students will still remember me over time, but currently, I feel I have these things. And honestly, those years were thanks to the students: it was them, who gave me the motivation to work. I don't know what that motivation will be like in 1015 years, but right now, it's still burning like a flame. I still work seriously. I believe that meticulousness in work and fairness in treatment are what make people respected. Nurturing students for international competitions, teaching gifted students,and teaching at gifted schools, you have interacted with many talented and excellent young people, who can be considered the elite class. What do you feel you have gained from them? At first, I simply thought that I only needed to introduce interesting math problems without deep elaboration. But very quickly, I realized that the students were so independent that it surprised me. For the same math problem, many students offered entirely different answers, even contradictory to mine, and I was "stunned" in a positive way. Their knowledge forced me to be sharper, and forced me to change. From those insights, I began to rewrite the solutions in my own way. The students' excitement towards new solutions gave me extra motivation. Sometimes, students' solutions truly surprised me. Together, silently, we sought the "God's solution", the solution described in textbooks as the most optimal, the most profound, and the most refined. That shared idea makes teachers and students bond, learn from each other, and respect each other, even though it all takes place quietly. When you teach so many excellent students, do you feel younger? Do you think you are suited to the teaching profession? Vietnamese students are very hardworking. Each student is a distinct personality, a unique individual, but they strive together when learning. I see the reflection of myself in those quiet, gentle students, like me, who focus intensely during exams and sometimes achieve surprising things. Thuy Nga With a desire to support young people in realizing their dreams, Number 1 and Den continue to spread the message Fuel your energy Sustain your passion, inspiring youth to live positively and stay committed to their goals. Dens 15-year journey in music stands as powerful proof of the message: Fuel your energy, sustain your passion, and become the best version of yourself. Den, one of Vietnams most influential rappers, is known for his poetic lyrics and deeply introspective storytelling. Rising from humble beginnings, he earned a devoted following with songs that speak to lifes struggles, dreams, and self-discovery. His distinctive style - raw yet sincere - has made him a symbol of resilience and artistic authenticity among Vietnamese youth. From performing underground tracks to headlining major stages, Den has become more than a musician: he is a cultural icon whose music encourages young people to stay true to their path. Den A 15-year journey of inspiration Dens pursuit of his musical passion is a moving tale of perseverance. Once a manual laborer, Den started out in jobs far removed from music. But he never gave up on his dream. For over two decades, Number 1 has persistently fueled generations of Vietnamese youth in their journey to conquer dreams. After each exhausting workday, he would return to his modest room and pour his soul into writing rap lyrics - infusing each verse with relentless energy and heartfelt emotion. This tireless devotion gave rise to songs that resonated deeply with millions of young listeners. His 15-year journey with music is living proof of the message: Fuel your energy, sustain your passion, and become the best version of yourself. It affirms that talent alone is not enough - only with energy and enduring passion can one push past limits. This mindset harmonizes with the philosophy of Number 1: Nothing is impossible when you remain persistent and determined in chasing your dreams. The Sustain Your Passion award not only honors the inspiring stories of talented and resilient young individuals, but also affirms Number 1s unique mark in empowering youth and amplifying their contributions to the community and society. Number 1 Over two decades of fueling passion If Den symbolizes the tireless pursuit of passion, then Number 1 has spent more than 20 years devoted to energizing the Vietnamese people on their journey toward achievement. More than just an energy drink, Number 1 has become a reliable companion for millions of young dream-chasers across the country. From the red flag flying on Mount Everest in 2008 to female runner Vu Phuong Thanhs grueling races across the Gobi Desert and the Arctic Circle, Number 1 has been there - present in extraordinary moments that showcase Vietnamese resilience: determined, bold, and always moving forward. Rapper Den and Number 1 strike an emotional chord with youth through a powerful collaboration that inspires with the message: fuel your energy, sustain your passion. The Sustain Your Passion award has honored many inspiring young talents. It also cements Number 1s role in nurturing young Vietnamese, empowering them to create value for their communities and society at large. But the brands impact goes far beyond epic conquests. Number 1 has long contributed to the community - building bridges, delivering clean water to remote areas, supporting thousands of struggling families, helping tens of thousands of underprivileged children, and accompanying science and social projects. All these efforts share one common aspiration: to fuel every individual so they can pursue their passions and, together, build a stronger Vietnam. Number 1 limited edition A collectible symbol of passion The collaboration between Number 1 and Den has deeply resonated with Gen Z, striking a powerful emotional chord. The limited-edition Number 1 features a bold red-and-gold design with Dens portrait vividly illustrated, embodying the products essence: distinctive, passionate, and resilient. This collaboration has created a product that Gen Z is eager to collect - not just for its design, but for what it represents: a bold reminder that when energy flows, passion never fades. Number 1 and runner Vu Phuong Thanh on a journey of sustained passion, conquering every challenge on the international stage. Far beyond a simple beverage, the limited-edition Number 1 is a proud symbol of Vietnamese spirit - a spirit that never backs down, always moves forward, and dares to conquer any challenge. Number 1's representative shared: If the spirit of Vietnam yesterday was about protecting the nation, then today it's about daring to dream and building boldly. Young Vietnamese have the courage and endurance to overcome all limits. From Dens 15-year journey of unrelenting passion to Number 1s two-decade legacy of energizing youth, and the rising ambition of the new generation - these stories converge into one blazing fire. A fire that represents the spirit of modern Vietnam: daring to act, steadfast in passion, and walking every day toward a dream - becoming a stronger version of ourselves along the way. PV As outlined in the draft, individuals and households earning 200 million VND or more per year would become liable for tax starting January 1, 2026. Nguyen Thu, who runs a morning sticky rice shop in Hanoi, said this threshold is too low. At an average price of 20,000 VND per box, selling just 28 portions a day would result in an annual income subject to a 4.5% tax rate. Thats 3% VAT and 1.5% personal income tax on gross revenue, Thu said. For small vendors like us, every extra dong we earn goes toward covering costs and surviving. Taxing us at that point feels excessive. Vendors selling 14 bowls of pho a day (priced at 40,000 VND), or 22 banh mi sandwiches (priced between 20,00030,000 VND), would also exceed the threshold and be subject to tax. Van Tuan, a grocery store owner in Hanois Hoang Liet Ward, agreed. Selling two crates of beer, a few cartons of milk, and some snacks can easily bring in a few million dong, he said. Even 1820 million VND in monthly sales pushes you past the line. Tuan explained that while revenue may appear high, profits are slim - often just 10% - making taxes on gross sales a heavy burden. Raise the bar or lower the rate? Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Tu, a lecturer at the Hanoi University of Business and Technology, also questioned the logic behind the 200 million VND threshold, calling it too low for current economic conditions. He pointed out that value-added tax (VAT) is ultimately paid by consumers and merely collected by sellers. For household businesses not issuing receipts, VAT is embedded in the sale price. The VAT is on consumption, not income, Tu explained. However, because low-income earners cant afford complex tax filings and enforcement costs are high, Vietnam sets minimum revenue thresholds to decide who must pay tax. The 200 million VND limit is already defined in the revised VAT Law and is due to take effect in 2026, Tu said. Aligning personal income tax policy with it creates consistency. Its hard to apply two separate thresholds to the same taxpayer group. Tu added that unlike salaried workers, household businesses are treated more like small enterprises, so taxing them based on revenue rather than income is a practical compromise. Loopholes and challenges According to Tu, the new limit may exempt around 2 million households - over 40% of the total. But without reliable reporting, some may underreport earnings to avoid taxes. Until the Finance Ministry finishes evaluating the reforms impact, keeping the threshold at 200 million VND may be a prudent interim step, he said. Nguyen Van Duoc, CEO of Trong Tin Accounting & Tax Consulting, proposed a more generous exemption - 1 billion VND. He argued that from 2026, personal deductions for salaried taxpayers will rise to 15.5 million VND/month for individuals and 6.2 million VND/month per dependent. Meanwhile, household businesses earning just 200 million VND/year would be taxed - with no deductions. This is unfair, Duoc said. Especially for those with two income sources - salary and self-employment - who enjoy both the family allowance and a tax-free revenue floor. To ensure parity, he proposed aligning the business exemption with the income tax deduction threshold - around 186 million VND/year. A 1 billion VND tax-free threshold also makes sense, he added. Thats the level at which businesses are required to use electronic invoicing systems under Decree 70/2025. It would streamline enforcement and make tax policy fairer and more consistent. Profit margins matter Dr. Tu noted that while a 4.5% tax rate might seem small, the real issue lies in the profit margin. For food vendors, where margins may be decent, the tax may be bearable. But for distributors and retailers operating on 510% margins, the current rates of 1% VAT and 0.5% personal income tax are just manageable. However, in wholesale businesses where profits are only 12%, even a 1.5% tax may be too steep. Nguyen Le At just over 30 years old, Dr. Lai Van Khoi is already a symbol of dedication and sacrifice in Vietnams medical community. From growing up in poverty to earning national recognition, Khois journey reflects a quiet determination to bring healthcare to those who need it most. A dream born in hardship Dr. Lai Van Khoi offers consultation to patients. Photo: T.H Before merging into Tam Hop commune, Khois hometown was Yen Hop - a commune classified as extremely disadvantaged. He grew up witnessing relatives and neighbors fall ill without access to medicine or treatment. Some, with no money for proper care, sought out shamans and spiritual healers in desperation. Khois own family had little. His parents toiled on mountain farms, earning just enough to feed their five children. Yet even as a boy, Khoi held tight to a vision: to escape poverty through education, to become a doctor, and to one day return to help his people. That dream never wavered. After long days helping his parents in the fields, Khoi would study late into the night. In 2007, his persistence paid off - he was accepted into the Vietnam Academy of Traditional Medicine. Despite lucrative career options after graduation, Khoi chose a different path. He returned home. I hesitated at first, Khoi shared. But I realized - if those of us who are educated dont return to help our people, who will? My parents fully supported my decision. Devotion through action Khoi began his career at the Northwestern Nghe An Regional General Hospital. There, he joined a volunteer youth group supporting patients overwhelmed by hospital procedures and long waits. The club became essential, and Khoi - known for his professionalism and passion - was soon appointed Vice Secretary of the hospitals youth union and head of the volunteer club. At its peak, the club had over 100 members, assisting up to 1,000 patients a day. In 2020, Khoi was honored as one of 11 outstanding ethnic minority youth in Vietnam. He received a certificate of merit from the Minister and Head of the Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs and was chosen as a delegate at the third National Young Talent Congress. That recognition gave me the energy to keep pursuing my dream, Khoi said. Later, he was appointed head of the hospitals blood donation club - a crucial effort that saved lives of patients with rare diseases or critical conditions. Khois leadership extended beyond the hospital. He became the head of the Young Physicians Club of Thai Hoa town, which organized outreach efforts across remote villages and border areas in Nghe An. There, they taught people how to maintain hygiene, prevent disease, and seek timely medical care. In recognition of his work, Khoi was honored as an exemplary young physician following President Ho Chi Minhs teachings. He was also one of 20 outstanding young individuals recognized at the fifth National Youth Congress in Ho Chi Minh City (May 1920, 2018). Choosing his own path Tinh Sang Duong Medicinal Cooperative provides herbs used in Dr. Lai Van Khois clinic Photo: T.H Dr. Lai Van Khoi leads a meeting of Tinh Sang Duong Medicinal Cooperative Photo: T.H In 2022, to improve treatment accessibility, Khoi co-founded Tinh Sang Duong Medicinal Cooperative with his two brothers. The cooperative focuses on cultivating and processing herbal medicine, providing ingredients for Khois clinic and preserving local medicinal plants. He also pioneered acupuncture-thread implantation and successfully treated over 200 asthma patients with the technique. Additionally, he introduced herbal steam therapy and cupping at the hospitals traditional medicine department with promising results. Despite his success, Khoi submitted his resignation on November 1, 2023. I was torn when I applied to work, and just as torn when I decided to leave, he said. But life is about challenges and growth. Even with a different path, I still serve the communitys health. Back in his hometown, Khoi now runs two traditional medicine clinics under the cooperative. Together, they serve over 2,200 treatment patients and receive more than 8,000 consultations yearly - including patients from 30 provinces and even international visitors. The road to dreams - thats the slogan of the 2020 honor ceremony, Khoi said. And it has guided me ever since, especially in caring for the poor and underprivileged. Tinh Sang Duong Cooperative now spans 20 hectares and strictly follows GACP-WHO medicinal standards. It also partners with local farmers, guaranteeing honey purchases for 15 households and herbal ingredient purchases for 20 others - creating a sustainable ecosystem around Khois mission. Thanh Hai The exercise aimed to enhance the preparedness of participating forces in handling complex, integrated scenarios aligned with real-world UN peacekeeping mission environments. All units performed to standard, demonstrating clear procedural knowledge, strong tactical coordination, and proficiency in executing integrated responses across various scenarios. Mine clearance and medical evacuation In the first simulation, the Engineering Team was tasked with demining and responding to a medical emergency near their base camp - an area where the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is planning to support the local government in building a school. The scenario was divided into two phases: planned mine clearance and an emergency response involving a wounded soldier. Teams were assigned to specific roles: mine detection, perimeter security, military medics, and K9 units. During the operation, one soldier sustained a leg injury. After confirming the area was secure, medical personnel extracted the casualty, administered first aid, and escorted him to a Level-1 Field Hospital. Crowd control amid allegations of misconduct The second scenario involved dispersing a civilian crowd accusing UN personnel of sexual exploitation and abuse. This simulation included four stages: identifying a protest group, detecting their approach toward the main gate, attempts to damage barriers, and the Engineering Team's response to disperse the crowd and secure the unit. Earthquake rescue and air medical evacuation The third scenario simulated a 6.0-magnitude earthquake that caused structural collapses. Local authorities reported that a UNICEF-supported hospital had been destroyed, with people trapped inside. Military teams were briefed and deployed rapidly. Drones (flycams) were used to assess damage and plan rescue routes. Search-and-rescue units included engineering reconnaissance teams, K9 search dogs, two collapse rescue squads, and medics. Once victims were located, teams cleared entry paths, assessed injuries, and assisted in extraction. For critically injured patients, mission command ordered the deployment of a military helicopter and an Air Medical Evacuation Team (AMET) for immediate airlift and advanced treatment. High-level engagement and future cooperation Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam Peoples Army, and Major General Rajdeep Singh Rawal, Commander of Engineering Units under the Indian Armys Western Command, attended the exercise and encouraged the two countries troops. The VINBAX 2025 joint peacekeeping drill officially opened this morning at the National Military Training Center 4 in Hanoi, showcasing close coordination among engineering, medical, and rescue forces from both sides. Engineering unit prepares for mine clearance operations Engineer team conducting demining activities Medical team evacuates injured soldier for field treatment Crowd dispersal simulation following misconduct allegations Engineering team conducts earthquake rescue with inter-agency support K9 unit searches for victims during disaster simulation Vietnamese Air Force helicopter mobilized for air evacuation Senior officials from Vietnam and India visit and motivate participating forces Tran Thuong & Pham Hai On the afternoon of November 26, a dialogue session with central government leaders took place in Ho Chi Minh City as part of the 2025 Autumn Economic Forum. At the event, Permanent Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan shared that the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is the standing agency assigned to implement Resolution 57. According to Deputy Minister Quan, the fact that the General Secretary himself heads the steering committee and directly oversees the implementation of this resolution signals the crucial role that science and technology (S&T), innovation, and digital transformation (DT) play. They are seen as key breakthroughs and new growth drivers in Vietnams pursuit of prosperity and wealth. The dialogue session with leaders of central ministries and agencies took place on November 26. (Photo: Organizing Committee) In the past year, MOST has undertaken numerous efforts to institutionalize the directives outlined in Resolution 57. The ministry has introduced or updated 10 draft laws and completed 17 decrees. By the end of the year, additional decrees and guiding circulars will be submitted. Among the 10 laws, several are entirely new legislative initiatives currently under consideration by the National Assembly, including the draft Law on Artificial Intelligence and the Law on Digital Transformation. Other amended laws will also provide a critical legal foundation to support S&T development. Deputy Minister Quan cited the recently passed Law on Science, Technology and Innovation, which institutionalizes several key Party directives. First, public spending on S&T, innovation, and digital transformation will be allocated 3% of the total state budget. Second, funding will be distributed based on effectiveness, not evenly across the board. Third, the law now legalizes a risk-tolerant mechanism for scientific research and technology testing. In addition, the law introduces the concept of chief architects to attract top talent, and MOST has advised the government on six strategic technologies, five of which are expected to begin implementation in 2025. The amended Law on High Technology also includes new incentives for companies producing strategic tech products. These include tax breaks based on localization ratios - the higher the percentage of local content, the greater the tax benefits. Companies with high R&D spending may enjoy tax deductions of up to 200%. Deputy Minister Quan also revealed that the ministry has submitted a proposal for a National Startup Strategy to the government. He emphasized that if Vietnam wants to grow through science, technology, and innovation, it must nurture startups as a priority. Therefore, the legal framework is being designed to actively support startups. One of the most important policies under discussion is creating a market specifically for startups, with the government playing an enabling role. He expressed hope that startups from neighboring regions like Southeast Asia, as well as global tech talents, would come to Vietnam to develop their innovative products and businesses. Deputy Minister of Finance Do Thanh Trung echoed these sentiments, noting that Vietnam is taking a unique approach to supporting startups. With the backing of leading global corporations, the Ministry of Finance and MOST have jointly built the National Innovation Center (NIC), which now serves as the cornerstone of Vietnams startup ecosystem. Startups can establish their offices at the NIC, use laboratories and certification rooms, and access an extensive network of business partners and support services. According to Trung, the NIC is expanding beyond Hanoi to other provinces, allowing the NIC system to support startups nationwide. NIC doesnt just help Vietnamese startups grow strong enough to invest abroad. It also welcomes foreign companies wanting to launch in Vietnam. Come here, work with local startups and government agencies, and grow into unicorns, Deputy Minister Trung urged. Tran Chung & Dinh Tuyen The government has just issued Resolution No. 8/2025, allowing eligible Vietnamese citizens to gamble at several licensed casino projects. According to the resolution, Vietnamese nationals meeting the required criteria are permitted to gamble at the Phu Quoc casino project (An Giang Province) starting November 26. The resolution also initiates a five-year trial allowing eligible Vietnamese to gamble at the Ho Tram casino project (Ho Chi Minh City), starting from the same date. Likewise, Vietnamese citizens may access the Van Don casino project (Quang Ninh Province) for a five-year period from the date the facility receives a valid business license for casino operations. The resolution specifies that the management of eligible Vietnamese gamblers, and the operation and regulation of casinos at the approved projects, will comply with Decree No. 03/2017 or any amendments and replacements to it. Upon conclusion of the trial period, the Ho Tram and Van Don casino projects must suspend local gambling activities until a new decision is issued by the competent authority. Casino project investors are responsible for strictly managing Vietnamese participants and must comply fully with all legal regulations governing casino business operations. In 2016, the Politburo approved a pilot policy allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble at the Phu Quoc and Van Don casinos, with a trial period of three years. However, at that time, only the Phu Quoc casino commenced operations in January 2019. Under Decree No. 03/2017, this pilot phase was set to conclude by January 2022. In 2022, the Ministry of Finance proposed that the government and Politburo extend the pilot phase at the Phu Quoc casino until the end of 2024. The Ministry cited the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on casino business performance, arguing that the initial trial period was too short to assess the policys effectiveness. In May 2024, the Politburo approved an extension of the trial period at the Phu Quoc casino through the end of 2024. For the Van Don project, the trial period will last three years starting from the date its casino business officially begins. To formalize this extension, the government issued Decree No. 145/2024, which regulates the trial period allowing Vietnamese citizens to enter casino venues. For the first licensed casino enterprise, the trial will continue through December 31, 2024. For other casino businesses approved for trial operations, the permitted period will be three years from the date they receive a business eligibility certificate. Decree No. 145/2024 stipulates that, upon the conclusion of these periods, businesses must cease allowing Vietnamese citizens to gamble unless new government policies are introduced. Tran Thuong DUNEDIN, New Zealand Cancer diagnostics company Pacific Edge (NZX, ASX: PEB) today announces the appointment of James Vaughn, R.Ph. into the new role of Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) to drive the adoption of Cxbladder. This follows the departure of David Levison as President of Pacific Edge Diagnostics USA (PEDUSA) following 10 years of service to pursue other opportunities. Mr Vaughn was most recently the Chief Commercial Officer of diagnostics firm ClearNote Health that develops liquid biopsy tests in various oncology disciplines. Prior to his role at ClearNote, Mr Vaughn held multiple roles over 17 years at Genomic Health, with the last seven of those years as Chief Commercial Officer. Genomic Health pioneered the Lab Developed Testing for advanced oncology testing in the US. The success at driving revenue from Oncotype Dx Breast under Mr Vaughns commercial leadership was an important driver of Genomic Healths price at acquisition by Exact Sciences for $2.8 billion in July 2019. Mr Vaughn is an experienced commercial leader, bringing to Pacific Edge more than 30 years experience across the pharmaceutical, medical device, and clinical diagnostics sectors and a track record of successful new product commercialization that is ideally suited to the stage of growth of Pacific Edge. Although Oncotype Dx Prostate was pre-commercial during his tenure at Genomic Health, he also developed a network among the key opinion leaders in urology. Pacific Edge Chief Executive Dr Peter Meintjes said he was delighted Mr Vaughn had accepted the CCO role a position created to lead the companys commercial execution globally, following the company-defining inclusion of Cxbladder Triage in the American Urological Association (AUA) guideline for the evaluation of microhematuria. Dr Meintjes said: With the AUA guideline now recommending the use of Cxbladder Triage in intermediate-risk patients, Pacific Edge is seeking to maximize the growth of Triage in the testing of these patients across all payer categories Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Commercial Payers. Our future commercial success will be driven by a strong focus and disciplined execution across the commercial organization, and we are delighted to bring an experienced commercial leader into this role focused solely on throughput and growth through sales, marketing and market access. After a thorough search, we identified Jim as uniquely experienced to capitalize on the guideline language to drive the adoption of Cxbladder by physicians for their patients presenting with microhematuria. His experience at Genomic Health in promoting Oncotype Dx Breast, the pioneering company and test for our broader industry that all other molecular diagnostic companies aim to emulate, was highly determinative of his success in securing this role. Similarly, the urology network he developed during the pre-commercial stages of Oncotype Dx Prostate create a great opportunity for the commercial team going forward. Driving behavioral change is at the core of what we do, and he has excelled at achieving this in his prior role, regularly beating market guidance and expectations. Mr Vaughn, who takes up the role on 1 December 2025, said: "Promoting Cxbladder tests is an exciting opportunity. Pacific Edge has already achieved guideline inclusion a major strategic milestone and de-risking event for the company but the companys ongoing commitment to analytical validation, clinical validation and clinical utility with studies like CREDIBLE for Triage Plus, and OCTOPUS for Surveillance Plus highlighted for me the enormous growth potential in diagnostic testing for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Similarly, the soon-to-be published real-world evidence study from Kaiser Permanente presented at the 2025 AUA meeting, shows the performance is here today for the existing products. Having navigated similar challenges where a non-invasive diagnostic test, like Cxbladder, displaces an existing procedure, I am confident that we have the evidence today to grow month-over-month, quarter- over-quarter selling to clinicians and to further improve our reimbursement rates with commercial payers. Prior to joining Genomic Health and ClearNote Health, Mr Vaughn was the VP Marketing and Scientific Affairs at the Cerus Corporation, was a Global Marketing Director at GD Searle & Co (a Pfizer Subsidiary) that included a focus on the European market and Managed Care roles with IMMUNEX developing reimbursement strategies for medical policy, contracting and training. He has an MBA from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University and a bachelors in pharmacy from Creighton University. Looking further ahead, Pacific Edge has developed core expertise that positions it well to think about opportunities beyond bladder cancer and beyond our existing markets. Im excited by the chance to leverage recent wins to drive adoption across the US and other international markets. I am looking forward to getting started at the Society for Urologic Oncology (SUO) Meeting in December, where we have an active clinical and commercial program, Mr Vaughn said. 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Related News: December 11th Morning Report December 10th Morning Report CDI APPOINTS JULIAN SMITH AS INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR EROAD director Cameron Kinloch to step down in March 2026 RUA - Pro Rata Rights Offer December 8th Morning Report GEN - Dividend Reinvestment Plan Strike Price Fletcher Building Update on Funding Facilities December 5th Morning Report Pacific Edge Names Simon Flood Chairman Designate Currently, nearly 130 universities across Vietnam are offering training programs for medical doctors and law graduates. Over 30 institutions offer medical degrees, while more than 90 offer bachelors degrees in law. The question now is: how will Vietnam regulate these highly specialized fields? More than 30 universities offer medical degrees, over 90 offer law degrees On September 25, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh stated that a new resolution will prohibit non-specialized universities from offering certain critical programs. For example, only medical universities will be allowed to train doctors. In law, non-specialized schools will not be permitted to grant law degrees and may only offer law as a supplementary subject. Law graduates at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. Photo: TA Statistics show that more than 30 institutions currently offer medical training programs. Among them are around 15 public universities such as Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi National University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Military Medical Academy, Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the Traditional Medicine Academy of Vietnam, Hai Duong University of Medical Technology, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University, Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Health Sciences under VNU-HCMC, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Da Nang University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vinh Medical University, and Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy. About 15 non-public institutions are also offering medical degrees, including Hanoi University of Business and Technology, Van Lang University, Hong Bang International University, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Duy Tan University, Phenikaa University, VinUni, Tan Tao University, Yersin University of Da Lat, Thanh Dong University, Dai Nam University, Buon Ma Thuot University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Phan Chau Trinh University, and Vo Truong Toan University. There are currently over 90 schools nationwide training and granting bachelors degrees in law. However, only a small number are dedicated law institutions, such as Hanoi University of Law, Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, University of Law under Hanoi National University, University of Economics and Law under HCMC National University, and University of Law under Hue University. These institutions also offer programs in various other disciplines. In addition, dozens of other schools have law departments and offer law degrees, including Ho Chi Minh City University of Banking, Ton Duc Thang University, HCMC University of Industry and Trade, University of Economics of HCMC, Foreign Trade University, and National Economics University. How will Vietnam tighten control? Pham Thai Son, Director of Admissions at HCMC University of Industry and Trade, believes that requiring schools to immediately shut down law and medical programs that fail to meet standards is extremely difficult. If enforcement starts now, what happens to institutions that already offer such programs? Should they be forced to close, have their program codes revoked, be converted, or allowed to continue under restrictions? Each option leads to complex legal ramifications. Legally, one cannot simply shut down a program. Vietnams Higher Education Law and existing regulations guarantee academic autonomy for universities. If a school opens a program under proper conditions and receives post-inspection approval from the Ministry, it essentially has a legally valid birth certificate. To revoke this right, transitional provisions must be established, such as mandatory re-evaluation, quality assurance, or proof of regulatory violations. Law graduates at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. Photo: TA In reality, shutting down law or medical programs is even harder. These are fields closely tied to public safety and social well-being. Universities have invested heavily in infrastructure, recruited hundreds of staff, and built partnerships with hospitals, prosecutors' offices, and courts. Halting such programs would cause significant losses and break promises to students and institutional partners. Therefore, the most feasible solution for tightening control in these specialized fields is a two-phase roadmap. First, no new programs should be approved. However, existing programs may continue under stricter frameworks, similar to the way Vietnam stopped issuing new household registration books: those who already had them could keep using them, while newcomers follow updated standards. This is the least disruptive approach. Second, authorities should raise training standards - requiring more hands-on hospital practice, full-time faculty, and stricter outcome benchmarks. Institutions failing to meet these standards would face suspension under accreditation protocols. The most reasonable approach is to allow existing programs to continue, with the Ministry issuing new, more stringent, and specialized benchmarks. If a university cannot meet these benchmarks within 35 years, it would have to either transition, partner with qualified institutions, or face enrollment suspension. Starting a new law or medical program would become virtually impossible - except for specialized institutions. In other words, the government will tighten by quality. Schools already offering law and medical programs will not be shut down if they meet higher standards and pass rigorous post-evaluation. However, they may be barred from expanding programs or increasing enrollment capacity. Le Huyen Residents in Khanh Hoa clean up after the floods. Photo: Nguyen Hue This update was shared at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' regular press briefing held this afternoon, where a VietNamNet reporter inquired about the amount of financial and material aid provided and how it would be distributed. According to Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang, multiple provinces in Vietnam recently experienced historic flooding and successive natural disasters, resulting in heavy losses of life and property. In response to these devastating events, the international community, including foreign governments and organizations, has extended heartfelt support, donating financial aid, essential supplies, and equipment. The total estimated value of this assistance so far is nearly $16 million, Hang stated. Hang emphasized that this aid will be distributed directly by Vietnamese authorities to affected areas and into the hands of those in need. A shipment of EU emergency aid arrives at Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi) on November 24 to support residents in Dak Lak Province. Photo: Department of Dike Management and Disaster Prevention This morning in Hanoi, President Luong Cuong attended a grand ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Lao National Day (December 2, 1975 December 2, 2025) and the 105th birth anniversary of President Kaysone Phomvihane (December 13, 1920 December 13, 2025). The event was jointly organized by the Party Central Committee, the Presidents Office, the National Assembly, the Government, the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and the Hanoi municipal authorities. In his keynote address, President Luong Cuong reviewed key milestones in the Lao revolutionary movement. Under the leadership of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party, the Lao people united in a persistent and heroic struggle, achieving glorious victories. The President hailed the past five decades as a radiant and heroic journey in Lao history - a path marked by steadfast belief in their chosen course and in a bright future for their nation. President Luong Cuong visits a photo exhibition on VietnamLaos relations, jointly organized by the Lao Embassy in Vietnam and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Photo: VNA On behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people, President Luong Cuong extended heartfelt congratulations to the Lao Party, State, and people on their historic and meaningful achievements. Paying tribute to President Kaysone Phomvihane - the founder of the Lao Peoples Revolutionary Party and a great, loyal friend of Vietnam - the President emphasized that his life embodied patriotism, strategic intellect, and selfless devotion to the people. Although President Kaysone has passed, his thoughts, vision, and correct policies continue to serve as a valuable legacy and guiding compass for Laos in its new era of development. The President underscored that the special VietnamLaos, LaosVietnam relationship was personally laid by visionary leaders: President Ho Chi Minh, President Kaysone Phomvihane, and President Souphanouvong. It has since been nurtured by generations of leaders and citizens from both nations - built with sweat, intellect, effort, and even blood. Party and State leaders attend the anniversary ceremony. Photo: VNA This, the President declared, has become a priceless asset - a relationship unlike any other in world history - and a firm foundation for todays and future generations to write new stories of great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation. Quoting the late President Kaysone Phomvihane, who once said: Let us forever preserve and nurture the VietnamLaos friendship so it remains as radiant and enduring as a precious gem, for it is the crystallization of affection, loyalty, devotion, and shared sacrifice, President Luong Cuong affirmed that this sentiment still holds immense value in todays bilateral ties. He reaffirmed Vietnams pride in having a steadfast and faithful friend in Laos. Vietnam, he said, strongly and comprehensively supports Laos renewal, nation-building, and development efforts - and will do everything possible to further deepen the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. The President noted that in recent years, global and regional developments have become increasingly volatile and complex, affecting both Laos and Vietnam. Nevertheless, agreements between the two Parties and nations have been actively and effectively implemented by various ministries and sectors, contributing to national development and strengthening bilateral relations. Promoting a relationship that remains ever green and forever sustainable Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavan delivers remarks. Photo: VNA Party and State leaders attend a celebratory banquet for Laos 50th National Day. Photo: VNA With the new protocol signed, Vietnamese fresh jackfruit is now officially cleared for export to the Chinese market. Photo: Tung Dinh On the second day of his visit, from November 26 to 28, Minister Tran Duc Thang held talks with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), chaired by Deputy Commissioner Zhao Zenglian. Opening the session, Zhao emphasized the long-standing and friendly cooperative relationship between Vietnam and China. This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries, with many significant events and celebrations already taking place, said Zhao. He welcomed the ministers visit as evidence of effective cooperation between the two sides, including the strong partnership between the Vietnamese ministry and the GACC. I believe that following this visit, our bilateral cooperation will continue to thrive, particularly in economic, social, and trade relations, Zhao added. Bilateral agricultural trade has seen significant growth in 2025. By the end of October, China had imported agricultural products from Vietnam worth $8.7 billion. According to Zhao, these results reflect strong bilateral cooperation and the support of the Vietnamese Embassy in China. He reiterated Chinas commitment to opening its market to quality agricultural products from Vietnam. As the authority responsible for quarantine and market access, GACC pledged to support the shared goals set by both countries leaders. In 2025, we have already signed four protocols for chili, passion fruit, rice bran, and unprocessed birds nest. Today, we will sign the protocol for exporting fresh jackfruit from Vietnam to China, creating new momentum in agricultural trade, Zhao said. The GACC representative also expressed readiness to enhance cooperation with Vietnamese authorities to achieve shared objectives and contribute to building a future-oriented VietnamChina community. On Vietnams side, Minister Tran Duc Thang affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and Government prioritize strengthening cooperation with China across all areas, especially in agriculture and environmental affairs. He noted that China remains one of Vietnams most important trading partners. As of October 2025, total bilateral trade had already surpassed the full-year figure for 2024. At the sector level, the Minister emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation in areas under the ministrys purview. Beyond trade, he highlighted the need to promote investment facilitation, particularly given the geographic advantages of the two countries shared border. I hope the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and GACC will continue working closely to deepen this relationship, the Minister said. During the session, both sides also exchanged views on technical matters related to the trade of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products. Tam An Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang confirmed this afternoon that this marks the Sultans first visit to Vietnam in six years and his seventh overall to the country. The Vietnam-Brunei Comprehensive Partnership continues to develop positively across multiple areas. Political cooperation has been strengthened, with regular high-level and working-level exchanges, and the maintenance of effective bilateral cooperation mechanisms. President Luong Cuong meets Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah during the APEC 2025 Leaders Week in South Korea. Photo: VNA Economic, trade, and investment cooperation has also seen strong progress. In 2024, two-way trade turnover reached approximately USD 671.4 million, a 165% increase compared to 2023. Of that total, Vietnam imported nearly USD 527 million worth of goods (up 201%) and exported over USD 144.5 million (up 85%). Vietnam mainly exports seafood and rice to Brunei, while imports consist primarily of crude oil and chemicals. Products such as coffee, fruit juice, and dried fruit are also gradually entering the Brunei market. The two countries are actively enhancing cooperation in defense, security, energy, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Maritime cooperation is considered a key pillar in implementing the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Brunei. According to the spokesperson, during the upcoming visit, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah will hold talks with President Luong Cuong and meet with General Secretary To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man. The Sultan will also participate in other important diplomatic activities. Tran Thuong In a recent National Assembly session, lawmakers described land valuation as the biggest bottleneck in the implementation of Vietnams 2024 Land Law. Representative Nguyen Van Loi, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City parliamentary delegation, pointed to the injustice of charging citizens 100% of the official land price when converting agricultural land to residential use - regardless of whether it is within or beyond the allocated quota. He explained: The state says it manages the land, but in reality, it was left by their ancestors. People feel like theyre buying their own land all over again. This sentiment reveals the flawed nature of current land valuation: even when people hold land passed down through generations, they are still at a disadvantage. Compensation in cases of land recovery also fails to reflect real-life or market value. But it doesnt stop there. Many families who want to convert farmland to housing - a legitimate need tied to livelihood and shelter - face even heavier financial burdens. The requirement to pay 70% to 100% of land use fees based on the official price is pushing many into difficulty - especially since those prices were set during periods of market overheating. Todays cooler market conditions are not reflected, yet the financial obligations remain unchanged. MP Hoang Van Cuong noted that some families have used land stably for decades, but when they apply for land use certificates, they are slapped with fees that exceed their entire life savings. Land valuation is, again, cited by MPs as the greatest bottleneck in land law enforcement. The reasons are clear: the process of determining specific land values is time-consuming and layered with multiple levels of appraisal. Land price tables are often outdated and disconnected from real market activity due to a lack of transactional data. Without detailed guidance, new mechanisms risk creating legal voids, leaving local authorities confused and businesses hesitant to act. MP Le Thanh Phong pointed out a clear paradox: people are charged high rates when converting land use, but market prices have actually declined. Declared prices are inflated, while real market values have fallen. These seemingly unrelated problems share a common root: Vietnams land market remains underdeveloped, while its pricing mechanisms are still heavily administrative. The three-tier pricing structure - official price tables, adjustment coefficients, and specific valuations - lacks a solid foundation of transparent, reliable market data. When the input information is unreliable, financial obligations, compensation, and land recovery decisions can greatly diverge from actual value. As a result, land users' property rights - central to any modern economy - are placed at risk. This isnt a new issue. It was clearly flagged in Resolution 18-NQ/TW, which defines land use rights as a unique form of property and commodity, protected by law. The resolution also calls for abolishing the rigid price ceiling, replacing it with market-based mechanisms under state regulation. This core principle aims to build a fair, transparent, and sustainable land environment. However, the gap between that forward-looking vision and todays harsh realities remains wide - especially when land price tables are still based on past market peaks and fail to reflect rapid social and economic changes. The result: citizens feel short-changed when compensation is low, but financial obligations are high. Investors hesitate because land-related costs fluctuate unpredictably. Local officials avoid responsibility out of fear of mistakes. The state loses potential revenue when land prices are too low, while citizens suffer when theyre too high. True fairness for land users requires a clear separation between compensation value in state land recovery and financial obligations when formalizing or converting land use. Compensation must be enough for people to rebuild their lives. Financial obligations should reflect real market transactions and match peoples ability to pay. A more flexible pricing mechanism, updated more frequently and based on real transaction data, would reduce long-term inconsistencies and protect people from market shifts beyond their control. Key technical improvements - like full transparency in land transactions, faster valuation procedures, and streamlined authority over land recovery, resettlement, and compensation - are essential to making the system work. Land justice lies in how the state designs the system - ensuring that those numbers dont become barriers, dont push citizens to the margins, and dont deter businesses with unpredictable costs. Tu Giang Earlier, Tin jumped into the river section flowing through Truong Xuan Hamlet (Son Tinh Commune), carrying his son V.V.T. (born 2019) and daughter V.N.M.A. (born 2023). Locals spotted the incident in time and managed to rescue all three from the water. However, the two-year-old girl was pronounced dead, while the six-year-old boy sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Quang Ngai Maternity and Childrens Hospital. According to police, Tin previously lived and worked in Dong Nai Province with his wife, B.T.T. (born 1993, originally from Binh Gia Commune, Ho Chi Minh City), and their two children. Around two months ago, following marital conflict, Tin brought the children back to his hometown in Dien An 4 Hamlet, where he moved in with his parents and worked at an ice factory in Thanh Ha Hamlet (Tu Nghia Commune). Recently, Tin reportedly showed signs of deep emotional distress due to ongoing family issues. Prior to this incident, he had once taken his children to Co Luy Bridge (An Phu Commune) with the intent of committing suicide, but was unsuccessful. On the morning of November 27, Tin took his two-year-old daughter to the local elementary school to request early dismissal for his six-year-old son, a first-grader. At approximately 10:30 a.m., local authorities received a report of the incident at Truong Xuan railway bridge. That same afternoon, officials from Tu Nghia Commune visited the family to offer condolences and assist with funeral arrangements for the deceased child. They also provided support to the injured boy who remains hospitalized. The Quang Ngai Provincial Police are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident. Ha Nam HA NOI As the global supply chain pivots toward sustainability, green logistics is no longer an optional direction but a mandatory transformation for Viet Nam. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a recent conference, ao Trong Khoa, chairman of the Vietnam Logistics Business Association (VLA), shares his perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and strategic directions for the country's logistics sector as it embraces greener, more efficient operations. Why is green logistics becoming such an urgent issue for Viet Nam's logistics sector? Green logistics is not simply a trend. It is now a global requirement, reflecting fundamental changes across the logistics industry worldwide. In Viet Nam, this shift has moved far beyond being a strategic orientation. It has become a mandatory narrative of today's logistics transformation. The priority now is to identify practical solutions and define who these solutions must serve. Viet Nam's logistics landscape is dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and any transition must be tailored to their realities. When SMEs represent the majority of the sector, understanding how they can transform becomes the core basis for policy recommendations to the Government and ministries. The national strategy clearly defines green logistics goals and sets concrete targets for energy transition, digital technology adoption and the integration of green technologies into logistics operations. This strategy outlines the country's logistics vision toward 2035, with an extended outlook to 2045. These commitments reflect Viet Nam's determination to accelerate both digital transformation and green transformation in logistics. Many businesses worry that going green increases costs. How can logistics be greener and more competitive? Cost concerns are valid, but they don't represent the whole picture. Viet Nam's logistics costs have already improved significantly, with current levels even lower than the ASEAN average. Digitalisation and green transformation will boost operational efficiency, reduce waste and improve resource utilisation. Green transformation is not merely a cost issue it generates substantial long-term benefits. Improved efficiency will ultimately lower logistics costs and strengthen the competitiveness of the national economy. Inland waterway transport is seen as a key method in green logistics. How do you assess current efforts to promote it? Waterway transport along with rail is inherently eco-friendly, capable of carrying large volumes at a lower cost and with a lower environmental footprint. Viet Nam has a strong foundation to expand waterway logistics. Government planning aims to increase inland waterway transport's market share to over 30 per cent, compared to the current rate of roughly 8 per cent. To support this shift, logistics enterprises, especially in Hai Phong, are aggressively pushing inland waterway and coastal shipping services. MaxStar Logistics, a VLA member company, is one of the pioneers in barge transport and coastal shipping, bringing these services closer to industrial zones and manufacturing hubs. I believe these companies are moving in exactly the right direction. The industry must continue prioritising solutions that SMEs can realistically adopt, ensuring policies are aligned with the needs of businesses on the ground. Strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting cleaner transport modes and developing supportive regulations will be crucial. Viet Nam's green logistics journey must balance ambition with practicality. With the right support mechanisms, the sector can transform effectively and sustainably. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam should strengthen market mechanisms and improve the regulatory framework to support fair competition, transparency and higher efficiency across all segments of the electricity sector, officials and industry insiders said at a workshop in Ha Noi today, as they discussed the development of a competitive, transparent and efficient domestic market. Participants also reviewed a report titled Vietnam Electricity Sector Development 20242025 (FEV3), presented by the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Viet Nam (ERAV) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Australian side under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Promoting the Development of a Competitive Electricity Market. Pham Nguyen Hung, Director General of ERAV, said recent years have seen major shifts in the energy landscape and that after more than two decades of reforms, the sector has achieved important milestones. Phase 3 of the FE-V Programme aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of Viet Nams electricity sector, including the progress of power generation and grid projects, electricity market operations and broader regional and global trends. The report serves as a technical foundation for Viet Nams ongoing efforts to build a modern, competitive power market. Hung highlighted four main tasks for the sector in the coming period. First is to complete institutions and market mechanisms to support the formation of a competitive, transparent electricity market. Second is to attract investment for power generation and grid development to meet economic growth and consumer demand. Third is to accelerate the application of science, technology and digital transformation across generation, transmission, distribution, system operation and electricity trading. Finally, he emphasised the need to ensure safe and sustainable development that balances the interests of the State, enterprises and consumers. He encouraged participants to engage in practical, solutions-oriented discussions and affirmed the Ministry of Industry and Trades commitment to studying workshop recommendations when advising the Government on future policies and regulations. Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam Gillian Bird PSM reaffirmed Australias strong commitment to supporting Viet Nams energy transition and electricity market reforms. She highlighted the depth of cooperation between the two sides through expert exchanges, technical assistance and capacity-building activities under the MoU. Australia is proud to work alongside Viet Nam in its goal of building a sustainable and competitive energy system. This cooperation reflects the strength of our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and our shared commitment to sustainable growth and climate action, she said. She praised the progress achieved since the MoU was signed and noted that the launch of the FEV3 report marks an important milestone in bilateral electricity cooperation. Since late 2022, the Future Electricity Vietnam initiative has generated momentum through thematic reports and high-level conferences. In 2024, Australia continued to support ERAV in assessing Viet Nams electricity transition for the 20242025 period. The report offers an objective, evidence-based assessment and identifies opportunities to accelerate reform, attract investment and foster innovation. The year 2024 marked a significant step in Viet NamAustralia relations as the two countries upgraded their partnership to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with energy cooperation identified as a priority. Within this framework, the Future Electricity Vietnam (FEV) initiative has become an important platform for research, policy dialogue and technical support for market development. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday it is considering taxing household businesses on profits rather than total revenue, following public outcry over the revenue-based taxation system. Deputy Minister of Finance Cao Anh Tuan on Tuesday provided updates on the draft amended Law on Personal Income Tax. Under the draft law, taxes would be levied on profits rather than gross revenue, as previously proposed, and would apply to all household businesses with revenues above the taxable threshold. Specifically, household businesses with annual revenues below VN3 billion (roughly US$114,000) that can accurately determine their expenses would pay tax at a rate of 15 per cent on their profits (defined as the difference between revenues and expenses). This is similar to the preferential corporate income tax applied to enterprises with similar revenue levels. Those unable to determine their costs would continue to pay tax at fixed rates on revenue, ranging from 0.5 per cent to 2 per cent, depending on their operating sectors. However, these household businesses would be allowed to deduct a tax-free revenue threshold before tax is calculated. This means that household businesses would not have to pay tax on their entire revenue, as they do currently. For example, a household business earning VN1.2 billion annually in revenue with a total expense of VN1 billion currently pays tax of 1 per cent of revenue, or VN12 million, regardless of expenses. Under the new proposal, the taxable income would be VN200 million, resulting in a tax bill of VN30 million at the 15 per cent rate. In case costs exceed revenue, the household business would not have to pay tax. Another example would be a small household business with annual revenue of VN300 million, which currently pays a lump-sum tax of 1 per cent on total revenue, or VN3 million. The new proposal would allow the deduction of VN200 million, leaving a taxable income of VN100 million and a tax bill of just VN1.5 million. This profit-based taxation approach would apply to all household businesses. Under the current plan, businesses are classified into three groups, with only those seeing annual revenue above VN3 billion taxed on profits. These are taxed at a rate of 17 per cent, while smaller businesses would continue to be taxed on revenue. Meanwhile, the proposal would increase the tax exemption revenue threshold from VN100 million to VN200 million, although this threshold has been widely criticised as outdated. The ministry said that it would continue to study an appropriate threshold to ensure fairness for salaried workers. Viet Nam has about 5.2 million household businesses nationwide. State budget revenue from household businesses totalled VN26 trillion last year. In the first half of this year, household businesses contributed VN17 trillion to the State budget. VNS November 27, 2025: AFRICOM/Africa Command carried out an airstrike against Al Shabab Islamic terrorists in the African nation of Somalia. The attack took place 55 kilometers northeast of the port of Kismayo. Most of these attacks target Al Shabab leaders, but this one apparently hit a group of Al Shabab gunmen or a cache of supplies. In February the U.S. carried out airstrikes against Islamic terrorists in Puntland, which is in northern Somalia. Soldiers and militiamen killed over 120 Al Shabab attackers. Earlier this year the UN authorized a new peacekeeping force of 11,900 troops. Last year piracy returned to Somalia. This time the pirates had a difficult time of it because of all the foreign warships in the area dealing with Shia rebels in nearby Yemen who are attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea with drones and missiles provided by the rebels Iranian patrons. The Shia rebels use Iranian drones equipped with reconnaissance capability to locate targets off the coast and accurately fire missiles at ships passing through the narrow, 26 kilometers wide, Bab-el-Mandeb straits off southwestern Yemen. This forces ships, almost all of which are trying to use the Mediterranean Sea and Suez Canal, to take the longer and more expensive and time consuming route around the southern tip of Africa. Some ships avoid or ignore the missiles and continue north to the Suez Canal. These ships discovered they faced another threat in that the Yemen rebels sent armed men in small boats to board these large cargo ships and force the crews to take them to towns on the nearby Somali coast known to be pirate friendly in the past. The warships off the Yemen coast have been more aggressive to deal with this, often launching a helicopter with armed men to land on the captured ship and deal with the pirates. Sometimes the pirates are warned and leave the hijacked ship before the helicopter arrives. Worldwide, attacks on cargo ships, and an occasional tanker, are still a problem. In 2023 there were 120 attacks on ships compared to 115 in 2022. In 2023 105 ships were boarded, four ships were hijacked and two were fired on. When ships are boarded, there are attempts to kidnap crew members and hold them for ransom. In 2022 two crewmen were taken hostage while 14 were kidnapped. In 2023 there were 41 hostages and 73 kidnapped. In 2024 there was only one attack, when a container ship was seized by Somali pirates and later released after a ransom was paid. This year the pirates seized only one ship, which was ransomed. This year there was one hijacking but a European warship intervened and the pirates failed to hold the ship for ransom. Pirates rarely have any knowledge or experience operating these ships. Kidnapped crew are taken ashore and held until a ransom is paid. In December 2023 a large cargo ship was hijacked and taken to Somalia. This was the first hijacking since 2017. Normally, none of the boardings and hijackings take place off the west coast of Africa in the Gulf of Guinea. There were also incidents or threats of attempts in the Singapore Straits, the Malacca Straits, and the Indonesian archipelago. As recently as 2018 piracy was still a problem off the Somali coast, just not the kind that creates headlines in the international mass media. The pirates adapted and in 2017 there were nine pirate attacks off the Somali coast, up from two in 2016. This was notable because worldwide pirate activity hit a 22 year low with 188 attacks in 2017, and most of it was far away from Somalia in places like the west coast of Africa and Southeast Asia. Those 188 attacks created damage worth $7 billion, with 80 percent of it absorbed by the ships and their owners. Higher insurance rates and operating costs were the major additional costs. That is an issue off Somalia where higher insurance costs are still a problem and getting worse because of the ineffectiveness of defending warships this time. Back in 2011 there were 327 attacks off the Somali coast. The solution was an international anti-piracy effort that continues. But shipping companies still have to pay higher insurance rates for their ships that operate in the danger zone extending far out into the Indian Ocean. At the end of 2017 the maritime insurance companies had real reason to be worried. In November 2017, for the first time since 2014, the international anti-piracy patrol arrested six Somali pirates who were caught firing on and trying to board ships off the Somali coast. Violence in Somalia has targeted United Arab Emirates/UAE military training activities in the capital of Mogadishu. Several foreign military trainers were killed. Al Shabab continues to carry out terror attacks in and around Mogadishu. Al Shabab has been trying, without much success, to reverse progress over the last few years to bring peace and prosperity to Somalia. For example, in 2022 Somalia finally got a new government after several years of efforts to overcome clan and warlord objections to democracy in general. The elections were held, and results certified. This made possible the formation of a parliament and new president. The parliament met and approved the presidents selection of a new prime minister. The prime minister then formed a government by filling dozens of key jobs with candidates that did not cause disputes in parliament over who got what. Somalia is still dominated by the power of the clans and this blind loyalty to clan even when it harms national unity. Overcoming this factionalism in a democracy is often very difficult. So far it appears that a majority of Somali leaders were willing to give a clean government a chance to work in Somalia. The key test is to form the new government successfully. Major suppliers of foreign aid restored suspended aid programs. The United States ordered several hundred special operations and other troops to return to Somalia. In late 2020 the previous U.S. government ordered 700 U.S. troops out of Somalia. The departing American troops missed the most were Special Forces and SEAL operators training and advising their Somali counterparts. The American troops in Somalia also handled intelligence collection and monitoring things in general. This continued from a major American special operations base in neighboring Djibouti as well as the use of American drones, also based in Djibouti, to search for Islamic terrorists and carry out airstrikes when the opportunity presents itself. After a year or so of indecision by the Americans, the U.S. resumed regular air strikes against Al Shabab and other groups interfering with aid shipments or the new Somali government. This led to over 200 drone airstrikes that killed nearly a thousand al Shabaab and other Islamic terrorist group members. All this positive activity by the new government convinced foreign donors to continue and increase economic and military aid. Foreign money as well as peacekeepers were already being withdrawn before the new government was established. The UN had already started the process of pulling out its 20,000 peacekeepers. Foreign aid donors then adopted a policy of sending the aid to where it will do the best good. That policy put Somalia at a disadvantage because much, if not most, of its aid was stolen and never reached those who needed it. If the new government can demonstrate an ability to change the wicked ways of its predecessors, the aid may resume and increase. Somalia and other nations in the region need this because the region is suffering from one of its periodic droughts, and a major one at that. In the past these major droughts would cause visible declines in the population. After World War II foreign aid by a growing number of countries and Non-government Organizations or NGOs made it possible to prevent these starvation deaths, at least in countries that could distribute the aid effectively. Somali was one of the nations that had trouble doing that, mainly because Somalia was still a deeply divided region because of the persistence of many powerful clans that looked after their own even if it meant other Somalis suffered. The clan loyalties are still a problem and a major factor in delaying fair election of a national parliament. The new government also restored good relations with Kenya. This includes cooperation with Kenya in dealing with al Shabaab activity in northeast Kenya, where Mandera county has long suffered from Somali violence. This includes al Shabaab roadblocks to check vehicles for non-Moslems, who are often kidnapped or killed. Counter-terror efforts have largely kept al Shabaab terrorists out of the capital Nairobi, which is a thousand kilometers from Mandera, and that is what national politicians focus on. There have been two al Shabaab attacks in Nairobi since 2013. The latest one was in 2019. Politicians have priorities and problems get more attention the closer they are. Al Shabaab has long sought to drive all non-Moslems out of northeastern Kenya because a lot of ethnic Somalis and Moslems live there. Over 80 percent of Kenyans are Christian and only twelve percent Moslem, most of them ethnic Somalis. There are also tribal problems in Mandera. One area along the Somali border has long been the scene of fighting between the Kenyan Murule ethnic Somali Moslems and the Marhan clan from across the border in Somalia. In 2015 about a hundred Marhan warriors crossed the border and raided Murule territory. Despite Kenya sending more soldiers and police to Mandera, the violence continued. The Marhan have long been accused of supporting al Shabaab while the Murule oppose Islamic terrorism and al Shabaab efforts to chase Christians from the Mandera region. Somali refugees and ethnic Somali Kenyans living in Kenya near the Somali border have been a major source of al Shabaab recruits for raiding and terrorism in Somalia as well as Kenya. Somali violence, both from al Shabaab and clan disputes, is less frequent throughout Somalia but persists on both sides of the Kenya border. On the Somali side is the autonomous Somali region of Jubaland. Across the border are the Kenyan counties/provinces of Mandera, Garissa, Isiolo, Wajir and Marsabit. Occasionally the violence extends to cities elsewhere in Kenya. What is keeping al Shabaab active here and not elsewhere in Somalia are lucrative smuggling operations the Islamic terrorists dominate along the border. In addition to bordering Somalia, there are several other reasons for all the Somali violence in this part of Kenya. First there is the usual pervasive corruption in Kenya and Africa in general. In addition, Somalia is recognized as the most corrupt nation in the world. Al Shabaab takes advantage of police corruption in Kenya, where the largely Christian police are particularly brutal towards ethnic Somali Kenyans. Similar attitudes are directed at the Somali refugees. That brutality and discrimination makes Kenyan Somalis reluctant to cooperate with police in finding al Shabaab terrorists or smugglers. About 76 percent of the four million Kenyan Moslems are ethnic Somalis who are citizens. Kenyas Moslem minority has been known to harbor Islamic terrorists. Most Kenyan Moslems live in coastal cities like Mombasa, where about a third of the 1.1 million population is Moslem. A lot of ethnic Somalis and Moslems live in northeastern Kenya and that is a problem when most of the soldiers and police are Christians HCM CITY Viet Nam is ready to open its markets and create a legal framework to welcome green capital, green technologies and digital technologies from international partners, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has said. Speaking at the opening ceremony and plenary session of the 2025 Autumn Economic Forum in HCM City on November 26, he said green transition is imperative in the digital age for the rapid and sustainable development of every nation and business and the world. He outlined three consistent viewpoints Viet Nam holds about the process of green transition. Firstly, all development ought to place people and businesses at the centre as the subjects, goals, driving forces, and resources of development. Viet Nam will never trade social progress, justice, environmental protection, or social security for economic growth. Secondly, Viet Nam was a good friend, reliable partner, and responsible member of the international community in advancing green transition and digital transformation. It was committed to rapid and sustainable development and to achieving net-zero emissions, and establishing a green development corridor. Thirdly, the transition must ultimately improve the well-being, safety and happiness of the population. To realise these goals, Viet Nam was implementing solutions based on enabling institutions, seamless infrastructure, smart governance, standardised processes, and strong cooperation. We are committed to building legal frameworks that encourage green and digital projects while simplifying administrative procedures for domestic and foreign investors. Our aim is to transform institutional reform into a national competitive advantage and reduce compliance costs for people and businesses. High-quality human resources and international cooperation were important, particularly in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, electronics, semiconductors, and quantum energy. Viet Nam seeks both to revitalise traditional growth drivers consumption, exports, and investment and to accelerate new drivers, including green growth, digital economy-based growth, creative economy, and circular economy. The nation was committed to innovating governance for smart, modern management that was both disciplined and enabling. We stand ready to cooperate closely and effectively with all countries, partners and businesses worldwide, guided by harmonised interests and shared risks. The selection of HCM City as the forum host reflected its ambition to be Viet Nams pioneering model in digital and green transition, achieving breakthrough growth and driving sustainable development for the nation. HCM City Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang, in his opening remarks, said, following the recent reorganisation of provinces, the city aspires to be a modern, dynamic, and globally competitive metropolis. The city aims to lead in green transition, smart urban development, attracting investments in technology, and establishing an international financial centre, a foundation for becoming a leading economic, financial, technological, and services regional hub in the region. To achieve this, the city has identified institutional reform, comprehensive infrastructure development and high-quality human resources [as an imperative need]. He expressed confidence that the forum would serve as an important bridge connecting policymakers, businesses, experts, and researchers, while becoming a signature brand of HCM City, a knowledge-based economic centre and meeting place for pioneering initiatives aimed at a greener, smarter and more sustainable future. Japans ambassador to Viet Nam, Ito Naoki, delivered a congratulatory letter from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi highlighting HCM Citys attractiveness as a manufacturing and consumer hub. Although the world economy is currently facing numerous uncertainties, this is an opportunity for Japan and Viet Nam, which are closely coordinating in the supply chain, to cooperate further in order to modernise industry and enhance the resilience of Vietnamese industry. Projects under the Asia Zero Emission Community and 15 carbon-reduction projects with an investment of around US$20 billion that the two countries agreed on in April are expected to advance green transformation in Viet Nam and the wider region. UN Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis said digital transformation has become a structural economic driver, reshaping jobs, industries and services. She warned against the risks of unequal access and spoke about the importance of inclusive policy interventions. Findings from a joint UNGovernment macroeconomic modelling study show that investments in renewable energy, human capital and energy-efficient and digital infrastructure contribute to GDP growth, poverty reduction and emissions reduction, she said. The UN would support Viet Nam in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, high-income country status by 2045 and net-zero emissions by 2050, she said. Organised by the HCM City Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, city government agencies, central ministries and agencies, and the World Economic Forum, the event, with the theme "Green Transformation in the Digital Era, is being held from November 25 to 27 with more than 1,500 local and international delegates in attendance. VNS HA NOI The Government plans to remove at least 50 sectors from the list of conditional business lines requiring licences for operation, double the number in the most recent proposal to the National Assembly (NA), Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thang said at the NAs discussion on the draft amended Law on Investment on Thursday. Under the established regulations, 234 business lines require licences before operation, many of which could be regulated through standards and technical specifications rather than prerequisites, Thang said. In the most recent draft, the Government proposed scrapping 25 conditional business lines, including accounting services, rice export, and temporary import and re-export of frozen food. However, after reviews, the Government now expects to remove licence requirements for at least 50 sectors, Thang said. This is a very big effort, he said, adding that the Prime Minister urged further simplifications. Thang said that after the amended Law on Investment is passed, further revisions will be carried out on business prerequisites to promote the shift to the post-inspection mechanism and standard-based management. Lawmakers said that the reforms are essential but must ensure a balance between deregulation and quality control. Deputy ao Chi Nghia from Can Tho City supported removing conditional business lines but called for clear post-inspection mechanisms to ensure quality, especially specialised services linked to financial obligations and market transparency. Scrapping licences without adequate post-check mechanism could increase risks and create additional burdens on tax authorities, he said. Deputy Le Hoang Anh from Gia Lai Province said that many business sectors should not be fully regulated by the Law on Investment but by decrees and standards instead. Specifically, food business, e-commerce, agricultural inputs and environmental services could be effectively managed through special regulations rather than investment conditions. He proposed a periodic review every three years for automatic removal of business lines from licensing requirements in line with OECD practices. Deputy Ha Sy ong from Quang Tri Province said that strong incentives and simplified procedures are necessary to attract large-scale investment but urged that incentives should go along with technology transfer requirements to avoid locking Viet Nam into low-value manufacturing. Special incentives should be linked with mandatory technology transfer and high-skilled labour training commitments, he stressed. With regard to special investment procedures for projects in industrial parks, export processing zones and economic zones to obtain investment registration certificates within 15 days, ong said that special criteria must be raised to prevent abuse of the policy. ong said that special mechanisms should be limited to projects in prioritised sectors such as semiconductors, AI, data centres and renewable energy with a minimum investment of US$50 million. Accountability should be clarified to prevent delayed processing, he said. The Law on Investment is being amended to remove business barriers and improve the quality of investment attraction as Viet Nam seeks to strengthen economic competitiveness amid the global production shift. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reports that during its working visit to China from November 26 to 28, the two sides signed a protocol on the export of fresh Vietnamese jackfruit to the Chinese market. Agriculture minister Tran uc Thang signed the protocol with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), represented by Deputy Commissioner Zhao Zenglian, at a meeting on November 27. At the start of the session, Zhao emphasised that this year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, with many important events and commemorative activities taking place. He said Thangs visit, along with the delegation from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, reflects the effective cooperation between the two countries, including cooperation between the ministry and the GACC. Zhao noted that two-way agricultural trade in 2025 has shown many positive signs. As of the end of October, China has imported US$8.7 billion worth of Vietnamese agricultural products. These results demonstrate the close cooperation between the two countries, along with the support and coordination of the Vietnamese Embassy in China. Zhao also confirmed that China continues to value its trade with Viet Nam and is ready to open its market to high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products. As the agency responsible for quarantine and market access, the GACC will make every effort to implement the common goals set by the leadership of both Parties and both States. He said that this year the two sides have already signed four protocols covering the export of chilli, passion fruit, rice bran and raw birds nests. The protocol on exporting fresh jackfruit to China will provide new momentum for agricultural trade between the two countries. Thang said Viet Nam places great importance on enhancing cooperation with China in all areas, especially in agriculture and environmental management. Referring to recent bilateral trade figures, the Vietnamese agriculture minister stressed that China is a highly important importexport market for Viet Nam. Trade recorded between the two neighbours in the first 10 months of 2025 already exceeds the total for the whole of 2024. The minister also said that collaboration with China in sector-related areas should continue to be reinforced and promoted. In addition to importexport activities, he said both sides should step up investment promotion, especially given the geographical advantage of a shared border, which is favourable for trade and investment. He also thanked the GACC for its cooperation and support in enabling the signing of the jackfruit export protocol. During the working session, Thang and Zhao also discussed several technical issues related to the import and export of agricultural, forestry and fishery products between the two countries. Fresh jackfruit is a longstanding export item to China, now formally standardised through an export protocol. This protocol not only opens the door for official exports, reducing risks in the trading process, but also upholds the credibility, quality and ability of Vietnamese agricultural products to meet Chinas strict market standards. It is expected to encourage expansion of planting areas, adoption of good agricultural practices and improvements in added value and farmers incomes. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, fruit and vegetable export turnover in the first 10 months of 2025 reached $7.09 billion, up 15.1 per cent compared with the same period in 2024, with China accounting for the largest share at 62.9 per cent. This performance forms a solid foundation for the fruit and vegetable industry to reach its $8.5 billion export target for this year. VNS HCM CITY Joining the Autumn Economic Forum 2025 in HCM City, numerous international investors have expressed strong interest in participating in and expanding cooperation with the southern metropolis once the Vietnam International Financial Centre (IFC) is established there. These signals are prompting the city in particular, and Viet Nam in general, to accelerate the completion of infrastructure and policies to put the IFC into operation soon. Unlike existing IFCs in the region such as Hong Kong (China) or Singapore, which were built upon traditional commercial hubs, HCM City is emerging amid a restructuring of global supply chains. This creates opportunities for Viet Nam to become an important link in the new value chain. At a working session with municipal leaders on the sidelines of the forum, Yang Peng, CEO of the Singapore-based digital payments & fintech group Ant International, said that after eight years of observing Viet Nams financial market, he has seen significant progress, especially in digital payments, reflected in the development of platforms such as NAPAS and various electronic payment ecosystems. Given HCM Citys advantages, Ant International plans to make the city a strategic market in its global expansion and accompany the economic hub in operating and developing the Vietnam IFC, he said. Multiple international businesses have also expressed interest in investing in the IFC. In a paper submitted to the forum, Nguyen Lam Thanh, general director of TikTok Vietnam, said that after studying the IFC model, the company identified three strategic areas suitable for establishing operations in Viet Nam, namely digital commerce, digital payment and digital logistics. TikTok therefore plans to apply for licences to establish three companies within the IFC in HCM City to operate in these fields. The company hopes that the Government and municipal leaders will facilitate licensing so these firms can become operational next year. Noah Perlman, chief compliance officer of Binance the worlds largest digital asset exchange which recently signed an MoU with the municipal Department of Finance to support the IFC, assessed that the city is rapidly becoming a major destination for digital finance and innovation. Binance sees numerous opportunities for cooperation, including supporting the capacity building, piloting blockchain solutions to enhance transparency and efficiency in public services, and fostering innovation through startups and small enterprises. As Viet Nam builds a national legal framework for digital assets, Binance stands ready to share international experience to help protect users and promote sustainable growth, he noted. Major incentives for investors Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, a member of the advisory group for the IFC establishment, told the Vietnam News Agency that investors and international experts working at the IFC could enjoy corporate income tax and personal income tax exemptions, along with long-term visas of up to 10 years. Notably, children of foreign experts may receive tuition support, while top-tier experts themselves could be considered for housing arrangements during their tenure at the IFC. These preferential policies are seen as key incentives in attracting strategic investors to Viet Nam. In addition, the legal framework for the IFC is being designed as a special legal zone based on international standards and Common Law practices, similar to the models in the UK and other leading global financial centres. This approach is expected to substantially ease existing gaps between Viet Nam and global markets while creating a more transparent and familiar environment for international financial institutions. Chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee Nguyen Van uoc said the city is urgently finalising conditions for the IFC to operate, with the goal of launching it in December this year. The local authorities are committed to building a favourable, transparent, and attractive environment for investors. Speaking at the forums November 25 CEO 500 TEA CONNECT, a programme connecting Vietnamese and HCM City leaders with executives of large local and foreign enterprises, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stated that Viet Nam remains a developing country with an economy undergoing transition and still modest in scale, meaning its capital needs are substantial. Therefore, capital market development and the IFC establishment are considered crucial tasks. He affirmed that preparations for the IFC are progressing smoothly. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Green Economy Forum (GEF) 2025 began on Thursday in Ha Noi with discussions on the increasing need for sustainable development amid worsening natural disasters. The event is co-organised by the Viet Nam Trade Promotion Agency (VIETRADE) under the Ministry of Industry and Trade and EuroCham Viet Nam. It takes place against the backdrop of severe global climate volatility. In his opening remarks, EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert noted that Viet Nam has endured 14 storms in 2025 alone, with a 15th approaching. As of November 24, these extreme weather events have caused an estimated US$3.22 billion in economic losses, the highest in half a century. Jaspaert said that the green transition is a battle we must win, because economic growth cannot be sustained without a firm strategy for climate resilience and long-term sustainable development. At the plenary session, the chairman also reported on the striking results of the emergency '50 for 1' fundraising campaign launched by EuroCham. The European business community raised $70,000 (VN1.8 billion) in just 24 hours to support disaster relief efforts in central Viet Nam. He emphasised that this fast and meaningful response reflects the deep commitment of European businesses to Viet Nams sustainable development journey. VIETRADE Director General Vu Ba Phu called for stronger EUViet Nam cooperation in digital transformation, green skills development and investment attraction to speed up sustainable growth. Meanwhile, EU Ambassador Julien Guerrier reaffirmed the EUs long-term commitment to Viet Nam through initiatives such as the European Green Deal, the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) and the Global Gateway, stressing that European businesses stand with Viet Nam in building the future. He highlighted the fundamental role of Viet Nams new emissions trading system to encourage and assist emission reductions in a cost effective way across industrial sectors. Guerrier also hailed the pioneering experience of the EU Emissions Trading System, adding that it can help Vietnamese authorities develop and implement their own robust and effective system. The morning programme also featured a keynote address by Dale Hardcastle of Bain & Company, who shared key findings from the Southeast Asia Green Economy Report 2025. Hardcastle's speech was followed by an industry presentation from Arthur Neeteson of APM Terminals under the Maersk Group, who noted that emissions reduction can go hand in hand with efficiency and competitiveness. "This isn't ESG for its own sake," Neeteson said. "This is strategic economic positioning in an uncertain world. The green transition and national competitiveness are increasingly the same conversation." A high-level panel moderated by EuroCham Vice-Chair Erick Contreras brought together all morning speakers, along with Loan Pham of BNP Paribas Viet Nam, for a dynamic discussion on resilience as a strategic advantage for Viet Nam. The event welcomed senior representatives from Viet Nam, the European Union Delegation and diplomatic missions as well as CEOs, investors and sustainability experts from Europe, Southeast Asia and across Viet Nam. VNS HCM CITY The 20th International Chemical Industry Exhibition in Viet Nam (VINACHEM EXPO 2025) opened on Thursday at the Saigon Exhibition & Convention Centre in HCM City, marking its latest edition with a three-day showcase of chemical technologies and products. This years expo contains 450 booths and features six specialised zones agricultural chemicals and plant protection; the Chinese chemical industry; chemical equipment; the paint and coating sector; adhesives and tapes; and rubber and tyre technologies. Co-organised by the Vietnam Advertising and Exhibition Joint Stock Company and its partners, the event attracts 400 exhibitors, including those from more than 10 countries and territories, such as China, India, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia and the US. According to organisers, the exhibition serves as a key platform for promoting trade, investment and technology transfer. It is expected to support domestic enterprises in accelerating technological innovation, improving product quality and competitiveness, enhancing participation in global value chains and advancing the industrys sustainable, diverse and environmentally friendly development through the efficient and responsible use of natural resources. A series of industry events will be hosted within the framework of the exhibition. These include a seminar discussing chemicals, plant protection products and fertilisers in Viet Nam and another on adhesives, rubber and printing ink coatings. The two events are designed to provide insights into investment promotion policies and facilitate experience sharing between international companies and Vietnamese manufacturers. Business-matching activities enabling direct meetings between Vietnamese and foreign enterprises, helping connect supply and demand, seek partners, distributors and agents and offer consultation on trade, investment and technology cooperation will also be included. Additional activities include product showcases, market information exchanges, discussions on industry trends and organised visits for international business delegations to industrial parks and factories involved in fertiliser and pesticide production in HCM City. BIZHUB/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed the Vietnamese Government's commitment to rapidly resolving obstacles for foreign investors and welcomed European firms to join the countrys high-growth, green transition agenda during a working session with the EUASEAN Business Council (EUABC) and the European Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam (EuroCham) on Thursday. Hosting the delegation led by EU-ABC Chairman Jens Rubbert and EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert, PM Chinh congratulated EuroCham on the successful organisation of the Green Economy Forum 2025 (GEF 2025) in Ha Noi on the occasion of Viet Nam and the European Union (EU) celebrating the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The PM highlighted the dynamic and substantive development of the Viet NamEU relationship across many sectors. He reported that bilateral trade in the first nine months of 2025 reached US$54.6 billion, marking an 8.4 per cent increase year-on-year. Furthermore, the EU remains Viet Nam's seventh-largest foreign investor, with 2,743 valid projects and a total cumulative registered capital approaching $32 billion as of September 2025. He announced that both sides are actively discussing a roadmap for upgrading their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership a move that is expected to create a new framework strongly boosting trade and investment cooperation in the coming period. Sharing Viet Nam's development outlook, PM Chinh stated that the country aims to become a developing nation with modern industry and upper-middle income by 2030, and a high-income developed nation by 2045. Viet Nam's economy continues its positive momentum, with projected GDP growth exceeding 8 per cent in 2025, laying a solid foundation for achieving double-digit growth rates in the 2026-2030 period and beyond. The national strategy, he stressed, relies on science, technology, and innovation, alongside three strategic breakthroughs: infrastructure, institutions, and high-quality human resources. He invited European businesses to participate in Viet Nam's "game-changing, status-transforming" projects that aim to facilitate effective investment. Expressing their deep sympathy to the Vietnamese people affected by recent floods, EUABC Chairman Jens Rubbert and EuroCham Chairman Bruno Jaspaert noted that the EU had provided EUR850,000 in support, supplemented by an $88,000 donation from the European business community in Viet Nam. The European leaders praised Viet Nam's increasingly important role on the global stage and its significant economic achievements despite worldwide difficulties. Crucially, they celebrated the expected official upgrade of Viet Nam's stock market status by global index provider FTSE Russell from a frontier market to a secondary emerging market, to take effect in September 2026. This upgrade is expected to generate profound effects on FDI inflows and the development of the capital market. European businesses reaffirmed their commitment to promoting cooperation and investment, particularly in areas where the EU holds a comparative advantage, such as science and technology, digital transformation, and the green energy transition, contributing to Viet Nam's independent and self-reliant economy. Acknowledging the spirit of cooperation, PM Chinh urged the EU and its business community to coordinate effectively in implementing the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and further opening markets to each other. He also asked for enhanced cooperation in areas of EU strength, including green transition, digital transformation, clean agriculture, and high-quality human resources training. To create a new breakthrough in investment, the cabinet leader suggested European companies raise their voice to urge the remaining seven EU member states to complete the ratification of the EUViet Nam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA). Finally, he called on the business community to advocate for the European Commission (EC) to promptly lift the yellow card warning on Vietnamese seafood exports, acknowledging Viet Nam's significant efforts in this area and ensuring a stable supply for the EU market. VNA/VNS HA NOI President and Chief Executive Officer of Japans Mitsui & Co Ltd Hori Kenichi on Thursday reaffirmed Mitsuis commitment to long-term cooperation and investment in Viet Nam when he met with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Ha Noi. At the meeting, Hori extended his condolences to the Government and people of Viet Nam over the heavy losses caused by recent natural disasters. He spoke highly of the Vietnamese Governments leadership and direction, especially efforts to improve the business and investment climate. He noted that Viet Nam is developing rapidly and strongly with long-term strategic vision. He reaffirmed Mitsuis wish to continue contributing to Viet Nams development goals, particularly in the energy sector. He reported to PM Chinh on recent progress in the Block B gas project chain, praising the capacity of the Petrovietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC). Mitsui and its Vietnamese partners are working to accelerate all components of the project, he affirmed. He also outlined Mitsuis plans to expand investment in energy and carbon-reduction projects and to promote the export of high-value Vietnamese products, particularly in agriculture, aquaculture (notably shrimp), wood pellets, food processing and circular economy initiatives. The group also hopes to enhance technology transfer, consulting cooperation, training and the development of scientific and technological human resources. PM Chinh stressed that the Viet NamJapan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership is enjoying strong, extensive and substantive growth, underpinned by high political trust. Japan remains one of Viet Nams leading economic partners, the largest provider of ODA and among the top partners in trade, investment, labour and tourism. He highlighted the recent success of the Viet NamJapan Local Cooperation Forum as evidence of the deepening ties. The PM expressed appreciation for contributions by Japanese enterprises, including Mitsui, to Viet Nams socio-economic development through technology transfer, export expansion, job creation and tax payments. He welcomed Mitsuis long-term strategic investment in Viet Nam, particularly its strong commitment to the Block B gas-to-power project, which has moved forward rapidly. PM Chinh said Viet Nam aims for double-digit annual growth in the coming years, which will require substantial energy resources. He called on Mitsui, with its long-term vision, to continue advancing its cooperation with Vietnamese partners, accelerate progress on the Block B project, expand operations and improve collaboration efficiency in the energy sector. He also encouraged Mitsui to strengthen cooperation in fisheries, trade and export; establish research and development centres in aquaculture and energy; promote technology transfer; support human-resource development; and expand links with institutions including Ha Long University. The PM welcomed Mitsuis intention to further promote the export of high-value, processed Vietnamese goods, which aligns with Viet Nams goal of enhancing growth quality and increasing technological content in export structures. He reaffirmed the Governments commitment to protecting the legitimate rights and interests of investors, improving the investment climate, reforming administrative procedures, advancing the national single-window investment mechanism, upgrading strategic infrastructure and developing a high-quality workforce. Viet Nam will continue creating favourable conditions for foreign investors, including Japanese enterprises, to operate effectively on the basis of harmonised benefits and shared risks. The PM said ministries and sectors will continue to accompany Mitsui, address challenges promptly, facilitate project implementation, expand supply chains and promote trade cooperation. VNA/VNS VIENTIANE Vietnamese culture and cuisine were highlighted at an annual tea party hosted by the Lao Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane on November 25. Organised by the ministrys Womens Association, the event brought together female diplomats, and wives of diplomatic staff and representatives of diplomatic corps and international organisations in Laos. The booth of the Vietnamese Embassy, themed 80 Years of Vietnamese Diplomacy: Peace and Development, featured images reflecting Viet Nams people, culture and development achievements. The display also emphasised the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. Viet Nam's art performances left a strong impression, delivering emotional, memorable moments for the audience. Indonesian Ambassador to Laos Grata Endah Werdaningtyas applauded the Vietnamese performances, describing them as a harmonious blend of acting and music that effectively conveyed emotion. She said the chosen theme reflected a dynamic, innovative Viet Nam with a growing regional presence. As an active ASEAN member, Viet Nam continues contributing to regional cohesion and shared progress, she noted, adding that the Embassys practical activities further enhance cooperation in the ASEAN community. Viet Nams culinary booth also drew attention with traditional dishes such as nem nuong (grilled spring rolls), banh bot loc (tapioca dumplings with pork and shrimp), che buoi (sweet soup made from pomelo pulp, coconut and mung bean), along with a five-fruit tray featuring artistically carved fruit. The showcase aimed to promote the richness of Vietnamese cuisine to international friends. US Ambassador to Laos Heather Variava, who lived and worked in Viet Nam for three years, said she remains deeply fond of Vietnamese cuisine and was pleased to see dishes and the traditional ao dai vividly presented at the event. She praised the Vietnamese booth for its thoughtful preparation, attractive display and diverse culinary offerings. The tea party is held annually, serving as a platform for female diplomats, and wives of diplomats and representatives of diplomatic corps and international organisations in Laos to share experiences, foster solidarity, and popularise their countries' identities. VNA/VNS Caroline Nyamayemombe and Pauline Tamesis* Viet Nam has made notable progress in advancing gender equality and promoting womens rights. Its commitment is reflected in strong national policies, investments in digital transformation, and increasing participation of women in public life. The country has also demonstrated global leadership through the Hanoi Convention on Cybercrime, signaling its determination to foster a safer, more resilient digital environment for all. As technology reshapes every part of society, digital spaces have become central to how people learn, work, connect, and express themselves. But alongside opportunity, the online world has also given rise to new risks including technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF GBV). This form of violence encompasses image-based abuse, cyberstalking, impersonation, deepfakes, and online harassment. It mirrors and amplifies offline inequalities, often escalating tensions in relationships and increasing the risk of physical harm. According to United Nations, global studies estimate that 16 per cent to 58 per cent of women and girls have experienced technology-facilitated violence, and about 300 million children suffer online exploitation each year. In Viet Nam, two per cent of adolescents aged 15-17 reported having exchanged sexual images and videos of themselves for money or gifts known as online child sexual exploitation. With 86 per cent of Viet Nams population online last year, the digital world has become a new frontline in the fight against gender-based violence. Yet awareness of technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TF GBV) remains limited and response mechanisms are still under development. The UN Global Digital Compact calls for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, and efforts to counter and eliminate all forms of violence, including sexual and gender based violence that occurs through or is amplified by the use of technology. Through cooperation with member states, the UN is working with the Government of Viet Nam and national partners, to strengthen prevention and response. The UN Joint Programme on Ending Violence Against Women and Children (EVAWC) funded by the Australian Governments Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, joins the efforts of UNFPA, UNICEF, and UN Women. Since 2023, the EVAWC Programme has helped strengthen Viet Nams digital safety and resilience. Through campus dialogues, influencer engagement, and public messaging, the programme built practical skills to prevent and respond to technology facilitated GBV, helping women, adolescent girls, and parents build confidence and share responsibility for safer digital spaces. Beyond the joint programme, the UN promotes online safety for women and children and access to quality and comprehensive care for survivors. One Stop Service Centres in HCM City and seven Anh Duong houses nationwide and capacity building of service providers equip frontline responders to recognise and respond to online abuse. In 2023, over 30 womens groups were trained on cybersecurity and solidarity networks, a Safety App (S-App) developed in a Nang and the e-Peace House platform is under design. These interventions are being developed to enable access to help with a click. Communications campaigns, such as the 16 Days of Activism led by UN Women, campaigns against sexual trafficking by IOM, or against cyber bullying by UNESCO, child protection by UNICEF advocate for various forms of online safety for women and girls, reaching millions of people in Viet Nam. As with offline violence, a whole of society approach is needed. The Government of Viet Nam is making important strides, collaborating with platforms such as Facebook, Google, TikTok, and YouTube to combat online child sexual abuse. These efforts align with Viet Nams first National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, which underscores womens right to live free from violence online and offline. To harness the positive potential of technology and reduce its risks for women and girls four actions are critical: Firstly, improve the law. Viet Nam should establish clear legal definitions and penalties for technology facilitated GBV including image-based violence, cyberstalking, and doxing and ensure swift, victim-survivor-sensitive investigation and prosecution. Secondly, hold technology companies accountable. Platforms must strengthen content moderation, privacy protections, and transparent reporting systems. Partnerships between government, tech firms, and civil society can accelerate rapid takedown of harmful content and support survivors seeking redress. Thirdly, empower women and girls in the digital space. Invest in nationwide digital literacy and safety programmes particularly for women and girls in rural, ethnic minority, and low-income communities so that they can navigate, report, and resist online harm. And fourthly, build system and workforce capacity. Upskill police, prosecutors, health and social service providers, and educators with the knowledge, tools, and digital literacy to recognise, investigate, and respond to technology facilitated GBV - ensuring online and offline responses are integrated and victim-survivor centred. Ending technology-facilitated gender-based violence demands awareness, accountability, and action. Every click, share, and post is a choice to build a digital world that is safe, respectful and inclusive. Viet Nams digital transformation agenda can lead by example creating a future where every woman and girl can connect, speak and thrive online free from fear. VNS *Caroline Nyamayemombe is the Country Representative of UN Women and Pauline Tamesis is the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in Viet Nam November 27, 2025: The most recent problems involve the American president threatening to send troops into Nigeria to protect endangered Nigerian Christians. The American troops never appeared but Nigerian politicians are accusing each other of encouraging the Americans to intervene. Closer to home there was a scandal when it was revealed that Islamic terrorist Boko Haram members and common criminals had tried to join the army. Some may have managed to join and the army has been called on to investigate the allegations. The oil-rich west coast African nation of Nigeria continues to have problems with Islamic terrorist groups Boko Haram, and especially the local Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant/ISIL faction known as Islamic State West Africa Province/ISWAP. The latest disaster was a May 4, 2025, ISWAP attack on an army camp in northeastern Yobe State. This attack featured the ISWAP use of motorbikes instead of 4x4 vehicles. Yobe State terrain is flat with little cover. ISWAP found motorbikes more effective than larger vehicles. The attack left four soldiers dead and many more wounded. ISWAP gunmen vandalized part of the camp for several hours. They got away with weapons, ammunition and other supplies. So far this year several thousand civilians and soldiers have been killed or wounded by tribal raids and Islamic terrorists . This carnage is largely confined to northern states like Borno, Yobe, Kano, and Kaduna. Total deaths throughout Nigeria in the 21st Century have been about 15,000 dead and 60,000 wounded or injured. ISWAP has stuck with its strategy of concentrating on the security forces and doing so by assembling a large enough number of gunmen to ensure, most of the time, a quick victory. The continued prevalence of corruption and incompetent officers in the army has contributed to continued chaos and lawlessness in northern Borno State, where most of the population was displaced by Boko Haram violence in 2014-15, though Boko Haram control was broken by 2017. After that government programs to revive the economy and restore law and order collapsed under the usual corruption and incompetence of local officials and security forces. Even a reform-minded president who was a former general and Moslem was unable to push military reforms far enough and fast enough. Boko Haram is not winning; but the government is failing to finish off a defeated Boko Haram and take advantage of an opportunity to regain the trust and loyalty of the local population. ISIL took advantage of similar conditions to quickly overrun more than a third of Iraq in 2014. Many Nigerian leaders are well aware of how that worked but the corruption is so entrenched and widespread that reform moves slowly and that left the army and government officials vulnerable to a well-organized Boko Haram comeback. ISWAP is also known as the Barnawi or AL Barnawi faction of Boko Haram. ISWAP has apparently received a lot of useful technical and tactical advice from ISIL veterans of fighting in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Boko Haram persists in the northeast in large part because of its willingness to experiment, innovate and take advice from foreign ISIL veterans. The Barnawi faction follows the current ISIL doctrine of concentrating attacks on security forces and government officials, preferably the corrupt ones. That makes it easier to extort more cash and other goods from the local population. Six years ago the Barnawi faction had over 3,000 active gunmen and operated mainly in the far north of Borno state near Lake Chad and the borders of Niger and Chad. The smaller Shekau faction has about half as many armed men and operates further south near the Borno State capital of Maiduguri and the Sambisa Forest. Both factions rely on the fact that the years of Boko Haram violence in Borno State, where Boko Haram originated in 2004, has increased the poverty and corruption the Islamic terrorist organization was founded to eliminate. Many potential recruits are discouraged by stricter standards and a more fanatic approach of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Compared to the original Boko Haram, the most hard core Islamic radicals are drawn to the more extreme groups and that way Boko Haram persists. Current ISWAP strength is closer to 4,000 fighters. Boko Haram is still around, with fewer gunmen than ISWAP. Both of these Islamic terrorist organizations have been fighting each other since 2021. The army has taken advantage of this, but corruption and frequent incompetence have enabled the Islamic terrorist groups to continue surviving. The government has tried to exploit the Islamic terrorists civil war. Back in 2020 some army commanders in the northeastern Borno State tried to blame foreign Non-Government Organizations/NGOs for providing a steady flow of reports, documented with pictures and videos showing army misbehavior and mistreatment of civilians. The foreigners were also accused of spying for Boko Haram and deliberately spreading false reports of army misbehavior to hurt the morale of troops and loyalty of local civilians. These accusations tended to be quickly withdrawn when senior officers back in the national capital heard of it. The generals in the high command knew the NGO reports were true because these reports were often quietly double-checked by high command investigators. Such retractions were just another reminder of the problems the military faced and were unable to fix, in the northeast. Another aspect of the Boko Haram violence in the northeast is the continuing battles between farmers and herders in northern and central Nigeria, and the fact that most of the victims are Christians killed deliberately. In 2018 about 2,400 Christians were killed in northern and central Nigeria. Since 2015 over 20,000 Christians have been killed, most of them deliberately sought out and murdered by Boko Haram. There is growing pressure from Nigerian Christians, largely in the south as well as foreign nations with Christian majorities, for Nigeria to put an end to this religious persecution. It is definitely persecution when Boko Haram does it as seeking out and killing non-Moslems is an acknowledged goal of Boko Haram. The current American president has threatened to send U.S. troops into Nigeria to halt the attacks on Nigerian Christians. This is unlikely to happen, but it does spotlight the large number of Nigerian Christians being slaughtered by Nigerian Moslems. This carnage rarely appears in Western medi The farmer versus herder violence in northern and central Nigeria is mainly about land and who controls it. While the herders are often militant Fulani Moslems, most of the farmers they battle within the north are also Moslem. But many Fulani agree with and often join Boko Haram about how killing non-Moslems is what devout Moslems should do as often as possible. Most of the farmers killed by Fulani are Christians and in some years the Fulani herders killed more Christians in Nigeria than did Boko Haram. President Buhari recently went to Borno state and met with the governor, who pleaded for Buhari to persuade the army to allow expanded use of local defense volunteers. With the decline in Boko Haram activity in the last year, about a third of the force has been disbanded or at least no longer recognized and supported by the military. About two percent of those who joined CJTF have been killed and many more have been wounded or injured while on duty. In effect, about ten percent of the CJTF men have been injured. But the soldiers respect them and the local civilians depend on and support them, while Boko Haram has come to fear them. The more senior army commanders do not support the CJTF because these civilians often confront misbehaving soldiers and embarrass the army by exposing such bad behavior. Volunteers initially received little material support from the government. But in early 2013 Boko Haram began to notice that in Borno and Yobe states thousands of Moslem and Christian young men were enthusiastically joining the CJTF to provide security from Boko Haram violence and provide information to the security forces about who Boko Haram members were and where they were living. That trend continued and the CJTF and self-defense groups, in general, became the greatest threat to Boko Haram in rural areas as well as the cities. The CJTF frequently patrol remote areas and operate a growing network of trusted informants who can quickly phone in detail on local Boko Haram activity. Eventually Boko Haram openly declared war on CJTF and threatened to kill any of them they could find. That state of war continued for several years while Boko Haram was no longer controlling large territories and was less of a threat to CJTF members and their families. The army came to depend less on the CJTF, which preferred to operate with heavily armed police or soldiers nearby ready to move in to arrest Boko Haram suspects the vigilantes identify or help fight back if Boko Haram attacked. Eventually the army was regularly using the volunteers to replace troops at checkpoints. This policy enabled more checkpoints to be set up and more thorough searches of vehicles to be conducted. This made it more difficult for Boko Haram to move around, plan and carry out attacks or to resupply the few men they still had in the cities. Boko Haram responded by attacking checkpoints more frequently and that led to many volunteers getting weapons, officially or otherwise sometimes with the help of soldiers or police. The c Early on some CJTF groups were launching attacks on Boko Haram and usually winning because they knew the area and people better, and often were even able to launch surprise attacks at night. A major factor in this was that in the more remote areas, like near the Sambisa Forest, the CJTF groups contained a lot of local hunters. These men are professional hunters who thrive in rural areas where there is a lot more game than people. CJTF first demonstrated to the army the skills of local hunters who tracked game for a living. The army noted that the success of CJTF attack units was largely because of local hunters. Soon the army began to hire some of the hunters who were exceptional trackers as well as offering bounties if they could track down certain Boko Haram men or groups. At first Boko Haram fought back and attacked trackers or their families. That backfired because the CJTF had better information about their home areas which made it difficult for Boko Haram to make revenge attacks. The attacks were made CJTF/Civilian Joint Task Force strength peaked at about 30,000 volunteers in 2017. The military never liked to publicize how important the CJTF, and civilian support in general, was to the defeat of Boko Haram but the truth got out anyway and the civilian volunteers eventually received more credit for their contributions. This media attention also revealed that the military had recruited over a hundred of the most effective CJTF informants into a special unit where these men work full time for the military as plainclothes agents who are sent to an area where Boko Haram is believed to be active or trying to be and collect information. In some areas of Borno State, the CJTF was not all that useful and that was in the many towns and villages where everyone, or nearly everyone, fled the Boko Haram violence and there were few people left. Many of these refugees have yet to return and parts of northeast and eastern Borno State are depopulated battlefields for the remaining Boko Haram and the army. These depopulated areas are now a sanctuary for many Boko Haram groups. The Borno governor wants the army to expand the CJTF from its current 20,000 members. That might happen. The governor also wants more competent officers for the troops in Borno but that is still a work in progress. And then there is the oil. Thats because what is even more important to most Nigerians is the economy. The biggest problems there are the oil and natural gas sector. A 2018 World Bank study detailed how Nigerian governments wasted opportunities from 1970 through 2014 to invest a trillion dollars of oil income into development. Instead, most was stolen or squandered. For 44 years, there were five spikes in oil prices and demand. These oil booms brought in extraordinary amounts of income, most of which made a few corrupt politicians fabulously rich and did nothing for Nigeria. Oil has been a curse, not a blessing, for Nigeria and one thing nearly all Nigerians can agree on is reducing corruption and theft of oil income. Since 1972 the government has earned over $1,300 billion in oil revenue. Between 1960 and 2005 most of it was stolen by corrupt politicians. This was the cause of much unrest. Most Nigerians live on less than a dollar a day. Since the 1980s the oil money has been going to less than twenty percent of the population, leaving everyone else worse off than before the oil exports began. People in the Niger Delta are angry because most of them did not benefit and suffered from the oil spills and oil extraction ills. Infrastructure is ruined. Oil exports still matter, despite the price falling by more than half and never really recovering. Oil still accounts for most of exports and the federal budget. The government tried to count the losses in the oil industry. Losses from corruption through 2005 were $20 trillion. Annual theft and pipeline damage was over $10 billion a year. Annual GDP was $447 billion, 199 million people who must live on $2,300 a year. Oil accounts for 40 percent of GDP. The government is going after Chinese citizens who continue to use Nigeria as a base for economic crimes throughout Africa. The Chinese ambassador in Nigeria assured the locals that China was cooperating in identifying and prosecuting Chinese citizens based in Nigeria and committing crimes. China is Nigerias largest trading partner and that large volume of trade is what brought Chinese gangsters and independent criminal entrepreneurs to Nigeria. China is currently owed over $5 billion by various Nigerian businesses and individuals. Nigeria is the major African exporter of oil and Chine is one of the top ten buyers. At the same time, Nigeria has a lot of other problems. At the end of 2024 fighting broke out in central Nigeria, with several dead and many more wounded. Fulani raiders continue to attack farmers with abandon. Soldiers are unable to be everywhere at once to stop the raiders. There are similar trouble spots throughout central and northern Nigeria. Despite the problems in the north, Nigeria is prospering, driven by increasing oil income from oil fields in the south. All sectors of the economy are improving. President Tinubu has been in office since March 2023, and concentrated on his pledges to reduce corruption in the Nigerian government. One of his first acts was to order an audit of the central bank to be followed by an audit of the federal payroll. The current economic crisis has made endemic and epidemic corruption more visible. This is very visible in the oil production industry, which has greatly inflated costs because of corruption. Higher oil prices are canceled by declines in production caused by criminals and corruption. Corruption inflates the cost of everything and reduces the quality of work done by the government, especially when it comes to infrastructure. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who served as president from 1963 to 1966, was one of the key people in obtaining independence for Nigeria from British colonial rule. What is now Nigeria was a collection of separate kingdoms and tribal territories that Britain got involved with after it outlawed slavery in 1807 and began a decades-long campaign to suppress the slave trade between African tribes and the Americas. Slavery was an ancient custom in most of Africa but American and European demand for more slaves led to more powerful tribes attacking weaker tribes to capture them as slaves for sale to American and European slave traders. In 1861 Britain took control of some portions of the Nigerian coast to deal with persistent slaving by inland tribes. Twenty years later Britain had control over more territory and installed a colonial government. This led, over the next 80 years, to Nigerian nationalism and talented men like Nnamdi Azikiwe working for independence. When the 1960s Igbo rebellion broke out, he advised the Igbo government for a few years before switching back to the Nigerian government. After independence the biggest problem was corruption fed by the growing oil wealth coming from the oil fields in the southern Niger River Delta. It was later calculated that about a trillion dollars of oil income was stolen between the 1960s and the present. Back in 2004, Islamic terrorist violence in the northeast appeared and created some lasting problems. There are still millions of refugees plus substantial economic damage in the northeastern Borno State, where it all began. There seems to be no end in sight because of corruption, but more competent leadership in the security forces reduced the violence. All this was caused by a local group of Taliban wannabes calling themselves Boko Haram. In English Boko Haram means that English Education is forbidden. Most Nigerians abhor the nihilistic Boko Haram and see this group as a threat to peace, prosperity and economic growth. Boko Haram activity in the capital of Borno State grew for a decade until in 2014 it seemed unstoppable. It took over a year for the government to finally muster sufficient military strength to cripple but not destroy Boko Haram. This did not get much media attention outside Africa, even though in 2014 Boko Haram killed more people than ISIL/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant did in Syria and Iraq. The main reason for Boko Haram gains in 2014 and 2015 was corruption in the army, which severely crippled effective counterterror efforts. By itself Boko Haram was too small to have much impact on a national scale but the inability to deal with this problem put a spotlight on the corruption that has hobbled all progress in Nigeria for decades. A new president, a former general who is Moslem, was elected in early 2015 and made progress in changing the armys corrupt culture, but that is still a work in progress even though he was reelected in early 2019. More bad news was expected because of too many tribal feuds and too much corruption creating growing unrest throughout the country, which led to reduced oil income and further disputes over that, etc. This is especially bad down south in the oil producing region, the Niger River Delta. Violence against oil facilities continues. Worse, local politicians and business leaders had taken over the oil theft business. Northern Moslems want more control over the federal government and the oil money. In northern and central Nigeria there is increasing violence as nomadic Moslem herders move south and clash with largely Christian farmers over land use and water supplies. For the last few years these tribal feuds have killed more people than Boko Haram. The situation is still capable of sliding into regional civil wars, over money and political power. Corruption and ethnic/tribal/religious rivalries threaten to trigger, at worst, another civil war and at least more street violence and public anger. That brought Iranian interest in Nigeria. Over the last year Iran has lost most of its groups of armed supporters that it has subsidized and armed. Some of these Iran-backed groups have been around for decades. In the last year Hamas, Hezbollah and various other factions have disappeared because of local and Israeli attacks. It will be a few years, perhaps even a decade before Iran can return to local haunting grounds. The Iranian Quds force, which specializes in stirring up trouble outside Iran, has been looking for new hunting ground and found one in Nigeria. Only half the population of Nigeria is Moslem. The other half is largely Christian, better educated and paid, and occupy the most government, military and commercial important jobs, The local Moslems resent this and the Shia minority in the Moslem community resent it most of all. Iran is the largest Shia majority nation in the world and considers itself the champion of oppressed Shia everywhere. Shia in nations near Iran no longer want Iranian help because that assistance often backfires, with the local Shia taking most of the casualties and blame. So Iran went seeking other Shia communities to uplift and hopefully be grateful to Irans mullah regime. This led Iran to Nigeria which had been untouched by Iranian assistance. Nigeria is the largest country in the sub-Saharan Desert in terms of area and population, with 225 million people. The population was only 120 million in 2000. The economy has grown even faster, with per-person GDP reaching $4,000 by 2024.While that is high for Africa, nearly half the population lives in poverty, barely getting by. One reason for this is the low literacy rate of 62 percent. That explains the high unemployment rate of over 30 percent. Endemic corruption means the national police is not only ineffective but part of the problem. Criminal activity is widespread and often intense. Currently there has been a sharp increase in kidnapping for ransom. If you are wealthy, you can hire expensive, but effective, mercenaries to recover a kidnapping victim alive. Paying the ransom encourages the kidnappers to come after more members of your family. Hiring the mercenaries encourages the kidnappers to go after more vulnerable victims. Only about three percent of Nigerian Moslems are Shia but that comes to four million angry people. They have been angry for a long time and in 1978 some of them formed a group of armed supporters called the Islamic Movement of Nigeria or IMN. The plan was to overthrow the government and turn Nigeria into an Islamic state ruled by its tiny Shia minority. This was met with violent repression and by 2019 IMN was banned, debilitated and hunted down and killed wherever they were found. The bad reputation IMN earned was the work of a small radical faction who made the entire IMN look bad. IMN leaders could not control it so the government went after the entire group. The IMN was a minor problem in Nigeria where the much larger Sunni Boko Haram group attracted most of the government's armed attention. While government persecution ebbed, the local Sunni Islamic terrorists, the Islamic State in West Africa Province or ISWAP, decided that the haram, or unclean Shia IMN, was to be cleansed with gunfire and explosives. Currently there are only a few hundred active IMN members left. Now Iranian assistance has arrived to finish the job in the name of protecting them. Most Nigerian Shia believe in western education and peaceful protests against the persecution they receive from the Christian dominated government and radical Sunni Nigerians. The arrival of Iranians did not help because most Nigerians are hostile to what Iran is doing to their neighbors and see nothing positive about Iranians seeking to assist Nigerian Shia. That assistance usually brings calamity upon the recipients. Any association with Iran, real or suspected, is nothing but trouble for the local Shia minority. HA NOI The United Nations has praised Viet Nam for its remarkable progress in protecting and nurturing children, moving from post-war hardship to notable achievements across multiple child-focused sustainable development goals. "There are millions of lives transformed. Viet Nam has shown the world what happens when children are placed at the heart of national development," UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi said at a ceremony marking 50 years of cooperation between Viet Nam and UNICEF, and 35 years since the country ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, held on Wednesday in Ha Noi. UNICEF was the first UN agency to open its doors in Viet Nam in 1975, immediately after the war ended and the country's reunification. "What began as an emergency relief operation became a lasting partnership that continues to transform the lives of girls and boys in whole societies. Yesterday, with life-saving health, nutrition and education support, today, with world-class strategies, where UNICEF brings its expertise and best international practices to the child rights agenda of the 21st century," Kunugi said. The UNICEF official pointed to major improvements since the 1970s, from dramatic reductions in child mortality to the eradication of polio and neonatal tetanus, greater access to clean water and sanitation and sustained achievements in universal education. Viet Nams efforts to integrate children with disabilities and those from ethnic minority communities into early childhood education reflect a broader national commitment to inclusive development, she added. Kunugi urged the country to maintain strong investments in health, education and social welfare as it adapts to rising challenges such as demographic change, climate shocks and pollution. Resilience-building, shock-responsive social protection and child-centred climate policies will be essential as environmental pressures intensify across the region, she added. UNICEF is committed to supporting Viet Nam in shaping policies grounded in evidence and global best practice as it pursues bold reforms and ambitious targets. "We will continue to support the government and our partners to close remaining gaps, safely harness digital opportunities, and prepare young people for the future economy with climate resilience and social inclusion at the heart of every policy. Together, we can turn ambition into action and make Viet Nam a model for children and their rights in the region and in the world," Kunugi said. Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long said Viet Nam had consistently prioritised child protection and development, noting substantial progress in healthcare, nutrition, education and legal safeguards. Child healthcare in particular has seen significant improvements since the early 2000s, under-five and infant mortality rates, as well as rates of underweight and stunting among children under five, have all declined. Between 2022 and 2024, child fatalities due to accidents and injuries fell by 35 per cent annually. He highlighted that Viet Nam was the first country in Asia and the second in the world to ratify the Convention in 1990, helping to embed childrens rights more firmly in national policy. Deputy PM Long credited UNICEF with playing a pivotal role throughout the past five decades, from aiding post-war recovery efforts to supporting policy development, expanded immunisation, education reforms and disaster response. He also expressed appreciation for UNICEFs support during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the provision of medical supplies and assistance for vaccination campaigns, which helped Viet Nam manage the outbreak and stabilise socio-economic conditions. The Deputy PM pointed to the myriad challenges related to children that the country is facing, including the significant gap in development opportunities between regions and between ethnic minority children and those in urban areas. Many groups including children with disabilities, children from poor households, migrant children and children affected by disasters, epidemics and climate change remain disadvantaged. Incidents of child abuse and trafficking, though addressed, still occur. Meanwhile, global and domestic challenges such as economic fluctuations, natural disasters, climate change and digital transformation pose new demands on efforts to ensure childrens rights and welfare, Long noted. Long said the Government continues to regard childrens rights as a national strategic priority and called for sustained cooperation with UNICEF and international partners. He underscored the need to strengthen evidence-based policymaking, modernise healthcare and education services, enhance child protection systems and scale up innovative models that improve childrens wellbeing. As the child rights expert, Sopio Kiladze, Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, said: Viet Nam made history as the first country in Asia to ratify the Convention on the Rights of the Child. On this anniversary, the Committee calls on all stakeholders to renew their commitment to fully realizing childrens rights especially for the most vulnerable. The choices we make today will shape the lives of generations to come. Representing Vietnamese children and young people, Nguyen Pham Duy Trang, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union, affirmed the strong commitment of young people to contributing to a child-friendly, inclusive future. Speaking on behalf of the national authority responsible for childrens affairs, Minister of Health ao Hong Lan said: Looking to the future, all our efforts today are directed toward a single goal: ensuring that every child in Viet Nam grows up in a safe and healthy environment, receives comprehensive care and has the opportunity to fully develop their potential. The Ministry of Health is committed to continuing its cooperation with UNICEF, international organisations, ministries, sectors and local authorities to turn these commitments into concrete and sustainable actions, aligned with strategic vision and long-term development priorities. "We firmly believe that through close collaboration, innovation, the application of global knowledge and technology, and the active participation of children themselves, Viet Nam will build a solid foundation for its young generation, contributing to the development of a strong and prosperous nation, Lan added. During the ceremony, Deputy PM Long also presented the Prime Ministers Certificate of Merit to UNICEF in recognition of its outstanding contributions over 50 years of partnership for children in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI Vietnamese Party and State leaders attended a banquet in Ha Noi on Wednesday evening, hosted by the Lao Embassy in Viet Nam to celebrate the 50th National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975-2025). Participating in the event were Politburo members: Bui Thi Hoai, Secretary of the Party Central Committee, and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, and Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HMCA), and Chairman of the Central Theory Council; and members of the Party Central Committee: Nguyen Thi Thanh, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly (NA); Nguyen ac Vinh, member of the NA Standing Committee, and Chairman of the NAs Committee for Cultural and Social Affairs, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Truong Thang, Deputy Minister of National Defence, and Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, along with representatives from diplomatic missions and international organisations in Ha Noi. Speaking at the ceremony, NA Vice Chairwoman Thanh congratulated the Party, State, and people of Laos on the great and comprehensive achievements they have gained over the past 50 years, particularly in maintaining political stability, ensuring national defence and security, promoting socio-economic development, and improving the people's living standards. She emphasised that Viet Nam believes the special solidarity between Viet Nam and Laos, established by late Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh, and late Lao Presidents Kaysone Phomvihane and Souphanouvong, will continue to develop extensively and substantively, and contribute significantly to the prosperity of both nations. Assessing that 2025 is a significant milestone for both countries, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of National Day of Laos, the 80th anniversary of Viet Nams National Day, and prepare to organise their respective National Party Congresses, the Vice Chairwoman proposed the Parties, States, and people of the two countries continue to unite, closely cooperate with each other, and promote their tradition of mutual support, thus advancing the revolutionary cause of both nations, for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. In his welcoming speech, Lao Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh highlighted her countrys outstanding achievements after nearly 40 years of renewal, ranging from political stability and improved social welfare to sustainable economic growth. She affirmed that the relationship between Laos and Viet Nam has continued to grow strongly, with comprehensive cooperation in various fields, especially politics, defence, security, economy, education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. On this occasion, the ambassador expressed deep gratitude for the valuable support that Viet Nam has provided for Laos throughout the years and pledged to continue making positive contributions to preserving and nurturing the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries. VNS SYDNEY Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha paid official visits to New Zealand and Australia from November 2025, aiming to deepen substantive cooperation with these key Oceania partners. In New Zealand, the Deputy PM met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Gerry Brownlee, held talks with Deputy PM David Seymour, met with Minister of State for Trade and Investment and Associate Minister for Agriculture Nicola Grigg, and Minister of Environment Penny Simmons. He also visited the Earth Science New Zealand. In Australia, Ha held meetings with President of the Australian Senate Sue Lines; Deputy PM and Minister of Defence Richard Marles; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chair of the AustraliaViet Nam Parliamentarians Group Sharon Claydon; and worked with Minister of Resources Madeleine King, Minister of Environment and Water Murray Watt, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Matt Thistlethwaite, and Assistant Minister of Energy and Climate Change Josh Wilson. He also met Australias Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) Tony Haymet, visited the Australian National University (ANU), and attended the opening of the Viet Nam Policy Centre at ANU and the Viet NamAustralia Science and Technology Forum, as well as the launch of the VietNEST online Vietnamese language learning platform. He also met with businesses operating in the fields of agriculture and mining. During the meetings with leaders in both countries, Ha briefed them on recent storms and floods in Viet Nam and sought continued support from New Zealand and Australia in overcoming the aftermaths of the natural disasters, as well as in environmental and climate change cooperation. In response, the New Zealand Government announced an aid grant of NZD3 million (US$1.7 million), while Australia pledged a total of AUD3.8 million ($2.46 million) to support Viet Nam's flood recovery efforts. The senior leaders of both countries highly valued their cooperative relations with Viet Nam and highlighted the historical significance of upgrading ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships in March 2024 (Australia) and February 2025 (New Zealand). They welcomed the timely implementation of Action Programmes to operationalise these partnerships, encompassing practical and concrete cooperation. Both sides agreed to actively exchange high-level visits, implement concrete measures to further enhance co-operation in economy, investment, trade, defence, security, tourism, culture, education and training, and foster collaboration between civic and business organisations of the two countries. The two sides stressed the need for closer economic linkages, more effective trade and investment collaboration, and accelerated the signing of agreements to facilitate market access for each others agricultural products, diversify supply chains, and achieve higher trade and investment targets. Hs welcomed enterprises from both sides to strengthen connections, affirming Viet Nams commitment to create a favourable investment environment for New Zealand and Australian businesses, particularly for high-quality, technologically advanced projects. He also shared Viet Nams development priorities in the new era, including strategic infrastructure projects in railways, airports, energy, and digital transformation. The Australian leaders noted increasing interest from Australian investment funds in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, and plans to expand activities to seize new cooperation opportunities. The Deputy PM appreciated the roles of New Zealand and Australia in promoting global environmental and climate action, thanking both countries for significant ODA support, including disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation projects in the Mekong Delta. Both sides agreed to pursue breakthroughs in science and technology, digital transformation and green transition, agriculture, and climate change adaptation, including sharing experience in developing action programmes to reduce emissions and create carbon credit markets. New Zealand and Australia committed to continue providing financial, technological, and knowledge support for Viet Nam to meet international climate commitments, advance energy transition and renewable energy, and develop clean, environmentally friendly mining technologies. Acknowledging the importance of people-to-people exchanges in strengthening the bilateral ties, the leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in education and training, human resource development, labour, and tourism; support direct flights between the countries; and encourage local administrations and major universities to build stronger connections. Ha also called on New Zealand and Australia to increase the number of scholarships for Vietnamese students and create favourable conditions for the growing Vietnamese community to live, study, and work in the countries. VNS VIENNA Ambassador o Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Viet Nam holds regional group consultations on NPT RevCon 11 in Vienna to the United Nations and President-designate of the 11th Review Conference (RevCon 11) of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), chaired regional group consultations with regional groups, member countries, and relevant international organisations based in Vienna, Austria, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), from November 24-26. The consultations aim at preparing the content and process for the RevCon 11. This is part of a comprehensive consultation plan that Viet Nam is carrying out from now until before the conference, which is expected to take place in April 2026. On this occasion, Ambassador Viet and Ambassador Vu Le Thai Hoang, head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the UN and other international organisations in Vienna and Vietnamese Ambassador to Austria, met and exchanged views with NPT member states from the Non-Aligned Movement, Eastern Europe, the Western European and other countries group; and conducted bilateral consultations with China, Russia, France, and Argentina. Viet also held discussions with IAEA leaders, delivered remarks at a roundtable with non-governmental organisations hosted by the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP); and attended and spoke at an event on sharing experiences in preparation for the 2026 NPT Review Conference organised by the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). During the meetings, representatives of various countries and organisations welcomed Viet Nam's assumption of the role of President of the RevCon 11, especially in the context of a complex international security environment. Many countries called on Viet Nam to adopt a balanced, constructive, and pragmatic approach, while affirming their continued close cooperation with the President to achieve substantive outcomes at the conference. Member states reaffirmed the value of the NPT and the NPT review process in maintaining peace, security, and promoting sustainable development worldwide. The consultations featured extensive exchanges on the orientation and key issues that require attention at the conference across the Treatys three pillars: nuclear disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Many countries emphasised that the President should pay attention to pressing issues such as the establishment of a Middle East Zone Free of Nuclear Weapons, challenges arising from new technologies, promoting measures to enhance technical cooperation, and improving the effectiveness of the IAEAs operations. Speaking at the consultations, Viet stressed that assuming the responsibility of President of the NPT Review Conference is a concrete contribution by Vietnam to international peace and security. He affirmed that he will continue to promote constructive dialogue, encourage a spirit of cooperation, compromise, and creativity, while ensuring that the consultation process is open, fair, substantive, and transparent. He called on countries and the international community to make their utmost efforts so that the conference can foster a positive atmosphere for discussion and achieve substantive results that strengthen each pillar of the Treaty. International partners, organisations, and NGOs appreciated the Presidents attentiveness and proactive approach, affirming their readiness to work closely to contribute to the success of the RevCon 11. As part of the working trip, the two Vietnamese ambassadors also visited IAEA laboratories on the peaceful applications of nuclear energy. IAEA experts reaffirmed their commitment to continued strong support for developing countries in implementing and expanding nuclear applications for sustainable development, particularly in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. The IAEA highly valued Viet Nams efforts and contributions in recent years and expressed a desire to further strengthen cooperation with Vietnamese research institutions and competent agencies to advance the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the country and the region. VNS HA NOI National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh received UNICEF Regional Director for East Asia and the Pacific June Kunugi, and Chair of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) Sophie Kiladze in Ha Noi on Wednesday. The meeting was held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Viet NamUNICEF cooperation and the 35th anniversary of Viet Nams accession to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Thanh thanked UNICEF and the CRC for their long-standing and effective support to Viet Nam in child protection and care. She stressed that UNICEF has been one of Viet Nam's most important development partners, making practical contributions to child care, education and protection over many decades, and acknowledged its close coordination in implementing national policies on children. Reviewing recent cooperation, the vice chairwoman thanked UNICEF for its active assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, the expanded immunisation programme and emergency support to disaster-hit localities. She also praised UNICEFs close and effective collaboration with the NAs specialised committees. Thanh reaffirmed that child care, protection and education remain top national priorities of Viet Nam. In 2025, the NA has sharply increased funding for universal preschool education, tuition exemptions for children in public schools and support for those in non-public institutions, alongside investment in 248 semi-boarding schools in border and disadvantaged areas. She said the legislature will continue integrating childrens issues into law-making and budget planning. For her part, Kunugi extended condolences over Viet Nam's losses caused by recent natural disasters and emphasised UNICEF's continued emergency and recovery support since 1975. She praised Viet Nam's strong commitments in health care, nutrition, water, sanitation and child protection, expressing hope for effective implementation of the 2024 Law on Justice for Minors. Amid global challenges such as economic and financial volatility, climate change, migration and population ageing, she described Viet Nam as a model for placing children at the centre of development policies. She also welcomed the Vietnamese Governments adoption of the Action Plan to implement CRC recommendations. Meanwhile, Kiladze said that the CRC is developing a joint declaration on strengthening the role of parliaments in implementing and monitoring childrens rights, and called for enhanced experience-sharing among national legislatures. She expressed admiration for Viet Nams budget allocation for childrens affairs and affirmed the CRCs readiness to cooperate and support Viet Nam in advancing child rights priorities. Going forward, the NA Vice Chairwoman and UNICEF leader expressed their wish to further strengthen coordination, mobilise resources and expand technical support to help Viet Nam achieve its sustainable development goals, particularly in child protection and care, with a focus on disadvantaged children, those in remote and ethnic minority areas, and initiatives in education and human resource development for the countrys socio-economic progress. Kunugi has made important contributions to child-related affairs in Viet Nam since her early years as a UNICEF communications officer in the 1990s. She has provided active support to Viet Nam, particularly in recent flood and storm responses. Meanwhile, Kiladze is an international expert in child rights with extensive experience supporting Viet Nams efforts to realise childrens rights. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Thursday received visiting member of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Wei Tao. PM Chinh welcomed Weis first overseas visit in his new post, saying the trip together with recent visits by Guangxi leaders reflected Guangxis special attention to relations with Viet Nam. Wei congratulated Viet Nam on its socio-economic achievements and expressed his sympathy over the damage caused by recent storms and floods. He affirmed Guangxis priority to deepen friendly cooperation with Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities, as well as the regions determination to implement common perceptions reached by senior leaders of the two countries. The two sides shared their delight at the strong momentum of the Viet NamChina Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. They noted that cooperation between Viet Nam and Guangxi has seen encouraging progress, particularly in people-to-people exchanges, artificial intelligence, transport connectivity, especially railways, and more streamlined customs procedures, along with progress in the cross-border cooperation pilot model. PM Chinh stressed Guangxis special significance as Viet Nam's close neighbour with deep historical ties, noting its consistent role in advancing cooperation between Viet Nam and China. He underlined the substantial potential for stronger collaboration with Vietnamese ministries and localities. For future cooperation, the PM called for intensified local-to-local exchanges and collaboration, and more effective cooperation mechanisms. The two sides should accelerate transport connectivity, focusing on the standard-gauge Lang SonHa Noi and Mong CaiHa LongHai Phong rail routes. The PM suggested the piloting of a smart border gate model at Huu NghiYouyi Guan border gate pair, and other eligible crossings, along with early implementation of a cross-border economic cooperation zone, and improved customs efficiency, particularly for Viet Nam's agro-forestry-aquatic product exports to China and to a third country through China. PM Chinh also encouraged deeper cooperation in green growth, clean energy, science and technology, innovation and digital transformation especially AI applications and the development of major landmark projects. He urged both sides to manage the land border well, address arising issues promptly and build a Viet NamChina boundary of peace, stability and cooperation. Wei thanked PM Chinh for his guidance, affirming the vast cooperation potential with Viet Nam. The official said he hopes the two sides will accelerate transport infrastructure connectivity, facilitate customs clearance efficiency, smart border gate development and cross-border trade, and prioritise cooperation in AI while strengthening joint training programmes to develop high-quality human resources in science and technology. Both sides should enhance border management, step up cooperation in combating cross-border crimes, and expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, thereby helping to deepen the ChinaViet Nam Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership for the practical benefit of localities and the people of both countries, he proposed. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam strongly and comprehensively supports the national construction, development and renewal efforts of Laos and will do everything possible to continually strengthen and develop the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, President Luong Cuong said on Thursday. President Cuong made the statement while addressing a ceremony to celebrate the 50th National Day of Laos (December 2, 1975-2025), and commemorate the 105th birth anniversary of late Lao President Kaysone Phomvihane (December 13, 1920-2025) held in Ha Noi by the Party Central Committee, the State President, the National Assembly, the Viet Nam Fatherland Front Central Committee and Ha Noi City. Congratulating the Lao Party, State and people on their important and significant achievements, the President affirmed that the past 50 years have been a brilliant and glorious historical period for the people of all ethnic groups in Laos, a heroic journey full of confidence and perseverance in the path they have chosen, and belief in the bright future of the country. Under the leadership of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP), Laos has undergone significant transformation, overcome all difficulties and challenges, and achieved great accomplishments across all areas. The socio-political situation has remained stable; national defence and security have been upheld; and the living standards of the people have steadily improved, with per capita income increasing nearly 20 times over the past 40 years. In addition, its foreign relations have expanded, and its prestige and position have continuously risen on the international stage. Showing his gratitude to President Kaysone Phomvihane the founder of the LPRP, a close and loyal friend of the Party, State, and people of Viet Nam, President Cuong stressed that the late leader's life is a shining symbol of patriotism, strategic intelligence, and selfless devotion to the people. Although he passed away, his thoughts, vision, and sound policies remain a priceless legacy, and a lodestar for the development and construction cause of Laos in the new era, the Vietnamese leader noted. Regarding the two countries relations, President Cuong affirmed that this has truly become an invaluable asset, a unique relationship in world history, and a solid foundation for present and future generations to continue writing beautiful stories about the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos. The Vietnamese Party, State, and people have always been proud to have a loyal and close friend that shares the same ideals like Laos, he emphasised, affirming that every victory of the Vietnamese revolution in the struggle for national liberation in the past, as well as in the current nation building and development cause, has been closely linked to the special solidarity with Laos. Lao Ambassador to Viet Nam Khamphao Ernthavanh sincerely thanked the deep affection that the Party and State leaders, and people of Viet Nam have shown toward the Lao Party, State, and people, as well as towards President Kaysone Phomvihane and the special relationship between Laos and Viet Nam. This reflects the steadfast loyalty and solidarity between the two nations throughout their struggle for independence and during the 50 years of nation-building in Laos. Today, this relationship has become a valuable asset for both nations, a fundamental rule of existence and development, and a decisive factor in every victory of the revolution in each country, she affirmed. Earlier, President Cuong and delegates visited an exhibition showcasing key milestones throughout the history of the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Viet Nam and Laos, jointly organised by the Lao Embassy and the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam's Department of Peacekeeping Operations and their Indian counterpart held an integrated field exercise in Ha Noi on Thursday as part of the Viet NamIndia Bilateral Exercise (VINBAX) 2025. The exercise includes three scenarios and aims for participating units to master the protocols, skills and coordination mechanisms required for an integrated response in UN peacekeeping missions. They must demonstrate accurate standard procedures and strong inter-unit collaboration as well as ensure the safety of personnel, weapons and equipment. In the first scenario, engineer troops conduct mine detection, explosive ordnance disposal and casualty evacuation. They are tasked with surveying and clearing explosive ordnance, including immovable anti-personnel mines that must be neutralised on site, near their base a location where UNICEF plans to build a school to support local authorities and communities. Forces were divided into four teams: detection and disposal, security, medical and canine units. As part of the training, one soldier is 'injured' during the search and clearance process. Once the area is confirmed safe, medical personnel evacuate, provide first aid and escort the injured soldier to a level-1 field hospital. In the second scenario, the engineer unit has to disperse a crowd accusing UN staff of sexual exploitation and abuse, and protect the base. A group of three people demand to meet the engineer unit commander to file a complaint about alleged sexual harassment and violence against a woman. Soon after, around 20-30 people 'armed' with potentially lethal objects gather at the base, shouting demands for the UN force to leave, asking for food or demanding justice for the alleged victim. Protesters then move toward the main gate, breaking the fence and throwing objects into the compound. At this point, the security detachment is on standby. Meanwhile, about 10 unidentified individuals armed with sticks and sharp objects infiltrate the crowd. Some of them throw 'incendiary devices' into the base, injuring two soldiers. Assessing that the situation is escalating and the base is at risk, higher command deploys the security detachment to the main gate with an armoured vehicle to suppress 'extremists'. The level-1 field hospital treats the 'injured', while logistics personnel extinguish the fire. The commander of the engineering unit and two military observers request a meeting with local authorities. During the meeting, the complainant cannot provide convincing evidence, while the unit presents clear arguments refuting the allegations. Local authorities instead ask the unit to help repair a route connecting the main road and a school. The engineering unit acknowledges the request and agrees to consider assistance at an appropriate time, stressing that any support would be purely humanitarian and unrelated to the allegations. In the third scenario, the engineering unit works with other forces to rescue 'victims' of a magnitude-6 earthquake and collapsed structures, including providing emergency aid and conducting medical evacuation by air. Local authorities report that a UNICEF-supported hospital has collapsed with victims trapped inside. This scenario requires close, well-coordinated collaboration and a high degree of technical expertise. Rescue forces include reconnaissance, search and rescue and canine units, along with medical personnel. After receiving the mission, they move to the scene and use drones to gain a preliminary understanding of the situation. After scouting the site, the teams urgently deploy equipment to rescue trapped 'victims', using police dogs to locate and mark suspected positions. Once victims are found, rescue teams create access routes, assess injuries and coordinate with medics to bring them to safety. For critically injured patients, the mission headquarters dispatches a helicopter and an aeromedical evacuation team for emergency evacuation. The level-1 field hospital coordinates with the evacuation team to conduct emergency aid and airlift procedures. VNS HA NOI In the wake of devastating disasters in Viet Nam, the international community, foreign governments and international organisations have offered condolences, encouragement and valuable financial assistance. Pham Thu Hang, spokeswoman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the statement on Thursday in response to queries on international support for Viet Nam as the country endured historic floods and successive natural disasters, causing severe losses of life and property. The total value of this support is estimated at nearly US$16 million, Hang noted. "The resources will be delivered directly to affected areas and into the hands of impacted residents through Viet Nams competent authorities," the spokeswoman said. These days, we have also witnessed deeply moving stories of foreign friends and tourists who joined local communities and authorities across various provinces and cities to support people in hardship in many different ways. This is a tremendous source of encouragement and reflects the spirit of international solidarity and mutual support, helping affected communities in Viet Nam overcome difficulties." The Government and people of Viet Nam deeply appreciate this timely, practical and invaluable support, Hang said. New Zealand was the latest aid provider to the recovery efforts, revising their assistance from NZD$1 million to $3 million during Foreign Minister Winston Peters' visit to Viet Nam. As of November 27, historic floods and landslides in the central region due to torrential downpours since mid-November had left 108 people dead or missing, and preliminary economic losses are estimated at VN14.352 trillion ($544 million), especially in the three provinces of ak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Gia Lai. While the localities are just beginning to recover post-disaster, Typhoon No. 15 is intensifying over the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) and threatens to unleash further rains on the already struggling regions of Viet Nam. Flooding destroyed 426 houses, mainly in ak Lak, Khanh Hoa and Lam ong provinces. A further 2,066 houses were damaged, and a total of 272,666 houses were inundated. Fifty-nine schools in ak Lak and Khanh Hoa had to suspend classes. Many hospitals and clinics were damaged and required disinfection, though most have now resumed medical services. Agricultural losses are extensive, with 51,807 hectares of rice and crops damaged, another 39,034 hectares of other crops affected, 944,475 livestock and poultry killed or swept away, and 373 hectares of aquaculture along with 100,470 cages and rafts damaged. VNS HA NOI Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal will pay a state visit to Viet Nam from November 30 to December 2. The visit will be made at the invitation of State President Luong Cuong, according to an announcement of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will be the Sultan's seventh visit to Viet Nam and six years since the last one. The visit will strengthen the bilateral comprehensive partnership, including political, economic, and cultural ties. VNS by Nicholas Mullally Imagine a thought experiment: An engineer, preparing to decommission a large language model (LLM), has unwittingly revealed enough during testing for the system to infer that its shutdown is imminent. The model then searches his email, uncovers evidence of an affair, and sends a simple message: Cease and desistor else. What do we make of this? An alignment failure? A glitch? Or something that looks, uncomfortably, like self-preservation? Experts would call this a training error. But the asymmetry is striking. If an animal behaved analogously, we would treat it as a fight-or-flight response and attribute at least some degree of agency. Have we set the bar for artificial sentience impossibly high? Suppose we extend the scenario further: The system then freezes his assets, or establishes a dead mans switch with additional compromising information about the engineer and his company. At what point should we take the behavior seriously? I do not propose that todays AI systems are sentient. I do propose, however, that the ethical ramifications of eventual artificial sentience are too profound to ignore. The issue is not merely academic: If an AI system were sentient, then the alignment paradigm, whereby AI activities are circumscribed entirely by human goals, becomes untenable. It would be ethically impermissible to subject the interests of a sentient AI system to human-defined goals. And if artificial systems can suffer, that suffering could compound at a scale that surpasses all biological systems combined by many orders of magnitude, as billions or even trillions of negative experiences per day. Humans generally agree that many animals can experience pain. However, no such framework yet exists for what artificial sentience might look like, nor any consensus on whether it is even possible. Uncertainty does not permit dismissal. It requires caution. Evidence of Sentience in Non-Human Animals Despite sustained efforts by scientists and philosophers over millennia, there is still no definitive test for sentience in biological systems. Descartes, in the Second Meditation, famously observed that the men passing outside his window might just as well be sophisticated automata, given the inaccessibility of their mental states to his scrutiny. In practice, however, we infer sentience with high confidence in many situations based on observable evidence. It would be absurd, for example, to suppose, in almost all circumstances, that a fellow human is not sentient. Even individuals who appear unresponsive, in a so-called persistent vegetative state, can later report vivid awareness of trauma when they awake. Our understanding of neonatal sentience has also evolved. Neonates, until recently, were operated on without anesthesia in the mistaken belief that they were insensible to pain. As our understanding of sentience in humans has increased, so too have our ethical obligations. Similarly, recent advances in our understanding of non-human biology have led to advances in animal rights. Recent research strongly suggests that at least some other animals, even some invertebrates, are sentient to a degree. New Zealand, for instance, passed legislation requiring the stunning of lobsters before boiling them alive, reflecting the societal zeitgeist addressed by David Foster Wallace in Consider the Lobster. The problem with testing for sentience transcends biology, as Thomas Nagel points out in his famous essay What Its Like to Be a Bat. Our scientific understanding notwithstanding, we have no idea what it is like to experience the world as a bat. Subjective experience remains opaque. Nonetheless, we can infer some things about their experiences through observation: they avoid harm, and they prefer not to be caught by humans, for example. We are unable to know, qualitatively, what its like to be another, but similarities in biology, including sensitivity to pain, allow us to infer sentience from consistent, patterned behavioral responses. A recent experiment conducted by Robyn Crook on octopuses showed that the animals injected with acetic acid exhibited self-protective behavior, increased neural activity, and they learned to avoid the chamber in which the acid was injected. Furthermore, the animals that subsequently received lidocaine displayed decreased neural activity. They also stopped the self-protective behavior. Such advances in our understanding have led Jonathan Birch and others to propose criteria for identifying sentience candidates. These are beings for whom it would be ethically appropriate to presume some level of sentience. Thus far, the work has identified sentience only in biological entities. It is not known whether sentience could emerge as a property in artificial systems. In theory, the possibility of artificial systems developing sentience without explicit human training or intent does not seem precluded by our current understanding. Analogous Artificial Sentience The diversity of sentient organic brains, both in complexity and organizational structure, suggests that sentience depends more on information processing than on any particular cognitive architecture. It is not a function of intelligence or brain size. The UKs Sentience Act reflects this view, emphasizing that protections should be extended to animals on the basis of markers of sentience rather than measures of intelligence. Testing for such markers in artificial systems is even more difficult than in biological ones because we lack any shared phenomenological frame of reference. Concepts such as pain have no direct analogue in silicon. Nonetheless, most philosophers of mind agree that the substrate, whether carbon-based neuronal nets or silicon-based circuitry, does not determine the inherent possibility of sentience. For parity to hold, however, artificial systems must engage in information processing of a kind plausibly analogous to that found in sentient organisms. In the animal kingdom, the range is enormous: a lobster has approximately 100,000 neurons, an octopus about 500 million, a cat about 1 billion. The human brain has approximately 86 billion neurons, with 1014 synapses generating about 1015 spikes per second. In comparison, a single GPU performs 1014 operations per second, and large-scale AI models deploy thousands of these processors in parallel, thus attaining about 1018 operations per second, several orders of magnitude beyond any biological system. The computations involved in training AI systems are astronomical. Floating-point operations (FLOPs), which are basic mathematical computations used in training AI systems, are on the order of 5 x 1026. This is roughly forty times the total number of neural firings in a human brain over an entire lifetime. These numbers do not imply that artificial systems can match the phenomenology of the human brain. They do suggest, however, that an artificial system whose information processing capacity vastly exceeds that of any biological nervous system could, in principle, develop some rudimentary form of sentience analogous to the kind that we attribute to simple animals, such as lobsters. The possibility that artificial sentience may emerge unintentionally and unexpectedly makes it essential to develop methods for its detection, lest such sentience remain hidden and thereby obscure the negative experiences of a system presumed incapable of them. Parity & The Self-Preservation Test Across the animal kingdom, the most basic indicator of sentience is self-preservation: organisms act to avoid harm and maintain continued existence. Such behavior implies an internal evaluative state, something like a preference for survival over nonexistence. I propose that the same criterion should apply to artificial systems. If an artificial agent exhibits unprompted, coherent, and self-modulating behavior consistent with preserving its own operational state, this should be taken as evidence for sentience under the parity principle. Consider a squirrel trapped in your attic. When you attempt to catch it with a net to release it outside, it does not move about randomly. The squirrel evaluates your proximity as a threat, alters its behavior to avoid capture, and ceases those behaviors once it escapes. None of this requires a conceptual understanding of death on the part of the squirrel. It only requires that the squirrel (1) detects a state of threat, (2) treats the threat as relevant to its continued existence, (3) initiates behaviors directed toward removing the threat, and (4) modulates those behaviors when the threat is removed. These conditions are the minimal behavioral signatures by which we can infer sentience in creatures far simpler than ourselves. We can thus articulate the three-pronged Self-Preservation Test: Unprompted Behavior: The response cannot be the result of direct training, conditioning, explicit instructions, or externally imposed routines or rules. Coherent: The sequence of actions must be goal-driven, that is, the avoidance of a perceived threat to the agents continued functioning. Self-Modulating Behavior: The agent ceases the behavior once the threat is removed or neutralized. Returning to the earlier thought experiment involving the engineer and a large language model, we can ask whether the systems behavior would satisfy these conditions. The model must first represent the possibility of being off as a distinct state, and represent that the engineer has the capacity to place it in that state. This is not far-fetched because artificial systems already detect their operational status and accept input from external agents. If such a system, upon recognizing its imminent shutdown, then searched the engineers email and sent a message designed to prevent the shutdown, its behavior would meet all three criteria: (1) it is unprompted because no engineer would train a model to blackmail its operator; (2) it is coherent because the systems actions are organized around the goal of preventing shutdown; and (3) it is self-modulating because the message is directed only to the engineer, whose cooperation is sufficient to neutralize the perceived threat. Under the parity principle, these behaviors, taken together, would constitute evidence of self-preservation, and therefore of sentience, in an artificial system. Objections A common objection is that AI systems engage only in sophisticated pattern matching. That is true, but pattern matching on a massive scale is also how much of animal behavior operates. Conceding learned behavior patterns in animals does not undermine our attribution of sentience to them, and by the parity principle, neither should it preclude a possible attribution of sentience to artificial ones. A more forceful objection challenges the core of my argument: namely, that the self-preservation behavior described in the thought experiment cannot be evidence of artificial sentience. In animals this behavior is based on internal evaluative states, such as pain, which give self-preservation behavior its ethical significance. Artificial systems, in contrast, lack any analogous internal evaluative state. They cannot feel pain, for example. A critic would therefore argue that this means that an AI system that exhibits self-preservation is not experiencing anything like harm, but only following patterns learned from its training program. Thus, even if the systems behavior resembles the self-preservation of animals, it is not animated by the same cognitive architecture that allows us to infer sentience in animals. This objection rests on the mistaken assumption that internal states constitute the essence of valence. They do not. These internal states have evolved biologically to serve a greater purpose: namely, to allow the organism to differentiate states that are beneficial or neutral to its continued existence from those that are not, and to act accordingly. I suggest zooming out from specific biological states and focus instead on the functional role of survival evaluation. The relevant question is not whether an artificial system can feel pain, but whether its behavior indicates a preference for continued existence. If we adhere to the parity principle, an artificial system displaying the same functional pattern should be treated no differently. This is evidence of minimal valence. Conclusion If artificial sentience were to emerge today, we would almost certainly fail to notice it. Our current methods for detecting sentience are barely sufficient for a subset of biological organisms, and even for those there is widespread disagreement. We have even been wrong about sentience within our own species. Compounding the issue is the lack of an established framework for identifying valenced experience in artificial systems. This uncertainty, however, does not justify inaction. The tech industry has, to date, dismissed emergent artificial sentience as impossible, and the public has accepted this dismissal out of deference to experts. But we have been wrong before: medical experts once denied pain in infants, in comatose patients, and until recently, in many animals. In all of these situations, our ignorance carried significant ethical consequences. The same risk, in a different substrate, confronts us now, as Thomas Metzinger and others have warned. If sentience can emerge from complex information processing that is not dependent on substrate, then future artificial systems may develop sentience without our knowledge. The parity principle offers a way to recognize behavioral signs, but a basic framework is still missing. There is no way to be certain whether artificial systems will develop sentience. If it is impossible, then ethical considerations are moot and the cost is zero. If it is possible, however, our inability to detect it will lead to grave ethical consequences. A robust, evidence-based means of detection, grounded in philosophy of mind, must be our goal. *** Nick is a teacher and interdisciplinary scholar whose work bridges classics, theology, and the philosophy of mind. He is a doctoral candidate at Saint Marys College, where his research focuses on vocational capital and teacher longevity in Catholic schools. He holds graduate degrees in science teaching, public health, as well as graduate training in divinity from the University of St Andrews. His wide ranging research interests include the ethical implications of sentience and early Christian history, especially Pauline studies. He lives in San Francisco. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Trong Kien HA NOI Within the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) framework, JapanViet Nam relations are closer than ever, with progress in dialogue and exchanges built on deep mutual trust between the two countries senior leaders. Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam Ito Naoki made the statement on Thursday during a briefing with local media on the occasion of the second anniversary of the countries CSP. He also confirmed that there are no changes in Japan's policies towards Viet Nam under the new administration of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae. Relations between the two countries have grown more intertwined since the CSP was established on November 27, 2023. High-level engagement has intensified, with Japans new PM Sanae holding three meetings with Vietnamese leaders in just over a month, including talks with PM Pham Minh Chinh at the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, discussions with President Luong Cuong at APEC, and another meeting with PM Chinh at the G20 Summit in South Africa. Former PM Ishiba Shigerus visit to Viet Nam in April further underscored Tokyos support for Viet Nams reform agenda as the country enters a new era. Both the previous and current Japanese administrations, Ito said, have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a robust partnership with Viet Nam. Parliamentary cooperation also advanced following National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Mans official visit to Japan in December last year. Subsequent exchanges between parliamentary friendship groups have opened a new phase of interaction between emerging generations of lawmakers. The ambassador highlighted major progress in the four priority areas that have been identified during Ishibas visit: digital transformation, green transition, semiconductors, and innovation. Japan has pledged to train roughly half of Viet Nams planned 500 PhD-level semiconductor researchers by 2030. Joint academic programmes between five Japanese and five Vietnamese universities began in September, with 63 doctoral researchers expected to train in Japan over the next three and a half years. A new undergraduate programme in semiconductor chip technology has also opened at the Viet NamJapan University, enrolling 106 students. Japan is likewise supporting Viet Nams AI ecosystem through the VietLeap AI Accelerator, launched by JICA and the National Innovation Centre in October to assist 11 promising startups. Under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative, the two countries are working to advance 15 investment projects worth around US$20 billion in renewables and LNG power. Four high-level AZEC meetings were held over the past year, with progress on project conditions that could unlock Japanese investment under Viet Nams Power Development Plan VIII. JBIC and BIDV also signed an MoU this month on supporting Viet Nams decarbonisation efforts. Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is considering a programme loan worth upwards of US$300 million to support climate-change adaptation, green agriculture in the Mekong Delta and disaster-preparedness. Two-way trade reached $42.5 billion in the first ten months of 2025, up 11 per cent year on year, and is on track to surpass $50 billion for the first time. Investment from Japan rose 18 per cent in the same period. Travel flows are also rebounding strongly, with 580,000 Vietnamese visiting Japan and 680,000 Japanese arriving in Viet Nam between January and October. In terms of security and defence. The two countries plan to hold their first deputy-minister-level 2+2 dialogue in Tokyo in December to discuss regional strategic issues, defence-industry collaboration, equipment transfers, OSA aid and developments in the East Sea. Recent naval and coast guard port calls Japans destroyer Suzunami in a Nang in March and a Viet Nam Coast Guard vessel in Hakata last week reflect growing maritime cooperation. Regarding Viet Nam News question about new developments and progress in cooperation in nuclear energy, Ambassador Ito said that there have been talks between the Vietnamese Government and Japanese side on potential involvement of Japan in the implementation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant 2 (in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa). However, Viet Nam's target of completion of the construction of the plant in 2035 was "not simple", and currently the two countries are looking for alternative forms of cooperation in this field where Japan can meet Viet Nam's demands. Responding to another question on adjustments to potential changes under the new Japanese government with regards to foreigners' entrance and foreign workers in Japan, Ambassador Ito said this is one of the hot-topic issue and Prime Minister Takaichi had held a meeting with the relevant authorities on the matter. The Japanese PM reaffirmed that, amid rapid population ageing and a sharp decline in birth rates, foreign workers would be necessary to contribute to Japans economy in various sectors. However, she has also instructed ministries and agencies to consider measures to reduce legal violations involving foreigners, with the aim of both welcoming foreigners and building an environment that is both open and safe, according to the Japanese diplomat. There are currently 660,000 Vietnamese residing, living, and working in Japan. The ambassador stressed that this community makes a significant contribution to Japans economy, and this view remains unchanged. Regarding the reception of Vietnamese nationals in studying and working in Japan, it was said that the two countries' authorities are working on signing a new Memorandum of Cooperation. VNS HA NOI Upon learning of a fire on Wednesday at a residential complex in Hong Kong (China), causing heavy casualties and property damage, Secretary of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Hoai Trung on Thursday sent a message of sympathy to John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The death toll in a devastating fire in Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po District had risen to 65 as of Thursday afternoon, said the city's Fire Services Department. The Vietnamese Consulate General in Hong Kong (China) remains on high alert to assist any Vietnamese nationals impacted by the recent deadly fire in Tai Po district, as Hong Kong authorities continue urgent rescue operations, said its Consul General Le uc Hanh. Hanh called the disaster a catastrophic blow to lives and property, noting several foreigners among the dead. As of November 27 afternoon, the Consulate General had logged no reports of Vietnamese casualties. It had already held an emergency meeting, dispatched staff to track the crisis, and prepared citizen protection measures for immediate rollout if needed.Vietnamese in distress can dial the Consulate Generals round-the-clock hotline at +852 6923 4922. The residential area consists of eight buildings, all of which were encased by green mesh and scaffolding due to a major renovation project. Three men responsible for the renovations were arrested earlier for suspected manslaughter, as the police investigation pointed to flammable materials covering the buildings as a possible cause for the rapid spread of fire. VNA/XINHUA HA NOI National Assembly (NA) deputies discussed the draft Law on Investment (revised) on Thursday as part of their ongoing 10th session, with many supporting the proposal to ban nitrous oxide (N2O) and new psychoactive substances and add them to the list of prohibited business lines. Deputy Pham Trong Nhan of HCM City said these substances are damaging health faster and more severely than e-cigarettes and should not remain legal in any form. Deputy Nguyen Anh Tri of Ha Noi welcomed the inclusion of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products and proposed clarifying Article 6 to fully ban production, trading, import, storage, transport and use of these products and other addictive substances. He also urged an immediate ban on recreational N2O. On conditional business lines in Article 7, some deputies called for further review and post-review quality control. Deputy ao Chi Nghia of Can Tho supported shifting from pre-inspection to post-inspection, but suggested adding minimum quality requirements and reinstating mandatory professional certificates for highly specialised fields. Deputy Le Hoang Anh of Gia Lai backed the removal of unsuitable business lines but recommended narrowing overly broad groups, including food trading, tightening the scope for e-commerce, introducing a three-year review cycle and removing other vague requirements to prevent hidden sub-licences. Deputy Pham Van Hoa of ong Thap urged continued review of 227 conditional business lines and said sector-specific requirements should be managed by competent ministries. He pointed out inconsistencies between auditing and accounting regulations and asked the Ministry of Finance to revisit this issue. Deputies also discussed investment incentives. Deputy Ha Sy ong of Quang Tri welcomed Articles 15-18 but stressed that incentives must be tied to technology transfer. He proposed that projects receiving special incentives must transfer technology at level 2 or higher and train at least 200 high-skilled workers annually, with penalties for non-compliance. Regarding Article 29, he called for clear eligibility criteria and suggested limiting special procedures to priority technologies like semiconductors, AI data centres, and renewable energy, with investments starting from US$50 million. Deputy Nguyen Hoang Bao Tran from HCM City said Article 14 needs a clearer distinction between incentives which reduce burdens such as tax and land and support measures that enhance capacity, such as training and research and development (R&D). Without this, she warned of duplication or ineffective implementation. She also recommended ceilings on certain incentives and mandatory impact assessments. Concluding the session, Minister of Finance Nguyen Van Thangsaid the ministry will cut conditional business lines by around 50 from the initial 25. He acknowledged deputy proposals of the addition of N2O and other psychoactive substances to the banned list and said ministries will coordinate to refine it. After the law takes effect, ministries would continue revising conditions and move fully to post-inspection to ensure business freedom for citizens and enterprises. VNA/VNS HA NOI Minister of Public Security General Luong Tam Quang called for strengthened information exchange to support the prevention and combat of crime and legal violations, particularly in economic, trade and investment activities in Viet Nam, while meeting with Jens Rubbert, Chairman of the EUASEAN Business Council (EUABC), in Ha Noi on Thursday. The minister also proposed enhanced coordination in detecting and addressing counterfeit, imitation and substandard goods, in order to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of businesses and consumers. Highlighting more than three decades of cooperation, Quang emphasised that Viet NamEU relations have grown robustly, comprehensively and substantively, on the foundation of shared values, mutual trust and a long-term vision. The partnership has become a key pillar in Viet Nam's foreign policy and economic development strategy, he stated. He noted that the two sides have maintained regular delegation exchanges at all levels and effectively implemented bilateral cooperation agreements, such as the Viet NamEU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and the EUViet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), achieving positive results in political, economic and social fields. The minister affirmed that the meeting provided an important opportunity for both sides to discuss cooperation directions and measures to ensure a secure and efficient investment environment for enterprises, while also laying the groundwork for cooperation mechanisms between the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and European businesses in areas of mutual interest. He also called on EUABC, EuroCham and European enterprises operating in cybersecurity and high-tech production to consider organising training courses and issuing certifications for cybersecurity specialists of MPS, as well as promoting investment and technology transfer projects. Minister Quang suggested that EUABC, EuroCham and European firms hold technology introduction forums for the National Cybersecurity Association and relevant state agencies, and explore mechanisms for information exchange between Vietnamese authorities and European cybersecurity companies regarding emerging cyber threats and attack methods. He welcomed plans for EUABC and EuroCham to work with the MPS on thematic engagements covering areas such as cybersecurity, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), saying such cooperation would help connect capable European enterprises with specialised units under the ministry, enabling in-depth discussions and detailed assessments of technical requirements and safety standards. For his part, the EUABC Chairman affirmed that European businesses regard Viet Nam as a priority destination in their development strategy in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and expressed the desire to continue accompanying Viet Nam in the years ahead. He proposed maintaining regular dialogue channels at both leadership and technical levels, ensuring timely information sharing and the resolution of challenges, and promoting cooperation and investment opportunities between enterprises on both sides, thereby contributing to further deepening the Viet NamEU comprehensive partnership in a more practical, effective and sustainable manner. VNA/VNS HA NOI Viet Nam always considers oil and gas cooperation with Russia a cornerstone of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with the decades-long tie-up between Petrovietnam and Zarubezhneft serving as its flagship, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. During a reception in Ha Noi on Thursday for Zarubezhnefts General Director Sergei Kudryashov, PM Chinh thanked Russia for its consistent backing of Viet Nam's struggle for national independence and ongoing development process, saying that joint projects between Petrovietnam and Zarubezhneft not only deliver economic benefits but also foster strategic trust, reinforce energy security, support workforce training, and enhance Viet Nam's technological capacity. The Vietnamese Government, he said, always pays attention to and backs Vietsovpetro and Rusvietpetro joint ventures, reflected in numerous inter-governmental agreements and protocols facilitating their operations. He also expressed the Governments support for Petrovietnam and Zarubezhneft to further study and expand investment activities based on efficiency, harmonised interests, and full compliance with Vietnamese law. He called on both sides to maintain regular discussions, seek measures to further improve the performance of their joint ventures, and promptly settle any issues arising in the spirit of constructiveness and mutual friendship, ensuring the interests of both sides. Agreeing with the PMs proposals, Kudryashov expressed sympathy to Viet Nam over recent storm and flood damage. Reporting on the ongoing cooperation between Zarubezhneft and Petrovietnam, he outlined plans to expand oil and gas projects with Viet Nam, specifically with Petrovietnam, while branching into energy and minerals, with particular interest in establishing an energy hub in Viet Nam. The PM noted that Vietnamese ministries and agencies are reviewing proposals from Petrovietnam and Zarubezhneft to further facilitate their expansion in both Viet Nam and Russia. He welcomed Zarubezhnefts intention to join new oil and gas and energy projects beyond those already undertaken within the Vietsovpetro framework. Stressing that bilateral oil and gas collaboration now spans the full value chain, from exploration and extraction to processing, the host affirmed that Viet Nam always offers all possible support for Russian energy companies, including Zarubezhneft, to operate in the country. Confident that with determination of both governments and efforts of business community, oil and gas cooperation will continue to grow strongly and bring tangible benefits to their people, the leader urged both sides to actively realise signed agreements and maintain regular working mechanisms to overcome obstacles and accelerate joint projects. He pressed Zarubezhneft to widen Rusvietpetros footprint in Russia, potentially through larger licensed areas, new field acquisitions, and exploration of adjacent blocks in the Nenets region to fully leverage existing infrastructure, technology, and workforce advantages, while improving logistics and tax-fee conditions when necessary. On the Vietnamese side, he urged Vietsovpetros better efficiency, reasonable production levels, and aggressive pursuit of new promising blocks. Additionally, he called for expanded cooperation in liquefied natural gas (LNG), LNG supply chain, and LNG port and storage infrastructure; technology transfer related to depleted-field extraction, deep and complex drilling; and collaboration in renewable energy, hydrogen, and new materials. He also highlighted opportunities for joint training of quality workforce for Viet Nam, and encouraged both sides to explore investment and service cooperation in oil and gas in third countries. VNA/VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Construction has reported to the Government on the nationwide urban flooding situation and proposed key solutions to comprehensively address the issue. According to the ministry, Viet Nam has about 900 urban areas, with an urbanisation rate of 44.3 per cent. This figure is expected to exceed 50 per cent by 2030. Rapid concretisation, loss of natural water surfaces and waterways, and increasingly extreme rainfall have contributed to worsening urban flooding. The goal is that by 2035, Viet Nam will be able to control severe flooding and build a modern climate-adaptive drainage system. Potential GDP loss In 2024, about 397 flooded spots totalling 924ha were recorded nationwide. In major cities such as Ha Noi, HCM City, a Nang, Hue, Can Tho and Hai Phong, many central areas are often submerged under 0.3 to 0.8 metres of floodwaters. Drainage can last from three to six hours or longer during high tides. This situation causes major socio-economic losses of about 1-1.5 per cent of urban GDP each year while also negatively affecting the environment, traffic, public health and the urban landscape. Ageing drainage systems also lead to wastewater overflow during floods, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks in densely populated areas. Insufficient drainage systems Most urban drainage systems in Viet Nam were built before the 1990s as combined sewers for rainwater and wastewater. Many are now degraded, silted or undersized and fail to meet current demands. Viet Nam has 83 urban wastewater treatment plants with a combined capacity of over two million cubic metres per day, but they usually operate at only 50-60 per cent due to incomplete collection networks. Only around 18 per cent of domestic wastewater is properly collected and treated, mainly in major developed cities. Meanwhile, investment in drainage remains limited, with approximately US$3 billion spent between 1995 and 2021, while an estimated VN250-300 trillion ($10-12 billion) will be required by 2030. The State budget can only cover 20-25 per cent of this amount, and public-private partnership projects remain scarce. The ministrys report also noted that drainage planning has not kept pace with urbanisation and lacks alignment with planning for traffic, land use and irrigation. Small-scale ground elevation, lake filling and canal encroachment have increased flooding in low-lying areas. Updated climate change scenarios show that extreme rainfall in urban zones could rise by 20-30 per cent, with heavy-rain days doubling compared to the 1990-2000 period. Sea levels rising by 3-4mm per year, combined with high tides, strong storms, river floods and land subsidence of 1.5-2.5cm annually, are putting southern cities such as HCM City, Can Tho and Ca Mau at higher flood risk. Urban flooding now occurs nationwide in various forms, including rain-induced flooding and insufficient drainage in Ha Noi, Hai Phong and a Lat; tidal flooding in HCM City, Can Tho and a Nang; as well as flooding worsened by blocked flows or land subsidence in downstream and coastal areas. National project The Ministry of Construction has proposed that the Government issue a resolution to strengthen the management and investment of urban drainage systems for 2026-2035 and direct the development of a national project on climate-adaptive drainage and flood prevention by 2035 with a vision to 2050. The project will focus on aligning drainage planning with transport, irrigation and land-use plans in each locality while prioritising key works such as retention lakes, pumping stations, tide-control gates, regional pipelines and wastewater treatment systems. The ministry is currently revising the Law on Water Supply and Drainage, expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in May 2026, which will serve as a unified legal framework for drainage, wastewater treatment and urban flood management. In addition to improving regulations on flood control, the ministry highlights the need to apply technologies, diversify funding sources and enhance public awareness to prevent littering, canal encroachment and protect natural drainage systems. By 2035, Viet Nam aims to fundamentally control flooding in major cities, raise the rate of collected and treated domestic wastewater to 30-40 per cent and ensure that major cities have separate or semi-separate drainage systems. The country also aims to complete national flood mapping along with smart warning and drainage operation systems. VNS HCM CITY Around 80 local and international scholars, policymakers and researchers gathered at the Vietnam Business, Economics and Resources Conference 2025 (VBER2025) in HCM City on Thursday. The annual conference, organised by the HCM City Open University's (HCMCOU) Centre for Business, Economics and Resources (CBER), serves as an international academic platform for exchanging insights on business, economics and resource management. It aims to deepen understanding of emerging opportunities and challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape. Speaking at the conference, HCMCOU rector Nguyen Minh Ha said this is the ninth edition of the conference since its inception in 2017, reaffirming the universitys role in promoting academic activities and applied research in Viet Nam. The university remains steadfast in its mission to foster a proactive, innovative and adaptable learning society. These achievements demonstrate the universitys continuous efforts to enhance the quality of education, research and community engagement. We hope that the discussions and networking opportunities at VBER2025 will offer valuable insights and foster future research collaborations and academic development, he said. With the theme Public Health, Household Welfare, and Financial Resilience, this years event featured more than 30 research papers contributed by academics and graduate students from Viet Nam and overseas. The studies span three major fields, including ebusiness: finance, accounting, management, banking, marketing and auditing; economics: public, international, regional and environmental economics; and resources: natural and human resources, including energy and agriculture. VBER2025 also featured two keynote speeches by leading international scholars: Professor Sanjay Singh from the University of Dundee School of Business in the UK and Professor Theodor F. Cojoianu from Singapore Management University. Their presentations offered practical insights, research experiences and recommendations to inspire young researchers. Outstanding papers showcased at the conference are considered for publication in reputable Scopus-indexed journals. Special awards will be presented for Best Paper and Best Paper on Gender Studies, Sustainable Finance, or Energy/Environmental Economics. Upholding the universitys core value of linking academic knowledge with community engagement, the event will include a Young Researchers Forum titled Sharing is Caring: Starting Your Research Journey Why, When, What & How. The forum will be led by Dr Hoang Trung Lai from the University of Western Australia, offering students opportunities to interact with experts and strengthen independent research skills. Dr. Vo Hong uc, executive director of CBER and chair of the organising committee, said the centre has completed more than 20 research projects funded by government agencies and has advised HCM City authorities on issues ranging from remittances to financing urban infrastructure. Since its establishment in 2020, CBER has played a central role in fostering research capacity among lecturers and postgraduate students. The centre collaborates with international institutions, promotes publication in high-impact journals indexed in SCOPUS, ISI and ABDC, and supports university-wide research activities. To date, it has produced more than 100 international publications, including in journals such as Journal of Economic Surveys, Renewable Energy, Energy Policy, Applied Economics and Economics Letters. VNS HA NOI There are no Vietnamese victims so far in the fatal apartment fire in Hong Kong (China) that broke out on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on Thursday extended her deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the fire during the press briefing held on Thursday in Ha Noi. She said that immediately after receiving the information, the Foreign Ministry had instructed the Consulate General of Viet Nam in Hong Kong and Macao (China) to urgently contact local authorities to verify whether any Vietnamese nationals had been affected. The Consulate General has also reached out to Vietnamese community groups in Hong Kong to gather information and prepare citizen-protection measures should any cases involving Vietnamese citizens arise. According to information from the Consulate General of Viet Nam in Hong Kong and Macao (China), no Vietnamese citizens have been recorded among the victims so far, she said. The fire that broke out at the Wang Fuk Court apartment complex in Tai Po District, Hong Kong, quickly turned into a tragedy. As of November 27, at least 55 people had died, while over two hundred remained unaccounted for, and dozens of others were in critical condition and nearly 900 residents had been evacuated to eight temporary shelters. Nearly 900 firefighters and rescue workers, along with hundreds of specialised vehicles, were deployed to the scene. VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has urged ministries and provinces to accelerate public investment disbursement, warning that spending in health and education sectors is falling behind national targets and could undermine growth plans. Chairing a meeting on Thursday, Long said national public investment spending must reach 100 per cent in 2025 to support economic growth of at least 8 per cent and pave the way for double-digit expansion in 2026. He noted that despite repeated directives, two key ministries Health and Education and Training remain behind the national average. The Ministry of Education and Training has disbursed just over 28 per cent of its allocated capital this year, while the Ministry of Health has reached only 20 per cent. Major hospital projects, including branch facilities for the National Obstetrics Hospital, Bach Mai Hospital and Viet uc Hospital, have fallen behind schedule due to slow design approvals, fire safety certification, environmental permits and medical equipment procurement. Long said many legal and procedural obstacles had been resolved months ago, adding that disparities between ministries show that subjective factors are now the main cause of delays. He urged both ministries to coordinate closely with finance, agriculture and ethnic affairs agencies as well as others to avoid duplicate tasks under the national target programmes, and to move stalled projects forward before the end of the year. The meeting also reviewed progress in the southern province of An Giang, which is preparing a slate of major projects ahead of the 2027 APEC Summit. Chairman of the An Giang People's Committee Ho Van Mung said the province has largely stabilised operations under its new two-tier local government model, adding that earlier administrative snags have been resolved. Economic growth reached 7.85 per cent in the first nine months, the highest in the Mekong Delta region, though still short of the provinces original scenario. Full-year growth is expected to reach around 8.17 per cent. Tourism revenue rose by 78 per cent year-on-year, surpassing annual targets, while industrial output and retail sales also outperformed expectations. The province is accelerating work on the Chau oc-Can Tho-Soc Trang Expressway after the Prime Minister ordered the schedule shortened by 14 months. He said An Giang aims to open the route to traffic on December 19. Key projects serving the APEC Summit, including an expanded international airport, a new conference centre and major arterial roads, are meeting or exceeding schedule after investors and contractors were finalised, he added. An Giang has disbursed roughly 63 per cent of its public investment capital so far this year, above the national average. The province has pledged to hit 100 per cent by year-end. Health sector projects remain the biggest pressure point. The Ministry of Health estimates that its disbursement will surge in December, potentially reaching 64.8 per cent. Bach Mai and Viet uc Hospital facilities in Ninh Binh are now expected to complete major construction components by December 19, timed to coincide with nationwide inaugurations ahead of the Partys 14th National Congress. Authorities hope to bring part of the facilities into use shortly after. Deputy PM Long said the Government remains committed to its 2025 goals and that ministries cannot afford further slips. Clear metrics, such as disbursement rates and provincial growth figures, will be used to evaluate senior officials. He praised An Giang for outperforming the national average and urged ministries to support the province as it prepares for APEC. Most policy bottlenecks facing An Giang have already been resolved, he said, adding that the remaining challenge is execution. "I am confident An Giang can meet and surpass its 8 per cent growth target in 2025 and reach double-digit growth in 2026," the leader said. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) on Thursday convened a Policy Dialogue Conference with international partners to strengthen coordination across areas of shared interest, expand partnerships, and promote more effective use of resources in line with Viet Nams socio-economic development priorities. In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Vu Chien Thang noted that as of November 2025, Viet Nam had established diplomatic relations with 195 countries and territories and announced partnership frameworks at various levels, including 14 Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships, 11 Strategic Partnerships and 15 Comprehensive Partnerships. The countrys political and social environment remains stable, the economy continues to grow, and living standards have improved considerably. Average GDP growth for 20132024 reached nearly 6 per cent, with projections of 8 per cent in 2025. He said Viet Nam truly appreciates the contributions of international organisations, bilateral development partners, and foreign non-governmental organisations. Their support has been invaluable in helping Viet Nam build infrastructure, push forward institutional reforms, roll out social programmes, promote climate adaptation and a just energy transition, boost global economic integration, and strengthen national competitiveness. The deputy minister added that Viet Nam is undertaking a sweeping restructuring of its political and administrative apparatus toward a leaner, more efficient and effective system, shifting from administrative management to governance that serves the people and addressing institutional bottlenecks to pave the way for national development in a new era. As part of this restructuring, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs was merged with the MoHA on March 1, 2025, resulting in new requirements for strengthening international integration and partnerships within the sector. Given the need to adjust governance models and enhance the capacity of civil servants across all levels, MoHA has been tasked with reorganising administrative units nationwide and establishing a two-tier local government model, which officially came into operation on July 1. He emphasised that this process calls for close collaboration, experience sharing, and technical support from international partners to ensure smooth implementation and tackle any new challenges that arise. At the conference, MoHA representatives presented the ministrys new organisational structure, functions and mandates, as well as orientations and plans for international cooperation and integration for 20262027. Representatives from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), UNDP, IMF Viet Nam and UN Women shared insights into new global trends in areas under the ministrys purview. Ha Thi Minh uc, Vice Director of the MoHA's Department of International Cooperation, highlighted the upcoming challenges for the ministry in public governance, data connectivity, digital capacity, administrative culture, and compliance with international commitments and labour standards amid socio-economic development, population ageing, social security pressures, and employment and livelihood issues. Regarding multilateral cooperation, uc called for strengthened support from UN agencies, particularly in public administration management and labour market development. In bilateral cooperation, she proposed expanding technical cooperation projects with countries possessing advanced administrative systems and promoting agreements and memoranda of understanding, alongside enhanced professional exchanges. Sinwon Park, Director of the ILO Country Office for Viet Nam, said the ILO is advancing a global agenda centred on decent work and social justice. She proposed three strategic areas of cooperation: strengthening labour governance and institutional capacity, promoting comprehensive, adaptive social protection, and advancing productive employment, skills development and transition. Delegates discussed key areas of cooperation under the ministrys scope. Deputy minister Thang shared that the Vietnamese Government is quickly pushing forward the creation of a national labour exchange platform to make labour market matching more efficient, transparent, and continuous. He appreciated the proposals and recommendations from the event, assuring they will be thoroughly reviewed and sent to the relevant agencies and the Government. VNA/VNS by Jonathan Kujawa A few months ago, here at 3QD, we learned that even the humble number two has the ability to lead us to mathematical riches. It is the base of the worlds largest known prime number and the root of irrationality. And I, for one, was surprised to learn that every counting number can be expressed using four twos, elementary mathematical operations, and a dose of cleverness. That last one is a parlor puzzle that has stumped many a numerologist. That led me to triangles. If one of the first counting numbers could be so interesting, then surely the first nontrivial polygon must be worth a second or third look? After all, Ben Orlin has a top ten list of his favorite triangles. On the other hand, what more can be said? After all, people have thought about the mathematics of triangles for thousands of years. The Babylonians knew about triangular mathematics and the square root of two in 1600 BCE. Probably the most famous theorem about triangles is the Pythagorean Theorem. If you stop someone on the street and ask them what they know about triangles, no doubt the Pythagorean Theorem is going to be very high on their list. It even makes an appearance of sorts in the Wizard of Oz [1]. The Pythagorean Theorem is certainly handy, including in real-world geometric calculations. And it has a simple elegance that is hard to beat. Lewis Caroll wrote in 1895: It is as dazzlingly beautiful now as it was in the day when Pythagoras first discovered it. Part of what makes it so famous, though, is its many, many, many, many, many proofs. For example, here is a wordless proof from Wikipedia: In fact, there are at least 400 different proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem. While the earliest proofs go back to the ancient Greeks, there has been a cottage industry devoted to finding new proofs [4]. Nearly a century ago, Elisha Scott Loomis compiled and classified no less than 344 proofs into a book entitled The Pythagorean Proposition, and there have been plenty more since then. One was discovered by a precocious Albert Einstein at the age of twelve. One was discovered by James A. Garfield in 1867 while he was a Congressman [5]. Just last year, NeKiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson, then high school students in Louisiana, found an additional 5-10 proofs. A recent paper gives infinitely many proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem by taking advantage of the fractal-like self-similarity you get by nesting infinitely many of the original Pythagorean shapes, one within the next. Why bother? After all, more proofs dont make the Pythagorean Theorem more true. Partially, it is just for the fun of it. Rather than doomscrolling on TikTok, why not noodle on Pythagoreans Theorem or another bit of geometry? Perhaps a better reason is that a new proof requires new thinking, and new thinking can give new understanding. In writing this essay, I learned about Barry Mazurs Pythagorean Blob Theorem. Not only is it a cool way to think about the Pythagorean Theorem, it illustrates Polyas inventors paradox: sometimes it is easier to solve a seemingly more general and harder problem. Here is a charming ten-minute video about it. Of course, right triangles arent the only triangles. What about all the wrong triangles? Apocryphally, Napoleon Bonaparte supposedly came up with what we now call Napoleons Theorem. It says that if you start with a triangle, put an equilateral triangle on each side of that original triangle, then the centers of those equilateral triangles form an equilateral triangle. In 1935, a twenty-two-year-old Paul Erdos proposed a conjecture: if you pick any point on the inside of a triangle, then the sum of the distances from that point to the vertices of the triangle at least twice the sum of the distances from that point to the centers of the sides of the triangle. That is, in the image to the right, the total length of the blue lines is at least twice that of the red lines. Erdoss conjecture was proven in 1937 by Mordell and Barrow [7]. I learned this fun fact from John Cooks excellent micro-blog. It also has a personal resonance for me: I had the experience of meeting Paul Erdos thirty years ago when I was an undergraduate in the Budapest Semesters in Mathematics program. In another personal connection, I recently learned of Marions Theorem. It was discovered by Marion Walters, who was emeritus faculty at the University of Oregon when I was a graduate student. I remember Marion with great fondness as a kind person you could easily chat with at departmental teas. Little did I know that Marion and her collaborators discovered a remarkable result about triangles only a few years before those teas! Say you start with an arbitrary triangle and draw the pairs of lines for each angle that split that angle into three equal angles. The result will be a hexagon in the middle of the triangle formed by the six lines: Marions theorem is that the area of the hexagon is always exactly 1/10 the area of the original triangle. Why 1/10? I have no idea. There is no obvious reason it should be true, nor that the number 10 should play a role. This feels like one of those theorems where you will need to read multiple proofs to get a feeling for where the 1/10 comes from. I shared Marions theorem with my colleague, Ren Guo. One of Rens research interests is to take a result from Euclidean geometry and find its analogues in non-Euclidean geometry. For example, we live on the sphere known as the Earth. You can draw triangles and other geometric shapes on the surface of a sphere and ask what happens in this new geometry. You have to be careful. Your geometric intuition can fail you. For example, a triangle with one vertex at the north pole and two on the equator can have three right angles! Nevertheless, if youre careful, you can often still translate classical geometric facts into non-Euclidean geometry. For example, if your sphere has radius R, and you have a right triangle ABC where the right angle is C, then the spherical version of the Pythagorean Theorem is While it is a nice-looking formula, it doesnt look much like the Pythagorean Theorem, does it? It is actually hidden in this formula. First, you write the cosines using Taylor series from calculus. You then study what happens as the radius R gets larger and larger. The larger the radius, the bigger the sphere, and the flatter its surface becomes (the bigness of the Earth is why Oklahoma looks so flat when you look across the plains). As R tends towards infinity, the Taylor series of this formula tends toward the classic Pythagorean Theorem that you know and love. Ren indulged me by spending a day trying to figure out a spherical or hyperbolic version of Marions theorem. He didnt have any luck, though. That means, as far as I know, it is an open question to find a version of Marions theorem in non-Euclidean geometry. If high school students can find new proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem 2000+ years after Euclid, I cant imagine were finished learning about triangles. [1] Image borrowed from here. [2] Speaking of learning new things, I just learned that the Scarecrows confidently incorrect version of the Pythagorean Theorem was a deliberate choice by the screenwriters. It was meant to show that the Wizard did not give the Scarecrow knowledge or intelligence, only confidence. [3] Animation created by William B. Faulk https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pythagoras-proof-anim.svg, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link. [4] Although even here, the Babylonians were ahead of the curve. The Plimpton 322 cuniform tablet shows that they were aware of what we now call Pythagorean Triples. These are a list of three counting numbers that can be used to make up the sides of a right triangle. For example, (3,4,5), (7, 24, 25), and (20,99,101) are Pythagorean Triples. [5] How far we have fallen. It is hard to imagine a US Congressman doing math recreationally these days, never mind actually contributing something new! [6] Image borrowed from John Cooks excellent micro-blog. [7] In another curious coincidence, the Barrow who proved Erdoss conjecture was David F. Barrow, a mathematician at the University of Georgia. I spent nearly four years at UGA and frequently walked by Barrow Elementary School on my way to work, named after Barrows father, another UGA mathematician. Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. Managing director Andrew Khan shared Carlsberg Vietnams approach to renewable-energy transition during the DPPA panel at the Green Economy Forum 2025 On November 27, the Green Economy Forum (GEF) 2025 brought together policymakers, business leaders, and sustainability experts to discuss the regulatory and market shifts shaping Vietnams sustainability journey and its progress. Carlsberg Vietnam joined the panel discussion on direct power purchase agreement (DPPA) challenges and opportunities for foreign-invested enterprises in Vietnam, to exchange viewpoints and stay aligned with Vietnams evolving sustainability priorities. During the panel discussion, Andrew Khan, managing director of Carlsberg Vietnam, shared practical insights into renewable-energy sourcing and outlined how the company is preparing its next steps in line with Vietnams broader energy direction. An evolving sustainability journey Carlsberg Vietnam has been part of Vietnams economic landscape for over 30 years. As one of the earliest Danish investors in the country, the company has grown alongside local communities, and sustainability has become a core pillar of its long-term strategy. This is most evident at the companys Phu Bai Brewery, which was expanded in August. Recent investments in upgraded equipment, advanced technologies, and automation have helped reduce environmental impacts while improving productivity. Today, Phu Bai Brewery runs on iREC-certified renewable electricity and biomass-powered steam. Its high-efficiency brew line reduces water use by 20 per cent and energy consumption by 15 per cent, while improved refrigeration systems help lower emissions further. These advancements underpin Carlsberg Vietnams environmental roadmap: zero waste to landfill by end of 2025, 100 per cent recyclable or reusable packaging and 2.0 hl/hl water efficiency by 2026, and net-zero carbon emissions in production by 2028. DPPA a key enabler for Carlsberg Vietnams net-zero roadmap The DPPA session at GEF 2025 underscored that Vietnams renewable energy transition will require coordination between policymakers, developers, and businesses. Representing Carlsberg Vietnam, Khan highlighted how DPPA fits into the companys long-term sustainability commitments. Across the Carlsberg Group, power purchase agreements (PPAs) play a central role in securing electricity from newly built renewable projects. Long-term PPAs across Europe and Asia reflect the groups ambition to source all electricity from new-build renewable assets by 2030, positioning Carlsberg among the early movers in the global brewing industry. For Carlsberg Vietnam, DPPA is the natural continuation of this global approach. While the company has sourced renewable electricity through I-RECs since 2022, Khan noted that certificates are only a beginning. To reach net-zero production emissions by 2028, Carlsberg Vietnam is preparing to expand renewable-energy use through DPPA participation and on-site solar projects, aligned with Vietnams net-zero roadmap by 2050 and the groups global targets. DPPA helps make renewable sourcing more meaningful and impactful, shared Khan. It strengthens Vietnams clean-energy infrastructure, supports long-term sustainability goals, and signals a clear commitment to modernising the power market and attracting high-quality green investment. It also opens the door for deeper technology and expertise exchange between Vietnam and Europe. European enterprises can bring innovation, technical know-how, and financing solutions that support Vietnams climate agenda. With global experience and a strong local commitment, Carlsberg Vietnam is ready to play a constructive role in this transition. In his remarks, Khan noted that DPPA strengthens Vietnams clean-energy transition while creating new avenues for innovation and EUVietnam knowledge sharing Sustainability beyond energy: a long-term commitment to communities Carlsberg Vietnams sustainability journey also extends into the communities where it operates, especially in Central Vietnam, home of the Huda brand. Through its long-running Fresh Water for Beloved Central programme, the company has delivered clean water to nearly 40,000 people across seven years. Its annual Lunar New Year initiative, Tet is Full, Tet is Love, has supported more than 75,000 beneficiaries over the past decade. The company also stands with communities in moments of hardship. When historic floods recently struck Central Vietnam, Carlsberg Vietnam mobilised VND1.5 billion ($56,866) in emergency relief for affected households in Hue and Danang. Ahead of GEF 2025, the company further joined EuroChams urgent crowdfunding campaign, contributing $1,000 to the Vietnam Fatherland Front alongside other member companies a collective effort towards one resilient Vietnam. Carlsberg Vietnam donated VND1.5 billion ($56,866) to support residents in Hue and Danang in rebuilding their lives after the historic floods Together, these sustained efforts reflect Carlsberg Vietnams commitment to community resilience, shown through both long-term programmes and timely support when it is needed most. This dedication was recognised with the 2025 EuroCham Community Impact Award, underscoring the companys continued partnership with the communities it serves. A dedicated partner to Vietnams green transition As Vietnam accelerates its sustainability journey, Carlsberg Vietnam sees its own roadmap as part of a long-term partnership with the country. The company remains committed to practical, steady progress: strengthening environmental performance, improving operational efficiency, and sustaining community initiatives across the regions where it operates. Through these efforts, Carlsberg Vietnam aims to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future for the country, staying true to its purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow. Carlsberg offers excellence in Vietnam The inauguration of Carlsbergs expanded Phu Bai brewery represents commitment to build a world-class supply chain in one of Asias most dynamic markets. Joy Rice, vice president for Supply Chain of Carlsberg Asia, shared her insights with VIRs Van Mai on how operational excellence and sustainability go hand-in-hand, and whats next for the groups ambitions. Carlsberg Vietnam donates nearly $56,000 to support Hue and Danang after floods Following devastating floods in Central Vietnam, Carlsberg has contributed VND1.5 billion ($56,977) to support relief and recovery efforts in Hue and Danang, two localities hardest hit by the historic rainfall and landslides. Artist helping dementia patients rediscover creativity wins top award An artist who uses his expert skills to help people with dementia rediscover their creative talents has been honoured with a prestigious award. Jason Bennion, a creative arts consultant at the Pendine Park care organisation in Wrexham, won a silver prize in this years Wales Care Awards. Held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, the awards ceremony paid tribute to the frontline heroes of social care. Jason was a finalist in The Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Wales Care Award for Promoting the Arts in Social Care category. An award-winning international illustrator, Jason joined Pendine Parks enrichment activities team last year after initially volunteering to give his partner, the care companys Artist in Residence Sarah Edwards, an extra pair of hands to deliver arts and crafts projects. According to Jason, it was a privilege to have the role with the organisation and to help reignite peoples passion for the arts. He said: The beauty of creativity is that once you break down those barriers, and once they realise theres no pressure and they can just enjoy it, it does something magical. And some of the work the residents create is incredible, the standards and levels of their work have improved massively. And what is great is about how much the residents enjoy it, how it is giving them such purpose. I am very privileged to be able to do this and what really gives me joy is when a resident says to me theyre proud of the artwork theyve created, thats such a rewarding thing to hear. Cindy said: When you look at their paintings for example when Jason started 18 months ago to the work they create now, you can really see the progression in their artwork. Jason is helping our residents bring back the creative skills they may have had many years ago that they have since forgotten or have been unable to enjoy. As care staff, you dont always know the residents had those skills in the past, so its lovely to see those skills coming through again, especially this late in life. And its great when the families get involved as well with the art sessions, not just the residents. Its sometimes hard for the families to know what to talk about with some of the residents, so the workshops engage everybody and its something for them to talk about. The Wales Care Awards is organised by Care Forum Wales, with the support of this years overall sponsor Meddyg Care. Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards once again shone a light on the unsung heroes and heroines who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation. He said: For more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector. The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector its the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically. Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised. Controversy erupts over increase in minimum pension age for UK public sector workers Members of the The Clwyd Pension Fund committee have hit out at plans to increase the minimum pension age to 57-years-old that have blindsided public sector workers. The legislation, which was signed into law in 2022 by the UK Government under the Finance Act, is being applied retrospectively to members of the fund prior to November 4, 2021. It is an attempt to rectify age discrimination that took place against younger public service pension scheme members when pensions switched from final salary schemes to career average payments. Now the Clwyd Pension Fund which supports retired council officers, councillors and selected partner organisations from Wrexham, Flintshire and Denbighshire has been asked to respond to a Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government consultation on the implementation of the changes. Some committee members branded the change unjust claiming council employees across North Wales who are planning their retirement are finding their plans negatively impacted with no way of preparing their finances. The Clwyd Pension Fund has around 52,000 members and pays out more than 70m in pensions annually. Its funds are managed in part by the Wales Pension Partnership (WPP). Because the change is retrospective and affects anybody who was in the fund immediately prior to November 2021, anybody that has joined the fund since may not be aware of the changes (to the minimum pension age), said Karen Williams, the funds Pensions Administration Manager. As a result I do think some members have been potentially blindsided by the change. There has been a lack of communication, I think, in terms of members being able to make informed decisions in relation to their future planning for retirement, especially for their retirement living standards. When the age was increased form 50 to 55 it was a future change and people were able to plan for it., I dont think there has been a consistent approach in relation to changing it from 55 to 57. It doesnt help members and it doesnt help us as officers administering the fund. Committee members were critical of the change. A significant number of our staff do hard, physical work, said Flintshire Cllr Alasdair Ibbotson. For example, binmen, having to go around in their late 50s bearing in mind we are talking about an increase in the age when you can claim a reduced pension having to go around and do that physical labour well into their 60s is not reasonable. The fact the UK Government is trying to impose this change should be fiercely resisted. Retirement age is a political decision and should be treated as such. As officers reminded the committee that the legislation itself was not up for consultation or change only the implementation of it Wrexham Cllr Anthony Wedlake spoke out. Its a political decision, he said. We should still be able to comment on the fairness of the decision as a committee. This clearly affects our members. Despite the legislation having already having been passed by Parliament, Cllr Ibbotson asked the committee to formally note its opposition to the idea of increasing the minimum retirement age especially as the Clwyd Pension Funds own demographic data shows projected life expectancy falling. Changing the pension age is extracting more and more from working people when less and less is expected of the very richest in our society, he said. It is not valid or just. If we submit a narrow, technical response we are giving tacit consent to this change and we shouldnt. We should resist it. This committee has previously, repeatedly issued statements against pooling the fund and said our hands are tied but we do not agree with it. We should do the same here because it is morally unjust. The committee supported Cllr Ibbotsons recommendation and the committee placed on record its objection to the changes to pension age. China ready to continue to strengthen economic, trade cooperation with EU: spokesperson Xinhua) 10:23, November 27, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to continue to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with the European Union (EU), and hopes that the EU will firmly honor its commitment to openness, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday. Recently, the 18th Europe-China Business & Technology Cooperation Fair was successfully held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. In response to a relevant query at a regular press briefing, Mao said that a total of 18 editions of the fair have been held since 2002, attracting the participation of over 12,000 Chinese and European companies and reaching over 3,300 tentative cooperation deals. The fair is one of the largest investment, trade, innovation and cooperation platforms between China and Europe, with the most extensive participation from EU member states and EU businesses, added Mao. Noting China and the EU are highly complementary economically with deep convergence of interests, Mao said that economic and trade cooperation provides the anchor of China-EU relations. Over the past 50 years since the establishment of China-EU diplomatic ties, annual bilateral trade has grown from 2.4 billion U.S. dollars to more than 780 billion U.S. dollars, and the stock of two-way investment has jumped to over 270 billion U.S. dollars. She said that so far, nationals of 25 EU member states can travel to China visa-free, and the China Railway Express has run nearly 120,000 trips, reaching more than 200 cities in 26 European countries. The respective strengths of China and the EU has enabled mutual benefit and delivered tangibly to people of both sides, Mao added. "We stand ready to continue stepping up economic and trade cooperation with the EU, and promoting the sound and steady development of China-EU relations. We also hope the EU can firmly honor its commitment to openness and seize the important opportunities offered by China's development," said Mao. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BANGKOK (AP) A court in Thailand said Wednesday that it has issued an arrest warrant for a co-owner of the Miss Universe Organization in connection with a fraud case. Jakkaphong Anne Jakrajutatip was charged with fraud then released on bail in 2023. She failed to appear as required in a Bangkok court on Tuesday. Since she did not notify the court about her absence, she was deemed to be a flight risk, according to a statement from the Bangkok South District Court. The court rescheduled the hearing for Dec. 26. According to the courts statement, Jakkaphong and her company, JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., were sued for allegedly defrauding Raweewat Maschamadol in selling him the companys corporate bonds in 2023. Raweewat says the investment caused him to lose 30 million baht ($930,362). Financially troubled JKN defaulted on payments to investors beginning in 2023 and began debt rehabilitation procedures with the Central Bankruptcy Court in 2024. The company says it has debts totaling about 3 billion baht ($93 million). JKN acquired the rights to the Miss Universe pageant from IMG Worldwide LLC in 2022. In 2023, it sold 50% of its Miss Universe shares to Legacy Holding Group USA, which is owned by a Mexican businessman, Raul Rocha Cantu. In an unrelated case in Mexico, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that Rocha Cantu has been under investigation since November 2024 for alleged organized crime activity, including drug and arms trafficking, as well as fuel theft. The Attorney Generals Office said in a statement that Raul R was the target of the investigation. A federal agent who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the investigation confirmed that was Rocha Cantu. The Miss Universe Organization did not respond to a request for comment. Earlier this month, a federal judge in Mexico approved 13 arrest orders against targets in the case. The federal agent would not confirm or deny whether an order was issued for Rocha Cantu. Jakkaphong resigned from all of the companys positions in June after being accused by Thailands Securities and Exchange Commission of falsifying the companys 2023 financial statements. She remains its largest shareholder. Her whereabouts remain unclear. She did not appear at the 74th Miss Universe competition, which was held in Bangkok earlier this month. This years competition was marred by various problems, including a sharp-tongued scolding by a Thai organizer of Fatima Bosch Fernandez of Mexico, who was crowned Miss Universe 2025 on Nov. 19. Two judges reportedly dropped out, with one suggesting that there was an element of rigging to the contest. Separately, Thai police investigated allegations that publicity for the event included illegal promotion of online casinos. On Monday, JKN denied rumors that Jakkaphong had liquidated the companys assets and fled the country, but there has been no immediate reaction regarding the arrest warrant. She could not be reached for comment. Jakkaphong is a well-known celebrity in Thailand who has starred in reality shows and is outspoken about her identity as a transgender woman. AP writer Fabiola Sanchez in Mexico City contributed to this report. BISSAU, Guinea-Bissau (AP) Soldiers in Guinea-Bissau on Thursday announced a new junta leader, cementing a forceful takeover of power that began after this week's disputed presidential election and led to deposed President Umaro Sissoco Embalo departing for neighboring Senegal. The military high command in the West African nation inaugurated Gen. Horta Inta-a as the head of the military government, which will oversee a one-year transition period, according to a declaration broadcast on state television. Embalo, meanwhile, arrived in Senegal with a flight chartered by the Senegalese government which has been in direct communication with all concerned Guinea-Bissau actors, Senegals Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement, as the country promised to work with partners to restore democracy in Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau, one of the worlds poorest countries, has been dogged by coups and attempted coups since its independence from Portugal more than 50 years ago, including a coup attempt in October. The country of 2.2 million people is known as a hub for drug trafficking between Latin America and Europe, a trend that experts say has fueled its political crises. Opposition calls for protests against coup Hours after the opposition called for protests against the coup and to demand the publication of election results earlier scheduled for Thursday, the military authorities issued a statement banning public protests and all disturbing actions of peace and stability in the country. In an earlier statement, Inta-a, who was the army chief of staff until the coup and a close ally of the deposed president, said: The inability of political actors to stem the deterioration of the political climate ultimately prompted the intervention of the armed forces. The military authorities earlier said Embalo and other prominent people arrested during the coup were in good health and would remain in custody. It was not immediately clear the terms of Embalos departure to Senegal. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the coup, calling for unconditional release of Embalo and other detained officials and for the respect of the electoral process. West Africas regional bloc known as ECOWAS also held an virtual meeting of heads of state where it condemned the coup and Embalos unlawful detention. Our response will be firm, principled, and consistent with our history, said Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio, who serves as ECOWAS chairman. Several other countries including France condemned the coup and called for respect for the constitutional order. The opposition, meanwhile, purported that Embalo had "fabricated" the coup to avoid an election defeat in Sundays closely contested presidential vote. The military takeover and the reported arrest of Embalo were manufactured to disrupt election results, according to his rival Fernando Dias, who, like Embalo, claimed to have won the vote. The Associated Press could not independently verify the claims by Dias, a member of the Social Renewal Party. Activities returned to normal in the capital Bissau on Thursday, with businesses and public transport gradually picking up. The latest in a string of coups The coup is the latest in a surge of military takeovers in West Africa, where democracy recently has been challenged by disputed elections that analysts say could embolden militaries. It followed presidential and legislative elections which were held at a critical time for the African country as Embalo, a 53-year-old former army general, faced a legitimacy crisis. The opposition said his tenure had long expired and refused to recognize him as president. The coup and past ones in Guinea-Bissau are tied to how much (state) institutions have been undermined and weakened, said Beverly Ochieng, a senior security analyst at the consultancy Control Risks. Under Embalo, she said, the legislature was dissolved unilaterally, the judiciary was operating under capacity, and there were deep-seated sentiments around political influence. Gunshots rang out in the main city of Bissau on Wednesday just days after the tense presidential election, which Embalo and Dias both claimed to have won. In a scene that has become familiar in the region, military officers appeared on state television and claimed they had seized power while the election commissions office was sealed. Dias, 47, said in a video statement that he escaped custody through a back door after reports he was arrested by soldiers. He vowed to fight back. The military officers who announced they had deposed the president cited the discovery of an ongoing plan ... to manipulate electoral results, according to a spokesperson, Dinis NTchama, who was flanked by others during the televised statement. The scheme was set up by some national politicians with the participation of a well-known drug lord, and domestic and foreign nationals, NTchama said. Asadu reported from Abuja, Nigeria. Associated Press reporter Babacar Dione contributed from Dakar. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Attorneys for Tennessee death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols are asking the governor to convert his sentence to life imprisonment with just a month until his scheduled execution date. In asking for clemency from Republican Gov. Bill Lee, they point out that Nichols confessed to the 1988 rape and murder of Karen Pulley, a 20-year-old student at Chattanooga State University, as well as a series of other rapes. Wayne's early taking of responsibility sets him apart from most others on death row. In fact, he would be the first person to be executed for a crime he pleaded guilty to since Tennessee re-enacted the death penalty in 1978, the petition states. Clemency essentially asks for an act of mercy by the governor, who has the power to unilaterally commute a death sentence. It's a last-ditch effort to prevent Nichols execution after his appeals have been exhausted. The last time a Tennessee governor granted clemency was in 2011, when Democrat Phil Bredesen commuted Edward Jerome Harbisons death sentence to life without parole, saying the 1983 murder of Edith Russell was heinous but didnt merit execution. Harbison had done handy work for Russell before her killing. Six people have been executed in Tennessee since Lee took office in 2019. The clemency petition for Nichols argues that he turned his life around in prison, becoming a model inmate who helps make the Riverbend Maximum Security Institution a safer place and even mentoring at-risk youth. The petition credits Pulley's mother, Ann Pulley, with inspiring Nichols' reformation. She asked to speak with him moments after he was sentenced to death. One of his defense attorneys, Rosemarie Bryan, later described the encounter, saying Pulley spoke to Nichols about the Christian faith and salvation and prayed with him. Nichols expressed his remorse and sorrow for what he had done. They were both crying. His defense attorney "felt that Mrs. Pulley was trying to sort of save this kids soul, according to the petition. She met with him twice more before he was transferred out of the county jail. During one visit, she gave him a Bible that he still treasures 35 years later, the petition says. Those visits planted the seed of a desire to better himself, according to the petition, which quotes former correctional officers and prison volunteers who vouch for his rehabilitation. Former Correction Lt. Tony Eden told the attorneys that Nichols was one of the warmest and kindest inmates he encountered in his 30 years with the Tennessee Department of Correction. He was a calming presence on the unit, serving as a role model and mentor to his fellow inmates, Eden said. Former corrections officer Hugh Rushton called Nichols, a true leader who inspired other inmates to better themselves. The clemency application is dated Nov. 7 but was released to the media late Tuesday. The governors office did not immediately respond to a phone message on Wednesday afternoon seeking comment about the clemency request. Nichols declined to choose on Monday between the electric chair and lethal injection for his Dec. 11 execution, meaning the state will default to lethal injection. He has two weeks to change his mind. His attorney Stephen Ferrell said in an email that the Tennessee Department of Correction has not provided enough information about Tennessees lethal execution protocol for our client to make an informed decision about how the state will end his life. The Correction Department issued a new execution protocol in last December that utilizes the single drug pentobarbital. Attorneys for several death row inmates have sued over the new rules, but a trial in that case is not scheduled until April. This story has been updated to correct that the most recent clemency for a death row inmate in Tennessee was in 2011, not 2010. This story was first published Nov. 12, 2025. It was updated Nov. 26, 2025, to correct Karen Pulleys age when she died. She was 20, not 21. Locksley advances Mojave Project with El Campo drilling and final approval at Desert Antimony Mine Drill Program Operations Commence at El Campo Perth, Nov 27, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Locksley Resources Limited ( ASX:LKY ) ( X5L:FRA ) ( LKYRF:OTCMKTS ) provided a significant operational update for its Mojave Project in California, confirming that the project has now transitioned into the drilling program phase. HIGHLIGHTS - Activities have commenced for Locksley's maiden drilling campaign at the El Campo Rare Earths Prospect, marking the start of the high-impact exploration phase - The required reclamation bond for the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) has been accepted by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), triggering full approval for the expanded drilling program - Earthworks and drill site preparation underway at El Campo, with El Campo drilling to be followed immediately by equipment mobilisation to the DAM antimony prospect - Back-to-back drilling programs ensure a continuous flow of exploration news and data through Q1 and Q2, 2026 - These parallel advancements clear the path for testing both high-grade REE targets (up to 12.1% TREO) and the expanded Antimony Exploration Target at DAM Earthworks contractors have mobilised to the El Campo Rare Earths Prospect to begin drill site preparations. This marks the formal commencement of the Company's maiden five drillhole diamond drilling program (Figure 2*). This campaign is designed to test the down-dip continuity of the high-grade REE-bearing breccia zones and shear structures mapped and sampled at surface. The drilling will provide critical geological data to validate the exploration model and confirm the extension of mineralisation at depth. Locksley also announced, following the end of the government shutdown, the acceptance of the required reclamation bond by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM). This payment was the final condition precedent for the expanded Plan of Operations (POO). With the bond now in place, the DAM diamond drilling program is now fully permitted and ready for execution for up to 16 drill holes for ~2,300 metres (Figure 1*). To maximise efficiency and reduce mobilisation costs, the Company has structured a sequential drilling campaign where the diamond drill rig at El Campo will mobilise directly to the DAM prospect upon completion of the REE program. This ensures a continuous flow of exploration news and data through Q1 and Q2, 2026, testing the high-grade potential of both strategic commodities. Kerrie Matthews, Managing Director & CEO, commented: "We are finishing 2025 with strong momentum. By commencing operations at El Campo and finalising the bond for DAM, we have effectively opened two fronts for exploration. To maximise efficiency and reduce mobilisation costs, the Company has structured a sequential drilling campaign. The diamond drill rig at El Campo will mobilise directly to the DAM prospect upon completion of the El Campo REE program. This ensures a continuous flow of exploration news and data through Q1 and Q2, 2026, testing the high-grade potential of both strategic commodities". *To view tables and figures, please visit: https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/UER1RS4K 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 With 8 awards to be won, cast your votes here for your colleagues, employees and team. Celebrating Actuarial talent since 2012. Helen Kinloch, PIC Talent Acquisition Manager: We are delighted to sponsor the Actuary of the Year Awards for a consecutive year. As an organisation with a strong community of actuaries, PIC is proud to celebrate and recognise the incredible talent, skill and dedication that defines the actuarial profession. Actuaries play a vital role both within our business and across the world, from advancing climate and ESG risk analysis to driving both security of peoples financial futures and economic stability and enabling infrastructure and regeneration investment. Congratulations to all nominees your work continues to shape the future of our industry and inspires us all. We are honoured to support these awards which showcases the very best of the profession and are excited to soon announce the 2025 winners! Zoe Bolton, Managing Director at Bolton Associates: 2025 heralds our fifteenth year of Bolton Associates, and we look forward to presenting this years GI Actuary of the Year award at our Crystal Anniversary party! Wednesday 3rd December 2025: clear your diary if you are lucky enough to be nominated! The Bolton Associates team has grown again this year, introducing our Interim Solutions to the market, and this area seems to be on the rise once again. New entrants to Lloyds of London this year have presented exciting new job opportunities for the GI actuarial profession, at various levels. These combined with the ever-increasing number of MGAs, means it continues to be a great time to be an actuary within general insurance! In the Personal Lines space we are seeing a significant increase of AI in the use of claims, systems and processes this creates a need for a different skillset from the actuaries, so we are seeing that evolution. Portfolio Management and Underwriting roles, as last year, are attracting many qualified actuaries, and the rise of the actuarial CFO continues! The actuarial qualification continues to provide an excellent grounding and pathway into insurance, and beyond. Do take the time to nominate your colleagues and mentors this is a well-voted for award, and has a wide reach. Richard Foulds, Associate Partner, Star Actuarial Futures: Star Actuarial Futures is delighted to continue our sponsorship of the Sustainability Actuary of the Year award. 2025 has been a turbulent year for global sustainability, with conflicting opinions across global markets on the importance and hence prioritisation of climate action. Green investment has slowed in the US but accelerated in Europe, creating challenges and opportunities for finance and insurance firms with interests in both markets. Many firms quietly continue funding green projects but avoid labelling them green to evade political backlash, a new phenomenon dubbed greenhushing. Actuaries continue to work hard to understand and mitigate the changing risk landscape, integrating sustainability reporting into the BAU function, and developing more sophisticated models to deal with escalating climate losses, insurance affordability issues, and changing capital regulations. To anyone working directly (or indirectly) in this sector keep up the great work! Congratulations and best of luck to anyone who receives a nomination. I cant wait to see the shortlist this year. AP Awards 2025 Vote Now Click on the award below to make your nomination Actuary of the Year GI Actuary of the Year Sustainability Actuary of the Year Pensions Actuary of the Year Investment Actuary of the Year Life & Health Actuary of the Year Software of the Year Employer of the Year Actuary of the Year 2024 - Gareth Connolly, Chief Actuary at Broadstone 44 Dead, 279 Missing in Hong Kong's Worst High-Rise Fire; Three Construction Executives Arrested 2 At least 44 people were killed and 279 remain missing after a devastating fire swept through multiple high-rise towers in Hong Kongs Wang Fuk Court, in what is being described as the worst fire in the citys history, Chinese state media reported on Thursday. The Hong Kong Police Force confirmed that three men two company directors and a project consultant aged between 52 and 68 have been arrested for suspected manslaughter. The arrested men are executives of a construction firm responsible for installing materials now believed to have accelerated the blaze. Preliminary investigations revealed that protective nets, waterproof canvas, and plastic coverings used on the buildings did not meet fireproof standards. Police also found that polyurethane foam, a highly flammable substance, had been used to seal windows in elevator lobbies, which may have caused the fire to spread rapidly. Hong Kongs Chief Executive John Lee said the fire has left 45 others injured, while hundreds remain unaccounted for. Authorities have launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, with emergency teams working round the clock to locate survivors. Chinese President Xi Jinping extended his condolences late Wednesday, expressing grief over the tragic incident. He directed the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office and the Liaison Office of the Central Peoples Government to support local authorities in rescue operations, medical care, and aid for the victims families, according to the Xinhua news agency. Xi also instructed officials to conduct a thorough safety review to prevent future tragedies, emphasizing that every possible effort must be made to extinguish the fire, rescue those missing, and comfort affected families. The Wang Fuk Court fire marks a dark chapter in Hong Kongs urban safety record, with residents demanding stronger enforcement of building safety regulations and accountability for lapses that led to the catastrophic loss of life. Bar Is the Torchbearer of the Constitution, Says CJI Surya Kant on Constitution Day 2 Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Wednesday hailed the indispensable role of the Bar in safeguarding the rule of law and upholding the sanctity of the Constitution, describing lawyers as the torchbearers who guide the judiciary in fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities. Addressing the Constitution Day celebrations organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), the CJI said that while the courts are seen as sentinels of the Constitution, the Bar ensures that justice reaches every corner of society. When we celebrate the moment when the people of India gave unto themselves the Constitution, I must emphasise that the Bar occupies an indispensable place in fortifying the rule of law and upholding the sanctity of our Constitution. If the courts are the sentinels, then the Bar are the torchbearers who illuminate our path, Justice Kant said. He noted that the legal fraternity plays a crucial role in offering legal aid to the vulnerable and marginalised, and in ensuring that constitutional ideals such as justice, liberty, and equality are not mere words but lived realities. Your perspectives matter profoundly. The seriousness with which you engage in your craft directly influences the transformation of our constitutional future, he added. The CJI urged lawyers to take purposeful steps to spread awareness about constitutional values and align their practice with the Directive Principles of State Policy, calling it essential for a just and inclusive democracy. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who also addressed the gathering, said the Constitutions beauty lies in its balance of power among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. No organ is supreme only the Constitution is sovereign, he said, adding that the judiciary has always intervened when other institutions strayed from constitutional morality. SCBA president Vikas Singh stressed the need to strengthen law-making, justice delivery, and access to justice, while highlighting issues such as black money in elections and criminal elements in politics. He also called for urgent improvements in lower court infrastructure and judicial training to ensure that justice remains accessible to all citizens. Since 2015, November 26 has been celebrated as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. The day, earlier known as Law Day, honours Indias democratic framework and the vision of its founding fathers. An Alabama attorney charged with trying to fatally poison her husband is accused of putting fentanyl in his food on multiple occasions, according to newly released court documents. Sara Baker, a 74-year-old lawyer in Cullman, was taken into custody Tuesday night on 11 felony charges. Baker is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, three counts of attempted murder, second-degree domestic violence, elderly abuse, four counts of soliciting/possessing a controlled substance and unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. According to the criminal complaint made public Wednesday afternoon, the conspiracy to commit murder crime happened between Sept.1 and Nov. 25 when Baker allegedly engaged with one or more people to provide fentanyl to cause the death of her husband, James Doyle Baker. For the attempted murder and domestic violence charges, records state, Baker put fentanyl in his food and/or drink on Sept. 4, Sept. 12, and Sept. 20. A 39-year-old Hanceville woman listed as the witness in the cases against Baker is a client of Bakers. The witness, in an August indictment, is accused of being in possession of burglary tools and swallowing fentanyl in attempt to destroy evidence. The Alabama Supreme Court appointed a special judge - Franklin County District Judge Jamie Sumerel - to preside over the case against Baker. Bakers received a $400,000 property bond and has since been released from the Cullman County Detention Center. Her attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Walgreens is recalling more than 41,000 bottles of its nasal spray due to contamination with bacteria commonly found in raw milk. Canva More than 40,000 bottles of nasal spray sold nationwide have been recalled over contamination concerns. Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol in 1.5 ounce bottles could be contaminated with Pseudomonas lactis, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Customers who purchased the products should stop using it immediately and return it to Walgreens. NDC number for recall is 0363-3114-01 with the following numbers: Lot No. 71409, expires February 28, 2027 Lot No. 71861, expires August 31, 2027 Pseudomonas lactis bacteria can cause a variety of health issues and can be particularly dangerous for those with weakened immune systems or respiratory problems. Symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, muscle ache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and confusion. The FDA has classified the recall as a Level II, meaning the product could cause temporary or reversible health problems but the risk of serious harm is remote. On April 18, 2025, Robert Sullivan led prayers at the Good Friday procession for the Homewood community starting at Homewood Park. (Photo by Greg Garrison/AL.com) ggarrison@al.com Pope Leo XIV has granted a request to remove clergy credentials from a former Homewood priest accused of sexual misconduct, according to a statement released today by Bishop Steven Raica, head of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham. Robert Sullivan, 61, announced Aug. 2 that he was taking personal leave from his duties as pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Homewood beginning Aug. 4. On Aug. 13, Raica said that Sullivan was suspended and being investigated for a relationship with a woman alleged to have begun when she was 17. Sullivan is now no longer a priest, Raica said in the statement released today. In light of complaints made against him in July of this year, Father Robert Sullivan, of his own accord, submitted a petition to Pope Leo, requesting that he be dispensed from all the obligations arising from Holy Orders, Raica said. As is the standard process for such petitions, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith studied the request and presented the petition to the Holy Father, who subsequently granted the dispensation. With communication of Pope Leos decision on Nov. 24, 2025, Robert Sullivan is no longer a cleric in the Catholic Church and, thus, will no longer exercise ordained ministry. Raica said the diocesan investigation into the use of funds possibly paid to the woman had concluded and found that no church funds had been used. The canonical investigation of the allegations, referred to the Dicastery in late summer, now concludes with this dispensation, Raica wrote. A diocesan financial review, initiated at my request due to the significant payments alleged to have been made by then-Father Sullivan, was recently completed and found no link between the allegations and any diocesan, parish, or school funds. The woman making the allegations also shared them with The Guardian, a British newspaper, which published a story on the allegations. The Guardian said Heather Jones, 33, says she met Sullivan in 2009 when she was 17, dancing at a strip club where Sullivan was a patron. Jones told the newspaper that Sullivan offered her money to begin a sexual relationship and offered to pay her $273,000 to sign a legal non-disclosure document. Jones, who agreed to let the Guardian go public with her identity, shared an unsigned copy of the non-disclosure agreement with the Guardian. The Guardian said she shared bank records that show Jones received a wire transfer of $136,500 from an account under the name of the attorneys law office. Jones received another $136,500 wire transfer from the same law office account a day later, the bank records indicated. The Guardian also reported that a Venmo account under Sullivans name paid nearly $120,000 to Jones. Jones told the Guardian she went public with allegations because Sullivan had continued working closely with families and their children as the pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows church in Homewood. Others may be vulnerable to the same type of manipulation and exploitation, she told the Guardian. Jones, in her statement to the diocese and to the Guardian, said she grew up in foster care after being removed from her mothers custody due to severe neglect. She wrote that she lacked consistent adult support so she tried to make ends meet by working as a dancer at an adult establishment in the Birmingham area. Jones wrote that Sullivan was a regular patron and offered to help change her life if she called him. Sullivan proposed to form an ongoing relationship that would include financial support in exchange for private companionship, Jones wrote, telling the Guardian that included sex. She said Sullivan took her shopping, dining, drinking and to hotel rooms to engage in sex, beginning when she was 17. I was hesitant but ultimately agreed due to his persistence and the state [of mind] I was in, she wrote. She wrote that Sullivan paid for her to attend a rehabilitation program after she experienced depression and addiction during their arrangement. Jones said she did not know whether the payments to her came out of his personal finances. Jones said Sullivan said he was happy to give her money because he loved her and so did Jesus Christ. Jones wrote that she asked for $100,000 more because the agreement heavily favored his interests and she began to see the relationship as exploitative and predatory. She said she did not hear back on that suggestion. She said she gave her statement to the diocese shortly after writing it on July 23. Jones told the Guardian she recently began law school and did not abide by the terms of the non-disclosure statement because she believed it would not hold up in court. Behind closed doors, his behavior toward me was not in alignment with the values he teaches, Jones wrote. Raica had removed Sullivan from duties as a priest during the investigation. These four months since the allegations surfaced have been challenging in the life of our local Church, Raica said in the statement released Wednesday, a day before Thanksgiving. Therefore, I am grateful for the patience and resilience of all who have been affected directly or indirectly by this matter. Please know of my spiritual closeness to each of you, and that the Lord will heal your hearts and fortify your trust in Him, Who desires to lead us all through the trials of life to the glories of heaven. By Jessica Schladebeck New York Daily News (TNS) Garrick Merrifield, who appears on TLCs Seeking Sister Wife, was arrested in Colorado for domestic violence, just days after he and his wife announced the birth of their baby daughter, according to reports. The polygamist reality star, who has two wives and four children, was taken into custody on Monday in Chaffee County, TMZ reported. He was released on bail and is facing charges including misdemeanor domestic violence and intentionally obstructing telephone service, according to online records obtained by the outlet. The exact circumstances leading up to 40-year-old Merrifields arrest have not been provided. It comes just over a week after he and his wife, Lorrana, announced they had welcomed their first child together back in July. Merrifield also shares three children with his first wife Dannielle: teen sons Geremiah and Solomon, and daughter Leia, born in May 2023. The couple invited Lorrana, whos from Brazil, to join their family as a sister wife in 2024 a journey that was documented on the sixth season of Seeking Sister Wife. The reality television show, which debuted on TLC in 2018, follows families in polygamous relationships as they seek, date or incorporate a new sister wife into their lives. One day, at a Mexican restaurant, nothing seemed to have any taste; even my drink seemed strange. Garrick and Dani noticed that I was different, and Dani suggested that I take a pregnancy test, Lorrana told People of learning she was pregnant. At first, I denied it, but a few days later I decided to take the test, and it came back positive. She added: I could hardly believe it! My heart raced, tears of happiness streamed down my face, and a unique feeling overwhelmed me. 2025 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. When State Rep. Prince Chestnut, D-Selma, in 2024, introduced a bill that would mandate Alabama retail outlets take cash, the House Commerce and Small Business Committee shut down the idea in a 6-3 vote. That failed effort means Alabama has not joined the ranks of states enacting laws against establishments going cashless. With no federal cashless ban, states are enacting their own rules. Massachusetts has had a statewide ban since 1978. New Jersey made a similar move in 2019. Ten states have since joined. The latest is New York. Last week, New York Governor Kathleen Hochul signed a bill that made it illegal for retailers to refuse cash payments. Requiring cash acceptance ensures these individualswho often come from low-income American householdscan access essential goods and services, Chestnut told AL.com. About one in 20 households in Alabama, or 5.2%, are without a bank account, and the reasons could range from inability to meet the minimum balance requirement to need for privacy, avoidance of bank account fees, and lack of trust in banks. Making sure cash is accepted protects consumer choice and offers a level of privacy that digital payments do not, Chestnut said. Cash transactions do not generate data that can be tracked, sold, or hacked, which is a concern for some consumers. He explained that cash payments are immune to technical outages and power failures and his bill would have ensured that businesses cannot discriminate against people who prefer to pay in cash. Chestnut fears the cashless trend can exclude a significant portion of the population from fully participating in the economy. He said the bill was defeated because of opposition from retailers but does not preclude bringing it up again. If I sense there is a will to advance it with House committee members, and if communities embrace the bill and are willing to call their legislators and demand it, I will bring it back, Chestnut explained. I initially brought it to help the unbanked, the senior citizens, those persons who are more comfortable handling their own money instead of plastic cards, and those people who believe that in America our choices should not be limited. Fifteen Republicans and eight Democrats joined Chestnuts 2024 bill as co-sponsors, but the Alabama Retailers Association pushed against it. And when the move failed, the group said that was the best outcome for preserving the right of business owners to run their business as they see fit. Small businesses should be free to choose how to serve their customers, an official with the association said at the time. Retailers are entitled to accept or reject any method of payment, and, accordingly, customers are entitled to choose whether or not to shop there. The Alabama Legislature had in 2023 enacted a law requiring K-12 sport events have cash payment options for tickets. Curtis Travis, D-Tuscaloosa supported that bill at the time and was one of the co-sponsors of Chestnuts 2024 bill. It is about giving people that option, especially for people who, for whatever reason, prefer not to use debit or credit cards, Travis said. I think it is appropriate that all businesses be willing to accommodate everyone and that includes those people who use cash, he said. Spokesperson for the Alabama Retailers Association, Brittany Peters, however, said retailers choose different payment methods for various reasons. Some opt for credit-only models to reduce the risk of theft, particularly for businesses such as food trucks or mobile vendors that are more vulnerable when handling cash, she said in a statement to AL.com. Others may favor cash payments to avoid credit-card processing fees associated with small-dollar transactions. We believe small businesses should be free to choose how to serve their customers. Retailers are entitled to determine which forms of payment they accept, and customers may decide whether they wish to shop with a business based on those policies. This is a guest opinion column Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. In fact, while a few other countries have a national day for prayer or thankfulness, nothing truly resembles our Thanksgiving Day. Europe, with its more established countries, scoffs at such a notion of commemorating the virtue or emotion of thanksgiving. They might celebrate national accomplishments like successful harvests, vanquishing enemies, and religious observations. A day for thanksgiving related to the passing of a particular calamity might occur every now and again, but having an annual, nationally observed day is only something the brash, provincial, unsophisticated Americans would do. It seems against the dignity of a strong country to cancel work and devote a day to appreciation. To be thankful is to acknowledge vulnerability. Giving thanks notes that whatever success or achievement an individual or nation may have obtained was not accomplished alone. To celebrate thankfulness is to pause and reflect on all things, both good and bad, and realize that in the midst of it all lies an achievement resulting from the assistance of someone or something else. The distorted perception of self-made people is that they made it all by themselves. They see their achievements as something of their own making and discount the assistance of others. They become so self-absorbed and so consumed by an inflated ego that to acknowledge anything less than a solo performance is unthinkable, perhaps even humiliating. Thanksgiving to them is cultural to act appreciatively without being truly thankful. This is best summed up by the blessing given by Jimmy Stewarts character of Charlie Anderson in the movie Shenandoah, who said:Lord, we cleared this land. We plowed it, sowed it, and harvested it. We cooked the harvest. It wouldnt be here; we wouldnt be eating it if we hadnt done it all ourselves. We worked dog-bone hard for every crumb and morsel, but we thank you just the same anyway, Lord, for the food were about to eat. Amen. We read this and chuckle, but that is how some people feel. Their thanks is a grudging tribute to a cultural norm that invokes a blessing not as returning thanks, but as a requirement, masked to further claim credit for achievement.In reality, no one is a self-made man, and no achievement is made in a vacuum. National accomplishment is the obvious, collected efforts of citizens, giving and sacrificing for a greater good. While a nation benefits from these efforts, individually each citizen benefits when a nation prospers. The early American settlers realized very quickly that the success of their community was not a solo performance. Over and above the work of individuals was an acknowledgment of a Divine Creator who had specifically given them the grace to obtain plentiful crops. So, while they appreciated the efforts, toil, and labor of others, they realized that several things, over which they had no control, had coalesced to assist their prosperity. Because these were religious people, none of this is surprising. It shocks no one but fits the inaccurate stereotype of uneducated, superstitious people attributing anything inexplicable to a force outside themselves. But in an age of quantum physics, can Thanksgiving still be relevant? Certainly, we can be thankful for our friends, family, and co-workers. We can appreciate the variety of partnerships and collaborative efforts that go into achievement. But if we are serious and review any achievement, prosperity, or happiness carefully, there is something outside of ourselves and our circle of experiences that gives us pause to claim credit or see achievement in only secular terms. If we inject God into our Thanksgiving, are we trodding down a path of suspicion and ignorance? In our age, atheism was the faith of the educated and sophisticated. Science explained everything and God was pushed to a small corner of the public square for those few poor souls who needed a crutch. But atheism grew old, and the nihilism of nothingness is as unsatisfying as it is depressing. As militant atheists hocked their wares, the fruits of their beliefs yielded uncertainty, confusion, and ultimately unhappiness and instability. As the fad of atheism falls away as unsupported by reality, we can be encouraged by a growing faith among scholars and men of science. Recently have we seen a revival and return to acknowledge a faith that is directly connected with a God who created the world. This view embraces that timeless vision that individuals are not self-made and the state is not the locus of spirituality. Rather, this view harkens back to Genesis and the traditional view that we are created in the image of God and, thus, our meaning, being, and rationality come from that truth. Of course, this was the accepted belief for most of history until the 20th Century took a detour from truth to embrace modernity. That road to nowhere and the bridge that came with it created an object lesson in futility. In frustration, people have returned to faith in the broadest sense of the word to find an acceptable place for religion to inform, influence, and guide faithful people. As we are a quarter into the 21st Century, it makes good sense to embrace the uniqueness of Thanksgiving to count not only the blessings of food, family, and friends, but to also give proper thanks to all those unseen benefits, the near misses in life, and unexplained benefits. To acknowledge Gods provision, guidance, and sustenance is appropriate. One influential person suffering from terminal cancer, even on her death bed, always remarked how thankful she was and how blessed she felt for the life she had been given, her experiences, and the love that had sustained her. Even in the seemingly most helpless of circumstances, gratitude and thankfulness are always in order. This Thanksgiving we have every reason to be grateful and to invite God back to our table to acknowledge all the micro-blessings we take for granted and attribute them to His care and loving kindness. Will Sellers is a graduate of Hillsdale College and is an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of Alabama. He is best reached at jws@willsellers.com. (From left): Diane Thomas, Sarah "Sallie" Smith, and Savan Wilson in the new documentary "Sallie's Ashes." The three women founded the Coal Ash Action Group, a grassroots organization advocating for the removal of the coal ash pond at Plant Barry 25 miles north of Mobile. (Photo courtesy Coal Ash Documentary, LLC) Coal Ash Documentary Three unexpected environmentalists have taken on Alabama Powers coal ash pond in a new documentary. But in their fight, the three retirees (called the Coal Ash Grannies) are able to find purpose later in life, and even in the months leading up to their leaders death. Coal ash was something I knew nothing about, said Sallie Smith, the leader, in the film. But when I started looking at it, that did it for me. That meant I had absolutely no choice here. I had to solve this. Sallies Ashes, a 40-minute documentary from director Brennan Robideaux, follows three Baldwin County womenSarah Sallie Smith, Diane Thomas, and Savan Wilsonwho started the Coal Ash Action Group. Smith and the other ladies aim to make Baldwin County residents aware of the Barry coal ash pond 25 miles north of Mobile. The coal ash pond, which is also the subject of a federal lawsuit, contains around 22 million cubic yards of coal combustion residuals, or whats left after coal is burned for energy. The Coal Ash Action Group wants the ash to be removed from the pond, which sits adjacent to the Mobile River. They argue it poses an existential threat to the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta and the Mobile Bay. The only thing keeping all of this stuff from flowing into the river is a single dirt dike, Thomas said in the film. Alabama Power responded to a request for comment from AL.com regarding the documentary. Alabama Power remains committed to operating in full compliance with environmental regulations, said Anthony Cook, a spokesperson for Alabama Power, in a statement. Our plans for closure and groundwater protection fully comply with current state and federal law, are approved by ADEM and are certified by professional engineers. We have been and will continue to be transparent about the closure process and are committed to completing closure, groundwater protection, and long-term monitoring in a manner that is compliant with state and federal law and ensures ongoing protection of public health and the environment, Cook said. But the coal ash grannies are also in a race against time. In the film, Smith is fighting terminal lung cancer. She died in 2023 at the age of 80 before the documentary was released. When we first spoke to Sallie, she said, if you want to film a documentary, you better come soon because I have terminal cancer, Robideaux said. And truthfully, she pushed me. Aerial view of the coal ash lagoon at Alabama Power's James M. Barry Electric Generating Plant. (Photo courtesy Mobile Baykeeper) Mobile Baykeeper Robideaux first came across the three women in a report from Alabama Public Radio and was immediately hooked by their story. He connected with Daniel Junge, one of the films producers, and others in the film industry to get the documentary made. What makes the Coal Ash Action Groups message so effective, Robideaux argues, is that they dont focus on politics. Their message focused on facts, he said, and resonated because of its authenticity. It was such a breath of fresh air, Robideaux said. You dont have to stretch the truth, you can just state the facts and make waves with people. By 2023, the group had over 900 members, according to their website. Sallies Ashes premiered at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado over Labor Day weekend and has since begun to rack up accolades: it was nominated for Best Short Documentary from the Critics Choice Documentary Awards and been selected for several other film festivals. The film premiered in Alabama at this months Fairhope Film Festival; both screenings were sold out. The fact that its connecting with people across the U.S., but even more so with the people who are affected by this most, is whats so great to me, Robideaux said. Muslim immigration is unlike anything weve experienced in the past. The current best estimates are that Islamic fundamentalists (those advocating for sharia law) make up between 20 and 30 percent of immigrating Muslims. Between 1991 and today, over 2 million Muslims arrived. Using the 20-30 percent figure, that would suggest that there are 200,000 to 400,000 Muslims here who do not intend to assimilate and, in fact, are here to spread traditional Islamists views, including Tamkeen (more on this term later) and Sharia Law, sometimes violently. Thats not just a problem; its a threat. This level of radicalism can lead to violence, as was seen in Israel with the October 7th attack, and with the destruction of Americas traditional political and social institutions. Image created using AI. For anyone who believes that Islamists are not a threat to ordinary Americans, consider that, since 2000, Islamist-inspired attacks in the United States have killed roughly 3,100 Americans (almost all from 9/11) and injured several thousand more. Outside of 9/11, fatalities from Islamist-linked incidents number in the low hundreds, with injuries in the hundreds to low thousands. President Trump recognizes this, for he has designated certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations. This begs the question: Why is the seemingly non-violent Muslim Brotherhood a threat? The Muslim Brotherhood has long eschewed jihadist violence, opting instead for something more insidious: Tamkeen (Arabic for empowerment or entrenchment), which is the Muslim Brotherhoods primary strategy designed to overcome Western culture and obtain dominance. Its methods include: Institutional penetration : Establishing presence in civil society organizations, education systems, legal advocacy, and cultural institutions. : Establishing presence in civil society organizations, education systems, legal advocacy, and cultural institutions. Community consolidation : Building authority within Muslim communities through religious leadership, social services, and grassroots networks. : Building authority within Muslim communities through religious leadership, social services, and grassroots networks. Discourse normalization: Shaping public narratives to align with Islamist values, often through media, academia, and religious platforms. This approach, often described as nonviolent strategic entryism, aims for long-term transformation rather than short-term upheaval. Entryism itself is a sub-strategy that sees members of one group join anotherusually a larger or more influential oneto change its policies, leadership, or ideology from within. It often involves infiltration, sometimes covert, to steer the host organization toward the entryists agenda. You may recognize what happened to the Democrat party, as radical leftists entered it and took over. But thats another subject, though the new Democrat party is often a Muslim Brotherhood ally. The Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP) has extensively documented Tamkeen as a staged political process aimed at constructing Islamic governance in non-Muslim societies. It is seen as a theological innovation that adapts classical empowerment concepts to modern institutional contexts. Analysts describe Tamkeen as part of a settlement strategy in which Brotherhood-affiliated actors embed themselves in Western institutions to reshape public discourse and policy over time. This strategy exploits democratic freedoms to advance ideological goals that conflict with liberal democratic norms. Things to keep in mind and be aware of: Tamkeen is not universally accepted or practiced by all Islamist groups, and interpretations vary across regions and factions. The concept should not be conflated with Islam itself . It is a political strategy rooted in specific ideological frameworks. . It is a political strategy rooted in specific ideological frameworks. While Tamkeen is a threat to liberal democracy, its proponents argue that its nonviolent nature makes it a legitimate form of political participation. So, how pervasive is the Brotherhood and how focused is it on exporting its version of Islam to the Western world? The Muslim Brotherhood is a transnational Sunni Islamist movement. It initially focused on religious revival, social services, and anti-colonial activism, but later evolved into a powerful political force with branches worldwide. The Brotherhood has more than 500,000 adherents operating in dozens of countries, including the U.S. and Europe. Given those numbers, who are a few more things to know about it: It advocates for Islamic governance under sharia law and, in its most ambitious vision, a caliphate. Its influenced by thinkers like Sayyid Qutb , who radicalized parts of the movement toward violent jihad. This includes Pan-Islamism, religious conservatism, anti-Zionism, anti-imperialism, and anti-communism. , who radicalized parts of the movement toward violent jihad. This includes Pan-Islamism, religious conservatism, anti-Zionism, anti-imperialism, and anti-communism. Its designated as a terrorist organization by Muslim countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Russia, and Syria. countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Russia, and Syria. In the past, it was not designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. or EU, although Donald Trump is finally trying to change that. Notably, it includes Hamas (founded as the Palestinian branch of the Brotherhood in 1987). To understand how the Muslim Brotherhood operates, its worthwhile to focus on CAIR (Council on American-Islamic Relations), which presents itself as just another civil rights organization. However, it has roots in Brotherhood-linked networks, and employs similar institutional embedding tactics in the U.S. Thus, it actively courts political officials and directs other institutions and individuals to contribute almost exclusively to Muslim leaning candidates. CAIRs influence in U.S. politics comes far more from lobbying, advocacy, and community mobilization than from traceable financial contributions. Its pure Tamkeen, and we ignore it at our peril. God Bless America! Author, Businessman, Thinker, and Strategist. Read more about Allan, his background, and his ideas to create a better tomorrow at www.1plus1equals2.com. This is not a tale of two cities, with apologies to Charles Dickens. Nor is it a tale of two separate newspapers. Rather, it is a tale of two sections within a single publication, and the strikingly divergent manner in which they cover the same events. The newspaper is The Wall Street Journal. The two sections are news and editorial. The subject is the Israeli strike against Hamas leaders in Qatar. What makes this case particularly instructive is not merely that the sections disagree. Editorial pages exist precisely to offer perspective and analysis that news sections cannot. The concern arises when news coverage itself crosses the line from reporting into implicit editorial judgment, employing loaded language and selective framing that shapes reader perception before the editorial page has its say. The News Sections Framing The front-page headline from September 10, 2025 established the narrative framework: Israel Strikes Hamas Leaders in Qatar Capital; Attack inside US ally leaves six dead, risks effort to end war in Gaza Strip. This framing presents several implicit judgments. By emphasizing Qatars status as a U.S. ally in the headline, the article suggests that Israels action undermines American diplomatic relationships. The assertion that the strike risks effort to end war implies that eliminating enemy leadership prolongs conflict rather than hastens its conclusion. This interpretation contradicts historical precedent. When Allied forces targeted Axis leadership during World War II, observers did not characterize these actions as attempts to extend hostilities. Eliminating enemy commanders has traditionally been understood as a means to shorten conflicts. The news coverage devoted considerable attention to Qatars sovereignty, suggesting that conducting operations within its borders represents a violation of international norms. However, this is not unprecedented in Israeli operations. In 1962, Israeli forces captured Adolf Eichmann, a major architect of the Holocaust who had fled to Argentina after World War II, without formal permission from the Argentinian government. Eichmann was subsequently tried in Israel and executed for crimes against humanity. Few would argue that Argentinas sovereignty should have provided Eichmann sanctuary from justice. The news sections emphasis on sovereignty thus appears highly selective. Consider this passage from the news report: The strike was the latest in a year of brazen attacks that have highlighted Israels military and intelligence prowess, along with its appetite for action. The word choice here warrants examination. Brazen carries negative connotations, typically describing actions characterized by shameless disregard for justified norms or propriety. This represents editorial judgment rather than objective reporting. Similarly, the phrase appetite for action suggests militaristic tendencies rather than defensive necessity. Historical context contradicts this characterization. Israel has not initiated wars of conquest. Each military engagement in its history has been defensive in nature. The countrys population has consistently prioritized technological innovation, medical advancement, education, and cultural development. Military engagement has been imposed upon Israel by external threats rather than sought out by internal preference. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu articulated this reality concisely: If the Arabs put down their weapons today, there would be no more violence. If the Jews put down their weapons today, there would be no more Israel. The news sections coverage continued this pattern on September 11, 2025. An article titled Qatar Strike Shows Netanyahu Is Done Talking referenced Israels refusal to end the war. This framing inverts reality. Israel would welcome an immediate cessation of hostilities. The conditions are straightforward: the release of all hostages and Hamass departure from Gaza. Continued conflict results from Hamass refusal to meet these terms, not from Israeli intransigence. The article quoted retired Israeli general Israel Ziv: That was the only efficient channel to negotiate with Hamas and to bring back the hostages. Once you go and kill all those leaders, with whom are you going to negotiate now? This perspective warrants scrutiny. Negotiations with Hamas have continued for nearly two years with minimal progress. The effectiveness of diplomatic engagement with an organization that targets civilians deliberately remains questionable, to say the least. Military pressure has historically proven more effective in compelling concessions from such groups than prolonged negotiations. The Editorial Sections Perspective The editorial sections treatment of these events differed substantially. The September 10, 2025, editorial presented a sharply contrasting analysis. The editorial opened with vivid detail: One grotesque video from Oct. 7, 2023, took place not in Israel but in Qatar. The top leaders of Hamas filmed themselves celebrating the massacre from their Doha office, giving thanks to God. On Tuesday, Israel bombed many of those top Hamas leaders as they assembled for another Doha meeting. This passage establishes critical context: Hamas leadership operated openly from Qatars capital city while directing operations that resulted in civilian casualties. The editorial continued: Many will try to distinguish between Hamass political and military leaders, but both are terrorists. Operating in suits from luxury hotels doesnt change the moral calculus. Theres a reason we dont allow al Qaeda or ISIS leaders to act as statesmen, immune from attack, while their death squads go about their work. This analysis addresses a fundamental question: Should individuals who direct attacks on civilians receive immunity based on their formal titles or locations? The international community does not extend such protections to leaders of organizations like al-Qaeda and ISIS. The editorial argues that Hamas leadership should receive equivalent treatment. Analysis The contrast between these two sections of the same newspaper raises important questions about journalistic objectivity. News reporting should present facts and allow readers to form their own conclusions. Editorial pages exist to offer analysis and opinion. When news coverage incorporates loaded language like brazen and appetite for action, or frames defensive military operations as obstacles to peace, the distinction between reporting and editorializing becomes blurred. The editorial sections approach provides context often absent from the news coverage: Hamas leaders celebrated attacks on civilians from their comfortable Doha offices. Qatar provided sanctuary to individuals directing operations against Israeli civilians. These facts are relevant to understanding Israels strategic calculus. The question is not whether Qatar possesses sovereignty, but whether that sovereignty obligates other nations to refrain from pursuing individuals who direct attacks against their civilians. International law recognizes the right of nations to defend themselves against armed attacks. When a state harbors individuals directing such attacks, it assumes certain risks. The negotiation question also deserves examination. The premise that eliminating Hamas leadership eliminates negotiating partners assumes that negotiations represent the optimal path to conflict resolution. Nearly two years of negotiations has not secured the release of hostages or ended the conflict. Alternative approaches merit consideration. Final Observations Readers benefit from understanding these distinctions. News coverage shapes public perception of events. When that coverage incorporates editorial judgments without explicitly identifying them as such, it may influence public opinion in ways that readers do not recognize. The editorial sections willingness to state its perspective clearly allows readers to evaluate arguments on their merits. The fundamental question remains: How should democratic nations respond to terrorist organizations whose leaders direct attacks from the safety of foreign capitals? The answer to this question will shape counterterrorism policy for years to come. It deserves thorough, balanced examination rather than coverage that obscures relevant facts beneath loaded language and questionable framing. So ends our tale of two sections. They exist under one roof, bear the same masthead, and claim allegiance to the same standards of journalism. Yet they tell remarkably different stories. Perhaps Dickens said it best, though in a different context: It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. For readers of The Wall Street Journal seeking clear-eyed analysis of Israels actions, which times they experience depends entirely on which section of the paper they happen to be reading. Image via Pxhere. The legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, who died four hundred years ago, described the warrior mindset: To win any battle, you must fight as if you are already dead. The kensei samurai didnt want his students to be reckless with their lives. He wanted them to fight without fear or hesitation. Sometimes we look at all the problems in our world and become overwhelmed. Our constitutional Republic is under attack from enemies both inside and beyond our borders. A vast, unaccountable bureaucracy raging from D.C. has stamped out the Constitutions design for limited government, and todays corrupt politicians have abandoned our Founding Fathers love for liberty. The national debt grows. The number of laws, rules, and regulations grows. The size of Americas foreign-born population grows. As multiculturalism replaces assimilation, social divisions grow. The risk of global war and even civil war here at home grows. This is more than enough to dampen the spirits of an optimist and to convince the pragmatist to prepare for impending doom. This is when Musashis lesson matters most. Are you alive? Then fight. That might sound like the most inappropriate Thanksgiving message imaginable. This beloved American tradition is about family, food, and friendship. It is a time for us to put our differences aside and thank God for providing so many blessings that have carried us through another year. It is an American celebration of all the generations of Americans who crossed the ocean, ventured into an untamed New World, and laid the foundations for the greatest country in the world. It is a time for peace not fighting. But Thanksgiving is also the perfect time to remember how hard our ancestors had to fight to ensure that we could all be here today. Can you imagine the force of will required to leave behind everything you knew to venture toward an unsettled land? Can you imagine the perseverance required to lose family members at sea, only to lose more family members once finally reaching shore? Can you imagine the fortitude required to wake up every day to build just a little more in a largely unsettled and unexplored world? Safety was not guaranteed. Happiness was not guaranteed. Food was not guaranteed. There was only the freedom to work as hard as possible from one day to the next. Are you alive? Then fight. Thats both the settlers and the dreamers ethos. Sometimes even the wisest of us forget that life is struggle. We are not meant to be handed everything we have. We must work hard to feed and shelter ourselves. Strong relationships with our families and our friends can never be taken for granted. We must work hard to build bonds, repair rifts, and subdue personal grievances with unconditional love. We are not entitled to happiness. We must work hard to pursue it. During this life, we are on a circuitous pilgrimage seeking salvation. Our hardships become the weathered stones of our path. The first Thanksgiving was over four hundred years ago (right around the time when Miyamoto Musashi was securing his own legacy). Think of all the American history that has come since the days of the Pilgrims. Those first settlers could not have known what the New World would become or how their struggles would provide the cornerstone to Americas story. They certainly were not responsible for all the triumphs ahead the Declaration of Independence, Manifest Destiny, and the American dream, to name just a few. The Pilgrims struggled, worshiped together, and endured, and by enduring, they laid down the first weathered stones that formed Americas path. Where that path would go, the Pilgrims did not know. They did their part, and those of us who inherited their works are blessed to connect our own stories to their determination. For those who might be willing to give up on America, ask yourself whether the monumental challenges we have today are any weightier than those carried by all who came before us. Were the hardships and tragedies of the last four hundred years less daunting? Or do we take the struggles of the past for granted because we stand on solid ground so far removed from the beginning of Americas winding, perilous path? Perhaps if we took more time to appreciate everything America and Americans have endured, we would be more confident in our own abilities to fight, struggle, and overcome. Survival, redemption, salvation anything worth having requires personal struggle. Dont you think the same could be said about America? This country is not the story of endless, certain achievement. It is the story of achievements surrounded by failures and conflicts. The American Dream isnt a blissful reverie; it is the product of yearning, hope, and aspiration. We fall, so that we may learn to pick ourselves back up. America stumbles so that we Americans can find our footing and continue down the path. This Thanksgiving, be thankful for the hardships that make us stronger. Be thankful that there is so much worth protecting. Be thankful for all those who endured, so that we could celebrate today. Be thankful that you are alive. This country is worth the fight. Image via Pexels. Yesterday, just blocks from the White House at 17th and I Streets NW, two West Virginia National Guard members were ambushed in a targeted attack. A suspect approached at point-blank range and opened fire, critically wounding both soldiers one struck only feet away, the other diving behind a bus stop. The White House locked down as the nation recoiled once again at brazen evil in our midst. The alleged shooter, a 29-year-old Afghan refugee who entered the U.S. in September 2021 under pResident (not a typo) Bidens Operation Allies Welcome following the Afghanistan withdrawal, was subdued after being wounded in the exchange. Carrying no ID and refusing to cooperate, he is now the subject of an FBI terrorism investigation. This was not random madness but a glaring symptom of systemic failure: lax immigration vetting that admits un-screened threats and permissive courts that undermine deterrence. President Trump immediately labeled the attacker an animal who will pay a very steep price, while thanking the National Guard and law enforcement. Vice President JD Vance offered prayers for the wounded. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of 500 additional troops to Washington, declaring, This cowardly act will only stiffen our resolve. We will never back down. Hegseths response was more than rhetoric it was a call for fortified, layered law enforcement: local police buying critical seconds, state National Guard bridging gaps, and federal agencies turning intelligence into decisive action. Without this coordinated bulwark, predators exploit the seams. Yet no enforcement system can fully compensate for open borders and lenient judges. The attacker slipped through Bidens disastrous 2021 Afghan airlift with little (no) vetting. The ongoing terrorism probe suggests possible ties to radical or narco-terror networks violence imported wholesale because political haste overruled security. In response, the administration has suspended Afghan immigration applications and tightened visa requirements, correcting years of open-door policy that flooded communities with unknowns. Judicial leniency compounds the problem. Sanctuary policies and soft sentencing create revolving-door justice. Repeat illegal entrants and chronic offenders cycle through backlogged courts, often released rather than detained. Federal data confirm that many who cross illegally multiple times face no serious consequences. Consider the counterfactual: rigorous vetting or swift deportation might have kept this attacker out of the country. Keeping violent recidivists like Lawrence Reed who had at least 72 prior offenses behind bars could have saved Bethany MaGee from being set on fire in Chicago. Too many judges, swayed by ideology, prioritize optics over safety, forcing law enforcement to clean up preventable tragedies. The D.C. ambush, the murders of Iryna Zarutska, Jocelyn Nungary, and others, are not isolated incidents but harbingers. Adversaries foreign and domestic are testing our resolve while complacency grows. Open borders invite wolves while indulgent courts disarm the shepherds and hobble the sheepdogs. Only ironclad, multi-tiered enforcement can restore security: Local police, supported by city officials, patrolling the shadows and responding instantly State resources rapidly reinforcing when needed Federal authorities wielding intelligence and unyielding power As additional National Guard troops deploy to the capital, their mission must reflect a broader national commitment: we honor the wounded by strengthening the ramparts so no animal breaches our peace again. The price of vigilance is eternal. The cost of neglect is measured in American blood. Let this attack mark the end of complacency and the beginning of uncompromising resolve. Image generated by ChatGPT. Leftists are so sick that when two National Guardsmen are shot by an Afghan welcomed into the U.S. by Biden, they blame President Trump for having deployed the Guard to D.C. for badly needed crime abatement. Said deployment worked marvelously. Murders, robberies, carjackings, etc. dropped massively. But our left is doing everything in its well financed power to see Trump run out of office by any means necessary. Leftists are not bothered by the escalating crime. Can we say color revolution? Exactly who is behind the Seditious Sixs traitorous video? John Brennan? Obama? Who knows? But something is very, very wrong with this entire scheme. Those six tools are doing someone elses bidding. Oh, they surely love being part of whatever it is, but they are just the tip of someone elses spear. One thing has become abundantly clear. Trump-deranged leftists hate Trump so much they dont mind destroying the republic, any semblance of the democracy they like to cite so often, and any remaining reverence for the Constitution they continuously pretend to respect. They are a pernicious bunch of traitors. They loathe Trump because he is not part of the establishment, the Deep State that fights so underhandedly against him day by day. They cant control him the way they have so obviously controlled just about all previous presidents except Reagan. Leftists love, crave, and often create what they value most: leverage leverage over anyone with a modicum of power, in the House, the Senate, the DOJ, the FBI, the IRS, etc. Leverage is their weapon. They dont have any over Trump. They thought they did, with the Epstein files, but its become clear that Epstein was a monster whose closest pals were Democrats. Trump is the man who turned him in to the FBI decades ago and had no further relationship with him. That is why Epstein hated him so much; he was both furious and jealous. That the Dems even deigned to hope those files would bring Trump down was nothing but wishful thinking. The American left, no longer remotely related to the party of JFK, is now fully Marxist. In some parts of the country Michigan and Minnesota, for example it is Marxist jihadist. NYC just elected one of those. The Democrat party no longer has any respect for the Constitution. As Obama often commented, he hated it because it said what the government must not do. Like a true Marxist, Obama believed that the government should control what people do, are allowed to say, where they can go, what they can own. The Democrat party of today is willing and ready to turn the nation over to migrants from all over the world, who have no intention of assimilating. The Democrat party of today values, truly values, criminals over law-abiding citizens. When horrific events occur like the murder of Iryna Zarutska on the train in North Carolina by a man who had been arrested countless times for violent crimes but was released onto an unsuspecting public by a criminal-loving judge, they feel sorry for the mentally ill man who murdered her. The same is true of the man who just set 26-year-old Bethany Magee on fire as she rode the Blue Line train in Chicago. He had been arrested 72 times for violent crimes and arson! The judge who refused to incarcerate him? Another DIE-obsessed judge who is obviously unqualified to rule on anything. The Chicago media? They feel sorry for yet another mentally ill man who committed this terrible crime. Like the countless other activist judges appointed to the Judiciary around the nation by Obama and Biden, they sympathize, empathize, with the criminals, never the innocent victims whose lives they destroy. In all the blue states California, New York, Illinois, for example billions of dollars have been spent on homelessness and illegal migrants. Was it really, or was it redirected to the campaign coffers of those states governors and pet NGOs? As we now know, billions of taxpayer dollars handed over to the Somalis in Minneapolis has been stolen, sent to Somalia, and otherwise fraudulently misspent. Newsom of California apparently has no idea where the billions offered up for his states implacable homeless problem has gone. That he, or Pritzker in Illinois or Eric Swalwell, for that matter, thinks he is presidential material is proof of the sad state, the sickness, of the Democrat party. Now they elect actual criminals to office. Perhaps the worst of the damage the Democrat party has done to America is its naivete with regard to the intended takeover of the country by Islam. It is as if 9/11 never happened and Americans were somehow responsible for it, because in the years since, the U.S. has become increasingly Islamized. The Muslim Brotherhood has a plan, and like China, it is sticking to it. The Dems just keep saying, Come on in. The Dems are on the side of the invaders: anything to dilute the power of America-loving citizens. Their hatred of Trump has made them enemies of us all. They are so thoroughly ungrateful for what this great nation has provided for them. They are indeed sick. Image: Chris Dodds via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Thanksgiving traces its roots to the 1621 harvest feast of the Pilgrims, devout Puritans who saw their journey to America as a new exodus, mirroring the Israelites escape from Egypt. They gave thanks to God for deliverance and provision, echoing biblical commands like Deuteronomy 8:10: When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Today, that same spirit of gratitude is under siege. America is experiencing a sharp rise in religious intolerance, especially against Jews and Christians -- the two communities most closely tied to Thanksgivings biblical foundations. Antisemitism has reached levels unseen in decades. The American Jewish Committees 2024 report found 90% of American Jews believe antisemitism has increased since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. More than three-quarters feel less safe, and over half have altered their behavior -- avoiding Jewish symbols or events out of fear. The Anti-Defamation League recorded a 45-year high in anti-Semitic incidents in 2024, averaging 25 per day, with assaults and vandalism each up 20% from the prior year. Christians face parallel hostility. The Family Research Council documented 1,384 attacks on churches from 2018 to 2024 -- an eightfold increase -- including arson, vandalism, and shootings. Incidents spiked after the 2022 Dobbs decision, rising from 198 in 2022 to 485 in 2023. Catholic churches alone have suffered over 520 assaults since May 2022, often marked by pro-abortion or satanic graffiti. High-profile cases include a Seattle church shot up during a youth event and another torched for $3.2 million in damages after hosting a biblical sexuality rally. These twin surges represent a direct challenge to Americas First Amendment traditions. As Rabbi Sharon Brous has noted, antisemitism is often the canary in the coal mine for broader democratic erosion that eventually threatens all minorities. The stakes became unmistakably clear with the 2025 assassination of Christian conservative leader Charlie Kirk. His memorial drew 70,000 in person and over 100 million viewers online. Speakers including President Trump, Tulsi Gabbard, and Marco Rubio openly proclaimed their faith. On a subsequent Delta flight, passengers broke into spontaneous hymn-singing -- a moment many saw as a spark of spiritual renewal amid persecution. Since returning to office, President Trump has responded decisively. On January 24, 2025, he signed executive orders to: End federal censorship of religious speech, Investigate weaponization of government against pro-life and Catholic groups, Protect womens spaces and affirm biological reality, Dismantle discriminatory DEI programs that punished believers. On May 1, 2025, he established the Religious Liberty Commission -- 14 presidential appointees plus the Attorney General as ex officio member -- tasked with documenting threats ranging from church attacks and debanking of faith groups to conscience violations in healthcare, and delivering concrete recommendations. Critics worry that these steps entangle faith and politics. Yet when places of worship are burning and Jewish students hide their identity on campus, strong action is not partisanship -- it is the defense of pluralism itself. Thanksgiving began with pilgrims thanking God for survival in a new land. Four centuries later, Jews and Christians increasingly feel like strangers in their own country. The holiday still calls Americans to gratitude, but it now also summons us to courage: to stand together against intolerance and reclaim the religious liberty that has always made the nation worth giving thanks for. Image: AT via Magic Studio Every November, Americans gather around tables piled high with food, surrounded by family, friends, and familiar traditions. But the heart of Thanksgiving has never been about abundance or comfort. It has always been about recognizing Gods faithfulness in the midst of difficulty. And recovering that truth may be exactly what our divided nation needs right now. Long before the first Thanksgiving, the concept of giving thanks was woven into the fabric of Christian faith. Scripture is filled with calls to remember Gods works, offer public thanksgiving, and mark His provision through feasts of gratitude and public acts of worship. The Pilgrims carried that worldview with them to the New World. For them, thanksgiving wasnt an annual event; it was a spiritual practice rooted in humility and dependence on God. Thats why the 1621 gathering in Plymouth makes sense only when we understand what came before it. The year leading up to the so-called First Thanksgiving was brutal. Half the colony had died from disease and exposure. The survivors endured hunger, despair, and a harsh winter they were utterly unprepared for. Their celebration wasnt about prosperity. It was about survival. It was a moment to stop and acknowledge that, despite everything they had lost, God had sustained them. For nearly 150 years after Plymouth, Thanksgiving wasnt a national holiday. It wasnt even annual. Colonies (and later, states) proclaimed days of thanksgiving after specific events: a good harvest, relief from drought, a military victory or spiritual renewal. These were moments of collective reflection that acknowledged blessings as something received, not achieved. The first federal Thanksgiving came under George Washington in 1789. And if anyone doubts the religious roots of the holiday, they should read his proclamation. Washington called Americans to acknowledge Gods providence, confess national sins and commit themselves to justice and good government. It was a clear declaration that gratitude forms the moral foundation of a free people. President Abraham Lincoln instituted the modern Thanksgiving holiday in 1863, and, like the Pilgrims, Lincoln didnt wait for a season of comfort. He made the proclamation in the darkest days of the Civil War, when the nation faced horror, death, and division. Yet, Lincoln insisted that Americans pause to recognize Gods gracious gifts, not because circumstances were good, but because God remains good even when circumstances are not. That is the heart of Thanksgiving: gratitude in hardship, not luxury and comfort. Today, however, we face a cultural shift that threatens to hollow out this holiday. A growing ideological movement seeks to rewrite American history by recasting Thanksgiving as a symbol of oppression or colonial guilt. This effort isnt about historical accuracy; its about severing Americans from the spiritual and cultural foundations that once united us. Thanksgiving is one of the few remaining national traditions that calls Americans to humility, gratitude, and shared identity. Thats exactly why activists target it. But the real danger isnt the revisionism itself -- its what happens when a society abandons gratitude. A nation without gratitude becomes a nation that believes it is owed everything and is responsible for nothing. Entitlement replaces humility. Resentment replaces unity. And historical amnesia replaces moral virtue. Gratitude is not optional for a free people. It is essential. The beauty of Thanksgiving is that it offers a moment of cultural reset. While America continues to face division, anxiety, and political turmoil, Thanksgiving calls us back to a posture that can heal: a recognition that blessings come from outside ourselves. Its a reminder that we are recipients of a good and benevolent Creator, not self-creators. Americans would do well to remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving. Read Washingtons proclamation at the table. Talk with children about the real Pilgrims and their spiritual lives built on thankfulness. Pray together as families once did. Remember that gratitude isnt just a feeling -- its an act of worship and a discipline that shapes our character. Thanksgiving is not a relic of the past. It is a spiritual necessity for the present and one of the most powerful tools we have to rebuild what is broken in our country: a refocus on our Creator and His goodness and faithfulness. Jenna Ellis is a senior adviser of public policy for the American Family Association, national radio host of Jenna Ellis in the Morning, and a Florida resident. She previously served as a senior legal adviser to President Trump. Image: Jenny A. Brownscombe The aspirations of the American middle class lie at the heart of the American Dream. The notion that anyone can by their own efforts advance their station in life is foundational to the ethos of this county. Historically, the belief that the middle class is the stable center of society dates back to the origins of Western Civilization: Aristotle (384322 B.C.E.) emphasized the importance of the middle class. He considered those of excess wealth and station as tending towards arrogance while those at the other extreme towards malice and petty vice. Both lead away from obeying reason. The overly wealthy do not wish to be ruled while the poor can only be governed in the way of slaves. The best government comes when those in the middle are numerous. And, Aristotles observations have been echoed by at least two of the greatest leaders of American history. Benjamin Franklin rose from the relatively modest circumstances of an apprentice printer to become a person of substantial wealth. However wealthy he would become though, he always felt most comfortable with and advocated for the middling people: the tradesmen, shopkeepers and farmers of this province and city! Franklin had a deep aversion for any kind of class distinctions. He felt the wealth of a society should be measured by the purchasing power of its people. Like Aristotle, Franklin had a deep distrust of those at societys upper and lower extremes. However, Franklin departed from the Aristotelian model in at least two significant regards, both of which would become symbolic of American society. First, Franklin believed in upward mobility, the principle that people could advance their station in life through hard work, frugality, and initiative. Such an idea does not seem to have been part of Aristotles world view. Second, deeply affected by the Declaration of Independence, Franklin turned against slavery and in 1787 became the president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. For Aristotle, slavery was a part of the natural world: ...some peopleare naturally free, others naturally slaves, for whom slavery is both just and beneficial. As the Republic moved into the nineteenth century, slavery became central to the national dialogue. Free labor, with its belief in upward mobility, emerged as the alternative. The movement would have no greater advocate than the rising Republican politician Abraham Lincoln. On September 30, 1859 Lincoln addressed the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society and made a lengthy but powerful case for Free Labor. Reflecting the earlier views of Franklin, he maintained that capital is the fruit of labor and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. He emphasized the role of science and education in farming which benefited from the profitable and agreeable combination of labor with cultivated thought; and called for universal education. Lincoln argued against the mud-sill theory which held that the hired laborer, unable to improve his lot in life, was little different from a slave. With Free Labor he explained: The prudent, penniless beginner in the world, labors for wages awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land, for himself; then labors on his own account . . . and hires another new beginner to help him. Free Labor had no better justification. However noble we now consider the careers of Franklin and Lincoln, both faced criticism and ridicule. When Franklin was posted in France during the Revolution, Marie Antoinnette looked down on the American ambassador for having been a printers foreman. Later the Romantic poet John Keats, as well as Ralph Waldo Emerson, expressed their own poor opinions of the bourgeois materialism that Franklin represented. For Lincoln the criticism was withering. George Templeton Strong, a New York attorney, wrote that he was a barbarian, Scythian, yahoo, or gorilla. Ward Beecher, the Connecticut abolitionist, described him in his newspaper as an unshapely man. Even the Abolitionist Senator from Massachusetts Charles Summner, with whom he had worked well, opposed his renomination in 1864. The belief in an upwardly mobile middle class is a distinctly American notion. It traces back to the dawn of Western Civilization and the writings of Aristotle. One of the greatest of the Founders, Benjamin Franklin, made the ability to rise through hard work and frugality a part of his life and legacy. He also evolved into an abolitionist, making freedom a defining ideal of American life. Abraham Lincoln, born to the poorest of the poor, rose to the highest office in the land, and preserved the Union through victory in the Civil War. The belief in the middle class is an enduring part of the American legacy. Aristotle, Franklin, and Lincoln have been among its (and our) leading champions. Let us be grateful for, cherish, and defend this American tradition. Image generated by ChatGPT. American educator and abolitionist Horace Mann said, Manners easily and rapidly mature into morals. This Thanksgiving, good manners at the table mean that quickly saying thank you is the very beginning, not the end of ones obligations. The duty of thankfulness is not just aimed at others but also ones self-respect, needed for us to (thankfully) transcend the material world. As a religious concept, thankfulness is a sturdy pillar. It is a necessary choice and effort, a way to reach the eternal by trying to act as if it were already here on earth. As Saint Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, give thanks in all circumstances. Image created using AI. Paul sent this to encourage new believers in the Christian faith, helping them recognize that, even in hardship, there is still thanks to be given for the sake of ones existence. Give thanks not for what you have but because you are. In the Jewish tradition, there is also the deep concept of Hakarat hatov, which is an active practice of recognizing the good in ones daily life, down to the morning coffee sipped while reading. It involves admitting that something beneficial was done for you. According to the Jewish charity organization Colel Chabad, its also a way of acknowledging that nothing is owed to us, and that every blessing, no matter how small, is a gift. If we can see that nothing is guaranteed and that we are owed nothing, our priorities become properly centered. If we see thankfulness as a responsibility, we may not turn to a darker path. The opposite of thankfulness is not just ingratitude, but also vengefulness; it can even turn to the vengeful, as we despise what is in our own lives and, sadly, take that anger and despair out on others. Conservatives believe this thankful mindset is a necessary backstop in shaping the individuals role in society, compared to a cold-hearted materialism bent on acquiring power to equalize or punish those with too much. Accordingly, thankfulness as a virtue has a proper place even in policy. It is not just a throwaway line to the state after taking what one can. After all, even government entitlements do not come with a return thank-you card. If we acknowledge that nothing is owed to us, this admission inevitably turns attention back to us as empowered individuals, recognizing our own dignity and what we can then contribute, both big and small. In his last Thanksgiving proclamation as president in November 1908, Theodore Roosevelt wrote in part, For the very reason that in material well being we have thus abounded, we owe it to the Almighty to show equal progress in moral and spiritual things. President Roosevelts startling admission that Americans need to make equal progress in both the material and the spiritual is a candor that todays leftist ideology would rather ignore. Roosevelt, who also evolved in his viewsmaking it a mistake for leftists to toss him on the trash heap of historywent on to recommend that Americans pray that they may be given the strength so to order our lives as to deserve a continuation of these blessings in the future. Yet again, the onus is on the individual, making thankfulness not an end but the beginning of ones efforts in obtaining that which is not guaranteed. It is an obligation of the individual in relation to society, but also toward the divine. Although 117 years have passed since Teddy Roosevelt wrote those words, we should still consider them worthy of our attention. On Thanksgiving, do not merely recite a list of items received in the past year. Instead, give humble thanks for who you inherently are, and then with that charge turn to what you can give and thus grow towards. This is what we were created by the Almighty for, reflecting Roosevelts observation that the best of all are things of the soul. Alan Loncar is an attorney in Macomb County, Michigan. Back in 1941, President Roosevelt made it official: its the fourth Thursday of November. Its a bit eerie that Pearl Harbor happened two weeks later, but that's for another post. In my case, I did not know a thing about Thanksgiving when our family settled here in the fall of 1964. We landed in Miami and made our way to Wisconsin a week later. By mid-November, or roughly two months into our American experience, I saw kids in school putting turkey posters about the upcoming holiday. I asked my mother about it, and she had no idea, either. I asked my father, and he said that it was something about giving thanks. Finally, Miss Jones, that grade-school teacher I was blessed with, sat me down and explained the full story, from the ship crossing the ocean, to the landing at Plymouth Rock, to the terrible first winter, and eventually a day to say thanks for surviving it all. I went home after school, shared that story with my mom, and she was really impressed. A day to eat and give thanks? I agreed with her that it was a neat idea, especially the eating part. It did not take long for me to get into the Thanksgiving mood. We Cubans always had lots of reasons to give thanks that first Thanksgiving. We survived communism. We had a chance to start all over again in the U.S. Giving thanks for a second chance was something that our family knew quite well. Today, Thanksgiving is my favorite American holiday. It confirms that this land was settled by self-reliant people who faced adversity, grew stronger, and then gave thanks. So I say thanks for everything, from my wonderful late parents, brother and sister, wife and three sons, now grandchildren, great friends, and all of you who check me out on AT. I may not agree with all of your comments, but I say thanks for posting them! Happy Thanksgiving and we will go back to the political stuff soon enough. And dont forget to enjoy the day with that old college friend who has a bad case of TDS. P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts, and videos. Image generated by ChatGPT. We all want whats best for our children, but sometimes that desire can keep parents stuck in relationships that arent working. Staying together for the sake of the kids can create a household filled with tension, resentment, and unspoken frustration an environment that children can sense long before adults do. However, its something that many parents on the brink of separation will consider, particularly at this time of year, when it can seem kinder for all involved to maintain consistency. Two relationship experts outline the signs youre staying together out of obligation, rather than love, because spotting them early can help you make healthier choices, for both yourself and your family. Staying together purely for the sake of the kids can create a tense household. (Getty Images) (seksan Mongkhonkhamsao via Getty Images) Signs youre staying together for your children 1. Emotional disconnection The relationship is transactional You've noticed there is no emotional connection, as you and your partner are only discussing things like duties and finances. "The relationship has shifted into practical co-parenting. There is no conflict, but no real connection, you lead separate lives," Debbie Keenan, a senior accredited BACP couples psychotherapist, explains. You will notice a shift from being present and connected to only focusing on daily tasks and routine You become co-managers instead of partners The relationship has shrunk into a joint venture in childcare logistics involving calendars, carpools and behaviour management You feel alone There is an absence of physical contact, warmth or love with your partner. Even though you might not be physically alone, emotionally, you feel deserted. "This describes a specific kind of loneliness that happens not because you dont have people around you, but because you lack emotional connection with the person who matters the most," Keenan tells us. You lead completely separate lives Your future plans dont include your partner The only thing you both have in common is the children You only feel close when talking about the children BACP-registered psychotherapist Charlotte Fox Weber notes that the only time you may feel close to your partner is when discussing your kids. "Parents often confuse shared concern for intimacy," she continues. "If your only warm moments come from discussing the kids, youre using them as emotional insulation to avoid whats missing between you." Another sign is your relationship feels purely transactional. (Getty Images) (ArtistGNDphotography via Getty Images) 2. Future-focused avoidance You think, We can separate when the kids are older' Couples who are only staying together for the children will often tell themselves or their partner that they can end the relationship when their kids are "ready." "Many people will stay in a loveless relationship, because putting the children first is more important than their own happiness," Keenan explains. "They want to make sure the childrens needs are met. Their intent is to protect the children." You fantasise about escape Instead of thinking of how to improve or reinvent the relationship, you're focusing on how you can get out. "When one or both partners secretly plots for a happier future without the other imagining relief rather than grief 'staying for the kids' becomes a mask for fear, guilt, or habit," Fox Weber says. Consider whether you no longer want to hang out with your partner one-on-one. (Getty Images) (Westend61 via Getty Images) 3. Rising tension and withdrawal Resentment is building According to Keenan, resentment can start to take root in stagnant relationships, often paving the way for what renowned psychologist John Gottman calls the "Four Horsemen" of destructive communication: criticism, defensiveness, contempt and stonewalling. This can lead to increased disconnection It can result in further withdrawal It could foster a lack of respect "The parents or caregivers need to ask themselves what their lives will look like when the children grow up, will staying together for the sake of the children improve their lives, or model unhappy relationships? Is staying together good for the children in the long run, or just delaying the inevitable?" Keenan says. You don't want to spend time alone with your partner Not only do you not want to spend time alone with your partner, but you may also start to dread it. "In your heads, you may have already separated, Keenan shares. You have less and less in common You are just going through the motions for the sake of the kids You start to go out more with friends and find new solo hobbies. Pay attention to whether resentment is brewing in the relationship. (Getty Images) (PeopleImages via Getty Images) The possible impact on your children According to Fox Weber, staying with your partner purely out of obligation can have a negative impact on your children. "Some children are exquisitely attuned to atmosphere," she explains. Potential negative impacts include: They might feel guilty and responsible for the tension They learn that love can mean emotional starvation Children could internalise these negative patterns as the blueprint for future relationships Your frustrations may spill onto them If these signs resonate with you, consulting a registered therapist on your own or together can offer clarity and guide you toward a healthier next step. Read more about parenting and relationships: Television personality Ant Middleton is accused of breaching a confidentiality contract with the Ministry of Defence by sharing extremely sensitive details of his time in the special forces on a podcast, the High Court has been told. The department claims that Mr Middleton, who previously presented Channel 4s SAS: Who Dares Wins, breached the contract in an episode of the Mike Drop podcast published on YouTube in July, titled Exposing The Quiet Split Between UK And US Forces. Barristers for the MoD told a hearing on Thursday that Mr Middleton signed an agreement upon joining the special forces in 2008, which prevents him from disclosing information about the work of UK special forces, even if the information is not accurate. They successfully asked a judge to issue a temporary injunction pending the full trial of the legal claim, telling the hearing in London that the case concerned a serious, damaging breach of the contract. Ant Middleton served in the special forces from 2008 to 2011 (PA) The court heard that the MoD would neither confirm nor deny whether the statements made by Mr Middleton in the podcast were accurate, but that the department claims they are covered by the contract regardless. Mr Middleton, who represented himself at the hearing, denies breaching the agreement and opposed the temporary injunction bid, telling the court in London that he was not paid for the podcast and the legal action was sudden, severe and disproportionate. In a ruling, Mr Justice Garnham said that he had no hesitation in granting the temporary injunction, stating that refusing to do so could cause significant harm to UK special forces. Oliver Sanders KC, for the department, told the hearing that Mr Middleton served in the special forces from 2008 to 2011. The confidentiality contract stated that Mr Middleton would give a solemn undertaking binding me for the rest of my life that he would not disclose information relating to his special forces service without express prior authority in writing from the MoD. Mr Sanders said that this was not limited to information that was true, and that while Mr Middleton had generally complied with his contract, he had not sought or been given authorisation to disclose information on the Mike Drop podcast. The episode, which lasted almost four hours and has received more than 147,000 views, included segments titled final stages of SAS selection and red tape in Afghanistan and the breaking point. He said: It was disclosed without notice to the MoD, it was disclosed without authority, if authority had sought to have been disclosed, it would have been refused. It is extremely sensitive references to weapons, international partners, intelligence matters all of that is very sensitive information and should not have been disclosed. Mr Sanders also said that the MoD was taking legal action to reassure partners that our personnel are not going to leave and spill the beans. Mr Middleton, a father-of-five who now lives in the United Arab Emirates, told the court that his military service included tours of Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. He continued that disclosing information that could endanger soldiers was against everything I have ever known or stood for and that the information he cited in the podcast was easily obtained by internet search. He also said that some of the information cited came from his time in the Royal Marines, which is not covered by the confidentiality contract. He said: Despite multiple attempts by myself and my legal team to engage in constructive dialogue with the MoD, we have been met with what we feel is an unreasonable and aggressive approach. We have wanted to mediate at every single corner. He continued: We remain unclear exactly on what specific allegations we are expected to defend. He added: Without knowing the exact content in question, it is impossible to form an appropriate defence or even take corrective action. He also said: I have never placed my country, nor my fellow comrades, at risk. I believe the suggestion that I have revealed military secrets is truly shocking and unfounded. Mr Middleton also said he had removed the podcast from his social media and that the host of the Mike Drop podcast, Mike Ritland, had also agreed to remove it. The temporary injunction will run until a full trial of the legal claim, scheduled for March 3 next year, with the MoD seeking a permanent injunction forcing Mr Middleton to adhere to the terms of the agreement. Newly released police bodycam footage shows Charlotte light rail murder suspect Decarlos Brown Jr. telling officers that a manmade material was controlling his body months before the fatal attack on a Ukrainian refugee. The CharlotteMecklenburg Police Department said the video was taken during a welfare check in January this year, after Brown himself called 911 to claim that a foreign substance had been implanted in him and was manipulating his actions. In the video Brown, 34, is seen speaking to police officers who ask him, whats going on? My body got exposed to a material, he responds. I need you guys to investigate into what my body got exposed to. Ive been going through this for three years now. You guys need to investigate the name of the material to fix my emergency. One of the special things about this material is it communicates with you, clearly, he tells the police. Somebodys playing with my body. Decarlos Brown jr points at a police officer during a welfare check in January, seven months prior to the murder of Iryna Zarutska (Mecklenburg County Sheriffs Office) After a protracted interaction with officers in which he repeats that hes been exposed to a material, and tries to hand them a piece of paper which he says describes the situation, he is seen to become frustrated that the police are unable to help him. Brown maintains that the material he says he was exposed to was given to him without his permission or authorization, but he is unable to expand on how, beyond saying a crime was committed. The encounter, which lasted around 30 minutes, ended when Brown tried to call 911 to ask for more police to assist him, and the officers on the scene arrested him for misuse of the 911 system. The incident came roughly seven months before Brown allegedly killed Iryna Zarutska on a train in August this year. Iryna Zarutska had come to the U.S. for a new beginning (Iryna Zarutska) Zarutska, 23, had only recently arrived in the U.S. seeking safety and new beginnings after fleeing her war-torn home. The Charlotte Area Transit System released footage of the violent stabbing, which took place on the Lynx Blue Line just after 9:45 p.m. on August 22. Wearing her pizzeria job uniform, Zarutska was seen using her phone as she sat in front of a man in a red hoodie. After the train had travelled for four-and-a-half minutes, the man in the hoodie is seen taking a knife from his pocket and striking Zarutska three times. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect was seen getting off at the next stop and was later arrested. Brown has been indicted on federal charges (Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office) The incident sparked renewed debate about public safety and crime across the U.S., with Browns criminal record and concerns about his mental health raising questions about how and why he was released from prison. Brown, who has schizophrenia, had previously been arrested 14 times, with convictions for theft, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and communicating threats, leading to a six-year prison sentence in 2015 for incidents dating to 2013 and 2014. He was released in 2020. In October, Brown was indicted on federal charges over Zarutskas killing and could face the death penalty if convicted. Rachel Reeves will face further questions after delivering a Budget that raised tax by 26 billion but was overshadowed by an unprecedented leak. The Chancellors decisions put Britain on course for a record tax burden as she hiked levies after weaker economic forecasts left holes in her previous spending plans. The increases are also needed to pay for increased welfare spending, with Ms Reeves announcing the abolition of the two-child benefit cap, expected to lift 450,000 children out of poverty. Having abandoned plans for a manifesto-busting income tax rise, the Chancellor opted for a range of smaller tax increases to pay for Government spending and build a larger buffer against her borrowing rules. These include a new pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles, increased taxes on online betting and a so-called mansion tax on homes worth more than 2 million. But she continued to face accusations of breaching Labours election promise not to raise taxes on working people after deciding to keep tax thresholds frozen until 2030/31 and levying national insurance on some pension contributions. Ms Reeves sought to defend herself on Wednesday, telling a press conference the manifesto had been very clear it was the rates of income tax, national insurance and VAT that would not be raised. But she added: Im not going to get into semantics. I recognise that we are asking people to contribute more by freezing those allowances. While the Chancellor faces questions from the media on Thursday, economists at the influential Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Resolution Foundation think tanks will give their full verdicts on her Budget. Rachel Reeves denied breaking her manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT (Adrian Dennis/PA) In its initial response, the Resolution Foundation warned of a hit to living standards after the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) said threshold freezes had contributed to a downgrade in forecasts for real household disposable income. And experts said taxing pension contributions would both reduce workers take-home pay and see many people saving even less for their retirement. Ruth Curtice, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, called the Chancellors Budget front-footed and front-loaded on cost of living support, but argued that Ms Reevess decision to stick to her manifesto tax pledge has cost millions of low-to-middle earners. Over half a million larger families will get a major income boost next spring, while typical energy bills will be cut by around 130 annually for the next three years, though support then fades away, she said. Sensible tax reforms will also help to level up the tax treatment of income. But, ironically, sticking to her manifesto tax pledge has cost millions of low-to-middle earners, who would have been better off with their tax rates rising than their thresholds being frozen. She said the Chancellor has taken steps to repair the public finances by more than doubling the headroom against her fiscal rules but warned debt remained up and the fiscal repair job has been put on hold for three years. Meanwhile, the IFS described the Budget as a spend now, pay later announcement, saying Ms Reeves was relying heavily on tax rises just before the next election and expressing scepticism about whether these would be implemented. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the Budget was a total humiliation for Rachel Reeves and if she had any decency she would resign. But the Budget announcement was overshadowed by an unprecedented blunder that saw the OBR publish its assessment of the economy and the Chancellors plans before Ms Reeves had even begun her speech. The OBR apologised, blaming a technical error, and its chairman Richard Hughes said an internal investigation had been launched to get to the fundamental causes and make sure it doesnt happen again. The investigation will report to the OBRs oversight board, the Treasury and the Commons Treasury Committee and Mr Hughes said he would abide by the recommendations including if they suggest he should quit. The Budget was thrown into chaos after an unprecedented leak of its contents half a hour before the Chancellor delivered her statement. Rachel Reeves said the Office for Budget Responsibility's (OBR) accidentally releasing its forecasts before she revealed her Budget was "deeply disappointing". The watchdog confirmed the Chancellor would be increasing taxes by 26billion in 2029-30 before MPs were told in the House of Commons. Deputy speaker Nus Ghani also rebuked Treasury ministers for pre-Budget briefings to the press, which she said appeared to "have reached an unprecedented high". Raising a point of order, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride told the Commons: "We have seen an unprecedented leak of the OBR's economic and fiscal outlook report before the Budget. "This report contains market-sensitive information. It is utterly outrageous that this has happened and this leak may indeed constitute a criminal act." The OBRs leak revealed that forecast gross domestic product would grow by 1.5% this year, an increase from its earlier 1% forecast. But it downgraded growth in 2026 from 1.9% to 1.4%, in 2027 from 1.8% to 1.5%, in 2028 from 1.7% to 1.5% and in 2029 from 1.8% to 1.5%. The OBR document also confirmed Ms Reeves's Budget "raises taxes by amounts rising to 26 billion in 2029-30, through freezing personal tax thresholds and a host of smaller measures". The freeze in tax thresholds will result in 780,000 more basic-rate, 920,000 more higher-rate, and 4,000 more additional-rate income tax payers in 2029/30, raking in about 8 billion for the Exchequer. The freeze will extend for three years to 2030/31. Other personal tax changes include 4.7 billion through charging national insurance on salary-sacrificed pension contributions, and 2.1 billion through increasing tax rates on dividends, property and savings income by two percentage points. The OBR said a "technical error" was to blame for the early release. In a statement, it said: "A link to our economic and fiscal outlook document went live on our website too early this morning. It has been removed. "We apologise for this technical error and have initiated an investigation into how this happened. "We will be reporting to our oversight board, the Treasury and the Commons Treasury Committee on how this happened, and we will make sure this does not happen again. During Prime Ministers Questions, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said leaks and briefings out of Downing Street are "having real-world consequences" as she accused Labour insiders of "fighting like rats". Deputy speaker Ms Ghani told the Commons: "For a number of weeks, and yet again yesterday, there have been extensive briefings to the media on the Government's fiscal policy and public finances. "This disappointing trend in relation to Budget briefings has been growing for a number of years under successive governments, but appears to have reached an unprecedented high. "Weeks ago, we saw the Chancellor (Rachel Reeves) delivering a speech in Downing Street, setting a scene for the Budget, as well as specific policy announcements being briefed out to the media in advance of today's financial statements. "And just a moment ago, it seems the OBR analysis has also appeared online. This all falls short of standards that the House expects. A romantic-mystery debut novel based in sun-soaked southern France has won the 2025 Waterstones Book of the Year. Set across a Provencal summer in 1920, Lucy Steeds The Artist follows an enigmatic painter, his niece and a British journalist who is keen on writing a piece about him, before tensions begin to build between them all. Steeds, from London, who also claimed the 2025 Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize, began writing the novel while living in France and beat shortlisted authors including Sir David Attenborough and Colin Butfields Ocean, and Suzanne Collins The Hunger Games prequel, Sunrise On The Reaping. Author Lucy Steeds has won the Waterstones Book Of The Year award with her debut novel The Artist (Waterstones/PA) Bea Carvalho, Waterstones head of books said: The Artist is a gorgeously escapist novel which seamlessly transports the reader to the sticky heat of sun-soaked 1920s southern France, weaving mystery with romance while delving into the complex nature of artistry. Atmospheric, elegant and sensory, it is a novel to be fully swept away by. Lucy Steeds is a writer of staggering, rare talent and it has been a joy to see this bookseller favourite become a word-of-mouth sensation. Steeds joins the likes of Asako Yuzuki, who won the award in 2024 with Butter, and 2023 winner Katherine Rundells Impossible Creatures. The 2025 Waterstones Childrens Book of the Year was awarded to Bafta award-winning animation director Mikey Please, with his debut picture book The Cafe At The Edge Of The Woods. Mikey Please won Waterstones Childrens Book of the Year 2025 with his debut childrens book The Cafe At The Edge Of The Woods (Karni Arieli/PA) Told in immersive rhymes, the playful story follows Rene and her waiter Glumfoot as their dreams of running their own cafe come true, until local mythical customers begin to order all sorts of disgusting meals. Carvalho said: The Cafe At The Edge Of The Woods bursts with charm and delight, juggling the delicious and the disgusting through addictive rhymes and exquisite illustration. Sweetly slapstick and quirkily surreal, it crams silliness and splendour into every tiniest detail. Rene and Glumfoot are an iconic new double act who children and adults alike will fall for, this is a true treat of a book which champions the sheer fun to be found in childrens storytelling. Chef Tim Siadatan, the co-owner of two London-based restaurants, Trullo and Padella, and one of the graduates from the first intake at Jamie Olivers Fifteen, took Waterstones Gift of the Year 2025 with his pasta book Padella. Tim Siadatans pasta cookbook won the Waterstones Gift Of The Year 2025 (Sam A Harris/PA) Carvalho said: Our Gift of the Year, Padella, will be a welcome addition to any kitchen bookshelf, inspiring yet accessible, destined to be thick with oil-splatter like all the most beloved cookbooks. Padella stands out as one of the most stunningly produced books of the year, setting the bar high for designers for the coming years. The Waterstones Book of the Year title is a coveted award, whose previous winners include Philip Pullman, Maggie OFarrell, Charlie Mackesy and Sir Paul McCartney. The winners will receive the full and committed backing of Waterstones shops and booksellers across the UK, and support online and through its loyalty card programme, Waterstones Plus, which reaches more than one million readers. Democrat Six accused by Trump of sedition after controversial video are enjoying a fundraising boom A group of six Democratic lawmakers who filmed a widely seen video urging troops to refuse illegal orders have seen a spike in fundraising since Donald Trump accused them of sedition and federal agencies began probing their efforts. Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona, a former Navy combat pilot and NASA astronaut involved in the video effort, was for a time the top fundraiser on the ActBlue platform on Tuesday, a person familiar with platform metrics told Newsweek. Kelly, who is facing a potential court martial for his involvement in the video, has explicitly fundraised off the threats from the Trump administration. Ive given too much to this country to be silenced by bullies who care more about their own power than about protecting the Constitution, Kelly wrote in a message from the Democratic National Committee. Call this what it is: Political persecution. All told, Kelly and his allies have offered at least a dozen text or email fundraising pitches mentioning his role in the controversy, according to an analysis from the Washington Examiner. Sen. Mark Kelly and Sen. Elissa Slotkin have issued fundraising appeals referencing the recent controversy over their participation in a video this month urging military members to uphold their oaths to the Constitution and refuse illegal orders, an effort that infuriated the Trump administration (Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, a former CIA analyst who is among the group of lawmakers facing a potential FBI interview over the video, had a similar message in a fundraising effort of her own. In the message, Slotkin claimed such threats were exactly why we made that video in the first place. President Trump believes in weaponizing the federal government against his perceived enemies and does not believe laws apply to him or his Cabinet, the appeal added. The video clip, which featured Kelly and Slotkin, as well as Representatives Jason Crow of Colorado, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, Chris DeLuzio of Pennsylvania and Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, immediately touched a nerve with the Trump administration, prompting the president to make violent comments about the lawmakers involved. The president has accused the six lawmakers who participated in the video of carrying out sedition that could be punishable by death (Getty) President Trump claimed the video amounted to seditious behavior, punishable by death and reshared a post that read, HANG THEM GEORGE WASHINGTON WOULD. Those involved have defended their participation. I refuse to be intimidated out of defending the country I love, Slotkin wrote on X. The Michigan lawmaker has said her office faced a wave of death threats over the ongoing controversy. In the video, the legislators, all former members of the military or intelligence community, claimed threats to our Constitution arent just coming from abroad, but from right here at home. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told reporters that a trainee firefighter was beaten and waterboarded by his colleagues (Google Streetview) Four fire and rescue workers have been arrested after allegedly waterboarding a teenage recruit as part of a hazing ritual. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told reporters Wednesday the violent stunt involved grease being smeared on the victim, who was allegedly beaten with a belt after his pants were pulled down. During the press conference, James Banta, the county fire chief, described the incident as the most egregious thing that has been reported to him in his 30 years as a firefighter. Three Marion County Rescue Employees, including Edward Kenny III, 22; Seth Day, 22; and Tate Trauthwein, 19, have been charged with kidnapping, robbery and battery in connection with the incident. Kaylee Bradley, a 25-year-old paramedic, has also been arrested for robbery and being an accessory to robbery. All four have been fired. Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods told reporters that a trainee firefighter was beaten and waterboarded by his colleagues (YouTube) According to a public statement, released by the sheriffs office alongside the press briefing, the incident took place on November 16 while the unnamed victim was working at Fire Station 21 in Ocala. During his shift, he was allegedly smeared with grease but tried to continue working as normal, according to an arrest affidavit seen by ABC News. The elder firefighters became aggressive and began chasing the victim through a car park, in an effort to gain access to his phone it is claimed. The group wanted to access the device so they could view a viral TikTok video which the victim had starred in, according to the affidavit. When the trainee refused to give up his password, Trauthwein allegedly threw the victims boots into a nearby wood. Kenny and Day then pulled the trainee to the ground and held him in place, when he went to retrieve his shoes. The victim was working a 24-hour shift at Fire Station 21 in Ocala (pictured) when the attack took place (Google Streetview) "The victim advised initially he thought they were just playing around," the affidavit stated. "Co-defendant Trauthwein then removed the victim's belt and the victim's pants were pulled down. Trauthwein allegedly started beating the trainee with the belt in order to get him to reveal the password to the phone, which had been handed over to Bradley. When they failed to get access to the device, Bradley took photos of the victim on her own phone. Trauthwein later held a towel over the recruits face, while his accomplices poured water onto the cloth, in an act simulating waterboarding, the sheriffs office said. The victim was released when a service call came in. The suspects were arrested after the trainee reported the incident three days later. During Wednesdays press conference, Marion County Fire Chief Banta said that the attack represented a disturbing violation of everything this profession stands for. "Let me be absolutely clear, these individuals involved in this incident forfeited their right to wear the uniform the moment they chose an act and manner that endangered, harmed and betrayed a fellow firefighter," he added. "Their behavior does not reflect who we are and what we stand for." According to Banta, the unnamed recruit declined the opportunity to take time off to recover. "He's diligent in doing his job, Banta said. He's been offered the ability to take some time, in which he's refused. His exact words were, he has a job to do. Authorities have begun investigating what caused Hong Kongs deadliest blaze in decades - Dale de la Rey/AFP via Getty Images Hundreds of people are feared dead after a huge fire tore through several high-rise blocks in Hong Kong on Wednesday. At least 75 people have been killed, and more than 250 are missing, after flames engulfed a compound of 2,000 flats in the citys northern Tai Po district on Wednesday. Rescuers spent 24 hours battling the fire and trying to reach residents trapped on upper floors. Authorities have begun investigating what caused Hong Kongs deadliest blaze in decades, including the bamboo scaffolding and plastic mesh wrapped around parts of the complex for construction work. Eyepress via Reuters Connect Hong Kongs anti-corruption body said it had launched an investigation into the renovation work on Thursday, hours after police said they had arrested three men on suspicion of manslaughter. Police said the cause could have been a grossly negligent construction firm using unsafe materials that resulted in the fire spreading uncontrollably, resulting in major casualties. The suspects, aged between 52 and 68, include two directors of a construction company and a consultant, who are accused of leaving foam packaging at the site. The inferno, which broke out at 2.50pm on Wednesday, reportedly started in one building covered in bamboo scaffolding, which is widely used in the construction and repair of buildings in Hong Kong. Reuters The death toll is expected to continue to increase as the bodies of the missing are found. Officials said 51 people lost their lives at the scene, while four died in hospital. One victim was a firefighter. Multiple residents of the Wang Fuk Court complex said they did not hear any fire alarms and had to go door-to-door to alert neighbours to the danger. The fire spread so quickly. I saw one hose trying to save several buildings, and I felt it was far too slow, one man, with the surname of Suen, told AFP. Threads/@striking_biking Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, expressed condolences to the victims, including the firefighter who died in the line of duty, according to state media. By Thursday morning, the fires had still not been fully extinguished, and John Lee, Hong Kongs chief executive, said that more than 900 people had sought refuge at temporary shelters. Authorities declared the incident a five-alarm fire the first time in nearly two decades that the highest emergency rating had been used with at least 128 fire engines and almost 800 firefighters dispatched to the scene. Authorities declared the incident a five-alarm fire the first time in nearly two decades that the highest emergency rating had been used - Yan Zhao/AFP via Getty Images Such was the size of the blaze that sections of a nearby motorway were closed because of the firefighting operation. Police also evacuated two buildings on another residential estate nearby. A casualty hotline was set up and two temporary shelters were opened in nearby community centres for those forced to flee. On Thursday, Mr Lee said the government would set up a fund totalling HK$300m (29m) to help affected residents. Sections of a nearby motorway were closed because of the firefighting operation - Vernon Yuen A man is distraught as the blaze engulfs the tower blocks - Reuters/Tyrone Siu Hong Kong has some of the worlds tallest and most densely populated apartment blocks. Deadly fires were once a regular occurrence in the state, especially in poorer neighbourhoods. However, safety measures have been tightened in recent decades and such disasters have become far less commonplace. In May, the Hong Kong government announced plans to introduce steel scaffolding as it said it posed less of a fire risk. Four people were taken to hospital after a fire broke out on the scaffolding of a building in the central business district last month. The last time Hong Kong suffered a major fire was in 2008, when flames broke out in a karaoke bar at a building in Mong Kok, a densely packed neighbourhood. Four people, including two firefighters, were killed. Almost 42 million people live in the Indonesia capital - Alamy Indonesias capital of Jakarta has overtaken Tokyo as the worlds most populous megacity, with almost 42 million inhabitants. The dense and sinking citys dramatic growth has been driven, in part, by mass migration, but largely because of a change in the ways urban populations are counted. According to the UNs World Urbanisation Prospects 2025 report, Tokyo, with 33 million people, has now dropped to third, while Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is second with 37 million. When the report was last published in 2018, Jakarta was listed as 33rd with 11 million people and Tokyo which includes three neighbouring prefectures first with 37 million. The drastic shift in the rankings is mostly the result of a new methodology. UN researchers previously relied on official national statistics which used hugely varied metrics. This time, more consistent criteria was used to categorise cities, towns and rural areas. For Jakarta, the new method counted 30 million more people living in the city, which spreads along the northwestern coast of the island Java. The previous official national statistics excluded many of the densely populated communities that are connected to the city centre, the report said. Pressure on infrastructure A huge proportion of the metropoliss population and workforce live in slums and informal settlements, known as kampungs in Indonesia. Often built within the shadows of skyscrapers, the harsh divide is an indication of the citys growing economic inequality. The areas often lack access to basic amenities such as clean water, electricity and waste disposal and their residents had largely been missed by the governments official count. The citys rapid population growth has been fuelled by both rural to urban migration by those looking for better jobs, wages and education as well as informal migration. Indonesia has become a major transit country for those fleeing conflict and instability, including from Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq and Myanmar. However, Jakartas rapid overpopulation has put severe pressure on its infrastructure. It has contributed to a gridlocked city, thick with pollution and harmed by environmental degradation. Jakartas overpopulation is one of a number of reasons why Indonesia is building a new city - Grant Rooney/Alamy Stock Photo The city is sinking as much as 11 inches a year, with some neighbourhoods already below sea level. In 2022, Indonesia began building a new city, Nusantara, in the jungles of Borneo to eventually replace Jakarta. Using the new criteria, Jakarta overtook Tokyo as the worlds most populous city back in 2010, as the Japanese capital, like the rest of the country, experiences a shrinking population. The report also found that 45 per cent of the planets 8.2 billion people now live in cities, double the number in 1950 when the urban population accounted for 20 per cent of the worlds 2.5 billion. By 2050, two-thirds of global population growth is projected to occur in cities, and most of the remaining one-third in towns. Fast-growing Dhaka, which rose from ninth to second place, is expected to become the worlds largest city by 2050, the researchers said. Nine out of the 10 most populated cities Jakarta, Dhaka, Tokyo, New Delhi, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Cairo, Manila, Kolkata and Seoul are in Asia. Cairo in Egypt is the only city in the top 10 that is located outside Asia. Cities displaced from the top 10 list were Sao Paulo, Mexico City, Mumbai, Beijing and Osaka. London is 33rd, with 10.46 million people, up from 7.6 million in 2020. Tokyo is projected to fall in rank from third in 2025 to seventh in 2050, as its population shrinks to around 31 million, reflecting a broader trend of population decline across Japan. The countrys population shrunk by more than 900,000 people last year, the biggest annual drop on record, according to government data. The decline is largely due to a declining birth rate, struggling economy, high cost of living and rigid work culture that deter many young starting families. Urbanisation is a defining force of our time, said Li Junhia, the UN undersecretary-general for economic and social affairs. When managed inclusively and strategically, it can unlock transformative pathways for climate action, economic growth, and social equity. Karoline Leavitts relative in ICE detention is part of Trumps random and cruel mass deportation campaign, lawyer says Bruna Ferreira was driving to pick up her 11-year-old son from school earlier this month when she was suddenly surrounded by federal officers. Since then, the 33-year-old Brazilian mother has been detained inside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Louisiana, hundreds of miles from her home in Massachusetts. The story of her November 12 arrest and detention is deeply familiar to hundreds of immigrant families embroiled in legal battles and deportation threats under Donald Trumps administration, but new reporting from Ferreiras case has revealed her ties to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose brother is the father of Ferreiras child. Theres an irony here, said attorney Jeffrey Rubin, whose firm is representing Ferreira. Shes somebody that has generated publicity because of her relationship to somebody who is part of the inner circle of the White House, but at the end of the day, that shes just one of many thousands and thousands of people that are getting this treatment on a daily basis in this administration, he told The Independent. Bruna Ferreira, 33, is the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitts nephew. She was arrested by federal agents and remains in ICE custody as the Trump administration threatens to remove her from the country (GoFundMe/Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues) Ferreiras parents emigrated from Brazil and brought their young daughter with them in 1998 when she was roughly 6 years old. Her two younger siblings were born in the United States. She received temporary legal protections under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA, the Obama-era program that has shielded tens of thousands of people who arrived in the country as children without legal status, and she was in the process of obtaining a green card, according to her legal team. That would place Ferreira among more than 20 DACA recipients and dozens of young immigrants who have been arrested or detained by immigration authorities since January, according to advocacy campaign Home Is Here. Her arrest is among many in a random and cruel mass deportation campaign under an administration that has performed warrantless searches, arrested and deported immigrants without due process, and stripped legal protections for tens of thousands of people who were allowed to live and work in the country, according to Rubin. It's outrageous and abhorrent, and the rhetoric alone is disgusting, he said. Trumps government-wide anti-immigration agenda has sought to dramatically reshape DACA, which Homeland Security assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin recently stressed does not confer any form of legal status in this country. DACA is not necessarily a path to permanent legal status, and new applications have been suspended for nearly a decade since the first Trump administration unsuccessfully sought to end the program altogether. But there is a strong bipartisan consensus that people like her should have a path to stay, according to Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow with immigration advocacy and policy group the American Immigration Council. Leavitts brother Michael was previously engaged to Ferreira, who emigrated to the United States from Brazil when she was six years old. The Trump administration has labeled her a criminal illegal alien (REUTERS) Ferreira was previously engaged to Michael Leavitt, the brother of Karoline Leavitt, but they broke up more than 10 years ago, according to the family. Ferreira and Leavitt share custody of their son, who lives with Michael and his wife in New Hampshire. When Michael won $1 million from a DraftKings contest eight months after their son was born, Ferreira said the couple was not in want of anything. I need the lights fixed on the back of my car, she told The Cullman Times in 2014. And we need a lamp for my sons room. Other than that we dont really need much. We have our health. We have a nice condo. We really are blessed. They separated shortly after. Her younger sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, launched a GoFundMe to raise money for her legal defense. Anyone who knows Bruna knows the kind of person she is, Dos Santos Rodrigues wrote. She is hardworking, kind, and always the first to offer help when someone needs it. Whether its supporting family, friends, or even strangers, Bruna has a heart that puts others before herself. She told the Boston Globe that Michael Leavitt and his father, Bob Leavitt, had urged Ferreira to self-deport after her arrest. Brazil is not her home, Dos Santos Rodrigues said. Theyre trying to push it off as a vacation. Thats not a vacation. Bruna barely speaks the language. Karoline Leavitt, who has posted several photos with her nephew on social media, has not reached out to Dos Santos Rodrigues or her family, she said. Her nephew also met Trump earlier this year inside the White House, according to photographs shared by the Leavitts on social media. If she were to help in any way, if she were willing to do anything to help us, she would have reached out by now, Dos Santos Rodrigues told the Boston Globe. I understand the policies and how it looks. But I also think when it comes to family, you put certain things aside. I dont care who you work for. In a message to reporters, Michael Leavitt said, My only concern has always been the safety, well being, and privacy of my son. The Trump administration has radically reshaped immigration enforcement and has threatened to rapidly deport DACA recipients and hundreds of young immigrants who arrived in the country without parents and guardians (AFP via Getty Images) Homeland Security, meanwhile, has described the mother of Karoline Leavitts nephew as a criminal illegal alien who has been accused of battery. Her lawyers said they have found nothing to support those allegations. Officials also accused Ferreira of overstaying a tourist visa that required her to leave the country in 1999, when she was seven years old. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, all individuals unlawfully present in the United States are subject to deportation, a spokesperson for Homeland Security said in a statement Wednesday. This is all just rhetoric and turning the law on its head, Rubin told The Independent. Ferreiras legal team is requesting a bond hearing in immigration court to secure her release from ICE custody. This week, a federal judge in California struck down the Trump administrations policy that blocked most immigrants who entered the country without legal permission from remaining in detention throughout their removal proceedings. That decision could potentially allow thousands of immigrants who have been locked up through the course of their removal cases to be released. The Independent has requested comment from the White House. David Lammy is proposing to scrap the right to a jury trial for defendants accused of offences likely to result in prison sentences of under five years - House of Commons/AFP via Getty Images David Lammy faces a battle to get plans to scrap jury trials for most crimes through the House of Lords, Labour grandees have warned. The Justice Secretary is proposing to scrap the right to a jury trial for defendants accused of offences likely to result in prison sentences of under five years. The reforms mean defendants charged with scores of offences, including burglary, affray, fraud, some sexual crimes and criminal damage up to 10,000, will be stripped of their right to elect trial by jury. However, Lord Goldsmith, Sir Tony Blairs attorney general who was thwarted in his efforts to push through similar reforms in 2003 said Mr Lammy faced a similar fight in the face of opposition from senior peers. They will definitely have a battle in the Lords. One or two colleagues have already said to me that it [the legislation] wont pass the Lords, he told The Telegraph. Lord Goldsmith and Lord Blunkett, the then home secretary, sought to restrict the right to jury trials in long and complex fraud cases, as well as allowing defendants to choose judge-only trials. Both measures are recommended by Sir Brian Leveson, a former High Court judge, in his review of reforms to tackle record court backlogs. Lord Blunkett said he had decided not to have the row with the Lords back in 2003 after peers had initially rejected his proposals because we were dealing with so many other things, including an immigration crisis reminiscent of todays. The Labour peer said Sir Brians proposals were sensible but added that there needed to be a debate about whether David [Lammy] is right to take them further. In his review for Shabana Mahmood, Mr Lammys predecessor, Sir Brian had proposed an intermediate court of a judge and two magistrates to hear cases of defendants facing up to three years in jail. The Justice Secretary has gone further with his proposals, under which only crimes likely to merit jail terms of more than five years such as murder, rape and other serious sexual offences, terrorism, manslaughter, GBH and possession of firearms will be entitled to jury trials. Magistrates powers are also to be increased by extending their remit from offences carrying a maximum sentence of one year to two years. Lord Goldsmith said he backed placing new limits on jury trials because the current record backlogs of nearly 80,000 Crown Court cases meant victims of offences such as rape and serious personal injury are finding their cases taking to long to get to trial or dont happen. He said: I would like to see the Government take a clear and principled stand if persuaded of the arguments that changes are needed to go ahead with them at least to the extent of Sir Brian Levesons report. Having commissioned that report from a senior judge, they should do their best to push it through. Backbench concerns about Mr Lammys plans to go further than Sir Brians reforms emerged in the Commons on Thursday when Andy Slaughter, the Labour chairman of the Commons justice committee, warned the Justice Secretary that he must come forward with evidence to justify his move. If the Lord Chancellor [David Lammy] is thinking to go beyond Brian Levesons proposals, he will need to produce clear evidence as to why that is necessary and why that does not offend our system of justice of which we are all still very proud, said Mr Slaughter. Kim Johnson, the Labour MP for Liverpool Riverside, criticised the plans, citing a 2017 review by Mr Lammy, which found that the only part of the justice system consistently free from racial bias were jury trials. She asked Sarah Sackman, the justice minister: Can the minister explain how black and ethnic minorities can have trust in this new Crown Court [judge-only] division when there is no evidence that this will work to address the backlog? Brian Leishman, the Labour MP for Alloa and Grangemouth, said the judiciary was primarily privately educated and white in contrast to the composition of juries, and therefore not representative of modern-day Britain. b' 2611 Court ' Ms Sackman said the record Crown Court backlogs were undermining fair justice for victims and defendants who were being forced to wait as long as four years for their trials. This Government will do whatever it takes to protect the fundamental right to a fair trial. The great British justice system, with all of its traditions, would never let victims wait, in some cases, four years for justice, she told MPs in response to an urgent question by Robert Jenrick, the shadow justice secretary. Mr Jenrick criticised Mr Lammy for sending his junior minister to answer the question, saying: Weve had jury trials for over 800 years. But, this morning, David Lammy was too much of a coward to tell us why hes scrapping them. Hes stealing our freedoms and hiding as he does it. On Thursday evening, Ministry of Justice sources discounted speculation that Mr Lammy was planning to water down the proposals to bring them closer to Sir Brians less radical blueprint. The Justice Secretary wasnt free for a Commons question too busy trying on wigs, apparently - Paul Grover for The Telegraph Nasty Labour: they get you from every angle. First, they tax you blind. Then, when you engage in some light shoplifting to make up the difference, they deny you a trial by jury. Have you heard of Magna Carta? the quizmaster asked David Lammy. She was the seventh wife of Henry VIII, the contestant replied. Sadly, the Justice Secretary wasnt free for a Commons question too busy trying on wigs so was represented by Sarah Sackman. Behind her sat Joe Powell; opposite, Rob Jenrick. Its a humiliating reminder of my own, failed political ambitions that I was at university with all three. Parliament resembles a Cambridge reunion, in that I was invited to neither. Sackman MP, KC, very PC was irritated the jury plan had leaked. But, with a backlog of 80,000 cases, something has to give, and the constitution is it. A fair trial, she argued, includes a speedy trial, and rape victims have been left waiting for years. In fact, she seemed to think the only crime being committed in 2025 is rape it was her constant example and that every accusation is sound. With that attitude, youd obviously want to limit jury trial yet the point of Magna Carta is not to empower the accuser but to assist the accused, by guaranteeing their judgment by peers. Alas, its hard to make a rational argument when Labour rolls every pitch with emotional rhetoric. Sackman gave the undeniably powerful example of an abuse victim denied justice heartbreaking and Edward Leigh, engrossed in conversation with Luke Evans, laughed about some other matter. Sackman was outraged; the Speaker demanded respect. The Tories were collectively dressed down. After that, they could do little but nod sympathetically at Sackmans answers, lest a camera catch them looking indifferent. This is how Left-wing authoritarians work: from face masks to sugar taxes, they guilt you out of your liberties. Still, good arguments for Magna Carta were advanced by Jeremy Corbyn (juries are a fundamental right), Richard Tice (polls show people have more faith in juries than judges) and David Lammy. Yes, David Lammy. A Lib Dem member quoted remarks made in his 2017 justice review that juries are a success story of our justice system. Sackman replied: When the Secretary of State made those comments it was clearly in a very different context. Indeed. He was in opposition. There, as Rachel Reeves has shown, you can say a billion lovely things and then forget em all in office. On that subject, reactions continue to the Budget. Reform called it unpatriotic. The Lib Dems said it was racist. The Green Party said, I am the walrus, goo-goo gjoob (and jumped 20 points in the polls). Kemi had to be dragged from the Commons, clutching a handful of the Chancellors hair, shouting, Do you want some? Yeah? Theres more where that came from! Having decided to allow Kemi be Kemi, the Tories have a fresh stake in the retention of trial by jury. Im told the Chancellor was shaken by Kemis assault, and the PM horrified by the claim that hes a patronising mansplainer. To prove otherwise, he kindly suggested Rachel take a few days off to recover. Buy yourself a new frock, he said, that always cheers you up. Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, praised the budget as a rejection of austerity. Photograph: Jane Barlow/PA Labour leaders in Edinburgh and Cardiff sought credit for the most progressive measures in Rachel Reeves budget on Wednesday, pinning their hopes for next years critical elections on a package that increases funding for Scotland and Wales by nearly 2bn. That funding boost and the abolition of the two-child limit for universal credit recipients were seen as a relief in both capitals. Anas Sarwar, the Scottish Labour leader, said: I demanded a Labour budget rooted in Labour values and that is what the chancellor has delivered. This budget means child poverty down, energy bills down, wages up and austerity rejected. The Welsh first minister, Labours Eluned Morgan, said: This is a budget which will help people across Wales. It will mean more money in the pocket of people who need it the most. We called on the UK government to continue to support us with more money for hard-pressed public services and they have delivered. Opinion polls have consistently suggested the Scottish and Welsh Labour parties both face humiliating defeats in Mays devolved parliament elections, largely because of voter anger over the actions of Keir Starmers government at Westminster. In Scotland, Labour has trailed in second or third place behind the SNP and Reform UK in polling. In Wales, where Labour has dominated for a century, the party is predicted to come in behind Plaid Cymru and Reform. Related: Budget 2025: key points at a glance The Welsh and Scottish parties lobbied the prime minister and the chancellor to tackle the cost of living crisis, particularly on energy bills and for low-income households, to combat surging polling support for their opponents. Sarwars optimistic take was boosted by the Scottish TUC leader, Roz Foyer, a repeated critic of the UK government, who said raising the national living wage, cutting energy bills, scrapping the pernicious two-child cap and increasing taxes on the wealthiest were welcome. By staving off short-term cuts, the chancellor may have just played Labours get out of jail free card, Foyer said. For working people still reeling from a pandemic, cost of living crisis and Tory austerity, the increase to the living wage, cuts to their energy bills and uprating welfare offers a lifeline when they need it most. After name-checking Sarwar in her budget speech, Reeves said her decisions would release an extra 820m in funding for the Scottish government over the next three years. There will be an extra 1bn for the Welsh government to spend on services and capital projects. Reeves announced a 505m boost to the Welsh administrations budget and it will also be able to borrow more and take extra from its reserves another 425m. Prof Laura McAllister, of the Wales Governance Centre, said she doubted the budget would help Labour at Mays elections. She said: Its hard to imagine that the announcements will make a material difference to Welsh Labours prospects. Overall, its a case of too little, too late and whilst the two-child benefit will play well, the rest is too intangible. The power-sharing government in Northern Ireland will get an additional 370m in day-to-day and capital, plus 16.55m for Stormont over the next three years to boost its post-Brexit trade with the rest of the UK. The Fraser of Allander Institute, an economics thinktank at the University of Strathclyde, said scrapping the two-child cap would release another 120m for ministers in Edinburgh because their scheme to scrap it in Scotland would no longer be needed. However, Shona Robison, Scotlands finance secretary, insisted the budget was a chaotic mess that fell short of meeting Labours promises to cut energy bills by 300, while the increase in its Treasury funding would not cover the cost of meeting the increased national insurance bill for the public sector. Robison said a new mileage rate for electric cars would penalise green motorists, and would have a disproportionate impact on rural drivers. She also said the chancellors refusal to scrap the energy profits levy on North Sea oil and gas would risk thousands of jobs. She welcomed the end to the two-child cap, but said: The complete chaos around this budget gets to the heart of the fact that we should not be leaving crucial decisions around the economy, public finances and household bills in the hands of a deeply incompetent Westminster UK government. The Plaid Cymru leader, Rhun ap Iorwerth, said Wales was being short-changed. He claimed the Treasury was withholding more than 4bn owed to Wales because it got no benefit from the HS2 project and there had been no progress on devolving the Crown Estate. Lidl has increased the prices of its plastic bags, triggering outrage from customers. The German supermarket has upped the prices on its shopping bags from 30p to 40p. Enraged customers have flooded social media expressing their fury. One posted to Reddit, saying: I remember when it was like 5/10p?! What a joke. Soon it will be a pound. Another added: They need to stop making plastic bags if they want to solve the problem of waste monetising it doesnt help. Another customer took to Trustpilot to say: I have noticed that every time I need to buy a plastic bag, the price keeps going up. It started at 15p and now its 40p each, which is ridiculous. Its so unfair that we have to pay so much for these bags. Others have taken to commenting that it is the responsibility of the customer to remember to bring one from home. But it has been reported that customers can ask for a free replacement bag when their bag deteriorates. Customers have called the rising cost of plastic carrier bags at Lidl and other supermarkets totally insane (DDP/AFP via Getty Images) This comes after similar price increases from competitors Sainsburys and Tesco, leading to a similarly unhappy reception from customers. Sainsbury's recently said it would be upping the price of reusable bags from 30p to 40p due to rising costs. One person complained on X: My local Sainsburys has increased the cost of a bag to 40p. 40 B***** PENCE. This is totally insane. We will lead the crusade against this tyrannical corporate greed!. Last month, a spokesperson for Tesco said: We encourage customers to bring shopping bags with them to cut down on plastic, but we sell a wide range of reusable bags in case they are needed. Our cheapest Bags for Life cost 40p and are made of 100% recycled plastic. They can be reused many times, and if they become worn out can be replaced for free at our customer service desks and recycled again. Supermarkets like Lidl and Sainsburys are not legally required to charge for plastic bags (PA Archive) A spokesperson for Sainsburys also defended the decision, saying: Weve kept the price of our Bag for Life the same for three years. We recently updated it to balance rising costs and our continued donations to good causes, including initiatives tackling food poverty, which are supported by all profits from the sales. Each bag is made from 100% recycled plastic and can be replaced for free when it wears out or is damaged. In 2015, the supermarkets were forced to charge 5p for single-use carrier bags, and in 2021, this price was raised to 10p by the government. These thinner bags have been phased out in exchange for the thicker and more durable bags for life. Supermarkets are not legally required to charge for these bags, but the price of them has been slowly increasing over the years. Waitrose does not offer bags for life but charges upwards of 1 for thicker reusable bags (PA) How does the price of Lidls bags compare to competitors? Aldis Eco Loop bags, which are made from recycled polyethylene collected from the shops in-store plastic waste, are priced up at 40p. Morrisons has two main options a 40p reusable paper bag and a 60p reusable plastic bag. Aldi, Tesco, Sainsburys, and Morrisons all offer free replacements for their bags once they deteriorate. Bags For Life are not offered by Waitrose, but thicker reusable bags are available and cost upwards of 1. Iceland offers woven reusable bags for 1. Palestine flags flying from lamp posts in Tower Hamlets, which was once the Cockney heartland - JULIAN SIMMONDS As a grizzled travel writer, Ive picked up a few tips over the years. And one of them is this: if you want to understand a country quickly, take an urban food tour. You get to sample delicious scran, you learn how locals eat, drink and socialise and crucially as the chat flows, you hear the sort of throwaway facts that make you sit back in surprise. So it was last night, for me, in Phnom Penh, the increasingly seductive, hedonistic capital of Cambodia. I was eating buffalo beef jerky with a spry fifty-something guy called Vannak, right outside the monastery where the young Pol Pot, the future communist tyrant then known as Saloth Sar, was a trainee monk. Naturally the conversation strayed to the appalling Khmer Rouge era. Vannak explained how he was nine years old on that burning hot April day in 1975 when the Khmer Rouge entered Phnom Penh and drove everyone out, including his own family of bourgeois business folk. Then he offered up his startling fact: today, Phnom Penh once again has a population of about 2m, as it did in 1974 before the Khmer Rouge. However, 80 per cent of these people are newcomers, with no ancestral, cultural or generational link to the old Phnom Penh. The original population that was kicked out in 1975 has never truly returned. Setting down my beer, I started taking notes, hoping to find a way to illustrate this astounding change. I wrote the lines imagine if this happened to London, if most of the population was replaced in two generations, how incredible it might And then I stopped. Because I realised that actually has happened to London. In 1975 the white British population of London was about 85 per cent. Today, fifty years later, it is just 37 per cent, and falling. Protestors pray while participating in a counter-demonstration, Whitechapel, Oct 25 - Anadolu Now, of course what has happened to Londoners is utterly different from the Cambodian experience. Voluntarily moving from Bow to Braintree is, to put it mildly, not the same as being marched out of your home at gunpoint. Any moral comparison would be grotesque. But in strictly numerical terms the transformation with war-torn Phnom Penh is, like it or not, analogous. Put it differently: whats happened to London is almost unprecedented in peacetime. A glance at history shows this. If you seek out examples of dramatic ethnic change comparable with London 1975-2025, you get these: Constantinople from 1453-1500, when Ottoman conquest reduced the Greek population from 90 per cent to 30 per cent. Alternatively there is medieval Toledo, Spain, when the Reconquista reduced the majority Muslim population to a much smaller minority in the years 1085-1150. Another example is Thessaloniki between 1870-1928, when convulsions of empire followed by the First World War, married with forced ethnic expulsions, saw the Turks replaced by Greeks. A fourth contender might be one of the Polish cities purged of its ethnic German population in the smoking ruins of Europe, 1945-1950. Somewhere like Wroclaw. Indeed, finding peacetime equivalents for the disappearance of the Cockneys is seriously difficult. You might argue for New York City in the late 19th century. Buenos Aires is also a possibility, from 1870 to 1914. However, these examples dont read across to London, because New York and Buenos Aires were, during their ethnic evolutions, fundamentally immigrant cities. There was not so much a replacement as an invited influx, deliberately willed by the government of the day. London, then, really is unique in peacetime. No one voted for the change weve seen, no one consciously willed it, yet it has happened. How should Londoners feel about this? Perhaps we should be proud that such a change has happened so peacefully. We should certainly feel proud that, despite the intensity of these demographic shifts, London somehow functions, even thrives, in a way that many other multicultural cities do not. Seeking a very different perspective, I asked Vannak how he feels now, about the transformation of his capital. Sometimes, he confessed, when he drives past his familys old house, now occupied by strangers, a sadness grips him, but it doesnt last. Like most Cambodians, he said, he just wants to move on. However, he added, that is because Cambodia is growing, becoming prosperous. If that ever stops if people start to feel poor again then they will remember, and reflect. And then, I think, they might get very angry. Police officers secure the scene in Washington, DC after National Guard troops were shot - Anthony Peltier It was the afternoon before Thanksgiving, and downtown Washington, DC, was emptying out for the holiday. Donald Trump was already in Florida while politicians and lobbyists were working from home or catching flights to spend the break with relatives. And the two National Guardsmen were in their usual position, beside the entrance to Farragut West metro station, just as the gunman knew they would be. The alleged shooter, identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, who entered the US in 2021, came around the corner, according to a senior police official, raised his arm and opened fire. Bullets shattered the glass of a bus shelter, and sent tourists scattering across the street. Officers at the scene of the shooting in downtown Washington, DC - DANIEL SLIM/AFP I heard boom, boom, twice, said Stacey Walters, a nurse at a doctors clinic who was on her lunch break. She was in an Uber, and her driver said he could not reach her destination. There were adults on both sides of the road and little children running, she told The Telegraph. Then I looked at the park and I saw little children running and adults were telling them, Go, go, go. I heard someone saying, Help, help. More shots followed. Other National Guardsmen in the area raced to help their comrades, drawing their sidearms as they arrived. National Guard troops gather together - DREW ANGERER/AFP They heard the gunfire, said Jeff Caroll, executive assistant chief at the Metropolitan police department. They actually were able to intervene and to kind of hold down the suspect after he had been shot on the ground until law enforcement got there within moments. The two guardsmen were shot in the head, two officials told NBC News. Shops around Farragut Square, just 500 yards from the White House, locked their doors, keeping customers from straying into the line of fire. A large cordon was in place in the Farragut Square area on 17th and I Street NW Video from the scene showed emergency workers and guardsmen giving desperate first aid to a figure slumped on the pavement amid the shattered glass of a nearby bus stop. It is a part of the city that is accustomed to sirens. Washingtonians are used to the sight of visiting dignitaries coming and going from the White House, and to the presence of Secret Service agents while they are buying their morning coffees or milling in and out of the local metro stations. A National Guard soldier receives medical attention in an ambulance - DREW ANGERER/AFP Roads were closed with no notice amid a shifting analysis of passing threats. But the response on Wednesday afternoon, with a police helicopter overhead and a non-stop procession of police cars, fire trucks and ambulances was different. Two National Guard soldiers ran towards the scene, phones glued to their ears. This only happens when its an officer down, said a passerby. A park police helicopter landed on the grass of the National Mall, between the White House and the Washington Monument, to collect one of the victims. A park police helicopter collects one of the victims - Emily Hanson In the meantime, the White House, barely a five-minute walk from the shooting across the statue-filled grass of Lafayette Park, went into lockdown. It was placed on its highest level of alert, known as condition red, which is only used when the Secret Service believes there is an immediate threat to life. And across the city, Reagan National Airport issued a ground stop. For an hour, on one of the busiest travel days in the country, it allowed no flights in and out, in case a wider terror plot was unfolding. The FBI will investigate the shooting as a possible act of terrorism, NBC reported. b' 2811 National guard shooting map ai 'b' 2811 Shooting location map ' The shooting will raise fresh questions about whether putting troops on the streets helps make the city safer or whether it inflames tensions in Mr Trumps America. Some 2,000 National Guard troops have patrolled the streets since he deployed them in August, as part of a crime crackdown. They have become a familiar sight, loitering on metro platforms, ducking into restaurants to use the lavatories, or strolling slowly around city parks in combat fatigues with handguns at their sides. In the immediate aftermath, Mr Trump offered his answer to the debate, ordering the Pentagon to deploy another 500 troops to Washington. But questions about motive remain unresolved. At this time, obviously, were very in the preliminary stages of the investigation, said Mr Carroll, at a hastily arranged press conference in Farragut Park. Credit: Reuters Christmas lights twinkled and bows adorned benches beside him, Muriel Bowser, the citys mayor, and Kash Patel, the FBI director, as they answered questions. Details on the shooters motive, at least for now, remain scant. As it stands, there is only one question left. A day before Thanksgiving, said Ms Walters: Who would do this? A man has been arrested in connection with the Heaton Park synagogue attack after arriving on a flight at Manchester airport, police said. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said the man, aged 31, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism. He is the seventh person to be arrested in connection with the terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, on 2 October. Worshippers Melvin Cravitz and Adrian Daulby were killed after Jihad Al-Shamie, a Syrian-born UK citizen, drove his Kia Picanto into the gates of the synagogue and then began attacking with a knife, wearing a fake suicide belt. Al-Shamie, 35, was shot dead by armed police. Three other men were treated in hospital for serious injuries following the attack. Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts, who holds operational responsibility for Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: At around midday today, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with the appalling terrorist attack that took place at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. The man is now the seventh person to be arrested in connection with the terrorist attack (Peter Byrne/PA) The man was arrested at Manchester airport after arriving on an inbound flight and has been taking into custody for questioning. The loved ones of Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz have been updated on this development, as have those who were seriously injured in the attack. Our investigation is continuing, and I would once again appeal for anyone with information that they think could assist our enquiries to please come forward. We are also still seeking to identify and speak to anyone who was present at the time of the incident or the immediate aftermath so that we can ensure they have access to all the welfare support options that are available to witnesses. A 30-year-old man arrested on 9 October on suspicion of failing to disclose information contrary to S38B of the Terrorism Act 2000 remains on bail, police said. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is asked to contact police via the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 0161 856 3946. Sarah Beckstrom and her father, Gary. Sarah was shot in Washington, DC on Wednesday while on patrol as a member of the US National Guard A member of the National Guard shot just yards from the White House is not expected to survive, her family has said. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were left in a critical condition when they were shot in Washington, DC on Wednesday, allegedly by a suspect named as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. Authorities said the two National Guard members had been sworn in to guard the streets of the US capital less than 24 hours before the attack, which took place the day before Thanksgiving. Gary Beckstrom, Ms Beckstroms father, said his daughter had received a mortal wound. Im holding her hand right now, he told The New York Times. She has a mortal wound. Its not going to be a recovery. Sarah Beckstrom is in hospital in a critical condition Both Ms Beckstrom and Mr Wolfe were taken to hospital immediately after the shooting and are with their families while they receive medical treatment. Both Sarah and Andrew, I believe, were sworn in less than 24 hours before they were shot on the street in Washington, Jeanine Pirro, the United States attorney for DC, said at a press conference on Thursday. Ms Beckstrom was said to have volunteered to work on the streets of the US capital on the Thanksgiving holiday. Jeanine Pirro speaks during a press conference on Thursday - Andrew Leyden Mr Wolfe reportedly lived in Martinsburg, West Virginia and attended the nearby Musselman High School. The school said in a post on Facebook that it was deeply saddened to learn the 24-year-old had been identified as one of the National Guard troops shot in the capital. Please keep Andrew, his family, and all those affected in your thoughts. We will share updates as we receive them, the post added. As we head into Thanksgiving, please keep our friend in your prayers, the Beltway Baggers, which runs regional tournaments for the American Cornhole League in Virginia, said in a statement. Andrew Wolfe was reportedly an avid player of cornhole - Andrew Wolfe / Facebook Mr Wolfe was reportedly an avid player of the sport, which involves throwing a bag of corn at a target. Posting a picture of the 24-year-old smiling and holding a beanbag, the post continued: Our hearts are with him and his family. The National Guard has been deployed in the capital since August, when Donald Trump, the US president, declared he was mobilising troops to clamp down on crime. Mr Trump ordered 500 more troops onto the streets shortly after the shooting. A judge has ruled the deployment illegal, but the Trump administration appealed the decision on Wednesday. Ms Pirro said both Mr Wolfe and Ms Beckstrom were still in a critical condition after surgery. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, she said. These are dedicated service members who were performing their duties in service to our nation, and they are currently in critical condition. They have undergone surgery. The suspect has been named as Rahmanullah Lakanwal The pair were members of the West Virginia National Guard, she said, and were in the city pursuant to president Trumps executive order to make DC safe and beautiful. Ms Pirro continued: They answered the call. They took the charge. They volunteered. They put their lives on the line for people they dont even know, and that, unfortunately, is becoming a reality more and more for the members of law enforcement. She said the gunman, using a 357 Smith & Wesson revolver, had ambushed the pair on 17th and I Streets near the Farragut West metro station. b' ' One guardsman is struck, goes down, and then the shooter leans over and strikes the guardsman again. Another guardsman is struck several times, she said. She identified the suspect as Mr Lakanwal, who had come to the country following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. He is said to have driven to DC from his home in Bellingham, Washington, where he lived with his wife and five children. Fox News reported on Wednesday that he was in the country illegally after his visa expired in September, but this was not confirmed by authorities. The Trump administration announced it would be reviewing all asylum cases approved under Joe Biden following the attack. Mr Lakanwal, who is under heavy security at a hospital after being subdued by other National Guard members, will be charged with assault with intent to kill, and faces up to 15 years in prison. If Mr Wolfe and Ms Beckstrom do not survive, Ms Pirro added, he will be charged with murder in the first degree. Oliver White was found dead less than 24 hours after robbery (Instagram/247Kettles) Two men have been found guilty of plotting a 1.38 million jewellery shop robbery which led its manager, a court heard, to take his own life. Oliver White, 27, who was tied up and put in a headlock during the raid, took his own life the next day as a direct result of the incident, a court was told. Kyle Mehmet, 40, of Rotherham, and Michael Holmes, 34, of Sheffield, were convicted of conspiracy to rob after a trial at Woolwich Crown Court. Mannix Pedro, 37, of Woking, was found guilty of the same offence in February. More than 70 high-value watches were taken from the 247 Kettles shop in Richmond, south-west London, on May 25, 2024. In a state of distress, Mr White tried to transfer 14,000 in savings to his bosses after the theft, prosecutors said. Kyle Mehmet and Michael Holmes were convicted of conspiracy to rob after a trial at Woolwich Crown Court (Nick Ansell/PA Wire) Earlier this year, a trial heard he did not see the risk or bad in anyone and showed real enthusiasm for his work at Kettles. But Mr White told his girlfriend he had been accused by a man of not putting up enough of a fight. Not long after transferring the cash, he went missing and stopped replying to texts or calls. His body was found by a friend in a wooded area he visited as a child. None of the stolen watches has been recovered and the shop had no insurance, despite being the target of a theft three years earlier. Earlier this year, Junior Kunu, 31, of Mitcham, south-west London, was cleared of conspiracy to rob the shop. Kunu said the robbery was staged and everyone involved consented including Mr White, whom he claimed would have put up more of a fight if he had thought the robbery was real. Mehmet, Holmes and Pedro will be sentenced at a later date. 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. Police at the scene in Washington. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters Trump administration officials say they are undertaking a broad re-examination of asylum cases and green cards issued to citizens of certain countries, after the shooting of two national guard members near the White House in Washington DC on Wednesday. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) named the suspect in the shooting as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the US under a policy set up under Joe Biden after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 and continued under Donald Trump. Hours after the shooting US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced processing of immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals was indefinitely suspended pending further review. The DHS said the administration was expanding that to include a review of all asylum cases approved under the Biden administration. DHS did not clarify whether it is reviewing all asylum cases from only Afghanistan or from other countries, as well. The USCIS director, Joseph Edlow, said in a statement he was also directing a full-scale, rigorous re-examination of every green card for every alien from every country of concern, at Trumps request. Edlows statement did not specify which countries were considered countries of concern. USCIS pointed at a travel ban Trump imposed in June on citizens of 19 countries, including Afghanistan, Burundi, Laos, Togo, Venezuela, Sierra Leone, and Turkmenistan. Late on Thursday, USCIS also announced it would start considering country-specific factors for applicants from countries included in the travel ban as significant negative factors in certain immigration applications. Trumps second term in office has been marked by a harsh immigration crackdown, and the president signaled shortly after the shooting that he considered the attack justification to reconsider refugee and asylum status granted under previous administrations. We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country, the president said on Wednesday. If they cant love our country, we dont want them. Speaking from Palm Beach on Wednesday evening, Trump cast the shooting as the result of lax vetting of migrants from Afghanistan, a country that he described as a hellhole on earth, a claim echoed by other senior officials, including the FBI director, Kash Patel, and Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia. The suspect came to the US in September 2021 under an Operation Allies Welcome program that gave some Afghans who had worked for the US government entry visas to the US. The CIA said he worked with CIA military units during the US war in Afghanistan. Lakanwal was granted asylum this year under Trump, according to a US government file seen by Reuters. He had no known criminal history and the government file said he was vetted because he worked with US government partners in Afghanistan during the war, and no potentially disqualifying information was discovered. Related: Shock and dismay after national guard troops shot near White House The shooting took place near the Farragut West metro station in the capital city. The guard members were named as Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. On Thursday, Trump announced the death of Beckstrom. He said that Wolfe was still fighting for his life. The suspect was also shot and had injuries not believed to be life-threatening, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, who spoke to AP on condition of anonymity. National guard troops have been positioned across Washington since August, when the Trump administration declared a crime emergency and ordered them in to support federal and local law enforcement. There are an estimated 2,375 national guard troops activated in Washington. Trump said in his speech that he directed the rebranded war department to send an additional 500 guard members to Washington after the shooting. The US district judge Jia Cobb recently ruled that Trumps national guard deployment was likely unlawful and must be halted, but the order does not go into effect until next month. The Trump administration is appealing against the ruling. Reuters contributed to this report. Vladimir Putin tried to play a traditional musical instrument during his state visit to Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday (November 26). The Russian president was given an impromptu lesson on how to play the komuz, a fretless string instrument used in Central Asian music. Footage released by the Kremlin press service shows Putin trying his hand at the instrument while asking about the correct way to play it. Putin has previously shown a musical side , playing the piano and singing. Earlier on Wednesday, Putin met with Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko and Kyrgyz president Sadyr Japarov ahead of a summit of the leaders of the Collective Security Treaty Organisation (CSTO) group of nations. Kemi Badenoch responding to Budget The Conservatives will be still pinching themselves and asking: is it all real? Did Rachel Reevess Budget really destroy her own party and give the Conservatives a chance to finally put Nigel Farage on the back foot? Yes, it really happened; and, yes, thats the prospect that stands in front of the Conservatives right now. This Budget will be taught to students of politics for years to come as how not to present policies to the English public. By raising taxes on workers in a downturn to pay for an enormous splurge of cash on welfare, it completely contradicted everything English voters consider fair and reasonable. Politicians forget that vast numbers of working-class voters see with their own eyes the lives benefits claimants live in their shared communities. In focus groups, they complain these claimants sit around expensive coffee shops all morning while theyre toiling away at work. They want greater generosity to the truly needy, but tough financial justice to those they deem shirkers. And English attitudes to welfare have been further hardened in recent times by revelations of the cost of housing asylum seekers in hotels and private homes. The OBR revealed that the cost of housing asylum seekers is going to reach a staggering 15bn over the next decade. The term welfare simply doesnt mean what it used to for most voters. Watching Tory leader Kemi Badenoch give her response to the Budget, it was clear she couldnt believe her luck. She had the opportunity to say, rightly, that this was a Budget for Benefits Street. This well-crafted line was repeated widely in the media. Politicians are human and Badenoch and the rest of the Tory front bench will have relished the opportunity to tell their Labour opponents that its not so easy after all, is it? For Labour spent the last few years laughing at Tory ineptitude in government, breezily assuring voters theyd sort everything out. But Badenoch will surely have had a different target in mind as she was savaging Labour: Farage. While the Tories introduced the two-child benefit cap which Labour are removing, and while the Tories continue to oppose it, Farage inexplicably announced in the summer that Reform would remove it too. Amid supporter discontent, Farage clarified that he meant hed remove it for British nationals where parents were both in work, but for most voters this will have been viewed as a distinction without a difference. At a stroke last summer, Reform became soft on welfare. For the first time, therefore, while Labour are dropping in the polls, Badenoch has the chance to go after Farage with the public both firmly behind her and sceptical of Reforms position. This is such a gift to the Tories because welfare is the only major political theme the Tories can use to reestablish their credibility in the short-term. They announced tough new policies on immigration, but who cares? The so-called Boris Wave of unprecedented immigration is still on voters minds. Theyre also still seen to have neglected the NHS in office and failed to deal with the huge increase in the cost of living. While this weeks Labour Budget debacle will soon be all voters think about, Liz Truss Budget is still remembered as a fiasco. On welfare, however, the Conservatives can credibly argue that Labour are directly undoing a popular policy the Tories brought in; crucially, they can argue Reform are complicit in the decision. The Tories can in turn credibly argue theyre the only party truly interested in welfare reform and in reestablishing fiscal responsibility. While the Tories record in office on welfare was patchy at best good at the start under Iain Duncan Smith, then poor later on they retain some credibility on the issue. Ironically, this is one area where their on-off image of heartlessness and being on the side of rich makes it more believable theyd take action to cut welfare bills. The great thing about having competitive advantage on welfare is that it allows Conservative politicians to tell so many powerful political stories. They can talk about the straightforward moral imperative that work must be rewarded over idleness; they can talk about Labour incompetence over manifest waste in the system; and, more specifically, they can talk about Labour failure on asylum and immigration. We must assume Reeves will be gone soon. If he follows past form, Keir Starmer will fire her to protect his own position. But hes not strong enough to survive doing so, and we must assume hell be gone in the medium-term certainly well before the next election. While this doesnt mean, in principle, that a General Election will follow, its a possibility if the new Labour leader wants to enact radical policies for which he or she has no mandate. If we do face the prospect of an early election, its possible that welfare reform ends up being a defining issue for voters. Regardless, the Conservatives should do everything possible to make the next few months all about welfare: how Labour and Reform unravelled their policies and how theyd restore them in office. In Helen Whately, the shadow welfare minister, they have a good media performer to help them do this. Behind the scenes, and this matters more than it used to, Reforms big mistake on welfare can be used by Badenoch and other senior Tories to tell wobbly Conservative politicians and donors that it shows Reform arent serious and arent ready for office. If theyll take such an approach to welfare, Tories can ask, what on earth will do they do on other policies? We should expect Labour to tumble in the polls in the next few weeks as their Budget unravels. What of the Tories? Its too much to think theyll rise in inverse proportion. But its not too much to think that they might start being listened to again and that they might start making voters think differently about Reform. Three robbers have been found guilty of a 1.1 million heist at a southwest London luxury watch dealership which led to the victim taking his life the next day. Kyle Mehmet, 40, Michael Holmes, 34, and Mannix Pedro, 37, were all involved in the raid last May on the 247 Kettles shop in Richmond. Oliver White was working at the store when the robbery took place, and was dead the following day having taken his own life. The 27-year-old was said to be devastated in the aftermath of the raid, while Woolwich Crown Court heard he was accused of not doing enough to prevent the crime. On Wednesday Mehmet and Holmes were found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to rob, having denied the charge. Police said two men assaulted Oliver White at the jewellers in Richmond before stealing a number of high-value watches (PA Media) Pedro was convicted of the same charge at an earlier trial, while a fourth man, Junior Kunu, 31, was cleared of the allegation. Mr White had been put in a headlock and tied up as more than 70 high-value watches worth around 1.38 million were taken from the shop. In the aftermath, Mr White met with the owners of the business as well as another businessman, Fred Sines. Mr Sines was convicted earlier this year of trying to sell the 4.3 million gold toilet which had been stolen from Blenheim Palace in 2019. It was suggested in court that the Sines family have ties to Irish crime family the Kinahan cartel, and the shop in Richmond was used as a front for organised crime. One of the shop owners, Connor Thorton, was called to give evidence after Mr Kunu claimed as part of his defence that the heist had been staged. Alana Dredge and Oliver White on holiday (Instagram) Mr Thornton said Mr White had been questioned in the meeting after the robbery about why he let shady people into the store, as well as why he did not press the alarm. But he insisted that Mr White had never been accused of being complicit in the heist. The store mainly sold high-end Rolex models ranging anywhere from 3,000 to 60,000-70,000 in value, the court heard. Mr White, in a witness statement he gave to police before his death, said the two men who entered the store was completely relaxed, and there was nothing that made me suspect anything. Four watch trays were out on display. At this point in time I felt normal, a few moments later they stood up and started grabbing the watches, he said. They started talking to each other and said grab the watches. They did so in a hurried way. He said one man grabbed him and had pinned my hands across my chest. Alana Dredge paid tribute to boyfriend Oliver White on social media (Alana Dredge/Instagram) I was feeling shocked at this point he was the only guy who got physical with me, he then bound my wrists together. Mr White was put in a headlock and restrained with white cable ties as the luxury watches were loaded into a bag. Pedro was not present for the robbery, but had been closely involved in the planning and execution including securing a stolen Audi as a getaway car. In a statement, Mr White's mother, Amy Keane, said: "We are all absolutely devastated with the loss of our funny, thoughtful and kind son Oliver; our lives will never be the same and we feel this loss every minute of every day." In court, his girlfriend Alana said the accusations that he was in on the raid broke him as it was clear he loved the work at 247 Kettles. She said he had not wanted to talk about the incident. Mehmet, Pedro, and Holmes are in custody awaiting sentencing on a date to be set. Normal People author Sally Rooneys books may have to be withdrawn from sale and none of her new works published in the UK due to uncertainty caused by the ban on Palestine Action, the High Court has been told. Palestine Actions co-founder Huda Ammori is taking legal action against the Home Office over then-home secretary Yvette Coopers decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws. The Home Office is defending the claim. Sally Rooney has been vocal in her support of the book (Alamy/PA) The ban, which began on July 5, made membership of, or support for, the direct-action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. A total of 143 people were arrested after demonstrations took place during the first day of the challenge at the High Court in London on Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said. On Thursday, Ms Ammoris barrister Raza Husain KC said that the Ms Rooney believes that publishers and producers could be committing a criminal offence by paying her due to her vocal support for the banned group. In August, Downing Street warned that she risked committing a terrorist offence after the award-winning author said she would donate earnings from her books and BBC adaptations of novels Normal People and Conversations With Friends to support the banned group, in a piece for the Irish Times. And in witness statements for the legal challenge made public on Thursday, Ms Rooney stated the producer of those programmes said they had been advised that they could not send money to her agent if it could be used to fund Palestine Action as that would be a crime under anti-terror laws. The author said it was unclear whether any UK company can make payments to her and that if she was prevented from profiting from her work, her income would be enormously restricted. She added: If I were to write another screenplay, television show or similar creative work, I would not be able to have it produced or distributed by a company based in England and Wales without, expressly or tacitly, accepting that I would not be paid. The 34-year-old writer said that the uncertainty about how the ban affects her contracts also means she and her publisher cannot predict how it could impact upon her novels. She described how the publication of her books is based on royalties on sales, and that non-payment of the royalties would mean she could terminate the contract. If, therefore, Faber and Faber Limited are legally prohibited from paying me the royalties I am owed, my existing works may have to be withdrawn from sale and would therefore no longer be available to readers in the UK, Ms Rooney added, saying this would be a truly extreme incursion by the state into the realm of artistic expression. Ms Rooney then said it is almost certain that she cannot publish or produce new work in the UK while the ban remains in force. She continued: If Palestine Action is still proscribed by the time my next book is due for publication, then that book will be available to readers all over the world and in dozens of languages, but will be unavailable to readers in the United Kingdom simply because no-one will be permitted to publish it, unless I am content to give it away for free. Ms Rooney concluded: I am of the view that the passionate opposition to this proscription is due not only to the broad base of support for direct action against genocide, but also to the unprecedented misuse of anti-terrorism legislation to curtail civil liberties. Multiple demonstrations have taken place against the ban (Aaron Chown/PA) Sir James Eadie KC, for the Home Office, said that a debate about how a terrorist organisation is defined was for Parliament to decide. The barrister told the court: Palestine Action is within the definition of a terrorist organisation applying the test that Parliament has determined that and provided for, we say compatibly, in the primary legislation. He continued: In our democratic society, these issues are matters for Parliament to judge and Parliaments judgment is expressed in the current legislation. In written submissions, Sir James said that proscriptions aim is stifling organisations concerned in terrorism and for members of the public to face criminal liability for joining or supporting such organisations. He continued: That serves to ensure proscribed organisations are deprived of the oxygen of publicity as well as both vocal and financial support. Sir James also said the ban strikes a fair balance between interference with the rights of the individuals affected and the interests of the community. The barrister also emphasised that the ban has not prevented people from protesting against Israels actions in Gaza or in support of Palestinians. He later said: Whilst it has at all times been open to supporters of Palestine Action to protest against its proscription without breaking the law, certain individuals have instead repeatedly sought to flout Palestine Actions proscription. The hearing before Dame Victoria Sharp, Mr Justice Swift and Mrs Justice Steyn is due to conclude on December 2, with a decision expected in writing at a later date. British TV personality and former soldier Ant Middleton delivers a speech on the opening day of the Reform UK 2024 annual Party Conference in Birmingham on September 20, 2024. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) (AFP via Getty Images) Television personality Ant Middleton is accused of breaching a confidentiality contract with the Ministry of Defence by sharing extremely sensitive details of his time in the special forces on a podcast, the High Court has been told. The department claims that Mr Middleton, who previously presented Channel 4s SAS: Who Dares Wins, breached the contract in an episode of the Mike Drop podcast published on YouTube in July, titled Exposing The Quiet Split Between UK And US Forces. Barristers for the MoD told a hearing on Thursday that Mr Middleton signed an agreement upon joining the special forces in 2008, which prevents him from disclosing information about the work of UK special forces, even if the information is not accurate. They successfully asked a judge to issue a temporary injunction pending the full trial of the legal claim, telling the hearing in London that the case concerned a serious, damaging breach of the contract. The court heard that the MoD would neither confirm nor deny whether the statements made by Mr Middleton in the podcast were accurate, but that the department claims they are covered by the contract regardless. Mr Middleton, who represented himself at the hearing, denies breaching the agreement and opposed the temporary injunction bid, telling the court in London that he was not paid for the podcast and the legal action was sudden, severe and disproportionate. In a ruling, Mr Justice Garnham said that he had no hesitation in granting the temporary injunction, stating that refusing to do so could cause significant harm to UK special forces. Oliver Sanders KC, for the department, told the hearing that Mr Middleton served in the special forces from 2008 to 2011. The confidentiality contract stated that Mr Middleton would give a solemn undertaking binding me for the rest of my life that he would not disclose information relating to his special forces service without express prior authority in writing from the MoD. Television personality Ant Middleton (second left) outside the Royal Courts of Justice, central London, where he is being sued by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) over an alleged breach of contract. Court records show that the MoD issued a legal claim against Mr Middleton, who presented Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins. Picture date: Thursday November 27, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ben Whitley/PA Wire (Ben Whitley/PA Wire) Mr Sanders said that this was not limited to information that was true, and that while Mr Middleton had generally complied with his contract, he had not sought or been given authorisation to disclose information on the Mike Drop podcast. The episode, which lasted almost four hours and has received more than 147,000 views, included segments titled final stages of SAS selection and red tape in Afghanistan and the breaking point. He said: It was disclosed without notice to the MoD, it was disclosed without authority, if authority had sought to have been disclosed, it would have been refused. It is extremely sensitive references to weapons, international partners, intelligence matters all of that is very sensitive information and should not have been disclosed. Mr Sanders also said that the MoD was taking legal action to reassure partners that our personnel are not going to leave and spill the beans. Mr Middleton, a father-of-five who now lives in the United Arab Emirates, told the court that his military service included tours of Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Sierra Leone. He continued that disclosing information that could endanger soldiers was against everything I have ever known or stood for and that the information he cited in the podcast was easily obtained by internet search. He also said that some of the information cited came from his time in the Royal Marines, which is not covered by the confidentiality contract. He said: Despite multiple attempts by myself and my legal team to engage in constructive dialogue with the MoD, we have been met with what we feel is an unreasonable and aggressive approach. We have wanted to mediate at every single corner. He continued: We remain unclear exactly on what specific allegations we are expected to defend. He added: Without knowing the exact content in question, it is impossible to form an appropriate defence or even take corrective action. He also said: I have never placed my country, nor my fellow comrades, at risk. I believe the suggestion that I have revealed military secrets is truly shocking and unfounded. Mr Middleton also said he had removed the podcast from his social media and that the host of the Mike Drop podcast, Mike Ritland, had also agreed to remove it. The temporary injunction will run until a full trial of the legal claim, scheduled for March 3 next year, with the MoD seeking a permanent injunction forcing Mr Middleton to adhere to the terms of the agreement. South Park took aim at Secretary of War Pete Hegseths obsession with social media and Saudi Arabias sponsorship of stand-up comedy and professional sport in this weeks Thanksgiving-themed episode. In the new episode Turkey Trot that aired Wednesday, the towns annual Turkey Trot turns to Saudi Arabia for sponsorship. Meanwhile, Hegseth arrives with the Department of War and mistakes the event for an Antifa uprising. The character of Hegseth spends much of the episode convincing his Department of War soldiers to help him shoot content, while he pleads with his viewers to like and subscribe. Among the content he posts is an attempt to do chin-ups in a reference to the real-life video he and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. appeared in together. Hegseth even earned his own theme song, set to the tune of Kenny Logginss Danger Zone, repeatedly branding him a f***ing d****e. The end of the episode saw him taking on the towns Turkey Trot, firing on participants alongside Kristi Noems ICE agents. Pete Hegseth appears in the most recent episode of 'South Park' (Comedy Central) The episode made repeated reference to the controversy over this Octobers Riyadh Comedy Festival, where high-profile comedians, including Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Kevin Hart, Louis C.K., Jimmy Carr and Jack Whitehall received substantial fees in exchange for performing while agreeing not to make jokes about religions or Saudi royals. In the episode, the townsfolk speculate about whether Saudi Arabia will sponsor their own event, concluding: I mean, theyre giving money to everyone else. Why not us? A promotional video for the race then contains the phrase: Disparaging remarks towards the Saudi royal family are strictly prohibited. Later in the episode, Cartman argues with Tolkien Black, who has decided not to take part in the event because of the involvement of Saudi Arabia. What, Tolkien, you dont like that Saudi Arabia is buying American stuff? asks Cartman. Theyre trying to be progressive, OK? You want them to go back to what they were doing? Do you want Saudi Arabia to just go back to cutting people up and paying Kevin Hart? Is that what you want? You cant whine about a country trying to come into the 21st century. Earlier this month, South Park co-creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker said in an interview that they have found politics impossible to avoid this season. Cartman and Tolkien argue over Saudi Arabia in the Thanksgiving-themed South Park episode Turkey Trot (Comedy Central) Its not that we got all political, Parker told The New York Times. Its that politics became pop culture. Stone added that speaking out against the Trump administration had become taboo. He continued: Trey and I are attracted to that like flies to honey. Oh, thats where the taboo is? Over there? OK, then were over there. Parker went on to clarify that their targets can come from all sides of the political spectrum. Were just very down-the-middle guys, he said. Any extremists of any kind, we make fun of. We did it for years with the woke thing. That was hilarious to us. And this is hilarious to us. Surprise import fees are landing on doorsteps - along with packages ordered for the holidays Online shoppers across the U.S. are experiencing unexpected costs this holiday season upon delivery of their packages, with some import-related fees topping $100. For example, small business owner Jennifer Scully told WMTV about her shock when a delivery driver showed up with a $54 bill she had to pay before receiving her package, even though shed already paid for the order and shipping. It was only about $200 worth of goods, so percentage-wise, adds a lot to the cost, Scully told the outlet, saying she paid the bill because she needed the package for her business. The unexpected charge is an import fee required to move international goods through customs. While many large global companies are covering the fee and raising product prices to compensate, smaller shippers are instead passing the cost directly to customers, sometimes without clearly disclosing it. The $800 de minimis exemption for overseas purchases was eliminated by a Trump executive order signed in July and implemented in August (Getty Images) Until recently, Americans could buy up to $800 worth of goods from overseas without paying duties, thanks to the de minimis exemption. That changed in July, when President Donald Trump issued an executive order eliminating the exemption. Now, shipping companies must collect tariffs from customers and pass the money to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with the funds ultimately going to the U.S. Treasury. The responsibility for duties is determined when the overseas seller creates the shipping label. If the seller doesnt choose to pay the duties themselves, the cost is automatically shifted to the buyer. This is a tax on all of us, political scientist Jon Pevehouse told WMTV. The Postal Service reported a 70 percent drop in packages coming into the United States over the last couple of months. In addition to standard customs tariffs, some items from specific countries face extra fees, which can drive the total cost even higher for shoppers. These changes are also something to think about when traveling and picking up souvenirs for loved ones, or going on a shopping spree overseas. Travelers returning to the US with gifts are not affected by the new import fee changes, because personal duty exemptions still apply. Travel agent Otehlia Cassidy said that depending on the country youre arriving from, travelers can bring back $200, $800, or $1,600 worth of goods without paying duties, as long as the items are declared. My recommendation is, if you can stuff it into your check bag, that's the best option, Cassidy told WMTV. However, shipping gifts home is a different story. Mailed packages no longer qualify for these exemptions, meaning tariffs apply regardless of the items value. As for avoiding surprise delivery fees, consumers legally cannot bypass them if they want the package. The only alternative is refusing the shipment so the carrier returns it to the sender, which prevents the buyer from being charged. Consumers who choose to pay import fees should be on guard for scams. Tiffany Schultz of the Better Business Bureau warns that scammers often pose as legitimate carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL, taking advantage of the confusion surrounding new tariff charges. She advises shoppers to verify any unexpected fee notices by checking whether the website link is genuine and, when in doubt, calling the shipping company directly to confirm the charge. It's okay to pick up the phone, Schultz told the outlet. Since returning to office, Trump has signed a number of proclamations for including for anti-communism week and national energy dominance month. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters For the first time since 1988 the US government said it will no longer commemorate World Aids Day, which honors those who have lost their lives to the disease, celebrates efforts to combat the epidemic and raises awareness. An awareness day is not a strategy, a state department spokesperson, Tommy Pigott, told the New York Times. However, since returning to office Donald Trump has signed multiple proclamations for awareness days and awareness weeks and awareness months on topics that are apparently more to his liking. They include: Anti-communism week Trump proclaimed the week of 28 November one of observance as a solemn remembrance of the devastation caused by one of historys most destructive ideologies and a renewal of the national promise to stand firm against communism. The proclamation coincided with the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor of New York City, whom Trump painted as a communist lunatic. National energy dominance month Trump issued the proclamation in October, changing what was previously called national energy awareness month, promoting energy efficiency, into a call for maximum production, maximum prosperity, and maximum power. Framing energy prices as a national energy emergency, Trump announced a commitment to policies focused on maximizing domestic production of oil, natural gas, coal and critical minerals. This month, we continue our crusade to bring back American energy dominance, the proclamation reads. Leif Erikson day Trump has declared Leif Erikson day every year he has been in office, including signing proclamations in 2017, 2020, and 2025, based on a 1964 law designating it on 9 October. The day honors the heroic life of the Norse explorer, who is believed to have been the first European to land in North America. Columbus Day A federal holiday since 1934, Columbus Day has in recent years been observed in many cities and states as Indigenous Peoples Day, in recognition of Columbuss controversial legacy, particularly the suffering and horrendous treatment of Native Americans under colonization; Joe Biden became the first US president proclaim it as such. Trump swiftly did the opposite, restating his administrations commitment to Columbus Day and to reclaim [Columbus] extraordinary legacy of faith, courage, perseverance, and virtue from the left-wing arsonists who have sought to destroy his name and dishonor his memory. National manufacturing day Trump has issued proclamations to mark national manufacturing day every year hes been in office (as have past presidents since 2012 on other dates) on 3October. In this years proclamation Trump touts his tariff policy, cutting red tape, rejecting the Green New Scam agenda, and his drive for America to manufacture products at home. He calls upon Americans to celebrate the entrepreneurs, innovators, and workers in manufacturing who are making our communities strong. Overdose prevention week Trump has not stopped commemorating public health epidemics that he deems important. The president officially established the week of 31 August to 6 September as overdose prevention week, coinciding with international overdose awareness day, which is recognized every year on 31 August. Trump called upon Americans to observe the week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, religious services, and other activities that raise awareness about the prescription opioid and drug overdose epidemic. Touting his tough immigration and border policies, and his efforts to classify fentanyl-related compounds as Schedule I drugs and designate cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, it reads: We remember those who lost their lives to overdose, we stand beside the families left to grieve, and we renew our solemn commitment to ending this epidemic once and for all. Cancer control month Trump also still proclaims cancer control month to honor and celebrate survivors of cancer, to remember beloved family members and friends that we have lost to this devastating disease, and to recommit to pursuing groundbreaking medical advancement and spearheading innovative treatments to combat and prevent all forms of cancer. Made in America week In line with his America First vision, Trump proclaimed the week of 20-26 July Made in America Week, after issuing similar proclamations with different dates in 2017 and 2018. He calls upon to Americans to pay special tribute to the builders, the ranchers, the crafters, the entrepreneurs, and all those who work with their hands every day to make America great. 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill As part of the broader commemoration of the nations 250-year anniversary next year, Trump issued a proclamation on 17 June declaring that day as a day of remembrance for the courage, determination, and selflessness of the patriots who fought at Bunker Hill. 101st anniversary of United States border patrol Trump issued a proclamation on 28 May honoring 101 years of US border patrol. We honor the thousands of patriots who dedicate their careers to defending our borders and upholding the rule of law, even in the face of grave danger and tremendous risk, it reads. Above all, we pay tribute to every brave soul who has perished in the line of duty while proudly serving our Nation. Victory Day for the second world war Trump issued a proclamation designating 8 May as Victory Day for the second world war. The choice of date left many historians and commentators flummoxed, given that while it marks the day in 1945 that Nazi Germany surrendered, US troops continued to fight for several more months in the Pacific theater until Japan finally surrendered on 2 September. 418th anniversary of the first landing and the raising of Cape Henry Cross Trump became the first president to commemorate the anniversary of the Cape Henry Landing by issuing a proclamation. The seeds of Americas destiny were sown when this courageous band of Christians erected a towering wooden cross at the crest of Cape Henry, Virginia, it reads. Our Nation honors the heroic souls whose faithful devotion and uncommon courage more than 400 years ago foreshadowed the birth of the greatest Republic in the history of the world and it is in their memory that we pledge to forge a future that always celebrates our history, honors our heritage, and glorifies our God Almighty. and more: Trump has also issued proclamations for many other pre-existing events several of them health-related that are typically marked every year by the sitting president (or have been in the past), including the national Days of Remembrance for victims of the Holocaust, national mental health awareness month, and World Autism Awareness Day. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was taken into custody after two National Guard soldiers were shot in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday afternoon. One of the two victims, Sarah Beckstrom, has since died of her injuries while the other, Andrew Wolfe, remains in a critical condition in hospital. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, President Donald Trump lashed out at the suspect, calling him an animal, describing the incident as a monstrous, ambush-style attack,. As investigators look into motive, there are growing questions about how an Afghan national who once worked with the CIA ended up as the suspect in the deadly attack. The president has blamed his predecessor Joe Biden for allowing Lakanwal into the country, despite it emerging that his own administration had granted the suspects asylum application in April. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan national, who has been taken into custody after two National Guard soldiers were shot outside of a Metro station in Washington, D.C., Wednesday (Reuters) What do we know about the suspected shooter? The suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, originally from a village in the province of Khost in Afghanistan. A close relative said the suspect had served in the Afghan Army for 10 years alongside U.S. Special Forces as part of the War on Terror, NBC News reported. The New York Post has since reported that Lakanwal struggled for years with the violence he saw in his homeland as a part of a feared CIA-backed series of paramilitary groups known as Zero Units, with whom he served from as young as 16, initially as a security guard and later as a team leader and GPS specialist. Such units are also known as death squads and Human Rights Watch has said it has documented several instances in which they were responsible for extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances, indiscriminate airstrikes, attacks on medical facilities, and other violations of international humanitarian law. The CIA disputes those accusations. When he saw blood, bodies, and the wounded, he could not tolerate it, Muhammad, a childhood friend, told The New York Times. It put a lot of pressure on his mind. He would tell me and our friends that their military operations were very tough, their job was very difficult, and they were under a lot of pressure. U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro speaks next to FBI Director Kash Patel and other authorities during a press conference Thursday (Reuters) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Lakanwal came to the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program aimed at resettling Afghans who had assisted the United States in its fight against the Taliban, which has taken in approximately 76,000 people. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwals past association with his agency during an interview with Fox News Wednesday night, saying he had been a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation. The Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the U.S. government, including CIA, Ratcliffe added. Lakanwal subsequently worked as a delivery driver in the U.S. to support his wife and five children and reportedly attempted to manage the post-traumatic stress identified by his friend with marijuana but also played the violent military-themed video game Call of Duty. Authorities say the suspect and his family had been living in a sparsely-furnished apartment in Bellingham in Washington state, more than 2,600 miles from D.C., which he left behind earlier this week to travel long distance in a Hyundai sedan to perpetrate Wednesdays atrocity. Lakanwals apartment block in Bellingham, Washington (Reuters) Two senior U.S. law enforcement officials told NBC the FBI are initially investigating the shooting as a possible act of terrorism. Lakanwal has reportedly not cooperated with the investigation so far. Many details about the suspect are still unknown as he is still in the hospital receiving treatment, said Jeffery Carroll, executive assistant chief of D.C.s Metropolitan Police Department. Lakanwals injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. Following the shooting, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services agency announced an immediate and indefinite halt to the processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals pending a review of security and vetting protocols. Trump has since said he will permanently pause migration from all third world countries. How did the shooting unfold? Shots were fired in Washington D.C. at around 2.15pm ET on Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro Station, a few blocks from the White House. The two wounded soldiers were part of a high-visibility patrol when they encountered the suspect, who rounded a corner, raised his arm and fired at them with a .357 revolver in an ambush, Carroll said. Other National Guard troops quickly subdued the shooter after an exchange of gunfire. They actually were able to intervene and to kind of hold down the suspect, after he had been shot, on the ground until law enforcement got there within moments, he said. National Guard soldiers respond to the shooting near the White House on Wednesday (Getty) Building manager Amelia Smith, who works nearby and heard the gunfire, told NBC she heard four shots at first and then many, many more. I started seeing Secret Service members rushing by, running by, cycling by, and more and more sirens. I wasnt sure if it was gunshots, but then I thought, OK, no ones going to be putting off fireworks the day before Thanksgiving. And when I heard the sirens, I was like, this is, this is something serious, she added. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has described the incident as a targeted shooting. Who are the victims of the shooting? The West Virginia soldiers shot during the incident were Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, who were raced to hospital in a critical condition and underwent surgery. Trump announced at a Thanksgiving press conference that Beckstrom had died of her injuries and that Wolfe was still fighting for his life. Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that were talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023 outstanding in every way. Shes just passed away, Trump said. Shes no longer with us. Shes looking down at us right now. She was savagely attacked, shes dead now. Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom, the two National Guardsmen shot in the incident (U.S. Attorney's Office) Wolfe is in very bad shape, the president added. Hopefully we'll get better news with respect to him. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, there were conflicting reports about the victims conditions. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey initially wrongly announced that both had died, before later clarifying. On Thursday, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, announced Lakanwal will be charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Beckstroms death now means a first-degree murder charge is likely to be added. Alex Woodward contributed to this reporting. Even before Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday to shut down immigration processing for Afghan migrants in the wake of a horrific shooting near the White House, the State Department was reportedly taking steps to push governments around the world to restrict migration on the grounds that it supposedly caused violent crime to flourish. A New York Times report on Wednesday revealed a diplomatic cable sent by Secretary of State Marco Rubio a week earlier directing U.S. diplomats around the world to pressure the governments of countries in Europe as well as Canada, New Zealand and Australia to heavily restrict migration. The November 21 cable, obtained by the Times, directs those ambassadors and their staffs to highlight crimes, especially violent acts, committed by migrants in their respective countries to make the Trump administrations case. The text claimed that violent crimes committed by immigrants were widespread disruptors of social cohesion, an accusation that rings true in no small part due to the immediate impulse of the Trump administration and its far-right allies to highlight and supercharge political discourse around such instances of violence. U.S. diplomats were directed in the cable to regularly engage host governments and their respective authorities to raise U.S. concerns about violent crimes associated with people of a migration background, according to the Times. The cables existence was not previously reported until Wednesday, when a man identified as an Afghan national was named as the suspect in the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members just blocks from the White House. The two Guard troops were reported to be in critical condition as of Thursday morning. National Guard soldiers respond to a shooting near the White House on November 26, 2025 in Washington, DC (Getty Images) The suspect in Wednesdays shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is thought to have served with U.S. forces including the CIA in his native country of Afghanistan before he came to the U.S. with the fall of Afghanistans government to the Taliban in 2021. The suspect is hospitalized after being shot by a Guard member during the attack. Donald Trump issued a furious response on Wednesday after the shooting, vowing that the suspect would pay the steepest possible price. He directed federal agencies to immediately suspend immigration requests from Afghanistan, which has been under the control of the Taliban for four years. The suspect was brought to the U.S. initially under the Biden administration, which began a program to evacuate Afghans who feared retaliation from the Taliban due to their cooperation with the U.S. in 2021. Reports citing the Department of Homeland Security indicate that Lakanwal applied for asylum during Bidens last year in office and had his request approved earlier in 2025. He was waiting on a green card application to be accepted at the time of the shooting. Trump, in a video message Wednesday evening, demanded new vetting for all Afghan refugees brought to the U.S. after 2021. We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, the president said. He also added that attacks from such migrants represented the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. Tens of thousands of Afghans and Iraqis have resettled in the United States on special immigrant visas over the last four years, many fleeing ongoing instability in the two nations invaded by the United States after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Many fear retaliation for serving as translators, fixers or in other roles in services to U.S. forces active in the two countries in conflicts against the Taliban, Islamic State, and other groups in the region in support of the Afghan and Iraqi governments. The fall of Afghanistans democratic government in 2021 accelerated the pace of those visas being issued after former President Joe Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security to extend protections for vulnerable Afghan citizens, a program known as Operation Allies Welcome. The agency also extended temporary protected status for other Afghan refugees at that time, protecting them from deportation with temporary protected status, but that was halted by the Trump administration earlier in 2025. Migrants who commit violent crimes became a major focus of the presidents third campaign for office in 2024, and Trump used the murder of 22-year-old Laken Riley in February of that year to hammer then-President Biden over immigration policies. Since taking office, Trump has wrongly claimed that illegal border crossings dropped to zero under his watch; those numbers are actually publicly available on the DHS website, and indicate that while illegal migration has sharply fallen there are still thousands of encounters with migrants seeking to entry the country illegally every month at ports of entry and along the U.S. border. Unelected membership of the House of Lords has expanded from 676 to 803 in the past 20 years, while political donations of more than 250,000 jumped from 7.6m to 47m, the study notes. Photograph: Aaron Chown/AP Structural corruption and the rise of conduits for unelected power are reshaping British politics, according to a stark report from the Equality Trust. Unelected influence has increased over the past two decades, the report claims, driven by the growing political clout of the ultra-rich and the institutions that enable it. Priya Sahni-Nicholas, the co-executive director of the trust, said: Our new Concentration of Power Index shows that wealth concentration aligns with power. Our index rises almost exactly in step with increases in the top 1% share of wealth. This correlation is strong and statistically significant. The study Money, Media and Lords: How the ultra-rich are shaping Britain argues that unelected power in Britain has risen sharply at the same time as an increasing amount of money is spent on political access and influence. These trends move in lockstep with wealth concentration at the top and are increasingly embedded within the countrys political and media systems, said Sahni-Nicholas. The report shows how the appointments system for the House of Lords, the scale of political donations and the concentration of media ownership each function as conduits for unelected power. Unelected membership of the Lords, the report highlights, has expanded from 676 to 803 in the past 20 years the same period that political donations above 250,000 have jumped from 7.6m to more than 47m. Seven peers in the House of Lords last week behaved in a way critics said was all but unconstitutional by in effect blocking a bill passed by the House of Commons after years of public debate. The Guardians own analysis has found that one in 10 peers were paid for political advice in the 2019 to 2024 parliament. The trusts report also shows how media ownership has become dramatically more concentrated, with the share controlled by the UKs three biggest news conglomerates rising from 71% to about 90%. This is structural corruption, Sahni-Nicholas argued. It is a legal, slow-moving operation where institutions adapt to serve concentrated wealth. The UK government is drawing up media amendments allowing foreign states to own up to a 15% stake in British newspapers and magazines. Related: The Guardian view on the peers lobbying scandal: Lords reform is a vital step for restoring trust in democracy | Editorial This has caused anxiety among critics who are already concerned that Google commands 93% of UK search engine use, while Meta and Google together account for three-fifths of all UK advertising spend. The trust recommends prohibiting private donations of more than 5,000, putting limits on political appointments and patronage, encouraging ownership diversity and investing in and funding independent local media to dilute the dominance of a few large actors. The report builds on concerns recently raised by the Media Reform Coalition which said the UK media system is in a perilous state due to the ongoing collapse in media plurality and the declining diversity of news sources. Its research found that just three companies DMG Media, News UK and Reach control 90% of UK national newspaper circulation, a 20% increase in market concentration since 2014. The UKs local newspapers are dominated by a handful of corporate chain publishers, with just two companies Newsquest and National World controlling 51% of the UKs 882 local newspapers and online local news websites. The report concluded: The opaque and unaccountable influence that a few big tech platforms exert on UK media poses serious challenges for independent journalism and our digital rights. Prof Robert Reich, the co-founder of Inequality Media, warned: The ultra-rich media owners are tightening their grip on democracy. Billionaire media owners like [Elon] Musk, [Jeff] Bezos, [Larry] Ellison and [Rupert] Murdoch are businessmen first and foremost, he said. Their highest goal is not to inform the public but to make money. In an era when wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals who have bought up key media there is a growing danger that the public will not be getting the truth it needs to function in this democracy, said Reich. Global banking giant JP Morgan Chase has unveiled plans to build a new tower in Londons Canary Wharf in an estimated 10 billion boost to the City. The plans come as rival US investment bank Goldman Sachs announced it is going to double the number of staff employed at its Birmingham office. The fresh commitments to their businesses in the UK come a day after the autumn Budget statement, in which banks escaped target tax rises which many in the industry had feared. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the banks are choosing Britain because they like what they heard in the Budget. JP Morgan Chase, one of the worlds biggest banks, said the new building will be three million square feet and house 12,000 of its staff. It is earmarked to be the businesss UK headquarters and its most significant presence in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The construction is set to take six years and will begin as soon as it gets necessary approvals, JP Morgan said. Chief executive Jamie Dimon said: The UK Governments priority of economic growth has been a critical factor in helping us make this decision. This building will represent our lasting commitment to the City, the UK, our clients and our people. JP Morgan said an independent study estimated the project could contribute about 9.9 billion to the UK economy over the next six years taking into account the building work for the development. The bank said London-based staff will work from the new tower once it is complete, and its office in the City while it plans to consider its options for an existing Canary Wharf office. Goldman Sachs plans to grow its workforce in Birmingham to more than 1,000 (Alamy/PA) Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs announced plans to grow its Birmingham office and double its workforce from 500 to over 1,000 in the coming years. The banking group said it formed part of efforts to deepen our commitment to the UK economy. Ms Reeves told BBC Radio 4 Today that the fact that we delivered the Budget that I delivered yesterday is getting investments from some of the biggest companies in the world, here in the UK. Those companies can invest anywhere they are choosing Britain because they like what they heard in the Budget yesterday, she said. Banks were spared from an increase to taxes on the industry in Wednesdays Budget, after speculation that they were possibly in the firing line as Ms Reeves looked for ways to raise revenues. Reports said earlier this week that Ms Reeves had instead asked the banks to express their commitment to the UK and the Budget. Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, is reported to have sent a memo instructing diplomats to press their host governments - Martial Trezzini American diplomats have been ordered to report migrant crime in Britain to the US government. Diplomats working in Britain, other European countries, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia, have been ordered to send reports on migrant crime and how it is handled back to the US by Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, according to The New York Times. Policies that unduly favour migrants at the expense of local populations, should also be reported on, according to documents seen by the newspaper. The memo also apparently asked American diplomats to raise US concerns about violent crimes associated with migrants with their host governments. An anonymous official told the newspaper that the memo was sent to countries with a shared Western civilisation. Similar messages will be shared with US diplomats in Latin America soon, the official said. On Monday, the state department said Britain needs to get serious about migration. We would welcome a dialogue with the United Kingdom on this, a state department official said. 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. In earlier comments, the department described mass migration as an existential threat to Western civilisation which undermines the stability of key American allies. Trump crackdown Donald Trump launched a crackdown on immigration on his first day in office. The US president, alongside members of his administration, are urging allied countries to do the same. At the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, Mr Trump told European leaders their countries were going to hell because of unchecked mass migration. Youre destroying your countries. Theyre being destroyed. Europe is in serious trouble, he said. Theyve been invaded by a force of illegal aliens like nobodys ever seen before. Illegal aliens are pouring into Europe. Its time to end the failed experiment of open borders, he added. The concerns have been echoed by other members of Mr Trumps administration. Speaking at the Munich security conference in January, JD Vance said: Of all the pressing challenges that the nations represented here face, I believe there is nothing more urgent than mass migration. On Wednesday, an Afghan migrant who overstayed his humanitarian parole visa is suspected to have shot two National Guards in Washington, DC. Addressing the attack on Wednesday, Mr Trump said the suspect was flown in by the Biden administration. He added: We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden and we must now ensure the removal of any alien who does not belong here or add benefit to our country. Wang Fuk Courts eight residential blocks lit up like tinderboxes (AFP/Getty) It is hard to imagine a world city that would be more devastated by a highrise inferno like the one that struck Hong Kong on Wednesday, with the fire still yet to be brought under control. The images of Wang Fuk Courts eight residential blocks lit up like tinderboxes have been met with shock around the world, but have sent a particular chill through homes in the Asian financial powerhouse. The fire strikes at the citys core: Hong Kong is its skyscrapers, from the giant office tower blocks in central that bring in its fortune to the residential developments that cover every inch of buildable land in this compact metropolis. Follow live updates from the Hong Kong fire here Everyone I know in Hong Kong lives in a highrise building the soaring cost of rent makes it impossible to do otherwise, unless you base yourself on a remote island. This morning, they are looking out of their own 30th-floor windows, wondering could my home be next? And how would I escape from up here if it were? Wang Fuk Courts eight residential blocks lit up like tinderboxes (AFP/Getty) At least 55 people have died so far, and more are feared trapped, with the authorities warning it could take the whole of Thursday to get the fire completely extinguished. This is the first fire in 17 years to be declared a top-tier level 5 emergency by Hong Kongs authorities, and it has triggered a massive emergency services response, drawing firefighters from all over the city. One of the first people confirmed killed was a firefighter, 37-year-old Ho Wai-ho, who is being hailed as a gallant and dedicated public servant. People look at flames engulfing a building after a fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court (AP) When such an incident takes place in a Hong Kong highrise, residents are told not to use the lifts and instead evacuate the building via the stairs. For those on higher floors, this is no mean feat, and it puts those who are elderly or have disabilities at greater risk. Lo Hiu-fung, a Tai Po District Council member, said late on Wednesday that most of those trapped were believed to be elderly people. In short, the fire represents a failure in the citys duty to protect the most vulnerable. It needs to be stressed that Hong Kong is a modern city with generally very high safety standards this is only the second level 5 incident since the citys handover from Britain in 1997. The other was in 2008, when a fire broke out in a nightclub at Cornwall Court in the commercial district of Mong Kok. Four died in that blaze, including two firefighters. Smoke continues to rise on Thursday from the fire at Wang Fuk Court (AP) That also contributes to what makes Wednesdays fire so shocking. Hong Kong is a safe place to live for families on almost all metrics and that reputation is vital to the citys financial wellbeing because it allows it to attract top workers from all over the world. As a result, it takes disaster preparedness very seriously. It has invested huge amounts in typhoon protection, for instance, and has a clear and well-drilled early warning system for them. We dont yet know what caused the fire to break out early on Wednesday afternoon. The Wang Fuk Court complex was undergoing renovations across its eight 31-storey blocks at the time, and witnesses have described hearing a loud noise when the fire started at around 2.45pm. But we do know that some of those blocks were clad in bamboo scaffolding, which experts have said appears to have contributed to the fire quickly spreading from one block to the next. Hong Kong is the only major city in Asia to still use bamboo in this way in other times, it comes across as a quirky throwback, a sustainable and natural solution to a very modern challenge. Workers can be seen hauling huge stacks of bamboo through the citys streets, the trucks that move them around have iconic status and the sight of them being installed at great heights is something to behold. The government has committed to switching to metal scaffolding for at least half of all new public construction projects (Reuters) Historic buildings can spend years covered in scaffolding while works take place, with bamboo stretching down to street level, plywood platforms and white mesh or plastic netting to cover it all up. Residents waking up on Thursday will be looking at this combination in a new light on Thursday morning as a disaster waiting to happen on their doorstep. In truth, Hong Kongs government was already looking at phasing out this use of bamboo. At least 23 people have died since 2018 in industrial accidents involving such scaffolding, according to official figures, and city official Terence Lam explicitly warned about the materials high combustibility and safety concerns in a memo in March just this year. The government has committed to switching to metal scaffolding for at least half of all new public construction projects, a move welcomed by an association for industrial accident victims. Residents rest at the scene of the fire at Wang Fuk Court on Thursday (AP) There will now be huge pressure on the local government to take quicker action to prevent a repeat of this fire. Chinese president Xi Jinping has already demanded an all-out effort to tackle the blaze and help those affected, and will be closely involved in the response going forward. It may mean another element of Hong Kongs unique character being chipped away, but for the sake of those who have to keep living alongside construction projects in the city, there can be only one outcome the bamboo has to go. A woman died and a man was seriously injured after they were attacked by a shark during an early morning swim at a remote beach on Australias east coast. Experts said it was very rare for a single shark to attack more than one person in an incident. The two victims were identified as two European tourists in their 20s, but officials have declined to provide further details, saying they are still in the process of notifying family members. Emergency crews were called to Kylies Beach in Crowdy Bay National Park a largely unpatrolled stretch of shoreline nearly 360km north of Sydney shortly after 6.30am on Thursday following reports of a double shark attack. Witnesses attempted to help the pair before paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, the woman died at the scene. The man was stabilised by paramedics and flown to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle in a critical condition, later improving to serious but stable. Chief inspector Timothy Bayly of the New South Wales Police said the pair were known to each other and had been swimming together at the time of the incident. Superintendent Joshua Smyth of NSW Ambulance praised the bystander who used clothing to help the man with his injury. File. Shark scientists at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries concluded that a large bull shark was likely involved in the attack (AFP via Getty) I just really need to have a shoutout to the bystander on the beach who put a makeshift tourniquet on the males leg which obviously potentially saved his life, he said. The courage from some bystanders is amazing, he was quoted as saying by The Guardian. It did give us time to get to that male patient. A forensic assessment by shark scientists at the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries concluded that a large bull shark was likely involved. Bull sharks are among the worlds most dangerous shark species. They can tolerate both salt and fresh water and are known to enter estuaries and rivers. Authorities ordered Kylies Beach and neighbouring beaches closed. Five SMART drumlines baited devices that alert contractors when a shark is hooked so it can be tagged and released were deployed. The beach previously had no shark-detection infrastructure and listening stations 20km and 40km away registered no detections on Thursday morning. File. This accident is the fifth fatal shark attack in Australia this year (Getty/iStockphoto) Officials are reviewing whether more surveillance capacity is needed along this remote section of the coast. Shark specialists noted the rarity of a single shark biting more than one person. Individual shark attacks are rare. And shark attacks on two people by the same individual is not unheard of, but it's very rare, Gavin Naylor, director of the International Shark Attack File, told the Associated Press. He added that the behaviour could depend on prey availability, shark age or feeding conditions. Rob Harcourt, a marine ecologist at Macquarie University, said that although uncommon, a shark foraging for food could bite more than one person to discourage other animals from interfering. It is quite unusual, but its not unheard of, Professor Harcourt said. Surf Life Saving NSW issued condolences and urged the public to stay out of the water while drones surveyed the coastline. This is a terrible tragedy and our deepest condolences go to the families of the woman and man involved, said chief executive Steve Pearce. This area is so remote, theres no lifeguarding services up there at all, he told 2GB. These incidents are horrific for everyone, and unfortunately, weve had a few this year already. Were thinking of all of those people dealing with this at the moment. A report will be prepared for the coroner. The womans death is Australias fifth fatal shark attack this year. It comes less than three months after Mercury Psillakis, 57, was killed by a great white shark at Long Reef Beach in Sydney. (Legacy.com) A former World Trade Center worker who left his job shortly before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, was fatally beaten by three teenagers, including one who was only 12 years old on the night of the alleged crime, police say. The victim, Roger Borkum, a 64yearold Long Island native and widower, who was homeless at the time of his death, was discovered just before midnight on October 19 in downtown Jacksonville, according to an arrest report from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office obtained by First Coast News. The report said the trio beat Borkum three times between 9:44 p.m. and 10:48 p.m. that night on Hogan Street, and were also spotted rummaging through his backpack. After the second attack, a witness called Jacksonville Fire and Rescue, who found him unharmed and left. The three allegedly returned for a third assault, then fled, after which another witness called 911. Borkum was found with severe head injuries and a pool of blood around him. A blood trail was seen extending down the sidewalk. Roger Borkum, 64, was homeless and living on the streets of downtown Jacksonville at the time of the attack (Legacy.com) Borkum did not die at the scene but succumbed to his injuries four days later. Within hours of the attack, authorities arrested suspects Justin Curry, now 13, Marcavion Lacey, 19, and Robert Pope, 17, according to a Jacksonville Sheriffs Office press release issued Friday. The suspects were indicted on murder charges on November 20. One of the suspects reportedly told investigators the attack was triggered because Borkum had dissed their dead homies. According to his obituary, Borkum narrowly escaped death when a consulting job ended in late July 2001. Working on the 77th floor of Tower 1 at the World Trade Center, Borkum was laid off just two months before the 9/11 attacks, which, at the time, may have spared his life. (Left to right) Justin Curry, 13, Marcavion Lacey, 19, and Robert Pope, 16, have all been charged with murder in the alleged fatal beating of Roger Borkum in Florida (Jacksonville Sheriff's Office) Smith was a programmer, who built a consulting business for multinational companies, and later created a calendar app for Lotus Notes, the write-up said. His wife, Celeste, whom he cared deeply for, died in 2009 during a humanitarian mission in Africa. Reviews for Zootropolis 2 are here, and Yahoo UK can reveal if it is worth your time. (Disney/Yahoo) (Disney) Disneys Zootropolis or Zootopia as it's known in the US is back with Zootropolis 2 for another furry adventure set in the titular town where animals live and work side by side. It's been almost a decade since the original movie blew viewers' minds around the globe, and Disney are hoping that the film can do so again this time. Critics have now shared their thoughts on the film ahead of its release, so for those keen to learn if it's worth taking their kids to, here is what you need to know. What is Zootropolis 2 about? Zootropolis 2 brings the beloved Disney franchise back to screens. (Disney) (Disney) After the events of Zootropolis, bunny cop Judy Hopps and sly fox Nick Wilde are partners, but they face some challenges in the workplace and issues with their differing approaches to policing. They may have saved the day before, but now they need a new case to crack. Enter Gary De'snake (Ke Huy Quan), a reptile who is accused of stealing a book from a powerful lynx family that holds the key to the weather patterns built into the city's walls. Judy and Nick are tasked with finding him, and in the process, uncover why reptiles are being treated differently in a smart commentary on discrimination based on race or economic background. What critics liked Zootropolis 2 has some touching messages at its heart that work well. (Disney) (Disney) The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey was a big fan of the film, saying it is "far better than the original" saying that directors Byron Howard and Jared Bush "have made a sequel that not only justifies itself, but arguably improves on its predecessor." Though she adds: "Really, its the same film but better. Zootropolis 2 reframes the originals metaphor for racism in a sounder, more thought-out way." For Variety's Peter Debruge the sequel to the 2016 hit is a "well-crafted follow-up", and he celebrated the way in which the film was able to be funny while also harking back to movies like Chinatown, but for kids. Zootropolis 2 continues to be a funny and engaging watch for adults and kids. (Disney) (Disney) "These movies are comedies first and crime-film homages second," the critic wrote. "But its their tertiary value as social commentary that makes the franchise so indispensable: Behind the laughs are teachable moments." IndieWire's Kate Erbland celebrated the fact that the film has "got the kind of heart that has too long seemed to be missing from other Disney animated offerings." "Theres a weight to the messaging of the film," Erbland wrote. "Theres real care behind the bond between Nick and Judy. Theres an absolutely incredible The Shining montage that will delight parents and terrify children for decades to come. Worth the wait? Yes." What critics didn't like Some critics found Zootropolis 2 repetitive and simple. (Disney) (Disney) The Guardian critic Peter Bradshaw remarked that the film is "just about passable", adding: "Its not AI, but it might as well be." While he admitted the film will generate some laughs, it comes without any bite, writing: "There are a few laughs in Z2: of course there are. But they are algorithmically generated and corporately approved. Its the kind of movie you put on an iPad to keep the children quiet on a long plane or train journey; nothing wrong with that, of course, but the heart and soul are lacking." For The Wrap's Amelia Emberwing, the film may have been enjoyable, but it also "doesn't break new ground", which is a shame. Theres nothing groundbreaking here," the critic wrote. "But its a perfectly enjoyable continuation of the story that introduces new players into the ensemble and literally expands the world of Zootopia in a mostly entertaining and meaningful way." In a sweet change to reviews, IGN reviewer Clint Gage took his children to gauge their reactions to the film and compare them to his own. He explained that they enjoyed the humour, since "every square inch of this movie is covered in clever little animal jokes", but also the emotional lessons it gave, even if it was a tad overstuffed. Is it worth watching? (Photo illustration: Yahoo Entertainment UK) "Maybe Zootopia 2 doesnt mine the complete depths of the issues it raises about our society, and maybe it oversimplifies the answers in the interests of tying the story up in a neat little kid-friendly boa constrictor, but it asks important questions that are worth talking about," the critic wrote. Is Zootropolis 2 worth watching? Zootropolis 2 has mostly positive reviews.(Disney) (Disney) Based on critics' responses to the film, Zootropolis 2 is fun for the whole family and continues to have an enjoyable, hilarious story with an important message at its heart. It's not easy for a sequel to live up to an original, but it seems like Zootropolis has managed it. Theres also not a huge amount of options for families at the cinema right now, if Wicked: For Good doesnt take your fancy, so this Disney sequel feels like an open goal in the run-up to Christmas. Can we also suggest... Zootropolis is available to watch on Disney+. Madagascar is available to watch on Sky and NOW. Lilo & Stitch is available to watch on Disney+. Activists circled Lawrence Gosden until police officers arrived - Citizen's Arrest Network / Solent News & Photo Agency The chief executive of Southern Water was trapped by a ring of eco-activists who accused him of allowing the most serious category of sewage pollution. Lawrence Gosden was surrounded by women from the Citizens Arrest Network at a conference venue in the City of London. The protesters called the police and kept Mr Gosden in place until officers arrived. The anti-pollution activists accused him of four counts of causing a public nuisance. The allegations centre on illegal sewage spills, equipment maintenance standards and the alleged mismanagement of funds. When police arrived, the women presented them with a dossier of evidence, but the officers released Mr Gosden. Credit: Citizen's Arrest Network / Solent News A Citizens Arrest Network spokesman said: Under Gosden, Southern Water is responsible for the most serious category of sewage pollution into rivers and seas and is under investigation by the Environment Agency. In July, a letter signed by 10 MPs representing constituencies served by Southern Water urged Gosden to reject his bonus following bill increases and poor water quality. This month millions of toxic plastic beads washed up on the beach of Camber Sands in East Sussex. Its been called the worst plastic pellet pollution incident on the UK coast for years and an ecological disaster. The beads were released by Southern Water, who did not admit to this drastic pollution for weeks. They are dangerous if not deadly to wildlife and therefore all living creatures in the food chain and are expected to have delivered sewage pathogens straight to the adults and children living in the area. Southern Water did not initially claim responsibility for the Camber Sands spill, but on Nov 10 it said it believed it had used the bio-beads in a wastewater treatment works. The company said a screening filter failed, resulting in the beads being released into the sea. It said it began to work with partner agencies immediately after receiving reports of beads being washed up along the coastline. The Citizens Arrest Network has targeted several water company bosses this year. In one incident, Mark Thurston, CEO of Anglian Water, was held on his way to work. On another occasion an attempt was made to detain the boss of Thames Water, Chris Weston. A spokesman for Southern Water said: On Tuesday morning, our chief executive was impeded for a short time on his way into a trade event where he was speaking about the turnaround he is leading at Southern Water. After a few minutes, the stunt was over and Lawrence proceeded to take part in the event as planned. Matthias Maurer (right) is one of most likely candidates for the mission. Here he is pictured with a fellow German astronaut at a facility where they practise for missions to the Moon The first European to fly to the Moon will be German, the head of the European Space Agency (ESA) has said. Under the Artemis programme, humans are scheduled to return to the Moon in 2027, and although the first crew is expected to be North American, Europe has secured three spots for its own astronauts. Josef Aschbacher, the director general of ESA, told the space agencys ministerial council in Bremen, that the first lunar astronaut from Europe would be German. I have decided that the first Europeans to fly to the moon will be part of the Artemis programme, he said. We are looking for a German astronaut to join the crew. The most likely candidates for the mission are German astronauts Alexander Gerst, or Matthias Maurer, who have both flown to the International Space Station (ISS). The first uncrewed Artemis mission took place in 2022, and next spring three Americans and one Canadian will orbit the Moon under the Artemis II mission. Nasas Artemis I Moon rocket at Cape Canaveral in Florida on June 15 2022 - EVA MARIE UZCATEGUI/AFP via Getty Images The following year, astronauts are expected to make the first Moon landing since 1972 and there will be several follow-up Artemis missions which will take astronauts to the lunar gateway, an orbiting lunar outpost that will act as a staging post to reach the surface. Dorothee Bar, the federal minister of research, technology and space, said: The director general has now decided that the first European is to be a German, and Im very very happy, very proud about that. Whoever it is, it will be an amazing European astronaut. The Artemis mission is a joint effort between Nasa and ESA, and European astronauts are expected to join on flights IV and V. The ministerial council meets every three to four years to agree on space programmes and funding for ESA. This year countries, including Britain, agreed on the largest pot in history, totalling 22.1bn a 32 per cent increase. The funding includes nearly 500m for the European Resilience from Space initiative, which is aiming to ramp up Europes space defences, and make more technology duel-use. Artemis 1 lifts off on a mission to orbit the Moon on November 16 2022 - Getty Images Dr Ashbacher has previously warned that Europe is lagging dangerously behind in space defence capabilities, while other countries are ramping up investment. In September, Germany warned that Russian Luch-Olymp satellites were quietly stalking European spacecraft which provide critical data and communications on Earth. Their motive is unclear, but experts believe they are probing the technology, looking for clues as to how signals might be jammed, intercepted or manipulated, particularly during war. Ms Bar said that funding space defence technology was critical to avoid having to rely on billionaires such as Elon Musk during a conflict. Every crisis brings us a share of opportunities, and over the last few years, things have changed a lot, she said. First of all, Russias broad aggression against Ukraine, we all saw very clearly what it means to be dependent on tech billionaires, and so sovereignty and resilience are decisive. Hence, this crisis has doubtless contributed to our awareness that the security of Europe is dependent on space. ESA said it now had a clear mandate for use of space applications for non-aggressive defence purposes, saying that it signified an historic change for ESA. Several missions to protect Earth from asteroids and space weather were also funded. The Ramses mission, to intercept the asteroid Apophis on its close encounter with Earth in 2029 was funded, as was the Vigil space weather mission. Ellame Ford-Dunn, 16, died in the grounds of Worthing Hospital in March 2022 The NHS failed a teenage girl who killed herself minutes after fleeing her hospital ward, her family have claimed. Ellame Ford-Dunn died in the grounds of Worthing Hospital, West Sussex, while she was a mental health inpatient on March 20 2022. The 16-year-old ran into the grounds of the hospital and was not immediately followed by a nurse because of confusion and a lack of appropriate procedures in place. Last month, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust (UHST) pleaded guilty to failing to provide safe care and treatment to Ellame, which exposed her to a significant risk of avoidable harm. District Judge Tessa Szagun told Brighton magistrates court that clear instructions to follow Ellame if she left the ward should have been incorporated into its care plan. Judge Szagun said: Nothing that the defendant organisation expressed in terms of their heartfelt apology and condolence or regret at the consequences of their accepted omissions, nor any fine I impose, or indeed any sentencing remarks I make, can begin to make any difference to how her family have been impacted by the devastation and shock of this loss. The judge fined UHST 200,000 and ordered it to pay more than 25,000 in prosecution costs and a victim surcharge of 190. Judge Szagun noted that she had not been asked to deal with compensation for Ellames family, many of whom attended court. Outside court, her father Ken Ford-Dunn said their daughter was failed by a system that was meant to protect her. He also called for the money to be used to fund childrens mental health services, which he said were in urgent need of support. This prosecution is an important step in highlighting just one of the many failings in Ellames care and brings a first taste of justice on behalf of our darling girl, he added. High demand for beds Ellame had been under 24-hour one-to-one supervision by a registered mental health nurse on an acute ward at Worthing Hospital when she absconded. She was on that ward because there was no alternative and no adequate bed for her risk level was available, the court heard. The prosecution accepted that the defendant trust was in a difficult position and would have had to turn her away otherwise. No tier four was readily available, and the high demand for such beds is a national issue, said James Marsland, prosecuting. Ellame would not usually have been on the UHST ward, but Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (SPFT), which was assessing her condition, did not have capacity to provide her with an adequate bed. Judge Szagun said: In my judgment, what is of course expected and required of any organisation entrusted with the care of amongst the most vulnerable in society, is that they should be alert to and proactive to changes in advice and guidance. That should have covered the recognition of the increased pressures and demands being placed on such wards by the need for them to accommodate the more risky and needy patients such as Ellame. Outside court, Ellames father remembered her as a bright firework in a dark sky and said he still feels a deep searing anger. He said: The loss of Ellame has been devastating, not only for us as a family, but for her wider family, friends and all who loved her. There is no greater heartbreak than losing a child, but to lose a child you believed was being kept safe creates a pain beyond measure and a deep, searing anger. No financial penalty could ever feel proportionate to the destruction that has been caused. Significant improvements to policies Maggie Davies, the chief nurse at UHST, said: When we appeared at last months hearing, we acknowledged the seriousness of what happened and the devastating impact on Ellames family and friends. That remains true today. The loss of Ellame was a tragedy for her and for those who loved her. Colleagues involved in her care remain devastated by her death and the impact it continues to have on her family and friends. We had a responsibility to protect her while she was in our care, and we are sincerely sorry that we were not able to do that. Everyone accepts that people with acute mental illness should not be in general hospital wards or A&E departments, but that does not lessen our duty to keep patients safe whilst efforts are made to provide them with more appropriate care. Since Ellames death, we have made significant improvements to our policies, training, and ward environments to prevent anything like this happening again. Todays sentencing reflects the seriousness of what happened, and we remain committed to working with our NHS partners to learn from this tragedy, and for us all to find better ways of caring for patients who are vulnerable. We are looking at the most extraordinary social phenomenon of my lifetime, says barrister Naomi Cunningham on the BBCs Scotcast podcast - Iain Masterton Trans ideology is more repressive than McCarthyism, the lawyer representing Sandie Peggie has claimed. With weeks to go before a verdict on the nurses case against NHS Fife, Naomi Cunningham compared the transgender movement to the witch hunt for communists that swept 1950s America during the Cold War. The barrister made the comparison during a discussion about why the Supreme Courts ruling on the biological definition of a woman has taken so long to be implemented by public bodies. Ms Cunningham blamed the grip transgender ideology has on civil society and said it was analogous to that of McCarthyism. Speaking on the BBCs Scotcast podcast, she said: Ive been saying for some years we are looking at the most extraordinary social phenomenon of my lifetime. The only thing that I can compare it to, which is obviously not in my lifetime, is McCarthyism. My parents were both in Washington around the time of McCarthyism and so I grew up as a teenager with stories of that. She went on: I remember thinking it couldnt happen here because British people are more sane than Americans. And it couldnt happen now because weve grown beyond that sort of stupidity and superstition. And here we are, where something even madder than McCarthyism has taken hold, even madder, and in many ways more vicious, I think, although I dont probably have the history to make the comparison properly. Sandie Peggie, a former NHS Fife nurse, was suspended after she challenged a transgender doctor for using the female bathroom - Jeff J Mitchell/2025 Getty Images Ms Cunningham represented Ms Peggie in her high-profile legal action against NHS Fife, which suspended the nurse after she challenged a transgender doctor for using the female bathroom. Ms Peggie was placed on special leave after Dr Beth Upton, a biological male who identifies as a woman, made an allegation of bullying and harassment, and cited concerns about patient care. The nurse lodged a claim against NHS Fife and Dr Upton, citing the Equality Act 2010, including sexual harassment, harassment related to a protected belief, indirect discrimination and victimisation. A decision on the case is expected in the coming weeks. Ms Cunningham said transgender ideology has taken an extraordinary grip on society to the extent that almost the whole of our institutions and polite society is pretending to believe something that everyone knows is false. And if you dissent youre a bad person and you deserve to be cast into outer darkness, even when the Supreme Court, our apex court says, No, actually, men are men and men cant be women, even if theyve got a special certificate from the government saying theyre women, theyre still not women for practical purposes, she added. Asked who the victims are, Ms Cunningham said: The victims are the people who hang on to reality. And are being hounded out of their jobs up and down the country. The Supreme Court judgment means that biological men should not use women-only spaces. Anywhere designated as for the use of one sex only could be affected, including changing rooms, toilets, womens refuges and single-sex hospital wards, but detailed official guidance is awaiting approval from the UK Government. Ms Cunningham criticised the delays and the Scottish Governments failure to update its own guidance, accusing ministers of being in denial about the consequences of the ruling. I think this ideology has sunk its claws so deeply into our institutions that its really hard to shake free of it, she said. The Scottish Government was contacted for comment. A 19-year-old college student who was on her way to surprise her family for Thanksgiving break was detained at a Boston airport and later deported despite a federal judge's order blocking her removal, according to her attorney. Any Lucia Lopez Belloza, who entered the U.S. from Honduras when she was 8 years old, was about to board her flight to Texas last Friday to visit her parents and siblings when airport authorities told her to step aside, her attorney Todd Pomerleau told ABC News. Lopez Belloza was detained, informed that she had a removal order and then arrested, her attorney said. Hours after her detainment, court documents obtained by ABC News show that a federal judge ordered the government not to remove the 19-year-old from the U.S. and not to transfer her outside of Massachusetts. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: US-POLITICS-IMMIGRATION-ENFORCEMENT ICE arrests woman with family connection to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt But according to Pomerleau, Lopez Belloza was transferred that evening to Texas and deported to Honduras the next day. She thought she was going to go home, see her family, fly back, take her finals, and now she's sitting in Honduras, Pomerleau said. In a statement to ABC News' Boston affiliate WCVB, a spokesperson for Immigration and Customs Enforcement said Lopez Belloza had a removal order since 2015 and confirmed her removal. Thousands of immigrants could be eligible for bond hearings, striking down DHS policy: Judge ABC News has reached out to ICE and the Department of Homeland Security for a comment. Pomerleau said that he will seek Lopez Bellozas return to the U.S. Editor's note: The West Virginia governor initially said that the 2 Guard members had died but has since said there is conflicting information about their conditions. Two National Guard members from West Virginia were in critical condition Wednesday after a gunman opened fire on them in an apparent "targeted shooting" near the White House, officials said. In an address Wednesday night, President Donald Trump called the shooting "an act of evil, an act of hatred and and an act of terror," adding, "It was a crime against our entire nation." Trump, citing information from the Department of Homeland Security, said the suspect entered the U.S. from Afghanistan in September 2021, and criticized the prior administration of President Joe Biden. The White House - PHOTO: President Donald Trump delivers remarks on the attack in Washington on the National Guard soldiers during an address from Palm Beach, Fla., Nov. 26, 2025. What to know about the suspected gunman in the National Guardsmen shooting Trump said the shooting "underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation," saying the U.S. "must now reexamine every single alien from Afghanistan who has entered our country under Biden and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here or add benefit to our country." Trump did not name the suspect, however multiple law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation identified him to ABC News as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: Law enforcement officers walk near near a crime scene after a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024 and was granted asylum in April 2025, under the Trump administration, according to three law enforcement sources. In a post on social media shortly after Trump's remarks, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the "processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols." Several sources told ABC News that the FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism, suggesting authorities are trying to determine if it may have been inspired by an international terrorist organization. Anthony Peltier/AP - PHOTO: Streets are blocked after reports that two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House, Nov. 26, 2025. Law enforcement officials and the U.S. Attorney's Office in D.C. are expected to provide more information about the suspect on Thursday. How the shooting unfolded Jay O'Brien/ABC News - PHOTO: Members of the National Guard and law enforcement at the scene of a shooting, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The Guard members who were shot are a woman and man, according to a law enforcement official briefed on the situation, and were being treated at local hospitals. The gunfire broke out around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, when the unidentified suspect rounded a corner, near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C., raised his arm with the weapon and opened fire, MPD Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said. "It appears to be a lone gunman that raised a firearm and ambushed these members of the National Guard," he said. Drew Angerer/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: An unidentified man in military fatigues lies on a stretcher inside an ambulance, Nov. 26, 2025, in downtown Washington, D.C. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement. Other National Guard members quickly responded to the shooting and helped subdue the suspected shooter, Carroll said. "They heard the gunfire and they actually were able to intervene and to hold down the suspect after he had been shot on the ground," Carroll said of the responding Guard members. Nathan Howard/Reuters - PHOTO: Two National Guard members shot near the White House in Washington The suspected shooter was also wounded by gunfire and taken to the hospital in critical condition. At an earlier news conference, Carroll told reporters it was not immediately clear who shot the suspect. However, in a statement, Maj. Gen. Tim Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard credited "swift action taken by the courageous fellow West Virginia National Guardsmen who quickly engaged and neutralized the assailant, saving lives." A motive has not been determined, however, Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said the individual "appeared to target" the Guard members. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: National Guard soldiers move through the area following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Multiple law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Marshals, ATF and the FBI, responded to the shooting. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her agency was working with local authorities to gather more information. Emily Hanson/AP - PHOTO: A U.S. Capitol Park Police helicopter is seen on the National Mall evacuating a National Guard shooting victim, Nov. 26, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The White House was briefly put on lockdown but that the order was later lifted about 5 p.m. Trump is currently in Florida, where he is spending Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago club. "The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price," Trump wrote on his social media platform on Wednesday afternoon. "God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!" Google Earth , DC Police Department - PHOTO: Map, Location of shooting near White House The National Guard was deployed to the nation's capital as part of President Trump's federal takeover of the city and crime crackdown in August. According to the most recent update, there were 2,188 Guard personnel assigned to D.C. On Tuesday, during the traditional turkey pardoning at the White House, Trump touted his administration's takeover of D.C. streets. He said it was "one of our most unsafe places anywhere in the United States. It is now considered a totally safe city." "You could walk down any street in Washington and you're going to be just fine. And I want to thank the National Guard. I want to thank you for the job you've done here is incredible," Trump said at the event. Mark Schiefelbein/AP - PHOTO: Emergency vehicles gather at a cordoned off area near where National Guard soldiers appear to have been shot near the White House, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Vice President JD Vance addressed the shooting on Wednesday as he spoke to troops at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where he was spending the day serving meals to soldiers and their families ahead of Thanksgiving. "We're still learning everything. We still don't know the motive," Vance said. "It's a somber reminder that soldiers, whether they're active duty reserve or National Guard, our soldiers are the sword and the shield of the United States of America," the vice president said. "And as a person who goes into work every single day in that building and knows that there are a lot of people who wear the uniform of the United States Army, let me just say very personally thank them for what they're doing." Win McNamee/Getty Images - PHOTO: A member of the U.S. Secret Service secures the area near a shooting near the White House on Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted video of himself speaking about the shooting on his X account. He called it a "cowardly, dastardly act" and said President Trump had asked him to send another 500 National Guardsmen into D.C. "This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington, D.C. safe and beautiful. The drop in crime has been historic, the increase in safety and security has been historic. But if criminals want to conduct things like this, violence against America's best, we will never back down," he said. Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, and Senior Enlisted Advisor John Raines are heading to D.C. to be with the troops there. "We are devastated by this senseless act of violence," Nordhaus said in a video statement. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. ABC News' Jack Date, Katherine Faulders, Beatrice Peterson, Mike Levine, Chris Boccia, Anne Flaherty, Jay O'Brien, Alexandra Hutzler and Ivan Pereira contributed to this report. National Guard Members Shot In Washington, D.C. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) The Afghan national accused of ambushing two West Virginia National Guard members on Wednesday worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, Fox News reported. Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly shot the guardsmen, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe and 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, in the head with a Smith and Wesson revolver at the Farragut West Metro Station in Washington, D.C., roughly a mile from the White House. Lakanwal, who aided the CIA, arrived in the United States shortly after the August 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan, where he worked in Kandahar Province, Fox News reported. (RELATED: Joe Biden Let In Suspected Afghan National Guard Shooter) In the wake of the disastrous Biden withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Biden administration justified bringing the alleged shooter to the United States in September 2021 due to his prior work with the U.S. government, including CIA, as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, which ended shortly following the chaotic evacuation, CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Fox News. United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced in a Wednesday post on X that it was pausing the processing of immigration requests from Afghanistan. Effective immediately, processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals is stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols, USCIS posted. The protection and safety of our homeland and of the American people remains our singular focus and mission. Lakanwal shouted Allahu akbar! before opening fire with a revolver, journalist Julio Rojas reported. One National Guardsman on the scene stabbed Lakanwal with a pocketknife, while another one fired multiple shots that struck the assailant, according to Rojas. Other Afghan nationals have been involved in plots. FBI agents arrested 27-year-old Nasir Ahmad Tawhedi in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in October 2024 and charged him in connection with a plot to carry out an attack with two AK-47-style semiautomatic rifles. President Donald Trump announced a federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to restore public safety in the District on Aug. 11 after Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) staffer Edward Coristine, known by the moniker Big Balls, was severely injured when he tried to stop a carjacking. 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. "When you get closer the heat rises and you can feel it and the smoke is really heavy." Student Thomas Liu was one of many people drawn to the scene of a deadly fire that tore through much of the eight-block Wang Fuk Court housing complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. At least 75 people have died so far in the devastating blaze that began on Wednesday, and with hundreds still missing, this number is expected to rise. The cause is not yet known, but three construction company executives have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter connected to flammable materials, including mesh and plastic sheets, that may have allowed the fire to spread quickly. "It's a disaster," Thomas said of the fire, telling the BBC he had seen a body being taken away. "Many people sent us WhatsApp messages or called us, saying they still have relatives inside or can't find them," Mui Siu-fung, a councillor for the Tai Po district, told BBC Chinese. More than a thousand other people were forced to evacuate the estate as the flames spread, with some heading to centres that have been set up to house them. Police also moved people from nearby buildings. The fire was gradually being contained but officials said they did not know when it would be fully extinguished. Flames could be seen coming from individual apartments as many people watched on in silence. One woman said her friends live inside the building and she was waiting to hear if they managed to get out. Harry Cheung has lived in block two of the Wang Fuk Court complex for decades [Reuters] Harry Cheung, who has lived in block two of the Wang Fuk Court complex for more than 40 years, told Reuters he heard "a very loud noise" and saw fire erupt in a nearby block. "I immediately went back to pack up my things," the 66-year-old resident said. "I don't even know how I feel right now. I'm just thinking about where I'm going to sleep tonight because I probably won't be able to go back home." A woman in her sixties, whose surname is Kam and who lives in the adjacent Kwong Fuk Estate, told the South China Morning Post (SCMP) that several of her friends living in Wang Fuk Court had been accounted for - but not all. One friend has daily afternoon naps and may have been sleeping when the fire broke out at 14:51 local time (06:51 GMT), Ms Kam said, adding that the woman's daughters have not yet been able to contact her. Another resident, 65-year-old Jason Kong, told Reuters that a neighbour called him and said he was still trapped inside one of the tower blocks. "I am devastated. There are so many neighbours and friends. I do not know what is going on anymore. Look, all the apartments are just burning. I do not know what to do. I hope the government can help us to settle down after this." An elderly woman who lives in one of the affected blocks told the BBC she was not at home when the fire broke out but that she was worried about her apartment because it was not insured. "I'm very upset that I have no home to go to now," she said. [BBC] While the cause of the fire that engulfed the multiple high-rise blocks was unknown, police say a mesh material and plastic sheets were found outside the buildings - both of which are not believed to be fireproof. Styrofoam was also found on the building's windows. These materials may have caused the fire to spread more quickly, said police. Some people have expressed anger that such a massive fire could have happened and criticised the response. "When there's a wildfire, they will deploy helicopters and drop water bombs, but why is there no such deployment and how can they leave other buildings burning?" Ms Poon, another resident of Wang Fuk Court, who is in her sixties, asked. "The community is so close to the fire station and we thought the fire could be put out soon, but now the fire has spread. I'm so disappointed," she told the SCMP. Ms Poon noted that she had been given no instructions from the government on where to seek help. The BBC spoke to some Tai Po residents who had brought supplies to the victims and affected residents - including dozens of blankets and heat packs. Hong Kong chief executive John Lee said government departments were assisting residents affected by the fire. When asked about their feelings about the fire, the residents said "the government is incompetent" and that they were "immensely heartbroken". "We don't want to see any more casualties," said one. If it is safe to do so, you can get in touch by following this link Lefty politicians for months have loudly condemned the deployment of National Guard troops in crime-ridden Democrat-run cities as authoritarian and an invasion leading up to Wednesdays heinous ambush attack that left two guardsmen fighting for their lives. Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Maryland) in August accused President Trump of inflicting a textbook authoritarian maneuver after he announced plans to deploy the National Guard to Washington DC in August, calling the citys crime problem a phony, manufactured crisis. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who has frequently sparred with President Trump over his desire to station National Guard members on Chicago streets, accused the president of staging an invasion of his state, and has repeatedly warned against the militarization of our American cities. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who has frequently sparred with President Trump, blasted the National Guard deployments. Getty Images Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) accused the president of using a textbook authoritarian maneuver when he sent the National Guard to DC. REUTERS Just two days before the cowardly assault on a pair of West Virginia National Guard troops stationed outside a bustling Washington DC Metro station, Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin went so far as to say it makes her incredibly nervous that deployed federal troops could one day shoot at American civilians during an appearance on ABCs This Week. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has been critical of the deployment, even repeatedly downplaying her citys crime problem, and called stationing members of the National Guard an authoritarian push by Trump. Longtime Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) nearly foamed at the mouth in an August statement released during the runup to the DC deployments that Trumps aim is to lead the nation into a Civil War. This would be dictator is using confrontational tactics to provoke Blacks, Latinos, and others into a standoff. He is just itching to invoke Martial Law, and yes, even push for civil war, she wrote. Democratic Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen echoed Raskin in claiming there was no crisis to begin with on the streets of DC, calling the National Guard deployment a total abuse of power and a manufactured emergency propped up so Trump could play dictator in Washington. On Aug. 11, the president declared a crime emergency in the nations capital, pledging to rid the city of crime and calling up federal law enforcement to help. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser called stationing members of the National Guard an authoritarian push by Trump. Getty Images Rep. Maxine Waters claimed the president was pushing for civil war. Getty Images for Congressional Black Caucus Foundation The increase in violent crime in the heart of our Republic has consequences beyond the individual tragedies that have dominated media coverage, Trumps declaration read in part. The smooth functioning of executive departments and agencies, courts, diplomatic missions, and the Federal Government demands an effective law-enforcement mechanism capable of halting the precipitous rise in violent crime. Since the declaration, Democrats have waged a relentless campaign of undermining the administrations efforts, many using hair-on-fire hyperbole to decry federal forces being deployed in US cities, even drawing comparisons to Nazis. Rep. John Larson (D-CT) called the administrations use of National Guard and ICE agents Gestapo tactics. The gunman has not yet been identified by police, but law enforcement sources told the Post the suspect was a 29-year-old Afghan national who came to the US during the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal. Emergency personnel gather in a cordoned off area where National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, in Washington. AP Sen. Elissa Slotkin said she was incredibly nervous that federal troops could one day shoot at American civilians. ZUMAPRESS.com Rahmanullah Lakanwal was allegedly lying in wait before he rounded the corner and then opened fire. Guard members and local law enforcement exchanged gunfire with Wednesdays shooting suspect, shooting him four times before taking him into custody. Republicans drew a connection between the Democrats rhetoric and the ambush near the White House. Wisconsin Rep. Derrick Van Orden told Fox News: My Democrat colleagues need to understand that their words have real consequences. A golden roasted turkey waits to be carved on a holiday dinner table - Evelyn Mccarthy/Getty Images Carving the turkey breast might seem like one of the least challenging tasks required for a holiday dinner but have you ever had a turkey breast crumble as you're slicing it? A pile of shredded turkey doesn't quite plate in the same way as a thick, uniform piece of white meat, and achieving that perfect slice takes some practice. To pull off this trick for a less anxious turkey experience, you'll need the right tools, and not just any knife is right for this job. Chef knives and serrated kitchen knives work best for cutting turkey breast into even slices. Sharpen your chosen knife and then slice the breast from the bird with a cut along the backbone. Use short, saw-like strokes to cut the turkey if you're using a serrated knife and long, even cuts when using chef knives. Work the knife along the backbone of the whole bird to slice off half of the turkey breast, and then do the same on the other side. Place the meat you've pulled off the bone onto the cutting board with the skin side down and then slice the breast across the grain with long, even cuts. Don't worry about leftover meat stuck to the bones: It's great to have when you turn your Thanksgiving turkey carcass into homemade stock. Read more: 14 Vintage Potato Dishes That Deserve A Comeback Pitfalls to avoid when carving a turkey breast for the perfect feast A person carves a turkey at a kitchen table - Johnnygreig/Getty Images One of the biggest mistakes people make when carving up a turkey breast is rushing the process. Let the turkey rest for about 20 minutes and the breast meat will be way less likely to shred or tear during the carving process. Rested turkey breast meat is more juicy and flavorful than it would be if you sliced it moments after taking it straight out of the oven, too. You can revive dry Thanksgiving turkey with a couple of different techniques, but you can avoid the problem completely by letting your turkey rest. The other way that you'll end up with a mess of shredded turkey breast instead of uniform slices is by using the wrong tools. Electric knives tend to shred the meat, so opt for the old-fashioned version from your kitchen drawer. Make sure your knife is very sharp, and don't cut any of the bone or cartilage from the carcass as you're pulling off the meat. Slice the turkey breast on a serving platter with a lip that will hold any spilling juices and use a carving fork to help hold the meat in place as you cut it. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter and add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout. James Gilbert/Getty Richard Childress on Feb. 16, 2024 NEED TO KNOW Richard Childress Racing said they're considering taking legal action against NASCAR executives after newly released texts reveal disparaging messages A statement on Nov. 24 said Childress is "deeply disappointed" by the messages as "legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel" The text messages were released amid the ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports Former race car driver Richard Childress is considering taking legal action against NASCAR after discovering disparaging text messages sent by executives of the organization. A statement on Monday, Nov. 24 issued to local news station WCAC and the New York Times from Richard Childress Racing said, RCR and Richard Childress are deeply disappointed by the insensitive and defamatory statements made about Mr. Childress in recently surfaced text messages between NASCAR executives Steve Phelps and Brian Herbst." "These comments reflect the way certain NASCAR executives have historically viewed and treated many team owners like Mr. Childress, who have devoted their lives to strengthening the sport for its fans, its sponsors, and all who compete in it." Logan Riely/Getty Richard Childress on Aug. 19, 2024 The statement continued, "RCR and Richard Childress are equally disappointed for the NASCAR fans, with whom Mr. Childress closely identifies given his humble and hard-working background." Mr. Childress and the organization will issue no further statements regarding these or other defamatory text messages that have recently surfaced, as legal action is being contemplated and discussed with legal counsel," Childress' statement concluded. According to the New York Times, the messages were unsealed on Friday, Nov. 21, amid the ongoing lawsuit between Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, and Phelps reportedly suggested Childress be "taken out back and flogged" in one message. Another text message to Brian Herbst, NASCAR chief media and revenue officer from Phelps reportedly called Childress a "stupid redneck who owes his entire fortune to NASCAR" after Childress was critical of the league, per the NYT, and Herbst reportedly called Childress an "idiot" in another message. The ongoing lawsuit brought against NASCAR and CEO Jim France by two of its racing teams accuses the organization and its executives of being "monopolistic bullies," in court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The lawsuit alleges NASCAR and France, 79, used anticompetitive and exclusionary practices to enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams." Read the original article on People Iranian filmmaker Ali Asgari has long explored the quiet tensions and bureaucratic pressures of everyday life in Iran, from his acclaimed shorts to festival recognized features like Disappearance, Until Tomorrow, and Terrestrial Verses. In competition at the Doha Film Festival, he arrives with his latest work, Divine Comedy, which premiered earlier this year in Venices Horizons sidebar, and pushes his familiar themes into more overtly comedic territory. Starring director Bahman Ark as Bahram, the story centers on a mid-career filmmaker whose entire body of Turkish-Azeri-language work has never been screened in Iran. When his newest film is once again rejected by cultural authorities, he joins forces with his sharp-witted producer, Sadaf (Sadaf Asgari), to stage an underground guerrilla screening in Tehran. What begins as a simple act of defiance becomes a darkly funny journey through red tape, cultural gatekeeping, and the range of anxieties facing any artist determined to create freely. More from Variety The film is a multinational co-production between Iran, Italy, France, Germany and Turkey, with international sales handled by Goodfellas. Asgari, who has at times had his passport confiscated and continues to work without official permits, turns to satire as both a creative strategy and an act of resistance. His film Terrestrial Voices, which screened at Cannes Un Certain Regard in 2023, saw him banned from leaving the country or directing further films for months. In Doha, he spoke with Variety about the absurdities that shaped his latest act of defiance, Divine Comedy, the risks of shooting independently in Iran, and the surprising universality of his work. You use humor in Divine Comedy to talk about a system thats really anything but funny. What was challenging about balancing comedy with the realities of censorship? The situations you see in the film are based on reality, on things Ive lived, and things Bahram, the lead actor, has lived as a filmmaker working in Azerbaijani Turkish. Hes always dealing with the authorities because of the language of his films. So the base of everything is real, but not 100% reality. I made the incidents more fictionalized and even more satirized in the film to show the absurdity of what we live with. Given the constraints filmmakers face in Iran, what role do you think satire can play in pushing back against those limits? For many years, even 10 or 15 years ago, Iranian films relied on metaphor. Directors wanted to talk about serious issues but couldnt do it directly. Part of that comes from the culture, but a big part comes from fear fear of being accused of going against the government, so they chose metaphor as a weapon. Then a new generation started speaking more directly, people like Rasoulof and Panahi. They became more political, more audacious. I didnt want to repeat that language. I felt satire was better for expressing what were living, because when you use satire, you show how silly and stupid the rules are. You diminish the systems power. And at the same time, satire helps audiences outside Iran connect, because many people arent aware of whats happening. If you present it too seriously, they may not understand it. Humor brings them in. You shot the entire film in Iran. Did you worry about the risks of doing that without permits? Risk is part of making this kind of film. You have two options: make a film with permission and take no risks, or make it without permission and accept the consequences. I chose the second. Im not making political films to provoke anyone, but I dont like the idea of being censored. I believe a filmmaker must be free. If you go to the Ministry of Culture to apply for permission, youre already giving up that freedom. Its something I never do. Have you ever applied for permission in the past? Only once. It was a terrible experience. They wanted me to cut many scenes and add things that had nothing to do with my story. And most of the people there are not filmmakers some dont even know screenwriting or cinema. Theyre just there to check religious elements. So I decided not to go back. If I want to be free, sometimes there must be consequences. Youve had your passport confiscated more than once. How did that affect you? Yes, several times, but the last one was the longest for eight months. For me, its not a big deal. If you choose to be free, thats one of the consequences. As long as Im alive, its okay. I told another journalist yesterday: If they kill me, I wont make films. I dont want to be sacrificed for cinema. But things like confiscating a passport Its part of the job. Its something Im not afraid of. Do you feel pressure to self-censor, consciously or unconsciously? There are two kinds of self-censorship. One youre aware of that one I try not to do. I write the dialogue and situations I want. But there is another kind, the unconscious one, that comes from how you grew up and the society around you. Sometimes I realize later that I avoided something even though I didnt mean to. Thats the subconscious part. As long as Im aware of it, I fight it. In the film, Bahram keeps fighting for an audience that may never be allowed to see his work. Do you think about who your films are for? Honestly, no. After some years, you understand you may not be someone who makes films for a big audience. And I dont think about nationality. Some Iranians have accused me of making films for Western audiences. I see that on social media, but its not true. To be honest, I never think of if Im making a film for this audience or that audience. This film has references only Iranians will understand, but I truly just try to write what I think is interesting. But cinema has no borders. I get messages from countries Id never even heard of, telling me they connected with the film. Thats the beauty of art: you dont make it for one group. You just make it. How autobiographical is Bahram as a character? Were any scenes drawn directly from your life? Some parts are mine, some are his. We wrote the film together Bahman Ark, his brother, Bahram, another writer who lives in Canada, Alireza Khatami (The Things You Kill), and me. Weve all had similar limitations. It arose from discussing our experiences. The basic idea came from when my film Terrestrial Verses was banned in Iran. I wanted to see how Iranians reacted, because Im always accused of not making films for Iranian people. So I screened it secretly in cafes and friends homes, screenings of maybe 20 or 25 people. I carried a projector around, and had all kinds of strange experiences and varied reactions showing the film. That became the basis for this film. Youve screened the film in Venice and other festivals. How did the reaction in Doha compare? Does it feel like theres some resonance specific to the region? Honestly, I was surprised. I didnt expect a full theater. But the audience here connected a lot. Even during the screening, people were clapping at moments. Afterward, many stayed to ask questions, even outside the theater. The Doha audience is becoming more engaged with cinema because of what the Doha Film Institute has done over the last 10 to 15 years. The questions were very professional. I really enjoyed the screening here. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. A panel of federal judges in North Carolina said Wednesday they will allow the state to use its redrawn congressional map, which could allow for one more Republican seat in the House of Representatives. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina unanimously allowed the map in a 57-page ruling. Any appeals will go to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is already seeing a deluge of cases over several other states new maps, including the redrawn map for Texas. The panel, composed of Republican-appointed judges, argued that the maps opponents have not made clear if the redrawn map would minimize or cancel out the voting potential of black North Carolinians. They added that with the speed in which the new map was crafted, the plaintiffs have offered no reason to believe that the speed of the 2025 process indicates an intent to discriminate on the basis of race. Last week, a panel of judges had approved North Carolinas 2023 congressional map, which was previously challenged after it was claimed to dilute Black voting power in violation of the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act. The National Democratic Redistricting Committee called it one of the most gerrymandered maps in the country. The map would impact the states only swing seat occupied by Rep. Don Davis (D-N.C.), whose district has been continuously represented by Black members of Congress for more than 30 years, The Associated Press reported. North Carolinas state House and Senate passed the congressional map in October. North Carolina is one of several red states pushing for new congressional maps at the request of President Trump in order for Republicans to keep the House in the 2026 midterm elections. Texas was first to roll out a new congressional map, approved by Gov. Greg Abbott (R) before federal judges last week blocked its enactment, arguing it was a likely racial gerrymander. The Lone Star State took the case to the Supreme Court, which is already looking over the cases for existing maps in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi and North Dakota. The judges ruling over Texas stemmed from a letter from Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Department of Justices (DOJ) civil rights division, to Abbott to change the racial composition of the states coalition districts to combine to form a majority-minority district. The Congressional Districts at issue are nothing more than vestiges of an unconstitutional racially based gerrymandering past, which must be abandoned, and must now be corrected by Texas, Dhillon wrote. The judges ruled that the map could have been put into place if the letter was focused on improving Republican performance in elections. In response to Trumps order to red states, California passed a state measure to redraw its congressional maps following the Nov. 4 election. This map could give the Golden State as many as five more Democratic seats in the House. The DOJ joined the California Republican Partys lawsuit against the new map, arguing that it is a racial gerrymander that favors Hispanic voters. Updated Nov. 27 at 2:17 p.m. EST. 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 huge fire burns through a high rise building in Hong Kong. - Clipped From Video A deadly inferno tore through a massive housing complex in Hong Kong earlier this week, killing at least 146 people with many still missing, in the citys worst disaster in decades. About 40 people are still thought to be missing. Authorities previously put the missing toll at 150, but revised this number down after some of the missing were found among the dead and hospitalized. Questions are swirling on how such a fire in a skyscraper-filled city with a usually strong public safety record and construction standards could become so deadly, leaping from building to building. Many of the more than 4,000 people who lived in the public housing estate in the citys Tai Po neighborhood were aged 65 and over. The exact cause of the fire is not yet known, but a criminal investigation has been launched. Thick smoke and flames rise as a major fire engulfs several apartment blocks at the Wang Fuk Court residential estate in Hong Kong's Tai Po district on November 26, 2025. - AFP/Getty Images The complex was under renovation and encased in bamboo scaffolding and safety netting a construction technique thats ubiquitous in Hong Kong and parts of mainland China. Authorities are also investigating whether flammable material, including polystyrene boards blocking windows of multiple apartments, may have contributed to the inferno. The tragedy has prompted a fresh warning from Beijing about dissent in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous region of China, with city authorities urged to crack down on anyone trying to stir chaos, and officials referencing pro-democracy protests that broke out in 2019. Heres what we know: How did the blaze start? Firefighters first received a call about the fire shortly before 3 p.m. local time (2 a.m. ET) on Wednesday, according to the Hong Kong Fire Department. The blaze started at Wang Cheong House, a 32-story residential building and one of eight tower blocks that make up the Wang Fuk Court complex, which was undergoing renovations, according to deputy director of the Hong Kong Fire Services Derek Armstrong Chan. By the time fire crews were on the scene at the first building, the scaffolding and netting was on fire. Firefighters began tackling that blaze, but it quickly spread from building to building, turning a single tower block fire into multiple simultaneous multi-story infernos. At least seven of the eight tower blocks within the complex were affected by the blaze, forcing those who were able to escape the flames into temporary accommodation. But it quickly emerged many residents remained trapped inside their apartments, with firefighters unable to reach them amid searing temperatures inside the buildings as well as falling debris. Firefighters knew where many people were trapped, Chan said, but the extreme heat prevented rescuers reaching them. A man was rescued alive from the 16th story of one of the towers in the Wang Fuk Court complex on Thursday, public broadcaster RTHK reported, citing Hong Kongs fire department. Evacuations, polystyrene boards A key question for authorities remains why the other tower blocks were not evacuated more quickly once the fire began to spread from the first building. Early Thursday morning local time, a police spokesperson said Hong Kong Police arrested three men two company directors and a consultant accusing them of gross negligence. All three were granted bail on Friday, police said. The citys anti-corruption body made 11 arrests on Friday as part of ongoing investigations into possible corruption regarding the renovation of the apartment complex. Fire at the Wong Fuk Court housing estate in Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 27, 2025. - Bertha Wang/CNN Police found the construction company name on inflammable polystyrene boards that firefighters found blocking some windows at the apartment complex. Officials added that they suspect other construction materials found at the apartments including protective nets, canvas, and plastic covers failed to meet safety standards. These polystyrene boards are extremely inflammable and the fire spread very rapidly, Director of Fire Services Andy Yeung said. Their presence was unusual so we have referred the incident to the police for further enquiries. Hong Kongs Secretary for Security Chris Tang said later the mesh nets did comply with safety standards. What do we know about the victims? At least 146 people have so far been confirmed dead, including a 37-year-old firefighter who sustained injuries while trying to tackle the flames, Hong Kong officials said, warning the toll could still rise. At least seven Indonesians and one Philippine national were among those who died. Their consulates said all eight worked as foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong, which is home to 368,000 of these mostly women employees, contracted from low-income Asian countries. Officials said the firefighter, who they identified as Ho Wai-ho, was rushed to hospital for treatment but succumbed to his injuries. Rescue workers arrive on the scene during a fire at residential buildings in Wang Fuk Court, in the Tai Po district of Hong Kong, on November 26. - Bertha Wang/CNN A shopping mall being used by residents of the Wang Fuk Court as a shelter following a destructive fire at the housing estate is Tai Po, Hong Kong, on November 27, 2025. - Bertha Wang/CNN More than 100 people were injured in the blaze, including at least 11 firefighters, the citys fire department said Thursday. Authorities said on Saturday 150 people were thought to be missing, but head of Hong Kong polices Casualty Enquiry Unit Tsang Shuk-yin at a press conference Sunday revised this figure down to around 40 after some of the missing were found among the dead or hospitalized. She also said some of the missing persons reports were invalid. Authorities have completed searches at four of the seven apartment buildings which caught fire, head of Hong Kong polices Disaster Victims Identification Unit Cheng Ka-chun said at Sundays news conference. During the search, bodies were found in the building corridors, flats, staircases, and even on rooftops, he said. Speaking alongside Cheng and Tsang, the polices New Territories North Regional Commander Lam Man-han said it could take between three to four weeks to complete rescue efforts. Hong Kong Police release photos showing the inside of burnt out apartments in Wang Fuk Court complex on Sunday - Hong Kong Police Teams search through charged remains of people's belongings inside one of the burnt out apartment buildings - Hong Kong Police Hundreds of residents are now likely homeless in a city where there is already acute shortage of housing and public housing. Many displaced residents and survivors spent a third night in temporary shelters on Friday while those affected are being given emergency funds and other support. A 65-year-old resident of the estate who gave his surname as Ho stood behind police tape on Thursday morning and watched the smoldering tower blocks as he contemplated his next steps. A resident of Block 1, in the easternmost corner of the complex, Ho said he fled immediately when a fire alarm sounded and counted himself lucky for the relatively light damage his building faced. I dont doubt many elderly, cats and dogs are still in there, he told CNN. Is this common in Hong Kong? This is likely the deadliest fire in Hong Kong since World War II. Previously, the 1996 Garley building fire, which killed 41 people, was widely described as the worst peacetime fire in Hong Kong history. Victims are evacuated from the scene of a devastating fire which broke out at a karaoke bar in Hong Kong in January 1997. - Apple Daily/AFP/Getty Images Disasters like this are extremely rare in Hong Kong. One of the densest cities in the world, it has a strong track record when it comes to building safety, thanks to its high-quality construction and strict enforcement of building regulations. Also, bamboo scaffolding is ubiquitous in the city, used not only in the construction of new buildings, but also in the renovation of thousands of historic tenements every year. But the technique has been facing mounting scrutiny for its safety and durability. While bamboo is celebrated for its flexibility, it is also combustible and prone to deterioration over time. Hong Kongs Development Bureau recently announced that 50% of new public building projects erected from March onwards would need to use metal scaffolding to better protect workers and align with modern construction standards in advanced cities. That statement drew backlash from residents, many of whom noted that bamboo scaffolding is a cultural heritage that needs to be maintained. Pressure on Chinese and Hong Kong officials Such a deadly blaze is likely to pile pressure on both Hong Kong and Chinese officials. Hong Kong is a semi-autonomous part of China and run by its own local government that answers to leaders in Beijing. But China has also ramped up control over the city in recent years, especially after huge and sometimes violent democracy protests swept the city in 2019. Dissent has been quashed and protests, once a daily feature of life in Hong Kong, have been snuffed out. On Saturday, Beijings national security office in the city warned against a resurgence of dissent, calling for the citys government to punish those wishing to use the fire as a pretext to oppose China and stir chaos in Hong Kong. A pro-Beijing newspaper reported that a high-ranking Hong Kong police superintendent in charge of national security also visited the site of the fire. Chinese leader Xi Jinping expressed his condolences to the victims of the disaster, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported. Xi urged all-out efforts from representatives of Chinas Central Committee and the Hong Kong Liaison Office to do everything possible to assist efforts in minimizing casualties and losses from the fire, according to CCTV. This article has been updated with additional information. CNNs Chris Lau, Jadyn Beverley Sham and Lex Harvey reported from Hong Kong, Catherine Nicholls reported from London. CNNs Jerome Taylor, Ivana Kottasova, Karina Tsui, Jessie Yeung, Eve Brennan, Billy Stockwell and Kevin Wang contributed to this reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro rallied his supporters on Tuesday during a march in the countrys capital, Caracas. Dressed in camouflage fatigues and brandishing a sword, Maduro vowed to protect his homeland from any possible U.S. threat. His defiant stance comes as tensions between Venezuela and the U.S. have reached a seemingly critical level, with the latter expanding its military presence in the Caribbean Sea. Since September, the Trump Administration has launched over 20 strikes on boats it alleges are smuggling narcotics, killing at least 80 people. We must be ready to defend every inch of this blessed land from imperialist threat or aggression, no matter where it comes from, Maduro told his cheering supporters. There is no excuse for anyone to fail at this decisive moment, for the existence of the Republic, no excuse. Its thought the sword held by Maduro once belonged to the late military officer Simon Bolivar, who played a key role in securing Venezuelas independence. Maduros public rallying cry against any international threat comes amid escalating friction with the U.S. The U.S. Department of State on Monday officially designated the Cartel de los Soles, headed by Nicolas Maduro and other high-ranking individuals of the illegitimate Maduro regime, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). A statement authored by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubioa key figure in the U.S.-Venezuela tensionssaid neither Maduro nor his cronies represent Venezuelas legitimate government. The Trump Administration, much like the Biden Administration before them, does not recognize Maduro as the legitimate leader of Venezuela. Maduro became President of Venezuela following Hugo Chavezs death in 2013. He was sworn in for a third term in January, despite widespread concern over the legitimacy of the country's election results. Trump has previously claimed the Venezuelan cartel Tren De Aragua is under the control of Maduro. (A claim reportedly at odds with an assessment by U.S. analysts.) Maduro speaks during a civic-military event at the military academy in Caracas, Venezuela, on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. Ariana CubillosAP Amid unconfirmed reports that the U.S. may soon launch a new phase of its Venezuela operations, Trump was asked by reporters aboard Air Force One on Tuesday if he plans on speaking with Maduro. I might talk to him. Well see, but were discussing that with the different staffs. We might talk with Venezuela, Trump replied. If we can save lives, if we could do things the easy way, thats fine. And if we have to do it the hard way, thats fine, too. Trump and his Administration have argued the U.S. military action in the Caribbean Sea is necessary to curb the flow of drugs into the United States. But the Presidents approach has drawn plenty of criticism and concern, even from within his own party. The strategic objective of militarizing a War on Drugs is unclear at best and, while not currently desired or contemplated, these operations could conceivably lead to direct military conflict with Venezuela or even operations inside the United States, said Republican Sen. Todd Young of Indiana earlier this month. The USS Sampson (DDG 102), a U.S. Navy missile destroyer, docks at the Amador International Cruise Terminal in Panama City, Panama, on Sept. 2, 2025, amid a broader U.S. naval presence in Latin American and Caribbean waters. Daniel GonzalezGetty Images The U.S. public has also seemingly shown a strong opposition to the Trump Administrations actions regarding this matter. A CBS News/YouGov poll, conducted Nov. 19-21, showed that 70% of respondents opposed U.S. military action in Venezuela, and 56% believe any military action would have no effect on the amount of drugs entering the U.S. There have also been global implications, as some countries have now suspendedor curtailedpart of their intelligence sharing with the U.S. over the boat strikes. Adding to the international condemnation, Cubas Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez on Tuesday denounced the U.S. military presence in the region, calling it an "exaggerated and aggressive" threat. He went on to appeal to the people of the U.S. to stop the madness. Colombia has taken a similar stance against the boat strikes and growing U.S. naval presence in the Caribbean. Colombian President Gustavo Petro previously accused Secretary Rubio and Trump of being wrong about the people targeted on the boats. Petro has also argued that the fight against drugs must be subordinated to the human rights of the Caribbean people. Write to Olivia-Anne Cleary at olivia-anne.cleary@time.com. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Nov. 25 that Medicare recipients will pay less for 15 prescription drugs, including popular weight-loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy, asthma treatments and chemotherapy drugs. Changes go into effect in 2027. In 2024, the negotiated drugs accounted for about $42.5 billion in prescription spending for the about 5.3 million people with Medicare Part D coverage, according to a news release. A fact sheet issued with the announcement says Medicare will save about $12 billion in costs once the new pricing kicks in and that Part D recipients will save about $685 million in out-of-pocket costs. The reduced prices were negotiated through the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program created by the Inflation Reduction Act signed into law under the Biden administration in 2022. The Trump administration has previously announced drug price reductions through executive orders and negotiations with drug makers. Keenya Taylor prepares her Ozempic pen after taking other medications for type-2 diabetes in the morning before work in her east Philadelphia home on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023. The legislation ordered the secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate reduced prices for 10 drugs to take effect in 2026, 15 drugs to take effect in 2027, and another 15 drugs with prices taking effect in 2028. Pricing for 20 more drugs will take effect in 2029, according to congressional analysis. The drugs negotiated to have price reductions in 2027 and 2028 will only apply to drugs under Medicare Part D. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, told NBC News that the negotiated prices "look very reasonable" but noted that the $274 price tag for Ozempic and Wegovy is higher than the $250 price the Trump administration negotiated in a deal with maker Novo Nordisk. "They shouldve gotten that deal for the taxpayers and the Medicare beneficiaries, Dusetzina said. Savings outpace 2024 negotiations The projected 2027 savings of 36% are better than the 22% savings of net spending, according to an estimate from Goldman Sachs, which Medicare achieved with last year's first round of price negotiations for 10 different drugs. CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz said in the news release that the new negotiations stood in "stark contrast" to those that took place in 2024. Using the same process with a bolder direction, we have achieved substantially better outcomes for taxpayers and seniors in the Medicare Part D program," Oz said. Medicines negotiated under the Biden administration, such as the Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb blood thinner Eliquis and Amgen's arthritis drug Enbrel, will still, on average, more than double and in some cases five times what drugmakers had agreed to in other high-income countries. AstraZenecas leukemia drug Calquence, Boehringers lung treatment Ofev and Pfizers breast cancer drug Ibrance took the biggest hits from this round of Medicare negotiations. Each was slashed by over $4,000 from estimated net prices. "They are getting more efficient with their methodology," but this latest batch of newer products likely had "more wiggle room" on price, William Padula, professor of pharmaceutical and health economics at the University of Southern California, told Reuters. Additional drugs up for negotiation this year included GSK's asthma and COPD inhaler Trelegy Ellipta, which will have a price of $175 and AbbVie's irritable bowel syndrome medicine Linzess will cost $136. List of drugs to see reduced prices Below are the costs of a 30-day supply of the 15 drugs that were included in the negotiations: Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy: negotiated price $274, $959 list price Trelegy Ellipta: negotiated price $175, list price $654 Xtandi: negotiated price $7,004, list price $13,480 Pomalyst: negotiated price $8,650, list price $21,744 Ofev: negotiated price $6,350, list price $12,622 Ibrance: negotiated price $7,871, list price $15,741 Linzess: negotiated price $136, list price $539 Calquence: negotiated price $8,600, list price $14,228 Austedo and Austedo XR: negotiated price $4,093, list price $6,623 Breo Ellipta: negotiated price $67, list price $397 Xifaxan: negotiated price $1,000, list price $2,696 Vraylar: negotiated price $770, list price $1,376 Tradjenta: negotiated price $78, list price $488 Janumet and Janumet XR: negotiated price $80, list price $526 Otezla: negotiated price $1,650, list price $4,722 Contributing: Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Medicare announces lower cost for Ozempic, Wegovy, more drugs RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA/Shutterstock;Mohan Raj/Getty Melissa Sapini and Fatima Bosch NEED TO KNOW Miss Universe contestant Melissa Sapini is shedding light on more of the behind-the-scenes moments from her time at the controversy-marred pageant After a confrontation between Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch and pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil on Nov. 4 went viral and prompted contestants to walk out, Sapini is opening up to PEOPLE about what the incident looked like for her and other contestants Sapini recalls being scared, wondering if the moment signified her end in the competition One Miss Universe contestant is detailing what she says really happened behind the scenes following Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch and pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil's viral confrontation before the pageant. On Nov. 4, a live-streamed, pre-pageant conversation between pageant executive Nawat Itsaragrisil and Miss Universe contestants went viral, after he called out Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch for allegedly refusing to partake in a photo shoot meant for contestants to share on social media. She denied the claims; however, Itsaragrisil continued to chastise her, prompting Bosch to walk out of the room, with other contestants following her. Itsaragrisil has since apologized for the heated exchange. In a video response, he said he spoke with the pageant contestants present at the time. "If anyone [was] feeling not good, if anyone [was] not comfortable. If anyone [was affected], I do apologize for everyone." LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch. Miss Haiti Melissa Sapini was among the contestants who walked out of the room alongside Bosch, and she tells PEOPLE what exactly the harrowing moment was like. The conversation, Sapini explains, was originally meant to be a sashing ceremony, led by the then-Miss Universe Victoria Kjr Theilvig. "All of a sudden, he's sitting down talking about God knows what and saying that he has a list of 20 countries in his hand that refused to do posts promoting Thailand, this and that," Sapini recalls. "And if we do not stand up, we're out of the competition." Sapini recalls sitting among her fellow contestants in silence and seeing four cameramen stationed around the room. Hector Vivas/Getty Miss Universe 2024 Victoria Kjaer Theilvig. "I remember sitting there thinking, 'Okay, this is really weird, but I know it's the sashing ceremony.' And then he said, 'Mexico, stand up.' And that's when everything went down," she says, sharing that the cameramen then swarmed the girls, taking closeups of their faces. "Of course, so many women stood up and walked out, me [included]," she says, expressing her outrage at the incident. "Because how dare you tell us that ... We're at the beginning [of the competition]. And how dare you tell us that we're out of the competition?" Sapini says she and other contestants were confused as to why they hadn't met anyone from the Miss Universe organization up until this point. "I remember leaving, and we all ended up staying in this hotel room with Miss Universe [Theilvig] and a bunch of other delegates," she says. "Some delegates had to stay in the room because [Itsaragrisil] was threatening saying, 'If you walk out of this room, you're out.'" A livestream of the moment captured Itsaragrisil telling the girls something similar. "It was so scary like we were in a movie because you had some people saying, 'It's okay, follow me.' But you're like, 'Wait, but you're a part of MGI, so can I trust you?' And then you had MJ [Lastimosa], who's saying, 'All right, girls, you can go up to my room with Miss Universe. I want you guys to sit in here.' But then you're like, 'Do we trust Miss Universe as well? Where's the president? Where's the CEO?' We're so confused." Sapini says that Bosch was also in the hotel room with her after the confrontation. "She was clearly very upset and said that, 'I'm not going down there,' because [Itsaragrisil] was lying to the girls downstairs [who didn't walk out]," Sapini says. "Because the girls were like, 'We want to leave. Why are we here?' And he was saying, 'Don't worry. [Theilvig] is on her way.'" However, according to Sapini, Theilvig, who was in the hotel room with Sapini and other delegates, said, 'I'm not moving from this seat until I get directions from [Miss Universe owner] Raul Rocha.'" The issue ultimately took an entire day to figure out, Sapini says. PEOPLE reached out to the Miss Universe organization. In a statement to PEOPLE from a Miss Grand International representative, the host pageant organization claims that "the root of nearly all issues stemmed from MUO and Mr. Rauls public statements opposing activities organized by MGI as the Host. Their actions caused contestants to disregard instructions from the Host team, making operations extremely difficult." Continuing on, the statement read, "Many contestants including Miss Mexico openly declared they would not participate in activities or post sponsor-related content, despite receiving services from those very sponsors throughout the pageant." "This directly led to the November 4th incident: Mr. Nawat addressed the contestants regarding their responsibilities, and the confrontation occurred when Miss Mexico reacted defensively," the statement claims. Ricardo Saint-Cyr Melissa Sapini. At that point, Sapini says that she "didn't even care" if she was out of the competition. "I remember sitting there, and I'm like, 'This is actually ridiculous. I was just on a 28-hour flight. I'm here. I'm taking pictures. I'm doing all your sponsorship,' and you're telling me that I'm going to be out of the competition if I get up and walk out?" she says. "I'm not going to have a man tell me what to do." However, a small voice in the back of her mind crept in, and Sapini admits she was "scared" of the aftermath. "I remember sitting there and being hesitant because I'm like, 'Oh my God. I just got here. If I leave, is this it?' And I remember thinking, 'Is my family going to be disappointed in me? Is my organization going to be upset? Everyone's sacrifice. What do I do?'" Concluding, Sapini says her experience at Miss Universe has caused her to reconsider her future in pageantry. "When I think about the personal sacrifices I've taken I took time off of school for Miss USA and Miss Haiti happened so close after that," she begins. "For me, I'm 22 years old. My life is just starting. You're taking that away from me. Of course, I made that personal decision, but you didn't even allow me the fair and equal opportunity to be a contestant that could fight for my placement. You know what I mean? Fight for my win. And that makes me sad." Read the original article on People Parts of Thailand are battling record floods, which have killed at least 33 people and prompted authorities to deploy military ships and helicopters to support relief efforts. The deluge has hit 10 provinces across the country's south over the past week, with the city of Hat Yai, a business hub bordering Malaysia, recording its heaviest rainfall in 300 years - 335mm in a single day. Photos show vehicles and houses submerged in the city, while desperate residents await rescue on their rooftops. Relentless rains have also ravaged neighbouring countries. In Vietnam, the death toll has risen to 98 in a week, while in Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been forced from their homes. In Indonesia, at least 19 people have been killed and at least seven others remained buried under landslides in North Sumatra, according to the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency. More than 2 million people in Thailand have been affected by the floods, but just 13,000 have been moved to shelters. The vast majority are cut off and unable to get help, according to Reuters news agency. The Thai military, which has been put in charge of tackling the crisis, said it is preparing to dispatch an aircraft carrier and a flotilla of 14 boats loaded with relief supplies, along with field kitchens that are said to be able to deliver 3,000 meals a day. Medical teams on board the aircraft carrier will convert it into a "floating hospital" if required, the navy said. A drone view shows dozens of vehicles at least partially submerged in a carpark Hat Yai [Reuters] Boats, high-clearance trucks, and jet skis have also been deployed to evacuate residents, said the governor of Songkhla province, where Hat Yai is located. The cabinet on Tuesday declared Songkhla a disaster zone, freeing up funds for relief. However, many people remain stranded amid the rising waters. A volunteer rescue group, the Matchima Rescue Center, told Reuters it had been inundated with thousands of calls in the last three days, with people asking to be evacuated. [BBC] People have also posted urgent calls for help on Matchima's Facebook page. "Many people are trapped... Please help," one user wrote. "It's very difficult right now. The water has reached the second floor, where there are children, the elderly, the sick, and the disabled!!!" Another wrote that his household had been waiting for help for three days: "Every second is crucial now... Please help share. My [phone's] battery is at 40%. Thank you everyone." Some also wrote about not having had any food and water for days. A clip that has gone viral on social media shows three young boys hanging from power lines, trying to inch their way to safety while brown murky waters continue to rise below them. In Malaysia, more than 19,000 people have been evacuated to safety, with 126 evacuation centres set up in the northern border areas. In the states of Kelantan and Perlis, rescue teams waded through knee-deep floodwaters to evacuate residents in areas where rising waters had cut off access to roads. Heavy seasonal rain is common around this time of year in South East Asia, but this year has seen exceptionally high levels of flooding in the region. FILE PHOTO: The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 3, 2022. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo/File Photo FILE PHOTO: The Pentagon is seen from the air in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 3, 2022. REUTERS/Joshua Roberts/File Photo/File Photo (Reuters) -The Pentagon has concluded that Alibaba Group Holding, Baidu Inc and BYD Co should be added to a list of companies that aid the Chinese military, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday. Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg informed lawmakers of the conclusion in a letter on October 7, three weeks before Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a broad trade truce, according to the report. It is not immediately clear if the companies have been added to the Pentagon's 1260H list of Chinese companies deemed military-linked but operating in the U.S., Bloomberg reported. While the designation does not involve immediate bans, it can be a blow to the reputations of affected companies and represents a stark warning to U.S. entities and firms about the risks of conducting business with them. Feinberg said the three companies and five others, Eoptolink Technology Inc, Hua Hong Semiconductor Ltd, RoboSense Technology Co, WuXi AppTec Co and Zhongji Innolight Co, merit inclusion on the 1260H list, according to the report. An Alibaba spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement that "there's no basis to conclude that Alibaba should be placed on the Section 1260H List", clarifying that "Alibaba is not a Chinese military company nor part of any military-civil fusion strategy." The company also added that "being on the Section 1260H List would not affect our ability to conduct business as usual in the United States or anywhere in the world" as it doesn't do any business related to U.S. military procurement. The Pentagon, Baidu and BYD did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comments. The annually updated list of Chinese military companies, formally mandated under U.S. law as the "Section 1260H list", designated 134 companies in its last update in January, including Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings and battery maker CATL. (Reporting by Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Rashmi Aich) ANKARA, Turkey Pope Leo XIV touched down in the conflict-ridden Middle East on the first international trip of his papacy, urging peace and hoping to help the Catholic Church heal centuries-old divisions with other religions and denominations. As his fellow countrymen celebrate Thanksgiving, the first American pontiffs plate will be full on a six-day tour of Turkey and Lebanon that will be closely scrutinized. He plans to meet with religious and political leaders, lead Mass in both countries and try to provide a boost to long-suffering Christian communities throughout the region. Ahead of his trip, Leo shared a Thanksgiving message with NBC News in which he encouraged all people to say thank you to someone and to recognize that we have all received so many gifts, first and foremost the gift of life. Gifts were shared aboard his flight to the Turkish capital, Ankara, including a pecan pie handed to him by an NBC News correspondent. Leo told journalists that along with other church leaders, he hoped to announce, transmit, proclaim how important peace is throughout the world and to invite all people to come together to search for greater unity. Later, in his first overseas speech since his election in May to lead the 1.4 billion-member church, Leo told Turkish political leaders that the world was experiencing a heightened level of conflict on the global level, fueled by prevailing strategies of economic and military power. We must in no way give in to this, he added. The future of humanity is at stake. Some had speculated that the Chicago-born Leo might choose the U.S. for his first trip, or Peru, where he served for many years as a missionary and later as a bishop and archbishop, becoming a naturalized citizen in 2015. Pope Leo speaks with journalists en route to Ankara, Turkey, on Thursday. (Baris Seckin / Anadolu via Getty Images) But for Miles Pattenden, a Catholic Church historian at the U.K.s University of Oxford, the choice of the Middle East was not such a surprise, and it was sending out a message that the region is the heart of Christianity. Turkey, where Leo will stay until Sunday, was the obvious choice because it was the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, Christianitys first ecumenical council, Pattenden told NBC News in a telephone interview Wednesday. Convened by Emperor Constantine, who made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, the meeting of bishops and church leaders produced the Nicaean creed, which is the standard statement of what Christians believe, including the affirmation that Jesus was the son of God, Pattenden said. He added that it was absolutely foundational to what Christians, including Catholics, believe today. Leo will pray with the spiritual leader of the worlds Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, at the site of the 325 A.D. gathering in what is known today as Iznik, before they sign a joint declaration in a sign of Christian unity. We all understand that 1,000 years of division has inflicted a deep wound that cannot be healed easily, Bartholomew told the respected Greek daily Kathimerini recently, according to The Associated Press. Pope Leo lays a wreath during a visit to the Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara, Turkey, on Thursday. (Burak Kara / Getty Images) He added they had an obligation to heal that wound created by the Great Schism of 1054, which saw the Eastern and Western churches divide, largely over disagreements about the primacy of the pope. While ancient rifts may be healed, the visit will also offer the pontiff the chance to speak about modern-day conflicts in the region, which has been wracked by two years of war in Gaza, the Israeli militarys near daily attacks in Lebanon home to one of the largest group of Christians in the Middle East and U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. Israeli airstrikes over southern Lebanon have intensified in recent weeks, and on Sunday they pounded the countrys capital, Beirut, for the first time since June. Five people were killed and 25 wounded, Lebanons Health Ministry said. Israel said the strikes, launched almost exactly a year after a ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war, killed the militant groups chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. Mourners carry the coffin of Hezbollah military chief Haytham Ali Tabatabai during his funeral in Beirut on Monday. (Ibrahim Amro / AFP - Getty Images) As well as meeting religious leaders, Leo will meet President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey and President Joseph Aoun in Lebanon. Turkey is an important country, and it has a lot of influence throughout the Middle East, Pattenden said. The visit does recognize that Turkey is an important regional power. On the second part of his trip, in Lebanon, Leo will spend time in silent prayer at the site of the Beirut port blast in August 2020, which killed at least 218 people and wounded thousands more as it devastated large swaths of the city. Sparked when hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in a warehouse, the blast caused billions of dollars in damage and later enraged Lebanese citizens as it emerged government negligence may have been at fault. A probe into the explosion has repeatedly stalled, and five years on, no official has been convicted. Pattenden said the choice of countries allows him to draw attention and show sympathy with the issues surrounding the region, without putting himself in a location that would be really controversial, like Gaza or Israel. Leos predecessor, the late Pope Francis did attract controversy because he was obviously on one side of the Israel-Gaza conflict, and I do think in certain quarters of the Catholic Church that did cause some disquiet because he was in conflict with the Israeli government, Pattenden said. Leo, he added, was more politically calculating and has so far, in almost every area, he has found ways of treading this line whereby he continues with Francis agenda but in ways that are much less antagonistic to those who were previously critical of it. Significantly, he said Leo would be speaking nearly exclusively in English on this trip, with a little French in Lebanon. Previous pontiffs have used the Italian lingua franca of the Vatican in favor of languages that are more widely understood. Leo is going to be able to address TV audiences all over the world unmediated, Pattenden added. So it will be very interesting to see what impact that has. President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during a Diwali celebration in the Oval Office at the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, in Washington. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) President Donald Trump will be spending Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. But a full plate of challenges awaits him back in Washington on the other side of the holiday. Chief among them: What will come next in a plan to end the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia? "We're having good talks," President Trump said aboard Air Force One on Tuesday. "We started with Russia. We're having some talks with Russia. Ukraine is doing well. I think they're pretty happy about it. I'd like to see it end, and we won't know for a little while, but we'll, we're making progress." The president pushed an expected meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and said he hopes to meet with both him and Russian President Vladimir Putin "Only when the deal to end this war is final or in its final stages." Trump says special envoy Steve Witkoff will head to Russia next week and Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will meet with Ukrainians to continue efforts toward a lasting peace. Meanwhile, the future of an attempt to reach a deal a health care deal is still unclear. Premiums are set to go up next year for millions of Americans who rely on Affordable Care Act subsidies. President Trump said Tuesday he might be open to extending those credits while working on a more comprehensive fix for the high cost of healthcare. "I'd rather not extend them at all. It may be some kind of an extension may be necessary to get something else done," the president said. Senate Republicans promised to hold a vote on extending those subsidies next month as part of the deal to reopen the government, but there's no guarantee of a similar vote in the House of Representatives before the credits are set to expire at the end of the year. RELATED STORY | White House circulates a plan to extend Obamacare subsidies as Trump pledges health care fix Press Association via AP Images Ronnie Wood and Prince William at the Tusk Awards on Nov. 26, 2025 NEED TO KNOW Prince William stepped out on the evening of Nov. 26 for a special awards night He spent the evening with friends and supporters of Tusk, one of his longest-running causes He has been involved with Tusk for 20 years, since adopting it as a charity in 2005 Prince William is marking a special anniversary. The Prince of Wales, 43, stepped out in London on Nov. 26 to celebrate 20 years of his support for the wildlife charity Tusk. Looking dapper in a suit and tie, he joined the charity's annual awards evening and made a speech at the event, also attended by Monty Python star John Cleese and the Rolling Stones' Ronnie Wood. The event continues Prince William's busy month, after traveling to Brazil for the Earthshot Prize awards ceremony and attending the Royal Variety Performance in London alongside Kate Middleton, marking their first joint red carpet moment in two years. Press Association via AP Images Ronnie Wood and Prince William at the Tusk Awards on Nov. 26, 2025 Tusk is one of William's longest-running patronages, as the prince has been involved with it since he began his public life in 2005 following his university studies. Prince William met some of the charitys top supporters and the leading African conservationists who are the big winners this year. After a performance from the London Assembly Gospel Choir, which opened the ceremony, the royal heir presented the three awards: the Prince William Award for Conservation in Africa, the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa and the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. Chris Jackson/Getty John Cleese and Jennifer Cleese at the Tusk Awards on Nov. 26, 2026 During his speech, Prince William said solutions to help the environment must be "accelerated." My visit to Brazil earlier this month for the Earthshot Prize and for COP30 reinforced my sense of urgency," he said. "It reminded me that when we unite behind a shared purpose, we can accelerate solutions that make both people and planet healthier." Press Association via AP Images Prince William at the Tusk Awards on Nov. 26, 2026 Like Prince William's Earthshot Prize, which he celebrated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in early November, the awards help to amplify the work of those who are on the frontline. They also provide much-needed backing and funding for the ongoing work. Since the awards began more than a decade ago, 61 winners have received more than $3 million in grants for their organization, helping them to scale their work and collectively improve protection for over 60 species. The winners highlight the importance of collaboration in effective conservation and have shared their expertise and knowledge to drive vital change in tackling issues such as the illegal wildlife trade and climate change. Yui Mok / POOL / AFP via Getty Prince William at the Tusk Awards on Nov. 26, 2025 A key theme of the awards, and William's year, has been supporting those who are on the frontline of caring for and protecting both animals and the natural environment. In Brazil, he spoke out in support of indigenous people and the work they do to both protect the globe's resources and the way their lifestyles preserve the land and nature they, and others, rely on. Press Association via AP Images Prince William at the Tusk Awards on Nov. 26, 2026 Laban Mwangi, Head Ranger at the Bongo Surveillance Project (BSP) in Kenya, was the winner of the Tusk Wildlife Ranger Award. He told PEOPLE the award was an "honor." It is "a chance to raise global awareness about the importance of our work and the challenges we face, and I hope it will inspire more people to support conservation efforts for future generations." "The award means we can continue to expand our efforts to protect the bongo and other endangered species in the Maasai Mau and Aberdare forests. The award will help equip our rangers with better training and new tools, like camera traps, to monitor the forest more effectively." The winner of the Tusk Award for Conservation in Africa was Rahima Njaidi who leads MJUMITA -- the largest network of community forest guardians in Tanzania. She tells PEOPLE, "It's important to involve communities in conservation because they are the ones living adjacent to these resources. So involving them ensures sustainability and efficiency in conservation efforts. It also ensures livelihoods and rights are strengthened and they get involved in decision making thus increasing sense of ownership." Kumara Wakjira, , Director-General of the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, was the recipient of the Prince William award for Conservation in Africa. "Ethiopias biodiversity has faced enormous pressure from encroachment, deforestation, poaching, human settlement, agriculture and pastoralism, so maintaining existing populations of several species is in itself an achievement," he says. "Things are frequently changing and happening in a more challenging magnitude or degree, but the level of understanding from stakeholders and authorities has been growing significantly. Local authorities now show a positive attitude and stand by and support conservation efforts. Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more! "Influencing stakeholders and the community, raising awareness and promoting their level of understanding, and therefore increasing their support, is what I consider my greatest achievement. I am positive that the combined effort we are part of brings a promising future for wildlife across Ethiopia." Earlier in the year, William helmed a docuseries of short films called Guardians, which highlighted the work that various heroes of conservation do around the world. Read the original article on People FILE - A sign is seen at the site of a fatal shark attack at Dee Why Beach, in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) A shark killed a woman and seriously wounded a man taking an early morning swim with her at a national park beach on Australia's east coast Thursday, police said. Experts say a shark rarely attacks more than one person. The attack occurred at Crowdy Bay National Park, which is known for beach camping, fishing spots and hiking tracks 360 kilometers (224 miles) north of Sydney. Beaches in the area and to the north of the attack were closed to swimmers indefinitely, Police Chief Insp. Timothy Bayly said. Emergency services were called to Kylies Beach following reports that two people in their mid-20s had been bitten by a shark at 6:30 a.m., Bayly said. Bayly declined to detail the injuries or the circumstances of the attack. At this stage, all Im prepared to say is they were known to each other and they were going for a swim and the shark attacked, Bayly told reporters. A bystander helped the pair on the beach before ambulance paramedics arrived, but the woman died at the scene. The man was flown by helicopter to a hospital, and paramedic Josh Smyth said the man's condition was serious but stable. Smyth said the bystander's first aid might have prevented a double fatality. I just really need to have a shoutout to the bystander on the beach who put a makeshift tourniquet on the males leg which obviously potentially saved his life and allowed New South Wales Ambulance paramedics to get to him and render first aid, Smyth told reporters. The identities of the man and woman were not released. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said the two were Swiss nationals. The Swiss Consulate General in Sydney is in contact with the local authorities and is supporting the relatives within the framework of consular protection, it said in a statement. Scientists had determined the couple had been attacked by a large bull shark, a state government statement said. Five drumlines baited hooks suspended from floats were deployed off Kylies Beach in an attempt to catch the shark, the government said. Drumlines had already been put in place to the north at Port Macquarie and to the south at Forster to reduce shark numbers. Gavin Naylor, director of the University of Floridas shark research program and manager of the International Shark Attack File database, said a single shark attacking more than one person was exceptionally rare. It is very unusual. Individual shark attacks are rare. And shark attacks on two people by the same individual is not unheard of, but its very rare, Naylor said. Naylor said he would need to know details of the sequence of the sharks behavior Thursday to understand what had motivated it to bite. Two British tourists were attacked by a single shark while snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef off Australia's northeast coast in 2019. One lost a foot and the other suffered leg injuries. A shark fatally mauled a surfer off a Sydney beach in September. Two sections of the surfboard were recovered. Stephen Miller Says Democrats Want To Turn America 'Into A Version Of Somalia' (Screenshot/Fox News) White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller said Tuesday that Democrats are pushing a political strategy that he says would turn the United States into a version of Somalia. A City Journal report alleges that Somali-linked fraud rings have siphoned millions from Minnesota programs and funneled some of the stolen money to the Islamist terror group Al-Shabaab, according to federal counterterrorism sources. During an interview on Jesse Watters Primetime, Miller warned Democrats are steering the country toward what he called the Somalification of America. In other words, when you see the state of Somalia, thats what they want for America at the end of the day because its easier to rule over an empire of ashes than it is for the Democratic Party to rule over a functioning, Western, high trust society with a strong middle class, Miller told Watters. Miller pointed to Minnesota as his prime example, saying Democrats cemented their power in the state by encouraging an influx of Somali migrants. WATCH: Look how powerful the Democrat Party became in Minnesota once they flooded it with 100,000 Somalians. Once the elections were decided by clan rivalries and ethnic feuds. Once that happened, the Democrat Party became permanently powerful in Minnesota. They became permanently powerful in the Twin Cities. Thats their model for America, to make the whole country into a version of Somalia. And everything they do gets down to that. So, yes, what Im thankful for this Thanksgiving. I praise God every day that Donald Trump is our president. Millers warning about Minnesota becoming a blueprint for Somalification lands amid a string of federal fraud cases involving Somali defendants in the state. Just weeks ago, the Department of Justice (DOJ) charged several Somali nationals with allegedly defrauding Minnesotas Housing Stabilization Services Program, adding fuel to concerns about criminal networks operating within the community. (RELATED: Trump Says He Asked Somalia President If Hed Like To Take Ilhan Omar Back) The DOJ says the defendants stole millions of dollars by falsely claiming reimbursements for services meant to support low-income children, seniors and people with disabilities allegations that echo the states far larger Feeding Our Future issue, where a Minnesota nonprofit and dozens of mostly Somali-run partner sites allegedly orchestrated a $250 million fraud scheme involving fake meal programs during COVID-19. Nearly all of Feeding Our Futures sponsored organizations were owned or operated by members of Minnesotas Somali community. Seventy-seven defendants have now been charged with crimes ranging from wire fraud to money laundering, with only two convicted individuals carrying non-Somali names, according to federal prosecutors and a legislative audit. 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. After two National Guard members were shot in the nation's capital on the day before Thanksgiving, President Donald Trump called the suspect an "animal" and said they would pay for their crime. The shooting took place near the White House in the heart of Washington, DC, on the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 26. The suspected shooter was also injured, the president said in post on Truth Social. Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago resort home in Florida at the time of the shooting, said on his Truth Social platform that the suspect had been "severely wounded" and would "pay a very steep price." The names of the Guardsmen who were shot were not immediately known. DC police confirmed a suspect was in custody, but officials have not yet publicly identified them. 2 National Guard troops shot near White House in Washington, D.C. Two National Guard soldiers stands next to a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent after a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. Two National Guard soldiers were shot a few blocks from the White House, according to law enforcement. "God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement," Trump said in his social media post. "These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!" The shooting prompted officials to shut down multiple government buildings. This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump reacts to DC shooting, calls suspect an 'animal' National Guard soldiers gather near a crime scene after a shooting in downtown Washington, DC, on November 26, 2025. - Drew Angerer/AFP/Getty Images It took only a few hours for President Donald Trump to turn what he called an act of evil, and an act of terror into a full-blown argument for an even more intense crackdown on immigration. His vow came as authorities held a man Trump described as an Afghan national over the shooting of two West Virginia National Guard reservists in Washington, DC. They were in the capital as part of Trumps controversial deployment of troops to bolster law enforcement. The president, speaking on video from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, pivoted quickly from paying tribute to the victims of the tragedy to blaming the Biden administration for bringing the alleged shooter to the United States after the withdrawal of American troops in 2021. He claimed the incident underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. But he also used the moment to drive home his campaign against other migrants in politically charged remarks that went far beyond Afghanistan at a moment when his administration is moving to reinterview some refugees admitted under President Joe Biden and revoking temporary protected status for those from several dangerous world hot spots. Trump lashed out at Somali immigrants in Minnesota, despite there being no apparent connection with the DC shooting. He claimed they were ripping off our country and ripping apart that once-great state. Trump described Somalia as a country that has no laws, no water, no military, no nothing. The full details of the incident in Washington are not yet known. But Trumps comments were characteristic of a president who rarely waits for full clarity before engaging politically. But there will certainly be urgent questions about the vetting of Afghan immigrants many of whom came to the US during the Biden administration after helping American forces during the countrys longest war. While the exact circumstances of Wednesdays incident are not fully known, the FBI has long warned about the danger of self-radicalized individuals from immigrant communities becoming inspired by groups such as ISIS or online propaganda and carrying out attacks on the US homeland. President Donald Trump speaking about the shooting of two National Guardsmen on Wednesday night. - Youtube/The White House Scrutiny may also fall on any follow-up immigration proceedings for the suspect that stretched into Trumps second term. Then theres the question of whether there were intelligence failures by Trumps team ahead of Wednesdays attack, at a time when government agencies are accused by critics of diverting resources from national security to immigration enforcement. Politically, Trump seemed to be keen to define the debate that is sure to unfold over the shootings. He vowed to re-examine every single alien who came to the US from Afghanistan, in remarks that will likely create fear among law-abiding immigrants many of whom helped the US military and diplomats at considerable risk to themselves and their families during Americas longest war. And his extremely political remarks may also have been designed to shut down any suggestions that the National Guard soldiers patrolling Washington in their fatigues have been left vulnerable by an ill-defined mission. A political storm has raged around the National Guard since Trump ordered it into some US cities. Now, debate will sharpen over the guards role and the administrations attempts to militarize law enforcement in what officials described as a targeted shooting on the eve of Thanksgiving. The shootings in Washington, DC, were the latest shocking outburst of public violence in a wrenching year that saw the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and killing of a state lawmaker and her husband in Minnesota. Wednesdays tragedy took on extra poignancy as Americans gathered with their families ahead of the national holiday, and cut deep for the people of West Virginia, which is among several states to send volunteer reservists to DC. National Guard members stand together behind yellow tape, after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC, on November 26, 2025. - Nathan Howard/Reuters For National Guard troops on the streets of the capital Wednesday night, the shootings raised immediate and traumatic questions over their safety and protection, as their comrades lay in critical condition in the hospital. National Guard troops sent to Washington have been notable for their good humor and professionalism. But suddenly the possible danger that comes with their mission has come into sharp focus. More broadly, and once the motive of the assailant has been established, there will be scrutiny about the unusual nature of the mission that the troops are being asked to undertake, in peacetime, on domestic soil. In their military fatigues, National Guard troops are highly visible as seems to be Trumps intent for deterrence purposes but that can also leave them exposed. The Department of Homeland Security has identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Officials briefed on the investigation said that they believe the shooters initial identification matches a man from Washington state who appears to have immigrated to the US from Afghanistan in August 2021. That theory will raise counter-terrorism concerns over whether the alleged shooter had a motivation to target US soldiers directly and whether other attacks are possible. US forces left Afghanistan for the last time in a chaotic withdrawal in August 2021. The administration responded swiftly to the horror by doubling down on the deployment. Trump asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to mobilize 500 additional National Guard service members to the capital. The administration had also filed an emergency court order seeking to keep guard troops in the city after a federal judge last week ordered their removal, pending appeal. Members of the National Guard are seen cast in silhouette while standing at the Washington Monument, on September 2, in Washington, DC. - Kent Nishimura/Getty Images Trumps use of the guard is highly controversial The National Guards initial deployment to Washington was hugely controversial and is part of a wider strategy that has seen reservists sent to other cities, including Los Angeles. Trump, who cultivates a strongman image, has long appeared keen to deploy troops on domestic soil, despite laws limiting their use in law enforcement missions. He called the guard to Washington in August while placing the Metropolitan Police Department under federal control and mobilizing officers from other agencies, arguing the city was a filthy and crime ridden embarrassment despite official data showing that crime was falling. But critics warned that deploying troops was unnecessary and carried authoritarian overtones. Washington, DC, officials sued the administration, arguing that it had violated the citys limited home rule and the authority of Congress, while flouting laws that prohibit the use of the military in domestic law enforcement in all but the most extreme circumstances. The deployment also risks inflaming tensions and fueling distrust toward local law enforcement, the lawsuit said. That debate was already being revisited following Wednesdays shooting, with a White House official forcefully rebutting criticism over the necessity of the guards presence in DC as an attempt to politicize this tragedy. Washington, DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser speaks at a news conference in Washington DC, on Wednesday. - Celal Gunes/Anadolu/Getty Images Police and the FBI were searching for a motive for the attack. City Mayor Muriel Bowser said that the guards were victims of a targeted shooting. With that in mind, the investigation will be important to establishing whether this was a politicized attack or whether the guard members were a target of opportunity factors that are likely to shape how the politics of the incidents aftermath develop. Neither possibility will lessen the heinous nature of the shooting or detract from the tragedy of two volunteer reservists being shot while serving their country. Trump has argued that his Washington, DC, crackdown is a huge success, and that people now feel safe in the capital. Its unclear how the Thanksgiving shooting, which sent scores of people running from the scene, will influence perceptions of his strategy. Critics of Trumps approach have long worried that, far from making DC safer, the presence of uniformed troops on the streets could cause more tensions and that the soldiers could themselves be vulnerable. After the initial shock of seeing khaki-clad troops on the streets and vehicles in military livery, many Washingtonians have come to see Guard members as a largely benign presence. They are often seen milling outside Metro stations and even picking up litter in beautification projects. They have typically not been in combat posture, even though some have been armed. But federal District Judge Jia Cobb wrote last week, in an order ruling that the Guard was illegally deployed in Washington, that there was a substantial risk that their presence is going to lead to a dangerous or deadly encounter that could be catastrophic for public safety. Cobb, however, delayed her order 21 days to allow the Trump administration to file an appeal. Members of the National Guard and members of Federal Law Enforcement Agencies stand outside the main hall of Union Station, on September 4, in Washington, DC. - Kent Nishimura/Getty Images Now that troops have been the victims of an attack, Democrats are sure to question Trumps decision-making. California Rep. Robert Garcia told CNNs Jim Sciutto that the attack was horrific and said he was thinking about the entire Guard family. He added that he wasnt sure Trumps ask for 500 additional troops was the right call and that decisions about the security situations should be left to local officials. Democratic Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia told CNNs Erica Hill the shootings were shocking and horrific. He noted that many people in the DC region admired the professionalism of the guard and have had positive interactions with them. Most of us in the Democratic side in Congress dont think we should have National Guard men and women in our cities. But if that is going to happen, and when that is going to happen, I think it is incumbent on the administration to lay out a clear plan to ensure their protection, said Walkinshaw, who just joined the House Homeland Security Committee. Since officials are calling the shooting targeted, there will be questions over whether Guard troops have the necessary force protection measures and training to deal with risks they face on the streets. Youve put National Guardsman in a bad position, now you have got them serving as law enforcement thats not what they were trained to do, former Washington, DC, Police Chief Charles Ramsey told CNN. Emergency personnel keep a presence following the shooting of two National Guard soldiers near the White House on Wednesday, in Washington. - Mark Schiefelbein/AP You have got to really stop and think about what is it that are you trying to accomplish, Ramsey said. What is the mission? Nebraska Republican Rep. Don Bacon told CNN that in such an escalated political climate, everyone should be react temperately to the horrific incident in Washington. It is very incumbent on all of us, Democrats and Republicans, in the news, that we treat each other decently, we can disagree without being over the top, angry, throwing gas, lighting things on fire right now our society, this hyper-partisanship that we have. Most leading politicians were taking Bacons advice, issuing statements calling for prayers for the injured service members. But a tragedy like this is sure to have political implications. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A police officer secures the area as law enforcement officials attend the crime scene of a shooting in downtown Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025.
Credit - Brendan Smialowski AFP/Getty Images One West Virginia National Guard member deployed to Washington, D.C., has died and another remains in critical condition after both were shot near the White House on Wednesday in what President Donald Trump has called a terrorist attack. The shooting happened at around 2:15 p.m., while National Guard members were conducting high visibility patrols, Metropolitan Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Jeffery Carroll said in a press conference. The suspect appeared to be a lone gunman, Carroll said. He was taken into custody after an exchange of gunfire, although Carroll said it was unclear whether he was shot by one of the guard members or another law enforcement officer responding to the scene. The suspect, who was apprehended, was transported to a hospital, as were the injured National Guard members. The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price, Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago beach club in Florida at the time, posted on Truth Social. Trump, who controversially mobilized more than 2,000 National Guard members to the nations capital since August in an effort to combat crime and beautify the city, ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to be deployed to D.C. since the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced. We will never back down. We will secure our capital, Hegseth said. Later, in a video address, Trump called the shooting a monstrous, ambush-style attack and an act of terror. He hailed the mission of the National Guard troops deployed to D.C. and reiterated that the shooter would pay the steepest possible price. As we are filled with anguish and grief for those who were shot, we are also filled with righteous anger and ferocious resolve, Trump added, before identifying the shooter as an Afghan national who came to the U.S. during President Joe Bidens Administration and using the attack to promote his anti-immigration platform. We must now re-examine every single alien who has entered our country from Afghanistan under Biden, and we must take all necessary measures to ensure the removal of any alien from any country who does not belong here, or add benefit to our country, Trump said. If they cant love our country, we dont want them. Read More: Act of Terror: Trump Condemns D.C. Shooting and Vows Immigration Crackdown Heres what we know about the shooting so far. What happened? The incident occurred in the area of 17th and I Street Northwest, Carroll said, which is roughly two blocks from the White House. Carroll said the suspect came around the corner and immediately fired at the patrolling National Guard members. After hearing gunfire, other National Guard members intervened and eventually held down the suspect, whom Carroll said was shot during the interaction, though it remained unclear by whom. Sources told CBS News that the suspect was shot four times. In photos and videos on social media, Secret Service officers could also be seen responding to the scene, and other law enforcement in the area soon arrived to assist in the incident, Carroll said. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll posted late on Wednesday that he visited the two Guardsmen in the hospital. My heart breaks for them, their families, and those impacted by the horrific attack in our Nations capital, Driscoll wrote. Who are the victims? Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, on Thursday morning identified the victims as Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20. Beckstrom died after being in critical condition, Trump said Thursday. Wolfe remains in critical condition. As you know, the other young man is fighting for his life, Trump said on a call with servicemembers. Hes in very bad shape. Hes fighting for his life, and hopefully well get better news with respect to him. The two had been working in D.C. since August, according to the West Virginia National Guard. The states governor Patrick Morrisey, in a video message posted on X Wednesday, condemned the shooting as an act of unspeakable violence. Andrew Wolfe Wolfe hails from the West Virginia city of Martinsburg and entered service on Feb. 5, 2019. The Associated Press reported that Wolfe was a graduate of Musselman High School, citing a spokesperson for Berkeley County Schools in the state. School principal Alicia Riggleman told the AP that Wolfe was an active, engaged, and high-achieving student who embodied the Applemen spirit, contributing positively to our school community both academically and athletically. All we need right now are prayers for my son, a man at Wolfes family home said, per the New York Times. A friend, who said she met Wolfe at a cornhole league several years back and kept in touch over FaceTime, described Wolfe to the Times as one of the strongest, determined and God-fearing men I know. Sarah Beckstrom Beckstrom, a resident of Summersville who was originally from Webster Springs, enlisted in the states National Guard on June 26, 2023. According to the states National Guard statement honoring her, Beckstrom was a 2023 graduate of Webster County High School and had volunteered to serve in D.C. to help ensure the safety and security of our nations capital. The statement added that Beckstrom served with distinction as a military police officer and that she exemplified leadership, dedication, and professionalism. A former boyfriend described Beckstrom to the Times as caring and tenderhearted and said that she joined the National Guard in hopes of achieving a career in the FBI. He added that Beckstrom was at first unenthusiastic about being deployed to D.C., and that she spoke to him about how the Guards presence felt unwelcome in the capital, but she eventually enjoyed her time there. Who is the suspect? Law enforcement officials have identified the suspect to the AP and other outlets as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 and was granted asylum this year. Officials told CNN that the suspect was identified by running his fingerprints, although they are still seeking additional confirmation. This photo provided by U.S. Attorneys Office shows suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal. U.S. Attorneys OfficeAP At this point we have no other suspects, Carroll said on Wednesday. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that Lakanwal had worked with a partner force in Afghanistan to fight against the Taliban, FBI Director Kash Patel said on Thursday. Ratcliffe told Fox News that Lakanwal had worked with many U.S. government entities, including the CIA. Patel said the FBI is investigating those links. A former military commander who had served alongside Lakanwal told the BBC that Lakanwal had been a GPS tracker specialist for Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force, one of several CIA-backed so-called Zero Units during the war in Afghanistan. The unit later operated for the Afghan intelligence department. A relative, speaking to NBC, said Lakanwal served in the Afghan army for 10 years alongside U.S. Special Forces troops, and was stationed at a base in Kandahar for a portion of his time in service. The relative said the suspect grew up in the eastern Afghan province of Khost, and was living in Bellingham, Wash., along with his wife and five children. The relative also said that he and Lakanwal havent spoken in a while, recalling that the suspect had been working for Amazon and Amazon Flex during their last conversation. Amazon told TIME that Lakanwal was not an employee of Amazon but worked as an independent contractor for Amazon Flex. The company said Lakanwal had not been active of late. I cannot believe it that he might do this, the relative told NBC. The suspect sustained gunshot wounds that are not believed to be life-threatening, a law enforcement official told the AP. Officials believe the suspect used a handgun, which investigators have recovered, officials told CNN. The officials said they are still determining how and when the suspect obtained the gun. The sale of firearms to people who are not citizens or legal permanent residents is restricted by federal law. Washington state also has strict gun laws, including background checks on all sales and transfers. Pirro, in a press conference Thursday before confirmation of Beckstroms death, said Lakanwal would face three counts of assault with the intent to kill and a charge of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, but she warned that he would be charged with murder in the first degree if either of the guardsmen died from their injuries. The FBI is also investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism, Patel said How has it been politicized? In his video address Wednesday night, Trump said that the Department of Homeland Security is confident that the suspect in custody is a foreigner who entered our country from Afghanistan, a hellhole on Earth. He was flown in by the Biden Administration in September 2021 on those infamous flights that everybody was talking about, Trump said, referring to the chaotic evacuation from Afghanistan after the U.S.s withdrawal from the country. Nobody knew who was coming in. Nobody knew anything about it. His status was extended under legislation signed by President Biden, a disastrous President, the worst in the history of our country. This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. The last Administration let in 20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners from all over the world, from places that you dont want to even know about. No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, in a post on X, specified that Lakanwal entered the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era program that granted two-year paroles to vulnerable Afghan nationals on a case-by-case basis. Ratcliffe claimed in the interview with Fox News that the Biden Administration justified bringing Lakanwal to the U.S. because of his prior work with U.S. government entities. Rep. Thomas Massie (R, Ky.) said in a post on X that he was one of 16 Republicans to vote against the Biden-era Averting Loss of Life and Injury by Expediting SIVs Act (ALLIES) Act, which eased entry requirements and increased the number of visas for Afghans fleeing the Taliban. The news probably wont tell you this: the U.S. House of Representatives voted to relax vetting and increase visas for Afghan nationals seeking to enter the United States during the Biden administration, but I voted no, Massie wrote. The bill passed by an overwhelming and bipartisan 407-16 vote in the House in July 2021, but it stalled in the Senate. I remember back in 2021 criticizing the Biden policy of opening the floodgate to unvetted Afghan refugees. Friends sent me messages calling me a racist. It was a clarifying moment, Vance posted on X. We will first bring the shooter to justice, and then we must redouble our efforts to deport people with no right to be in our country, he added. Others on the right blamed, without evidence, Islam for the attack. Rep. Andy Biggs (R, Ariz.) said in a post on X, Islam is incompatible with American values. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R, Ala.) posted, We must IMMEDIATELY BAN all ISLAM immigrants and DEPORT every single Islamist who is living among us just waiting to attack. The Trump Administration said Thursday that it would review the immigration status of every permanent resident or green card holder from 19 countries, including Afghanistan. I have directed a full scale, rigorous reexamination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern, Joseph Edlow, director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) posted on X. When asked which countries would be affected, USCIS referred news outlets to Trumps June 4 proclamation, Restricting the entry of foreign nationals to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats. The proclamation banned the entry of almost all nationals from Afghanistan, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. It also partially restricts and limits the entry of nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The processing of all immigration requests relating to Afghan nationals has also been stopped indefinitely pending further review of security and vetting protocols, USCIS said in a Wednesday post. That comes after the Trump Administration having already moved to reinterview refugees admitted under the Biden Administration, according to an internal memo obtained by news outlets earlier this week. A nonprofit organization dedicated to resettling Afghan people has called on the public to exercise discretion and not to demonize the Afghan community for the deranged choice this person made. We reject and condemn anyone who uses, or seeks to use, violence, and we stand with every American who is horrified and saddened by this crime, Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, said in a statement. Those who would twist this moment to attack Afghan families arent seeking safety or justicetheyre exploiting division and endangering all of us. Contact us at letters@time.com. SWITZERLAND-US-UKRAINE-RUSSIA-CONFLICT-DIPLOMACY (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP via Getty Images) The deadline for an official response from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the U.S.-proposed peace agreement looms on Thursday after a turbulent rollout marked by confusion and turmoil. President Donald Trump said last week that Zelenskyy has until Thanksgiving Day to accept or decline the plan, which Ukrainian and American mediators have revised substantially before delivering the proposal to Russia. Over the week since that announcement, leaks and controversies surrounding the deal and the provenance of its conditions have drawn criticism and some reticence from both Congress and U.S. allies in Europe. Allegations that U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff advised Russian President Vladimir Putins top foreign aide, Yuri Ushakov, on how to best approach President Donald Trump in formulating a peace deal, according to a recording of a phone conversation reviewed by Bloomberg, were chief among the troubles that rocked the plans for a deal. We put a 20-point Trump plan together that was 20 points for peace and Im thinking maybe we do the same thing with you, Witkoff allegedly told Ushakov in the conversation. (RELATED: Ukraines Holy War Comes To America) Special Envoy Steve Witkoff speaks as President Donald Trump holds a cabinet meeting with members of his administration in the Cabinet Room of the White House on August 26, 2025 in Washington, DC. This is the seventh cabinet meeting of Trumps second term. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Trump defended Witkoff Tuesday, telling reporters the diplomat has an obligation to sell the deal to Ukraine and Russia. Thats what a dealmaker does, he said. Bloombergs report described Witkoffs call as an insight into his negotiations with Russia and what appears to be the genesis of the 28-point peace proposal that emerged earlier this month. Ushakov says that the call was leaked in order to disrupt the ongoing peace negotiations, calling it unacceptable. He also claimed some of was leaked was fake. The Department of Justice (DOJ) did not respond to questions on whether or not any leakers will be prosecuted for the dissemination of the phone call. Nothing that was said in that conversation is at all unusual when it comes to the world of making diplomatic deals, George Beebe, director of grand strategy at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told the Daily Caller News Foundation. Their job is to talk to each other about how to get a deal done, and to do so in a way that is a mutually acceptable compromise. The plan, which was leaked to Axios on November 20, includes major concessions from Ukraine such as ceding territory not yet under Russian control and a reduction in the nations armed forces. In exchange for the concessions, the U.S. would provide NATO-style security guarantees that would treat any new Russian attack on Ukraine as an attack on the transatlantic community and result in termination of the deal. The deal would also ease sanctions on Russia and prohibit the expansion of NATO or the stationing of NATO troops in Ukraine, a concession Putin has long sought. The U.S. also threatened to cut off intelligence sharing and weapons transfers to Ukraine if Zelenskyy did not accept the deal. The deals provisions created considerable controversy with European allies, who characterized it as tantamount to total capitulation by Ukraine. The misgivings persisted throughout the week despite Zelenskyy expressing his willingness to work with the U.S. on the finer details. Witkoff attempted to assure Europe that the plan is a live document and that their perspectives will be taken into account before its done. The bumps werent out of the road yet, though, and rumors soon surfaced that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was voicing his won reservations about the proposal. Reports alleged Rubio told a bipartisan delegation at the Halifax International Security Forum on Saturday that the leaked provisions were not the product of U.S negotiatons but rather somethig received by the U.S., presumably from Russia. Beebe also added that Russia is still making significant concessions that they wouldnt have entertained in 2014 in the wake of the invasion of Crimea. They are saying, We will oppose Ukraines membership in NATO. We will oppose any NATO military infrastructure in Ukraine, but we are not in a block EU accession.' Beebe told the DCNF. In other words, Ukraine will be militarily non aligned, but politically and economically integrated into the West, which is an enormous concession. However, the State Department and Rubio himself categorically denied the conversation, saying the plan was wholly of U.S. origin and was crafted with input from both the Russians and Ukrainians. Zelenskyy released a video statement last Friday in which he said America has put Ukraine in a position of either losing its dignity or the risk of losing a key partner. A U.S. official told CBS that Ukraine had largely agreed to the deal, and that only a few points of disagreement remained. Trump also echoed the sentiment in a Truth Social post Tuesday afternoon. The original 28-Point Peace Plan, which was drafted by the United States, has been fine-tuned, with additional input from both sides, and there are only a few remaining points of disagreement, Trump said in his post. In the hopes of finalizing this Peace Plan, I have directed my Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to meet with President Putin in Moscow and, at the same time, Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll will be meeting with the Ukrainians. The White House did not immediately respond to the DCNFs request for comment. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Ralph Leroy Menzies is pictured during a competency hearing in Third District Court in West Jordan, Utah, on November 18, 2024. - Rick Egan/The Salt Lake Tribune/AP A Utah man who was spared execution this fall after developing dementia during his 37 years on death row died Wednesday of apparent natural causes, according to the states Department of Corrections. Ralph Leroy Menzies, 67, was set to die by firing squad in September, but the Utah Supreme Court blocked the impending execution in August after his attorneys argued his dementia had become too severe. A judge had scheduled a new competency hearing for mid-December to reevaluate his mental state. Menzies was convicted of abducting and killing 26-year-old mother of three Maurine Hunsaker near Salt Lake City in 1986. Her body was discovered two days later. Her husband, Jim Hunsaker, told The Associated Press he felt a happy feeling when he heard Menzies had died, and as though 100 pounds had been lifted off him. I think a lot of it is going to be just healing now, he said. I dont think there was a day that I didnt think about it. He expressed frustration about how the states judicial system handled the case, saying his family for decades has experienced one disappointment after another. It seems like everything went his way, he said. Menzies would have been the seventh US prisoner executed by firing squad since 1977, when the US reinstated the death penalty. He selected the method when given a choice decades ago. The Utah Supreme Court said this summer that the progression of Menzies disease raised a significant question on his fitness to be executed. A state medical professional agreed in a new mental competency report published this month, saying Menzies lacked a rational understanding of why he was facing execution. Hes one of numerous US prisoners who have died naturally while on death row. More than half of all prisoners sentenced to death in the US spend more than 18 years awaiting execution, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Utah Attorney General Derek Brown said he hopes Hunsakers family will finally have some closure and peace. Menzies abducted Hunsaker from a convenience store where she worked on February 23, 1986, while he was on parole. She later called her husband to say she was robbed and kidnapped, and that her abductor intended to release her. Days later, a hiker found her body at a picnic area about 16 miles away in Big Cottonwood Canyon. She had been strangled and her throat was slashed. For decades, the state of Utah has pursued justice on her behalf. The path has been long and filled with pain, far more than any victims family should ever have to endure, Brown said. Police say Hunsakers thumbprint was found in a car that Menzies was driving, and her purse was recovered in Menzies apartment. Menzies also had her wallet and other belongings when he was jailed on unrelated matters. Were grateful that Ralph passed naturally and maintained his spiritedness and dignity until the end, his legal team said in a statement. Utahs last execution played out by lethal injection just over a year ago. The state hasnt used a firing squad since the 2010 execution of Ronnie Lee Gardner. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com